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Netherlands and Scandinavia
137
Menno withdrew from the Roman Church and devoted his life
to teaching the truths which he had received. In both Germany
and the Netherlands a class of fanatics had risen, outraging order
and decency, and proceeding to insurrection. Menno strenuously
opposed the erroneous teachings and wild schemes of the fanatics.
For twenty-five years he traversed the Netherlands and northern
Germany, exerting a widespread influence, exemplifying in his own
life the precepts which he taught. He was a man of integrity, humble
and gentle, sincere and earnest. Great numbers were converted under
his labors.
In Germany Charles V had banned the Reformation, but the
princes stood as a barrier against his tyranny. In the Netherlands his
power was greater. Persecuting edicts followed in quick succession.
To read the Bible, to hear or preach it, to pray to God in secret, to
refrain from bowing to an image, to sing a psalm was punishable
with death. Thousands perished under Charles and Philip II.
At one time a whole family was brought before the inquisitors,
charged with remaining away from mass and worshiping at home.
The youngest son answered: “We fall on our knees, and pray that
God may enlighten our minds and pardon our sins; we pray for our
sovereign, that his reign may be prosperous and his life happy; we
pray for our magistrates, that God may preserve them.” The father
and one of his sons were condemned to the stake
Not only men but women and maidens displayed unflinching
courage. “Wives would take their stand by their husband’s stake,
and while he was enduring the fire they would whisper words of
solace, or sing psalms to cheer him.” “Young maidens would lie
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down in their living grave as if they were entering into their chamber
of nightly sleep; or go forth to the scaffold and the fire, dressed in
their best apparel, as if they were going to their marriage.
Persecution increased the number of witnesses for truth. Year
after year the monarch urged on his cruel work, but in vain. William
of Orange at last brought to Holland freedom to worship God.
4
Wylie, bk. 18, ch. 6.
5
Ibid.