Chapter I: Preface

The time at which this volume appears would seem to require a few words of introduction.

A day which closes a great epoch in the history of modern times, will soon be called to the remembrance of Protestant Christians. The registers of the Consistory of Geneva for the year 1564, bear under the name of Calvin these simple words:

_Allé à Dieu le Sabmedy 27 de May, entre huit et neuf heures du soir._[1]

The author of this volume, having been invited by the Evangelical Alliance to deliver an address on _The Reformation and the Reformer of Geneva_, during the Œcumenical Conference held at Geneva in September, 1861, observed, in the course of his preparatory work, this important date, and proposed to the assembly that on the tercentenary of the Reformer's death, Geneva and the Reformed Churches in general, should return thanks publicly to God that he had raised up John Calvin in the sixteenth century, to labour at the reformation of the Church, by re-establishing Holy Scripture as the supreme authority, and grace as the only means of salvation. The members of the Conference, about two thousand in number, adopted the resolution by acclamation.[2]

As Christian Protestants were preparing to celebrate the anniversary, the author desired to contribute something according to his ability towards reviving the memory of the great doctor. Almost at the very time when the idea of this Protestant festival occurred to his mind, he proposed to describe in a special work, _The Reformation of Europe in the time of Calvin_. Having published the first two volumes more than a year ago, he looked forward to issuing another before the 27th May, and he now presents it to the public. May it occupy its humble place among the memorials destined to commemorate the Lord's work.

The persecuting jesuitry of the seventeenth century, and the superficial incredulity of the eighteenth, have calumniated the great Reformer of the West. Times have changed, and the nineteenth century is beginning to do him justice. His works, even those still in manuscript, are sought after and published; his life and character, his theology and influence, are the object of numerous studies which in general bear the stamp of fairness; and even distinguished painters have found the subject of their finest pictures in his life.

We entertain no blind admiration for him. We know that he has sometimes used bitter language. We acknowledge that, sharing in the faults of his century, or rather of ten centuries, he believed that whatever infringed on the respect due to God ought to be punished by the civil power, quite as much as anything that might be injurious to the honour or the life of man. We deplore this error. But how can any one study with discernment the Reformer's letters and other writings, and not recognise in him one of the noblest intelligences, one of the most elevated minds, one of the most affectionate hearts, and in short, one of those true Christian souls who unreservedly devote themselves to duty? An eminent scholar, whom Scotland still laments—Dr. Cunningham, the successor of Chalmers—said, in a work published a short time before his death, 'Calvin is the man who, next to St. Paul, has done most good to mankind.'

No doubt he will always have his enemies. A journal of high character and great circulation in Germany, speaking of a libel (_Schmæhschrift_ is the word used), published some time ago against Calvin, asks 'From what camp does it proceed—from jesuitical Romanism or atheistical libertinism?' It is, indeed, from these quarters that the enemies of the Reformer principally come; but we acknowledge that a man may be opposed to Calvin, and yet not belong to either of these schools.

Let us not disquiet ourselves, however, about such attacks; Calvin's Master has said, _If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?_[3]

The author of the present volume thinks that the best way of doing justice to his memory, is to make him known. The reader will meet in this work with many sayings and doings of this great man, which are not to be found in other histories. If a writer had the good fortune to lay before the German public some unknown trait of Luther's life, all Germany would be taken up with it. Shall we be more indifferent to the life of our great Reformer? Certainly there are more striking actions in the life of Luther, who so easily gains possession of our hearts; but we may ask whether there are not features in the life of Calvin, which are less frequent in that of the Wittemberg doctor; the manner, for instance, in which the young doctor of Noyon, wherever he happens to be (at Angoulême, Poitiers, &c.), is at once surrounded by distinguished men, whom he wins over to the truth?

The author desires, however, to remind some of his readers, that this book is not the history of Calvin. The title expresses that clearly enough: _History of the Reformation_ IN EUROPE _in the time of Calvin_. It is the second series of a work of which the _History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century_, was the first. The reformation of the Western nations, of which Calvin was the soul, having a special character, we thought it our duty to devote a special work to it; but we shall not confine ourselves to relating the facts of the Reformation in which Calvin took a direct part. One portion of the fourth volume will describe the Reformation in England, from the fall of Wolsey. We purpose also to continue retracing the leading features of the Reformation in Germany, as we have already done in the first two volumes of this work, in which the alliance of Smalkalde, the peace of Nuremberg, the emancipation of Wurtemberg, and other analogous events have found their place.[4] It is the Reformation as a whole which the author desires to delineate.

