I could have wished to authenticate the different parts of my narrative by numerous original notes, but found that, if long and frequent, they might interrupt the course of the narrative in a manner disagreeable to the reader. I have, therefore, confined myself to certain passages which seemed fitted to make him more thoroughly acquainted with subject. I address this history to those who love to see past events simply as they were, and not by the help of the magic mirror of genius, which magnifies and gilds, but sometimes also diminishes and distorts them. Neither the philosophy of the eighteenth, nor the romance of the nineteenth century, will furnish my opinions or my colours. I write the history of the Reformation in its own spirit. Principles, it has been said, have no modesty. Their nature is to rule, and they doggedly insist on the privilege. If they meet in their path with other principles which dispute their ascendancy, they give battle instantly; for a principle never rests till it has conquered. Nor can it be otherwise. To reign is its life; if it reigns not, it dies. Hence, while declaring that I am not able, and that I have no wish to rival other historians of the Reformation, I make a reservation in favour of the principles on which this history rests, and fearlessly maintain their superiority. I cannot help thinking that as yet no history of the memorable epoch which I am about to describe exists in French. When I commenced my work, I saw no indication that the blank was to be filled up. This circumstance alone could have induced me to undertake the work, and I here bring it forward as my excuse. The blank exists still; and I pray Him from whom every good gift "cometh down" to grant that this humble attempt may not be without benefit to some of its readers. J. H. M. D'AUBIGNÉ. EAUX-VIVES, NEAR GENEVA. HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. BOOK I. CHAP. I. STATE OF MATTERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION. Christianity--Two distinguishing Principles--Formation of the Papacy--First encroachments--Influence of Rome--Co-operation of Bishops and Factions--External Unity of the Church--Internal Unity of the Church--Primacy of St. Peter--Patriarchates--Co-operation of Princes--Influence of the Barbarians--Rome invokes the Franks--Secular Power--Pepin and Charlemagne--The Decretals--Disorders of Rome--The Emperor the Pope's Liege Lord--Hildebrand--His character--Celibacy--Struggle with the Emperor--Emancipation of the Pope--Hildebrand's Successors--The Crusades--The Church--Corruption of Doctrine.