The present generation of Italian Waldenses, with that firmness characteristic of the race, believe that their forefathers lived in the Val leys of the Cottian Alps from time imme morial. Without documents to prove their existence as evangelical Christians in these Valleys previous to the time of Peter Waldo in the twelfth century, they yet obstinately reject the theory that he was their founder. They pay him no especial honor as do Lu therans to Luther; Wesleyans to Wesley; Calvinists to Calvin; Mahometans to Ma bomet; Buddhists to Buddha.