[250] See letter p. 208.
After the long conferences, in which Farel and Fabri took part in
the name of the Church of Neuchatel, and after a correspondence
of many months, the theologians of Zurich and Geneva came to an
agreement on the doctrine of the sacrament of the Supper, and drew
up a common formula, which may be seen in Hospinian.--_Hist. Sacr._,
tom. ii. pp. 369, 370. It is very likely, says Ruchat, that this
definite formula was the work of Calvin. We recognize his genius in
it at least, and we find in it the same ideas and expressions met
with in his Liturgy on the Holy Supper.--_Hist. de la Réf._, tom. v.
p. 378. Tho adoption of this formula was the first step towards the
union of the Swiss churches, sanctioned two years after the death of
Calvin (1566), by the adoption of the famous _Helvetic Confession_.
Urgent recommendation of the adoption of a fixed formulary in
the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
GENEVA, _1st August 1549_.
Although I have repeated occasion to act with you concerning the
same matter, yet I do not think I should be afraid of seeming
troublesome. Since the same subject is a matter of common interest
to us, it cannot be that you will disapprove of what I am engaged
in, and, as the perpetual importunity of good men urges me to it,
a little more zealously than is proper. I have oftentimes already
given advice regarding a small matter, although many were offended,
not without a show of reason, at my seeming to teach something or
other different from you regarding the sacraments. Your Church,
adorned with so many distinguished gifts, is deservedly held in
honour by those men. They show some [respect] to our Church also,
and, perhaps, to myself as an individual. So they are anxious to
obtain assistance from our writings in coming to a knowledge of
the doctrines of sacred duty, lest any sort of discussion should
retard their progress. I have thought, accordingly, that no remedy
was better fitted for removing this offence than if, to show our
unanimity, we were to enter kindly into consideration of it by
means of friendly conference. For this purpose I have, as you are
aware, undertaken a journey to you. And our venerable associate,
William Farel--that indefatigable soldier of Christ, and my guide
and counsellor--has not been reluctant to join me as a companion,
in order to unite with us in bearing truly and faithfully what
testimony we can on the one side and on the other. But because, in
the present state of the question, I do not carry all along with
me, I am greatly pained that those, whose peace of mind I should
wish to regard, continue in a troubled, or, at all events, in an
uncertain state. And, just as I said at the outset, I think I do
nothing unseasonable, when I insist on there being some public
testimony made regarding those points on which we are agreed. I have
indeed thought it a reward for my trouble to draw up briefly and
arrange those paragraphs on which we have conferred, in order that,
if my plan be approved of by you, any one may see at a glance, as
it were, what we have been engaged in, and what we have completed.
I certainly do trust that you will be my witnesses, that I have
reported faithfully all that I have brought forward. Pious readers
will doubtless observe, that we--I mean Farel and myself--have
with equal care sought perspicuity, unmixed with any deceit, and
void of all guile. Nevertheless, I should wish them, at the same
time, to be reminded, that there is nothing contained here which
our fellow-labourers also, be they who they may, whether serving
Christ under the rule of the Genevese Republic, or in the Neuchatel
district, have not by their signature approved.
Adieu, most excellent men and brethren, deserving of my hearty
regard. May the Lord continue to guide you by his Spirit in the
edification of his Church, and may he bless our labours.
[_Lat. Copy._--_Archives of Zurich_. Gest. vi. 105, p. 411.]