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

To this end you have many testimonies in the Scriptures, and also I unworthy one, your known weak brother, bear witness, that these are the true weapons; for I can now write of this because of the victory that I have gained through Christ Jesus, who always helps me to triumph. To him alone be praise, honor and might forever and ever. Amen.

Herewith I will commend you my dearest fellow-helpers, brethren and sisters to the almighty God and the rich word of his grace, who is able to strengthen you all, and to finish the good work that he has begun in you, and to bring you into his everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Herewith I bid you all adieu in this evil world full of all wickedness, with Christ Jesus our bridegroom I will await you, and there meet you again in fullness of joy; the Lord grant his grace hereunto. Amen.

Finally I humbly make this request, that if I have grieved any one by word, conduct, or deed, you 866 will heartily forgive me; I likewise do so from the heart, but I wish that it had been better with me in this respect. Farewell, be of good courage.

Written by me, your weak brother and humblest member, imprisoned for the testimony of the gospel of Christ, at Dortrecht, on the 3d of March, in the year 1572.

Jan Wouterss.

I was tortured a week ago Saturday, and again the following Wednesday. Thus I now bear in my body the marks of the sufferings of Christ; which I might have easily escaped, had I been willing to tell what was demanded of me. I should in that case have acted contrary to the Scriptures, contrary to love and my conscience, and should die with a troubled heart; many hearts should have been grieved; but now I trust that many will rejoice with me, and be glad and bold, and praise God.

Thus, let all of you firmly resolve in your hearts to do those things that are of good report, honest, and pleasing to God (Philip. 4:8); call upon the Lord for strength, and be assured in your hearts, that he hears your prayer. Ps. 145:19. Present to him in your prayer his own promises, and you shall not be confounded, for he hears the prayer of the poor, says David. Also rejoice together, that our enemies obtained nothing by the torture from our dear sister, my fellow prisoner. Therefore praise the Lord, ye saints. Ps. 147. I unworthy one cordially greet you all in the Lord, in his name, with the love and peace of Christ. I thank you all for your Christian fellowship. O most beloved, let that which you have heard and accepted from the beginning abide in you, and beware of those that would take it from you; for I unworthy one testify that you stand in the unadulterated truth; fulfill the same in the fear of God, and you shall have peace.

Written by me, in bonds,

Jan Wouterss Kuyck.