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Bresse et al. + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: L'Histoire Des Vaudois + From Authentic Details of the Valdenses + +Author: J. Bresse et al. + +Release Date: January 17, 2012 [EBook #38601] +Last Updated: January 25, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK L'HISTOIRE DES VAUDOIS *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + AUTHENTIC DETAILS OF THE VALDENSES + </h1> + <h3> + MILNER'S CHURCH HISTORY OF THE VALDENSES, IN PIEMONT AND OTHER COUNTRIES + </h3> + <h2> + WITH ABRIDGED TRANSLATIONS OF<br /><br /> "L'HISTOIRE DES VAUDOIS" + </h2> + <h2> + By J. Bresse + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + Illustrated by Etchings + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + "Vous etes de nos peres que nous ne connaissons pas." <br /><br /> Reply of + a Vaudois peasant to an Englishman. + </h3> + <h3> + 1827. + </h3> + <blockquote> + <p> + "The Waldenses are the middle link which connects the primitive + Christians and fathers with the reformed, and by their means the proof + is completely established; that salvation by the grace of Christ, felt + in the heart and expressed in the life by the power of the Holy Ghost, + has ever existed, from the time of the Apostles to this day, and that it + is a doctrine marked by the cross, and distinct from all that religion + of mere form or convenience, or of human invention, which calls itself + Christian, but which wants the spirit of Christ." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + CHARLES, LORD BISHOP OF LLANDAFF, THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED BY PERMISSION, + WITH AN EARNEST HOPE, THAT THE CAUSE OF PURE CHRISTIANITY, AND THE + DISTRESS OF HER PROFESSORS IN A DISTANT COUNTRY, MAY OBTAIN SOME + ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM ONE MORE HUMBLE EFFORT TOWARDS THEIR SUPPORT. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_4_0001"> HISTORICAL DETAILS OF THE PAST SUFFERINGS + OF THE VALDENSES, </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_4_0002"> <b>ABRIDGED TRANSLATION OF THE HISTORY OF + THE VAUDOIS BY J. BRESSE</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_NOTE"> NOTES TO PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_4_0005"> HISTORY OF THE VAUDOIS. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_PART1"> <b>PART THE FIRST.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. DESCRIPTION OF THE VAUDOIS + VALLEYS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. NAME OF THE VAUDOIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. ANTIQUITY OF THE VAUDOIS FAITH + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. ANTIQUITY AND PURITY OF THE + VAUDOIS DOCTRINE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. MANNERS OF THE VAUDOIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. ON THE DISCIPLINE OF THE + VAUDOIS CHURCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. OF THE BARBES OR PASTORS </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_PART2"> <b>PART THE SECOND.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0008"> CHAPTER I. THE VAUDOIS QUIT THE VALLEYS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0009"> CHAPTER II. THE REFORMATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0010"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0011"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0012"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0013"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0014"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0015"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0016"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0017"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklink2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linklinkillust"> <b>ETCHINGS</b> </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linklink2H_4_0001" id="linklink2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HISTORICAL DETAILS OF THE PAST SUFFERINGS OF THE VALDENSES, AND OF THE + STATE OF THESE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS IN PIEDMONT AND OTHER COUNTRIES + </h2> + <p> + After the late interesting publications of Allix, Jones, Gilly, Acland, + and other writers, it may appear at the present time somewhat + presumptuous, as well as unnecessary, to lay before the public any further + details connected with the history of these excellent and primitive + Christians; but as some of the Vaudois manuscripts and works are very + scarce, and but little known in England, more particularly those of + Peyran, Henri Arnaud, and Bresse, it may be desirable (even under the + certainty of many repetitions) to give some short extracts from these + curious documents, if only with the view and under the hope of keeping + alive in the breasts of the people of this favoured isle that charitable + zeal, which has again manifested itself, and is of such vital importance + to the political and religious welfare of our noble though impoverished + protestant brethren. + </p> + <p> + As the Valdenses most evidently are a part of the dispersed flock of the + original Church of Christ, it becomes a matter of the highest interest to + trace out their history from the earliest periods, and to observe how + sedulously under the severest persecutions they have not only upheld their + faith in its own purity and truth, but how gloriously they have continued + to resist the growing corruptions of the Romish faith. + </p> + <p> + Scattered over the face of the earth, we find almost every where these + primitive Christians under the various denominations given to them-of + Cathari, or "the Pure," Paulicians, Petrobusians, Puritans, Leonists, + Lollards, Henricians, Josephists, Patarines, Fraticelli, Insabati, + Piphles, Toulousians, Albigenses, Lombardists, Bulgarians, Bohemian + brethren, Barbets, Walloons, &c. + </p> + <p> + We not only find many colonies of these people in the eastern and western + parts of Europe, but even in Africa and America, whither they emigrated to + escape from oppression and massacre. + </p> + <p> + After the most cruel and wanton persecutions, we observe this oppressed + people reduced in number by barbarous massacres, and at length driven out + of their own purchased territories, because they would not submit to + innovations and changes in their established religion; but in a few years + we again find a remnant of them under their pastor, Henri Arnaud, led back + into their native country almost in a miraculous manner to expel their + savage oppressors, thousands of whom fled before this reduced but noble + band of self-taught warriors. + </p> + <p> + Many refugees took up their abode in the Rhetian Alps, and a great number, + after various edicts, were allowed to settle in the Duchy of Wirtemberg, + where some of them were visited by the writer of these pages, for the + express purpose of inquiring into their wants and privileges. + </p> + <p> + Before the days of Wickliffe, and other reformers, we can trace the + Vaudois by their sufferings; they were branded and burnt as heretics, + because they would not conform to the doctrines of men, and the edicts of + the Roman pontiffs: their steady adherence to the principles of their own + faith, and obedience to the will of their Creator, rendered them + instrumental to the reformation, which afterwards took place, and by + which, in this country, the pure religion of our ancestors was restored. + It is even probable that this separated flock of true worshippers are to + be the means, under heavenly guidance, of not only preserving, but also + diffusing, the light of the gospel and its healing beams over the most + remote parts of the earth. + </p> + <p> + 251 A.D. It would appear that the title of Cathari, or "<i>the Pure</i>," + was first given to the followers of Novation, a Romish pastor, who set the + example of resisting the early corruptions of the Papal dominion, and that + Puritan churches existed in Italy upwards of 200 years. + </p> + <p> + 590 Nine Bishops rejected the communion of the Pope, as heretical, and + this schism, we are told by another author, began even in the year 553. + </p> + <p> + 604 On the death of Pope Gregory, Boniface III. styled himself "universal + Bishop," and the worship of images became general; but long before this + period, in the fourth century, Socrates the historian speaks of the + Novations having churches at Constantinople, Nice, Nicomedia, and Coticæus + in Phrygia, &c. as well as a church at Carthage, the doctrines and + discipline of which, we find that Dionysius, Bishop of' Alexandria, and + Fabius, Bishop of Antioch, approved of. + </p> + <p> + 660 Some persons have supposed that the Valdenses have derived their name + from Petro Valdo, but Reinerius Sacco, an inquisitor who lived 80 years + after Valdo of Lyons, admits that they flourished 500 years before the + time of this celebrated reformer, i. e. about the year 660. Some of these + Valdenses, like the Novations, we find called Puritans, or Gathari; when + Paulinus, Bishop of Aquilæia, and other Italian Bishops, condemned the + decrees of the second Council of Nice, which had confirmed image worship. + </p> + <p> + 817 Claude, Bishop of Turin, (and of the Vallies of Piedmont inhabited by + the Valdenses,) was zealous against this idolatrous practice, and bears + witness that the gospel was preserved amongst these mountaineers in its + native purity and glorious light. Genebrand and Rorenco (Roman Catholic + writers) have owned that the Patarines* and inhabitants of Piedmont + preserved the opinions of Claude during the ninth and tenth centuries. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Patarines, so called from Pataria, a place near Milan, + where those Vaudois who took part with the Bishop of Milan + against the Roman Pontiff, Nicholas II., held communion + together. See the Sermon of Archbishop Wake, preached for + the relief of the Vaudois, A.D. 1669, at St. James's + Westminster. +</pre> + <p> + 1026 Thus before 1026, and 500 years previous to our own reformation, says + Dr. Allix, we discover a body of men called Patarines, Valdenses, or + Cathari, whose belief was contrary to the doctrines of the See of Rome. In + 1040, the Patarines were very numerous at Milan, (Voltaire speaks of them + in his General History, 1100 chap. 69.) In 1100, the Valdenses became well + known by the "Noble Leycon," and another work, entitled "Qual Cosa Sia + l'Antichrist." + </p> + <p> + 1140 A little before this year, Everrinus (of Stamfield, diocese of + Cologne) addressed a letter to the famous St. Bernard, in which is the + following passage:—"There have lately been some heretics amongst us, + but they were seized by the people in their zeal and burnt to death, these + people in Germany are called Cathari; in Flanders, Piphles; and in France, + Tisserands." Towards the middle of the twelfth century, a small body of + these Valdenses, called Puritans and Paulicians, came from Germany, and + 1159 were persecuted in England. Some being burnt at Oxford, Gerard their + teacher answered for them, that they were Christians, but Henry the Second + ordered them in 1166 to be branded with an hot iron, and whipped through + the streets. Thirteen Valdensian families had certainly emigrated to + England about this period. + </p> + <p> + 1178 Gretzer the Jesuit (who published the book of Reinerius) admits that + the Toulousians and Albigenses condemned in 1178 were no other 1181 than + the Valdenses. In the decree of Pope Lucius III. against them, they are + called Catharists, Josephists, and Heretics. Another decree was made + against them in 1194, by Ildefonsus, King of Arragon: and Bale, in his old + Chronicle of London, mentions "one 1210 burnt to death tainted with the + faith of the Valdenses." + </p> + <p> + 1215 Council of Lateran against Heretics. + </p> + <p> + 1230 to 1350 Supressio in France + </p> + <p> + 1240 Some further territory in Piedmont was about this time purchased and + paid for by the Valdenses, to the amount of 6000 ducatoons. + </p> + <p> + 1259 The Patarine Church of Albi (in France) whence these Vaudois were + called Albigenses, consisted of 500 members, that of Concorezzo more than + 1500, and of Bagnolo 200. The Bishop of Vercelli complained much of these + people, whom he denominated Cathari and Patarines. The English, at the + time they had possession of Guienne (in 1210), began to help the + Valdenses, who stood forth to defend their faith, headed by Walter and + Raymond Lollard. + </p> + <p> + 1322 According to Clark's Martyrology (page 111), we find Walter was burnt + at Cologne in 1322: which was two years before the birth of Wickliffe. A + cotemporary historian says, that "in a few years half the people of + England became Lollards." And Newton, in his Dissertation on the + Prophecies, (1 vol. 4to. page 631,) says, "part of the Wal-denses took + refuge in Britain." Even Theo. Beza says, "as for the Valdenses, I may be + permitted to call them the seed of the primitive and pure Christian + church." + </p> + <p> + 1400 In 1400 began the first severe persecution against the Vaudois, on + account of their faith, which may be found related by Bresse, together + with their subsequent misfortunes, down to the era of the treaty of + Pignerolo in 1655, the most interesting details of which history are + translated and abridged in another part of this work. + </p> + <p> + 1685 The Duke of Savoy, at the instigation of Louis XIVth, revoked his + promises, and the following year condemned 14,000 Vaudois to the prisons + of Turin, the rest either fled or became Catholics. By the intercessions + of the Protestant countries, these miserable prisoners were released, but + their numbers by hardships and cruelty were reduced to 3000, who took + refuge in Switzerland and 1687 elsewhere, in 1687; from whence a part of + them effected that intrepid return into their own Vallies, so well + described by their Colonel and Pastor, Henri Arnaud, in "La Rentree + Glorieuse" of 1689. + </p> + <p> + 1698 Eight years after they were again exiled to the number of 3000, in + consequence of an article in the treaty between France and Savoyin 1698: + these were the same who with the veteran Arnaud amongst them, took refuge + in Germany, and were solemnly received as subjects to the Duke of + Wirtemberg, with the promise of the free exercise of their religion for + ever. + </p> + <p> + 1797 The pension from England, which had been granted by Cromwell, and + confirmed by Queen Anne, was this year discontinued. + </p> + <p> + 1799 A body of Vaudois from Wirtemberg emigrated to America, and joined + those 1600, who, in Arnaud's time, had settled near Philadelphia. + </p> + <p> + 1800 Piedmont fell under the yoke of France. + </p> + <p> + 1814 The King of Sardinia restored to his throne, refused to grant any + privileges to the Vaudois beyond those they enjoyed before the French + revolution. + </p> + <p> + 1825 Present state of the Vaudois, as described in the Letters now + published, &c. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_4_0002" id="linklink2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ABRIDGED TRANSLATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE VAUDOIS + </h2> + <h3> + By J. Bresse + </h3> + <p> + Minister of the Walloon Church <a name="linklink2H_PREF" + id="linklink2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not + charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I + have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; + and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not + charity, I am nothing: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, + and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity it profiteth + me nothing. Charity suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth not, + vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, + seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth + not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth + all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth, + but whether there be prophecies they shall fail, whether there be tongues, + they shall cease, whether there be knowledge it shall vanish away. And now + abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three, but the greatest of these + is charity." + </p> + <p> + But the greatest of these is charity! What words are these which I have + just quoted? Christians, of all countries, of all sects, and of all + communions! do you recognize in them the religion of your hearts? You do, + or you are but hypocrites, and no true friends to the gospel. + </p> + <p> + O ye senseless fanatics! who have dared for ages, to divide, inflame, and + overturn the world; to arm son against father, and brother against sister, + for the sake of opinions, not necessary to their happiness, or at best of + little importance. Ye persecutors, who beneath the veil of a religion, + whose essence is charity, have believed that homage was to be rendered to + your Creator, by immolating human victims on his altars, and committing + the most horrible atrocities. Ye, who make religion consist in vain + ceremonies, and the gospel a rampart for the defence of your base + interests, come forward before the tribunal of charity, and if it be yet + possible, let this admirable sentence penetrate your hearts. "Now abideth + faith, hope, and charity; these three, but the greatest of these is + charity!" Try every action of your life by this sentence of the apostle. + And as the pilot has ever before his eyes the compass to direct his course + through the ocean, let this sublime picture of charity be the invariable + rule of your actions and opinions, and the very soul of your whole + conduct. Far from me be those useless distinctions of sects and parties, + by which some would excuse the sin of intolerance, and the fury of + fanaticism: for me, there exist neither Protestants, nor Catholics, nor + Lutherans, nor Calvinists, nor Moravians, nor Anabaptists; I own to no + other title, than that of Christian; no other religion than that of + Christianity. Every man who practices its duties is my brother, whatever + may be his particular opinions. It would be easy to demonstrate that this + reasoning is derived immediately, from the fundamental maxims of the + gospel; and the evils which a contrary belief have occasioned, prove that + it is of the greatest importance. No true Christian can deny this, since + it is confirmed by every line of his code. But who is a true Christian? He + who lives in charity; / he who practises it as did St. Paul. This is the + true touchstone of our religion. He who shrinks from this test bears it + not, is not a Christian. "He is nothing," to use the words of the Apostle. + </p> + <p> + It is upon these principles that I beg all that I have advanced in the + history of the Vaudois may be judged. If I have expressed myself warmly + against their enemies, it is only when they have violated the first duties + of Christianity; then I neither wish or ought to spare them, for truth, in + the judgment of an honest man, is one and immutable. He ought to purchase + it, to use the words of the gospel, to publish and defend it, at the price + of all he has in the world. I have nothing to do with Catholicism, but + with the excesses which Catholics have committed. If I have anathematized + the ministers of the Inquisition, it is because so execrable an + establishment does not exist under heaven. The sun may well have withdrawn + his light in horror, when he first illuminated the dark and bloody walls + of this abominable tribunal! And they dare to assert that it is + established for the propagation of the Christian faith. What a horrible + blasphemy is this! We may ask of the most ardent partizans of the + Propaganda,* whether Jesus had recourse to an Inquisition? if the Apostles + used such a means of extending their doctrine, or proving the faith of + their brethren? Did the first preachers use tortures to force men to adopt + their creed? Did not Jesus, himself say to those who remained with him, + when others fled—"And ye! will ye also go away?"** Is this the + expression of a persecutor? or can the infernal rules of the Inquisition + be founded upon the feelings which dictated this question? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The College of Propaganda fide, in Rome, is synonymous + with the Italian Inquisition. + + ** John, chap. vi. ver. 67. +</pre> + <p> + Nay! is there in the whole of the sacred Scriptures, one single line or + word which can excuse persecution for the sake of religion? If there is, + let it be produced, and I will on the instant make full reparation to this + host of executioners and fanatics. But if the precepts of Christianity + tend to recommend to us the love of God and of our brethren, it follows + that the Inquisitors and their adherents, have been Christians in name + only, and that their conduct has tended to the discredit of true religion + and greatly injured the cause of Christ; for light and darkness are not + more different than a true Christian, and a bigoted fanatic. I have more + than once remarked, in the course of my history, that we should rather + accuse the Inquisition, than the House of Savoy of the atrocities + committed on the Vaudois. If the latter deserves censure, it is for want + of courage to oppose the perfidious and criminal instigations of this + bloody tribunal. The frightful tyranny of Rome, at that time, may be + considered as an excuse; and our history will show to what excesses the + anti-christian policy of that proud court was led. And as the picture of + such cruelty is disgusting, it will be pleasing to turn from it to the + mildness which reigns in the present government.... + </p> + <p> + It is for the Vaudois youth that I have undertaken this work, though I + trust that those of more mature age may find it both interesting and + instructive: it will recall to their minds anecdotes of their ancestors, + which their fathers have often repeated to them; and their deepest + feelings must be excited at the recollection of their forefathers, who + have fallen beneath the axe of fanaticism for the sake of the gospel. The + families of Mondons, Arnauds, Legers, Janavels, and many others still + existing will read with emotion the exploits of their virtuous ancestors; + their children will pronounce with reverence these names which have been + an honour to our country; they will learn to repeat the most remarkable + passages of our history. Enjoying from their earliest years the light of + the gospel, their zeal will be inflamed by the sublime sentiments such + examples inspire; and their first ambitious desires will be to imitate + them. How well Shall I be rewarded for my labour, if such be the effect of + this work; the most ardent wish of my heart will have been accomplished, + and I shall not have lived in vain. + </p> + <p> + Here let me repeat what I have said in my prospectus. The history of the + Vaudois occupies, perhaps, the most interesting point of time in Christian + history. Confined amidst the mountains of Piedmont, adjoining Dauphiné, + they have there preserved the Christian doctrine and worship in + evangelical purity and simplicity, whilst the most profound darkness + covered the rest of Europe. It is from the Apostles or their immediate + successors, that they have received the gospel, and from that time their + faith has never changed; it is now the same as it was before the + reformation. The existence of these few thousand Vaudois is therefore most + interesting to all Christian nations. Many authors have written before me, + but their works are scarce, and their style often nearly unintelligible, + from their antiquity; nor do any of their works contain a complete + history. Those to whom I have alluded in my prospectus, are Perrin, + Gilles, Leger, Arnaud, and Boyer. + </p> + <p> + Perrin wrote the "Histoire des Vaudois et Albigeois," printed at Geneva, + 1618, 2 vols. 12mo. The work only carries down the annals of the Vaudois + to 1601, and it is now extremely rare; it contains many valuable + documents, which would be sought for in vain elsewhere, as the author was + allowed to examine the manuscripts of the Synod of the Vallies. He was a + minister of the church at Lyons. + </p> + <p> + P. Gilles, pastor of the Vaudois church at La Tour, is the author of + "Histoire Ecclesiastique des églises reformées recueillies en quelques + vallées du Piémont autrefois appellées églises Vaudoises," chez de + Tournes, 1648, 1 vol. 4to.; this comprises the period from 1160 to 1643; + containing interesting annals of the persecutions in the author's time; + but the style is still less agreeable than that of Perrin. + </p> + <p> + Jean Leger's history is entitled "Histoire generate des églises + évangeliques de Piémont ou Vaudoises," printed at Leyden, 1669, 1 vol. + folio, goes as far as A.D. 1664; it is full of learning and piety, giving + many facts to be found no where else; and the interest is increased from + the circumstance of his having himself taken an important part in the + events he describes. Still he enters into those tiresome details, for + which the taste of that age is so much to be blamed. + </p> + <p> + The work of Henri Arnaud is the "Histoire de la rentrée glorieuse de nos + ancetres dans leur patrie," in 1 vol. 8vo. without date. The event he + relates occurred three years after the expulsion of the Vaudois, that is + in 1690. This is a most precious and interesting little work, for the + author himself was at the head of his countrymen, and the vivacity and + force of his narrative render it very attractive to the lovers of truth, + though it must be confessed that his style, as he says himself, in his + dedication to Queen Anne, is wanting in that polish which is so much + admired in these times. This work was originally composed in two parts, of + which the latter must have contained an account of the war between + Piedmont and France, in which the Vaudois were actively engaged; this last + part was unhappily never printed, and the manuscript remains undiscovered; + any information respecting it would be very important to the completion of + the third part of my work. Henri Arnaud died in Wirtemberg, where this + manuscript probably would be found. + </p> + <p> + The last of the Vaudois histories is by Boyer, under the title of Abrégé + de l'Histoire des Vaudois, 1 vol. 12mo., La Haye, 1691; it goes down to + 1690, and though written with judgment, is defective in many points, both + in the historical parts, and with regard to the doctrine and manners of + the Vaudois. