Martyrs Mirror 1118A CONFESSION OF FAITH, TO THE BAILIFF AND THE COUNCIL THEN RESIDING IN DORTRECHT, BY JAN WOUTERSS; TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF EXPLANATION EXHORTING THEM TO REPENTANCE

To my honorable lord the bailiff, and my honorable lords the burgomasters, aldermen and the council of the city of Dortrecht. I, Jan Wouterss, your prisoner, not for any crime, but for the sake of my faith, which is nevertheless right before my God, wish you, you ministers of God, that He would grant you all a prosperous, peaceful, healthy, long life, and understanding rightly to use your office, in punishing the evil (that is, evildoers), and protecting the good. Rom. 13:3 .

Further, the reason of my writing is, that I briefly confessed my faith, but did not add the explanation. Hence I put this in writing, in order not to summon my honorable lords again, and cause them trouble. I confess that I was a zealous papist in my youth, which I heartily regret, for then no good fruits proceeded from me. Afterwards God opened my blind eyes, to serve no longer dumb idols, but the living God alone, who created me. And He revealed to and gave me, poor, sinful man, the faith of the truth, by which' we are saved. This faith is, as the Scripture says: "This faith and the inward baptism constrained me to the obedience of his word, to fulfill his righteousness." Hence I confess, that I was baptized upon my faith, and this with desire, according to the command of Christ, renouncing the devil, the world, the pope, and his adherents.

I confess Christ Jesus alone as the way of the truth, and the life. And there is none other name given to men, whereby we can be saved, except through Christ alone. I further confess that it is certain that the customs of the priests and of all the "shaved" are the broad way to damnation. They are human institutions, an abomination to God, and plants which our heavenly Father has not planted; hence they are also cursed, for there can no other foundation be laid, than that is laid, which is Christ alone. Those of the pope's adherents who undertake to be leaders are blind leaders, and if the blind lead the blind, says Christ, both shall fall into the ditch. Everyone that will not believe it, or cannot, because of his sins, the same must know it after death by pain ( II Esd. 9:12 ); hence repent truly now. Further, my honorable lord bailiff thinks that I am in error, or that my faith is of no account. To this I reply: "If this were true, then my fruits Would be evil, which always prove more than'mere confession; but now I have by the help of God walked therein for so many years, from my youth, even until now, according to my weakness, avoided all bad company, diligently and quietly earned my living, and eaten my own bread, from which I am now taken away, as though I were a murderer." O Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do; I forgive them, O my dear lords, repent, for he who touches us touches the apple of the eye of my God.

I also confess that I have attended the assembly of the believers, so often that I cannot count it. For the supreme King has given us a promise therein, saying: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matt. 18:20 . The apostle commands us in His name, not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another, and to provoke unto love and to good works. Heb. 10:25 , 24 . I confess that I have never been in an assembly to harm any one (think on this). I confess that I have not for many years been to the priests' confession and their sacrament, and .this because I do not think anything of it; moreover, I confess, that I am a sinful man, and need every day to confess my sins before my God, and daily to die unto sin, more and more, which I regard as the best confession. But the sacrament I recognize as a little baked cake, and wine, till it is consumed by the afore mentioned of my [other] men, and nothing else, but, not as the flesh and blood of Christ; He comes no more into the hands of sinners. He dwelleth not in temples made with hands ( Acts 7:48 ), but in heaven, whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead, that is, believers and unbelievers. But I confess that I am well satisfied with Christ's breaking of bread, the practice of the apostles among the believers, in remembrance of the body and blood of Christ, and this not with drunkards, proud, strikers, adulterers, murderers, idolaters, harlots, rogues, etc.

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. * 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 afore mentioned 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

* Then I should sacrifice my child to the devil, the author had written, but this reads a little too harsh.

Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 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.,* 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 ; II Cor. 5:10 . Oh, reflect; it will soon come to pass, and none can escape it.

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 foreborne, 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.

* Hereby is meant Joris Wippe, who was put to death at Dortrecht, A.D. 1558.