THE MARTYRDOMS OF THOMAS SANPAULIN, PHILBERT HAMLIN, NICHOLAS CLINET, TAURIN GRAVELLE, PHILIPPA DE LUNS, AND PETER GABART.

1. THOMAS SANPAULIN, a young man f eighteen years of age, coming from Geneva to Paris, in the year 1551, rebuked there a man for swearing; for which he, being suspected for a Lutheran, was taken and brought before the council of Paris and put in prison; where he was racked, and miserably tormented, to the end that he might either change his opinion, or confess others of his profession. His torments and rackings were so sore, that the sight thereof made Aubert, one of the council, a cruel and vehement enemy against the gospel, to turn his back and weep. The young roan, when he had n3ade the tormentors weary, at last was had to Maulbert-Place, in Paris, to be burned. When he was in the fire, he was plucked up again on the gibbet, and asked whether he would turn To whom he said, That he was in his way towards GOD, and therefore desired them to let him go. Thus remaining inexpugnable, he glorified the Lord with the constant confession of his truth.

II. Philbert Hamlin was first a priest, then he went to Geneva, where he exercised' printing. After that lie was made minister of Allenart, in Xaintoigne, in which is other places he did.much good. At length he was apprehended, and with him his host, a priest, whom he had instructed in the gospel. After he had made confession of his faith, he and the priest were carried to Bourdeaux before the president. As he was in prison, on a Sunday, a priest came in with all his furniture to say mass there. Philbert seeing him, came and plucked his garments with such vehemency, that the mass-garments, with the chalice and candlesticks, fell down, and were broken; saying, " Is it not enough for you to blaspheme God in the churches, but you must also pollute the prison with your idolatry" The jailor hearing this, in his fury cudgelled him with his staff, and also complained of him. Then he was removed to a common prison, and laid in a low pit, loaded with great irons. Perceiving the priest his host to decline from the truth, he did what he could to confirm him; but when he knew he had flatly renounced CHRIST, he said to him, a Is it possible for you to be so foolish, as for saving a few days, which you have to live by the course of nature, so to deny the truth Know therefore, that although you have by your foolishness avoided the corporal fire, yet your life shall be never the longer, for you shall die before me, and God shall not give you the grace that it shall be for his cause." He had no sooner ended, but the priest, going out of prison, was slain by two gentlemen who had a quarrel against him. When Philbert heard of it, he immediately made an exhortation upon the providence of GOD, which moved the hearts of many, and converted them unto God.

Philbert, being condemned, was had to the place of his martyrdom, before the palace; and as he was exhorting the people, the trumpets blew without ceasing, to the intent that his words might not be heard. Being fastened to the stake, still praying and exhorting the people, he was strangled, and his body consumed with fire, on PalmSunday eve, in the year 1557.

In the year 1558, September the 4th, a company of the faithful, to the number of three or four hundred, were assembled together in a certain house at Paris, in the evening, to communicate together. Certain priests having discovered the matter, gathered together, and beset the house, and made an outcry, that the watch’Might come to take them; so that in a short time almost all Paris was raised, thinking some conspiracy to have been in the city. When they perceived that this uproar was raised on account of the Lutherans, a great part of them were in extreme rage, furiously seeking to have their blood; and therefore stopped the streets and lanes with carts, and made fires, to see that none should escape. The faithful, being exhorted by the governors of the congregation, fell to prayer. That done, through the counsel of some, who knew the cowardly hearts of the multitude, this order was taken, that the men which had weapons should venture through the press. Only the women and children remained in the house, with a few men who were less bold than the others. Here appeared the admirable power of God. Of them that went out, notwithstanding the lanes and passages were stopped, and fires made, yet all escaped save one only, who was beat down with stones. They that remained in the house were enclosed about six or seven hours; at last came Martin, the king's attorney, with commissaries and sergeants, who with much ado, appeasing the people, entered the house; where, seeing the women and children, he perceived sufficient testimonies of their innocency; insomuch that his eyes could not refrain from tears. Notwithstanding, proceeding in his office, he had them all to prison in the little castle. I here omit the furious usage of the people by the way, how despitefully they dragged and haled the women, tore their garments, and disfigured their faces with dirt. Neither were they better treated in the prison than they were in the streets; for all the villains and thieves there were let out of their holes and stinking caves, and the poor Christians put in their rooms.

Besides fhese mariilold wrongs, followed the slanderous reports of the friars and priests, who in their sermons cried out against the Lutherans, persuading the people that they assembled together to make a banquet in the night, and there putting out the candles, they went together after a beastly manner. These rumours were no sooner given out, but they were received, and spread not only to them of the vulgar sort, but also among the states of the court, and even to the king's ears. The cardinal of Lorrain bore a great sway in the court, who procured a certain judge to come in, declaring to the king, That he found there lying in the floor of the house, divers couches, upon which they intended to commit their whoredom; also much other furniture, and preparation appointed for a sumptuous banquet. Whereupon the king was mightily inflamed against them, neither was there any one person that durst contradict it.-On the 17th day of September, a commission was directed by the king, and certain presidents and counsellors appointed to oversee the matter. Whereupon divers of the poor gospellers were brought forth to judgment and martyrdom.

III. Of these, the first was Nicholas Clinet, aged sixty years, who being first a school-master at Xaintoigne, (where he was born,) was there persecuted, and his effigy burned. From thence he came to Paris, where for his godly conversation, he was made one of the elders of the church. For his age he was suspected of the judges to be a minister, and therefore was set to dispute against the chief of the Sorbonists, whom he so confuted, both by the Scriptures and also their own divinity, in the presence of the lieutenant, that the lieutenant confessed he never heard a man better learned, and of more understanding.

IV. Taurin Gravelle was first a student of the law at Thoulouse; after that he was made an advocate in the court of Paris: lastly, for his godliness, he was ordained an elder to the said congregation. Seeing the congregation destitute of room, he received them into his house. And when he perceived the house to be compassed with enemies, though he might have escaped with the rest, yet he would not.

V. Philippa de buns was brought out next, a gentlewoman, aged twenty-three years. She came first from the parts of Gascoigne with her husband (the lord of Graveron,) unto Paris, there to join herself to the church of GOD, where her husband had also been an elder, who in May before was taken with an ague, and died, leaving this widow, who ceased not to serve the Lord in his church.

The three last were condemned Sept. 27, 1558, and then being put in a chapel together, certain doctors were sent to them; but their constancy remained unmoveable. After that, they sent every one in a dung-cart to the place of punishment. Clinet ever cried by the way, That he maintained nothing but the truth of God.

The gentlewoman, seeing a priest come to confess her, said, That she had confessed unto GOD, and had received of him remission: other absolution she found none in Scripture. And when certain counsellors did urge her to take the cross in her hands, alleging, CHRIST commanded every one to bear his cross; she answered, "My lords, you make me, in very deed, to bear my cross, condemning me unjustly, and putting me to death in the quarrel of my Lord JESUS CHRIST, who willeth us to bear our cross; but no such cross as you speak of."

Gravelle looked with a smiling countenance; and being asked by his friends to what death he was condemned, " I see well (said he,) that I am condemned to death, but to what death I regard not." Coming from the chapel, when he perceived they went about to cut out his tongue, he said, That was not contained in the sentence, and therefore he was unwilling to grant it; but afterward, perceiving the same to be agreed by the court, he offered his tongue willingly to be cut; only saying, "I pray you, pray to God for me."

The gentlewoman also, being required to give her tongue, did likewise, with these words, " Seeing I do not stick to give my body, shall I stick to give my tongue" And so these three, having their tongues cut out, were brought to Malbert-Place: the constancy of Gravelle was admirable. Casting up his sighs and groans to heaven, he declared thereby his ardent affection in praying to God. Clinet was somewhat more sad than the other, by reason of the feebleness of nature and age. But the gentlewoman surmounted all the rest in constancy, who neither changed countenance nor colour, being of an excellent beauty.

After the death of her husband, she used to go in a mourning weed, after the manner of the country. But this day, going to her burning, she decked herself in her best array, as going to a new marriage, the same day to be joined to her spouse, CHRIST JESUS. And thus these three, with singular constancy, were burned. Gravelle and Clinet were burned alive; Philippa was strangled, after she had a little tasted the flame, and so she ended her martyrdom.

VI. Peter Gabart, a solicitor of processes, about the age of thirty, was put, among a great number of scholars, in the little castle. When he found they passed the time in talking of philosophy; "No, no, (said he,) let us forget these matters, and learn how to sustain the cause of our GOD, who he here in defense of the kingdom of JESUS CHRIST." And so he began to instruct them how to answer to every point of Christian doctrine, as well as if he had done nothing all his life but studied divinity. Then he was sent from them to another prison, full of filthy stench and vermin; where, notwithstanding, he ceased not to sing psalms so loud that the others could hear him.

When the time of his execution was come, he perceived the judges had intended, that, if he would recant, he should be strangled; if not, he should burn alive, and his tongue be cut from him. He being content to suffer these torments for CHRIST's sake, willingly offered his tongue to the hangman; although he began a little to sigh, lest he should no more praise the Lord with his tongue. He was drawn out of prison in the dung-cart to the suburbs of St. Germain. The people, full of rage and madness, followed him with cruel taunts and injuries, as though they themselves would have done execution upon him. The cruelty of his death was such as has not been seen; for he was holden long in, the air over a small fire, and his lower parts burnt off before the higher parts were much hurt with the fire. Nevertheless, the blessed saint ceased not in all these torments to turn up his eyes to heaven, and to show forth testimonies. of his faith and constancy. Many testaments and bibles were also burnt in the same fire. Such was their rage against whatever tended to propagate the truth of the gospel.

