|
READ BOOK FREE ONLINE - full book content added: February 2, 2010
| |
The Waldenses or Protestant Valleys of Piedmont, Dauphiny, and the Ban De La Roche
by
William Beattie
(M.D.)
1838 Edition, London
HAIL & FIRE REPRINTS 2010
_TheWaldensesOfPiedmont_titlecol.jpg)
HAIL & FIRE REPRINTS 2010
|
If you are unable to view content in the frame at right:
|
THE WALDENSES;
OR,
VAUDOIS OF PIEDMONT.
"Amatores maximè pacis et tranquillitatis; morum suavitate confirmationeque singulari; operis laboribusque maxime dediti." - CAMERARIUS, de excidio reliq. Valdensium.
"Tributa principi, et sua jura dominis sedulò et summa fide pendebant: Dei cultum assiduis precibus, et morum innocentia pro se ferebant." - THUANI, Hist. lib. vi.
INTRODUCTORY SKETCH.
In the great political divisions of Italy, every district presents some epoch in its history,
more prominent than the rest, which the natives refer to with exultation, and strangers peruse with interest or advantage. Every section, however limited in extent, has its annals - every community some emphatic page - in which the strife of faction or struggles for independence have developed, in their course, the passions and
~ TABLE OF CONTENTS: ~
THE WALDENSES OR, VAUDOIS OF PIEDMONT. - Introductory Sketch... Professors of Primitive Christianity ... Persecutions... Present State . . . . pages 1-6.
SITUATION, EXTENT, AND BOUNDARIES. - Vallées Vaudoises... Motives in visiting these secluded Districts... Scenery of Piedmont... Climate and Productions... Province and City of Turin... Elegance of the Streets... Public Buildings... Population... River Po... Church of Superga... Prince Eugene and the Duke of Savoy... Pignerol... Cathedral... Citadel... Nunnery... Installation of an Archbishop . . . . pages 6-7.
VALLEYS OF LUZERN AND PELICE. - Approach... Village of St. John ... Valley of Luzern... La Tour... The beautiful Octavia... New College... Public Hospital... Church Protestant Service... Traits of Vaudois Character... Heroic Action... Mount Vandelin... Convent of Villar... Tradition... Diabolical Stratagem... Commune of Bobi... Rock of Bariind... Scenery... Historical Recollections... La Sarcena... Laus... Fort of Mirabouc... lntended Massacre... Conspiracy defeated, &c. . . . . pages 7-44.
VALLEYS OF RORA AND ANGROGNE. - Waldensian Charity, interesting Anecdote... Extraordinary Enterprise... Commune of Rora... Expedition against... Exploits of Janavel, and Pianessa... Destruction of Rora... Atrocious Massacre... Angrogne... Ancient Church... Pra-del-tor... Synod of Barbes... Commune of Prarustin... Rocheplate... Missionary Labours... Operations of Comte de la Trinité... Battle... Barricade of Pra-del-tor... Church of Angrogne... Prassuyt... Commune of Pramol . . . . pages 44-67.
VALLEY OF ST. MARTIN. - Village of St. Germain... Anecdote... Granite Quarry... Village of Perouse... Garrison of Fenestrelle... Spirit of Proselytism among the Roman Catholics, Anecdotes... Pomaret, Tomb of Peyran... Villeseche... Leger Family... Outrages of de Truchet... Defeated... Maneille Macel... The Balsille... Col-du-Pis... Pastoral Occupations... Rodoret... Town of Prail... Church... Arnaud's Sermon at Guigou... Leidet... Leger... Dreadful Avalanche... Serre-le-Cruel... Sabbath in the Alps... Battle of the Vachera... Waldenses and Covenanters compared... Panorama from the Cornaöut... Monte Viso... Waldensian Music... Retrospective Glance... Calvin, King James I... King William III... Moral and Physical Character... Language... Benefactors... Colonel Beckwith... Count de Waldbourg... Truchses... Expulsion from their Valleys, Defeat, and Imprisonment... Crossing the Alps... Arrival in Geneva... Attempts to regain their Inheritance... Failure of the Enterprise... Patronized by William III., and the Elector of Brandenburg... Another Effort to return... Embarkation of the Exiles... Henri Arnaud appointed Commander... Account of . . . . pages 67-124.
