Reformation

The evils which then afflicted Christendom, viz., superstition, infidelity, ignorance, vain speculation, and corruption of manners all natural fruits of the human heart were not new upon the earth. Often had they figured in the history of states. In the East, especially, various religions which had had their day of glory, but had become enervated, had been attacked by them, and, yielding to the assault, had fallen under it, never again to rise. Is Christianity to experience the same fate? Will she be destroyed like these ancient popular religions? Will the blow which gave them death be strong enough to deprive her of life? Is there nothing that can save her? Will those hostile powers that now oppress her, and which have already overthrown so many other forms of worship, be able to seat themselves without opposition? How was this revival of the Church and of the world accomplished? The observer might then have seen the operation of two laws by which God governs the world at all times. First, as He has ages to act in, he begins his preparations leisurely, and long before the event which He designs to accomplish. Then, when the time is come, he produces the greatest results by the smallest means.

Chapter 4

History of the Reformation, Volume 1

Jean-Henri Merle D’Aubigne

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