of the count of Toulouse and the King of Aragon, the abbot of Cisteaux,
first legate of the Pope, sent the bishop of Toulouse in France, to
preach the crusade against Count Raymond, and to instigate the whole
world against him and his country, saying that he rebelled against the
(Roman Catholic) church, and protected all the heretics (namely, the
Albigenses) that were within his territory. _Chassan. Hist., lib. 3,
cap. 10._
_Third Argument._--The legate of the Pope summoned Raymond, count of
Toulouse, to Arles, indicating that his case (namely, his protecting
the Albigenses) would be considered there. When he came, several
articles by which he was to be governed were laid before him; one of
which was: That he should expel from his territories all the heretics
(namely, the Waldenses, who lived quietly and peaceably under him),
together with their adherents, friends, and kindred. Also: That he
should deliver up into the hands of the Legate, and Count Montfort, all
those whom they should name to him (namely, those who professed the
same belief), that they might do with them according to their pleasure;
and this within one year. _Chassan., Hist. Alb., lib. 3, cap. 9, 10. A.
Mell., fol. 455, col. 1._
_Fourth Argument._--Robert of Auxerre concludes his Year-book with
the papal excommunication against Raymond, count of Toulouse, whose
territory was given as a prey to all who wished: because he was found
(says the writer) to extend favor and assistance to the heretics (the
Albigenses and Waldenses), and was, therefore, declared a renegade of
the faith and an open enemy of the (Roman) church. _Chron. Altiss., A.
D. 1211, Deceased A. D. 1212._
Who does not see that this Count was excommunicated simply because he
permitted these so-called heretics, termed Albigenses and Waldenses, to
live under him? on account of which his whole territory was given for a
prey.
_Fifth Argument._--In the year 1212 the city of Penne, or Pene, in the
territory of Aix la Chapelle, was besieged by the count of Montfort;
but before the enemy arrived, the Governor burnt the suburb, and
retreated with his people into the citadel. Finally the city was taken,
and seventy soldiers who were in it (the writer says) were hanged; but
all the rest (namely, the defenseless) that maintained the error of the
Albigenses, were burnt. _Thuan. Hist., lib. 6, A. D. 1550. Forte ex
Vincentio Bello Vacensi and Petro Sarn._
From this also it certainly is more than evident that the Albigenses
lived quietly under their magistrates, and offered no resistance to the
enemies; hence they were not hanged, like the conquered soldiers, but
burnt as heretics.
_Sixth Argument._--“Thus the Count of Montfort,” writes Paul Emilius,
“scoured the whole country, and brought all the cities and castles,
especially in Agenois and Rouergue, under his power. Not because they
all held an ungodly doctrine (that is, were Albigenses), but in order
that they might not be able to protect or assist the ungodly,” that is,
the heretics, as they called them. _Hist. Gal., lib. 6_, in _Phill.,
Aug. 2_.
Here it is also evident beyond contradiction, that the Albigenses
who lived under those magistrates, did not only carry no arms, but
also held a belief entirely different from that of their authorities;
for, otherwise they would have called both by the same name, that is,
_ungodly_, but as it is, only the Albigenses are called ungodly, while
of the magistrates it is stated, that they did not hold this doctrine;
although sometimes the magistrates and the subjects were called by the
same name, as has been said.
_Seventh Argument._--This is still more confirmed by the words with
which the Dominican friars in those times were accustomed to conclude
their sermons, saying: “Behold, here ye can perceive, most beloved,
how great the wickedness of the heretics (the Albigenses) is, yea, what
is still more, they have accepted the protection of the secular lords.”
_Vinbert. Burgund. Serm., part 2, Serm. 64._
From this, and similar passages which we might adduce, it is
sufficiently evident that not the Albigenses or Waldenses, but the
magistrates under whom they lived, had recourse to arms and carried
on war; hence, they do wrong, who confound the Albigenses with their
magistrates, and lay, whether through ignorance or on purpose, what
their magistrates did, to the charge of the Albigenses. Their own
confession has already been given; in which they confess: That they
follow the example of Christ, who exercised no temporal jurisdiction or
dominion.
_Eighth Argument._--But, for still further proof of said matter, we
will add the following, contained in the _Introduction to the Martyrs
Mirror_, edition 1631, _p. 50, col. 1_: “A. D.,... there existed in
Toulouse in France, the Albigenses, so called because they arose
principally in the province of Albi; otherwise they were of the
same doctrine and belief as the former (the Waldenses); hence it is
presumable, that they were one people notwithstanding that they are
called by different names.”
