During the 16th and 17th centuries tens of thousands of martyrs sealed their faith with their blood; and some who sought to flee across the mountains for refuge were hunted as if wild beasts to be killed.

The Huguenots and the Camisards in France were people subjected to severe suffering because of persecution; but God took note of their plight and abundantly blessed them with His Presence. Signs and wonders were wrought among them in a manner not known since the time of the early church. The Spirit of God miraculously led and protected numbers of these people in time of peril. And upon some of them, it is recorded that God poured out His Spirit and baptized them with the Holy Ghost.