# Hendrick Alewijns, Hans Marijns Van Oosten, And Gerrit Duynherder, A. D. 1569.

1569 · Historical source

Source: Martyrs’ Mirror. Original heading: HENDRICK ALEWIJNS, HANS MARIJNS VAN OOSTEN, AND GERRIT DUYNHERDER, A. D. 1569.

Source heading; not independently verified

In the year 1569 there were imprisoned for the
testimony of Jesus, at Middleburgh, in Zealand,
the following pious sheep and followers of Christ:
Hendrick Alewijns, a purse-maker by trade, and
Hans Marijns van Oosten, with Gerrit Duynherder.
These suffered from the ministers of antichrist manifold
assaults, and threats and tortures terrible to the
flesh, all of which they, through faith and the power
of God (which was in them) patiently and valiantly
resisted. And after they had suffered all this for
Christ’s sake, they were together burnt alive at said
place, on the 9th of February 1569, confirming the
belief of the ever-abiding truth with their death and
blood, and now serve as a beacon to all true believers,
that they may follow their unfeigned faith.
Phil. 3:17.

The Hendrick Alewijns mentioned here was in
his time a very zealous follower of Christ, and was
elected and chosen by the brethren to serve the
church of God with the word of the holy Gospel,
in which he was very diligent, and, though young
in the service, he exceedingly abounded and increased
in the work of God. 2 Cor. 8:19; Luke
1:2; 1 Tim. 4:15. And though he had neither
silver nor gold, nor temporal means, yet his hands
gained him and his wife and children a livelihood,
and he sought to minister to the flock of Christ not
for the milk and wool, but this hero followed the
good, true and faithful Shepherd Jesus, and willingly,
of a ready mind, ministered to the work of
God, wherefore, at the appearance of the chief Shepherd,
he shall receive the imperishable crown of
honor. Acts 3:6; 20:34; Matt. 10:16; Ezek. 34:3;
1 Pet. 5:2,4.

During the time of his imprisonment he also did
not forget his brethren and sisters, but wrote beautiful
letters, descriptions and hymns, worthy of being
read, to them, as also to his three little orphans;
some of which have previously already appeared
in print. We pray the reader attentively to read
those adduced here, the first of which was sent to
the beloved children of God in Zealand, and reads
as follows:

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An epistle from Hendrick Alewijns, sent to the beloved
children of God in Zealand, written in his
prison at Middleburgh, where he steadfastly
testified to the truth of God with his death,
on the 9th of February, A. D. 1569.

A most Christian greeting and salutation in the
Lord! Hendrick Alewijns, unworthy, a weak brother
and simple companion in the faith in God, a partaker
of his sufferings, also of patience, and of the
hope of eternal life, with all the saints, all through
the grace of God, unmerited. Grace, peace, the
mercy of God, salvation, prosperity, and everything
good from above, through Christ Jesus, constantly
to be kept stirred up, and the ardent impelling of
the Holy Spirit, even unto the blessed end, these
things I wish all my beloved friends, brethren,
sisters, and companions, from God the Father,
through Jesus Christ our dear Lord, Redeemer and
Savior. Amen. This I send as a greeting, in a good
intention, from the very depths of my love, to you,
as my special acquaintances and friends, to exhort
and stir up one another to good devotion, while
absent, yet in one hope of the kingdom and glory
of God, though I am now confined at a distance
from you.

My very kind, especially peaceable and ever well-meaning
friends, seeing before me my departure
from this life, and having time to write, I gladly
turn to your love for a little while, to give you intelligence
and glad tidings, which, I presume, is
according to your wish and desire. Behold, be it
known to you all, that I, your friend, am still prospering
in the Lord, in both respects, that is, in body
and soul, in the unchanging determination, to endeavor
with a good resolution, to keep body and
soul surrendered to and in God, pleasing to you
to hear, and to my salvation. May God grant this
to the blessed end of my faith, O dear Lord. Amen.

Further, the cause of my writing to you, and to
your love, is also to ask you to help me pray in my
behalf, for steadfastness in God’s truth, and that
I may live in his grace, and for God’s faithful assistance
towards me. I inform you that I am of very
good cheer in my imprisonment, tribulation, sorrow,
reproach, and suffering for righteousness’ sake;
and also I have, with all the saints, in my tribulation,
a bright prospect, the hope and consolation
of the Spirit, and the rich promises of God to succor
us in this present time, who also assures us of
eternal life hereafter, of which so abundantly mention
is made in the Scriptures.

