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

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the clerical ascendency in Geneva, but gave him a safe-conduct through her
territory.
At Soleure (Solothurn) he learned that Farel was deposed, without a trial,
by the magistracy of Neuchâtel, because he had attacked a person of rank
from the pulpit for scandalous conduct. He, therefore, turned from the
direct route, and spent some days with his friend, trying to relieve him of
the difficulty. He did not succeed at once, but his efforts were supported by
Zürich, Strassburg, Basel, and Bern; and the seignory of Neuchâtel
resolved to keep Farel, who continued to labor there till his death. f620
Calvin wrote to the Council of Geneva from Neuchâtel on Sept. 7,
explaining the reason of his delay. f621 The next day he proceeded to Bern
and delivered letters from Strassburg and Basel.
He was expected at Geneva on the 9th of September, but did not arrive, it
seems, before the 13th. He wished to avoid a noisy reception, for which he
had no taste. f622 But there is no doubt that his arrival caused general
rejoicing among the people. f623
The Council provided for the Reformer a house and garden in the Rue des
Chanoines near St. Peter’s Church, f624 and promised him (Oct. 4), in
consideration of his great learning and hospitality to strangers, a fixed
salary of fifty gold dollars, or five hundred florins, besides twelve measures
of wheat and two casks of wine. f625 It also voted him a new suit of
broadcloth, with furs for the winter. This provision was liberal for those
days, yet barely sufficient for the necessary expenses of the Reformer and
the claims on his hospitality. Hence the Council made him occasional
presents for extra services; but he declined them whenever he could do
without them. He lived in the greatest simplicity compatible with his
position. A pulpit in St. Peter’s was prepared for him upon a broad, low
pillar, that the whole congregation might more easily hear him.
The Council sent three horses and a carriage to bring Calvin’s wife and
furniture. It took twenty-two days for the escort from Geneva to
Strassburg and back (from Sept. 17 to Oct. 8). f626
On the 13th of September Calvin appeared before the Syndics and the
Council in the Town Hall, delivered the letters from the senators and
pastors of Strassburg and Basel, and apologized for his long delay. He
made no complaint and demanded no punishment of his enemies, but asked
for the appointment of a commission to prepare a written order of church