Adriaen Pan and his Wife, in the Year 1559

In the year 1559, Adriaen Pan, the faithful friend of Christ, and his wife were also in the claws of the wolves, at Antwerp, in Brabant, where, through the grace of God, they endured severe imprisonment and cruel examinations; but through true faith and living hope they were so firmly joined to their Captain, Christ Jesus, that they could by no means be brought to fall away. So they were condemned to death by the rulers of darkness, who did not know the light of truth; and thus Adriaen Pan was most miserably put to death with the sword, his wife, who was pregnant, bearing it all for Christ's sake, however much it pained her. After she had given birth to her child, she was drowned, suffering it with great steadfastness. And so they entered into eternal rest with the Lord.

A letter by Adriaen Pan, written in prison, in the year 1559

Grace and peace from God our heavenly Father, through the merits of Jesus Christ His beloved Son, with the true illumination of the Holy Ghost, we wish all lovers of the eternal truth. Amen.

My dearly beloved and longed-for brothers and sisters, whom we love from the bottom of our hearts, and carry in our hearts, as those with whom we are one soul and one body: though we now seem to be taken from you, you are all the more in our hearts, and we beg you that no one lose heart at the tribulations we are now subjected to; for we hope you will be glad to hear of it, since we know for certain that it is for the truth. Second John 1, verse 1; Acts 4, verse 32; Ephesians 3, verse 13; First Thessalonians 3, verse 3.

Peter says: "Let none of you suffer as an evildoer, or as a thief; but if you suffer as a Christian, happy are you; for the glory and Spirit of God rest upon you; but they, for their part, speak evil of him." Paul says that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us; indeed, that the eye has not seen, nor has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. As the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our comfort also abounds through Christ. My dear brothers and sisters, how should we not be of good courage, when we hear such comforting words! My dear friends, the more tribulation there is to try us, the more we are comforted. We found this out at the start, when we were arrested, when they stormed the house, as though they meant to destroy it with everything in it. Then my heart was strengthened, as though I were a different person. It is true, my wife was somewhat distressed before they laid hands on us; but when she saw that it had to be, fear left her, like a garment taken off, and she began to sing.

"Dus weest bedacht, ende op hem wacht;

Want hy sal komen als een dief in der nacht."*

For we had not expected them yet, and had packed our things, meaning to leave soon; but the Lord ordered it otherwise, praised be He forever. [n819-1] While they were busy plundering, I would gladly have sung: Noyt meerder vreught in my en was, dan nu is in desen tijden.** But I held back from singing, because I thought that many more trials were still awaiting me; but praise the Lord, who does not let us be put to shame. Psalm 25, verse 3. They began to reproach us a great deal about Munster and Amsterdam; but I told them that I was innocent in the matter, and that it was for the truth that we suffered. I also said: "I am not yet thirty-three years old; how then could I have been there?" Some mocked, others lamented; but I said: "Do not weep for us, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." It seems to me we could well have said with David: "Though I were surrounded by ten thousands of people who should come upon me, I would not fear them; indeed, they have surrounded me; they surround me like bees, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them." Psalm 3, verse 6; Psalm 118, verse 12.

My dear brothers and sisters, we do not say this to boast but for joy, and to thank God for the great power and strength which He grants us; and for the joy of all lovers of the truth who may hear this. Pray for us that we may remain steadfast to the end. We beg you to receive our few lines in good part. The 15th day of our imprisonment, and the 9th of May. My wife and I greet you warmly, and all with whom we are acquainted, or who may ask after us.

Another letter by Adriaen Pan, written after he was sentenced

Grace and peace from God our heavenly Father, through the merits of Jesus Christ, with the true illumination of the Holy Ghost, we wish all lovers of the eternal truth. Amen.

My dear N., I still remember you at the end of my life, and I pray Almighty God to comfort you with His Spirit, and to instruct you with all spiritual wisdom and understanding that may lead to your salvation. Colossians 1, verse 9. I further inform you that I was on the rack the 2nd of June, and on the 16th day I was brought into court, where they asked me whether I was baptized, or rebaptized. I asked whether I was permitted to speak. They consented. I said that I believed everything that is written in the law and in the prophets, and would live and die by what Jesus Christ and His apostles taught and commanded; and that I was baptized upon acknowledgment of my sins, that I was sorry for them, and upon confession of my faith, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Then they sentenced me; so I expect nothing else than that they will do their will with the body; may the Lord receive the spirit. I am quite ready to live and die for the name of the Lord. I cannot praise and thank God enough that He has called me to suffer for His name. O my dear N., I am of good cheer; the Lord, I trust, will give me strength to the end. I cannot say that I ever had a happier day in prison than when I was arrested, and when I was sentenced. My dear N., be of good cheer; it will soon be over here; and let us not fear those who kill the body; but Christ tells us whom we are to fear. My wife and I greet you most affectionately with the peace of the Lord. Receive my brief letter in good part; I would gladly have written you more, but I am not much gifted for it; still, I thank the Lord for all that He has given me.

Greet the dear friends warmly, those with whom we are acquainted, or who ask after us. Farewell!

Written by me,

ADRIAEN PAN.