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Rise and Establishment of Protestantism at Geneva - James Aitken Wylie

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little for the object, but much for the times. He<br />

immedi<strong>at</strong>ely laid the found<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> the edifice. He<br />

marked with joy the rising walls; tearing himself<br />

from his studies, he would descend from the Rue<br />

des Chanoines to the scene <strong>of</strong> oper<strong>at</strong>ions, <strong>and</strong><br />

though enfeebled by quartan-ague he might be seen<br />

dragging himself over the works, speaking kindly<br />

words now <strong>and</strong> again to the workmen, <strong>and</strong><br />

stimul<strong>at</strong>ing them by expressing his s<strong>at</strong>isfaction <strong>at</strong><br />

their progress. Two edifices were rising <strong>at</strong> the same<br />

moment under the eye <strong>of</strong> the Reformer. The<br />

organiz<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> the French Protestant Church <strong>and</strong><br />

the building <strong>of</strong> the Academy went on together. On<br />

the 5th <strong>of</strong> June, 1559, just eleven days after the<br />

meeting <strong>of</strong> the N<strong>at</strong>ional Synod in Paris, the college<br />

was ready to receive both masters <strong>and</strong> pupils. The<br />

inaugur<strong>at</strong>ion was celebr<strong>at</strong>ed by a solemn service in<br />

St. Peter's, <strong>at</strong> which the sen<strong>at</strong>ors, the ministers, <strong>and</strong><br />

the burgesses <strong>at</strong>tended. After prayer by Calvin, <strong>and</strong><br />

a L<strong>at</strong>in address by Beza, the laws <strong>and</strong> st<strong>at</strong>utes <strong>of</strong><br />

the college, the confession to be subscribed by the<br />

students, <strong>and</strong> the o<strong>at</strong>h to be taken by the rector <strong>and</strong><br />

masters were read aloud. Theodore Beza was<br />

appointed rector; five masterships--Calvin had<br />

453

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