Defiant Unto Death: Dirk Willems

The Chase

It was the year 1569 in Asperen, Holland. A man was on the run for his very life; he was being chased by a thief-catcher; his crime, heresy. The burgomaster had employed the services of thief-catchers to round up and capture heretics for crimes against the state. This is what led to the current chase that was taking place through town. Dirk Willems being suspected of heresy was trying his best to evade capture, when the pursuit let him to the Linge River. As there was a frost that morning the river was frozen over and Dirk decided crossing the river was his best option. The thief-catcher not willing to lose his prey continued after. While carefully negotiating his crossing Dirk suddenly heard cries of distress behind him. Turning around he saw that the thief-catcher had fallen through the ice. Perceiving that his life was in danger he quickly returned and aided him, thus saving the thief-catcher's life and forfeiting his own.

The thief-catcher wanted to spare Dirk's life but the burgomaster rebuked him and called him to consider his oath. The thief-catcher then seized Dirk and had him taken to prison where he endured severe trials.

The Trial

At a later date Dirk was brought before the bailiff and judges for the reading of his sentence.

It was said that Dirk confessed without torture and iron bonds, that at age fifteen he was rebaptized in the Rotterdam house of Pieter Willems, and that he further, at this house, at divers hours, harbored and admitted secret meetings and prohibited doctrines, and the he also permitted several people to be rebaptized in his aforesaid house.

These crimes were considered to be contrary to the decrees of his royal majesty, and ought not to be tolerated, but severely punished, for an example to others. So the judges after deliberation decided that Dirk was to be executed by fire, until death ensues; and declared all of his property confiscated, for the benefit of his royal majesty. This was done on the May 16th, 1569.

The Execution

Dirk Willems was led out of Asperen, on the side of Leerdam. There was a strong east wind blowing that day, and when the fire was kindled it was said that it was driven away from his upper body, as he stood chained to the stake. This resulted in much suffering and a lingering death, insomuch that in the town of Leerdam that the people could hear the martyr exclaim over seventy times "O my Lord, my God," etc., causing the bailiff, being present, and full of sorrow and regret to command the executioner: "Dispatch the man with a quick death." We do not know how the executioner ended his suffering only that his life was consumed by the fire.

Luk 6:27 (KJV) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Some might consider Dirk's actions odd, strange, or even foolish; saving the life of the man who was trying to do him harm. If he hadn't, then the death of his assailant would most likely been used to fan the flames of hatred against faithful followers of Jesus Christ; but instead the flames that consumed his body have kindled the hearts and minds of Believers for hundreds of years after his sacrifice.

For more information on Dirk Willem and other Christian martyrs check out Martyrs Mirror by Theileman J. van Braght.