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The author here states his obligations to Mons. Certon of + Rotterdam, pastor of the reformed church, and to some + others, from whom he had received manuscripts. He then gives + some other particulars, not interesting to the general + reader, and proceeds as above.—T. +</pre> + <p> + I pass over other histories of the Vaudois, in English and Dutch, as well + as other references to them in more general works, as for instance, + Gekendorf in his history of the reformation, Ruchat Basnage, &c. &c. + as they are probably derived from the above sources, and are only more or + less carefully compiled.... + </p> + <p> + Though I must not repeat here the evidences of the antiquity of the + Vaudois, I cannot refrain from remarking that it is from the vallies of + the Vaudois that the first sparks of that reformation have arisen, which + has drawn back a great part of Europe to the purity of the gospel. It is + extremely probable, that Calvin himself was of Vaudois origin, for there + are still several families of this name in the vallies, from whence we + believe his to have emigrated to Picardy. It is certain, that in the + preface which this great reformer prefixed to the first French bible ever + published; he acknowledges himself bound by the ties of kindred to the + translator, one of our most celebrated "barbes," or pastors, named + Olivetan, which makes it probable that Calvin had obtained from the + Vaudois the doctrine which he afterwards preached at Geneva, and + elsewhere. It is equally certain, that long before the reformation there + were many persons who followed the doctrine of the Vaudois in Germany, + Hungary, Bohemia, &c.; indeed the Vatïtiois of this last country, as + well as those of Alsace, sent their youth into our vallies to be educated + as pastors. It is known also that the celebrated Lollard who laboured with + such zeal to diffuse the Vaudois doctrines in England, was not only a + native of our vallies, but preached in them for a length of time with + great success.* We may also assert that it is by means of the Vaudois that + the reformation was introduced in the United Provinces. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The Lollard tower in London takes its name from one of the + disciples of Lollard, who in the age of intolerance was + confined there. +</pre> + <p> + The Vaudois of Provence, Languedoc, and Dauphiné also, originally sprang + from our val-lies, and when their numbers had increased greatly at Lyons, + they were persecuted by the Archbishop of that city, Jean de Belle Maison, + about 1180, and retired into Picardy, under Peter Valdo, where they + received the name of Picards. Here Philip Augustus, king of France, + resolving to extirpate them, caused 300 gentlemen's houses to be razed to + the ground, because the owners had embraced the tenets of the Vaudois. + Forced again to leave their newly found country, these Picards, or Vaudois + of Lyons, (also called poor of Lyons,) retired principally into the United + Provinces of Holland, and there spread the knowledge of the truth. It was + in the Low Countries that the Vaudois first took the name of Walloons, and + that the first confession de foi (articles of belief) was drawn up by the + celebrated martyr Guido Brez. This confession was first printed in 1561, + addressed to Philip II. of Spain, in 1562; it was confirmed by the synod + of Anvers, 1585, and finally adopted by that of Dordt. The above is + sufficient to prove that the Vaudois church is the parent of all those + which have arisen in Protestant Europe, and particularly of the churches + of the United Provinces, as well Dutch as Walloon. Why do the Roman + Catholics and the Protestants mutually hate each other? Why do they look + upon each other with harshness and severity? It is, because instead of + going to the source of their religion, the gospel itself, they content + themselves with examining those streams, of which the waters have been + rendered impure, by the admixture of human opinions: it is because they + appeal to the confessions of faith of the heads of their sect or party, + instead of seeking what really constitutes the essence of the Christian + faith, and what ought to be the rule of our faith and practice, by means + of the specific declarations of Jesus Christ and his apostles. It is + because they generally adopt self-interest for their guide, instead of + shielding themselves under that universal spirit of charity, without which + there can be no real Christianity, and because they entirely forget that + religion does not consist in words, but in virtue. + </p> + <p> + The nature of my employments, and the interest of the great cause which I + serve, have often called forth my reflections on the evils it has been my + task to describe; and however earnestly I have searched for remedies, as + well as for the discovery of their origin, my meditations have continually + brought me back to the same point. Let it be remembered that it is a + Vaudois who speaks, a Vaudois, who, like his countrymen, absolutely + recognizes no other religion than that of Christianity, and who believes + that the unhappy distinctions of Catholics, Lutherans, Reformed, + Calvinists, &c. &c., have done a thousand times more harm to the + cause of the gospel, than all the manouvres of the wicked and unbelieving. + </p> + <p> + The thing is evident as to natural religion, for in examining history, we + find that in no case has any one ever attempted to prescribe rules of + belief to others, but that each receives what nature hath taught him, and + nothing more. + </p> + <p> + Nor is there more obscurity in the point, as to revealed religion; not + that religion of which opposing sects have given such different + descriptions, but that which is to be found in the beautiful lessons of + Jesus and his apostles. It is from these alone, we must judge of + Christianity. And every one who is willing to undertake this important + examination, without prejudices, will allow that nothing is more simple, + more easy, than Christianity; and that the great truths which form its + basis, are clear enough to be within the reach of the most confined + understandings. + </p> + <p> + We must therefore conclude that many of the opinions which have so long + sown discord, and still continue to produce dissensions among Christians, + are by no means founded on points essential to Christianity; nay, the + traces of several of them are scarcely to be found in the sacred writings. + </p> + <p> + What then are the fundamental articles of our faith, of which the belief + is necessary to the character of a true Christian? Read the discourses of + Jesus and the apostles to their converts, and you will have a full answer + to the question. (See the quotations at the end of the Preface.) These + articles of belief are but few in number, and if every Christian had + religiously observed them, we should not see so many sects attacking one + another, or the disciples of the mildest of masters, hate, persecute, and + massacre each other, in the most barbarous manner. Such are the dreadful + consequences a trifling error may produce in such a case. Such is the + essence of the Christian faith, and the opinions which have been added to + it, are not only useless, but dangerous. Every Christian must render an + account of his belief to God alone, and it is his duty to found that + belief solely of the express declarations of the gospel, without attending + to the subtleties with which men have endeavoured to obscure them. The + most crafty theologian cannot find one single line in the holy scriptures, + which could give to any person or council upon earth, a right to impose a + formula of belief on others. This pretended right which the court of Rome, + and after it, so many reformed churches have wished to exercise, is no + other than a manifest usurpation, and not only of the rights of man, but + of God himself, who is our only judge, since to him alone we must all give + an account of our faith. The gospel is the sole immutable rule of faith, + and the Supreme Being has left to each person its explication, according + to his talents and advantages; since it was not his object, as some have + supposed, merely to propose to us such and such truths for our belief, but + to render us more mild, humane, modest, and virtuous; and consequently + more happy. It is for this reason that St. Paul does not hesitate to place + charity, which he calls the union of all virtues, above faith, which is + but a single act of the mind, without any merit whatever, unless it + influences our sentiments and our conduct. "And now abideth" (says the + apostle) "faith, hope, and charity, these three, but the greatest of these + is charity." + </p> + <p> + Such have ever been, and still are the principles of the Christians of our + vailles; the gospel is their sole and immutable judge; they have paid no + attention to the sects which have arisen around them; nor has any one of + them attempted to impose upon is brother his own belief, as the rule of + his faith. The words heresy and orthodoxy are almost unknown to them; nor + do they know what a dogma is, for they find not this word in the holy + scriptures, and their first rule is to adhere closely to them both in + words and deeds. + </p> + <p> + It is true that the Vaudois have departed more or less from their former + simplicity, since the reformation; they have been forced to use the books + of the reformed, and to send their youth to be educated in foreign + colleges. They use, for example, the catechism of Osterwald, because there + is no means of printing others, in the country; but I hope once more to + bring to light the catechism which our ancestors used in the twelfth + century, the original of which is in the library of Cambridge. By + substituting it for that of Osterwald, we should return to the usages of + our ancestors. To complete the desired change, it would only be necessary + to establish a small college or seminary in the vallies, for the education + of those who are intended for the church. I have now only to intreat that + it may not be taken amiss if I have laid so little stress on the + Reformation. As a Vaudois I cannot consider it of that importance, which + it is of in the eyes of the reformed, but I consider it as a revolution of + the greatest interest, both from its civil and religious effects, and that + whatever were the intentions of some of the reformers, they merit the + title of benefactors of the human race. We owe to them in great part, the + progress of science, reason, and philosophy, as well as the first + foundations of civil and political liberty, so nearly allied to religious + independence. Without them the whole of Europe might still have groaned + beneath the Papal yoke. But though they merit our gratitude, let not that + gratitude degenerate into idolatry, or allow of their opinions being + placed on an equality with the gospel. Luther, Calvin, Wickliffe, Zwingle, + OEcolampadius, &c. were but men capable of being deceived like + ourselves. Let us listen to their lessons, but remember that our sole + legislator is Jesus, and that we are wanting in respect and gratitude to + him, if we take any other title than that of Christians. Whoever thou + mayest be, reader, into whose hands this book may fall, let me recommend + to you the interests of the most consoling of all doctrines, of that + doctrine by which we are told that true religion is this,—"to visit + the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep ourselves + unspotted from the world." Allow me to exhort you to search for the + knowledge of this divine religion, only in the sacred writings, which + ought alone to be the rule and invariable compass of our course. Thus you + will bring back all the Christian sects to the standard of the gospel, and + inflame all hearts with that charity and philanthropy which form the + essence of Christianity. Thus you will render this simple but useful maxim + more dear to all mortals;—To do unto others as we would they should + do unto us. + </p> + <p> + By this means you will destroy all factions, because each member of a + state will be happy, that all those who are not enemies of the government, + should thus enjoy the same privileges. By this means you will contribute + to restore to Christianity all its splendour and its power; you will be + the benefactors of your family, of your country, of the world. The wicked + man, the bigot, and the false devotee, will hate, nay, even persecute you; + but you have only to retire beneath the shadow of your own conscience, to + render all their machinations abortive. The calm satisfaction which this + will afford you, will amply make amends for the momentary pangs which + calumny and injustice may excite in your breasts, and if ever mankind + shall recognise true merit, it is to you alone they will erect statues. + </p> + <p> + Utrecht, 4th October, 1794. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_NOTE" id="linklink2H_NOTE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + NOTES TO PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + The principal passages where the fundamental truths of Christianity are + expressed with the greatest clearness, are the following. + </p> + <p> + Gospel of St. John, chap. iii. ver. 36.; iv. 25, 26, 29, 39, 42; vi. 69; + x. 24, 26; xx. 30, 31; xi. 27. Gospel of St. Luke, chap. xxiv. Acts of the + Apostles, chap. ii. 22; iii. 18; iv. 10,12; v. 29, 32; viii. 5, 12, 37; + ix. 20, 22; x. 42,43; xi. 14; xv. 7, 19; xvii. 1, 9; xviii. 4, 6, 27,28; + xxvi. 22. + </p> + <p> + There can be no other fundamentally essential articles of the Christian + faith, or any of which the belief is necessary to the being a good + Christian, except those of which Jesus and his apostles required the + belief from the persons they received into the bosom of Christianity. All + that has been added since, is nothing more than alloy, as impure in + itself, as pernicious in its effects. + </p> + <p> + This Preface has been translated literally, with the omission of one or + two passages, of little interest to those ignorant of the author's family + and connections. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_4_0005" id="linklink2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + HISTORY OF THE VAUDOIS. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_PART1" id="linklink2H_PART1"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART THE FIRST. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0001" id="linklink2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. DESCRIPTION OF THE VAUDOIS VALLEYS + </h2> + <p> + The valleys which the Vaudois have raised into celebrity, lie to the west + of Piemont, between the province of Pignerol and Briançon, and adjoining + on the other side to the ancient Marquisate of Susa, and that of the + Saluces, The capital, La Tour, being about thirty-six miles from Turin, + and fourteen from Pignerol. The extent of the valleys is about twelve + Italian miles, making a square of about twenty-four French leagues. The + valleys are three in number, Luzern, Perouse, and St. Martin. The former + (in which the chief town is now Catholic,) is the most beautiful and + extensive, and contains the five parishes of Rora, St. Jean, La Tour, + Villar, and Bobbi, through the three last of which runs the rapid Pelice, + which has its source near the Pra Alp, and throws itself into the Po. + </p> + <p> + The Valley of Perouse is about twelve miles long, chiefly mountainous. It + is traversed by the river Cluson, and the villages* on the Italian side of + that river, (Pinache, Rivoire, Great and Little Doublon, and Villard,) as + well as its chief town Perouse, are entirely inhabited by Roman Catholics. + The Vaudois at this time possess only Pramol, Pomaret, and St. Germain. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * All those villages were once Vaudois. +</pre> + <p> + Between the valleys Luzerne and Perouse, is the parish Prarustin, + comprehending Roche Platte, and St. Barthélemi, which belong to neither of + them. + </p> + <p> + The Valley of St. Martin is scarcely wider than the bed of the torrent + Germanasque, which runs through it, and extends from the Valley of Perouse + to that of Queiras in Dauphiné; it contains the parishes of Pral, + Ma-neille, and Ville Sèche, of which the former is so elevated, as to be + covered with snow during nine months in the year. The other parishes + contain each several small villages, and Perrier, which is the capital of + the whole valley, is now inhabited by Catholics alone. This valley, which + was the scene of the heroic defence of Arnaud's band, is environed by + lofty mountains, and rugged rocks, forming the most formidable natural + defences; indeed the only passage into it for wheels,* is by a bridge, not + far from Perouse, and this pass is so narrow that a few men might defend + it against a large force. + </p> + <p> + The authors of poems and romances, in giving their enchanting descriptions + of pastoral life, have excited a deep feeling of regret in sensitive + minds, that the originals of their pictures are no where to be found. But + I can console these friends of virtue, by shewing them where they may find + what they have sought in vain in other parts of the world. And this happy + asylum of innocence is no other than the valley of St. Martin. I have + known there shepherdesses in every sense of the word, as amiable and + interesting as the heroines of these romances. And if the delightful + author of Estelle and Galatée had lived among them as I have done, he + might have added many a lively tint to his portraits, the more charming as + it would have been copied from nature and truth. But let it not be thought + that my shepherdesses resemble the smart wives and daughters of our + citizens then, indeed, they would have little interest in my eyes. Imagine + virtue without pretensions or vanity, grace without frivolity, and + amiability devoid of coquetry, and these set off by that true modesty + which their simple habits inspire, and you have a true picture of my + Vaudois heroines. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The translator saw no wheeled carriage in this valley, and + doubts if one of any description could now be used there. + + ** He writes at Utrecht. +</pre> + <p> + Had I been born a poet, they should have formed the subject of my lays. + The churches in the Valley of St Martin, as well as those of the other + valleys, were formerly much more numerous. In the whole we have now but + thirteen parish churches, though in the ancient records, examined by + Leger, mention is made of ten other parishes to which pastors were + attached; these are now annexed to the thirteen. In the valley of Cluson + or Pragela, which adjoins those of St. Martin, and Perouse, were no less + than six flourishing Vaudois churches, as late as 1727, when in + consequence of the exchange of territory between France and the House of + Savoy, all those who remained faithful to their religion, were forced into + exile.* The Vaudois were also very numerous in the valleys of Queiras, + Mathias, and Meane, until entirely extirpated there by Duke Charles + Emmanuel in 1603. As they were in the Marquisate of Sa-luces, in 1633, + where they had many churches. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Many hundreds went to Holland. +</pre> + <p> + Five villages, and the town of Luzerne, formerly attached to the parish + church of St. Jean, have also been taken from them, in the valley of + Luzerne; indeed, it is known that the Vaudois had churches in 1560, in + Turin, Pignerol, and Quiers. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding that the Vaudois have been established in some of the + places I have stated above, from time immemorial, and have had great + possessions in others: they are now entirely confined within the three + valleys mentioned in the beginning of this chapter, and there exists an + edict rendering them incapable of purchasing beyond these limits. It is to + be hoped that their fidelity and attachment to their sovereign, will be + rewarded by a restoration to the rights which his other subjects enjoy, + and that the goodness of the reigning prince, will lead him to consider it + a duty, to reinstate them as soon as circumstances permit, in the full + possession of those privileges which the claims of nature and society so + loudly demand. + </p> + <p> + The population of the three valleys may amount to 16,000 or 17,000 souls,* + which would give about 3000 for the number capable of bearing arms; it + does not appear, however, that in the various persecutions our ancestors + had ever more than 1500 men in the field, the rest being necessary for the + defence of their own territory. By these feeble means has the God of + armies effected the wonderful events which I am about to relate; and so + extraordinary are they, that they might well appear incredible, did not + the most authentic proofs exist of them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Vide population in 1820, about 22,000. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0002" id="linklink2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. NAME OF THE VAUDOIS + </h2> + <p> + As to the name of the Vaudois, it might be sufficient to answer from the + authority of that judicious critic, Theodore* Bèze,** and Coug-nard,*** + advocate of the parliament of Normandy. That the Vaudois have received + their name from the valleys they inhabit. The names of Waldense or + Valdense in Italian, and Valdensis in Latin, are thus derived from the + same root, vale, valle, and vallis, a valley, as Vaudois is derived from + vaux, the word for valley, in their ancient patois.**** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Beza, the editor of the famous bible of Geneva, and friend + of Milton. + + ** Portraites des hommes illustres, p. 985. + + *** Traite touchant la Papesse Jeanne, p. 8. + + **** The Vaudois language seems as ancient at least as the + Provençal, and very similar: it would be interesting to + trace their origins and distinctions. Vide French work on + the Provençal poets and troubadours, and Sismondis languages + du midi de l'Europe. +</pre> + <p> + In the same way the inhabitants of the plain of the Po are called + Piemontese or Piedmontese, Pedemontani, and those of the mountains, + generally Montagnards. This word Vaudois, which they first acquired from + their geographical situation, they have preserved as a token of their + religion in all countries, as the Vaudois of Provence, and of Bohemia, and + the Walloons of the Low Countries. Since the Reformation the names of + Lutheran, Calvinist, and Reformed, have served to distinguish all those + who rejected the papal doctrines, and the inhabitants of our valleys, the + only people who have never been affected by these opinions, have alone + retained their original name of Vaudois. I must, however, observe, that it + is against their own wish that they have ever received it; the name of + Christian was too precious in their eyes to have been willingly, on their + part, exchanged for any other. As we find in the letter which they + addressed to OEladislaus, king of Bohemia, they style themselves "the + little flock of Christians, falsely called Vaudois." It has been pretended + and even by those who have written our history, such as Perrin, and + Gilles, that the name is derived from Peter Valdo, which can by no means + be the case, as it is allowed on all hands, that this famous reformer of + Lyons was not known before 1175, while we have ancient MSS. in the Vaudois + language, dated 1120, and 1100, in the former of which are stated the + differences between their church and that of Rome, and in the latter the + word Vaudois is used as synonymous with virtuous Christian. + </p> + <p> + In the MS. dated 1100, and entitled La Noble Leiçon, (of which there exist + two original copies, in ancient Gothic letters, one at Cambridge, and the + other at Geneva,) is this passage. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Que sel se troba alcun bon que vollia amar + Dio et temar Jesu Krist + Que non vollia maudire, ni jura, ni mentir, + Ni avoutrar, ni ancire, ni peure de l'autry + Ni venjarse de li sio ennemie * + Illi dison quel es Vaudes e degne de morir. + + * Ennemio murir, another reading. +</pre> + <p> + Whoever is a good man, and wishes to love God, and fear Jesus Christ, who + will neither speak ill of his neighbour, nor swear, nor lie; who will + neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor steal, nor avenge himself of his + enemy; of him they say, he is a Vaudois, and worthy to die (of death.) + </p> + <p> + The opinion of Theodore Bèze is given in these words. Some have believed + that the Vaudois had for founder, (of this sect,) a merchant of Lyons, + called Jean, surnamed Valdo, in which they are mistaken, since this John + was so surnamed from being one of the first among the Vaudois. + </p> + <p> + But not to give more importance to these things than they are worthy of, + let it be remarked, that it is not in the name that they bear that the + Vaudois take a pride. We as well as our ancestors, esteem ourselves happy + and render thanks to God in that he has pre-served in our valleys the + evangelical doctrine in all its purity, without any mixture of human + opinions. We rejoice that the Supreme Being has deigned to choose our + country, to preserve there the torch of truth, and that it has been the + beacon to which other nations have come to seek the light that has + enlightened them.* We are proud of never having been reformed; but that it + is at our school that the reformers have been instructed, as they + themselves avow. We rejoice finally in this that our valleys are the + mother church of all Reformed and Protestant Churches. These are our + titles; these are our testimonies. + </p> + <p> + Every one knows that Luther and Calvin commenced their labours in 1517 and + 1536, while we have a confession of faith dated 1120.** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The Vaudois' state seal bears a candle, with rays, + surrounded by clouds; motto, Lux in Tenebris.