Part 2-011-JEROME SEGERS, WITH HIS WIFE LIJSKEN DIRCKS, AND BIG HENRY, A. D. 1551

JEROME SEGERS, WITH HIS WIFE LIJSKEN DIRCKS, AND BIG HENRY, A. D. 1551
In the year of our Lord 1551, Jerome Segers, with his wife Lijsken Dircks, and Big Henry fell into the hands of the tyrants, for the testimony of Jesus, at Antwerp in Brabant. They suffered many severe torments and sharp examinations, but, through the grace of God, endured them all. And as they, through faith, were so firmly bound to their Captain Christ Jesus, that nothing could induce them to apostatize, they brought Jerome Segers and Big Henry to the slaughter, on the second day of September, A. D. 1551. Both, each at a stake, surrendered their bodies in great steadfastness to God as a well pleasing sacrifice. Lijsken Dircks, the wife of Jerome Segers, who was pregnant, was (after her delivery) thrust into a bag early in the morning, between three and four o'clock, and murderously thrown into the Scheldt and drowned, before people were up. Nevertheless, there were some that saw it, who testified to her firm and steadfast faith unto death. They now rest together under the altar. Read the following beautiful letters written by them, which attest their strong faith, firm hope and ardent love to God and His holy truth.
A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS, WRITTEN IN THE PRISON AT ANTWERP, TO HIS WIFE LIJSKEN, WHO WAS ALSO IMPRISONED THERE A. D. 1551
Always fear God
In narrow prison walls I lay, well guarded and contined;
Because for Christ I testified, sore troubles 1 did find;
But it cometh from the Lord,
Who to me doth strength afford.
Grace, peace, joy, gladness consolation, a firm faith, and good assurance, together with an ardent love to God, I wish to you, my most beloved wife, Lijsken Dircks, whom I wedded before God and His holy church, and thus took to wife, according to the command of the Lord; may consolation, gladness and joy be increased and multiplied to you my dear wife.
I earnestly pray the Lord, that He will comfort you, and remove from you that which is too grievous. I well know, my chosen lamb, that you are in great sorrow on my account; but lay aside all sorrow, and look to Jesus the Captain and Finisher of our faith, and let us henceforth walk in all righteousness and holiness, as children of peace, and let us make good use of the time of grace, and consider what great mercy the Lord has shown us. O my dear wife, remember how faithful a God we serve; He will not let us be confounded. Remember how faithfully He led the children of Israel with an outstretched arm, from Pharaoh's house of bondage, and out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and remember how they had to prepare themselves, before they could go out, and how they did eat the paschal lamb with unleavened bread. They had to eat the paschal lamb standing, and the unleavened bread which they had, they bound up in their clothes, and began to go out to the wilderness. And the angel of the Lord went before them, by day in a pillar of cloud, and by night in a pillar of fire, and thus He gave them light. But when they were closely pressed by Pharaoh and his host, the people began to murmur against Moses; for they had not firm confidence in the Lord, that He would lead them out. But the Lord told Moses, what He would do, and how He would show His power on Pharaoh and his host; and He commanded Moses, to take the rod and smite the sea; and when Moses smote the sea, it dried up, and the waters were divided, and stood like walls to the right and to the left, so that they went through the sea on dry ground. Pharaoh followed with his host, and was drowned, with all his lords and people; but Israel passed through unharmed, and praised and thanked God, that He had delivered them from Pharaoh's house of bondage. But they were not yet in the Promised Land; they came into the dreadful wilderness, where there was no bread. The bread which they had brought from Egypt, was but a small quantity; it was the unleavened dough which they had bound up in their clothes, when they left Egypt. Then they were troubled, because they had nothing to eat; but the Lord fed them with bread from heaven.
So also, my most beloved wife, we have not gained all, when we have confessed the truth, separated ourselves from the world, and renounced all lusts and desires; but we must also fight against the enemies, that is, we must here contend against emperors and potentates, and the princes of this world. We must suffer in this world; for Paul has said that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 1 Timothy 3:12. We must overcome the world, sin, death and the devil, not with external swords or spears, but with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and with the shield of faith, wherewith we shall be able to ward off all sharp and fiery darts of Satan, and with the helmet of salvation on our head, and with the breastplate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel. If we are thus strengthened with these weapons, we shall get through the wilderness with Israel, and overcome and withstand all our enemies: they shall be confounded, who fight against the truth. 2 Timothy 3:8. Now, when the children of Israel were out of the wilderness-the dreadful and horrible wilderness, where the serpents spewed fire, after they had been wandering forty years through it, had passed through so many dangers, and taken so many cities and countries on this side of Jordan; they nevertheless were not yet in possession of the Promised Land, for they had not yet crossed the Jordan; however, the Lord showed Moses the Promised Land from afar. O my clear wife, I have also seen the Promised Land from afar; I hope soon to come into the beautiful city of which John writes; which is greatly adorned; her foundations are twelve precious stones, and her walls and streets are of, pure and clear gold; and the city has twelve gates, each gate of one pearl; and there is no night there, for the Lord her God lightens her. Revelation 21. And the Lord told Moses, that he should not lead the people into the Promised Land; but Joshua brought them into it, and the Lord led them over Jordan dry-shod, and commanded them to keep His commandments and laws, and He should drive out their enemies from before them. But when they transgressed His commandments and laws, the Lord delivered them into the hands of their enemies, so that they were defeated by them. After they had passed over Jordan, they still did not have the Promised Land, which flowed with milk and honey; but they had to take it by sheer force, destroy all their enemies, and burn the cities with fire. So must also we take the Promised Land by force; for Christ says that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence. Not until now have I known what it is to contend; no one knows it better than he who has tried it, such is the subtlety with which they come to seduce us.
Know, that I received your letter through my mother. I read it with tears. I thank you, that you so affectionately comfort me thereby, and I rejoiced when I heard that you are so well contented.
Let me inform you, my chosen and beloved wife Lijsken, that I have been before the margrave. He had with him two Dominicans, two judges, and the clerk of the criminal court. He asked me whether I had changed my mind yet, and added that he had prevailed upon these two good men or lords, to try and win my soul, if I would repent. I replied that I would not forsake my faith, since it was the truth. They then asked me what my faith was, I said to the monks: “Ask the margrave, I have confessed my faith to him; ask him.” They tormented me much, but I would not tell them anything. They asked whence I knew that it was the truth-whether God had spoken orally with me. When they could get nothing else out of me, my confession was read, namely, that I had no regard for the sacrament. I said: “No, it is nothing more than a god of bread.” The priests were angry, because I thus despised their god. They all wished to talk with me. I said: “I will not hear you, nor talk with you; but let my brother come here to me, and I will talk with you, and confess our faith.”
They then asked me whether I was not strong enough in my faith, since I appealed to my brother.
I replied: “Yea, my faith is strong enough; but that you may not pervert our words.”
They then said: “We shall not pervert your words.”
I said: “I know you and your roguery well.”
The margrave said: “It shall be granted to you.
I understood him to say, that he should bring a Bible with him.
The priests said that when the children are baptized, they then have faith.
I laughed at it, and said: “Why then do you not go into Turkey, and baptize the Turks; if thereby men become believers, as you say, they would all become believers.”
They replied: “Though the Turks should be baptized, they would still remain Turks.”
They importuned me greatly, to apostatize, and become a child of the Roman church. And the margrave and the judges felt such unrighteous compassion for me, that they said: “If your life should be spared, and you should repent and become a good child of the Roman church, I should have good hopes of you; for you have been brought to this in your youth and innocency. I well know by whom (he meant Jelis of Aix-la-Chapelle); and because you descended from such good parents, and your mother is almost dead with grief.”
I replied: “Though the door should stand open, and you should say: `Go, only say: “I am sorry;” I should not go; for I well know that I hold the truth.'
The margrave then said: “I shall cause you to be burnt alive, if you will not hear.” I laughed again, and said: “All that you inflict upon me for my faith, I will willingly suffer.” He said, '!His wife is the greatest heretic in the city.”
I cannot thank the Lord enough for all the great strength and power which Ht gives me in this distress. I perceive now, that the Lord is with us; for He helps us so faithfully out of all distress (Psalms 91:15); He is such a faithful Captain, He gives His servants such courage and strengthens them, that they are not afraid (Job 5:22); they, neither fear nor tremble, because of the great love which they have to their heavenly Father: for Paul says
“Who shall separate us from the love of God? shall, tribulation, or distress, or persecution; or famie, or nakedness, or peril or sward? As it is written, For thy sake we, are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than, conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth; nor, any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39.
Therefore, my most beloved wife Lijsken., redeem the time, be patient in tribulation, continue instant in prayer, and look constantly, to the beautiful promises that are promised us everywhere, if we persevere unto the end. And let us guard well the treasure; for we have this treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7), and cannot conceal. it;”it breaks out everywhere; it is far too'precious to be hid. We rejoice greatly in. this treasure, which treasure is our faith, hope, and love; and these will not leave us destitute, even though they put us singly into dark dungeons, separated. from one another. The treasure is of such a nature that it will not be hid; one calls to the other, and so pours out his treasure, that it may be seen. We are so cheerful, eternal praise and thanks be to the Lord! we call, we sing with each other, we have such-joy.in comforting and strengthening each other; the Lord gives us such strength and power, that we cannot thank Him sufficiently for the great grace which He shows ds. Malachi 3:16 : “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward rnan perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 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 riot at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Hence, my dear wife, cease not to serve the Lord thy God with the whole heart, and to follow His footsteps; “For we know that, if our .earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. `For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our .house which is from heaven ..not for that we, would be' unclothed, but clothed upon ...for whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord.” Mark 12:30; 1 Peter 2:21; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:4; 2 Corinthians 5:6.
