. His course as a public
leader was not faultless, nor were his doctrines free from error. But he
was instrumental in promulgating truths that were of special importance in
his time, in maintaining the principles of Protestantism against the
fast-returning tide of popery, and in promoting in the reformed churches
simplicity and purity of life, in place of the pride and corruption
fostered under the Romish teaching.

From Geneva, publications and teachers went out to spread the reformed
doctrines. To this point the persecuted of all lands looked for
instruction, counsel, and encouragement. The city of Calvin became a
refuge for the hunted Reformers of all Western Europe. Fleeing from the
awful tempests that continued for centuries, the fugitives came to the
gates of Geneva. Starving, wounded, bereft of home and kindred, they were
warmly welcomed and tenderly cared for; and finding a home here, they
blessed the city of their adoption by their skill, their learning, and
their piety. Many who sought here a refuge returned to their own countries
to resist the tyranny of Rome. John Knox, the brave Scotch Reformer, not a
few of the English Puritans, the Protestants of Holland and of Spain, and
the Huguenots of France, carried from Geneva the torch of truth to lighten
the darkness of their native lands.

13. THE NETHERLANDS AND SCANDINAVIA.

[Illustration: Chapter header.]

In the Netherlands the papal tyranny very early called forth resolute
protest. Seven hundred years before Luther's time, the Roman pontiff was
thus fearlessly impeached by two bishops, who, having been sent on an
embassy to Rome, had learned the true character of the "holy see:" God
"has made His queen and spouse, the church, a noble and everlasting
provision for her family, with a dowry that is neither fading nor
corruptible, and given her an eternal crown and scepter; ... all which
benefits you like a thief intercept. You set up yourself in the temple as
God; instead of pastor, you are become a wolf to the sheep; ... you would
make us believe you are a supreme bishop, but you rather behave like a
tyrant.... Whereas you ought to be a servant of servants, as you call
yourself, you endeavor to become a lord of lords.... You bring the
commands of God into contempt.... The Holy Ghost is the builder of all
churches as far as the earth extends.... The city of our God, of which we
are the citizens, reaches to all the regions of th