THE MARTYRDOMS

OF

FREDERICK DANVILLE,

AND

FRANCIS REBEZIES.

MENTION was made before of certain young scholars, who were in the little castle with Peter Gabart; of which number were Frederick Danville and Francis Rebezies; neither of them being above twenty years of age. Frederick was called several times before the lords, where they asked him many questions. Rebezies had three examinations: the first with the lieutenant civil; the second with the presidents and the counsellors; the third with the friars. The president asked, If he were not afraid to be burned, and to bring his parents into dishonor He answered, that he knew well "all who would live godly in CHRIST JESUS should suffer persecution." And to him either to live or to die was gain. "And, as touching my parents, CHRIST (said he,) does admonish,’Whosoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me." " JESUS Maria! (said the president,) what youth is this now-a-days, which cast themselves so headlong into the fire!" And so he was commanded away.

About October 22, 1558, Rebezies and Danville were brought up to a chamber in the castle to be racked, to the intent they should discover the rest of the congregation. There’they found three counsellors, who thus began with them: " Lift up thy hand: you shall swear by the passion of JESUS CHRIST, whose image you seest here." Rebezies answered, " I swear to you by the passion of CHRIST, which is written in my heart." " Why dost you not swear (said the counsellors,) as we say to thee" "Because (said he,) it is a great blasphemy against the Lord." Then the counsellors read their depositions. And first beginning with Rebezies, said, "Wilt not you tell us the truth, what companions you knows to be of this assembly" Rebezies named Gravelle, Clinet, (which were already burnt,) and John Sansot. They replied, The court has ordained, that if he would give no other answer but so, he should be put to the rack; and so he was commanded to be stripped to his shirt, having a cross put in his hand, being bid to commend himself to God and the Virgin Mary; but he would neither receive the cross, nor commend himself to the Virgin Mary, saying, that God was able enough to guard him, and to save him out of the lion's mouth; and so, being drawn and stretched in the air, began to cry, "Come, Lord, and spew thy strength, that man do not prevail!" But they cried, "Tell truth, Francis, and thou shall be let down." Nevertheless, he continued still in his prayer to the Lord; so that they could have no other word but that. After they had long tormented him, the counsellors said, "Wilt you say nothing else" " I have nothing else (said he,) to say." And so they commanded him to be loosed, and to be put by the fire-side. Being loosed, he said to them, "Do you' thus handle the poor servants of God" The like was done to Frederick Danville also, (who at the same time was also very sick,) of whom they could have no other answer but as of the other. So mightily did God assist and strengthen his servants.

After they were returned from the torture unto their fellow-prisoners, they ceased not to thank and praise the Lord for his assistance. Frederick oftentimes sighed, and being asked of them, Why he did so He said, It was not for the evil that he had suffered, but for the evils that he knew they should suffer afterward. " Notwithstanding, (said he,) be strong, brethren, and be not afraid. Assure yourselves of the aid of GOD, which has succored us, and also will comfort you." Rebezies was so stretched upon the rack, that one of his shoulders was higher than the other, and his neck drawn on one side, so that he could not move himself; and therefore desiring his brethren to lay him upon his bed, he there wrote his confession. When night came they rejoiced together, and comforted themselves with meditation of the life to come, and contempt of this world, singing psalms together till it was day. Rebezies cried out twice or thrice together, "Away from me, SATAN." Frederick, being in bed with him, asked why he cried so, and whether SATAN would stop him of his course Rebezies said, That SATAN set before him his parents; but by the grace of God (said he,) he shall do nothing against me.

The clay following, they were brought before the counsellors, and required to show what fellows they had in their assembly. When they would not discover them, they were sentenced to he brought in a dung-cart to Maulbert-Place, and there, having a ball in their mouths, to be tied each one to his post, and afterward strangled, and burned to ashes.

At last, being brought to the place of execution, a cross was offered them, which they refused. Then a priest standing by, bade them believe in the Virgin Mary. "Let GOD, (said they,) reign alone." When they were tied to their stakes, after they had ended their prayers, one of them, comforting the other, said, "Be strong, my brother, he strong: SATAN, away from us." As they were thus exhorting, one standing by, said, "These Lutherans call upon SATAN." One John Morel, (who afterward died a martyr,) standing by, answered, "I pray you, let us hear what they say, and we shall hear them invoke the name of God." Whereupon the people listened to them, to hear, as well as they could, what they said. Their cry was still, as much as their mouths, being stopped, could utter, "Assist us, O Lord. And so they rendered up their spirits into the hands of the Lord.

Rena Seau and John Almerick were also of the same company. They were cast into prison, where they sustained such cruelty, being almost racked to death, that Almerick could not go when he was called to the court to be judged. And being upon the rack, he rebuked their cruelty, and spoke as freely as though he had felt no grief. He testified (to those persons who carne to visit him,) that he felt no pain so long as he was upon the rack. Both these died in prison, continuing still firm in the pure confession of CHRIST's church.

THE MARTYRDOM

OF

BENNET ROMAIN.

BENNET ROMAIN, having a wife and children at Geneva, used to go about the country with mercery ware and corals. As he passed by the town of Draguignan, he met with one of the like faculty, named Lanteaume Blanc, who -being desirous to have of his corals, and knowing that he was one of Geneva, went to a counsellor of the court of Aix, then at Draguignan, whose name was De Lauris. And after consulting with him, went to Romain, pretending to buy some of his corals, of which they knew that he had three hundred crowns worth. As soon as he was departed from him, he sent to the officer of the town to attach him as a Lutheran. He was quickly arrested, and Blanc and his fellows were as ready to seize on his goods. Romain was then examined before the consuls, and other counsellors; who, in answer to their questions, said, That he denied the worshipping of saints: and as for mass, he had heard none these four years, nor ever would again. Whereupon he was committed to a stinking house of easement, with iron chains upon his legs. Lauris, thus having his will, sent for the lieutenant, and willed him to see the prisoner. The lieutenant being angry that he so usurped upon his office, denied to go with, him to the prisoner. Notwithstanding, the same day, the lieutenant, with another, went to the prison, and caused the said Romain to come before him, of whom he inquired many things. Romain answered simply and truly in all respects. After this confession, certain brethren of that place found means to come to him, and counselled him, that, seeing he had sufficiently made confession of his faith, he would seek means to escape from his enemies; but he refused so to do, being willing to give an account of his faith, and content to die for the same.

His constancy being known in the town, judge Barbosi came to see him, and asked, " What! do they believe in any God in Geneva" Romain, looking upon him, said, "Who art You, that lost so wretchedly blaspheme" "I am (said he,) the ordinary judge of this place." "And who (said Romain,) has put thee in this office Thinkest you that we are infidels If the devils themselves confess a GOD, suppose you that those of Geneva deny him No, no; we believe in God; we invocate his name, and repose all our trust in him." Barbosi was so irritated at this, that he ceased not to pursue him to death.-There was at the same time a friar, who had preached all the lent: he being very eager to set the matter forward, said, "That he would go and say mass of the Holy Ghost, to have the said Romain condemned and burned alive." Moreover, he procured the consuls to threaten the lieutenant, that they would complain to the parliament, if he would not condemn him to be burnt.

When the judges were set, Barbosi, with others, whom the friar had procured, had agreed before, that he should be put to the rack, to make him discover his fellows; and also gagged, that he might not infect the residue. On the other part, there was one of the advocates who gave contrary advice; saying, That he should be sent home again, for that he was a townsman of Geneva; neither had taught there any kind of doctrine, nor brought any books; neither had they any informations against him.

Upon this, they arose for that time, deferring the matter to another season. The friar, the mean while, was not idle, incitifig still the consuls and the people; who at the ringing of a bell, being assembled together, with the officers and the priests, in a great rout came crying to the lieutenant, "Burn the heretick, or else we will fire thee and all thy family."

The lieutenant, not being able to appease the people, promised to bring the matter to the high court of Aix, and so he did. They, hearing the information, commanded the lieutenant and the rest of the judges to send up the prisoner to them. This went greatly against the minds of them at Draguignan, who would fain have had him condemned there. Whereupon Barbosi was sent to the parliament at Aix, where he so handled the matter, that the cause was sent down again to the lieutenant, and he enjoined to take unto him such ancient advocates as their order required, and to certify them within eight days. Romain, by the sentence of those old judges, was condemned to be burned alive; and before the execution, to be put upon the rack, to the intent be should discover the rest of his company. From which sentence Romain appealed. Wherefore he was carried to Aix, singing the commandments as he passed along. The king's advocate seeing this, as he was looking out of his window, said, That he was one of them that concluded his death; but desired God to forgive him. After he was come to Aix, he was brought before the counsellors; before whom he remained as constant and firm as before. Then a friar was sent, who having been three hours with him and not being able to move him, came out to the lords, and said, “He is damned." The sentence of his condemnation was then confirmed, and he sent back again from whence he came.

