The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin, Vol. 5 (of 8), by J. H. Merle D'Aubigné This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. Title: History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin, Vol. 5 (of 8) Author: J. H. Merle D'Aubigné Release Date: January 31, 2020 [EBook #61277] Language: English Character set encoding: UTF-8 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION, VOL 5 *** Produced by Brian Wilson, David Edwards, Colin Bell, Chris Pinfield and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) Transcriber's Note: Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Hyphenation has been rationalised. Inconsistent spelling (including accents and capitals) has been retained. Running headers, at the top of each right-hand page, have been moved in front of the paragraphs to which they refer and surrounded by =equal signs=. LONDON PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO. NEW-STREET SQUARE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN EUROPE IN THE TIME OF CALVIN. BY J. H. MERLE D'AUBIGNÉ, D.D. AUTHOR OF THE 'HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY' ETC. 'Les choses de petite durée ont coutume de devenir fanées, quand elles out passé leur temps. 'Au règne de Christ, il n'y a que le nouvel homme qui soit florissant, qui ait de la vigueur, et dont il faille faire cas.' Calvin. VOL. V. ENGLAND, GENEVA, FERRARA. NEW YORK: ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS, No. 530 BROADWAY. 1876. St. Johnland Stereotype Foundry, Suffolk County, N. Y. PREFACE. This is the tenth volume of the History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, and the fifth of the Second Series. The first series described the history of that great epoch from its commencement down to the Confession of Augsburg (1530). The second will include the years intervening between that period and the triumph of the Reformation in various parts of Europe. It is not always easy to fix the latter limit, which varies according to locality. Nevertheless, a rule laid down by the author in his first volume sensibly limits the work he has undertaken. 'The history of one of the greatest revolutions that has ever been accomplished in human affairs, and not the history of a mere party, is the object of the present undertaking. The history of the Reformation is distinct from that of Protestantism.' One or two volumes coming, God willing, after this one will bring it to a conclusion. The author divided the history into two series for the convenience of the public, but he does not separate them. Together they form a single work. The course that he will probably pursue in future will better express the unity of the great event which has made the sixteenth century famous. Streams at first flow apart; they afterwards unite with each other in succession and form a single river. There comes a moment when the waters undergo the law of concentration: the same phenomenon is manifested in a history like ours. After following up successively the facts of the Reformation in Germany, German Switzerland, France, England, Western Switzerland and elsewhere, we shall concentrate our narrative a little, and present the progress of the great transformation in a single picture. New countries and new men will come before us. In our next volume we shall travel through Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary, and other parts of Europe, retracing the great features of their religious history. We shall even return to Luther and Melanchthon, whose society is at once so healthy and so pleasant; and also see Calvin at his work in Geneva. One circumstance, besides that already indicated, warns the author to restrict his labor, and might suddenly interrupt it. Time is growing short for him, and he cannot complete his work without the aid of Him who is the master of our days. This volume begins with England. A faithful history of the Reformation is now perhaps more necessary to that country than to any other. The general opinion on the Continent, excepting that of the blind partisans of popery, is that the cause of Reform is won, and that there is no need to defend it. Strange to say this is not entirely true with regard to England—a country so dear to the friends of truth and liberty. Nay, even among Anglican ministers, a party has been formed enthusiastic in behalf of rites, sacerdotal vestments, and superstitious Roman doctrines, and violent in their attacks upon the Reformation. The excesses in which some of its members have indulged are unprecedented. One of them has instituted a comparison between the Reformers and the leaders during the Reign of Terror—Danton, Marat, and Robespierre, for instance—and declares the superiority of the latter.[1] 'The Reformation,' says this Anglican priest in another place, 'was not a Pentecost; I regard it as a Deluge, an act of divine vengeance.' In the presence of such opinions and of others which, though less marked, are not less fatal, the history of the Reformation may furnish some wholesome lessons. The history of England is succeeded in this volume by a narrative of the events which led to the triumph of the Reformation in Geneva. That history ought to interest the Protestants of every country, the little city having afterwards played so considerable a part in the propagation of evangelical truth and in the struggles of Protestantism with Popery. For the purpose of his narrative, the author has continued to consult the most authentic sources: original documents, letters written by the persons of whom this history speaks or by their contemporaries, and the chronicles, annals, and books published at that epoch. He has made use of such collections of documents as have been printed; frequently he has had recourse to MSS. of the period which have not yet been published. We live in a literary age when criticism sways the sceptre. Criticism is good and necessary: it purifies history and clears the paths to the palace of truth. But if dogmatic epochs have their excesses, critical epochs have theirs also. It was said a long while ago that 'those who run too hastily after truth shoot