As regards our present condition, the Lord be praised for it, whom we cannot thank enough for the joy, that he has counted us worthy to suffer for his name, and for the joy given us by him, which we have in our imprisonment; for he is faithful, so that with the temptation he also provides for his own a way of escape, and he does not suffer his own, who trust in him, to be confounded. The grace of the Lord be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss, Jan, Pleun, and I, also greet you much. Herewith I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. Written by me, Peter Van Weert, while in prison with two others.
_Peter’s second letter, in which he takes leave._
Herewith we commend you all, dear brethren, to the Lord, wishing that you may finish your course to the praise of the Lord, so that you may obtain the crown, and remain steadfast unto the end, in order that you may obtain salvation; for no one obtains the prize, except he strive valiantly. 1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Tim. 2:5. Run, therefore, that you may obtain the prize; fight as soldiers of the Lord; firmly resolve to take no thought how or what you shall speak when you shall be brought before the magistrate, for God the Lord suffers not his own who trust in him to be confounded. Matthew 10:19. Though they are arraigned as malefactors, yet he does not forsake his own; for though weeping come in the evening, joy shall return in the morning. Ps. 30:5. And though he, to chasten us, be angry for a moment, yet through his mercy he keeps us alive. Heb. 12:8; Is. 54:8. Hence, we are not forsaken by him, though we have more adversity than the world.
My brethren, the servant is not greater than his Lord or Master. Remember, that though Christ was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, and though he was exalted, yet for our sakes he suffered and accepted reproach, that we through his poverty might be made rich, and through his reproach become heirs of his promises. 2 Cor. 8:9. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, and help bear his reproach. Heb. 13:13. Let us long for the future possessions. And be not in darkness, nor overcharged with eating or drinking; neither entangle yourselves with the cares of this life; walk as children of the light; be always ready like those who constantly wait for their lord; for he will come as a thief in the night. Luke 21:34; 12:36; Rev. 3:3. Make yourselves ready, take the staff into the hand, gird up your loins, and journey to the promised land; you shall possess it, if you do not fall into unbelief. It is pleasant and beautiful; we have seen it from afar, for which we thank and praise the Lord.
On this account, we desire of you, lovers of the truth, that you help us thank the Lord. For I once made a vow to the Lord, that I would live to him all the days of my life (Luke 1:75), which he has helped me fulfill, for which I praise him, and have often earnestly done so, with outstretched arms. The reason I write this, is, that you may not forget to thank and praise the Lord, for he is greater than all our lives; for you cannot so magnify him that he is not still more wonderful. Sir. 43:30. Continue in his words, and keep his commandments. Love one another sincerely. 1 Pet. 1:22. We also praise him for his faithfulness according to his promises, which he shows in us, in that we cannot sufficiently describe the joy he gives us; for in the beginning of our confinement, when we were imprisoned, we were joyful and fearless, likewise before the lords, and were filled with joy also afterward on the bridge and in our prison. Moreover, we hope that God will give us boldness unto the end.