EPISTOLA

...status, their assemblies were illustrious and conspicuous. They gained that authority for themselves, first, through the eminence and dignity of their followers. For many of the high-ranking nobles adhered to them: Raymond, Count of Toulouse and Saint-Gilles original: "Raimundus Comes Tolosæ & S. Ægidii", a cousin of the King of France; Raymond Roger, Count of Béziers and Carcassonne; Peter Roger, the Lord of Gabaret; Raymond of Foix original: "Raimundus Fuxensis", a relative of the King of Aragon; Gaston, Prince of Béarn; the Count of Bigorre; the Lady of Lavaur; the Count of Carman; Raymond of Termes; Aimery of Montréal; William of Minerve; and countless others distinguished by the nobility of their lineage. Most notably, the King of Aragon and the Counts of Toulouse provided them with protection, leading Rainier Saccho original: "Rainerus"; a 13th-century Inquisitor and former member of the sect to write: There was no one who dared to hinder them because of the power and the multitude of their supporters.

Second, they were respected for their knowledge of the sacred scriptures, which they had acquired for themselves through constant reading, whereas on the contrary the Papal doctors suffered in the eyes of all from the infamy of ignorance; on this matter, one should consult the extensive notes of Jacques de Ribier original: "Jacobus de Rebiria" in the cited place. Third, they were known for their untiring industry in teaching and learning, praise which Rainier likewise attributes to them. Fourth, for the constancy in the profession of their faith and their endurance in sustaining persecutions.

For although, at the instigation of the Roman Pontiff, the Princes and Great Lords competed in venting their rage through horrific persecutions against the Waldensians, and left nothing undone in the way of extreme cruelty, the people could not be moved by any dangers, threats, or tortures to turn away from the truth they had recognized from the Holy Scriptures. Because of this, Pietro della Vigna original: "Petrus de Vineis", the Chancellor to Emperor Frederick II, calls them in his letters followers who are prodigal of life and careless of death; he adds: what is in itself most harsh is that even those who survive are not deterred by the example; they desire to be burned alive in the sight of men. Pope Innocent III promised the same Indulgences Indulgences: Remissions of temporal punishment for sin, here offered as a reward for fighting in a crusade. to those who would invade the Albigensians original: "Albienses" in war as he did to those who went to fight the Saracens; the very money that had been designated for a holy war against the sworn enemies of the Christian name, he diverted toward the slaughter of the Waldensians. Nor...