beyond it.' The men who desire to renovate history are like those who desire to renovate cities. The latter begin by pulling down a few ugly houses which disfigure the neighborhood and impede the traffic; but at last they lay their hands on solid and useful edifices, buildings whose destruction is regretted by every one. Wise men will, in critical ages, take moderation and equity for their rule. These have often been wanting in recent days. There is a criticism called by the Germans hypercriticism, which not only denies what is false, but even what is true. The Holy Scriptures have been the special object of its attack. It has denied the authenticity of the writings of St. John, St. Paul, Isaiah and other sacred writers, and the truth of many of the facts which they record. If the sacred books have not been spared by this criticism, writings purely human, the facts of history, have not escaped unassailed. There have been numerous instances of this in Germany and elsewhere. Several facts which belong to the history of the Reformation of France and French Switzerland have been recently called in question both in reviews and pamphlets. The author has felt it his duty to prove the historical reality of his statements, not only in the Preface to the French edition of this volume, but in the February Number of the Revue Chrétienne (1869) published in Paris by M. Meyrueis. He has not thought it necessary to give these details in the English edition, because the statements which called them forth are unknown in England. It will be sufficient to indicate the principal points which have been denied with too much precipitancy, and the correctness of which the author has proved by the soundest demonstration. The first fact relates to Le Fèvre of Etaples. The author stated in his History that that theologian, the writer of a remarkable translation of the Holy Scriptures into French, had taught the great doctrine of the Reformation—justification by faith through grace —as early as 1512, that is to say, four or five years before Luther. This having been disputed, the author proved it by the existence of Le Fèvre's Commentary on the Epistles of St. Paul published in 1512, in which that doctrine is distinctly taught, and which is preserved in the Bibliothèque Impériale at Paris. He added other proofs derived from the writings of Farel and Beza, as also from the learned critic Richard Simon, Bayle, &c. The second fact concerns William Farel. The author said in his History that this Reformer, the most zealous evangelist of that period, had imbibed the evangelical doctrines at Paris from the lessons of his master, Le Fèvre of Etaples, and that he was converted between 1512 and 1514—before the beginning of the Reformation properly so called. That point having been denied, {iii} {iv} {v} {vi} {vii} the author proved it by the positive declarations of Le Fèvre and Farel. The latter says pointedly: 'This took place in the time of Louis the Twelfth.' Now Louis XII. died in 1515. The third fact relates to Thomas ab Hofen, the friend of Zwingle, and deputy from Berne to Geneva in 1527. The author wrote in his History that this layman was, properly speaking, the first who labored to spread the Gospel in Geneva. As that statement had been impugned, the author proved it by the German and Latin letters of Zwingle and of Ab Hofen himself. The fourth fact concerns Robert Olivetan, Calvin's cousin, and author of the first translation of the Bible into French. It has been doubted whether he was tutor in the family of a Genevese councillor in 1532, and whether he 'evangelized' at that time in Geneva. The author proved his statement by the positive testimony of the reformer Froment, in his Actes et Gestes de Genève, and by extracts from the official records of the Genevese Council. He has demonstrated that Olivetan preceded in Geneva as a preacher of the Gospel, not only Calvin but Farel and Froment. Lastly, the fifth fact relates to Calvin. A Genevese writer denied a few years back that Calvin, when returning from Italy, passed through Aosta, where there exists, however, a monument erected to commemorate his flight. The author hopes he has proved that the universal opinion, which makes the Reformer pass through that city, is well founded, and that the contrary opinion has no weight. This last point is discussed in the Preface to the French edition of this volume: the four others are examined at length in an article entitled Critique d'une Critique, published in the Revue Chrétienne of Paris. There are individuals who, when they meet with facts in a history that have not been previously discussed in an archæological dissertation, or with circumstances that had hitherto been unknown, immediately imagine that such facts have no foundation. This is a curious aberration. If an historian writes—not according to second-hand authorities, but after original materials—it is quite natural that he should come upon things that have not been noticed before. This has happened to the author of the History of the Reformation. True history, no doubt, possesses coloring and life; but it describes such events only as are founded on the firm basis of truth. There are writers at this day who carry their archæological predilections further still and would like to substitute chronicles for history, giving us a body without a soul. But authors of distinguished merit have protested against such an error. A great critic, M. Sainte Beuve, says: 'There is one kind of history founded on documentary evidence, state papers, diplomatic transactions, and the correspondence of ambassadors; and there is another kind with quite a different aspect—moral history, written by the actors and the eye-witnesses.' An eminent man (Le Comte d'Haussonville) who by his last work, L'Eglise Romaine et le premier Empire, has taken an honorable position among historians, indorses this judgment. 