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 >> CODE POWER: A TEEN PROGRAMMER’S GUIDE
Titles In This Series

GETTING TO KNOW Alice

GETTING TO KNOW Arduino
GETTING TO KNOW Hackety Hack
GETTING TO KNOW Lego Mindstorms
GETTING TO KNOW

the Raspberry Pi

GETTING TO KNOW
GETTING TO KNOW

GETTING TO KNOW Ruby

Python
GETTING TO KNOW Scratch

PAYMENT
ROSEN
Published in 2015 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010

Copyright © 2015 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without
permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Payment, Simone, author.

Getting to know Python/Simone Payment.—First edition.
pages cm.—(Code power: a teen programmer’s guide)
Audience: Grades 5 to 8.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-4777-7717-6 (library bound)—ISBN 978-1-4777-7719-0
(pbk.)—ISBN 978-1-4777-7720-6 (6-pack)
1. Python (Computer program language)—Juvenile literature. 2. Computer
programming—Juvenile literature. I. Title.
QA76.73.P98P39 2015
005.13’3—dc23
2013046858

Manufactured in the United States of America

{CONTENTS
chapter 1
INTRODUCTION First Things First:
Computers and
Programming
4 8
chapter 2 chapter 3
Python: Why Use
The Basics Python?

18 25
chapter 4 chapter 5
A New Language How Does
Is Hatched Python Stack Up?

34 45
GLOSSARY 53

FOR MORE INFORMATION 55

FOR FURTHER READING 58

BIBLIOGRAPHY 60

INDEX 62

3
{INTROD
C omputer programs run cell phones, televisions,
cars, traffic signals, elevators, and kitchen appliances. And,
of course, they run computers. There are hundreds of thou-
sands of computer programs in use around the world and
many thousands of programmers writing them. Many of these
programmers use Python to write their programs. Python is
a simple programming language with many uses. Most pro-
grammers find it easy to learn and easy to use. This book
provides an overview of the many advantages of the Python
programming language.
Before deciding on a computer programming language to
learn, it might be logical to ask, “Why learn to write computer
programs?” One reason is that it can be a lot of fun. Programming
does take some practice. However, it is not just professional
computer programmers who write programs. Even beginners
can make a computer do something cool using just a few lines
of simple code. Once a programmer learns some general rules
and builds up some experience, programming becomes easier.
Then the fun can really begin. For example, even beginning

4
UCTION
INTRODUCTION

> > With a laptop and some programming skills,

anyone can design a website, create a game, or
build a phone app.

5
>> Getting to Know Python

programmers who are learning to program as a hobby can design

a game for their computer or smartphone, or write a program to
analyze baseball stats.
Learning to program is also practical: programmers can write
a program that makes a computer or other device do something
no one else has asked it to do. Programmers do not have to
be stuck only doing things with a computer that some other
programmer thought someone might want to do. This allows
a programmer to design something original and personalize a
program to suit his or her needs. A programmer could write a
computer program to create a database of DVDs or model cars,
for example. Or a programmer might design a website dedicated
to a favorite singer.
Another reason to learn computer programming is to under-
stand more about computers and how they “think.” Although
programming is based on rules, there is also a great deal of
creativity involved in thinking like a computer and solving prob-
lems. Computer programmers often take a complex goal and
break it down into smaller building blocks in order to reach that
objective. Breaking down the goal requires clear thinking and
good problem-solving skills.
Yet another reason learning to program is beneficial is that it
can help people get a job. Nearly every profession uses comput-
ers. Therefore, programmers are relied on to adapt programs to
a profession’s particular needs. Many companies are looking for
skilled, creative programmers who know how to write good code.
After deciding to learn to program, the next decision is
what programming language to learn. People choose to use
a particular programming language for many reasons. Some

6
 INTRODUCTION

reasons are personal. For example, some programmers might

want to learn a programming language quickly. Others might
want to be challenged by a more difficult language. Some
programmers choose a language based on what they want to
program. Some programming languages are designed for spe-
cific purposes, such as web programming. Others are more
flexible and have many uses.
Python is an excellent choice as a programmer’s first lan-
guage for many reasons. The main reasons are that Python is
easy to learn, is simple to use, and is a multipurpose language.
Python can be learned quickly, and there are plenty of books,
websites (including the official Python site at http://python.org,
which offers tutorials and modules, among other resources), and
other Python users that can help new programmers get started.

7
chapter First Things First:
1 Computers and
Programming

B efore learning about programming languages in gen-

eral, or Python specifically, it’s important to know a little about
computers and how they work.

The Basic Parts

Computers have both external and internal parts. External parts
are accessories such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor (or
screen). Other external parts might include ports for power cords
or printer cords. Computers also have data ports for thumb drives
or other external storage devices.
Some of the external parts are known as “input” devices.
These allow a user to give information to a computer. An exam-
ple of an input device might be a mouse or keyboard. Other
devices are “output” devices. These accessories allow the com-
puter to provide information to the user. A screen or monitor is
an example of an output device.
Internal parts include a hard drive and a processor. The
hard drive is where data is stored. The computer has different
types of memory. Some “memories” are used by the computer

8
 First Things First: Computers and Programming

> > Cell phones, laptops, and other computers have

ports that allow users to plug in external devices
to extract or store data.

when it is running but disappear when the computer shuts

down. Other types of memories are stored in the hard drive.
These types of memories can be accessed again and again by
the processor.
The processor is the “brain” of the computer. It is usually
called a CPU, which stands for central processing unit. The CPU
stores and retrieves information from the memory in the hard
drive. It also does math. The CPU’s other job is to carry out the
instructions given by a computer program.

9
>> Getting to Know Python

> > It’s not just computers that use binary code:
Braille and Morse code also use a binary (on/off)
system to convey information.

Although the CPU is known as the brain of the computer,

it isn’t necessarily smart. It is just a machine that responds to
what is known as binary code. “Binary” means on or off, and all
computer code is made up of strings of just two numbers: 1 and
0. To the computer, 1 means “on,” and 0 means “off.” The CPU
is made up of electrical circuits that are either on or off. The 1s
and 0s of computer code tell the circuits what to do—whether
to turn on or off.

10
 First Things First: Computers and Programming

>> The BASICs

Computer users were on their own in the early days of computers.
There were no word processing programs, no graphics programs, no
spreadsheets, and no web browsers. (In fact, the Internet did not yet
exist.) There were not many computers in existence. Those who had
access to them were usually scientists or researchers at universities
or large companies. These users had to write their own programs in
order for the computer to do any task. Many users programmed in
a language called BASIC, which stands for Beginner’s All-purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code. Mathematicians at Dartmouth College
created BASIC in 1964. Home computer users began using it in the
1970s. A modified form of BASIC is still in use today.

> > This UNIVAC 11 computer from 1962 was the first
commercial computer made in the United States. In
the background are rolls of magnetic tape on which
data was stored.

11
>> Getting to Know Python

Communicating with the

“Brain”
Humans obviously don’t communicate easily in 1s and 0s.
That’s why computer programs are needed. They “translate” our
human language into a language the computer can understand
with its 1/0, on/off brain. Therefore, computers need computer
programs in order to function and follow human commands.
Computer programs are a set of instructions to the computer.
These instructions, also called commands or statements, are
written line by line. For example, a simple command to a com-
puter looks like this:

print (“Hello, World!”)

This line of code tells the computer to print the words “Hello,
World!” on the screen.
The commands are strung together into a group. As a group,
these instructions are called a program. A single program, or a group
of programs working together, is also known as software. The com-
puter carries out each individual command in the program. Then it
moves on to the next instruction in the program. For example, a pro-
gram to make a computer do some simple math would look like this:

print “10 + 8 is”, 10 + 8

print “5 * 5 is”, 5 * 5

The computer will print the words and numbers that are in
between the quotation marks, perform the calculation, and then

12
 First Things First: Computers and Programming

move on to the next line and do the same steps in that line.
When the program runs, the screen would look like this:

10 + 8 is 18
5 * 5 is 25

Computer programmers write instructions to a computer in

a language the computer can understand. These programs can
“teach” the computer to do tasks that might be difficult or time
consuming for humans. For example, a program can instruct a
computer to analyze a series of millions of numbers. For a human,
that task could take days. It would also take a lot of brainpower.
For a computer, once it has its instructions, the task is simple.
The instructions within a computer program have to be
exactly right or the computer won’t do what it is being asked
to do. Details are very important. This is why programs can’t be
written in everyday human language (such as English). Human
language isn’t clear and specific enough for computers. For
example, in many languages, some words have multiple mean-
ings. Computers aren’t able to figure out which definition of the
word is meant. In addition, arranging the same words in a differ-
ent order can mean something completely different. This could
also confuse the computer.

A Little About Operating

Systems
An operating system (or “OS”) is a type of computer software.
Microsoft Windows, Linux, and OS X (Macintosh) are three major

13
>> Getting to Know Python

> > Just as there are several different operating

systems for computers, there are different operating
systems for smartphones, called mobile operating
systems (or “mobile OS”). This Apple iPhone runs on
iOS.