RETURN OF THE EXILES. - Arrangement of Force, and commencement of the March... First Encounter... Second Day's March... Enter Cluse... Pass through Sallenche... Ascent of Haute Luce... Two Accidents... Passage of the Col de Bon Homme... Banks of the Isère... Plausible Reception at St. Foi... Rest at Laval, Evening of the Fifth Day... Capture of a Cardinal's Baggage, and its Restoration... Hardships in passing Mont Cenis...Repulsed at Chaumont... Surmount Touliers... Entertainment at Salabertrann... Skirmishing, and brilliant Victory... Religious Service on first sight of their Native Hills... Descent into the Valley of Pragelas... Ninth Day of their March... Transactions in descending the Col-du-Pis... Arrival at Balsille... Public Worship in the Church of Guigou... Rencontre with the Enemy... Attack and Defeat at Bobi... Oath taken at Sibaüd... Attack and Capture of Villar... Proceedings from the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Day of their March... Transactions at Damian and the Vachère Alps... Distress at Le Crouzet... Sojourn at Prali... Cruelties of the Enemy... Distressing Marches... Conflict in the Val Luzern... Attempt to form a Granary... Flying Camp... Skirmishing near Pomaret... Close of the Journal of Thirty-one Days' March... Defence of the Balsille... Conclusion of Peace... Waldenses distinguished in the War against France... Ingratitude of Prince Eugene... Favour of Napoleon to the Waldenses... Present State, &c . . . . pages 124-171.
VALLEYS OF DAUPHINY. - Description... Queyras... Freissinières... Mont Genèvre... Cesanne ... Briançon... Roman Antiquities... St. Ambrose... Historical Memoranda... The River Durance... State of the Inhabitants...
De Thou's Account of the Inhabitants... Hannibal's Road... Val Louise... FELIX NEFF... Revolting Massacre... La Roche... Freissiniçres... Description... Dormilhouse... Singular Waterfall... Primitive State of Society... Extracts from Neff's Journal... Horrors of a Winter... Avalanches... Pallon... Chancellas... Mount Dauphin... Fortress... Thunder Storm... Val Queyras... Valley of the Guil... Grandeur of its Scenery... Dangerous Passage... Arvieux... Labours of Felix Neff... Mr. Ehrmann... La Chalp... Brunichard... Interesting Assemblage... Religious Service... The Pastor... Valley of St.Veran... Molines... Attack of Wolves... Farther Description... Dr. Gilly's Account... Champsaur... Vars... La Grave... Pallon... Anecdotes... Caverns... Manners and Customs, &c . . . . pages 171-200.
BAN DE LA ROCHE. - Situation, Extent, Boundaries, General Statistics... Sketch of the Life and Labours of OBERLIN and his Predecessor... Waldbach... Plan of Improvement... Annals of the Ban... Anecdotes of Oberlin: his Death: the happy Results of his Life and Labours... Review of the subject of the Waldenses... Viû and the Mole... St. Joire... St. Foi... Pont de la Crêt... Chamois and Lämmergheyer... Val Isère... Hamlet of Tignes... Valley of the Jaillon... Col de Touille... Appendix... Historical Documents... Loyalty and Piety of the Waldenses... Original Anecdote of the King... Their CONFESSION OF FAITH, as published with the Manifesto, A.D. 1655 . . . . pages 200-216.
N.B. The above Volume will be found to contain: - Sketches of History, Statistics, Society and Manners; Education, Literature, and Science; Mineralogy, Botany, Geology; Biographical and Characteristic Notices; Anecdotes and Traditions; Popular Customs and Amusements; Arts, Agriculture, Produce, and Manufactures; with much diversified matter; the results of personal intercourse with the country and people of the Valleys.
The Poetry interspersed in this Volume, unless where otherwise marked, is Original.
energies of the human mind. But of all nations or provinces, where the noblest virtues have been called into action, and where love of country and zeal for religion have alternately endured the most grievous calamities, or led to the most glorious results, these Valleys of Piedmont - a spot scarcely noticed in the maps of Europe - stand forth in brilliant distinction. From the magnanimous traits, heroic sacrifices, and startling incidents
which their history presents, it has all the character of an ancient epic, all the materials and variety of a tragic drama, but of a drama stamped with the seal of truth.
"the Waldenses became first known in history at the commencement of the ninth century, during the life of Claudius, bishop of Turin ... By tradition, however, ... they trace their origin to the first dawn of revelation, and, in the present day, profess the same doctrines which they imbibed from the apostles."
As a distinct people, the Waldenses became first known in history at the commencement of the ninth century, during the life of Claudius, bishop of Turin - the Wickliffe of his day, and the strenuous advocate of primitive Christianity. By tradition, however, carefully handed down through a long line of ancestors, they trace their origin to the first dawn of revelation, and, in the present day, profess the same doctrines which they imbibed from the apostles.* Till this period, however, they had been comprised within the diocese of Turin, and offered few distinctive features in religious discipline which could excite the jealousy of their neighbours, or the suspicion of the universal church. Down to this time, much of the original spirit of Christianity had maintained its sanctifying influence over the minds of men; but this being gradually undermined, innovations crept in. Rival altars were established under papal sanction, and the primitive worship of the Trinity was polluted by the introduction of images, to which oblations were to be offered, and days 'appointed to be kept holy.' Thus, what enriched the church in a temporal view, overthrew its gospel purity:
it dispersed the flock in pilgrimages; established fines and penance as peace-offerings for sin; threw down the altar raised by the apostles; and substituted 'many divinities' for the one sole Intercessor between God and man.
