MARTYRS
MIRROR
The grace, peace, joy and love left by Christ to His disciples be unto you. I earnestly beseech Him, that He will give us such love and such a steadfast mind, that we may be found fit to receive the beautiful promises' which He has given to us, if we continue steadfast unto the end. To this Christ be praise and honor forever and ever. Amen.
I cannot thank or praise the Lord sufficiently for the great grace, the unfathomable mercy, and great love which He has shown us, that we should be His sons and daughters, if we overcome, even as He overcame. II Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:21. Oh, well may we say that true faith, which works by love, and which will bring us to glory, if we suffer with Him is actuated by things not seen. Gal. 5:6; Romans 8:17; Heb. 11:1. Let us consider, dear friends in the Lord, what great love worldly men have towards one another. There are some in prison, I have heard say, who rejoiced when about to go to the rack, because they should then be nearer those whom they loved, though they could not come together in person. Hearken, my beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, if the world has such love, what love, then, ought we to have, who expect such glorious promises! I also have before me the beautiful example of a bride, how she adorns herself, to please her bridegroom of this world. Oh, how ought we then to adorn ourselves, to please our bridegroom! Oh, that we might be adorned as were the five wise virgins with oil in their lamps, to meet our bridefzroom, that we might also hear the sweet voice, "Come, ye blessed, inherit the kingdom of my Father." I pray the Lord day and night, to give us such fervent love, that we may not regard the torments which they may inflict upon us; yea, may say with the prophet David, "I fear nothing of all that men can do unto me." Ps. 118:6. And this our pain, which is light and temporal, is not worthy to be compared with theglory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18.
Since, then, it is the will of the Lord that with Daniel I must remain so long in the den of lions and await the howling and ravening wolves and lions, and the old serpent, which was from the beginning, and shall be unto the end; therefore, 1 entreat all my dear brethren and sisters, to remember me in their prayers; I will gladly do the same; according to my ability. O my dear friends, how can I sufficiently thank my heavenly. Father, that He has made me poor sheep fit to remain in bonds so long for His name's sake. I pray the Lord day and night, that this my trial may tend to the salvation of my soul, to the praise of the Lord, and to the edification of my dear brethren and sisters. Amen.
Nicholas op de Suyckeruye brought two priests to me, to instruct me, whom I answered by the grace of the Lord. They told me they were sorry that I had embraced this opinion, which they could not call a faith, but only an opinion, since we observed nothing commanded by the Christian church. I replied to them, "We desire to do or believe nothing but what the church of Christ commands us; but we will have nothing to do with the temple of Baal, or with other temples made with hands, after the doctrines and, commandments of men, and not after Christ. With these we will have nothing at all to do; for Stephen says that the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands; but he said that he saw the heavens opened, and Christ sitting on the right hand of His Almighty Father. Acts 7:48, 56. And Paul says, that we are the temple of the living God; if we do His will, He will dwell and walk in us." II Cor. 6:16. They said that they were the sent, and those who sit in Moses' seat. I replied to them, that in that case the woes spoken of in Matt. 23 applied to them. They asked me whether I meant to say that he who taught me these things, was sent of God. I said, "Yes, I assuredly know that he is sent of God." They then asked me, whether I knew how a teacher ought to be. I answered, "A teacher must be the husband of one wife, blameless, having his children in subjection, no drunkard, winebibber or whoremonger." I Tim. 3:2. They replied, "If we do wrong, it will fall on our own heads; the Lord is merciful." I then asked, whether they would sin upon the mercy of God, and said it was written that we should not add sin unto sin, and say, "The Lord is merciful." Sir. 5:5. We said much more; but it would take too long to relate it.
I told them that they were ever learning, and never able to come to a right knowledge of the truth. II Tim. 3:7. They then said that Christ said to His apostles, "To you it is given to understand, but to others in parables." Matt. 13:11. I replied, "They who now rightly understand it, to them it is also given."
Finally they crossed themselves over and over and said that I should find it out when I should stand before the judgment. That is true, I said: we
shall there be appointed judges, to judge this disobedient and adulterous generation. Matt. 19:28. With this they went away. I also told them, that they had come from Satan, to murder my soul.
Once more I wish to my dear husband in the Lord, and to myself, the crucified Christ, as an imperishable joy and love, forever. Amen.
