In this year 1537, also Hans Peiz, a minister of the Gospel, and several of his fellow believers were apprehended for the divine truth, at Passau, on the Danube. They were imprisoned a long time, suffered much, and, together with others, who confessed their faith and the truth, fell asleep in prison, after great steadfastness, and heroic piety.
In this same year 1537, brother Hans Wucherer was apprehended in Bavaria, and with him another brother, named Hans Bartel, a weaver. They were taken to Mermes, where they were confined for sixteen days, and were twice examined by Caiphas and the priests, and twice through the torture. They were asked what they believed concerning the sacrament. They spoke mightily against it, that it was an abomination, and an idol before the Lord; and that it was not to be believed that they could give the body of Christ, with flesh and blood, just as he hung on the cross to eat so many hundred thousand times; but they said that the supper was a memorial of his suffering, death and the shedding of his blood, by which he redeemed us, Matt. 26:25; Luke 22:19. To commemorate this, and to search their hearts, is the purpose for which believers, who are members of his body, or his church, are to observe it, with sincere thanksgiving to him. They then asked them concerning infant baptism and what they held of their priests and churches. They spoke against all these according to the truth. They then questioned them about their views regarding their matrimony, and the Ten Commandments. To this they also gave their reply. They were then brought bound to Bruckenhausen, where each was separately put in chains in prison. Six times they were brought forth and examined, in order to induce them to recant, which if they would do, mercy would be shown them. But they would in no wise exchange the divine grace for the favor of the world, since they felt assured that they were in the true faith and in the truth of God.
The seventh time the priests came to them into the prison; but they adhered constantly to God. They also greatly tortured them, severely racking Hans, and Brother Bartel twice, without, however, prevailing upon them.
The eighth time the Judge came to them, together with three others. After maltreating them fearfully, he sentenced them to be burned; but they hoped in the Lord, to remain faithful and steadfast unto the end, in the divine truth, through the unspeakable riches and power of God. They were then burned for the faith valiantly testified to the truth, and obtained the crown of the martyrs of Christ.