I wish to you, my dear wife, a true, genuine, godly love, a true, unfeigned, penitent faith, which works by love, a firm hope and confidence in God, and a firm steadfastness in your faith towards God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. To him I commend you, and to the word of his grace; and since I cannot converse orally with you, my dear wife Lijsken, I have, with the help of God, written to you a little from the word of the Lord; for though we are absent from each other in the flesh, yet are we present in the Spirit; for I remember you day and night in my prayers, beseeching the Lord to strengthen you with his Spirit of truth, since I well know that you will have much conflict yet, before you will be released; and I also know that you will be greatly tempted by the cunning foxes and ravening wolves, yea, which are much more lions and dragons; yea, a generation of vipers, who will not spare your soul, but destroy, devour and murder it.
Hence Paul says: “Beware lest any man spoil you through false philosophy and the sleight of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Col. 2:8; Eph. 4:14. Yea, Christ himself has warned us in this respect, saying that in the latter days many false prophets, and many false Christs, shall arise, insomuch that, if it were possible, they should deceive the very elect; but this is impossible; for the Lord preserves them with his strong arm, so that the gates of hell cannot harm them. Matt. 24:24; 16:18. Yea, Paul says: “That in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created.” 1 Tim. 4:1,3. And: Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Eph. 5:6. Christ has also warned us of the doctrine of the Pharisees; yea, of those who come in sheep’s clothing; for inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Matt. 16:6; 7:15,16. Even as Paul says: Marvel not, that the ministers of antichrist will transform themselves into ministers of God; since Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of light; for they come in a feigned holiness, and will speak lies. 2 Cor. 11:14,15.
Therefore see, my most beloved lamb, how faithfully Christ and his apostles have warned us of the false and subtle serpent, that we should not suffer ourselves to be deceived by the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who seeks nothing but to bring our souls into everlasting damnation; even as Peter says that he walks about us as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; him resist with a firm faith. Rev. 12:9; 1 Peter 5:8. Therefore I beseech you, my dear wife, from the bottom of my heart, since we are so faithfully warned of the false prophets, who have nothing but the doctrine of devils, and seek nothing but to ruin and devour souls: therefore I beseech you once more, not to hearken to them, and to have nothing to do with them; for Paul says: “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Eph. 5:11. Yea, John says that he that has not the doctrine of Christ, has not God. 2 John 9. And Paul says: “Though an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which I have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Gal. 1:8. If they then have not God, and have nothing but a false, heretical, accursed and devilish doctrine, how can they teach us anything good? Therefore Christ and his apostles have so faithfully warned us, that we should not suffer ourselves to be deceived by the cunning foxes, and subtle philosophy and craftiness; for there shall never any other foundation be laid, than that is laid, namely Christ, upon whom you have founded and built; and no other Gospel may be preached, than that which is preached, in which you believe, and for the testimony of which you are also in bonds.
Hence, I beseech you, my dear wife Lijsken, by the mercies of God, constantly to have the word of the Lord before your eyes, and not to suffer yourself to be moved from your faith, by the sleight of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive you; for I know that you will suffer much temptation yet. Therefore, my most beloved, look not unto men; for cursed is the man, says the prophet, that trusteth in man; yea, the fear of man bringeth a snare, says the wise man. Jer. 17:5; Prov. 29:25. And regard not the torture of flesh and blood; for this is the heat of the sun, yea, the storms by which the work of the Lord is tried. Matt. 13:6; 7:25. Hence confess Christ now, and he shall confess us before his heavenly Father; for he will try the third part with fire, as gold in the furnace, and all that remains shall be found pure gold. Matt. 10:32; Zech. 13:9; 1 Peter 1:7. You have partly passed through the trial, and have remained steadfast in it, eternal glory, praise, and honor to the Lord, and may the gracious Lord strengthen you, that as you have commenced, you may be found pure gold before God and all his church.
Thus, my most beloved, continue steadfast in the doctrine of Christ; for now is the day of which Christ spoke, that we should be brought before lords and princes, for a testimony to his name, and that we should be rejected by all men; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt. 10:18; 24:13. And Christ says: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; and the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father nor me.” John 15:20; 16:2,4,3. Behold, my dear wife, thus Christ has warned us how they should deal with us. Therefore, my dear, fear not, neither despond, though you now are confined with Daniel in the den of lions; trust in the Lord, and he will preserve you, that they shall not destroy you; he will also deliver you from their teeth, that they shall not tear you. Forsake him not and he will not forsake you; for he says: He that despiseth you, despiseth me; he that persecuteth you, persecuteth me; he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye. Luke 10:16; Acts 26:14: Zech. 2:8.
If they then do not persecute us, but the Lord, fight valiantly, as a pious soldier of Christ, and contend for his glory. And even as he fought unto death, so by the grace of God do also you; for Paul says, if a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 2 Tim. 2:5. Therefore, my dear, put on the whole armor of God, and be not ashamed to confess his word before men, but always remember the words of Christ: “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven; but whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him also shall I be ashamed before my heavenly Father. For whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; but whosoever loses his life for the sake of the Gospel, shall find it. But he that loveth aught more than me, cannot be my disciple; yea, no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. And Paul says: It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him; but if we deny him, he also will deny us. Eph. 6:11; Matt. 10:32; Mark 8:38; Matthew 16:25; 10:37; Luke 9:62; 2 Tim. 2:11,12.