After speaking of France and Calvin, the author relates, in the present volume, facts which concern Latin Switzerland (Suisse Romande), the Waldensian villages of Piedmont, and finally Geneva.

He does not think it proper to pass by unnoticed certain reproaches which the first two volumes have brought upon him. 'It is a strange idea,' some have said, 'to devote so much space to Geneva. Is it not doing too much honour to a little city of a few thousand souls? History requires great people and mighty personages. We meet with these at least around Luther; but in Geneva, we find none but humble syndics and petty citizens.'

True, it is so. In this part of our history we have to deal with a little city and a little people; and even in this democratic age, there are persons who will put up with nothing but electors and kings. May we be permitted to reply that what is small, as regards outward appearances, is sometimes important as regards moral influence. This is a truth often reverted to in Holy Scripture: _The ships, though they be so great, yet are they turned about with a very small helm_.[5]

This portion of our narrative contains two parts: one is devoted to a man—Calvin; the other to a city—Geneva. These two existences seem in the eyes of many persons to evolve separately, as if they were never to meet. But there is a close relation between them: from the very beginning they are destined to unite. Each is energetic, though without parade, and their alliance will in some future day double their strength. When Calvin and Geneva are one, many men and nations will feel their powerful and salutary influence. It is a marriage that will produce a numerous and active posterity. Whatever the friends of worldly greatness may say, this union, when it took place, was an event of more importance to the human race, than that which led a panegyrist of Louis XIV. to exclaim, in reference to a celebrated event—

Les Bourbons, ces enfants des dieux,
Unissent leurs tiges fécondes![6]

The idea expressed above will not be generally accepted. The smallness of the scene which it unfolds will prevent the second work from interesting so much as the first. And yet there have been critics who have felt the importance of the history of Geneva. May we be permitted to give a few examples?

The _London Review_ says: 'For the narrowness of the field—a small city—the variety of characters presented may well astonish us. The dew-drop is big enough to hold an image of the heavens and earth; and a city closely studied mirrors an empire. The story is crowded with incidents and surprises, with heroic deeds and endurance, and also with foul deeds and shames.' Some reviewers have gone so far as to place the facts of the second work above those of the first. The _New York Observer_ says: 'The story of the times in which the Swiss Reformation was wrought is surrounded with a sublimity, romantic grandeur, and interest that attach to no part of the great German movement under Luther.'

We omit the remarks of other journals, particularly of the _Saturday Review_, which rejoices to see 'the Genevese champions of liberty brought to light.' We must, however, quote one more, the _Patriot_, which says: 'Geneva is one of the smallest and one of the most heroic cities of Europe. Had it been predicted, its history would have been incredible. Geneva defied not only the Duke of Savoy and the Pope, but the Emperor Charles V., and dared also his scarcely less powerful rival Francis I.; and in spite of them all it won, first, its political and then its religious liberties, and not for itself only but for Northern Europe. More than once it was the Thermopylæ of Protestantism and freedom, bravely held by an heroic little band scarcely more in comparison with those who sought to destroy them than the three hundred men of Leonidas in comparison with the Persians.'

But if the opinions of some were favourable to the little city, the criticisms of others were not so; and as the author will again speak of Geneva in this volume, and (God willing) in others, he desires to say a word of explanation with reference to these objections.

If the work is found uninteresting, the fault must be ascribed to the historian, not to the history. The talent of one of the great masters of history would have prevented all reproach; but the workman damaged the work. Can the present generation have become so fastidious as to cease to feel interest in what is great and beautiful of itself, and to need all the refinements of style in order to revive its morbid tastes?

Geneva is a republic, and this, perhaps, may also have told against our narrative. Some persons have fancied that when the author spoke of liberty, he meant liberty in the republican form alone, and that may have displeased them. But that is a mistake; the author has always had in view that constitutional liberty which includes all modern liberties, and not any particular form of it. He even believes that the monarchical form is the most favourable to the liberties of a great nation. It has been his lot to see side by side, a republic without liberty and a monarchy in which all were free.

