mont; to preside over which, Bishop Claude was called from Spain, that he might stem the torrent of idolatry, and oppose farther attempts at unscriptural innovations."

Claudius published a great number of works, chiefly commentaries on several books of the Old and New Testaments. That the doctrines which he thus disseminated in the diocese of Turin could never afterwards be wholly eradicated by the votaries of Rome, is attested by many writers, and especially by Bellarmine, who asserts, "That the identical belief which was publicly taught and professed in those valleys of Piedmont in the year 820, was the very same which is at this day professed and owned by the Reformed Churches."

CHAP. II.

Description of the valleys of Piedmont-antiquity of the Waldenses-testimonies in favour of their remote origin, from the pens of their enemies-they are the first to oppose Papal corruptions-are persecuted -derivation of their name-doctrinal sentiments of the Cathari-testimonies in their favour by their persecutors the rapid increase of their numberscruel treatment of some of them in England-the Noble Lesson-ancient Vaudois manuscript against Antichrist, &c.

PREVIOUS to entering more particularly on the history of the Waldenses, it may be proper to give here a short description of the valleys which these faithful witnesses for the truth inhabited, and which were the scene of their long and dreadful sufferings. These valleys are for the

most part situated within the confines of Piedmont,* and extend along the eastern foot of the Cottian Alps, the highest range of mountains in Europe, and which divide Italy from France, Switzerland, and Germany. The principality of Piedmont is bounded on the east by the du chies of Milan and Montferrat, on the south by Nice and Genoa, on the west by France, and on the north by Savoy. The inhabitants were in former times the subjects of the dukes of Piedmont and Savoy, but inore recently they have become subject to the king of Sardinia; and though they reside in a country which lies between France and Italy, they do not entirely assimilate with either nation in manners, customs, or language.

The principal valleys are, Aosta and Susa on the north, Stura on the south, and in the interior of the country, Lucerna, Angrogna, Roccipiatta, Pramol, Perosa, and San Martino. The valley of Pragela, or Clusone, was anciently a part of the province of Dauphiny, in France, and being surrounded by very high mountains, in the

This name, which signifies "at the foot of the mountains," is derived from Piedmont's being situated at the bottom of the Alps.

sides of which are numerous caves, it formed one of the chief places of retreat for the inhabitants in times of persecution. "The Protestant villages," says Gilly, in speaking of the present aspect of the defile which is called the valley of Perosa, were concealed from our view by the natural barriers which rise in terrific and forbidden aspect on the western banks of the Clusone, and in many places serve to keep the valley in almost perpetual shade. The mountains, breaking into precipices, and the abruptness with which the topographical features change from one place to another, varied the scene enough to make even horrors not unpleasing." Angrogna, Pramol, and San Martino, are likewise

*The following description of one of the caverns into which the Waldenses fled for safety from their persecutors, may give the reader some idea of the ingenuity which these afflicted people were compelled to exert for their own safety, as well as the natural asylums in many of the mountains, which were afforded them by Divine Providence. "Near the lofty and projecting crag which soars above Mount Vaudelin, there was a natural cavern, which the inhabitants of the commune of La Torre contrived to make a secret hiding-place. This cavern, in which between three and four hundred persons might conceal themselves, was vaulted, and shaped not unlike an oven, with clefts in the rock, which served for windows, and even for loop-holes; and prepared with recesses, which answered the purpose of watch-houses,

strongly fortified by nature, from their many difficult passes, and bulwarks of rocks and mountains ; as if the all-wise Creator," says Morland, "had from the beginning designed that place as a cabinet wherein to put some inestimable jewel, or, to speak more plainly, there to reserve many thousands of souls, which should not bow the knee before Baal."

Geographers and travellers in general, have described several of these valleys as being remarkably fertile, abounding in every thing necessary to the enjoyment of human life. The valley of Angrogna in particular, is thus described by Gilly: "Angrogna lies to the north of La Torre, and in the midst of some of the finest mountain scenery of which the Alps can boast. The mountain stream, which is called the torfrom whence they might observe the motions of their assailants. There were also several chambers within this vast cave, accommodations for cooking meat, and a large fountain well supplied with water. It was impos

sible to enter it, except by one hole at the top; and those who were in the secret, could only let themselves down one at a time, and by a very slow and gradual process, with the assistance of steps, or foot-holes, cut in the rock. In fact, it was like descending into a mine; and one or two resolute men might easily defend the entrance against the assault of any force that could be brought against them."