declarations of attachment, they are now united, and fulfilling their mutual vows of affection and duty.

We should have gone from Pramol to San Germano and Prarustino, to lay our proposals before the only two pastors whom I had not yet seen; but my dislocated finger was some inconvenience, therefore we determined to return directly to La Torre. Crossing the Russiglia torrent, which runs through a deep glen, we ascended towards La Vachera, by some fine woods and pasturages, and from the lofty heights that separate Pramol from the communes of Angrogna and Prarustino, we looked down upon Roccapiatta, San Bartholomeo, San Secondo, and the plains far beyond Pinerolo. It was a combination of rock and wood, corn-fields and vineyards, of mountain and vale, and of green pastures by the water side, seen under the influence of an evening sun. We passed through several of the hamlets of Angrogna, and arrived at San Margarita in time to take our places round the supper table.

I gained much by this journey to the upper valleys. I had traversed on foot the whole length of the valleys, and in such a direction as to give me a good idea of the localities of all the parishes and hamlets. I had become acquainted with notables of the community, and had learnt their sentiments upon many important topics. I had

seen the manners of the pastors, and principal inhabitants, and of the poorest peasants, under different circumstances. My favourable opinions are all strengthened. If there were some few things which vexed me, there were many which gave me pleasure.

CHAPTER XII.

Proposals to the Vaudois Pastors and Officers of the Table for the establishment of a College in the Valleys.

HAVING now visited thirteen out of the fifteen Waldensian parishes, and conversed with all the pastors but two, and most of the principal laity, I felt that I was competent to form a pretty fair estimate of the wants and wishes of the community, and that I might put down upon paper the proposals that I had to make. It was an object to have my plan so stated, as that each of the pastors might have an opportunity of reflecting upon it, and giving his opinion more deliberately, than when he had only an outline explained in conversation to guide him. I therefore employed myself, after my return from the excursion related in the last Chapter, in drawing up some resolutions, which were shaped and modified, with the assistance of those of my Vaudois friends, who were at hand. Having done this, the paper was submitted to the perusal of their brethren, as I had opportunities of communicating with them, and received their final sanction and signatures, under

the form in which I now present it to my readers. Upon one occasion, ten pastors were present, after the paper had been signed by them separately, and these, having again considered the subject, in a body, signified their joint consent by signing a second time in testimony of their full approbation. It will be supposed that some of my resolutions produced observations; and that explanations were asked, and amendments proposed; these I have noted, so that those who desire to be in full possession of all that relates materially to the scheme, will not, I trust, be disappointed.

Proposals submitted to the consideration of the pastors of the Waldensian Church, July 1829.

"The Waldensian historians, and writers, and others, who complain that the Vaudois of the present day have departed, more or less, from the purity and simplicity of their ancestors, attribute it to two causes : First, To the imperfect system of education in the valleys, which obliges the students of theology to expatriate themselves eight, ten, and sometimes twelve years', at the hazard of their morals, and of their religious principles, and at very considerable expense; a prac

1 "In the present state of things, young Vaudois often quit their homes, for Switzerland, before they are sixteen years of age."-Note by M. Bonjour.

tice which necessarily results from the want of means to obtain instruction at home suitable to any of the higher professions. Secondly, To the relaxation of the ancient discipline, particularly of the ancient surveillance of the Moderator, who formerly used to visit all the churches once a year, that he might report accordingly' to the synod.

"There is also great complaint in the Waldensian communes, that the churches, families, and individuals experience a general want of books of devotion, both for public services, and for private

use.

“Under these circumstances, I propose, (upon certain conditions, and under certain regulations,) to apply funds at my disposal to the endowment of a school, or college, which shall serve for the instruction of young persons intended for the ministry, for regents, schoolmasters, &c. &c., and which shall, as far as it is possible, be equally beneficial to the three valleys. In the promotion of this object, I engage to furnish five thousand francs towards building a house for the proposed establishment, provided that the Vaudois will themselves give the site, within the commune of La Torre.

"To give a stipend of 1500 francs a-year to the head-master.

2 See Leger, page 207.