“Baronius writes that their belief, among other things, was: That
infant baptism was not necessary to salvation; that an unworthy, sinful
priest could not administer the sacrament; that no one might become a
bishop, who was not blameless; that no churches ought to be erected
to the honor of God or the saints; that confession (of sins) could be
made to any one; that it was not lawful to swear any oath, etc.; all of
which things they said could be found in the New Testament, to which
alone they held.” From _Baron., A. D. 1176, num. 1, 2, 3_.
Continuing, we find, in the aforementioned _Introduction_ (_same page,
col. 2_), respecting their views against war, and in refutation of
those who impute this to them, the following words: “For this reason
we must also consider, that when we read here of the wars waged
against them, and the resistance which they offered, this ... is to be
understood of the princes and magistrates who took them under their
protection; as the King of Aragon, the count of Toulouse, the count
of Foix, and others; further, of those who were employed under the
authority of the aforementioned persons; but it is neither probable
nor reasonable, that such people should be counted among them, who,
according to Baronius, regulated their conduct only by the New
Testament, which they observed so strictly, that they would not even
swear an oath, which is much less than to engage in war.”
This is confirmed by what Baronius says, namely, that war was waged
by the Pope and his adherents, against the aforesaid princes, for the
reason that the latter would not persecute the Albigenses, and expel
them from their territory; but when this was done, after the said
princes had been brought into subjection, the Albigenses, he writes,
soon became extinct. _Bar., A. D. 1210, num. 3_, and _1228, num. 3_.
This could not have been the case if so numerous a people had opposed
their persecutors with force of arms. _Introduction, page 51, col. 1._
DEMONSTRATION OF A PLAIN DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ALBIGENSES AND THEIR
MAGISTRATES AND FELLOW-CITIZENS.
The last-mentioned writer, proceeding to the violence and vexation
suffered by the Albigenses from the papists--ecclesiastics as well as
seculars, makes mention of Raymond, count of Toulouse, and of the count
of Turenne, saying: That they went to Peter, the cardinal and legate
of the Pope, in order that they should kill or slay the heretics (the
Albigenses), if the latter should not be converted to the Roman church
through the cardinals’ preaching. Having arrived at Toulouse, they made
the citizens swear an oath that they would name all the Albigenses
they knew. Many of them were now betrayed, and among these, also Peter
Moranus, one of their principal men. When he was examined, he freely
confessed his faith; and was instantly condemned as a heretic, and
all his property confiscated. _Introduction, p. 51, col. 1, 2_, from
_Baron., A. D. 1178, num. 2_.
NOTE.--From the aforementioned eight arguments, but especially
from this last demonstration, it appears incontrovertibly, that a
great distinction must be made, between the Albigenses and their
magistrates, as well as the citizens among whom they lived in the
cities; so that whenever resistance, war or conflict are spoken of,
in which the inhabitants of this or that city or place engaged, it is
to be understood throughout of the magistrates and their soldiers,
who guarded said cities or places, as also, of the common citizens;
but not of the true Albigenses, since these, in accordance with
their faith, as has already been sufficiently stated, exercised no
revenge or resistance against any one, but lived peaceably under their
magistrates; to whom they also, as was proper, paid their taxes.
However, that we may not give offense to our fellow-believers, if any
should entertain a different opinion in regard to this matter, although
it has been sufficiently explained by us, we shall adduce the principal
confessors who suffered in the besieged cities for the doctrine of the
Albigensian religion, not as infallible witnesses, but as incidental
matters; which the kind reader will please regard as having been done
by us from no other motive than Christian prudence.
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY PERSONS CALLED ALBIGENSES, BURNT WITHOUT THE
CASTLE MINERVE.
In the year of our Lord 1210, a large sacrifice of believers, called
Perfecti or Albigenses took place near the castle Minerve; so that at
one time about one hundred and eighty persons, men as well as women,
who, forsaking the Roman antichrist, desired to adhere steadfastly to
Jesus Christ and his divine truth, were publicly burnt; these, having
commended their souls to God, are now waiting for the crown and reward
of the faithful.
