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

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He was moved to tears by these manifestations of regard and confidence,
and began to waver. But the deputies of Strassburg at Worms, under secret
instruction from their government, entered a strong protest against his
leaving. Bucer, Capito, Sturm, and Grynaeus, when asked for advice,
decided that Calvin was indispensable to Strassburg as the head of the
French Church which represented Protestant France; as a theological
teacher who attracted students from Germany, France, and Italy, to send
them back to their own countries as evangelists; and as a helper in making
the Church of Strassburg a seminary of ministers of the gospel. No one
besides Melanchthon could be compared with him. Geneva was indeed an
important post, and the gate to France and Italy, but uncertain, and liable
to be involved again in political complications which might destroy the
evangelical labors of Calvin. The pastors and senators of Strassburg, urged
by the churches of Zürich and Basel, came at last to the conclusion to
consent to Calvin’s return after the Colloquy of Worms, but only for a
season, hoping that he may soon make their city his final home for the
benefit of the whole Church. f613
Thus two cities, we might almost say, two nations, were contending for the
possession of “the Theologian.” His whole future life, and a considerable
chapter of Church history, depended on the decision. Under these
circumstances he could make no definite promise, except that he would pay
a visit to Geneva after the close of the Colloquy, on condition of getting
the consent of Strassburg and Bern. He also prescribed, like a victorious
general, the terms of surrender, namely, the restoration of Church
discipline.
He had previously advised that Viret be called from Lausanne. This was
done in Dec. 31, 1540, with the permission of Bern, but only for half a
year. Viret arrived in Geneva Jan. 17, 1541. His persuasive sermons were
well attended, and the magistrates showed great reverence for the Word of
God; but he found so much and such difficult work in church and school, in
the hospital and the poorhouse, that he urged Calvin to come soon, else he
must withdraw or perish.
On the 1st of May, 1541, the General Council recalled, in due form, the
sentence of banishment of April 23, 1538, and solemnly declared that every
citizen considered Calvin, Farel, and Saunier to be honorable men, and true
servants of God. f614 On the 26th of May the senate sent another pressing