14
 First Things First: Computers and Programming

operating systems. Smartphones also have an operating system,

such as Android or iOS. An operating system is the only type
of computer software that can “talk” directly to the two types
of computer hardware: the processor and the hard drive. Other
computer programs must “ask” the OS to do things that involve
the processor or hard drive. This is so that programs don’t have
to be written in different ways for each type of computer or
smartphone.
Some current programming languages, such as Python, Java,
or Visual Basic, have an interface between the program and the
hardware to run the program. The interface is called a virtual
machine or interpreter. These are like translators that are go-
betweens for the program and the operating system. An advantage
of using an interpreter is that it is more secure. Another advan-
tage is that it makes programs more flexible because they can
run on a wide variety of machines. There are many interpret-
ers available for Python. Some examples are Jython (used with
Java), CPython (used with C), and IronPython (used with C#).
An interpreter or virtual machine also needs a shell that
allows a user to interact with it. The virtual machine gets com-
mands from the keyboard and follows the instructions. Then it
shows the results on screen. A fancier version of this is called an
integrated development environment (IDE). An IDE is a graphi-
cal user interface (GUI) that has windows and menus on-screen
just like a browser or software like Microsoft Word.

Why So Many Languages?

Humans communicate with each other in many different lan-
guages, such as English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, or Arabic.

15
>> Getting to Know Python

Humans can also communicate with computers in many dif-

ferent languages. Different programming languages have
developed for various reasons. Some were created to serve a
specific purpose. For example, the JavaScript programming
language came about to do Web programming. SQL was devel-
oped to program databases.
Other languages came about because a programmer was
unhappy with how an existing program worked. Python is such a
language. Its creator, Guido Van Rossum, was dissatisfied with
the language he was using to do his job. He decided he could
do better. Van Rossum developed Python in his spare time, over
many years. He got lots of input from early users of the program.
Python continues to change and grow with feedback from thou-
sands of present-day users.

When Programming Goes

Wrong: Bugs
Errors in a computer program are called bugs. There are three
types of bugs: syntax, runtime, and semantic. Syntax bugs
break the “rules” of the program. If there are syntax errors
in a program, the program will not run at all. Runtime errors
are less serious errors. A program with a runtime error might
begin running but stop when the program comes across the
problem. A semantic error will also allow the program to run.
However, the program won’t do what the programmer intended
it to do.
Looking for and fixing bugs is called debugging. Debugging is
an important part of programming. To debug, programmers must

16
 First Things First: Computers and Programming

>> The First Bug Was

Actually a Moth
On September 9, 1947, a moth was found to be the reason why Harvard
University’s Mark II computer had stopped working. Engineers had
used the term “bug” previously to describe problems with machinery.
The computer operators at Harvard were amused to find an actual bug
in their computer. They taped the moth into a logbook that they kept
to track problems with the Mark II computer. Underneath the bug
they wrote, “First actual case of bug being found.”

look at clues to figure out what went wrong. The programmer

comes up with an idea about the possible problem and tries to fix
the error. If the programmer’s guess was right, the program can
be fixed and will run. If the initial guess was wrong, the program-
mer must come up with new possibilities for what went wrong
and then make another attempt to fix the problem. This process
continues until the problem is solved.
Debugging takes some practice. There are tips and tech-
niques for debugging, but the process mostly just takes
experience and practice—and sometimes a lucky guess.
However, some programmers consider debugging part of the
fun of programming.

17
chapter
Python: The
2 Basics

W ith a little background about computers and program-

ming, it’s time to find out more about the Python programming
language.
.

So What Is Python?
Python is a general-purpose, high-level, interpreted language.
What all those terms mean might not be obvious to someone
who does not yet know how to program. However, broken down
into parts these terms become easier to understand.
“General purpose” simply means that Python can be used
for almost any type of programming task. Unlike languages that
were created to do only one or two specific jobs, Python can be
used for a wide range of programming work. It can be used for
web programming, game programming, and many other types of
tasks.
“High-level” languages are those programming languages
that don’t talk directly to the computer. C, C++, Perl, and
Java are other examples of high-level programming languages.
Python, like other high-level languages, is too complicated for

18
 Python: The Basics

> > Python is a useful language for game programming.

Entire games can be created in Python, or Python can
add features such as 3-D to existing game programs
written in other languages.

the computer to understand. Computers can only understand

low-level languages. Low-level languages are also called machine
languages or assembly languages. For a high-level language to
work on a computer, the computer must process the language
first. Only after processing the language can the computer run
the program. The drawback to this is that high-level languages
take a little longer to run. This is because the computer must go
through two steps—processing and running the program.
However, there are many advantages of high-level program-
ming languages. One is that programs written in high-level
languages are much easier for programmers to write. They are

19
>> Getting to Know Python

also shorter. Both of these things contribute to making it faster

for a programmer to write code in these languages. Because
they are shorter and simpler, usually there are fewer errors in
programs written in a high-level language. When there are mis-
takes in a program, it is usually easier to find them because the
code is short.
Yet another advantage of high-level languages is that they
are portable. This means they can run on any type of computer.
Low-level languages, on the other hand, are specific to a type of
computer. To run a program written in a low-level language on
another type of computer, a programmer would need to rewrite
or modify the program for the different machine.
Finally, Python is called an interpreted language because for
a program written in Python to “talk” in a low-level language, an
interpreter is needed. The interpreter reads the high-level lan-
guage (Python) and carries out its instructions.

>> Python Programmer

Profile: Tom Ryan
Tom Ryan is a senior technical director at Epsilon, a marketing services
company in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Ryan has been programming
for more than twenty-five years and first learned to program when he
was seventeen. His father worked for computer maker IBM and was
able to get the family an early IBM personal computer. Ryan first
used the BASIC programming language “because it was pretty easy
to learn.” Also, the computer game he wanted to play was written in
BASIC. Knowing BASIC allowed Ryan “to actually rewrite the code in

20
 Python: The Basics

the game” in his favor. When Ryan played, he “always won and when
[his] brother played the same game, he always lost.” Because Ryan’s
brother lost every time, it allowed him “to get more time on the PC.”
Continuing his interest in computers, Ryan got a B.A. in computer
science from the State University of New York at Potsdam and then an
MBA from Babson College. Over his career in computer programming,
Ryan has learned many programming languages, including BASIC,
PASCAL, C, COBOL, RGP, FORTRAN, IBM 360 Assembler, Intel x86
Assembler, Oracle PL/SQL, SQL Server Cursors, SAS, VB, C#, Perl,
Python, Java, JavaScript, and VBscript. He currently codes in Perl,
Python, VB, Java, and JavaScript.
Ryan first learned Python on the job. “The developer who had
originally written the code for many of [the company’s] clients left
the company about one year after I started.” So Ryan became the
programmer in charge of Python-based coding at Epsilon. To learn
Python, Ryan used “Internet searches, online books and websites,
physical books, and existing code within the company.” His method
for learning the language was partly based on learning from books
and other resources, and partly based on “experimentation and test-
ing.” With his “computer science/programming background,” Ryan
was “able to pick it up pretty quickly.” After he learned the basics of
Python, he developed some new applications in the language for other
uses at Epsilon.
Ryan currently uses Python for processing client files. Python is
used for formatting and cleaning up data files from clients and com-
piling client reports. Python also interacts with their operating system
(Windows) to generate reports for the programmers on system func-
tions. They also use Python to do file cleanup and maintenance on the
servers. Ryan and his coworkers use other programming languages as
well; most often they use Perl.
One of Python’s advantages is its “ability to pack a lot of function-
ality into the code,” Ryan reports. Its flexibility is also an advantage.
(continued on page 22)

21
>> Getting to Know Python

(continued from page 21)

Ryan says programmers “can do multiple functions with simple
expressions.” Some of Python’s requirements can be disadvantages,
however. For example, the use of indents to indicate blocks of code
makes Python easy to read. But “if the indentations don’t line up, the
code doesn’t work and can sometimes be a bear to debug.” Also, a
colon (“:”) is used after certain statements (if, for, while). Ryan says
he still gets “caught on missing the ‘:’ every once in a while.”
Ryan has some great advice for beginning programmers. He says
to “learn as much as you can and utilize the resources that exist
beyond what you have in front of you. There are numerous exam-
ples online of how to write something or perform a function. Utilize
user support groups and blogs.” He advises that programmers should
“keep in mind that there is usually more than one way to solve a prob-
lem when coding.” In fact, someone once told Ryan, “There’s only
been one line of code ever written. Everyone else has just taken it and
modified it to do what they needed it to do.” Another bit of advice is
that programmers should “always remember to account for the unex-
pected as that’s usually what causes the code to fail.” Perhaps most
important, Ryan reminds programmers to “enjoy what you do and do
what you enjoy.”

Python Tools
To run Python code, two things are needed: an editor and an
interpreter. An editor saves the code the programmer is currently
writing. There are a large number of editors that can be used by
Python programmers. Just a few of the many editors are code-
Editor, DreamPie, DrPython, and LeoEditor.
As discussed in the section about operating systems, an
interpreter allows users to interact directly with the computer

22
 Python: The Basics

> > Members of Monty Python’s Flying Circus (pictured

left to right) included John Cleese, Terry Gilliam,
Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and Eric
Idle. The British TV show ran from 1969 to 1974.

to test their code. An interpreter takes the commands the user

inputs into the keyboard and then follows the instructions given
in the program. The results of the program show up on-screen.
IDLE is an example of a Python IDE. (The name “IDLE” is also
a Python in-joke because Eric Idle was one of the members of
Monty Python’s Flying Circus, for which Python is named.) Other
examples of Python IDEs are Wing 101, Komodo, Spyder, and
MonkeyStudio.

