第6章

Themindsofthepeople，alreadybeginningtothrowofftheyokeofthepapacy，werealsobecomingimpatientundertherestraintsofcivilauthority。Munzer’srevolutionary192

teachings，claimingdivinesanction，ledthemtobreakawayfromallcontrolandgivethereintotheirprejudicesandpassions。Themostterriblescenesofseditionandstrifefollowed，andthefieldsofGermanyweredrenchedwithblood。

TheagonyofsoulwhichLutherhadsolongbeforeexperiencedatErfurtnowpresseduponhimwithredoubledpowerashesawtheresultsoffanaticismchargedupontheReformation。Thepapistprincesdeclared——andmanywerereadytocreditthestatement——thattherebellionwasthelegitimatefruitofLuther’sdoctrines。Althoughthischargewaswithouttheslightestfoundation，itcouldnotbutcausetheReformergreatdistress。Thatthecauseoftruthshouldbethusdisgracedbybeingrankedwiththebasestfanaticism，seemedmorethanhecouldendure。Ontheotherhand，theleadersintherevolthatedLutherbecausehehadnotonlyopposedtheirdoctrinesanddeniedtheirclaimstodivineinspiration，buthadpronouncedthemrebelsagainstthecivilauthority。Inretaliationtheydenouncedhimasabasepretender。Heseemedtohavebroughtuponhimselftheenmityofbothprincesandpeople。

TheRomanistsexulted，expectingtowitnessthespeedydownfalloftheReformation；andtheyblamedLuther，evenfortheerrorswhichhehadbeenmostearnestlyendeavoringtocorrect。Thefanaticalparty，byfalselyclaimingtohavebeentreatedwithgreatinjustice，succeededingainingthesympathiesofalargeclassofthepeople，and，asisoftenthecasewiththosewhotakethewrongside，theycametoberegardedasmartyrs。ThustheoneswhowereexertingeveryenergyinoppositiontotheReformationwerepitiedandlaudedasthevictimsofcrueltyandoppression。ThiswastheworkofSatan，promptedbythesamespiritofrebellionwhichwasfirstmanifestedinheaven。

Satanisconstantlyseekingtodeceivemenandleadthemtocallsinrighteousness，andrighteousnesssin。Howsuccessfulhasbeenhiswork！HowoftencensureandreproacharecastuponGod’sfaithfulservantsbecausethey193

willstandfearlesslyindefenseofthetruth！MenwhoarebutagentsofSatanarepraisedandflattered，andevenlookeduponasmartyrs，whilethosewhoshouldberespectedandsustainedfortheirfidelitytoGod，arelefttostandalone，undersuspicionanddistrust。

Counterfeitholiness，spurioussanctification，isstilldoingitsworkofdeception。UndervariousformsitexhibitsthesamespiritasinthedaysofLuther，divertingmindsfromtheScripturesandleadingmentofollowtheirownfeelingsandimpressionsratherthantoyieldobediencetothelawofGod。ThisisoneofSatan’smostsuccessfuldevicestocastreproachuponpurityandtruth。

FearlesslydidLutherdefendthegospelfromtheattackswhichcamefromeveryquarter。ThewordofGodproveditselfaweaponmightyineveryconflict。Withthatwordhewarredagainsttheusurpedauthorityofthepope，andtherationalisticphilosophyoftheschoolmen，whilehestoodfirmasarockagainstthefanaticismthatsoughttoallyitselfwiththeReformation。

EachoftheseopposingelementswasinitsownwaysettingasidetheHolyScripturesandexaltinghumanwisdomasthesourceofreligioustruthandknowledge。Rationalismidolizesreasonandmakesthisthecriterionforreligion。Romanism，claimingforhersovereignpontiffaninspirationdescendedinunbrokenlinefromtheapostles，andunchangeablethroughalltime，givesampleopportunityforeveryspeciesofextravaganceandcorruptiontobeconcealedunderthesanctityoftheapostoliccommission。

TheinspirationclaimedbyMunzerandhisassociatesproceededfromnohighersourcethanthevagariesoftheimagination，anditsinfluencewassubversiveofallauthority，humanordivine。TrueChristianityreceivesthewordofGodasthegreattreasurehouseofinspiredtruthandthetestofallinspiration。

UponhisreturnfromtheWartburg，LuthercompletedhistranslationoftheNewTestament，andthegospelwassoonaftergiventothepeopleofGermanyintheirown194

language。Thistranslationwasreceivedwithgreatjoybyallwholovedthetruth；butitwasscornfullyrejectedbythosewhochosehumantraditionsandthecommandmentsofmen。

ThepriestswerealarmedatthethoughtthatthecommonpeoplewouldnowbeabletodiscusswiththemthepreceptsofGod’sword，andthattheirownignorancewouldthusbeexposed。TheweaponsoftheircarnalreasoningwerepowerlessagainsttheswordoftheSpirit。RomesummonedallherauthoritytopreventthecirculationoftheScriptures；butdecrees，anathemas，andtortureswerealikeinvain。ThemoreshecondemnedandprohibitedtheBible，thegreaterwastheanxietyofthepeopletoknowwhatitreallytaught。AllwhocouldreadwereeagertostudythewordofGodforthemselves。Theycarrieditaboutwiththem，andreadandreread，andcouldnotbesatisfieduntiltheyhadcommittedlargeportionstomemory。SeeingthefavorwithwhichtheNewTestamentwasreceived，LutherimmediatelybeganthetranslationoftheOld，andpublisheditinpartsasfastascompleted。

Luther’swritingswerewelcomedalikeincityandinhamlet。"WhatLutherandhisfriendscomposed，otherscirculated。Monks，convincedoftheunlawfulnessofmonasticobligations，desirousofexchangingalonglifeofslothfulnessforoneofactiveexertion，buttooignoranttoproclaimthewordofGod，traveledthroughtheprovinces，visitinghamletsandcottages，wheretheysoldthebooksofLutherandhisfriends。Germanysoonswarmedwiththeseboldcolporteurs。"——Ibid。，b。9，ch。11。

Thesewritingswerestudiedwithdeepinterestbyrichandpoor，thelearnedandtheignorant。Atnighttheteachersofthevillageschoolsreadthemaloudtolittlegroupsgatheredatthefireside。Witheveryeffortsomesoulswouldbeconvictedofthetruthand，receivingthewordwithgladness，wouldintheirturntellthegoodnewstoothers。

195

ThewordsofInspirationwereverified:"TheentranceofThywordsgivethlight；itgivethunderstandinguntothesimple。"Psalm119:130。ThestudyoftheScriptureswasworkingamightychangeinthemindsandheartsofthepeople。Thepapalrulehadplaceduponitssubjectsanironyokewhichheldtheminignoranceanddegradation。Asuperstitiousobservanceofformshadbeenscrupulouslymaintained；butinalltheirservicetheheartandintellecthadhadlittlepart。ThepreachingofLuther，settingforththeplaintruthsofGod’sword，andthentheworditself，placedinthehandsofthecommonpeople，hadarousedtheirdormantpowers，notonlypurifyingandennoblingthespiritualnature，butimpartingnewstrengthandvigortotheintellect。

PersonsofallranksweretobeseenwiththeBibleintheirhands，defendingthedoctrinesoftheReformation。ThepapistswhohadleftthestudyoftheScripturestothepriestsandmonksnowcalleduponthemtocomeforwardandrefutethenewteachings。But，ignorantalikeoftheScripturesandofthepowerofGod，priestsandfriarsweretotallydefeatedbythosewhomtheyhaddenouncedasunlearnedandheretical。"Unhappily，"

saidaCatholicwriter，"LutherhadpersuadedhisfollowerstoputnofaithinanyotheroraclethantheHolyScriptures。"——D’Aubigne，b。9，ch。11。

Crowdswouldgathertohearthetruthadvocatedbymenoflittleeducation，andevendiscussedbythemwithlearnedandeloquenttheologians。TheshamefulignoranceofthesegreatmenwasmadeapparentastheirargumentsweremetbythesimpleteachingsofGod’sword。Laborers，soldiers，women，andevenchildren，werebetteracquaintedwiththeBibleteachingsthanwerethepriestsandlearneddoctors。

Thecontrastbetweenthedisciplesofthegospelandtheupholdersofpopishsuperstitionwasnolessmanifestintheranksofscholarsthanamongthecommonpeople。"Opposedtotheoldchampionsofthehierarchy，whohadneglected196

thestudyoflanguagesandthecultivationofliterature，……weregenerous-mindedyouth，devotedtostudy，investigatingScripture，andfamiliarizingthemselveswiththemasterpiecesofantiquity。Possessinganactivemind，anelevatedsoul，andintrepidheart，theseyoungmensoonacquiredsuchknowledgethatforalongperiodnonecouldcompetewiththem……Accordingly，whentheseyouthfuldefendersoftheReformationmettheRomishdoctorsinanyassembly，theyattackedthemwithsucheaseandconfidencethattheseignorantmenhesitated，becameembarrassed，andfellintoacontemptmeritedintheeyesofall。"——Ibid。，b。9，ch。11。

AstheRomishclergysawtheircongregationsdiminishing，theyinvokedtheaidofthemagistrates，andbyeverymeansintheirpowerendeavoredtobringbacktheirhearers。Butthepeoplehadfoundinthenewteachingsthatwhichsuppliedthewantsoftheirsouls，andtheyturnedawayfromthosewhohadsolongfedthemwiththeworthlesshusksofsuperstitiousritesandhumantraditions。

