Karel De Raet, And Grietgen His Wife, Hansken In’T Schaeck, Willem De Snijder, With Christijntgen His Wife, A. D. 1568.

On the third of May 1568 some brethren were assembled at Tillegem, near Bruges, in Flanders, to hear the word of God preached, when they were unexpectedly set upon by some who had come out to get may-poles, and five of them were apprehended, namely, Karel de Raet, a shepherd, born at Wingen; Hansken in’t Schaeck, called Hansken Koordedraeger, from the Schaeck at Kortijck; Willem de Snijder of Honschote; and two others who, since they did not valiantly adhere to the truth, are not worthy to have their names recorded here. The wife of Karel de Raet, and that of Willem de Snijder, were not apprehended with them, nor had Karel’s wife as yet united with the church, but was ready for it. Thus it happened, when these men had been apprehended, that Maerten Lem, a burgomaster of Bruges, went out, about twelve o’clock in the night, with the watchmen, and first apprehended Christijntgen, Willem Snijder’s wife, and when a watchman was desirous of turning Maerten Lem off from the house where Grietgen, Karel de Raet’s wife was to be sought for, and they were rapidly walking along the fortress, between the Asses Gate and Jerusalem, Grietgen with two of her children unexpectedly met them, which caused Maerten Lem to say: “See, God gives this whore into our hands;” and he asked her: “Where are you going?” Greatly amazed, she replied: “To church.” Thereupon he said: “It is no time now to go to church. Where is your husband?” She answered: “You know it well.” He asked whether the two children were baptized. She said: “No.” “Have they no name then?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied. “Well how is this?” said he; “have they a name before they are baptized?” She replied: “Dogs and other animals receive names; how much more should children, that are created after the image of God? I was not aware that my lords of Bruges are so blind yet.” “If you want to talk this way,” said Maerten Lem, “You shall be burnt.” “I know it,” she replied; “but then the crown of life is prepared for me.” And thus these two women were likewise taken to prison, where much vexation, pain, and suffering were inflicted upon them, as also upon the three men mentioned, to draw them from the faith; but all in vain. Hence, first the men were sentenced to be burnt on the Hillige, near Bruges, where they also boldly offered up their sacrifice; and a few days after, also the two women, because they steadfastly adhered to God, and his truth, were sentenced, and burnt in the castle in Bruges. And they now wait together for the coming of him that shall come to avenge all their sufferings.