Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/465

Rh these have begun to perceive with astonishment, that the Waldenses, as well as themselves, believe in God, in the Saviour, and the Holy Spirit. And the prejudiced daily diminish. The Holy Scriptures, especially the gospels and the epistles—which are therefore printed separately—are circulated more and more in Piedmont and the neighboring states. In most of the towns of Piedmont and also of Tuscany, small societies have been formed, which meet for general reading, meditation, and the singing of hymns. I was told this to-day by an Italian, Signor E., a member of the Waldenses church, who, during the time of the persecution, was confined several months in prison for his religious faith. An Italian nobleman, M. de Santis, formerly a Catholic priest, now ordained in the Waldenses church, is at the head of a separate branch of this church, which gives to laymen some of the duties of the priest's office.

It has rained so incessantly during my stay in this city that I have been compelled to give up many drives, and many acquaintances also, which would otherwise have been valuable to me. The two last days have, however, been tolerably fine, and I have, during them, looked about me in the city, in company with two young Norwegians who have been to me as young brothers and friends. The museum, with many good pictures, both .ancient and modern, as well as L'Armeria Reale, has given me pleasure. It would be difficult to find a more picturesque and better arranged collection of ancient weapons and knight's armor, both on horse and foot, than that in the arsenal of Turin.