The Fourth Letter

The grace of God that brings salvation, and the peace of Jesus Christ, be multiplied to all believers who are scattered here and there, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctified and justified through faith in Jesus Christ His dear Son, and washed in His own blood from all our sins, so that from now on we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, to His praise and honor, now and forever. Amen.

O my most affectionately beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, we ought justly to thank God the Father without ceasing, day and night, through Jesus Christ His Son, for our salvation; indeed, for the fatherly grace He has shown us, and has foreseen and ordained us from the beginning, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, which latter He did not forget to show us. Though for a time we regarded Him but little, yet He, according to His goodness (as He alone is good), did not forget us. Indeed, when we were dead through infirmities and sins, He called us to life; and this not according to our works (for these were evil), but according to His great mercy He saved us; and while we were sinners, He reconciled us by the death of His Beloved. And though we have set at nothing and disregarded all this, He has nevertheless, at the end of the world, indeed in these evil days and deplorable times, now that wickedness is at its height, shown His long-suffering toward us, and has not desired our death (nor that of any sinner), but that we should be converted and live, and commit the keeping of our souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator and Shepherd. Hence it is fitting for us, dear brothers and sisters, that we attend in the fear of God to the calling in which we are called; for we are called with a holy calling. Mark, to what: not to uncleanness, not to lasciviousness, not to fornication, not to gluttony, not to carousing, not to pomp and pride, that one should please himself, or put on a pleasing appearance before others, in order thereby to seek praise with men, which praise is not of God, but contrary to God; for all the points mentioned above, if we practice them, shut us out from the kingdom of God. Neither are we called to covetousness, which is idolatry, that we should lay up treasures for ourselves, and seek riches, that we should prepare an earthly, present kingdom, or trust in uncertain riches, and thus be conformed to the world. Mark, he says: to the world. But whom does the world serve? Who is its lord? Who is its prince? What does Christ say on this subject? He calls the devil the prince of this world. What is it like, with all its glory, the lust of the eyes, and its pride? It is like the grass with its beautiful flowers, which today is pleasant, green and glorious to behold; but in the morning, indeed, even in the evening, all its beauty and all its glory have vanished. So it is also with all the comeliness of man; but few know themselves. I speak not only of those who are outside, but include ourselves as well. For who is there who, if riches come to him, does not to some extent set his heart upon them? Or who sincerely prays with King Solomon: "Lord, give me neither riches nor poverty; but give me only what I need." Proverbs 30, verse 8. Oh, consider it well, all you who profess to be Christians, and give diligence to walk with a pure conscience in the truth before God, so that in the melting furnace (if you should get into it yet) you will have no regrets to cause you to prove to be dross, or to look back. For, my dear brothers, in this trial a dead faith counts for nothing, however glorious it may seem in the eyes of men, and with however many Scriptures it may be clearly demonstrated and professed with the mouth; much less will it avail before a strict God and His righteous judgment; for whatever is to stand here and there must be genuine; indeed, it must be done through a living faith which works by love. And such a faith is not in him who does not firmly grasp God, and believe and confess that heaven and earth, and all creatures, the sea and all that is in it, owe Him praise and blessing, thanks and honor (to Him alone, and to none else, I say, it is due); and who does not write it in his heart and inmost thoughts, and learn to know himself, that he is above all created and made exalted and glorious, namely in the image of God and after His likeness, a possessor and ruler of the things that in this world are created for him; indeed, adorned and endowed with reason and knowledge, to discern between good and evil, and to know Him who is the Creator of all things, and who has given us our free will, by which we present ourselves to Him, not by constraint, as other creatures do, but in voluntary surrender, and out of pure, filial love, like this: "Lord, here am I; what will You have me to do? For I acknowledge that I owe it to serve You, and to do only Your will, with all my ability, indeed with all my strength, so that I am to withhold nothing on this earth, whatever it be, not even my life, nor to refuse in my thoughts to pay You the willing debt of obedience, which I owe to You and am to give You, not because I expect a reward from You, but only that I may show by it that I love You; so that we learn to hate all visible things for the Lover's sake, that we may love Him alone above all, and may also be loved by Him."