23
>> Getting to Know Python

Modules are another type of tool. They are a way of organiz-

ing code. Some have specific functions. For example, PyGame
is a module programmers can use to write games. It is free and
runs on any operating system. A standard library is a collection
of modules available to programmers. One of Python’s strongest
points is that it has a large standard library. This means that
users do not have to start from scratch each time they begin a
new project. There may be modules available in the standard
library that can be reused for many purposes.

24
chapter
Why Use
3
Python?

T here are plenty of programming languages on the mar-

ket. Some programming languages fill one specific need, while
other languages have many uses. So why use Python?

In the Plus Column

Python has many advantages over other available computer
programming languages. One big advantage is that it is free.
Python is available for download on the Web, at no cost. Python
has many tools that are also free. The tools are also easy to find
on the Internet.
Another major advantage is that Python is easy to learn and
simple to use. Most people can learn Python in a few days.
People who already know how to program in another language
might be able to learn Python in just a few hours.
Because Python is widely used by programmers, there
has already been a lot written about it. There are books and
Web tutorials that can help a new user learn Python quickly.
These resources make it easy to get help in learning and
mastering Python.

25
>> Getting to Know Python

> > Conferences or informal meetings give programmers

a chance to learn from each other and swap tips. On
big projects, professional programmers often work on
teams, so good teamwork skills are important.

Another advantage of the fact that Python is widely used by

programmers is that it is also simple to find someone else using
it. Experienced Python programmers can provide help with prob-
lems or teach beginners helpful tips and tricks. New Python
users can find this type of help online. They can also get help in
person at local Python user group meetings. Many user groups
meet once a month. The gatherings are a way for Python pro-
grammers to swap tips and give other programmers ideas about
new ways of using Python. In many locations around the world,
there are annual Python conferences once a year or more fre-
quently. These conferences—usually called PyCons—even have
programs geared toward teaching Python to kids.
With so many people using Python, there are many existing
programs written in Python. New users can look at programs that

26
 Why Use Python?

other people have written to get ideas about how to do their own
programming in Python. There are also many “parts” that can be
reused in new programs.
Another main benefit of using Python is that it is very easy to
write. Code written in Python is a great deal shorter than other
programming languages such as Java or C++. For example, a
program written in C might have twenty lines, and in Java it
would have seven. In Python, the code to accomplish the same
task might be only one line long. This is an advantage because
it means that programs take less time to write. Shorter programs
also usually reduce the possibility of making mistakes. There is
less code to update in the future if changes are needed at a later
time.
Python code is easy to read because it doesn’t use a lot of
symbols like curly braces ({) that are found in other programming
languages. This makes it easy for people to read and understand
code written by someone else. For example, the simple com-
mand shown earlier to print “Hello, World!” in Python, looks like
this:

print (“Hello, World!”)

The same command in Java looks like this:

public class HelloWorld {

public static void main (String[] args) {
System.out.println(“Hello, world!”);
}
}

27
>> Getting to Know Python

> > The flexibility of Python is one of its major

advantages. Python programmers don’t need to learn
a new language if they switch from a PC to a Mac or
UNIX machine.

The fact that Python runs on any operating system is yet

another advantage of the language. Macintosh, UNIX, and PC
users alike can run their machines with Python.
Because Python is a general-purpose language, it has many
applications. Programmers can do almost anything with Python
code. Python is flexible and always changing. Its uses continue
to grow as the language is updated and improved by Python cre-
ator Guido Van Rossum and other Python users.
Python can work well with programs written in other languages.
This allows programmers who usually work in another language
to use Python for tasks that their programming language can’t

28
 Why Use Python?

handle. Python users can also use code that has been developed
in another language and easily integrate it with their Python
code.
Python runs immediately. There is no need to use a compiler,
which is a type of computer program that converts code into
another programming language. For example, the Java program-
ming language uses a compiler to translate source code into a
language a computer can understand. This is not necessary in
Python, which makes it simpler and easier to use.
Another advantage of Python is that it has what is called
an interactive shell. This allows users to test their programs to
see if the program will run correctly. The interactive shell pro-
vides a quick check for programmers to make surethat they
are on the right track.
Unlike with many other programming languages, if there are
errors in Python code, the system does not always crash. Instead,
Python creates a list of problems. This makes it easier to find
errors and fix them quickly. The way Python is written also cuts
down on errors because certain errors that normally can happen
in computer programs do not occur in Python code.

In the Minus Column

The list of drawbacks to using Python is very short. No computer
programming language can do everything anyone would want it
to do. Python is no exception. Therefore, it may be necessary to
learn more than one language to do specific tasks. For example,
to program 3-D games, a user might want to learn Alice. For
some Web programming tasks, a user might want to learn PHP
or MySQL.

29
>> Getting to Know Python

>> What Does It Take to

Be a Programmer?

People who design computer programs for a living are called com-
puter programmers, software engineers, or software developers. Being
a computer programmer requires creativity and problem-solving skills,
as well as the ability to learn and follow the rules of a language.
Computer programmers use skills from math, engineering, and sci-
ence. Math provides the “language” for, and ways of working with,
numbers. Engineering supplies the knowledge of design of systems or
processes. From science, computer programmers learn the ability to
observe, form a hypothesis, and test the hypothesis (and then form a
new hypothesis if necessary).

The good news is that people who already know one program-
ming language find it easy to learn a second (or third or fourth)
programming language.

Uses for Python

Because Python is a flexible language, it can be used for many
different tasks. Python is used in system programming and data-
base programming. It can be used in game development and to
control robots. Graphical user interface (GUI) programming, the
design of the screens and buttons that allow users to interact
with computers and other devices, uses Python. Various types of
numeric and scientific programming utilize Python.

30
 Why Use Python?

> > Programmers at a wide range of top companies

use Python to do their daily tasks. At YouTube,
programmers have used Python since the start of
the company.

Many companies are using Python to run their products or

websites. For example, Google uses Python to power its search
engine. YouTube uses Python on its website, too. Instagram.
com, Pinterest.com, and Rdio.com all power their websites
with Python.
SurveyMonkey, an online survey company, redeveloped its
survey system in Python. Chuck Groom, head of engineering,
says that Python made it easier for them to add new features
to their website. The fact that it is so easy to learn Python also
helped SurveyMonkey’s new employees learn their jobs more
quickly.

31
>> Getting to Know Python

>> Python on the

Battlefield

One of the organizations that uses Python is the U.S. military.

COMBATXXI is a war games modeling program that allows military
officials to plan for various battle scenarios. COMBATXXI takes maps
and other types of real-world information and uses Python to develop
models of what might happen on the battlefield. Python’s flexibility
allows COMBATXXI users to update information as events happen.
This allows military planners and troops to better react to changing
conditions on the battlefield.

A company called ForecastWatch used Python to develop

its software, which is utilized by weather forecasters. The
ForecastWatch system takes weather data from all around the
world and compares it to forecasts to check their accuracy. Eric
Floehr, the creator of ForecastWatch, says Python’s flexibility has
helped them grow and adapt their software as needed. Python
also allowed them to develop ForecastWatch in a short amount
of time.
Industrial Light and Magic uses Python to create its ani-
mated movies. Python controls its production systems and
links its computer systems together to automate its production
process. Pixar is another company that uses Python in the cre-
ation of its animated movies. Side Effects Software upgraded

32
 Why Use Python?

> > Python can be used to program and run robots,

like this iRobot bomb disposal robot used by the
Denver Police Department bomb squad unit.

its 3-D special-effects software package using Python. This

software, called Houdini, helps movie studios add special
effects to their movies.
NASA programs in Python, and iRobot uses Python in its robotic
devices. Many banks program in Python to track the financial mar-
kets. Scientists use Python to write programs that analyze and
organize vast amounts of data. Python is also used in aircraft design,
earthquake prediction, and course scheduling at universities.

33
chapter
A New
4 Language
Is Hatched

P ython owes its existence to one man: Guido Van

Rossum. Van Rossum created Python in the late 1980s and con-
tinues to be very involved in the development of the language.
Python grew out of Van Rossum’s need for a better programming
language to do his work. However, Python also owes its exis-
tence to the work of many other people. Van Rossum believed
that Python would be a better language if many people were
involved in its improvement. He welcomed feedback from users
and his fellow programmers. Python users continue to offer sug-
gestions for improvements and upgrades. These changes have
allowed Python to adapt to changing needs and new ways of
using computers.

The Early Years of Python

Guido Van Rossum was born on January 31, 1956, in the
Netherlands. He graduated from the University of Amsterdam in
1982 with a degree in mathematics and computer science. Van
Rossum put his degree to work with a programming job at CWI,

34
Discovering Diverse Content Through
Random Scribd Documents
great temptation, for it was very hard for him to leave them, but for
the Lord’s sake it had to be done.
After he had been imprisoned for a time and valiantly withstood
many entreaties and torments, he was finally publicly burned, at
Ghent, for living in accordance with the genuine truth, about three
years after his brother Hans had been burned there for following
Christ, as related before.
We have added here the letters of this Jacob van den Wege, which
have come into our hands, that the reader from them may see in
what faith he stood and died.

A LETTER FROM JACOB VAN DEN WEGE, WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE, IN THE
BEGINNING OF HIS IMPRISONMENT, AT GHENT, IN THE HUYS TER LUCHT, AT
THE END OF THE MEULENAERS STREET.

