A very old man named Gallus Schneider, from the Seignioralty Wadischwyl, was also apprehended in the year 1640, brought to Zurich, and there imprisoned in the convent dungeon (Othenbach).
He was kept in irons sixteen weeks, and very harshly treated, until he finally, when his faith had been sufficiently tried, and been found immovable, died in his bonds, having committed his soul unto God, from whom he had received it. Compare _Jer. Mang. Tract, fol. 15, B., with Tract, M. Meyli, fol. 7, A., num. 7_.
NOTE.--About this time, an old sister from Horgerberg, named Verena Albi, was also imprisoned, but subsequently, through a certain means, delivered out of bonds, but must still keep herself concealed. _Tract, Mang., and Meyli._
Even as youth on account of the bloom of their life was not spared, so also not the least compassion was had upon old age and declining years; yea, not even upon such as were very feeble and infirm according to the body.
Among these was Rudolph Bachman, from the Wadischwyl district, who was apprehended in the year 1640, and as he on account of his great age, weakness and infirmity, according to the flesh, was not able to walk, he was put on a sled, and thus conveyed from his house to the prison, which was a great distance off.
Afterwards he was placed in chains for a time, in the nearest hospital, and, because of the steadfastness of his faith, not loosed therefrom till he died.
But for this he shall hereafter, being freed from the eternal bonds of darkness, be admitted into the liberty of God’s saved children; on the other hand: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.” Rev. 13:10.
Then it shall be seen, what difference there will be between God’s true servants, and those that have afflicted them; for every one shall receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10. Compared with _Tract, M. Meyli, dated 1658, fol. 6, B., num. 3_, _etc._
NOTE.--Now, in the year 1640, there was also apprehended Henry Schnebbi, from the Seignioralty Knonow, a God-fearing brother, who was cast into prison with a number of criminals at Zurich, at whose hands he met with much ill-treatment; however, he was finally released. _Tract, Jer. M._, _etc._
In the year 1641, Hans Rudolf Bauman, a very God-fearing man, and a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ at the Horgerberg, was also taken to Zurich, and there confined in the convent prison, where he was very closely kept for over sixty weeks, and for a considerable time fed on bread and water, and put into iron bonds; in consequence of which he fell into a severe sickness.
In the meantime, on a certain Good Friday, through the aid of some of his imprisoned fellow brethren he escaped, but as he on account of his sickness, was not able either to walk or to stand, he was taken up and carried for a considerable distance, so that he escaped the persecutors’ hands.
Thereupon his house and homestead were sold, and wife and children driven therefrom. From the sale was realized 3000 guilders, which the authorities seized and kept for themselves. But the Lord shall render unto every man according to his righteousness, and according to his faithfulness. 1 Samuel 26:23. Compared with _Tract, Jer. Mang., fol. 12, A._, _etc._