In the first place, I know, consider, and firmly
believe with many saints, according to the abundant
testimony of the Scriptures, that God is faithful in
keeping his promises. Read Deut. 32:4; Numbers
23:19; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Tim. 2:13.
He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we
are able to bear, but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape. He does not leave his children
comfortless. He will with his Spirit defend us
before kings and princes, as much as will be needful
at the time. He will, and knows how to, deliver
the godly out of temptation. He says: “I will never
leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Therefore I will trust
in the Lord, and not fear what man shall do unto
me. Heb. 13:5,6. What can flesh do? says Paul.

Again: If God be with us, who can be against
us? and God is with us, if we are with him, mark.
Romans 8:31; 2 Chron. 15:2. Again: We are
troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.

Again: Thanks be unto God, which always causeth
us to triumph in Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 2:14.
Again: Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the
world. 1 John 5:4. For which cause we faint not
(because of God’s consolation); but though our
outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed
day by day. 2 Cor. 4:16. Again: I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philip. 4:13. O how blessed is the man that endureth
temptation: for when he is tried, he shall
receive the crown of life, which God has promised
to them (he says, to them) that love him. James
1:12.

And since God is so faithful in all his promises,
as said, we press straight on with righteousness, as
though we beheld God, and saw no adversaries;
as though we saw no decree, fire, water, or sword.
For who is he that will harm us, if we be followers
of that which is good? as Peter assures us. 1 Peter
3:13. Also Paul says: Who shall separate us from
the love of God? etc. Rom. 8:35. Who will pluck
our Shepherd’s sheep out of his hand? No one.
John 10:28. But one can and may indeed himself
stray out of his hand. Again it is written: No evil
shall happen to him that feareth God; for when he
is tempted, he shall be delivered again. Mark, John
says: There is no fear in love (1 John 4:18); understand,
such fear as departs from the way of rectitude.
Yea, such fearless ones run through patience
(mark, through), not out of, but into, the conflict
that is set before us, and look not at the dreadful
tyranny, but unto Jesus, the Captain, the Author
and Finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2.

And these comforting promises of God, here
partly mentioned and touched upon, behold, speak,
and treat chiefly only of God’s keeping, assisting
and strengthening us, in this time, and in the
sufferings of this present time.

But, friends, how much greater and more valuable
must be the consolation, reward, and the crown
of eternal life, of which so much is said in other
places, of God’s eternal life, kingdom and glory,
which are promised to those that overcome and
patiently endure, as will here in part follow.

In the first place, observe in the Book of Wisdom,
concerning the day of judgment, and the glory
of God’s elect: Then shall the righteous man stand
in great boldness before the face of such as have
afflicted him, and made no account of his labors.
Wis. 5:1. Again: The righteous live for evermore;
their reward also is with the Lord, and the care
of them is with the Most High. Therefore shall they
receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown
from the Lord’s hand. Verses 15, 16. Mark well,
an eternal reward. Again: The souls of the righteous
are in the hand of God, and the torment of
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death shall not touch them. In the sight of the
unwise they seem to die, and their departure and
going from us are taken for destruction; but they
are in peace. For though they have much suffering
(he says, much suffering) in the sight of men, yet is
their hope full of immortality, and having been
a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded;
for God proves them, and finds them worthy for
himself. Wis. 3:1–5. Yea, here they shall suffer
strait things, but hope for the wide: but they that
have lived wickedly, and yet have suffered the strait
things, shall not see the wide, alas, no. 2 Esdr. 7:18.
Again, 2 Macc. 7:36: My brethren, who now have
suffered themselves to be martyred for a short
time, now wait for everlasting life, according to
God’s promise (he says, everlasting life according
to God’s promise). Again, also the promises of our
Lord Jesus Christ himself: That all who have followed
him in the regeneration (he says, in the
regeneration) and have forsaken everything dear to
them, house, home, wife, children, etc., and their
own life, shall receive a hundred fold in this time,
and hereafter everlasting life; and shall also sit with
him upon thrones, and help judge the twelve tribes
of Israel. Matt. 19:28.

Again: Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye
shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate
you, and when they shall separate you from their
company, and shall reproach you, and cast out
your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold,
your reward is great in heaven (he says, in
heaven). Luke 6:21. Mark, heavenly consolation.
Again, Paul says: “Blessed be God, even the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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.” 2 Cor. 1:3–5.
Again: He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life and peace. O friends, let us therefore
not be weary in well-doing; for in due season
we shall reap without ceasing (he says, without
ceasing). Gal. 6:8,9. O friends, let this claim
your joyful consideration and attention. Now no
chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous,
but grievous: nevertheless, afterward (he says, afterward)
it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness
unto them (he says, them) which are exercised
thereby. Heb. 12:11. Again, in Paul we further
find: It is a faithful saying (he says, a faithful saying):
For if we be dead with him, we shall also live
with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us. 2 Timothy
2:11,12.

