Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - An Account of the Persecutions in the Marquisate of Saluces

In the Marquisate of Saluces, a region near the valleys of Piedmont principally inhabited by Protestants, persecution began in A.D. 1561. This initial persecution was started by the marquis, who was the proprietor at the time, and was instigated by the pope.The marquis's persecution primarily targeted the ministers. He began by banishing them. If ministers refused to leave their flocks, they were imprisoned and severely tortured. Notably, the marquis did not put any to death at this stage.Soon after, the Marquisate fell into the possession of the Duke of Savoy. The Duke's approach to persecution was different. He initially sent circular letters expecting everyone to "conform to go to Mass".After a period without immediate interruption, the Duke issued an "unexpected edict" giving a strict ultimatum: the Protestants "must either conform to the Mass, or leave his dominions in fifteen days". Remonstrances were in vain; the edict was absolute.This led to varied outcomes: some conformed to avoid banishment and preserve property, others removed to different countries with their effects, many who delayed lost their belongings and left in haste. However, the most severe fate befell those who "unhappily stayed behind" and did not conform: they were "seized, plundered, and put to death", a consequence not seen under the marquis.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed