The Return to the Valleys.
By S. N. Haskell
WE have now reached a period in the history of the Vaudois when the light of the Reformation had so dawned upon Europe, and the interest of other nations had been awakened in their behalf, that through these means the Lord began to bless them with freedom and liberty. They were scattered among the Reformed cantons. In every way possible they manifested gratefulness for the favors they received from their benefactors. "We are indebted to you alone for life and liberty," said these stricken people. The German princes opened their States to these exiles; but the influence of their great enemy, Louis XIV., was too powerful in these parts to permit their residence being altogether agreeable. The question of their permanent settlement was one of interest. The project of carrying them across the sea to Holland was talked of; but to this poor people their native land was more precious than every other earthly blessing. Their yearnings of heart to go back to the valleys could not be repressed. They would rather face the cold mountains, and the enemies which were then in the valleys, than remain among friends in the cantons of Switzerland. The 10th of June, 1688, was the day appointed to return, but they failed to carry out the enterprise. There were now about 800 fighting men among those who felt that they must return to the home of their fathers. God's providence raised up a distinguished man to lead them, and on the 16th of August, 1689, they succeeded in setting out for their native possessions. It is said that 800 of these people bent their knees in prayer, and then began their march through a country covered with foes. In passing the mountains of snow they seemed to be especially helped of God. Intrigues were laid to take their lives, but God favored the journey. Their courage was good, and they were determined not to be baffled, but525to reach their native land or die in the attempt. About 100 lost their lives in crossing the mountains. It was a singular sight, says the historian, to witness their first worship in one of their own meeting-houses, that was cleared of the popish pharaphernalia. The preacher took his text from the 129th psalm. "Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say." The worship closed by the 700 warriors chanting in magnificent chorus the psalm from which their leader had preached. This was in the village of Prali, and it was a place of horrible outrages at the time of their exodus. The pastor of this church, years before, was discovered by the soldiers under a rock, praying. He was dragged forth, and tortured and mutilated, and then hanged. So here, these noble spirits began their worship in the valleys. They had entered the land, but they had not got the possession of it yet. Their leader seemed to be inspired by God with courage and faith. Victory crowned their efforts at every step. An effort was put forth to destroy this patriotic army. The privations and hardships which they endured were as great as the victories which they won in their daily skirmishes. But nothing could daunt their courage. They had neither ammunition nor provisions, save what they took from their enemies. Winter was near, but their courage faltered not. They sought a secluded spot in the mountain range where they made their stand to encamp for the winter. It was a castle of God's own erecting, and the builder of their home for that winter was the Almighty Architect himself. Their army now was reduced to 400. They dug out some four score cellars in the rock to hold provisions which they might gather in from their enemies. Three springs gushed out from the rocks that supplied them with water. After they had resorted to this place of rendezvous, the battalions of the French army arrived and enclosed the mountain on every side, but the effort of their enemies to dislodge them from their place of retreat was entirely fruitless, so they postponed the work of taking them until the spring of 1690. It seemed that the providence of God gave them success in securing fruit and sheep and oxen and grains necessary for their sustenance. The historian says, "Bread to last them all the winter through had been provided in a way so marvelous as to convince them that He who feeds the fowls of the air was caring for them." Ample magazines of grain had been hid in the mountains right around them which at first they knew not of. The snow that year fell earlier than usual, and the inhabitants who had taken possession of their fields had not had time to cut it; so from this unexpected store-house they drew as they had need. Little did their enemies think the spring before when they sowed the seed, that it was to supply 400 Waldenses the coming winter. At the foot of the mountain was a mill which had formerly been owned by M. Trou-Poulat; and three years before, when going into exile, he took the stone and cast it into the river. "For," said he, "it may yet be needed." This was discovered, and the mill set in motion that ground the corn. With the return of spring the armies of France and Piedmont reappeared, and they had a combined force of 22,000 to take the company of 400 hid in the caves and rocks. After repeated unsuccessful attacks upon the Waldenses they sought for the first time, and probably for the only time in the history of the world upon that place, to bring a cannon and baggage-wagons from the French army. On the 14th of May all was ready and the grand assault was made. The French took with them at this time 400 ropes, that when they captured these Waldenses they might hang them every one. As they were preparing to celebrate the Lord's Supper, the firing of the cannon was heard, and the fighting continued until night. At night their safe retreat was completely demolished, and to all human appearances this noble band must fall an easy prey to their foe. The French postponed fighting until morning, when it was expected the Waldenses would fall helpless into their hands. But during that night a cloud of mist gathered and rested down upon the mountain side, so that the enemy could see nothing that was transpiring. The Waldensian leader was acquainted with the mountain passes, and taking advantage of the darkness of the night, through a passage with which he alone was acquainted, led out the brave company, every one, even through the pickets of the French army, to a place of safety. "He who has not seen such paths," says the historian, "cannot conceive the danger of them, and will be inclined to consider my account of the march a mere fiction. But it is strictly true; and I must add, the place is so frightful that even some of the Vaudois themselves were terror-struck when they saw by daylight the nature of the spot they had passed in the dark." For several days they wandered from hill to hill, lay hid in the wood, suffered great privations, and encountered numerous perils. Finally they succeeded in reaching Pra del Tor, when to their amazement and joy they found the deputies from their prince awaiting them with an overture of peace. They were as men that dreamed. "How was this? A coalition, including Germany, Great Britain, Holland, and Spain, had been formed to check the ambition of France, and three days had been given to Victor Amadeus to say to which side he would join himself—the Leaguers or Louis XIV. He resolved to break with Louis and take part with the coalition." And he then committed the keys to the Alps to the trusty Vaudois. Their churches were re-opened; their brethren still in prison at Turin were liberated, and those that remained in Germany had passports to return to their homes. So closed the famous period of their history of persecution, which had existed for centuries except at brief intervals.