Note D

The Valley of Pragelas is now, alas! no longer what it once was, — the stronghold of Protestantism. By a base infraction of the most sacred and binding engagements on the part of the house of Bourbon, its inhabitants were cruelly deprived of the religious prerogatives which from time immemorial they possessed. “Their churches,” remarks one of their own ancient historians, “are truly Protestant, time out of mind: their old people (and some are about an hundred years old,) have never heard from their fathers or grandfathers, that mass was ever sung in their country.” Louis XIV., in direct violation of the solemn treaties of his predecessors, Henry IV. and Louis XIII., ceded this magnificent valley to Victor Amadeus, on the express condition, that the Protestants should be exterminated. CJ And where are the Bourbons now?” is the impressive comment of Dr Gilly, on this act of regal perjury, “Kighteous art thou, O Lord!”

Though nominally catholic, however, there is still left a small remnant, imbued with the ancient spirit, who sigh in secret over its desolations. The catholic priests are at this moment watching with a jealous eye, every symptom of returning life, fearful lest these smouldering ashes should again burst into a flame. An emissary of the Vatican lately scoured the valley, demanded admittance into every suspected cot and hamlet, and the result of his scrutiny was a collection of upwards of sixty Bibles, Testaments, and Protestant catechisms, which he committed indiscriminately to the flames! The young native, who told the circumstance, mentioned that his own uncle was among the number who had to deliver up the treasured volume into the hands of the ecclesiastical plunderer; but added, that another now supplied its place, carefully secreted from future depredators.