J. H. Merle D'Aubigne

During the nineteeth century, Geneva, Switzerland was aroused by the fervor of Jean-Henri Merle d'Aubigne (1794-1872), a Swiss Protestant minister who desired to bring the spirit of the Reformation back to the city (also his birthplace) that had since dwindled from its position as the seat of Calvinism. This "reawakening," labeled "The Reveil," occurred from 1813-1830, coinciding with d'Aubigne's own personal awakening to the truths of Scripture. Although born into a Swiss Hugenot family, his theological studies at l'Academie de Geneve ironically afforded him with little exposure to the Bible itself. After being exposed to more of Scripture in Bible studies instigated by a Scottish descendent of John Calvin, Robert Haldane, he became quite passionate about the Bible and the history of the Reformation. D'Aubigne soon distinguished himself as a very prominent leader of The Reveil, particularly with his bestselling works, The History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century and The History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin. These massive histories were fueled by d'Aubigne's love of the Reformation, his vision for a straightforward Christian account of the lives and events therein, and most emphatically, his desire to lay before Christians the sovereignty of God in history. D'Aubigne's remarkable passion for God and Scripture was the drive behind all his life's work, which he continued until his death in Geneva in 1872.

Works by the author:

• The History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century (published in 5 volumes, 1835-53)
• The History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin (published in 8 volumes, 1863-78, three volumes published posthumously)