Page 60 - 12 The French Reformation

power of the Holy Spirit, not by the decrees

of councils. While the people of Geneva had

cast off the authority of Rome, they were not

so ready to renounce the vices that had

flourished under her rule. To establish here

the pure principles of the gospel and to

prepare this people to fill worthily the

position to which Providence seemed calling

them were not light tasks.

Farel was confident that he had found in

Calvin one whom he could unite with himself

in this work. In the name of God he solemnly

adjured the young evangelist to remain and

labor here. Calvin drew back in alarm. Timid

and peace-loving, he shrank from contact

with the bold, independent, and even violent

spirit of the Genevese. The feebleness of his

health, together with his studious habits, led

him to seek retirement. Believing that by his