O my dear sister, how sweet is the yoke of the Lord, how light is his burden upon my neck! By his help I will hold still to my God, may it cost what it will. But I desire that you and all believers entreat the Lord for us, which we also trust to do for you. I sincerely pray that his will be done. O my dear sister, walk steadfastly and quietly in piety, that you may be able to stand. Grace be with you all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Eph. 6:24.
By me, MATTHIAS SERVAES, Your brother in the Lord.
FORTY-TWO PERSONS, NAMELY, THIRTY-FOUR MEN AND EIGHT WOMEN, PUT TO DEATH FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, IN THE COUNTRY OF BERNE, PRIOR TO AND UNTIL THE YEAR A. D. 1566.
As we were very desirous to know the present condition of our fellow believers in Alsace, as also, what transpired among them prior to this, with regard to the persecutions suffered, we received, through the instrumentality of a good friend of ours, H. Vlaming, at present residing at Amsterdam, an extract from a certain document which the elders and teachers in Alsace drew up concerning this matter, and sent hither. Translated from the Alsatian vernacular, the extract reads as follows:
As regards the brethren that were executed for the faith, in the country of Berne, there were executed from the year 1528 until the year 1566, forty-two persons, among whom were eight women. We have in our possession a brief abstract of their names, and surnames, as also, in what year and on what day each of them was executed, etc.
Thus far the extract of said letter, signed, as a whole, with the names and surnames of the elders and teachers in Alsace, which we would insert here, did we not fear that it might even at the present day tend to augment persecution against them, of which they are not entirely free, as shall be shown in the proper place.