Rise and Establishment of Protestantism at Geneva - James Aitken Wylie

Chapter 28
The Soclal and Family Life of
Geneva
NOW that Calvin has realised his program, let
us look at the social and family life of the
Genevese. The "Christian Idea," as Gaberel calls it,
had created their State, and religion was the allpervading
and dominant element in it. Calvin, the
people, the State--all three were one, the fusion
was complete, and the policy of the Senate, and the
action of the citizens, were but the results of that
great principle which had called into existence this
marvellous community. The "Sermon" held a first
place among their institutions. Day by day it
reinvigorated that spirit which was the "breath" of
Geneva. But, besides the need the Genevans felt of
the instructions and consolations of religion, there
were other influences that acted in drawing them to
the temples. Preaching was then a novelty. Like
break of day in an Eastern clime, the Gospel, in
mid-day effulgence, had all at once burst on these
461