The Waldenses
Our visit to the Waldensian Valleys was one of special interest on
account of the close connection which this locality has with the history
of the people of God in past ages. It was in the friendly shelter of the
surrounding rocky peaks that they found protection when the fierce
persecutions of the Roman church drove them from the fertile plains
of Northern Italy. In these plains they had succeeded in maintaining
their independence of Rome many years after others had yielded to
her power. Indeed, up to the eleventh century, the diocese of Milan
is said to have greatly exceeded in extent that of Rome. But the very
fact that her authority was disregarded on what might be called her
own territory, was very humiliating to a power to whom all the world
was then bowing down; and, after repeated unsuccessful attempts to
induce the bishops of Milan to yield their independence, they were
finally forced to submit.
The submission, however, was by no means universal. Many
refused to yield their rights, and fled, some to one country, some to
another, while many retired to the Piedmontese Alps. “Behind this
rampart of mountains, which Providence, foreseeing the approach of
evil days, would seem to have reared on purpose, did this remnant
of the early apostolic church of Italy kindle their lamp, and here did
that lamp continue to burn all through the long night which descended
upon Christendom.”
Every rock upon which we gazed seemed to speak in solemn si-
lence of the wonderful scenes it had witnessed. One place of interest
which we visited, was a spot just back of the town of Bobbio, seven
miles up the valley from Torre Pellice. We had a beautiful day for
our trip. The air was clear, the sky as blue as only an Italian sky can
be. Our party numbered seven besides the two drivers. The ride was
delightful. After going as far as the carriages could carry us, we took
our blankets and lunch-baskets, and prepared to ascend the mountain.
By a zigzag course our path made its way up the hillside, some-
times winding in and out among the rocks that line the banks of a
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