Thomas Van Imbroeck, The 5th Of May, In The Year 1558.

But what says the Scripture: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name . . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”

Hence I deem it necessary for us, O wife of the Lord, to reflect on this; for though we are now the 557 reproach of all men, yea, as the filth and offscouring of every one, so that they say: “Away with him, for he is not fit to live;” they shall in due time confess and say: “Behold, how are they now numbered among the children of God, and their lot is among the saints. We accounted their life madness, and their end to be without honor.” Wis. 3:5,4. Now we sigh, but when he shall come for whom we wait; then they shall sigh, and be distressed with great pain; who shall be without hope; for their worm shall never die, and their fire shall not be quenched.

Hence, there is a great difference between the pious and the ungodly; for the souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment touch them, for their hope is full of immortality. Wis. 3:1,4.

This, my brethren, we are to consider well; for if we look back, we still look upon deadly or mortal things, and there cannot apply to us the comforting words of Paul, where he says: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” 2 Cor. 4:17,18.

Now I know that wife and children are visible, and though they are dear to me, yet I will count them but dung, and say: “Henceforth know I no man after the flesh; but the knowledge of the spirit abideth forever.” Philip. 3:8; 2 Cor. 5:16. And thus I hope to know you all when we shall appear together in the eternal joy, which is prepared from the beginning for them that are not ashamed of Christ; but this is not to be ashamed, when we, as malefactors, go without the gate, for Christ’s sake, and help him bear his reproach, without the camp. Heb. 12:13.

Hence I desire that the rich seek no excuse, and say: “Yea, I cannot forsake everything, it would create great wonderment and sensation before the world, if I should so completely forsake my rank. Yea, they should imagine that they were doing too much in this. Ah no! he who is over all, God blessed forever, humbled himself much more than this; for he was King over all, and Lord of the whole world, even as David in spirit calls him Lord: he came not to be ministered unto, but to minister unto all; for he became the servant of us all, that he might make us free. Rom. 9:5; Philip. 2:7; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; Matt. 20:28; John 8:36.

If we therefore have received freedom through him, let us be grateful, and not cast it from us; for it has a great reward, though some say we ought not to serve God for the reward. This view, I say, is not right; for I say with Paul: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Cor 15:19.

Yet, let no one think, that he shall be justified and saved by his good works alone; for this we must wholly ascribe to the grace of God, and to the merits and innocently shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who works the good in us.

Therefore, my dear brethren, beware of such spirits; for they would experience greater perfection, but fail in those things which are least. Adhere to the doctrine you have learned. One thing I desire and request: that the simple may be better and more thoroughly instructed, lest your labor be burned in the fire; for the scripture says not in vain: “In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted; for experience brings perfect wisdom, even as Paul says: Blessed be . . . the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For, as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ; yea, through him, I say, we shall gain the victory; for he is our life, and to die is gain for us, since he says: “Though you were dead, yet shall you live.” Heb. 2:18; 2 Cor. 1:3–5; John 11:25; 2 Tim. 2:11.