'M. Sainte Beuve is right,' he says; 'the latter kind of history is the best, by which I mean the most instructive, the most profitable, the only one which serves to unseal the eyes, open the understanding, combat deplorable credulity, and avoid disagreeable mystifications. What concerns us, is to know men, "by lifting the curtain which hides them," according to the happy expression of Saint-Simon.' Another celebrated writer has said: 'Real history appears only when the historian begins to distinguish, across the gulf of time, the living and acting man—the man endued with passions, the creature of habit—with voice and physiognomy, with gestures and dress, distinct and complete, like the one from whom we have just parted in the street. Language, Legislation, Catechisms, are abstract things; the complete thing is the man acting, the visible corporeal man, who walks, fights, toils, hates, and loves. 'Why is not history studied more closely? In it men would find human life, domestic life with its varied and dramatic scenes; the human heart with its fiercest as well as its tenderest passions, and moreover a sovereign charm—the charm of reality.' Lastly, we read in the studies of M. Daunou, one of the most accredited masters of historical composition, that 'history which is naturally picturesque and dramatic has become in modern times dull and cold, and no longer presents those living images of men and things which ancient genius loved to trace.' History had freed herself from the restraint which the Middle Ages had imposed on her, to prevent her from speaking naturally and with life, as men speak; and perhaps the lessons of the illustrious academician and peer of France, whom we have just quoted, may have contributed to this change. But for some time observers have been asking whether there is not reason to fear a return of the Middle Ages; whether men are not again attempting to fasten a gag on history. One might at times be led to say that archæologists are of opinion that history might be suppressed as a matter of luxury, a useless ornament, and be replaced by documents, diplomas, and extracts from registers strung together. Is it just that an historian should have the antiquaries crying out against him from every side, because, while keeping faithfully to documents, he draws something from them that has life or light? Is it just that when a character feels, moves, and speaks, rejoices or grieves, the Areopagus should declare him to be a fictitious being who could never have existed, and a pure product of the imagination? You believe that our ancestors were people like ourselves, with hearts that beat with passion and grief.—By no means; they were icy shades like those wandering on the banks of the Styx. Hitherto men had said: This being feels and moves, therefore he lives; but according to the new school, life is a fable. Nothing is authentic but what is wearisome. A man and a history are not looked upon as real living beings, unless they are colorless, stark, and cold. Of this we have had many instances. One time we incurred this reproach: Your imagination, we were told, invents features which give animation to the subject, but about which you could know nothing. The following passage was quoted: 'When Fryth the reformer,' wrote the critic, 'was taken as a prisoner on foot to the episcopal court at Croydon, you say that "he had a calm and cheerful look, and the rest of the journey was accomplished in pious and agreeable conversation." How could you know that?' the objector went on. 'Were you of the party to see the appearance of his face?' We immediately took down the eighth volume of Foxe's Acts and Monuments, the appendix to which contains an account of Fryth's journey written by an eye-witness. We opened the book and found these words: 'And so with a cheerful and merry countenance, he went with them, spending the time in pleasant and godly communication.' What we were charged with having invented, was an almost literal transcript of a document {viii} {ix} {x} {xi} {xii} more than three hundred years old. If archæology were to be substituted for history, we do not think the public would be overpleased with the authors of the transformation. The investigations of palæographers are not the edifice, but the materials prepared for its construction. History is above archæology, as the house is above its foundations. The building raised by the architect is the end. In it men find a pleasant dwelling-place, sheltered from the inclemency of the seasons. But it is a good thing to excavate, to dig out fragments of rock from the bosom of the earth; it is advantageous, when you build, to have stones, and good stones too. The historian who sets little store by archæology betrays a superficial mind; the archæologist who sets little store by history betrays a mind whose cultivation is still incomplete. But we need not fear this movement; it has no chance of success. Real history will never perish. We insert this protest in the present volume, not because of anything that may concern us personally; but as this history has been favorably received, we feel bound to prove that we have always followed the most respectable authorities, and although liable to error, we have conscientiously endeavored to give a truthful narrative—true in its facts and in the spirit by which it is animated. When will debates and contests cease? Happily there is something in the world which the attacks of men can neither batter down nor even shake, and which is sufficient to give peace to the soul. The holy words which the prophets of God have written will exist for ever, because the Light of Life is in them, and because from age to age many hearts, longing for the highest blessings, have found, and still find, in them everlasting life. They delight us, not only on account of their divine origin, but because they fully satisfy all the wants of our existence. We say to this heavenly and living truth, which the divine words reveal to us: I was naked and thou didst clothe me. I was thirsty, and thou didst give me to drink. I was hungry, and thou gavest me meat. How is it that so many men, perishing with thirst, do not come to these waters? Writers of great power in pagan antiquity, such as Celsus, Porphyry, and Julian, attacked Christianity in the early ages, employing the same idle objections as are still used in our days. They knew not that it contained an