Had it been merely the rebellion of provinces against a sovereign, the importance of the struggle would have been more local and temporary.

But the period was one in which the geographical land-marks of countries were almost removed.

The dividing-line ran through every state, city, and almost every family.

There was a country which believed in the absolute power of the church to dictate the relations between man and his Maker, and to utterly exterminate all who disputed that position.

There was another country which protested against that doctrine, and claimed, theoretically or practically, a liberty of conscience.