Volume First

OF

BOOK I.

CHAPTER I

Page

France in the Sixteenth Century

Extent at the Accession of Francis I.

Gradual Territorial Growth

Subdivision in the Tenth Century

Destruction of the Feudal System

The Foremost Kingdom of Christendom

Assimilation of Manners and Language

Growth and Importance of Paris

Military Strength

The Rights of the People overlooked

The States General not convoked

Unmurmuring Endurance of the Tiers État

Absolutism of the Crown

Partial Checks

The Parliament of Paris

Other Parliaments

The Parliaments claim the Right of Remonstrance

Abuses in the Parliament of Bordeaux

Origin and Growth of the University

Faculty of Theology, or Sorbonne

Its Authority and Narrowness

Multitude of Students

Credit of the Clergy

Liberties of the Gallican Church

Pragmatic Sanction of. St. Louis (1268)

Conflict of Philip the Fair with Boniface VIII.

The "Babylonish Captivity"

Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges (1438)

Rejoicing at the Council of Basle

Louis XI. undertakes to abrogate the Pragmatic Sanction

But subsequently re-enacts it in part

Louis XII. publishes it anew

Francis I. sacrifices the Interests of the Gallican Church

Concordat between Leo X. and the French King

Dissatisfaction of the Clergy

Struggle with the Parliament of Paris

Opposition of the University

Patronage of the King

The "Renaissance"

Francis's Acquirements overrated

His Munificent Patronage of Art

The Collége Royal, or "Trilingue"

An Age of Blood

Barbarous Punishment for Crime

And not less for Heresy

Belief in Judicial Astrology

Predictions of Nostradamus

Reverence for Relics

For the Consecrated Wafer

Internal Condition of the Clergy

Number and Wealth of the Cardinals

Non-residence of Prelates

Revenues of the Clergy

Vice and Hypocrisy

Brantôme's Account of the Clergy before the Concordat

Aversion to the Use of the French Language

Indecent Processions—"Processions Blanches"

The Monastic Orders held in Contempt

Protests against prevailing Corruption

The "Cathari," or Albigenses

Nicholas de Clemangis

John Gerson

Jean Bouchet's "Deploration of the Church"

Changes in the Boundaries of France during the 16th Century

CHAPTER II.

1512-1525.

The Reformation in Meaux

Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples

Restores Letters to France

Wide Range of his Studies

Guillaume Farel, his Pupil

Devotion of Teacher and Scholar

Lefèvre publishes a Latin Commentary on the Pauline Epistles (1512)

Enters into Controversy with Natalis Beda (1518)

The Sorbonne's Declaration (Nov. 9, 1521)

Briçonnet, Bishop of Meaux

His First Reformatory Efforts

Invites Lefèvre and Farel to Meaux

Effects of the Preaching of Roussel and others

De Roma's Threat

Lefèvre publishes a Translation of the New Testament (1523)

The Results surpass Expectation

Bishop Briçonnet's Weakness

Forbids the "Lutheran" Doctors to preach

Lefèvre and Roussel take Refuge in Strasbourg

Jean Leclerc whipped and branded

His barbarous Execution at Metz

Pauvan burned on the Place de Grève

The Hermit of Livry

Briçonnet becomes a Jailer of "Lutherans"

Lefèvre's Writings condemned by the Sorbonne (1525)

He becomes Tutor of Prince Charles

Librarian at Blois

Ends his Days at Nérac

His Mental Anguish

Michel d'Arande and Gérard Roussel

CHAPTER III.

1523-1525.

Francis I. and Margaret of Angoulême—Early Reformatory Movements and Struggles

Francis I. and Margaret of Angoulême

The King's Chivalrous Disposition

Appreciates Literary Excellence

Contrast with Charles V.

His Religious Convictions

His Fear of Innovation

His Loose Morality

Margaret's Scholarly Attainments

Her Personal Appearance

Her Participation in Public Affairs

Her First Marriage to the Duke of Alençon

Obtains a Safe-Conduct to visit her Brother

Her Second Marriage, to Henry, King of Navarre

Bishop Briçonnet's Mystic Correspondence

Luther's Teachings solemnly condemned by the University

Melanchthon's Defence

Regency of Louise de Savoie

The Sorbonne suggests Means of extirpating the "Lutheran Doctrines" (Oct. 7, 1523)

Wide Circulation of Luther's Treatises

François Lambert, of Avignon

Life among the Franciscans

Lambert, the first French Monk to embrace the Reformation

He is also the First to Marry

Jean Châtellain at Metz

Wolfgang Schuch at St. Hippolyte

Farel at Montbéliard

Pierre Caroli lectures on the Psalms

The Heptameron of the Queen of Navarre

CHAPTER IV.

