"Ah!" continued Uncle Ned, what beautiful birds they were. There were the red-breasted males, purple and copper colors, wonderfully blended. There, also, the pale-breasted female-white and gray, so modestly combined. Their dark gray backs, wings and tails, all alike; only that the young, being mixed with lighter colors, were beautifully dappled. "Many a time did your father and I," said Uncle Ned, "carry heavy bundles of them down that hill and across the meadows. Mother always received us with a smile, and father with a hearty nod of approval. At our coming the whole household was aroused. Old dog 'Tray,' though somewhat shame-faced, wagged his tail in silent admiration as though he wished to say, 'Well, I declare that beats me all to pieces.' But, my young friends, this business had its shady as well as its sunny side. There were at times grievous disappointments as well as bitter provocations. "Bright and far-reaching flocks came along. In the early rays of the morning sun their wings shone like silver and gold. Their grand movements sounded like streams of water rusbing through the air. To bring them within reach we did all we could, but with no success. Not even a single head seemed to turn, as though in cold indifference or proud contempt they said, 'Watch, and wait, and tug and toil, but do it-in vain !' "At another time, just at the moment when several hundred were on the descent, or even already on the 'bed' busied in eating, some mishap drove them all away-far more quickly than they had come. Some hunter in the near woods not knowing of our bright prospects, or if he did, not heeding, discharged his gun. The stool-pigeon hearing the sound of so many wings in the near air, as though made conscious of its sad captivity and treacherous work, set up a flutter as if for dear liberty. One of the fliers played the ruinous part; or, as was too often the case, a pesky hawk swoop ed down for prey, and tore the faithful but hapless stool-pigeon to pieces. Wo to that hawk if it chanced to be captured! When after long and careful preparations after long and wistful outlook, hopes so bright and cheery, are dashed to the ground, where is the heart that can at once quietly submit and bear it? The more trivial in itself the cause of disappointment, the sadder the effect. "And yet, that'shady side' is now easily overlooked. We cannot really lose what we have not in possession. Even the offered chances, at least for the time being, were sources of pleasure. Looking back upon my past life, as I love to do, all the scenes of my early days rise before me; and what at that time seemed grievous, now comes back laden with pleasure. "Ah! I tell you, these hills and valleys were filled with happy sounds and happy hearts, long ago. You have your pleasures in the great city, and the days of your early childhood were no doubt bright and sunny; but my lot and your father's lot were not cast there. This home-this old home-is, ever has been, and ever shall be near and dear to my heart! "' At this, Uncle Ned looked around, and, holding his hip with his right hand, got up. "Ah!" said he, "I sat too long, and must now stir about." With this, he walked away from under the willow-tree, where they had been sitting, towards the barn. As soon as Uncle Ned was gone Harry jumped up with a spring. and, standing before Jeff, said: "I tell you what it is: those old times I love! There is a freshness, a naturalness and an innocency in themas in country life generally-which I much admire. City life has its advantages, but so, also, has life in this beautiful country. The solemn quiet, the open and far-reaching out-look; these beautiful hills and corresponding valleys-all have peculiar charms. It is more solemn and imposing to me than the Cathedral, with its own dim light and artistic singing with grandest organ accompaniment. Indeed, the city has nothing fully to compare with it." Here, "with delighted eye I gaze upon the mountains, and behold With deep affection the pure ample sky, And clouds along its blue abysses roll'd; I love the song of waters, and I hear The melody of winds with charmed ear." To this, Jeff responded: "I love to hear Uncle Ned tell his stories of olden times; but country life is not the thing for me! Too cold, too quiet; and withal painfully monotonous ! There is at times amusement, I admit; but after all, the great and solemn anvil-song is, Work! Work! Work!" "Tut, Tut!" replied Harry. "Work and wages go together; and if we hate and refuse the one, we cannot harbor the other. I see whence our family camethe pleasures and the pain amid which father grew up and grew strong. I shall ever hold him, as well as the manner of his early life, in honored and grateful remembrance." Here the supper bell chimed out clear and strong from the kitchen. There was a rush from under the old willow, and Uncle Ned came slowly from the barn, followed by old "Nero" and some chickens. BEGINNINGS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH. BY THE EDITOR. No. III. The Genevan Reformation. In the south-western corner of Switzerland, where the Rhone emerges from Lake Leman, stands the ancient city of Geneva. Situated on both sides of the river, and within sight of the snow-clad summit of Mont Blanc, its location is unsurpassed in Europe. Here the peculiar civilization of France is brought into close contact with that of Germany; and Geneva is