Whenpersecutionwaskindledagainsttheteachersofthetruth，theygaveheedtothewordsofChrist:"Whentheypersecuteyouinthiscity，fleeyeintoanother。"Matthew10:23。Thelightpenetratedeverywhere。Thefugitiveswouldfindsomewhereahospitabledooropenedtothem，andthereabiding，theywouldpreachChrist，sometimesinthechurch，or，ifdeniedthatprivilege，inprivatehousesorintheopenair。Wherevertheycouldobtainahearingwasaconsecratedtemple。Thetruth，proclaimedwithsuchenergyandassurance，spreadwithirresistiblepower。

Invainbothecclesiasticalandcivilauthoritieswereinvokedtocrushtheheresy。Invaintheyresortedtoimprisonment，torture，fire，andsword。

Thousandsofbelieverssealedtheirfaithwiththeirblood，andyettheworkwenton。Persecutionservedonlytoextendthetruth，andthefanaticismwhichSatanendeavoredtounitewithitresultedinmakingmoreclearthecontrastbetweentheworkofSatanandtheworkofGod。

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Chapter11

ProtestofthePrincesOneofthenoblesttestimonieseverutteredfortheReformationwastheProtestofferedbytheChristianprincesofGermanyattheDietofSpiresin1529。Thecourage，faith，andfirmnessofthosemenofGodgainedforsucceedingageslibertyofthoughtandofconscience。TheirProtestgavetothereformedchurchthenameofProtestant；itsprinciplesare"theveryessenceofProtestantism。"——D’Aubigne，b。13，ch。6。

AdarkandthreateningdayhadcomefortheReformation。NotwithstandingtheEdictofWorms，declaringLuthertobeanoutlawandforbiddingtheteachingorbeliefofhisdoctrines，religioustolerationhadthusfarprevailedintheempire。God’sprovidencehadheldinchecktheforcesthatopposedthetruth。CharlesVwasbentoncrushingtheReformation，butoftenasheraisedhishandtostrikehehadbeenforcedtoturnasidetheblow。AgainandagaintheimmediatedestructionofallwhodaredtoopposethemselvestoRomeappearedinevitable；butatthecriticalmomentthearmiesoftheTurkappearedontheeasternfrontier，orthekingofFrance，oreventhepopehimself，jealousoftheincreasinggreatnessoftheemperor，madewaruponhim；andthus，amidthestrifeandtumultofnations，theReformationhadbeenlefttostrengthenandextend。

Atlast，however，thepapalsovereignshadstifledtheirfeuds，thattheymightmakecommoncauseagainsttheReformers。TheDietofSpiresin1526

hadgiveneachstatefulllibertyinmattersofreligionuntilthemeetingofageneral198

council；butnosoonerhadthedangerspassedwhichsecuredthisconcession，thantheemperorsummonedasecondDiettoconveneatSpiresin1529forthepurposeofcrushingheresy。Theprincesweretobeinduced，bypeaceablemeansifpossible，tosideagainsttheReformation；butifthesefailed，Charleswaspreparedtoresorttothesword。

Thepapistswereexultant。TheyappearedatSpiresingreatnumbers，andopenlymanifestedtheirhostilitytowardtheReformersandallwhofavoredthem。SaidMelanchthon:"Wearetheexecrationandthesweepingsoftheworld；butChristwilllookdownonHispoorpeople，andwillpreservethem。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。TheevangelicalprincesinattendanceattheDietwereforbiddeneventohavethegospelpreachedintheirdwellings。ButthepeopleofSpiresthirstedforthewordofGod，and，notwithstandingtheprohibition，thousandsflockedtotheservicesheldinthechapeloftheelectorofSaxony。

Thishastenedthecrisis。AnimperialmessageannouncedtotheDietthatastheresolutiongrantinglibertyofconsciencehadgivenrisetogreatdisorders，theemperorrequiredthatitbeannulled。ThisarbitraryactexcitedtheindignationandalarmoftheevangelicalChristians。Saidone:

"ChristhasagainfallenintothehandsofCaiaphasandPilate。"TheRomanistsbecamemoreviolent。Abigotedpapistdeclared:"TheTurksarebetterthantheLutherans；fortheTurksobservefastdays，andtheLutheransviolatethem。IfwemustchoosebetweentheHolyScripturesofGodandtheolderrorsofthechurch，weshouldrejecttheformer。"SaidMelanchthon:"Everyday，infullassembly，Fabercastssomenewstoneatusgospelers。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。

Religioustolerationhadbeenlegallyestablished，andtheevangelicalstateswereresolvedtoopposetheinfringementoftheirrights。Luther，beingstillunderthebanimposedbytheEdictofWorms，wasnotpermittedtobepresentatSpires；buthisplacewassuppliedbyhiscolaborersandtheprinceswhomGodhadraiseduptodefendHiscauseinthisemergency。

ThenobleFrederickofSaxony，Luther’s199

formerprotector，hadbeenremovedbydeath；butDukeJohn，hisbrotherandsuccessor，hadjoyfullywelcomedtheReformation，andwhileafriendofpeace，hedisplayedgreatenergyandcourageinallmattersrelatingtotheinterestsofthefaith。

ThepriestsdemandedthatthestateswhichhadacceptedtheReformationsubmitimplicitlytoRomishjurisdiction。TheReformers，ontheotherhand，claimedthelibertywhichhadpreviouslybeengranted。TheycouldnotconsentthatRomeshouldagainbringunderhercontrolthosestatesthathadwithsogreatjoyreceivedthewordofGod。

AsacompromiseitwasfinallyproposedthatwheretheReformationhadnotbecomeestablished，theEdictofWormsshouldberigorouslyenforced；andthat"inthosewherethepeoplehaddeviatedfromit，andwheretheycouldnotconformtoitwithoutdangerofrevolt，theyshouldatleasteffectnonewreform，theyshouldtouchuponnocontrovertedpoint，theyshouldnotopposethecelebrationofthemass，theyshouldpermitnoRomanCatholictoembraceLutheranism。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。ThismeasurepassedtheDiet，tothegreatsatisfactionofthepopishpriestsandprelates。

Ifthisedictwereenforced，"theReformationcouldneitherbeextended……whereasyetitwasunknown，norbeestablishedonsolidfoundations……

whereitalreadyexisted。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。Libertyofspeechwouldbeprohibited。Noconversionswouldbeallowed。AndtotheserestrictionsandprohibitionsthefriendsoftheReformationwererequiredatoncetosubmit。

Thehopesoftheworldseemedabouttobeextinguished。"There-establishmentoftheRomishhierarchy……wouldinfalliblybringbacktheancientabuses；"andanoccasionwouldreadilybefoundfor"completingthedestructionofaworkalreadysoviolentlyshaken"byfanaticismanddissension——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。

Astheevangelicalpartymetforconsultation，onelookedtoanotherinblankdismay。Fromonetoanotherpassedtheinquiry:"Whatistobedone？"

Mightyissuesfortheworldwereatstake。"ShallthechiefsoftheReformation200

submit，andaccepttheedict？HoweasilymighttheReformersatthiscrisis，whichwastrulyatremendousone，havearguedthemselvesintoawrongcourse！Howmanyplausiblepretextsandfairreasonsmighttheyhavefoundforsubmission！TheLutheranprinceswereguaranteedthefreeexerciseoftheirreligion。Thesameboonwasextendedtoallthoseoftheirsubjectswho，priortothepassingofthemeasure，hadembracedthereformedviews。

Oughtnotthistocontentthem？Howmanyperilswouldsubmissionavoid！Onwhatunknownhazardsandconflictswouldoppositionlaunchthem！Whoknowswhatopportunitiesthefuturemaybring？Letusembracepeace；letusseizetheolivebranchRomeholdsout，andclosethewoundsofGermany。WithargumentslikethesemighttheReformershavejustifiedtheiradoptionofacoursewhichwouldhaveassuredlyissuedinnolongtimeintheoverthrowoftheircause。

"Happilytheylookedattheprincipleonwhichthisarrangementwasbased，andtheyactedinfaith。Whatwasthatprinciple？ItwastherightofRometocoerceconscienceandforbidfreeinquiry。ButwerenotthemselvesandtheirProtestantsubjectstoenjoyreligiousfreedom？Yes，asafavorspeciallystipulatedforinthearrangement，butnotasaright。Astoalloutsidethatarrangement，thegreatprincipleofauthoritywastorule；

consciencewasoutofcourt；Romewasinfalliblejudge，andmustbeobeyed。

TheacceptanceoftheproposedarrangementwouldhavebeenavirtualadmissionthatreligiouslibertyoughttobeconfinedtoreformedSaxony；

andastoalltherestofChristendom，freeinquiryandtheprofessionofthereformedfaithwerecrimes，andmustbevisitedwiththedungeonandthestake。Couldtheyconsenttolocalizereligiousliberty？tohaveitproclaimedthattheReformationhadmadeitslastconvert？hadsubjugateditslastacre？andthatwhereverRomeboreswayatthishour，thereherdominionwastobeperpetuated？CouldtheReformershavepleadedthattheywereinnocentofthebloodofthosehundredsandthousandswho，inpursuanceofthisarrangement，wouldhavetoyielduptheir201

livesinpopishlands？Thiswouldhavebeentobetray，atthatsupremehour，thecauseofthegospelandthelibertiesofChristendom。"——Wylie，b。9，ch。

15。Ratherwouldthey"sacrificeeverything，eventheirstates，theircrowns，andtheirlives。"——D’Aubigne，b。13，ch。5。

