# The Fourth Letter, Which Matthias Servaes Wrote From Prison To All Brethren And Sisters In General.

16th century (source section) · Historical source

Source: Martyrs’ Mirror. Original heading: THE FOURTH LETTER, WHICH MATTHIAS SERVAES WROTE FROM PRISON TO ALL BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN GENERAL.

Century of containing source section; exact event date not assigned

The grace of God that bringeth salvation, and the
peace of Jesus Christ, be multiplied unto all believers
that are scattered here and there, according to
the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanctified and
justified through faith in Jesus Christ his dear Son,
and washed in his own blood from all our sins, in
order that we should henceforth be holy and without
blame before him in love, to his praise and
honor, now and forever. Amen.

O my most affectionately beloved brethren and
sisters in the Lord, we ought justly to thank God
the Father without ceasing day and night, through
Jesus Christ his Son, for our salvation, yea, for the
fatherly grace he has shown us, and has foreseen
and ordained us from the beginning, before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before him in love, which latter he
did not forget to show us. Though for a time we
regarded him but little, yet he, according to his
goodness (as he alone is good) did not forget us.
Yea, when we were dead through infirmities and
sins, he called us to life; and this not according to
our works (for these were evil), but according to
his great mercy he saved us; and while we were
sinners, he reconciled us by the death of his Beloved.
And though we have set at naught and disregarded
all this, he notwithstanding, at the end of
the world, yea in these evil days and deplorable
times, now that wickedness is at its height, has
manifested his long-suffering toward us, and not
desired our death (nor that of any sinner), but that
we should be converted, and live, and commit the
keeping of our souls to him in well-doing, as unto a
faithful Creator and Shepherd. Hence it behooves
us, dear brethren and sisters, that we attend in the
fear of God to the calling wherein we are called; for
we are called with a holy calling; mark, to what:
not to uncleanness, not to lasciviousness, not to
fornication, not to gluttony, not to carousing, not
to pomp and pride, that one should please himself,
or put on a pleasing appearance before others, in
order thereby to seek praise with men, which praise
is not of God, but contrary to God; for all the
abovementioned points, if we practice them, shut us
out from the kingdom of God. Neither are we
called to covetousness, which is idolatry, that we
should lay up treasures for ourselves, and seek
riches, that we should prepare an earthly, present
kingdom, or to trust in uncertain riches, and thus
be conformed to the world. Mark, he says: to the
world. But whom does the world serve? who is
its lord? who is its prince? What does Christ say
on this subject? He calls the devil the prince of this
world. What is it like, with all its glory, the lust of
the eyes, and its pride? It is like the grass with its
beautiful flowers, which to-day is pleasant, green
and glorious to behold; but in the morning, yea,
also in the evening, all its beauty and all its glory
are vanished. Thus it is also with all the comeliness
of man; but few know themselves. I speak not only
of those that are without, but include also ourselves.
For who is there that, if riches come to him, does
not to some extent set his heart upon them? Or
who does sincerely pray with King Solomon: “Lord,
give me neither riches nor poverty; but give me
only that which I need.” Prov. 30:8. O, consider it
well, all you who profess to be Christians, and give
diligence to walk with a pure conscience in the
truth before God, that in the melting furnace (if
you should get into it yet) you will have no regrets
to cause you to prove dross, or to look back. For,
my dear brethren, in this trial a dead faith is of no
account, however glorious the same may seem in
the eyes of men, and with however many Scriptures
it may be clearly demonstrated, and professed
with the mouth; much less will it avail before a
strict God and his righteous judgment; for whatever
is to stand here and there must be genuine;
yea, it must be done through a living faith which
works by love. And such a faith is not in him who
does not firmly grasp God, and believe and confess
that heaven and earth, and all creatures, the sea
and all that therein is, owe to him praise and blessing,
thanks and honor (to him alone, and to none
else, I say, it is due); and who does not write it in
his heart and inmost thoughts, and learns to know
himself, that he is preeminently created and made
exalted and glorious, namely in the image of God
and after his likeness, a possessor and ruler of the
things that in this world are created for him; yea,
adorned and endowed with reason and knowledge,
to discern between good and evil, and to know him
who is the Creator of all things, and who has given
us our free will, whereby we present ourselves to
him, not by constraint, as other creatures, but in
voluntary surrender, and from pure, filial love, thus:
Lord, here am I; what wilt thou have me to do?
For I acknowledge that I owe it to serve thee, and
to do only thy will, with all my ability, yea with all
my strength, so that I am to withhold nothing in
this earth, whatever it be, not even my life, nor to
refuse in my thoughts to pay thee the willing debt
of obedience, which I owe to thee, and am to give
thee, not because I expect a reward from thee, but
only that I show thereby that I love thee; so that
we learn to hate all visible things for the Lover’s
sake, that we may love him alone above all, and
may also be loved by him.