therefore especially well suited to be the center of a religious movement embracing many nations. It is here that we must look for the second great historical source of the Reformed church. To understand the Genevan reformation it must be remembered that its earliest leaders were exiles from France. At the beginning of the sixteenth century the French had been regarded as far less under the influence of Rome than the people of Germany. Classical studies were prosecuted with great enthusiasm, and as the priests were generally opposed to secular learning, they were unsparingly lashed by all the authors in the land. The King's sister, Margaret, of Navarre, was herself a brilliant authoress, and took part in this general attack. Though she never formally accepted Protestantism, her works prove that she believed many of its teachings; and the early French reformers found in her a constant and faithful friend. Many of the leading French ecclesiastics felt the necessity of a reformation, and sought in their own way to bring it about. Briconnet, Bishop of Meaux, gathered around him such men as Farel, Lefevre, and other enthusiastic evangelical teachers, and sought to reform his diocese. In this way the cause of the Reformation and of the revival of letters were closely aliied, and the foremost people of France sympathized with the Protestant movement. Even to this day many of the leading French families are Protestant, though the vast majority of the population belong to the Catholic Church. Protestantism appeared to be working its way through all ranks of society. when suddenly it received a blow from an unexpected quarter. In 1521 the Sorbonne, the chief theological school of France, declared Luther a here ic, and the government consequently for bade Protestant worship under the seve rest penalties. Then there came a time of persecution. Farel, and most of the other reformers, fled for their lives, and some of them found a refuge in Geneva. The few who remained in France met in secret places, and subsequently organized congregations under the guise of literary societies, calling them by such fanciful titles as the Rose, the Lily, the Vine, or the Olive. It is hardly too much to say that, under the providence of God the conversion of John Calvin saved the Reformed Church of France from utter ruin. Calvin was born July 10th, 1509, at Noyon, near Paris. His mother, whose maiden name was Francke (or Le Franc) is said to have been of German descent. His parents were in comfortable circumstances, and gave him an excellent education. He studied successively at Paris and Bourges, and soon acquired a brilliant reputation. It was observed that he had no fondness for poetry, but his fellow-stud-nts declared him to be "all Logic and Latin." Sometimes, in the absence of one of the professors he was requested to teach his class, and every one wondered at his extraordinary ability. At the request of his parents Calvin studied law, and soon became familiar with the principles of that science. He twenty-five years old at the time of its was, however, especially attracted to the composition he never afterwards altered study of theology, and afterward said a single one of his doctrinal positions. that he had studied law by day and the- He added to it in every subsequent ology at night. His legal studies had edition, but at the very beginning his an immense effect in shaping his mind, system was complete, and he never afterand in subsequent years he proved him- wards found occasion to change it. self a statesman of the highest order. It was in the midst of a period of the deepest gloom that the infant church was electrified by the news that Calvin had been converted to the truth. He had been under the instruction of a celebrated German teacher Melchior Wolmar, who is believed to have been the first to teach him not only to read but to understand the word of God; but he always spoke of his conversion as sudden and wonderful, though he never related its particulars. It could not be otherwise than that such a man should immediately become a leader in the cause which he had espoused. At Paris and elsewhere he secretly gathered the scattered believers and preached the word of God. Then he published a learned commentary on some of the writings of the heathen philosopher Seneca, which was intended to influence the king to treat the Protestants less harshly. Having resolved to publish one of his sermons he was compelled to flee, and found a temporary refuge at the court of Margaret of Navarre. He now began to write against the Anabaptists, in the hope of preventing the Reformation from running into fanatical extremes. For about a year Calvin lived in retirement in Normandy, under the assumed name of Charles d'Espeville. During this period he is said to have preached to a select company, in a cave which was long afterwards called "the cave of Calvin." It is more certain that during this season of retirement he collected the materials for his great work to "The Institutes of the Christian Religion." The latter work was first published anonymously in 1535; but the first edition bearing Calvin's name was printed in Basel in 1536. It is recognized even by its enemies as the greatest literary achievement of the sixteenth century. No other Reformer produced anything that was so complete in the systematic exposition of Christian doctrine. Strangely too though