The following history of God’s beloved servant, is meant to be nothing more than a simple story, suited for those who have not the time or the means to study larger and more learned histories.
Those who have read the “Life and Times of Calvin,” by Merle d’Aubigne, will easily perceive that many parts of the story have been taken, almost verbatim, from that most interesting history. Sometimes, however, especially in the early part of Farel’s life, it has been found necessary to give an account of some important matters which differs from the account given in former histories. The account of the date and means of Farel’s conversion may be given as an example of this.
I believe, however, that anyone who will take the trouble to verify the facts of the story by reference to the invaluable book, “The Correspondence of the Reformers,” edited by M. Herminjard, of Lausanne, will be convinced that the alterations now made were needful. To the indefatigable researches of M. Herminjard I have therefore been much indebted, and also to his kind personal help in many details.
To Farel’s own writings (now out of print), and to other contemporary books, constant reference has been made, the object being to give as far as possible a really accurate account of the great work which the God of all grace did by means of His servant in those dark days.
We see, in reading this history, how unvarying is the testimony given by God the Holy Spirit in all ages and countries; and for this reason the story of Farel’s faithful witness to the Lord he loved, and the story also of the hatred and opposition of the enemy, form but a part of the same history in which we are now actors, either on the side of God or of Satan. It is not the war of Protestantism with Popery, but the conflict between light and darkness, between Christ and Belial, which is of real importance to our souls. We may be Protestants, yet in the ranks of Satan. And had Farel been no more than an opposer of popes and priests, his history might heap no further responsibility upon us. As it is, it is a call from the great Captain of our salvation to the consciences of all who read it—a call to follow Him, as His servant William Farel rejoiced in doing, in the face of hatred and enmity, of contempt and reproach, from whatever quarter they may come. May those who read it learn to value as never before, THE REPROACH OF CHRIST.