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

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their bad conduct. But if, in the long run, the sore need a severer
remedy, I shall do my utmost, and shall see to it by every method I
can think of, to avoid disturbing the peace of the Church with our
quarrels; for I dread the factions which must always necessarily
arise from the dissensions of ministers. On my first arrival I might
have driven them away had I wished to do so, and that is also even
now in my power. I shall never, however, repent the degree of
moderation which I have observed, since no one can justly
complain that I have been too severe. These things I mention to
you in a cursory way, that you may the more clearly perceive how
wretched I shall be if Viret is taken away from me.”
A month later (April 17, 1542), he wrote to Myconius: f641 —
“In what concerns the private condition of this Church, I somehow,
along with Viret, sustain the burden of it. If he is taken away from
me, my situation will be more deplorable than I can describe to you,
and even should he remain, there is some hazard that very much
may not be obtained in the midst of so much secret animosity
[between Geneva and Bern]. But that I may not torment myself
beforehand, the Lord will see to it, and provide some one on whom
I am compelled to cast this care.”
In February, 1543, he wrote to Melanchthon:
“As to our own affairs, there is much that I might write, but the
sole cause which imposes silence upon me is, that I could find no
end. I labor here and do my utmost, but succeed indifferently.
Nevertheless, all are astonished that my progress is so great in the
midst of so many impediments, the greater part of which arise from
the ministers themselves. This, however, is a great alleviation of my
troubles, that not only this Church, but also the whole
neighborhood, derive some benefit from my presence. Besides that,
somewhat overflows from hence upon France, and even spreads as
far as Italy.” f642
§ 97. SURVEY OF CALVIN’S ACTIVITY.
Calvin combined the offices of theological professor, preacher, pastor,
church-ruler, superintendent of schools, with the extra labors of equal, yea,
greater, importance, as author, correspondent, and leader of the expanding