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The Great Controversy
arms of princes was it to owe its strength. The smallest countries, the
humblest and least powerful nations, became its strongholds. It was
little Geneva in the midst of mighty foes plotting her destruction; it
was Holland on her sandbanks by the northern sea, wrestling against
the tyranny of Spain, then the greatest and most opulent of kingdoms;
it was bleak, sterile Sweden, that gained victories for the Reformation.
For nearly thirty years Calvin labored at Geneva, first to establish
there a church adhering to the morality of the Bible, and then for the
advancement of the Reformation throughout Europe. His course as a
public leader was not faultless, nor were his doctrines free from error.
But he was instrumental in promulgating truths that were of special
importance in his time, in maintaining the principles of Protestantism
against the fast-returning tide of popery, and in promoting in the
reformed churches simplicity and purity of life, in place of the pride
and corruption fostered under the Romish teaching.
From Geneva, publications and teachers went out to spread the
reformed doctrines. To this point the persecuted of all lands looked for
instruction, counsel, and encouragement. The city of Calvin became
a refuge for the hunted Reformers of all Western Europe. Fleeing
from the awful tempests that continued for centuries, the fugitives
came to the gates of Geneva. Starving, wounded, bereft of home and
kindred, they were warmly welcomed and tenderly cared for; and
finding a home here, they blessed the city of their adoption by their
skill, their learning, and their piety. Many who sought here a refuge
returned to their own countries to resist the tyranny of Rome. John
Knox, the brave Scotch Reformer, not a few of the English Puritans,
the Protestants of Holland and of Spain, and the Huguenots of France
carried from Geneva the torch of truth to lighten the darkness of their
native lands.
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