An
extract from the “History of the Reformation in the Time of Calvin” by
J. H. Merle d’Aubigné (1794-1872)
After Calvin’s flight, the Queen of Navarre, as we have
seen, had succeeded in calming the storm; and yet the evangelical cause had
never been nearer a violent persecution. The prisons were soon to be filled;
the fires of martyrdom were soon to be kindled. During the year 1533
Lutheran discourses
had greatly multiplied in the churches. ‘Many notable persons,’ says the
chronicler, ‘were at that time preaching in the city of
Paris.’1
The simplicity, wisdom, and animation of their
language had moved all who heard them. The churches were filled, not with
formal auditors, but with men who received the glad-tidings with great
joy.
‘Drunkards had become sober; libertines had become chaste; the fruits
which proceeded from the preaching of the Gospel had astonished the
enemies of light and truth.’
The doctors of the Sorbonne did not wait for the king’s orders to attack
the evangelicals; his interview with the pope, and the news of the bull
brought from
Rome,
had filled the catholic camp with joy. ‘What!’ they exclaimed, ‘the king
is uniting with the pope at
Marseilles,
and in
Paris
the churches are opened to heresy! . . . let us make haste and close them’ . .
.
The pious Roussel, the energetic Couralt, the temporizing Berthand, and
others besides, were forbidden to preach, and one morning the worshippers
found the church doors shut.2
Great was
their sorrow and agitation. Many went to Roussel and Couralt, and loudly
expressed their regret and their wishes. The ministers took courage, and
‘turned their preaching into private lectures.’ Little meetings were
formed in various houses in the city. At first none but members of the
family were present; but it seemed that Christ, according to his promise,
was in the midst of them, and erelong friends and neighbours were
admitted. The ministers set forth the promises of Holy Scripture, and the
worshippers exclaimed: ‘We receive more blessings now than before’ . . .
The Sorbonnists, having heard of these conventicles,
declared ‘that they disliked these
lectures still more than the sermons.’ In
fact, if the preaching in the churches had been a loud appeal, the Divine
Word in these small meetings spoke nearer to men’s hearts, enlightening
them and making them fast in Jesus Christ; and accordingly the conversions
increased in number.
1
Crespin,
Martyrologue, fol. 111.
2
Theod.
de Beze, Hist. Eccl.
1. p. 9.