The coldness, however, of some readers for the annals of a little people, proceeds in the main from another cause. There are in reality two histories: one which is external and makes much noise, but whose consequences are not lasting; the other, which is internal, has but a mean appearance, like the seed when it germinates; and which nevertheless bears most precious fruit. Now what pleases the general public is a narrative in which great armies manœuvre; while, on the other hand, what touches the author is the movement of the soul, of strong characters, enthusiastic outbursts, the low estate of humble and tranquil hearts, holy affections, life-giving principles, the faith which gains victories, and the Divine life which regenerates nations—in a word, the moral world. The material world, physical and appreciable forces, parks of artillery and glittering squadrons, possess but a secondary interest in his eyes. Numerous cannons (it is true) give more smoke; but to those external powers, which destroy life, he prefers the internal powers which elevate the soul, warm it for truth, for liberty, and for God, and cause it to be born again to life everlasting. If these internal forces are developed in the midst of a little people, they possess all the more attraction for him.

If humble heroes are not popular, shall I therefore leave their noble actions in obscurity? Shall I limit myself henceforward to bringing princes and kings on the stage, with statesmen, cardinals, armies, treaties, and empires? No: I cannot do so. I shall have to speak, indeed, of Francis I. and Charles V., of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII., and other great personages; but I shall still remain faithful to little people and little things. It is indeed a petty city whose struggles I am relating; but it is the city that for two centuries made head against Rome, until she had resigned the task entrusted to her into the hands of more powerful nations—England, Germany, and America. Let the liberals despise her who at this very time most enjoy the fruits of her severe struggles.... Be it so.... As for me, I have not the courage to follow them. I call to mind the refugees she has entertained ... the asylum they found there, and which their children still enjoy ... and I desire to pay my debt. Oh! if she would only understand that she cannot exist with honour in the future, unless, while loving liberty, she loves the Gospel more than everything else.

Let me say a few words more on the principles which have guided me in composing this history. What it is necessary for us to study above all things is, in my opinion, the beginnings. The formation of beings, the origin of the successive phases of humanity, possess in my eyes an importance and interest far surpassing the exhibition of what these things have afterwards become. The creative epoch of Christianity, in which we contemplate Christ and His apostles, is to me far more admirable than those which succeeded it. Similarly the Reformation, which is the creation of the evangelical world in modern times, has greater attractions for me than the Protestantism which comes after. I take a pleasure in watching life in its commencement. When the work is done, its _summa momenta_ are over. In the first lines of the first volume of my first work, I said that I should follow this rule. I shall not be reproached for remaining faithful to it.

An objection has been raised that this history is too full of details. I might reply that it is not good to leave facts in vagueness; that they must be analysed and described. The surrounding circumstances can alone give an accurate knowledge of events, and impress on them the stamp of reality. The author may here quote an authority which no one will dispute. He remembers, that being in Paris at M. Guizot's, just as the first volume of the _History of the Reformation_ appeared—about thirty years ago—that illustrious writer said to him: 'Give us DETAILS, the rest we know.' We do not think that many of our readers will fancy they know more than he does.

Another conviction also exercises some influence on the character of my narrative. It seems to me that the study of the unknown has a peculiar charm. Geneva and its struggles for liberty and the Gospel, are a _terra incognita_, except to its citizens and a few men of letters. When historians describe ancient or modern times—for example, the Revolution of the Netherlands, of England, or of France,—they can only say a little better what others have already said before them. Perhaps there is some advantage in exploring a virgin soil—in adding new facts to that treasury which ought to be the wisdom of nations. The author is not, however, blind to the truth there may have been in some of the criticisms upon his work—and while following the principles he has laid down, he will endeavour to profit by them.

He had hoped to publish the third and fourth volumes together this year. Having been forced to pass the winter of 1862-63 at Nice, with injunctions to abstain from work, he publishes one only now; but the next, God willing, will not be long delayed.

