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than once he was set upon by the rabble, and beaten almost to death.
Yet he pressed forward. Though often repulsed, with unwearying
persistence he returned to the attack; and, one after another, he saw
towns and cities which had been strongholds of popery, opening their
gates to the gospel. The little parish where he had first labored, soon
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accepted the reformed faith. The cities of Morat and Neuchatel also
renounced the Romish rites, and removed the idolatrous images from
their churches.
Farel had long desired to plant the Protestant standard in Geneva.
If this city could be won, it would be a center for the Reformation in
France, in Switzerland, and in Italy. With this object before him, he had
continued his labors until many of the surrounding towns and hamlets
had been gained. Then with a single companion he entered Geneva.
But only two sermons was he permitted to preach. The priests, having
vainly endeavored to secure his condemnation by the civil authorities,
summoned him before an ecclesiastical council, to which they came
with arms concealed under their robes, determined to take his life.
Outside the hall, a furious mob, with clubs and swords, was gathered
to make sure of his death if he should succeed in escaping the council.
The presence of magistrates and an armed force, however, saved him.
Early next morning he was conducted, with his companion, across
the lake to a place of safety. Thus ended his first effort to evangelize
Geneva.
For the next trial a lowlier instrument was chosen,—a young man,
so humble in appearance that he was coldly treated even by the pro-
fessed friends of reform. But what could such a one do where Farel
had been rejected? How could one of little courage and experience
withstand the tempest before which the strongest and bravest had been
forced to flee? “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the
Lord.” [
Zechariah 4:6
.] “God hath chosen the weak things of the world
to confound the things which are mighty.” “Because the foolishness
of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than
men.” [
1 Corinthians 1:27, 25
.]
Froment began his work as a school-master. The truths which he
taught the children at school, they repeated at their homes. Soon the
parents came to hear the Bible explained, until the school-room was
filled with attentive listeners. New Testaments and tracts were freely
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distributed, and they reached many who dared not come openly to