Therefore, my dear wife, give diligence that you pass the, time of your sojourning here in fear and trembling (1 Peter 1:17); not with such fear and trembling. as that we should fear the world, and tremble before it, because they rage so against us; but we are to fear and tremble before the Lord, so that we shall keep His commandments and statutes, and thus pass the time of our sojourning here in the fear of the Lord, and receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls; then shall we rejoice forever with the Lord, and go to meet Him in the resurrection of the dead. Isaiah 51:11; Php_3:11. Therefore do not fear the world; for the very hairs of your head are all numbered; they have no power, except it be given them from above. Matthew 10:30; John 19:11. And Christ says: “Be not afraid of them that kill the body; but fear him, who after he has killed the body. has power to cast the soul into hell; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, and their worm shall not die, and they shall have no rest day nor night.” Luke 13:28; Isaiah 66:24; Revelation 14:11. May the Almighty, eternal and strong God so strengthen and comfort you with His blessed Word, that you will remain faithful unto the end, and you shall also, come under the altar to all the dear children of God, where all tears shall be wiped from our eyes. Revelation 2:10; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 21:4. There all tribulation will have an end, and there shall our vile body be glorified, and be like unto the image of His glory. Php_3:21. Then shall our weeping be turned into laughter, and our sorrow into joy (John 16:20); then shall we; who for a little while have been despised and rejected, yea, persecuted and dispersed, and put to death with great ignominy, pain and reproach, for the testimony of Jesus Christ, triumph forever, and live eternally with the Lord. We shall be clothed with white robes, as John testifies in his Revelation concerning the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held. And they lay under the, altar, and they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou. not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” Revelation 7:9; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 6:9-11.
Oh, what a glorious people shall we be; when we shall be with that great multitude of which Esdras writes, and John in his Revelation, says: “I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:9-10; Revelation 7:14-17. Esdras also declares of the same multitude: “that they stood upon Mount Sion, and were clothed in white, and that in the midst of them stood one taller than all the rest, who gave palms into the hands of every one, and set crowns upon every one of their heads.” 2Es_2:42-43; 2Es_2:46. And John says: “I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” Revelation 15:2-3. Behold, my dear wife, what glorious promises we everywhere find, which God will give to all His dear and true children who here faithfully adhere to Him, who have ended their lives to the praise of the Lord, and washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 1 Corinthians 2:9.
O my dearly beloved wife, I cannot thank the Lord enough for all His great goodness shown to me; He gives me such strength and power that I cannot express it. Oh, now I experience that the Lord is a faithful helper in tine of need; He does not forsake those that trust in Him, for He that trusts in the Lord, shall not be confounded. Isaiah 45:17; Romans 9:33. He will keep us as the apple of His eye; He will deliver us from all the power of the devil, and the tyranny of this world; yea, He will keep us, that we shall not go into hell, if we remain faithful to Him unto the end; for Christ says: “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13.
O my dearly beloved wife, continue faithful to the Lord unto death; for the crown is not at the beginning, nor in the middle, but at the end. If you continue faithful to the Lord, He will not forsake you; He will give you the crown of eternal life, and lead you into His kingdom. James 1:12. He will crown you with glory and honor; and will wipe away all tears from your eyes.
Dear Lijsken, if He will wipe away all tears, tears must here first be shed. Matthew 5:4. He will heal us from our sufferings; hence we must first suffer in this world. Yea, we must fight and contend against ferocious lions, dragons, and bears (Psalms 91:13), yea, against the wicked and perverse generations of vipers (Matthew 3:7) and serpent rulers, and against the subtle serpents of this world, and the wicked seed of Cain; for Paul says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers of darkness, and the principalities and powers of this world, yea, against the spirits that work in the air, which is the old serpent and Satan (Revelation 20:2), who, as Peter says, walks about as, a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. Therefore defend yourself diligently, with prayer and supplication to the Lord, and hold fast to the doctrine of Jesus Christ our Saviour, that you may receive the end of your faith, even the salvation of your soul. Fight with Paul the good fight. Herewith I commend you, my dearly beloved wife and sister, to the Almighty, eternal and strong God, and to the word of His rich grace, that you may be able to stand against all the gates of hell. Amen.
A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS
The eternal joy, peace and grace of God the Father; and the unfathomable mercy, favor, and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been sent through grace, by God the Father, to the salvation of all those that are born again with Him, through His imperishable Word or Gospel, and do His will; and the deep and unspeakable consolation, power, strength and communion of the Holy Ghost, who is sent by both from heaven, to the everlasting consolation, joy, and gladness of all true, penitent and obedient children of God, who have amended their life, and thus have risen with Christ, through His Gospel, into newness of life. May this only God strengthen you all in His eternal truth, and uphold you with the mighty Word of His grace in all righteousness, holiness and truth unto the end, and keep your understanding, and your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. To Him be praise, honor, glory, might, power, and strength forever and ever. Amen.
My dearly beloved and chosen brethren and sisters, and all lovers of the unfeigned and eternal truth, I wish you the true, penitent faith, which works by love, and avails before God, and a pure, chaste and holy conversation and walk in the fear of God, and an ardent love to God our heavenly Father, and your neighbor, and to His eternal, clear and unchangeable truth. And I pray the Lord for you day and night without ceasing, that He will open the eyes of your understanding, and enlighten your hearts with knowledge, that you may know that it is the truth, and that He will strengthen you with His divine Word, and confirm you in the faith, that you may walk in this truth, in all humility and meekness, being a light to all men, and may continue steadfast unto the end. I also pray the Lord, that He will keep you from all ravening wolves, that have gone out from us, and will yet rise up among you, who will not spare the flock, and from all false; heretical and satanic teachers, who rise up under the name of Christ, and come forth in a semblance of holiness, as though they were sent by Christ, while they have proceeded from and are sent by the devil. Acts 20:29; 2 Corinthians 11:15.
Therefore, my dear brethren, be vigilant, watch and pray; for it is very necessary; and remember after, my departure, that I warned you from prison against false prophets. Thus, with the help of God, I have briefly written to you, and with Peter exhorted you, well knowing that shortly I must put off my mortal clothing and sleep with my brethren and sisters in Christ. Though you are yourselves taught and strengthened in this present truth, I nevertheless deem it profitable to admonish you yet a little more, if haply thereby someone may be bettered, edified and strengthened, the name of the Lord be praised and thanked, and I be remembered how I have been an example unto you in that which the Lord gave me, and have walked among you in, all humility. Titus 2:7.
Hence I admonish you now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, and beseech you with Paul, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this evil, wicked and perverse world; but he ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 5:17.
O my dear brethren, I earnestly beseech you, that you will all amend your lives, and forsake the world and its lusts, and will look to the life of Christ, how He walked before us; for John says
“He that would boast of Christ ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6.
Behold, my dear friends, it is not enough that we are baptized in the name of Christ, that we are called brethren or sisters of Christ, and bear the name of Christians. Oh, no, all this cannot save; for John says: “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” John 3:7-8; John 3:10. And Christ says: “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14 : Again: “If a man love me, he will keep my words and commandments; and lie that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” John 14:23; John 14:21. For John says: “He that saith he loveth God, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4; And you know that a liar has no part in the kingdom of God. Revelation 21:8. Therefore, be not Christians with the mouth, nor with the tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18. For it is utterly in vain to bear the name of Christ, so long as we are not conformed to Him in word, work and thought; for Paul says: “Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren.” Romans 8:29. If He then has called and predestinated you, use diligence that you become conformed to Him, so that you may be found true Christians in deed when you come into the tribulation in which we now are; ° f or though we are in it now, tomorrow you may also be in it. Therefore watch and pray; for you know neither the day nor the hour; and be diligent to please the Lord; for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Now, as the Lord is to be feared, I counsel and humbly beseech you, to conform your life to the Gospel. For, to bear the name of a Christian and to be called a brother, avails nothing; but the fulfilling of the commandments of God alone; for I have: seen many among us who boast of being Christians; who love Christ with the tongue, but with the deed forsake Him (Titus 1:16), which is greatly to be deplored; for they are like counterfeit money, which from the outside seems to be good gold; but, when brought to the touchstone, or to the fire, it is nothing but copper within. Thus they walk among the pious, as though they were true Christians; but when the Lord begins to try them in tribulation, it is seen that all is built upon the sand and that they love their belly more than Christ, as appears now in the case of those that are in bonds with us; for so long they allowed themselves to be called pious brethren, but now they talk differently. Matthew 13:21; Matthew 7:26; Romans 16:18.
Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, all who desire to offer up an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord, take us for an example (James 5:10) and be followers of us, and be no longer so slothful or lukewarm in love; so that, when you are also imprisoned, you will not sorrow because you did not lead a better life; for with this the devil tempts us night and day. Hence I warn you, out of brotherly love, to take heed to yourselves while you have time; for Paul says: “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope-, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works “Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:2.
Behold, my dear friends, such a people Christ has chosen, who are not vain or light-minded, but who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for eternal life; hereunto he has called and chosen us, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; for such a holy church he has chosen, which has not spot or wrinkle, but that should walk holily and unblamably before him in love. Romans 2:7; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 5:27. Therefore be holy in all your conversation; since it is written: “Ye shall be holy, for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:45. Oh, see my dear brethren, it is time for you to take heed; for the axe is now laid at the root of the trees; every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire. Matthew 3:10. “For not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21. For, “being dead unto sin, and purified by the knowledge of the truth, you must not be empty, lest the devil take with him the seven spirits and return into you, and the last state be worse than the first.” Romans 6:11; Matthew 12:45.
“Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God;” and “pray that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day;” and be not found in darkness, dear brethren, lest that “day should overtake you as a thief.” Romans 6:12-13; Matthew 24:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:4. For if ye do so, ye shall be children of light and of the day; for they are not the children of God, who boat of the faith, but do not fulfill it with the works, for Christ says: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17. For he that knows it, and does it not, is likened unto a fool; and the servant that knows the will of his lord, and does it not, shall be beaten with many stripes. Matthew 7:26; Luke 12:47. But those who believe with the heart, and do as they believe, are the true children of God, and shall also be accounted believers in the kingdom of heaven. Hence I counsel you, and beseech you with Peter, that, giving all diligence you add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into everlasting life. But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 2 Peter 1:5-8; 2 Peter 1:11; 2 Peter 1:9. Therefore, purify your souls in obeying the truth, in true unfeigned love of the brethren, and love one another with _a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. 1 Peter 1:22-23. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and place all your hope in God; have fervent love among yourselves, and be of one mind; mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate; let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth nor spend your time in vain conversation, which increases only unto more ungodlinegs; but speak that which is good to the use of edifying that it may minister grace unto the hearers: let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6);
for Peter says, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;” (1 Peter 4:11) that you may be an example unto all men; for Christ says: “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savor, it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify yout Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16. And Peter says: “Have your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in the fear of God.” 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:16.
He further says: “He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12. Hence, take good heed, that the angry face of the Lord do not look down upon you; for in the last day the ungodly shall exclaim:
“O ye hills and mountains, fall upon us, and cover us, that we may not see the angry face of him that sitteth on the throne.” Hosea 10:8; Revelation 6:16. And Christ says: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20. Again, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3.
See; my dear brethren and sisters, if you are not thus humble, give diligence that you become so; for Christ's words are no lies; He says: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not eaten and drunk in thy presence? and in thy name have cast out devils? But then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23; Luke 13:26. And Paul says: “He that lives after the flesh, shall die.” Romans 8:13. O friends, there is a great number of you, that are like unto asses and mules, which are so lazy that they have to be urged on with blows and kicks. Oh, this is not walking according to love. Lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees; you have slept long enough, for Paul says: “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light!” Hebrews 12:12; Ephesians 5:14. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2.
O my dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, be followers of God, as chosen children and walk in love, as He also hath loved us and hath given Himself an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye' light in the Lord: walk as children of light; for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:1-5; Ephesians 5:7-9; Ephesians 5:11. I therefore admonish you, as fellow helpers, for the Lord says: “I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in a day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Let us give no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed; but in all things approve ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in nakedness; in perils, under the sword; 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 honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying and, behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 2 Cor. 6:1-10; 11, 26, 27.
My dear friends, my mouth is open, unto you, out of brotherly love, and I humbly beseech you, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, showing such love with the deed among yourselves; for this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should love one another; for he that loveth not, abideth.in death. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, let us no longer love in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 2 Corinthians 6:11; Php_2:5; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 3:17-18; 1 John 4:8. Always remember the poor, and let each give according to his ability, with joy; for God loveth a cheerful giver, and Paul says: “He that sheweth mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness.” Tob_4:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Romans 12:8. For, consider once, whether, if you were as fervent. in love, as you have been in the world, you would not as easily know to find two or three stivers to give to the poor, as you found them for drinking or gambling purposes? Not my dear friends, that I would burden or oppress you, only that each show his love herein, according to his weak ability; for you cannot take your possessions with you. You may take me for an example; for they have taken everything, yea, all the money we had, and asked us yet whether we did not have more.
It is therefore far better, that you help the poor with it, than that the lord* have it, and if you are willing to give your life for your brother, how much more ought you to assist him with your temporal goods! that it be as it is written: “They that gathered much had nothing over, and they that gathered little had no lack.” 1 John 3:16; James 2:16; Exodus 16:18 : And see to it also, that all be done honestly, that it be as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness, and that the offering be acceptable unto the Lord: For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but aboundeth also in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Corinthians 9:12. Hence give diligence, to show your love herein, that the Lord may be glorified and thanked thereby, and that you may approve yourselves in all things as ministers of God. 1 Peter 4:11. Read what Paul says to the Corinthians; he will teach you how to conduct yourselves herein; and I humbly beseech you, that when you have read it, you will also act according to it; for it is necessary.
Furthermore, I beseech all of you young married people, that you live together in all humility, simplicity and harmony. Young wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, in the fear of God: and you, young men, love your wives as your own selves; support and bear them with all humility and kindness, and affectionately admonish and instruct them with the Word of the Lord; for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Lord shall separate you. 1 Peter 3 :l; Ephesians 5:22; Matthew 25:13. Take me and my wife for an example, how soon the Lord separated us, to His glory. Hence; live together in all humility, so long as the Lord permits you to be together: for your time is short here, seeing the Lord delights to have His chosen with Him. Job 14:1. And furthermore, I beseech you, my dear brethren, that you also give diligence to get usury (Matthew 25:27); for I trust in the Lord, that through seeing and hearing this, many shall yet turn to the truth, and I will also do my best with those who come here to see me. And gather the poor, scattered flock, for which I am greatly concerned; for they scarcely know where to go or dwell, and are in greater distress than we here. Acts 8:1-4. But be of good cheer, my dear brethren and sisters in the Lord; though we enjoy more freedom than you, be patient in your persecution: you shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Lord shall deliver you. Matthew 10:23. Be diligent, therefore, in assembling together, and in comforting and admonishing one another with the Word of the Lord, that love may not wax cold among you. Matthew 24:12.
Thus, admonish and instruct one another in the love of God: and I beseech you, not to forget us in your prayers, and now and then to write a. letter to my wife, to comfort her, since she will be confined a long time yet. I would further tell you, that I am in great joy, and cannot sufficiently praise and thank my Lord day and night, for His great love shown us, in that He has made both of us worthy to suffer for His name; and for the power and strength He shows in us, and for His promises given us; for this is the hour for which I so long prayed the Lord, not considering myself good enough, that I should be worthy to suffer for His name. Therefore I am so rejoiced, because my hour is come, that I shall be delivered from this flesh.
Thus strengthen yourselves in the, love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Greet one another with a holy kiss of peace. Jude 1:21; Jude 1:24-25; 1 Corinthians 16:20.
Let all the friends hear this letter; for I have written to you out of brotherly love, and am sorry that I can write to you no more. I commend you all to the Lord. Salute G. S. H. D. in the Lordwhom I sincerely love, and also all brethren and sisters in the Lord. Receive this brief admonition in good part (Hebrews 13:22); for my spirit impelled me to admonish you a little.
Written in prison, by me,
JEROME SEGERS.
A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS, WRITTEN TO HIS
WIFE LIJSKEN DIRCKS
The grace and mercy of God the Father, the loving kindness and love of the Son, and the communion and peace of the Holy Ghost, who is sent us by the Father, through the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the consolation and joy of all true and faithful children of God, and by whom we are impelled, taught and led; the same keep your hearts, understanding and mind in Christ Jesus, to the praise and glory of the Father, to the salvation of your afflicted soul, and to the edification of all brethren and sisters that fear and love the Lord; to this only wise God, be glory, honor; power and strength, forever and ever. Amen.
I wish to you, my dear wife, a true, genuine, godly love, a true, unfeigned, penitent faith, which works by love, a firm hope and confidence in God, and a firm steadfastness in your faith towards God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. To Him I commend you, and to the Word of His grace; and since I cannot converse orally with you, my dear wife Lijsken, I have, with the help of God, written to you a little from the Word of the Lord; for though we are absent from each other in the flesh, yet are we present in the Spirit; for I remember you day and night in my prayers, beseeching the Lord to strengthen you with His Spirit of truth, since I well know that you will have much conflict yet, before you will be released; and I also know
that you will be greatly tempted by the cunning foxes and ravening wolves, yea, which are much more lions and dragons; yea, a generation of vipers, who will not spare your soul, but destroy, devour and murder it.
Hence Paul says: “Beware lest any man spoil you through false philosophy and the sleight of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 4:14. Yea, Christ Himself has warned us in this respect, saying that in the latter days many false prophets, and many false Christs, shall arise, insomuch that, if it were possible, they should deceive the very elect; but this is impossible: for the Lord preserves them with His strong arm, so that the gates of hell cannot harm them. Matthew 24:24; Matthew 16:18. Yea, Paul says: “That in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created.” 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:3. And
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6. Christ has also warned us of the doctrine of the Pharisees; yea, of those who come in sheep's clothing; for inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Matthew 16:6; Matthew 7:15-16. Even as Paul says: “Marvel not, that the ministers of antichrist will transform themselves into ministers of God; since Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of light; for they come in a feigned holiness, and will speak lies.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15.
Therefore see, my most beloved lamb, how faithfully Christ and His apostles have warned us of the false and subtle serpent, that we should not suffer ourselves to be deceived by the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who seeks nothing but to bring our souls into everlasting damnation, even as Peter says that he walks about us as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; him resist with a firm faith. Revelation 12:9; 1 Peter 5:8. Therefore I beseech you, my dear wife. from the bottom of my heart, since we are so faithfully warned of the false prophets, who have nothing but the doctrine of devils, and seek nothing but to ruin and devour souls; therefore I beseech you once more, not to hearken to them, and to have nothing to do with them; for Paul says: “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11. Yea, John says that he that has not the doctrine of Christ, has not God. 2 John 1:9. And Paul says: “Though an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel- unto you than that which I have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8. If they then have not God, and have nothing but a false, heretical, accursed and devilish doctrine, how can they teach us anything good? Therefore Christ and His apostles have so faithfully warned us, that we should not suffer ourselves to be deceived by the cunning foxes, and subtle philosophy and craftiness; for there shall never any other foundation be laid, than
Page 512
that is laid, namely Christ, upon whom you have founded and built; and no other Gospel may be preached, than that which is preached, in which you believe, and for the testimony of which you are also in bonds.