"Letusrejectthisdecree，"saidtheprinces。"Inmattersofconsciencethemajorityhasnopower。"Thedeputiesdeclared:"Itistothedecreeof1526

thatweareindebtedforthepeacethattheempireenjoys:itsabolitionwouldfillGermanywithtroublesanddivisions。TheDietisincompetenttodomorethanpreservereligiouslibertyuntilthecouncilmeets。"——Ibid。，b。

13，ch。5。Toprotectlibertyofconscienceisthedutyofthestate，andthisisthelimitofitsauthorityinmattersofreligion。EveryseculargovernmentthatattemptstoregulateorenforcereligiousobservancesbycivilauthorityissacrificingtheveryprincipleforwhichtheevangelicalChristiansonoblystruggled。

Thepapistsdeterminedtoputdownwhattheytermed"daringobstinacy。"TheybeganbyendeavoringtocausedivisionsamongthesupportersoftheReformationandtointimidateallwhohadnotopenlydeclaredinitsfavor。

TherepresentativesofthefreecitieswereatlastsummonedbeforetheDietandrequiredtodeclarewhethertheywouldaccedetothetermsoftheproposition。Theypleadedfordelay，butinvain。Whenbroughttothetest，nearlyonehalftheirnumbersidedwiththeReformers。Thosewhothusrefusedtosacrificelibertyofconscienceandtherightofindividualjudgmentwellknewthattheirpositionmarkedthemforfuturecriticism，condemnation，andpersecution。Saidoneofthedelegates:"WemusteitherdenythewordofGod，or——beburnt。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。

KingFerdinand，theemperor’srepresentativeattheDiet，sawthatthedecreewouldcauseseriousdivisionsunlesstheprincescouldbeinducedtoacceptandsustainit。Hethereforetriedtheartofpersuasion，wellknowingthattoemployforcewithsuchmenwouldonlyrenderthemthemoredetermined。He"beggedtheprincestoacceptthedecree，202

assuringthemthattheemperorwouldbeexceedinglypleasedwiththem。"Butthesefaithfulmenacknowledgedanauthorityabovethatofearthlyrulers，andtheyansweredcalmly:"WewillobeytheemperorineverythingthatmaycontributetomaintainpeaceandthehonorofGod。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。

InthepresenceoftheDietthekingatlastannouncedtotheelectorandhisfriendsthattheedict"wasabouttobedrawnupintheformofanimperialdecree，"andthat"theironlyremainingcoursewastosubmittothemajority。"Havingthusspoken，hewithdrewfromtheassembly，givingtheReformersnoopportunityfordeliberationorreply。"Tonopurposetheysentadeputationentreatingthekingtoreturn。"Totheirremonstrancesheansweredonly:"Itisasettledaffair；submissionisallthatremains。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。5。

TheimperialpartywereconvincedthattheChristianprinceswouldadheretotheHolyScripturesassuperiortohumandoctrinesandrequirements；andtheyknewthatwhereverthisprinciplewasaccepted，thepapacywouldeventuallybeoverthrown。But，likethousandssincetheirtime，lookingonly"atthethingswhichareseen，"theyflatteredthemselvesthatthecauseoftheemperorandthepopewasstrong，andthatoftheReformersweak。HadtheReformersdependeduponhumanaidalone，theywouldhavebeenaspowerlessasthepapistssupposed。Butthoughweakinnumbers，andatvariancewithRome，theyhadtheirstrength。Theyappealed"fromthereportoftheDiettothewordofGod，andfromtheemperorCharlestoJesusChrist，theKingofkingsandLordoflords。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。6。

AsFerdinandhadrefusedtoregardtheirconscientiousconvictions，theprincesdecidednottoheedhisabsence，buttobringtheirProtestbeforethenationalcouncilwithoutdelay。AsolemndeclarationwasthereforedrawnupandpresentedtotheDiet:

"Weprotestbythesepresents，beforeGod，ouronlyCreator，Preserver，Redeemer，andSaviour，andwhowillonedaybeourJudge，aswellasbeforeallmenandallcreatures，thatwe，forusandforourpeople，neitherconsent203

noradhereinanymannerwhatsoevertotheproposeddecree，inanythingthatiscontrarytoGod，toHisholyword，toourrightconscience，tothesalvationofoursouls。"

"What！weratifythisedict！WeassertthatwhenAlmightyGodcallsamantoHisknowledge，thismanneverthelesscannotreceivetheknowledgeofGod！"

"ThereisnosuredoctrinebutsuchasisconformabletothewordofGod……TheLordforbidstheteachingofanyotherdoctrine……TheHolyScripturesoughttobeexplainedbyotheranclearertexts；……thisHolyBookis，inallthingsnecessaryfortheChristian，easyofunderstanding，andcalculatedtoscatterthedarkness。Weareresolved，withthegraceofGod，tomaintainthepureandexclusivepreachingofHisonlyword，suchasitiscontainedinthebiblicalbooksoftheOldandNewTestaments，withoutaddinganythingtheretothatmaybecontrarytoit。Thiswordistheonlytruth；itisthesureruleofalldoctrineandofalllife，andcanneverfailordeceiveus。Hewhobuildsonthisfoundationshallstandagainstallthepowersofhell，whileallthehumanvanitiesthataresetupagainstitshallfallbeforethefaceofGod。"

"Forthisreasonwerejecttheyokethatisimposedonus。""AtthesametimeweareinexpectationthathisimperialmajestywillbehavetowarduslikeaChristianprincewholovesGodaboveallthings；andwedeclareourselvesreadytopayuntohim，aswellasuntoyou，graciouslords，alltheaffectionandobediencethatareourjustandlegitimateduty。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。6。

AdeepimpressionwasmadeupontheDiet。Themajoritywerefilledwithamazementandalarmattheboldnessoftheprotesters。Thefutureappearedtothemstormyanduncertain。Dissension，strife，andbloodshedseemedinevitable。ButtheReformers，assuredofthejusticeoftheircause，andrelyinguponthearmofOmnipotence，were"fullofcourageandfirmness。"

"TheprinciplescontainedinthiscelebratedProtest……constitutetheveryessenceofProtestantism。NowthisProtestopposestwoabusesofmaninmattersoffaith:thefirstis204

theintrusionofthecivilmagistrate，andthesecondthearbitraryauthorityofthechurch。Insteadoftheseabuses，Protestantismsetsthepowerofconscienceabovethemagistrate，andtheauthorityofthewordofGodabovethevisiblechurch。Inthefirstplace，itrejectsthecivilpowerindivinethings，andsayswiththeprophetsandapostles，’WemustobeyGodratherthanman。’InpresenceofthecrownofCharlestheFifth，itupliftsthecrownofJesusChrist。Butitgoesfarther:itlaysdowntheprinciplethatallhumanteachingshouldbesubordinatetotheoraclesofGod。"——Ibid。，b。

13，ch。6。Theprotestershadmoreoveraffirmedtheirrighttoutterfreelytheirconvictionsoftruth。Theywouldnotonlybelieveandobey，butteachwhatthewordofGodpresents，andtheydeniedtherightofpriestormagistratetointerfere。TheProtestofSpireswasasolemnwitnessagainstreligiousintolerance，andanassertionoftherightofallmentoworshipGodaccordingtothedictatesoftheirownconsciences。

Thedeclarationhadbeenmade。Itwaswritteninthememoryofthousandsandregisteredinthebooksofheaven，wherenoeffortofmancoulderaseit。

AllevangelicalGermanyadoptedtheProtestastheexpressionofitsfaith。

Everywheremenbeheldinthisdeclarationthepromiseofanewandbetterera。SaidoneoftheprincestotheProtestantsofSpires:"MaytheAlmighty，whohasgivenyougracetoconfessenergetically，freely，andfearlessly，preserveyouinthatChristianfirmnessuntilthedayofeternity。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。6。

HadtheReformation，afterattainingadegreeofsuccess，consentedtotemporizetosecurefavorwiththeworld，itwouldhavebeenuntruetoGodandtoitself，andwouldthushaveensureditsowndestruction。TheexperienceofthesenobleReformerscontainsalessonforallsucceedingages。Satan’smannerofworkingagainstGodandHiswordhasnotchanged；heisstillasmuchopposedtotheScripturesbeingmadetheguideoflifeasinthesixteenthcentury。Inourtimethereisawidedeparturefromtheirdoctrinesandprecepts，andthereisneedofareturntothegreatProtestant205

principle——theBible，andtheBibleonly，astheruleoffaithandduty。

Satanisstillworkingthrougheverymeanswhichhecancontroltodestroyreligiousliberty。TheantichristianpowerwhichtheprotestersofSpiresrejectedisnowwithrenewedvigorseekingtore-establishitslostsupremacy。ThesameunswervingadherencetothewordofGodmanifestedatthatcrisisoftheReformationistheonlyhopeofreformtoday。

ThereappearedtokensofdangertotheProtestants；thereweretokens，also，thatthedivinehandwasstretchedouttoprotectthefaithful。Itwasaboutthistimethat"MelanchthonhastilyconductedthroughthestreetsofSpirestowardtheRhinehisfriendSimonGrynaeus，pressinghimtocrosstheriver。

Thelatterwasastonishedatsuchprecipitation。’Anoldmanofgraveandsolemnair，butwhoisunknowntome，’saidMelanchthon，’appearedbeforemeandsaid，InaminuteofficersofjusticewillbesentbyFerdinandtoarrestGrynaeus。’"