At his return from Aix, the consuls of Draguignan sent abroad to the parish curates, that they should signify the day of his death to their parishioners, to the end that they should come. Also, they caused to be cried through the town, by sound of trumpet, that: all good Christians should bring- wood to the market-place, to burn the Lutheran. On Saturday, May 16, he was brought to the rack; where, at his first entry, the cords, irons and weights, were brought before him to terrify him. Then said they, You must discover thine accomplices, and renounce thy religion, or be burned alive. He answered, with a constant heart, That he had no accomplices, neither would he hold any other faith but that which JESUS CHRIST preached by his apostles.

Upon this he was put upon the rack, where being most barbarously torn, he ceased not to cry unto God. He was then commanded to call upon the Virgin Mary, but he would not. Whereupon his torture was renewed afresh in such a cruel manner, that they thought they had left him dead. When they found that he could endure no longer, they were afraid, lest all had been over, and has tened to bring him to the fire. They helped the hangman to carry him, all broken and dismembered as he was, unto the heap of wood, where they tied him to a chain of iron which was let down upon the faggots. Romain, seeing himself to be alone, lying upon the wood, began to pray to God; whereat the friars being moved, ran to him again to cause him to say Ave Maria. When he would not do it, they were so furious, that they plucked and tore his beard. In all these torments, he had recourse to God by prayer; beseeching him to give him patience. Then they left him lying as dead: but as soon as they were gone, he began to pray to God again in such a manner, that one would have thought he had felt no hurt. Then another friar, thinking to do more than the rest, came up to the wood to admonish him. Romain thought at first that he had been a faithful Christian, by his gentle speech, but when he urged him to pray to the Virgin Mary, he desired him to depart, and let him alone in peace. As soon as he was departed, Romain lifted up his head and his eyes on high, praying God to assist him in his great temptation. Whereat Barbosi cried, “Stop his mouth; let him be gagged." The people cried, "To the fire with, him; let him be burned." Then the hangman set fire to the straw and little sticks. Romain still remained hanging in the air, till all his nether parts were burned; and even then he was seen- to lift up his_ head to heaven, moving his lips, without any cry; and so this blessed saint rendered his spirit to God.

THE MARTYRDOM

OF

FRANCIS SAN ROMANE

IN the year 154O, Francis San Romane was sent,, by certain Spanish merchants of Antwerp, to Bremen. Being there at a sermon, preached by Jacobus, some time, prior of the Augustine friars of Antwerp, he was so touched, (though he had no perfect understanding of the Dutch tongue;) that he not only understood all that was said, but also, coming to the preacher and accompanying him home, repeated the whole contents of his. sermon, every word (as they said who heard it,) just in the form and order as it was preached. After this happy beginning, he proceeded further, conversing with learned men, so that in a short space he arrived to great knowledge in the Word of Life. The minister, seeing the vehemency of his zeal, instructed him more and more in the knowledge of the gospel, which he received as one that could never be satisfied; and remained with the minister three days together, committing his worldly business to his companion, who came with him. Thus, being inflamed with another desire, he ceased to seek for temporal trifles, seeking rather for such French or Dutch books as he could get; which he read so diligently, that by reading thereof, and partly by the help of Jacobus, he was able, in a short time, to judge in the chief articles of our religion: insomuch that he took upon him to write letters to his countrymen, the merchants of Antwerp: yea, and to Charles, the emperor, opening the miserable estate of CHRIST's church; desiring him to tender the quietness thereof; especially to reform the corruption of the church of Spain. He wrote also a catechism, and divers other treatises, in the Spanish tongue, all in one month's space.

The Spanish merchants of Antwerp, understanding by his letters, both his change of religion, and also his intent of coming to Antwerp, sent him letters again, pretending much good will, but secretly practicing his destruction. For, on the day of his coming, certain friars were set ready to receive him, who took him as he alighted from his horse, rifled his books, had him into a merchant's house just by, and bound him hand and foot: Being demanded of what faith he was: u My faith (said he,) is to confess and preach CHRIST JESUS only, and him crucified; which is the true faith of the universal church of' CHRIST through the whole world. But this faith and doe - trine (added he,) ye have corrupted; and by your impiety have brought most part of the world into miserable blindness." And to explain his faith to them more expressly, he recited all the articles of the creed. They then conveyed him into a tower six miles from Antwerp,. where he was detained in a deep dungeon eight months: During his imprisonment, many discreet persons came to visit him, exhorting him that he would change his opinion,. and speak more modestly. San Romane answered, That he maintained no heretical opinion; and if he was too vehement with the friars, he would frame himself more

temperately hereafter. Whereupon they discharged hint out of prison; which was about the time when the emperor was in his council of Ratisbon, in the year 1541.

San Romane, being freed out of prison, came to Antwerp, where he remained about 2O days. From thence he went to Louvain, to a certain friend, named Francis Dryander, (who afterwards died a martyr,) with whom he had much conference about divers matters of religion. He counselled him not to alter his vocation of a merchant, which he might exercise with a good conscience, and do much good. Going from Dryander he went to Ratisbon; and there having opportunity to speak to the emperor, he stepped boldly to him, beseeching hire to deliver his subjects of Spain from false religion, and to restore the sincerity of CHRIST's doctrine; declaring, that the religion of Spain, being drowned in ignorance and blindness, was greatly dissonant from the word of GOD, with many other words to the same effect. The emperor all this while gave him a gentle hearing; signifying that he would consider of the matter, and do therein as he trusted should be for the best. This mild answer of the emperor gave him no little encouragement; so that he went the second, and also the third time to him; who mildly answered him as before. Francis, not yet satisfied in his mind, sought the fourth time to speak to hint, but was repulsed by certain Spaniards about him; who, without any further hearing, would have thrown him headlong into the river, had not the emperor stayed them, and willed him to be judged by the laws of the empire. Upon this order he was detained, with other malefactors, in bonds, till the emperor took his voyage into Africa. Then Francis, with other captives, following the court, after the emperor was come into Spain, was delivered to the inquisitors; by whom he was laid in a dark prison under ground. Many times he was called to examination, where he suffered great injuries, but ever remained firm and unmoveable.

The articles for which he was condemned were these

I. That life and salvation cometh to no man by his own strength, works or merits; but only by the free mercy of GOD, in the blood and sacrifice of his Son, our Mediator.

II. That the sacrifice of the mass, which the papists account available; ex opere operate, for the remission of sin, both to the quick and the dead, is horrible blasphemy.

III. That auricular confession, purgatory, pardons, invocation of saints, and worshipping of images, are mere blasphemy against the living God. After the inquisitors perceived that he could by no means be reclaimed, they proceeded to sentence, condemning him to be burned as an heretic. Many other malefactors were brought with him to the place of execution, but they were all pardoned and dismissed. As he was led to the place of suffering, they put upon him a mitre of paper, painted full of devils.

As he was brought out of the city gate to be burned, there stood a wooden cross by the way, whereunto Romane was required to do homage; which he refused, saying, That the manner of Christians is not to worship wood. Hereupon rose a great clamor among the people: but this was soon turned into a miracle. Such was the blindness of that people, that they imputed this to the divine virtue given to the cross from heaven, for that it would not suffer itself to be worshipped by an heretic and immediately the multitude with their swords hewed it to pieces, every man thinking himself happy that could carry away some chip or fragment of it.

When he was come to the place of execution, the friars were busy about him to have him recant; but he continued firm. As he was laid upon the wood, and the fire kindled about him, he began a little at the feeling thereof to lift up his head towards heaven; which when the inquisitors perceived, hoping he would recant, they caused him to be taken from the fire. But when they saw him resolved, and themselves frustrated of their expectation, they willed him to be thrown in again, and so he was despatched. The inquisitors then proclaimed openly, That he was damned in hell, and that all were heretics who doubted his damnation.

THE PERSECUTIONS

OF

N. ENCENAS & F. ENCENAS,

N. ENCENAS, or Dryander, was a Spaniard, born at Bruges. When he was young he was sent to Rome by,his superstitious parents. After a long continuance there, he was instructed by the Lord in the truth of his word. And when it was known that he disliked the pope's doctrine, he was apprehended by certain of his own countrymen, just as he was preparing to take a journey to his brother Francis Encenas, in Germany. Being brought before the cardinals, he was committed to close prison. Afterwards he was brought forth to give testimony of his doctrine, which he boldly and constantly defended, in the presencc of the cardinals, and all the pope's retinue. The cardinals, especially the Spaniards, being therewith offended, cried out, that he ought to be burned. The cardinals came to him, before sentence of death, offering him a mantle, going both before and behind him, with,signs of the red cross; which was the badge of reconciliation. - But Encenas denied to receive any other badge,:but the badge of the Lord, which was to seal his religion with his blood. So at last he was condemned to the fire; where he gave up his life for the testimony of the gospel.

'Francis Encenas, brother of the aforesaid Dryander, a man of notable learning, being in the emperor's court at Brussels, offered the emperor, Charles 5: the New Testament of CHRIST, translated into Spanish. He was, therefore, cast into prison, where he remained 15 months, looking for nothing but present death. At last, through the marvelous providence of GOD, the first of February, Anno 1545, at eight o'clock, after supper, he found the doors of the prison standing open, and so going out, he escaped from thence, and went straight into Germany.

