The History of the Bohemian Persecution/Chapter 73
Chap. LXXVII.
Tobias Steffek, a Citizen of new Prague.
I. ANd this man for his wisedome was chosen by the States, into the number of the Directors. A man of a quiet and composed temper, and sincere in Religion, who spent almost all the cime of his imprisonment in silent highs and tears.
2. Before his execution he said: I have received many good things at the hands of the Lord all my life, shall I not therefore receive this cup of affliction? I embrace the will of God, who by the ignominious death makes me conformable to his son, and by a narrow way bring me to a heavenly Kingdome. Therefore I praise the mercy of God, because he hath joyned me undeservedly to these excellent men, that I might receive with them a crown of Martyrdome. When hee was called to die, hee clapped his hands and looking up to heaven with a sad countenance and weeping eyes: My Saviour being about to die, said father, not as I will, but as thou wilt; thy will bee done; shall I therefore who am but a worme, ye dust and a shadow contradict his will. Bee it farre from me, yea I come willingly my God, onely have mercy on me and purge me from my sinnes, that no spot or wrinkle may adhere unto me, that I may appeare pure in thy sight. The Minister of the word seeing him so sad, did comfort him with the words of God (who answered.) Yet a little while and the Lord wil take all teares from my eyes, sighs, griefes, and mournings shall cease, being exchanged for everlasting joies. so hee lifted up himselfe full of sighes and yet full of hope among which perpetually praying, hee rendered his spirit to God.