On returning from Nice, the author passed through Piedmont, partly to be present at a synod in the Waldensian valleys, which reminded him of the one described in this volume; and partly to make researches among the General Archives of the kingdom at Turin. The valuable collections there contained were liberally thrown open to him, and he was able to select and transcribe some precious documents hitherto unknown, of which, as will be seen, he made immediate use. While thanking the various persons who have been useful to him in his researches, the author desires also to express his acknowledgments to the translator of this work, Dr. H. White, who has spared no pains in conveying to the English reader a faithful and animated copy of the original. The translation has been carefully revised by the author with great care, line by line and word by word, and some changes, not in the French edition, have been introduced.

Will this work obtain a success similar to that which attended the former one? That treated of the Reformation in Germany, with Luther as its hero; this treats especially of the Reform in Western Europe, with Calvin as its head. The scene of the latter being nearer home, ought to have more interest for British readers; or shall a new-born passion for Germany and the Germans make them look with indifference on all that does not directly concern the country of Luther?... France, Holland, England, Scotland, Switzerland should possess some attraction for them. The history, hitherto almost unknown, of the Reformation of Geneva is not only attractive in itself, it is also of importance with regard to England. Geneva is the representative of a Christian system, of a great doctrine,—that of the supreme authority of Holy Scripture, and of the pure Gospel. The final triumph of this doctrine is of the greatest consequence for the English churches. A well-known British theologian of our day has said: 'Two systems of doctrine are now, and probably for the last time, in conflict—the Catholic and the _Genevan_.'[7]

May this work be of some little use in determining the issue!

LA GRAVELINE, EAUX VIVES: _Geneva, May 1864_.

[1] Went to God between the hours of eight and nine o'clock in the evening of Saturday 27th May.

[2] Conférences de Genève en 1861, i. pp. 390, 391.

[3] Luke, xviii. 31.

[4] See Book ii. ch. xxi. xxii. xxvi. xxxi. xxxiii.

[5] Epistle of St. James, iii. 4.

[6] 'Those children of the gods, the Bourbons, unite their fruitful races.'

[7] Dr. Pusey, _Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury_.

CONTENTS OF THE THIRD VOLUME.

BOOK IV. TIMES OF HOSTILITY TO THE REFORM IN FRANCE.

CHAPTER I. CALVIN, THE FUGITIVE, IN HIS RETREAT AT ANGOULÊME. (NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1533.)

Rights of Conscience, claimed by Protestants, repudiated by Rome—Calvin in Flight—Accepts the Cross—Tillet's House, Rue de Genève—The Library—A new Phase—Doxopolis—The quiet Nest—Calvin's Studies—The Forge in which Vulcan prepares his Bolts—Men who rank themselves among Beasts—Calvin attacks them—Noble intercourse of Friendship PAGE 1

CHAPTER II. THE EXILE TURNS PREACHER. (DECEMBER 1533 AND JANUARY 1534.)

The Greek of Claix—Men of Mark gather round him—Conferences at Gérac—Prayer and the Search for Truth—Those who believe and those who know—Calvin supplies Sermons for the Priests—He preaches in Latin 15

CHAPTER III. CALVIN AT NÉRAC, WITH ROUSSEL AND LEFÈVRE. (WINTER 1533-34.)

Religious Awakening in the South—Margaret arrives at Nérac—Evangelical movement around her—Refugees, the Poor, and Children—Calvin goes to Nérac—Roussel's Concessions and Calvin's Firmness—A candid old Man—Lefèvre predicts Calvin's Future—A Lesson received by Calvin—He rebukes the unequally yoked 23

CHAPTER IV. A DRAMATIC REPRESENTATION AT THE COURT OF NAVARRE. (WINTER 1533-34.)

The Lord's Supper at Pau—Opposition of the King of Navarre—The Mystery of _The Nativity_—A Carpenter and a young Jewess—They are ill-received at Bethlehem—They Lodge in a Stable—The Lord sends His Angels—Joseph returns, and worships the Child—Amusing Interlude—Conversation between the Shepherds—The Angels announce the Nativity—Shepherds and Shepherdesses go to Bethlehem—The Shepherds discover the Child—Adoration—Satan appears—He denies the Incarnation—Satan conquered, and Christ triumphs—Effects produced by the Mystery 32

CHAPTER V. CALVIN AT POITIERS, AT THE BASSES-TREILLES, AND IN ST. BENEDICT'S CAVE. (SPRING 1534.)

