Claes van Armentiers, and Lijntgen, a Young Maiden, in the Year 1575

In the year 1575 there was burned alive at Antwerp, for the faith of the truth and the testimony of Jesus, a God fearing, pious brother named Claes van Armentiers, a lace maker; and with him a young maiden named Lijntgen, a servant maid. Claes van Armentiers was imprisoned first, and the said Lijntgen called to him into the prison: "Strive valiantly, my dear brother, for you have the genuine truth." She was apprehended for this, and four or five days afterwards she was offered up, both of them being burned alive together. Since they, for the truth of Christ (as befits obedient sheep of their only, eternal Shepherd), patiently and in true obedience suffered temporal burning in their temporal and corruptible bodies, they are thereby saved and delivered from the eternal and unquenchable fire of hell prepared for the devil and all his followers. These will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. Second Thessalonians 1, verse 9; Mark 9, verse 44. On the other hand, these faithful followers of the truth may expect to hear from the mouth of Jesus: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." At that time they will receive again, in great glory, these members which here they gave over to the burning for the testimony of Jesus, being like the glorious body of our Lord Jesus in immortality, and they will live with Him in unspeakable joy and glory, forever and ever. Philippians 5, verse 21; First Corinthians 2, verse 9; Wisdom 5, verse 16. [n1139-1]