June 2, 2017
Devotions: Personalities of the Reformation: Pierre Viret

Pierre Viret lived from 1511 to May 4, 1571. Again, he is one of the forgotten reformers. Viret was born in the obscure village of Orbe, Switzerland. In his early life he developed an interest in the classics and in theology which would lead him to the priesthood in 1528. He entered the University of Paris right at the time that Calvin was leaving. The Protestant ideas he was introduced to would lead to a change in his thinking about religion. When Viret returned to his hometown, he found it split into Catholic and Protestant factions. One of the sources of the split was the evangelist William Farel (May 17 devotion).

Farel challenged Viret to become a minister of the Gospel and to preach for the Reformation movement – and it is reported that he was a great preacher. In his efforts of preaching and teaching, he convinced his hometown to go for the Protestant movement. Viret’s efforts won him an assassination attempt before he got together with Farel in Geneva in 1534. He stayed with Farel in Geneva for two years. Together they convinced the Council of Geneva to renounce Catholicism and also witnessed Farel convince Calvin to follow G-d’s calling.

There was another assassination attempt against Viret – but he would not be intimidated. He left Geneva and traveled to Lausanne, Switzerland. His ministry flourished in this city where he also founded an academy to train Protestant leaders and establish social services to care for the city’s poor and unfortunate. Viret would be exiled from Lausanne, and he would return to join his friend Calvin in Geneva. He brought with him many of his colleagues and about 1000 parishioners. The Genevans elected him a minister of the Geneva church and assigned him a salary of 800 florins plus 12 strikes of corn and two casks of wine a year. But even this position and salary could not keep Viret from seeking a new challenge. So he went to France, where news reached him of their harsh persecution. In 1561 Viret went to join the Huguenots – and he continued his preaching. He went to Lyon, then to Nimes, where he often preached to as many as 8000 people. His sermons often incited riots though he soon had persuaded many to the Protestant movement.

Viret was a prolific writer authoring 12 books and revising many more. He would minister to victims of the plague while continuing his efforts to spread the Protestant movement. As the Catholics would attempt to regain control, Viret would engage in pamphlet wars – which would eventually lead to his expulsion from France in August of 1565. Viret, along with eleven other Reformed ministers would eventually be captured by Catholic forces. The Catholic commander would order the execution of seven of the twelve – but Viret’s life would be spared. He would eventually be freed by Protestant forces, and he wold return to his impassioned preaching and successful ministry. (adopted and adapted from christianitytoday.com, Forgotten Reformer, As obscure now as his tiny native village, Pierre Viret once captured the hearts of the Huguenots, by Robert D. Linder)

Again, we hear of the efforts of people like Pierre Viret, moving from one country to another, being sentenced to death, being rescued to return to his ministry, and we wonder how someone could endure under such difficulties. And yet, the Reformation movement is filled with such people – leaders in the Protestant movement. We can learn a lot about their efforts, their leadership, and their perseverance. But we should remember them, and keep their memories alive – for we may reach a time when we need their inspiration.

Pastor Dave

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