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

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the principle to tolerate what he could not abolish. f709 It was only after his
final victory over the Libertines in 1555 that the Council conceded to the
Consistory the undisputed power of excommunication. f710
From these facts we may judge with what right Calvin has so often been
called “the Pope of Geneva,” mostly by way of reproach. f711 As far as the
designation is true, it is an involuntary tribute to his genius and character.
For he had no material support, and he never used his influence for gain or
personal ends. The Genevese knew him well and obeyed him freely.
§ 106. CALVIN’S THEORY OF DISCIPLINE.
Discipline is so important an element in Calvin’s Church polity, that it must
be more fully considered. Discipline was the cause of his expulsion from
Geneva, the basis of his flourishing French congregation at Strassburg, the
chief reason for his recall, the condition of his acceptance, the struggle and
triumph of his life, and the secret of his moral influence to this day. His
rigorous discipline, based on his rigorous creed, educated the heroic
French, Dutch, English, Scotch, and American Puritans (using this word in
a wider sense for strict Calvinists). It fortified them for their trials and
persecutions, and made them promoters of civil and religious liberty.
The severity of the system has passed away, even in Geneva, Scotland, and
New England, but the result remains in the power of self-government, the
capacity for organization, the order and practical efficiency which
characterizes the Reformed Churches in Europe and America.
Calvin’s great aim was to realize the purity and holiness of the Church as
far as human weakness will permit. He kept constantly in view the ideal of
“a Church without spot or wrinkle or blemish,” which Paul describes in the
Epistle to the Ephesians 5:27. He wanted every Christian to be consistent
with his profession, to show his faith by good works, and to strive to be
perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. He was the only one among the
Reformers who attempted and who measurably carried out this sublime
idea in a whole community.
Luther thought the preaching of the gospel would bring about all the
necessary changes, but he had to complain bitterly, at the end of his life, of
the dissolute manners of the students and citizens at Wittenberg, and
seriously thought of leaving the city in disgust. f712