The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 233

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 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 professed
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 schoolmaster. The truths which he
taught the children at school they repeated at

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