The four narratives that make up the contents of this little volume have been translated from the Spanish. It was felt from the very first, on reading them, that they were too good to remain locked in that language from those who know English only. They were doubtless written originally in German, and appear in Spanish over the name of Margaret Sporlin.
Besides their excellence as historical narratives in those momentous and most interesting times, they contain valuable moral and spiritual lessons for both old and young; in this indeed consists their chief value. They tell of God’s constant care for and over His dear servants, and the power of prayer on their behalf as in the case of Pastor John Hofer. In the beautiful story of “The Fur Cloak” we see the importance of patience in tribulation, and the blessedness of letting patience have “her perfect work;” as well as “the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:1111Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11)). The love of these early brethren one for the other is also touchingly seen in that lovely tale; and how in their sufferings for Christ’s sake and the gospel’s they were drawn together in the sweet bonds of love, sympathy and fellowship.
In the learned Doctor Geiler, we can see how God’s spirit was at work in hearts, even in days preceding the Reformation, preparing the way by the ministry of such godly men for the more advanced teaching of Luther, soon to follow. They are as so many side-lights on the history of those momentous times, giving us delightful glimpses of the family life, personal feelings and trials of God’s faithful witnesses in those days before and after the advent of the mighty Luther. May we and our children profit by the reading of these instructive records, knowing that the same afflictions and trials may at any hour come upon us that were accomplished in our brethren that were at that time in the world (1 Peter 5:99Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:9)).
How sad to think that in that fair land bordering on the Rhine, where brethren once loved so ardently and battled so valiantly for the truth, their descendants should now be destroying each other in the fearful conflict raging about the very places mentioned in our stories.
May God hasten the day when Christ the Lord shall come and bring peace, not only to poor war-torn Alsace, but throughout this whole sin-cursed groaning world. Amen. C. Knapp.
March, 1916