I write this, my brothers and sisters, so that we may learn to know God, and why He created man, indeed, what He requires of him, what he shall do and not do, and why we are to show Him love and obedience; so that we may not seek righteousness or salvation from our works, from what we do or do not do; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified before the Lord, as Paul says. Galatians 2, verse 16. Nor shall we be able to pay what we owe; but we hope to be justified and saved only through the grace of God, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15, verse 11. Hence let everyone take heed that (as said above) he so love God that he obeys Him only out of such love, without hoping for a reward for any works or merits of his own; but let him commit everything to Him, so that He may give us what He will, and do with us what is well pleasing to Him. If we are thus resigned in everything, we shall not miss it, and our hope will not be vain, but sure. But if this (as said) is not found so with us, then though we speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have a faith so that we could remove mountains, and bestow all our goods upon the poor, and give our bodies to be burned, what is it all if it is a work of constraint, and not a voluntary work of love?

Therefore wake up, all you who have to be driven to piety like horses and mules, that must be driven and beaten to the field. As soon as the driving and beating stops, there is no more work. Oh, the unfaithful Christians and slothful servants, who have in their faith no more force to work than this, that if they are told: "Do this and leave that undone," they are moved to take a few steps forward. I say, alas for such poor Christians, who do not drive themselves! Hence let those also take good heed who show liberality or minister of their substance, that the Pharisaical trumpet of boasting is not blown or heard before them; for if anyone shows mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness and gladness; and if anyone gives, let him do it with simplicity (Romans 12, verse 8), without seeking any glory, for it is a work which we are bound in duty to show to our neighbor out of love. Therefore all our works are to be done in love, so that we may not show such ministration in hope of reward, but out of sincere love and mercy. For it is not man's but the Lord's. First Corinthians 10, verse 26. Hence I believe that if righteousness came by our works, then Christ would have died in vain; but God forbid. Galatians 2, verse 21. Therefore let everyone also who receives such benefactions take heed, for Christ says: "You gave me meat, you gave me drink, you clothed me, you took me in." Matthew 25, verse 35. Hence if we give food or drink to Christ, those who receive such benefaction must be ingrafted members of Christ. And if one receives the ministration who is none of His, how will he be able to answer for it when he is placed before Him?

Hence, you who receive the alms, dispose of them in the fear of the Lord, so that you may be able to stand before God; for there account and answer must be rendered for everything. And watch diligently over the poor, and over the forsaken widows and orphans, and let them have a place in your heart, as your own children.

Remember the words of Sirach, where he says: "Be as a father to the fatherless, and instead of a husband to their mother: so shall you be as a son of the Most High, and He shall love you more than your mother does." Sirach 4, verse 10. Beware also with all diligence that no discriminating is found to exist among you, in the matter of bringing up, and of showing love; for in this some err greatly, so that it is not a service of love, but of constraint, which is not pleasing to God.

And I desire of the widows that they be quiet and attend to their business, and not think that they are more than others. No, that is neither the meaning nor the intention of Paul (First Timothy 5, verse 3), but this is what is meant: "That they should be watched over, and counsel and instruction given them, if they need such, and that they should also follow brotherly advice, and beware of unprofitable conversation, of wantonness, and of the lust of the flesh; also of slothfulness, and going about from house to house, for this, first of all, ought not to be; and she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, will also beware of it; and she trusts in God alone, and continues in supplications and prayers to God day and night; but she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives."

I also sincerely desire of all believing brothers who have wives (over whom they are placed as the head, even as Christ is the Head of His church), that you watch over them, and diligently attend to your office, so that you may rule your house, and your wives, even as Christ rules His church.

So also, you wives, watch with all carefulness, and attend with discreet prudence to your office, into which you are placed by the Lord: that you be obedient to your husbands as to the Lord, so that you may be able to stand before the righteous God; and bring up your children in such a manner that you can account for it before God; and beware of being too indulgent toward them, lest you incur the same punishment before the Lord as did Eli, who also was too indulgent toward his sons. Ephesians 5, verse 22; Sirach 7, verses 23 and 24.

Likewise you children, obey your parents in the fear of God with all humility; and do not set yourselves against them, lest you incur the wrath and displeasure of God, like the sons of Eli, like Absalom, Esau, and others like them.

In like manner, I also desire of all manservants and maidservants that you be obedient in all things to your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, and in the fear of God; and remember that you are serving the Lord and not men, for from the Lord you shall receive the just reward. Ephesians 6, verses 5 to 8.