the author was hardly Calvin's" Institutes " are a development of the ruling principle of his thinking and of his life, which was, as he expressed it, the utter destruction of all human glory that God might be all in all. This principle, together with his strictly logical and literal interpretation of St. Paul's epistles, gave rise to his doctrine of predestination, which has been especially known as "Calvinism." It must, however, be remembered that on this subject there was no difference between him and the older Reformers. Luther and Zwingle would both in these days be called extreme predestinarians. They all acknowledged themselves disciples of St. Augustine. With regard to the doctrine of the Lord's Supper Calvin believed that the believer receives the substance of the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament, but he did not bind this effect to the visible elements, but rather believed it to be conveyed by the power of the Holy Ghost. This is in fact the view which, more fully developed, is found in the Heidelberg Catechism, and in all the other symbols of the Reformed Church. It is wrong to imagine that Calvin denied the real presence by regarding it as spiritual in its nature. It is the spiritual alone which is real and permanent; the material is always changeable and evanescent. When Calvin returned to Paris after his season of retirement he found the affairs of the church in a very depressed condition. The King was persecuting the Protestants with fire and sword, and had burned at the stake seven men and women, among whom was one of Calvin's most intimate friends. The Protestants in retaliation secretly affixed doctrinal placards to the walls of public buildings, and one of them was even found fastened to the wall of the King's bed-chamber. It was deemed unsafe for Calvin to remain in France, and he consequently went first to Strasburg and then to Basel, hoping to devote his life to the quiet study of God's word. Next year (1536) he came to Geneva. He had been on a visit to the pious Duchess of Ferrara, and only intended to remain a short time; but Farel, who bad been principally instrumental in bringing Geneva to Protestan ism insisted that he must assume the direction of the church. When Calvin declined this proposition, Farel, recognizing in him the man for the hour, exclaimed with a degree of earnestness like that of the ancient prophets: I announce to you in the name of Almighty God that if you do not remain to assist me in the holy work to which I am called, He will dreadfully punish you for preferring your own pleasure to His service." Such an appeal was irresistible, and Calvin accepted the call. moral improvement. They persisted in their refusal, though threatened with death, and finally Calvin and Farel left the city, saying, "It is better to obey God than man." Calvin remained two years in Strasburg, ministering to a congregation of fifteen hundred French refugees, and taking part in the general affairs of the Church. Here he married a widow, named Idelette de Bures. They had one son who died in infancy. Idelette was his faithful companion for nine years. Then she died, and her stern, hard, over-worked husband speaks of his intense grief in several letters which are still extant. He remained a widower to the end of his life. The state of affairs in Geneva had grown worse and worse. At last there came a reaction. It was felt that the city had need of Calvin, and the council vainly urged the disciplinarian to return. At last, when the authorities of a number of Reformed cities had solicited him to come to the rescue, he returned, with the full understanding that his plans of discipline were to be carried out. Geneva was at this time in a dreadful condition. There had been a long struggle between the city and the Duke of Savoy, who had sought to deprive it of its independence. Berne and Fribourg had interfered in behalf of liberty, and thus Geneva had been brought into close alliance with German Switzerland. Farel and Viretus preached the Gospel with extraordinary effect, and on From this time to the end of his life the 27th of August 1535 the council de- no king in Europe exercised such powclared that the city had passed over to er as did John Calvin. His salary was the Reformed Church. For some time only 250 francs with a "plain house, Geneva was in a state of anarchy. Farel which is still standing near the old had gone to extremes, not only destroy-church, and to this the council occaing pictures and images in the Churches, but even requiring the removal of organs. All who would not accept Protestantism were required to sell their property and leave the country. Among those who called themselves Protestants there were some who seemed to think that evangelical freedom must allow them to indulge in the wildest excesses. There was confusion everywhere. Farel felt himself unable to allay the storm, and was glad to become subordinate to a stronger man. sionally added a gift of cloth for a new coat. He cared nothing for money or display but soon bent everything to his iron will. He arranged the laws of the state, and Ancillon says that his "labors for civil law give him a higher title to renown than his theological works." His views with regard to the character and functions of the church were much higher than those of his cotemporaries. The church he regarded as standing higher than