imperishable strength. For eighteen hundred years it has withstood all attacks, and since our glorious Reformation it has received a new impulse. The nations who cover the most distant seas with their ships have scattered everywhere the seed of God. Their footsteps have reached to the ends of the world, and the crouching nations rise up at their approach. Perhaps unbelief was never more common in Europe among the lower strata of society; but at the same time believers were never so numerous throughout the world. It is a great multitude which no man can number. And even were infidelity and atheism to increase more and more, that should not lead us to forsake Thee, thou Saviour of the world! If earthly wisdom gives its votaries a light which scorches and wastes the soul, Thou givest a light which uplifts, vivifies, and delights. In the midst of struggles Thou implantest peace in our hearts. In the depths of sorrows Thou givest a powerful and living consolation. At the approach of that death which is the terror of men, Thou fillest our souls with the firm and lively hope of reaching, by the path of Thy cross, life with Thee in the glorious and invisible world. To whom should we go, O Christ? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have known, that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Geneva: March, 1869. [1] The Guardian for 20th May, 1868. {xiii} {xiv} CONTENTS OF THE FIFTH VOLUME. BOOK VIII. ENGLAND BREAKS WITH ROME. CHAPTER I. A CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE REFORMATION. (March and April 1534.) A Critical Time—The King condemned at Rome—Two Days too late—The English Envoys and the Bishop of Paris—Miscalculations of the English Envoys—Henry's Book against the Pope —The People and the Clergy against the Pope—Reaction of Ultramontanism—An epileptic Girl—The Nun of Kent—Scene in a Chapel—Oracles and Miracles—Political Enterprise— The Nun before the King—Her Partisans increase in Number—Attempts to bring over Sir Thomas More—The Conspiracy—New Allies—The Nun and the Conspirators are arrested —Contrition of Sir Thomas More—Condemnation of the Criminals—Death of the Maid of Kent Page 1 CHAPTER II. HENRY VIII. SEPARATES ENGLAND FROM THE PAPACY. (Christmas 1533 to June 1534.) The King's Proceedings against Catherine—The Monks and the Priests renounce the Pope— Preparation of Charles V. against Henry—Henry prepares to resist him—The Two Chiefs of the Anti-Roman Party—The Orator of the Reformation—The King abolishes the Authority of the Pope—The Sheriffs ordered to see the Proclamation carried out—The Church, a Department of the State—Authority in the Church—Form which the Church might have assumed—Various Systems 18 CHAPTER III. BEGINNING OF DANGER FOR THE QUEEN AND FOR TYNDALE (1534 to August 1535.) Tyndale translates the Old Testament at Antwerp—His Charity and Zeal—Joye pretends to correct his Version—Tyndale's noble Protest—Anne protects the Friends of the Gospel— Her Message in Harman's Favor—Discontent of the King—Plot against Tyndale—Snares laid for him—Stratagem—Attempt at Bribery—Recourse to the Imperial Government—Tyndale's House surrounded—The Traitor—Tyndale's Arrest—His Imprisonment in the Castle of Vilvorde—The Life of the Reformers: Apologies for the Reformation 28 CHAPTER IV. THE KING-PONTIFF AGAINST THE ROMAN-CATHOLICS AND THE PAPACY. (1534 and 1535.) Opposition of certain Priests—Mental Restrictions—Fanatical Monks and timid Monks— Agitation of Sir Thomas More—More and Fisher refuse to take the Oath—They are taken to the Tower—The Carthusians required to swear—Paul III. desires to bring back England— Henry rejects the Papacy—Severe Laws concerning his Primacy—The King, not the Head of the Church 42 CHAPTER V. LIGHT FROM BOTH SIDES. (1534 and 1535.) Frankness and Misery of Sir Thomas More—Confusion in England—Character of Cranmer— Cranmer's Work—The Bible shall be translated into English—Cranmer's Joy—Failure of the Translation by the Bishops—Popish and seditious Preachers—The King orders the Carthusians to reject the Pope—The Carthusians resolve to die—Threats of Revolt— Incompatibility of Popery and Liberty—The Carthusians are condemned—Execution of the Three Priors—Henry strikes on all sides 51 CHAPTER VI. DEATH OF BISHOP FISHER AND SIR THOMAS MORE. (May to September 1535.) Fisher raised to the Cardinalate at Rome; condemned to Death at London—Piety of his Last Moments—His Christian Death—More before the Court of King's Bench—He is sentenced to Death—Taken back to the Tower—Meeting with his Daughter—General Emotion— More's Mortifications—Morning of 6th July—His Last Words—His Death—Sensation produced by these two Executions—Effects on the Continent—Fanatical Bull against Henry VIII.—Henry justifies himself at Rome—His Excuses not valid 64 CHAPTER VII. VISITATION OF THE MONASTERIES: THEIR SCANDALS AND SUPPRESSION. (September 1535 to 1536.) State of the Monasteries—Gluttonous Living—General Disgust—Cranmer's Advice to the King —Children of Darkness caught in a Net—General Visitation ordered—The Laity reappear— The Commissioners—The Universities—Cranmer on Rome—The Visitation begins— Corruption of Morals in the Monasteries—Immorality in the Abbey of Langdon—Robberies, Debaucheries, Frauds—The Holy Bottle at Hales—The Fraud at Boxley—Coining False Money—Cruelties—The Visitors besieged at Norton—The Nunneries—Apologists and Detractors—Many Monks and Nuns set free—Report of the Commissioners—Deliberations of the Council—Effect of the Report upon Parliament—Three hundred and seventy-six Monasteries abolished—Real Religious Houses—Latimer and Cranmer—Covetousness of the Nobility—Bad use of the Conventual Property—Testimony of the Monks—The Measure accomplished—Terror and Despair—New Institutions—National Prosperity—Social and Political Developments—Transformation of Society 78 CHAPTER VIII. UNION OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND WITH THE PROTESTANTS OF GERMANY. (1534 to 1535.) Henry VIII. makes advances to Melanchthon—The Reformer rejects them—Luther and the Elector incline to Henry—The Errors of Intolerance—A New English Embassy to Germany —The Alliance is signed—Cranmer saves Mary—Conference with Catherine—Catherine's Firmness, Asceticism, and Illness—Preparations of Charles V. against England—Catherine's Will, her Farewell, and Death—Anne Boleyn's Feelings on hearing of her Death—England and Germany seek to unite—Theological Discussion at Wittemberg—Will Luther concede anything?