Duringtheday，GrynaeushadbeenscandalizedatasermonbyFaber，aleadingpapaldoctor；andattheclose，remonstratedwithhimfordefending"certaindetestableerrors。""Faberdissembledhisanger，butimmediatelyafterrepairedtotheking，fromwhomhehadobtainedanorderagainsttheimportunateprofessorofHeidelberg。MelanchthondoubtednotthatGodhadsavedhisfriendbysendingoneofHisholyangelstoforewarnhim。

"MotionlessonthebanksoftheRhine，hewaiteduntilthewatersofthatstreamhadrescuedGrynaeusfromhispersecutors。’Atlast，’criedMelanchthon，ashesawhimontheoppositeside，’atlastheistornfromthecrueljawsofthosewhothirstforinnocentblood。’Whenhereturnedtohishouse，MelanchthonwasinformedthatofficersinsearchofGrynaeushadransackeditfromtoptobottom。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。6。

TheReformationwastobebroughtintogreaterprominencebeforethemightyonesoftheearth。TheevangelicalprinceshadbeendeniedahearingbyKingFerdinand；buttheyweretobegrantedanopportunitytopresenttheircause206

inthepresenceoftheemperorandtheassembleddignitariesofchurchandstate。Toquietthedissensionswhichdisturbedtheempire，CharlesV，intheyearfollowingtheProtestofSpires，convokedadietatAugsburg，overwhichheannouncedhisintentiontopresideinperson。ThithertheProtestantleadersweresummoned。

GreatdangersthreatenedtheReformation；butitsadvocatesstilltrustedtheircausewithGod，andpledgedthemselvestobefirmtothegospel。TheelectorofSaxonywasurgedbyhiscouncilorsnottoappearattheDiet。Theemperor，theysaid，requiredtheattendanceoftheprincesinordertodrawthemintoasnare。"Isitnotriskingeverythingtogoandshutoneselfupwithinthewallsofacitywithapowerfulenemy？"Butothersnoblydeclared，"Lettheprincesonlycomportthemselveswithcourage，andGod’scauseissaved。""Godisfaithful；Hewillnotabandonus，"saidLuther——Ibid。，b。14，ch。2。Theelectorsetout，withhisretinue，forAugsburg。Allwereacquaintedwiththedangersthatmenacedhim，andmanywentforwardwithgloomycountenanceandtroubledheart。ButLuther，whoaccompaniedthemasfarasCoburg，revivedtheirsinkingfaithbysingingthehymn，writtenonthatjourney，"AstrongtowerisourGod。"Manyananxiousforebodingwasbanished，manyaheavyheartlightened，atthesoundoftheinspiringstrains。

Thereformedprinceshaddetermineduponhavingastatementoftheirviewsinsystematicform，withtheevidencefromtheScriptures，topresentbeforetheDiet；andthetaskofitspreparationwascommittedtoLuther，Melanchthon，andtheirassociates。ThisConfessionwasacceptedbytheProtestantsasanexpositionoftheirfaith，andtheyassembledtoaffixtheirnamestotheimportantdocument。Itwasasolemnandtryingtime。TheReformersweresolicitousthattheircauseshouldnotbeconfoundedwithpoliticalquestions；theyfeltthattheReformationshouldexercisenootherinfluencethanthatwhichproceedsfromthewordofGod。

207

AstheChristianprincesadvancedtosigntheConfession，Melanchthoninterposed，saying:"Itisforthetheologiansandministerstoproposethesethings；letusreserveforothermatterstheauthorityofthemightyonesoftheearth。""Godforbid，"repliedJohnofSaxony，"thatyoushouldexcludeme。Iamresolvedtodowhatisright，withouttroublingmyselfaboutmycrown。IdesiretoconfesstheLord。MyelectoralhatandmyerminearenotsoprecioustomeasthecrossofJesusChrist。"Havingthusspoken，hewrotedownhisname。Saidanotheroftheprincesashetookthepen:"IfthehonorofmyLordJesusChristrequiresit，Iamready……toleavemygoodsandlifebehind。""Iwouldratherrenouncemysubjectsandmystates，ratherquitthecountryofmyfathersstaffinhand，"hecontinued，"thanreceiveanyotherdoctrinethanthatwhichiscontainedinthisConfession。"——

Ibid。，b。14，ch。6。SuchwasthefaithanddaringofthosemenofGod。

Theappointedtimecametoappearbeforetheemperor。CharlesV，seateduponhisthrone，surroundedbytheelectorsandtheprinces，gaveaudiencetotheProtestantReformers。Theconfessionoftheirfaithwasread。Inthataugustassemblythetruthsofthegospelwereclearlysetforth，andtheerrorsofthepapalchurchwerepointedout。Wellhasthatdaybeenpronounced"thegreatestdayoftheReformation，andoneofthemostgloriousinthehistoryofChristianityandofmankind。"——Ibid。，b。14，ch。7。

ButafewyearshadpassedsincethemonkofWittenbergstoodaloneatWormsbeforethenationalcouncil。Nowinhissteadwerethenoblestandmostpowerfulprincesoftheempire。LutherhadbeenforbiddentoappearatAugsburg，buthehadbeenpresentbyhiswordsandprayers。"Iamoverjoyed，"hewrote，"thatIhaveliveduntilthishour，inwhichChristhasbeenpubliclyexaltedbysuchillustriousconfessors，andinsogloriousanassembly。"——Ibid。，b。14，ch。

7。ThuswasfulfilledwhattheScripturesays:"IwillspeakofThytestimonies……beforekings。"Psalm119:46。

208

InthedaysofPaulthegospelforwhichhewasimprisonedwasthusbroughtbeforetheprincesandnoblesoftheimperialcity。Soonthisoccasion，thatwhichtheemperorhadforbiddentobepreachedfromthepulpitwasproclaimedfromthepalace；whatmanyhadregardedasunfitevenforservantstolistentowasheardwithwonderbythemastersandlordsoftheempire。Kingsandgreatmenweretheauditory，crownedprinceswerethepreachers，andthesermonwastheroyaltruthofGod。"Sincetheapostolicage，"saysawriter，"therehasneverbeenagreaterworkoramoremagnificentconfession。"——D’Aubigne，b。14，ch。7。

"AllthattheLutheranshavesaidistrue；wecannotdenyit，"declaredapapistbishop。"CanyourefutebysoundreasonstheConfessionmadebytheelectorandhisallies？"askedanotherofDr。Eck。"Withthewritingsoftheapostlesandprophets——no！"wasthereply；"butwiththoseoftheFathersandofthecouncils——yes！""Iunderstand，"respondedthequestioner。"TheLutherans，accordingtoyou，areinScripture，andweareoutside。"——Ibid。，b。14，ch。8。

SomeoftheprincesofGermanywerewontothereformedfaith。TheemperorhimselfdeclaredthattheProtestantarticleswerebutthetruth。TheConfessionwastranslatedintomanylanguagesandcirculatedthroughallEurope，andithasbeenacceptedbymillionsinsucceedinggenerationsastheexpressionoftheirfaith。

God’sfaithfulservantswerenottoilingalone。Whileprincipalitiesandpowersandwickedspiritsinhighplaceswereleaguedagainstthem，theLorddidnotforsakeHispeople。Couldtheireyeshavebeenopened，theywouldhaveseenasmarkedevidenceofdivinepresenceandaidaswasgrantedtoaprophetofold。WhenElisha’sservantpointedhismastertothehostilearmysurroundingthemandcuttingoffallopportunityforescape，theprophetprayed:"Lord，IprayThee，openhiseyes，thathemaysee。"2Kings6:17。

And，lo，themountainwasfilledwithchariotsandhorsesoffire，thearmyofheavenstationedtoprotectthemanofGod。ThusdidangelsguardtheworkersinthecauseoftheReformation。

209

OneoftheprinciplesmostfirmlymaintainedbyLutherwasthatthereshouldbenoresorttosecularpowerinsupportoftheReformation，andnoappealtoarmsforitsdefense。Herejoicedthatthegospelwasconfessedbyprincesoftheempire；butwhentheyproposedtouniteinadefensiveleague，hedeclaredthat"thedoctrineofthegospelshouldbedefendedbyGodalone……Thelessmanmeddledinthework，themorestrikingwouldbeGod’sinterventioninitsbehalf。Allthepoliticprecautionssuggestedwere，inhisview，attributabletounworthyfearandsinfulmistrust。"——

D’Aubigne，Londoned。，b。10，ch。14。

Whenpowerfulfoeswereunitingtooverthrowthereformedfaith，andthousandsofswordsseemedabouttobeunsheathedagainstit，Lutherwrote:

"Satanisputtingforthhisfury；ungodlypontiffsareconspiring；andwearethreatenedwithwar。ExhortthepeopletocontendvaliantlybeforethethroneoftheLord，byfaithandprayer，sothatourenemies，vanquishedbytheSpiritofGod，maybeconstrainedtopeace。Ourchiefwant，ourchieflabor，isprayer；letthepeopleknowthattheyarenowexposedtotheedgeoftheswordandtotherageofSatan，andletthempray。"——D’Aubigne，b。

