There was even a considerable amount of democratic sentiment.

The poor clergy, who had become converted to Calvinism, were especially free in denouncing the inequalities of the old regime which made of the higher clergy great lords and left the humbler ministers to starve.

The fact is that the message of Calvinism was essentially democratic in that the excellence of all Christians and their perfect equality before God was preached.

[Sidenote: Equality preached] Interest in religion and the ability to discuss it was not confined to a privileged hierarchy, but was shared by the humblest.

In a ribald play written in 1564 it is said:[1] If faut que Jeanne [a servant] entre les pots Parle de reformation; La nouvelle religion A tant fait que les chambrieres, Les serviteurs et les tripieres En disputent publiquement.
But while the gay courtier and worldling sneered at the religion of market women and scullerymaids, he had little cause to scoff when he met the Protestants {208} in debate at the town hall of his city, or on the field of battle.
Finally, the year 1559 very well marks a stage in the development of French Protestantism.