Her device was. 'Non inferiora secutus'-- ' I seek not things below; '-- signify- ' tng," continues our author, that her actions, thoughts, purposes and desires, were directed to that exalted Sun, namely God."

59° ' HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

John Le Clerc was the first martyr of the gospel in France. He was the pastor of the Church at Meaux. For writing against Antichrist of Rome, he was seized by the enraged priest, whipped three successive days, and then branded as a heretic with a heated iron on his forehead. But the martyr uttered not a groan, and he was again set at liberty. He then withdrew to Metz, where more awful sufferings awaited him ; and again in the power of his enemies, they cut off his right hand ; and, tormenting him with red-hot irons, he was at last consumed by a slow fire. During all these horrid tortures his mind was kept in perfect fidelity and peace, and he ejaculated solemnly: ' Israel trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.' Such was the first confessor of Jesus Christ who suffered and died in France ; and, therefore, demands our especial notice. A system of terror soon began over the whole of France.

"But in vain, did its enemies oppose; the glorious march of the Reformation was onward and sure. France had now been baptized with the blood of the martyrs !

"In the midst of perils, opposition and persecution, the first national synod was called at the metropolis of the kingdom. This council published to the world their confession, which is entitled, ' The Confession of Faith held and Professed by the Reformed Churches of France, Received and Enacted by their First National Synod, Celebrated in the City of Paris, and year of our Lord, 1559.'