Paul Rabaut

In 1762 in a time of relative peace two sites at which Rabaut preached are recorded: At last, in 1762, he obtained a sort of tacit tolerance from the Prince of Beauveau.

The Protestants of Nismes then chose for their winter meetings a vast amphitheatre situated on the road to Alais, on the banks of the torrent of Cadereau, and which they called the Hermitage.

There, upon seats constructed with loose stones, assembled, every Sunday, six or eight thousand persons, eager to hear the inspired words of their pastor.

In summer they transferred their meetings to an old quarry, named Lecque, surrounded on all sides by immense rocks, and to be reached only by two narrow paths.

Two years later liberty of conscience was proclaimed by the National Assembly, of which Rabaut Saint-Etienne was vice-president, and it was declared that non-Catholics might be admitted to all positions.