Jerome Kels, Michael Seifensieder, and Hans Oderacker, in the Year 1536

In the beginning of the year 1536, Jerome Kels of Kufestein, Michael Seifensieder of Wald in Bohemia, and Hans Oberacker from Etschland were sent out to go into the Earldom of Tyrol. Acts 13, verse 2. But when they arrived at Vienna, in Austria, they were arrested, having been betrayed by the host with whom they had lodged. Acts 4, verse 3; Acts 5, verse 26. While they were eating supper, the people tried to ascertain their character by drinking to their health; but when they saw that they would not respond, the host had some paper brought, and wrote a letter in Latin, which, among other things, read as follows: "Here are three persons who appear to me to be Anabaptists." But he did not know that Brother Jerome understood Latin. Then Jerome said to the other brothers that they would watch together, and let things go as the dear Lord should please. Two hours afterward the constables came and brought them bound before the judge, and when they had been examined they were put in prison.

Eight days afterward the judge had them brought before him and his assessors, where they were told to recant. Brother Jerome said that they themselves should forsake their unbelief, and not so falsely bear the name of God, or of Christ. At this the judge became greatly enraged at Jerome, and when Jerome said that they were no Christians, the judge said: "You are a desperately wicked fellow." And though he was asked this as much as ten times, he confessed steadfastly as before. The assessors then said: "This reprobate fellow is not worthy that your wisdom should become enraged at him." They were then led back into prison, and the judges were greatly offended at Jerome and his brothers. After another eight days the judge again summoned all three before him, taking with him three of the most wicked priests. When these would speak with Jerome, despised our calling, reviled our faith, and said that they were sent to instruct them about their error, Jerome boldly and fearlessly said: "We are in the right way: our calling is from God, and Christ has taught us that we should not hear a stranger's voice." John 10, verse 5. He also said: "We are willing to give an answer to every man, and to show the ground of our hope; but with monks and priests, who are sent by the pope, who is the antichrist, we do not desire to speak, for they are great rogues, whoremongers, perjurers, deceivers and seducers, just as these are."

At this the judge said: "My good Jerome, you do not yet know these good lords." Jerome said: "God is my Lord, but not they." Matthew 11, verse 25; Luke 10, verse 21. He then, for almost two hours and a quarter, gave answer concerning the mass, original sin, infant baptism, calling, and their awful, idolatrous sacrament. Then followed many entreaties that he should have regard for his dear life, wife and child, and take to heart their sincere promise; and that he should pray to God; they would also. But he said that they had the truth and would hold to it, and they might do what they pleased; and since they could not overcome the other brothers with their poison either, the judge sent them back to prison, where they sang comforting hymns together, and rejoiced in God. And since they could hear each other, they called to one another, comforting and strengthening one another. They also delivered their written confession of faith, with full proof from the holy Scriptures, to the lords at Vienna, and to the judge.

To the aforesaid brother Hans Oberacher the day of the Lord appeared three times, as he informed us from prison, and he saw unutterable things, with the eyes of the spirit, and also with his bodily eyes; he saw the condition of the children of God, and how great a grace they received from God; and on the other hand, how mighty and terrible this day is for the wicked; so that he prayed that God would never let him incur this wrath, which is so great and dreadful upon wickedness. Malachi 3, verse 17; Malachi 4, verses 1 and 2.

Many attempts having been made to prevail upon these brothers, and they remaining steadfast in the faith, as strong soldiers and lovers of God, they were condemned to death by the children of Pilate, and burned to ashes, at Vienna, on the Friday before Judica, in Lent of the aforesaid year. [n634-1]