—T. + + ** The noble Leiçon, quoted above; vide extract at the end + of Bresse. +</pre> + <p> + It is almost needless to add the testimony of our enemies; Pope Pius II. + known by the name of Aneas Sylvius before his election, and author of a + history of Bohemia, printed by Anthony Bons, in which he says, they (the + Bohemian heretics) have embraced the impious doctrine of the Vaudois, of + that pestilential faction long ago condemned, whose doctrines are, that + the Bishop of Rome is not superior to others; that there is no purgatory; + that prayers for the dead are useless; that worship should not be rendered + to the images of God, and the saints, &c. &c. To this testimony I + must add that of Claude de Seyssel, bishop of Marseilles, and afterwards + of Turin, celebrated in the reigns of Louis XI., Charles VIII., Louis + XII., and Francis I., in whose reign it was thought no one could be so + likely to bring back the Vaudois to the Roman Catholic faith, and he was + in consequence made Bishop of Turin. The following, taken from a book + written by him, expressly against them, shows all that he could find to + complain of in their doctrine. They (says he of the Vaudois) will receive + only that which is written in the Old and New Testaments; nay, they say + that the Roman pontiffs, and other bishops, have degraded the sacred text, + by their doctrine and false comments; they deny the power of absolution, + celebrate no saints' days, and pretend that they alone possess the true + evangelic and apostolic doctrine; they despise the indulgences of the + church, detest images, teach the words of the evangelists and apostles in + the vulgar tongue, and affirm that there is no power which can forbid the + right of contracting marriages, and say that mass was not celebrated in + the time of the apostles, &c. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0003" id="linklink2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. ANTIQUITY OF THE VAUDOIS FAITH + </h2> + <p> + We find in St. Paul's epistle to the Romans, written from Corinth, chapter + xv. verse 24, that it was the intention of the apostle to go into Spain, + and to pass through Italy on his way. Now if St. Paul afterwards performed + this journey, he must necessarily have passed through the valleys, as they + lay on his road to Spain at that time, and he would have preached the + gospel in them, as he did wherever he went. From this, it is fair to + conjecture that the Vaudois have received their doctrine from St. Paul + himself; and if this is thought too bold an assertion, we have reason to + suppose that his doctrine may have reached them during his lifetime, as it + seems to have been propagated by his followers throughout Italy, before he + left Rome; for in concluding his epistle from Rome, to the Hebrews, he + says, "Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all saints, they + of Italy salute you." He does not say they of Rome, as the number of + Christians rapidly augmented in the capital, and they were nearly all + dispersed by the persecutions under Nero and Domitian, it is extremely + probable that some parties of this host of fugitives should have taken + refuge among our mountains, in the time of the immediate successors of the + apostles. + </p> + <p> + But to descend to a period of greater certainty, it is allowed by all that + the whole of Italy embraced Christianity in the time of Constantine,* and + therefore the Vaudois doctrines may be considered the same as those of the + Universal Church, by which we do not find any superstitious rites or + customs to have been adopted till the sixth century; nor are the dangerous + and revolting dogmas of the court of Rome, and its flagitious practices to + be traced before the end of the eighth. All that belongs to the doctrine + and practice of the modern Roman communion was until then unknown, as is + clearly proved by the testimony of Juellus Daitlè, Dumoulin, &c., and + indirectly by the partizans of Rome, Baronius, Enuphius, Platina, &c. + </p> + <p> + These innovations, and particularly the adoration of images,** were loudly + condemned by the churches of England, France, Germany, and the east. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * St. Augustine relates, that Constantine sent a band of + troops, after his victory over Maxentius, to destroy the + statue of Jupiter Peninus, in the temple of Mont S. Bernard, + (now the site of the modern convent,) and gave them his + golden thunderbolt as a reward.—T. + + ** Established by Pope Adrian I.; vide Storia dei Pontefeci. +</pre> + <p> + Which condemnation was confirmed by the council convoked by Charlemagne,* + at Frankfurt-on-the-Main, in 794. The Bishops of Italy also proclaimed + their discontent in a letter which they addressed, by means of Photius, to + the patriarchs of the Greek churches. Baronius, who gives this letter, + subjoins the following answer of the Patriarchs.** "We have received a + synodal epistle from Italy, in which the inhabitants lay to the charge of + their bishop an infinity of crimes and perverseness; among other things, + the tyranny he wishes to exercise over them, and they call us, with tears, + to the defence of the church." Here again let it be remarked, that as long + as the superior church retained its purity, the Vaudois did not secede + from it. It was the court of Rome that began with innovations, not they. + Of this so many proofs press upon me, that I scarcely know which to + choose. At the end of the eighth, or beginning of the ninth century, + flourished Claude, bishop of Turin, whose diocese embraced not only our + valleys, but Dauphiné and Provence.*** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Vide Histoire de Charlemagne, by + + ** It should here be remarked, that the Vaudois recognize + for orthodox the decisions of the four first great councils + of the Church, Nice, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalce- + done, the last of which was held in 451; and that they + recommended the reading of the fathers of the first five + centuries. + + *** Piémont making then part of France, it did not pass + under the sway of the house of Savoy till the twelfth + century. +</pre> + <p> + He opposed himself so strenuously to the innovations of the court of Rome, + that his doctrine has been since called calvinistic by his enemies.* + Illyricus makes the following mention of him in his Catalogue Test. + Veritatis, lib. 9. "Claude, Bishop of Turin, lived in the time of + Charlemagne and Louis the Pious, of whom he was the intimate friend, even + before he became Bishop; he strenuously opposed, (both by preaching and + writing,) the adoration of images, of relicts, and the cross, invocations + to the saints, pilgrimages, the precedence of the Pope, &c. He treated + the Pope himself with great severity, loudly condemning the profit which + he made by the poor superstitious people, whom he drew to Rome on + pilgrimages." + </p> + <p> + In the fragments that remain of this courageous Bishop, which are cited by + Leger, Part I. p. 137, he combats with great vigour, the abuses above + mentioned, and proves that it was not his wish to establish any new sect, + but to preserve the doctrines of the apostles in their original purity.** + We cannot, therefore, doubt his having used his utmost exertions in his + own diocese, of which our valleys formed a part. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Genebrand Chronic, Liv. 3. + + ** The title of the Bishop's work, of which fragments are + cited by Leger, is Apologeticum rescriptum Claudii Episcopi + adversus Theodemirum Abbatem. And after a careful + examination of these fragments, and some of the Vaudois MSS. + I am inclined to think that the latter are no more than a + development of the former; for there is the same connection + of ideas, and the arguments are placed in the same order; so + that the writings of Claude seem to have been the text on + which the Vaudois amplified, which is natural, as the Bishop + addressed men of education and learning, and had not + occasion to use so many arguments and explanations as the + Vaudois writers had, who wrote for the illiterate and the + multitude.—Note by Peyran. +</pre> + <p> + Indeed we have the fullest evidence that the Vaudois preserved the purity + of their faith during the ninth and tenth centuries. To prove this fact, + it will be sufficient to give a single quotation from the missionary Marco + Aurelio Rorenco, Grand Prior of St. Roch, at Turin, whose work is entitled + Narratione delle Intro-duzione delle heresie nelle valli de Piemonte, + Turin, 1632.* Speaking of the doctrine of Claude, which this author is + pleased to call heresy, he says—"This doctrine continued in the + valleys all the ninth and tenth centuries;" and again, "that during the + tenth century no change took place, but the old heresies were continued." + In order to feel the full force of the above citation, we must call to + mind that Rorenco** had been for ten years a missionary, directly sent out + to the Vaudois, with orders to search into the origin of their doctrine; + and that writing with the approbation of the clergy of Turin, he was + little likely to favour the Vaudois. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * He also wrote Memorie Historiche, Turin, 1645. + + ** Rorenco says in another place, that it is impossible to + say with certainty at what period this sect took root in the + valleys.—p. 60 of Nar. del Introd. +</pre> + <p> + In the eleventh century, Lambertus, a Catholic and friend of Gregory VII. + writes thus: "The court of Rome has so completely stifled all charity and + Christian simplicity, that almost all good and just men believe that the + reign of Antichrist, of which St. John speaks, is already commenced." John + the Fifth, who reigned before this period, has been called by cotemporary + writers, the most wicked of men. In these unhappy times the Vaudois did + not venture to preach any where but in the woods and highest mountains, + except in their most remote villages, such as Macel and Pral, &c. In + the eleventh century, Berenger, so celebrated for his knowledge and + virtues, was condemned by two councils, convoked by Pope Leo IX., and was + forced to retract what he had written against transubstantiation, &c. + by Pope Nicholas. He lost no time, however, in protesting against this + forced recantation, and persevered in his doctrine till his death, in + 1091. Now the belief of Berenger, (says an ancient author,) the same as + that of the Vaudois, was so well preserved in the valleys, that to call a + man a Berengerian was the same as calling him a Vaudois. Peter de Bruys,* + a priest of Toulon, whose doctrine was precisely similar, succeeded + Berenger, and preached in Languedoc, Provence, and Dauphiné, particularly + at Gap and Embrun, a few hours distance only from the Vaudois valleys; his + disciples were called Petrobrusians, and he was martyred at S. Gilles, + 1124. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * His disciples after his death, published a book, + declarative of his reasons for opposing the Roman Catholic + Church; a copy of which, in ancient Gothic characters, is + extant in the library of Cambridge. +</pre> + <p> + Henry de Bruys, and Arnaud de Bresse now took up the cause, and extended + the Vaudois doctrines in Lombardy. Of the disciples of the former, St. + Bernard, who wrote in 1120, bears this testimony, "that they prided + themselves in being the true successors of the apostles, and conservators + of their doctrine." + </p> + <p> + Arnaud de Bresse fell a victim to the cruelty of the Roman clergy in 1155, + being first crucified and then burnt. He was succeeded by his zealous + disciple Esperon. Rorenco in the work above cited, says, that we must by + the names of Vaudois, Esperonites, Henricians, Petrobrusians, Arnaudites, + and Apostolicals, understand one and the same sect, which is a sufficient + proof of the identity of the doctrine of the Vaudois, and that of these + zealous preachers. The celebrated Peter Valdo, a rich inhabitant of Lyons, + openly professed the Vaudois doctrine in 1175. He abandoned all his + possessions, gave himself up entirely to the promulgation of the gospel, + had the bible translated into the vulgar tongue, and instructed the people + publicly in the streets, commencing with the thesis, that we must obey God + rather than man. He refused submission to the Pope and his bishops; + exposed the scandalous lives of the monks; and refuted the doctrine of the + mass, purgatory, adoration of images, and prayers for the dead. At the + instance of Pope Alexander III., Valdo was driven from Lyons, with most of + his disciples. A great part of them retired either to Lombardy, or (as an + ancient writer observes,) into Cisalpine Gaul, and among the Alps, where + they found a perfectly secure retreat, (tutissimum refugium.) That is + among the valleys of Pragela, Meane, Saluces, &c., and we must pay + great attention to this expression, since it appears natural that these + valleys should be their surest place of refuge, being already peopled with + Vaudois, who professed the same doctrines. Other disciples of Valdo + withdrew to Picardy, Germany, Bohemia, and the Low Countries. I must here + remark, that even those who in contradiction to the above chain of + evidence, assert that the Vaudois derive their name and doctrine from + Peter Valdo, must allow them to have been established in the valleys at + least fifty years before the ancient counts of Savoy obtained the + sovereignty of their country; for it appears in the history of the house + of Savoy, that the first who began to make conquests in our country, was + Thomas, son of Humbert, who had previously accompanied Louis, son of + Philip Augustus, king of France, in his expedition against the Vaudois and + the Albigenses of Provence. Hence we have every possible right to the + possession of our country, in which we were established before our + sovereigns. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0004" id="linklink2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. ANTIQUITY AND PURITY OF THE VAUDOIS DOCTRINE, PROVED BY + </h2> + <p> + THEIR OWN WRITINGS + </p> + <p> + As the Vaudois have been accused of being Manicheans, Arians, and + Cathares,* we shall be but doing our ancestors justice to appeal to their + own writings. In the preface to the French Bible, which they printed at + Neuchatel, in 1535, the Vaudois render thanks to God that having received + the treasure of the gospel from the apostles or their immediate + successors, they had always preserved to themselves the enjoyment of this + blessing. In proof of which it appears by the noble Leiçon, dated 1100, + that they had rejected and continued to reject all traditions, nor had + ever received other doctrines than those contained in the Holy Scriptures. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * From Cathari, white, pure. +</pre> + <p> + The treatise on Antichrist, dated 1120, proves the same point; as does + that against the invocation of saints, which must have been written in the + sixth century, since it calls this error a doctrine then in the bud, and + we know that it took its rise at that period. So in all the confessions of + faith given at divers times, the Vaudois profess to have received their + tenets from father to son, from the time of the apostles. Rorenco himself + has preserved one of their petitions to the Duke of Savoy, dated 1599, in + which they say, that it is not within a few hundred years only that they + have had knowledge of the truth, and that no one could be ignorant of + their having taught the same tenets for 500 or 600 years, that is, when + they openly declared against the abuses of Rome, under their Bishop, + Claude. The Vaudois of the valleys Mathias and Meane* made the same + declaration, (nearly in the same words,) when they were forced in 1603 to + quit their country, for refusing to obey the order of Charles Emanuel, to + abandon their faith. Finally in all their memorials, petitions, and + letters, they have never failed to repeat the same thing, praying to be + left in the enjoyment of that religion, which they had professed time + immemorial even before the Dukes of Savoy were princes of Piémont. The + authenticity of these petitions, &c. is unquestionable, since they + have been printed, together with the answers to them, by order of the + court of Turin, and are more than 100 in number. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ** The Vaudois of these valleys formed one body with those + of Luzerne, Perouse, and St. Martin. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_SECT" id="linklink2H_SECT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Section II. Evidence of Protestant Writers + </h2> + <p> + To the internal evidence of the writings of the Vaudois themselves, we + must now add that which is to be found in the works of Protestant authors, + and first in those of the celebrated Theodore Bèze, who thus speaks of + them* "These are the people who have always preserved the true religion, + without allowing any temptation to pervert them. The Vaudois," says he, in + another place, "are so called from their residence among the valleys and + fastnesses of the Alps, and may well be considered as the remains of the + purest primitive Christian church. Nor has it been possible to draw them + within the pale of the Roman communion, notwithstanding the horrible + persecutions exercised against them. At this time they have churches + flourishing, as well in doctrine as in examples of a truly innocent life. + I speak particularly of those of the Alpine valleys, of whom some are + subjects of the king of France, and others of the Duke of Savoy." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The expressions are sempre, al solito, da equi tempo, + immemoriale, conforme all* antico soli to, conforme a loro + antiché franchizie. The collection is printed at Turin, + 1678. + + ** Portraits des hommes illustres. +</pre> + <p> + Ileidanus* asserts, "that from the most remote antiquity they have opposed + the Roman Pontiff, and have always held the purest doctrine." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Historia Caroli Quinti Imp. lib. xvi. p. 534. +</pre> + <p> + Esron Rudiger affirms that the Vaudois existed at least 240 years before + John Huss, which agrees nearly with Bishop Claude. L'Histoire + ecclesiastique des Eglises'réformées de France, printed in 1558, confirms + the above assertions. Amyraut, Drelincourt, Basnage, Ruchat, Jurieu, + Werenfels, and many other writers of the reformed church, give the same + opinion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_SECT" id="linklink2H_SECT_"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Section III. Testimony of Roman Catholic Authors. + </h2> + <p> + Among the principal evidences in favour of the Vaudois, I must here refer + to the large collection of edicts respecting them, published by the court + of Turin. It is deemed unnecessary to recapitulate their dates. The Monk + Belvedere, chief of a mission, sent to convert the Vaudois in 1630, in his + answer to the College of Propaganda fide,* excuses himself for not having + converted a single person, because "the valleys of Angrogna have always, + and at every period, been inhabited by heretics."—Again, Reynerus + Sacco, expressly appointed by the court of Rome, Inquisitor against the + Vaudois, goes still farther than Belvedere; and in a book he published + against them, calls them Leonists, from one of their ministers named Leon, + who lived in the third century; he affirms that no sect was so pernicious + to the church as the Leonists; and this for three reasons: 1st. Because it + was the most ancient of all; some deriving its origin from the time of + Pope Sylvester (the fourth century), and others from the Apostles + themselves. 2ndly, Because it was the most extensive, there being scarcely + any country into which it had not penetrated; and, 3dly, That instead of + inspiring horror as other sects did, by their frightful blasphemies + against the Divinity, it had a great appearance of piety; since its + members "lived justly before men, believed rightly on God, and received + the Apostles' Creed; but they blasphemed against the Roman church and + clergy."** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Relatione al consiglio de Prop. Fid. Turin, 1636. + + ** Bibliothèque des Pères, de Gretserus Traité contra les + Vaud. +</pre> + <p> + The most obstinate opponents of the antiquity of the Vaudois must give way + before the authority of Claude de Seyssel, Archbishop of Turin, who has + this passage in his book against us, printed by privilege of Francis the + First of France: "The sect of Vaudois," says he, "took its origin from one + Leon, a truly religious man, who, in the time of Constantine the Great, + detesting the extreme avarice of Pope Sylvester, and the lavish + expenditure of Constantine, preferred living in poverty, with simplicity + of faith, to the reproach of accepting a rich benefice with Sylvester. To + this Leon all attached themselves who thought rightly of their Creed." The + same author, after having made useless researches after the commencement + of the Vaudois sect, concludes with these remarkable words: "That there + must be some important and efficacious reason why this Vaudois sect had + endured during so many ages. Again; all kind of different attempts to + extirpate them have been made at different times, but they always remained + victorious, and absolutely invincible, contrary to the expectation of + all." + </p> + <p> + The reader will observe that this expression, "during so many ages," was + written by Seyssel in 1500. + </p> + <p> + I have already quoted Rorenco, one of the most zealous of the missionaries + sent against the Vaudois; his family still remains in the valleys. One of + his descendants bearing the title of Count of La Tour, in his Memorie + Historiche, addressed to the Duke Victor Amadeus, allows that the Vaudois + doctrine was not new, in the time of Claude, many persons having opposed + the Roman See before him; he also asserts that their doctrine remained the + same in the 11th and 12th centuries. Rorenco will not, however, allow that + the doctrine was derived from the Apostles, but avows (which nearly + amounts to the same thing) that there is no ascertaining when it was first + received in the valleys. + </p> + <p> + In fine, Samuel Casini, a Franciscan monk, says positively, in his work + entitled Victoria Triomphale, printed at Coni, 1510, that "the errors of + the Vaudois consisted in not admitting the Roman to be the sacred mother + church, or obeying her traditions; although he could not, for his own + part, deny that they acknowledged the Christian church, and had always + been and still continued to be members of it." + </p> + <p> + Now it seems to me hardly possible, after these proofs, that anyone should + venture to deny the truly Apostolic succession of the Vaudois church; but + as some people have supposed that the Vaudois, after receiving the + opinions of the court of Rome, have subsequently been reformed, like all + those who are called Protestants; let them say when and where the Vaudois + reformation took place; and let them also account for the silence of all + historians on such an event! But as long as the testimony above quoted, of + Catholics, Protestants, Vaudois; nay, of the very edicts of their princes, + and their own petitions and replies, exists, I shall consider it as proved + that the Vaudois church, having received the Gospel in the earliest days + of Christianity, is the parent of all the reformed churches, and has <i>never + herself been reformed</i>. + </p> + <p> + These truths having been established by such incontestable proofs, it + remains only to give a sketch of the manners of the Vaudois, and the + discipline of their churches, before we come to the historical part of my + labours. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0005" id="linklink2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. MANNERS OF THE VAUDOIS + </h2> + <p> + In religion, theory is nothing without practice, and of all species of + knowledge none requires less speculation than that of the Gospel. Its + Divine Author has declared, that the religion which he came to announce to + us consists not in words, but in virtues, which important declaration at + once defines the spirit of Christianity, in placing charity even above + faith. However this great truth may be forgotten by many of the Christians + of these days, or rendered nugatory by the pretensions of their teachers, + it is not the less incontestable at the tribunal of reason and revelation, + and let us hope, for the good of humanity, that it will soon prevail over + the vain phantoms which have been substituted for it throughout the + greatest part of Europe. Yes, indeed! I delight in believing that the + march of knowledge is a guarantee of this, and that we are approaching + that happy time when a man will not be required to prove he is a + Christian, merely by repeating, like a parrot, the articles of belief, + which have been drawn up by the chiefs of the sect to which he belongs, + when it will not suffice alone coldly to admit some Evangelical truths, + but when those who call themselves Christians will acknowledge—"That + pure religion is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their + affliction, and to keep themselves unspotted from the world."* It cannot + be too often repeated, that this is real Christianity. + </p> + <p> + And such have ever been the sentiments of the Vaudois, never have they + been known to waste, <i>in pernicious disputes or useless discussions</i> + that time which might have been employed in good works; and thus, by a + natural consequence, they have formed a Christian society of virtuous + conduct and irreproachable morals. