Raphel van den Velde and Jeronymus Schepens, in the Year 1576

In the year 1576 there were arrested at Ghent, in Flanders, for the firm foundation of the truth, a God fearing, pious brother named Raphel van den Velde, and with him a brother named Jeronymus Schepens, and other persons. At that place they were confined in a strong tower with seven doors, and very strongly guarded. There they remained in prison seven weeks, and were dreadfully tormented by the bloodthirsty ministers of antichrist, with many kinds of temptations and threats, which they resisted through the grace of God. Then the servants of Baal sentenced them to be executed with fire. But since they suffered all this for the testimony of Jesus, and not for any crime, the crown of eternal glory in heaven is prepared for them. And so they were burned alive at that place, confirming the faith of the eternal truth with their death and blood, as a lasting and instructive example to all true believers, to follow them in the footsteps of the faith.

Here follow the letters which Raphel van den Velde wrote from his prison, and sent to his wife and friends. Let the reader please read them with attention.