1525-1533.

Increased Severity—Louis de Berquin

Captivity of Francis I.

Change in the Religious Policy of Louise

A Commission appointed to try "Lutherans"

The Inquisition heretofore jealously watched

The Commission indorsed by Clement VII.

Its Powers enlarged by the Bull

Character of Louis de Berquin

He becomes a warm Partisan of the Reformation

First Imprisonment (1523)

Released by Order of the King

Advice of Erasmus

Second Imprisonment (1526)

Francis from Madrid again orders his Release

Dilatory Measures of Parliament

Margaret of Angoulême's Hopes

Francis violates his Pledges to Charles V.

Must conciliate the Pope and Clergy

Promises to prove himself "Very Christian"

The Council of Sens (1528)

Cardinal Duprat

Vigorous Measures to suppress Reformation

The Councils of Bourges and Lyons

Financial Help bought by Persecution

Insult to an Image and an Expiatory Procession

Other Iconoclastic Excesses

Berquin's Third Arrest

His Condemnation to Penance, Branding, and Perpetual Imprisonment

He Appeals

Is suddenly Sentenced to Death and Executed

Francis Treats with the Germans

And with Henry VIII. of England

Francis meets Clement at Marseilles

Marriage of Henry of Orleans to Catharine de' Medici

Francis Refuses to join in a general Scheme for the Extermination of Heresy

Execution of Jean de Caturce, at Toulouse

Le Coq's Evangelical Sermon

Margaret attacked at College of Navarre

Her "Miroir de l'Ame Pécheresse" condemned

Rector Cop's Address to the University

Calvin, the real Author, seeks Safety in Flight

Rough Answer of Francis to the Bernese

Royal Letter to the Bishop of Paris

Elegies on Louis de Berquin

CHAPTER V.

1534-1535.

Melanchthon's Attempt at Conciliation, and the Year of the Placards

Hopes of Reunion in the Church

Melanchthon and Du Bellay

A Plan of Reconciliation

Its Extreme Concessions

Makes a Favorable Impression on Francis

Indiscreet Partisans of Reform

Placards and Pasquinades

Féret's Mission to Switzerland

The Placard against the Mass

Excitement produced in Paris (Oct. 18, 1534)

A Copy posted on the Door of the Royal Bedchamber

Anger of Francis at the Insult

Political Considerations

Margaret of Navarre's Entreaties

Francis Abolishes the Art of Printing (Jan. 13, 1535)

The Rash and Shameful Edict Recalled

Rigid Investigation and many Victims

The Expiatory Procession (Jan. 21, 1535)

The King's Speech at the Episcopal Palace

Constancy of the Victims

The Estrapade

Flight of Clément Marot and others

Royal Declaration of Coucy (July 16, 1535)

Alleged Intercession of Pope Paul III.

Clemency again dictated by Policy

Francis's Letter to the German Princes

Sturm and Voré beg Melanchthon to come

Melanchthon's Perplexity

He is formally invited by the King

Applies to the Elector for Permission to go

But is roughly refused

The Proposed Conference reprobated by the Sorbonne

Du Bellay at Smalcald

He makes for Francis a Protestant Confession

Efforts of French Protestants in Switzerland and Germany

Intercession of Strasbourg, Basle, etc.

Unsatisfactory Reply by Anne de Montmorency

CHAPTER VI.

1535-1545.

Calvin and Geneva—More Systematic Persecution by the King

Changed Attitude of Francis

Occasioned by the "Placards"

Margaret of Navarre and Roussel

The French Reformation becomes a Popular Movement

Independence of Geneva secured by Francis

John Calvin's Childhood

He studies in Paris and Orleans

Change of Religious Views at Bourges

His Commentary on Seneca's "De Clementia"

Escapes from Paris to Angoulême

Leaves France

The "Christian Institutes"

Address to Francis the First

Calvin wins instant Celebrity

The Court of Renée of Ferrara

Her History and Character

Calvin's alleged Visit to Aosta

He visits Geneva

Farel's Vehemence

Calvin consents to remain

His Code of Laws for Geneva

His View of the Functions of the State

Heretics to be constrained by the Sword

Calvin's View that of the other Reformers

And even of Protestant Martyrs

Calvin longs for Scholarly Quiet

His Mental Constitution

Ill-health and Prodigious Labors

Friendly and Inimical Estimates

Violent Persecutions throughout France

Royal Edict of Fontainebleau (June 1, 1540)