O my most beloved under the sun, and my three children, who make
my heart so faint that I scarcely know what I have in myself, for
when I think of you, I am so sorely crushed with anguish in the
press of affliction, that my eyes run over with tears, so that I only
with difficulty can quiet myself.
O my dear wife, and my three lambs, whom I love, how strong is
love? how shall I be able to write you a parting letter? for the waters
of affliction fill my eyes, and this through my infirmity, misery and
great weakness.
O my wife, I confess here before you and before all that read this,
that I have written you here, far too feebly and miserably;
nevertheless, the great anxiety and deep affliction, which rises from
my strong love for you four, impelled me to it. But I hope that you
will accept it from me for the sake of the truth; and, my dear wife,
please hear my answer in regard to what you had asked me, as to
what advice I would give you concerning the traveling. I say, I give
you no advice with regard to it, since I do not know an opportunity
at present; but I would most urgently entreat you, that, if it be
possible for you to gain some sort of a livelihood here, that you
remain until the matter is decided with me one way or the other, and
this for no other reason, but that I might still hear from you now and
then, for a greeting from you is more precious to me than much
silver or gold. And, my wife, please know, that Kalleken Meere, who
is imprisoned with me, has made you a bequest, namely, a shift, a
necklace, a night neckerchief, and a hair-lace; and Mijntgen also
gives you a night neckerchief, a neck-cloth, and her best apron. This
they give to you for their remembrance and testament; after their
death it is yours, and they cordially greet you with the peace of the
Lord. Amen.
Written in my bonds, by me, your dear husband and brother in the
Lord.
Jacob van den Wege.

