The Baron of Salgas: A True Huguenot Story by Sabine Malplach
Not long after adjusting pyramids of fruit in the chateau’s dining room before an important dinner, beautiful Lucrece married the most distinguished of her father’s guests, the Baron of Salgas. She became mistress of his great estates in the Cevennes Mountains, and soon children were born to the happy Huguenot couple. After a time, however, their children were taken away, one by one, to be raised as Catholics. As circumstances worsened, Lucrece kept urging her husband to flee but, chained to his wealth, he remained optimistic that conditions would improve.
More gripping than fiction, this well-written narrative tells how Lucrece left all behind and fled to avoid denying her Savior, and how her husband finally came to faith through mistreatment that generated outrage among European royalty. Quiet heroism, faith, love, and hope all combine in this moving vignette.
The Baron of Salgas shows the struggles of conscience of the French nobility as they debated whether it was right to leave their king, though he was persecuting them, and flee to safety. It shows how the chains of wealth and estates made it easy for many to renounce their faith. It shows the cruelty of Louis the Magnificent, as he systematically destroyed his country by depriving it of some of its greatest citizens. Above all, it shows God’s goodness as He strengthened and comforted those suffering for Him.
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by Deborah Alcock
Young Gabriel de Vaur and his adored twin sister Desiree enjoyed a happy and sheltered childhood in their ancestral chateau in Normandy. Gradually even they became aware of the troubles Huguenots faced. And then, on one terrible day, all the disasters looming over them became a reality. Their dear sick mother died and, to Gabriel’s horror, their father thanked God for her death…because that same morning he had received a letter telling him who were galloping toward their chateau at that very moment.
What happened to the family when the brutal dragoons arrived? Gabriel had an opportunity to escape, but would he succeed in freeing his sister? Would any of the family be able to slip out of France into freedom?
This touching story of the dark days of Huguenot persecution brings joy as well as tears, and makes me so grateful for the peace and safety in which we live. May the Lord bless all His suffering people throughout the world and may He fill us with love for Him.
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The Carpenter of Nimes by Deborah Alcock
“Show me the man who performs every little daily task as to the Lord, and I will show you one who will not fail when called to do or to suffer greatly for His sake.”
After the martyrdom of his brother, young Jacques was distraught. Why had his godly brother, who helped so many with his Bible knowledge, been killed and he himself been left alive? An old pastor reminded him that God could use him, a carpenter, as well, and exhorted him to be faithful in his calling. Jacques found some comfort in caring for the family of his brother’s beloved, but he still waited to see how he was to serve the Lord.
How God eventually used this simple carpenter to bless the city of Nimes makes a thrilling story.
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While reading this collection of stories, I was moved by the faithfulness of the godly Huguenots and by the comfort God gave them even in dreadful circumstances. Miss 13, who has read these stories many times, is astonished at how differently we enjoy this book. She loves it for the godly stories, the heroism, and the excitement. This book would make an excellent addition to the library of any family that sympathizes with the Huguenots, and is a memorable homeschool resource as well.
Obviously, since these stories are about Huguenots facing persecution, they may make people of certain traditions uncomfortable. However, history is history. May we all learn from the past.
Note: These stories of trials and persecution were written vaguely enough to be suitable for ages 13 and up. In fact, I think they are less intense for young people than for adults who can actually understand the atrocities that were committed.
This book, as well as others in the Huguenot Inheritance Series, is available from Inheritance Publications .
Disclosure: I received this book from Inheritance Publications in order to review it. I receive no compensation for this review and my opinions are my own.