Great Persecution in Germany of the Anabaptist Waldenses, in the Year 1231

The decrees mentioned above against the Christians called Waldenses, issued by Emperor Frederic the Second, were not long without their influence and effect; for in the following year, 1231, a severe persecution arose in Germany over the innocent lambs of Christ, who kept themselves hidden in quietness, and who were informed against and brought to light, through the rack and in other ways. The result was that many of them, continuing steadfastly and immovably in their belief, were burnt to death, and so, having commended their souls to God, offered up an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God.

The following may serve as a confirmation of this account

Abraham Bzovius relates, from a fragmentary history by an unknown author, that in the year 1231 a great persecution arose in Germany against the so-called heretics, who kept themselves hidden in great numbers among the papists, in cities, castles and villages, and brought over to their belief all whom they could turn from their faith; many of whom were arrested and convicted in the presence of the clergy and the people, and that they held the belief of the Waldenses.

He writes further that "Brother Conrad of Marpurg, a monk of the Dominican order, punished those who were convicted of heresy according to the manner prescribed by the ecclesiastical ordinances, namely, with fire." Abr. Bzov., volume 13, Annal. Baron., in the year 1232, Article 7. Also in the second book of the History of the Persecutions, folio 466, columns 3 and 4. [n447-1]

"The Waldenses," writes P. J. Twisck, "suffered severe persecution at this time from the papists; and though they sought to hide themselves in wildernesses, mountains and deep valleys, yet their schools were discovered, their assemblies broken up, and all of them cruelly killed, especially in the bishopric of Treves; and this state of things lasted three years." Chron., page 546, column 2. [n447-2]

NOTE. From this account of P. J. Twisck it appears that the persecution mentioned above had already begun in the year 1230, just when the decrees of Emperor Frederic the Second had been issued, and that it continued for three years, namely, to the close of the year 1233; during which time no doubt very many believers perished, of whom we will mention a few that we have met with.