Recalling the Past

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 5, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 42.

Recalling the Past.

OCTOBER 22 was the two-hundredth anniversary of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. This Edict, issued April 13, 1598, was very far from establishing religious liberty in France; but it did afford the Huguenots some protection. Its revocation was the signal for a relentless and terrible persecution, which deprived France of an important element in her national character; for the Huguenots were valuable citizens. They were remarkable for their intellectual activity, pure morals, industry, and skill in various useful avocations,—qualities that give wealth and permanence to nations. A recent writer claims that their heroism in the face of long-continued and bitter persecution was largely due to the strength of their doctrines. He says: "One needs strong doctrines to rest upon when he is in hourly peril of his life."