Hence, he is not wise who sets his heart upon anything that is perishable, since we have no assurance of it for an hour; we must leave it all behind; therefore, grieve not, though what we had is scattered or lost, as the prophet says: We are a prey to every one. Is. 59:15. Hence you are to thank the Lord yet, that he let us have it until I have brought you up so far: and if you walk in all righteousness, the Lord will give you enough. Take an example from Tobias. Tob. 4:19. David also says that the righteous shall not want, nor his seed go begging bread. Ps. 37:25.
Therefore covet no one’s property or treasures; nor envy any one because he has more than you. Neither regard any person for his gifts, but follow the little flock, who walk truly in love; for love is the bond of perfectness, and the command of love is superior to all others. Luke 12:32; Col. 3:14. Therefore, see constantly that you follow those who walk most in love; for the tree is known by its fruit, though these are hid from all men; but Christ was too, and the servant is not better than his lord. Matt. 10:24.
Herewith I will bid you adieu; adieu my dear children, and adieu all my dear friends.
My most beloved, though our adversaries tell you, that your father and I are not of the same faith, do not believe them; for he confessed the truth concerning baptism and the incarnation of Christ, in all that he was able to comprehend, and he valiantly testified to righteousness, giving his life for it, pointing out to you for an example, the same way which the prophets, the apostles and Christ himself went. He had to go before through the conflict with much tribulation and suffering, and leave his children behind for Christ’s sake; hence do likewise, for there is no other way.[286] Give diligence to read the Testament. Amen.
[286] From what is related here, it appears that also Soetgen van den Houte’s husband died for the truth, as a valiant witness of Jesus; although we have not been able to learn the time, place and manner of his death.
A LETTER OF SOETGEN VAN DEN HOUTE TO HER BROTHER AND SISTER, AS ALSO TO HER CHILDREN.
_Written out of love_:
The peace of the Lord be with you; my dear brother and sister, know that I have received two letters, with their contents, and I thank you most cordially for all the friendship you have ever shown me, and shall yet show me, I hope, in my three lambs whom I leave behind, commending them to the Lord and to those whom he shall direct thereto in his grace.
Herewith I take leave once more; I think it is now the last time. We are of such good cheer to offer up our sacrifice that I cannot express it. I could leap for joy when I think of the eternal riches which are promised to us as our inheritance, and to all who persevere in what the Lord has commanded us. Matt. 10:22. I know not how I shall praise the Lord that he has chosen Martha and myself to this estate, us who are such poor, simple lambs, for we have never been esteemed in the world, except as outcasts; and that God has chosen such rejected, miserable, simple worms of the dust, that he will work through us, that we should be his witnesses, we who are not worthy of ourselves to receive the very least gift which the Lord might bestow, etc.
O who can comprehend the power of God, that he should be most merciful to those who are here the most rejected, if they call upon him with confidence and firmly place their hope in his grace unto the end; it were impossible that the Lord should reject them. Hence I pray all that love the Lord, that they humble their hearts, for the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah: “I will dwell with him that is of a contrite Spirit, and of a broken heart, and trembleth at my word.” Is. 57:15; 66:2.