CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.

[1500–1547.]

Causes of the Reformation--Lefevre of Etaples--Francis I.--Revival of Learning--La Renaissance--Clerical Manners--Early Converts and first Victims--Jacques Pavannes, Berquin--Margaret of Valois--Calvin and his Institutes--The King’s Inconstancy--Edict of Fontainebleau--Two Heretics burned--Treaty of Crespy--Vaudois Persecution--The Baron of Oppède--Massacre at Mérindol--Cry of Indignation--Sadolet, Bishop of Carpentras--Tragedy of Meaux--A Cloud of Witnesses--Stephen Dolet and Robert Stephens--Marot--The last Martyr--Death of Francis I.--His Funeral Sermon--His Character PAGE 1