gion I lived a Pharisee."(317) A
devoted Romanist, he burned with zeal to destroy all who should dare to
oppose the church. "I would gnash my teeth like a furious wolf," he
afterward said, referring to this period of his life, "when I heard any
one speaking against the pope."(318) He had been untiring in his adoration
of the saints, in company with Lefevre making the round of the churches of
Paris, worshiping at the altars, and adorning with gifts the holy shrines.
But these observances could not bring peace of soul. Conviction of sin
fastened upon him, which all the acts of penance that he practised, failed
to banish. As to a voice from heaven, he listened to the Reformer's words:
"Salvation is of grace." "The Innocent One is condemned, and the criminal
is acquitted." "It is the cross of Christ alone that openeth the gates of
heaven, and shutteth the gates of hell."(319)

Farel joyfully accepted the truth. By a conversion like that of Paul, he
turned from the bondage of tradition to the liberty of the sons of God.
"Instead of the murderous heart of a ravening wolf, he came back," he
says, "quietly, like a meek and harmless lamb, having his heart entirely
withdrawn from the pope, and given to Jesus Christ."(320)

While Lefevre continued to spread the light among his students, Farel, as
zealous in the cause of Christ as he had been in that of the pope, went
forth to declare the truth in public. A dignitary of the church, the
bishop of Meaux, soon after united with them. Other teachers who ranked
high for their ability and learning, joined in proclaiming the gospel, and
it won adherents among all classes, from the homes of artisans and
peasants to the palace of the king. The sister of Francis I., then the
reigning monarch, accepted the reformed faith. The king himself, and the
queen mother, appeared for a time to regard it with favor, and with high
hopes the Reformers looked forward to the time when France should be won
to the gospel.

But their hopes were not to be realized. Trial and persecution awaited the
disciples of Christ. This, however, was mercifully veiled from their eyes.
A time of peace intervened, that they might gain strength to meet the
tempest; and the Reformation made rapid progress. The bishop of Meaux
labored zealously in his own diocese to instruct both the clergy and the
people. Ignorant and immoral priests were removed, and, so far as
possible, replaced by men of learning and piety. The bishop great