Charlotte de Bourbon, Part 2
After those
three years, William, the prince of Orange, ruler of the Netherlands, heard of
Charlotte’s bravery, and how she had left her family and her country to serve
the Lord. He asked for her hand in marriage. Charlotte’s father approved, for
after all, his daughter was marrying one of the leading statesmen in Europe, so
he not only gave his consent, he also gave her an ample dowry.
Charlotte
became the Princess of Orange on June 12, 1575. The marriage was a very happy
one. She was meek, wise, loving, kind, generous, and devoted to God. She proved
herself, as William’s brother, Count John of Nassau, said, “A wife
distinguished by her virtue, piety and intelligence.” William and Charlotte were blessed with six
daughters.
But
everything wasn’t peaceful, for her husband was engaged in a deadly war against
Spain. In June, 1580, the king of Spain finally finding that he could not conquer
William by fair means, offered a large reward of 25,000 crowns to any anyone
who would bring him, dead or alive, to the king. Charlotte was in constant fear
for the life of her husband. She always warned him to be careful, and to not
let strangers approach him.
Finally,
what she had feared, happened. An assassin came, and the prince thinking that
the man was a citizen who wanted to see him, let him come near him. The
assassin saw his opportunity, put the pistol over the shoulder of a count, and
fired. The prince was wounded, and Charlotte nursed him all day all night with
such care and tenderness. When she was with him, she spoke words of peace to
encourage his hope in God. She prayed all the time for his recovery, and her
prayers were answered. When he was fully recovered, they both went to the
chapel to thank God for his goodness.
But as soon as they returned, Charlotte collapsed. She became weaker,
and weaker. Within a few days, she died. When she died, the people mourned for
their beloved princess.
Her character was like the purest of marble, and delicate with all graces of spirituality,remains a loving witness to the power of the Reformed faith. So a nun became Reformed, and a princess became the mother of kings, but she is now a saint in the court of the Kings of Kings.
Sources:
Famous Women
of the Reformed Church Solid Ground Christian Books
Reformation
Heroes Reformation Heritage Books
(Interesting Note)
The
Assassin before he went to try and kill William, went to a
Catholic priest, and was absolved from all his sins, given the sacrament and
also a charm to protect his life. The Priest was afraid that his courage would
fall, accompanied him to the castle, and gave him his blessing.
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