son, yet these parts were peculiarly blessed with the gospel at the Reformation, while the places which rejected the Albigensian faith were left in darkness. We are to recollect, also, that sadly as the Albigenses in the South of France were reduced and dispersed in this century, yet a considerable number who maintained the same faith, but who are more frequently called Waldenses, publicly persevered in other parts of France in the following centuries till the Reformation, multitudes of whom sealed their testimony with their blood."

CHAP. V.

Situation of the Waldenses in Piedmont during the persecutions in France-attack on the valley of Pragela-distressing scene-rigorous bull of Innocent VIII. against the Vaudois-cruelties of Albert, Archdeacon of Cremona, in the valley of Loyseineffectual efforts of Philip VII. Duke of Savoy, to protect his Waldensian subjects-vigorous proceedings of the Inquisition-courage of the Waldenses-they repel their invaders-letter of Ecolampadius to the Waldenses in Provence-edict against them by Francis I.-dreadful sufferings of the inhabitants of Merindol and Carbriere-cruelties of their persecutors-fortitude and sufferings of Aymond de la Voye.

WHILE the Albigenses in France were exposed to all the horrors of persecution, the Waldenses in the valleys of Piedmont enjoyed a considerable portion of tranquillity. Numerous efforts, it is true, were made by the emissaries of Rome to

induce the dukes of Savoy to destroy the inhabitants of these valleys; but for upwards of two centuries, these princes resisted all their solicitations to persecute their loyal and peaceable subjects. Under the protection of the dukes, therefore, the Waldenses remained for several ages in comparative tranquillity. Their light continued all that time to shine amidst the darkness which surrounded them; and although the inquisitors frequently dragged several of them to the stake, yet no open attack was made on their country till the year 1400.

In that year, however, a violent outrage was committed on those who inhabited the valley of Pragela. Their invaders chose the month of December, when the mountains were covered with snow, for accomplishing their horrid work; when, falling unexpectedly on these peaceable people, they put many of them to the sword, and took possession of their caves. Those who escaped this massacre, fled to the highest mountains of the Alps, the mother carrying the cradle in the one hand, and in the other leading those little children who were able to walk. Pursued by their persecutors, many of them were overtaken and murdered, without respect to age or

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sex, while those who avoided the sword of their enemies were either starved to death, or perished among the snow. Eighty children were next morning discovered bereft of life, having fallen a prey to the inclemency of the season; many of the mothers were lying at their side, while others were found in the very agonies of death! the few who escaped, some fled to Calabria, and others sought an asylum in Provence, whither they were pursued by the cruel hand of persecution. This outrageous attack made a deep and lasting impression on the minds of the Vaudois; and although a season of some repose followed, yet "for more than a century afterwards, they were wont to speak of it as of a dreadful scene which was still present to their view; and from generation to generation, they continued to relate, with deep impressions of horror, that sudden surprise which had occasioned so much affliction and calamity among them."

In 1487, Innocent VIII. issued a rigorous bull against the Waldenses, and commissioned Albert, Archdeacon of Cremona, as his legate, to carry his bloody purpose into effect:"We have heard," said his Holiness, "and it has

come to our knowledge, not without much displeasure, that certain sons of iniquity, inhabitants of the province of Evreux, followers of that abominable and pernicious sect of malignant men, who are called the poor people of Lyons, or the Waldenses, who have long ago endeavoured in Piedmont, and other neighbouring parts, by the instigation of him who is the sower of evil works, through by-ways, purposely sought out, and hidden precipices, to ensnare the sheep belonging to God, and at last to bring them to the perdition of their souls by deadly cunning, are damnably risen up under a feigned pretence of holiness, being led into a reprobate sense, and do greatly err from the way of truth," &c. therefore, having determined to use all our endeavours, and to employ all our care, as we are bound by the duty of our pastoral charge, to root up and extirpate such a detestable sect, and the foresaid execrable errors, that they may not spread farther, and that the hearts of believers may not be damnably perverted from the Catholic Church; and to repress such rash undertakings, and having special confidence in the Lord concerning your learning, &c. have thought good to constitute you at this time, for the cause of

"We,