Jacob Rusterhel from Horgerberg

In the year 1639, Jacob Rusterhel, an old brother of the church at Horgerberg, was also brought as a prisoner to Zurich.

He was imprisoned in Othenbach, and they dealt very unmercifully, rigorously and cruelly with him, so much so that he weakened, and consented to those who kept him in prison, to go to church; therefore he was released.

But when he came to himself and considered what he had done, and what great offense would arise from it, he repented and very bitterly lamented his fall, and again prepared himself very valiantly for the conflict that was coming.

Then he suddenly became weak and sick in body, though full of divine power in soul, and kept quietly hidden in his house.

However, this could not remain hidden any longer; so, being known, he was betrayed and arrested again, and, sick as he was, taken to Zurich, and, after being shackled with a chain, confined in the hospital there.

But as he could not endure this, and bodily weaknesses came upon him more and more, he departed this life there, in misery, yet with a joyful hope, waiting in blessed rest for the day of resurrection from the dead, which will crown and comfort him and all true lovers of God, for all reproach and affliction suffered, with eternal honor and joy. Jer. Mang., Tract of the year 1645, folio 13; also, M. Meyli, Tract, folio 6, B., number 14.

NOTE. We have taken this from the writing of the Swiss friends, of the year 1658, and it must be distinguished from what is contained in the writing of the year 1645 concerning Brother Jacob Rusterholtz, who was imprisoned almost two years, and then expelled from the country with wife and child, leaving behind his property, from the sale of which the authorities realized 1700 guilders, without restoring any of it. See Tract, Jer. Mangold concerning the name Jacob Rusterhel.

But if it is to be understood that both accounts refer to one and the same person, so that the surnames Rusterhel and Rusterholtz are to be distinguished only in sound or spelling, and not in meaning, then it must follow that this person was imprisoned only a few years ago, and then, when they could accomplish nothing with him, expelled from the country, and his goods seized and sold; but that he was finally arrested again, and, when he remained steadfast as before, fastened to a chain in the hospital, until he died, having commended his soul to God. Compare both tracts, in the places which we have indicated.