Francis acknowledges his Mistakes in Religion—Promises Help to the German Protestants—French Edition of the Articles communicated to Rome and the Sorbonne—Alarm of the Sorbonne—The French Spirit—Discussion between the King's Ministers and the Sorbonne—The Bishops and the Roman Pontiff—Indifferent Matters—Prayers to the Saints and Saints' Days—The Mass-mongers—Restoration of the Lord's Supper—Communion with Christ by Faith—Transubstantiation and the Monasteries—An Assembly of Laymen and Divines—Peril of Catholicism—England and France—Fresh Efforts of the Sorbonne—Is Protestantism to be feared by Kings?—Uneasiness of Calvin's Friends—Dangers of these Conciliations—An Event about to change the State of Things 375 BOOK III. FALL OF A BISHOP-PRINCE, AND FIRST EVANGELICAL BEGINNINGS IN GENEVA. CHAPTER I. THE RENAISSANCE, THE REFORMATION, THE MIDDLE AGES. (1526.) The Crisis—The Means of Salvation—The Nations behindhand—New Position of Geneva—The Castles and the neighbouring Seigneurs—Pontverre against the Swiss Alliance—The Gentlemen on the Highway—Violence and Contempt— Sarcasms and Threats—The Genevans under arms—Moderation of the Genevans towards the Disloyal—Favre's Mission to Berne—Cartelier's Condemnation—Pardoned by the Bishop—The Bishop's Hesitation and Fear 397 CHAPTER II. THE GOSPEL AT GENEVA AND THE SACK OF ROME. (JANUARY TO JUNE 1527.) Laymen and Ecclesiastics—Councillor Ab Hofen, the Friend of Zwingle, at Geneva—His Christian Conversations—The Priests—The Politicians—Zwingle's Encouragement—He cheers up Ab Hofen—Opposition and Dejection—Ab Hofen's Departure, Death, and Influence—The Sack of Rome—Effects of this Catastrophe—The Genevans compare the Pope and their Bishop—Union of Faith and Morality 412 CHAPTER III. THE BISHOP CLINGS TO GENEVA, BUT THE CANONS DEPART. (SUMMER 1527.) The Bishop desires to ally with the Swiss—The Swiss refuse—Plot of the Duke against the Bishop—The Duke's Scheme—Preparations and Warning—The Bishop escapes—Failure of the Plot—Terror of the Bishop—The Huguenots wish to get rid of the Canons—The Bishop puts the Canons in prison—The Bishop desires to become a Citizen—The Syndics call for Lay Tribunals—The Bishop grants them—Joy of the Citizens—Prerogatives of the Bishop questioned—The Duke's Irritation—A Ducal Envoy releases the Canons—They quit Geneva—Various Opinions about their Departure 425 CHAPTER IV. THE BISHOP-PRINCE FLEES FROM GENEVA. (JULY AND AUGUST 1527.)