Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the word of his grace. Greet all the friends most cordially with the peace of the Lord; greet warmly R. Langedul; also your sister, and all the friends, whenever it is convenient, and bid them all adieu. Adieu, my dear lamb, adieu. Written on the 12th of September 1567, by me, Christian Langedul, your husband and weak brother in the Lord, imprisoned and sentenced to death for the testimony of Christ, and for our conscience. All four of us greet you very much in the Lord. We are of good cheer and courage in the Lord, as Kalleken, who visited us, will tell you. Thank R. most heartily in my name for his letter; it rejoiced my heart, the Lord be praised. Amen.
NOTE.--As there has been put into our hands a letter written by Hans Symons, (who was burnt at Antwerp, A. D. 1567, together with Christian Langedul and two others of our fellow believers) to his wife, shortly before his death, we deem it well herewith to insert the same; the copy of the letter reads as follows:
COPY OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY HANS SYMONS TO HIS WIFE, IN HIS BONDS OR IMPRISONMENT AT ANTWERP, IN SEPTEMBER, IN THE YEAR A. D. 1567.
Grace, peace and mercy from God the heavenly Father; also steadfastness in the faith, and constant adherence to God in all temptations and tribulations, by the power and operation of the Holy Ghost; unto him, blessed forever, be praise and thanks. This I wish you, my most beloved wife and sister in the Lord, whom I love after a godly manner, as my own flesh, yea, have loved more than my own self, as evidenced by many favors and acts; this is my heartfelt greeting to you, and that it may go well with you, both in soul and body. Amen.
Further, my dear and much beloved wife, and sister in the Lord, know that I have received your letter, which comforts me in my bonds, because I learn that you still remember me and my fellow prisoners in the Lord, in your prayers, that the Lord would strengthen and comfort us, and help us finish the good work by him begun in us, to his praise and the salvation of our souls.
O dear lamb, I also beseech you on high from the bottom of my heart, to keep you from all error of unbelief, and to help finish, to his praise and honor, and to the salvation of your soul, the good work which he has begun in you.
Let us pray together with a broken heart, an humble spirit and a pure conscience, lifting up holy hands, without contention or strife, praying to God steadfastly in the faith, then will our prayer be a sweet savor and an acceptable offering to God; for every gift comes from the Father of lights.
O my dear wife, lay to heart the virtues which the Lord has caused to be proclaimed to you, as the prophet says: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8.
Always remember those who have walked the way before you through much tribulation, and have always remained valiant in the faith, with a firm confidence. Who was ever confounded that trusted in the Lord? says the prophet. Hence, dear wife, do not slightly esteem the great grace which the Lord has shown you. Always persevere steadfastly, and trust in the Lord with a firm confidence; he will not forsake you, nor will he leave you without comfort; for in time of need he succors his own, and says: “A mother may forget her child, yet will I never forget thee.”
Be of good cheer, I pray you, in your trial, which the Lord sends you, and take Job for an example, how patient he was; and the Lord blessed him.