Calvin and Du Tillet at Poitiers—Calvin at the University—Awakening and Renewal—Friends and Enemies—Calvin's successful Teaching—Invited to the Lieutenant-General's—Conversation about Luther and Zwingle—Garden of the Basses-Treilles—The first Calvinist Council—Calvin's Grotto—Earnest Prayer—Calvin speaks against the Mass—Interruption—Appeal—The Lord's Supper 51

CHAPTER VI. CALVIN AND HIS DISCIPLES BEGIN THE EVANGELISATION OF FRANCE. (SPRING 1534.)

Calvin and the four Brothers St. George—They desire to remain Abbots, although Evangelical—They sacrifice a brilliant Position—France on the point of awaking—The Missionaries sent out—Babinot and Vèron—The Reformation and the Young—The Reformation and Science—How Faith and Science should unite—Abusive Language against Calvin—Calvin leaves Poitiers—His Letter to the Church of Poitiers—He will not be the Pope's Vassal—Poitiers regrets Calvin—Calvin resigns his Benefices—His Influence at Noyon 65

CHAPTER VII. THE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS OF PARIS IN 1534. (SUMMMER 1534.)

Progress of the Gospel in France—Calvin arrives in Paris—Martyrdom of Pointet—Milon the Paralytic—His Gaieties and his Fall—His Conversion—His Christian Life—Du Bourg, the Draper—Valeton, the Receiver of Nantes—Giulio Camillo and his Machine—Contrary Opinions of Sturm and Calvin—A Scholar and a Bricklayer—Catelle—A characteristic of Calvin 79

CHAPTER VIII. CALVIN'S FIRST RELATIONS WITH THE LIBERTINES AND WITH SERVETUS. (SUMMER 1534.)

The Spirituals or Libertines—Calvin a Conservative—Murder and Theft—Calvin begins the Struggle—False Liberality of the Spirituals—Treatise against the Libertines—Servetus—He desires to win Calvin and France—Calvin and Servetus on the Trinity—Luther, Zwingli, and Bucer against Servetus—A Discussion appointed—Servetus stays away—_Psychopannychia_—Character of Calvin's Divinity—His Happiness at La Forge's—Determines to leave Paris—The Travellers robbed—They arrive at Strasburg 92

CHAPTER IX. THE PLACARDS. (OCTOBER 1534.)

Temporisers and Scripturists—Feret sent by the Christians of Paris to consult Farel—Movement in Switzerland—Farel writes the Placards—Examined by the Paris Christians—Shall they be published?—Posting of the Placards—Their Contents—Their Violence neutralises their Success 100

CHAPTER X. THE KING'S ANGER. (AUTUMN 1534.)

Commotion caused by the Placards—A New Missive—Placard posted on the King's Door—His Indignation—The King's Orders—Anguish of the Reformed—Morin lays his Plans—The Sketch-maker betrays his Brethren—Arrests—Valeton and his Books are taken—Du Bourg and the Paralytic seized—Numerous Arrests—Duprat and De Tournon excite the King—Grief of Queen Margaret—She intercedes in Roussel's Favour—Beda accuses the King—_Mass of Seven Points_—The Queen's Preachers before the King 123

CHAPTER XI. EXPIATIONS AND PROCESSIONS. (END OF 1534 AND BEGINNING OF 1535.)

Milon's Martyrdom—Du Bourg at the Stake—Poille's Sufferings and Courage—Terror and Emigration—Quality of the Fugitives—Hardships of the Flight—Roussel, Berthaud and Courault—The King urged to persecute—Preparations for the Procession—The Procession—Calvin on the Relics—Penitence of the King—The Two Januaries 21 140

CHAPTER XII. ELOQUENCE AND TORTURES OF FRANCIS I. (JANUARY 21, 1535.)

