Hendrick Alewijns, Hans Marijns van Oosten, and Gerrit Duynherder, in the Year 1569

In the year 1569 there were imprisoned for the testimony of Jesus, at Middleburgh, in Zealand, the following pious sheep and followers of Christ

Hendrick Alewijns, a purse maker by trade, and Hans Marijns van Oosten, with Gerrit Duynherder. These suffered from the ministers of antichrist manifold assaults, and threats and tortures terrible to the flesh, all of which they, through faith and the power of God (which was in them), patiently and valiantly resisted. And after they had suffered all this for Christ's sake, they were burnt alive together at the said place, on the 9th of February 1569, confirming the belief of the ever-abiding truth with their death and blood, and now serve as a beacon to all true believers, that they may follow their unfeigned faith. Philippians 3, verse 17.

The Hendrick Alewijns mentioned here was in his time a very zealous follower of Christ, and was elected and chosen by the brothers to serve the church of God with the Word of the holy Gospel, in which he was very diligent, and, though young in the service, he exceedingly abounded and increased in the work of God. Second Corinthians 8, verse 19; Luke 1, verse 2; First Timothy 4, verse 15. And though he had neither silver nor gold, nor temporal means, yet his hands gained him and his wife and children a livelihood, and he sought to minister to the flock of Christ not for the milk and wool, but this hero followed the good, true and faithful Shepherd Jesus, and willingly, of a ready mind, ministered to the work of God; therefore, at the appearance of the chief Shepherd, he will receive the imperishable crown of honor. Acts 3, verse 6; chapter 20, verse 34; Matthew 10, verse 16; Ezekiel 34, verse 3; First Peter 5, verses 2 and 4.

During the time of his imprisonment he also did not forget his brothers and sisters, but wrote beautiful letters, descriptions and hymns, worthy of being read, to them, as also to his three little orphans; some of which have previously already appeared in print. We ask the reader to read attentively those given here, the first of which was sent to the beloved children of God in Zealand, and reads as follows

An epistle from Hendrick Alewijns, sent to the beloved children of God in Zealand, written in his prison at Middleburgh, where he steadfastly testified to the truth of God with his death, on the 9th of February, in the year 1569

A most Christian greeting and salutation in the Lord! Hendrick Alewijns, unworthy, a weak brother and simple companion in the faith in God, a partaker of His sufferings, also of patience, and of the hope of eternal life, with all the saints, all through the grace of God, unmerited. Grace, peace, the mercy of God, salvation, prosperity, and everything good from above, through Christ Jesus, constantly to be kept stirred up, and the ardent impelling of the Holy Spirit, even to the blessed end: these things I wish all my beloved friends, brothers, sisters, and companions, from God the Father, through Jesus Christ our dear Lord, Redeemer and Savior. Amen. This I send as a greeting, in a good intention, from the very depths of my love, to you, as my special acquaintances and friends, to exhort and stir up one another to good devotion, while absent, yet in one hope of the kingdom and glory of God, though I am now confined at a distance from you.

My very kind, especially peaceable and ever well-meaning friends, seeing before me my departure from this life, and having time to write, I gladly turn to your love for a little while, to give you news and glad tidings, which, I presume, is according to your wish and desire. Behold, be it known to you all, that I, your friend, am still prospering in the Lord, in both respects, that is, in body and soul, in the unchanging determination to endeavor with a good resolution to keep body and soul surrendered to and in God, pleasing to you to hear, and to my salvation. May God grant this to the blessed end of my faith, O dear Lord. Amen.

Further, the cause of my writing to you, and to your love, is also to ask you to help pray on my behalf, for steadfastness in God's truth, and that I may live in His grace, and for God's faithful assistance toward me. I inform you that I am of very good cheer in my imprisonment, tribulation, sorrow, reproach, and suffering for righteousness' sake; and also I have, with all the saints, in my tribulation, a bright prospect, the hope and consolation of the Spirit, and the rich promises of God to help us in this present time, who also assures us of eternal life hereafter, of which so abundant mention is made in the Scriptures.