the state, whose main object it is to Calvin was called upon to build up a aid her in the preservation of truth and social order which had been utterly bro- order. Man," he said, "cannot enter ken down. It was an immense work, into life unless he be born of her womb, but he proved himself equal to the oc- nourished at her breast, and kept under casion. In conjunction with the other her fostering care. " In accordance pastors he preached powerfully against with these views he insisted on the indeexisting abuses, and sought to establish pendence of the church from the conchurch-discipline, but for a time it seem-trol of the state. It is to him that the ed as though every effort in this direction must be iu vain. The wickedness of the people became so great that Calvin and his co-adjutors refused to administer the Lord's Supper until there were signs of Reformed church owes its classes, or presbyteries, and its consistories. He also was the first to define the four offices of the church-ministers of the land, teachers of theology, elders and deacons. was carried out. On this subject we can only quote the words of the "American Cyclopedia :" "The execution was in Thus in many ways, he influenced the organization of the Reformed Church. He had no trust in princes, and taught the Churches self-reliance and indepen-accordance with the laws of all the dence. As may well be supposed, this European states of the time. Bullinger course did not remove the suspicion and Melancthon sanctioned the deed. with which the defender of absolute It was the inherited spirit of the times, government regarded the Swiss churches. and not the power of Calvin that burnt The discipline which Calvin introduced Servetus. The penalty was cruel; it into the Church of Geneva was exceed- is indefensible; it was even at that time ingly strict and stern, and could hardly impolitic. Neither civil nor religious have been carried out in a larger state. liberty was yet understood; still less Sometimes offences which are generally was there any sharp distinction made regarded as trifling were punished with between them. That analysis was the extreme severity. The church, indeed, fruit of time, and of the seed which Caldecreed no greater punishment than ex- vin was then sowing in Geneva. It communication, but the government gen- should also be remembered that in that erally declared the excommunicated period of convulsion such events were person deprived of all civil rights. happening, among Catholics and ProWhen those who were disciplined by the testants, all over Europe. Even as late church appealed to the state for redress, as 1601 the Protestant authorities of the punishment was apt to be increased, Saxony executed Dr. Nicholas Krell and sometimes even Calvin's intercession because he sought to introduce "the pecould not secure a milder sentence. culiar doctrines of Calvin." Though Calvin's discipline appears to have been extremely harsh, it was probably the only thing that was suited to the exigencies of the case. Its success was wonderful. Perfect order was established, and the city became exceedingly prosperous. Geneva became the most quiet and orderly city in Europe, and men of the most diverse religious views were unanimous in declaring their astonishment at the great change which Calvin's system had effected. By the power of church-discipline Calvin produced an effect which in these days would require a standing army and a multitude of police. This close union of church and state sometimes led to great excesses. The most flagrant of them was the burning of Servetus for heresy. Servetus was a Spanish physician who had written a book against the Trinity in which he uttered the most dreadful blasphemies. He came to Geneva with the intention of leading a party known as the Libertines, in their opposition to the existing order. He was arrested, and after a long trial was condemned to be burnt at the stake. Calvin vainly interfered to have his punishment changed to decapitation. The indignation of the people was so intense that nothing short of the execution of the ancient law would satisfy them, and the dreadful decree After long discussions the churches of Zurich and Bern united with Geneva, in 1549, in a common confession of faith concerning the Lord's Supper. There were still many local differences, but the Swiss churches were practically united. Calvin's fame and influence now rapidly increased. He established a Theological institution at Geneva which opened with six hundred students. Theodore Btza, his ardent friend, biographer, and successor, was the first rector. Calvin taught theology, though he refused the title of professor, and the brightest young men of many nations gathered around him. The most celebrated of these was John Knox, who was afterwards mainly instrumental in founding and organizing the Presbyterian church of Scotland. The amount of labor which Calvin performed at this period is almost incredible. Though he was in bad health, and, it was said, "looked like a ghost, he sometimes for long periods preached every day, taught theology, wrote books, and was actively engaged in directing the affairs of church and state. His correspondence was enormous. Cranmer sought his advice with reference to the organization of the Church of England. In Holland his letters made men strong to battle for their rights. Far away in Poland, Bohemia, and |