Know, my dear husband in the Lord, when I read that you rejoice so greatly in the Lord, I could not finish reading the letter, but had to pray the Lord, that He would give me the same joy, and keep me unto the end, so that we may offer our sacrifice with joy, to the praise of our Father who is in heaven, and to the edification of all dear brethren and sisters. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of His grace. Know, that I thank you very much for the letter you wrote me. The grace of the Lord,be with us always.
The abundant grace of God be with us both always, and the love of the Son, and His unfathomable mercy, and the joy of the Holy- Ghost be with us forever. Amen. To Him who has begotten us again from the dead; be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish to us both the crucified Christ for the protector and guardian of our souls •,' may He keep us in all righteousness, holiness and truth unto the end. And He will preserve us as His sons and daughters, yea, as the apple of His eye; if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14. Hence, let us trust in Him, and He will never forsake us, _ but preserve us, as He has preserved His own from the beginning of the world, and will let no temptation come upon us, 'but such as is common to man. Heb. 13:5; 1 Cor. 10:13.
The Lord is faithful, says Paul; He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Blessed be the God -and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has made us fit to suffer a short, transient' affliction for His name, through His beautiful promises, which He has given us and all those who remain steadfast in His doctrine. We may suffer here a little, but we shall be greatly: rewarded. Wisd. 3:5.
My dear, beloved husband in the Lord, you have partly passed through the trial, and have remained steadfast, eternal praise and glory to the Lord for His great grace! And I beseech the Lord with tears, to make me also fit; to suffer for His name; for all His chosen lambs are appointed thereto, since He has redeemed them from among men, to be the first-fruits unto God. Rev. 14:4. Yea, we know, as Paul says, that if we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him; if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with. Him. II Tim. 2:12, 11. Hence, let us not despise the chastening of the Lord; for, whom He loveth He chasteneth, andscourgeth every son whom He receiveth, as Paul tells us. Heb. 12:5, 6. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of His grace and glory; with which He will glorify us, if we adhere to it unto the end. The grace- of the Lord be with us.
The grace, joy, and peace from God the Father, and the loving kindness and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion and consolation of the Holy Ghost, strengthen, console and confirm and keep us; both in all righteousness and holiness unto the'end. To Him be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish to my chosen wife inthe Lord, and to me, eternal joy, and the imperishable and incorruptible life, and may He grant, that we both adhere unchangingly to His divine Word and eternal truth, unto the end; which He will also do, since He has promised it to us, if we continue faithful in what He has given us, and are willing to contend for it for His glory, even as He contended for our salvation, and was obedient to His Father unto death. If we also continue thus faithful unto death, we shall receive the crown of life, and inherit eternal life with Him, and He will never forsake us; for the Lord will or can do nothing contrary to His Word, for His Word shall never pass away. Matt. 24:35. And He has so faithfully promised to keep us, if we do not forsake Him; so that no one shall pluck us out of His hand; He will keep us as the apple of His eye, yea, as His sons and daughters. For, behold, my beloved, how faithfully He preserved those who faithfully served Him; even as Noah was preserved in the ark, as Lot was led out of Sodom, as Jacob was preserved from his brother Esau, who sought to kill hire, and as Joseph was preserved from his brothers, the sons of Jacob, Joshua and Caleb from all the heathen, and entered into the promised land, David before Goliath; Susannah before the false witnesses: Daniel from the lions-; and many other examples too lengthy to recite. Hereby we may perceive, how faithfully He preserves those who sincerely fear and love Him, and how ignominiously they .fall who forsake Him, as we may see from the beginning of the world, how it perished, on account o£ its wickedness, and how Lot's wife was punished. Esau could not find his birthright again, and the whole house of Israel perished in the wilderness. See, my beloved wife, all this the Lord permitted to happen not only for the sake of those who had sinned, but also for our sakes, that. we should see, how Christ is with the righteous, and, ,preserves them, and how He forsakes and brings to nought the ungodly; for Paul says, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning." Rom. 15:4.