Again, in Peter, also we read: Beloved, think it
not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened
unto you (he says, as though some strange thing
happened unto you): but be partakers of Christ’s
sufferings, that, when he shall be revealed, ye may
be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Pet. 4:12,13.

Behold, such and similar beautiful promises, and
heavenly consolations for the hereafter, yea, such in
great abundance, make tribulation sweet, precious
and light. For 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; which are nevertheless true. 2 Corinthians
4:17. Hence it is impossible for these to
be plucked out of the hand of our Shepherd. Yea,
God is faithful, and not unrighteous to forget your
work and labor of love, in that ye have ministered
to the saints, and do minister. 1 Cor. 10:13; Hebrews
6:10.

Now, mark well, the beautiful promises of God
mentioned here, and many similar ones, point and
reach farther than God’s help in the distress of this
present time; the promises for the present time
being essentially different ones, as said above. But
these are full promises and a reward for the hereafter,
in eternal, imperishable, yea, unspeakable
or inexpressible glory, even as Peter says of these
unspeakable things: Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his
abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a
lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven
for you, who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last
time (mark, in the last time). Wherein ye shall
rejoice with joy unspeakable (mark, unspeakable)
and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith,
even the salvation of your souls. (Mark who). He
says: Ye who now for a season, if need be, are in
heaviness through manifold temptations: that the
trial of your faith, being much more precious than
of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise and honor and glory
at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not
seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him
not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable,
as already quoted. 1 Pet. 1:3. Justly does Esdras
say of the incomprehensible and unspeakable recompense
of God: Thou canst not find out my judgment,
or in the end the love that I have promised
unto my people. 2 Esdr. 5:40.

Happy those venturesome ones who now sow liberally
to the Spirit in every manner, without becoming
weary (Gal. 6:9); for it will not be lost, will not
spoil, rot, rust, or become moth-eaten.

Observe and read Matt. 6:19; Luke 12:33; 1 Timothy
6:19. O brethren, our faithful God is surely
faithful. The alms of a man is as a signet with
him, and he will keep the good deeds of a man as
the apple of the eye; and afterward he will rise up
and reward them, and render their recompense
upon their heads. Sir. 17:22,23. Observe: Thus
we may well say with Sirach: “We have had labor
for a little season, and have found great comfort.”
51:27.

O friends, let us not be weary in sowing and well-doing,
for our reward, according to the promises
of God, is great in the time to come, as has been
heard, and is unfathomable, incomprehensible and
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unspeakable. Nevertheless, it is now revealed to
his saints, by his Spirit, 1 Cor. 2:10. It is an eternal
and exceeding weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17.

Now, all attentive [readers], who firmly believe,
know and hope this with all their heart and from
the depths of their soul, and also understand, on
what conditions, and to whom, and to whom not,
this glorious kingdom is promised and sure. Such
an intelligent and far-seeing Christian is so rich in
hope toward God, so firmly anchored in his soul,
that he completely and humbly surrenders himself
soul and body to a faithful Creator, however, in
well doing without boasting. 1 Pet. 4:19.

Yea, we confess and declare with all saints rich in
hope, that this present time is short, and that the
sufferings of this time, for righteousness, are small,
and, hence, not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18),
as will here follow.

Believers lightly esteem the sufferings of this
present time, because of the hope, promise, and
reward.

In the first place, the youngest of the seven brothers
in Maccabees spoke thus out of his joyful hope:
“My brethren, who now have suffered themselves
to be martyred for a little while, now wait for eternal
life according to God’s promise.” 2 Macc. 7:36.
Again, in Solomon we read: Having been a little
chastised (mark, a little), they shall be greatly rewarded.
Wis. 3:5. Again, in Peter, also: Ye who
now for a season (he says, for a season), if need be,
are in heaviness through manifold temptations, etc.
1 Pet. 1:6. Again: The God of all grace, who hath
called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after
that ye have suffered a while (he says, a while),
make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Pet. 5:10.

