The very good example of the aforementioned rulers took such great effect in the hearts of some of the leaders in the French church of said city of Amsterdam, that they were also moved, and kindled with a holy zeal of compassion, to labor in like manner, by friendly petitions, to the magistrates as well as to the members of the consistory of the cities of Berne and Zurich, for the deliverance and liberation of the oppressed.
With regard to this, we could, if it were necessary, show their own writings. Truly, a miracle of the Lord! Who should ever have thought, that Zion’s deliverance should come through this way? But it is here, as the apostle has said for the consolation of the pious: We know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28. We are persecuted, but not forsaken. 2 Corinthians 4:9.
TO THE BLOODY THEATRE OF THE ANABAPTISTS, OR NON-RESISTANT CHRISTIANS.[365]
[365] This poem, by P. Van Braght, written to his brother, the author, on the occasion of a severe illness, from which he was not expected to recover, during the progress of the work, appears in the original, on page 58. During the progress of the work on the present edition it was translated by A. B. Kolb, and hence we give it a place here.--_Publishers._
_To my Brother T. J. Van Braght_:
A zeal and heavenly desire prevades th’ inspired strings Of David’s harp, whose tuneful chords a mournful feeling brings; When fear of death was strong within, those strains from Zion would roll, In psalms to demonstrate his grief and gloominess of soul.
Such zeal, O brother, did I see from thee, like flashes burst, As thou the Christian martyrs’ deaths and steadfast faith rehearsed: E’en at the very time when sore afflicted, thou didst lie, And thou didst seem to realize that thou must shortly die.
Wilt thou not save that care and zeal which thou dost now exhaust, And cease awhile that sacrifice, which all thy strength has cost? And with the sick and weak awhile from active service hold, In which, as I have said, thou hast engaged with zeal untold.
Yet, well I know that thou, like Christ, must ever onward go, And teach the world the word of God, while traveling here below. To show the world what we should bear, and what the martyrs bore: Thou wast, by studying God’s blest word, impelled to work the more.