Konrad Schumacher, in the Year 1558

In this year a young brother named Konrad Schumacher left Swabia with his people, and was arrested at Stein, near Krems on the Danube, taken to Vienna, and there delivered into the hands of the authorities. There he lay in prison a year and several weeks, for the faith and for the divine truth. In the prison he suffered great want and hunger among the thieves and other criminals, of whom there were several imprisoned with him. Nothing was given to them except what others brought and gave to them. Besides, when these criminals had been tortured, as is customary, they treated him most shamefully, so that he suffered great hunger before he could get something to eat, even when they had something. So he had to suffer much misery in prison, apart from the tyranny.

About this time Emperor Ferdinand attended a great diet at Augsburg, and during that time the Bishop of Vienna had the brother brought before him twice, each time in the early morning before daylight, intending to have him executed in the house. The first time they brought him out and examined him briefly, and wanted him to tell them whether he would give up his faith or not. He answered briefly and said that they should not expect such a thing, since he would die in his belief; that it was the truth, and the way to eternal life, and that he would confess it with his mouth as long as there was strength enough in him. Now their intention was frustrated, so that they accomplished nothing that day, except that they disputed with him from early morning until noon, after which they sent him back to prison, saying that he should consider the matter for three days more, and then tell them what he would do. After three days they brought him out again, early in the morning, before daylight, and led him before the bishop and his monks and priests, before whom he defended the truth most faithfully. The executioner was also at hand, waiting outside, meaning to behead him early, before any people should come; for they were afraid the truth would come to light, and the people would learn that injustice was being done to him. But the Lord hindered them again, so that he was brought back to prison. In the meantime, however, the priests disputed much with him, and gave him no rest.

After this they threatened to put him into a filthy tower, which had not had an occupant for eight years, where he was to end his life. He said that he would endure it, and would put his trust in the Lord, who was well able to deliver him out of the filthy tower, and from all their power; he thought, however, that the Lord had accepted him as a witness of the truth.

He showed himself so undaunted in everything that many of them were astonished at him. Others said they would try something new with him, by which they would certainly frighten him enough. In the meantime King Maximilian's steward urged the bishop for the best, and also spoke of the matter to the king's Lutheran preachers, who then told it to the king, and spoke most favorably of the matter, saying that he was still very young, and that it would be a pity to put him to death on account of the faith. Then King Maximilian decided to free him from further tyranny and suffering, and so he was released from prison, and thus returned in peace to his brothers and his church.