ANOTHER LETTER FROM JACOB VAN DEN WEGE, TO HIS WIFE, AND HIS
BRETHREN AND SISTERS.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward
men. Luke 2:14.
I, Jacob van den Wege, imprisoned for the invincible truth, wish my
dear in God beloved wife and sister in the Lord, and my three
innocent little children; and further all brethren and sisters, and all
my dear friends in the Lord, grace, peace, mercy, much true
Christian wisdom and prudence, an understanding heart, a steadfast
mind in the truth, a strong faith, a living hope, a good, peaceful
conscience toward God and man, and an unblamable, holy
conversation in all humility, meekness, kindness and unity, and all
this in the true fear of God bound with the bond of love. This I wish
you all from God the heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ his
eternal, only, true Son, our Lord, together with the mighty power of
the Holy Ghost, as a cordial and affectionate greeting. Amen.
After my simple, cordial salutation, my beloved wife, and all brethren
and sisters, and further all my friends in the Lord, let me please
inform you, that it is still well with me, and I am unchanged in the
faith and knowledge of God, even as I was when I bowed my knees
before the Most High, so I am minded; and still stand through the
grace of God, and the power of Christ, which strengthens me, to live
or die with Christ in this same faith and truth. The almighty Lord,
who is able so to strengthen and confirm him that is miserable,
weak, and without strength here in this conflict, to him be praise,
thanks, glory, and honor forever and ever, and this for all his great
benefits which he has so abundantly shown me. So I trust that it is
also very well with you, on which account I rejoiced, and thank God
the Most High, for all his great goodness that he has shown you, and
all this through his great mercy and love; and I pray the same
almighty Lord and God of grace, to bless you all, and to fill you with
all knowledge and spiritual wisdom and understanding, that you may
walk worthily and fruitfully all the days of your life in holiness and
righteousness, and receive the end of your faith, even the salvation
of your souls.
Let me further, please, tell my dear friends the reason why I have
been so backward in writing, when you have so many times
requested of me, that I should write to you. Hence I tell you, that I
hardly dare write anything, and this because it is such a perilous
time, so that people sometimes understand and construe a letter as
they will, and not as the writer has meant it. Even as I have only too
much known this to be the case, and it has even happened to me, in
my simple writing. Not that I mean that I am above criticism; God
forbid! but I say that some people find fault not only with the letters
of simple prisoners, but sometimes also with the holy Scriptures; and
since I also know myself far too simple and ignorant, to write
anything profitable for your exhortation, therefore I have always
refused them that requested it of me, and have thus far put it off.
And were it not for my innocent little children, who to-day
understand neither good nor evil, I should not have written much
yet; but they constrain me to write now, in order that when they
come to the years of understanding through the grace of God, and I
shall then have been taken from them, the same might then teach
them of my faith, and instruct them in righteousness and the
knowledge of God, in the fear of the Lord, and in all obedience. And
since I must walk the way, and obey the vocation in which I am
called, and I can then not admonish them with my lips, I write and
leave them this much for a treasure and testament; for gold or silver
I cannot give them, but such as God has given me, which is little,
but yet more than I am worthy of; this I leave them for an
exhortation, that they may also know most assuredly and certainly
by my own writing, in what doctrine and faith I died, and that I did
not suffer for any misdeed or wickedness, or heresy, as one that
follows his own mind and purpose (though I am called a heretic by
this evil generation, who imagine that they are pure, and are yet not
washed from their filth; but their railing is no proof, and their
calumny is untruth); for I well know and am sure that all who follow
their own mind and purpose do not keep God’s commandments; for
the Scriptures teach us, that we must be spiritually minded, as Jesus
Christ was, that we must be obedient and deny ourselves, yea,
utterly and completely renounce our own will, and bow ourselves
under the word and the mighty hand of God, which word is like a
fire, and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces, yea, as a
two-edged sword, which shall judge men in the last day. Rom. 8:6;
Philippians 2:5; Matt. 16:24; 6:10; 1 Pet. 5:6; Jeremiah 23:29; Rev.
1:16; John 12:48. Hence I say that I have submitted myself, to obey
the same with all my power and ability, to suffer myself to be
instructed by it, to believe what the Scriptures say; for I believe all
that is written in the law and the prophets, both in the Old and the
New Testaments; and have hope toward God, for which the prophets
themselves waited, namely, that there shall be a resurrection of the
dead, both of the just and unjust; and herein do I exercise myself,
always to have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward
men (Acts 24:14–16); thus my faith, which God has given me, is as
the word of God, and like the Scriptures, as here briefly follows:
In the first place, I believe and confess one only, eternal, almighty
God the Father, of whom are all things. Him I confess to be a living
God, who created and made heaven, earth, the sea, and all that in
them is, even as both the Old and New Testaments highly extol and
worship him in his worthiness; as an invisible and immortal God, a
God of gods, a Lord above all lords, a great God, mighty and most
terrible, who sits upon his throne, a Lord unto whom there is none
like, for he is higher than the heavens, deeper than hell, longer than
the earth, and wider than the sea, as he himself by the prophet
says: “The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”
Rightly has Jeremiah said: “Thou great and mighty God, the Lord of
hosts, is thy name; great in counsel, and mighty in work. For behold,
the heaven and heaven of heavens can not contain him.” Hence I
also say, that a creature can not comprehend the Creator, but I
confess him to be a holy, true, gracious, merciful, but also a severe,
righteous and just God, before whom alone we must tremble and
fear, fall down and worship, and love and obey him; who shall
render unto every one according to his works, whether they be good
or bad, either salvation or damnation. Mark 12:29; Is. 40:28; Gen.
17:1; 1 Cor. 8:6; Gen. 1; John 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:16; Deut. 10:17; Ps.
139:8. Is. 66:1; Jer. 32:19; 1 Kings 8:27; Lev. 19:2; Ps. 7:11; Matt.
4:10; 2 Cor. 5:10.
In the second place, I confess and believe in Jesus Christ, God’s
only, own, true Son, our Lord, who was with the Father from the
beginning and from everlasting, whom the Father has imbued with
his real essence, and expressly set forth the same in him, as is
everywhere fundamentally contained and declared in the Scriptures;
so that he is the image of the eternal light, the immaculate reflection
of the divine glory, and the likeness or image of his being. So that
when he was in the form of God, he was glorified as God, yea, the
wisdom and word of God himself, in whom alone was life, the
firstborn of every creature, invisible, impassable, and immortal,
through whom all things were created and made; he is before all,
and all is in him, so that he is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the ending, the first and the last, who is, and who was, and who is
to come; even thus do I confess the Son of God in his divinity as the
eternal true Son of God, true God with the Father, equal with him in
glory, brightness, power, will, and providence. John 3:16; Rom. 8:32;
Mic. 5:2; Col. 1:15; 2 Cor. 4:4; Philip. 2:6; John 1:4; Col. 1:15; Rev.
1:8,17; John 17:21.
But when the man Adam, by transgressing the commandment, had
sinned, and through sin, because of God’s strict justice, was, with all
his posterity, under the sentence of eternal death, God, kindled with
compassion and fervent love, comforted the miserable, sorrowful
Adam and promised to man his only Son, or eternal Word, by which
all things were made, yea, Adam himself having first been created
after his own likeness; he promised him, that he should be
redeemed and saved by that same Word. This promise God also
made for consolation, to many ancient fathers, as patriarchs,
prophets and servants of God, by beautiful figures and shadows, for
a Redeemer and Savior of the world, especially of those that believe.
When the time and all promises were fulfilled, God sent his Son,
born of a woman named Mary, who was espoused to a man named
Joseph, of the house of David. This virgin conceived of the Holy
Ghost, even as God had foreordained, and spoken by Isaiah saying:
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bare a son.” Yes, she conceived
of the Holy Ghost, and through the power of the Most High it
became flesh in her, that is man, like unto us in all things, sin
excepted. Namely, he that was previously invisible, became visible;
he that was immortal, became mortal; and he that enjoyed great
riches of glory, was glorified as God, yea, was himself true God, the
same forsook his riches, glory and brightness for a little while, and
became like unto other men, and was found in fashion as a man: so
that he was both true God and man, and was put under the law to
redeem them that were under the law. Gen. 3; Romans 5–18; Jer.
33:14; Deut. 18:15; 1 Tim. 4:10; Gal. 4:4; Matt. 1:25,20; Is. 7:14;
John 1:14; Heb. 2:17; 5:2; John 17:5; Philip. 2:7,8; Gal. 4:5.
Thus I confess with the apostle, that the eternal Word of the Father,
in whom alone was the light and the life of men, became flesh, and
dwelt upon the earth, and they beheld his glory, the glory as of the
only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. Even as
John testifies and says: That which was from the beginning, which
we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have
looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for
the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we
unto you. And their testimony is true. Hence I confess from these
words, and other Scriptures, that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh,
who is over all, God blessed forever. Yea, God was manifest in the
flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the
Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. John
1:4,14; 1 John 1:1–3; John 17:3; 1 John 4:2; Rom. 9:5; 1 Tim. 3:16.
Thus I believe that the true Messias did come, whom God had
promised to the believing fathers; for Abraham received the true
promised seed of Christ, in whom he and all the nations upon earth
are blessed. And this beautiful Morning Star rose out of Jacob, and
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Judah received his Shiloh or
Deliverer, and Moses his Prophet. He was born in the city and of the
lineage of David, and called the Son of the Highest, yea, Israel and
Judah beheld themselves their Lord, King, Savior, and God, and the
arm of the Lord reigned with power and he taught men, not only as
a true messenger, but also as a lover of life, and a faithful steward,
the word of his Father, which he himself had first heard and seen
from his Father, and which he proved and confirmed with very many
mighty signs, and ultimately sealed with his precious blood, when he
took upon him our sin and transgression, and had to restore that
which he had not taken away; who did no sin, neither was guile
found in his mouth. Of him Isaiah says: “He hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows, and he was wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of
our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” And
he died for us an ignominious death on the tree of the cross, when
we were yet enemies. He was buried, and raised again the third day
according to the Scriptures, for our justification, and after his
resurrection, as an almighty, victorious prince and potentate in
heaven and earth, he again taught his apostles, to observe all things
whatsoever he had commanded them. He then ascended up on
high, and sat down at the right hand of his Father in heaven, far
above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that
which is to come. And he is our Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate,
Mercy-seat, Reconciler and High Priest, to make reconciliation for the
sins of the people; for in that he himself hath suffered being
tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted, and can have
compassion on our weakness, wherefore he is able also to save
them evermore that come unto God by him. John 4:25; Gen. 22:18;
Gal. 3:16; Num. 24:17; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Gen. 49:10; Deut. 18:15;
Luke 2:4; John 12:49; Heb. 9; 1 Pet. 2:24; Ps. 69:4; 1 Peter 2:22;
Is. 53:4,5; Rom. 5:10; 1 Cor. 15:4; Romans 4:25; Matt. 28:18,20;
Eph. 1:20,21; Romans 8:34; Heb. 2:17,18; 5:2; 7:25.
In short, I believe and confess that Jesus Christ was sent by God,
and that God testified of him, that he is his Son. Now, he that
believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that
believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not
the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God
hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath
the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not the
life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. But I confess with John,
that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding,
that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true,
even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
This is the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive, and liveth
now for evermore. Little children, keep yourselves from idols,
especially Adamitic creatures that are highly esteemed by the world.
Amen. Matt. 3:17; 1 John 5:10–12; John 3:36; 1 John 5:20; Rev.
1:11,18; 1 John 5:21.
In the third place, I believe in the Holy Ghost, who is an eternal Holy
Spirit, the Spirit of truth, which Spirit I confess to belong to both the
Father and the Son, proceeding from the Father through the Son.
This Spirit God by the prophets promised to pour out upon all flesh,
which promise he effectually fulfilled in the apostles, and in their
time, and the same is still poured out, and will be poured out, upon
all believing, regenerate children of God, for the consolation of their
consciences sorrowing after a godly manner and to seal them unto
the day of reconciliation, to distribute unto every one spiritual gifts,
according to his good pleasure. By the same we cry, Abba Father; for
the same Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the
children of God, even as Paul says, which is the earnest of our
inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto
the praise of his glory; by which Spirit also the prophets spake from
the beginning of the world, and prophesied in a mystery the
treasures of wisdom and the knowledge of God, but now made
manifest by the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who hath
abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light
through the Gospel, whereunto Paul was appointed a preacher, and
apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles, and all this according to the
commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for
the obedience of faith. All these things Paul and all holy men did and
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I therefore believe
and confess the Father as the Creator of all things, through his Son
or Word; and Jesus Christ as the Son of God, who redeemed us, and