Hence I beseech you, my dear wife Lijsken, by the mercies of God, constantly to have the Word of the Lord before your eyes, and not to suffer yourself to be moved from your faith, by the sleight of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive you; for I know that you will suffer much temptation yet. Therefore, my most beloved, look not unto men; for cursed is the man, says the prophet, that trusteth in man; yea, the fear of man bringeth a snare, says the wise man. Jeremiah 17:5; Proverbs 29:25. And regard not the torture of flesh and blood; for this is the heat of the sun, yea, the storms by which the work of the Lord is tried. Matthew 13:6; Matthew 7:25. Hence confess Christ now, and He shall confess us before His heavenly Father; for He will try the third part with fire, as gold in the furnace, and all that remains shall be found pure gold. Matthew 10:32; Zechariah 13:9; 1 Peter 1:7. You have partly passed through the trial, and have remained steadfast in it, eternal glory, praise, and honor to the Lord, and may the gracious Lord: strengthen- you, that as you have commenced, you may be found pure gold before God and all His church.
Thus, my most beloved, continue steadfast in the doctrine of Christ; for now is the day of which Christ spoke, that we should be brought before lords and princes, for a testimony to His name, and that we should be rejected by all men; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 10:18; Matthew 24:13. And Christ says: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; and the time cometh, that whosoever killefh you will think that he doeth God service. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father nor me.” John 15:20; John 16:2; John 16:4; John 16:3. Behold, my dear wife, thus Christ has warned us how they should deal with us. Therefore, my dear, fear not, neither despond, though you now are confined with Daniel in the den of lions; trust in the Lord, and He will preserve you, that they shall not destroy you; He will also deliver you from their teeth, that they shall not tear you. Forsake Him not and He will not forsake you; for He says: “He that despiseth you, despiseth me; lie that persecuteth you persecuteth me; he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye.” Luke 10:16; Acts 26:14; Zechariah 2:8.
If they then do not persecute us, but the Lord, fight valiantly, as a pious soldier of Christ, and contend for His glory. And even as He fought unto death, so by the grace of God do also you; for Paul says: “If a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5. Therefore, my dear, put on the whole armor of
God, and be not ashamed to confess His Word before men, but always remember the words of Christ: “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven; but whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him also shall I be ashamed before my heavenly Father. For whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; but whosoever loses his life for the sake of the Gospel, shall find it. But he that loveth aught more than me, cannot be my disciple; yea, no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. And Paul says: It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him; but if we deny him, he also will deny us.” Ephesians 6:11; Matthew 10:32; Mark 8:38; Matthew 16:25; Matthew 10:37; Luke 9:62; 2 Timothy 2:11-12.
Hence, my most beloved, do not forsake the Lord; for we are nothing but dust and ashes, yea, nothing but mortal flesh, which must die in dishonor, but is raised in glory. Genesis 18:27; 1 Corinthians 15:43. Be patient, therefore, in tribulation; for it is the true way, which leads to life eternal, which all the saints of God, the prophets and apostles, yea, Christ Himself went. all having to drink of this cup. Therefore look not to death, but through death, lest another come before you, and take your crown. Hence, my most beloved, be long-suffering in your tribulation, and patient in suffering, and wait for your deliverance, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; for blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. James 1:12. For Christ says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10. Behold, we count them happy which endure, says James. Jas. 5 11. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps: forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered, arm yourself likewise with the same mind. 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Peter 4:1. With this agree the words of John, who says that Christ laid doyen His life for us, and that we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16.
Hence, be not discouraged, chosen and beloved, at their threatening; but praise and glorify the Lord in this matter; for Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, for my name's sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is vour reward from my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12. My dear, this is not said that we should be sad, but that we should rejoice that we are worthy to suffer for His name. Paul says: “Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together; for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
Page 513
with the glory which shall be revealed in us; for eye hath not seen, nor heart known, neither mouth confessed, but God alone, what shall be revealed to those that love him, and keep his word.” Romans 8:15-18; 1 Corinthians 2:9. And Paul says that it is not enough for you to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His name. Php_1:29.
Hence, my most beloved, be a willing bride, and prepare for the conflict; for He will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way for you to escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13. For though a mother forget her child, yet will I not forget thee, says the Lord. Isaiah 49:15. He will preserve you as the apple of His eye. Zechariah 2:8. Therefore, fear not men, who perish like grass (Isaiah 51:12); but valiantly journey with Joshua and Caleb to the Promised Land; wait with Noah for the day of the Lord; for Christ says: “My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me; but the voice of strangers they hear not; and no man shall pluck them out of his hand, since it is impossible, that the elect of God should be deceived;” as Paul says: “Who shall separate us from the love of God?” Nay, no torments of this world.; “for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God; for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding weight of glory.” John 10:27; Romans 8:35; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17. Since it is the will of the Lord, I hope that this your trial will also be for your good; for the Lord has appointed your time, which we cannot pass. Hence, fear not, for God is your Captain; He is your strength; He is your guide (2Es_16:76); forsake Him not; He will not forsake you; trust in Him, and you shall not be ashamed (Psalms 31:1), be faithful unto death, the crown of life is prepared for you. Revelation 2:10. I desire willingly to offer up my body to the praise of God, yea, not only my body, but if every member, yea, every hair were a body, I would, through the power of God, offer them all up to the praise of the Lord, in order to obtain His promises; for what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” John 3:1-2. Yea, Peter says that we shall be partakers of His divine nature; yea, we shall be where Christ Himself will be, and shall with Him judge all nations; yea, we shall follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth; yea, we shall sing the new song on Mount Sion, and we know assuredly that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God. eternal in the heavens. 2 Peter 1:4; John 12:26; Matthew 19:28; Revelation 14:4; 2Es_2:42; 2 Corinthians 5:1. Who would exalt this corrupt, decaying flesh, which is nothing but a heap of earth, over these beautiful promises 1 O see, what beautiful promises Christ has given His own, who remain steadfast unto the end; for there
is no other way to eternal life, than this way; for all righteous souls, from the beginning, have had to suffer, and thus gain possession of the kingdom of God. Genesis 4:8. Hence, my most beloved wife, since there is no other way, be a willing bride, prepared to receive your bridegroom; and you shall then be crowned with praise and honor.
Thus, my most beloved, I have written a few things, with which you may somewhat strengthen yourself through the Word of the Lord; for Christ says: “The world shall rejoice, and ye shall be sorrowful; but be of kind cheer; I have overcome the world; and your sorrow shall be turned into joy, and your joy no man taketh from you; for he that worketh in us is stronger than he that is in the world.” John 16:20. And John says that our faith is the victory that overcometh the world. 1 John 5:4. Always remember Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26), and the man of God who was slain by the lion, because he had eaten bread contrary to God's command, being deceived by the false prophet. 1 Kings 13:1. Thus you also suffer yourself in no wise to be deceived by false prophets; but fight with the prophet David against Goliath, and you shall devour him like bread; for the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent who remain steadfast take it by force; for Joshua and Caleb took the Promised Land by force, and those that were not steadfast, could not enter into it. Hence, be not dismayed though you are tried here for a little season; for it is His will. Therefore, receive willingly from His hand whatever He sends you; for Paul says: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Romans 8:28. For Christ means to show His wonderful power and strength in you, against the dragons and the generation of vipers, yea, against the ravening wolves, who daily resist Christ, and fight against you to destroy you. But be bold and trust in Christ; He will not forsake you; for He is your strength. He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7); He is your Protector, by whom you shall overcome all your adversaries; for He shall feed you with the bread of life, yea, with the bread of understanding, and give you the water of wisdom to drink, and shall comfort you in all your tribulation, and impress into your heart a firm and steadfast faith, which they shall not be able to resist. Sir_15:3. For He who has begun this good work in you, will, through His grace and power, also carry out and finish it, to His praise, to the salvation of your soul, and to the edification of all them that fear the Lord. Php_1:6. To this God, who can deliver you from all tribulation, and preserve you f rom all the snares of the devil, and from all false doctrine, be praise, honor, power and strength, forever and ever. Amen.
See, my dear wife, as I cannot help you with my weeping, or with my blood, I have written a few things; to comfort you, and for a memorial or a testament, that you may remember me by it, how I walked before you; for I hope to seal this letter
Page 514
with my blood, namely, that it is nothing but the pure truth, for which I desire to lay down my life, to the praise of the Lord and the edification of all that fear' Him. I pray the Lord that He will let you follow me as I through His grace hope to go before you; and I trust in the Lord that He will let you follow me thus, and have confidence in you, that you will follow me thus steadfastly, through the grace of the Lord; and I pray the Lord, that He will let the fruit grow up to His praise, that it inay also be found worthy to suffer for His name. Thus I have commended the fruit to the Lord, who is more able to preserve you and it, than I am. And that the Lord will preserve you, I do not doubt. I hope that my blood will be the seal of this letter.
Thus I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of His grace, that He will keep you in all righteousness, holiness and truth; `and though we must separate here, I know, and firmly trust in the Lord, that we shall be together in life eternal; hence, I will freely bring my offering.
