Geneva I

Calvin led a life of wandering, due to the persecution of the followers of the Reformation. In July 1536, he travelled through Geneva. His plan was to move to the safe city Strasburg, to continue his studies. But the Lord had different plans. In May 1536, the people of Geneva had chosen, with a majority of votes, for the teachings of the Reformation. Mass was forbidden and attending church services became compulsory. The man who played a large rol in this reforms was William Farel. Farel knew, that Rome wanted to regain its authority over the city. However, the people in the city did not agree with this majority. Farel needed help. When he heard that Calvin was in the city, he asked him to help. But Calvin refused. Farel continued asking, and he said: ‘You are following your own wishes, and I tell you in the name of God Almighty, that if you do not help us in this work of the Lord, the Lord will punish you for seeking your own interests rather than His’. Then Calvin capitulated. Later he wrote about this: ‘It was as though God Himself had laid His Hand upon me’. Calvin became a minister of the Saint Pierre Cathedral in Geneva. There he preached the Gospel and lectured nearly every day.