Those who hold only to God and his holy word, and seek to fulfill the latter, are not only persecuted but also imprisoned and put to death, as was very evident, in the year 1552, at Leyden, in the case of two women, named Mariken and Anneken, who were apprehended and brought into a house, where they were asked by the Bailiff, what views they held with regard to the Roman church. They replied that for the most part it was nothing but the doctrine of devils. He further questioned them respecting the sacrament of the priests, whether Christ was not bodily in it. They said: “It might be a hidden devil; for God does not suffer himself to be locked up in silver or golden caskets.” They were then led to prison, and passing the church they said: “O den of murderers and choir of devils!” “Why do you speak such presumptuous words?” said the Bailiff’s servant. “Because so many a poor soul is murdered in it,” they replied. Being kept imprisoned for a time, and examined, they boldly confessed their faith, and firmly adhered to it, in consequence of which they were sentenced to death. In the sentence of the one it was charged that she had denied infant baptism, rejected the sacrament, and, contrary to the decree of the Emperor, had attended unlawful assemblies, and that she should therefore be put to death as a heretic. The other, not having been baptized, would have been set at liberty, had she been willing to apostatize from her faith, which she was greatly importuned to do; but she remained immovable, and as she had said: “Your bread god is eaten by spiders and worms; I will not be a partaker of it,” and remained steadfast also in other articles, she was likewise sentenced to death. Thus these two had to lose their lives for the truth, to satisfy the bloodthirsty judges, who have feet that are swift in running to mischief, and hands to shed innocent blood. Prov. 6:18,17.
WILLIAM VAN ROBAEYS, A. D. 1552.
In this same year, a brother named William van Robaeys, was persecuted, apprehended, examined, tortured and finally put to death, at Komen, in Flanders, for righteousness for the truth, and for following Christ.
HENDRICK DIRKS, DIRK JANS, AND ADRIAN CORNELISS, A. D. 1552.
In the same year, three brethren, named Hendrick Dirks, Dirk Jans, and Adrian Corneliss, were apprehended at Leyden, and examined in regard to their faith; but when they boldly confessed it, and would in no wise depart from it, they were also sentenced to death. Hendrick Dirks, advancing joyfully, said: “Blessed are they that weep now; for they shall laugh, and be rewarded with shining robes; yea, with an eternal crown, if they strive steadfastly. This is the sabbath of the Lord, which I have long desired; not that I am worthy to suffer for his name, but he has made me worthy; and thus we suffer not for theft or murder, but for the pure word of God.” Luke 6:21; Matt. 13:43; 2 Timothy 4:8; Matt. 24:13; Is. 58:13; Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:15.
Dirk Jans said: “Though all men despise us, God does therefore not despise us. Remember, lords, that on high there is a judge over all, and believe that he will once judge and pass sentence. This suffering,” said he, “is not so great; Christ had to suffer much more, when he shed his blood for us He will strengthen us in what we suffer for his name; for we suffer not for schism or anything evil; for there is no other true faith to be found than that which we maintain. Therefore, O God, have compassion upon me, and receive me into thine arms.” Ps. 7:11; Matt. 25:31; Is. 53; Matt. 26:28.
Adrian Corneliss intrepidly said: “Christ has gone this way before us; and his beloved apostles likewise, and we his servants are not above our Lord.” Luke 24:26; Acts 14:22.
They then fell upon their knees, earnestly prayed to God (Acts 20:36), and rising, said: “They think by killing us to exterminate the godfearing; but for one whom they kill, a hundred others shall arise. Hence, fear not them that kill the body; but fear him who is able to cast both soul and body into everlasting torment.” Matt. 10:28. Standing on the bench, they exclaimed: “Fear not that which is temporal, but fear that which will last forever; for eternity is so long.” With this, they commended their souls into the hands of God, and offered up their burnt sacrifice. They now rest under the altar, and wait to be clothed in shining robes, and to receive the new wine in the throne of heaven. Matthew 26:29.
SEVERAL LETTERS WRITTEN IN PRISON, BY ADRIAN CORNELISS, INCLUDING A PRAYER, AN ADMONITION, AND A CONFESSION OF ADRIAN CORNELISS, GLAZIER, WHO WAS IMPRISONED AT LEYDEN, AND ALSO PUT TO DEATH THERE FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, 1552.
His Prayer to God.