I write this, my brethren and sisters, in order that
we may learn to know God, and why he created
man, yea, what he requires of him that he shall do
and not do, and why we are to show him love and
obedience; so that we may not seek righteousness
or salvation from our works, from what we do or
not do; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be
justified before the Lord, as Paul says. Gal. 2:16.
Nor shall we be able to pay what we owe; but we
hope to be justified and saved only through the
grace of God, through the merits of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Acts 15:11. Hence let every one take heed
that (as said above) he so love God, that he obey
him only from such love, without hoping for a reward
for any works or merits of his own; but let him
commit everything to him, so that he may give us
what he will, and do with us what is well-pleasing to
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him. If we are thus resigned in everything, we shall
not miss it, and our hope will not be vain, but sure.
But if this (as said) be not found thus with us, though
we speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and
have a faith so that we could remove mountains, and
bestow all our goods upon the poor, and give our
bodies to be burnt, what is it all if it is a work of
constraint, and not a voluntary work of love?

Therefore wake up, all you that have to be
driven to piety like horses and mules, that must be
driven and beaten to the field. As soon as driving
and beating is left off, there is no more work. O the
unfaithful Christians and slothful servants, who have
in their faith no more force to work than that if they
are told: Do this and leave undone that, they are
impelled to take a few steps forward. I say, alas!
for such poor Christians, that do not drive themselves!
Hence let also those take good heed who
show liberality or minister of their substance, that
the Pharisaical trumpet of boasting be not blown or
heard before them; for if any showeth mercy, let
him do it with cheerfulness and gladness; and if any
giveth, let him do it with simplicity, (Rom. 12:8)
without seeking any glory, for it is a work which
we are in duty bound to show to our neighbor out
of love. Therefore, all our works are to be done in
love, that we may not show such ministration
through hope of reward, but from sincere love and
mercy. For it is not man’s, but the Lord’s. 1 Corinthians
10:26. Hence I believe that if righteousness
came by our works, then Christ would have
died in vain; but God forbid. Gal. 2:21. Therefore
let also every one that receives such benefactions,
take heed, for Christ says: Ye gave me meat,
ye gave me drink, ye clothed me, ye took me in.
Matt. 25:35. Hence if we give food or drink to
Christ, they who receive such benefaction must be
ingrafted members of Christ. And if one receives
the ministration who is none of his, how will he be
able to answer for it when he is placed before him?

Hence, you that receive the alms dispose of them
in the fear of the Lord, that you may be able to
stand before God; for there account and answer
must be rendered for everything. And watch diligently
over the poor, and over the forsaken widows
and orphans, and let them have a place in your
heart, as your own children.

Remember the words of Sirach where he says:
“Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of a
husband unto their mother: so shalt thou be as a
son of the Most High, and he shall love thee more
than thy mother doth.” Sir. 4:10. Beware also
with all diligence that no discriminating may be
found to exist among you, in the matter of bringing
up, and of showing love; for herein some err greatly
so that it is not a service of love, but of constraint;
which is not pleasing to God.