Hence, my most beloved, do not forsake the Lord; for we are nothing but dust and ashes, yea, nothing but mortal flesh, which must die in dishonor, but is raised in glory. Gen. 18:27; 1 Corinthians 15:43. Be patient, therefore, in tribulation; for it is the true way, which leads to life eternal, which all the saints of God, the prophets and apostles, yea, Christ himself went, all having to drink of this cup. Therefore look not to death, but through death, lest another come before you, and take your crown. Hence, my most beloved, be long-suffering in your tribulation, and patient in suffering, and wait for your deliverance, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; for blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12. For Christ says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:10. Behold, we count them happy which endure, says James. Jas. 5:11. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps: forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered, arm yourself likewise with the same mind. 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1. With this agree the words of John, who says that Christ laid down his life for us, and that we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16.
Hence, be not discouraged, chosen and beloved, at their threatening; but praise and glorify the Lord in this matter; for Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, for my name’s sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward from my Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:11,12. My dear, this is not said that we should be sad, but that we should rejoice that we are worthy to suffer for his name. Paul says: Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together; for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us; for eye hath not seen, nor heart known, neither mouth confessed, but God alone, what shall be revealed to those that love him, and keep his word. Rom. 8:15–18; 1 Cor. 2:9. And Paul says that it is not enough for you to believe in him, but also to suffer for his name. Philip. 1:29.
Hence, my most beloved, be a willing bride, and prepare for the conflict; for he will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way for you to escape. 1 Cor. 10:13. For though a mother forget her child, yet will I not forget thee, says the Lord. Is. 49:15. He will preserve you as the apple of his eye. Zech. 2:8. Therefore, fear not men, who perish like grass (Is. 51:12); but valiantly journey with Joshua and Caleb to the promised land; wait with Noah for the day of the Lord; for Christ says: My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me; but the voice of strangers they hear not; and no man shall pluck them out of his hand, since it is impossible, that the elect of God should be deceived; as Paul says: Who shall separate us from the love of God? Nay, no torments of this world; “for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God; for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding weight of glory.” John 10:27; Rom. 8:35,28; 2 Cor. 4:17. Since it is the will of the Lord, I hope that this your trial will also be for your good; for the Lord has appointed your time, which we cannot pass. Hence, fear not, for God is your captain; he is your strength; he is your guide (2 Esdr. 16:76); forsake him not; he will not forsake you; trust in him, and you shall not be ashamed (Ps. 31:1), be faithful unto death, the crown of life is prepared for you. Rev. 2:10. I desire willingly to offer up my body to the praise of God, yea, not only my body, but if every member, yea, every hair were a body, I would, through the power of God, offer them all up to the praise of the Lord, in order to obtain his promises; for what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” John 3:1,2. Yea, Peter says that we shall be partakers of his divine nature; yea, we shall be where Christ himself will be, and shall with him judge all nations; yea, we shall follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth; yea, we shall sing the new song on mount Sion, and we know assuredly that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, eternal in the heavens. 2 Peter 1:4; John 12:26; Matt. 19:28; Rev. 14:4; 2 Esdr. 2:42; 2 Cor. 5:1. Who would exalt this corrupt, decaying flesh, which is nothing but a heap of earth, over these beautiful promises! O see, what beautiful promises Christ has given his own, who remain steadfast unto the end; for there is no other way to eternal life, than this way; for all righteous souls, from the beginning, have had to suffer, and thus gain possession of the Kingdom of God. Gen. 4:8. Hence, my most beloved wife, since there is no other way, be a willing bride, prepared to receive your bridegroom; and you shall then be crowned with praise and honor.
Thus, my most beloved, I have written a few things, with which you may somewhat strengthen yourself through the word of the Lord; for Christ says: The world shall rejoice, and ye shall be sorrowful; but be of kind cheer; I have overcome the world; and your sorrow shall be turned into joy, and your joy no man taketh from you; for he that worketh in us is stronger than he that is in the world. John 16:20. And John says that our faith is the victory that overcometh the world. 1 John 5:4. Always remember Lot’s wife (Gen. 19:26), and the man of God who was slain by the lion, because he had eaten bread contrary to God’s command, being deceived by the false prophet. 1 Kings 13:1. Thus you also, suffer yourself in no wise to be deceived by false prophets; but fight with the prophet David against Goliath, and you shall devour him like bread; for the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent who remain steadfast take it by force; for Joshua and Caleb took the promised land by force, and those that were not steadfast, could not enter into it. Hence, be not dismayed, though you are tried here for a little season; for it is his will. Therefore, receive willingly from his hand whatever he sends you; for Paul says: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28. For Christ means to show his wonderful power and strength in you, against the dragons and the generation of vipers, yea, against the ravening wolves, who daily resist Christ, and fight against you to destroy you. But be bold and trust in Christ; he will not forsake you; for he is your strength. He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7); he is your Protector, by whom you shall overcome all your adversaries; for he shall feed you with the bread of life, yea, with the bread of understanding, and give you the water of wisdom to drink, and shall comfort you in all your tribulation, and impress into your heart a firm and steadfast faith, which they shall not be able to resist. Sir. 15:3. For he who has begun this good work in you, will, through his grace and power, also carry out and finish it, to his praise, to the salvation of your soul, and to the edification of all them that fear the Lord. Philippians 1:6. To this God, who can deliver you from all tribulation, and preserve you from all the snares of the devil, and from all false doctrine, be praise, honor, power and strength, for ever and ever. Amen.