During the 16^th century Reformation many French Huguenots were persecuted, imprisoned and martyred. Pierre Viret (1511 – 1571), known as the “Angel of the Reformation” for his conciliatory spirit and gentleness in ministry worked to ease this persecution. He wrote many letters to encourage believers who had been incarcerated. Pierre Viret was a French clergyman who pastored in Lausanne, Switzerland. He was a friend and companion of John Calvin the great Reformer.

The following quote is taken from a book containing several letters written by Pierre Viret to believers who had been imprisoned for their faith in Christ.

[Letters Of Comfort to the Persecuted Church, by Pierre Viret; translated by R. A. Sheats, Psalm 78 Ministries].

“To all those who suffer persecution for the name of Jesus, greetings.

Grace, peace, and mercy from God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, who desires to comfort and strengthen you by His Holy Spirit in the midst of trials and afflictions of this miserable world, in order that you might not faint, but instead persevere with great steadfastness of heart in the grace in which you were called, casting the anchor of your hope upon Jesus, who reigns in heaven at the right hand of the Father Almighty, who does not allow a single hair of our head to fall to the earth apart from His will (Matt. 10:29 – 31). He alone does all He pleases, and wills nothing which shall not serve to His own honor and glory and to the salvation, edification, and consolation of His elect, for whom He makes all things work for good (Rom. 8:28).”

Matthew 10:29 – 31, Jesus speaking: “Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”