In the first place, I know, consider, and firmly believe with many saints, according to the abundant testimony of the Scriptures, that God is faithful in keeping His promises. Read Deuteronomy 32, verse 4; Numbers 23, verse 19; First Corinthians 10, verse 13; First Thessalonians 5, verse 24; Second Timothy 2, verse 13. He will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape. He does not leave His children comfortless. He will with His Spirit defend us before kings and princes, as much as will be needful at the time. He will, and knows how, to deliver the godly out of temptation. He says

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you." Therefore I will trust in the Lord, and not fear what man will do to me. Hebrews 13, verses 5 and 6. "What can flesh do?" says Paul.

Again: "If God be with us, who can be against us?" and God is with us, if we are with Him, mark. Romans 8, verse 31; Second Chronicles 15, verse 2. Again: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."

Again: "Thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus." Second Corinthians 2, verse 14. Again: "Whatever is born of God overcomes the world." First John 5, verse 4. For this cause we do not faint (because of God's consolation); but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Second Corinthians 4, verse 16. Again

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4, verse 13. O how blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those (he says, to those) who love Him. James 1, verse 12.

And since God is so faithful in all His promises, as said, we press straight on with righteousness, as though we beheld God, and saw no adversaries; as though we saw no decree, fire, water, or sword. For who is he that will harm us, if we are followers of that which is good? as Peter assures us. First Peter 3, verse 13. Also Paul says: "Who shall separate us from the love of God?" and so on. Romans 8, verse 35. Who will pluck our Shepherd's sheep out of His hand? No one. John 10, verse 28. But one can and may indeed himself stray out of His hand. Again it is written: "No evil shall happen to him that fears God; for when he is tempted, he shall be delivered again." Mark, John says: "There is no fear in love" (First John 4, verse 18); understand, such fear as departs from the way of rectitude. Indeed, such fearless ones run through patience (mark, through), not out of, but into, the conflict that is set before us, and look not at the dreadful tyranny, but to Jesus, the Captain, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12, verse 2.

And these comforting promises of God, here partly mentioned and touched upon, behold, speak and treat chiefly only of God's keeping, assisting and strengthening us, in this time, and in the sufferings of this present time.

But, friends, how much greater and more valuable must be the consolation, reward, and the crown of eternal life, of which so much is said in other places, of God's eternal life, kingdom and glory, which are promised to those that overcome and patiently endure, as will here in part follow.

In the first place, observe in the Book of Wisdom, concerning the day of judgment, and the glory of God's elect: "Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labors." Wisdom of Solomon 5, verse 1. Again: "The righteous live forevermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the Most High. Therefore they shall receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand." Verses 15 and 16. Mark well, an eternal reward. Again

"The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them." In the sight of the unwise they seem to die, and their departure and going from us are taken for destruction; but they are in peace. For though they have much suffering (he says, much suffering) in the sight of men, yet their hope is full of immortality, and having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded; for God proves them, and finds them worthy for Himself. Wisdom of Solomon 3, verses 1 to 5. Indeed, here they shall suffer strait things, but hope for the wide: but they that have lived wickedly, and yet have suffered the strait things, shall not see the wide, alas, no. Second Esdras 7, verse 18. Again, Second Maccabees 7, verse 36: "My brothers, who now have suffered themselves to be martyred for a short time, now wait for everlasting life, according to God's promise" (he says, everlasting life according to God's promise). Again, also the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself: "That all who have followed him in the regeneration (he says, in the regeneration) and have forsaken everything dear to them, house, home, wife, children, and so on, and their own life, shall receive a hundredfold in this time, and hereafter everlasting life; and shall also sit with Him upon thrones, and help judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19, verse 28.

Again: "Blessed are you who weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy: for behold, your reward is great in heaven" (he says, in heaven). Luke 6, verse 21. Mark, heavenly consolation. Again, Paul says: "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ." Second Corinthians 1, verses 3 to 5. Again: "He that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life and peace." O friends, let us therefore not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap without ceasing (he says, without ceasing). Galatians 6, verses 8 and 9. O friends, let this claim your joyful consideration and attention. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward (he says, afterward) it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those (he says, those) who are exercised by it. Hebrews 12, verse 11. Again, in Paul we further find: "It is a faithful saying [he says, a faithful saying]: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us." Second Timothy 2, verses 11 and 12.