As to the manner in which this occurred, different papistic writers
give this account: That the Pope of Rome caused a second crusade or
campaign to be preached, in order to annihilate with might and main the
Albigenses wherever they might be concealed; promising forgiveness of
sins, yea, eternal salvation to all who in this campaign should well
acquit themselves in murdering and burning the Waldenses.
In the meantime there were in the castle of Minerve very many
Albigenses called _Perfecti_ (_perfect ones_), who resided under the
lord of the castle, and were protected by him.
This castle, situated on a high rock, was besieged by the legate of
the Pope, and so hard pressed, that the lord of the same was finally,
through lack of water, compelled to surrender. The legate commanded
that all who would not unite with the Roman church, should be put to
death.
Those within, however, (namely, the defenseless Albigenses) said: “We
do not wish to forsake our faith; we reject your Roman faith; your
labor is vain, for neither death nor life shall cause us to depart from
our faith.” Such was the answer and resolution of the men, who were all
assembled together in one house. The women, who were in another house,
were found by the abbot so courageous and undaunted that with all his
fine words he could make no impression upon them.
The count of Montfort then caused them all (namely, these confessors)
to come out of the castle, the men as well as the women, and having
ordered a large fire to be kindled, he had them all cast into it, to
the number of one hundred and forty; all of whom were burnt alive,
except three women, who, having apostatized through weakness, escaped
the fire. All the others that were in the castle (namely, the lord with
his servants and soldiers, who had guarded the castle), complied with
the will of the papal legate.
Peter Sarnensis, speaking of these people that were put to death, says,
that these hundred and forty martyrs were of the Albigenses called
Perfecti; and adds, that they would rather be burned alive, than unite
with the Roman church. In _Hist. Albigens._ Also, _Joh. Chassan., Hist.
Albig., lib. 3, cap. 7, ex Hist. Languedoc_.
From the account of Robert of Auxerre, a strong papist, who wrote at
that time, and, it seems, was an eye-witness of the steadfast death
of these people, it appears, that about forty more than the preceding
writers have stated were burned; which might well be the case, namely,
that the former first, and the latter afterwards, confessed themselves
to be of the same faith, and thus were punished alike with death. He
writes as follows: “In A. D. 1210 a great expedition was undertaken
by our bishops, as well as by the lords and princes of the realm, and
by the common people. This expedition was a very noted one, and was
undertaken from pure devotion, or by vow; partly through the zeal
of faith enkindled in the hearts of the believers (so he calls the
papists), against the destroyers of the faith (thus he calls the true
Albigenses), and partly, in order to merit the forgiveness of sins,
promised by the apostolical see (the Pope of Rome); hence they marched
with their assembled army before the castle of Minerve, which was a
very strong place.”
At last the besieged offered to surrender; but when it was proclaimed
to all, that those who would turn from their heresy, should be left
free and unmolested, about one hundred and eighty were found (namely,
Albigenses) who rather suffered themselves to be burnt alive, than
desist from their heretical wickedness (thus he calls their true faith).
Those who witnessed this, he writes, were astonished at the inexorable
obstinacy of these miserable people, who would not listen to any
salutary admonitions (thus he calls the fables of the papists), because
their reason was smitten, and thus they voluntarily hastened to the
punishment of death. _Rob. Aux. Chronol. Altiss., A. D. 1210_, compared
with _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 454, col. 2_.
SIXTY PERSONS CALLED ALBIGENSES, BURNT FOR THE FAITH, AT CASSER.
In the year 1211, or a little before, when the count of Montfort,
by order of the Pope, was exercising great tyranny for the purpose
of exterminating the Albigenses, he learned, through an informer,
or in some other way, that in a place called Casser, there resided
many of these people, under the protection of the lord of said place.
He therefore went to lay siege to it; but those within (namely, the
garrison), seeing that they would not be able to hold out long,
notwithstanding the place was tolerably strong otherwise, capitulated,
with this agreement, that they would deliver into the hands of the
enemy, those called heretics (or Albigenses); these the bishops sought
to persuade to renounce their faith, but they could not prevail upon
them in the least; in consequence of which sixty persons were burnt for
the sake of that religion. _Chass. Hist., Albig., lib. 3_, compared
with _A. M. Hist., fol. 456, col. 4_.
ABOUT ONE HUNDRED PERSONS CALLED ALBIGENSES, OR HERETICS, BURNT FOR THE
FAITH, IN A TOWER AT CASSAS.