THE MARTYRDOM

OF

FANINUS, OF FAVENTIA.

FANINUS, born in Faventia, a town in Italy, through the reading of godly books, translated into the Italian tongue, was converted to the knowledge of CHRIST; wherein he so grew up, that he was able, in a short time, to instruct others. Being persuaded in his mind, that a man, receiving by the Spirit of God the knowledge and illumination of his truth, ought in no case to hide the same in silence, as a candle under a bushel, heemployed himself diligently, in all his conversation, to communicate to others, as far as in him lay, that knowledge which himself had received from God. He was therefore apprehended by the pope's clients, and committed to prison. But he remained not long there, for by the earnest persuasions of his wife, children, and friends, he was overcome, and so dismissed out of prison. After this, it was not long before he fell

into great terror of mind. This wound went so deep into his heart, that he could in no case be quieted, before he had fully determined to adventure his life in the service of the Lord. Whereupon, being inflamed with zeal, he went about all the country of Romaigna, publicly preaching the pure doctrine of the gospel, not without great success in all places. As he was thus laboring, he was apprehended again, in 1547, and condemned to

be burned. But he said his hour was not yet come. No more it was; for shortly after he was removed to Ferrara, where he was detained two years. At last the pope's inquisitors condemned him afresh, in 1549. But his time being still riot yet come, he remained after that till September, 155O. In the mean time many came to visit him; for which the pope commanded him to be kept in closer custody. There be suffered great torments for eighteen rnonths; and still had suffered greater, if the Dominican friars could have got him into their house. Thus was Faninus removed from prison to prison, and many times changed his place, but never his constancy.

At length he was brought into a prison, where several great lords, captains, and noble personages lay, for stirring up commotions and factions. When these first heard him speak, they began to set hint at nought, and to deride him: till he modestly and mildly declared unto them the doctrine which he professed. His words so moved their minds, that they were quite altered to a new kind of life; having him now in admiration, whom they had before in derision. He proceeded then to preach to them the word of grace; declaring and confessing himself to be a miserable sinner; but, by the faith of the Lord JESUS, and through his grace alone, he was well assured his sins were forgiven. Besides these, there were others, who, having lived before a more delici to kind of life, could not well away with the sharpness of the prison. These also received such comfort, by the said Faninus, that they were not only contented, but also rejoiced in their captivity, because thereby they had learned a better liberty than ever they knew before. When his imprisonment was known to his parents and kinsfolk, his wife and sister came to him, and persuaded him, with many tears and entreaties, to consider and care for his poor family. To whom he answered, " That he had once fallen into cowardliness for their sakes; wherefore he desired them to depart, and solicit him no more."

About the same time, died pope Paul 3: and after him succeeded Julius 3: who sent orders that Faninus should be executed. The next day, when one of the officers brought him word thereof, he rejoiced, gave the messenger thanks, and began to preach a long sermon to them that were about him, of the felicity of the life to come. One asked him, " In what case he should leave his little children, and his wife" Faninus answered, " That he had left them with an overseer, who would see unto them sufficiently." And being asked, who he was "The Lord JESUS CHRIST, (said he,) a faithful keeper of all that is committed to him." The next day he was removed into the common prison, and delivered to the secular magistrate. He, in all his ways, words, and gestures, declared such constancy of faith, such modesty of manners, and tranquility of mind, that they which were before extreme against him, as thinking him to have a devil, began now favorably to hear him. He talked with such grace and sweetness, that divers of the magistrates' wives, in hearing him, could not forbear weeping. The executioner himself also wept. One seeing

him go cheerfully to his death, asked, " Why he was so merry at his death, seeing CHRIST himself sweat blood and water before his passion" " CHRIST (said he,) sustained all the sorrows and conflicts with death and hell due to us: by whose suffering we are delivered from sorrow and fear of them all." He was brought forth, early in the morning, to the place where he should suffer. And after he had prayed most earnestly to the Lord, he meekly and patiently gave himself to the stake; where, with a cord drawn about his neck, he was secretly strangled, by the hangman, in the city of Ferrara, three hours before day, to the intent the people should not see him, nor hear him speak. His body was afterward burned in the same place.

THE MARTYRDOM

OF

GALEAZIUS TRECIUS.

GALEAZIUS TRECIUS was a gentleman, wealthy in worldly substance, and beneficial to the poor. By conference with some friars, he first began to conceive some light in God's truth; and afterwards was confirmed therein more thoroughly. As he increased in judgment and zeal to set forward the wholesome word of GOD, he could not he hid. In the year 1551, some were sent to lay hands upon him; who brought him to the bishop's palace. Here he was kept in bonds, having under him only a pad of straw. He was thrice brought before the commissioners, where he gave reasons of his faith, answering to their interrogatories with such evidence of Scriptures, and constancy of mind, that he was admired by all that heard him. Yet, not long after, through the importunate persuasions of his friends, he was brought to assent to certain points of the pope's doctrine. But the mercy of God brought him again to repentance. As he was mourning for his fall in prison, his friends told him, that nothing was yet so far past, but that he might recover himself again, and that his infirmity was not prejudicial, but rather a furtherance to God's glory, and an admonition to himself to stand more strongly hereafter; at which he took exceeding comfort. And when they would have left with him a book of the New Testament to comfort him, he refused it, saying, that he had in his heart whatsoever CHRIST there spoke to his disciples.

In a short time the inquisitors and priests repaired to him again, supposing that he would confirm now that which he had granted before. But Galeazius, denying all that he had granted, returned to the defense of his former doctrine, confessing CHRIST with much more boldness, and proving that God only is to be worshipped also that there is no Mediator, but CHRIST alone; that he only has taken away the sins of the world; and that all who depart hence in this faith, are ascertained of everlasting life. With this confession, as his mind was greatly refreshed, so the adversaries were as much appalled; who, at last perceiving that he could not be changed, caused him to be committed to the secular judge.

On November 24, 1551, early in the morning, Galeazius being brought out of prison to the market-place, was left standing bound to the stake till noon, as a gazing-stock for all men to look upon. In which time many came about him, exhorting him to recant, and not to cast away

his life. But nothing could stir the mind of this valiant martyr. Wherefore fire was commanded at last to be put to the dry wood about him, wherewith he was shortly consumed, without any noise or crying, save only these words, " Lord JESUS!"

THE MARTYRDOM

OF

DR. JOHN MOLLIUS.

DR. JOHN MOLLIUS, when only but 12 years old, was placed by his parents in the house of the Grey Friars, where he, in a short time, far excelled his fellows in all tongues and liberal sciences. Being grown up to the age of 18, he was ordained priest. After that he was sent to Ferrara to study; where he so profited in the space of six years, that he was assigned, by Vigerius, general of that order, to be doctor, and then reader in divinity who then opposed himself as an utter enemy of the gospel. From thence he went to Brixia, and the next year to Millaine, where he read openly. Hence he was taken by Francis Sfortia, and brought to the University of Pavia, to teach philosophy. Here he remained four years. After that he was called to the University of Bononia, by Laurence Spatha, general of the order, where he read the books of Aristotle.

About the year 1538, God so wrought in his soul, that, growing weary of philosophy, he began secretly to expound the epistle of -St. Paul to the Romans to a few; which being known, his auditors increased so fast, that he was compelled to read openly in the church; where the number of his audience daily augmented, and the fervency of their minds so mightily increased withal, that almost every man came with his pen and ink to write, and they took great care to come betimes to take up the first places. There was at the same time at Bononia, one Cornelius, who took upon him, at the request of cardinal Campejus, to expound the same epistle of St. Paul, confuting the explanation of Mollius, and extolling the pope with all his traditions. Mollius, on the contrary, extolled and commended only CHRIST and his merits, to the people. But the purpose of Cornelius came to small effect: for the auditors which first carne to him, began by degrees to fall from him; and the other's auditors increased more and more.

When Cornelius perceived this, he persuaded Campejus, that unless that man were despatched, the church of Rome would greatly decay. For this end they devised, that Cornelius and he should come to open disputation. Which they did; and the dispute lasted till three o'clock in the morning. At length, when they could not agree, Mollius was bid to return home to his house: but when he came down to the lower steps, where the place was narrowest, so' that his friends could not come to rescue him, he was taken and laid fast in prison. When the day came, there was such a tumult in the whole city, that Cornelius was forced to hide himself. The next day the bishop of Bononia sent his chancellor to Mollius, to signify to him, that he must either recant or burn. He being of a bold and cheerful spirit, would in no wise recant. But this one thing grieved him, that he should be condemned without being heard.

In the mean season, Laurence Spatha, general of that order, posted to Rome, and there so practiced with the cardinal St. Crucis, the proctor in the court of Rome for the Gray Friars, that the pope wrote to Campejus, to deliver Mollius out of prison: but yet that he should

personally appear at Rome within three months. Thus was he delivered after thirty days' imprisonment; who but for the coming of the pope's letters, had been burned within three days after. The friends of Mollius advised him not to go to Rome, and offered him money to go to

Germany. But he would not, saying, That the gospel must also be preached at Rome. After he was come thither, and appeared before pope Paul 3: he desired, that the cause, being so weighty, might come to a public hearing; but that could not be obtained. Then he was commanded to write his mind in articles, and to bring his proofs: which he readily performed; treating of original sin, justification by faith, free-will, and purgatory: proving his articles by the authority of the Scripture, and of ancient fathers; and so exhibited the same to the bishop of Rome. Upon this, certain cardinals and bishops were assigned to hear the cause; who disputed with him three days. At last answer was made, that what he affirmed was truth; nevertheless, the same was not meet for this present time; for that it could not be taught without the detriment of the apostolic see: where

fore he should, for the future, let alone the epistles of St. Paul, and return to Bononia, and there profess philosophy.