10，ch。14。

Again，atalaterdate，referringtotheleaguecontemplatedbythereformedprinces，Lutherdeclaredthattheonlyweaponemployedinthiswarfareshouldbe"theswordoftheSpirit。"HewrotetotheelectorofSaxony:"Wecannotonourconscienceapprovetheproposedalliance。Wewouldratherdietentimesthanseeourgospelcauseonedropofbloodtobeshed。Ourpartistobelikelambsoftheslaughter。ThecrossofChristmustbeborne。Letyourhighnessbewithoutfear。Weshalldomorebyourprayersthanallourenemiesbytheirboastings。Onlyletnotyourhandsbestainedwiththebloodofyourbrethren。Iftheemperorrequiresustobegivenuptohistribunals，wearereadytoappear。Youcannotdefendourfaith:eachoneshouldbelieveathisownriskandperil。"——Ibid。，b。14，ch。1。

210

FromthesecretplaceofprayercamethepowerthatshooktheworldintheGreatReformation。There，withholycalmness，theservantsoftheLordsettheirfeetupontherockofHispromises。DuringthestruggleatAugsburg，Luther"didnotpassadaywithoutdevotingthreehoursatleasttoprayer，andtheywerehoursselectedfromthosethemostfavorabletostudy。"IntheprivacyofhischamberhewasheardtopourouthissoulbeforeGodinwords"fullofadoration，fear，andhope，aswhenonespeakstoafriend。""IknowthatThouartourFatherandourGod，"hesaid，"andthatThouwiltscatterthepersecutorsofThychildren；forThouartThyselfendangeredwithus。

AllthismatterisThine，anditisonlybyThyconstraintthatwehaveputourhandstoit。Defendus，then，OFather！"——Ibid。，b。14，ch。6。

ToMelanchthon，whowascrushedundertheburdenofanxietyandfear，hewrote:"GraceandpeaceinChrist——inChrist，Isay，andnotintheworld。

Amen。Ihatewithexceedinghatredthoseextremecareswhichconsumeyou。Ifthecauseisunjust，abandonit；ifthecauseisjust，whyshouldwebeliethepromisesofHimwhocommandsustosleepwithoutfear？……Christwillnotbewantingtotheworkofjusticeandtruth。Helives，Hereigns；whatfear，then，canwehave？"——Ibid。，b。14，ch。6。

GoddidlistentothecriesofHisservants。Hegavetoprincesandministersgraceandcouragetomaintainthetruthagainsttherulersofthedarknessofthisworld。SaiththeLord:"Behold，IlayinZionachiefcornerstone，elect，precious:andhethatbelievethonHimshallnotbeconfounded。"1Peter2:6。TheProtestantReformershadbuiltonChrist，andthegatesofhellcouldnotprevailagainstthem。

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Chapter12

TheFrenchReformationTheProtestofSpiresandtheConfessionatAugsburg，whichmarkedthetriumphoftheReformationinGermany，werefollowedbyyearsofconflictanddarkness。Weakenedbydivisionsamongitssupporters，andassailedbypowerfulfoes，Protestantismseemeddestinedtobeutterlydestroyed。

Thousandssealedtheirtestimonywiththeirblood。Civilwarbrokeout；theProtestantcausewasbetrayedbyoneofitsleadingadherents；thenoblestofthereformedprincesfellintothehandsoftheemperorandweredraggedascaptivesfromtowntotown。Butinthemomentofhisapparenttriumph，theemperorwassmittenwithdefeat。Hesawthepreywrestedfromhisgrasp，andhewasforcedatlasttogranttolerationtothedoctrineswhichithadbeentheambitionofhislifetodestroy。Hehadstakedhiskingdom，histreasures，andlifeitselfuponthecrushingoutoftheheresy。Nowhesawhisarmieswastedbybattle，histreasuriesdrained，hismanykingdomsthreatenedbyrevolt，whileeverywherethefaithwhichhehadvainlyendeavoredtosuppress，wasextending。CharlesVhadbeenbattlingagainstomnipotentpower。Godhadsaid，"Lettherebelight，"buttheemperorhadsoughttokeepthedarknessunbroken。Hispurposeshadfailed；andinprematureoldage，wornoutwiththelongstruggle，heabdicatedthethroneandburiedhimselfinacloister。

InSwitzerland，asinGermany，therecamedarkdaysfortheReformation。

Whilemanycantonsacceptedthereformed212

faith，othersclungwithblindpersistencetothecreedofRome。Theirpersecutionofthosewhodesiredtoreceivethetruthfinallygaverisetocivilwar。ZwingliandmanywhohadunitedwithhiminreformfellonthebloodyfieldofCappel。Oecolampadius，overcomebytheseterribledisasters，soonafterdied。Romewastriumphant，andinmanyplacesseemedabouttorecoverallthatshehadlost。ButHewhosecounselsarefromeverlastinghadnotforsakenHiscauseorHispeople。Hishandwouldbringdeliveranceforthem。InotherlandsHehadraiseduplaborerstocarryforwardthereform。

InFrance，beforethenameofLutherhadbeenheardasaReformer，thedayhadalreadybeguntobreak。OneofthefirsttocatchthelightwastheagedLefevre，amanofextensivelearning，aprofessorintheUniversityofParis，andasincereandzealouspapist。InhisresearchesintoancientliteraturehisattentionwasdirectedtotheBible，andheintroduceditsstudyamonghisstudents。

Lefevrewasanenthusiasticadorerofthesaints，andhehadundertakentoprepareahistoryofthesaintsandmartyrsasgiveninthelegendsofthechurch。Thiswasaworkwhichinvolvedgreatlabor；buthehadalreadymadeconsiderableprogressinit，when，thinkingthathemightobtainusefulassistancefromtheBible，hebeganitsstudywiththisobject。Hereindeedhefoundsaintsbroughttoview，butnotsuchasfiguredintheRomancalendar。Afloodofdivinelightbrokeinuponhismind。Inamazementanddisgustheturnedawayfromhisself-appointedtaskanddevotedhimselftothewordofGod。Theprecioustruthswhichhetherediscoveredhesoonbegantoteach。

In1512，beforeeitherLutherorZwinglihadbeguntheworkofreform，Lefevrewrote:"ItisGodwhogivesus，byfaith，thatrighteousnesswhichbygracealonejustifiestoeternallife。"——Wylie，b。13，ch。1。Dwellinguponthemysteriesofredemption，heexclaimed:"Oh，theunspeakablegreatnessofthatexchange，——theSinlessOneiscondemned，213

andhewhoisguiltygoesfree；theBlessingbearsthecurse，andthecursedisbroughtintoblessing；theLifedies，andthedeadlive；theGloryiswhelmedindarkness，andhewhoknewnothingbutconfusionoffaceisclothedwithglory。"——D’Aubigne，Londoned。，b。12，ch。2。

AndwhileteachingthatthegloryofsalvationbelongssolelytoGod，healsodeclaredthatthedutyofobediencebelongstoman。"IfthouartamemberofChrist’schurch，"hesaid，"thouartamemberofHisbody；ifthouartofHisbody，thenthouartfullofthedivinenature……Oh，ifmencouldbutenterintotheunderstandingofthisprivilege，howpurely，chastely，andholilywouldtheylive，andhowcontemptible，whencomparedwiththeglorywithinthem，——thatglorywhichtheeyeoffleshcannotsee，——wouldtheydeemallthegloryofthisworld。"——Ibid。，b。12，ch。2。

ThereweresomeamongLefevre’sstudentswholistenedeagerlytohiswords，andwho，longaftertheteacher’svoiceshouldbesilenced，weretocontinuetodeclarethetruth。SuchwasWilliamFarel。Thesonofpiousparents，andeducatedtoacceptwithimplicitfaiththeteachingsofthechurch，hemight，withtheapostlePaul，havedeclaredconcerninghimself:"AfterthemoststraitestsectofourreligionIlivedaPharisee。"Acts26:5。A

devotedRomanist，heburnedwithzealtodestroyallwhoshoulddaretoopposethechurch。"Iwouldgnashmyteethlikeafuriouswolf，"heafterwardsaid，referringtothisperiodofhislife，"whenIheardanyonespeakingagainstthepope。"——Wylie，b。13，ch。

2。Hehadbeenuntiringinhisadorationofthesaints，incompanywithLefevremakingtheroundofthechurchesofParis，worshippingatthealtars，andadorningwithgiftstheholyshrines。Buttheseobservancescouldnotbringpeaceofsoul。Convictionofsinfasteneduponhim，whichalltheactsofpenancethathepracticedfailedtobanish。AstoavoicefromheavenhelistenedtotheReformer’swords:"Salvationisofgrace。""TheInnocentOneiscondemned，andthecriminalisacquitted。""ItisthecrossofChristalonethat214

openeththegatesofheaven，andshutteththegatesofhell。"——Ibid。，b。

13，ch。2。

Fareljoyfullyacceptedthetruth。ByaconversionlikethatofPaulheturnedfromthebondageoftraditiontothelibertyofthesonsofGod。

"Insteadofthemurderousheartofaraveningwolf，"hecameback，hesays，"quietlylikeameekandharmlesslamb，havinghisheartentirelywithdrawnfromthepope，andgiventoJesusChrist。"——D’Aubigne，b。12，ch。3。

WhileLefevrecontinuedtospreadthelightamonghisstudents，Farel，aszealousinthecauseofChristashehadbeeninthatofthepope，wentforthtodeclarethetruthinpublic。Adignitaryofthechurch，thebishopofMeaux，soonafterunitedwiththem。Otherteacherswhorankedhighfortheirabilityandlearningjoinedinproclaimingthegospel，anditwonadherentsamongallclasses，fromthehomesofartisansandpeasantstothepalaceoftheking。ThesisterofFrancisI，thenthereigningmonarch，acceptedthereformedfaith。Thekinghimself，andthequeenmother，appearedforatimetoregarditwithfavor，andwithhighhopestheReformerslookedforwardtothetimewhenFranceshouldbewontothegospel。