bought us with his precious blood; and the Holy Ghost as a mighty
operation of the Most High, in all truly regenerated and believing
children of God. These three I confess to be one only, eternal,
almighty, living God, who have one purpose, one counsel, one will,
one work together in all eternity. As John writes, that there are three
that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy
Ghost: and these three are one. To this only, eternal, almighty, living
God, who is incomprehensible, unsearchable, and indescribable,
alone be praise, honor, wisdom, thanks, glory, power, and strength,
forever and ever. Amen. John 14:17; Is. 44:3; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:3;
Ephesians 1:13; Tit. 3:5; Gal. 3:26; 2 Cor. 7:9; Ephesians 4:30;
Rom. 8:15,16; 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:14; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Tim. 1:10,11;
1 Tim. 2:7; Romans 16:25; Gen. 1:1; John 1:3,12; Mark 12:29;
1 John 5:7; Rom. 11:33.
In the fourth place, I also believe all that this only God spake by his
holy prophets and apostles, and he himself declared and taught with
his own mouth; and confess from this same teaching of the Gospel,
a holy Christian church, which is the communion of the saints, and
congregation of the believers, new creatures, and children of God,
which children are bound together in unity and peace with the bond
of love, and baptized into one Spirit and body, as Paul says; for they
confess one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all, and in us all. They have the mind
which was in Jesus Christ, and look not at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen, for their conversation is in
heaven; hence they are also the temple of the living God, in which
God dwells with his Holy Spirit, which Spirit assures them; that they
are the children of God, and are justified by faith, and wait for all the
promises of God. These have the forgiveness of sins, and
redemption through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Acts 24:14; 1 Cor.
12:13; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:5,6; Phil. 2:5; 2 Cor. 4:18; Phil. 3:20;
2 Cor. 6:16; Rom. 8:16; Eph. 1:7.
In the fifth place, I further confess from the holy Scriptures, or word
of God, a baptism, both inward and outward. Inwardly, as Christ
says, with the Holy Ghost and with fire; and outwardly, with water, in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, in
token of all that has taken place within, as Paul says, that it is a
burial of sin, and also a washing of regeneration. If it then be a
burial of sin, and a washing of regeneration, as it also is, it is a vain
baptism which is used on infants, for infants, though they are born
of sinful seed, have never practiced sin, and do not know it, since
they understand neither good nor evil; and if they have never
committed nor known sin, baptism, which is a burial of sin, can not
rightly be used on them. And so they can also not be regenerated,
since they are pure through Christ and still in their first birth; hence,
too, baptism does not belong to them, since it is a washing of
regeneration: but I say that they are cleansed and redeemed
through Christ, as Christ himself says: “Suffer little children, and
forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of
heaven.” Acts 1:5; Matt. 3:11; 28:19; Romans 6:4; Ps. 51:5; Deut.
1:39; Rev. 1:5; 1 John 1:7; Col. 1:14; Matt. 19:14.
But when men grow up, and have attained their years, the heart, as
Jeremiah says, is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.
Hence there dwells no good thing in the flesh, but it departs from
the Lord in every respect, since through evil lusts and desires the
flesh is impelled to all wickedness and sin, whereby they often go
astray and sin, because they have little or no right instruction; hence
they lose Christ’s death and merits, under which grace they were
when they were first born. Men must therefore, according to the
Scriptures, through the power of the divine word, be taught to know
sin; that sin and all unrighteousness are sin; and they must be
exhorted to repentance and amendment, that denying ungodliness
and worldly lusts, they should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in
this present world; and to become new creatures, and regenerated
children of God by faith, for we cannot see, nor enter into, the
kingdom of God, except we be renewed and born again of water and
of the Spirit. Which Spirit in the Scriptures is called water as well as
Spirit, even as God spake by the prophet Joel, saying: “I will pour
out my Spirit upon all flesh, that is, upon all generations or nations,
namely that have become lowly in spirit and contrite in heart, and
believe in God.” Which faith, as Paul says, cometh by hearing the
word of God. Hence I confess, that men must first be taught, that
they bring forth genuine fruits of repentance, believe in Christ, and
then be baptized upon their faith, as Christ himself ordained this,
and commanded his apostles, saying: “Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you.” And in the sixteenth chapter of
Mark, he says: Go and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned. And the apostles did as they were commanded, as
we may read in the Acts of the Apostles, and in their epistles: they
first taught, and then baptized all the god-fearing with water, in the
name of the Lord, they that hearkened to their words and believed
in the Son of God received baptism, and this for a burial of sin and
washing of regeneration, for a fulfillment of all righteousness and
the answer of a good conscience toward God, for a covenant to live
in holiness and righteousness, and for an entrance into and uniting
with the body of Christ, which is the church of God; for by one Spirit
we are all baptized into one body, as Paul says: “Ye are all the
children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Jer. 17:9; Rom. 7:18; Gal.
5:17; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 3:4; Tit. 2:12; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:23;
Gal. 3:26; John 3:3,5; Is. 44:3; Joel 2:28; Isaiah 57:15; Acts 16:34;
Rom. 10:17; Acts 2:38; 16:31; Matt. 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16; Acts
2; 16:14; 2:41; 8:12; Matt. 3:15; 1 Peter 3:21; Luke 1:75; 1 Cor.
12:13; Gal. 3:26–28.
In the sixth place, I further confess from the word of God, a true
Supper, with bread and wine, by which we are to shew Christ’s
sufferings, and his death, and also to remember the new covenant,
or testament, which he made with his people, and sealed and
confirmed with his blood. Even as Christ himself instituted the same,
and observed it with his apostles, as is written: “That Christ the
same night in which he was betrayed, took bread: and when he had
given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which
is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same
manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup
is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for many: this do in
remembrance of me.” But all that are to eat this external bread, and
to drink the wine, truly in remembrance of him, must first be
renewed and changed by the word of God, so that they must be
lowly of spirit and contrite in heart, and truly confess Christ Jesus by
faith, that he alone is their Redeemer and Savior; and they must
have love, unity and peace with one another, and must be sanctified
through the Holy Spirit, and assured in their conscience by faith, that
they are the children of God, and heirs, who through grace shall be
partakers of Christ’s great benefits, as, his merits, death and blood,
for his suffering is our rejoicing, and his death is our life, as Paul
says: “That he has reconciled us in the body of his flesh through
death, to present us holy and unblamable and unreprovable; and
made peace through the blood of his cross, by himself.” And hence
they are to examine themselves, as Paul says, and so eat of the
bread, and drink of the cup; for he that eateth and drinketh
unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning
the Lord’s body. Hence Paul says: The cup of blessing which we
bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread
which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For
we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all
partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not
they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? Thus the
communion of the body and the blood of Christ must be in us, and
he that so examines himself, and through the Holy Spirit finds in his
conscience, that he is an heir of the great benefits of Christ, and a
member of his body, he may indeed use the memorials of bread and
wine with regard to it, as Christ says: “This do in remembrance of
me,” and Paul says: “As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this
cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Matthew 26:26; 1 Cor.
11:23; Heb. 9:12; Luke 22:19; Matt. 11:29; Col. 1:14; Matt. 1:21;
Rom. 8:16,17; Col. 1:20–22; Eph. 2:13; 1 Cor. 11:28,29; 10:16–18;
Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 11:26.
In the seventh place, I further confess a true Christian
excommunication, which is an excluding or binding of the
disobedient sinner, and a releasing or loosing of the obedient
penitent, even as Christ wisely instituted and effectually taught the
same, and his apostles thoroughly expounded, used and also taught
it, as Christ spake to the apostle, saying: “I will give unto thee the
keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on
earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven.” And he also says: “If thy hand
offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: it is better to have only
one hand, and enter into life eternal, than having two hands to be
cast into everlasting fire. And the same he also says in regard to the
foot and the eye. Matt. 18:18; 16:19; 5:30; 18:8.
But though Christ taught his apostles all this, we do not find it
written, that the ordinance was used in Christ’s time by any disciple,
with regard to those who having transgressed or apostatized, caused
offenses; and this because of the law, which came to an end in the
death of Christ, and because the body was not yet perfect, and the
temple of the Lord not yet complete, since they were yet very
ignorant, and in many matters not fully instructed, as Christ says to
them: I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear
them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come he will guide
you into all truth. Which spirit they must receive, before they could
bind or release any one with the key (which is the word and Spirit of
God), as Christ also indicates with these words, when he breathed
on them, and said: “Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye
remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain,
they are retained.” Not that Christ gave the apostles authority, to
forgive or to retain any one’s sins contrary to his word, and thus to
govern the church according to their will: No; God forbid! They had
to act without respect to persons, even though it had been their
right hand—retain the sins of those who according to the word of
God were under the wrath of God, and proclaim grace and peace to
the penitent, who according to the same word were under the grace
of God; and thus Christ appointed unto them the kingdom as his
Father had appointed it unto him. Rom. 10:4; John 16:12,13;
20:22,23; Luke 22:29.
But I repeat it, though Christ had so appointed and taught it to
them, yet, according to my view, they had then neither a command
nor authority to use the same, as already said, before Christ had
ascended up to heaven, having sent them forth, to preach the
Gospel in all the world, to every creature, teaching to observe
whatsoever he had commanded them. They also had to tarry in
Jerusalem, until they were endued with power from on high, and
had received the promise of the Father, which was the Holy Ghost,
who was their teacher and power, whereby they proceeded in this
practice. And when the body was perfect, and the temple of the
living God complete, in which God dwelt with his Spirit, the apostle
effectually taught Christ’s institution and ordinance of
excommunication, and also used it, as we may read, how the apostle
delivered Hymeneus and Alexander unto Satan, that they might
learn not to blaspheme. And so he also punished the Corinthian
fornicator, concerning whom he had determined, when they were
gathered together, and his spirit, with the power of Christ, to deliver
him unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit might
be saved. Since the Corinthian church was very slack in regard to
using this excommunication in the case of him that had done that
deed, therefore he reproved them with severe words, as we may
read in the second epistle to the Corinthians, chapters 12 and 13. As
he also wrote to them, that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump,
therefore he says: “Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new
lump.” And thus Paul used excommunication, and also would have it
used, even as he writes to the Thessalonians, saying: We command
you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and
not after the tradition which he received of us. For in this epistle he
had written to the Corinthians, not to company with fornicators, and
since they did not observe it, or perhaps not well understand it, he
explained it to them more fully, and said: “Yet not altogether with
the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or
with idolaters; for then must we needs go out of the world. But now
I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is
called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a
railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to
eat.” And thus I confess that such carnal men, who thus sin against
God, are, according to the ordinance of Christ, with the word of God,
as Paul has explained this thus, to be excommunicated and excluded
from the church, and that we are also not to company with them, as
the apostle says: “If any man obey not our word, signify that man
by an epistle, and have no company with him, that he may be
ashamed” or think with himself, that for his presumptuousness and
transgression he is delivered unto Satan (whom he obediently served
according to his will, and also hearkened to for the sake of sin,) for
the destruction of the flesh, which before the fall lived and desired to
live in sin; that he may be ashamed, may humble himself, repent
truly, and thus die unto sin, and the spirit be saved in the day of our
Lord. For as the word of God has power to excommunicate the
presumptuous transgressor, so it has also power to teach and to
avoid the excommunicated person, since excommunication is
ineffectual without avoidance. And as excommunication and
avoidance are thoroughly taught in the Scriptures, I confess both,
since also Paul excommunicated, and also taught, to put away him
that doeth evil, and says: “Keep not company with them; with such
(as he there specifies) ye shall not eat. Even as he also says
concerning a man that is a heretic: When ye have once or twice
admonished him, reject him, knowing that he that is such, is
subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. For such cause
contention and offenses, and their words eat as doth a canker;
hence the church is to avoid them, lest she be leavened or corrupted
by them. Matt. 28:20; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 1 Tim. 1:20; 1 Cor. 5;
Gal. 5:9; 2 Thess. 3:6,14; Tit. 3:10,11; Rom. 16:17; 1 Timothy 2:17.
Let the reader be informed that Jacob van den Wege, the writer of
the preceding letter, owing to want of opportunity did not further
carry out or write down the articles of faith, though he was
sufficiently informed in all, and continued therein steadfastly unto
death.
 ANOTHER LETTER FROM JACOB VAN DEN WEGE, WRITTEN IN HIS BONDS, TO
OTHER PRISONERS.