And I desire of the widows, that they be quiet
and attend to their business, and not think that they
are more than others. No, that is neither the meaning
nor intention of Paul; (1 Tim. 5:3) but this is
what is meant: That they should be watched over,
and counsel and instruction given them, if they need
such, and that they should also follow brotherly advice,
and beware of unprofitable conversation, of
wantonness, and of the lust of the flesh; also of
slothfulness, and going about from house to house,
for this, first of all, ought not to be, and she that is
a widow indeed, and desolate, will also beware of it;
and she trusteth in God alone, and continueth in
supplications and prayers to God day and night;
but she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

I also sincerely desire of all believing brethren
that have wives (over whom they are placed as
the head, even as Christ is the head of his church),
that you watch over them; and diligently attend to
your office, so that you may rule your house, and
your wives, even as Christ his church.

Thus also, you wives, watch with all carefulness,
and attend with discreet prudence to your office,—into
which you are placed by the Lord,—that you
be obedient unto your husbands as unto the Lord, so
that you may be able to stand before the righteous
God; and bring up your children in such a manner
that you can account for it before God; and beware
of being too indulgent towards them, lest you incur
the same punishment before the Lord as did Eli,
who also was too indulgent towards his sons.
Ephesians 5:22; Sir. 7:23,24.

Likewise you children, obey your parents in the
fear of God with all humility; and do not set yourselves
against them, lest you incur the wrath and
displeasure of God, like the sons of Eli, like Absalom,
Esau, and others like them.

In like manner, I also desire of all man-servants
and maid-servants that you be obedient in all things
to your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service,
as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart,
and in the fear of God; and remember that you are
serving the Lord and not men, for of the Lord you
shall receive the just reward. Eph. 6:5–8.

Thus also, you masters, forbear your threatening,
and do to your servants whatever is right and equitable,
and know that you also have a Master in
heaven with whom there is no respect of persons.
Eph. 6:9. Consider if you were servants, as you
then would have your masters do unto you, even so
do now to them. Matt. 7:12. But finally, dear
brethren, order your lives and strive to walk only
so that it will be conformable to the Gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ. And since we are to be a chosen
generation, and a holy nation, acceptable to the
Lord as his peculiar people (1 Pet. 2:9), that we
should walk before him as lights, and should also
be a light unto the world; therefore it is necessary
for us to give diligence that we may in every respect
be found holy and blameless before him, so
that we may see the city of God exalted above all
the mountains of unrighteousness that are seen in
righteousness, and that it may in no wise be hid.
Hence, let also become manifest now the holy radiance
of the divine brightness, before all that are still
walking in darkness and show yourselves to all
men a pattern of good works, and do not suffer the
gift given you by God to remain idle or unemployed
but put it out upon usury with the greatest diligence;
for the Lord, from whom you have received
it, will, at his coming, require it back from you with
gain and usury. Matt. 25:14. O my brethren, and
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all fellow members in Christ, watch diligently, and
have your ears open to learn when something may
be gained, and grudge not to toil and labor for it,
for you will also partake of the gain, yea, you will
as faithful servants, be adjudged to eternal joy. But
a servant should nevertheless be prudent, that he
do not carelessly invest his Lord’s money, but with
all prudence, yea, with fear and trembling, and he
should always before he invests it, consider and calculate
whether it may bring gain or loss, lest the
Lord’s money be eventually lost through carelessness.
And since the Lord will require his own with
usury, how could we account to the Lord, if we did
not have the sum received, nor were able to produce
it.

O my dear brethren, let it become manifest who
dwells in you; (Rom. 8:9) let love and your faith
become manifest before all men, and love one another,
with a pure heart as members of one body,
of which Christ is the head. And forgive one another,
if any one have a complaint against any; and
even as God, in Christ forgave you, so also do you.
Col. 3:13. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2. And be not
pleased with yourselves. Let each esteem other
better than themselves. Philip. 2:3. Diligently beware
of frivolity. And all young brethren and sisters
I would faithfully warn against wanton scoffing
and mocking, spiteful words and foolish babblings,
which are not becoming.

