Calvin returned to Geneva in 1541. But what had happened overthere? In the city, the division between the different parties continued. The new City Council wasn’t able to give proper guidance. The looseness of morals in the city increased. The Roman Catholic Church also tried to get back the control over the city. At the command of the pope, Cardinal Sadoleto wrote a cunning ‘open letter’. On one hand, he wrote positive things about the Reformed doctrine, on the other hand he accused Calvin of desire for power and money. He also mentioned the unity of the Roman Catholic Church. He wrote that he was worried about the ecclesiastical division in the city. Was the church not guided by the Holy Spirit? Did this not mean that the Protestants had separated themselves from the guidance of the Holy Spirit? The letter made a profound impression. But when no one could reply the letter of Sadoleto, the City Council asked Calvin to help them. Soon after this an impressive ‘Reply to Sadoleto’ was published. Calvin wrote in this reply: ‘Is the Holy Spirit really tied to the Roman Catholic Church? No, it is not. The church is bound tot he truth of the Word of God. Only a church that preaches the truth is guided by the Holy Spirit’. Next, Calvin explained how the Roman Catholic Church depart from the Word of God. The City Council invited Calvin to return to Geneva. Other people also asked him to do so. Again at first Calvin refused, but again Farel managed to persuade him. On this occasion Calvin wrote: ‘I offer my heart to the Lord, promptly and sincerely’. When he finally left Strasburg, at first his wife remaind behind. Calvin expected that his stay in Geneva would not be for a long period. As soon as peace returned in Geneva, he would go back to Strasburg. But God had other plans. He was to stay in Geneva for good, and had to play a large role in the Reformation movement.
