The Third Letter From Jan Wouterss, To The Church Of God At Dortrecht, Who Were Scattered Everywhere For The Testimony Of Christ.

Again, that those who have abundance give abundantly; but those who do not have it in abundance, that they communicate the same with a faithful heart. If this is done, and every one proffers his assistance, the ministers can serve with a joyful heart, especially if there are few ministers.

Further I write unto you, you threescore valiant men (Cant. 3:7), always have strong courage, always be well prepared with the sword of the Spirit at your side, to protect this lovely bride from all harm or nightly terror, bringing into captivity every thought that exalteth itself against the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5.

Guard well, with a faithful heart, this pleasure garden of the Lord, that the cunning foxes that creep in may not nestle therein, that the rooting swine do not come and dig it up, whereby the young sprouts often lose their strength and wither. Psalm 80:13. Though you then may sometimes have to meet false brethren, turn not back on that account, nor faint; for if you turn back, what should the others do?

Hence be of strong courage in the Lord; since the Spirit of the church has chosen you for the work of the Lord, offer your heads, and take your life into your hands, and go forth in the name of the Lord. If they threaten you, think: We are in the hand of the Lord; you are but dust and ashes; the Lord will preserve us. Think: We are not better than our brethren. Though it then comes to pass, that one’s time is fulfilled, that his course is finished, that he must be tried as gold, before kings, lords, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, to praise the name of the Lord; go forward nevertheless, and take for your example those valiant heroes, as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Samson, Gideon, David, the prophets and the apostles, and consider the former times, how mightily the Lord trampled upon the necks of their enemies, as Joshua said to his valiant men, that the Lord should do to all that did set themselves against them; hence he said: fear not. Josh. 10:25.

Most beloved, excuse my simple letter; though it is very simple, yet, whatever its defects, think that I hereby manifest in a measure my boldness and my affection towards you, which I, unworthy one, have had and still have towards you; yea I have this confidence by the grace of the Lord, that no one shall be able to separate me from the great love which I have towards you and the Lord.

Hence I am of good cheer in all that comes upon me, for I find our Lord very faithful; that he is a true helper in time of need, who does not forsake his own; for I have now by the help of the Lord striven unto blood, kept the faith, and received great consolation in my heart, so that I can rejoice in my suffering, and this through the aid of your prayers, and by the co-operation of the Holy Spirit. Yea, I cannot tell you the great joy which I now have because the Lord has kept my lips.

Hence I beseech you all most affectionately, rejoice, and praise the Lord with me, that he has so faithfully succored his poor servant, and has alleviated my pain, and made a way to escape, so that I was able to bear it.

O most beloved, is this not a great consolation, that the holy and good God has made himself our debtor, and has promised us (mark, by promising an obligation is incurred), saying; “Though a mother forget the son of her womb, yet will I not forget thee”? says the almighty Lord, if we do not forsake him, and do not sell our birthright as lightly as did Esau, for a little life; concerning which Christ says: Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it. Luke 17:33. Alas! he loses it badly that will not find it again; but well does he lose it who will again find an imperishable one.

This is certainly the promise of Christ, this he has merited for us by his righteousness and suffering; but we must also faithfully strive unto death for the truth, and purify our souls by obedience to the truth, to persevere in this short conflict: Therefore take unto you the armor of God, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery and subtle darts of the wicked. Gird your loins with the girdle of truth; put on the breastplate of righteousness; have your feet shod with the gospel of peace, so that you may be ready in all things; above all, take the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation—that is, the living hope—and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; and always pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Eph. 6:13–18; Luke 12:35; 1 Thess. 5:8. With these weapons you can overcome all your enemies, in patience and meekness.