Another Letter Of Jelis Bernaerts To His Wife.

Thus, my most beloved, let us not fear; God is our Leader; and if God be for us, who can be against 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? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is arisen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. This we know, yea, what is more, we know that he preserves us as the apple of his eye, and has said: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” So that we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me,” (Heb. 13:5,6), even as he has also admonished us, not to fear them that can kill the body; since after that they can do no more. But let us fear him who has power to cast soul and body into hell. Even as he also says through the prophet: “Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass?” Isaiah 51:12.

Hence, my most beloved, fear not that which may befall you yet: neither be without comfort: but be of good cheer out of bonds, and be patient in tribulation, even as I am by the help of the Lord, in my bonds; and let us firmly continue in faith and love, and say with St. Paul: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written; for thy sake we are killed all the day long: we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Rom. 8:35–37.

Therefore, my most beloved, have good courage, and be of good cheer and patient in all your tribulation, and stand firm in the faith, steadfast unto the end, so that, even as we are now separated from each other by much tribulation and suffering, we may meet in the day of resurrection, and thus rejoice forever with one another, and reign with the Lord and all the saints, and all the angels of God, forever and ever. Amen.

To this end, may the Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you, and me (and all that love the Lord and keep his commandments) through the power of his Holy Spirit. Amen. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace. Amen. The peace of the Lord be with you.

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