One single fact appears to indicate that women were present. On September 28, 1537, the council dealt with the case of _Jeanne la Gibescière_, who would not swear to the new reformation, and banished her on that account. But more than a month earlier, on August 21, this same Jeanne, belonging to a particular sect (_the Spirituals_), on its being proposed to her to swear to the new reformation, had refused to do so, and had consequently been placed under arrest. That case, therefore, cannot be alleged as an absolute proof that women also swore to the confession at St. Peter’s. [Sidenote: CONVOCATION OF THE PEOPLE.] Accordingly, on Sunday, July 29, the council assembled in the cathedral, and the tithings passed in successively. Young people who had attained their majority, and old men with white hair, perhaps women as well as men, came forward. Rozet, secretary to the council, read the confession of faith. Next came the oath of fidelity and obedience, which each in his turn took by lifting up his hand.[469] ‘The people,’ says Calvin, ‘show no less alacrity in taking the oath than the senate had shown diligence in publishing it.’[470] A large number of the Genevese professed with all their heart the evangelical doctrines. Nevertheless, the opinion of Saunier might be supported by weighty reasons. If he was opposed to the imposition of a personal engagement, it was because he knew that the confession was not the exact expression of the faith of each individual; that some of those who would swear to it did not understand it either wholly or in part; and that others, while understanding it better, had only an intellectual belief, which might fail when assailed by captious objections. Individuality did not appear to be at that time adequately respected. But the public profession of faith of July 29 had been so solemn a proceeding that many rejoiced at it. There were however many people who abstained from joining in it, because they were still attached to Roman Catholicism. There were also a certain number who were unwilling to submit to moral discipline. George Lesclefs and his servant said that they could not bring their minds to swear to keep the ten commandments, because they were so difficult.[471] Others refused to take the oath from a spirit of political independence. Nevertheless, we may assert in a general way that the people gave their adhesion to the confession; and that was a glorious day for the Reformation on which those hands were lifted up for the Gospel in the old cathedral of St. Peter. The sky, indeed, was afterwards clouded, but that day was clear and serene. [Sidenote: THE OATH REFUSED BY MANY.]