Hence, let us diligently take heed, that we seek, fear and love the Lord from the bottom of our
heart, faithfully serving, and not forsaking Him; for Christ says, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth" (Luke 11:23); even as we daily see how mightily He preserves those who trust in Him, and how soon they fall who forsake Christ, and put their trust in man. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, let us trust in the Lord Almighty, constantly look to Jesus, the Captain and finisher of our faith, always keep the crucified Christ before our eyes, faithfully follow Him as He went before us, and patiently take up our cross, always remembering the words of Christ, where He says that they shall kill us, and will think that they do Him service; and remembering that this is told us beforehand, that when it happens to us, we may not be offended; for the servant is not greater than his lord. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. John 16:3.For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness, but unto us; the power of God. I Cor. 1:18. Hence, let us always remember the words of Christ"Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven, and before his holy angels." Matt. 10:32, 23. Let us firmly trust in Him, and He will not forsake us; for He does not forsake His own, but He prayed H'is heavenly Father, that where He is, He will that we shall be with Him. John 17:24.
Hence, let the world call us heretics and Anabaptists and condemn us as much as they please
for Paul says, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things I Now, if God so loved us, when we were yet enemies, how much more shall we be preserved from wrath, seeing we are justified through his blood: for being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Rom. 8:33, 34, 32; 5:10, 1-5.
My dearly beloved, let us therefore firmly trust the Lord, and patiently wait for His promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us not forsake Him, and He will not forsake us. I have committed us both and also the fruit into His hands, to do His divine will with us, that His name may be glorified thereby, and that it may tend tothe salvation of our souls, and to the consolation and joy of all that fear the Lord, and I firmly trust Him, and doubt not, that He will preserve us as His sons and daughters, yea, as the apple of His eye. Know, that I rejoiced greatly, when I read your letter and that you write, that you pray the Lord with weeping eyes, to make you fit to suffer for His name. My beloved, be not anxious, but pray the Lord with a humble heart, to give us what is best for our souls, which He will doubtless do, and will not tempt us above that we are able. May He keep us in all righteousness, holiness and truth, unto the end.
Know also, my beloved, that they greatly tortured me, to find out the midwives where our sisters lay in childbed; but the Lord, who kept my lips, was stronger than all their tortures. Eternal praise and glory be to the Lord, who does not forsake His own. They obtained no names from me, save one or two, which they had read to me from a letter, and which I told them, to see what they would say. But they asked me whether I was making sport of them, and tortured me still more, demanding that I should tell them concerning the women, and others, or they would torture me till the next morning, and stretch me a foot longer than I was. They told Gileyn to rack, and his assistant racked vigorously, and Gileyn poured my body full of water. They had me lying stark naked on the bench, with nothing but the shirt to cover my shame. I was bound to the bench with four cords, so that it seemed to me, as though my head and legs were severed; but they obtained nothing more, praise and glory be to the Lord. When they released me, two or three of them had to lift me from the bench, and dress me; yea, it would not have been possible to endure the pain without the help of the Lord. They told me to consider the matter, and become a good son of the Roman church, and that I should indicate all those whom I knew, or they would deal more severely with me. I replied that I had not erred, and would far rather die than forsake my faith. They then said that they would come again; but they can do no more than the Lord permits them. John 19:11. Eternal praise to the Lord, who has made us fit for this, may He further fit us to become children of His kingdom. Amen. My beloved wife, I commend you to the Lord and to the Word of His grace.
The grace and peace of God the Father, and the great mercy and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father, out of grace, for the salvation of all those who are dead unto their sins, and thus have risen with Christ into newness of life, and the eternal, unfathomable joy, consolation and communion of the Holy Ghost, strengthen your heart, understanding and mind in
Christ Jesus. To Him be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish you, Henry, my dear brother in the Lord, whom I love from the bottom of my heart, for the steadfastness of our faith in Christ Jesus, true, penitent faith, which works by love, which you have, and a firm, constant mind, and steadfastness unto the end in this same effectual, saving faith. Col. 2:5; Heb. 3:14. I am greatly rejoiced at your steadfastness, that you are again so cheerful and content, the Lord be praised forever. I pray the Lord night and day, to strengthen you with His divine Word, and confirm you in the faith, preserve you in the den of lions, as He preserved Daniel and keep you with His strong arm, and to give you the New Jerusalem -for an inheritance, which He will also do, for He is faithful that promised. Heb. 10:23.
