The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1847-05-05
From the Sumter Banner.
The IIugllCnOtS.
Written aclh reference TO their early Settle
ment u, South Carolina.

INC uuguGn0tS.
Written aclh reference TO their early Settle
ment IN South Carolina.
The improvement Of man has been efec-
ted by succession Of Revolutions. Some
have been mild, peaceablc, the result of
causes working for long series of ages.
others have burst forth on the "world's
trembling multitude" sudden and powerful.
Such was the reformation of Luther. lis
great prin ciplc--its noble aim was civil and
religious liberty. History records the slrug-
giles of the contest, rousing up all the cncr-
gies of Europe. Foremost in this drama
stand forth the Protcstants Of Francc,-a
Spartan band in the great army of Reform
ers. Sympathy for their sufferings, reve-
renee for their piety, admiration for their for
tltude and perseverance, and gratitude 10
God Tor the preservation of Il remnant Of this
afflicted people, affect US: when we think of
the religious despotism which, for ages.
warred against their souls.
The Huguenots were people peculiar
to France. Separated from their brethren
OF Switzerland by the vast mountain barriers
Of nature, removed from intercourse with
the English by great extent of land and
water they formed a community anoug
themselves, leagued together for the mutual
defence of their country and religion An
imated by these high and noble principles.
they fallered not in the hour Of danger
when necessity called them to the ficld, they
shrunk not from the sword of persecution
when the fires of Romish bigo,ry kindled
around them, they bore their mar,yrdom
with that unfiinching constancy so charac-
teristic of their faith and of their causc.-
The love of religious liberty, arising from
the conviction of duty, has, IN all past time,
given an undaunted spirit to its votares.-
Witness the zeal of the early Christian
Church! Witness the frmness of our
Pilgrim fa,hers Witness the prosecutions
Of the Huguenots
Most prominent in the history Of this peo-
pie, is the tragedy of Saint Bartholomew.
The Protestants Of that time were conside-
red too formidable a party to be any longer
tolerated. AS Cato continually said in the
Roman Senate, "delehda est Cartharro u
so did the ,nen in power of that time uncea-
singly shout, Let the Huguenots be de-
stroyed." And at length, their desire was
well nigh accomplished. TIE night of ST.
Bartholomew gIuts the all-devourng thirst
of their enemies: During that terrific
slaug hter, the cry for mercy was drowned in
the relentless shout of "Death 10 the Hu-
gueno's," and the light of day but added
new horrors 10 the scene. The streets of
Paris flowed with the blood of her murdered
citizens; and from that city the massacre
spread through all the provinces. bringing
death and desoation TO every part of the
land. Thousands Of useful and peaceab}e
citizens were struck down by the demon OF
destruction, and one united cry for vengeance
on such monstrous injustice arose TO the
thfone of God, and will vet have to be 81.
fenced by the woes of coming ages. This
dreadful instance of the barbarism of reIi.
gious bigotry excites the indignation of the
world. AT that time it was eulogized, by
many OF the nations OF Europe, as glorious
triumph-the coldblooded murder of thou
sands: glorious triumph-the triumph o
religion!
But let US turn from such scene, and
contemplate the magnanimity of Henry. SC
worthiy styled the Great This Prince
ascending the throne at time when faction
had torn his kingdom for more than CEN
Jury, had exhausted its resources. aud i'm.
!povlshed his people, who had wrongs to re-
xepge ana crimes to punish, nobly buried
Mem al! In oblivion, and the world saw the
gEoet OF an exalted mind in the Edict oil
is Nantes. y What a contrast with the conduc,
s'soI me guilty and execrated Charles who,
8 century before, looked calmly on the
:.szsgedef n or his subjects This celebrated
e!placea the rights of the Huguenots; Of,
pasis,ehlsh the most fragrant Violation, o
81: l1s.i;e 9 co14a: alone overthrow; and il was
tstobs hoped thathof future Monarch Of france