I also confess, that I did not marry my wife secretly, that no one should see it, but before the church of God; for marriage is honorable, but whoremongers and adulterers God will punish. Heb. 13:4. O my God, count it not sin to him who took me away; for it is a bitter cup to me to part from wife and child, because we love one another so much. I also confess that my child has not been baptized by the priest, neither by any one else, for thereby I would despise the holy blood of Christ.[332] But this is my firm belief that Christ has made atonement for infants, and that Christ’s baptism belongs to none but those who believe with all their heart, as Cornelius with his family, Paul, and others; of this aforementioned faith I am sure through the grace of God, and know certainly, that there is no other, nor ever will be. I have not founded myself upon the wind, but solely upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, to the wicked an offense, and to the good a defense and salvation. If I must innocently suffer for this unadulterated faith, I can think, that my Lord Jesus Christ, whose servant, I poor, sinful man am, fared no better at the hands of the authorities of that day, and this through the instigation of the learned. O my honorable lords, repent, amend your ways and your doings. Jer. 7:3. And I also proclaim repentance to all my lords still living, who are guilty of the innocent blood of Joris de Ve.,[333] who shall soon come forth, shining in God’s glory, with great joy. For the day of the Supreme Judge is at the door: this is apparent from the pestilence, dearth, rumors of wars, and many other signs. O my honorable lords, be cordially warned of the evil which is to come upon you, for it is done out of love and friendship, and not through bitterness, for beyond doubt, we must all appear before the Supreme Judge; there every one shall give account of himself, and receive according to that he hath done; there excuses or regrets will not avail. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10. O, reflect; it will soon come to pass, and none can escape it.
[332] Then I should sacrifice my child to the devil, the author had written, but this reads a little too harsh.
[333] Hereby is meant Joris Wippe, who was put to death at Dortrecht, A. D. 1558.
Further, I did not reply to all the questions of my honorable lord the Bailiff, who demanded of me that I should tell the truth, which I have done in the confession of my faith, of this I am certain; but the other questions I dare not answer, for Christ has taught me: Do to men as you would have them do to you; love your neighbor as yourself; love your wife, honor your parents, etc. For this reason I have forborne, and I am sure that in this my Supreme Judge will justify me, when we shall together appear before his judgment seat; for I have not done it out of any disregard for my honorable lord the Bailiff. I also have refused your learned men the presentation, for I am so sure of my faith, that [I am convinced that] all those who speak against it are in error. Hence do not regard it as proceeding from obstinacy on my part, but from the assurance of my faith.
Finally, deal mercifully with me innocent one, and think that I too am a man; for hereafter he “shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.” Jas. 2:13. I confess one Lord, one faith, one God, one Father of all, who is above all, and in all believers. I believe only what the holy Scriptures say; and not what men say. Farewell. Written in my bonds.