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Epistle of St. James, chap. i. ver. 22. +</pre> + <p> + We have above quoted that remarkable passage of the Inquisitor Reynerus + Sacco, in which he has borne witness in favour of our ancestors. We will + add the testimony of Claude de Seyssel, who affirms that, "for their lives + and moral behaviour, the Vaudois are without reproach before men, and do + their utmost endeavours to keep the commandments of God." The respectable + French historian, De Thou, says that "the Vaudois keep the commandments of + the decalogue, and allow among them of no wickedness, detesting perjuries + and imprecations, quarrels, seditions, and all debaucheries, usury, &c. + &c." + </p> + <p> + The Cardinal Baronius bears witness to their chastity, and Thuanus (also a + Catholic historian) adds to this, "that they are such scrupulous observers + of honour and chastity, that their neighbours, though of a contrary faith, + intrusted them with the care of their wives and daughters, to preserve + them from the insolence of the soldiery." + </p> + <p> + This occurred in 1560, when the troops of Count de la Trinité were + quartered at La Tour, and the Vaudois had retired to the mountains. It was + then also that a young girl, to escape the pursuit of a soldier, + preferring her honour to life itself, precipitated herself from the summit + of a rock. An English monk, quoted by Boxhornius, also gives an example of + the purity of Vaudois manners, in the answer of a young woman to the + solicitations of her lover; "God forbid, O young man, that I should love + thee so much as to become eternally miserable for the gratification of thy + wishes." + </p> + <p> + This admirable purity is still respected in the valleys, and, + notwithstanding the corruption of the age, we must look through a long + series of years to find one or two females who have not observed it. Those + who have fallen are become the objects of universal contempt. The very + children point at them, and a whole life of virtue is scarcely sufficient + to obtain for them the oblivion of their fault. Compare this with the + manners of other Christian nations. + </p> + <p> + Let us now turn to Vigneaux, who was well qualified to judge of Vaudois + morals, having been forty years a pastor among them, and having made a + large collection of their ancient writings, which he translated: from his + work "On the Lives, morals, and religion of the Vaudois," I extract the + following, "They are a people of fidelity in their promises, of + irreproachable lives, and are great enemies to vice;" and of his own time + he adds, "We in these valleys of Piémont live in peace and concord with + the others, but we do not connect ourselves in marriage with the + Catholics. For the rest, our manners and morals are so approved by them, + that they prefer taking servants from among us to themselves;* and some + come from a great distance to choose nurses for their children, + considering them more faithful than their own." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Still the case in the valleys in 1825. +</pre> + <p> + The order of the French government, in 1592, to M. de Birague, governor of + Saluces, to massacre the Vaudois, drew forth the following testimony from + one of the council of that town: "That his majesty must assuredly have + been misinformed as to these poor people, who were good men, and did him + honourable and faithful service, living peaceably with their neighbours; + with whom indeed there was no fault to find, except their religion." To + all these testimonies there is one other to be added, of still more + weight, namely, that of all the edicts which have been <i>successively</i> + published by the court of Turin against the Vaudois; in no one is the + smallest reproach to be found on the score of probity, good faith, or + morals. This silence becomes an invaluable avowal from those who eagerly + sought some pretext to give a colour to the horrible persecutions they + authorized. + </p> + <p> + Is it not astonishing, after this, to find the Vaudois calumniated by + Albert de Capitaxis, Rubis, &c. as the first Christians were by the + Pagans? Paradin* and Girard, however; may be cited in reply. They assert + that the Vaudois were not guilty of any of the horrible crimes of which + they were accused; but only of having freely inveighed against the + corruption and vices of the priests and friars, and thus excited their + mortal hatred.... + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Annales de Bourgogne, par Guillaume Paradin, Lyons, 1566. +</pre> + <p> + But we may well despise this slander, and consider what has been the cause + of their real purity of manners. The ecclesiastical discipline, which has + always been in great vigour, may be assigned as the cause, as it has + induced the continual study of, and meditation upon the sacred writings. + And here I must be pardoned another extract from an ancient author. "All + the people," says he, "of either sex, and of whatever age, cease not to + learn and teach; the labourer at his daily task either teaches his comrade + or learns of him, and the evening is spent in the same instructions, even + without books. He that has learnt for one week teaches others for the + next, and if any one excuses himself from want of memory, he is told that + even one word every day will amount to many sentences at the end of a + year, which in many years will form a fund of knowledge." "I have heard + with my own ears," says this author, "one of these poor peasants repeat + the whole book of Job by heart, without missing one word; and there are + others who have the whole of the New Testament at their fingers' ends. Do + any of them lead an evil life? they are sharply rebuked, according to + their discipline, and told the Apostles lived not thus, nor must we who + imitate them." Reynerus Sacco again confirms this by saying, "The Vaudois + know the whole of the New Testament by heart, and much of the Old, (in + their own language,) nor will they hear any thing else," saying, "that all + sermons which are not proved by the Scriptures are unworthy of belief." + </p> + <p> + This then has been the foundation of Vaudois morality, they knew no other + rule of faith than the Gospel, and, as far as possible, adapted their + sentiments and conduct to it. The sacred duty of an historian compels me + to allow, that the effects of human frailty have sometimes shown + themselves among them. Leger, who wrote more than a century ago, thus + allows also, that "the Vaudois, his cotemporaries, no longer possessed + that great sanctity and detachment from the world which distinguished + their ancestors. But I must add," he continues, "that, compared with other + reformed nations, there is none which surpass them in zeal for the word of + God and constancy to their faith, at the peril of their lives and + fortunes; as well as in simplicity, innocence, sobriety, and industry. For + they abstain from cards, dice, gambling, and swearing, and have a horror + of drunkenness, and even of dancing. So that if any one falls into a + vicious life, he is esteemed infamous. Law-suits have been from time + immemorial unknown among them; but, according to Thuanus, the first took + place in the 16th century, owing to the litigious disposition of a young + man, who had gained a smattering of law at the college of Turin, and sued + his neighbour for having suffered some goats to browse among his + cabbages." + </p> + <p> + However much it may cost me to avow it, I must in my turn allow that the + Vaudois have degenerated since the days of Leger; law-suits are beginning + to become common among them, and luxury and card playing are insensibly + introduced; nay, there are even some families who live without labour, a + thing formerly unknown.* The zeal for religion has also cooled in those + parishes adjoining Piémont. But these blots in the morals of my + compatriots are perhaps inevitable to human weakness, which cannot + approach perfection: perhaps, too, we are carried away by the common mania + of believing our ancestors ever better than ourselves. I remark this both + for Leger and myself. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Qui vivent dans l'oisiveté, et donnent parla un exemple + pernicieux.—Perhaps this is translated in too favourable a + sense. +</pre> + <p> + What we can loudly proclaim is, that still in all Europe there does not + exist a people of such good faith, simplicity, frankness, and + kind-heartedness, as the Vaudois of the present day. They preserve a + respect for religion, a love for their duties, and a purity of opinions + and morals which may in vain be sought for among other nations called + Christian; and these virtues are joined to so much modesty, that they + appear perfectly natural, and never ostentatious. What a touching and + sublime spectacle do these people present to every kind heart and good + understanding which contemplates them! They are good husbands, good + fathers, kind friends, and good citizens, and have always, even in the + midst of their persecutions, shown the greatest fidelity to their princes. + Nay, even have, after an interval of a few days only, turned in their + defence those arms which they had used against them, in the preservation + of their lives and religion. + </p> + <p> + During the long course of persecutions they have sustained, + notwithstanding the perfidy with which they were treated, and the horrible + tortures which they underwent, they have never given way to vengeance, and + have contented themselves with repelling force by force. So that no + instance is to be found, in their history, of a defenceless enemy having + been ill used, or of their having violated their promises, even while + treated with systematic perfidy. Nor have they ever shed blood, except + when their absolute safety obliged them. If so many virtues, so many good + qualities, are sometimes mingled with weaknesses, we must attribute it to + the imperfection of human nature; observing that it is only some + individuals who are worthy of reproach, and that the mass of society is + (humanly speaking) irreproachable. It would, perhaps, be possible to clear + off these faint stains, if the ancient ecclesiastical discipline was again + enforced; and it is in aid of this object that we have consecrated the + next chapter to its description. Happy, thrice happy should I be, if this, + or any part of my work, should tend to draw any of my countrymen (still + more than at present) into the path of life. If this whole people, by + drawing daily nearer to the Eternal One, should ever render themselves + worthy to have it said of them—"This is the patience of the + faithful, behold them who keep the commandments of God and the faith of + Jesus." + </p> + <p> + Note.—Having had the opinion of my friends, the commissioners of the + Walloon Synod, upon my MS. and this having been thought too bright a + picture of the Vaudois morals by one of those gentlemen who had never + visited the valleys, I thus replied to one of them:—"I am not + surprised that my picture of the manners of my countrymen should appear to + you too highly coloured. But if you had lived some years among these + excellent people, as I have done, and then in a country where the + corruption of manners is as great as it is here, and in the towns in + Switzerland, you would not think so. For, although we may be degenerated + from the purity of our ancestors, I protest to you, that it is only those + parishes immediately adjoining to Piémont which have incurred this + reproach. In all the rest, their kindness of heart, frankness, + benevolence, and zeal for religion, would enchant you. I have more than + once visited all the parishes, and have resided in most of them, being + acquainted with a great many of their inhabitants; and, by all this + experience, I am confirmed in the belief that there does not exist, in our + days, a people in morals so pure, life so irreproachable, and piety so + exemplary, as the Vaudois."* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The author's sister is still living in the valleys, and is + the wife of one of the most exemplary pastors.—T. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0006" id="linklink2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. ON THE DISCIPLINE OF THE VAUDOIS CHURCH. + </h2> + <p> + That the Vaudois have preserved until the time of the Reformation the + doctrines of the primitive church, as described in the epistles of the + Apostles, has been acknowledged by Luther, Melancthon, Bucer, and + Æcolampadius, in the different letters which they addressed to our + ancestors. And it was by their advice that the latter relaxed somewhat + from the ancient severity of ecclesiastical government, fearing that it + might estrange persons otherwise desirous of embracing their belief; and + others, who having fallen into error, preferred abjuring their creed to + exposing themselves to the shame of public punishment. I cannot think, + however, that these changes have proved advantageous, and Melancthon + himself confesses, he cannot disapprove of the former strictness, and + wishes it had been adopted in the Protestant churches. It is certain that + the total abolition of all discipline among the latter has been pernicious + to good morals. Let us examine the methods taken by the Vaudois to + preserve them uncorrupted. + </p> + <p> + Public Worship, &c. + </p> + <p> + The public worship was always celebrated in the Vaudois language till + 1630, when a pestilence swept off the whole of the barbes,* then fifteen + in number, with the exception of two, who were inefficient from age.** In + consequence, pastors were invited to come from France and Geneva; as these + knew neither Vaudois nor Italian, they preached in French, a custom which + still continues, (though the churches have long been served by Vaudois,) + but though few families speak French habitually, there is no one who does + not perfectly comprehend it, all their books being in French; and + consequently the children always receive their instruction in that + language. They make use of the Swiss liturgy, not having it in their power + to print one of their own. In the holy sacraments the bread was, until + 1630, broken into three parts, and the water thrice sprinkled in baptism, + in remembrance of the Trinity. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Barbe, the ancient word for pastor. + + ** Gilles and Gros, two retired pastors, only remained. +</pre> + <p> + The parishioners, without exception, assembled at the house of their + respective elders, for communion, which was celebrated four times a year; + when before Easter, and sometimes before Christmas, each person was + required by his pastor to give his reasons for his faith, and if one was + passed over, it was esteemed an affront. Oh virtuous people! why hast thou + not persisted in this laudable custom, so well calculated to perpetuate + thy happiness, and maintain thy zeal for religion? Before the time of the + plague above mentioned, the pastors each year were subject to a visit from + the moderator and two members of the synod, who, after minute inquiries, + made their report to the synod. The foreign clergy would not submit to + this ordinance, and though it has been since re-established, these + perquisitions have not been made with the same strictness. + </p> + <p> + The ancient pastors were also accustomed to invite the censure of their + consistory once a year, upon any thing they might disapprove; and, after + general consultation, the first of the elders freely gave his opinion of + the conduct of the pastor. Ecclesiastical punishments were also severe; a + murderer, adulterer, or lewd person, could only be reconciled to the + church after having given unequivocal proofs of repentance, and a long + exclusion from the sacrament. Such persons were also obliged to appear + publicly in the church, (the number of times being regulated by the extent + of guilt,) and after sitting on a seat apart, stand up at the end of the + service, while the pastor announced that a person was permitted to make + public reparation for his fault. The penitent then implored aloud the + pardon of God, and his brethren, for having set them so bad an example, + and promised amendment; upon which the barbe announced to him the + remission of his sin, on the part and in the name of the Almighty, and + concluded by an exhortation to the people. This custom is authorized, nay, + prescribed by the Gospel, as one of great utility. I must however repeat, + sins of this nature are still extremely rare in the vallies. Games of + hazard were never permitted, and dancing was so strictly forbidden, that + the wife of a pastor was publicly censured for having been present at a + May-day dance in Luzerne, though she did not herself take part in it. + "There are also," says Leger, "ordinances against blasphemy and swearing; + but during the twenty-three years I have been minister, and twelve + moderator, no one instance of the kind has ever occurred; and I am + convinced in a whole century here one should not hear the name of God + taken in vain." + </p> + <p> + The consistories in each parish are composed of the pastor, the elders, + and the deacon: * no one is admitted among the elders without a very + strict examination; the dignity lasts for life, unless forfeited by + unworthy conduct. In important cases the heads of families are called in + to the assistance of the consistory, who decide by the majority of votes. + There were besides other councils, called colloques,** composed of the + pastors and one or two ancients from every church, who met once a month in + each valley to take cognizance of those differences which were not finally + arranged at the consistories. From the colloques an appeal might be made + to the synods; but disputes were sometimes settled by choosing arbiters, + and exacting a promise of obedience to their decision. By these means was + every dispute terminated, for it was absolutely forbid, under any + pretence, to have recourse to courts of law. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Who acts as churchwarden.—T. + + ** Literally parliaments. +</pre> + <p> + How consistent these rules were with the spirit of primitive Christianity + may be seen, by referring to the sixth chapter of St. Paul's epistle to + the Corinthians. + </p> + <p> + The synods were the most solemn and general councils of the Vaudois, and + were formerly held every year, (but now every second year,) at each parish + in turn, excepting the four most remote.* They consist of the pastor and + two elders from every parish, together with a commissioner from the + sovereign, who, however, is not allowed to speak in the discussions.** + This assembly forms a court of dernier resort to all others, appoints + pastors and schoolmasters, and creates a moderator, adjoint, and + secretary; who, under the name of La Table, form a committee for the + management of affairs, until the meeting of the next synod. But the synods + do not assume the right of interfering in matters of faith.*** Indeed, I + find that all the articles of belief, and declarations of faith by our + ancestors, have been drawn up in special general assemblies, consisting + not only of pastors and elders, but also of such heads of families who + could attend. As, for example, the articles d'union des vallées, in 1571. + </p> + <p> + At the opening of their synods the pastors preach in turn, and it is then + only that the Catholics permit the members of their church to attend such + sermons, which they do in great numbers.**** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * An ancient Vaudois manuscript, of 1587, asserts that 140 + barbes once assisted at a Synod in the valley of Laus, in + the Pragelas. + + ** L'intendant de la province envoyé de la part du + government. + + *** This perfect liberty of conscience is a natural result + from the Vaudois maxims, before stated, and proves them + equally devoid of superstition and fanaticism.—Note by + Bresse. + + **** Vid. anecdote of the elder Moudon of S. Jean +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0007" id="linklink2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. OF THE BARBES OR PASTORS + </h2> + <p> + This name, which originally signified <i>uncle</i>, was generally given to + those persons treated with any particular respect and reverence, and was + used to distinguish the pastors, until the calamity of 1630, mentioned + above. "These barbes* were," says Leger, "models of all virtue, pious, + humble, innocent, mild, and peaceable; as well as diligent, laborious, and + vigilant in their office; faithful labourers in the Lord's vineyard; they + consecrated all their time and talents to the care of souls; exposing + themselves to reproaches and persecutions, nay, even death itself in + defence of the truth; despising the vanities, luxuries, and honours which + the world offered to them. In a word, they fulfilled to the utmost every + duty of nature and society." Among them many were married, others remained + single, on account of the changes of abode then so often necessary to keep + up a correspondence with distant countries; particularly (since the + twelfth century) with Bohemia, Germany, Gascony, Provence, Dauphiné, + Languedoc, England, Calabria, and Apulia. Our barbes visited each of those + countries in turn, preaching and animating the courage of their brethren; + and the money necessary for their journeys and support while absent, was + furnished them from the valleys. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The Catholics use the word Barbets, as a term of reproach + for the Vaudois. +</pre> + <p> + Besides preaching, they occupied themselves in making copies of the Holy + Scriptures, for the use of their flocks; many of them studied medicine and + surgery, an occupation the more laudable as medical men have always been + very scarce in the valleys, only one residing even now in the valley of + St. Martin, and none in that of Luzerne, except the apothecary of the + Catholic town of that name. It is true that the frugal manner of life + among the Vaudois renders their assistance little necessary; and well + acquainted as were our ancient barbes with the simples, with which our + country abounds, they found among them almost all the remedies required. + </p> + <p> + There were some of these venerable men, who, like the apostles, applied + themselves to mechanical arts, but the most particular object of their + care was the instruction of youth, and especially those intended for the + church. In the most ancient times, the studies of the latter were confined + to the learning by heart the gospels of St. Matthew and St. John, and the + epistles; with a good part of the writings of Solomon, David, and the + prophets; after which on presenting good testimonials, they were admitted + into the ecclesiastical order, by the imposition of hands.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Vide Note at the end of this chapter. +</pre> + <p> + Not only the inhabitants of the valleys, but the youth of distant + countries came to have the instructions of our barbes. For Illyricus,* the + Papist author before quoted, affirms—"I find that it was common, + nay, customary, for Bohemians to travel from their country to their + Valdensian preceptors in Lombardy, as if to some school or college for the + sake of studying divinity." + </p> + <p> + The History of Alsace (lib. i.) makes a similar statement, with regard to + the Alsaceans preparing themselves for holy orders. + </p> + <p> + The cavern, which served for the accademia of our venerable barbes, where + they sowed and cultivated the principles of their pure and blameless + religion, and whence they spread them through the world, is still in + existence; it is the cavern of the famous Pré du Tour in the parish of + Angrogna. Besides this sacred college, there was, and still exists in each + parish, one or more schools, where the children of both sexes are + instructed in writing, reading, arithmetic, and sacred music,** well as in + the elements of religion. There are also two latin schools, where those + destined to the study of divinity learn Latin, and a little Greek, + previous to their removal to Lausanne or Geneva. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Catalog, test, veritat. cap. 15. + + ** It is much to be regretted that an attempt to put these + schools upon the Lancaster system, has been rendered + abortive. After the revolt in Piémont, in 1820, though no + Vaudois was engaged in it, the government (attributing this + event to the increase of knowledge) absolutely forbad this + rapid mode of instruction. +</pre> + <p> + Note.—How different is this instruction from the method pursued in + our days; it sufficed then to have studied the Christian religion in the + gospel. But now a minister of the gospel must pass the flower of his + youth, in learning sciences which certainly do not render him a more + zealous and virtuous Christian, than he would have been had he studied + alone at the school of Jesus. Now, for four or five years he is to groan + beneath the study of languages:* then he goes on to the study of the + belles lettres; and then to philosophy, of little use indeed to him, and + indeed injurious, as it is taught at some universities. See here, ten + years of labour and expense! and for what? To gain a knowledge of subjects + which have no connection with the science of happiness. Ten years, during + which, the youth who has devoted himself to the preaching of the gospel, + has scarcely heard mention made of it; or if he has, only as a necessary + part of his studies; while he should have made it his principal object. + After this comes theology, which surely ought to consist in the simple, + but fundamental and thorough knowledge of revelation; the proofs which + establish its truth; and above all, the duties which it recommends. Is + this the method of study in the colleges? By no means. It is not the + gospel which they teach; it is the various opinions of commentators, and + heads of sects, on different passages of the sacred writings. Is this to + conform to the spirit of religion? is it not, on the contrary, to engage + one's self in that pretended wisdom, that futile science it so much + reproves? Let me be allowed freely to say, that I consider the manner in + which the Christian religion is taught and learnt in our days, as the + principal obstacle to its progress. The gospel has no need of all this + paraphernalia of science, to affect the feelings or judgment. