Will this work obtain a success similar to that which attended the former one? That treated of the Reformation in Germany, with Luther as its hero; this treats especially of the Reform in Western Europe, with Calvin as its head. The scene of the latter being nearer home, ought to have more interest for British readers; or shall a new-born passion for Germany and the Germans make them look with indifference on all that does not directly concern the country of Luther?... France, Holland, England, Scotland, Switzerland should possess some attraction for them. The history, hitherto almost unknown, of the Reformation of Geneva is not only attractive in itself, it is also of importance with regard to England. Geneva is the representative of a Christian system, of a great doctrine,—that of the supreme authority of Holy Scripture, and of the pure Gospel. The final triumph of this doctrine is of the greatest consequence for the English churches. A well-known British theologian of our day has said: 'Two systems of doctrine are now, and probably for the last time, in conflict—the Catholic and the _Genevan_.'[7] May this work be of some little use in determining the issue! LA GRAVELINE, EAUX VIVES: _Geneva, May 1864_. [1] Went to God between the hours of eight and nine o'clock in the evening of Saturday 27th May. [2] Conférences de Genève en 1861, i. pp. 390, 391. [3] Luke, xviii. 31. [4] See Book ii. ch. xxi. xxii. xxvi. xxxi. xxxiii. [5] Epistle of St. James, iii. 4. [6] 'Those children of the gods, the Bourbons, unite their fruitful races.' [7] Dr. Pusey, _Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury_. CONTENTS OF THE THIRD VOLUME. BOOK IV. TIMES OF HOSTILITY TO THE REFORM IN FRANCE. CHAPTER I. CALVIN, THE FUGITIVE, IN HIS RETREAT AT ANGOULÊME. (NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 1533.) Rights of Conscience, claimed by Protestants, repudiated by Rome—Calvin in Flight—Accepts the Cross—Tillet's House, Rue de Genève—The Library—A new Phase—Doxopolis—The quiet Nest—Calvin's Studies—The Forge in which Vulcan prepares his Bolts—Men who rank themselves among Beasts—Calvin attacks them—Noble intercourse of Friendship PAGE 1 CHAPTER II. THE EXILE TURNS PREACHER. (DECEMBER 1533 AND JANUARY 1534.) The Greek of Claix—Men of Mark gather round him—Conferences at Gérac—Prayer and the Search for Truth—Those who believe and those who know—Calvin supplies Sermons for the Priests—He preaches in Latin 15 CHAPTER III. CALVIN AT NÉRAC, WITH ROUSSEL AND LEFÈVRE. (WINTER 1533-34.)