Herewith, I commend my dear wife to the Lord, and to the rich word of his grace. Amen.
Greet the acquaintances that are with you much in my name, and always keep yourself pure in the fear of God.
Written on the 12th of March 1588, by me, your husband.
ANOTHER CONSOLATORY LETTER FROM CHRISTIAEN RIJCEN, WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE, WHEN HE SUPPOSED THAT HIS CASE SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF; AND HOW SOME CONSOLE HIM WITH THE [CONCLUSION OF] PEACE THAT HE SHOULD THEN BE RELEASED.
Grace, mercy, peace and love be unto you from God our heavenly Father, through his Son Jesus Christ, Amen. This I wish you, my dear and beloved wife, as an affectionate greeting.
And after all salutation, I Christiaen Rijcen, inform you, my dear wife, that I am in tolerably good health (praise and glory to the Lord for his grace), as I trust is also the case with you and the children.
Know further, that I received your letter, and I am much rejoiced that you are of such good cheer, and that you still comfort me, for which I heartily thank you. And I would also like to write something for your consolation, that you may be of good cheer; but, my dear wife, the greatest consolation is the Lord, who has taken me from you; who, as I hope, will assist you in all your need, and provide for you, if you do not forsake him. For Paul says: “We are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken.” 2 Cor. 4:8,9. Paul further says that he will not leave us nor forsake us, so that we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5,6. Sirach also says: “Did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him?” Eccl. 2:16. Hence, my dear wife, put your entire hope in God, and say with Jeremiah: “Lord, thou art my refuge, my strength, and my comfort in distress.” Jer. 16:19. And also with David, saying: “If I only have thee Lord, I care not for heaven or earth; yea, though my body and soul should fail, thou art the comfort and portion of my heart.” Ps. 73:25,26. And remember also, that Sara, when she was in great tribulation, said, that she well knew that all those that will serve God, after temptation, are delivered, and comforted in sorrow, and after all correction, they find grace; and after the great storm he makes the sun to shine again, and after weeping and lamenting, he gives joy abundantly, Tob. 3. Thus, my dear wife, console yourself with these words; though we must now mourn and weep, let us have good courage; for the Lord shall see us again, and our hearts shall rejoice, and no man shall take away our joy. And Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” Luke 6:22,23. Christ further says: “Blessed are ye that weep now, for ye shall laugh,” v. 21. With these words comfort yourself.
Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and as regards my case, I know nothing special to write you. I expected this week, that they would dispose of the matter; but it seems to me, that God has not given them the power yet. There are some, as I think, that would have it; but it seems that the Lord does not permit them. Some console me with the [conclusion of] peace, that they shall then release me. Thus, my dear wife, I have committed it to the Lord. Do you so also, and greet all acquaintances much in my name, and always keep yourself pure in the fear of God, and always do your best with the children. Nothing more for this time, but farewell. In haste, this 19th of March 1588.