MARIA VAN BECKUM, AND URSULA, HER BROTHER'S WIFE, A. D. 1544

Engraving by Jan Luiken, Martyrs Mirror, courtesy Mennonite Library and Archives.

“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:40). In the year 1544, there was a sister in the Lord, named Maria van Beckum, whom her mother had driven from home on account of her faith. This. having become known in the Bishopric of Utrecht, and reported to the Stadtholder, he sent one Goossen van Raesveldt with many servants,. to apprehend this maiden at her brother's, John van Beckum, whither she had fled: She was compelled to rise from her bed, and accompany them; and when she saw the great number of people who had come on her account, she asked Ursula, her brother's wife, whether she would go with her and keep her company. The latter answered, "If John van Beckum is satisfied, I will gladly go with you, and we will rejoice together in the Lord." When Maria put this request to her brother, he consented, and Ursula went with her. Here love was stronger than death, and firmer than the grave. Cant. 8:6…. There blind leaders came to them, who with subtlety sought to win them to human institutions. But they answered, "We hold to the Word of God, and do not regard the dictates of the pope, nor the errors of the whole world." Friar Grouwel also sought to teach them much, but was not able to prove his assertions by the Scriptures. Now as he could not overcome them, he said"The devil speaks through your mouth, away with them to the fire." They greatly rejoiced that they were worthy to suffer for the name of Christ, and to help bear His reproach. Acts 5:41… Now as Maria and Ursula regarded all the institutions of the pope as heresy, they were brought into open court at Delden, on the thirteenth of November, before the children of Pilate and Caiaphas, where they were sentenced to death, in which they rejoiced, praising God. When they were led to the stake, many of the people, seeing their steadfastness, wept. But they sang for joy, and said, "Weep not, on account of what is inflicted upon us.""We do not suffer," said Maria,"as witches or other criminals, but because we adhere to Christ, and will not be separated from God; hence be converted, and it shall be well with you forever." When the time of suffering drew nigh, Maria said, "Dear sister; heaven is opened for us; for what we now suffer for a little while, we shall forever be happy with our bridegroom." They then gave each other the kiss of peace. Thereupon they prayed together to God; that He would forgive the judges , their sins, since they knew not what they were doing; and that as the world was sunk in blindness, God would have compassion on them, and receive their souls into, His eternal kingdom: They first took Maria; who entreated the authorities not to shed any more innocent blood. Then she fervently prayed to God, and also prayed for those who put her to death; whereupon she joyfully arose, and went with such great gladness to the stake, that it cannot be told, saying, "To Thee, O Christ, I have given myself; I know that I shall live with Thee forever. Therefore, O God of heaven, into Thy hands do I commend my spirit."

MARIA VAN BECKUM, AND URSULA, HER BROTHER'S WIFE, A. D. 1544 (Page 467)