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The History of the Waldenses

by J. A. Wylie (1808-1890)

Preface & Intro

This work—which is a reprint of the Sixteenth Book of the HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM—is exclusively occupied with the subject of the Waldenses. It describes succinctly the conflicts they waged and the martyrdoms they endured in defence of their faith and their liberty, and is published in the present form to meet the requirements of those who take a special interest in this remarkable people.

Recent events in Europe have brought the Waldenses into prominence, and thrown a new light upon the grandeur of their struggle and the important and enduring issues which have flowed from it. To them, in a very particular manner, are we to trace the constitutional liberties which Italy at this hour enjoys. In the eventful year of 1848, when a new constitution was being framed for Piedmont, the Waldenses made it plain to the Government that there would not be standing-room for them within the lines of that constitution, unless it embraced the great principle of freedom of conscience. For that principle they had contended during five hundred years, and nothing short of it could they accept as a basis of national settlement, persuaded that any other guarantee of their liberties would be illusory. Their demand was conceded: the principle of freedom of conscience—the root of all liberty—was embodied in the new constitution, and thus the whole inhabitants of Piedmont shared equally with the Waldenses in a boon which the struggles of the latter had been mainly instrumental in securing.

Not only so: in process of time the constitution of Piedmont was extended to the rest of Italy, and the whole Italian nation is at this hour sharing in the fruits which have sprung from the toil and the blood, the unswerving faith, and the heroic devotion of the Waldenses. Nor is their work finished even yet. They have understood the end for which they have been preserved through so many ages of darkness and conflict, and have energetically thrown themselves into the evangelisation of modern Italy, and doubtless these ancient confessors are destined to win, in the land where they endured so many dark sorrows, not a few brilliant triumphs, and by the labours of the present to add to the obligations which Christendom owes them for the services of the past.

J. A. Wylie.

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INTRODUCTION

1985 EDITION

It is with much love for the cause of God and His people that we place this valuable work back into print. The contents of this little volume should be a strength and encouragement to all who read it. Through the recorded pages of histories in volumes such as this, we are made to realize the great mercy, grace and providence of God.

We should be most thankful for our religious freedoms and liberties which we enjoy today. Yet we should blush at our present day murmur and complaint when we read of the sufferings and persecutions of our forebears.

It is our hope and soul’s desire that God’s cause will be benefited by the reprinting of the HISTORY OF THE WALDENSES. This being accomplished, we shall give God the honour and glory.

CHURCH HISTORY RESEARCH AND ARCHIVES

September 7, 1985

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