Again, in Peter we also read: "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you [he says, as though some strange thing happened to you]: but be partakers of Christ's sufferings, that, when He shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy." First Peter 4, verses 12 and 13.

Behold, such and similar beautiful promises, and heavenly consolations for the hereafter, indeed, such in great abundance, make tribulation sweet, precious and light. For our light affliction, which is only for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; which are nevertheless true. Second Corinthians 4, verse 17. Hence it is impossible for these to be plucked out of the hand of our Shepherd. Indeed, God is faithful, and not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. First Corinthians 10, verse 13; Hebrews 6, verse 10.

Now, mark well, the beautiful promises of God mentioned here, and many similar ones, point and reach farther than God's help in the distress of this present time; the promises for the present time being essentially different ones, as said above. But these are full promises and a reward for the hereafter, in eternal, imperishable, indeed, unspeakable or inexpressible glory, even as Peter says of these unspeakable things: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time [mark, in the last time]. In this you shall rejoice with joy unspeakable [mark, unspeakable] and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." [Mark who]. He says: "You who now for a season, if need be, are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom, having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable," as already quoted. First Peter 1, verse 3. Justly does Esdras say of the incomprehensible and unspeakable recompense of God: "You cannot find out My judgment, or in the end the love that I have promised to My people." Second Esdras 5, verse 40.

Happy those venturesome ones who now sow liberally to the Spirit in every manner, without becoming weary (Galatians 6, verse 9); for it will not be lost, will not spoil, rot, rust, or become moth-eaten.

Observe and read Matthew 6, verse 19; Luke 12, verse 33; First Timothy 6, verse 19. O brothers and sisters, our faithful God is surely faithful. The alms of a man is as a signet with Him, and He will keep the good deeds of a man as the apple of the eye; and afterward He will rise up and reward them, and render their recompense upon their heads. Sirach 17, verses 22 and 23. Observe: thus we may well say with Sirach: "We have had labor for a little season, and have found great comfort." Chapter 51, verse 27.

O friends, let us not be weary in sowing and well-doing, for our reward, according to the promises of God, is great in the time to come, as has been heard, and is unfathomable, incomprehensible and unspeakable. Nevertheless, it is now revealed to His saints, by His Spirit. First Corinthians 2, verse 10. It is an eternal and exceeding weight of glory. Second Corinthians 4, verse 17.

Now, all attentive [readers], who firmly believe, know and hope this with all their heart and from the depths of their soul, also understand on what conditions, and to whom, and to whom not, this glorious kingdom is promised and sure. Such an intelligent and far-seeing Christian is so rich in hope toward God, so firmly anchored in his soul, that he completely and humbly surrenders himself, soul and body, to a faithful Creator, yet in well-doing, without boasting. First Peter 4, verse 19.

Indeed, we confess and declare with all saints rich in hope, that this present time is short, and that the sufferings of this time, for righteousness, are small, and, hence, not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8, verse 18), as will follow here.

Believers lightly esteem the sufferings of this present time, because of the hope, promise, and reward.

In the first place, the youngest of the seven brothers in Maccabees spoke thus out of his joyful hope: "My brothers, who now have suffered themselves to be martyred for a little while, now wait for eternal life according to God's promise." Second Maccabees 7, verse 36. Again, in Solomon we read: "Having been a little chastised [mark, a little], they shall be greatly rewarded." Wisdom of Solomon 3, verse 5. Again, in Peter also: "You who now for a season [he says, for a season], if need be, are in heaviness through manifold temptations," and so on. First Peter 1, verse 6. Again: "The God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while [he says, a while], make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you." First Peter 5, verse 10.

These and other like passages esteem the sufferings of this present time short, small and light, and the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of this world. Hebrews 11, verse 26. The fearful woman in travail, of whom Christ speaks, has anguish in her hour of travail, but afterwards she rejoices, and forgets the anguish. John 16, verse 21. And these, who are thus strong in God, though weak and nothing of themselves, who are thus surely fixed in faith, hope, and the love of God, these (I say these) say with Paul: "Who shall separate us from the love of God." "For I am persuaded." he says, "that neither death, nor life . . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8, verse 35. For if God is with them, who can be against them? Verse 31.