So also, you masters, hold back your threatening, and do to your servants whatever is right and equitable, and know that you also have a Master in heaven with whom there is no respect of persons. Ephesians 6, verse 9. Consider: if you were servants, as you would then want your masters to do to you, even so do now to them. Matthew 7, verse 12. But finally, dear brothers, order your lives and strive to walk only so that it will be conformable to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And since we are to be a chosen generation, and a holy nation, acceptable to the Lord as His peculiar people (First Peter 2, verse 9), that we should walk before Him as lights, and should also be a light to the world; therefore it is necessary for us to give diligence that we may in every respect be found holy and blameless before Him, so that we may see the city of God exalted above all the mountains of unrighteousness that are seen in righteousness, and that it may in no way be hidden. Hence let the holy radiance of the divine brightness also become manifest now, before all who are still walking in darkness; and show yourselves to all men a pattern of good works, and do not let the gift given you by God remain idle or unemployed, but put it out at interest with the greatest diligence; for the Lord, from whom you have received it, will, at His coming, require it back from you with gain and interest. Matthew 25, verse 14. O my brothers, and all fellow members in Christ, watch diligently, and have your ears open to learn when something may be gained, and do not grudge the toil and labor for it, for you will also share in the gain; indeed, you will, as faithful servants, be adjudged to eternal joy. But a servant should nevertheless be prudent, that he does not carelessly invest his Lord's money, but with all prudence, indeed, with fear and trembling; and he should always, before he invests it, consider and calculate whether it may bring gain or loss, lest the Lord's money be lost in the end through carelessness. And since the Lord will require His own with interest, how could we account to the Lord, if we did not have the sum received, nor were able to produce it.

O my dear brothers, let it become manifest who dwells in you (Romans 8, verse 9); let love and your faith become manifest before all men, and love one another, with a pure heart, as members of one body, of which Christ is the Head. And forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against any; and even as God in Christ forgave you, so also do you. Colossians 3, verse 13. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6, verse 2. And do not be pleased with yourselves. Let each esteem others better than themselves. Philippians 2, verse 3. Diligently beware of frivolity. And all young brothers and sisters I would faithfully warn against wanton scoffing and mocking, spiteful words and foolish babblings, which are not becoming.

And you older ones, lay this to heart too, and let no hypocrisy be found either in your words or in your works; for I have perceived that some are very subtle or cunning of speech, which I cannot praise, nor have I praised it; for if we are to be simple, we certainly must lay aside craftiness; for, mark, whatever is more than yes and no comes from evil. Matthew 5, verse 37. However, by this it is not meant that we should not say more than yes and no, but that we should end and confirm our words, without anger or dissembling, simply with yes and no, and thus use moderation, and cut off all excess; that is, we should deal with the simple truth. If one, when asked about something, does not reply with reference to this, but to something else, and then says that he did not err, since what he replied was true, such action is not noble, my brothers. It also happens now and then that when one has erred in some matter and is then reprimanded for it, he gives a reason which in fact is not the reason, doing this to cover himself, and to prevent the error from coming to the light. This is the nature and disposition of the old Adam (which ought justly not to be found in Christians regenerated by the word of truth), that he would always cover his nakedness with fig leaves; for when he was addressed by the Lord on account of his transgression, a reason immediately presented itself by which he thought to cover himself, namely, "the woman whom You gave me," he said, "gave it to me, and I ate." Genesis 3, verse 12. And likewise, when Eve was addressed, she laid it to the serpent. But if they had wanted to tell plainly the fundamental cause of their transgression, it would have been: "Our curiosity and pride brought us to it, namely, we desired to have our eyes opened, to be wise, to know good and evil, to be like God; in short, we saw that the tree was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, hence we allowed ourselves to be persuaded, and ate of it." Had they answered the Lord in this way, it would have been a true answer. The answer which they gave was true; but it was not yet the true kernel or fundamental cause of their fall and transgression. But so that you may thoroughly comprehend the true sense and meaning of what we have written here, we will present to you a single comparison by way of example. Suppose a believing husband had an unbelieving wife, who should give birth to a living child; and the husband would gladly retain the friendship of his neighbors and the world, and remain in possession of his house and home, and yet wished also to be at peace with Christ and His people (though this, according to the Word of God, is impossible, for no one, as Christ says, can serve two contrary masters at the same time). Hence he should say to his wife that he did not intend to consent that the abomination of antichrist (you understand what I mean) should be applied to the child. And though he could change it, and persuade his wife to obey him in the matter, yet he should allow it to be done without taking any notice of it himself, thinking to himself: "If she does it, I can nevertheless remain at ease, and in the enjoyment of my possessions, and shall not be persecuted by the world; and if the brothers take me to task for it, I can say that it was done without my consent by my wife." See, my brothers, this would certainly not be a true, simple answer, as you may judge for yourselves. Many other like examples and comparisons might be brought forward; however, for the sake of brevity I will forbear for the present. I desire that you will yourselves meditate more deeply on this than I have shown you here, and be warned by it to beware of such dissembling. For though a man cover himself before his fellows (with such fig leaves, made by him into an apron), so that his nakedness is not seen, yet God beholds his reins and can search the heart, and He knows the thoughts and intents of all men, and will also judge all works and purposes, and all secrets and hidden things, whether they do good or evil. Therefore give diligence that in all your words and works, in all your walk and conversation, you practice simple sincerity, as becomes the children of God, and as our calling demands. And if any among you is overtaken by a fall, let him confess it simply and truly, without dissembling, just as it is, and let him not be ashamed to confess it, since he was not ashamed to commit it; otherwise it might be to his sorrow. He who covers his sins, it is written, shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28, verse 13. I have told you before, and tell you again, that before men one can sometimes justify himself with a fair pretense, and cover himself with an apron of fig leaves; but whether it shall stand the test when brought to the touchstone, each may see for himself.

