The term "revolution," which I here apply to it, has of late fallen into discredit with many individuals, who almost confound it with revolt. It is a transformation of the latter kind that, with very humble powers, I have undertaken to describe, not without a hope that the beauty of the subject may compensate for my own deficiencies. Both these departments of history are of vast importance yet public interest has ever been more strongly attracted to those epochs which under the name of revolutions, have given fresh life to a nation, or created a new era for society in general. The history of Protestantism may have an interest for Protestants only the history of the Reformation addresses itself to all Christians, or rather to all mankind.Īn historian may choose his subject in the wide field presented to his labors: he may describe the great events which have changed the aspect of a people or of the world or on the other hand he may record that tranquil onward course of a nation, of the Church, or of mankind, which usually succeeds every great social change.
In the latter we too often witness a glaring degeneracy from first principles, the struggles of parties, a sectarian spirit, and the traces of petty individualities. In the former every thing bears the mark of a regeneration of the human race - of a religious and social change emanating from God himself. The history of the Reformation is distinct from that of Protestantism. The history of one of the greatest revolutions that has ever been accomplished in human affairs - of a mighty impulse communicated to the world three centuries ago, and whose influence is still visible on every side - and not the history of a mere party, is the object of my present undertaking.
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