Dinner at the Bishop's—The King's Speech—Effects of the King's Rhetoric—The Procession on its Return—The Strappado—Martyrdom of Valeton—Torture at the Halles—Proclamations and Punishments—La Forge and other Martyrs—La Gaborite—The Holy Candle—The King's Motives—France prepared for the Reform—Sturm's Sorrow—His Letter to Melanchthon— Luther's Sentiments—The King's Hatred—His Letter to the Germans 157

CHAPTER XIII. CALVIN AT STRASBURG, WITH ERASMUS, AND AT BASLE. (SUMMER AND AUTUMN 1534.)

Calvin's Mission—Strasburg—The College and Matthew Zell—The Pastor's Wife—Bucer and Capito—Deficiencies in the Strasburg Divines—Calvin leaves Strasburg—Erasmus—His Interview with Calvin—Catherine Klein at Basle—Peter Ramus on Calvin—Inward Work in Calvin—Cop at Basle—Grynæus and Calvin—Fabri—Calvin exhorts to Peace—Translations of the Bible 177

CHAPTER XIV. INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. (WINTER 1534.)

News of the Paris Martyrs—Calvin advocates Compassion—Fresh Victims—Indignation in Germany—Oswald Myconius—His first Sermon—His Opinions on the Martyrdoms—Du Tillet's Anguish—Effect of these Cruelties on Calvin—Determines to plead the Cause of his Brethren—Theology restored—The Reformation is a Creation—The _Institutes_—A Consciousness of Divinity within us—Cavillers and Testimony of the Holy Ghost—Expiation—Faith and Charity—The Flame in the Heart—Assurance of Victory—Grace is everything—God does not ordain Evil—Morality restored in Religion—The Church—Appreciation of the _Institutes_ 194

CHAPTER XV. CALVIN ADDRESSES THE KING AND DEPARTS FOR ITALY. (AUGUST 1535.)

The Martyrs Cornon and Brion—Letter to the King—The Evangelical Doctrine is Truth—Truth Attacked and not Defended—Reign of Brigandage—The Invincible Doctrine—Cause of the zeal of the Monks—Is the Doctrine new?—Testimony of the Fathers—State of the World—Where the True Church is to be found—Satan quiet or active—Tortures and Patience—Printing of the _Institutes_—Calvin starts for Italy—His Motives for going 216

BOOK V. STRUGGLES OF THE REFORMATION.

CHAPTER I. EFFORTS IN THE PAYS DE VAUD. (1521.)

Uses of Opposition—Conciliation needful—Stagnation and new Struggles—Vaud and Geneva—Farel—His Portrait—Greatness of the beginnings of the Reform—The General prepares for Conquest—Fabri visits Farel—Farel desires to return to the Combat—The Indulgence Seller at Orbe—Farel preaches the Pardon of the Saviour—Friar Michael aroused against him—His first and second Sermon—Hollard gives the lie—He is severely beaten 232

CHAPTER II. PLOT OF THE WOMEN AGAINST REFORM; FAREL'S PREACHING. (1531.)

The Bailiff of Berne arrives at Orbe—The Monk in Prison—Romain compelled to run for his Life—Beaten by the Women—Intercession in the Monk's favour—Farel arrives at Orbe—Tumult—Plot of the Women—Friar Michael's Examination—Michael liberated and Farel preaches—Singular Congregation—Procession and Sermon—Farel preaches on Penance, Indulgences, Confession, Images, and a Worldly Life—Farel hard to please with regard to the Ministry 248

CHAPTER III. A NEW REFORMER AND AN IMAGE-BREAKER. (1531.)

Pierre Viret goes to Paris—Converted and returns to Orbe—His Struggles—Conversion of his Parents—Farel and Viret—Viret preaches at Orbe—The Peter, Paul, and John of Switzerland—Conversion of Elizabeth d'Arnex—Conversion of a Priest—The Lord's Supper at Orbe—All the Images thrown down—Arrest of the Priests—The Banneret appeals to the People—Release of the Priests—The Iconoclasts imprisoned 262

CHAPTER IV. THE BATTLES OF GRANDSON. (1531-32.)