Increased Severity, and Appeal cut off

Exceptional Fairness of President Caillaud

Letters-Patent from Lyons (Aug. 30, 1542)

The King and the Sacramentarians

Ordinance of Paris (July 23, 1543)

Heresy to be punished as Sedition

Repression proves a Failure

The Sorbonne publishes Twenty-five Articles

Francis gives them the Force of Law (March 10, 1543)

More Systematic Persecution

The Inquisitor Mathieu Ory

The Nicodemites and Libertines

Margaret of Navarre at Bordeaux

Francis's Negotiations in Germany

Hypocritical Representations made by Charles, Duke of Orleans

CHAPTER VII.

1545-1547.

Campaign against the Vaudois of Mérindol and Cabrières, and Last Days of Francis I.

The Vaudois of the Durance

Their Industry and Thrift

Embassy to German and Swiss Reformers

Translation of the Bible by Olivetanus

Preliminary Persecutions

The Parliament of Aix

The Atrocious "Arrêt de Mérindol" (Nov. 18, 1540)

Condemned by Public Opinion

Preparations to carry it into Effect

President Chassanée and the Mice of Autun

The King instructs Du Bellay to investigate

A Favorable Report

Francis's Letter of Pardon

Parliament's Continued Severity

The Vaudois publish a Confession

Intercession of the Protestant Princes of Germany

The new President of Parliament

Sanguinary Royal Order, fraudulently obtained (Jan. 1, 1545)

Expedition stealthily organized

Villages burned—their Inhabitants murdered

Destruction of Mérindol

Treacherous Capture of Cabrières

Women burned and Men butchered

Twenty-two Towns and Villages destroyed

A subsequent Investigation

"The Fourteen of Meaux"

Wider Diffusion of the Reformed Doctrines

The Printer Jean Chapot before Parliament

CHAPTER VIII.

1547-1559.

Henry the Second and the Organization of the French Protestant Churches

Impartial Estimates of Francis the First

Henry, as Duke of Orleans

His Sluggish Mind

His Court

Diana of Poitiers

The King's Infatuation

Constable Anne de Montmorency

His Cruelty

Disgraced by Francis, but recalled by Henry

Duke Claude of Guise, and John, first Cardinal of Lorraine

Marriage of James the Fifth of Scotland to Mary of Lorraine

Francis the Dauphin affianced to Mary of Scots

Francis of Guise and Charles of Lorraine

Various Estimates of Cardinal Charles of Lorraine

Rapacity of the new Favorites

Servility toward Diana of Poitiers

Persecution to atone for Moral Blemishes

"La Chambre Ardente"

Edict of Fontainebleau against Books from Geneva (Dec. 11, 1547)

Deceptive Title-pages

The Tailor of the Rue St. Antoine

Other Victims of Intolerance

Severe Edicts and Quarrels with Rome

Edict of Châteaubriand (June 27, 1551)

The War against Books from Geneva

Marshal Vieilleville refuses to profit by Confiscation

The "Five Scholars of Lausanne"

Interpositions in their Behalf ineffectual

Activity of the Canton of Berne

Progress of the Reformation in Normandy

Attempt to establish the Spanish Inquisition

Opposition of Parliament

President Séguier's Speech

Coligny's Scheme of American Colonization

Villegagnon in Brazil

He brings Ruin on the Expedition

First Protestant Church in Paris

The Example followed in the Provinces

Henry the Second breaks the Truce

Fresh Attempts to introduce the Spanish Inquisition

Three Inquisitors-General

Judges sympathize with the Victims

Edict of Compiègne (July 24, 1557)

Defeat of St. Quentin (August 10, 1557)

Vengeance wreaked upon the Protestants

Affair of the Rue St. Jacques (Sept. 4, 1557)

Treatment of the Prisoners

Malicious Rumors

Trials and Executions

Intercession of the Swiss Cantons and Others

Constancy of Some and Release of Others

Controversial Pamphlets

Capture of Calais (January, 1558)

Registry of the Inquisition Edict

Antoine of Navarre, Condé, and other Princes favor the Protestants

Embassy of the Protestant Electors

Psalm-singing on the Pré aux Clercs

Conference of Cardinals Lorraine and Granvelle

D'Andelot's Examination before the King

His Constancy in Prison and temporary Weakness

Paul IV.'s Indignation at the King's Leniency

Anxiety for Peace

Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis (April 3, 1559)

Sacrifice of French Interests

Was there a Secret Treaty for the Extermination of Protestants?