Being returned to Bononia, he declared all things openly in the pulpit, in order, as they were done. At this, Campejus, being more offended than before, obtained of the pope, that the general of the order should remove the said J. Mollius from Bononia, and place him

somewhere else. So he was sent to Naples, and appointed reader and preacher in the monastery of St. Laurence. But Peter, the viceroy, not abiding his doctrine, so nearly sought his death, that he had much ado to escape. Departing from thence, he wandered in Italy from place to place, preaching CHRIST wheresoever he came. When cardinal Campejus was dead, he was called again to Bononia, by an abbot, named De Grassis, in the year 1543, where he began reading of St. Paul's epistles again; but was soon discovered. Whereupon, being apprehended the second time, he was brought to Faventia, and laid in a filthy and stinking prison, where he continued four years, no man having leave once to come to him. At length, through the intercession of the abbot De Grassis, he was again delivered, and sent to Ravenna, where he abode a few months, and taught the gospel of CHRIST as before.

When the abbot was dead, he was the third time brought into prison by the pope's legates. But four men of great authority, being stirred up of GOD, had pity on him, and bailed him out of prison. One of whom took him to his house to instruct his children. Such a concourse of people soon came to see him, that the adversaries began to consult to kill him, lest his doctrine should spread further. Whereupon commandment was sent to the pope's legate, to lay hands on him, and send him bound to Rome. Here he was a fourth time imprisoned, and there continued in hold 1S months; being greatly assaulted, sometimes with promises, sometimes with threats, to give over his opinion: but his building was grounded upon a rock. At length, being constant in the defense of CHRIST's gospel, he was brought, with certain other men, (who were also apprehended for religion,) into the church of St. Mary, (called De Minerva,) September 5, 1553; either there to revoke or be burned.

There sat upon them, six cardinals in high seats, besides the judge; before whom a Dominican friar preached; who incensed the cardinals to their condemnation, with all the vehemency he could. The poor men stood holding a lighted taper in their hands all the while: some of whom revolted for fear of death. But Mollius began an earnest sermon in the Italian tongue; wherein he confirmed the articles of his faith by the sacred Scriptures; declaring also, that the pope was not the successor of Peter, but antiCHRIST; and that his sectaries do figure the jwhore of Babylon. Moreover, he cited them before the udgment seat of CHRIST; and threw away the burning taper from him. Whereupon, being filled with anger, they condemned him, and a weaver, (who was accused with him,) to the fire, and commanded them to be had away. So they were carried to the field, called Florianum, where they remained cheerful and constant.

First, the weaver was hanged: Mollius meantime, exhorted the people to beware of idolatry, and to have no other saviors but CHRIST. Then he was hanged also, commending his soul to God; and afterward laid in the fire and burned.

In Calabria, in the year 156O, a blessed number of CHRIST's well-beloved saints, both old and young, suffered; whose execution is thus described, in a letter sent from Montalto, in Calabria, by a Romanist, to his friend in Rome. " Hitherto, most noble lord, I have certified you, what has been done about these heretics. I come now to signify to your lordship the judgment of this present day, executed in the morning against the Lutherans. The manner of their putting to death, may be compared to the slaughter of calves and sheep. For they being all thrust into one house together, the execu-, tioner came in, and amongst them took one and blindfolded him with a muffler about his eyes, and so led him forth to a larger place near adjoining, where he commanded him to kneel down; which being done, he cut his throat. Then taking his knife and muffler covered with gore blood, he came to the rest, and so leading one after another, he despatched them all, to the number of 88 persons. How horrible it was to behold this spectacle, I leave to your lordship's judgment. I myself cannot choose but weep to write of it. There was none of the beholders there present, who had seen one die, that could behold the death of another. But they went to death so humbly and penitent, as is almost beyond belief. Some of them, as they were dying, affirmed, that they believed even as we do. Notwithstanding, the most part of them died in their own obstinate opinions. All the aged persons went to death more cheerfully; the younger were more timorous. I tremble to remember how the executioner held his bloody knife between his teeth, with the bloody muffler in his hand, and his arms all in gore blood up to the elbows, going to the fold, and taking one after another by the hand, and so despatching them all, no otherwise than a butcher kills his calves and sheep.

"This day it is determined, that 1OO of the more ancient women shall appear to be examined and racked, and afterwards put to death. It is now about two o'clock in the afternoon: we shall shortly hear what some of them said when they went to execution. There are several of them so obstinate, that they will not look upon the crucifix, nor confess to the priest: - these are to be burned alive.

" There are 16OO apprehended and condemned; but as yet no more than these 88 are executed. This people came from the valley named Angrognia. There are four other places of the same people, in the kingdom of Naples, of whom, whether they live well or no, as yet we know not; for they are but simple, ignorant people, wood-gatherers, and husbandmen: but, as I hear, very devout and religious, giving themselves to die for religion's sake.

"From Montalto, the 11th of June, 156O."

The History of

The Persecution of the People of Merindol and Cabriers, in the Country of Province.

THIS people, about 2OO years ago, came out of the country of Piedmont to inhabit in Province, in certain villages, destroyed by wars, and other desert places. They used such labor and diligence there, that they had abundance of corn, wine, oil, honey, almonds, with otfier fruits of the earth, and much cattle. Before they came thither, Merindol was a barren desert. But these good people, (in whom God always had reserved some seed of piety,) remained there till the desert, through the blessing of GOD, and their great labor, became exceeding fruitful. Notwithstanding the world detested and abhorred them. For they had long refused the bishop o€-Rome's authority, and observed a more perfect kind of doctrine, delivered t`E•om the father to the son, ever since the year 12OO. For this cause they were often complained of to the king, as despisers of the magistrates, and rebels. They were called by divers names, according to the countries and place where they dwelt. In the country about Lyons, they were called the poor people of Lyons; in the borders of Sarmatia, Livonia, and other countries towards the north, they were called Lollards. But they were most commonly called Waldoys, or Waldenses, of Waldo, who instructed them in the word of God; which name continued till the name of Lutherans came up, which above all others was most abhorred. Notwithstanding these slanders, the people dwelling at tine foot of the Alps, and also in Merindol, and Cabriers, lived so godly, so uprightly, and justly, that in all their conversation, there appeared a great fear of God. That little knowledge which God had given them, they labored to increase, sparing no charge to procure books of holy Scriptures, to instruct such as were most capable in learning and godliness; and to send them into other countries, yea, even to the farthest parts of the earth, where they had heard that any light of the gospel began to shine.

In the year 153O, understanding that the gospel was preached in certain towns of Germany and Switzerland, they sent George Maurelle, and Peter Latomus, two learned men, to confer with the wise and learned ministers. of the churches there, to know the whole form and manner which those churches used in the service of God; and particularly to have their advice upon certain points which they were not resolved in. After much conference with the chief in the church of GOD, namely, with CEcolampadius, at Basil; with Bucer and Capito, at Strasburg; and with Bartholdus Hallerus, at Bern; as they were returning through Burgundy homeward, Peter Latomus was taken, and cast' into prison; Maurelle escaped, and returned to Merindol, with the books and letters which he brought from the churches of Germany; and declared to his brethren, how great errors they were in, into which their old ministers, whom they called Barbes, (that is, Uncles,) had, brought them, leading them from the right way of true religion. When the people heard this, they were moved with such a zeal, that they sent for the most ancient brethren, and the chief in knowledge and experience, of all Calabria and Apulia, to consult with them touching the reformation of the church. This stirred up the bishops, priests, and monks in all Province, with great rage against them. Amongst others, there was one called John de Roma, who, obtaining a commission to examine those that were suspected to be of the Waldoys or Lutheran profession, ceased not to afflict the faithful with all kinds of cruelty that he could devise. Amongst other torments, this was one which he most commonly practiced; he filled boots with boiling grease, and put them upon their legs, tying them backward to a form, with their legs hanging down over a small fire.. Thus he tormented very many, and in the end most cruelly put them to death. But he lived not long; for shortly after he fell sick of a most horrible disease, unknown to any physician. The pains of his body were so extreme, that nothing could ease him one minute. None of his friends could come near him, so great was the stench that came from him. His body was full of ulcers and sores, and swarmed with vermin, and so rotten, that the flesh fell away from his bones piece-meal. Whilst he was in these torments and anguish, he cried out oftentimes in great rage, "Oh, who will deliver me' Who will kill and rid me of these intolerable pains, which I know I suffer for the evils and oppressions which I have done to these poor men" And he went about divers times to destroy himself. In these horrible torments and despair, this blasphemer and cruel homicide miserably ended his days, as a spectacle to all persecutors. After his death, the bishop of Aix, by his official, Peronet, continued the persecution, and put a great multitude of them in prison; of whom some by torments revolted from the truth; after he had condemned the others, they were put into the hands of Meiranus, an ordinary judge, who without any form of process, put them to death, not without most cruel torments.

