The First Letter Of Hans Bret, Written On Monday After Whitsuntide, A. D. 1576, At Antwerp, In Prison, To His Dear And Beloved Mother.

While we were thus talking, there came another priest, a Jesuit, so that there were three of them sitting there. Then the priest again commenced to speak of the Supper. Therefore I asked them: When Christ gave the bread to his disciples, and said: Take, eat; this is my body: this do in remembrance of me; whether Christ himself remained sitting there? He said: “Yes.” I said: “Hence it is not to be understood so” (as you say); and I told him that he did not understand the Scriptures. I said that a carnal man cannot understand that which is spiritual, for, says Paul, it is foolishness unto him. 1 Cor. 2:14. Then he cried: “What can you say about me, am I a drunkard?” Ans. “Your idolatries bear witness what you are, and also the Scriptures reveal your horrible idolatry, which is an abomination in the sight of God; yes, I am sorry that you are so in error.” They cried: “You err.” The Jesuit cried every time, that the devil had me by the throat, and that I was a proud fool; and other like words. I said: “I rejoice that I am thus despised for Christ’s sake.” They clamored so loudly, that one could scarcely utter a sentence. The Dean cried to the others: “Domine, Domine;343 let him go, we shall gain no laurels with him.” But the priest commenced again to talk of the Supper. I told him that he had to understand it spiritually, and proved it to him with several Scriptures, as, John 1:29: “Behold the Lamb of God.” Again, 15:1: “I am the true vine.”

If I were to relate all, though I had much more paper, I should cover it with writing. We then spoke of baptism; he asked me why children might not be baptized. [I replied]: Because Christ did not command it, nor the apostles teach it.

Then he adduced several Scriptures that were quite to the contrary, John 3, and others. I showed him, that Christ there did not teach water baptism, but that he had taught it in Matt. 28 and Mark 16; and I stated what baptism signified; to whom it pertains, and that it is horrible to hear that they want to save children by baptism, whereby they deprive Christ of the honor. Rom. 6:3; John 3:16; Acts 4:12. When we had talked thus for a long time, the Dean cried to the priest: “Hear, hear, Lord; Audi, audi, Domine; let him go; we waste our time with him, and he remains as obstinate as ever.” I said: “I am sorry that you will not listen to the truth; it is all in vain, it is only casting pearls before swine.” Matt. 7:6.

Then the Dean became very angry, so that I soon parted from them, for it was getting late. I must be brief, for my paper is giving out. Afterwards I talked yet with a priest alone, on Whitsuntide evening; so that the priest went away from me, when I told that he should show to me, that Christ and his apostles, in this manner, went about the street with an idol, with torches, lanterns and bells. Ps. 112:4; Bar. 6:4. He would not talk with me long; we talked a little about the Supper and baptism, but not long, for the priest went away, and I began to admonish him a little. But I must be brief. Though you hear much said that I wanted to hearken to the priests, believe it not; but be fervent in prayer, for in the end it shall be made manifest.

Mother, I pray you, that you will send the letter herewith enclosed, which I have written to my brother D. in England, to him; and if there be anything written in it that is not suitable, erase it. And I pray you, write him my faith. I would write it myself, but through want of paper I cannot. 988 Write him that he may know for what I deliver up my body to the burning; for I presume that many will write that which is not the truth. Thus, dear mother, it is time to stop, for want of paper. I greet you, my mother, and also all my dear sisters, with a holy kiss of peace; and greet also from me those whom you well know, also my master, yea, and all the friends. G. and my sister K., the Lord be with you and us all, and keep you. Thus, my dearest mother, farewell, and the Lord be with you; for I think that you will see my face no more in this life, nor do I know whether I shall have another opportunity to write. Thus, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob be with you all. Amen.