Hendrick Dirks, Dirk Jans, And Adrian Corneliss, A. D. 1552.

In the same year, three brethren, named Hendrick Dirks, Dirk Jans, and Adrian Corneliss, were apprehended at Leyden, and examined in regard to their faith; but when they boldly confessed it, and would in no wise depart from it, they were also 507 sentenced to death. Hendrick Dirks, advancing joyfully, said: “Blessed are they that weep now; for they shall laugh, and be rewarded with shining robes; yea, with an eternal crown, if they strive steadfastly. This is the sabbath of the Lord, which I have long desired; not that I am worthy to suffer for his name, but he has made me worthy; and thus we suffer not for theft or murder, but for the pure word of God.” Luke 6:21; Matt. 13:43; 2 Timothy 4:8; Matt. 24:13; Is. 58:13; Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:15.

Dirk Jans said: “Though all men despise us, God does therefore not despise us. Remember, lords, that on high there is a judge over all, and believe that he will once judge and pass sentence. This suffering,” said he, “is not so great; Christ had to suffer much more, when he shed his blood for us He will strengthen us in what we suffer for his name; for we suffer not for schism or anything evil; for there is no other true faith to be found than that which we maintain. Therefore, O God, have compassion upon me, and receive me into thine arms.” Ps. 7:11; Matt. 25:31; Is. 53; Matt. 26:28.

Adrian Corneliss intrepidly said: “Christ has gone this way before us; and his beloved apostles likewise, and we his servants are not above our Lord.” Luke 24:26; Acts 14:22.

They then fell upon their knees, earnestly prayed to God (Acts 20:36), and rising, said: “They think by killing us to exterminate the godfearing; but for one whom they kill, a hundred others shall arise. Hence, fear not them that kill the body; but fear him who is able to cast both soul and body into everlasting torment.” Matt. 10:28. Standing on the bench, they exclaimed: “Fear not that which is temporal, but fear that which will last forever; for eternity is so long.” With this, they commended their souls into the hands of God, and offered up their burnt sacrifice. They now rest under the altar, and wait to be clothed in shining robes, and to receive the new wine in the throne of heaven. Matthew 26:29.