8662

AN

HISTORICAL SKETCH

OF THE

PROTESTANT CHURCH OF FRANCE,

FROM ITS ORIGIN TO THE PRESENT TIMES.

WITH

PARALLEL NOTICES

OF THE

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

DURING THE SAME PERIOD.

BY THE

REV. JOHN G. LORIMER,

Minister of St. David's Parish, Glasgow.

PHILADELPHIA:

PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION.

PAUL T. JONES, PUBLISHING AGENT.

1842.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

. 15

CHAPTER I.

HISTORY OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCH OF FRANCE FROM ITS ORIGIN

IN 1559 to 1571.

Importance of the subject—Chief Authorities-Early Reformation

indebted to Nobles— Translation of the Scriptures-Great Advan-

tage of the Metrical Psalms_Early Success-Severe Sufferings of

the Martyrs—Confession of Faith in Forty Articles_Wise Disci-

pline of the Church in regard to Pastors, Teachers, Church Mem.

bers, the Poor, &c.—Rapid Progress of the Church—Illustrated by

Modern Missions in the South Seas.

17

CHAPTER II.

FROM 1572 to 1598.

Persecution-Fearful Massacre of St. BartholomewDisastrous Ef.

fects of the Persecution-Efforts after an increased number of Pas-
tors, and a well educated Ministry—Recommendations regarding
Catechising, a new Translation of the Scriptures, Sanctification of
the Sabbath, the Hallowing of God's Name- Testimony of the
Church against various Errors, and the Proposal to Unite the Ro.
mish and Reformed Churches-Unity of Sentiment and Affection
among the Churches of the Reformation-Christian Spirit of the
Church of France-Enfeebled and Declining State of many of her
Congregations-Apostasy of Henry IV.

42

PROTESTANTISM OF THE PROVINCES OF BEARN AND NAVARRE.

Early Refuge for the Suffering Protestants—Rapid Progress of the

Truth-Severe Struggles with the Popish Party-Exertions of
Montgomery, a Scotchman-Defence of the Protestants taking up