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Latin, Hebrew, Greek, French, and Italian. +</pre> + <p> + It possesses in itself all that is necessary to produce these happy + effects. I have only to cast a glance back upon our good ancestors, when + our barbes studied the Bible alone, to be confirmed in my opinion. Is + there now among the nations regarded as the most enlightened, any example + of a society, which has attained to such a degree of perfection? Surely, + if the answer is in the negative, we must not deny the source of the + superiority of the ancient Vaudois over other nations, and even over the + Vaudois of the present day. It is true that the studies of our young + divines have not always been so simple. Logic, together with Italian, + French, and Latin, were added, but still there was nothing like the + present course of study. I deny not that all these sciences, (with which + it is wished to adorn divines,) may be very useful in the countries where + they are taught; as France, Germany, England, Switzerland, and the United + Provinces; but I believe all this apparatus of learning to be totally + useless in our valleys, and that it is consequently in vain to condemn so + many youths, destined to the priesthood, to such heavy expense and waste + of time;* and every enlightened person will be aware of the cruelty of + awakening these young men to the pleasures of learning and science, when + on their return to their homes, they must abandon them from poverty, want + of time, and their isolated situation. For to whom can they communicate + their sciences? to the Vaudois? they understand the gospel alone, and are + indifferent as to the rest. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * £40. a year at least. +</pre> + <p> + It must be remarked that the object of this note regards the Vaudois + alone, and that it has been added with a view of drawing their attention + to the establishment of a college, of which the author has drawn up a + plan, which will be added at the end of the history. When it is considered + what important objects may thus be obtained by a very small comparative + sacrifice of money, it is hoped the benefactors of the Vaudois will turn + their attention to it, and that some influence might be exerted by the + British government to obtain the necessary permission, at the court of + Turin.—Vide calculations of the expense by a traveller, in 1825. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_PART2" id="linklink2H_PART2"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART THE SECOND. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linklink2H_INTR" id="linklink2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + Those who are ignorant that our annals are marked by blood and misery, + will be surprised to find that the history of these virtuous and simple + Vaudois, worthy of the admiration of mankind, is little else than a series + of calamity. Nor will they be able to reconcile the barbarity and + ferocity, with which they have been persecuted, with the candour and + innocence of these victims. One word is sufficient to explain the horrible + enigma; mistaken zeal is blind to the duties of religion and nature. Can + we call those reasonable beings, who, while claiming the privileges of the + human race, utterly forgetful of humanity, massacre thousands of their + fellow-creatures in cold blood. Why is it that the potentates of the earth + have constituted themselves judges of an affair which regards God alone? + Or who has given them a right to treat as heretics, those who think + differently from themselves, or to pour out their blood before the altars + of God? + </p> + <p> + It was at the end of the fifteenth century that these scenes commenced; + for previously, though the victims of secret intrigue, the Vaudois had + suffered no open persecution. It was reserved to the Inquisition to work + their ruin. A Spanish priest named Dominic, came to France to preach + against the Vaudois of Albi or Albigenses; and succeeded so well that his + order received the title of the preachers. He established himself at + Toulouse, and thence dispatched his spies in all directions to make <i>perquisitions</i> + for those suspected of heresy, and punish them.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Vide Llorente istoria della Inquisition passim; it is + translated; the statement which this learned Spaniard gives, + who was himself once a chief officer of the holy office, and + has been since entrusted with all its registers, perfectly + bears out the sketch given by Bresse.—T. +</pre> + <p> + Gregory IX., then Pope, soon perceived the advantage he might derive from + such missionaries, and authorised the Dominicans in France and Spain, and + the Franciscans in Italy, to make inquisition (inquirere) after heretics; + as well as to try, convict, and punish them. Such is the origin of the + Inquisition, a tribunal so execrable, that it threatened to drown the + human race in blood. Its principal seat was at Rome, and on the model of + that, was established at Turin, that famous council, De Propaganda fide et + extirpendis hereticis, which we shall hereafter call the Propaganda. This + council began by declaring the Vaudois unworthy of communication with + other Christians, ordered the confiscation of their property, the + demolition of their houses, even the cutting down of their trees; sent to + all princes and sovereign lords, to require them to search for and deliver + up such heretics to the Inquisition; inflicted heavy penalties on those + who concealed them; and conferred the third of their property on the + informers, who pointed out their retreats. But these measures were too + weak; the court of Rome aimed at the utter extirpation of this unhappy + people, and committed to its ministers, the power of delivering over to + the secular arm, that is, of putting to death without mercy, all those + they considered heretics. Nay, these ferocious missionaries pronounced + sentence against corpses which had been buried twenty and thirty years; + dragged them from their tombs to flaming piles, and confiscated the + possessions of the families to which they belonged. + </p> + <p> + A father was forced to give evidence against a son; a sister against a + brother; a wife against her husband; the bonds of nature, blood and + friendship, were esteemed as nothing, to the objects of the Inquisition; + even those suspected of heresy were rigorously punished, if they could not + procure witnesses to swear to their innocence. The accused was ignorant of + the name of his accuser, nor was he allowed any advocate, except such as + might be chosen by the Inquisition. One witness alone was sufficient for + condemnation to the torture, and even where the crime could not be proved, + the victim was never acquitted, but his name was branded with infamy, and + remained inscribed on the registers of this relentless tribunal. + </p> + <p> + I content myself with referring my readers to l'histoire de la religion + des églises réformées, by Basnage, 1725, 4to., where they will discover + ample proof that the above statement is not overcharged; and find extracts + of the acts of the Inquisition of Toulouse, erected against the Vaudois + and Albigenses. + </p> + <p> + I cannot however refrain from transcribing some of the Articles which have + served as rules to the inquisitors in the persecutions of our ancestors. + </p> + <p> + Some of the rules followed by the Inquisitors in their proceedings against + the Vaudois: + </p> + <p> + That no one can be received as a penitent or admitted to absolution, if + guilty of directly or indirectly concealing a heretic. + </p> + <p> + That no one, after having been given over to the secular power, be + permitted to justify himself before the people, lest by his explanations + it should appear to the simple that injustice had been done him; and if he + should escape, the Catholic religion be thereby injured. + </p> + <p> + That no one condemned before the people shall be pardoned, even should he + retract, and promise conversion; for a sufficient number of these heretics + could never be burnt, if they were suffered to escape on such pretexts; + because these promises being only drawn from them by the fear of torments, + would not be observed, and if they should promise conversion before the + people, and death be then inflicted, the people might think them unjustly + treated. Therefore it is best never to let them speak before the people. + </p> + <p> + That during examinations, the Inquisitor should always have a book open + before him, appearing to have therein registered, a quantity of + depositions, and, indeed, the whole life of the heretic. + </p> + <p> + Inevitable death must be placed before his eyes, if he refuses to confess + and renounce his heresy. If he answers—"If I must die, then, I + prefer to die in my own faith," his execution must be hurried on as much + as possible, and <i>mercy never shewn</i>. + </p> + <p> + No attempt should ever be made to convince heretics by the Scriptures, for + they pervert them with such dexterity, as often to confound the most + learned men, who attempt to answer them, and thereby they become more + hardened. + </p> + <p> + A heretic must never be answered categorically; and in an interrogatory + several questions should always be given at a time; so that in whatever + way he may answer, he may be replied to, to his confusion. + </p> + <p> + If there are any who protest they never were guilty of the Vaudois heresy, + they must be admonished, that there are proofs sufficient to convict them; + promising them in ambiguous terms, that they may hope for pardon on a free + confession; many will then confess, with the hope of saving their lives. + </p> + <p> + Such were the Rules of the Inquisition, at the end of the eleventh + century. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0008" id="linklink2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THE VAUDOIS QUIT THE VALLEYS IN THE FOURTEENTH AND FIFTEENTH + </h2> + <p> + CENTURIES. + </p> + <p> + We have already stated, that when Valdo and his disciples were driven from + Lyons, towards the end of the twelfth century, many settled in our + valleys. In consequence about 150 years afterwards, the population + becoming excessive, many families withdrew to Provence, where they built + Cabrieres, Merindol, Lormarin, and other villages. Others went to + Paysanne, Biolet, &c., villages in the Marquisate of Saluces; and some + retired to Meane and Mathias, near Susa. But the most considerable + colonies formed at this time, sought an asylum in Calabria, and Apulia; + where they first built the town called Borgo d' Oltramontani,* near + Montalto, and fifty years afterwards (on the increase of new settlers) San + Sisto, Vacarisso, Argentine, and St. Vincent. The Marquis of Spinello also + allowed them at last to build on his lands, near the sea, the fortified + town of Guardia, which soon became a flourishing place. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Foreigner's Town.—T. +</pre> + <p> + About the year 1400, a persecution arising in Provence, many Vaudois + returned to the valleys, and thence, accompanied by others of their + brethren, directed their course to Naples, in the neighbourhood of which + they founded successively the little towns of Moulione, Montavato, La + Celia, and La Motta. + </p> + <p> + About 100 years after this some Vaudois of Frassinieres (then making one + body with those of the valleys) went to inhabit the town of Volturara, + near those above mentioned, which was the last considerable emigration at + this period. + </p> + <p> + All these little colonies were regularly instructed by pastors, who + travelled from town to town for that purpose. Our barbes even possessed + houses at Florence, Genoa, and Venice, in which last city were 6000 + Vaudois.* There were even numbers in Rome itself, who lived in + concealment. + </p> + <p> + Although the Vaudois of Val Louise, and two other places in Dauphiné, were + persecuted in 1380,** this calamity did not extend into Piémont till 1400, + when all the inhabitants of Pragela were forced to fly to the highest + mountains, where about eighty women and children died of cold. After the + massacre of all who fell into their hands, the persecutors pillaged their + houses, and carried their booty to Susa. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The barbe Gilles, who visited them, affirms this. + + ** Under Pope Clement the Seventh. +</pre> + <p> + This persecution was far exceeded in severity by that in the Valley of + Luzerne, excited by the monkish missionaries in 1476. These men, + notwithstanding the four edicts confirmatory of the privileges of the + Vaudois, published by the Dukes Louis and Amadeus and Duchess Jolante, + from the years 1448 to 1473, procured bulls of great severity against + them, from the inquisitor, Aquapendente, and Campesio, bishop of Turin, in + 1475. Many Vaudois in consequence fell beneath the hands of the + executioner, and among them the barbe Jordan Tertian was burnt at Susa; + and Rouzier, Chiamp, Ambroise, and Hian, also suffered martyrdom in other + places. + </p> + <p> + In order to add force to the above bull, the Duchess Jolante issued, in + 1476, her Latin edict, (still extant,) directing the magistrates of + Luzerne, Cavour, and Pignerol, to use every means to bring the Vaudois + over to the Catholic faith; and, in case of resistance, to execute the + inquisitorial bulls against them. + </p> + <p> + In this edict, the Duchess herself gives evidence of our antiquity; I had + almost said, apostolical succession, since the words are, "to make them + enter (venire) into the bosom of the Roman communion," and not re-enter. + </p> + <p> + Clement the Seventh may be regarded as the founder of the most monstrous + empire which has ever existed, exciting the flames of persecution against + all those who refused to acknowledge him as supreme head of the church. + Innocent the Eighth proceeded upon the same plan; taking advantage of the + brutal ignorance of the age, to lay the world at his feet, and to dictate + supreme laws to nations and their sovereigns.* The bull of the latter + Pontiff,** addressed to Albert de Capitaneis, papal nuncio at the court of + Charles Duke of Savoy, is too important to pass unnoticed. The Pope + complains that "the followers of that pernicious and abominable sect of + malignants, called Pauvres de Lyon, or Vaudois, say and commit many things + contrary to orthodox faith, offensive in the eyes of God and pernicious to + their own souls." In consequence of which, (and thinking himself obliged + by the duties of his office absolutely to root out this accursed sect and + all contaminated by it,) Innocent, through his full power, orders "all + bishops, archbishops, vicars, and others possessing ecclesiastical office, + to obey his inquisitor, and to take up arms with him against the said + Vaudois, in order to tread them under foot, as venomous serpents, and thus + fortify the people confided to them in the profession of the true faith." + He then recommends to all—"to neglect nothing, and employ their best + endeavours for such a holy and necessary extermination of the said + heretics." And exhorts all sovereigns and princes "to take the shield of + orthodox faith, and to lend him and all bishops, &c. &c. their + assistance, to the end that they may exterminate and entirely destroy all + these execrable heretics." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A title frequently used by the Popes is "servant of + servants." + + ** Bearing date, Rome, 1477. +</pre> + <p> + The Roman Pontiff proceeds, "to order all preachers to preach this + crusade, to excite and inflame the faithful to destroy this pestilence by + force and arms; to absolve all the crusaders, contributing by their arms + or otherwise to this holy extermination, from all ecclesiastical censures + and sentences. He grants to all the crusaders a dispensation for all + irregularities. He recommends to all inquisitors to make composition with + all those who have goods or possessions unjustly acquired, provided they + will employ them for the extermination of the heretics. And he gives to + all persons fighting against the latter full indulgence and remission of + all the sins they may have committed; and this pardon is to extend even to + the moment of their death."* He also gives to the crusaders "the right to + take possession of all goods of heretics, moveable and immoveable. The + missionaries shall command all those in the service of these heretics to + leave them, and to obey our apostolical commands, under pain of + excommunication. All those who have any debtor promise due to these + Vaudois shall hold themselves as free from it, and discontinue all + commerce with them. All those disobedient to these commands shall be + deposed from all their orders, rank, and dignities, whatsoever they may + be; and the ecclesiastics shall lose their benefices, the laity their + honours, titles, fiefs, and privileges, becoming infamous, and incapable + hereafter of holding any office or employment." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Articul o mortis. +</pre> + <p> + Such is this series of horrible maxims, subversive alike of all justice, + humanity, and religion.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The MS. of this bull is in the library at Cambridge. +</pre> + <p> + This bull, which was followed by an apostile from the Legate, almost as + long, and signed by two notaries of Pignerol, authorized by the Duke of + Savoy, to publish it in all his territories; was the cause of <i>eight + hundred thousand</i> Vaudois being put to death in different parts of + Europe. Leger vouches for this fact; can any terms then be sufficiently + severe for the cruelty of this monster Innocent VIII. + </p> + <p> + To return, the nuncio Capitaneis, furnished with the Pope's letters + patent, having engaged the Duke of Savoy, the King of France, and other + neighbouring princes to furnish troops for the extermination of the + inhabitants of the valleys, about 18,000 men were assembled, besides 5 or + 6000 Piemontese volunteers, eager to obtain both the pillage of the + valleys and full remission of their sins. + </p> + <p> + In order to ensure success, this army was divided into several corps, and + attacked at once Angrogna, Luzerne, Perouse, and St. Martin, as well as + Pragela, where, after many cruelties committed, they were repulsed by the + inhabitants. The chief attack was made in the Valley of Angrogna, towards + Roccal Mag-nol, where the Vaudois were prepared to receive it; some of the + advanced guard had armed themselves with a kind of long wooden cuirass, + which defended the men, and from which the arrows rebounded; and under + this living rampart the second rank made good use of their long + cross-bows, but were on the point of yielding to superior numbers; when + one Revel, indignant at the insulting shouts and imprecations of Lenois, + who commanded the enemies, shot him with an arrow, upon which his troops + were struck with a panic and fled. The French and Savoyards, irritated by + this defeat, made another attack on the side of Angrogna, but though at + first successful, they were afterwards repulsed. One of their captains, + Saquet, falling from a rock into the torrent Angrogna, the spot was called + by his name more than a hundred years after. + </p> + <p> + In the attack upon Pral, of 700 men, who engaged the Vaudois near + Pommiers, one ensign alone escaped, whom the Vaudois pardoned, that he + might carry the news of this defeat to the rest of the army. The attacks + in other quarters having had no better success, all open hostilities + ceased, although desultory incursions were made into the valleys for a + year afterwards, which did great mischief, in keeping up an alarm and + preventing the cultivation of the land. + </p> + <p> + Philip the Seventh, Duke of Savoy, at length resolved to put an end to the + war, and sent a bishop to treat with the Vaudois, at Pra Ays-suit; the + only condition being, that they should come to Pignerol, where his court + was, to ask pardon. This was assented to, and the Duke granted a general + pardon, on receiving a sum of money; he allowed that he had been ill + informed; confirmed their former privileges, and affirmed that he had not + such good, faithful, and obedient subjects as the Vaudois. + </p> + <p> + It was on this occasion that Philip VII. desired to see the children, it + having been reported among the vulgar, that the Vaudois children were born + with one eye in the midst of the forehead, and four rows of black teeth: a + striking instance of the ignorance in which Piémont was plunged at that + time. + </p> + <p> + The favour of their prince did not, however, defend the Vaudois from the + persecutions of the inquisitors, who, from the convent near Pignerol, took + many prisoners, either by force or stratagem, and seldom allowed them to + escape death. By their intrigues they prevailed upon Marguerite de Foix, + widow of the Marquis de Saluces, to drive all the Vaudois from her + territory, in the year 1500. These poor exiles, after taking refuge for + five years in the valley of Luzerne, and making incessant supplications + for permission to return, at length suddenly attacked their enemies sword + in hand, and gained possession of their homes, where they remained + unmolested during the greatest part of the sixteenth century. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0009" id="linklink2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE REFORMATION. + </h2> + <p> + Every one knows that the commencement of the sixteenth century was marked + by the change in religious opinions throughout Europe which produced the + Reformation; nor need I here specify the names of the reformers, or + enumerate their labours in different countries, from Luther's public acts, + in 1516, to the assemblage formed by Cranmer in England, of Bucer the + martyr, Fagius, and others, about the middle of the century. + </p> + <p> + Our barbes had, in 1526, sent barbe Martin and others, to hold a + conference with the reformers Zwinglius, OEcolampadius, and Bucer, and had + returned with many eulogiums on the constancy and simplicity of the + Vaudois. Luther, though at first no friend to the Vaudois, admitted, upon + better information respecting them, that they were most improperly styled + heretics, and expressed his admiration of the courage with which they had + renounced all human systems, in order to be guided solely by the light of + revelation. Calvin also took a lively interest in them, and held their + doctrines in high estimation. To the eulogiums of the reformers were + added, however, some rebukes on what they esteemed errors in church + discipline, and some German ministers returned with the barbes, to consult + on their amendment. The strictures of the reformers rested on points of + doctrine not specified by our histories; too much lenity shown towards + feeble persons, who attended mass from fear of persecution; and lastly and + principally, "that the Vaudois had not celebrated their worship with + sufficient publicity for some years." + </p> + <p> + I must be permitted to say, that even these, reproaches appear to me ill + founded. Our ancestors would have been indeed blamable had they concealed + their faith; but, on the contrary, they defended it at the price of their + property and lives. All that can be said is, that their external worship + was not so regular as in our days; because, as a means of security, they + often worshipped God only in caverns and forests, and in their private + houses. + </p> + <p> + When our barbes had communicated to their brethren the observations of the + reformers, an assembly was convoked to discuss them, at Angrogna, on the + 12th of September, 1532, which was attended from every part of the + valleys. The result was a new confession of faith, though it appears the + assembly was not entirely unanimous, for two pastors and some others were + of opinion (and with reason) that it was better to adhere to the old + confessions, and particularly that of 1100. + </p> + <p> + I would go farther and say, that these confessions of faith, so frequent + since the Reformation, have been pernicious. + </p> + <p> + Is it not an act of folly or vanity to dare to form confessions of faith, + other than the Apostles' creed? I do not hesitate, therefore, to blame our + Vaudois for having thus departed from the wise maxims of their + forefathers. + </p> + <p> + The spirit of this document, and the publicity with which the Vaudois + resolved in future to celebrate divine worship, greatly astonished their + enemies. The monks, who had been sent into the valleys to collect the + revenues of their curés, and to convert the inhabitants, despaired of + their undertaking, and returned in great ill-humour. But their hatred to + the Vaudois was too inveterate to allow them to remain idle; and having + put in force every stratagem, they at last succeeded in their plots so far + as to induce Duke Charles to begin a new persecution. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0010" id="linklink2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Many Vaudois, to escape the last persecutions, had withdrawn from their + country to Merindol, Cabrieres, and Lormarin, in Provence, where they + lived undisturbed until 1534; when the bishops of this country, making + researches for heretics, seized these unhappy people, and finding them to + be Piemontese, wrote to the inquisitor and to the archbishop of Turin, at + whose instigation the Duke consented to appoint Pantaléon Bressour, lord + of Rocheplatte, director of the war against the Vaudois. Bressour, + provided with letters patent, went to examine the Vaudois prisoners in + Provence; and from them learned not only who were the barbes who came from + the valleys to instruct them, but the names of almost all the families + there. From this information, he formed two lists., viz. one of declared, + the other of suspected heretics, which he presented to the inquisitors; he + was soon armed with fresh powers, by the edict of Quiers, (dated August, + 1535,) to seize all whom he knew to be Vaudois, and to force them to enter + into the Catholic faith, or undergo the punishments they deserved. Civil + and military officers, and all other subjects were enjoined to obey the + requisition of Bressour for assistance, under a heavy penalty. + </p> + <p> + Having chosen 500 men from the Duke's whole army, this leader attacked the + Vaudois, who had not the slightest suspicion of the violation of the + peace, and massacred them without any distinction of age or sex, spreading + consternation throughout the valleys. The following day, as they marched + into the Val de Luzerne, with the intention of continuing the carnage, our + Vaudois suddenly attacked them in front, rear, and flank, and succeeded in + destroying most of these assassins, the rest took to flight, abandoning + their prisoners and booty. Perrin (the historian) attributes this victory, + in great measure to the slings, which the Vaudois used at that time with + the greatest dexterity, and which formed their principal weapon. Blanche, + countess of Luzerne and Angrogna, complained in vain of this perfidious + invasion: two days afterwards appeared letters from the Duke, forbidding + the inhabitants of the valleys to assemble in arms, under a penalty of one + hundred silver marks. Bressour, however, contented himself with seizing + those Vaudois who were mingled among the Catholics in Lower Piémont, and + soon filled his castle, the prisons and Convents at Pignerol, and the + inquisition at Turin, with prisoners. After they were tried by the + inquisitors, vicar, and assessors, part of them were condemned to the + flames, and the rest to several years imprisonment. There were some indeed + whose fate was never known. