History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume 1

Name: History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume 1
Author: J. H. Merle d'Aubigné

by J. H. Merle d'Aubigné

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Subjects

Reformation

In: History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)·History - Religious

Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #40858.

About this book

Merle d’Aubigné’s History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century is a sweeping scholarly work that treats the Reformation as a true revolution rather than a mere ecclesiastical dispute. The opening pages set the tone with a vigorous defence of the book’s importance, arguing that its vivid portrayal of Rome’s abuses and the reformers’ principles is essential for “preparing the combat” of ideas. The translator’s note explains that this edition, based on the 1842 revised French text, incorporates extensive revisions, excised redundancies, and literal translations of the original notes, making the work both affordable and faithful to d’Aubigné’s intent. The detailed contents outline a methodical progression from the pre‑Reformation church, through Luther’s early life, the controversy over indulgences, and the diplomatic confrontations that followed, promising a comprehensive narrative of the era’s theological and political upheavals.

The prose is earnest and expansive, reflecting a nineteenth‑century French‑influenced historiography that blends factual narration with moral reflection. D’Aubigné writes with a clear, didactic voice, aiming to inspire both scholars and general readers to see the Reformation as a divine‑driven transformation of humanity. Readers who appreciate dense, document‑rich histories, particularly those interested in religious, cultural, and European history of the early modern period, will find this volume rewarding, while its length and theological focus may be less appealing to those seeking a light‑hearted overview.

The opening · free to read

BY HENRY BEVERIDGE, ESQ. ADVOCATE.

VOLUME FIRST.

GLASGOW: PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM COLLINS. LONDON: R. GROOMBRIDGE AND SONS. 1845.

GLASGOW: WILLIAM COLLINS AND CO., PRINTERS.

TRANSLATOR'S ADVERTISEMENT.

D'Aubigné's History of the Reformation is so well known and so highly appreciated as to make it not only unnecessary, but almost presumptuous, for a mere Translator to say any thing in commendation of it. The public feeling unquestionably is, that of the works which have recently appeared, it is one of the most talented, interesting, important, and seasonable. The mere lapse of time, aided by the active misrepresentations of the Romish party, had begun to make an impression in some degree unfavourable to the principles of the Reformation. This admirable work has again placed these principles in their true light. By its vivid display of what Rome was and did, it has impressively reminded us of what she still is, and is prepared to do. Her great boast is, that she has never changed. If so, she longs to return to her former course, and will return to it the first moment that circumstances enable her to do so. Being thus warned, our duty is plain. We must prepare for the combat; and of all preparations, none promises to be more effectual than that of thoroughly embuing the public mind with the facts so graphically delineated, and the principles so luminously and forcibly expounded in this work of D'Aubigné.

But, it may be asked, Has not this purpose been effected already, or at least may it not be effected without the instrumentality of a new translation?

To this question the Translator answers, First, The form of the present translation and the price at which it is published place the work within the reach of thousands to whom it might otherwise be a sealed book. Second, While this Translation is the cheapest in existence, it is also the only one which can, in strict truth, be regarded as genuine. The edition from which this translation is made was published in 1842. The date would have been of little consequence if the work had continued the same; but the fact is, that the edition of 1842 is not a reprint, but a complete revision of the one which preceded it. Numerous passages of considerable length and great importance have been introduced, while others which had, on a careful examination, been deemed redundant or inaccurate, have been expunged. Surely, after all the pains which the distinguished author has expended on the improvement of his work, it is scarcely doing justice either to him or to the English reader to leave his improvements unknown. In another respect the present Translation exclusively contains what is conceived to be a very decided improvement. All the Notes, the meaning of which is not given in the Text, have been literally translated. It seemed somewhat absurd while translating French for the benefit of the English reader, to be at the same time presenting him with a large number of passages of untranslated Latin.

While the work has been printed in a form to which the most fastidious cannot object, it has been issued at a price which makes it accessible to all. The result, it is hoped, will be, that D'Aubigné's History of the Reformation will obtain a circulation somewhat adequate to its merits, and by its introduction into every family become what it well deserves to be--a household book.

CONTENTS.

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