Oh, that I might suffer for you; I should gladly offer my flesh for you. I am sorry that I can write to you no, more. 1. herewith commend you to the Lord. Be not solicitous about the child; for my friends will take good care of it, yea, the Lord will care for it. Hendrick of Deventer salutes you much in the Lord, whom he entreats day and night for you, that you may continue steadfast unto the end.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS TO HIS
WIFE
Grace, peace, heartfelt joy, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, be with you, my dear wife Lijsken in the Lord. Z wish you, my dear wife Lijsken, an ardent love to God, and a joyful mind to Christ Jesus. Know, that I remember you day and night in my prayers, supplicating and sighing to God for you; for I am very sorrowful on your account, because you have to be imprisoned so long; and I would fain wish, had it been themill of the Lord, that you had been released; but now the Lord has willed it otherwise; because He means to try you, and to reveal His power and strength in you, against all those who resist the truth. Hence, I can do nothing against the will of the Lord, lest I .tempt Him; but I will much rather praise and thank Him, that He has made us both Worthy to suffer for His name; for thereto are all His chosen lambs elected; for He has redeemed them from among men, as first fruits unto God. Revelation 14:4.
Furthermore, my most beloved, I have greatly rejoiced until this hour, praising and thanking the Lord for having fitted us for this purpose, but when I heard from you, that your sorrow was greater than your lips could express, it caused me to weep many tears, and grieves my heart; for it is a great affliction. And I understood that it is because you often told me to depart from Assuerus,
which I did not do; this has cost me many a. tear, and I am very sorry; yet I can do nothing against the will of the Lord. (Romans 9:19), and had it been His will, He would have provided a deliverance for us; but He has appointed our bounds, which we cannot pass. Job 14:5; Tob_13:2. Thus, we cannot escape from the Lord; hence let us not be grieved at His work, but much rather, as Christ says, let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is our reward in heaven; and as Peter says, we ought to praise and glorify God on this behalf. Matthew 5:12; 1 Peter 4:16. O my dear; this is not said that we should sorrow. Be patient, therefore, in your tribulation and suffering; for Paul says that all things work together for good to them that love God; hence, I have confidence in the Lord, that it will also be for your good, that you have to be imprisoned so long. Therefore receive willingly at His hand whatever He sends you; for He suffers no one to be tempted above that he is able. Hence, be a partaker of the sufferings of Christ; for all that are without chastisement, are bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:8. And James says
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” James 1:12.
Be therefore a follower of Christ, patiently and joyfully take up your cross, and follow Him with gladness, since He has suffered so much for our salvation; hence let us also suffer for His praise. Since our hour has now come, let us joyfully strive for the crown of life, which is prepared for us.
Therefore I pray you, my love, that you will not sorrow any longer; for the Lord will preserve you as the apple of His eye; yea, though a, mother forget her child, yet shall I not forget thee, says the Lord, yea, my sheep hear my voice, says the Lord, and they follow me, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand Therefore, my most beloved, be content, and trust in the Lord; He will not forsake you. Moreover, I learned partly from my sister, that you also grieved because you were not more patient with me. See, my dear lamb, you have not been obstinate towards me, and we have not lived together otherwise than we were in duty bound to live; why then will you grieve. Be content; Christ will not lay it to your charge, for He will not remember our sins. I thank the Lord, that you have lived so humbly with me as you did. Gladly would I be imprisoned for you for a whole year, on bread and water, yea, and then die, a tenfold death, if you could be released. Oh, that I could help you with my tears and with my blood, how willingly should I suffer for you; but my suffering can avail you nothing. Hence, be contented; I will pray the Lord still more for you. I have written this letter in tears, because I heard that your grief is so very great. I pray you, that you will write to me how you are. Herewith I, commend you to the Lord.
Page 515
A LETTER FROM LIJSKEN, JEROME'S WIFE, WHICH
SHE WROTE TO HIM IN PRISON AT
ANTWERP, A: D. 1551
Grace and peace be to both of us from God the Father, and the love of the Son, and the commun-. ion of the Holy Ghost be with us, to the strengthening, consolation, joy, and salvation of our souls.
My beloved husband in the Lord, know that at first the time seemed very long to me, because I was not used to imprisonment, and heard nothing but temptations to depart from the Lord. They said: “Why do you trouble yourself with the Scriptures; attend to your sewing. It seems that you would follow the apostles; where are the signs which you do? They spake with different tongues, after they had received the Holy Ghost.” Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4. And they said: “Where is your language which you received through the Holy Ghost?” But it is sufficient for us; that we have believed through their word, as John tells us, where Christ says: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” John 17:20. Herewith I commend you to the Lord; the grace of God be with us always.
Thanks be to God the Father, who had and showed such love to us, that He gave His dear Son for us; may He give us such love, joy, wisdom, and such a steadfast mind, through Christ, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may prevail against all ravenous beasts, dragons, serpents, and all the gates of hell, which are now using great subtlety to seize, deceive, destroy, and seduce our souls. Well may we therefore humbly pray the Lord without ceasing, day and night; for the devourer walks about us, seeking whore he may devour; for we are not ignorant of his designs. But though they are very crafty, yet the Lord's hand is not shortened, in them that love Him, and do His will; for the eyes of the Lord are upon those that love Him, and His ears are open unto their cry; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Isaiah 59:1; Psalms 34:15-16. Hence, let everyone take good heed, that the face of the Lord be not against him; for the soul that sinneth, it shall die, unless he repent before the Lord come. But we are not assured of the time when the Lord will come; for He shall come as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Hence, we may well pray the Lord for one another, that our flight be not on the Sabbath Day, when we are idle, nor in the winter, when we have no fruit on our trees, forevery tree which bringeth forth not good fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire; but every tree that beareth good fruit, He shall purge, that it may bring forth fruit abundantly. Matthew 24:20; Matthew 3:10; John 15:2. The mouth of the Lord also tells us: “If any man sin willfully ..there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. The law of Moses was so strict, that he who transgressed it had to die without mercy under two or three witnesses; of how much sorer punishment shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God?” Hebrews 10:26-29. The Holy Ghost also declares: “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: if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13. “Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame; who threatened not, when he suffered for our sins unto the salvation of our souls.” Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:23. Thus we also, my most beloved in the Lord, to His praise, and to the consolation of all dear friends. I wish to us both the crucified Saviour for an everlasting joy and strength. I trust to the Lord, who alone is wise, and who has given His wisdom only to the simple, the innocent and outcasts of this world, that He will comfort us till our travail is over. Revelation 12:5.
My dear husband in the Lord, whom I married before God and His church, and with whom they say I have lived in adultery, because I was not married in Baal; but the Lord says: “Rejoice, when all men shall speak evil of you, for my name's sake: rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12.
Know, that I have wept much, because you were grieved on my account, having heard that I said that I had often spoken to you about moving away from Assuerus, and that you did not do it; be content concerning this, my most beloved in the Lord, if it had not so been the will of the Lord, it would not have happened; the Lord's will must be done, for the salvation of both our souls, for He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Be of good cheer therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, and rejoice in Him as before, praising and thanking Him for having chosen us to be imprisoned so long for His name, having been found worthy thereto; He knows for what end He has ordered it so. Though the children of Israel were a long time in the wilderness, yet, had they been obedient to the voice of the Lord, they would have entered the Promised Land with Joshua and Caleb. Thus also we are here in the wilderness, among these ravening beasts, which daily spread out their nets, to catch us (Psalms 35:8); but the Lord, who is so strong, does not forsake His own, who trust in Him; He preserves them from all evil, yea, as the apple of His eye; hence let us be content in Him, joyfully and patiently take up our cross, and wait with a firm confidence for the promises which He has given us, not doubting them, for He is faithful that promised; that we may be crowned on Mount Sion, and adorned with palms, and may follow the
Lamb, I pray you, my beloved in the Lord, be of good cheer in Him, together with all dear friends, and pray to the Lord in my behalf. Amen.
A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGEPS TO HIS WIFE
Grace and peace be with you from God the Father, and the mercy and love of the Son, and the power and communion of the Holy Ghost strengthen your faith, heart, mind and understanding in Christ Jesus. Amen. This I wish to my beloved wife, whom I before God and His holy church espoused as my own wife. Even as Abraham took Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, and Tobias, the daughter of his uncle to wife; so did I take you to wife, according to the Word and command of God, and not as this wicked, blind world. For this reason I praise and thank the Lord night and day, that He spared us so long, till we became acquainted in part with each other, and had attained unto the knowledge of the truth; on which account they say that we lived in adultery, because we were not married like this idolatrous generation, in an idolatrous, carnal, vain, proud, and gluttonous manner, which is nothing but an abomination in the eyes of God. On this account they slander us, as they did Christ. Matthew 12:24. And though they may tell you to attend to your sewing, this does not prevent us; for Christ has called us all, and commanded us to search the Scriptures, since they testify of Him; and Christ also said that Magdalene had chosen the better part, because she searched the Scriptures. Matthew 11:28; John 5:39; Luke 10:42. Moreover, my most beloved, though they ask you where your signs and tongues are, this must not hinder you; for the believers whom Peter and John baptized did not speak with tongues, but it was enough for them, that they believed in Christ. Acts 2:38. And also Stephen, who was full of the Holy Ghost, did not speak with tongues; nor did any of the bishops or teachers who were with Paul, perform signs, and speak with tongues; yet they taught the Word of God blamelessly. And Paul says that the Holy Ghost distributes His gifts in the church; one has the gift of healing; another of prophecy; another of speaking with tongues; another the working of miracles; another the gift of exhortation; another of showing mercy; another of firm faith; and all these worketh the Holy Spirit, through whom they mutually assist each other to their own edification, and thus grow into a holy temple; and let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:16; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 7:20. Moreover, it is enough for us, that Christ prayed not only for His disciples, but also for those who should believe on Him through their word. John 17:20.
