He had lain for nearly twenty months in the strong fortress of Loevestein, near Gorcum, having been condemned by the government of the United Provinces to perpetual imprisonment.

His wife, having been allowed to share his cell, greatly relieved his solitude.

She was permitted to go into the town twice a week, and bring her husband books, of which he required a large number to enable him to prosecute his studies.

At length a large chest was required to hold them.

This the sentries at first examined with great strictness, but, finding that it only contained books [20amongst others Arminian books] and linen, they at length gave up the search, and it was allowed to pass out and in as a matter of course.