"During the general tide of corruption ... the Waldenses stood aloof. ... neither carried away by the force of example, nor ensnared by the seductions of those who advocated the new and imposing ritual."
During the general tide of corruption, however, the Waldenses stood aloof. Strengthened by the example of their excellent prelate, under whose spiritual jurisdiction they had enjoyed the blessings of a sound faith, they were neither carried away by the force of example, nor ensnared by the seductions of those who advocated the new and imposing ritual. They regarded image worship, or the offerings presented to the relics of saints, as not only diverting the mind from the sacred channel of devotion, but as an insult offered to their reason, degrading to the dignity of christian worship, and in direct opposition to its first principles. Their rules of life and doctrine were drawn from the authority of Scripture; and by this infallible standard their religious opinions were framed and exemplified in practice.
Though sufficiently distinguished by their lives and conversation to be already suspected of disaffection towards the church - the purity of which had been so glaringly profaned by recent abuses - their own peaceable character, and that integrity and moral worth for which they were proverbially distinguished, still screened them from persecution, and even endeared them to those with whom they had social intercourse. Thus practically inculcating peace and good-will, and too obscure to be made the objects of political resentment, they became the faithful depositaries of that sacred truth, which was one day to strike deep root into the soil, and call the nations to partake of its fruit. In the mean time, sanctioned by the innovations of a former Council,* the universal church continued to fall away from its evangelical simplicity - In pejus ruere ac retrò sublapsa referri. Pomp, and ceremony, and festivals, were multiplied; new saints were added to the calendar; cities, and churches, and communities were called by their names, and formally dedicated to their protection.
The simplicity of early worship had degenerated into gorgeous ceremonial; and, in proportion as corruption invaded the sacred province of the sanctuary, the distinctive features of the Waldensian creed became more conspicuous. As a lamp gathers brightness admidst surrounding darkness, the lustre of their example became more and more seen and felt. But this, though evident to all with whom they came in contact, was not yet suffered to destroy their peace; the influence of moral rectitude, and the strict observance of those precepts which had descended to them from the first preachers of Christianity, proved their safeguard; and thus, though not exempted from trials, the Valleys were long the scene of comparative tranquillity. Their barbes, or theological teachers, trained up their youth in a knowledge of the Scriptures, and extended their colonies by numerous ramifications in Italy and the adjoining countries. But, at last, the aspect of affairs was changed; and towards the close of the fifteenth century, the storm that had long been gathering over this devoted people, burst upon them in a series of persecutions.
"The simplicity of early worship had degenerated into gorgeous ceremonial; and, in proportion as corruption invaded ... the distinctive features of the Waldensian creed became more conspicuous. As a lamp gathers brightness admidst surrounding darkness ..."
Prejudice and superstition, and the grossest calumnies, now singled them out as reprobate schismatics, against whom their fellow - subjects vented their abhorrence, Rome fulminated its anathemas, and heaven manifested its wrath. Their lives and property were at the mercy of inquisitors. Debarred from social intercourse, expelled from the sanctuary, denounced by the priesthood, beset with spies, and burdened with imposts, they had no resources but in the purity of their consciences, no refuge but at the altar of their God.
"Rome fulminated its anathemas ... Their lives and property were at the mercy of inquisitors."
| "the victims of indiscriminate massacre, of lawless plunder, of torture, extortion, and famine; their resolution to persevere in the truth remained unshaken. Every punishment that cruelty could invent, or the sword inflict, had expended its fury in vain; nothing could subvert their faith, or subdue their courage. " |
They preferred exile and confiscation to the favours tendered them as the conditional rewards of perfidy. They perished in dungeons, by famine, and by a series of refined cruelties, on which we shudder to reflect.* When, at last, driven from their homes, and exposed to the horrors of an Alpine desert, where many expired, and many sorrowed over their expiring friends, the remnant were still supported by the consoling thought, that they were exiles and martyrs, but not apostates! They felt also - for nothing less could have upheld them under such accumulated misery - they felt that, although many had sealed their testimony with their blood, an invisible hand was still leading them onward, and that the time of restoration would yet arrive: 'They were persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.' ... Click to READ FULL BOOK (PDF) >>
~
HAIL & FIRE - a resource for Reformed and Gospel Theology in the works, exhortations, prayers, and apologetics of those who have maintained the Gospel and expounded upon the Scripture as the Eternal Word of God and the sole authority in Christian doctrine.
"Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city" Matthew 23:34 KJV
Copyright © 
HAIL and FIRE
www.hailandfire.com