But it would be fearful presumption to boast, or say, indeed, to think, without God and a good conscience toward Him, that we can do anything of ourselves. Such arrogance, boasting and self-strength, as in the case of inconsiderate Peter, are nothing, even as the independent, severed branch, without abiding in its vine, can do nothing. John 15, verse 6. And as those powerless individuals who took upon themselves to cast out Satan in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preached (Acts 19, verse 13), so also no powerless man can boast without God; he must first calculate whether he dares go out with ten thousand against twenty thousand, according to the counsel and words of Christ. Luke 14, verse 31. Therefore, he who would glory, let him glory in the Lord: if the Lord wills, and we live. Jeremiah 9, verse 23; First Corinthians 1, verse 31; James 4, verse 15. And if He is with him, no one can be against him. Romans 8, verse 31. And God is with them if they are with God. Then they can do all things through Christ, who strengthened them. By their God they can leap over a wall, run through a troop, and overcome the world. The gates of hell cannot prevail against them; for love with its patient hope and firm faith can do all things through the grace of God. Mark well, they who thus closely, firmly and boldly cleave to God become stronger in the conflict, as Sirach says. Sirach 2, verse 3. Cleave therefore to God, and depart or waver neither to the right nor to the left, that you may continually grow stronger.

Mark: God said to Joshua, whom He appointed in Moses' office and stead: "I will not fail you, nor forsake you. Be strong and of a good courage." Joshua 1, verses 5 and 6. Again: "Be strong and of a good courage, do not fear, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord your God, He it is that goes with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31, verse 6. Mark here the advantage of freely trusting in God's promise. Hence such a pious people say thus in their hearts: "O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in the heaven, nor in the earth; who keeps covenant, and shows mercy to Your servants, that walk before You with all their hearts." Second Chronicles 6, verse 14. Observe well who they are: he says, [that walk before You] with all their hearts. Whose rock and fortress is the Lord; who is their God, deliverer, consolation, and shield; the horn of their salvation; their high tower and refuge; their Savior who saves them from all violence. Second Samuel 22, verses 2 and 3. These are also they who have set the Lord always before them; hence He is at their right hand, and they shall therefore not be moved, says David. Psalm 16, verse 8. Mark here boldness, and its power. But the fear of man brings a snare: (mark) but whoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Psalm 29, verse 25. Mark: he who is with God, and with whom God is. David says: [n942-2]

"The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble." Psalm 37, verse 39.

But, dear friends, if one is not pious, pure in heart, and prepared for temptation as a servant of God, when this temptation assails and terrifies him; if he is not found in a pure conscience, genuine love of God and his neighbor, in a pious life, firm faith, sober vigilance, and armed against every assault; but is a powerless follower, a miser, a sleeper, or hypocrite, then, O friends, God will forsake him; for David says: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." Psalm 66, verse 18. "The Lord is far from the wicked: but He hears the prayer of the righteous." Proverbs 15, verse 29. Indeed, it is true; for God does not hear sinners (mark, those who continue in sin); but if any man fears God, and does His will (does, it says), him He hears. John 9, verse 31.

Hence I conclude and counsel with wise Jesus Sirach: "My son, if you come to serve the Lord, prepare your soul for temptation;" he says, prepare your soul for temptation. Sirach 2, verse 1. Again, also with Christ: "Strive to enter in at the strait gate. Indeed, take heed that your fear of God is not hypocrisy; lest God discover your secrets, and cast you down thereby in the midst of the congregation, because you did not come in truth to the Lord, and your heart was full of deceit and falseness." Sirach 1, verse 28. Behold, such cannot overcome; but only those who are in favor with their God, as is mentioned in Judith 5.

Now, there is further to be noticed the patience of which the pious have need in many tribulations. Hebrews 10, verse 36. Also, what great advantage, profit, gain, and acquisition are, and will be, obtained by tribulation and patience, follows here in part. Meditate on it.