These and other like passages esteem the sufferings
of this present time short, small and light, and
the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures
of this world. Heb. 11:26. The fearful woman
in travail, of whom Christ speaks, has anguish in
her hour of travail, but afterwards she rejoices, and
forgets the anguish. John 16:21. And these, who
are thus strong in God, though weak and nothing
of themselves, who are thus surely fixed in faith,
hope, and the love of God, these (I say these) say
with Paul: “Who shall separate us from the love of
God.” “For I am persuaded,” he says, “that neither
death, nor life . . . shall be able to separate
us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.” Rom. 8:35. For if God be with them,
who can be against them? Verse 31.

But it were fearful presumption, to boast, or say,
yea, to think, without God and a good conscience
toward him, that we can do anything of ourselves.
Such arrogancy, boasting and self strength, as in
the case of inconsiderate Peter, are nothing, even as
the independent, severed branch, without abiding
in its vine, can do nothing. John 15:6. And as
those impotent individuals who took upon them to
cast out Satan in the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preached (Acts 19:13), even so can no powerless
man boast without God; he must first calculate
whether he dare with ten thousand go out against
twenty thousand, according to the counsel and
words of Christ. Luke 14:31. Therefore, he that
would glory, let him glory in the Lord: If the Lord
will, and we live. Jer. 9:23; 1 Cor. 1:31; James
4:15. And if he be with him, no one can be against
him. Rom. 8:31. And God is with them if they
are with God. Then they can do all things through
Christ, which strengthened them. By their God
they can leap over a wall, run through a troop, and
overcome the world. The gates of hell cannot prevail
against them; for love with its patient hope and
firm faith can do all things through the grace of
God. Mark well, they who thus closely, firmly and
boldly cleave to God, become stronger in the conflict,
as Sirach says. Sir. 2:3. Cleave therefore
unto God, and depart or waver neither to the right
nor left, that you may continually wax stronger.

Mark: God said to Joshua, whom he appointed
in Moses’ office and stead: “I will not fail thee, nor
forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.”
Josh. 1:5,6. Again: “Be strong and of a good
courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the
Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he
will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deut. 31:6.
Mark here the advantage of freely trusting in God’s
promise. Hence such a pious people say thus in
their hearts: “O Lord God of Israel, there is no
God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth;
which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto
thy servants, that walk before thee with all their
hearts.” 2 Chron. 6:14. Observe well who they
are: he says, [that walk before thee] with all their
hearts. Whose rock and fortress is the Lord; who
is their God, deliverer, consolation, and shield; the
horn of their salvation; their high tower and refuge;
their Savior who saves them from all violence.
2 Sam. 22:2,3. These are also they who have set
the Lord always before them; hence he is at their
right hand, and they shall therefore not be moved,
says David. Ps. 16:8. Mark here boldness, and its
power. But the fear of man bringeth a snare:
(mark) but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall
be safe. Ps. 29:25. Mark: he that is with God, and
with whom God is. David says: The salvation of
the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in
the time of trouble. Ps. 37:39.

But, dear friends, if one is not pious, pure in
heart, and prepared for temptation as a servant of
God, when this temptation assails and terrifies him;
if he is not found in a pure conscience, genuine love
of God and his neighbor, in a pious life, firm faith,
sober vigilance, and armed against every assault;
but is an impotent follower, a niggard, a sleeper, or
hypocrite, then, O friends, God will forsake him;
for David says: “If I regard iniquity in my heart,
the Lord will not hear me.” Ps. 66:18. “The Lord
is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of
the righteous.” Prov. 15:29. Yea, it is true; for God
heareth not sinners (mark, those who continue in
sin); but if any man fear God, and doeth his will
(doeth, it says), him he heareth. John 9:31.

Hence I conclude and counsel with wise Jesus
Sirach: “My son, if thou come to serve the Lord,
prepare thy soul for temptation;” he says, prepare
thy soul for temptation. Sir. 2:1. Again, also with
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Christ: Strive to enter in at the strait gate. Yea,
take heed that thy fear of God be not hypocrisy;
lest God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down
thereby in the midst of the congregation, because
thou camest not in truth to the Lord, and thy heart
was full of deceit and falseness. Sir. 1:28. Behold,
such cannot overcome; but only those who are in
favor with their God, as is mentioned in Judith 5.

Now, there is further to be noticed the patience
of which the pious have need in many tribulations.
Heb. 10:36. Also, what great advantage, profit,
gain, and acquisition are, and will be, obtained by
tribulation and patience, follows here in part. Meditate
on it.