—A Master and Slaves at the Court of England 105 CHAPTER IX. ACCUSATION OF ANNE BOLEYN. (1535 to May 1536.) Error concerning the Beginning of the Reformation—Anne Boleyn's Virtues and Good Works— Her Relations with Cranmer and Latimer—With Tyndale and Parker—Parker's Christian Character—Anne Boleyn's Character—The Truth about Queen Anne—Her Enemies—Henry attracted by Jane Seymour—Queen Anne's Manners—Her Anguish—Her stillborn Son—Her Sadness and Anxiety—Anne's Zeal for the Reformation—Discontent of the Ultramontanists —Anne's Dangers increase—Her Anxiety for her Daughter—The Four Articles of the Indictment—Character of Henry VIII.—Commission of Inquiry—Brereton and Smeaton arrested—The Tournament at Greenwich—The King makes a Scene—Anne before Norfolk and the Council—Anne Boleyn in the Tower—Her Piety and Innocence—Her Sorrow— Critical Position of Cranmer—His Letter to the King—False Policy of Cranmer—Harsh Surveillance of the Queen—Peace and Agitation in her Heart—Extraordinary Transport 119 CHAPTER X. ANNE FORGIVES HER ENEMIES AND IS PUT TO DEATH. May 1536.) The Judge acknowledges Anne's Innocence—Her Enemies and her Renunciation of the World— Dignity of her Answer—Anne's Letter to the King—Its Effect upon Henry— Northumberland's Declaration—The Jury—Condemnation of Norris—The Queen and her Brother before the Peers—Anne's Dignity—Effect produced in the City—Sentence of Death —Anne's Farewell Address to the Peers—Lord Rocheford condemned—The four Gentlemen beheaded—Henry annuls his Marriage with Anne—Joy and Hope of the Pope—Anne's Self- reproach—Asks Pardon of Princess Mary—Anne's Communion—Miracles of the Priests— Anne's last Message to Henry—Preparations upon the Tower Green—A noble Pardon— Emotion caused by that Christian Act—Death of Anne—Her Memory—The Royal Hunting Party—Henry marries Jane Seymour—Effect of Anne's Death on the Continent—What Share had Rome in it? 147 CHAPTER XI. REFORMING MOVEMENT AFTER ANNE'S DEATH; CATHOLIC AND SCHOLASTIC REACTION. (Summer 1536.) Position of the two Parties—The Pope desires to unite with England—Two men in Henry VIII. —Pole determines to write to the King—Priests are Fathers, Kings are Sons—Henry rules like the Turk—Pole has orders to curse Henry—Sentiments of the King—Mary pays dear for her Reconciliation with the King—Ratification of Parliament—Order to renounce the Pope— Language of the Worldlings and the Christians—Convocation of the Clergy—Latimer's Reforming Sermon—Necessity of the Reformation—The Lay Element reappears—The Clergy denounce sixty-seven mala dogmata—The Prolocutor's Charge before the Bishops— The two Armies front to front—A Scotchman in the Convocation—What Cranmer thought essential—Fox extols the Reformation—The Word of God the Source of Life—Alesius is excluded—Necessity of a Convocation 171 CHAPTER XII. A MOVEMENT OF SCHOLASTIC CATHOLICISM INAUGURATED BY THE KING. EVANGELICAL REACTION. (Autumn 1536.) Henry plays the part of a Pope—Dogmas of the new Head of the Church—Articles about Religion—Baptism, Presence, Penance, Images, Prayers to Saints, Ceremonies, Purgatory— Different Opinions—The Articles accepted—Cranmer's Precautions to prevent Mischief— Cromwell Vicegerent—Coverdale's Bible—Evangelical Reaction—Various Testimonies— Persecutions—The foundations of Faith 191 CHAPTER XIII. INSURRECTION OF THE NORTH OF ENGLAND TO RESTORE THE PAPACY AND DESTROY THE REFORMATION. (October 1536.) Agitation in the Northern Counties—Ferment throughout the Country—Revolt in Lincolnshire— Twenty thousand Insurgents—The King's Threats—The Pilgrimage of Grace—Sermon of Latimer—Aske's Address—The Nobility—The Earl of Northumberland—Henry's Alarm— Panic in London—Brutality of the Rebels—The Lancaster Herald before the Rebel Chiefs— The Insurgent Army marches on London—The Royal Proclamation—Propositions of the Rebels—They disperse—Subsequent Revolts and Repressions 201 CHAPTER XIV. DEATH OF THE GREAT REFORMER OF ENGLAND. (From 1535 to October 1536.) Tyndale's Characteristic—Imprisonment at Vilvorde—His Labors—Rogers comes to his help— Tyndale's Legacy—The Bible about to appear—A Light that shines before Men— Intercession with the King on behalf of Tyndale—Activity of Poyntz to save him—Poyntz attacked by Philips—Tyndale's Firmness—All things combine against Tyndale—His great Offence—Tyndale's Words—Tyndale degraded—Led to Punishment—He dies praying for the King—Petition for the Circulation of the whole Bible—The King consents— Consequences of the Act—How the Bible was received—Inward Power of Scripture 213 BOOK IX. REFORMATION OF GENEVA BY FAREL'S MINISTRY, AND ARRIVAL OF CALVIN IN THAT CITY AFTER HIS SOJOURN IN ITALY. CHAPTER I. PROGRESS, STRUGGLES, AND MARTYRS OF THE REFORMATION IN GENEVA. (January to June 1535.) Is Liberty a Blessing?—The Swiss abandon Geneva—New Election of Magistrates friendly to the Reformation—The Reformed party increases—A Monk offers to preach the Gospel— Opposition at St. Germain—The Council determines to let the Monk preach—Riot in the Church—Easter Communion—A Knight of Rhodes preaches the Gospel—The Brigands of Peney—Gaudet's cruel Punishment—The Martyr's Constancy—The Genevese attack the Castle—Retreat and Courage 230 CHAPTER II. POISONING OF THE REFORMERS. CONVERSION OF THE HEAD OF THE FRANCISCANS. (Spring 1535.) Plot to get rid of Farel, Viret, and Froment—Antonia gained by the Priests—Her Experience— Steals the Poison—Prepares the Poisoned Soup—Her Terror and Flight—She is caught and brought back—Sensation in Geneva—Condemnation of the Criminal—Her Visions— Consequence of the Crime—Two Enfranchisements necessary—Conversion of Jacques Bernard, Superior of the Franciscans—He preaches throughout Lent—What the Charters of the Church declare—Jacques Bernard asks for a Public Discussion 243 CHAPTER III. PREPARATIONS FOR A PUBLIC DISPUTATION IN GENEVA. (From April to Whitsuntide, 1535.) Five