In the first place, the encouraging words of Judith: "Thus Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all whom God loved remained steadfast and had to overcome much affliction [he says: much affliction]. But the others, who would not receive affliction in the fear of God, but blasphemed and murmured with impatience against God, were destroyed by the destroyer and by serpents. Let us therefore not be impatient in this affliction, but confess that it is a punishment from God, much less than our sins deserve, and believe that we are chastised as his servants, for correction, and not for destruction." Judith 8. O how wisely Solomon speaks of it: "He who is patient is prudent, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." Proverbs 19, verse 11. Again: "He who is patient is wise; but he who is impatient reveals his folly." Chapter 14, verse 29. And again: "A patient man is better than a strong man; and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." Chapter 16, verse 32. Mark how lovely, praiseworthy and advantageous godly patience is, as Jeremiah testifies: "It is a precious thing to be patient, and to wait for the help of the Lord; yes, that a man who is forsaken be patient when something happens to him; and put his mouth in the dust, and wait for the help of the Lord, and give his cheek to the one who strikes him, and suffer much reproach, for the Lord will not cast off forever." Lamentations 3, verse 26.

Again, Sirach says: "A humble man will wait for the time which will bring him comfort. For though his cause is oppressed for a time, yet the pious will praise his wisdom." Sirach 1, verses 23 and 24. Of this we have examples in Job and in "the end of the Lord." James 5, verse 11. Also in Tobit, for God permitted affliction to come upon him—why? That posterity might have an example of patience in him, as also in holy Job. An angel said to this Tobit (when he complained that he could not see the light of heaven): "Have patience, God will soon help you," which also came to pass. Tobit 5, verse 12. Paul does truly say that whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. But, friends, mark well, where there is no promise and no godly tribulation, there is certainly no need of patience; but where the aforesaid are, Oh, there is need of patience. Hebrews 10, verse 36. For we know, says Paul, that tribulation works patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope does not make us ashamed. Again, also, Christ's own words concerning patience: "You will be hated by all men for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. In your patience possess your souls." Luke 21, verses 17 to 19.

Again, Paul advises us to all patience in all our distress, and in all this to show ourselves the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in stripes, in imprisonments (yes, in imprisonments), in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report, yes, as deceivers and yet true. Mark, in how many things a patient minister of God is tried, that is, in these and similar things (Second Corinthians 6, verse 4), mark, a minister of God, and by what he is shown to be such. Again, James would have us count it all joy when we fall into various temptations; knowing this (he says), that your faith, if it is genuine, works patience. But patience must be constant to the end. James 1, verse 2.

Behold, so we must with patience (with patience, says Paul) run the race that is set before us, looking to the Captain of our faith, the young man who will set the crown of reward upon our heads, on Mount Sion. Hebrews 12, verse 1; Second Esdras 2, verse 43.

Behold, all this is obtained as the profit and reward of patience, as in the case of Christ, and of all holy martyrs; and it must all be seen by faith, and waited for with patience, as James advises, saying: "Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of our Lord, and like the farmer, let us also wait for our harvest and joyful time of reaping." James 5, verse 7. O then the liberal sowers, who have sown to the Spirit, will reap without ceasing. Galatians 6, verse 9.

Dear friends, let us now, as at the right time, also at the right time, sow liberally to the Spirit and in hope, with joy and not growing weary; for in due time it will fill our barn with sheaves as large as in First Peter 1, verse 16.* For God will not forget our work and labor, as has already been said.

To sum it all up in a few words: [n942-1] "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1, verse 12. Now, this promise, inheritance, reward, and crown meets the wants of everyone; but only a few relish the notable conditions upon which these are promised, namely, obedience to the Word of God, complete renunciation of ourselves, and the cheerful, voluntary bearing of our cross. For Paul says

"To us it is given, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philippians 1, verse 29.

Mark, friends, that it is certainly his pleasure that the servant be as his lord. Matthew 10, verse 25. Hence Christ in His time assured His servants and disciples of so much sorrow, tribulation, reproach, suffering, and of death, for His name's sake. He did not give it to them as His opinion, not as something which might eventually, or perhaps, come to pass, but positively assured them that it would befall them, as will here follow, and, in part, be shown.

In the first place, Christ's own words: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up [he says, they will deliver you up] to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles." Matthew 10, verses 16 to 18.