The unfathomable abundant grace and mercy of God the heavenly

Father, the peace; holiness and merits of our Lord Jesus Christ the
Son of God, and the joy, comfort and power of the Holy Ghost. This
only, eternal and almighty God, who alone is holy and good, grant
you, my dear and most affectionately beloved sisters in the Lord,
who are now imprisoned for the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ,
this my salutation, yea, the Lord grant it to you through his great
goodness and benevolence; this I wish you from the depth of my
heart, as an affectionate and cordial greeting. Amen.
Further, after all unfeigned Christian salutation, let my dear sisters in
the Lord, please, be informed, that we three prisoners, who now are
also in bonds, in Ghent, in the count’s castle, for the testimony and
doctrine of our Savior Jesus Christ, are still of good cheer, and not
changed in the least in our purpose to suffer with Christ, and to
strive for the truth. And we are also ready not only to endure
poverty, reproach, imprisonment, and bonds, but also to die for the
name of the Lord, if it be his pleasure; and all this by his great and
mighty power, with which he strengthens us through his great grace;
to him be praise, thanks and glory forever.
From your letter I also understood that it is still well with you four,
on account of which I and my fellow prisoners were much rejoiced,
and I pray God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has chosen
us hereunto from our birth, and through his great mercy and love
has given us his abundant grace, that he would keep and strengthen
us unto the end with his Holy Spirit, that his name may be praised
and honored forever through us all, for the edification of our
neighbor, and the salvation of our souls. O my dearly beloved sisters
in the Lord, let us continue steadfastly, and take good heed, that we
do not neglect the grace of God which he has so faithfully shown us,
but well improve it, for through neglect one may soon lose that for
which he has labored so long, and then it is sometimes very difficult
to find it again. Hence I say, let us take good heed, and hold fast
that which we have, that no one take our crown. For if we continue
steadfast in that which we have, we shall without any doubt be
saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 12:15; Rev.
3:11; Matt. 10:22; Acts 15:11. And to this end (namely, to be saved)
we have already begun; may God grant us strength, that we may be
able to carry it out to his praise and to the salvation of our souls. For
God knows, that on earth we seek no other riches or honor, than the
honor of his name and the salvation of our souls, for which salvation
we now with great patience endure here so much affliction amidst
sorrowing and sighing (all of which rises from reproach and
imprisonment), together with manifold conflicts and temptations.
But, my most beloved, let us not become despondent in tribulation
and affliction, nor let us think it strange, as though some strange
thing happened unto us, for from the beginning of the world the
righteous had to suffer; but let us rejoice herein that we are
partakers of Christ’s sufferings, well knowing that if we suffer with
him, we shall also reign with him. 1 Pet. 4:12,13; 2 Tim. 2:12. For
Paul says, that it is given unto us, not only to believe on Christ, but
also to suffer for his sake; for we must through much tribulation and
affliction enter into the kingdom of heaven. Philip. 1:29; Acts 14:22.
But the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us, who look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for eye hath
not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,
the things which God hath prepared for them who love him and keep
his commandments; but he hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.
Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:18; 1 Cor. 2:9,10. Hence, my dear sisters, we
ought to be comforted by these promises, and work with a joyful
heart in the vineyard of the Lord, patiently endure the heat of the
sun, and not fear what man shall do unto us, for we know, and are
sure through our faith, that if they kill our body, our Redeemer
liveth, and that he shall hereafter raise us up from the earth, and
then we shall in our flesh see God; our eyes shall behold him and
not another. Job 19:25. And Paul says, that we look for the Savior,
Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that he may fashion it
like unto his glorious body. Philip. 3:20,21. Then shall we be caught
up in the air to meet him, to inherit eternal life, and then shall he fill
our hearts with joy, and comfort us, and make us glad after our
tribulation, shall wipe our tears from our eyes, and shall reward our
labor, for sorrow and mourning shall flee away from us, and
everlasting joy shall be upon our heads, 1 Thess. 4:17; Rev. 7:17;
Isaiah 51:11. Yea, all this shall happen to us through his great grace
and if we firmly persevere and take good heed, and abide steadfast
unto the end in that which we have, we shall be saved. Herewith I
will commend you to the Lord, that he will keep you my dear sisters
in the Lord, with the strong power of his Holy Spirit. And take my
brief unfeigned letter in good part, for I had almost not written you
at all, because of my ignorance and simplicity; but through your
request I dared not forbear.
Written with my own hand, on the last day of April. Farewell. Amen.
My fellow prisoners also greet you most cordially with the peace of
the Lord. By me,
Jacob van den Wege.

ANOTHER LETTER BY JACOB VAN DEN WEGE.

I Jacob, imprisoned for the name of the Lord our God, grace, peace,
mercy and love from God our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ,
his only Son our Lord, who delivered himself up for our sins, when
we were yet enemies, that he might redeem us from this present
evil world, and purify unto himself a people zealous of all good
works. Rom. 5:10; Gal. 1:4; Tit. 2:14. This I wish my dear sister in
the Lord as an affectionate greeting. Amen.
After salutation, my dearly beloved sister in the Lord, even as we are
both born of one mother according to the flesh, so I hope that
according to the spirit we are also born of one God, for we confess,
and believe in one eternal God, Creator of all things and by faith he
has regenerated us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind
of first fruits of his creatures, as the apostle says: “Whosoever
believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that
loveth him that begat, loveth also him that is begotten of him.”
Therefore, he that loveth God, and is begotten of him, must love the
brethren, for he that loveth not his brother abideth in death, and
whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no
murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. James 1:18; 1 John 5:1;
3:14, 15. Hence Peter says: “Purify your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, being born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of
God, which liveth and abideth forever.” 1 Peter 1:22,23. As also Paul
says: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk
in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an
offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet smelling savor. Eph.
5:1,2. My dear sister, put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and
beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ
forgave you so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in
your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye
thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And
whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Col. 3:12–17.
Hence, my dear sister, constantly walk devoutly in all things, and be
faithful to him who hath called you out of darkness into his light,
from lies into the truth, and from hatred into love; and therefore are
you called, that you should walk in the light, in the truth, and in
love; and by this, says Christ, shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another. Yea, my dear sister, the end
of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good
conscience, and of faith unfeigned. 1 Peter 2:9.; John 12:35; Eph.
5:8; John 13:35; 1 Tim. 1:5.
Herewith I commend you to the Lord, and to the comforting word of
his grace. The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our
Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of
the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do
his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight,
through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Heb. 13:20,21.
Written on the 4th of July, A. D. 1573. Keep this in remembrance of
me your weak brother in the Lord, and do not forget me and my
fellow prisoners in your prayers; we will do likewise according to our
weak ability.
Jacob van den Wege.

THE LAST WORDS WRITTEN BY JACOB VAN DEN WEGE, AFTER HE HAD
RECEIVED WORD THAT HE WAS TO DIE.

I, a prisoner for the name of the Lord, wish all my dear brethren and
sisters much spiritual wisdom and consolation through the Holy
Ghost, especially to my dear wife and children, whom I greatly love;
but the almighty Lord must be the nearest, as you are yourselves
taught from the word of God. Hence, my dear wife, whom I love, I
write you this little for a parting letter in this world. Adieu my love,
the Lord lighten your tribulation; and my most beloved sister in the
Lord, namely, my mother: O mother, be of good cheer in the Lord;
the God of all comfort deliver you from your tribulation. And
Sijntgen, Grietgen, and Claerken, my dear sisters in the Lord, always
be at peace with one another, and comfort one another in love.
Adieu, all of you. I now go to deliver up my life for the name of the
Lord. Written the day that I received word that I must die. Adieu
Tanneken, my oldest daughter, and Grietgen (O that the Lord might
take you), and Betgen my youngest daughter, adieu.
Written in my bonds, by me, your dear husband and brother in the
Lord.
Jacob van den Wege.

MAEYKEN VAN DEVENTER, PUT TO DEATH FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS

CHRIST, AT ROTTERDAM IN HOLLAND, A. D. 1573.

Not only those of the city of Ghent, in Flanders, of whom we have

just spoken, but also those of Rotterdam, in Holland, again imbrued
their hands at this time in the blood of the saints. This appeared in
the case of a very pious and godfearing heroine of Jesus Christ,
who, a native of Deventer according to the flesh, was nevertheless
from the heavenly Jerusalem, born again of God; whose name here
upon earth was Maeyken van Deventer, while her inward and
spiritual name was known only to God, and recorded in the secret
book of God’s perpetual remembrance.
She was apprehended for her saving faith, in the city of Rotterdam,
in Holland, without any fear from the neighboring cities, as the city
of Dortrecht had already a year before, under the reign of the Prince
of Orange, William I., capitulated, no longer to shed innocent blood
on account of the faith; which had taken place in July, A. D. 1572,
while this occurred about the middle of the year 1573.
They did not stop at imprisonment, but proceeded further with her,
so that when she could not be turned from her steadfast and true
faith, sentence of death was speedily pronounced upon her, that she
should be put to death, as an immovable and obstinate heretic. O
God, how couldst thou tolerate it!
This sentence was speedily executed on her by the executioner, so
that, having commended her soul into the hands of God, she left her
body upon earth as a prey.
Observation concerning the death sentence of Maeyken van
Deventer.
We have taken much trouble, to obtain, if possible, the death
sentence of this pious woman Maeyken van Deventer, as well as of
others of our dear fellow-believers that were put to death at
Rotterdam; but we have been informed by the secretary there, who
searched for it, that in the year 1600, just fifty-nine years ago, there
was a great fire in the city hall, whereby the examinations and death
sentences of said martyrs were all burned, together with all that had
been recorded with regard to this, previous to the year 1600, as we
also, for the year 1572, showed to have occurred at Breda; certainly
a lamentable matter, which might cause to pass into oblivion that
which we ought constantly to remember, namely, the steadfast death
of the saints. To prevent such oblivion, we have deemed it necessary
to notice this matter more fully than has ever before been done. This
by way of notice.

A TESTAMENT MADE BY MAEYKEN VAN DEVENTER FOR HER CHILDREN.

