# Old Pieter, Jan Watier, Jan Van Raes, Wouter Denijs, Francais The Carpenter, And Kalleken, The Widow Of Anpleunis Van Den Berge.

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As the Jews did to the Shepherd, so their successors
do still to his sheep, which was evident in
the year 1569, when they, having come from Kortrijck
to Meenen, apprehended there a brother
named old Pieter; but not yet satisfied with this,
they returned on the Friday before Easter, in the
night, and apprehended Jan Watier, Jan van Raes,
Wouter Denijs, Francais the Carpenter, and Kalleken,
the widow of Anpleunis van den Berge (which
latter had previously been offered up). These were
so tightly bound that it was pitiful to behold. Jan
Watier said: “If there is any one here from Komen,
greet my wife, and tell her to fear God.” These
were then conducted to Kortrijck, where they lay
for three weeks, so closely guarded that no one
could come to them, to comfort or speak to them.
They were also very severely tortured, in order that
they should mention others: but God kept their
lips. The old man, Jan van Raes, was put on the
rack twice, but he nevertheless betrayed no one.
When John Watier was led back to prison, it was a
lamentable sight to behold how he had been tortured,
all his limbs appearing to have been broken.

When they were led to the court, they said:
“Now truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot
enter.” Is. 59:14. There they (the five brethren
and one sister) comforted and cheered one
728
another with the word of God. 1 Thess. 4:18.
There the innocent were sentenced to be burned,
and delivered to the hangman or executioner.
Longing for their Father’s land, to be in peace with
him forever, they boldly came forth, and Pieter
sighed and cast up his eyes, saying: “O Lord, succor
thy servant, and strengthen him in his last extremity;
and do not account this as sin to them, but
convert them; for they know not what they do.” Jan
Watier said to the lords: “If we have done amiss
to you in anything, do forgive us; we gladly forgive
you all that you have done amiss to us; but let the
innocent blood you have shed satisfy you, and do
not shed any more.” Pieter said to the people:
“If you would enter into life, seek first the kingdom
of God, and his righteousness, and all that you further
need shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33.
He further said: “This is the strait gate by which
we enter in; here we are going home, where we
shall be this evening.” Wouter Denijs said: “O
Lord, reprove them with the hammer of thy divine
word, that they may perceive, whom they have
pierced, and be converted.” John 19:37. Pieter
again said: “These members, which God has given
me, I will gladly surrender for his honor; for hereafter,
when I rise, he shall give them to me again.”
2 Macc. 7:11.

When they had all finished their prayer, and were
standing bound at the stakes, they confidently exclaimed:
“O heavenly Father, into thy hands I
commend my spirit.” Thus all these six friends
passed through the conflict, as faithful regenerated
children of God, and elect sheep of Christ, who
remained steadfast unto the end, and with their
sacrifice took their blessed departure out of this
world.

Wouter Denijs also wrote several letters from
prison, three of which have come into our hands,
and follow here.



## Original source

[Read this passage on Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/65855/pg65855-images.html#Page_728)

[Edition details](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65855)

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