Buttheirhopeswerenottoberealized。TrialandpersecutionawaitedthedisciplesofChrist。This，however，wasmercifullyveiledfromtheireyes。A

timeofpeaceintervened，thattheymightgainstrengthtomeetthetempest；

andtheReformationmaderapidprogress。ThebishopofMeauxlaboredzealouslyinhisowndiocesetoinstructboththeclergyandthepeople。

Ignorantandimmoralpriestswereremoved，and，sofaraspossible，replacedbymenoflearningandpiety。ThebishopgreatlydesiredthathispeoplemighthaveaccesstothewordofGodforthemselves，andthiswassoonaccomplished。LefevreundertookthetranslationoftheNewTestament；andattheverytimewhenLuther’sGermanBiblewasissuingfromthepressinWittenberg，theFrenchNewTestamentwaspublishedatMeaux。Thebishopsparednolabororexpensetocirculateitinhisparishes，andsoonthe215

peasantsofMeauxwereinpossessionoftheHolyScriptures。

Astravelersperishingfromthirstwelcomewithjoyalivingwaterspring，sodidthesesoulsreceivethemessageofheaven。Thelaborersinthefield，theartisansintheworkshop，cheeredtheirdailytoilbytalkingoftheprecioustruthsoftheBible。Atevening，insteadofresortingtothewine-shops，theyassembledinoneanother’shomestoreadGod’swordandjoininprayerandpraise。Agreatchangewassoonmanifestinthesecommunities。Thoughbelongingtothehumblestclass，anunlearnedandhard-workingpeasantry，thereforming，upliftingpowerofdivinegracewasseenintheirlives。Humble，loving，andholy，theystoodaswitnessestowhatthegospelwillaccomplishforthosewhoreceiveitinsincerity。

ThelightkindledatMeauxsheditsbeamsafar。Everydaythenumberofconvertswasincreasing。Therageofthehierarchywasforatimeheldincheckbytheking，whodespisedthenarrowbigotryofthemonks；butthepapalleadersfinallyprevailed。Nowthestakewassetup。ThebishopofMeaux，forcedtochoosebetweenthefireandrecantation，acceptedtheeasierpath；butnotwithstandingtheleader’sfall，hisflockremainedsteadfast。Manywitnessedforthetruthamidtheflames。Bytheircourageandfidelityatthestake，thesehumbleChristiansspoketothousandswhoindaysofpeacehadneverheardtheirtestimony。

ItwasnotalonethehumbleandthepoorthatamidsufferingandscorndaredtobearwitnessforChrist。Inthelordlyhallsofthecastleandthepalacetherewerekinglysoulsbywhomtruthwasvaluedabovewealthorrankorevenlife。Kinglyarmorconcealedaloftierandmoresteadfastspiritthandidthebishop’srobeandmiter。LouisdeBerquinwasofnoblebirth。A

braveandcourtlyknight，hewasdevotedtostudy，polishedinmanners，andofblamelessmorals。"Hewas，"saysawriter，"agreatfollowerofthepapisticalconstitutions，andagreathearerofmassesandsermons；……

andhecrownedallhisothervirtuesbyholdingLutheranismin216

specialabhorrence。"But，likesomanyothers，providentiallyguidedtotheBible，hewasamazedtofindthere，"notthedoctrinesofRome，butthedoctrinesofLuther。"——Wylie，b。13，ch。9。Henceforthhegavehimselfwithentiredevotiontothecauseofthegospel。

"ThemostlearnedofthenoblesofFrance，"hisgeniusandeloquence，hisindomitablecourageandheroiczeal，andhisinfluenceatcourt，——forhewasafavoritewiththeking，——causedhimtoberegardedbymanyasonedestinedtobetheReformerofhiscountry。SaidBeza:"BerquinwouldhavebeenasecondLuther，hadhefoundinFrancisIasecondelector。""HeisworsethanLuther，"criedthepapists——Ibid。，b。13，ch。9。MoredreadedhewasindeedbytheRomanistsofFrance。Theythrusthimintoprisonasaheretic，buthewassetatlibertybytheking。Foryearsthestrugglecontinued。Francis，waveringbetweenRomeandtheReformation，alternatelytoleratedandrestrainedthefiercezealofthemonks。Berquinwasthreetimesimprisonedbythepapalauthorities，onlytobereleasedbythemonarch，who，inadmirationofhisgeniusandhisnobilityofcharacter，refusedtosacrificehimtothemaliceofthehierarchy。

BerquinwasrepeatedlywarnedofthedangerthatthreatenedhiminFrance，andurgedtofollowthestepsofthosewhohadfoundsafetyinvoluntaryexile。Thetimidandtime-servingErasmus，whowithallthesplendorofhisscholarshipfailedofthatmoralgreatnesswhichholdslifeandhonorsubservienttotruth，wrotetoBerquin:"Asktobesentasambassadortosomeforeigncountry；goandtravelinGermany。YouknowBedaandsuchashe——heisathousand-headedmonster，dartingvenomoneveryside。Yourenemiesarenamedlegion。WereyourcausebetterthanthatofJesusChrist，theywillnotletyougotilltheyhavemiserablydestroyedyou。Donottrusttoomuchtotheking’sprotection。Atallevents，donotcompromisemewiththefacultyoftheology。"——Ibid。，b。13，ch。9。

Butasdangersthickened，Berquin’szealonlywaxedthestronger。Sofarfromadoptingthepoliticandself-serving217

counselofErasmus，hedetermineduponstillboldermeasures。Hewouldnotonlystandindefenseofthetruth，buthewouldattackerror。ThechargeofheresywhichtheRomanistswereseekingtofastenuponhim，hewouldrivetuponthem。ThemostactiveandbitterofhisopponentswerethelearneddoctorsandmonksofthetheologicaldepartmentinthegreatUniversityofParis，oneofthehighestecclesiasticalauthoritiesbothinthecityandthenation。Fromthewritingsofthesedoctors，Berquindrewtwelvepropositionswhichhepubliclydeclaredtobe"opposedtotheBible，andheretical；"andheappealedtothekingtoactasjudgeinthecontroversy。

Themonarch，notloathtobringintocontrastthepowerandacutenessoftheopposingchampions，andgladofanopportunityofhumblingtheprideofthesehaughtymonks，badetheRomanistsdefendtheircausebytheBible。

Thisweapon，theywellknew，wouldavailthemlittle；imprisonment，torture，andthestakewerearmswhichtheybetterunderstoodhowtowield。Nowthetableswereturned，andtheysawthemselvesabouttofallintothepitintowhichtheyhadhopedtoplungeBerquin。Inamazementtheylookedaboutthemforsomewayofescape。

"JustatthattimeanimageoftheVirginatthecornerofoneofthestreets，wasmutilated。"Therewasgreatexcitementinthecity。Crowdsofpeopleflockedtotheplace，withexpressionsofmourningandindignation。

Thekingalsowasdeeplymoved。Herewasanadvantagewhichthemonkscouldturntogoodaccount，andtheywerequicktoimproveit。"ThesearethefruitsofthedoctrinesofBerquin，"theycried。"Allisabouttobeoverthrown——religion，thelaws，thethroneitself——bythisLutheranconspiracy。"——Ibid。，b。

13，ch。9。

AgainBerquinwasapprehended。ThekingwithdrewfromParis，andthemonkswerethusleftfreetoworktheirwill。TheReformerwastriedandcondemnedtodie，andlestFrancisshouldevenyetinterposetosavehim，thesentencewasexecutedontheverydayitwaspronounced。Atnoon218

Berquinwasconductedtotheplaceofdeath。Animmensethronggatheredtowitnesstheevent，andthereweremanywhosawwithastonishmentandmisgivingthatthevictimhadbeenchosenfromthebestandbravestofthenoblefamiliesofFrance。Amazement，indignation，scorn，andbitterhatreddarkenedthefacesofthatsurgingcrowd；butupononefacenoshadowrested。Themartyr’sthoughtswerefarfromthatsceneoftumult；hewasconsciousonlyofthepresenceofhisLord。

Thewretchedtumbreluponwhichherode，thefrowningfacesofhispersecutors，thedreadfuldeathtowhichhewasgoing——theseheheedednot；

Hewholivethandwasdead，andisaliveforevermore，andhaththekeysofdeathandofhell，wasbesidehim。Berquin’scountenancewasradiantwiththelightandpeaceofheaven。Hehadattiredhimselfingoodlyraiment，wearing"acloakofvelvet，adoubletofsatinanddamask，andgoldenhose。"——D’Aubigne，HistoryoftheReformationinEuropeintheTimeofCalvin，b。2，ch。16。HewasabouttotestifytohisfaithinthepresenceoftheKingofkingsandthewitnessinguniverse，andnotokenofmourningshouldbeliehisjoy。

Astheprocessionmovedslowlythroughthecrowdedstreets，thepeoplemarkedwithwondertheuncloudedpeace，andjoyoustriumph，ofhislookandbearing。"Heis，"theysaid，"likeonewhositsinatemple，andmeditatesonholythings。"——Wylie，b。13，ch。9。