Therefore, my dear brother in the Lord, let us fight manfully against all devouring beasts; for life is prepared for us; and let us not be afraid of their threatenings nor be terrified by their tortures, for they can do nothing without the will of the Father. I Pet. 3:14; John 19:11. The Lord will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. The Lord is our Captain, whom will we fear? The Lord is with us, who can be against us? For He will preserve us as the apple of His eye, yea, as His sons and daughters; for no man shall pluck His sheep out of His hand, yea, it is impossible for God's elect to be deceived. Matt. 24:24.
Hence, behold my dear brother in the Lord, be not dismayed, though they growl and snarl at you in an ugly manner; they can do nothing else to you. Let us fight valiantly against all dragons and lions. Put on the armor of God, take the sword of the Spirit, and resist them undauntedly, and regard no one; they will have to take to flight; for the sword which the Lord has given us is much too sharp for them, and the Lord helping us to fight, who is there able to prevail? For our God is a consuming fire, which devours His enemies. Deut. 4:24.
Hence, I pray you, my dear brother, not to let it grieve you, though they keep you so long in this den of lions; for hereby the Lord tries us, since He tries His chosen as gold in the furnace. Therefore be patient in your tribulation; for where no conflict is, there is no victory; hence, we must have conflict, if we are to overcome; but he that overcometh shall inherit all things. Rev. 21:7. Let us, therefore, take up the cross with humility and patience, and wait for our promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us keep the Lord before our eyes, and be faithful to Him unto death, for we must here suffer a little, but we shall be greatly rewarded; for He will set us upon His throne, and give us to eat of the hidden heavenly bread, and make us pillars in the temple of His God. Rev. 2:10; Wisd. 3:5; Rev. 2:17; 2:12. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the Word of His grace; may He strengthen you inHis righteousness unto the end. Furthermore, I let you know, that I have been told that you heard I had forsaken the Lord; I was greatly surprised at. this. It is not so, nor ever shall be; but they have said it to draw you off and trouble you. They have lied about me; for I have never stood otherwise in my faith, than is proper, and am still of the same mind as I was when I lay with you, the Lord be praised. I have never wavered, for I would rather be tortured ten times a day, and ultimately be roasted on a gridiron, than forsake my faith, which I have confessed.
Therefore, though they tell you ever so much about my having apostatized, believe it not, for the devil does this, in order to seduce and deceive you thereby, for by the grace of God I shall never forsake the Lord. But I have been sick in my flesh for many days; however, my spirit was so much the stronger. I prayed the Lord, to send me still more suffering, if it would conduce to my salvation, and He gives me more and more strength and consolation, for which I cannot sufficiently thank Him. Herewith I commend you to the Lord. When you sing aloud, I can well hear you. I thank the Lord, that He still, gives you so much strength that I hear you sing.
Grace and peace from God the Father, the unfathomable mercy of the Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the loving kindness and communion of the Holy Ghost be unto you, for an everlasting consolation, joy, gladness, and strength in your bonds, tribulation, sufferings, and vexation in your labor, and for strength in your faith, love and tribulation. To Him be praise for ever and ever. Amen.
I wish unto you, my dearly beloved, chosen wife in the Lord, the true, genuine, penitent faith, which works by love, and a very firm, immovable, steadfast mind in my and your most holy faith. I further wish you the crucified Christ for a bridegroom, who has chosen you for a daughter, bride and queen. To this King of the Most High, to the everlasting Father and jealous, loving God, I have now commended you, my beloved in the Lord, that He will now be your Comforter and Bridegroom, since He has called and taken me first, with which I am well content, seeing that it was the will of the Lord; eternal praise and glory be to the Lord for His great power which He has manifested in us.
Therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, do not complain, or grieve much, because He has taken me first; for He has done all for our best, that I should be an example unto you, and that you may follow me as valiantly as I, through the grace of the Lord, who has made us both worthy to suffer for His name, shall go before you. Oh, my dear lamb, I humbly entreat you, not to listen to the pa-
pists or other sophists, but steadfastly to follow your Bridegroom, your immovable Bridegroom. Follow His footsteps, and fear not -their threats, nor let their tortures terrify you; for they can do no more than the Lord permits them; they cannot hurt a hair of your head without the will of the Father which is in heaven. Matt. 10:30.