Behold, my beloved wife in the Lord, how gladly the ravening wolves would murder the souls of the simple, with their lies and subtlety, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, in order to bring your soul into eternal death. Hence, beware of them, and hearken not unto them, since they are very crafty; but do as Christ says: “My sheep hear my voice; they hear not the voice of strangers; hence no man shall pluck them out of his hand ” See, my beloved, how Christ has warned us of this time; let us therefore look well before us, lest the subtle serpent deceive us. And know, that I have also been before the lords once, when I called to you, and that I then spoke in such a manner, that they let me in peace; though the others were arraigned twice after this, yet I was left unmolested. Once I also had a discussion with the priests in regard to the calling, [Calling or sending of ministers.] in which I so reproved them with the word of the Lord, that they became so angry that they struck on the table with their fists, and did not know what to say; for they said that Peter was a pope, and that St. Andrew read the first mass. I replied that they could not prove it in truth, and told them they were seducing spirits, and held the doctrine of devils. Then they went away.
Moreover, know, my beloved wife in the Lord, I am sorry that you wept; for, when I heard that you grieved, I prayed the more fervently to the Lord, day and night, for you, and know assuredly, that He will preserve you as the apple of His eye. I constantly praise the Lord, that He has made us both worthy to suffer for His name, for which cause I greatly rejoice. When I read your letter, and learned how it was with you, and that you wished the crucified Christ to me, for a salutation, my heart and my spirit leaped up for joy in my body; so that I could not finish reading the letter, but had to bow my knees before the Lord (Ephesians 3:14), and praise and thank Him for His strength, consolation and joy, although I was afflicted on account of our brethren and you, because you have to be imprisoned there so long. I have committed you, together with the fruit, into the hands of the Lord, being confident beyond a doubt, that He will give you the same joy which He gives to me, and keep you unto the end. I experience such joy and gladness in His promises, that I never think on these torments, but only on the great promises which He has given to those who remain steadfast unto the end. I have such gladness, consolation and joy as I never had, yea, such joy, that I cannot utter or describe it, yea, that I did not believe that a person could have such joy in prison; for day or night I can scarcely sleep for joy, nor sufficiently thank and praise the Lord; for it seems as though I had not been here a day yet. Sir_43:30. Oh, that I might break my heart into pieces, and give it to you and our brethren! Oh, that I could help them with any blood; I should so gladly suffer for them!
O my beloved in the Lord, I now experience how mightily, strongly and fatherly He preserves those who trust in Him, and seek nothing but His glory; yea, what strength, consolation and joy He gives them; and how ignominiously He permits them to fall, who trust in men, and forsake and deny Him; so that they get a torturing conscience, a sorrowful heart, and dreadful horror, yea, look for nothing but eternal damnation and the pain of fire, and expect to hear the terrible words: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire; for the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” Matthew 25:41; Psalms 34:16. Behold, therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, let us look unto Jesus the Finisher, how. He went before us into death, for our salvation; for, behold, the crown of life is prepared for us; we shall sit with Him upon His throne; we shall be clothed in white robes. Herewith I commend you unto the crucified Christ for consolation and joy; that He will keep you, satisfy you with His divine Word, feed you with the bread of life and of understanding, and give you to drink the water of wisdom and the unadulterated milk, from the fountain of life. May He keep your soul unto salvation. Amen.
A LETTER FROM LIJSKEN, JEROME'S WIFE
The grace, peace, joy and love left by Christ to His disciples be unto you. I earnestly beseech Him, that He will give us such love and such a steadfast mind, that we may be found fit to receive the beautiful promises' which He has given to us, if we continue steadfast unto the end. To this Christ be praise and honor forever and ever. Amen.
I cannot thank or praise the Lord sufficiently for the great grace, the unfathomable mercy, and great love which He has shown us, that we should be His sons and daughters, if we overcome, even as He overcame. 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 3:21. Oh, well may we say that true faith, which works by love, and which will bring us to glory, if we suffer with Him is actuated by things not seen. Galatians 5:6; Romans 8:17; Hebrews 11:1. Let us consider, dear friends in the Lord, what great love worldly men have towards one another. There are some in prison, I have heard say, who rejoiced when about to go to the rack, because they should then be nearer those whom they loved, though they could not come together in person. Hearken, my beloved brethren and sisters in the Lord, if the world has such love, what love, then, ought we to have, who expect such glorious promises! I also have before me the beautiful example of a bride, how she adorns herself, to please her bridegroom of this world. Oh, how ought we then to adorn ourselves, to please our bridegroom! Oh, that we might be adorned as were the five wise virgins with oil in their lamps, to meet our bridefzroom, that we might also hear the sweet voice: “Come, ye blessed, inherit the kingdom of my Father.” I pray the Lord day and night, to give us such fervent love, that we may not regard the torments which they may inflict upon us; yea, may say with the prophet David
“I fear nothing of all that men can do unto me.” Psalms 118:6. And this our pain, which is light and temporal, is not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.
Since, then, it is the will of the Lord that with Daniel I must remain so long in the den of lions and await the howling and ravening wolves and lions, and the old serpent, which was from the beginning, and shall be unto the end; therefore, 1 entreat all my dear brethren and sisters, to remember me in their prayers; I will gladly do the same; according to my ability. O my dear friends, how can I sufficiently thank my heavenly. Father, that He has made me poor sheep fit to remain in bonds so long for His name's sake. I pray the Lord day and night, that this my trial may tend to the salvation of my soul, to the praise of the Lord, and to the edification of my dear brethren and sisters. Amen.
Nicholas op de Suyckeruye brought two priests to me, to instruct me, whom I answered by the grace of the Lord. They told me they were sorry that I had embraced this opinion, which they could not call a faith, but only an opinion, since we observed nothing commanded by the Christian church. I replied to them: “We desire to do or believe nothing but what the church of Christ commands us; but we will have nothing to do with the temple of Baal, or with other temples made with hands, after the doctrines and, commandments of men, and not after Christ. With these we will have nothing at all to do; for Stephen says that the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands; but he said that he saw the heavens opened, and Christ sitting on the right hand of His Almighty Father. Acts 7:48; Acts 7:56. And Paul says, that we are the temple of the living God; if we do His will, He will dwell and walk in us.” 2 Corinthians 6:16. They said that they were the sent, and those who sit in Moses' seat. I replied to them, that in that case the woes spoken of in Matthew 23 applied to them. They asked me whether I meant to say that he who taught me these things, was sent of God. I said
“Yes, I assuredly know that he is sent of God.” They then asked me, whether I knew how a teacher ought to be I answered: “A teacher must be the husband of one wife, blameless, having his children in subjection, no drunkard, winebibber or whoremonger.” 1 Timothy 3:2. They replied: “If we do wrong, it will fall on our own heads; the Lord is merciful.” I then asked, whether they would sin upon the mercy of God, and said it was written that we should not add sin unto sin, and say: “The Lord is merciful.” Sir_5:5. We said much more; but it would take too long to relate it.
I told them that they were ever learning, and never able to come to a right knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7. They then said that Christ said to His apostles: “To you it is given to understand, but to others in parables.” Matthew 13:11. I replied
“They who now rightly understand it, to them it is also given.”
Finally they crossed themselves over and over and said that I should find it out when I should stand before the judgment. That is true, I said: we shall there be appointed judges, to judge this disobedient and adulterous generation. Matthew 19:28. With this they went away. I also told them, that they had come from Satan, to murder my soul.
Once more I wish to my dear husband in the Lord, and to myself, the crucified Christ, as an imperishable joy and love, forever. Amen.
Know, my dear husband in the Lord, when I read that you rejoice so greatly in the Lord, I could not finish reading the letter, but had to pray the Lord, that He would give me the same joy, and keep me unto the end, so that we may offer our sacrifice with joy, to the praise of our Father who is in heaven, and to the edification of all dear brethren and sisters. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of His grace. Know, that I thank you very much for the letter you wrote me. The grace of the Lord, be with us always.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM LIJSKEN TO HER HUSBAND
The abundant grace of God be with us both always, and the love of the Son, and His unfathomable mercy, and the joy of the Holy- Ghost be with us forever. Amen. To Him who has begotten us again from the dead; be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish to us both the crucified Christ for the protector and guardian of our souls •, may He keep us in all righteousness, holiness and truth unto the end. And He will preserve us as His sons and daughters, yea, as the apple of His eye; if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14. Hence, let us trust in Him, and He will never forsake us, but preserve us, as He has preserved His own from the beginning of the world, and will let no temptation come upon us, but such as is common to man. Hebrews 13:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13.
The Lord is faithful, says Paul; He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has made us fit to suffer a short, transient' affliction for His name, through His beautiful promises, which He has given us and all those who remain steadfast in His doctrine. We may suffer here a little, but we shall be greatly: rewarded. Wisd. 3:5.
My dear, beloved husband in the Lord, you have partly passed through the trial, and have remained steadfast, eternal praise and glory to the Lord for His great grace! And I beseech the Lord with tears, to make me also fit; to suffer for His name; for all His chosen lambs are appointed thereto, since He has redeemed them from among men, to be the first-fruits unto God. Revelation 14:4. Yea, we know, as Paul says, that if we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him; if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him. 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:11. Hence, let us not despise the chastening of the Lord; for, whom He loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth, as Paul tells us. Hebrews 12:5-6. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of His grace and glory; with which He will glorify us, if we adhere to it unto the end. The grace- of the Lord be with us.
