At a certain time, which we have not been able precisely to ascertain, a lad named Jacques Dosie, was imprisoned at Leeuwaerden, in Friesland, for the truth of the holy Gospel. It is said that he was only about fifteen years of age; but the wonder-working God, by the holy Spirit, manifested his power through this little one, and perfected his praise out of the mouth of this young child. Matthew 21:16; Ps. 8:2. For, on a certain occasion, when the lord and lady of Friesland, with many nobles and ladies, were assembled at Leeuwaerden, they summoned Jacques before them, conversed with him, and examined him, whether he was contaminated with any heresy. But the faithful God, according to his promise (Luke 21:14; Matt. 10:19; Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11), gave him a mouth and wisdom, which they could in no wise resist or quench.
Thus it came, that after a few words the lord of Friesland went his way, because the people were waiting for him; but the lady of Friesland, moved to compassion, it seems, talked with him, asking him why he, who was still so young, was thus severely imprisoned and bound.
Jacques answered: “This was done only because I believe in Christ, adhere to him alone, and will in no wise forsake him.”
The lady asked him: “Do you not belong to the people who rebaptize themselves, perpetrate so much evil in our country, make rebellion, run together, and say that they are dispersed on account of the faith, and boast of being the church of God, although they are a wicked set, and cause great commotion among the people?”
_Jacques._ “My lady, I do not know any rebellious people, nor am I one of their number; but we would much rather, according to the teachings of the Scriptures, assist also our enemies, satisfy them, if they hunger and thirst, with food and drink, and resist them in no wise with revenge or violence.” Rom. 12:20,17; Matt. 5:39.
Another said: “It would be seen, if you only had the power.”
Jacques replied: “O no my lady, believe; if it were permitted among us, to resist the evil with the carnal sword, know, that no seven men should have brought me here, and I should have kept out of your hands, for there would have been power to do it.”
_Lady._ “I know there are such sects, who are very wicked and kill the people, and also have their goods and wives in common.”
_Jacques._ “O no, my lady, we are quite unjustly charged with these wicked things, and occasion is thereby sought, to persecute us; but we must suffer and endure all this with patience.” Matt. 5:11; Acts 21:38; 2 Tim. 2:3.
_Lady._ “Was it not your people, who with great dishonor took up arms against the government at Amsterdam and Muenster?”
_Jacques._ “O no, my lady; for those people erred greatly; but we regard it as a doctrine of the devil, to seek to resist the authorities with the external sword and violence, and would much rather suffer persecution and death from them, together with everything that is inflicted upon us.” Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13; Tit. 3:1.
_Lady._ “Nevertheless, it is imputed to you, and they who make uproar do very wrong; however, I believe what you say concerning it.”
_Jacques._ “My lady, do we not read much of this character, how wicked men spoke evil of the apostles themselves, and the whole band of Christians, and, by many wicked things, sought to incite the authorities to vengeance against them, though it was all falsehood?” Acts 28:22; 24:5; Luke 2:34.
_Lady._ “Do you not believe that all are damned who are not baptized according to your way?”
_Jacques._ “O no, my lady, for judgment with regard to this belongs to God alone, who shall reward every one according to his works, as is clearly evident in many places of the holy Scriptures. Moreover, the water has not power to cleanse us from sin, as Peter says, but is merely a sign of all obedience.” 1 Peter 3:21; Matt. 3:15.