And you older ones, lay this to heart too, and let
neither in your words nor in your works any hypocrisy
be found, for I have perceived that some are
very subtle or cunning of speech, which I cannot
praise, nor have I praised it; for if we are to be simple,
we certainly must lay aside craftiness, for, mark,
whatsoever is more than yea and nay cometh of evil.
Matt. 5:37. However, hereby is not meant that we
should not say more than yea and nay, but that we
should end and confirm our words, without anger
or dissimulation simply with yea and nay, and thus
use moderation, and cut off all excess; that is, we
should deal with the simple truth. If one, when
asked in regard to something, does not reply with
reference to this, but to something else, and then
says that he did not err, since what he replied was
true, such action is not noble, my brethren. It also
happens now and then that when one has erred in
some matter and is then reprimanded for it, he
gives a reason, but which, in fact, is not the reason,
doing this to cover himself, and to prevent the error
from coming to the light. This is the nature and
disposition of the old Adam (which ought justly
not to obtain with Christians regenerated by the
word of truth), that he would always cover his nakedness
with fig leaves; for when he was addressed
by the Lord on account of his transgression, a
reason immediately presented itself by which he
thought to cover himself; namely, “the woman
whom thou gavest me,” he said, “gave it me, and
I did eat.” Gen. 3:12. And, likewise, when Eve
was addressed, she laid it to the serpent. But if they
had wanted to plainly tell the fundamental cause of
their transgression, it would have been: Over curiosity
and pride brought us to it, namely: we desired
to have our eyes opened; to be wise, to know good
and evil, to be like God; in short, we saw that the
tree was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and a
tree to be desired to make one wise, hence we allowed
ourselves to be persuaded, and did eat of it. Had
they thus answered the Lord, it would have been a
true answer. The answer which they gave was true;
but it was not yet the true kernel or fundamental
cause of their fall and transgression. But in order
that you may thoroughly comprehend the true
sense and meaning of what we have written here,
we will present to you a single comparison by
way of example, namely: Suppose a believing husband
had an unbelieving wife, who should give
birth to a living child; and the husband would fain
retain the friendship of his neighbors and the world,
and remain in possession of his house and home, and
yet wished also be at peace with Christ and his people
(though this, according to the word of God, is
impossible, for no one, as Christ says, can serve
two contrary masters at the same time). Hence he
should say to his wife that he did not intend to consent
that the abomination of antichrist, (you understand
what I mean), should be applied to the child.
And though he could change it, and persuade his
wife to obey him in the matter, yet he should allow
it to be done without himself taking any notice of it,
thinking with himself: If she does it, I can notwithstanding
remain at ease, and in the enjoyment of
my possessions: and shall not be persecuted by
the world, and if the brethren take me to task for it,
I can say that it was done without my consent by
my wife. See, my brethren, this would certainly not
be a true, simple answer, as you may judge for yourselves.
Many other like examples and comparisons
might be adduced; however, for the sake of brevity I
will forbear for the present. I desire that you will
yourselves meditate more deeply on this, than I have
shown you here; and be warned hereby to beware of
such dissimulation. For though a man cover himself
before his fellows (with such fig leaves, made by him
into an apron), so that his nakedness is not seen, yet
God beholds his reins and can search the heart,
and he knows the thoughts and intents of all men,
and will also judge all works and purposes; also, all
secrets and hidden things, whether they do good or
evil. Therefore give diligence that in all your words
and works, in all your walk and conversation, you
practice simple sincerity, as becomes the children of
God, and our calling demands. And if any among
you be overtaken by a fall, let him confess it simply
and truly, without dissimulation, just as it is, and
let him not be ashamed to confess it, since he was
not ashamed to commit it; else it might be to his
sorrow. He that covereth his sins, it is written,
shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh
them shall have mercy. Prov. 28:13. I have
told you before, and tell you again, that before men
one can sometimes justify himself with a fair pretense,
and cover himself with an apron of fig-leaves;
but whether it shall stand the test when brought to
the touch-stone, each may see for himself.

This ought to be well considered by those whose
daily business is that of trading, whom I would
rather see engaged in some honest kind of labor,
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than in trafficking, and this not without reason.
For as a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of
the stones, so doth sin stick close between buying
and selling, as Sirach says. Unless you hold yourself
diligently in the fear of God, your house shall
soon be overthrown. Sir. 27:2,3. And in whatever
I may in all these things have erred, or grieved
any one, I am sorry for it from the bottom of my
heart. But thanks be to God in heaven, who has
given me poor weak servant an unwounded or uncondemned
conscience (of which I acknowledge myself
unworthy); for I never had greater joy on earth
as long as I can remember, than I now have. May
the Lord preserve me from speaking boastingly;
however, I have no doubt that he, whose unworthy
servant I have been in my weakness, will not suffer
me to be confounded. I have heartily desired, and so
still heartily desire it, if I, of God, should be counted
worthy, I might be led through the whole city of Cologne,
and scourged with rods, and then cast back
in prison. Not that I seek any merit by it, O no, but
that what the Lord has put into me might become
known and manifest before all men, to his praise,
and not to mine. However, the will of the Lord be
done; nor do I wish anything else, the Lord knows,
cost what it may. And I desire from the bottom of
my heart, yea, command in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that you keep that which God has entrusted
to you, for it is the truth; this I testify before
God and man. No matter who shall approach
you, do not listen to them. Let the Hutterites287
slander as much as they please. God keep me from
them, namely from the doings of their teachers. I
am free in my heart on their account, in regard to
all the dealings I have had with them. And if they
say that I dared not renounce because of the people
(as I understand that they have said concerning our
brother Thomas), I reply, “No;” for I know no
man on this earth, so dear to me that without the
faith I would lay down my life for him. But thanks
to the Lord I have found this in me, and do still
find it strongly in me, that I will much rather lay
down my life for my brethren, than bring into
trouble or reveal any one, in order thus to save my
life; this I say, God knows, from faith, and not in a
spirit of boasting. But as many among them as
please God, whether I have seen them or not, these,
as also others, I do not judge, for they stand to the
Lord. Rom. 14:4.

I likewise tell you to leave the others be where
they are except they sincerely come back in the
matter of marriage, and the other articles, and humble
themselves before God, and also use a little
more restraint in their lives than they now do; for
pomp and pride stink before the Lord. Therefore
they are also not acceptable or pleasing in my eyes.
Hence put them off, for they are an abomination
unto God; and let not pride and presumption have
dominion either in your words or actions; for in
pride has originated all destruction, as Tobit teaches
his son. Hence humble yourselves from the heart
under the mighty hand of God; for he giveth grace
to the humble, but resisteth the proud, 1 Peter 5:5.
As regards how it is with me, I inform you that I
have entirely committed myself into the hand of the
Lord: What his will is, is mine also. I know of
nothing better to choose for myself, than that I
might be an acceptable offering to him, and might
offer up my sacrifice without the gate, in the daytime
(Heb. 13:12); O how greatly would I thank
him. O my dear fellow members, out of what great
sorrow the Lord has delivered me, which I carried
in my heart day and night, on account of the Nederland
journey: but O what a faithful God! how well
he knows how to deliver out of temptation, at the
right time, those who can trust him for it from the
heart. 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Pet. 2:9.

It often occurred to me that I should not get
away—that the Lord should order it otherwise; as
my dear wife and sister in the Lord well knows, for
I often conversed with her about it, the Lord be
thanked forevermore. I took leave from all the
churches, and heartily asked every one among them
to forgive me if I had grieved them. I did the same
towards them, and then went away. But a far better
journey was in store for me, on which I now am,
the Lord be praised for it, for I am in good hope
that, through the grace of God, it will tend to my
great advantage. O my brethren, my heart is full
of joy, yea, it is running over with it. It seems to
me, for very joy, that I see the heavens opened. O
that I might by writing (since I am prevented from
conversing with you), pour out my heart to you and
refresh it. My ink is almost exhausted. As it is
with me, so it is also with Joosken and Herman, my
dear fellow prisoners and brethren. We wait for our
God, and greet you all with a holy kiss. And the
salutation with mine own hand is this: The grace of
the Lord Jesus Christ be with all believers in Christ
unto the end. Amen. 1 Cor. 16:26, etc.

Care for my young orphan children, as also all
other orphans, as you would for myself; bring them
up with reproof and correction, to piety; teach them
to read, and when the time has come, keep them at
work. Get Aelken cured, if you can; I bequeath to
him the three pieces of money, the silver piece and
the two others; also a Testament to each; this shall
be their inheritance from their father.

