06 - Geneva

Geneva, 1536 – Farel speaks to Calvin – Calvin changes his mind – becomes pastor – his views on Church and State – his Constantine position – contradicts himself – the practical effect of his views – the Libertines – Calvin’s vital distinction between preachers and pastors – his attempt at discipline of the Lord’s supper – banished – Rome grabs the chance – Calvin restored by popular demand – Presbyterianism – a biblical look at it under two questions – found wanting – separate churches, not federated congregations – self-governing churches, not ecclesiastical courts – Geneva the centre of the Reformation – Calvin’s great works – his mistaken notion of a ‘Christian State’ – his responsibility for the harm caused – persecution by the Calvinists – Servetus – the terrible cost – Calvin’s greatness – his death – the pope’s testimony

It is the end of August, 1536. A young Frenchman, slim in figure and pale of countenance, who is on his way from Italy to Strasbourg, reaches the city of Geneva, accompanied by his brother and half-sister. The young man intends to rest from his journey and move on next morning. He will stay for the one night only.
In his early days, the young man had started on a course of preparation for the Roman Catholic priesthood, but he had changed direction and trained as a lawyer.