Again: "The brother shall," he says, shall, "deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And you shall" he says, shall, "be hated by all men for my name's sake." Verses 21 and 22.

Again: "Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord, nor the disciple above his master. If they have persecuted me, they will [he says, they will] also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for my name's sake." John 15, verses 20 and 21.

And again: "These things I have spoken to you so that you should not be offended. They shall [he says, they shall] put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he does God service. And these things they will do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things I have told you, so that when the time shall come [mark well] you may remember that I told you of them." Chapter 16, verses 1 to 4. Paul, also, says that we must through much tribulation (he says, must through much tribulation) enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14, verse 22. And that all (he says, all) who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Second Timothy 3, verse 12.

Now, dear friends, mark, if it must be so, and also will be so; as has been mentioned in part, and is certain, then, in the name of God, let it be [borne] willingly, and let us not regard the fearful tribulation and distress, but look far beyond, as said before, and be mindful of the comfort contained in the declaration that this temporal tribulation is not worthy to be compared with the eternal glory (Romans 8, verse 18); and let us also remember that this evil and unrighteous world is not fit for, and was not worthy of, that blessed crown for suffering for righteousness' sake. Hebrews 11, verse 38.

But they are fit who have followed Christ in the regeneration, and forsaken all that is dear to them here. Matthew 19, verse 28. Remember also, brothers, that they who are, or would be, without this chastisement, are bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12, verse 8. Thus, tribulation is certainly promised us believers, as has been heard.

With regard to this, I counsel with Sirach and many others. If we would serve God, let us do it with earnestness, lest we tempt Him (Sirach 18, verse 23); for he who would be God's servant must prepare (mark, prepare) himself for temptation, and always labor in the work of the Lord, so that, whether we are present with Him, or whether we are here, absent from Him, we may always please God; and every one of us must strive to be (not to think, or boast [of being], but to be) the chief in good works, as also Peter says: "Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for his coming, be diligent that you may be found by him in peace, without spot, and blameless." Second Peter 3, verse 14. Oh, how we must be prepared then with a holy conversation, and with godliness. Every man who has this hope in him must purify himself, even as He (whom we look for) is pure. First John 3, verse 3. He who is holy must become still holier; and he who is pure, still purer. We must become holier and holier, since we call upon such a Holy One as our Father, who judges without respect of persons, as Peter says, and this according to every man's work. Hence, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear, and it will then be with us as Peter says: "Let all those who suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him with good works [mark, with good works], as to a faithful Creator." First Peter 4, verse 19. Let no one here understand salvation by good works, but salvation with good works; good works without meriting salvation (mark well) for salvation is of grace, thanks to our Lord Christ, as in Galatians 2, verse 16, and still clearer in Ephesians 2, verse 7.* This I say is my advice, that we also thus prepare our souls, and commit them to Him as to a faithful [Creator], with good works without boasting (without boasting), as His unprofitable servants, who would gladly be perfect. [n942-3] Luke 17, verse 10. Finally, dear friends, let us not seek to save our life, which, at all events, we must eventually lose; but let us always entreat our God for strength to suffer, so that we may finish our course as valiant adventurers. Amen, dear Lord, Amen.

Here now follow instances of exemplary adventurers of former times—pious persons who were persecuted, greatly hated, and put to death; mark, how, by whom, and also why these things always happened; namely, so that we need not think it strange when we become partakers of the same sufferings and death.

In the first place, pious, good Abel was slain by Cain, out of hatred on account of his piety. Lot was greatly vexed by the wanton Sodomites, because of his virtue and righteousness. David was persecuted by Saul, Shimei, and by Absalom his son, for his glory and own kingdom. The man of God from Judah was threatened by Jeroboam, because of his prophesying against Jeroboam's gods and his altar. First Kings 13. The holy and mighty prophet of God, Elijah, and many others who were put to death in his time; he had to flee from the place, and was greatly persecuted by Jezebel, on account of his prophetic miracles which he worked through God. First Kings 19. Micaiah was imprisoned by the king, who fed him with the water and bread of affliction, because he opposed the four hundred false prophets of Jezebel with the Spirit and holy Word of God. First Kings 22, verse 27. Urijah, a prophet, and also a fugitive, was brought back, and slain with the sword by King Jehoiakim, on account of his message from God, the prophecy against Jerusalem and the land of Judah. Jeremiah 26, verses 20 to 23. Jeremiah, a prophet of God, was cast by the princes into the miry pit to die, because he would not cease to preach and prophesy in the name of the Lord. Jeremiah 38, verse 6. Zechariah, a priest's son, and prophet of the Lord, was stoned at the commandment of the king, because he had prophesied nothing but calamity for them, because they had forsaken that which was good, and transgressed the Word of God. Second Chronicles 24, verse 21. Mark, for what reason each one of these was put to death.

