A Letter Of Jan Quirijnss, Imprisoned With Cornelis Janss And Clement Hendrickss, At Amsterdam, Where All Three Were Burned For The Testimony Of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, dear sister, look to the pious, and not to the weak; look unto Jesus Christ the author and finisher of the faith, as Paul says, and suffer not yourself to be led astray by certain vain talkers who undertake to turn you aside. Heb. 12:2; Tit. 1:10. Christ says that in the latter days many false prophets shall arise in his name (O mark, in his name); insomuch that, if it were possible, even the very elect should be deceived. Matt. 24:24. But he that endureth to the end shall be saved; the elect shall not be deceived. Be valiant in your mind, and always pray without ceasing, with prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Meditate day and night in the law of the Lord, that you may be a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his rich good fruit in his season; whose leaf shall not wither (Ps. 1:2,3); and that you may be a fruitful branch in the vine Christ Jesus. For David says: “The righteous shall never fall, but shall stand forever like mount Zion”; yea, the righteous shall never be removed, says Solomon. Psalm 125:1; Prov. 10:30.

Let us therefore finish our course with joy, and strive lawfully (2 Tim. 2:5); for no one is crowned, except he strive lawfully, as did the pious forefathers, who placed their hope in God, whom they faithfully served. He did not forsake them, nor did they forsake him; they bowed their necks under the scepter of Christ Jesus, as the pious Esther also bowed her neck. 2 Esther 14:2. O take heed to this; though the righteous must suffer much here, and be deprived of all human help and comfort, let us turn our eyes to the succorer Jesus Christ, who will not forsake us. Can a mother forsake her child? Yea, though she forsake it, yet will I not forsake thee, says the Lord. Is. 49:16. He that touches us, touches the apple of his eye. Zech. 2:8. Who should not fear such a God, who always preserves and protects his poor people? For the joy which he has promised us, sweetens everything. He that ever cometh shall inherit all things. Rev. 21:7. They shall sit with Christ Jesus in his throne, even as he sat down with his Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21. Yea, he shall gird himself, and go before us, and serve us at table. Luke 12:37. How the righteous shall shine forth then in the kingdom of his Father! How they shall leap up then as calves of the stall! How the righteous shall then shine, as sparks that run among the stubble! how they that did not love their lives unto death shall then triumph and sing the song, and, with palms in their hands and crowns upon their heads, thank, praise, and magnify the name of the Lord! In short, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Matt. 13:43; Malachi 4:2; Wis. 3:7; John 12:25; Rev. 14:3; 2 Esdras 2:46; 1 Cor. 2:9.

Hence, let every one that has this hope in him purify himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:3. But the God of all grace, who has called us by his glory and power, strengthen and confirm you, my beloved, dear sister in the Lord, with the power of the Holy Ghost, unto the end. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10.

Herewith I will commend you, my beloved sister in Christ, to the Lord, and to the word of his great grace. Receive this my short, simple letter in good part, for I have written it out of true, unfeigned brotherly love, this the Almighty Lord knows. Hence I pray you, receive this from me in good part; for he that fears God receives everything for the best. Always hold fast your first love unto the end, and the fervent love to God and the brethren (Rev. 2:4; 1 Peter 4:8); may the Almighty, eternal and strong God grant you this. Amen.

Greet all my friends in my name, especially M. S’s daughter, G. R. W., and further all that know me. Several that were with me when I wrote this greet you; also Cornelis Janss greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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