Hence, fear not, but continue firmly and steadfastly in the doctrine of Christ, and in the right truth; for the Lord will not forsake you, but will preserve you as the apple of His eye; yea; as His daughter and child, since it is impossible for God's elect to be deceived; for His sheep hear His voice, and follow Him; but they hear not the voice of strangers. Hence, no man shall pluck them out of His hand; for lie is their Shepherd and Protector. Hence, fight valiantly, my chosen lamb, for the glory of the Lord, even as He fought so valiantly, for the salvation of our souls. Be therefore of good cheer, even though you have to lie yet a little longer in this den of lions. Your deliverance is nigh; it tarries not, but comes; and When He comes that will come with power, He will receive you as His bride and queen; for it is His pleasure to have His chosen with Him, since He delights in beholding them; and the day of the Lord is at hand. Habakkuk 2:3; Ps. 45:14; Isa. 13:6.
Therefore, my dear wife in the Lord, fight valiantly now, and fear not man, but rather say with Susanna, that you would much rather fall into the hands of man, than into the hand of God; for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Susanna 24; Heb. 10:31. Go to meet the Lord with ardent love as you have done hitherto by the grace of the Lord, who works in you; and fight valiantly, for the crown of life is prepared for you, since to those that overcome all things are promised, and they shall also inherit all things; for Christ says, "Blessed are ye, when all men speak evil of you; for great is your reward in heaven." Matt. 5:11. He also says, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Lord also said that when they have brought us before lords and princes, and tortured and killed us, they shall yet think to have done Him service thereby. John 16:2. Therefore, trust firmly in Christ alone, and the Lord will not forsake you, and the crown of life is prepared for you.
Herewith I will commend you to the Lord, and to the Word of His grace, and take leave of you, here in this world; for I do not expect to see your face any more; but I hope to see you under the altar of Christ before many days. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, though the world counts us liars, and separates us bodily, yet the merciful Father will soon bring us together again under His altar, together with our brother; for I do not doubt it, but am firmly trusting in Him; for I have commended us three into His hands, to do His divine will with us, whereby His name may be most praised and thanked, to the salvation of our souls,and to the consolation and strengthening of, all those that fear the Lord, and serve and love His name; this He will also do, I doubt not; for He does not forsake His own who trust in Him; hence I go with a glad heart, to offer up my sacrifice to the praise of the Lord. If I could yet have come to you, I would have done so; but Joachim would not have it. But Christ will soon bring us together again under His altar; this men will not be able to prevent. Herewith I bid you adieu, till we meet under the altar. I commend you to the Lord. Big Henry salutes you much in the Lord. See, my dear wife in the Lord, the hour is now come that we must part; and thus I go before, with great joy and gladness, to my and your heavenly Father (John 20:17), and I most humbly entreat you, not to grieve on this account, but to rejoice with me. Rom. 12:15. However, I am sad in one respect, because I leave you among these wolves; but I have commended you and the fruit to the Lord, and know assuredly, that He will preserve you unto the end, and herein I rest content. Be valiant in the Lord.
Lijsken, our sister, who was in bonds for a long time, fulfilled the time of her sojourning, continuing most perfectly and steadfastly in the Word of the Lord unto the end, the Lord be praised forever, and confessed her faith very frankly and unfeignedly, in the court, before the authorities and the common people. In the first place, they questioned her concerning baptism, to which she replied, "I know but one baptism, which Christ and His saints practiced and left us.", "What do you think of infant baptism?" asked the bailiff?
Lijsken answered, "That it is nothing but infant baptism, and a human institution."
The lords then arose and put their heads together. In the meantime Lijsken clearly confessed and explained the ground of her faith to the people. Thereupon they passed sentence- upon her. Lijsken thus addressed herself to the judges, "You are judges now, but the time will come when you shall wish that you had been shepherds,* for there is a Judge and Lord over us all, who will judge you in due time; 'but we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world."' Wisd. 5; Ps. 7:11; Eph. 6:1.2. The lords therefore said, "Take her out of the court."