Atthestake，Berquinendeavoredtoaddressafewwordstothepeople；butthemonks，fearingtheresult，begantoshout，andthesoldierstoclashtheirarms，andtheirclamordrownedthemartyr’svoice。Thusin1529thehighestliteraryandecclesiasticalauthorityofculturedParis"setthepopulaceof1793thebaseexampleofstiflingonthescaffoldthesacredwordsofthedying。"——Ibid。，b，13，ch。9。

Berquinwasstrangled，andhisbodywasconsumedintheflames。ThetidingsofhisdeathcausedsorrowtothefriendsoftheReformationthroughoutFrance。Buthisexamplewas219

notlost。"We，too，areready，"saidthewitnessesforthetruth，"tomeetdeathcheerfully，settingoureyesonthelifethatistocome。"——D’Aubigne，HistoryoftheReformationinEuropeintheTimeofCalvin，b。2，ch。16。

DuringthepersecutionofMeaux，theteachersofthereformedfaithweredeprivedoftheirlicensetopreach，andtheydepartedtootherfields。

LefevreafteratimemadehiswaytoGermany。FarelreturnedtohisnativetownineasternFrance，tospreadthelightinthehomeofhischildhood。

AlreadytidingshadbeenreceivedofwhatwasgoingonatMeaux，andthetruth，whichhetaughtwithfearlesszeal，foundlisteners。Soontheauthoritieswererousedtosilencehim，andhewasbanishedfromthecity。

Thoughhecouldnolongerlaborpublicly，hetraversedtheplainsandvillages，teachinginprivatedwellingsandinsecludedmeadows，andfindingshelterintheforestsandamongtherockycavernswhichhadbeenhishauntsinboyhood。Godwaspreparinghimforgreatertrials。"Thecrosses，persecutions，andmachinationsofSatan，ofwhichIwasforewarned，havenotbeenwanting，"hesaid；"theyareevenmuchsevererthanIcouldhaveborneofmyself；butGodismyFather；HehasprovidedandalwayswillprovidemethestrengthwhichIrequire。"——D’Aubigne，HistoryoftheReformationoftheSixteenthCentury，b。12，ch。9。

Asinapostolicdays，persecutionhad"fallenoutratheruntothefurtheranceofthegospel。"Philippians1:12。DrivenfromParisandMeaux，"theythatwerescatteredabroadwenteverywherepreachingtheword。"Acts8:4。AndthusthelightfounditswayintomanyoftheremoteprovincesofFrance。

GodwasstillpreparingworkerstoextendHiscause。InoneoftheschoolsofPariswasathoughtful，quietyouth，alreadygivingevidenceofapowerfulandpenetratingmind，andnolessmarkedfortheblamelessnessofhislifethanforintellectualardorandreligiousdevotion。Hisgeniusandapplicationsoonmadehimtheprideofthecollege，anditwasconfidentlyanticipatedthatJohnCalvinwouldbecome220

oneoftheablestandmosthonoreddefendersofthechurch。ButarayofdivinelightpenetratedevenwithinthewallsofscholasticismandsuperstitionbywhichCalvinwasenclosed。Heheardofthenewdoctrineswithashudder，nothingdoubtingthatthehereticsdeservedthefiretowhichtheyweregiven。YetallunwittinglyhewasbroughtfacetofacewiththeheresyandforcedtotestthepowerofRomishtheologytocombattheProtestantteaching。

AcousinofCalvin’s，whohadjoinedtheReformers，wasinParis。ThetwokinsmenoftenmetanddiscussedtogetherthemattersthatweredisturbingChristendom。"Therearebuttworeligionsintheworld，"saidOlivetan，theProtestant。"Theoneclassofreligionsarethosewhichmenhaveinvented，inallofwhichmansaveshimselfbyceremoniesandgoodworks；theotheristhatonereligionwhichisrevealedintheBible，andwhichteachesmantolookforsalvationsolelyfromthefreegraceofGod。"

"Iwillhavenoneofyournewdoctrines，"exclaimedCalvin；"thinkyouthatIhavelivedinerrorallmydays？"——Wylie，b。13，ch。7。

Butthoughtshadbeenawakenedinhismindwhichhecouldnotbanishatwill。Aloneinhischamberhepondereduponhiscousin’swords。Convictionofsinfasteneduponhim；hesawhimself，withoutanintercessor，inthepresenceofaholyandjustJudge。Themediationofsaints，goodworks，theceremoniesofthechurch，allwerepowerlesstoatoneforsin。Hecouldseebeforehimnothingbuttheblacknessofeternaldespair。Invainthedoctorsofthechurchendeavoredtorelievehiswoe。Confession，penance，wereresortedtoinvain；theycouldnotreconcilethesoulwithGod。

Whilestillengagedinthesefruitlessstruggles，Calvin，chancingonedaytovisitoneofthepublicsquares，witnessedtheretheburningofaheretic。Hewasfilledwithwonderattheexpressionofpeacewhichresteduponthemartyr’scountenance。Amidthetorturesofthatdreadfuldeath，andunderthemoreterriblecondemnationofthechurch，he221

manifestedafaithandcouragewhichtheyoungstudentpainfullycontrastedwithhisowndespairanddarkness，whilelivinginstrictestobediencetothechurch。UpontheBible，heknew，thehereticsrestedtheirfaith。Hedeterminedtostudyit，anddiscover，ifhecould，thesecretoftheirjoy。

IntheBiblehefoundChrist。"OFather，"hecried，"HissacrificehasappeasedThywrath；Hisbloodhaswashedawaymyimpurities；Hiscrosshasbornemycurse；Hisdeathhasatonedforme。Wehaddevisedforourselvesmanyuselessfollies，butThouhastplacedThywordbeforemelikeatorch，andThouhasttouchedmyheart，inorderthatImayholdinabominationallothermeritssavethoseofJesus。"——Martyn，vol。3，ch。13。

Calvinhadbeeneducatedforthepriesthood。Whenonlytwelveyearsofagehehadbeenappointedtothechaplaincyofasmallchurch，andhisheadhadbeenshornbythebishopinaccordancewiththecanonofthechurch。Hedidnotreceiveconsecration，nordidhefulfillthedutiesofapriest，buthebecameamemberoftheclergy，holdingthetitleofhisoffice，andreceivinganallowanceinconsiderationthereof。

Now，feelingthathecouldneverbecomeapriest，heturnedforatimetothestudyoflaw，butfinallyabandonedthispurposeanddeterminedtodevotehislifetothegospel。Buthehesitatedtobecomeapublicteacher。

Hewasnaturallytimid，andwasburdenedwithasenseoftheweightyresponsibilityoftheposition，andhedesiredstilltodevotehimselftostudy。Theearnestentreatiesofhisfriends，however，atlastwonhisconsent。"Wonderfulitis，"hesaid，"thatoneofsolowlyanoriginshouldbeexaltedtosogreatadignity。"——Wylie，b。13，ch。9。

QuietlydidCalvinenteruponhiswork，andhiswordswereasthedewfallingtorefreshtheearth。HehadleftParis，andwasnowinaprovincialtownundertheprotectionoftheprincessMargaret，who，lovingthegospel，extendedherprotectiontoitsdisciples。Calvinwasstillayouth，of222

gentle，unpretentiousbearing。Hisworkbeganwiththepeopleattheirhomes。Surroundedbythemembersofthehousehold，hereadtheBibleandopenedthetruthsofsalvation。Thosewhoheardthemessagecarriedthegoodnewstoothers，andsoontheteacherpassedbeyondthecitytotheoutlyingtownsandhamlets。Toboththecastleandthecabinhefoundentrance，andhewentforward，layingthefoundationofchurchesthatweretoyieldfearlesswitnessesforthetruth。

AfewmonthsandhewasagaininParis。Therewasunwontedagitationinthecircleoflearnedmenandscholars。ThestudyoftheancientlanguageshadledmentotheBible，andmanywhoseheartswereuntouchedbyitstruthswereeagerlydiscussingthemandevengivingbattletothechampionsofRomanism。Calvin，thoughanablecombatantinthefieldsoftheologicalcontroversy，hadahighermissiontoaccomplishthanthatofthesenoisyschoolmen。Themindsofmenwerestirred，andnowwasthetimetoopentothemthetruth。Whilethehallsoftheuniversitieswerefilledwiththeclamoroftheologicaldisputation，Calvinwasmakinghiswayfromhousetohouse，openingtheBibletothepeople，andspeakingtothemofChristandHimcrucified。

InGod’sprovidence，Pariswastoreceiveanotherinvitationtoacceptthegospel。ThecallofLefevreandFarelhadbeenrejected，butagainthemessagewastobeheardbyallclassesinthatgreatcapital。Theking，influencedbypoliticalconsiderations，hadnotyetfullysidedwithRomeagainsttheReformation。MargaretstillclungtothehopethatProtestantismwastotriumphinFrance。SheresolvedthatthereformedfaithshouldbepreachedinParis。Duringtheabsenceoftheking，sheorderedaProtestantministertopreachinthechurchesofthecity。Thisbeingforbiddenbythepapaldignitaries，theprincessthrewopenthepalace。Anapartmentwasfittedupasachapel，anditwasannouncedthateveryday，ataspecifiedhour，asermonwouldbepreached，andthepeopleofeveryrankandstationwereinvitedtoattend。

223

Crowdsflockedtotheservice。Notonlythechapel，buttheantechambersandhallswerethronged。Thousandseverydayassembled——nobles，statesmen，lawyers，merchants，andartisans。Theking，insteadofforbiddingtheassemblies，orderedthattwoofthechurchesofParisshouldbeopened。

