358 THE REFORMATION IN FRENCH SWITZERLAND.
§ 84. Expulsion of the Reformers. 1538.
Calvin's correspondence from 1537 to 1538, in Op. vol. X., Pt. II. 137 sqq.
Herminjard, vols. IV. and V. — Annal. Calv., Op. XXI., fol. 215-235. Henry, I. ch. IX. — Dyer, 78 sqq. — Stahelin, I. 151 sqq. — Kampschulte, I.
296-319. Merle d'Aubigne, Bk. XL chs. XI.-XIV. (vol. VI. 469 sqq.), C. A. Cornelius: Die Verbannung Calvins aus Genf. i.J. 1538. Miinchen,
1886.
The submission of the people of Geneva to such a severe system of discipline was only temporary. Many had never sworn to the Confession, notwithstanding the threat of punishment, and among them were the most influential citizens of the republic ; ^ others declared that they had been compelled to perjure themselves. The impossibility of enforcing the law brought the Council into contempt. Ami Porral, the leader of the clerical party in the Council, was charged with arbitrary conduct and disregard of the rights of the people. The Patriots and Libertines who had hailed the Reformation in the interest of political independence from the yoke of Savoy and of the bishop, had no idea of becoming slaves of Farel, and were jealous of the influence of foreigners. An intrigue to annex Geneva to the kingdom of France increased the suspicion. The Patriots organized themselves as a political party and labored to overthrow the clerical regime. They were aided in part by Bern, which was opposed to the tenet of excommunication and to the radicalism of the Reformers.
There was another cause of dissatisfaction even among the more moderate, which brought on the crisis. Farel in his iconoclastic zeal had, before the arrival of Calvin, abolished all holidays except Sunday, the baptismal fonts, and the unleavened bread in the communion, all of which were retained by the Reformed Church in Bern.^ A synod of Lausanne, under the influence of Bern, recommended the
1 According to the testimony of Claude Rozet, the secretary of state. He himself had not sworn the Confession, although he had read it publicly and taken the oath of the citizens in St. Peter's, July 29, 1537.
2 Beza, in Calvin's Opera, XXI. 128.
§ 84. EXPULSION OF THE REFORMERS. 359
restoration of the old Bernese customs, as they were called. The Council enforced this decision. Calvin himself regarded such matters as in themselves indifferent, but would not forsake his colleagues.
Stormy scenes took place in the general assembly of citizens, Nov. 15, 1537. In the popular elections on Feb. 3, 1638, the anti-clerical party succeeded in the election of four syndics and a majority of the Council.^
The new rulers proceeded with caution. They appointed new preachers for the country, which was much needed. They prohibited indecent songs and broils in the streets, and going out at night after nine. They took Bern for their model. They enforced the decision of the Council of Lausanne concerning the Church festivals and baptismal fonts.
But the preachers were determined to die rather than to yield an inch. They continued to thunder against the popular vices, and censured the Council for want of energy in suppressing them. The result was that they were warned not to meddle in politics (March 12). ^ Courauld, who surpassed even Farel in vehemence, was forbidden to preach, but ascended the pulpit again, April 7, denounced Geneva and its citizens in a rude and insulting manner,^ was imprisoned, and six days afterwards banished in spite of the energetic protests of Calvin and Farel. The old man retired to Thonon, on the lake of Geneva, was elected minister at Orbe, and died there Oct. 4 in the same year.
Calvin and Farel were emboldened by this harsh treatment of their colleague. They attacked the Council from the pulpit.
1 The new syndics, Claude Richardet, Jean Philippe, Jean Lullin, and Ami de Chapeaurouge, were pronounced enemies of Farel and Viret. Ami Porral was not re-elected. Grynsus of Basel wrote several letters of comfort and encouragement to Farel and Calvin, Feb. 13, March 4, March 12, 1538. In Herminjard, IV. 361, 370, 401.
^ Ann. 222, " de point se mesler du magistrat."
3 He compared the state of Geneva with the kingdom of frogs, and the Geuevese with rats. Merle d'Aubigne', VI. 455.