Joost Joosten (Anabaptist Martyr – 1542-1560) TORTURED AND EXECUTED

Joost Joosten (Anabaptist Martyr – 1542-1560)

TORTURED AND EXECUTED

He was tortured on the rack, his body stretched, but he would not yield. He would faint from the pain and the authorities would release him and douse him with water, then torment him with questions, entreaties, and offers of freedom and honor.

They developed a new procedure of torture called “Iron Teerlingen.” It was actually a long thin rod of iron. With Joost seated on a chair, the jailers would thrust these pointed rods in at his knees and by turning and pressing drive them through his lower legs until they came out at his ankles. Even the men who administered the torture were shaken by his suffering and the spirit and faith with which he resisted them.

A straw hut was built in the marketplace at Veere in which Joost was to die. He was brought from the prison to the market, and in spite of the pain of walking on his bruised legs he sang joyously. His clear voice carried to the crowds of people who gathered for his execution. When he came to the area for the execution, he gave witness to his faith in Christ and the cause for which he died.

Joost lifted his voice once again and sang his favorite composition, “O Lord you are forever in my thoughts. Then he walked into the little straw hut. It was Monday before Christmas, 1560. The straw hut was lit and Joost Joosten’s short pilgrimage was over. He sings in the choir of the eternal King.