The people then ran together in great crowds to see her. Lijsken boldly said to them, "Be it known to you, that I do not:suffer for .theft, murder, or any other evil deed, but solely for the incorruptible Word of God." Thereupon they came to the Bargkerk,* when she said, "O thou den of thieves (Matthew 21:13), how many a soul is murdered in thee!" As she was thus going along between the servants, though not led by them, the latter said [to the people], "Arise, make room." Then Li j sken said, "They do not hinder me; they may look on me, and take an example from me, all who love the word of the Lord." Phil. 3:17:
Speaking on, she went back into prison. The common people were greatly agitated, but the friends rejoiced. Hence, in the afternoon, some of our friends went to the prison to visit her, much other people also coming. The friends. talked a little with her, and said, "It is well that you suffer only for well doing, and not: for any evil deed." I Pet. 2:20. But she had to avoid them, on account of the other people that were in the prison. She spoke boldly and valiantly to the people, and sang a beautiful hymn, so that the people were greatly astonished. Two monks came, to torment her yet, and the three were locked together in a room. Lijsken utterly refused to listen to them. Once the door of the room was opened, much people standing before it, and Lijsken came and stood in the door, and said to the monks, "Go away, until you are sent for.; for I will not listen to you; if I had been content with your leaven, I should not have come to this, " The three were again locked into the room, and the erring spirits or stars (I John 4:1; Jude 13) made another attempt with their false and deadly poison; but, God be praised, Lijsken was undaunted and of good cheer, and commenced singing a hymn in the presence of the monks. One o£ the friends present said, "Sister; fight valiantly, " When they [the monks], heard this, they were very angry, and said, "There is another of her people, who encourages her, whom it were better to burn than her. Thus they went away in a rage; for their voice was strange, and they were not heard there." John 10:5.
Lijsken was then shut up alone in the room, which fronted the street, where she used to sit; and no one could get to her, save he that had the keys. When the monks came out into the street, to go away, some friends who were there asked them"Will she not be converted?" The monks replied"No; for there was one of her people there, whom she preferred to hear." Towards evening, the Lord granted, that one of the friends came to the place where Lijsken sat, and conversed with her a long time, so that the people in the street began to hear it, and all looked up to the place where the friend was, so that some who were with him became uneasy, and told him to go away; but he replied, "I must first bid her adieu." He then said, "Arise,
sister, show yourself, and look out at the window." She immediately did so, and as she looked out upon the people standing in the street, some friends who were among the crowd, also called out, saying;"Dear sister, fight valiantly; for the crown of life is set before you." She then said to the people, "Drunkards, whoremongers, adulterers, all these are tolerated; they indeed read and speak of the Scriptures; but they that live and walk according to the will of God, are troubled, .oppressed, persecuted and put to death." II Tim. 3:12; John 16:2. And forthwith she began to sing, "Behold, what poor sheep we are," etc. Rom. 8:36. Before the hymn was finished, the lords came with the servants into the prison. Some friends said, "Just finish it, Lijsken." But before she could finish the hymn, they drew her away from the window, and evening approaching, she was seen no more. Saturday morning we rose early, some before daylight, others at day break, to see the marriage which we thought should come off. But the crafty murderers had anticipated us; .we had. slept too long; for they had perpetrated their murderous work between three and four o'clock. They took the lamb to the Scheldt, thrust her into a bag, and drowned her, before the people arrived, so that but few witnessed it. There were some, however, who saw that she went boldly unto death, and valiantly said, "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." Thus she was delivered up, and departed, to the praise of the Lord.; so that through the grace of God it moved much .people. When the people arrived, and learned that she was dead already, it caused a great commotion among them, and as much sorrow as though she had been publicly executed; for they said, "Thieves and murderers are brought publicly before all men." Thus their perfidy became the more widely known. Some plain people asked, "Why must this people die? for many give a good testimony of them." Some friends who were there openly said to the people, "The reason is, that they obey the commands of God more than that of the Emperor, or of men, because they have sincerely turned to the Lord their God; from lies to the truth, from darkness to light, from unrighteousness to righteousness, from unbelief to the true faith; have thus amended their life, and, after becoming true believers, been baptized according to the command of Christ, and the practice of His apostles." They moreover showed to the people from the Word of God, that the papists are those of whom the apostle Paul prophesied; that is, the seducing spirits., who teach the doctrines of devils; and also, that the righteous had to suffer from the beginning, from the time of Abel until now, even as Christ also had to suffer, and thus enter into the glory of His Father, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps;"for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." I Timothy 4:1; Luke 24:26; I Pet. 2:21; II Tim. 3:12.