Maria of Monjou, in the Year 1552

It is known and plain, according to the testimony of the divine Scriptures, that all who have been righteous, and have lived godly in Christ Jesus, have had to suffer from the beginning of the world. So this Maria, as a devout, God-fearing woman, also had her share of that suffering. For she had been baptized upon the true faith, as the Scriptures require, a member of the body of Christ, and had lived for a time in an edifying way among the brothers and all people. Then the dragon's envy appeared, and the bailiff of Monjou had her brought and imprisoned at Monjou, where she remained over a year. And though she had to suffer much, she bore it with joy. Her constant admonition to all the devout was that they should walk in love, and hold fast the covenant of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5, verse 2. She herself was constantly striving to present her body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, and to be built up a spiritual house, well adorned inwardly with the Word of God. Romans 12, verse 1; First Peter 2, verse 5.

The authorities tormented her three days in a row, but could not bring her to forsake her faith, since she would hold to Christ; for according to the Scriptures, no one who fears God from the heart is ever put to shame. The bailiff urged her to go to church, and he would release her and provide her board for a whole year; but she would not consent. She wanted to hold to Christ, and to give her life for His sake; and so she was condemned to be drowned.

On her way to the water she sang with a joyful heart, because this day had come, and she had lived to see this hour; and so she went on, as a sheep is led to the slaughter, in the hands of Pilate, just as they did with Christ, as the Scripture testifies: "They shall kill you, and think that they do God service." John 16, verse 2.

On the way, Maria said: "I have been the bride of a man; but today I hope to be the bride of Christ, and to inherit His kingdom with Him." As they came near the water, one of the hypocrites said: "O Maria, repent, or it will not go well with you." At the water they delayed with her over two hours, thinking they could bring her to fall away, forsake the truth, and follow them. Then Maria said: "I hold to my God; go on with what you have come here for; the wheat is in the straw; it must be threshed. So the Word of God has begun, and must be finished." With this she undressed, willingly surrendered herself, and said: "O heavenly Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit," and so she was drowned, and died, confessing the name of God, and sealing it with her death to the comfort of all believers.