Matthijs Binder, in the Year 1576

Matthijs Binder, a minister of the Word of God, was arrested for his faith and the testimony of Jesus Christ at Neffen, in the country of Wurtemberg, and taken to Stuttgart, and from there imprisoned in chains at Maulbronn, where he was examined and disputed with at length, by the prince's first physician, by the chief of the clergy, and by the abbot of Maulbronn, as well as by nobles, the prince's courtiers, and others of various stations; but when they could not accomplish their will with him, he was finally taken to Hohenwithing, into the castle, where brother Paul Glock had long been confined. There they were confined together for about two years, but in the year 1576 God sent them deliverance. Through the carelessness of the people in the castle a fire broke out, so that the castle burned to the ground; and these two imprisoned brothers helped to put out the flames as much as anyone else, and did not run away, but afterward asked to be released, since they could well prove that they had harmed no one, and promised never to take revenge for their imprisonment. Then an account was quickly (before the envious priests could prevent it) sent to the prince, who acquitted them and gave orders that they should be released, and that some money be given them for their journey.

So both Paul and Matthijs returned with a good conscience, in peace and joy, to their brothers and their church.