This ought to be well considered by those whose daily business is trading, whom I would rather see engaged in some honest kind of labor than in trafficking, and this not without reason. [n901-1] For as a nail sticks fast between the joinings of the stones, so does sin stick close between buying and selling, as Sirach says. Unless you hold yourself diligently in the fear of God, your house shall soon be overthrown. Sirach 27, verses 2 and 3. And in whatever I may have erred in all these things, or grieved anyone, I am sorry for it from the bottom of my heart. But thanks be to God in heaven, who has given me, a poor weak servant, an unwounded or uncondemned conscience (of which I acknowledge myself unworthy); for I never had greater joy on earth, as long as I can remember, than I now have. May the Lord preserve me from speaking boastfully; however, I have no doubt that He, whose unworthy servant I have been in my weakness, will not allow me to be confounded. I have heartily desired, and still heartily desire it, that if I should be counted worthy of God, I might be led through the whole city of Cologne, and scourged with rods, and then cast back into prison. Not that I seek any merit by it, oh no, but that what the Lord has put into me might become known and manifest before all men, to His praise, and not to mine. However, the will of the Lord be done; nor do I wish anything else, the Lord knows, cost what it may. And I desire from the bottom of my heart, indeed, I command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep what God has entrusted to you, for it is the truth; this I testify before God and man. No matter who shall approach you, do not listen to them. Let the Hutterites* slander as much as they please. God keep me from them, namely from the doings of their teachers. I am free in my heart on their account, in regard to all the dealings I have had with them. And if they say that I dared not renounce because of the people (as I understand that they have said concerning our brother Thomas), I reply, "No;" for I know no man on this earth so dear to me that without the faith I would lay down my life for him. But thanks to the Lord, I have found this in me, and still find it strongly in me, that I will much rather lay down my life for my brothers than bring anyone into trouble or reveal anyone in order to save my life; this I say, God knows, out of faith, and not in a spirit of boasting. But as many among them as please God, whether I have seen them or not, these, as also others, I do not judge, for they stand to the Lord. Romans 14, verse 4.

I likewise tell you to leave the others where they are, unless they sincerely come back in the matter of marriage, and the other articles, and humble themselves before God, and also use a little more restraint in their lives than they now do; for pomp and pride stink before the Lord. Therefore they are also not acceptable or pleasing in my eyes. Hence put them off, for they are an abomination to God; and do not let pride and presumption have dominion either in your words or in your actions; for in pride has originated all destruction, as Tobit teaches his son. Hence humble yourselves from the heart under the mighty hand of God; for He gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud. First Peter 5, verse 5. As regards how it is with me, I inform you that I have entirely committed myself into the hand of the Lord. What His will is, is mine also. I know of nothing better to choose for myself than that I might be an acceptable offering to Him, and might offer up my sacrifice outside the gate, in the daytime (Hebrews 13, verse 12); oh, how greatly would I thank Him. Oh my dear fellow members, out of what great sorrow the Lord has delivered me, which I carried in my heart day and night, on account of the Nederland journey. But oh, what a faithful God! How well He knows how to deliver out of temptation, at the right time, those who can trust Him for it from the heart. First Corinthians 10, verse 13; Second Peter 2, verse 9.