I likewise commend to you my wife, as long as
she fears God, as I hope that she will do unto the
end, if she gets out. The Lord own what I have
told you, and what I have sought concerning all believers,—not
riches or treasures on this earth, but
the salvation of men’s souls. And I desire that you
firmly keep together, with teaching, admonishing
and reproving. And follow your leaders and submit
to them, for they watch over your souls. Hebrews
13:17. And you ministers, show yourselves a pattern
of good works to all believers, not in semblance
only, but in sincerity. Read how Paul admonishes
Timothy and Titus; be you also admonished by it.
May the Lord give you understanding. Amen.

Dear brethren, concerning our examination and
hearing, I wrote to you previously very briefly, as
you know. But if I am to write to you, one by one
all the questions they put to me, and the answers I
gave them, I should require much ink, paper and
time; especially, for what was spoken during the
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day between me and the Count, in a friendly manner
and also with sharpness; for it is very much.
Yet, if we were where the Count wishes us, we
would be released. His conscience is not easy, but
accuses him. May the Lord put true repentance
into his heart, and give it a clear sight, to know the
will of God, and to discern light from darkness, and
that he, in consequence thereof, may hate and utterly
forsake darkness and love the true light, and
adhere to it with his whole heart, so that he may
also, in that day, with the true children of the light,
receive his part from the hand of the Lord. This I
wish him and all our enemies and opponents, from
God, (as much as possible) from the bottom of my
heart. Otherwise, it goes still well with us in every
respect, in body and soul. We hope to help fulfill
the number of the righteous, and to rest with our
fathers, and to wait for the glorious reward of all the
righteous. I greet all the believers with a holy kiss.
Greet one another with a kiss of love. And do not
forget us, nor any of the prisoners; but persevere in
strong prayer for us to God, for this is highly necessary.
For, it seems to me, it was an easy matter to
be imprisoned in the time of our brother Thomas;
for the subtlety of men increases every day. Hence,
pray diligently for us; we trust also not to forget
you; the Lord be with us all. Amen.

By me, Matthias Servaes,

Your weak brother, and unworthy minister and
prisoner of Jesus Christ, whom I serve in the Gospel
in my bonds. I hope that my dissolution is near
at hand.

I desire of you, J. N. B., that you properly transcribe
this, and see that my wife (who is also
imprisoned) gets a copy of it. If it pleases you, it
may also be read before the brethren; but if you do
not deem it expedient, or promotive of the glory of
God, then dispense with it, for I do not in the least
seek my own glory by it, but the praise of the Lord
and the consolation and joy of believers. My
mother I greet in particular, and desire that she
serve the Lord without guile; the same I desire of
my brother John and my sisters. Written and read
with many tears, and this from the heart. You know
my brethren, that I did not lightly take up my
ministry, but with many tears; in like manner I now
resign it. Then I wept for sorrow; but now I weep
for heartfelt joy. With tears I received the ministry
from you (I believe, also from God); but with many
tears of great joy I surrender it back to the Lord (if
it pleases him) and to you. May the Lord manifoldly
fill my place with faithful servants. Amen.

O how my heart is in yours. Show a fatherly
heart to all, with all humility; and whether it go well
or ill with you, ascribe the praise to the Lord, for
he causes and does everything, and not we. And do
not, under any circumstances, forsake the people in
the Nederland; reprove them sharply for pride; this
is my desire. H. and F. and all, keep well that
which is committed to your trust, and do not forget
it. Greet T. W., my dear brother, whom I love
from the heart. Concern yourselves in a godly
spirit in the affairs of the Upper Country; prevent
divisions among the people wherever you can. This
is written to all those who desire that I should write
to them, for I cannot write to each individually. I
do not seek any glory therein. The grace of God
be with us all. Amen. Given the 9th day of July,
1565.





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Page: http://history.truechristian.church/stories/mm-the-fourth-letter-which-matthias-servaes-wrote-from-prison-to-all-brethren-and-sisters-in-general/

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