Positive and Five Negative Propositions—The Council authorizes Jacques Bernard to support them—Publicity established by the Reformation—Catholicism answers by a Procession—The Nuns alone show Courage—Celebrated Theologians invited—Caroli comes unasked—His Character—His Motives for visiting Geneva—Conversation between Farel and Caroli—Farel censures him—The Magistrate's part in the Discussion—Commissioners belonging to the two Parties 254 CHAPTER IV. THE GREAT PUBLIC DEBATE ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EVANGELICAL FAITH. (June 1535.) Struggle between the Head of the Franciscans and the Head of the Dominicans—The Ten Propositions sent to Furbity—Caroli acknowledges the Necessity of Grace—Caroli invites Furbity to the Disputation—Caroli stops short about the Mass—He recovers and speaks with Eloquence—Viret, Caroli, and Farel—The Victory remains with the Reformation 264 CHAPTER V. TRIUMPH OF THE WORD OF GOD, BOTH WRITTEN AND SPOKEN. (June to August 1535.) First Bible of the Reformation—The Printer and the Impression—Olivetan's Appeal to the Church—Conversions after the Disputation—Delays of the Council—Great Misery in Geneva—The Reformed demand the free Preaching of the Gospel—Farel preaches at the Magdalen—Forbidden by the Council—Farel preaches in various Churches—The Cathedral of St. Pierre—The False Worship and the True—Farel's Sermon at St. Pierre's—Two Systems with regard to the State 271 CHAPTER VI. IMAGES AND THE MASS ABOLISHED. (8th to 11th August 1535.) Chants of the Priests—The Children's Games in the Cathedral—Destruction of Images—What must be thought of it?—The Host—Discovery of the Huguenots—Indignation of the Genevese—Three Bands march against the Idols—The Frauds at St. Gervais—The Miracles of St. Dominic—Farel's Reprimand—The Reformation grows stronger—Grief of the Priests —Firmness of the Reformed—Farel before the Great Council—Suppression of the Mass— The Clergy are not the Church—Sadness and Murmurs—Jesus Christ substituted for Ceremonies—The Tenth of August 1535 283 CHAPTER VII. PRIESTS, MONKS, NUNS, AND VICAR-GENERAL DEPART. (August to December 1535.) The Monks are dumb—The Priests haughtily refuse to speak—Flight of Papal Adherents—Who shall pay the Cost of the War?—The Abolition of Mass announced to the Pope—Farel preaches to the Nuns—How they receive his Sermon—Conversion of a Nun—Claudine and Blaisine desire to enlighten the Sisters—Departure of the Nuns—Their Journey and Arrival at Annecy—Disorders and Flight of the Vicar-general—Opprobrium of the Priests, Zeal of some of their body—Establishment of a general Hospital—Foundation of Schools—Priests summoned to defend their Faith—Roman-catholicism comes to an End—Doctrine of Christ preached 298 CHAPTER VIII. AN ENERGETIC CITIZEN CALLS SWITZERLAND TO HELP GENEVA AND THE REFORMATION. (September and October 1535.) Preparations for attacking Geneva—The coming Tempest—The Emperor's Plans—Terror and Refuge—Berne drawn opposite ways—Noble Answer of the Genevese to the Duke— Discord between Baudichon and Michael Sept—La Maisonneuve appointed Captain-general —The Danger increases—Claude Savoye turns towards the Jura—Wildermuth promises Help—Ehrard and the Heroine of Nidau—The Neuchâtelers answer to the Summons— Opposition of the Governor—An Auxiliary Force of Volunteers—Hesitation of the Neuchâtelers—Struggle and Prayer—The Force diminished by one-half 313 CHAPTER IX. WAR AND THE BATTLE OF GINGINS. (11th and 12th October 1535.) Wildermuth's projected Route—Forced to change his Course—The Volunteers climb the Jura— Inclement and laborious March—Hunger—The Abbey—The Lake of Les Rousses—They reach St. Cerques—The three Guides—Message to Claude Savoye—Claude departs for Coppet—The Swiss descend the Jura—They approach Nyon—Led into a Snare—The Betrayal—Battle of Gingins—Two heroic Women—Slaughter of Priests—Second Battle and Second Victory—Thanksgivings on the Field—Song of the Bernese Soldiers—Preparations for resisting a Third Attack 327 CHAPTER X. DIPLOMACY OR THE CASTLE OF COPPET. (October 12th 1535.) War and Diplomacy—Statesmen in the Castle of Coppet—De Lullin, the Bernese, and Savoye— The Conference—The Governor plays with the Ambassadors—De Lullin's Schemes—All start to stop the Advance of the Swiss—What the Governor saw on the Road—The Ambassadors stop the Swiss—The news of the Victory reaches Geneva—Baudichon departs with five hundred Men—Terror of the fugitive Savoyards—Treacherous Negotiations—The Bernese order the Swiss to retire—They hesitate but yield at last—The Bernese made Prisoners—Baudichon's Approach causes alarm at Coppet—Fraud of the Diplomatists—The Three Genevese Delegates arrested and sent to Chillon—Baudichon allows himself to be deceived—The Swiss are tricked—Indignation at Geneva—The Genevese seize three Hostages—Storming of St. Jean 339 CHAPTER XI. MOVEMENTS FOR THE ATTACK AND DEFENCE OF GENEVA. FAITH AND HEROISM. (From the beginning of November 1535 to the end of January 1536.) Geneva blockaded—Combat and Prayer—Succor comes from France—Scheme of Francis I.— Geneva coins Money—Berne pleads for Geneva at Aosta—Conference in the City of Aosta —The Genevese refuse a Truce—Baudichon's Success at Berne—Defeat of French Auxiliaries in the Jura—Farel's Exhortation to the Council—Francis I. desires to become the Protector of Geneva—Attack of the third of January—Jesse's heroic defence of Notre Dame —What is the true Remedy?