What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What did Ellen White write about Farel?"
Answer
Ellen White describes Wilhelm Farel as a formerly fervent adherent of the papacy who, after a profound conversion, became a fearless and tireless proclaimor of the gospel. Despite constant danger to his life, mistreatment and exile, he advanced the Reformation in France and Switzerland decisively. Moreover, he recognized in John Calvin divine guidance and, with solemn emphasis, urged him to help rebuild the Reformation work in Geneva.
Farel's Conversion from Papal Zealot to Messenger of the Gospel
»There were some among Lefevre's students who eagerly listened to his words and would proclaim the truth for a long time after their teacher's voice had fallen silent. One of them was Wilhelm Farel. Raised as the son of devout parents to accept the teachings of the church in unquestioning faith, he could have said of himself, like the Apostle Paul: "According to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee." As a devoted Catholic he burned with zeal to destroy all who dared to oppose the church. [...] Yet all these customs could bring no peace to his soul. He was seized by a conviction of sin that the penances he practiced could not dispel. Like a voice from heaven he listened to the reformer's words: "Salvation comes by grace. The innocent is condemned and the guilty acquitted." [...] Farel gladly accepted the truth. Through a conversion like that of Paul he turned from the bondage of tradition to the freedom of God's children.«
Farel's Tireless Work and Persecution in Switzerland and Geneva
»Long before the persecutions incited by the posters, the bold and fiery Farel had been forced to flee his native land. He went to Switzerland and, through his work that supported Zwingli's efforts, helped tip the balance in favor of the Reformation. [...] Farel began his work in Switzerland in the modest role of a schoolmaster. He went to a remote community and devoted himself to teaching children. In addition to the usual subjects he gently introduced the truths of the Bible [...]. From village to village, from town to town he went; he traveled on foot, endured hunger, cold and exhaustion, and was constantly in danger of death. He preached in marketplaces, in churches and sometimes from the pulpits of cathedrals. [...] More than once he was attacked by the mob and beaten nearly to death. Yet he pressed onward. Although he was often repelled, he returned with tireless perseverance to the attack; and one after another he saw cities and congregations that had been strongholds of the papacy open their gates to the gospel.«
Farel Calls John Calvin to Geneva
»In this visit Farel recognized the hand of God. Although Geneva had embraced the reformed faith, a great work still remained to be completed here. [...] Farel was confident that in Calvin he had found someone he could unite with him in this work. In the name of God he solemnly summoned the young evangelist to stay and work here. Calvin recoiled in fright. Timid and peace-loving, he withdrew from contact with the bold, independent, and even violent spirit of the Genevans. [...] Yet Farel's solemn admonition came to him like a call from heaven, and he dared not refuse.«
God's Preservation in Times of Severe Trials
»Farel returned to his hometown in eastern France to spread the light in the land of his childhood. [...] Soon the authorities were incited to silence him, and he was banished from the city. Although he could no longer work publicly, he roamed the plains and villages, taught in private homes as well as on remote meadows, and found refuge in the forests and rock caves that had been his haunts in his youth. God prepared him for greater trials. "Crosses, persecution and the assaults of Satan, of which I had a foreboding, were not lacking," he said; "they were even far more than I could have endured on my own; but God is my Father; He has given me all the necessary strength and will forever do so.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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