Hendrick Dirks, Dirk Jans, and Adrian Corneliss, in the Year 1552

In the same year three brothers named Hendrick Dirks, Dirk Jans, and Adrian Corneliss were arrested at Leyden, and examined about their faith; but when they boldly confessed it, and would in no way depart from it, they too were sentenced to death. Hendrick Dirks, stepping forward joyfully, said: "Blessed are those who weep now, for they shall laugh, and shall be rewarded with shining robes; indeed, with an eternal crown, if they strive steadfastly. This is the Sabbath of the Lord, which I have long desired; not that I am worthy to suffer for His name, but He has made me worthy; and so we do not suffer for theft or murder, but for the pure word of God." Luke 6, verse 21; Matthew 13, verse 43; Second Timothy 4, verse 8; Matthew 24, verse 13; Isaiah 58, verse 13; Acts 5, verse 41; First Peter 4, verse 15.

Dirk Jans said: "Though all men despise us, God does not therefore despise us. Remember, lords, that on high there is a judge over all, and believe that He will one day judge and pass sentence. This suffering," he said, "is not so great; Christ had to suffer much more, when He shed His blood for us. He will strengthen us in what we suffer for His name; for we do not suffer for schism or for anything evil; for there is no other true faith to be found than the one we hold. Therefore, O God, have compassion on me, and receive me into Your arms." Psalm 7, verse 11; Matthew 25, verse 31; Isaiah 53; Matthew 26, verse 28.

Adrian Corneliss said fearlessly: "Christ has gone this way before us, and His beloved apostles likewise, and we His servants are not above our Lord." Luke 24, verse 26; Acts 14, verse 22.

They then fell on their knees, earnestly prayed to God (Acts 20, verse 36), and rising, said: "They think that by killing us they will exterminate the God-fearing; but for every one they kill, a hundred others shall arise. So do not fear those who kill the body, but fear him who is able to cast both soul and body into everlasting torment." Matthew 10, verse 28. Standing on the bench, they cried out: "Do not fear what is temporal, but fear what will last forever; for eternity is so long." With this they commended their souls into the hands of God, and offered up their burnt sacrifice. They now rest under the altar, and wait to be clothed in shining robes, and to receive the new wine in the throne of heaven. Matthew 26, verse 29.