Soon after, some Merindolians, to the number of ten, were cited to appear before the king's attorney. But they, hearing that the court had intended to burn them without any further process, durst not appear at the day appointed. For which cause, the court condemned all the inhabitants of Merindol to be burned, both men and women, not even sparing time little children and inf_nlts; the town, moreover, to be rased, and the houses beaten to the ground;; also the trees to be cut down, and nothing to be left, to the intent it should never be inhabited again, but remain as a desert or wilderness. The archbishop of Arles,. the bishop of Aix, and divers abbots, priors, and others, assembled themselves together, to consult how this arrest aright be executed. In this assembly they made a general agreement, confirmed with an oath, that every man should endeavor himself that it should be executed with all expedition; every man offering to furnish out men of war, according to his ability. The charge of this matter was given to the bishop of Aix, and to the president of the canons, to solicit, and persuade the presidents and counsellors of parliament, by all means possible, without fear or doubt, to execute the said arrest.

This conspiracy being concluded, the bishop of Aix departed from Avignion to go unto Aix, to perform his charge. Notwithstanding they desired him to be the next,day at a banquet which was to be at the house of the bishop of Rieux. After they had dined, they walked abroad- to solace themselves, and to pass the time till supper. As they passed through the streets, every one leading his minion upon his arm, they saw a man which sold lewd pictures, with filthy rhymes annexed to the same. All these goodly pictures were bought tip by the bishops; which were as many as a mule could well carry. As they walked along, there was a bookseller who had set out to sale certain bibles in French and Latin; which, when the prelates beheld, -they were greatly moved, and said unto him, " Darest you set such merchandise to sell here in this town" The bookseller answered, " Is not the holy bible as good as these goodly pictures which you have bought" At these words the bishop of Aix cried out,. 111 renounce my part of paradise, if this fellow be not a Lutheran. Let him be taken." The bookseller was immediately taken and carried to prison, and spitefully handled. For those who waited upon the prelates began to cry out, " A Lutheran! a Lutheran! to the fire, to the fire with him!" Then one gave him a blow with his fist, another pulled him by the hair, and others by the beard, in such manner that the poor man was all imbrued with blood before he came to prison.

The morrow after he was brought before the judges, in the presence of the bishops, where he was examined as followeth: " Have you not set forth to sale the bible and the new testament in French" The prisoner answered that he had. And being demanded, whether he knew not that it was forbidden throughout all CHRISTendom to print or sell the bible in any other language than latin he answered, that he knew the contrary; and that he had sold rnany-bibles in the French tongue, with the emperor's privilege, and many others printed at Lyons; also new testaments printed by the king's privilege. Furthermore he said, that he knew no nation throughout all CHRISTendom, which had not the Holy Scripture in their vulgar tongue: and afterward he said, with a bold courage, " O ye inhabitants of Avignion! are you alone, in all Christendom, those which despise and abhor the testament of the heavenly Father Will ye forbid that which JESUS CHRIST has commanded to be revealed and published Do not you know that our Lord JESUS CHRIST gave power unto his apostles to speak all manner of tongues; to this end, that his holy gospel should be taught unto all creatures, in every language What greater blasphemy can there be, than to forbid God's most holy books, which he ordained to instruct the ignorant, and to bring again into the way such as are gone astray What cruelty is this, to take away from poor souls their nourishment and sustenance But, my lords, you shall give an heavy account, which call sweet sour, and sour sweet; which maintain abominable books and pictures, and reject that which is holy."

Then the bishop of Aix, and the other bishops, began to rage and gnash their teeth. a What need you," said they, " any more examination Let him be sent straight to the fire." But the judge, and certain others, were not of that mind, neither found they sufficient cause to put him to death; but endeavored to make him confess the bishop of Aix, and others his companions, to be the true pastors of the church. The bookseller answered, that he could not do it with a good conscience; forasmuch-as he did see before his eyes, that these bishops maintained filthy books and abominable pictures, rejecting the holy books of God; and therefore he judged them rather to the priests of Bacchus and Venus, than the true pastors of the church of CHRIST. Whereupon he was immediately condemned to be burned, and the sentence was executed the same day. And for a sign of the cause of his condemnation, he carried two bibles hanging about his neck, the one before, and the other behind. But this poor man had also the word of God in his heart and in his mouth, and ceased not continually by. the way, till he came to the place of execution, to exhort the people to read the Holy Scriptures; insomuch that (livers were thereby moved to seek after the truth.

Then the bishop of Aix returned to prosecute the execution of the arrest against Merindol. With great difficulty he persuaded the president and counsellors of the court of parliament to put the said arrest in execution and by this means, and through the authority of the said court, the drum was sounded throughout all Province, the captains were prepared with their ensigns displayed, and a great number of foot-men and horse-men began to set forward, and marched out of the town of Aix in order of battle, to execute the arrest. The inhabitants of Merindol being advertised hereof, and seeing nothing but present death, with great lamentation commended their cause unto God; making themselves ready to be slain, as sheep led to the slaughter. Whilst they were in this grievous distress, mourning and lamenting together, suddenly there was news brought, that the army was retired, and no man knew how, or by what means; yet it was afterward known, that the lord of Alenc,:a wise man, learned in the Scriptures, and in the civil law, being moved with great zeal and love of justice, declared to the president Cassanee, that he ought not so to proceed against the inhabitants of Merindol, contrary to all form and order of justice, without judgment or condemnation. Furthermore he said, " I desire you, my lord president, to remember the counsel which you have written in your book, entitled Catalog us Glorice Mundi; in which you have brought forth the processes which were liolden against the rats by the officers of the court of the bishop of Authun. This matter was thus: there was throughout all the bailiwick of Laussois such a great number of rats, that they destroyed all the corn of the country. Wherefore they took counsel to send to the bishop of Authun's official to have the rats excommunicated. After the official had heard the plaintiff, he decreed, that before he would proceed to excommunication, the rats should have admonition according to the order of justice. For this cause it was ordained, that by the sound of a trumpet, and open proclamation made throughout all the streets of Authun, the rats should be cited to appear within three days; and if they did not appear, then to proceed against them.

" The three days were passed, and the procurator came into the court against the rats, and for want of appearance, obtained a default, wherefore he required that they would proceed to the excommunication. Whereupon it was acknowledged, that the said rats, being absent, should have their advocate appointed them to hear their defense. And you, my lord president, being at that time the king's advocate at Authun, was chosen to be the advocate to defend the rats. And having taken the charge upon you, you there declared, in pleading the matter, that the citation was of no effect, for certain causes which you there alleged. Then it was decreed, that the said rats should be again cited throughout the parishes where they were. After the citations were duly served, the procurator came again into the court as before, and there alleged by you, my lord president, that the term allowed for appearance was too short, and that there were so many cats in every town and village that they were to pass through, that the rats had just cause to be absent. Wherefore, my lord president, ought you not as well to minister right and justice to men, as you have done to the rats" By these, and such like demonstrations, the president was persuaded, and immediately called back his commission, and caused the army to retire, which was already within one mile and a half of Merindol.

The Merindolians, understanding that the army was retired, gave thanks to GOD, comforting one another, with exhortation always to have the fear of God before their eyes, to be obedient to his holy commandments, subject to his most holy will, and every man to submit himself to his providence, patiently looking for the hope of the blessed, that is to say, the true life, and the everlasting riches, having always before their eyes the example of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, who path entered into his glory, by many tribulations. Thus they prepared themselves to endure all the afflictions that it should please God to lay upon them; and such was their answer to all those that either pitied, or sought their destruction. Whereupon the noise was so great, as well of the arrest, as of the patience and constancy of the Merindolians, that it was not kept secret from king Francis, who gave orders to the Lord de Langcay, his lieutenant in’Turin, that he should diligently inquire into the truth of all this matter. Monsieur de Langeay upon this, sent two men of credit and estimation into Province, charging them to bring him the copy of the arrest, and inquire all that followed thereupon, and likewise to make diligent inquisition into the life and manners of the Merindolians.

These deputies brought the copy of the arrest, and an account of all that happened thereupon to Monsieur de Langeay, declaring unto him the great injuries, tyrannies, and cruelties, which the judges, as well secular as ecclesiastical, used against the Merindolians. As to the behavior of those which were persecuted, they reported, that the most part of the men of Province affirmed them to be men enured to hard labor; and that about 2OO years ago, they came out of Piedmont to dwell in Province, and took to inhabit many hamlets and villages destroyed by the wars, and other desert places; which they had so well occupied, that now there was great stores of wines, oil, honey, and cattle, wherewith strangers were greatly relieved. Moreover, they affirmed, that the inhabitants of Merindol, and the others that were persecuted, were peaceable and quiet people, men of good behavior, constant in keeping their promise, and paying their debts that they were charitable men, giving alms, relieving the poor, and suffered none amongst them to be in necessity. Also they gave alms to strangers, and to poor travelers, harbouring and helping them in all their necessities, according to their power: moreover, they were known by this, throughout all the country, that they would not swear, nor name the devil, or easily be brought to take an oath, except it were in judgment, or making some solemn covenant: that they could never be moved to talk of any dishonest matters, but in what company soever they cause, where they heard any wanton talk, swearing, or blasphemy, they straightway departed out of that company. Also they said, that they never saw them go to their business, but first they made their prayers. But the people of Province further affirmed, that when they came to any fairs or markets, or to their cities, they were never seen in their churches; and if they were, they turned away their faces from the images neither would they worship the relics of saints, nor once look upon them.