The Prince of Orange learns the Designs of Henry and Philip

Danger of Geneva

Parliament suspected of Heretical Leanings

The "Mercuriale"

Henry goes in Person to hear the Deliberations (June 10, 1559)

Fearlessness of Du Bourg and Others

Henry orders their Arrest

First National Synod (May 26, 1559)

Ecclesiastical Discipline adopted

Marriages and Festivities of the Court

Henry mortally wounded in the Tournament (June 30, 1559)

His Death (July 10, 1559)

"La Façon de Genève"—the Protestant Service

Farel's "Manière et Fasson" (1533)

Calvin's Liturgy (1542)

CHAPTER IX.

July, 1559-May, 1560.

Francis the Second and the Tumult of Amboise

Epigrams on the Death of Henry

The Young King

Catharine de' Medici

Favors the Family of Guise

Who make themselves Masters of the King

Constable Montmorency retires

Antoine, King of Navarre

His Remissness and Pusillanimity

The Persecution continues

Denunciation and Pillage at Paris

The Protestants address Catharine

Pretended Orgies in "La Petite Genève"

Cruelty of the Populace

Traps for Heretics

Trial of Anne du Bourg

Intercession of the Elector Palatine

Du Bourg's Last Speech

His Execution and its Effect

Florimond de Ræmond's Observations

Revulsion against the Tyranny of the Guises

Calvin and Beza discountenance Armed Resistance

De la Renaudie

Assembly of Malcontents at Nantes

Plans well devised

Betrayed by Des Avenelles

The "Tumult of Amboise"

Coligny gives Catharine good Counsel

The Edict of Amnesty (March, 1560)

A Year's Progress

Confusion at Court

Treacherous Capture of Castelnau

Death of La Renaudie

Plenary Commission given to the Duke of Guise

A Carnival of Blood

The Elder D'Aubigné and his Son

Francis and the Prince of Condé

Condé's Defiance

An alleged Admission of Disloyal Intentions by La Renaudie

CHAPTER X.

May-December, 1560.

The Assembly of Notables at Fontainebleau, and the Close of the Reign of Francis the Second

Rise of the Name of the Huguenots

Their Sudden Growth

How to be accounted for

Progress of Letters

Marot's and Beza's Psalms

Morality and Martyrdom

Character of the Protestant Ministers

Testimony of Bishop Montluc

Preaching in the Churches of Valence

The Reformation and Morals

Francis orders Extermination

Large Congregations at Nismes

Mouvans in Provence

A Popular Awakening

Pamphlets against the Guises

Catharine consults the Huguenots

Edict of Romorantin (May, 1560)

No Abatement of Rigorous Persecution

Spiritual Jurisdiction differing little from the Inquisition

Chancellor Michel de l'Hospital

Continued Disquiet—Montbrun

Assembly of Notables at Fontainebleau (Aug. 21, 1560)

The Chancellor's Address

The Finances of France

Admiral Coligny presents the Petitions of the Huguenots

Bishop Montluc ably advocates Toleration

Bishop Marillac's Eloquent Speech

Coligny's Suggestions

Passionate Rejoinder of the Duke of Guise

The Cardinal of Lorraine more calm

New Alarms of the Guises

The King of Navarre and Condé summoned to Court

Advice of Philip of Spain

Navarre's Irresolution embarrasses Montbrun and Mouvans

The "Fashion of Geneva" embraced by many in Languedoc

Elections for the States General

The King and Queen of Navarre

Beza at the Court of Nérac

New Pressure to induce Navarre and Condé to come

Navarre Refuses a Huguenot Escort

Disregards Warnings

Is refused Admission to Poitiers

Condé arrested on arriving at Orleans

Return of Renée de France

Condé's Intrepidity

He is Tried and Condemned to Death

Antoine of Navarre's Danger

Plan for annihilating the Huguenots

Sudden Illness and Death of Francis the Second

The "Epître au Tigre de la France"

CHAPTER XI.

December, 1560-September, 1561.

