Thieleman J. van Braght · 206 of 210

Account of Those Who Suffered in the Seventeenth Century · Part 4

Fol. 2 and 3, as also further on, they write: "That without the baptism of the Holy Spirit the water and (its) baptism are but a hocus pocus."

Concerning the article of War or Retaliation. In like manner, some of the foremost Lutherans (who in the beginning were one with the Calvinistic Reformed), and of the Zwinglians, believed with us that it does not behoove a Christian to war, or offer resistance. Among them we will first adduce Andrew Carlstadt, who, in a little book treating on whether men should forgive sufferings and offenses, printed at Zurich, A. D. 1524, writes as follows concerning resistance

"We shall not be misled by the objection made: War is a punishment of God; hence there must certainly always be one who wages war against another." Again: "They warred in the Old Testament."

In reply to the first he writes: "Hear on the other hand, what Christ says (Matt. 18:7) 18:7): 'It must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!' Hence some merit the disfavor of God, so that He punishes and torments them with war, but woe to him that wages war against them; for He (namely, God) punishes the evil with the evil."

Reply to the second: "The children of Israel waged war, either against sinful nations that would not allow them to go into the promised land, or against those, who, when they were in it, did not leave them in peace, and all this was a figure of the spiritual war, which we must now wage in Christ, as regenerated and new men, against all vice and unbelief."

Immediately after that he proceeds and writes: "They also bring against us this objection: That we must compel by force of arms those that will not allow that which is right."

Answer: "If we are to speak in a right and Christian manner of the matter, war in no wise becomes us; we ought, according to the teachings of Christ, to pray for those who say all manner of evil against us, and count us fools; yea, if they smite us on one cheek, to offer them the other also; then shall we be children of the Most High." Thus far, Carlstadt.

From Carlstadt the writer goes on to Luther, saying: "In a little book, printed at Wittenberg, in the year, 1520, Luther states why he burnt the pope's books. The twenty second, article thereof reads thus: `Because he teaches; that it is right for a Christian to defend himself with violence against violence; contrary to the words of Christ (Matthew 5:40): "If any man take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also." ' "

In another book, also printed at Wittenberg, in the year 1522, there are found among other articles (which one Sorbona had extracted as heretical from Luther's books) also these: "That he (namely, Luther) had taught concerning the words of Christ (Matt. 5:39): `Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also;' and again, (Rom. 12:19): `Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,' that these words are not advices" that is, which one may, or may not do "as many theologians erroneously teach, but that they are commandments" that is, things which must be observed.

Again: "Christians are forbidden to sue for their rights at the law." Again: "Since a Christian may not place his affection upon temporal things, he may also not swear an oath because of them."

In short: "We find that Luther for a considerable time was with mouth and hand opposed to resistance, till he was finally seduced to another belief, by the Jesuits even as Sleydanus, lib. 8, fol. 561, testifies." See the oldest edition.

A few pages further on the writer comes to speak of Pomeranus, Brentius, and divers others, who, about the years 1520, 1530, 1540, and subsequently, undertook the work of the Reformation from Popery, and also became effectual instruments in that direction; who nevertheless at that time taught not only against retaliation upon enemies, but also, besides infant baptism, the swearing of oaths, and other articles which are not founded in the holy Gospel of Jesus Christ; and, on the other hand, taught and defended such things as are founded therein, and are still at the present day taught by the Anabaptists; though some of the aforementioned reformers themselves, and especially their descendants, for the most part, again departed therefrom.

These and similar matters were, in said reply of the persecuted Anabaptists in Switzerland, given for examination to the lords of Zurich, and to those who had drawn up the afore mentioned manifesto in excuse of the persecution raised; as clearly showing that not the Anabaptists, but they themselves, had departed from the principles of the Reformation; that consequently not the Anabaptists, who had adhered to their principles, but the apostate reformed themselves, were to blame in this matter. Hence, that the authors of said manifesto had done wrong in charging the aforesaid Anabaptists with having separated themselves from the obedience which they owed to the true Christian church, only because they would not go to church with them, who are called Reformed, nor receive their religion contrary to their souls and consciences.