Malady of petty Questions—Farel's Wisdom—How he raised Recruits— War—cries of the Reformers—Farel marches to Battle—Battle of Grandson in 1476—Farel turned out by the Grey Friars—Struggle in the Benedictine Convent—The Church opened to the Reformers—The Reformers imprisoned—Reinforcements from Yverdun and Lausanne—The Grey-Friar's Sermon—Fresh Struggle beginning—The Sentinel-Monks—Conspiracy of the devout Women-Conversion of the Monks—Christmas Festival at Orbe—Disorders of the Catholics—Council of the Reformed—First Act of Religious Liberty 276

CHAPTER V. THE WALDENSES APPEAR. (1526 TO OCTOBER 1532.)

The Waldenses enquire about the Reform—Deputation to Œcolampadius— Confession of the Barbes—Origin of the Waldenses—Marriage—Work—The Mass—Natural Strength—Brotherly Love of Œcolampadius—Proposals for a Synod—Martyrdom of Masson—Farel's Danger—His Journey and Arrival in the Valleys—Conversations—Opening of the Synod—Election and Works—Farel's Opinions gain ground—Discussion on Compromises—Harmony between the Waldensians and Reformers—Old Waldensian manuscripts—Translation of the Bible determined upon—Farel desires to go to Geneva 293

CHAPTER VI. PLANS OF THE EMPEROR, THE DUKE OF SAVOY, AND THE BISHOP AGAINST GENEVA. (1530-1532.)

Bellegarde arrives at Augsburg—His Audience with Charles V.—The Emperor's Anxieties—His Answer—Bellegarde's Letter to the Duke of Savoy—His Designs against Geneva—Revolutionary Measures—The Bishop sends his Secretary to Geneva—His constant Agitation and Anger—His displeasure against B. Hugues—Charles V. orders Geneva to expel the Sectarians—The _Zwing-Uri_ of Geneva—Freedom in sight 312

CHAPTER VII. THE REFORMERS AND THE REFORMATION ENTER GENEVA. (OCTOBER 1532.)

Farel and Saunier go to Geneva—Farel consults Olivetan—Farel calls upon the Huguenot Leaders—They go to hear Farel—He shows them their Deficiencies—Farel and his Hearers—Sensation in the City—His second Lecture and its Effects—The Women of Geneva opposed to the Reform—Farel before the Town Council—The Council divided—The name of Berne protects him—The Episcopal Council deliberates—Conspiracy against Farel—Farel summoned before Clergy 328

CHAPTER VIII. THE REFORMERS ARE EXPELLED FROM GENEVA. (OCTOBER 1532.)

Farel before the Episcopal Council—Speech of the Official—Veigy's Invectives—Farel's Answer—A clerical Tumult—Syndic Hugues interposes—Danger of Farel and his Friends—Olard tries to shoot Farel—Farel turned out of Geneva—A Storm—A Priest tries to stab Farel—He is protected by the Magistrates—Farel's Departure 343

CHAPTER IX. A JOURNEY TO THE VALLEYS OF PIEDMONT, AND STRUGGLES NEAR NEUCHÂTEL. (END OF 1532.)

Farel desires to send Froment to Geneva—Recollections of their common Dangers—Olivetan requested to translate the Bible—He fears the Critics—Olivetan departs for the Valleys—An inhospitable Woman—Olivetan and his three sick Friends—A Monk of St. Bernard—Olivetan in the Valley—Neuchâtel—A Fight in the Church—Decree of the Council—A strange Christmas Festival—The Curé heads the Battle—A Christmas Sermon—Locle—The Oxen of the Brenets 356

CHAPTER X. THE SCHOOLMASTER AND CLAUDINE LEVET. (NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1532.)

Froment departs for Geneva—Bad Reception at first—Desires to leave the City—His Prospectuses—Great Success—Froment teaches—Difference between Rome and the Reform—The bewitched Paula takes Claudine to hear Froment—Claudine crosses herself and listens—Shut up three Days and three Nights with the Gospel—Her Conscience finds Peace—Her Conversion and Interview with Froment 373

CHAPTER XI. FORMATION OF THE CHURCH. FRIENDS AND OPPONENTS. (MIDDLE TO THE END OF DECEMBER 1532.)