The Reign of Charles the Ninth, to the Preliminaries of the Colloquy of Poissy

Sudden Change in the Political Situation

The Enemy of the Huguenots buried as a Huguenot

Antoine of Navarre's Opportunity

Adroitness of Catharine de' Medici

Financial Embarrassments

Catharine's Neutrality

Opening of the States General of Orleans

Address of Chancellor L'Hospital

Cardinal Lorraine's Effrontery

De Rochefort, Orator for the Noblesse

L'Ange for the Tiers État

Arrogant Speech of Quintin for the Clergy

A Word for the poor, down-trodden People

Coligny presents a Huguenot Petition

The States prorogued

Meanwhile Prosecutions for Religion to cease

Return of Fugitives

Charles writes to stop Ministers from Geneva

Reply of the Genevese

Condé cleared and reconciled with Guise

Humiliation of Navarre

The Boldness of the Particular Estates of Paris

Secures Antoine more Consideration

Intrigue of Artus Désiré

General Curiosity to hear Huguenot Preaching

Constable Montmorency's Disgust

The "Triumvirate" formed

A Spurious Statement

Massacres of Protestants in Holy Week

The Affair at Beauvais

Assault on the House of M. de Longjumeau

New and Tolerant Royal Order

Opposition of the Parisian Parliament

Popular Cry for Pastors

Moderation of the Huguenot Ministers

Judicial Perplexity

The "Mercuriale" of 1561

The "Edict of July"

Its Severity creates extreme Disappointment

Iconoclasm at Montauban

Impatience with Public "Idols"

Calvin endeavors to repress it

Re-assembling of the States at Pontoise

Able Harangue of the "Vierg" of Autun

Written Demands of the Tiers État

A Representative Government demanded

The French Prelates at Poissy

Beza and Peter Martyr invited to France

Urgency of the Parisian Huguenots

Beza comes to St. Germain

His previous History

Wrangling of the Prelates

Cardinal Châtillon communes "under both Forms"

Catharine and L'Hospital zealous for a Settlement of Religious Questions

A Remarkable Letter to the Pope

Beza's flattering Reception

He meets the Cardinal of Lorraine

Petition of the Huguenots respecting the Colloquy

Informally granted

Last Efforts of the Sorbonne to prevent the Colloquy

CHAPTER XII.

September, 1561-January, 1562.

The Colloquy of Poissy and the Edict of January

The Huguenot Ministers and Delegates

Assembled Princes in the Nuns' Refectory

The Prelates

Diffidence of Theodore Beza

Opening Speech of Chancellor L'Hospital

The Huguenots summoned

Beza's Prayer and Address

His Declaration as to the Body of Christ

Outcry of the Theologians of the Sorbonne

Beza's Peroration

Cardinal Tournon would cut short the Conference

Catharine de' Medici is decided

Advantages gained

The Impression made by Beza

His Frankness justified

The Prelates' Notion of a Conference

Peter Martyr arrives

Cardinal Lorraine replies to Beza

Cardinal Tournon's new Demand

Advancing Shadows of Civil War

Another Session reluctantly conceded

Beza's Reply to Cardinal Lorraine

Claude d'Espense and Claude de Sainctes

Lorraine demands Subscription to the Augsburg Confession

Beza's Home Thrust

Peter Martyr and Lainez the Jesuit

Close of the Colloquy of Poissy

A Private Conference at St. Germain

A Discussion of Words

Catharine's Premature Delight

The Article agreed upon Rejected by the Prelates

Catharine's Financial Success

Order for the Restitution of Churches

Arrival of Five German Delegates

Why the Colloquy proved a Failure

Catharine's Crude Notion of a Conference

Character of the Prelates

Influence of the Papal Legate, the Cardinal of Ferrara

Anxiety of Pius the Fourth

The Nuncio Santa Croce

Master Renard turned Monk

Opposition of People and Chancellor

The Legate's Intrigues

His Influence upon Antoine of Navarre

Contradictory Counsels

The Triumvirate leave in Disgust

Hopes entertained by the Huguenots respecting Charles

Beza is begged to remain

A Spanish Plot to kidnap the Duke of Orleans

The Number of Huguenot Churches

Beza secures a favorable Royal order

Rapid Growth of the Reformation

Immense Assemblages from far and near

The Huguenots at Montpellier

The Rein and not the Spur needed

Marriages and Baptisms at Court "after the Geneva Fashion"

Tanquerel's Seditious Declaration

Jean de Hans

Philip threatens Interference in French Affairs

"A True Defender of the Faith"

Roman Catholic Complaints of Huguenot Boldness

The "Tumult of Saint Médard"

Assembly of Notables at St. Germain

Diversity of Sentiments

The "Edict of January"

The Huguenots no longer Outlaws