Besides this point of disobedience toward the church, the Swiss brethren were also charged in the aforesaid manifesto, that they were also disobedient to the political authorities, etc. But hereupon they, in said answer, roundly declared that this was unjustly said of them, yea, that they were willing and entirely ready to obey their authorities in all just matters, to pray for them, to pay them due tribute, honor and fear, and, though they should suffer wrong from them, in no wise to avenge it; but willingly and patiently to bear it for the Lord's sake.

These were about the principal points that were mentioned in the manifesto, and refuted by the persecuted brethren; the other matters are of small importance, and hence not necessary to be adduced here.

But they nevertheless proceeded with the persecution, and granted no mitigation, as will be seen from the following accounts

WERNER PHISTER AND HIS SON'S WIFE, IN THE

YEAR 1640

The progress of the years brought no cessation of the persecution, nor could aught of what was adduced by way of excuse avail anything. This was clearly evident, for the year 1640 had scarcely come when the Wadischwyl district began again to resound with persecution, insomuch that the servants of the authorities there assailed, with dreadful raging and storming, like howling wolves and bears, the house of an old and pious minister of the church named Werner Phister, beat doors and windows and all that was attached to it in pieces, and apprehended him and his wife, as also his son's wife, and brought them to Zurich, where they were imprisoned in the place Othenbach.

In the meantime the old man's wife by a certain accident escaped; but the pious old minister himself, as also his son's wife, when they would in no wise apostatize from their faith, nor go to the common church, had to forfeit their lives, insomuch that they were suffered miserably to die through want, poverty and hardships. But hereafter they shall no more hunger or thirst, nor be assailed by suffering or death; when the Lord, according to His promise shall reward and crown them with the eternal and blessed life. Tract, Jer. Mang., fol. 14, B, compared with Tract, M. Meyli., dated 1651, fol. 6, number 2.

NOTE. We previously, for the year 1637, made mention, in the margin, of a brother named Peter Brubach, who being then imprisoned with two other of our fellow believers, finally was released. The same was now, A. D. 1640, cruelly persecuted; insomuch that on the 6th of May his house was demolished, his male and female servants sent away, the children driven out of the house, his house, homestead, woodland and fields, movables and immovables, yea, everything taken; a part of which was put into Othenbach, and the other part sold, from which 9,000 rix dollars was realized, which the authorities seized. Not long afterwards the three little sons of this man were imprisoned in Othenbach, where they miserably wasted, etc. Tract, Jer. Mang.; edit. 1645.

GALLUS SCHNEIDER, A. D. 1640

A very old man named Gallus Schneider, from the Seignioralty Wadischwyl, was also apprehended in the year 1640, brought to Zurich, and there imprisoned in the convent dungeon (Othenbach).

He was kept in irons sixteen weeks, and very harshly treated, until he finally, when his faith had been sufficiently tried, and been found immovable, died in his bonds, having committed his soul unto God, from whom he had received it. Compare Jer. Mang. Tract, fol. 15, B. with Tract, M. Meyli, fol. 7, A., mum. 7.

NOTE. About this time, an old sister from Horgerberg, named Verena Albi, was also imprisoned, but subsequently, through a certain means, delivered out of bonds, but must still keep herself concealed. Tract, Mang., and Meyli.

RUDOLPH BACHMAN, A. D. 1640

Even as youth on account of the bloom of their life was not spared, so also not the least compassion was had upon old age and declining years; yea, not even upon such as were very feeble and infirm according to the body.

Among these was Rudolph Bachman, from the Wadischwyl district, who was apprehended in the year 1640, and as he on account of his great age, weakness and infirmity, according to the flesh, was not able to walk, he was put on a sled, and thus conveyed from his house to the prison, which was a great distance off.

Afterwards he was placed in chains for a time, in the nearest hospital, and, because of the steadfastness of his faith, not loosed therefrom till he died.

But for this he shall hereafter, being freed from the eternal bonds of darkness, be admitted into the liberty of God's saved children; on the other hand

"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity." Rev. 13:10.