The three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were cast by King Nebuchadnezzar into a furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated, in which God nevertheless preserved them on account of their trust in Him; and this because they would not honor or worship the king's self-made image, idol and buffoonery. Daniel 3, verse 19. Daniel, a most worthy and holy prophet of God, was cast into the den of lions by the worshipers of the dragon, out of hatred and envy, against the will and power of the king; God, however, preserved and delivered him. This was done because he, fearing no man, nor the king's plain and strict commandment, openly worshiped, honored and confessed his God alone, with the windows open toward Jerusalem. History of the Destruction of the Dragon; Daniel 6, verse 10. Mark, are not the pious subtly sought? Yes, sought and found. O Lord, all the steadfast pious in Israel were scattered, and most atrociously slain by Antiochus. Why? Mark, because they circumcised their children, according to God's commandment, would eat no swine's flesh, according to the prohibition of the law, and refused to follow the heathen customs, since they were unclean and contrary to the law. First Maccabees 1. Again, on another occasion, all the Jews were everywhere caught like wild beasts, bound, chased, dragged off, conveyed away in ships, and doomed to a general massacre, from this last, however, they were miraculously delivered by the hand of God. They were thus tormented by King Ptolemy, because they would not be compelled by him to depart from the law of God, sacrifice to idols, and adopt heathen customs. Third Maccabees. No fair reason, friends; and so it is still. Again, in the second book of the Maccabees the same thing is enacted. A cruel decree of said King Ptolemy, which whoever should not obey was to be put to death instantly. Second Maccabees 6, verse 9.

Some were burned. Two women had their infants tied or hanged to their breasts, and were thus led in derision around the city, and finally cast headlong over the walls. Mark why? Because they adhered steadfastly to the law of God, and had circumcised their children. Thus also Eleazar, an aged man of ninety, was slain by Antiochus. Why? Because of his unfeigned steadfastness in refusing to eat swine's flesh, or to pretend to eat it. Again, also a pious mother and seven steadfast sons were roasted by King Antiochus in red-hot pans, with the skins of their heads pulled off, and their tongues cut out. Second Maccabees 7. Why? Mark, because they would in no way eat swine's flesh contrary to the law, because it was forbidden. And similar instances in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament, also, we find instances of a like character.

In the first place, the holy forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, was beheaded by Herod. That good man, why did he kill him? Mark, because he reproved Herod for an improper and shameful liaison. The good Christ Jesus was also hated by the world, because He testified of its evil works. Indeed, without guilt or cause worthy of death, Pontius Pilate the judge, through the hatred of the Jews, delivered Him up, and put Him to death. The holy apostles, also, were frequently apprehended, scourged, and forbidden by the council of the priests to preach in the name of Jesus. Why? In order that the name, doctrine and church of Jesus should not spread and increase.

Stephen, a deacon, and pious witness of Jesus, was stoned by the stiff-necked. Why? Because they could not resist his spirit, wisdom, and doctrine. The church at Jerusalem, in the beginning, was dispersed and scattered abroad throughout the land of Judea, by the Jews. And Saul, the persecutor, went here and there with letters and authority to apprehend and vex any whom he should find of this way or persuasion, in order to hinder the doctrine, faith and way of Christ. And, yet, to be brief, some were vexed by Herod; he killed James with the sword, and seeing that it pleased the people, he apprehended Peter also, and guarded him with sixteen servants, and bound him with two chains, with the doors closed, through the hatred of the Jews; but an angel delivered him. Acts 12, verse 1. Let us therefore not wonder at this as though it were something strange.