In the first place, the encouraging words of Judith:
Thus Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all
whom God loved, remained steadfast and had to
overcome much affliction (he says: much affliction).
But the others, who would not receive affliction in
fear of God, but blasphemed and murmured with
impatience against God, were destroyed by the destroyer
and by serpents. Let us therefore not be impatient
in this affliction, but confess that it is a punishment
from God, much less than our sins deserve,
and believe that we are chastised as his servants,
for correction, and not for destruction. Judith 8.
O how wisely does Solomon speak of it: He that is
patient is prudent, and it is his glory to pass over a
transgression. Prov. 19:11. Again: He that is patient
is wise; but he that is impatient reveals his
folly. 14:29. And again: A patient man is better
than a strong man; and he that ruleth his spirit than
he that taketh a city. 16:32. Mark how lovely,
praiseworthy and advantageous godly patience is,
as Jeremiah testifies: It is a precious thing to be
patient, and to wait for the help of the Lord; Yea,
that a man that is forsaken, be patient when something
befalleth him; and puts his mouth in the dust,
and wait for the help of the Lord, and give his cheek
to the smiter, and suffer much reproach, for the
Lord will not cast off forever. Lam. 3:26.

Again, Sirach says: An humble man will wait for
the time which will bring him comfort. For though
his cause be oppressed for a time, yet shall the pious
praise his wisdom. Sir. 1:23,24. Of this we
have examples in Job and in “the end of the Lord.”
Jas. 5:11. Also in Tobit, for God permitted affliction
to come upon him—why? That posterity
might have an example of patience in him, as also
in holy Job. An angel said to this Tobit (when he
complained that he could not see the light of heaven);
Have patience, God shall soon help thee,
which also came to pass. Tob. 5:12. Paul does
truly say that whatsoever things were written aforetime
were written for our learning, that we through
patience and the comfort of the Scriptures, might
have hope. But, friends, mark well, where no
promise nor godly tribulation is, there is certainly
no need of patience; but where the aforesaid are, O
there is need of patience. Heb. 10:36. For we
know, says Paul, that tribulation worketh patience,
and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and
hope maketh not ashamed. Again, also, Christ’s
own words concerning patience: “Ye shall be
hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there
shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience
possess ye your souls”. Luke 21:17–19.

Again, Paul advises us to all patience in all our
distress, and to approve ourselves therein as the
ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions,
in necessities, in stripes, in imprisonments, (yea, in
imprisonments), in tumults, in labors, in watchings,
in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering,
by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love
unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of
God, by the armor of righteousness on the right
hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil
report, yea, as deceivers and yet true. Mark, in how
many things a patient minister of God is tried, that
is, in these and similar things (2 Cor. 6:4),—mark,
a minister of God, and whereby he is shown to be
such. Again, James would have us count it all joy
when we fall into divers temptations; knowing this
(he says), that your faith, if it be genuine, worketh
patience. But patience must be constant unto the
end. Jas. 1:2.

Behold, thus we must with patience (with patience,
says Paul), run the race that is set before us,
looking unto the Captain of our faith, the young
man who will set the crown of reward upon our
heads, on Mount Sion. Heb. 12:1; 2 Esd. 2:43.

Behold, all this is obtained as the profit and reward
of patience, as in the case of Christ, and of all
holy martyrs; and it must all be seen by faith, and
waited for with patience, as James advises, saying:
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of
our Lord, and like the husbandman, let us also
wait for our harvest and joyful time of reaping.
Jas. 5:7. O then the liberal sowers, who have sowed
to the Spirit shall reap without ceasing. Gal. 6:9.

Dear friends, let us now, as at the right time, also
at the right time, sow liberally to the Spirit and
in hope, with joy and not wearying; for in due time
it will fill our garner with sheaves as large as in
1 Pet. 1:16.304 For God will not forget our work and
labor, as has already been said.

To sum it all up in a few words: “Blessed is the
man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life; which God hath,
promised to them that love him.” Jas. 1:12. Now,
this promise, inheritance, reward, and crown meets
the wants of every one; but only few relish the notable
conditions upon which these is promised,
namely, obedience to the word of God, complete
renunciation of ourselves, and the cheerful, voluntary
bearing of our cross. For Paul says: “Unto us
it is given, not only to believe on him, but also to
suffer for his sake.” Philip. 1:29.

Mark, friends, that it is certainly his pleasure,
that the servant be as his lord. Matt. 10:25. Hence
Christ in his time assured his servants and disciples
of so much sorrow, tribulation, reproach, suffering,
and of death, for his name’s sake. He did not
give it to them as his opinion, not as something
which might eventually, or perhaps come to pass,
but positively assured them that it should befall
them, as will here follow, and, in part, be shown.

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In the first place, Christ’s own words: “Behold,
I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be
ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as
doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you
up (he says, they will deliver you up) to the councils,
and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
and ye shall be brought before governors and kings
for my sake, for a testimony against them and the
Gentiles.” Matt. 10:16–18.

