Lesser-Known Reformers: Pierre Viret (1509/11–1571)

Have you heard the story of John Calvin  trying  to  pass  quietly through Geneva in 1536? The local Reformed pastor, William Farel, heard that Calvin was in town and called down God’s curse on Calvin if he would leave town for a life of quiet study when the church in Geneva needed him to be a preacher. Earlier, Farel had impressed on another young man the need to serve the church as well. Farel had noticed a quiet, twenty-year-old man in his audience. Sensing the young man’s abilities, Farel...