Schaff - History of the Christian Church Vol. 8 - Media Sabda Org

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returned from France and Savoy, but the Answer of Calvin destroyed all
the hopes and prospects of the Romanists, and the government showed
them no favor.
3. The third party was friendly to the Reformers. It reaped all the benefit of
the blunders and misfortunes of the other two parties, and turned them to
the best account. Its members were called by their opponents
Guillermains, after Master Guillaume (Farel). They were led by Perrin,
Porral, Pertemps, and Sept. They were united, most active, and had a
definite end in view—the restoration of the Reformation. They kept up a
correspondence with the banished Reformers, especially with Farel in
Neuchâtel, who counselled and encouraged them. They were suspected of
French sympathies and want of patriotism, but retorted by charging the
government with subserviency to Bern. They were inclined to extreme
measures. Calvin exhorted them to be patient, moderate, and forgiving.
As the Artichauds declined, the Guillermains increased in power over the
people. The vacant posts of the late syndics were filled from their ranks.
The new magistrates assumed a bold tone of independence towards Bern,
and insisted on the old franchises of Geneva. It is curious that they were
encouraged by a letter of the Emperor Charles V., who thus unwittingly
aided the cause of Calvin. f606
The way was now prepared for the recall of Calvin. The best people of
Geneva looked to him as the saviour of their city. His name meant order,
peace, reform in Church and State.
Even the Artichauds, overpowered by public opinion, proposed in a
general assembly of citizens, June 17, 1540, the resolution to restore the
former status, and spoke loudly against popery. Two of the new preachers,
Marcourt and Morland, resigned Aug. 10, and returned to Bern. The other
two, Henri de la Mare and Jacques Bernard, humbly besought the favor of
Calvin, and begged him to return. A remarkable tribute from his rivals and
enemies. f607
§ 94. CALVIN’S RECALL TO GENEVA.
Literature in § 93, especially the Correspondence and Registers.
Calvin did not forget Geneva. He proved his interest in her welfare by his
Answer to Sadolet. But he had no inclination to return, and could only be
induced to do so by unmistakable indications of the will of Providence.