Page 33 - 12 The French Reformation

were spared to excite the fears, the

prejudices, and the fanaticism of the ignorant

and superstitious multitude. Yielding blindly

to her false teachers, Paris, like Jerusalem of

old, knew not the time of her visitation nor

the things which belonged unto her peace.

For two years the word of God was preached

in the capital; but, while there were many

who accepted the gospel, the majority of the

people rejected it. Francis had made a show

of toleration, merely to serve his own

purposes, and the papists succeeded in

regaining the ascendancy. Again the churches

were closed, and the stake was set up.

Calvin was still in Paris, preparing himself by

study, meditation, and prayer for his future

labors, and continuing to spread the light. At

last, however, suspicion fastened upon him.

The authorities determined to bring him to