—The War of Cologny 357 CHAPTER XII. EXTREME PERIL. (January to February 1536.) The Duke's new Plans—Giangiacomo de Medici—Has the Command of the Genevese Campaign —Ordered to destroy the City—Berne decides to help Geneva—The Proclamation—Nägueli made Commander-in-Chief—His Orders—Haller blesses the Army—The Troops march out with Songs—Song of the Bernese—Misery in Geneva—Capture of Versoix by the Genevese —Changes in the Policy of Europe—Combinations of Princes—Francis I. determines to attack Savoy—The Bishop of Lausanne opposes the Swiss—The two Armies meet at Morges—Medici's heart fails him—Embarks his Army and escapes—General break-up— Power of Moral Force—The Lords of the Country too frightened to take up Arms—Spare the People, destroy the Castles—Francis and Margaret of Gingins—The Vicar-General De Gingins hidden at Divonne—Nägueli divides his Army into three Corps—Entrance of the Swiss into Geneva—The Bernese War-song—The Genevese give God the glory 369 CHAPTER XIII. DESTRUCTION OF THE CASTLES—JOY IN GENEVA—LIBERATION OF BONIVARD. (From February to the end of March 1536.) Interview between Berne and Geneva—Burning of the Castles—A Circle of Fire—Destruction of Peney—Spirit of Peace in Geneva—Election of Syndics—Advance of the Army—The Soldiers deliberate—The French in Savoy—Seize the Duke's States—Last Years of his Life —Geneva rises as the Duke declines—Pretensions of the Bernese: Firmness of the Genevans —Conquest of Vaud—Bonivard at Chillon—Geneva and Berne resolve to liberate him— Attack upon the Castle—The Garrison runs away—Liberation of Bonivard—An Altar of the Gospel and of Liberty 390 CHAPTER XIV. THE PEOPLE OF GENEVA DESIRE TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL. (March to June 1536.) The City and the Country evangelized—The Council in an Episcopal Capacity—The State and the Church—Difficulties—Religion of Neighborhood—A Month granted to the Priests— Furbity set at Liberty—Morals in Geneva—Reason of Opposition to the Ministers—Farel calls for a Public Confession of Faith—Source of Genevese Liberty—Dangers of an Appeal to the Whole Body of Citizens—The Meeting of the Twenty-first of May—The Question put to the People—A Bulwark against the Pope—Memorial Inscription—Return of Genevan Refugees—Toleration—Transformation—Easter—Want of good Preachers—Where is the Chosen Man of God? 403 CHAPTER XV. CALVIN AT FERRARA. (Winter and Spring.) The Court of Ferrara—Arrival of two Frenchmen—Their joyful Reception by Princess Renée— Men of Letters at Ferrara—Long Conversations between Renée and Calvin—A new Director of Princes—Calvin's last Letters—The Countess of Marennes—Meetings in the Chapel of the Court—Calvin's Hearers—Anne de Beauregard—Her early Death—Marot's Epitaph— Soubise—His Zeal—Bevilacqua and Titian—The Word stifled by the World—François the Chaplain—Conversations with Calvin—Calvin lends him a Copy of the Institutes—Mass— The 'Helen' of the Church—The Chaplain's Agitation—Calvin's Letter to the Duchess about the Chaplain—Calvin justifies Germany—Calvin writes to Duchemin—How to escape the Pollutions of Babylon—Roussel made a Bishop—Calvin's Letter to him—His energetic Appeal—Lesson to be drawn from these Letters—Calvin's Influence in Italy—His Danger 420 CHAPTER XVI. FLIGHT OF CALVIN. (Spring, 1536.) The Inquisition alarmed—The French ordered to leave Ferrara—Marot's Lines to the Queen of Navarre—Calvin arrested—Hurried away to Bologna—Stopped and rescued on the Road— His Flight—Castelvetro—Traditions of Carigliano and Saluzzo—The City of Aosta— Beginning of the Gospel—Violent Opposition—Zeal of Bishop Gazzini and the Guardian of the Franciscans—Assembly of the States—Was Calvin at Aosta at that time?—Passes through Aosta twice—Calvin's Farm—Calvin's Bridge and Window—The Monument in Aosta—Calvin returns to France—Visit to Noyon—Prepares to return to Basle—His Object and Desire 442 CHAPTER XVII. CALVIN'S ARRIVAL AT GENEVA. (Summer, 1536.) A Traveller arrives at Geneva—Meeting with Du Tillet—Interview with Farel—Farel invites him to settle at Geneva—Calvin's Objections—His Timidity—Farel's Ardor—The Imprecation— The Thunderbolt—Calvin yields to the Call of God—His Journey to Basle—His Sermons at St. Pierre's—His Place in the Church—A wrong Step—The Spot on the Robe—How it may be excused—The Rule of Conscience—God's Honor more precious than Life—Religious and Political Liberty united—Hidden Errors—Formation of a living and united Church—Order of the Council—The Centre and the Head 456 HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN EUROPE IN THE TIME OF CALVIN. BOOK VIII. ENGLAND BREAKS WITH ROME. CHAPTER I. A CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE REFORMATION. (March and April, 1534.) The parliament of 1534 had greatly advanced the cause of the Reformation. The voices of the most enlightened men of England had been heard in it with still greater power than in 1529; and accordingly an historian,[2] Sreferring to the meeting of 1534, speaks of it as 'that great session.' Those enlightened men, however, formed but a small minority, and among them were many who, from a want of independence, never voted on the side of liberty but when the king authorized them. The epoch was a critical one for the nation. It might as easily fall back to the pope, as advance towards the Gospel. Hesitating between the Middle Ages and modern times, it had to choose either life or death. Would it make a vigorous effort and reach those bracing heights, like travellers scaling the rugged sides of the Alps? England appeared too weak for so daring a flight. The mass of the people seemed chained by time- worn prejudices to the errors and practices of Rome. The king no doubt had political views which raised him above his age; but a slave to his passions, and the docile disciple of scholasticism, he detested a real Reformation and real liberty. The clergy were superstitious, selfish, and excitable; and the advisers of the crown knew no other rule than the will of their master. By none of these powers, therefore, could a transformation be accomplished. The safety of England came from that sovereign hand, that mysterious power, which was already stirring the western world. The nation began to feel its energetic impulse. A strange breeze seemed to be filling the sails and driving the bark of the state towards the harbor, notwithstanding the numerous shoals that lay around it. The thought which at that time mainly engrossed the minds of the most intelligent men of England—men like Cranmer, Cromwell, and their friends—was the necessity of throwing off the papal authority. They believed that it was necessary to root out the foreign and unwholesome weed, which had spread over the soil of Britain, and tear it up so thoroughly that it could never grow again. Parliament had declared that all the powers exercised by the bishop of Rome in England must cease and be transferred to the crown; and that no one, not even the king, should apply to Rome for any dispensation whatsoever. A prelate had preached every Sunday at St. Paul's Cross that the pope was not the head of the Church. On the other hand, the pontiff, who was reckoning on Henry's promised explanations and satisfactory propositions, seeing that the messenger whom he expected from London did not arrive, had solemnly condemned that prince on the 23rd March, 1534.