Another Consolatory Letter from Christiaen Rijcen, Written to his Wife

Grace, mercy, peace and love be to you from God our heavenly Father, through His Son Jesus Christ. Amen. This I wish you, my dear and beloved wife, as an affectionate greeting.

And after all salutation, I, Christiaen Rijcen, inform you, my dear wife, that I am in tolerably good health (praise and glory to the Lord for His grace), as I trust is also the case with you and the children.

Know further, that I received your letter, and I am very glad that you are of such good cheer, and that you still comfort me, for which I thank you heartily. And I would also like to write something for your consolation, that you may be of good cheer; but, my dear wife, the greatest consolation is the Lord, who has taken me from you; who, as I hope, will help you in all your need, and provide for you, if you do not forsake Him. For Paul says:

"We are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken." Second Corinthians 4, verses 8 and 9. Paul further says that He will not leave us nor forsake us, so that we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me." Hebrews 13, verses 5 and 6. Sirach also says: "Did anyone ever trust in the Lord, and was confounded? Or did anyone abide in His fear and was forsaken? Or whom did He ever despise, that called upon Him?" Ecclesiasticus 2, verse 16. So, my dear wife, put your entire hope in God, and say with Jeremiah: [n1187-1] "Lord, You are my refuge, my strength, and my comfort in distress." Jeremiah 16, verse 19. And also with David, saying: "If I only have You, Lord, I do not care for heaven or earth; indeed, though my body and soul should fail, You are the comfort and portion of my heart." Psalm 73, verses 25 and 26. And remember also that Sara, when she was in great tribulation, said she knew well that all those who will serve God, after temptation, are delivered, and comforted in sorrow, and after all correction they find grace; and after the great storm He makes the sun shine again, and after weeping and lamenting He gives joy abundantly. Tobit 3. So, my dear wife, console yourself with these words; though we must now mourn and weep, let us have good courage; for the Lord will see us again, and our hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away our joy. And Christ says: "Blessed are you, when men hate you, and when they separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy; for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way their fathers treated the prophets." Luke 6, verses 22 and 23. Christ further says: "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh," verse 21. With these words comfort yourself.

With this I commend you to the Lord, and as for my case, I know nothing special to write you. I expected this week that they would dispose of the matter; but it seems to me that God has not given them the power yet. There are some, as I think, who would have it; but it seems that the Lord does not permit them. Some console me with the [conclusion of] peace, that they will then release me. So, my dear wife, I have committed it to the Lord. Do so yourself also, and greet all acquaintances much in my name, and always keep yourself pure in the fear of God, and always do your best with the children. Nothing more for this time, but farewell. In haste, this 19th of March, 1588.

By me, your beloved husband.

CHRISTIAEN RIJCEN.