The Waldensian Church in the valleys of Piedmont/Prefatory Note
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.”
The interest of which Dr. Gilly speaks was to no small extent quickened and extended by the publication of the present work; but in some measure it passed away as other events claimed the attention of the general public ; and, though for some the cause had an undying interest, the demand for books on the subject almost entirely ceased.
The beloved and revered author of the present work felt a natural and keen disappointment that a second edition of it was never called for; but she committed the matter to the Lord, for whose sake she had laboured.
A few months since, a suggestion reached her that her book should be published by the Religious Tract Society; she joyfully welcomed the proposal as an answer to prayer. At the advanced age of ninety-one, though in good health, and her intellect clear as ever, she was unable to prepare the pages for the press, or to make the additions necessary to complete the history to the present date, and she thankfully consigned the work to others. Before the task could be fulfilled, however, the message came to call her home, an abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom was given to her, and she passed triumphantly away, cheered by the assurance that God, faithful to His promise, had not forgotten her work of faith and labour of love.