_Ans._ “If we were to let it grow up, you would corrupt us all.”
_Polet._ “Does not Augustine say”--
Joos. “Don’t speak of Augustine, for I do not know him; I hold no doctrine save that of the apostles and prophets, and of the words which our Savior brought from high heaven, from the mouth of his heavenly Father, and sealed with his precious blood; for this I want to go into the fire; but Augustine, Gregory, Ambrose, these I know not.”
_Ronse._ “Yea, do you not believe that our blessed Savior is concealed in the holy sacrament?”
_Joos._ “I do not believe this.”
_Ronse._ “Where then is he?”
_Joos._ “At the right hand of his heavenly Father, and he will at the last descend with the glory of his Father, to judge the quick and the dead. Fear this strict judgment, and amend your ways; put on sackcloth and clothing of hair; repent, and go to the people, whom you keep running after your false worship; warn them, for you murder their souls, since you say that you have the key of the kingdom of heaven, from the time of St. Peter, and that the same has always remained in your possession. Well does Christ say that you have the key, and that you will not enter yourselves, and those that desire to go in you hinder.” Matt. 23:13.
_Ronse._ “Who baptized you? did Jelis the Baptist, baptize you?”
_Joos._ “You know how it is with me; be satisfied.”
_Polet._ “It was Adam Pastor.”
_Ronse._ “Or David Joris.”
I kept silent.
_Ronse._ “Joos, tell me who were your sponsors?”
_Joos._ “I know of no sponsors.”
_Ronse._ “Your witnesses?”
_Joos._ “I have told you that it took place; hence be content therewith; for I have such confidence in the Lord, that I trust he will keep the door of my mouth so that I shall tell you nothing, though you should tear me to pieces.”
They asked me a great deal. I said: “Go away from me; for you are not of God.” They replied: “We are.” I said: “Away! go away from me, go from me, and come no more where I am.” Much more yet took place, but it would take too long to write it. Finally they went away, and I was led back into my cell.
On Sunday I was taken to the house of the Judges where the court was assembled. There were also present there Salome, Sir Cornelis, Dean of Kestenne, Ronse, and Polet. I was placed in the middle, firmly bound, and held by two thief-catchers. I said: “My lords, what is your wish?” _Ronse._ “This will be told you.” They then read the confession of my faith, which they had written in prison, and asked me whether I was still of the same mind. I replied: “Yes; I am still ready to go into the fire for it.” Ronse asked whether I did not believe that Christ had taken his flesh from Mary. I said: “No.” Then it seemed as though Sir Cornelis would faint away; he blessed and crossed himself much, and all were horrified. There was a little discussion about it; but they, like dragons, breathed their poison into the judges, each taking a judge, and said: “True, it is written so; but he has not the understanding; the Scriptures want to be understood.” And they adduced many far-fetched sophisms, and filled the ears of the lords, and asked me many sophistical questions. I said: “I have confessed my faith to you; be satisfied therewith; and I pray you, not that I am worthy of it, but by the crimson blood of our dear Lord, let me in peace; you have my faith, and hold me in your hands here: be satisfied, and do what you please.”