"They had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds
and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted,
were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheep skins, and goat skins;
being destitute, afflicted, tormented-(of whom the world was not worthy)-they
wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."
HEB. xi. 36, 37, 38.

EDINBURGH;

WILLIAM WHYTE AND CO,

BOOKSELLERS TO THE QUEEN DOWAGER;

LONDON, LONGMAN & Co.; DUBLIN, W. CURRY, JUN., & CO.

MDCCCXLI.

1087

BIBLIO

EDINBURGH:

PRINTED BY BALFOUR AND JACK, NIDDRY STREET.

PREFACE.

It is remarkable, that previous to the researches of Faber, Gilly, Jones, Acland, and others, the Protestants of the Alps of Dauphiny and Piedmont-those interesting links which connect the primitive with the reformed church, were known among us little more than by name.

The object of the following narrative will be sufficiently attained, if it contribute, in any degree, to awaken an additional interest in behalf of that extraordinary race-whose descendants continue at this day, living witnesses for the truth in the midst of papal darkness" beloved," not less for their own, than" for their fathers' sakes."

The story is intended to give an outline of the most remarkable of those dreadful persecutions, that have so often desolated their valleys, and which issued in one of the most

brilliant triumphs of heroism on record.* Though strictly historical, fictitious characters and events have been occasionally introduced, in order to give continuity to the narrative, as well as to afford scope for a fuller elucidation of the distinguishing virtues of the Vaudois character.

The Appendix consists of Notes illustrative of some of the statements contained in the preceding pages, with a short sketch of the present condition of the Waldensian church.

* See Appendix, note A.