Shortly afterwards, in the year 1559, the most bloody persecution broke out against the Waldenses which had yet taken place, in their valleys. The French government had left the valleys under the dominion of Savoy; and the young regent of Savoy, Emanuel Philibert, sent Count Della Trinita, and the Inquisitor-Greneral Jacoma, to convert the people, or to baptize them in blood. In consequence of this, Auto da fes took place, and atrocities which make the blood run cold. One honest man, named Corbis, a member of the commission, who had been sent to the valleys on this business, gave up his post because he could no longer be the witness of these horrors.
Whilst the Waldenses fought against their oppressors, or were bleeding under their hands, they continued to present incessantly the most deeply submissive prayers to their Duke, whom they could not believe, desired that they should be so treated, because they had always been obedient subjects, and had always worshiped God according to the teaching of their fathers and of the most ancient church.
During these wars, two men especially distinguished themselves amongst the Waldenses, “Jahel and Janavel,” who often performed miracles of bravery. At length they two fell before the sword. Just above
and Greek, accomplished the work in two years and a half. The poor Waldenses contributed two hundred crowns in gold towards the cost of printing this work. This translation of the Bible became an evangelical bond between them and their brethren in the faith in Switzerland. Calvin said, on this subject, “The French Reformation is now in its stronghold, and will not more be driven thence!”—Author's Note.