This was the tenor of the report made unto Monsieur de Langeay, touching the life and behavior of the inhabitants of Merindol. Of all these things Monsieur de Langeay advertised the king; who, understanding these things, sent letters of pardon, not only for those who were condemned for lack of appearance, but also for all the rest of the country of Province, which were accused and suspected in like case; expressly commanding the parliament, that they should not hereafter proceed so rigorously as they had done before, against this people but if there were any that could be proved, to have swerved from the Christian religion, then he should have good demonstration made to him by the Word of GOD, both out of the old and new testament; and so, as well by the gentleness, as by the rigour of the same, he should be reduced again unto the church of CHRIST: disannulling also all manner of sentences and condemations, and commanding all prisoners to be set at liberty, which were either accused or suspected of Lutheranism.

By virtue of these letters they were now permitted to declare their cause, and to say what they could in defense thereof. Whereupon they made a confession of their faith. This confession was presented first to the court of parliament; and afterward to cardinal Saudidt, wiin a supplication to this effect: " That the inhabitants of Cabriers, in the country of Venice, most humbly desked that he would vouchsafe to receive and read the confession of their faith and doctrine, wherein they, all their forefathers, had been of a long time instructed, and J.it: A they were persuaded was agreeable to the doctrine contained in the old and new testament. And because he was learned in the Holy Scriptures, they desired him to mark such articles, as he thought to be against the Scriptures; and if he should make it appear to them, that there were any such articles, they would not only submit to abjure, but also to suffer such punishment as should be adjudged unto them. To this request cardinal Sadolet answered by letters written by his secretary, and signed with his own hand, the tenor whereof here ensues. " I have seen your request, and have read the articles of your confession, wherein there is much matter contained; and do not understand that you are accused for any other doctrine, but for the very same which you have confessed. It is most true, that many have reported divers things of you, which, after inquiry made, we have found to be slanders. As touching the rest of your articles, it seems to me, that there are many words therein, which might well be changed, without prejudice to your confession. And likewise it seems to me, that it is not necessary that you should speak so manifestly against the pastors of the church. For my part, I desire your welfare, and would be sorry that you should be spoiled or destroyed. And to the' end you may the better understand my friendship towards you, I shall shortly be at my house near Cabriers, whither ye may resort unto me, either in greater or smaller numbers, as you will, and return safely without any hurt or damage; and there I will advertise you of all things that I think meet for your profit and health."

About this time, which was the year 1542, the vicelegate of Avignion assembled a great number of men of war, at the suit of the bishop of Cavaillon, to destroy Cabriers. When the army was come within a mile of Cabriers, cardinal Sadolet went with speed to the vicelegate, and showed him the request of the inhabitants, with the articles of their confession; so that for the present the army retired, without doing them any damage. After this cardinal Sadolet went to Rome; but before his departure, he sent for divers of Cabriers, and told them, that he would remember them as soon as he came to Rome, and communicate their confession to the cardinals, trusting to find means to have some good reformation, that God should be glorified, and all CHRISTendom brought to unity and concord; advertising them, in the mean time, to be wise and circumspect, to watch and pray, for they had many enemies. With this, they of Cabriers were greatly comforted, trusting, that at the suit of cardinal Sadolet, they should have an answer to their confession, But at his return they understood that he found all things so corrupt at Rome, that there was no hope of any reformation there; but rather mortal war against all such as would not live according to the ordinances of that church.

On the other hand, the bishops of Aix and Cavaillon prosecuted still the execution of the arrest of Merindol. Then it was ordained by the court of parliament, that, according to the king's letters, John Durand, counsellor of the court of parliament, with a secretary, and the bishop of Cavaillon, with a doctor of divinity, should go to Merindol, and there declare to the inhabitants the heresies contained in their confession, and make them apparent by good and sufficient information; and having so convicted them by the Word of GOD, they should make them renounce those heresies; and, if the Merindolians should refuse, then they should make relation thereof, that the court might appoint how they should proceed. The bishop of Cavaillon would not tarry till the time appointed; but he himself, with a doctor of divinity, came to Merindol, to make then abjure. They required, that he would tell them what they should abjure. The bishop answered, " He required a general abjuration of all errors, which would be no prejudice to them; for he himself would not stick to make the like abjuration.

The Merindolians answered him again, “That they would do nothing contrary to the king's letters, wherein he commanded, that the errors should be first declared to them, whereof they were accused: wherefore they were resolved to understand what those errors were, that being informed thereof by the Word of GOD, they might satisfy the king's letters; otherwise it were but hypocrisy and dissimulation to do as he required." Then the bishop of Cavaillon was marvelously angry, and would hear no word spoken of any demonstration to be made by the Word of GOD, but, in a fury, cursed and gave him to the devil, that first invented that means. At length, he departed, being very sore aggrieved that he could not bring his purpose to pass.

Shortly after, the bishop came again to Merindol, and calling before him the children, both great and small, gave them money, and commanded them to learn the paternoster and the creed in Latin. The most part of them answered, that they knew the pater-noster and the creed already in Latin, but they could not understand it. The bishop answered, "That it was not necessary they should he so cunning; it was sufficient that they knew it in Latin; and that it was not requisite for their salvation, to understand the articles of their faith; for there were many bishops, curates, yea, and doctors of divinity, who would be puzzled to expound the pater-noster and the creed."

Here the bailiff of Merindol, named Andrew Maynard, asked, "To what purpose is it to say the paternoster and the creed, and not to understand them in so doing, we should but mock God." Then said the bishop unto him, " Do you understand what is signified by these words, I

believe in God 2" The bailiff answered, "I should think myself very miserable, if I did not,;" and then he began to give an account of his faith. Then said the bishop, " I could not have thought there had been so great doctors Merindol" The bailiff answered, "The least of the inhabitants of Merindol can do it more readily than 1. I pray you, examine one or two of these young children, that you may understand whether they are well taught or not."

But the bishop either knew not how to examine them, or at least would not. Then one said, " Sir, one of these children may question with another, if you think good." The bishop agreed to it. Then one of the children began to examine his fellows with such grace and gravity, as if he had been a schoolmaster; and the children, one after another, answered so to the purpose, that it was marvelous to hear; for it was done in the presence of many, among whom there were four religious men, that came lately out of Paris; one of whom said to the bishop, " I must needs confess, that I have often been at the schools of Sorbon in Paris, where 1 have heard the disputations of the divines; but yet I never learned so much there as I have done by hearing these children."

When the bishop saw he could not thus prevail, he tried another away. He caused the strangers to go apart, and said, " That he now perceived they were not so bad as many thought them to be; notwithstanding, it was necessary that they should make some abjuration, which only the bailiff, with two officers, might make in the name of the rest." The bailiff and the two officers answered, That they were fully resolved not to abjure at all, except they could make it appear, by the Word of GOD, that they had holden or maintained any heresy; marvelling much, that he should offer to persuade them to lye to God and the world." The bishop then rose up in great wrath, and departed.

Many came to hear these disputations, supposing they should have heard some goodly demonstrations from the bishop, and the doctor that was with him, but were greatly abashed to see them so confounded. This afterward turned to the great benefit of many: for hereby they were incited to require copies of the Merindolians' concession of their faith; whereby they were converted, and embraced the truth. Three doctors, who several times attempted to dissuade the Merindolians from their faith, were thus converted; whose ministry God afterwards used in the preaching of his gospel.

After this, the inhabitants of Merindol were in quietness for a space, insomuch that every man feared to trouble them, seeing those which persecuted them received nothing but shame and confusion; as manifestly appeared not only by the sudden death of the president Chassance, but also of many others of the chief counsellors of the parliament of Province. Thus the Lord repressing the rage of the adversaries for a time, stayed the execution of that cruel sentence, till John Miniers began a new persecution. He, being lord of Opede, near Merindol, first began to vex the poor, by oppression and extortion; getting from them what he could to enlarge his lordship. By such practices he was advanced in a short time to great wealth, and at length became not only the chief president of the high court of parliament, but also the king's lieutenant-general in the country of Province. This Miners forged a most impudent lie, making the king to believe, that they of Merindol, and all the country near about, to the number of 12 or 15,OOO, were in the field in armour, with their ensigns displayed, intending to take the town of Marseilles, and make it one of the cantons of the Sitzers; and to stay this enterprise, he said it was necessary to execute the arrest. By this means he obtained the king's letters patent, commanding the sentence to be executed against the Merindolians.

After this he gathered all the king's army, which was then in Province, ready to go against the English, and took up all besides that were able to bear arias, in the chief towns of Province, and joined them with the army, which the pope's legate had levied for that purpose in lvignion, and all the country of Venice, and employed the same to destroy Merindol, Cabriers, and 22 other towns and villages; giving commission to his soldiers to spoil, ransack, burn, and destroy all together, and to kill man, woman, and child, without mercy, sparing none. Miniers, before he came to Merindol, ransacked and burned the towns of La Roch, St. Stephens, Ville Laure, Lormarin, La Motte, St. Martin, Pipin, and other places; notwithstanding the arrest extended only to Merindol: where the most of the poor inhabitants were murdered without any resistance; women and maidens ravished; women with child, and little infants, born and in the womb, were also most cruelly murdered; the paps of many women cut off, who gave suck to their children, which looking for nourishment at their mother's breast, died for hunger.