Then it shall be seen, what difference there will be between God's true servants, and those that have afflicted them; for everyone shall receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II Cor. 5:10. Compared with Tract, M. Meyli, dated 1658, fol. 6, B., mum. 3, etc.

NOTE. Now, in the year 1640, there was also apprehended Henry Schnebbi, from the Seignioralty Knonow, a God fearing brother, who was cast into prison with a number of criminals at Zurich, at whose hands he met with much ill treatment; however, he was finally released. Tract, Jer. M., etc.

In the year 1641, Hans Rudolf Bauman, a very God fearing man, and a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ at the Horgerberg, was also taken to Zurich, and there confined in the convent prison, where he was: very closely kept for over sixty weeks, and for a considerable time fed on bread and water, and put into iron bonds; in consequence of which he fell into a severe sickness.

In the meantime, on a certain Good Friday, through the aid of some of his imprisoned fellow brethren he escaped, but as he on account of his sickness, was not able either to walk or to stand, he was taken up and carried for a considerable distance, so that he escaped the persecutors' hands.

Thereupon his house and homestead were sold, and wife and children driven therefrom. From the sale was realized 3,000 guilders, which the authorities seized and kept for themselves. But the Lord shall render unto every man according to his righteousness, and according to his faithfulness. I Samuel 26:23. Compared with Tract, Jer. Mang., fol. 12, A., etc.

ULRICH MULLER, A. D. 1640

On the 31st of August of the year 1640, there was apprehended Ulrich Muller, a minister of the Word of God, in the country of Kiberg.

He was taken from there to Zurich, where he was confined in the council house, and a few days afterwards imprisoned in the convent dungeon at Othenbach.

Here they treated him most unmercifully for thirty five weeks, so that he completely wasted away, and, adhering to his faith, fell asleep in his bonds in great steadfastness.

After his death his children had to pay a fine of 100 guilders to the authorities on account of their father, who had, as it was thought, died as a heretic.

Compare both tracts, that of Mangold as well as that of Meyli, on the name Ulrich.

NOTE. At this time, A.D. 1640, there was also apprehended Oswald Landis, with his wife and two of his daughters in law, all of whom were imprisoned in the convent Othenbach; Jacob Landis, the son of Oswald, as also his entire family, were exiled into misery.

In the meantime the two imprisoned daughtersin law, who had nursing infants, escaped out of prison by night;, in which subsequently also the old man and his wife succeeded, but they had lost all their property, in consequence of which they had to roam about in poverty. Tract, Jer. M.

In the following year, 1641, they again apprehended divers pious Christians residing in the Seignioralty of Knonow; among whom are mentioned by name, Henry Fricken, and also Hans Ring and his wife.

Henry Fricken was confined in the council house of the city of Zurich, and so unmercifully treated, that he weakened in his purpose, and consented also to go to the common church, which was what they desired; whereupon he was released. But when he considered what he had done, and how he had done violence to his conscience, wronged his soul, and given offense to the Church of God, he fell into great distress, confessed his fall, and, with Peter, bitterly wept over his sin, and in order that his persecutors should no more rejoice over his apostasy, he went back to Zurich, into the council house, to be confined in the place whence he had been released, which was done.

In the meantime, by the order of the authorities, his two large farms were rented for 420 guilders and notes they took from him over 13,000 guilders; after which he was released, but again apprehended, out of which bonds he again escaped, but was afterwards, as before, sorely persecuted, while wandering about in misery and poverty.

Hans Ring also had to go to Zurich into the council house, and was then imprisoned in Othenbach, and closely guarded. He was conducted into the torture chamber, and twice stripped, near the rack, but yet finally, unweakened in his faith, escaped the tyrants' hands.

The wife of this Hans Ring, four days after having been confined, and being yet very sick, was unexpectedly so assailed and distressed by the magistrates' beadles, with furious raging and cursing, that she, in the attempt to save herself as it seems, unexpectedly fell into a gutter, where she could not be found or helped out for the time being; but afterwards, having been found, she was there fastened to a chain, and the people in the house commanded with severe threats, not to let her leave the house.

