Wolfgang Ulman, a celebrated and excellent man in matters of faith, after maintaining and practicing the faith for some time, was burned, together with his brother and ten other persons, all steadfastly testifying to their faith with death, at Walzen, about the year 1528.
Subsequently also Hans Pretle, who had been a preacher, but had afterwards become a minister of the church of Christ, having exercised his ministry for a time, and pointed many to the knowledge of the Gospel, was burned for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 6:9.
Little Hans of Stotzingen, having been in prison for a time, for the evangelical truth, at Zabern, Alsace, was finally condemned to death, about the year 1528. On his way to the place of execution, he addressed the following admonition to the people, and was then beheaded with the sword.
“In our extremity we now begin to cry unto our God, to deliver us from all our distress, that our hearts may offer up to him a pure sacrifice acceptable in his sight. Rom. 12:1. The sacrifice which I mean is my whole body, life, skin and bones, and also wife and children. We are willing to offer up all our members, love impelling and constraining us. Pharaoh would fain prevent and alter this; but we care not for it, and have not the least desire to desist from it, but to bring the offering before the Lord, and to press our way through with his assistance (Matt. 11:12); he will aid and succor us. Come hither, beloved brethren, let us valiantly take hold of the matter: We are now members of Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:4,5); he is our Captain (Ephesians 1:22); he has prepared a glorious crown, with which he will crown those who shall persevere unto the end. Matt. 10:12. Be of good courage and undaunted, thou worm Jacob. Isa. 41:14. The Red Sea shall stand open; if Pharaoh will pursue thee, he will perish in it. Thou little flock, be not afraid, for it is but a little while here, and our flesh is of no consequence. But in the city which God has prepared us in the everlasting kingdom, we shall be as the angels of God. Heb. 11:10: Matthew 22:30. Who can estimate their value? This God has promised us; yea, through his child Jesus Christ he promises us much comfort and joy, and everlasting rest, if we continue steadfast in him. But we must also drink the cup of suffering, and suffer with his Son Christ Jesus (Matt. 20:23), and he will deliver and well succor us. Though the heathen slay us, he will not forsake us, but break their power in pieces, snatch us out of their hand, and through grace gloriously crown us. God is the Lord who can protect. He is also our shield (Genesis 15:1), since we have him for a Father, who is so good and gracious; that though men drive us away from them, yet will we always adhere to him. His great power is over us, and he does not suffer them to faint, who keep his covenant; therefore, though we be defamed and accused, rejoice over it in your hearts. Have confidence in God, and he shall help you. Therefore fear neither pain nor death. I give praise and thanks to my God, that I have become a sacrifice. I have long longed for it, for to die is gain for me. Phil. 1:21. O God, let me partake of the sacrifice of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen.” Heb. 9:14.
Thus he offered his neck, and was beheaded for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8.