Now, in conclusion, receive my eternal adieu, and brotherly greeting.

Behold, I have written this to my dear friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, in humility, with a good intention, and in love, for three special reasons. The first reason is, to communicate to you welcome news, namely, an account of my prosperity, good health and cheerfulness, in both respects, that is, in soul and body; and to stir you up to aid me in praising, thanking, and praying to God for all His grace and comfort, shown toward me, an unworthy one here, and also toward us all. Of this comfort (by which I also am comforted of God) it has been my endeavor to communicate to you a share, according to your wish and desire already referred to, and I send it to you as a honeycomb, perfume of roses, balm, incense and myrrh, from Eden's pleasure garden as it were, fruits of the heavenly paradise; as a fruit, sample, perfume and delight for you, to be inwardly contemplated with attention; yes, as a signal token to you of my joy and peace which I feel to have with God, in union and in one spirit. Oh, I, unworthy and unprofitable servant of my Lord, that I enjoy peace with my Christ, and the fellowship of His Spirit. Romans 8, verse 15; First Corinthians 6, verse 17; Galatians 3, verse 26. Be it said to His praise, it is all through His merciful faithfulness, and great, unmerited grace. I glory in the Lord, and in His power; we have received from Him this precious treasure in our weak earthen vessels; hence, if it is preserved, the excellency of the power is of God and not of us; Oh, not of us, but by grace we are what we are. Jeremiah 9, verse 24; Second Corinthians 4, verse 7.

The second reason is, that, since you are partakers with me of the same hope, reward and comfort, I might awaken in you a refreshing, devotion, renewed joy in the promises, and inward gladness, by pointing out our comfort mentioned, consisting in doctrine and example of the Scriptures, as noticed here in part, thereby showing my favor, love and affection toward you all, as remembering you in the Lord.

Thirdly and lastly, also for the reason that I might make many of you my debtors, to do the same in their turn, that is, to send us a letter, in token of your steadfast continuance in love, for our comfort and joy, and the acknowledgment of your remembrance of us, according to the doctrine, debt and obligation toward prisoners; as in Matthew 25, verse 36; Acts 12, verse 5; Second Timothy 1, verse 16; Hebrews 13, verse 3. This from you would be most acceptable to us three prisoners here. Oh, as welcome as the perfume of opening roses, incense and myrrh from the bowers of Zion, the vineyard and pleasure garden of our God; which until now has happened to us so very little, far too little, almost as though your love to us had ceased. Stop! lest I wound you or someone else by words spoken with no evil intent; for I do not have reference to the necessaries of life. Oh, no; we thank God and our careful friends most heartily for these. Accept from me in good part all that is good, and interpret all my love according to love; this I earnestly pray for the Lord's sake. Let no one misunderstand my labor of love, by interpreting it, or thinking, as though I had done this or the like from desire for honor and praise, or from any hankering after a gift from anyone, or after any carnal or earthly communion; for it was love which, out of a pure intention, prompted me to it. O Lord, You know it all.

Yes, my friends, pure love thinks no evil; however, she sees, finds and reproves evil. Examples of this are Ananias, Simon the sorcerer, the Corinthian fornicator, and so on. Acts 5, verse 1; Acts 8, verse 9; First Corinthians 5, verse 1.

And now, dear friends, brothers and sisters, I again commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace (as the salutation of Paul), which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Be greeted, strengthened, comforted, and of good cheer in the Lord.

Watch and pray. By me, HENDRICK ALEWIJNS, and my fellow prisoners, all of us of good cheer. Farewell. Given in November, in the year 1568.

Yes, dear friends, before this letter left my hands, two of us were brought before the court: dear Gerrit Jans Duynherder, our pious brother, and myself. And behold, we are kept in confinement, as sufficiently sentenced, and both of us expect to die very soon now. O Lord! O Lord! into Your hands, O faithful Creator, we commend our soul and spirit. Amen.

O beloved church of God, take care of my three poor, dear little orphans, who are without parents, without possession, or inheritance.

Adieu, my dear children; adieu, all my friends. This is going before you all, and following after my Lord Christ, in His footsteps. Lord, assist Your servants to the last, unworthy and unprofitable though they are.