[266] In this letter we found so much wisdom, holiness, and excellence, that we have read it innumerable times with attention and deep emotion. It kindled our love to God, and our zeal, not only to live with Christ, but also, if necessary, to die with him and for his holy truth. O that we were worthy, that his holy name might be praised through us unworthy creatures!
To my beloved brethren and fellow-servants of Jesus Christ, who have gone out of Babylon unto mount Zion, whose names I do not omit without cause, grace, peace and mercy from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. In order somewhat to sweeten or take away the pain which you suffer on my account, I would communicate to you the sweetness which I experience, that you may rejoice with me, and shout for joy with thanksgiving in the presence of the Lord.
I will tell to the world an incredible thing, namely, that I have found infinite sweetness in the bowels of the lion. And who will in any wise believe what I am going to relate here? who can believe it?
In a dark hole I have found pleasure; in a place of bitterness and death, rest and hope of salvation; in the abyss or depths of hell, joy; where others weep, I have laughed; where others fear, I have found strength; who will believe this? In a state of misery I have had very great delight; in a lonely corner I have had most glorious company, and in the severest bond, great rest. All these things, my fellow-brethren in Jesus Christ, the gracious hand of God has given me. Behold, he that at first was far from me, is now with me, and him whom I knew but a little, I now see clearly; to whom I once looked from afar, him I now behold as present; he for whom I longed, now offers me his hand; he comforts me; he fills me with joy; he drives from me bitterness, and renews within me strength and sweetness; he makes me well; he sustains me; he helps me up; he strengthens me. O how good is the Lord, who does not suffer his servants to be tempted above that they are able! O how easy, pleasant and sweet is his yoke! Is there any like God the Most High? who sustains and refreshes those that are tempted; he heals them that are bruised and wounded, and restores them all together. Is. 41; 43:20. None is like him. Learn, most beloved brethren, how sweet the Lord is, how faithful and merciful; who visits his servants in trial (Is. 43:2); who humbles himself and condescends to be with us in our huts and humble abodes. He gives us a cheerful mind and peaceful heart.
But will the blind world believe these things? No; she will much rather say (since she is unbelieving): You will not be able long to endure the heat, cold and discomfort of this place. And how then will you be able to bear the cross, the thousand-fold contempt, wrong, reproaches, and undeserved ignominy? Will you not regard your dear native country, the riches of this world, your parents, rank and honor at the court? Will you be able entirely to dismiss from your mind your glorious learning, which strengthens and recreates for all labor spent? Will you lose so much for nothing, yea, all the labors you have undergone, your much watching, laboring and assiduity? For what purpose have you labored and studied so much, even from your very youth up?
But, last of all, have you then no fear at all of death, which awaits you, though you are innocent? O what extreme folly and ignorance it is, to be able with a single word to avoid all this, and to escape death, and yet you will refuse to do it! O what a despicable thing it is to be able to obtain something from such excellent, just, godfearing, wise and good (or pious) councilors and illustrious men,[267] and voluntarily to refuse to receive anything.