Finally, however, through the aid of some of her friends, she escaped by night, and, being very weak yet, was carried into another region. Compare Tract, Mang. with Tract, Meyli, on the names above referred to.

OF A CERTAIN SUPPLICATION ADDRESSED AND DE;

LIVERED BY THOSE OF AMSTERDAM, IN FEBRU;

ARY, 1642, TO THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

ZURICH, FOR MITIGATION OF THE PERSE;

CUTION RAISED; AND OF THE ANSWER

WHICH, IN JUNE OF THE SAME

YEAR, FOLLOWED THEREUPON, BY

THOSE OF ZURICH

The laudable magistrates of the city of Amsterdam, in Holland, having an aversion to the proceedings of their fellow associates at Zurich, on the 20th of February, 1642, through the urgent request of the Anabaptists, at Amsterdam, with regard to the distress of the Swiss brethren, sent an humble supplication to the burgomasters and the council of the city of Zurich, in order, if possible, to obtain some mitigation of the persecution commenced against the Anabaptists there.

This supplication having safely and properly arrived and been delivered there, could nevertheless obtain nothing in this direction, save only an unfriendly and irritating reply; which was drawn up by them on the 18th of June, of the same year, and sent to the good magistrates of Amsterdam, and consequently also to the Anabaptists there, accompartied by three of their previously emitted manifestoes of the year 1639, wherein, as we have noticed for said year, nothing but reproach and contumely (though without cause) was heaped upon said persecuted people.

We could here adduce this letter of the Zurich lords, as we have a correct copy of it; but as it contains nothing but unkindness and acrimony, without the least justice or information, and the following work sufficiently declares from what spirit it proceeded, we deem it unnecessary and unworthy, to accord it a place here; without, however, despising said lords, since we are commanded to love even our enemies, and to pray for them that persecute us. Matt. 5:44.

FELIX LANDIS, WITH HIS WIFE ADELHEID EGLI,

ABOUT A. D. 1642

Felix Landis (the son of Hans Landis, who, A. D. 1614, was beheaded at Zurich) was a pious and God fearing brother of the church in Horgerberg. He was apprehended, and imprisoned in Othenbach, in which place he was treated most unmercifully; for he was not given anything to eat for many days, so that even some criminals that were confined near him in another place, took pity on him, and with difficulty, managed to get some food to him, through an opening between them. But when the doorkeeper perceived this, he was put into another prison. Finally, however, they gave him some food; but he was so impaired in his body (through shrinking of his bowels, as it seems, on account of having suffered hunger so long), that he could not bear food any more, but prepared himself for death.

Yet in his greatest distress he was carried to church, during the sermon, where he, O dreadful inhumanity! was thrown under a bench; but he soon after gave up the ghost, which he had commended into the hands of God.

His wife Adelheid Egli, who was also imprisoned in Othenbach, was kept there almost four years.

In that time she was treated not only unmercifully, but also shamefully; they threw her into many a stinking corner, stripped her twice in her bonds, and for a time took away her clothes from her every night; however, she afterwards, with a good conscience, escaped from her bonds.

But in the meantime the authorities had broken up their family, put out the children among strangers, and then sold house and furniture, realizing from it 5,000 guilders, all of which they kept for themselves.

However the cast out and forsaken ones comforted themselves herein according to the words of the apostle: "Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and enduring substance." Hebrews 10:34. Compare Jer. Mang., Tract o f the year 1645, fol. 13, A. B., with M. Meyli, Tract, dated 1658, fol. 7, mums. 8.

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NOTE. The time of the imprisonment and death of this martyr, and of the following ones, which we have fixed about the year 1642 and 1643, is not really expressed in the Swiss manuscript, but is inferred from the circumstances.

RUDOLF SUHNER, ABOUT A. D. 1643

They also apprehended a young lad, named Rudolf Suhner, who, though young in years, was old in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

He was kept confined nearly two years in Othenbach, during which time he was forced to hard labor.