About the close of the year 1211, it is recorded, the legate of the
Pope, having gone forth utterly to extirpate all those that professed
the confession of the abovementioned Albigenses, was apprised, that
over eighty, but according to others, about a hundred of that sect or
heresy, as it was called, were concealed on, or in, a tower at Cassas.
They had been sent thither by those of Rogueville (who, it seems, were
not willing that any of these defenseless people should remain among
them), that they might save their lives, until this blood-thirsty man
should have passed by. Having learned this, the legate very easily
surprised, captured and demolished this tower, and caused all those
that were in it--like sheep for the slaughter in the fold, who would
not abandon their faith, to be burned alive as heretics. _Chass., lib.
3, cap. 15._ Also, _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 457, col. 1_.
FIFTY PERSONS CALLED ALBIGENSES, BURNT FOR THE FAITH, AT CHASTELNAU
D’ARI, AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 1211.
This fire of the papal legate continued, like a thunder-bolt, to burn
and scorch among the defenseless flock of Christ, called Albigenses, or
heretics, who had concealed themselves here and there, wherever they
thought they might be secure.
In the mean time, there were fifty of these people at Chastelnau d’Ari,
shut up and closely besieged, together with all that were in that
place, by the count of Montfort, the commander-in-chief of the papal
legate. Finally, the place having been taken, all these persons, as
they would not depart from their faith, were burnt alive, and thus,
having commended their souls unto God, they gave their bodies for a
burnt sacrifice.
Chassanion writes, that when the Count of Montfort had taken the city
of Chastelnau d’Ari, fifty persons were found in it, who would rather
be burnt alive than return to the papistic religion. Compare _Chassau.,
lib. 3, cap. 16_, with _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 457, col. 1_.
OVER FOUR HUNDRED PERSONS CALLED INDUTI, OR ALBIGENSES, BURNT FOR THEIR
FAITH, AT LAVAUR, OR VAURUM, A. D. 1211.
Previously we stated, that the Albigenses, whose confession we showed
to be good and Scriptural, were called by various names. Besides those
names already explained, they were also called _Induti_, or _Vestiti_,
that is, the _clothed_, or _covered_, either because they had to cover
or conceal themselves on account of persecution, or for some other
reason.
This, at least, is certain, that they are compared by _Mellinus, 2d
book, page 443, col. 3_, to the Albigenses, called Perfecti; who were
also styled, as he shows, _Boni homines_, that is, _good men_, because
they, as it seems, were good and upright in their walk. Very many of
these good, upright, and not less believing people, were burnt for
the faith, as heretics, suffering it innocently and patiently, in the
city of Lavaur, also called Vaurum, about the year 1211. Their number,
according to ancient chronicles, amounted to over four hundred.
Nicholas Bertrand quotes the following from the papistic chronicle of
William de Podio Laurentii: “Simon, count of Montfort, hastened with
the Lord’s (the Roman Pope’s) army, to lay siege to the fortress or
city, of Vaurum, which Amerius, lord of Montreal and Laurack, brother
of the lady Geralda, had undertaken to defend for her sake. Within
there was no small number of those heretics called Induti, who did not
always reside there, but had congregated at that time from distant
countries.”
“The army of God, therefore,” he writes, (namely, the army of the Pope)
“encompassed the fortress, or city, and gave the besieged no rest night
and day. Those within perceiving,... surrendered unconditionally to the
beleaguers.”
He then goes on to relate how they dealt with those who had guarded the
city, or fortress, and coming then to the abovementioned people who,
to live according to their faith, had resided quietly and peaceably
among the other inhabitants, he says: “The heretics called Induti, that
is, _clothed_, about three hundred, others write, over four hundred,
he caused to be burned alive. _Nich. Bertrand de Gest. Tholosan., fol.
27._ The lives of the common people, however, were spared upon certain
conditions.
A large fire was made of wood, says Robert Altissiodorensis, and
the choice was given to all, either to turn from their errors (so
he speaks, after the manner of the papists), or to be burnt alive;
whereupon a great number, over four hundred, as stated, were found
who were so obstinate in their error (as he calls their true faith)
that they would rather be burnt than confess the Roman Catholic faith.
_Chronol., page 106._ Also _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 456, col. 2, 3_.
COMMENCEMENT PROPER OF THE HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS OF THIS CENTURY.
GREAT PERSECUTIONS OF THE BELIEVERS, IN THE YEAR 1206.
