The History of the Holy War, Book 3 · Chapter 19
Chap. 19. The beginning of the Albingenses; Their dispersion, persecution, increase, names, and nicknames.
ABout the yeare 1160, Peter Waldo a merchant of Lyons, rich in substance and learning (for a lay-man) was walking and talking with his friends, when one of them suddenly fell down dead. Which lively spectacle of mans mortality so impressed the soul of this Waldo, that instantly he resolved on a strict reformation of his life: Which to his power he performed; translating some books of the Bible; instructing such as resorted to him in godlinesse of life; teaching withall, That Purgatorie, Masses, dedication of Temples, worshipping of Saints, prayers for the dead, were inventions of the devil, and snares of avarice; That Monkery was a stinking carrion, the Church of Rome the whore of Babylon, the Pope that Antichrist Paramount: He sharply lanced the vitious ulcers of Clergie-mens lives, reproving their pride and luxury. Soon got he many followers, both because novelty is a forcible loadstone, and because he plentifully relieved his poore disciples; and those that use that trade shall never want custome.
The Archbishop of Lyons hearing such doctrines broched as were high treason against the Triple crown, ferreted Waldo and his sectaries out of Lyons and the countrey thereabouts. But persecution is the bellows of their Gospel, to blow every spark into a flame. This their division proved their multiplication. Some fled into the Alpes, living there on so steep hills, and in so deep holes, that their enemies were afraid to climbe or dive after them. Here they had the constant company of the snow: And as it by the height of the hills was protected from the sun-beams, so they from the scorching of persecution, even to Luthers time. Others fled into Picardy, Flanders, England, Alsatia, Bohemia, *Matth. Paris. in Hen. 3. in anno 1213Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungaria, and whither not? the perfume of the Popes presence not keeping this supposed vermine out of Italy it self. Many of them were cruelly massacred, five and thirty Burgesses of Mayence burned at Bingen in one fire, eighteen at Mayence, fourescore at Strassburg at the instance of the Bishop thereof. But Martyrs ashes are the best compost to manure the Church: for others were wonne to their opinion, by beholding their constancie and patience. Strange that any should fall in love with that profession, whose professours were so miserable! But truth hath alwayes a good face, though often but bad clothes.
They were called by sundry names; Sometimes from the places where they lived: As from Albigeois, Tholose, Lyons, Picardy, Bohemia; Albingenses, Tholousians, Lyonists, Picards, Bohemians. Sometimes from their principall pastour: As from Waldo, Joseph, Henry, Esperon, Arnold; Waldenses, Josephists, Henricians, Esperonites, Arnoldists. In England they were termed Lolards, from *Io. Paul. Perin. Hist. Waldens. lib. 1. cap. 3.Lolard their teacher; not as some Friar descanteth, quasi Lolium in areâ Domini. It appeareth not whether they were thus called of others, or called themselves. But grant the latter: and if any object, That they seemed ashamed of Christ their first godfather, who gave them the name of Christians, thus to denominate themselves from their teachers; I answer, It is the same the Papists do, calling themselves Benedictines, Dominicanes, Franciscanes, &c. from the founders of their Order.
They had also nick-names; called, First, Poore men of Lyons: not because they chose to be poore, but could not choose but be poore, being stripped out of all their goods: And why should the Friars glory be this peoples shame? they mocking at poverty in others, which they count meritorious in themselves. Secondly, Patarenians; that is, Sufferers, whose backs were anvils for others to beat on. Thirdly, Turlupins; that is, Dwellers with wolves, (and yet might they be Gods sheep) being forced to flee into woods. Fourthly, likewise they were called Sicars; that is, Cut-purses. Fifthly, Fraterculi; that is, Shifters. Sixthly, Insabbatha; that is, Observers of no sabbath. Seventhly, Pasagenes; that is, Wanderers. As also Arians, Manicheans, Adamites (how justly will appear afterwards.) Yea, scarce was there an arrow in all the quiver of malice which was not shot at them.