A LETTER FROM JEROME SEGERS TO HIS WIFE
The grace, joy, and peace from God the Father, and the loving kindness and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion and consolation of the Holy Ghost, strengthen, console and confirm and keep us; both in all righteousness and holiness unto the'end. To Him be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish to my chosen wife inthe Lord, and to me, eternal joy, and the imperishable and incorruptible life, and may He grant, that we both adhere unchangingly to His divine Word and eternal truth, unto the end; which He will also do, since He has promised it to us, if we continue faithful in what He has given us, and are willing to contend for it for His glory, even as He contended for our salvation, and was obedient to His Father unto death. If we also continue thus faithful unto death, we shall receive the crown of life, and inherit eternal life with Him, and He will never forsake us; for the Lord will or can do nothing contrary to His Word, for His Word shall never pass away. Matthew 24:35. And He has so faithfully promised to keep us, if we do not forsake Him; so that no one shall pluck us out of His hand; He will keep us as the apple of His eye, yea, as His sons and daughters. For, behold, my beloved, how faithfully He preserved those who faithfully served Him; even as Noah was preserved in the ark, as Lot was led out of Sodom, as Jacob was preserved from his brother Esau, who sought to kill hire, and as Joseph was preserved from his brothers, the sons of Jacob, Joshua and Caleb from all the heathen, and entered into the Promised Land, David before Goliath; Susannah before the false witnesses: Daniel from the lions-; and many other examples too lengthy to recite. Hereby we may perceive, how faithfully He preserves those who sincerely fear and love Him, and how ignominiously they .fall who forsake Him, as we may see from the beginning of the world, how it perished, on account o£ its wickedness, and how Lot's wife was punished. Esau could not find his birthright again, and the whole house of Israel perished in the wilderness. See, my beloved wife, all this the Lord permitted to happen not only for the sake of those who had sinned, but also for our sakes, that. we should see, how Christ is with the righteous, and, preserves them, and how He forsakes and brings to nought the ungodly; for Paul says: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” Romans 15:4.
Hence, let us diligently take heed, that we seek, fear and love the Lord from the bottom of our heart, faithfully serving, and not forsaking Him; for Christ says: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (Luke 11:23); even as we daily see how mightily He preserves those who trust in Him, and how soon they fall who forsake Christ, and put their trust in man. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, let us trust in the Lord Almighty, constantly look to Jesus, the Captain and finisher of our faith, always keep the crucified Christ before our eyes, faithfully follow Him as He went before us, and patiently take up our cross, always remembering the words of Christ, where He says that they shall kill us, and will think that they do Him service; and remembering that this is told us beforehand, that when it happens to us, we may not be offended; for the servant is not greater than his lord. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. John 16:3.For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness, but unto us; the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18. Hence, let us always remember the words of Christ “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven, and before his holy angels.” Matthew 10:32; Matthew 10:23. Let us firmly trust in Him, and He will not forsake us; for He does not forsake His own, but He prayed H'is heavenly Father, that where He is, He will that we shall be with Him. John 17:24.
Hence, let the world call us heretics and Anabaptists and condemn us as much as they please for Paul says: “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things I Now, if God so loved us, when we were yet enemies, how much more shall we be preserved from wrath, seeing we are justified through his blood: for being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 8:33-34; Romans 8:32; Romans 5:10; Romans 5:1-5.
My dearly beloved, let us therefore firmly trust the Lord, and patiently wait for His promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us not forsake Him, and He will not forsake us. I have committed us both and also the fruit into His hands, to do His divine will with us, that His name may be glorified thereby, and that it may tend to the salvation of our souls, and to the consolation and joy of all that fear the Lord, and I firmly trust Him, and doubt not, that He will preserve us as His sons and daughters, yea, as the apple of His eye. Know, that I rejoiced greatly, when I read your letter and that you write, that you pray the Lord with weeping eyes, to make you fit to suffer for His name. My beloved, be not anxious, but pray the Lord with a humble heart, to give us what is best for our souls, which He will doubtless do, and will not tempt us above that we are able. May He keep us in all righteousness, holiness and truth, unto the end.
Know also, my beloved, that they greatly tortured me, to find out the midwives where our sisters lay in childbed; but the Lord, who kept my lips, was stronger than all their tortures. Eternal praise and glory be to the Lord, who does not forsake His own. They obtained no names from me, save one or two, which they had read to me from a letter, and which I told them, to see what they would say. But they asked me whether I was making sport of them, and tortured me still more, demanding that I should tell them concerning the women, and others, or they would torture me till the next morning, and stretch me a foot longer than I was. They told Gileyn to rack, and his assistant racked vigorously, and Gileyn poured my body full of water. They had me lying stark naked on the bench, with nothing but the shirt to cover my shame. I was bound to the bench with four cords, so that it seemed to me, as though my head and legs were severed; but they obtained nothing more, praise and glory be to the Lord. When they released me, two or three of them had to lift me from the bench, and dress me; yea, it would not have been possible to endure the pain without the help of the Lord. They told me to consider the matter, and become a good son of the Roman church, and that I should indicate all those whom I knew, or they would deal more severely with me. I replied that I had not erred, and would far rather die than forsake my faith. They then said that they would come again; but they can do no more than the Lord permits them. John 19:11. Eternal praise to the Lord, who has made us fit for this, may He further fit us to become children of His kingdom. Amen. My beloved wife, I commend you to the Lord and to the Word of His grace.
A LETTER OF JEROME SEGERS TO BIG HENRY, WHO WAS ALSO IMPRISONED THERE, IN THE YEAR 1551
The grace and peace of God the Father, and the great mercy and love of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father, out of grace, for the salvation of all those who are dead unto their sins, and thus have risen with Christ into newness of life, and the eternal, unfathomable joy, consolation and communion of the Holy Ghost, strengthen your heart, understanding and mind in Christ Jesus. To Him be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish you, Henry, my dear brother in the Lord, whom I love from the bottom of my heart, for the steadfastness of our faith in Christ Jesus, true, penitent faith, which works by love, which you have, and a firm, constant mind, and steadfastness unto the end in this same effectual, saving faith. Colossians 2:5; Hebrews 3:14. I am greatly rejoiced at your steadfastness, that you are again so cheerful and content, the Lord be praised forever. I pray the Lord night and day, to strengthen you with His divine Word, and confirm you in the faith, preserve you in the den of lions, as He preserved Daniel and keep you with His strong arm, and to give you the New Jerusalem for an inheritance, which He will also do, for He is faithful that promised. Hebrews 10:23.
Therefore, my dear brother in the Lord, let us fight manfully against all devouring beasts; for life is prepared for us; and let us not be afraid of their threatenings nor be terrified by their tortures, for they can do nothing without the will of the Father. 1 Peter 3:14; John 19:11. The Lord will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. The Lord is our Captain, whom will we fear? The Lord is with us, who can be against us? For He will preserve us as the apple of His eye, yea, as His sons and daughters; for no man shall pluck His sheep out of His hand, yea, it is impossible for God's elect to be deceived. Matthew 24:24.
Hence, behold my dear brother in the Lord, be not dismayed, though they growl and snarl at you in an ugly manner; they can do nothing else to you. Let us fight valiantly against all dragons and lions. Put on the armor of God, take the sword of the Spirit, and resist them undauntedly, and regard no one; they will have to take to flight; for the sword which the Lord has given us is much too sharp for them, and the Lord helping us to fight, who is there able to prevail? For our God is a consuming fire, which devours His enemies. Deuteronomy 4:24.
Hence, I pray you, my dear brother, not to let it grieve you, though they keep you so long in this den of lions; for hereby the Lord tries us, since He tries His chosen as gold in the furnace. Therefore be patient in your tribulation; for where no conflict is, there is no victory; hence, we must have conflict, if we are to overcome; but he that overcometh shall inherit all things. Revelation 21:7. Let us, therefore, take up the cross with humility and patience, and wait for our promises, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; and let us keep the Lord before our eyes, and be faithful to Him unto death, for we must here suffer a little, but we shall be greatly rewarded; for He will set us upon His throne, and give us to eat of the hidden heavenly bread, and make us pillars in the temple of His God. Revelation 2:10; Wisd. 3:5; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:12. Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the Word of His grace; may He strengthen you in
His righteousness unto the end. Furthermore, I let you know, that I have been told that you heard I had forsaken the Lord; I was greatly surprised at this. It is not so, nor ever shall be; but they have said it to draw you off and trouble you. They have lied about me; for I have never stood otherwise in my faith, than is proper, and am still of the same mind as I was when I lay with you, the Lord be praised. I have never wavered, for I would rather be tortured ten times a day, and ultimately be roasted on a gridiron, than forsake my faith, which I have confessed.
Therefore, though they tell you ever so much about my having apostatized, believe it not, for the devil does this, in order to seduce and deceive you thereby, for by the grace of God I shall never forsake the Lord. But I have been sick in my flesh for many days; however, my spirit was so much the stronger. I prayed the Lord, to send me still more suffering, if it would conduce to my salvation, and He gives me more and more strength and consolation, for which I cannot sufficiently thank Him. Herewith I commend you to the Lord. When you sing aloud, I can well hear you. I thank the Lord, that He still, gives you so much strength that I hear you sing.
LAST LETTER OF JEROME TO HIS WIFE, WRITTEN THE NIGHT WHEN HE WAS SENTENCED; HE WAS PUT TO DEATH ON THE 2d OF SEPTEMBER, A. D. 1551
Grace and peace from God the Father, the unfathomable mercy of the Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the loving kindness and communion of the Holy Ghost be unto you, for an everlasting consolation, joy, gladness, and strength in your bonds, tribulation, sufferings, and vexation in your labor, and for strength in your faith, love and tribulation. To Him be praise forever and ever. Amen.
I wish unto you, my dearly beloved, chosen wife in the Lord, the true, genuine, penitent faith, which works by love, and a very firm, immovable, steadfast mind in my and your most holy faith. I further wish you the crucified Christ for a bridegroom, who has chosen you for a daughter, bride and queen. To this King of the Most High, to the everlasting Father and jealous, loving God, I have now commended you, my beloved in the Lord, that He will now be your Comforter and Bridegroom, since He has called and taken me first, with which I am well content, seeing that it was the will of the Lord; eternal praise and glory be to the Lord for His great power which He has manifested in us.
Therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, do not complain, or grieve much, because He has taken me first; for He has done all for our best, that I should be an example unto you, and that you may follow me as valiantly as I, through the grace of the Lord, who has made us both worthy to suffer for His name, shall go before you. Oh, my dear lamb, I humbly entreat you, not to listen to the papists or other sophists, but steadfastly to follow your Bridegroom, your immovable Bridegroom. Follow His footsteps, and fear not their threats, nor let their tortures terrify you; for they can do no more than the Lord permits them; they cannot hurt a hair of your head without the will of the Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:30.
Hence, fear not, but continue firmly and steadfastly in the doctrine of Christ, and in the right truth; for the Lord will not forsake you, but will preserve you as the apple of His eye; yea; as His daughter and child, since it is impossible for God's elect to be deceived; for His sheep hear His voice, and follow Him; but they hear not the voice of strangers. Hence, no man shall pluck them out of His hand; for lie is their Shepherd and Protector. Hence, fight valiantly, my chosen lamb, for the glory of the Lord, even as He fought so valiantly, for the salvation of our souls. Be therefore of good cheer, even though you have to lie yet a little longer in this den of lions. Your deliverance is nigh; it tarries not, but comes; and When He comes that will come with power, He will receive you as His bride and queen; for it is His pleasure to have His chosen with Him, since He delights in beholding them; and the day of the Lord is at hand Habakkuk 2:3; Psalms 45:14; Isaiah 13:6.
Therefore, my dear wife in the Lord, fight valiantly now, and fear not man, but rather say with Susanna, that you would much rather fall into the hands of man, than into the hand of God; for it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Susanna 24; Hebrews 10:31. Go to meet the Lord with ardent love as you have done hitherto by the grace of the Lord, who works in you; and fight valiantly, for the crown of life is prepared for you, since to those that overcome all things are promised, and they shall also inherit all things; for Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when all men speak evil of you; for great is your reward in heaven.” Matthew 5:11. He also says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Lord also said that when they have brought us before lords and princes, and tortured and killed us, they shall yet think to have done Him service thereby. John 16:2. Therefore, trust firmly in Christ alone, and the Lord will not forsake you, and the crown of life is prepared for you.
Herewith I will commend you to the Lord, and to the Word of His grace, and take leave of you, here in this world; for I do not expect to see your face any more; but I hope to see you under the altar of Christ before many days. Therefore, my beloved wife in the Lord, though the world counts us liars, and separates us bodily, yet the merciful Father will soon bring us together again under His altar, together with our brother; for I do not doubt it, but am firmly trusting in Him; for I have commended us three into His hands, to do His divine will with us, whereby His name may be most praised and thanked, to the salvation of our souls, and to the consolation and strengthening of, all those that fear the Lord, and serve and love His name; this He will also do, I doubt not; for He does not forsake His own who trust in Him; hence I go with a glad heart, to offer up my sacrifice to the praise of the Lord. If I could yet have come to you, I would have done so; but Joachim would not have it. But Christ will soon bring us together again under His altar; this men will not be able to prevent. Herewith I bid you adieu, till we meet under the altar. I commend you to the Lord. Big Henry salutes you much in the Lord. See, my dear wife in the Lord, the hour is now come that we must part; and thus I go before, with great joy and gladness, to my and your heavenly Father (John 20:17), and I most humbly entreat you, not to grieve on this account, but to rejoice with me. Romans 12:15. However, I am sad in one respect, because I leave you among these wolves; but I have commended you and the fruit to the Lord, and know assuredly, that He will preserve you unto the end, and herein I rest content. Be valiant in the Lord.
HOW LIJSKEN, JEROME'S WIFE, VALIANTLY FOUGHT, AND CONFESSED THE GROUND OF HER FAITH BEFORE ALL THE PEOPLE, REMAINING STEADFAST UNTO THE END; AND HOW THEY BY NIGHT PUT HER INTO A BAG, AND THREW HER INTO THE SCHELDT, SHE THUS SEALING HER FAITH WITH HER DEATH
Lijsken, our sister, who was in bonds for a long time, fulfilled the time of her sojourning, continuing most perfectly and steadfastly in the Word of the Lord unto the end, the Lord be praised forever, and confessed her faith very frankly and unfeignedly, in the court, before the authorities and the common people. In the first place, they questioned her concerning baptism, to which she replied: “I know but one baptism, which Christ and His saints practiced and left us.”
“What do you think of infant baptism?” asked the bailiff?
Lijsken answered: “That it is nothing but infant baptism, and a human institution.”
The lords then arose and put their heads together. In the meantime Lijsken clearly confessed and explained the ground of her faith to the people. Thereupon they passed sentence- upon her. Lijsken thus addressed herself to the judges
“You are judges now, but the time will come when you shall wish that you had been shepherds, [In Dutch “Schaepheaderen, “signifying the most menial occupation.-Trans] for there is a Judge and Lord over us all, who will judge you in due time; `but we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.”' Wisd. 5; Psalms 7:11; Ephesians 6:12. The lords therefore said: “Take her out of the court.”
The people then ran together in great crowds to see her. Lijsken boldly said to them: “Be it known to you, that I do not:suffer for .theft, murder, or any other evil deed, but solely for the incorruptible Word of God.” Thereupon they came to the Bargkerk, [Name of a church.] when she said: “O thou den of thieves (Matthew 21:13), how many a soul is murdered in thee!” As she was thus going along between the servants, though not led by them, the latter said [to the people]: “Arise, make room.” Then Lijsken said: “They do not hinder me; they may look on me, and take an example from me, all who love the word of the Lord.” Php_3:17 :
Speaking on, she went back into prison. The common people were greatly agitated, but the friends rejoiced. Hence, in the afternoon, some of our friends went to the prison to visit her, much other people also coming. The friends. talked a little with her, and said: “It is well that you suffer only for well doing, and not: for any evil deed.” 1 Peter 2:20. But she had to avoid them, on account of the other people that were in the prison. She spoke boldly and valiantly to the people, and sang a beautiful hymn, so that the people were greatly astonished. Two monks came, to torment her yet, and the three were locked together in a room. Lijsken utterly refused to listen to them. Once the door of the room was opened, much people standing before it, and Lijsken came and stood in the door, and said to the monks: “Go away, until you are sent for.; for I will not listen to you; if I had been content with your leaven, I should not have come to this:” The three were again locked into the room, and the erring spirits or stars (1 John 4:1; Jude 1:13) made another attempt with their false and deadly poison; but, God be praised, Lijsken was undaunted and of good cheer, and commenced singing a hymn in the presence of the monks. One o£ the friends present said: “Sister; fight valiantly:” When they [the monks], heard this, they were very angry, and said: “There is another of her people, who encourages her, whom it were better to burn than her. Thus they went away in a rage; for their voice was strange, and they were not heard there.” John 10:5.
Lijsken was then shut up alone in the room, which fronted the street, where she used to sit; and no one could get to her, save he that had the keys. When the monks came out into the street, to go away, some friends who were there asked them “Will she not be converted?” The monks replied “No; for there was one of her people there, whom she preferred to hear.” Towards evening, the Lord granted, that one of the friends came to the place where Lijsken sat, and conversed with her a long time, so that the people in the street began to hear it, and all looked up to the place where the friend was, so that some who were with him became uneasy, and told him to go away; but he replied: “I must first bid her adieu.” He then said: “Arise, sister, show yourself, and look out at the window.” She immediately did so, and as she looked out upon the people standing in the street, some friends who were among the crowd, also called out, saying; “Dear sister, fight valiantly; for the crown of life is set before you.” She then said to the people: “Drunkards, whoremongers, adulterers, all these are tolerated; they indeed read and speak of the Scriptures; but they that live and walk according to the will of God, are troubled.oppressed, persecuted and put to death.” 2 Timothy 3:12; John 16:2. And forthwith she began to sing: “Behold, what poor sheep we are, “etc. Romans 8:36. Before the hymn was finished, the lords came with the servants into the prison. Some friends said: “Just finish it, Lijsken.” But before she could finish the hymn, they drew her away from the window, and evening approaching, she was seen no more. Saturday morning we rose early, some before daylight, others at day break, to see the marriage which we thought should come off. But the crafty murderers had anticipated us; .we had. slept too long; for they had perpetrated their murderous work between three and four o'clock. They took the lamb to the Scheldt, thrust her into a bag, and drowned her, before the people arrived, so that but few witnessed it. There were some, however, who saw that she went boldly unto death, and valiantly said: “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” Thus she was delivered up, and departed, to the praise of the Lord.; so that through the grace of God it moved much .people. When the people arrived, and learned that she was dead already, it caused a great commotion among them, and as much sorrow as though she had been publicly executed; for they said: “Thieves and murderers are brought publicly before all men.” Thus their perfidy became the more widely known. Some plain people asked
“Why must this people die? for many give a good testimony of them.” Some friends who were there openly said to the people: “The reason is, that they obey the commands of God more than that of the Emperor, or of men, because they have sincerely turned to the Lord their God; from lies to the truth, from darkness to light, from unrighteousness to righteousness, from unbelief to the true faith; have thus amended their life, and, after becoming true believers, been baptized according to the command of Christ, and the practice of His apostles.” They moreover showed to the people from the Word of God, that the papists are those of whom the apostle Paul prophesied; that is, the seducing spirits., who teach the doctrines of devils; and also, that the righteous had to suffer from the beginning, from the time of Abel until now, even as Christ also had to suffer, and thus enter into the glory of His Father, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps; “for all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 1 Timothy 4:1; Luke 24:26; 1 Peter 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:12.