Then an order came from Innsbruck, from the council, which the lords came to read to him. It contained the following: Since he was so obdurate, and would receive no instruction, he should be sent to sea; and thither he should go the next morning; there he should find out, how evildoers are stripped and scourged. But he replied that he would trust in God his Lord, who was on sea as well as on the land, to help him, and give him patience. 2 Cor. 1:9; Matt. 14:31.
They then let him out of prison, and walk about in the castle for two days, that he should learn to walk again; for he was not well able to walk, so greatly had he become impaired in the use of his limbs by imprisonment, stocks, fetters and bonds, in which he had lain for two years, less five weeks, having not seen the sun for about a year and a half.
He was then given in the custody of one of the servants, who was to take him to the sea. Hence he took leave from every one in the castle, and exhorted them to repentance. The lady of the castle sent word to him that he should come to her, which he did. She called him into her study, where he took leave from her, and exhorted her also to repentance, and entreated her not to molest the pious (who do no hurt), in the exercise of their religion, and not to apprehend any more of them, to which she consented, and began to weep, so that the tears flowed down her cheeks, and said: “Never more in my life shall I lay hands upon them.” She gave him some money for the journey, and dismissed him.
This servant then took him away with him. The servant was a wicked man; he called the brother a rogue on every occasion, or applied some other opprobrious epithet to him.
Having led him two days, the servant so filled himself with wine, in a tavern, at Niederdorf (for those present had so often drank his health), that, instead of going to bed to sleep, he stretched himself upon the table, and instantly falling asleep like a dumb beast, he rolled off the table.
Seeing this, the brother opened the door of the room, and also that of the house, locked them again, and went away.
Thus did God help him to make his escape that night, which took place in the year 1559, and thus he returned in peace and with joy to the church of the Lord, his brethren. Subsequently he again went up into the country, several times, as the ministry of the divine word had been committed to him.
From this it may be seen how God succors and helps his own, and how he can give to those who cleave to him with a true heart, much strength and patience in suffering, through their strong faith, which would otherwise be impossible. 2 Tim. 4:17; Philip. 4:13; Matt. 17:20. And it is also seen how he casts out his enemies and adversaries, and knows where to find them; for not only did the actuary die a very dreadful death, as has already been stated; but, while Hans Brael yet lay in prison, the lord of the castle died suddenly; and the servant who was to take Hans to the sea, also died miserably, even before the brother left the country; and about two years afterwards also the Judge died, yet not an ordinary, but a most miserable death. 2 Macc. 9:5.