It often occurred to me that I should not get away, that the Lord should order it otherwise; as my dear wife and sister in the Lord well knows, for I often talked with her about it, the Lord be thanked forevermore. I took leave of all the churches, and heartily asked everyone among them to forgive me if I had grieved them. I did the same toward them, and then went away. But a far better journey was in store for me, on which I now am, the Lord be praised for it, for I am in good hope that, through the grace of God, it will turn out to my great advantage. Oh, my brothers, my heart is full of joy; indeed, it is running over with it. It seems to me, for very joy, that I see the heavens opened. Oh, that I might by writing (since I am prevented from talking with you) pour out my heart to you and refresh it. My ink is almost exhausted. As it is with me, so it is also with Joosken and Herman, my dear fellow prisoners and brothers. We wait for our God, and greet you all with a holy kiss. And the salutation with my own hand is this: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all believers in Christ to the end. Amen." First Corinthians 16, verse 26, and so on. [n901-2]

Care for my young orphan children, as also all other orphans, as you would for myself; bring them up with reproof and correction, to piety; teach them to read, and when the time has come, keep them at work. Get Aelken cured, if you can; bequeath to him the three pieces of money, the silver piece and the two others; also a Testament to each; this shall be their inheritance from their father.

I likewise commend to you my wife, as long as she fears God, as I hope that she will do to the end, if she gets out. The Lord own what I have told you, and what I have sought concerning all believers: not riches or treasures on this earth, but the salvation of men's souls. And I desire that you firmly keep together, with teaching, admonishing and reproving. And follow your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls. Hebrews 13, verse 17. And you ministers, show yourselves a pattern of good works to all believers, not in semblance only, but in sincerity. Read how Paul admonishes Timothy and Titus; be admonished by it yourselves. May the Lord give you understanding. Amen.

Dear brothers, concerning our examination and hearing, I wrote to you previously very briefly, as you know. But if I were to write to you, one by one, all the questions they put to me, and the answers I gave them, I should need much ink, paper and time; especially for what was spoken during the day between me and the count, in a friendly manner and also with sharpness; for it is very much. Yet, if we were where the count wishes us, we would be released. His conscience is not easy, but accuses him. May the Lord put true repentance into his heart, and give it a clear sight, to know the will of God, and to discern light from darkness, and that he may in consequence hate and utterly forsake darkness, and love the true light, and hold to it with his whole heart, so that he may also, in that day, with the true children of the light, receive his part from the hand of the Lord. This I wish him and all our enemies and opponents, from God (as much as possible), from the bottom of my heart. Otherwise, it goes still well with us in every respect, in body and soul. We hope to help fulfill the number of the righteous, and to rest with our fathers, and to wait for the glorious reward of all the righteous. I greet all the believers with a holy kiss. Greet one another with a kiss of love. And do not forget us, nor any of the prisoners; but persevere in strong prayer to God for us, for this is highly necessary. For, it seems to me, it was an easy matter to be imprisoned in the time of our brother Thomas; for the subtlety of men increases every day. Hence, pray diligently for us; we trust also not to forget you; the Lord be with us all. Amen.

By me, MATTHIAS SERVAES,

Your weak brother, and unworthy minister and prisoner of Jesus Christ, whom I serve in the Gospel in my bonds. I hope that my dissolution is near at hand.

I desire of you, J. N. B., that you properly transcribe this, and see that my wife (who is also imprisoned) gets a copy of it. If it pleases you, it may also be read before the brothers; but if you do not deem it expedient, or promoting the glory of God, then leave it undone, for I do not in the least seek my own glory by it, but the praise of the Lord and the consolation and joy of believers. My mother I greet in particular, and desire that she serve the Lord without guile; the same I desire of my brother John and my sisters. Written and read with many tears, and this from the heart. You know, my brothers, that I did not lightly take up my ministry, but with many tears; in like manner I now resign it. Then I wept for sorrow; but now I weep for heartfelt joy. With tears I received the ministry from you (I believe, also from God); but with many tears of great joy I surrender it back to the Lord (if it pleases Him) and to you. May the Lord fill my place many times over with faithful servants. Amen.

Oh, how my heart is in yours. Show a fatherly heart to all, with all humility; and whether it goes well or ill with you, ascribe the praise to the Lord, for He causes and does everything, and not we. And do not, under any circumstances, forsake the people in the Nederland; reprove them sharply for pride; this is my desire. H. and F. and all, keep well what is committed to your trust, and do not forget it. Greet T. W., my dear brother, whom I love from the heart. Concern yourselves in a godly spirit in the affairs of the Upper Country; prevent divisions among the people wherever you can. This is written to all those who desire that I should write to them, for I cannot write to each individually. I do not seek any glory in it. The grace of God be with us all. Amen. Given the 9th day of July, 1565.