My children according to the flesh, but, alas! not according to the

spirit, here is a testament, which I, your mother, leave you, namely,
Albert, Johan, Egbert, Truyken, my dear children. The Lord bless
you, as Isaac blessed his son Jacob, that he should be a ruler over
his brethren. My children in the flesh, I must leave you young; may
the Most High permit us to meet in the world to come, which shall
Be done before long by the Father, who will paternally bless us with
his most holy name. This I expect from day to day, that, when it
pleases the Lord, I may offer up my life and body for his holy name’s
sake, and I trust that this will not be deferred, and that the good
Lord will not forget me any longer. When you hear this, sorrow not,
as the world does, which has no hope, or knows not where they
shall be; but thank the Most High, that you had a mother who was
found worthy to shed her blood for the name of the Lord, and who,
through his great grace and mercy, may be counted as a witness or
martyr. Hence, my children, respect this testament which I leave
you.
I cannot leave you gold or silver, nor can I give you treasures of this
world, as the world gives to her children; for this I did not take with
me, but left it to your carnal father; and this I also did not seek, but
I sought the eternal riches, which are imperishable. Do you also
seek this way, and you shall live forever; and follow this testament
and the instruction which I here write you. Even as Christ Jesus our
forerunner left such to us for an everlasting testament, and sealed it
with his blood; such a testament I also leave you, and will likewise
seal the same with my blood, even as the blessed Jesus did. My
children, do not set at naught or lightly esteem this; be not
heedless: it is better than gold, for it will save your souls. If you do
what I write you, you shall see me again in great glory, and you shall
be as kings and queens; but you must keep yourselves from this
corruptible world, for it shall pass away with all its lusts.
Hear, my children, the instruction of your mother, and incline your
hearts to understanding, and open your ears to hear the words of
my mouth, for I seek the salvation of your souls; believe me, and no
one else, that you may come to me and live forever. Behold, my
children, I hold before you the way of my Bridegroom, and our
forerunner, Christ Jesus, who went before me, which leads to the
truth, as the Lord has commanded me; and behold, I take up my
cross, and follow the Savior of the whole world. Do so too, my
children; I shall go before you, without looking back, for this is the
way of the prophets and martyrs, and behold, I shall now drink the
cup which they drank. I now go the way which Christ Jesus, the Lord
full of all grace and truth, who laid down his life for his sheep, went;
this cup I must drink, as Christ says: I have a cup to drink of, and a
baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be
accomplished! Matthew 20;22; Luke 12:50. And having thus passed
through, he calls his sheep, and his sheep hear his voice, and follow
him whithersoever he goeth, for this is the way to the living
fountain; this way went the priestly kings coming from the rising of
the sun, as is written in Revelation (Rev. 16:12), and entered into
eternity. And behold, they had to drink of this cup, and to go this
way, who are now under the altar, crying and saying: Lord almighty
Father, how long dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell
on the earth? And white robes were given them, and it was
answered unto them: Bear yet for a little season, till the number of
your brethren that shall also be killed yet for the testimony of Jesus
Christ be fulfilled. Rev. 6:9–11. These also drank of the cup, and
ascended up to enjoy the eternal Sabbath of the Lord. And of this
cup also those had to drink who are crowned, have palms in their
hands, and are clothed in white. 2 Esd. 2:42. Yea, this is also the
way trod by the four and twenty elders that stand before the throne
of God, and cast their crowns from their heads, and their harps
before the throne of the Lamb, and falling down upon their faces,
say: O God, to thee alone be praise, honor and glory, power and
strength, forever and ever. Lord almighty God, who wilt speedily
avenge the blood of thy servants and ministers, thine be the victory;
magnified be thy name, which is, and which was, and which is to
come. Rev. 4:10,11. This way also walked the marked of the Lord,
who had the mark in their foreheads, who were chosen out of all the
kindreds of men, who were not defiled with women, but follow the
Lamb whithersoever he goeth. 7:3; 14:3,4. Behold, these had to
drink the bitter cup, and also all those that are still lacking of the
number and fulfillment of Zion, which is the bride of the Lamb, and
the new Jerusalem, which shall descend out of heaven, in which city
and throne the glory of the great King shall be revealed and seen,
when the marriage feast shall be kept and celebrated in the day of
the high and holy Sabaoth, the Lord their God, which is the day of
their rest and joy, 6:11; 21:10. Behold, all these first suffered the
judgment in their flesh, and had to bear the punishment of this
world, for Jesus Christ was the first one, as is written: “The Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world;” and Paul says, that whom
he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the
image of his Son. Rev. 13:8; Rom. 8:29. Christ our Savior also says,
that the servant is not better than his lord, nor the disciple above his
master; but it is enough for the disciple, that he be as his master.
Matthew 10:24,25. This also Peter declares to us, who says that the
time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if
it first begin at God’s elect, what shall the end be of them that have
not believed the Gospel of God? and if the righteous scarcely be
saved, where shall the unrighteous appear? 1 Peter 4:17,18.
Hence, my dear children, press through the strait gate, for strait and
narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find
it, and still less that walk it; but wide and broad is the way that
leadeth to destruction, and many there be that walk therein. Matt.
7:13,14.
Therefore, my children, heed the chastening and instruction of the
Lord, and bow your shoulders under his yoke and easy burden, and
bear it patiently from your youth, thanking him with great honor, for
he receives no sons whom he does not chasten, for if you forsake
chastisement after this manner, whereof we all are become
partakers, you are not children, but bastards, and you shall be cast
out of your Father’s inheritance. Heb. 12:6.
Hence, my dear children, gird your loins, and follow Christ, and
neither fear nor rest till you have found this way. And search the
Scriptures: they shall show you the way of life, for the angel says to
Esdras: Behold, a city is builded, and set upon a broad field, and is
full of all good things: the entrance thereof is narrow, and set in a
dangerous place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand,
and on the left a deep water: and one only path between them both,
even between the fire and the water, so small that there could but
one man go there at once. If this city now were given unto a man
for an inheritance, if he never shall pass the danger set before it,
how shall he receive this inheritance? 2 Esd. 7:6–9. Behold, my
children, this way has no retreats; there are also no by-ways, that lie
on the right hand or on the left; this is the way which is found by so
few, and trod by still fewer; yea, there are indeed some that see it
who well know that this is the way unto life, but it is too hard for
them; it hurts them far too much.
Therefore, my children, regard not the great multitude, neither walk
in their ways; refrain your feet from their path, for they go to hell,
even as sheep to the slaughter, as the prophet Isaiah tells us,
saying: “Hell hath opened wide her mouth, that there may enter in
the princes of the earth, and the common people.” For it is a people
of no understanding; therefore he that made them will not have
mercy on them. Prov. 1:15; Isa. 59:7; 5:14; 27:11.
But, my children, remember what I write, and wherever you hear
that there is a plain, rejected little flock, that is despised and cast
out by this world; join them; and wherever you hear of the cross of
Christ, depart not away. But flee the shadow of this world, go to
God; fear him alone; keep his commandments; remember all his
words to do after them; write them upon the tables of your heart,
and bind them on your forehead, and speak of his statutes night and
day, and you shall be a pleasant branch in the garden of the Lord,
yea, a beloved plant growing up in Zion.
My children, call the fear of the Lord your Father, and wisdom and
understanding shall be your mother. If you do this, my children, the
Lord shall bless you, and sanctify your body for his service, that his
name may be sanctified through you, and magnified to his glory.
Confess him before men, that he may also confess you before his
heavenly Father. Yea, forsake your life, my children, rather than that
you should depart from the truth. And follow me; I go before you as
a valiant soldieress, who is prepared for the war or conflict of the
Lord, that I may deliver up my life for the name of the Lord. My
children, I, your mother, the instrument whereby you have been
brought into this sorrowful world, desire your salvation. Believe me
what I write you and have left you, and no one else, except what
they say agrees with the holy Scriptures. If you do this, you shall
come to me, and I to you. If you lose your body, which is of the
earth, the Lord has prepared you a better in heaven. Hence, my
children, strive valiantly unto death for the truth and for
righteousness, and arm yourselves with the armor of God, that you
may be found valiant Israelites; trample down the world and all
unrighteousness that is therein; love or seek only that which is
above, and remember that you are not of the world, even as your
Lord and Master was also not of the world. John 15:19; 17:16. And
be diligent, that you too may be found disciples; whatsoever you
shall ask then, shall be done unto you; for no man can say that
Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, for the true worshipers
shall worship God in Spirit and in truth; for these Christ prayed, and
not for the world, for when the world prays, it calls upon the devil,
and they desire that his will be done in them. John 15:7; 1 Cor.
12:3; John 4:23; 17:9. Hence, my dear children, do not become
conformed to it; flee from it, and have no fellowship with it. Rom.
12:2; Eph. 5:11. Regard not what is fair to the eyes, for it is all
vanity; seek only those things which are above, and set your
affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. Col. 3:1,2.
Let your eyes ever look to the Lord and always labor with prayer and
supplication, that you may ever be with him in heart. Heb. 12:2. Let
your laughter be turned to weeping, for we are pilgrims here upon
earth; and let there be nothing in this world, which can rejoice you,
for it is all vanity, and passes away. Jas. 4:9; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Cor.
4:18. Beware of covetousness with regard to earthly riches, for this
is the true foundation of perdition. Luke 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:9.
Remember me. The Lord cause you to walk in his fear, and fill you
with his Holy Spirit and sanctify your understanding and mind. My
children, be circumspect in all your conversation, and whatsoever
you do, therein let the name of the Lord be praised and blessed. Col.
3:17. And guard your lips, that you may not take the name of God
into your mouth in vain, for this is a great unrecognized sin; and do
not use the name of God, except you do it with great reverence,
with bended knees, and with uncovered head, or it will be accounted
ill to you. Ex. 20:7. Pray God that you may learn to know him, and
be not ashamed to confess and honor him, who can save your souls;
for the Lord will not tolerate that his people deny him, for it is
enough that the world dishonors and denies him; hence let us honor,
praise and glorify his holy name with the whole heart, for it is
written, that whosoever takes the name of the Lord in vain is worthy
of death.
Therefore, my children, love your neighbor heartily, and this with a
liberal heart. Let the light of the gospel shine in you. 2 Cor. 4:4. Deal
your bread to the hungry, clothe the naked, and do not suffer
anything to remain with you double, since there are enough that
lack. Is. 58:7. And whatsoever the Lord grants you, that possess
with thankfulness, not only for yourselves, but also for your
neighbor, and seek not your own profit, but that of your neighbor. In
short, my children, let your life be conformed to the gospel of Christ.
And the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the
everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his
will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, that your
whole spirit, soul and body may be found blameless unto the