Protestantism in France From Death of Francis I to Edict of Nantes - James Aitken Wylie

enthusiasm and bravery of the sons, as displayed
under the banners of Conde, amply rewarded the
devotion and patriotism of the father. All of them
became distinguished in the campaigns that
followed.[2]
Nothing could more conclusively attest the
strength of the position which Protestantism had
conquered for itself in France than this brilliant list.
The men whom we see round the Huguenot chief
are the flower of a glorious land. They are no
needy adventurers, whom the love of excitement,
or the hope of spoil, or the thirst for distinction has
driven to the battle-field. Their castles adorn the
soil, and their names illustrate the annals of their
country; yet here we see them coming forward, at
this supreme hour, and deliberately staking the
honor of their houses, the revenues of their estates,
the glory of their names, and even life itself! What
could have moved them to this but their loyalty to
the Gospel--their deep, thorough, and most
intelligent conviction that the Reformed doctrine
was based on Scripture, and that it had bound up
with it not more their own personal salvation than
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