Hence we are of good cheer; whatever the Lord suffers to come upon us, is all for our good, for in tribulation he forgives sin; therefore his holy will be done for our profit, that is, for our salvation, which is our greatest desire, wherefore we endure everything, and are patient, according to the example of Job, the prophets, the apostles, and the end of our Lord, and other martyrs after them. We now go steadfastly forward, to finish our conflict by the help of the Lord with a faithful heart, even unto death, for we know and believe that the crown of eternal life is prepared for us. Amen. Thus, my cordially beloved husband and dearest brother in the Lord, I your specially, cordially beloved wife, Adriaenken Jans, your dearest sister in the Lord, who have married each other before the Lord and his church, I will herewith bid your love adieu, and await you there with your and our dearest bridegroom, Christ Jesus. Therefore hold fast that which you have, for it is the only and unadulterated truth, that no one take your crown, for Satan works wonderfully in his own.
The superior of the Franciscan convent said to me: “Give me Jan Wouterss, he at least said that he is sorry for it.” O villain, thought I; I well know your trickery, Thus the Lord kept me, that we may always triumph in Christ: he will still, according to his promise, help us on further in the way to the promised land of our rest.
Herewith I will commend you my dearest husband and beloved brother in the Lord, to the almighty God, and to the rich word of his grace, which is able to build you up, to keep you from evil and to bring you to the eternal inheritance; there I hope to see you with eternal joy, to which end the good God grant his grace. Amen. Take this, my brief letter, in good part. To write much I do not deem necessary, for the godfearing have left us, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, an abundance of writings, for correction, for doctrine, for consolation and strengthening.
I Adriaenken Jan’s daughter, your cordial and dearest wife and sister in the Lord, greet you my most beloved husband and dearest brother in the Lord, affectionately with the kiss of eternal love and peace of Christ, with the mouth of my heart, present with you in spirit
Finally, I herewith bid you adieu once more, and thank you as much as lies in me, for your good company and faithfulness.
Written by me your beloved wife Adriaenken Jans, imprisoned for the testimony of the gospel of Christ, to the praise of the Lord, to the comfort and joy of our neighbor, for a light to them that are yet in darkness, to the confusion of those who have condemned us as apostates, and to the salvation of our souls. Amen.
I and my fellow prisoner greet you and all the godfearing much.
We had hoped to offer up our sacrifice on Monday before Mary, and thus to enter into rest; but we were not so fortunate. Hence we hope that it will soon come to pass, if the Lord has so ordered it; but if our tribulation is to last a little longer yet, the will of the Lord be done for our salvation. Amen.
Written in my bonds, the day after Mary in Lent A. D. 1572, by me,