In the year 1206, it is recorded, that Pope Innocent III. exercised
great cruelty against the followers of the doctrine of Peter Bruis and
Henry of Toulouse, who, among other things, rejected infant baptism,
the mass, and transubstantiation, as has already been stated. The
manner, however, in which this cruelty was manifested toward them, is
not expressed. _P. J. Twisck, Chron., page 523, col. 1._
Undoubtedly, the Pope then caused to be carried out what he had
threatened, A. D. 1198, in his three letters, against the Waldenses and
others that were called heretics, namely: That they should be spoiled
of their goods, expelled from the country, and the material sword of
the princes used against them. In regard to said three letters and
threats, see _A. Mell., 2d book, fol. 444, col. 2, 3_, and _fol. 445,
col. 1_.
A MAN BURNT ALIVE, AT LONDON, IN ENGLAND, FOR THE FAITH OF THE
WALDENSES, A. D. 1210.
In various ancient histories we read, that not only in France and
Germany, but also in England, the doctrine of the Albi-Waldenses[169]
obtained a foothold, so that in said Island, especially at London,
numbers were found, who made this profession, to the great detriment
of the Roman religion. On this account, the popish clergy, unable to
brook this, became filled with great bitterness against them, so that
they, it seems, determined to punish one of them in such an exemplary
manner, that it would deter the rest, and cause them to leave the
country, or at least, to desist from confessing and speaking otherwise
than those of the Roman Catholic church.
[169] Albigenses, says the writer; however they were of the
profession of the Waldenses; but because of their origin from the
province of Albi, they were called Albigenses.
Thereupon they apprehended one of their number, whose name we have
not been able to learn because they, afterwards perhaps, were ashamed
of the deed, and in order to give their design some semblance [of
justice], they charged him with having reviled the clergy, and that he,
consequently, was not fit to live, but deserved to die an ignominious
and miserable death. He was accordingly burnt alive, A. D. 1210.
Concerning this, Balaeus writes, from the Chronicle of London: That the
Albigenses in England (according to the Papists) reviled the clergy,
and that in consequence thereof a man was burnt alive by them, at
London, A. D. 1210. _Cent. 3, Script. Britt., in Append. ad Gualterum
Horganium, page 258_, compared with _A. Mell. Hist., fol. 455, col. 4_.
P. J. Twisck, having given some account of many Waldensian martyrs at
Strasburg, for the year 1210, proceeds thus: “The Chronicle of London
states, that also in England a great number, namely, of Waldenses, or,
as has been stated, Albigenses, who were of the same faith, were found,
and that one of them was burnt at London. _Chron., page 526, col. 1._
NOTE.--P. J. Twisck, after relating said matter concerning the
Albigensian martyr, at London, adds: “A. D. 1210. In the city of
Narbonne one hundred and thirty persons were put to death by the
priests, because they reproved the great abuses and idolatry of the
popes. In the same year there were also killed at Paris, in France,
twenty-four martyrs and witnesses of the truth, because they would not
consent to the false doctrine of antichrist.” _Chron., p. 526_, from
_Guil. Merul. Tijdtthresoor, fol. 800. Hist. der Mart. Adri., fol. 39.
Chron. Zeg., fol. 299. Henr., Box. fol. 23._
TWENTY-FOUR PERSONS BURNT ALIVE FOR THE BELIEF OF THE WALDENSES, AT
PARIS, A. D. 1210.
Christian Massaeus, having noticed the case of a great company of
martyrs who, having been found in the castle Minerve, were all burnt
alive as heretics, adds this account: “At that time, namely, A. D.
1210, also at Paris, twenty-four who were of the same obstinacy (thus
he, after the manner of the papists, calls the steadfastness of these
people), were burnt alive.” _Christ. Mass. Chron., lib. 17, A. D.
1210_, compared with the large _Christen Martelarersboeck, edit. 1619,
fol. 455, col. 4_.
The writer, after the manner of the papists, calls these people
heretics, and their steadfast faith obstinacy; but how can anything
good proceed from the mouth of the wicked? However, this must not
offend us, since not only these, but even the ancient holy prophets,
apostles, and servants of God, were stigmatized with many opprobrious
names, yea, titles of the devil, by evil worldly men.
ABOUT ONE HUNDRED PERSONS CALLED WALDENSES, BURNT FOR THE FAITH, AT
STRASBURG; THIRTY-NINE AT BINGEN; AND EIGHTEEN AT MENTZ, A. D. 1212.