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CHAPTER I.

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Objects of my journey. Route by Calais-Amiens-Paris-Jura Mountains - Geneva — Chambery - Mont Cenis-TurinPinerolo to La Torre. Reception in the valleys. San Margarita. Observations on Vaudois character.

THE object of my second visit to the Vaudois was threefold. First, and principally, I was desirous of judging, upon personal observation and enquiry, how certain sums of money placed at my disposal might be best employed, not only for the benefit of the Waldensian Church, but for the advantage of the Protestant cause at large, in this its only strong hold in Italy. "The men of the valleys" have a claim upon our interest, not merely as descendants of the ancient Waldenses, but as borderers and occupiers of some of the most important Alpine passes between France and Italy, on the chain that connects Mont Cenis and Mont Viso and what is more, as maintaining the extraordinary position of a frontier Church, and a primitive Church, upon the very point where, as beacons and signal stations, they may be of the greatest use. The faith of the first centuries, and

the forms of early Christianity, like visions of departed loveliness, have lingered here among these mountaineers, when they fled from other regions. Extrema per illos

Justitia excedens terris vestigia fecit.

And this is the spot from which it is likely that the great Sower will again cast his seed, when it shall please him to permit the pure Church of Christ to resume her seat in those Italian states, from which pontifical intrigues have dislodged her. I was therefore anxious to be upon the ground again, and to ascertain what institutions might be established or strengthened, to serve as a base, from which lines of communication may be extended, and movements conducted upon a greater scale at some future and more favourable period.

My second object was to see how far that aid had proved effectual which had already been extended to the Vaudois, and to examine into the condition of the hospital and schools, which

1 The following extracts from the Report of the London Committee, published March, 1830, will shew the amount and the appropriation of the money collected in behalf of the Vaudois, after the public appeals made in 1824.

No. I. Makes mention of the sum total raised among the Reformed Churches, for the Hospital. The contributions from France, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and some of the German states were remitted at once, and made up the sum of 105,000 francs, (4,2001.) The amount of the English, Prussian, and Dutch subscriptions was funded.

No. II. Contains a detailed account of the money (7,3021.

2

have been founded and endowed by funds raised in the Protestant countries of Europe, principally in England.

78. 4d.) which has been raised in the British dominions, through the exertions of the London Committee, for the several purposes therein expressed, in aid of the Hospital, and of General and Ministerial Education.

The Government payment to the Vaudois pastors, of 2771. annually, called the Royal stipend, and restored in 1827, is not included in this account."

No. I.

THE HOSPITAL.

"This Institution, comprising the Establishment in chief at La Tour in the Valley of Lucerne, and the Dispensary at Pomaret in the Valley of Perouse, owes its origin to public subscriptions raised among the Protestant states of Europe, [since 1824.] Out of the sums so collected, the Vaudois received, in capital, about 105,000 francs. The remainder was placed in the public funds of England, Prussia, and Holland; and the Interest is remitted annually, for the maintenance of the Hospital and Dispensary.

Of the 105,000 francs received by the Vaudois themselves, an account has been communicated to the following effect, in round numbers:

Purchase of an estate at La Tour, consisting of about 56 journaux or acres, with farm-house and buildings, and yielding an annual rent of 2000 francs..

Purchase of a building and vineyard at La Tour, which has since been converted into a house and garden for the hospital-in addition to an annuity to the proprietor of 460 francs.......... Furniture and outfitting of the hospital..........

Franes.

56,000

4,000

5,000

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