The Merindolians, seeing all in a flaming fire round about them, left their houses, and fled into the woods, and remained all that night at the village Sanfales, in great fear and perplexity; for the bishop of Cavaillon, deputy to the bishop of Rome's legate, had appointed certain captains to go and slay them. The next_ day they went further, hiding themselves in woods, for there was danger on every side, and Miniers had commanded, under pain of death, that no man should aid them by any means. The same proclamation was of force also in the bishop of Rome's dominions. Wherefore they went a tedious and painful journey, carrying their children upon their shoulders, and in their arms, and in their swaddling-clothes; and among them who took this pains, were many women big with child. When they were come to the place appointed, a great number, which had lost their goods, and saved themselves by flight, was already resorted thither.

Not long after it was told them, that Miniers was coming upon them with all his power. This was in the evening; and because they were to go through rough places, and hard to pass, they all thought it most expedient to leave all the women and children behind them, with a few others; and among them also certain ministers. The residue were. appointed to go to Mussi. They hoped that the enemy would show mercy to the multitude of women and children, being destitute" of all succor. But no tongue can express what sorrow, what tears, what sighing, what lamentation there was at that woful parting, when the husband was compelled to separate from his dear wife, the father from his infants; the one never like to see the other again alive. Notwithstanding, after the ministers had ended their ordinary sermons, with evening prayers and exhortations, the men departed that night, to avoid a greater inconvenience.

When they had traveled all night, and had passed over the great hill of Libron, they could see many villages and farms on fire. Miniers, in the mean time, had divided his army into two parts, marching himself with the one towards the town of Merindol; and having knowledge whither the Merindolians were fled, he sent the other part to set upon them. Yet, before they cane to the place, some of Minier's army, either out of good will, or moved with pity, privily conveyed themselves away, and came to them, to give them warning that their enemies were coming; and one of them, from the top of, an high rock, beneath which he thought the Merindolians were, cast down two stones; and afterward, although he could not see them, called to them, that they should immediately flee from thence. But the enemy suddenly carne upon them, finding them all assembled together at prayers, and spoiled them of all they had, even to their garments. Some they ravished, some they whipped and scourged, and some they sold like,cattle, practising what cruelty and villany soever they could devise against them. There were about 5OO women.

In the mean time, Miniers came to Merindol, where he found none but a young man, named Maurice Blane, who had yielded himself to a soldier, promising him for his ransom two French crowns. Miniers would have had him away by force; but it was answered, That the soldier ought not to lose his prisoner. Miniers therefore paying the two crowns himself, took the young man, and caused him to he tied to an olive tree, and shot to death.

Many gentlemen, who accompanied Minicrs against their will, seeing this spectacle, could not forbear tears. For though this young man was not yet well instructed, yet in all his torments he always had his eyes lifted up to heaven, and ceased not, with a loud voice, to call upon God. The last words that he spoke were these, " Lord GOD, these men take away my life, full of misery; but you wilt give unto me life everlasting, by thy Son JESUS CHRIST; to whom be glory." Thus Merindol, without any resistance, was taken, ransacked, burnt, and laid even with the ground.

When he had destroyed Merindol, he laid siege to Cabriers, and battered it with his ordnance; but when he could not win it by force, he, with the lord of the town, persuaded the inhabitants to open their gates, solemnly promising, that if they would, no violence or injury should be done them. Upon this they opened their gates, and let in Miniers, with his captains, and all his army. But when he was once entered, he picked out about thirty men, causing them to be bound, and hewn in pieces by his soldiers. Then he exercised his fury upon poor women, and caused forty of them to be taken (of whom divers were great with child,) and put them in a barn full of straw, and caused it to be set on fire at four corners; and when the women, running to the great window, would have leaped out, they were kept in with pikes and halberds. A soldier, moved with pity at the crying and lamentation of the women, opened a door to let them out; but as they were coming out, Miniers caused them to be cut in pieces, opening their bellies that their children fell out, whom they trod under their feet. Many had fled into, the wine-cellar of the castle, and many bid themselves in caves, whereof some were carried into a meadow, and there stript naked and slain others were bound two and two, and carrried into the hall of the castle, where they were slain by the captains.

That done, Miniers commanded captain John de Gay to go into the church, (where was a great number of women and young infants,) and kill all that he found there. At first the captain refused to do it, saying, "That were a cruelty unused among men of war." Whereat he charged him, upon pair: of rebellion and disobedience to the king, to do as he commanded him. The captain, fearing what might ensue, entered with his men, and destroyed them all, sparing neither young nor old. Mean while certain soldiers went to ransack the houses, where they found many poor men that had hid themselves in cellars, and other privy places, and flying upon them, cried out, "Kill, kill." The other soldiers that were without the town killed all they could meet with. The number of those that were thus murdered, were about a thousand men, women, and children. In token of this victory, the pope's officers caused a pillar to be erected in Cabriers, in which was engraver the year and day of the taking and sacking of this town, by John Miners, lord of Opede, and chief president of the parliament of Province, which was April 12, 1545. Mean while, the inhabitants of Merindol, and other places thereabout, were among the mountains and rocks, in great necessity of victuals, and much affliction. At last they procured certain men, who were in some favor with Miniers, to make request for them that they might depart whither it should please God to lead them, with their wives and children. Miniers answered, “I know what I have to do. Not one of them shall escape my hands. I will send them to hell, to dwell among devils."

It were impossible to comprehend all the lamentable examples of this cruel persecution. No kind of tyranny was unpracticed. They who escaped by woods, and wandered over mountains, were taken and set in galleys, or else slain outright. And of many which hid themselves

in rocks and dark caves, some were famished with hunger, others were smothered with fire and smoke.

But Henry the Second of France, who succeeded Francis, considering how this cruel and infamous persecution was greatly misliked of other princes, and also objected both against him and his father, by the emperor himself; Charles 5: and that in a public council of all the states of Germany; to purge himself thereof, caused the matter to, to be brought into the court of Paris, and there to be decided by order of justice. This cause was pleaded many times, but could never be determined, and so was passed over. And Miniers (who had for some time been confined,) was also loosed out of prison, and restored to his liberty and possessions again, upon his promising the cardinal of Lorrain that he would banish and expel these new Christians (so he termed the true professors of the gospel,) out of all Province.

Miniers then began to exercise greater cruelty than before; and did not cease, before the just judgment of God brought him, by a horrible disease, to the torments of death. For being stricken with a strange kind of bleeding, in manner of a bloody flux, and not being able to void any urine, his guts, by little and little, rotted within him. When no remedy could be found, and his entrails now began to be eaten of worms, a famous surgeon, named La Mote, who dwelt at Arles, was called; who, (after he had cured him of the difficulty of making water, and therefore was in great estimation with him,) would not proceed further to search the other parts of his putrefied body till he bad caused those that were present to depart a little. When they were gone, he began to exhort him with earnest words, saying, "The time now requires that you should ask forgiveness of God for your enormous cruelty, in shedding so much innocent blood, which is the cause of this so strange a profusion of blood coming from you." These words so pierced the conscience of this miserable wretch, that he was therewith more troubled than with the agony of his disease; insomuch, that he cried out to lay hands upon the surgeon as an heretic. La Mote hearing this, conveyed himself out of sight, and returned again to Arles. Notwithstanding, it was not long before he was sent for again; being entreated by his friends, and promised most firmly that be

should come without any danger, with much ado he returned again; but all was now past remedy: and so Miniers, raging and casting out horrible and blaspheming words, and feeling a fire, which burnt him from his navel upward,, with extreme stench of the lower parts, finished his wretched life. Moreover, the justice of God is not to be forgotten, which followed upon others, who were the chief actors in this persecution; as Lewis de Vaine, brother-in-law to the said president, and also the brother and the son-in-law to Peter Durant, master butcher of the town of Aix, which three slew one another upon a certain strife that fell among them. And upon the same day, the judge of Aix, as he returned homeward, going over the river Durance, was drowned.

It is to be observed, that these inhabitants of Province, and other coasts of France and Piedmont, received their,doctrine first from the Waldenses; being, by violence of persecution, driven out of Lyons, who were dispersed abroad in divers countries; of whom, some’fled to Germany, some to Sarmatia, Livonia, Bohemia, Calabria, and Apulia, divers strayed to the countries of France, especially about Province and Piedmont. They which were in the country of Tholouse, were called Albii, or Albigenses, of the place where they frequented. Against the Albigenses, friar Dominic labored ten years together, and caused many of them to be burned; for which he was highly accepted, and rewarded in the apostolical court.

These Albigenses had set up a bishop of their own, remaining about the coasts of Croatia and Dalmatia, Upon this account, the see of Rome took great indignation against them, and caused all their faithful catholics to rise up in arms, and take the sign of the holy cross upon them, and to fight against them. In the year 12O6, great multitudes -of them were then murdered, not only about Tholouse and Avignion in France, but also in all quarters, miserable slaughters and burnings of them continued long, from the reign of Frederick 2: almost to this present time.