History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin, Vol. 7 of 8
DR. MERLE D’AUBIGNÉ’S HISTORY.
1.—The History of the Reformation in the SIXTEENTHCENTURY. 5 Vols. $6.00
2.—The History of the Reformation in the TIME OFCALVIN. 7 Vols. $14.00
[From a Review by Prof. F. Godet of Neuchâtel.]
What a difference there is between the perusal of a work of thiskind and that of one of the religious novels with which our publicis now satiated. In these latter, notwithstanding all the good-willof the authors, there is always, or nearly always, something unwholesome.Imagination, that admirable gift of God, is employedto transport us into the chiaro-oscuro of fictitious scenes, whichcommunicate a kind of fascination from which it is difficult toemerge, to return to the humdrum of every-day life, and to confineourselves to the narrow limits of our every-day duties. Hereon the contrary we find the full light of historic truth, imaginationrestored to its true object—that of giving life to real facts. Thefaith of this martyr, it really struggled, really triumphed—thisblood, it really flowed—this pile, its flames lighted up the surroundingcountry, but in doing so they really consumed their victim.When we read these true histories our hearts do not swellwith vain ambition or aspire to an inaccessible ideal. We do notsay: “If I were this one, or that one.” We are obliged to communewith ourselves, to examine our consciences, to humble ourselveswith the question: What would become of me if I werecalled to profess my faith through similar sufferings? Each oneof us is thus called to less self-complacency, to greater humility,but at the same time to greater contentment with his lot, to greateranxiety to serve his God with greater faithfulness and greateractivity.
We warmly recommend this work to those who are glad to findwholesome nutriment for the strengthening of their faith, to thosewho by contact with a vivifying stream wish to give renewed vigorto their spiritual life. They will find in its narrations all theenergy and brightness which a living faith communicated to theauthor, whose mind retained all its youthful freshness, and at thesame time that wisdom which Christian experience had brought tofull maturity.
ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS.