CONCERNING THESE MARTYRS, ACCORDING TO THE ACCOUNT OF TRITHEMIUS.
The papist Trithemius says: “There were further, in Austria, in different places, very many burnt alive at this time (namely, A. D. 1315), all of whom unanimously, yet obstinately (we say steadfastly), continued with great joy, unto death. Trith. in Chron. Hirsaug., and Chron. Sponh., same year.
WHAT P. J. TWISCK HAS WRITTEN CONCERNING THIS.
In Austria, near Passau, a great number of the Waldenses or believers were apprehended for their religion, and publicly burned alive in the city of Crema, adhering steadfastly to their faith, and evincing in the midst of the flames, that the death and pain which they suffered for the honor of God, and the truth, were sweet to them. Chron., p. 657, col. 1, from Henr. Boxh., fol. 27. Phil. Marnix Tafer., fol. 141.
Note.—Immediately after the account of the martyrs, noticed for the year 1315, the same author speaks of their teacher, their great number, and comfortful martyrdom; for, after saying, that to many of them death and pain were sweet, he adds these words: “Which, among others, appeared also in the case of their teacher, called Lolhard, who confessed in his trial, that in the countries of Austria and Bohemia alone he could find eighty thousand persons who were one with him in religion.” Chron., page 657, col. 2, taken from the writers cited.
Note.—These are the same people whose confession relative to baptism, the swearing of oaths, and other articles, we have shown to accord well with that of the Anabaptists. Concerning this, see our account of the orthodox faith for the fourteenth century, year 1315, and the testimonies adduced there.
MANY PERSONS CALLED WALDENSES MARTYRED AT STEYER, IN AUSTRIA, AND GREAT NUMBERS OF THEM BURNT FOR THE FAITH, AT ZUIDENITZ, IN POLAND, A. D. 1315.
Matthias Flaccius Illyricus (Catal. Test. Verit., lib. 19, Tit. Stier.) declares to have heard from the the lips of Michael Stifelius, that in a certain monastery, in the city of Steyer, situated between Austria and Bavaria, three large books containing the confessions and examinations of very many persons who had departed in belief from the Roman church, were found.
I presume, says Illyricus, they were Waldenses, a great number of whom were formerly scattered not only in Austria and all Germany, but also throughout all the countries of Europe.
“And truly,” says a certain author, “Illyricus is not mistaken in his conjecture.” In the meantime he calls them martyrs, but does not state in what their martyrdom consisted, or with what death they confirmed the power of their faith. See the large Book of Christian Martyrs, fol. 479, col. 3, 4.