The first person who preached the reformed doctrines in Geneva was the missionary Farel, a French nobleman, spiritual, romantic, and zealous.  He had great success, although he encountered much opposition and wrath.  But the reformed doctrines were already established in Zurich, Berne, and Basle, chiefly through the preaching of Ulrich Zwingli, and Oecolampadius.  The apostolic Farel welcomed with great cordiality the arrival of Calvin, then already known as an extraordinary man, though only twenty-eight years of age.  He came to Geneva poor, and remained poor all his life.  All his property at his death amounted to only two hundred dollars.  As a minister in one of the churches, he soon began to exert a marvellous influence.  He must have been eloquent, for he was received with enthusiasm.  This was in 1536.  But he soon met with obstacles.  He was worried by the Anabaptists; and even his orthodoxy was impeached by one Coroli, who made much mischief, so that Calvin was obliged to publish his Genevan Catechism in Latin.  He also offended many by his outspoken rebuke of sin, for he aimed at a complete reformation of morals, like Latimer in London and like Savonarola at Florence.  He sought to reprove amusements which were demoralizing, or thought to be so in their influence.  The passions of the people were excited, and the city was torn by parties; and such was the reluctance to submit to the discipline of the ministers that they refused to administer the sacraments.  This created such a ferment that the syndics expelled Calvin and Farel from the city.  They went at first to Berne, but the Bernese would not receive them.  They then retired to Basle, wearied, wet, and hungry, and from Basle they went to Strasburg.  It was in this city that Calvin dwelt three years, spending his time in lecturing on divinity, in making contributions to exegetical theology, in perfecting his “Institutes,” forming a close alliance with Melancthon and other leading reformers.  So pre-occupied was he with his labors as a commentator of the Scriptures, that he even contemplated withdrawing from the public service of religion.

Calvin was a scholar as well as theologian, and quiet labors in his library were probably more congenial to his tastes than active parochial duties.  His highest life was amid his books, in serene repose and lofty contemplation.  At this time he had an extensive correspondence, his advice being much sought for its wisdom and moderation.  His judgment was almost unerring, since he was never led away by extravagances or enthusiasm:  a cold, calm man even among his friends and admirers.  He had no passions; he was all intellect.  It would seem that in his exile he gave lectures on divinity, being invited by the Council of Strasburg; and also interested himself in reference to the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, which he would withhold from the unworthy.  He lived quietly in his retreat, and was much respected by the people of the city where he dwelt.