PREFATORY NOTE.
The former Edition of this Short History, published in 1854, was introduced to the public by the well-known and devoted author of Waldensian Researches, the late Rev. W. S. Gilly, d.d., Canon of Durham. His Preface deals in part with a state of things which the lapse of five-and-twenty years has materially changed, and need not here be reproduced. A few sentences only may be given: “I cannot but express my satisfaction,” writes Dr. Gilly, “that the tale of the Waldenses, for whom I have entertained the deepest concern for more than thirty years, should now be told in a brief, succinct, and popular form, likely to attract the notice of general readers. Every addition to the series illustrative of the History of the Waldensian Church, whether it be in the way of critical remark, of theological discussion, of narrative, or of poetry, is a fresh indication of the public feeling in its favour; and, more than this, the interest which is now taken by Protestant Christians of every name in the destiny of the Vaudois of Piedmont may be regarded as a proof that they are believed to have been especial objects of Divine Providence, from their earliest mention in history to the present time.”