The Bishop's Anger—Progress of the Gospel—Claudine lays aside her costly Attire—The Ladies of Geneva—Conversion of many of them—Little Assemblies—The Church without form and the Church formed—A Monk preaches the Gospel—Th. Moine and a Sermon at the Madeleine—Four Huguenots demand a Disputation—Discussion with the Vicar—The Armed Priests—Tumult at the Madeleine—The Vicar of St. Germain's—Froment forbidden to preach—St. Sylvester's Eve 388

CHAPTER XII. THE SERMON AT THE MOLARD. (NEW YEAR'S DAY, 1533.)

Crowd at Froment's Lodgings—He is called to preach at the Molard—Invites the People to pray—His Text—Sermon at the Molard—The Interruption—The False Prophets—God the sole Judge—The Magistrates interfere—Froment's Escape and Concealment—Meeting of the Council—Serious posture of Affairs—Froment assaulted—Forced to leave Geneva 403

CHAPTER XIII. HOLY SCRIPTURE AND THE LORD'S SUPPER AT GENEVA. (JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1533.)

Romish Reaction—Friar Bocquet sent away—Baudichon de la Maisonneuve— Evangelical Meetings—Two kinds of Protestantism—Olivetan's Work—Translation of the Bible—The Word and the Sacrament—Guerin—First Sacrament at Pré l'Evêque—Guerin forced to leave—The Two Winds 423

CHAPTER XIV. FORMATION OF A CATHOLIC CONSPIRACY. (LENT, 1533.)

Olivetan's Remonstrance and Exile—Preparations of the Clerical Party—De la Maisonneuve at Berne—Berne demands Freedom of Worship—Two Hundred Catholics before the Council—They ask for Justice—Agitation against the Lutherans—The Conspirators assemble—Secret Plots—Speeches of the Leaders—Solemn Oath—Catholics meet at St. Pierre's Church—The Reformed at Maisonneuve's—Goulaz and Vandel exhort to Peace—Vandel wounded 434

CHAPTER XV. FIRST ARMED ATTACK OF THE CATHOLICS UPON THE REFORMATION. (MARCH 28, 1533.)

The Catholics prepare to fight—The Standards of the King go forth—The Troops are formed—An Alarm—Muster at the Molard—The three Corps—The Artillery and the Banner—The Prayer of the Nuns—Agitation in the City—A cruel husband—Reinforcement of Women and Children—Scene at Maisonneuve's—Consolation and Prayer—Fight between Philippe and Bellessert—The St. Gervaisians retire—Claudine Levet pursued—Plan to burn out the Huguenots—Peigy's Troop change their Road—The Reformed in Line of Battle—The Cannons planted—The Trumpet sounds—Tears and Prayers 448

CHAPTER XVI. TRUCE BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES. (FROM MARCH 28 TO MAY 4, 1533.)

Mediation of the Friburgers—Their Language to the Syndics and the Priests—A Consultation—Joy and Murmuring—Plan of Reconciliation—Articles of Peace—Dominican Song of Victory—The Sacrament on Holy Thursday—Alarm of the Catholics—The Dominican at St. Pierre's—Embassy to Berne—Is followed by Maisonneuve—His Speech to the Council of Berne—The Syndic is Dumb 470

CHAPTER XVII. SECOND ATTACK, IN WHICH THE LEADER PERISHES. (MAY 4, 1533.)

War of the Tongue—Huguenots depart for Lyons—Festival of the Holy Winding-Sheet—High Mass—Importance of the Struggle—Ideas become Acts—A Holiday Evening ends in a Brawl—An Agent of the Clergy excites the Crowd—Marin de Versonay—The Tocsin sounds—Wernli arms for the Fight—Decisive Moment—His Appeals—His first Challenge—Skirmish in the Dark—Wernli heads the Fight—His Death—How the Night was spent 486

CHAPTER XVIII. THE CANON'S DEATH MADE A WEAPON AGAINST THE REFORM. (MAY TO JULY 1533.)

The Corpse discovered—Distress of the Catholics—Arrival of Wernli's Relations—The Burial—A Miracle—Preparations to crush the Reform—The Bishop at Arbois—The Pope orders him to return to Geneva—His Indecision—Determines to go—Importunity of the Mamelukes' Council—A Coup d'Etat necessary—Two Victories to be won—Friburg demands the Trial of Wernli's Murderers—Declaration of Religious Liberty 503