Thomas, Balthasar, and Dominicus, in the Year 1528

In the same year, 1528, Thomas and Balthasar, both ministers of the Gospel, and with them one Dominicus, were arrested, condemned to death, and burned, suffering it very steadfastly, for the faith and the divine truth, in the city of Bruenn, in Moravia. But before they were arrested, they advised the council that they should take care not to shed innocent blood, for God would not let it go unpunished. Jeremiah 7, verse 6. One of the council, named Thomas Pelzer, rose up and acted as though he were washing his hands, saying: "So I will wash my hands in their blood, and think that I am doing God service." John 16, verse 2. But a few days afterward the judgment of God came upon him. He was found dead in his bed, beside his wife; and so, by his sudden death, he was not permitted to see the death of these pious persons, which struck terror into the hearts of many.

Brother Bastelwart knew this Thomas Pelzer well, who died so suddenly; and Brother Andrew Gauper was also acquainted with the circumstance.