Rise and Establishment of Protestantism at Geneva - James Aitken Wylie

which had touched for a moment this sub-Alpine
stronghold. It fell back again into the darkness.
Under Honorius, in the fourth century, it became a
city. It rose into some eminence, and even was
possessed of a little liberty, in the days of
Charlemagne. But a better day-spring awaited
Geneva. The rising sun of the Reformation struck
full upon it, and this small town became one of the
lights of the world.
But we must glance back, and see what a long
preparation the little city had to undergo for its
great destiny. The dissolution of the Empire of
Charlemagne set Geneva free to consider after
what fashion it should govern itself. At this crisis
its bishop stepped forward and claimed, in addition
to its spiritual oversight, the right to exercise its
temporal government. The citizens conceded the
claim only within certain limits. Still preserving
their liberties, they took the bishop into partnership
with them in the civic jurisdiction. The election of
the bishop was in the hands of the people, and,
before permitting him to mount the episcopal chair,
they made him take an oath to preserve their
6