In the meantime they made his life so bitter to him, by severe threats and terrible representations, that he, through fear of the impending distress, consented to go to church with those that had imprisoned him, whereupon he was released. But soon after, reflecting on his fall, he experienced great sorrow, sincerely wept over his sins, and again prepared himself for the conflict set before him.

Thereupon he was again apprehended, and confined in the afore mentioned place, but kept much harder than before. For, for a time all food was denied him (even as had been done to Felix Landis), so that some criminals, who were confined close to him, filled with compassion on his account, poured to him some warm liquid food, through a crevice in the wall.

Finally, when in consequence of having suffered hunger so long, he was so weakened, that he could not live any longer, he requested once more, that they would, in his great distress, allow him a little warm food, which the jailer made known to the lords. This, however, they jointly refused to grant in order to cause him, if possible, to apostatize. But finally one of the lords, beholding his misery, gave permission that they should give him some thing to eat again. Which when it was done, he could eat or bear it no more, and thus died famishing in his bonds; for which the Lord shall hereafter, at His heavenly table, reward him with eternal satiation. "Blessed are ye that hunger now for ye shall be filled." Luke 6:21. Compare Jer. Mang., Tract, fol. 14, A., with Tract, M. Meyli, fol. 7, mum. 8.

THREE SISTERS, NAMELY, ELIZABETH BACHMANNI,

ELSSA BETHEZEI, AND SARAH WANRIJ, ABOUT

A. D. 1643

The army of God, which at this time prepared itself for the conflict and the sufferings of Jesus Christ, consisted not only of men, who are sometimes judged to be strongest, but also in women, for God's power is made strong in weakness, which appeared in the case of three pious heroines of God, namely, Elizabeth Bachmanni, from the Groeningen Bailiwick, the wife of Hans Jaggli, of Bartschwyl; Elssa Bethezei, from the Knonow Bailiwick, the wife of Jacob Isselme; Sarah Wanrij, from'i the Horgerberg, the wife of Hans Phisfer, all of whom, imprisoned and bound in the dungeon Othenbach and in the hospital, for the testimony of Jesus Christ, lost their lives through want, hardships, and misery. All this they endured in the fear of God as well as patiently. They counted their departure from this life as the beginning of the future. And so, their unrest was truly the entrance to the rest of the saints, who shall hereafter, for this brief suffering, which they endured for the name of the Lord, rejoice forever. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." II Cor. 4:17. Compare the above with Tract, Meyli, dated 1658, fol. 8, A., num. 1, 2, 3.

VERENA LANDIS, A. D. 1643

An old sister, named Verena Landis, was surprised in the night in her own house, with dreadful raging and storming; in consequence of which she was so frightened that she fainted, yea, became sick, and hence could not go with the thief catchers.

When they could not get her away, she had to promise to remain a prisoner in her house, which promise she kept.

But as they treated her very harshly, and provided her with very bad food, certain death ensued a short time afterwards, and she thus departed this life with a joyful hope and cheerful heart; for which the Lord hereafter, because it was done for His name's sake, shall crown her with the life of bliss, and deliver her from eternal death. "There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4. Jer. Mang., Tract, fol. 15, B., compared with Tract, M. Meyli, fol. 8, A.

BARBARA NEEFT, ABOUT A. D. 1643

This woman was very near her confinement, when she was driven hither and thither through the persecution.

After she was delivered and had lain in three days, she was betrayed and apprehended.

She was forthwith, in the bitter cold of winter, taken to prison, a distance of four hours' walk; in which, on account of the intolerable cold, her health became irrevocably ruined, so that she, though she was released from prison previous to her death, died soon after, and is now resting with her soul under the altar of God. Compare Jer. Mang., Tract o f the year 1645, fol. 16, A., with M. Meyli, Tract, fol. 8, after the three women first mentioned, num. 1.

BARBLY RUFF, ABOUT A. D. 1643

The persecutors did not rest, but continued, so that having hastily entered into the Knonow Bailiwick, they fell upon another sister, namely Barbly Ruff, who was likewise enceinte; in consequence of which this good woman was so exceedingl, frightened, it happened so unexpectedly, that thi pains of travail came upon her, and she was there fore not able to accompany her captors.