Again: “The brother shall,” he says, shall, “deliver
up the brother to death, and the father the
child; and the children shall rise up against their parents,
and cause them to be put to death. And ye
shall” he says, shall, “be hated of all men for my
name’s sake.” Verses 21, 22.

Again: “Remember the word that I said unto
you, The servant is not greater than his lord, nor
the disciple above his master. If they have persecuted
me, they will (he says, they will) also persecute you;
if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours
also. But all these things will they do unto you for
my name’s sake.” John 15:20,21.

And again: These things have I spoken unto you
that ye should not be offended. They shall (he says,
they shall) put you out of the synagogues; yea, the
time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think
that he doeth God service. And these things will
they do unto you, because they have not known the
Father, nor me. But these things have I told you,
that when the time shall come, (mark well) ye may
remember that I told you of them. 16:1–4. Paul,
also, says that we must through much tribulation
(he says, must through much tribulation) enter into
the kingdom of God: Acts 14:22. And that all (he
says, all) that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12.

Now, dear friends, mark, if it must be so, and also
will be so; as has been mentioned in part, and
is certain, then, in the name of God, let it be [borne]
willingly, and let us not regard the fearful tribulation
and distress, but look far beyond, as said before,
and be mindful of the comfort contained in the declaration
that this temporal tribulation is not worthy
to be compared with the eternal glory (Rom. 8:18);
and let us also remember that this evil and unrighteous
world is not fit for, and was not worthy of, that
blessed crown for suffering for righteousness’ sake.
Heb. 11:38.

But they are fit who have followed Christ in the
regeneration, and forsaken all that is dear to them
here. Matt. 19:28. Remember also, brethren, that
they who are, or would be, without this chastisement,
are bastards, and not sons. Heb. 12:8. Thus,
tribulation is certainly promised us believers, as has
been heard.

With regard to this, I counsel with Sirach and
many others. If we would serve God, let us do it
with earnestness, lest we tempt him (Sir. 18:23);
for he that would be God’s servant, must prepare
(mark, prepare) himself for temptation, and always
labor in the work of the Lord, that, whether we be
present with him, or whether we be here, absent
from him, we may always please God; and every
one of us must strive to be (not to think, or boast
[of being], but to be), the chief in good works,
as also Peter says: “Wherefore, beloved, seeing
that ye look for his coming, be diligent that ye
may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless.” 2 Pet. 3:14. O how we must be prepared
then with a holy conversation, and with godliness.
Every man that hath this hope in him must
purify himself, even as he (whom we look for) is
pure. 1 John 3:3. He that is holy, must become
still holier; and he that is pure, still purer. To become
holier and holier behooves us, since we call
upon such an Holy One as our Father, who judges
without respect of persons, as Peter says, and this
according to every man’s work. Hence, pass the
time of your sojourning here in fear, and it will then
be with us as Peter says: Let all them that suffer
according to the will of God commit the keeping
of their souls to him with good works (mark, with
good works), as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter
4:19. Let no one here understand salvation by
good works, but salvation with good works; good
works without meriting salvation, (mark well) for
salvation is of grace, thanks to our Lord Christ, as
in Gal. 2:16, and still clearer in Eph. 2:7.305 This
I say is my advice, that we also thus prepare our
souls, and commit them to him as unto a faithful
[Creator], with good works without boasting (without
boasting), as his unprofitable servants, who
would fain be perfect. Luke 17:10. Finally, dear
friends, let us not seek to save our life, which, at
all events, we must eventually lose; but let us always
entreat our God for strength to suffer, that
we may finish our course as valiant adventurers.
Amen, dear Lord, Amen.

Here now follow instances of exemplary adventurers
of former times—pious persons that were persecuted,
greatly hated, and put to death; mark,
how, by whom, and also why these things always
happened; namely, in order that we need not think
it strange, when we become partakers of the same
sufferings and death.

