Abstract
This broadsheet explores a common theme in anti-Jesuit polemics. It
depicts a Jesuit who has disguised himself as a devil in order to
convert a Protestant maid. His attempt fails, however, and he is stabbed
to death. According to the text, this event occurred in Augsburg in
1569. The Jesuits (actually Societas
Jesu) were a Catholic order founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola.
Members of this order not only took vows of poverty, abstinence, and
obedience, they also took a special “papal vow,” which identified them
as particularly loyal to the Pope. Aside from missionary work, the
Jesuits devoted themselves to education, and Jesuit schools and
universities exist to this day. During the Counterreformation, they were
actively involved in reconverting Protestant communities to Catholicism.
They enjoyed particular success in Poland.