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, seeing that these persecutions made no impression, and having + remarked that, in open warfare, "the skin of a Vaudois always cost fifteen + or twenty of his best Catholics," by his letters, forbid them to be + further molested on any pretence whatever. + </p> + <p> + My readers will see that he was here actuated by a political motive* + Francis the First, king of France, having demanded a passage for his army + destined for the reconquest of the Milanese, the Duke thought proper to + refuse, and consequently to employ all his forces to protect the + frontiers. It was therefore necessary to engage the Vaudois to defend + their passes, through which the French could have directly penetrated. + However, notwithstanding all resistance, the enemy soon forced their way + through Savoy into Piémont; and, after bearing their part in the + sufferings of the war, the Vaudois remained under the government of the + French for twenty-three years. + </p> + <p> + They were during that time little disturbed on account of their faith, + although some individuals occasionally fell victims to the fanaticism of + the inquisition. Catelan Girardet, of St. Jean, was burnt at Revel in + 1535; as he was led to execution he took up two pebbles, and, rubbing them + together, thus addressed his persecutors: "You hope by your persecutions + to destroy our churches; you will no more obtain your object than I can + destroy these two stones in my hands." After which he submitted to his + fate with admirable resignation. In 1536, the barbe Martin Gonin, of + Angrogna, as remarkable for his learning as for his piety, was seized at + Grenoble, on his return from Geneva, and thrown into the Isere for his + perseverance in the faith. + </p> + <p> + The Vaudois at this time resolved on publishing the Bible, having only the + New Testament and some books of the Old, which were sparingly scattered + among them, This they accomplished at the expense of 1500 gold crowns, + paid to the printer at Neuchatel, who undertook the work. The translation + was made by the barbe Robert Olivetan, with the assistance of his relation + the celebrated Calvin. Though some say, that the version of Lefevre + d'Estaples, prepared a few years before, served them for a model; it is + certain that this translation of Olivetan's was used as the basis for + almost all those since published. It was revised and reprinted by the + academy of Geneva, in 1588. + </p> + <p> + We have mentioned the commencement of the persecutions of the Vaudois in + Provence, in 1534; they were revived in 1540, by the parliament of Aix + citing the inhabitants of Merindol to appear before them; when they + refused to do so on account of, the danger they would be exposed to, they + were condemned to the loss of their lives and possessions. The execution + of this barbarous sentence was deferred till 1545, when Cardinal Tournon + obtained permission to proceed by force of arms; Minier, president of the + parliament and lieutenant of the king, was the principal executioner; + having marched from Aix on the 16th of April, he commenced by burning the + villages of Pepin, La Motte, and St. Martin, and massacred all the + inhabitants, sparing neither age nor sex. On the 17th, he ravaged and + burnt Lormarin, Ville-Laure, Treizemenes, and Genson. On the 18th, he set + fire to Merindol, when he put to death a child, the only one remaining of + its inhabitants. And, finally, on the 19th, this monster destroyed the + town of Cabrieres, where 800 victims scarcely satiated his thirst for + blood. The assassins under Minier's command even extended their cruelties + to infants yet unborn, in a manner too shocking to relate. + </p> + <p> + Those who escaped from this horrible carnage fled to the valleys and to + Geneva; but, after some years, returned to take possession of their + property. While these scenes were acting in the south of France, Pope Paul + III. excited the parliament of Turin to similar acts in the valleys, then + under the French dominion. To a petition for mercy, the only answer + returned by Francis the First was, that if they did not conform to the + laws of the Roman communion he would punish them as obstinate heretics, + since he did not burn such persons in France to tolerate them among the + Alps. They were then enjoined to send away their barbes and receive Roman + Catholic priests to celebrate the mass. + </p> + <p> + The Vaudois replied courageously, that it was impossible for them to obey + such commands; that they were always ready to render unto Cæsar the things + which belonged to Cæsar; but that they would render unto God what + pertained to him, however dearly such obedience might cost them. No doubt, + at another time, this would have excited a general persecution, but + Francis had too much to do to employ his forces against them. The + parliament, therefore, contented itself with individual persecution, and + ordered all judges and magistrates vigorously to assist the officers of + the inquisition, and to commit to the flames all the Vaudois who might + fall into their hands. In consequence many suffered, and among them one + Hector, a bookseller, who was burnt 1555, in the square of the castle at + Turin, and behaved with great heroism. + </p> + <p> + Until this time the houses of the barbes had served for the churches of + their flocks; but they were now considered as too small, and it was + decided to build temples:* the first erected was St. Laurence, at + Angrogna; but others were built in val Luzerne and val St. Martin in the + same year, 1556. It was also about this time that they began to send + students to foreign universities, which relieved the barbes, who were much + employed now, but also decreased the number of young divines, as + comparatively only a few could support the expense. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Temple is the word always used by the Vaudois for church. +</pre> + <p> + The number of pastors having at length greatly diminished, recourse was + had to Switzerland to fill up vacancies. + </p> + <p> + Two commissioners were sent this year, on the part of the king, to command + all to go to mass; but after a tour in the valleys they were convinced + that their threats and promises were equally ineffectual, and returned + with the intelligence that the Vaudois were determined to resist to the + last extremity. This information was transmitted by the parliament to + Francis, whose answer was received the year after, 1557, and consisted of + a peremptory order to all the Vaudois to receive the mass, under penalty + of confiscation and death; and to send twelve of the principal inhabitants + and all the pastors immediately to the prisons of Turin, to receive the + condemnation they deserved. The Vaudois to this replied much as before, + with unshaken resolution. And though the parliament of Turin cited a great + number by name to appear before them, none presented themselves. + </p> + <p> + Two barbes perished this year by the hands of the executioner. Sartoris, + who was seized and burnt at Aosta, and Varaille, who suffered the same + horrible fate at Turin. He was the son of Varaille who commanded the + troops against the Vaudois in 1488, and had been a monk and a missionary; + but the arguments used by his opponents, during his discussions with them, + having at length made a strong impression upon his mind, he renounced the + Catholic faith, though he was in the suite of a nuncio in France, retired + to Geneva to complete his studies, and then served as pastor the church of + St. Jean, till, yielding to an invitation to visit the brethren at Busque, + he was seized at Barges on his return. + </p> + <p> + The intercession of the Protestant princes of Germany procured repose for + the Vaudois till 1559. + </p> + <p> + When peace was signed and Duke Emanuel Philibert regained most of his + territories, and concluded a marriage with Margaret of France, sister to + King Henry. They at first seemed favourably disposed to the Vaudois, who + now again fell under the Piemontese dominion. But the Duke was so pressed + by the Pope's nuncio, the King of Spain, and some Italian princes and + prelates, that a fresh edict was obtained from him against our ancestors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0011" id="linklink2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + This edict, dated Nice, 1560, was appointed to be carried into execution + by Raconis, the inquisitor-general, and Thomas Jacomel, and the + provost-general of justice, under the direction of Philip of Savoy, lord + of Raconis, and George Coste, Count de la Trinité. + </p> + <p> + These delegates commenced their task at Carignan, where they burnt a man + and his wife for refusing the mass; but the other Vaudois, determining to + remain faithful to their religion, retired into the French territory. The + commissioners, after committing some excesses by the way, attacked the + parishes of Mathias and Meane, which they cruelly ravaged, and actually + burnt the pastor on a slow fire. + </p> + <p> + The Vaudois, favoured by some of the nobles, again petitioned the Duchess + to have compassion on their situation; which petition the court forwarded + to the Pope. The answer was as follows: "That the Pontiff would by no + means consent to any discussion respecting the articles of faith; that + every person must submit blindly to all the ordinances of the Papal chair; + and that mild treatment having proved useless, recourse must now be had to + vigorous measures, and to force of arms if necessary." + </p> + <p> + In the mean time a desultory species of warfare was carried on, during + which, attacks were made on Villar and Pinache, and a desperate assault on + St. Germain by a troop of 300 robbers, kept in the pay of the monks of + Pignerol. + </p> + <p> + After the answer of the Pontiff, Anthony Pousserin, commander of the order + of S. Antonio di Fossano, made a tour through the valleys, preaching to + the Vaudois and exhorting them to receive the mass, and dismiss the + barbes. Petitions were again vainly sent in, and finding there was no hope + of peace, the Vaudois, after holding a council-general of the heads of + families, celebrated a public fast, and removed the feeble and old, as + well as most of their goods, to the houses in most elevated situations. + The army at length appeared in November, 1561, under the command of the + Count de la Trinité. + </p> + <p> + It was at this time that the Catholic inhabitants of La Tour sent their + wives and daughters for protection to the Vaudois on the mountains, as + before mentioned, with a request that they would take care of them as long + as the army remained at La Tour. + </p> + <p> + The Count having garrisoned the chief towns in the valleys, and made + successive attacks in different quarters of the passes, which all proved + futile, pretended an eager desire to treat; and for that purpose it was + arranged at Angrogna, that deputies should be sent to the Duke, and a + truce agreed upon in the interim. The Count, indeed, asserted in the most + barefaced manner, that the recent attacks were made without his knowledge. + No sooner were the deputies departed than the Count required the + inhabitants of two hamlets to surrender their arms; thus surprised they + obeyed, and retired to Angrogna. An old man of 103 was massacred, having + been found concealed; and his grand-daughter, to escape the affronts of + the soldiers, threw herself down a precipice. After ravaging the Val de + Luzerne, the Count promised to withdraw his troops on payment of 8000 + crowns. He hesitated not, however, to remain after the payment of this + sum. After committing some ravages and great cruelties, the army was + ordered into the plains below the valleys.* + </p> + <p> + About this time the deputies returned with the edict of the Duke, dated + 10th of January, in which he declares, that having considered all the + privileges and immunities of the Vaudois, he now confirms them by this + present edict, and commands all officers, civil and military, to observe + them to the letter.** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * One Geiraet was absolutely put to death by the wounds + inflicted by quantities of the scarabeus stercorarius, + confined under a vessel placed on his stomach. + + ** Cited in the second page of the original collection. +</pre> + <p> + It now seemed that the utmost wishes of the Vaudois were accomplished; + but, nevertheless, on the 7th of February the army re-entered the val' + Luzerne, and after a general attack upon Angrogna, which was repulsed, + burnt many hundred houses and barns, carrying away what they could. The + Vaudois this night took possession of the strong post of Pré du Tour, + abandoning their position at Angrogna, which was seized some days after by + the Count, and a regular attack made upon them from it, as well as from + the side of val Perouse and val St. + </p> + <p> + Martin. These three simultaneous attacks all failed, with great loss to + the enemy. The Vaudois, who had only two men killed and as many wounded, + terminated the day by thanksgivings to God, who had thus preserved them + from total destruction. + </p> + <p> + After the entire destruction of the village of Rora, the Count retired to + recruit his army; but, in the middle of March, again took possession of + Angrogna, with forces amounting to six or seven thousand men. + </p> + <p> + The Count de la Trinité next called upon the inhabitants of Taillaré to + give up their arms, promising not to molest them if they did. They had the + weakness to consent, and the very next night a large division of the enemy + massacred <i>all</i> they could find in the village, and proceeded to take + up a position for a third attack on the Pré du Tour, supported by a strong + body, which made a simultaneous attack from Angrogna. + </p> + <p> + On the arrival of those who had gone by Taillaré at a narrow pass, near + Pré du Tour, they were for some time held in check by only six Vaudois, + three of whom occupied the pass, while the others rolled down rocks and + stones from above, until a reinforcement came up and forced the enemy to + retreat. The attempt from Angrogna was equally unsuccessful, and the enemy + was even pursued to the castle of La Tour. + </p> + <p> + It would have been easy to have killed many more of the fugitives, had not + the barbes, with the ardent benevolence of true Christians, given strict + orders to act only on the defensive, and on all occasions to spare the + effusion of blood. + </p> + <p> + On this memorable occasion the Vaudois had but four killed and wounded, + which the enemy has never contradicted, though the behaviour of the + defenders of Pré du Tour made a great impression on them; one officer + declaring, that in no war had he ever seen soldiers so dismayed as when + they were led against the Vaudois; and another, bringing the remains of + his company to the Count, absolutely refused again to engage in such + expeditions. It must be remarked, that among the reinforcements of the + Count were ten companies of infantry and some other troops, all composed + of picked men, sent by the King of France at the request of the Duke. + </p> + <p> + These successes, added to the illness of the Count de la Trinité, and the + intercessions of the Duchess Marguerite, induced the Duke again to offer + peace, and demand deputies from the Vaudois, whose noble firmness is + recorded by Daubigné, a French historian. Chassincourt, who was appointed + to meet them, rudely demanded, "How dare such wretches as you treat with a + prince against whom you have made war? or how can such poor ignorant + shepherds, who deserve a gibbet for your folly, have the assurance to + contest religious points with a great prince, advised by men of learning + and authorized in his belief by the whole world?" + </p> + <p> + "Sir," replied the most aged of the deputies, "it is the goodness of our + prince who has called us, which gives us the assurance to appear before + him. Our resistance has been just, since it was compulsory, and God has + approved it by the wonderful assistance he has afforded us: nor have we + fought for worldly wealth, but purely for conscience sake; and that when + we found our prince endeavouring to put an end to the true service of God, + and actuated not by his own will (as we charitably believe) but by that of + others, while executing with regret the commands of the Pope. With respect + to the simplicity, with which you reproach us, God hath blessed it, since + the most humble instruments are often the most agreeable to him, and he + can elevate the most ignoble for his own good purposes: the counsels of + the Spirit are sufficiently wise, the hearts He excites sufficiently + courageous, and the arms which He strengthens vigorous enough. We are + ignorant, and affect no other eloquence than to pray with faith. As to the + death you threaten us with, the word of our Sovereign is dearer than our + lives; at all events, he who has the fear of God in his heart fears not + death." + </p> + <p> + Chassincourt is said to have been so struck with this reply, that he + changed his faith, and many were led by it to interest themselves for the + Vaudois, so that peace was granted them by an edict, dated Cavour, June, + 1565, in which their privileges, &c. were all confirmed, and not only + the free exercise of their religion permitted, but communication and + commerce with the states of his highness. In consequence, the Vaudois + again took possession of their villages, houses, and lands; owing their + restoration, in great measure, to Philip de Savoy, lord of Raconis. + </p> + <p> + Many families were, however, entirely ruined, and more reduced to the + greatest distress. The pastors of Geneva generously undertook to solicit + subscriptions for them among the reformed churches; and the celebrated + Calvin distinguished himself by his zeal and charity; so that they + received considerable assistance from the Palatinate, Wirtemberg, Baden, + Strasbourg, and the Swiss and Provençal Protestants. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0012" id="linklink2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + Notwithstanding the above mentioned formal treaty of Cavour, signed on the + part of the Duke Emanuel Philibert, by his cousin, Philip de, Savoy, and + by the principal people in the valleys, for the Vaudois; notwithstanding + the many solemn promises, (so often repeated,) that they should not be + again disturbed, another edict appeared, bearing date at Turin, June 10th, + 1565, (only five days afterwards,) which authorised the seventh + persecution. + </p> + <p> + It merits notice, from the false principles and fanaticism which it + displays; independent of the reckless perfidy to which it owes its + existence. After a short preamble, it runs thus:—"And seeing that + the support of such a sect would excite the anger of God against us; and + that public tranquillity and repose cannot exist in a country where there + are two kinds of religion; and being resolved to maintain the ancient + Catholic faith, &c. Nevertheless, not wishing to have recourse to + rigour against our subjects, but to use clemency and humanity; We, by the + advice of our good council, publish this our irrevocable order.—That + all those who will not live according to the said Holy Catholic faith, do + quit our states, within two months from the publication thereof; in which + case we permit them to dispose of their possessions and goods. But all + those who disobey this order, continue to dogmatise, or sell the forbidden + books of this sect, will incur the penalty of death, and the confiscation + of all their property." + </p> + <p> + To every virtuous and honourable man, who reflects on this edict, it must + appear subversive of every principle of nature, religion, and of policy, + even without considering the perfidy of it. + </p> + <p> + This frightful tyranny owes its origin to the Inquisition, the very name + of which makes me shudder with horror. + </p> + <p> + Sebastian Gratioi, a colonel of Militia, had, by intrigues, obtained the + office of Governor of the valleys, and was eager to gratify his hatred of + the Vaudois, which had been excited by the dishonour of having been their + prisoner, though he was well treated. His first act of vengeance was the + persecution of Gilles de Gilles,* Humbert, and Lentule, all barbes, of + whom the latter was forced into exile, and the first dragged to Turin, + where every means was used to induce him to desert his faith, in vain. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * He wrote a History of the Vaudois. +</pre> + <p> + The persecution also extended to Lower Piémont, where the fiscal general, + Barberi, conducted it. Coni was the first town which suffered; and here + the Vaudois had already endured much, for seven years preceding, since the + peace of 1559; for during the war they were employed against the French. + All who remained faithful to their religion, were now either driven into + banishment, or imprisoned; those alone remaining in possession of their + goods who received the mass. The village of Carville, where great numbers + of Vaudois lived, was treated in the same way; and all who resisted + condemned to the galleys. Imprisonments, and numberless horrible + cruelties, took place also in other districts, wherever Vaudois were to be + found. As soon as intelligence of these persecutions was received in + Germany, the Electors of Saxony and of the Palatinate, united in + complaining to the Duke of Savoy of his conduct; and in consequence the + most solemn assurances were given to their envoy, that the Vaudois should + no longer be harassed. But no sooner had he departed, than Castrocaro + recommenced his severities; and among others, ordered all those of the + valley of Luzerne, not natives, to depart in twenty-four hours, under pain + of death. Such was the fanaticism of the time, that not the slightest + scruple was made of breaking faith with those whom they were pleased to + call heretics. The Elector of Palatine, indignant at such conduct, wrote + again, very energetically to the Duke of Savoy, in 1566, expressing his + bitter complaints, and exculpating the Vaudois from the calumnies spread + against them.* The demands of the generous Frederic, added to those of the + duchess herself, at last procured them repose until 1571. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * A copy of this letter is to be found in Leger. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0013" id="linklink2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + In 1570, another decree was published, forbidding the Vaudois to assemble + together, under a fine of one hundred crowns; their refusal of obedience + to this order, which so clearly violated their privileges, greatly + irritated Castrocaro, who was particularly enraged at the recent + construction of the fort of Mirabouc, on which depended the only issue of + the val Luzerne towards France, and would undoubtedly have proceeded to + great extremities against the inhabitants of Bobbi, had he been allowed. + Strict searches were also made after some of the Vaudois, who were accused + of having assisted the Protestants in France; until Charles the Ninth + requested the Duke of Savoy to forgive them, as he had already done his + own Protestant subjects. + </p> + <p> + In 1571, at a general assembly of the heads of families, six articles, + called "the articles of the union of the valleys," were drawn up; the + object of which was to bind themselves by still more solemn ties to + persevere in their religious faith, and in obedience to their prince, when + his orders were not contrary to their conscience. The news of the massacre + of St. Bartholomew, in that same year, gave them the utmost disquietude, + and the more so, as Castrocaro manifested his intention to inflict the + same punishment on all the French refugees he could find; until he + received the Duke's order to desist. + </p> + <p> + A sudden attack was made about this time by order of the parliament of + Pignerol, upon St. Germain, in val Perouse, by Charles de Birague, an + officer in the French service; but he was repulsed, after taking five + Vaudois prisoners, who were hanged by the Papists. + </p> + <p> + Peace was soon after concluded; and in consequence of Henry the Third + passing through Turin, on his way from Poland, to take possession of the + crown of France, the town of Pignerol and the valley of Perouse were + restored to the Duke of Savoy, from whose territory they had been + separated by Francis the First. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0014" id="linklink2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Before we proceed further it is necessary to give some account of the + Vaudois of the marquisate of Saluces, who chiefly inhabit the valley of + the Po, the most northern part of the marquisate, and only separated from + the val de Luzerne by mount Viso, at the foot of which that noble river + takes its source. We have already mentioned the colonies sent here from + the valleys at the beginning of the fourteenth century; these increased + into numerous flourishing churches, among which those of Praviglielm, + Biolet, Bietonet, and Dronierwere the principal ones, in 1561; when they + had no less than nine barbes distributed among these and other towns. + </p> + <p> + They had experienced only partial persecutions till 1572, when, (being + then under the French government,) after the dreadful day of St. + Bartholomew, M. Birague, governor of the marquisate, received an order to + put the chief Vaudois to death, and particularly those whose names were + transcribed in an accompanying list. On referring to the council, after + much discussion, the archdeacon remarked, that false reports could alone + have changed the sentiments of the king, who had before commanded that his + Protestant subjects should be treated with lenity; and he advised that a + representation of their good conduct should be sent back, with a request + for further orders. The courier charged with this despatch met another, + bearing an edict revoking the former one, and requiring only that the + Vaudois should not be allowed the public exercise of their religion. In + consequence, many who had fled returned, and were reinstated in their + possessions. + </p> + <p> + All persecution was then suspended till 1588, when the Duke of Savoy took + possession of their country, and, in 1597, exhorted the Vaudois to receive + the mass by every means in his power; they replied firmly, but dutifully, + like peaceful subjects, and the threatened persecution was suspended till + 1601. When Charles Emanuel became absolute master of the marquisate, in + exchange for Bresse: he published an edict, commanding that every Vaudois, + who did not declare his intention of receiving the mass in fifteen days, + should leave the country within two months, and never return, under pain + of confiscation and death. Let the compassionate imagine the distress of + these unfortunate Vaudois, when they found that nothing could diminish the + rigour of this decree; they were forced to abandon all their property and + retire, some to France, and others to Geneva and the valleys. Those of the + church of Praviglielm were alone flattered with the hopes of an exception + in their favour; yet they too were forced to fly suddenly, leaving their + wives and children; but some time afterwards, upon a threat of retaliation + if any harm happened to them, they were allowed to return. They remained + till 1633, visited occasionally by a pastor from the valleys, in the + greatest secresy; when, on the reception of an order (from Duke Victor + Amadeus, similar to the one issued by Emanuel Philibert in 1565,) they too + were driven into perpetual banishment, and thus perished the last trace of + the Vaudois church in the marquisate of Saluces, where it had flourished + for three centuries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0015" id="linklink2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + Charles Emanuel having succeeded his father Emanuel Philibert, Castrocaro, + governor of the valleys, was, for his many enormities, imprisoned for + life; and, in 1582, the young prince issued an edict, confirming the + ancient privileges and usages of the Vaudois; a list of them is included + in this document of the dates' of these former edicts, being 1448, 1452, + 1466, 1473, 1499, 1509, all, it will be observed, preceding the + Reformation. For some years the Vaudois enjoyed some repose; but Charles + Emanuel, being afterwards occupied by the war in Provence, the French + army, under Les-dequiere, entered the valleys in 1592; and, after some + resistance, possessed himself of the town of Perouse, and the castles of + La Tour, Mirabouc, Cavour, &c. During which time the Vaudois, having + taken arms, sent a deputation to the court to inquire what they should do, + and were recommended to submit to the enemy, as there were not forces + sufficient to oppose him effectually. The campaign was concluded on the + return of the Duke, and, after an engagement at Salabertran, each army + retired to its respective country. In 1593, Charles Emanuel retook some of + the forts, and took up a position near Luzerne, on the southern bank of + the Pelice, while the enemy occupied the opposite side. A truce was then + concluded till 1594, when the Duke took Bri-queiras; and, in 1595, Cavour, + and Mirabouc, the only remaining forts in the hands of the French; on this + occasion the inhabitants of the valleys assembled at Villar, to felicitate + him on his victories, and received the most flattering assurances of his + protection. Indeed, the preceding year, an edict granting them full pardon + for their submission to the French had appeared. This did not, however, + prevent the Roman Catholic clergy from persecuting all who fell into their + hands. One Coupin, an elder, was seized at Aste, and dying in prison, his + body was publicly burnt. + </p> + <p> + Such acts did not satisfy the enemies of the Vaudois, who, in 1602, + succeeded in obtaining from the Duke a public repeal of former immunities. + The principal clauses in this edict were:—That the Vaudois should + not perform any religious act beyond the limits of the valleys Luzerne, + Perouse, and St. Martin, on pain of death:—that they should maintain + there neither public nor private schools:—that no marriage should + take place between those of different communions:—that no Catholic + should assist at the Vaudois worship:—that no Vaudois should + dissuade others from attending mass, or reply to the missionaries sent for + their conversion:—that all Vaudois should be incapable of holding + any public employment whatever:—that no Catholic, under pain of + confiscation, should sell or hire to a Vaudois either goods or lands. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that this edict, under the appearance of preventing + the extension of heresy, acted as a severe persecution on those of the + marquisate of Saluces, as well as of Bri-queiras, Fenil, Campillon, + Bubiana, and the town of Luzerne. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0016" id="linklink2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + In consequence of this edict, the Count Charles, lord of Luzerne, the + governor of Turin, and the archbishop of Broglia, arrived at Luzerne, as + commissioners for its execution, accompanied by numbers of monks and + jesuits: having ordered the heads of families before them, they commanded + all who would not receive the mass to quit the town. Very few were weak + enough to comply with this condition. At Bubiana, Campillon, and Fenil, + where they next proceeded, they made no more proselytes, and ordered all + Vaudois to depart within five days, under pain of confiscation and death. + From these towns some of the chief people were sent to Turin, where Valne + Boule was presented to the prince, and pressed by him to receive the mass; + but, on refusal, was dismissed with kindness. The others promised all that + was asked of them, and soon repented of having done so. At Perouse the + archbishop had no better success than elsewhere, and the governor of Turin + falling into disgrace, the Count of Luzerne was pressed to use his + influence in favour of the Vaudois. By his means the edict of Nice was + obtained from the Duke, in 1603; by which the religious exercises of the + Vaudois were freely permitted within the valleys, and they were allowed to + trade with the Catholics and to hold public employments. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of importance occurred till 1613, when, in consequence of the war + in Montferrat, all the subjects of the Duke, and particularly the Vaudois, + were summoned to defend the frontiers. The next year the same thing + happened, (war having been declared against the king of Spain,) and the + post of Verceil was committed to the guard of Vaudois. These duties were + so well performed as to obtain the marked approbation of the prince, and + the assurance that he would not forget their services. The poor ignorant + Catholics, among whom they marched in these wars, were so prejudiced + against them that they fled at their approach, believing them to be + heathens, and that they had one eye in the forehead, and four rows of + black teeth, with which they used to devour their own children, &c. + &c.* Those who had the courage to stay in their houses, trembled at + the very sight of a Vaudois. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * In 1825, a Catholic priest, educated at the episcopal + college of Lugano, asked his Protestant guest if he had been + baptised.—That guest was the Translator. +</pre> + <p> + In the year 1622 a decree appeared, by which the inhabitants of St. Jean + were ordered to shut up the church, built there a few years before, and a + payment of six thousand ducats required from the three valleys. At the + same period Pope Gregory XV. granted to the Duke the tenth of all + ecclesiastical revenues. In gratitude for this bounty, more vigorous + measures were taken against the poor Vaudois. Those of Praviglielm were + banished by the prefect of Saluces; and a great number in the valley of + Barcelona, dependent on the Cardinal de Savoy, were driven thence in 1625, + and fled into the south of France, or Piemontese valleys. Although the + decree only mentioned the church of St. Jean, a regiment of infantry, in + the val de Perouse, forced the inhabitants to demolish six of their + churches, and then made a perfidious attack on St. Germain. + </p> + <p> + The report of this treatment having spread into foreign countries, an + ambassador extraordinary from Great Britain arrived at Turin, in 1627, to + intercede for the Vaudois. He received a promise that they should not be + any longer molested, and returned in October, having recommended them to + the protection of some of the nobility. The following year, the French + army having shown a disposition to attack the frontiers, the passes were + placed under the defence of the Vaudois; who so well defended them, that + no enemy penetrated into Piémont. A convent of capuchin monks was this + year founded at Luzerne, by two of the noble family of Rorenco, lords of + that place and La Tour, which has since taken a great part in our history. + </p> + <p> + In 1629, another ambassador came from England, named Carlisle, who + earnestly interceded for the Vaudois, and obtained the most honourable + testimonies in their favour. But though the court was well disposed + towards them, the implacable clergy always found means to evade its + benevolent purposes. One of their contrivances was, to disperse a great + number of monks through the valleys; but these, upon reference to the + court, were at this time withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + The Vaudois were also this year again called upon to defend the frontiers + against a threatened attack, on the part of the French; but a truce having + been concluded, it was not till 1630 that the enemy actually advanced by + Susa and reduced Pignerol. The inhabitants of the valleys, after some + hesitation, consented to submit, on being summoned to do so by Marshal + Schomberg; but on condition that no one should be forced to bear arms + against the Duke. A violent plague, this year, made great ravages, and + most of the pastors fell victims to it. Charles Emanuel also died about + the same time, and Victor Amadeus I. having succeeded him, peace was + signed between Piémont, Spain, and France, by the articles of which the + town of Pignerol and the val St. Martin were retained by the latter. + </p> + <p> + From this time till the death of Victor Amadeus the First, in 1637, + tranquillity remained nearly uninterrupted, except by the violent writings + of Rorenco, and the monk Belvedere, which were subsequently refuted by + Gilles, pastor of La Tour, and author of the history of the Vaudois.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Printed at Geneva, 1644. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0017" id="linklink2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + Before we enter upon the dreadful tragedy which took place in the valleys + during the regency of the Duchess Christina, sister to the king of France, + (which succeeded the reign of Victor Amadeus;) it is necessary to call the + attention of the reader to the state of the valleys at this period. For + years, the continual partial and individual persecutions had held them in + a state of alarm, even in the midst of peace, and now they had suffered + most severely by pestilence, and were reduced to want or poverty by the + great scarcity of provisions which succeeded it. After a calm of thirteen + years, under the regency, what must have been their dismay to hear that + councils, for the propagation of the faith and extirpation of heresy, had + been established in all Catholic countries, after the model of that at + Rome; and that one was now instituted at Turin, in 1650. + </p> + <p> + This establishment was divided into two bodies of supporters; the + archbishop being the head of the male, and the Marchioness di Pia-nezza of + the female, devotees. + </p> + <p> + The eagerness of the ladies engaged in this pious enterprise can hardly be + imagined, they sent forth spies to promote dissensions in private + families, offered money to new converts, and even penetrated into the + prisons to make proselytes. To support their expenses, they went round + even to the shops and inns to collect contributions. The secular arm also + assisted them, if required, in their labours to deserve the plenary + indulgence for all their sins granted them by the court of Rome. + </p> + <p> + The council of men formed still greater designs, in the execution of which + they were indefatigable, and sent spies and missionaries into the valleys, + who were always at hand to excite quarrels, rebellion against church + discipline, and even to carry off women and children from the Vaudois, and + attack the pastors. They cited the principal people to appear before the + tribunal at Turin, whence they scarcely ever escaped without having been + imprisoned, ill treated, or nearly ruined; nay, often were they condemned + to confiscation and banishment. Such were the means used by the Propaganda + to harass the Vaudois. An unfortunate accident happened in 1603, which + gave them more power of doing mischief. A convent of monks had been some + years established at Villar, when an infamous traitor, whom they had + engaged in their service, undertook to excite the Vaudois to expel these + missionaries; having persuaded the wife of the pastor Manget to further + the plan, she had influence enough to induce her husband, and two others + of the name of Pellene, to call an assembly, where this subject was + discussed, and the project of Manget highly disapproved of and censured. + The wife of Manget made a false report of the decision to the two young + Pellenes, who succeeded that very evening in driving out the monks and + setting fire to the convent. It may well be supposed that the inquisitors + did not lose so favourable an opportunity; and the fact having been + represented in the blackest colours to the Duchess Regent, they obtained + five or six thousand men, under the command of Count Tedesco, who marched + immediately with orders to surprise and burn down the town of Villar. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time Leger, then moderator of the valleys, with the principal + members of his own and the neighbouring churches, repaired to the chief + magistrate at Luzerne, and protesting the innocence of the assembly, and + even the parish of Villar, offered to bring the offenders to justice. The + Count Tedesco nevertheless proceeded to Villar, and made his attack; but a + storm of rain prevented the muskets of his soldiers from going off, and + the Vaudois then having given every where the alarm, the approach of + darkness induced him to return to Luzerne without having accomplished his + purpose. + </p> + <p> + The Propaganda being thus defeated, had recourse, in 1654, to a still more + sanguinary plot for the destruction of the Vaudois, by means of the French + army under Marshal Grancé. The court of Savoy had offered to provide this + army with winter quarters in our valleys, at a much less sum than had been + demanded elsewhere, in consequence, the troops appeared before Pignerol, + demanding their quarters; in the mean time, the monks and other agents of + the Propaganda had artfully persuaded the Vaudois, that it was contrary to + the intention of the Duchess, that these troops had entered her states, + and excited them to take up arms. The main body of these forces was + already before the fort of La Tour, and all the inhabitants of the val de + Luzerne were drawn up to oppose them, when Leger, the moderator, throwing + himself at the feet of the Marshal, explained the trick played upon him, + and requested he would suspend hostilities until a written order could + arrive from the Duchess Regent for the cantonment of the troops. This was + assented to, and on the arrival of the order, on the morrow, the army + quietly took possession of their quarters. + </p> + <p> + This plot was afterwards more fully proved by two officers in De Grancé's + army,* and its details were lodged with the other MSS. by Leger, in the + Cambridge library. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * One named De Petit Bourg. +</pre> + <p> + A year had scarcely elapsed when another motive was added to the zealous + labours of the propaganda, which was the wish of establishing in the + valleys those Irish whom Cromwell had banished in consequence of the + massacres they had committed among their Protestant countrymen. + </p> + <p> + This eager desire to obtain possession of the valleys, and all that the + Vaudois possessed in them, excited a series of intrigues, which ended in + an order to Gastaldo, auditor of Luzerne, to enjoin and command the + Vaudois inhabitants of Briqueiras, S. Second, Bubiana, Fenil, Campillon, + Luzerne, St. Jean, and La Tour, to abandon those places within three days, + or receive the mass, under pain of death and confiscation of their + property. + </p> + <p> + What makes this step still more cruel and unjust, if possible, is, that it + took place in the winter of 1654, when Charles Emanuel II. had, by an + edict of 3rd December, just confirmed all their privileges, &c.* In + this, and in the one of the preceding year, they were mentioned as + faithful and obedient subjects; nay more, at the very time the lawyers + were employed in verifying the original charters, the last decree was + about to be enrolled, and the sum of money exacted on these occasions had + long been paid. + </p> + <p> + It will easily be imagined that no time was lost in sending deputies to + Turin, and trying every means to obtain a mitigation of this dreadful + sentence. These deputies were amused by an affected deliberation on their + petition, and were referred sometimes from the Duke to his mother, + sometimes from the Duchess to the Marquis di Pianezza, and from him to the + Propaganda, till they received information on the 16th of April (though + they were promised a final audience on the 17th) that the Marquis was + already at Luzerne with his forces, and that they had better provide for + their own safety. + </p> + <p> + Thus, by a series of base treachery, duplicity, and cruelty, was the way + prepared for those dreadful massacres, which have cast so foul a stain on + the reign of Charles Emanuel the Second.** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This seems to have been necessary every new reign, these + confirmations being personal acts of the sovereign.—T. + + ** Which excited the compassionate muse of Milton.—T. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0018" id="linklink2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + It was on the 17th of April, 1655, that the Marquis di Pianezza entered + the valleys with an army of 15,000 men, composed of the troops of the + Duke, four French regiments, one German corps, and 1200 Irish. + </p> + <p> + On the 18th, this army ravaged the parishes of St. Jean and La Tour. On + the 19th, they even attacked them in quarters to which the order of + Gastaldo (to abandon their possessions) did not extend; the enemy was + repulsed, notwithstanding his immense superiority of numbers; and, on the + 20th, vainly attempted to burn the church of St. Jean. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this spirited resistance, Pianezza had recourse to the + most infamous treachery. Having sent to demand a conference, he protested + to the deputies that his only object was to enforce the order which had + been given by Gastaldo, and that the parishes not falling within it might + rest secure of peace, if, in sign of their obedience, they would permit a + regiment of infantry and two troops of cavalry to be quartered in their + territory for two or three days. + </p> + <p> + The deputies who, unsuspicious of treason, judged of the Marquis by + themselves, assented, though M. J. Leger and some other pastors greatly + suspected the measure. + </p> + <p> + The before mentioned troops no sooner entered, than they seized the strong + points round each village, and (regardless of entreaties that they would + remain in the lower villages) pressed forward to the highest positions. + Meanwhile they were followed by the whole army, in divisions, which + marched in different directions against Angrogna, Villar, and Bobbi, and + upon the last bulwark of defence, the Prè du Tour; this last force laid + the country they passed through waste by fire and sword; and in + consequence, the error being now perceived, most of those who inhabited + the right of the Val de Luzerne, passed the mountains in the night, and + took refuge in the Val de Perouse. The inhabitants of the other side of + the valley were almost all obliged to remain, having no means of retreat,* + the passage being completely closed against them. The enemy after gaining + entire possession of the valleys, pretended to have no intention of + remaining there more than a few days, and exhorted the Vaudois to recall + their fugitive brethren, which some had the weakness to do, trusting to + the assurance given them that no harm should befall them. Such was the + situation of affairs when, on the 24th of April, the signal was given from + a hill near La Tour, called Castellas, for a general massacre, which + extended through the whole valley, and began at the same instant neither + age nor sex were spared; every refinement of cruelty which the malice of + demons could invent was put in practice. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Behind the mountains in their rear was a Catholic country. +</pre> + <p> + The very mention of these horrors excites too much disgust to allow of a + detail of them. Violation, mutilation, and impalement were mere common + atrocities; many were roasted by slow fires; others cut in pieces while + alive, or dragged by mules, with ropes passed through their wounds; some + were blown up by gunpowder placed in the ears and mouth; many rolled off + the rocks, with their hands bound between their legs, among precipices, + where they were abandoned to a lingering death; children were carried on + pikes, and women.... But let us not dwell longer on these infernal + barbarities.* They are detailed in Leger, and the names of many of the + sufferers, and the evidence of eye witnesses there recorded. The number + who perished in the Val Luzerne alone, amounted to 250, besides children + and others, whose names have not been collected, and the men who fell + sword in hand; for nearly all the victims of these cruelties were women, + children, and old people. But the mere recital of the numbers destroyed, + cannot suffice to give an idea of the miseries endured, we must add the + horrors encountered by the survivors, wandering in utter destitution among + the mountains, in terror and want, after witnessing the murder and + outrages committed on their dearest relatives and friends. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The translator has spared the feelings of the reader by + omitting many of the horrors mentioned by Bresse. + + ** Leger, chap. ix. second part. +</pre> + <p> + Will it be believed, that the Marquis di Pianezza, shortly afterwards + published, in the name of the government, a manifesto, justifying these + barbarities, and even declaring that the Vaudois had deserved greater + punishment. + </p> + <p> + In addition to this, appeared an edict under the name of Charles Emanuel + II., dated 23rd May, 1655, one month after the massacre, by which he + condemns to exile all the principal persons of the Vaudois, setting a + price on their heads, "because they had rebelled against his supreme + authority, and opposed in arms the forces of the Marquis di Pianezza." + </p> + <p> + Such is in general the blindness of those who misunderstand the true + spirit of the gospel, that after having violated its clearest precepts, + there is no sort of artifice which they do not use in order to give a + colour to their crimes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0019" id="linklink2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + The very day on which this massacre was perpetrated, in various parts of + the Val de Luzerne, the Count Christophe, Seigneur de Rora, a member of + the Propaganda, sent 400 or 500 men to surprise Rora, and put all the + Vaudois they should find there to the sword; although they were included + in the promise of Pianezza, "that no harm should befall them." This band + of assassins had reached the summit of Mont Rummer, from whence they were + about to rush down upon Rora, when they were perceived by Joshua Janavel, + who had retired there for refuge. With only seven others he took up an + advantageous position, and falling upon the enemy with great spirit, + forced them to retire; killing no less than fifty in the pursuit. On the + news of this defeat, the Marquis sent to say that these troops had not + acted under his orders, and were robbers, whose destruction he was pleased + to hear of. On the very next day, Pianezza, notwithstanding, sent 600 men + to make another attack, by the hill of Cassulet. Janavel was again + fortunate enough to discover them from a distance, and assembled twelve + men, armed with pistols and cutlasses, muskets, or slings. This feeble + force he divided, and placing a party in three places of ambush, once more + repulsed the enemy, who retired with the loss of sixty men. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis di Pianezza had again the effrontery after this, to send a + message by Count Christophe to his vassals, to assure them that the late + attack was made by mistake, and owing to a false report; and on the + following day, a third party, of 900 men, was detached for the destruction + of Rora. The intrepid Janavel attacked them at Damasser, and drove them + back upon Bianprà, where, owing to a perfect knowledge of the mountains, + the Vaudois attacked them in their march, and converted their retreat into + a shameful flight, in which great numbers perished, owing chiefly to the + cattle and other plunder they were endeavouring to carry off with them. + The Marquis now became furious, and assembling all the troops within + distance, ordered no less than 8,000 men, for the destruction of a village + composed of only twenty-five families. Three divisions were formed, and a + rendezvous given, at which they arrived two hours too late, except the + corps of Captain Mario, who, thinking his force sufficient, formed his men + into two divisions, and attacked the Vaudois near Rummer. These brave men + had the good fortune to take up a position where their flanks and rear + were well covered, and made so vigorous a resistance, that the enemy again + retired, leaving sixty on the field, besides others who perished in their + flight. Mario himself fell into a chasm, from whence he was extricated + with great difficulty; and when languishing under a painful illness at + Luzerne, he declared that he already felt the fires of hell within him, in + consequence of the people, houses, and churches, which he had caused to be + burned. He died amidst agonies of pain and remorse. + </p> + <p> + To return to the heroic party of Janavel, which consisted of only + seventeen persons, they soon discovered another division of the enemy on + the side of Villar, climbing the mountains to attack them in the rear, and + immediately seized on an advantageous position. The advanced guard, sent + to reconnoitre, mistook them for their own people, and approached so near, + that on firing, the Vaudois each brought down his man, which struck so + much terror into the survivors, that they fled back to the main body, and + spread such a panic among them, that the whole army commenced a retreat. + The Vaudois again followed and killed great numbers; after which they + assembled to thank God for the memorable deliverance he had granted them. + </p> + <p> + Three days after this event, the Marquis di Pianezza, ashamed of such ill + success, sent another message to Rora, enjoining every one to go to mass + within twenty-four hours, if they wished to avoid immediate sentence of + death, and prevent their lands being laid waste, and their houses razed to + the ground. + </p> + <p> + Rather death than the mass, was the unanimous reply of the inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + It may well be imagined that the Marquis was not satisfied with it. He now + ordered 10,000 men to march to the reduction of Rora, and divided them + into three corps, one of which took the road from Luzerne, and the others + by Bagnol and Villar. Janavel hesitated not to attack the last of these + divisions, and succeeded in killing great numbers, when being informed + that the other divisions had gained the post where the twenty-five + families of Rora had taken refuge, and seeing himself overcome by numbers, + he escaped with his brave companions, into Val Queiras, taking with him + his son, who was only seven years old. + </p> + <p> + It is needless to harrow the feelings of my readers with a detail of the + dreadful fate of Rora; suffice it to say, that none of the horrid tortures + to which their countrymen were condemned on the 24th of April, were + omitted here; nearly all the victims were old or infirm, women, and + children. And lest any stragglers should ever return to their once + beautiful home, the houses were all burnt, and no vestige of cultivation + left around them. + </p> + <p> + Yet even this was not enough to glut the vengeance of Pianezza; Janavel + had escaped—and the Marquis did not hesitate to use the most + unworthy means of getting him into his power. He wrote to him, urging him + to renounce his heresy, as the only means of obtaining mercy for himself, + and his wife, and his daughters, who had been taken prisoners. In case of + non compliance, he was threatened that they should be condemned to the + flames, and that so high a price should be put on his head, that he could + not escape; in case of his capture no torture should be spared to punish + his rebellion. Janavel's simple reply was, that "no tortures were horrible + enough to induce him to abjure his faith, which the threats of the Marquis + only served to confirm; and as to my wife and daughters," he adds, + "Providence will not abandon them; if you are permitted to put them to + death, the flames will only destroy their bodies, while their pure souls + will soon accuse you before the throne of the God of the universe." + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0020" id="linklink2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + Janavel returned from Dauphiné, after having remained there a short time, + and collected the Vaudois who had also taken refuge in that province. He + made, another attack, in hopes of taking some prisoners, whom he might + exchange for his wife and daughters, but being unsuccessful, he proceeded + to join Captain Jayer, who had put himself at the head of those who had + escaped the massacres. They very soon after took the town of St. Second, + by assault, and put the Irish garrison of 800 men to the sword, as a + punishment for the barbarity with which they had acted on the 24th of + April. The Piemontese by their own avowal, lost from 500 to 600 men, in + this action; but the Vaudois had only seven killed and six wounded. The + houses and churches were burnt, and some booty retaken; but the women, + children, and old people, were not insulted. + </p> + <p> + After some other successes, in which great numbers of the enemy fell, and + many severe combats, Janavel found himself posted at An-grogna, with 300 + men, while the rest of his troops were engaged in an expedition to the Val + Pragela; the enemy here attacked him 3000 strong, but he defended himself, + in a good position, from morning till two o'clock in the afternoon, when + they retired, losing 500 men in the retreat. Jayer now coming up, the + pursuit was pressed farther, most unfortunately, for Janavel received a + severe wound, and Jayer, misled by treachery, was surrounded, and lost his + life, together with 150 brave men, one only escaped, who returned with the + melancholy news in the night. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the consternation which this disaster occasioned, the + Vaudois, under the command of Jacques Jayer and Laurens, now amounting + only to 550 men, courageously marched from La Vachere to meet the enemy, + who attacked them with 6000 men; but were repulsed, with the loss of more + than 200, and of the Vaudois only two were killed, one of whom was Captain + Bertin. + </p> + <p> + The beginning of July was marked by the arrival of the moderator, J. + Leger, who had made a long journey, with the hope of interesting the + French and other Protestants for his countrymen. Colonel Andrion, of + Geneva, also joined them with one of his captains, and a soldier; he had + served already with honour in France and Sweden, and now came to assist + the cause of the unfortunate Vaudois. + </p> + <p> + Having pointed out some negligence in their manner of encamping, and sent + out picquets, this officer received intelligence of an intended attack, + which must have destroyed the little force of the Vaudois, had it been + made unexpectedly: after a most severe combat of ten hours, when Les + Barricades was the only post they could make good against the enemy, they + at last obtained a victory; in great measure by rolling down fragments of + rock, when their ammunition was expended. + </p> + <p> + The enemy lost nearly 400 in killed and wounded; and to add to the + pleasure occasioned by this success, Mons. Descombier, a French officer, + who had served with great distinction, arrived on the 17th July, with some + other French Protestants. He was immediately elected commander in chief, + and a corps formed of from sixty to eighty French gentlemen, under the + command of M. Feautier. + </p> + <p> + These circumstances filled the Vaudois with the most lively hope, and an + attack upon La Tour was resolved on; on the 19th they marched there by + day-light, and would certainly have got possession of the town, if Mons. + Descombier had not been dissuaded from the assault, by the French soldiers + he had sent to reconnoitre. On their report of the strength of the place, + he sounded a retreat; but captains Belin and Peyronel resolved to proceed, + and, making a vigorous attack, pierced the wall, and entered the town, + when the citadel immediately offered to capitulate. At this moment troops + poured in from Luzerne, upon their rear, when captain Janavel (now for the + first time in the field since his wound) sounded a retreat, and brought + off the party with the loss of only one man. + </p> + <p> + Besides the engagements above mentioned, there were many others, in which + the Vaudois obtained advantages; indeed they universally behaved with such + heroism, that M. Descombier declared they fought like lions.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Bresse here gives the names of those who most + distinguished themselves. +</pre> + <p> + A very short time after the attack on La Tour, the court of Turin + published a truce, which was not broken till the peace. We shall pursue + the negociations after a few remarks, which appear necessary at this point + of our history. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0021" id="linklink2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + The news of the severity with which the Vaudois had been treated having + now been spread throughout Europe, had awakened the sympathy of all the + Protestant powers; the British ambassadors extraordinary have already been + mentioned, and we must not here omit, that, on the publication of + Gastaldo's proclamation, in 1655, the Swiss cantons interfered in a + similar manner. The only reply to the statement of the fidelity, &c. + of the Vaudois, being a complaint of their great insolence, particularly + as manifested on Christmas day, 1654; thus grounding their conduct on some + ridiculous masquerading which took place on that day, and which was + afterwards allowed by Gastaldo himself to have been conducted by + Catholics. So much for the reasons given for driving the Vaudois from + their ancient possessions beyond the three valleys. The further order for + the massacre has been (it will be remembered) justified by their + self-defence on that occasion, when attacked, even within the bounds + assigned for their allowed possessions. + </p> + <p> + On receiving the news of the massacres, the Swiss cantons proclaimed a + solemn fast, wrote the most affecting and pressing letters to other + powers, and made a general collection for their unhappy brethren; deputing + at the same time Colonel de Wits to press their intercession at the court + of Turin. This envoy was referred by the court to the Marquis de Pianezza; + and, after a vigorous representation of the injustice of the court towards + the Vaudois, he returned without having gained his point. + </p> + <p> + The cantons resolved nevertheless to send another solemn embassy, and + wrote pressing letters to the United. Provinces, and to the protector of + England,* entreating these powers to assist them in the defence of their + innocent and most undeservedly persecuted brethren. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See copies in Leger. +</pre> + <p> + Mons. de Wits arrived at Turin for the second time, in the beginning of + July, (the period of the successes before mentioned,) closely followed by + four other Swiss envoys. His object was eluded by the court; and the reply + given was, that the king of France having offered himself as mediator for + these rebels, the affair could not be taken out of his hands. The four + other envoys arrived on the 24th, and were graciously received; they + presented a memorial, justifying the Vaudois, and bitterly complaining of + the cruelties exercised towards them; even using the words "so cruelly + oppressed." After many pressing entreaties for an accommodation of + differences, a Mons. Gresi, counsellor of state, was sent to the envoys + with papers, tending to calumniate the Vaudois, and justify their + persecutors; they were allowed, (notwithstanding the transactions with the + king of France,) to go to the valleys, for the purpose of examining into + their present state. The next day they accordingly went to Pignerol, then + in the hands of the French, and were soon met by the French ambassador, M. + Servient, the Count Truchis, the senator Perraquin, the prefect Ressau, + the prior M. A. Rorenco, and some other agents of the Duke, as well as the + deputies from the valleys, at the head of whom was M. J. Leger, the + moderator.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Afterwards, in his banishment, he wrote his valuable + History. +</pre> + <p> + Under the auspices of these gentlemen negociations of peace were entered + into on the 3rd of August, 1655. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0022" id="linklink2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + On the 18th of August, articles of peace were finally concluded. In the + intermediate time, Mons. de Wits had received letters from the English + envoy extraordinary, Morland, requesting him to delay the conclusion of + the treaty, hoping himself to arrive in time to take part in the business. + </p> + <p> + The details of the negociations can hardly at this time excite much + interest; the agents of the Duke were most imperious in their demands, + choosing always to treat the Vaudois like obstinate rebels, and + notwithstanding the protestations of these oppressed people, the treaty + was entitled a "patente de grace", and in the preamble they were + represented as "culpable in having taken up arms," and said to be pardoned + by the "sovereign clemency" of their prince. + </p> + <p> + The Vaudois, by the second article, were required to give up possession + and the right of habitation in the villages beyond the Pelice; that is, in + Luzerne, Luzernette, Fenil, Cam-pillon, Bubiana, Briqueiras, &c. (It + will be recollected that they were established in all these places long + before the house of Savoy possessed any authority in Piémont.) An exchange + of prisoners was agreed to, but many there were who never returned to + their homes, and many children were detained. The fifteenth article is + singular, as marking the spirit of justice dealt to them, when the non + violation of a right is esteemed a favour. "No person of the pretended + reformed religion shall be forced to embrace the Roman Catholic apostolic + faith: children shall not be taken away from their parents during their + minority; that is, the boys before the age of twelve, the girls before + that of ten." A secret article respecting the demolition of the fort at La + Tour was eluded by the court. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0023" id="linklink2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + Of all the potentates who interested themselves for the Vaudois, Oliver + Cromwell showed the greatest zeal. He is known to have said, that nothing + ever so affected him as the news of the massacres of the 24th of April; + and to have declared to the Duke of Savoy, "that if he did not discontinue + his persecutions, he would cause a fleet to sail over the Alps to defend + the Vaudois." + </p> + <p> + It is certain, that as soon as he heard of the horrors of April and May, + 1655, he ordered a general fast, and collection for the Vaudois, + throughout England, Ireland, and Scotland, to which he personally + subscribed £2000. He also wrote to many princes in their favour, + particularly to the kings of Denmark, Sweden, and to the States General of + the United Provinces, and sent Morland as his envoy extraordinary to the + court of Turin, charged also to deliver a letter to the king of France on + the same subject. + </p> + <p> + In answer to this, Cromwell was assured that the French troops had been + employed without the orders of their court, which greatly disapproved of + their interference; and was well content with the fidelity of the French + Protestants. + </p> + <p> + Morland, on his presentation at the court of Turin, made a most eloquent + and ardent appeal to the Duke, boldly stating the horrible outrages which + had been committed, and the innocence of the sufferers. He was well + informed of all the facts from M. J. Leger, whom he had met at Lyons. Yet + the court, in the answer to Cromwell's letter, dared to express its + surprise, "that the malice of men had presumed so to misrepresent the mild + and paternal castigation of the rebels," as to excite the odium of the + other courts of Europe. + </p> + <p> + Besides Morland, Mr. Douning and Mr. Pell were sent from England to assist + at the negociations; but on finding that the treaty was already concluded, + while they had been consulting with the Swiss Protestants, they returned + to England and Sir Samuel Morland to Geneva. + </p> + <p> + It was owing to the absence of these gentlemen, as well as that of the + Dutch ambassador, that the terms granted to the Vaudois were so + unfavourable. + </p> + <p> + Morland, having been informed of the miserable poverty to which almost all + the Vaudois were reduced, the want of provisions, and particularly the + inability of the pastors to support themselves or to obtain a salary, made + such representations as to induce Cromwell to make an order in council, + dated Whitehall, May 18th, 1658,* stating, "That report having been made + to us by our commissioner and committee for the affairs of the poor + Vaudois churches, upon the information relative to the state of the said + valleys, given them by Sir S. Morland, &c. &c. it is ordered that + the money, which remains from a collection made for them, shall be applied + as an annual stipend, as under: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To M. J. Leger, + who has always supported the interests of the valleys, £100 + To eight ministers in the territory of Savoy, £320 + To three ditto in the territory of France £30 + To one head schoolmaster £20 + To thirteen other schoolmasters £69 + To four students of theology and medicine £40 + To a physician and surgeon £35 + + Annual amount Sterling £614" +</pre> + <p> + These annual stipends, thus derived from the residue of the subscriptions + left in England, which amounted to upwards of £12,000.** were paid very + regularly until the restoration of Charles the Second; when that prince + declaring that he had nothing to do with the orders of an usurper, or the + payment of his debts, the valleys were entirely deprived of them. It is + needless to make any observation on this injustice—injustice not + only to the Vaudois, but to the British nation, whose humane generosity + was thus defeated in its purpose, and whose contributions were seized + without a shadow of reason. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Three years after the first mission of Morland, + consequently a large sum had been paid out of the + collection, for present use. Of this large sum, it has been + asserted, that the government of Geneva possessed themselves + of a great part, to repair their fortifications.—T. + + ** Jones says, £38,241 1s. 6d.—T. +</pre> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0024" id="linklink2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + We have now the agreeable task of recording the bounties of the United + Provinces, ever celebrated for their philanthropy. No sooner had they + received information of the disaster in the valleys, than they wrote to + the courts of England, France, and Turin, as well as to the Swiss cantons, + and deputed M. Van Ommeren, a deputy of the States General, to confer with + the Swiss cantons, and to carry their joint complaints to the Duke of + Savoy. In the mean while a general fast, and the order for collections in + every town and village, seconded the zeal of the government, and Amsterdam + was distinguished by its generous contributions, which furnished our + ancestors with the means of rebuilding their houses, and churches, and + recultivating their land. + </p> + <p> + From the Swiss cantons M. Van Ommeren went to Geneva, to confer with the + British envoys, Morland, Pell, and Douning; and thence to Paris, where he + urged the king to take into consideration the complaints of the Vaudois + against the treaty of Pignerol, just concluded, and in which he had + appeared in the character of a mediator, by means of his minister M. + Servient. A person of confidence (M. de Bais, maréchal de camp) was in + consequence sent to inquire into the truth of the facts. He obtained at a + meeting of the principal Vaudois, at La Tour, in March, 1656, a + justificatory recital of the complaints of the valleys, a letter to the + king of France, and another to M. Le Serdigences, governor of Dauphiné, + with which he sought redress at the court of Turin; but his object was + defeated by the agents of the Propaganda, who so contrived to disguise the + truth, that he seemed suddenly to have lost all that insight into the + affairs of the Vaudois, which he had obtained by his visit to the valleys. + The king of France was, however, so touched by the letter of the Vaudois + that he was about again to intercede, when the intrigues of the same + agents had the effect of convincing him that the statements of the Vaudois + were without foundation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="linklink2HCH0025" id="linklink2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + Charles Gustavus, king of Sweden, replied with great warmth to the letter + which Cromwell addressed to him in favour of the Vaudois, testifying the + horror he felt at such cruelties, and his desire to support the cause of + the Gospel with the same energy as the Protector. + </p> + <p> + This king also wrote to the court of Turin, earnestly to request that the + Vaudois might not be disturbed in their possessions and privileges; and + soon after desired that M. J. Leger should be sent to him, that he might + receive from him all necessary details, and take efficient measures for + the re-establishment of the Vaudois. A premature death unfortunately put a + stop to his benevolent intentions. + </p> + <p> + The elector Palatine acted similarly in writing to Turin. + </p> + <p> + Frederick William, elector of Brandenburg, interested himself in the most + lively manner, corresponding with the other Protestant courts on the + subject, and offering a general collection. + </p> + <p> + The landgrave, William, of Hesse Cassel, exhibited the same spirit of + charity, and acted with equal energy. + </p> + <p> + The republic of Geneva showed great interest in the affair, and indeed + every one of the reformed churches of Europe wrote the most touching + letters, evincing their great interest and compassion for their brethren + of the valleys. + </p> + <p> + So many proofs of the kindness and respect shown to our ancestors, by the + most wise and enlightened governments, would suffice for the eulogium of + this unfortunate people, were not the details of their own conduct amply + sufficient to place them in their true light; nor can the unrestrained + malevolence, to which they have been exposed, withhold from them the + admiration and esteem of all good men. + </p> + <p> + The Vaudois had scarcely began to enjoy the repose which was granted them, + when their implacable enemies had again recourse to the same system of + intrigues, which had so often been resorted to against them. But, for the + moment, we will not follow them any farther, lest the minds of my readers + should be wearied with this tale of suffering, they require to be relieved + for a time from the contemplation of these dark plots of malevolence and + fanaticism, before they return to the scenes which we have yet to lay + before them. + </p> + <p> + Alas! a cloud of misfortune seems to have hung over all the Vaudois + historians:—Gilles de Gilles was persecuted, as we have seen above; + the indefatigable J. Leger (the same moderator already mentioned) finished + his great work in exile, and died in Holland; and our author, the virtuous + Bresse, after experiencing the most cruel injustice at Geneva, was forced + by circumstances to establish himself at Utrecht, where he died before the + publication of the last part of his work, which it had been the project of + his life to accomplish, and to which he had devoted himself since the + sixteenth year of his age.—Note by the Translator. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="linklinkillust" id="linklinkillust"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + ETCHINGS + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Arnoud House 028 (64K)" src="images/ArnoudHouse028.jpg" + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Baloille 024 (63K)" src="images/Baloille024.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Bobbi 020 (64K)" src="images/Bobbi020.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Grave 022 (64K)" src="images/Grave022.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Gros Viallar 036 (64K)" src="images/GrosViallar036.jpg" + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="La Tour 016 (63K)" src="images/LaTour016.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Masiglia 032 (63K)" src="images/Masiglia032.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Rora 018 (64K)" src="images/Rora018.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Shonberg Chruch 026 (64K)" + src="images/ShonbergChruch026.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="The Bobsiller 034 (64K)" src="images/TheBobsiller034.jpg" + width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div class="fig" style="width:80%"> + <img alt="Tomb of Arnoud 030 (63K)" + src="images/TombofArnoud030.jpg" width="100%" /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's L'Histoire Des Vaudois, by J. 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