In the first place, pious, good Abel was slain by
Cain, out of hatred on account of his piety. Lot
was greatly vexed by the wanton Sodomites, because
of his virtue and righteousness. David was
persecuted by Saul, Shimei, and by Absalom his
son, for his glory and own kingdom. The man of
God from Judah was threatened by Jeroboam, because
of his prophesying against Jeroboam’s gods
and his altar. 1 Kings 13. The holy and mighty
prophet of God, Elijah, and many others who were
put to death in his time; he had to flee from the
place, and was greatly persecuted by Jezebel, on
account of his prophetic miracles which he wrought
through God. 1 Kings 19. Micaiah was imprisoned
by the king, who fed him with the water and bread
of affliction, because he opposed the four hundred
false prophets of Jezebel with the Spirit and holy
word of God. 1 Kings 22:27. Urijah, a prophet,
and also a fugitive, was brought back, and slain
with the sword by King Jehoiakim, on account of
his message from God, the prophecy against Jerusalem
and the land of Judah. Jer. 26:20–23. Jeremiah,
a prophet of God, was cast by the princes
717
into the miry pit to die, because he would not cease
to preach and prophesy in the name of the Lord.
Jer. 38:6. Zechariah, a priest’s son, and prophet
of the Lord, was stoned at the commandment of
the king, because he had prophesied nothing but
calamity for them, because they had forsaken that
which was good, and transgressed the word of God.
2 Chron. 24:21. Mark, for what reason each one
of these was put to death.

The three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, were by King Nebuchadnezzar cast into
a furnace heated seven times more than it was wont
to be heated—in which God nevertheless preserved
them on account of their trust in him—and this because
they would not honor neither worship the
King’s self-made image, idol and buffoonery. Daniel
3:19. Daniel, a most worthy and holy prophet of
God, was by the worshipers of the dragon, out of
hatred and envy, cast into the den of lions, against
the will and power of the king; God, however, preserved
and delivered him. This was done, because
he, fearing no man, nor the king’s plain and strict
commandment, openly worshiped, honored and
confessed his God alone, with the windows open
toward Jerusalem. Hist. of the Destr. of the Drag.
Dan. 6:10. Mark, are not the pious subtilly sought?
Yes, sought and found. O Lord, all the steadfast
pious in Israel were scattered, and most atrociously
slain by Antiochus. Why? Mark, because they
circumcised their children, according to God’s commandment,
would eat no swine’s flesh, according
to the prohibition of the law, and refused to follow
the heathen customs, since they were unclean and
contrary to the law. 1 Macc. 1. Again, on another
occasion, all the Jews were everywhere caught like
wild beasts, bound, chased, dragged off, conveyed
away in ships, and doomed to a general massacre,
from which latter, however, they were miraculously
delivered by the hand of God. They were thus tormented
by King Ptolemy, because they would not
be compelled by him to depart from the law of
God, sacrifice to idols, and adopt heathen customs.
3 Macc. No fair reason, friends; and so it is still.
Again, in the second book of the Maccabees the
same thing is enacted. A cruel decree of said King
Ptolemy, which whoever should not obey, was to
be put to death instantly. 2 Macc. 6:9.

Some were burnt. Two women had their infants
tied or hanged to their breasts, and were thus led
in derision round about the city, and finally cast
headlong over the walls. Mark, why? Because they
adhered steadfastly to the law of God, and had circumcised
their children. Thus also Eleazar, an aged
man of ninety, was slain by Antiochus. Why? Because
of his unfeigned steadfastness in refusing to
eat swine’s flesh, or to pretend to eat it. Again,
also a pious mother and seven steadfast sons were
by King Antiochus roasted in red-hot pans, with
the skin of their heads pulled off, and their tongues
cut out. 2 Macc. 7. Why? Mark, because they
would in no wise eat swine’s flesh contrary to the
law, because it was forbidden. And similar instances
in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament, also, we find instances of
a like character.

In the first place, the holy forerunner of Christ,
John the Baptist, was beheaded by Herod. That
good man; why did he kill him? Mark, because
he reproved Herod for an improper and shameful
liaison. The good Christ Jesus was also hated by
the world, because he testified of its evil works.
Yea, without guilt or cause worthy of death, Pontius
Pilate the judge, through the hatred of the Jews,
delivered him up, and put him to death. The
holy apostles, also, were frequently apprehended,
scourged, and forbidden to preach in the name of
Jesus, by the council of the priests. Why? In order
that the name, doctrine and church of Jesus should
not spread and increase.

Stephen, a deacon, and pious witness of Jesus,
was stoned by the stiff-necked. Why? Because
they could not resist his spirit, wisdom, and doctrine.
The church at Jerusalem, in the beginning,
was dispersed and scattered abroad throughout the
land of Judea, by the Jews. And Saul, the persecutor,
went hither and thither with letters and
authority to apprehend and vex any whom he
should find of this way or persuasion, in order to
hinder the doctrine, faith and way of Christ. And,
yet, to be brief, some were vexed by Herod; he
killed James with the sword, and seeing that it
pleased the people, he apprehended also Peter, and
guarded him with sixteen servants, and bound him
with two chains, with doors closed, through the
hatred of the Jews; but an angel delivered him.
Acts 12:1. Let us therefore not wonder at this as
though it was something strange.

