Required reading
The Protector: A vindication by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 12 (Defender of the faith).
My summary
Today we continue to hear about the influence of Cromwell on other countries, but this time the focus in on his religious influence.
In particular, Cromwell supported his persecuted Protestant brothers in Europe by providing monetary aid and also threats of military support to their persecutors. This was most evident to the Waldenses involved with the Piedmont massacre
But we also learn about similar support given to:
(i) Geneva;
(ii) Portugal;
(iii) France;
(iv) Switzerland;
(v) Germany;
(vi) Austria.
Moreover, we learn of Cromwell's plans to create a European council for the protection of Protestants.
What grabbed me
Horrifying to read of the Piedmont massacre: 'Early in 1655 an order was sent from the court of Turin to the heads of the reformed families dwelling at La Torre, the little capital of the Vaudois, enjoining them to quit their homes within three days, and retire with their families to certain districts that were assigned them. They were also required to prove within the space of twenty days, either that they had themselves become Romanists or had sold their property to Catholics. Many hundreds of families were compelled to flee in the midst of the rigors of winter. In the spring an army of 15,000 men entered their valleys. Twenty-two villages were reduced to ashes ; aged people of both sexes were burnt in their houses ; the men were hewn in pieces ; the women were impaled naked ; children were torn from their mothers' arms, and their brains dashed out against the rocks. One hundred and fifty females were beheaded, and their heads were used in a game at bowls.'
All with papal support! How could anyone who claims to represent God allow, let alone support, such brutality?
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 13 (The kingship).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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