The inquisition of which we gave an account in the first book, for the year 1492, continued against the orthodox believers, as is firmly believed, even until this time; so that many who were subjected to the same, and remained steadfast, had to suffer themselves to be put to death; who, in the sight of God, came to an honorable, but in the eyes of the world, a shameful and not less miserable end, but who shall hereafter, with Christ their Savior (who herein preceded them), be clothed with everlasting honor and joy, yea, be crowned as victorious kings in the heavenly Zion, according to his promise: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10.
Concerning the beginning of this inquisition see the first book, for the year 1492, and how the same continued until this time and long after, compare _Hist. Georg., lib. 6. Pieter Bor, lib. 3. Orsprong der Nederlandtsche Beroerten, fol. 9–12. Tooneel Nicol., fol. 87. Guil. Merulae, Tract. 9, 47. Eman. van Met._ (old edition), _fol. 40. Retuald Gonsalv., in de H. Spanish Inquisition_ throughout. _Hist. Wenc., fol. 187. Chron. Phil. Mel., lib. 5. Hist. Alons. de Vlb., lib. 2_, with _Chron. van Ondergang, page 899, col. 1, 2, page 900, col. 1, 2_.
That the old Waldenses, or orthodox believers, whose sound confession we have shown elsewhere, were now severely oppressed and persecuted in Hungary; insomuch that they were necessitated to deliver a defense of their faith against the unfounded accusations on account of which they suffered persecution, to Uladislaus, King of Bohemia, we have partly shown in the Account of Holy Baptism, for the year 1507, and it is confirmed by H. Boxhorn, in his tract concerning this matter, _fol. 27_; compared with _P. J. Twisck, Chron., page 930, col. 2_.
ANOTHER PERSECUTION OF THESE PEOPLE IN THE PRINCIPALITY OF MECKLENBURG, NEAR MOOREN, A. D. 1509.
_A. D. 1509_, old writers state, that the aforementioned old Waldenses, on account of the envy of the Pope and papists, could no longer enjoy their liberty in confessing and practicing their true belief, in the principality of Mecklenburg, near Mooren. _See the last mentioned chronicle, page 937, col. 2, ex Catal. Test., fol. 902._
NOTE.--_A. D. 1509._--At this time, Nicholas Rus vigorously taught and wrote against the Pope, saying: 1. That letters of indulgence were nothing but subtle deceptions to rob the plain and simple people of their money. 2. That the Pope does not have as much power as people suppose. 3. That the Popes, cardinals, bishops, and prelates were leading lascivious lives, etc. 4. That saints ought not to be invoked.[223] This Nicholas had many hearers in the principality of Mecklenburg, but from necessity, because of the papists, was soon compelled to leave the place. He went to Wismar, but there also he had no abiding place. See the authors last mentioned, for the year 1509.
[223] This fourth article the writers enumerate as the third.
_A. D. 1510._--Bernhard Liblinensis taught and wrote at this time: 1. That it is impossible that the whole world should obey a single man, as is the Pope. 2. That the popes themselves were not of one mind; for the one prohibits that which another has instituted to be observed. 3. That therefore it is sufficient to believe in Christ, and to obey him alone. _Chron. van den Ondergang, page 939, col. 2_, compared with _Catal. Test., fol. 911_. However, what befell him as punishment from the Pope on this account, is not stated.
_A. D. 1512._--John Picus, John Hilton, and others, vigorously spoke at this time against the abuses of popery, severely reproving their (the Popes) life, deeds, and doctrine. However, what they suffered because of this, is not indicated. See the last mentioned chronicle, _page 946, col. 1_; also, _Joh. Munst., fol. 203, 204_.