Now, in conclusion, receive my eternal adieu,
and brotherly greeting.

Behold, I have written this to my dear friends,
brethren and sisters in the Lord, in humility, with
a good intention, and in love, for three special
reasons. The first reason is, to communicate to
you welcome news, namely, an account of my prosperity,
good health and cheerfulness, in both respects,
that is, in soul and body; and to stir you
up to aid me in praising, thanking, and praying
to God for all his grace and comfort, shown towards
me unworthy one here, and also towards us all.
Of this comfort (by which I also am comforted of
God) it has been my endeavor to communicate to
you a share, according to your wish and desire
already referred to, and I send it to you as a
honey-comb, perfume of roses, balm, incense and
myrrh, from Eden’s pleasure garden as it were,
fruits of the heavenly paradise; as a fruit, sample,
perfume and delectation for you, to be inwardly
contemplated with attention; yea, as a signal token
to you of my joy and peace which I feel to have
with God, in union and in one spirit. O, I, unworthy
and unprofitable servant of my Lord, that I enjoy
peace with my Christ, and the fellowship of his
Spirit. Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 6:17; Gal. 3:26. Be it
said to his praise, it is all through his merciful faithfulness,
and great, unmerited grace. I glory in the
Lord, and in his power; we have received from him
this precious treasure in our weak earthen vessels;
hence, if it is preserved, the excellency of the power
is of God, and not of us; O not of us, but by grace
we are what we are. Jer. 9:24; 2 Cor. 4:7.

718

The second reason is, that, since you are partakers
with me of the same hope, reward and comfort,
I might awaken in you a refreshing, devotion,
renewed joy in the promises, and inward gladness,
by pointing out our comfort mentioned, consisting
in doctrine and examples of the Scriptures, as noticed
here in part, thereby showing my favor, love
and affection towards you all, as remembering you
in the Lord.

Thirdly and lastly, also for the reason that I might
make many of you my debtors, to do the same in
their turn, that is, to send us a letter, in token
of your steadfast continuance in love, for our comfort
and joy, and the acknowledgement of your
remembrance of us, according to the doctrine, debt
and obligation towards prisoners; as in Matt. 25:36;
Acts 12:5; 2 Tim. 1:16; Heb. 13:3. This from you
would be most acceptable to us three prisoners here—O
as welcome as the perfume of opening roses,
incense and myrrh from the bowers of Zion, the
vineyard and pleasure-garden of our God; which
has hitherto happened to us so very little, far too
little, almost as though your love to us had ceased.
Stop! lest I wound you or some one else by words
spoken with no evil intent; for I do not have reference
to the necessaries of life. O no; we thank God
and our careful friends most heartily for these. Accept
from me in good part all that is good, and
interpret all my love according to love; this I earnestly
pray for the Lord’s sake. Let no one misapprehend
my labor of love, by interpreting it, or thinking,
as though I had done this or the like from desire
for honor and praise, or from any hankering after
a gift from any one, or after any carnal or earthly
communion; for it was love which, out of a pure
intention, prompted me to it. O Lord, thou knowest
it all.

Yes, my friends, pure love thinketh no evil; however,
she sees, finds and reproves evil. Examples
of this are, Ananias, Simon the sorcerer, the Corinthian
fornicator, etc. Acts 5:1; 8:9; 1 Cor. 5:1.

And now, dear friends, brethren and sisters, I
again commend you to God, and to the word of his
grace (as the salutation of Paul), which is able to
build you up, and to give you an inheritance among
all them which are sanctified. Be saluted, strengthened,
comforted, and of good cheer in the Lord.

Watch and pray. By me, Hendrick Alewijns,
and my fellow prisoners, all of us of good cheer.
Farewell. Given in November, A. D. 1568.

Yes, dear friends, before this letter left my hands,
two of us were brought before the court; dear Gerrit
Jans Duynherder, our pious brother and myself.
And behold, we are kept in durance, as sufficiently
sentenced, and both of us expect to die very soon
now. O Lord! O Lord! into thy hands, O faithful
Creator! we commend our soul and spirit. Amen.

O beloved church of God, take care of my three
poor, dear little orphans, that are without parents,
without possession, or inheritance.

Adieu, my dear children; adieu, all my friends.
This is going before you all, and following after my
Lord Christ, in his footsteps. Lord, assist thy servants
unto the last, unworthy and unprofitable
though they be.





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