Sadolet’s Letter and Calvin’s Reply (English Edition)

SADOLET'S LETTER TO THE GENEVESE, with CALVIN'S REPLY, derives great interest not only from the important points discussed in it, but also from the circumstances in which the discussion took place. Owing to the unchristian spirit which prevailed in Geneva, Calvin, with his colleagues, Corald and Farel, deemed themselves justified in resorting to the strong measure of declining to dispense the Communion. The popular resentment was roused, and bad men taking advantage of it, succeeded in obtaining a decree, by which those three Pastors were summarily banished from the city. It was hoped that the decree, the effect apparently of momentary ebullition, would be rescinded, and other Churches with this view interposed their mediation. But the decree, however rashly made, was resolutely enforced, and the Pastors were obliged to take what must have been regarded as their final leave.