Therefore she was fastened to a chain in the house of her brother in law, and the family o~ servants there enjoined to guard her well.

But when she had been delivered of her child and had gained a little strength, although not ye quite recovered from all the hardships she had suf fered, she, when it was not expected, escaped intc another district, but since her life had been greatl3 weakened through the persecution she had sufferec she died soon after; which she bore willingly anc patiently,. with a valiant and steadfast mind, to the praise of the Lord, entering into the saints' rest, and waiting for the day that shall hereafter comfort her and all the pious. M. Meyli Tract, dated 1658, fol. 8, B., compared with Jer. Mang., Tract of the year 1645, on the name Barbly, etc.

NoTE. About this time, 1643, there were also apprehended for their faith, two sisters, namely, Martha Lindne and Annill Blau, very well known and noted women. Martha was imprisoned in Othenbach, and threatened with the executioner, who stood beside her, if she should not reveal the poor fund, which was intrusted to her husband; which when she had pointed out, they took the whole of it and kept it, it amounting to about 1,000 dollars. Annill being enceinte, was fastened to a chain in the hospital till she was delivered. But, as many interceded for her, and especially through the intercession of the chief curate, Printlger, she was released, and went to the Lower Palatinate, where she and her husband, named Moneth Meylich, who, on account of the steadfastness of his faith, had also endured much persecution, tribulation and imprisonment, settled down, and (nothing to the contrary being known) they still live, enjoying prosperity through the blessing of God. Compare tracts of M. Meylz and Jer. Mang., on the names above referred to.

HENRY BOLLER, ABOUT A. D. 1644

It continued to be a common custom to let people die in prison. This appeared also in the case of a God fearing brother, named Henry Boller,* from the Seignioralty Wadischwyl, a man of very great age, and very infirm according to the body.

He was apprehended, and taken to the aforementioned prison Othenbach at Zurich, and there put in bonds.

But as they treated him most unmercifully and without the least compassion, his many years and natural infirmity were not able to bear up under it; hence, having commended his spirit into the hands

* In the last tract he is called Hans Boiler, but in the first, Henry, which we have followed in our account. It must also be noticed, that in the Swiss manuscript the time of this occurrence is not exressly noted for the year 1644; but from the circumstances we have inferred, that it took place about said year, as we have also noted.

of God, he died there in prison: but he shall be rewarded for this in the day of resurrection, when there will be fulfilled what the prophet says: "Thy dead men (O God!) shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs." Isa. 26:19. Compare Tract, Jer. Mang., fol. 16, A., zu:th the account of M. Meyli, fol. 6, B., though, through a mistake in copying, instead of Henry, it reads Hans.

NOTE. On the 11th of June of the year 1644 there was apprehended an old brother from the Horgerberg, named Conrad Stricke, who, though he had been apprehended outside of the Zurich jurisdiction, was nevertheless imprisoned at Zurich, in the place Othenbach, and put in chains every night.

So was also his wife apprehended, and imprisoned in the same place; however, she, through a certain means, keeping her faith, escaped again; but the afore mentioned Conrad, her husband, was not so successful, so that he remained in severe imprisonment until the close of the year 1645, after which time we have learned nothing of him or of his deliverance. See Jer. Mang. Tract, edit. 1645, on the name Conrad.

OF A CERTAIN WRITING FROM SWITZERLAND,

TOUCHING THE THREATS MADE BY THOSE OF

BERNE AGAINST THE ANABAPTISTS IN

THOSE PARTS, A. D. 1645

Now when some brethren and sisters in the Swiss dominions had died in prison, of misery, want, hunger, and grief, but five still lived in confinement, the remaining ones who were yet out of bonds, when they were threatened, especially by those of Berne, that they should expel them all from the country, and seize their goods, and sell them, had recourse, next to God, with an humble and friendly letter, to their fellow believers in Holland and elsewhere in the Netherlands, requesting that they should everywhere fervently call upon God the Lord in their behalf, for comfort and grace, to the end that they might patiently endure that which might come upon them according to the flesh, for His holy name's sake.