PETER GERRITS, PETER JORIS, PETER LEYDECKER, AND JOHANNA MELS, A. D. 1536.

In the year 1536, on St. Margaret’s day, in the morning, the Bailiff at Zierichzee apprehended three brethren and one sister, named Peter Gerrits, Peter Joris, Peter Leydecker, and Johanna Mels, whom he took with him half dressed, and put them in prison, where they were confined for seven weeks; but no suffering or misery inflicted upon them could induce them to apostatize. When they were examined, and many human institutions were presented to them, which they endeavored to refute with the word of God, the Burgomaster said:

“We care not for your word of God, but hold to the mandate of the Emperor, and shall ignominiously exterminate all those who act contrary to it.”

They answered: “Lord Burgomaster, by this you prove yourself to be a protector of the kingdom of Babel and of Bel for which you will indeed reap some reward here on earth, but hereafter, with antichrist and the crowned beast, eternal damnation in the lake of fire.” 1 John 2:18; Revelation 13; 19:20.

They were then placed upon the rack, though contrary to their privileges, for they were mere citizens; however, they would not apostatize, though they were tortured so that the blood ran down their feet: but they trusted in and cried to God alone. After being tortured, they were brought up above again, where they comforted each other with the word of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:18.

Finally, on the 4th of September, they were sentenced to death. They were brought bound upon the scaffold, yet came forth boldly and humbly, as lambs of Christ, and finally knelt down, saying with Stephen: “Lord Jesus, receive our spirits into thy hands.” Acts 7:59. They were all then speedily beheaded, their bodies burned, and their heads placed upon stakes. Thus they offered up their sacrifice.