NeverbeforehadthecitybeensomovedbythewordofGod。Thespiritoflifefromheavenseemedtobebreatheduponthepeople。Temperance，purity，order，andindustryweretakingtheplaceofdrunkenness，licentiousness，strife，andidleness。

Butthehierarchywerenotidle。Thekingstillrefusedtointerferetostopthepreaching，andtheyturnedtothepopulace。Nomeansweresparedtoexcitethefears，theprejudices，andthefanaticismoftheignorantandsuperstitiousmultitude。Yieldingblindlytoherfalseteachers，Paris，likeJerusalemofold，knewnotthetimeofhervisitationnorthethingswhichbelongeduntoherpeace。FortwoyearsthewordofGodwaspreachedinthecapital；but，whilethereweremanywhoacceptedthegospel，themajorityofthepeoplerejectedit。Francishadmadeashowoftoleration，merelytoservehisownpurposes，andthepapistssucceededinregainingtheascendancy。Againthechurcheswereclosed，andthestakewassetup。

CalvinwasstillinParis，preparinghimselfbystudy，meditation，andprayerforhisfuturelabors，andcontinuingtospreadthelight。Atlast，however，suspicionfasteneduponhim。Theauthoritiesdeterminedtobringhimtotheflames。Regardinghimselfassecureinhisseclusion，hehadnothoughtofdanger，whenfriendscamehurryingtohisroomwiththenewsthatofficerswereontheirwaytoarresthim。Atthatinstantaloudknockingwasheardattheouterentrance。Therewasnotamomenttobelost。Someofhisfriendsdetainedtheofficersatthedoor，whileothersassistedtheReformertolethimselfdownfromawindow，andherapidlymadehiswaytotheoutskirtsofthecity。Findingshelterinthecottageofalaborerwhowasafriendtothereform，hedisguisedhimselfinthegarmentsofhishost，and，224

shoulderingahoe，startedonhisjourney。Travelingsouthward，heagainfoundrefugeinthedominionsofMargaret。(SeeD’Aubigne，HistoryoftheReformationinEuropeintheTimeofCalvin，b。2，ch。30。)

Hereforafewmonthsheremained，safeundertheprotectionofpowerfulfriends，andengagedasbeforeinstudy。ButhisheartwassetupontheevangelizationofFrance，andhecouldnotlongremaininactive。Assoonasthestormhadsomewhatabated，hesoughtanewfieldoflaborinPoitiers，wherewasauniversity，andwherealreadythenewopinionshadfoundfavor。

Personsofallclassesgladlylistenedtothegospel。Therewasnopublicpreaching，butinthehomeofthechiefmagistrate，inhisownlodgings，andsometimesinapublicgarden，Calvinopenedthewordsofeternallifetothosewhodesiredtolisten。Afteratime，asthenumberofhearersincreased，itwasthoughtsafertoassembleoutsidethecity。Acaveinthesideofadeepandnarrowgorge，wheretreesandoverhangingrocksmadetheseclusionstillmorecomplete，waschosenastheplaceofmeeting。Littlecompanies，leavingthecitybydifferentroutes，foundtheirwayhither。InthisretiredspottheBiblewasreadaloudandexplained。HeretheLord’sSupperwascelebratedforthefirsttimebytheProtestantsofFrance。Fromthislittlechurchseveralfaithfulevangelistsweresentout。

OncemoreCalvinreturnedtoParis。HecouldnotevenyetrelinquishthehopethatFranceasanationwouldaccepttheReformation。Buthefoundalmosteverydooroflaborclosed。Toteachthegospelwastotakethedirectroadtothestake，andheatlastdeterminedtodeparttoGermany。

ScarcelyhadheleftFrancewhenastormburstovertheProtestants，that，hadheremained，mustsurelyhaveinvolvedhiminthegeneralruin。

TheFrenchReformers，eagertoseetheircountrykeepingpacewithGermanyandSwitzerland，determinedtostrikeaboldblowagainstthesuperstitionsofRome，thatshouldarousethewholenation。Accordinglyplacardsattackingthe225

masswereinonenightpostedalloverFrance。Insteadofadvancingthereform，thiszealousbutill-judgedmovementbroughtruin，notonlyuponitspropagators，butuponthefriendsofthereformedfaiththroughoutFrance。

ItgavetheRomanistswhattheyhadlongdesired——apretextfordemandingtheutterdestructionofthehereticsasagitatorsdangeroustothestabilityofthethroneandthepeaceofthenation。

Bysomesecrethand——whetherofindiscreetfriendorwilyfoewasneverknown——oneoftheplacardswasattachedtothedooroftheking’sprivatechamber。Themonarchwasfilledwithhorror。Inthispaper，superstitionsthathadreceivedthevenerationofageswereattackedwithanunsparinghand。Andtheunexampledboldnessofobtrudingtheseplainandstartlingutterancesintotheroyalpresencearousedthewrathoftheking。Inhisamazementhestoodforalittletimetremblingandspeechless。Thenhisragefoundutteranceintheterriblewords:"LetallbeseizedwithoutdistinctionwhoaresuspectedofLutheresy。Iwillexterminatethemall——Ibid。，b。4，ch。10。Thediewascast。ThekinghaddeterminedtothrowhimselffullyonthesideofRome。

MeasureswereatoncetakenforthearrestofeveryLutheraninParis。A

poorartisan，anadherentofthereformedfaith，whohadbeenaccustomedtosummonthebelieverstotheirsecretassemblies，wasseizedand，withthethreatofinstantdeathatthestake，wascommandedtoconductthepapalemissarytothehomeofeveryProtestantinthecity。Heshrankinhorrorfromthebaseproposal，butatlastfearoftheflamesprevailed，andheconsentedtobecomethebetrayerofhisbrethren。Precededbythehost，andsurroundedbyatrainofpriests，incensebearers，monks，andsoldiers，Morin，theroyaldetective，withthetraitor，slowlyandsilentlypassedthroughthestreetsofthecity。Thedemonstrationwasostensiblyinhonorofthe"holysacrament，"anactofexpiationfortheinsultputuponthemassbytheprotesters。Butbeneaththispageantadeadlypurposewas226

concealed。OnarrivingoppositethehouseofaLutheran，thebetrayermadeasign，butnowordwasuttered。Theprocessionhalted，thehousewasentered，thefamilyweredraggedforthandchained，andtheterriblecompanywentforwardinsearchoffreshvictims。They"sparednohouse，greatorsmall，noteventhecollegesoftheUniversityofParis……Morinmadeallthecityquake……Itwasareignofterror。"——Ibid。，b。4，ch。10。

Thevictimswereputtodeathwithcrueltorture，itbeingspeciallyorderedthatthefireshouldbeloweredinordertoprolongtheiragony。Buttheydiedasconquerors。Theirconstancywereunshaken，theirpeaceunclouded。

Theirpersecutors，powerlesstomovetheirinflexiblefirmness，feltthemselvesdefeated。"ThescaffoldsweredistributedoverallthequartersofParis，andtheburningsfollowedonsuccessivedays，thedesignbeingtospreadtheterrorofheresybyspreadingtheexecutions。Theadvantage，however，intheend，remainedwiththegospel。AllPariswasenabledtoseewhatkindofmenthenewopinionscouldproduce。Therewasnopulpitlikethemartyr’spile。Theserenejoythatlightedupthefacesofthesemenastheypassedalong……totheplaceofexecution，theirheroismastheystoodamidthebitterflames，theirmeekforgivenessofinjuries，transformed，ininstancesnotafew，angerintopity，andhateintolove，andpleadedwithresistlesseloquenceinbehalfofthegospel。"——Wylie，b。

13，ch。20。

Thepriests，bentuponkeepingthepopularfuryatitsheight，circulatedthemostterribleaccusationsagainsttheProtestants。TheywerechargedwithplottingtomassacretheCatholics，tooverthrowthegovernment，andtomurdertheking。Notashadowofevidencecouldbeproducedinsupportoftheallegations。Yetthesepropheciesofevilweretohaveafulfillment；

underfardifferentcircumstances，however，andfromcausesofanoppositecharacter。ThecrueltiesthatwereinflictedupontheinnocentProtestantsbytheCatholicsaccumulatedinaweightofretribution，andinaftercenturieswroughttheverydoomtheyhadpredictedtobeimpending，upontheking，hisgovernment，andhis227

subjects；butitwasbroughtaboutbyinfidelsandbythepapiststhemselves。Itwasnottheestablishment，butthesuppression，ofProtestantism，that，threehundredyearslater，wastobringuponFrancethesedirecalamities。

Suspicion，distrust，andterrornowpervadedallclassesofsociety。AmidthegeneralalarmitwasseenhowdeepaholdtheLutheranteachinghadgaineduponthemindsofmenwhostoodhighestforeducation，influence，andexcellenceofcharacter。Positionsoftrustandhonorweresuddenlyfoundvacant。Artisans，printers，scholars，professorsintheuniversities，authors，andevencourtiers，disappeared。HundredsfledfromParis，self-constitutedexilesfromtheirnativeland，inmanycasesthusgivingthefirstintimationthattheyfavoredthereformedfaith。Thepapistslookedabouttheminamazementatthoughtoftheunsuspectedhereticsthathadbeentoleratedamongthem。Theirragespentitselfuponthemultitudesofhumblervictimswhowerewithintheirpower。Theprisonswerecrowded，andtheveryairseemeddarkenedwiththesmokeofburningpiles，kindledfortheconfessorsofthegospel。