The story of Dirk Willems, a 16th-century Dutch Anabaptist martyr, is a tragic, yet inspiring story of an act of kindness.
It happened in the spring of 1569, in the Dutch community of Asperen. Willems was imprisoned in the castle.
At that time, Anabaptists — pacifist Protestant Christians who rejected infant baptism — could be and often were imprisoned and executed because of their beliefs. At least 1,500 were tortured and executed in 16th-century Europe.
Willems’ story was different, because he had the opportunity to escape, and had he made a different choice, he might not have been executed.
Using a long rope made from rags, he was able to escape from the castle where he was being held prisoner.
Soon, he was pursued by a guard. Willems was able to cross the thin ice of Hondegat, a frozen pond, but his larger and heavier pursuer fell through.
At that moment, Willems turned back and rescued his pursuer from the icy water. The pond was 10 metres deep in places, and without assistance, the guard would have drowned.
If the story had ended here, it would have been a heart-warming tale of compassion and Willems would have been remembered for a heroic, lifesaving action.
But the story didn’t end with the rescue.
While the guard wanted to set Willems free, the burgomaster, or chief magistrate, who was standing nearby, ordered the guard to arrest Willems.
Willems was imprisoned once again, this time in the tower of the castle. He was unable to escape and on May 16, 1569, he was burned at the stake.
On the day of his execution, the wind blew the smoke away from him and as a result, instead of dying quickly from smoke inhalation, he felt the full effects of the flames.
It’s a tragic story, but also one that must be remembered.
It’s a story unlike many of the news items we read on a daily basis.
In a world where pre-emptive military attacks and retaliatory strikes too often make the news, an act of compassion shown to one’s enemies is a refreshing contrast — especially when compassion comes at a great cost.
In a world where bitterness and hatred can extend for generations, there are still some who are willing to extend a hand to help an enemy, simply because they believe it is the right thing to do.
In a world where anger, insults and threats of revenge are commonplace, there is a need to remember someone who was willing to save the life of another, even though it would cost him his life.
That’s why the story of Dirk Willems is important, even now, almost 450 years after it happened.
Kindness trumps revenge. Compassion trumps hate.
Good works are not always rewarded, but they may be remembered many years later.
Today, Asperen, Netherlands is a village of 3,000 people. The ruins of the castle and the remains of the pond can still be seen today. One street in the community has been named in honour of Willems.
The story of Willems, and other stories of sacrificial, costly acts of kindness, are not comfortable, and I find myself wondering what I would do if faced with the choice Willems had to make.
From what I have read about Willems, his decision seemed to be made in an instant, without a second thought.
I’m not sure if the same decision would come as naturally for me.
John Arendt is the editor of the Summerland Review.