[3] But immediately startled at his own boldness, Clement asked himself with agony how he could repair this wrong and appease the king. He saw it was impossible, and in the bitterness of his heart exclaimed: 'Alas! England is lost to us!' =THE KING CONDEMNED AT ROME.= Two days after the famous consistory in which Henry's condemnation had been pronounced, an English courier entered Rome, still in a state of agitation and trouble, and went straight to the papal palace. 'What is his business?' people said; 'and what can give him such boldness? The Englishman was bringing to the ministers of the Vatican the long-expected act by which the King of England declared himself prepared to enter into an arrangement with the pope, provided the cardinals of the imperial faction were excluded.[4] The messenger at the same time announced that Sir Edward Carne and Revett, two envoys from Henry VIII., would soon arrive to conclude the business.[5] Cardinal Farnese, who erelong succeeded Clement under the title of Paul III., and the more moderate prelates of the sacred college, waited upon the pope at once, and begged him to summon the consistory without delay. It was just what Clement desired; but the imperialists, more furious than ever, insisted on the confirmation of the sentence condemning Henry, and spared no means to ensure success. Monks went about repeating certain stories which their English brethren sent them, and which they furthermore exaggerated. They asserted that the English people were about to rise in a body against the king and throw themselves at the feet of the holy father. The pope ratified the sentence, and the consistory, taking one more step, ordered the emperor to carry it out. It has been said that a delay of two days was the cause of the Reformation of England. That is a mistake. The Reformation came from the Holy Scriptures, from God, from His mighty grace, and not from princes, their passions, or delays. Even had the pontifical court at last conceded to Henry the divorce he asked for, that prince would probably not have renounced the rights he had acquired, and which made him sole and true monarch of England. Had he done so, it is doubtful whether he was strong enough to check the Reformation. The people were in motion. Christian truth had reappeared among them: neither pontifical agitations nor concessions could stop the rapid current that was carrying them to the pure and living waters of the Gospel. =DISMAY OF THE ENGLISH ENVOYS.= However, Sir Edward Carne and William Revett, Henry's envoys, arrived in Italy full of hope, and pledged themselves (as they wrote to the king) to reconcile England and the papacy 'in conformity to his Highness's purpose.'[6] Having learnt on reaching Bologna, that the bishop of Paris, who was instructed to support them, was in that city, they hurried to him to learn the exact state of affairs. The bishop was one of those enlightened catholics who believed that the extreme ultramontane party was exposing the papacy to great danger, and who would have prevented schism in the Church, by giving some satisfaction to Germany and England. Hence the envoys from Henry VIII. found the prelate dejected and embarrassed. 'All is over,' he told them. 'The pope has pronounced sentence against his Majesty.' Carne and Revett were thunderstruck; the burden was too heavy for them.[7] 'All our hopes have vanished in a moment,' they said. Du Bellay assured them that he had spared no pains likely to prevent so precipitate and imprudent an act on the part of a pope.[8] 'But the imperialists,' he said, 'moved heaven and earth, and constrained {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} Clement VII. to deliver a sentence in opposition to his own convictions.' The ambassador of Francis I. added that there was still one gleam of hope. 'Raincé, secretary to the French embassy at Rome, with an oath, wished himself at perdition,'[9] said Du Bellay rather coarsely, 'if our holy father does not patch up all that has been damaged.' The Englishmen desired to go to the pope forthwith, in order to prevent the execution of the sentence. 'Do nothing of the kind,' said the French bishop. 'Do not go to Rome on any pretext whatsoever.'[10] Perhaps Du Bellay wanted first to know what his master thought of the matter. Carne, undecided what to do, despatched a messenger to Henry VIII. to ask for orders; and then, ten days later, wishing to do something, he appealed from the bishop of Rome ill-informed to the bishop of Rome better informed.[11] =PEOPLE AND CLERGY AGAINST ROME.= When the King of England received his ambassador's message, he could hardly restrain his anger. At the very moment when he had made a concession, which appeared to him the height of condescension, Rome treated him with contempt and sacrificed him to Charles V. Even the nation was aroused. The pope, it was said, commissions a foreign prince to execute his decrees; soldiers newly raised in Germany, and brimful of insults and threats, are preparing to land in Great Britain![12] National pride arrayed the people on the King's side. Henry no longer hesitated; his offended honor demanded reparation: a complete rupture alone could satisfy it. He wrote a treatise entitled: 'On the power of Christian kings over their Churches, against the tyranny and horrible impiety of the pope.'[13] This book against the pope, and the very different one that he had formerly written against Luther, are the two claims of this prince to theological renown. Consulting merely his own interests, he threw himself now on one side, now on the other. Many writers supported him. 'The pope,' said Dr. Samsons, dean of the Chapel Royal, 'has no more power in England than the Archbishop of...