' f'f^. *?»■> . >: ^ V -^U-' ,V i /2- ./c^. oS. Srom f 3e feifirari? of (profesBor ^atnuef (UlifPer in (^emort of 3ub^e ^amuef (ttttfPer (jBrecftinrib^e (j?re6ente^ fig ^amuef (Qtiffer (jBrecftinribge feon^ to f ^ feifirari? of (prtnceton C^eofo^caf ^emindt^ w«^ C C" e. 1 Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2011 with funding from Princeton Tiieological Seminary Library littp://www.archive.org/details/memoirsoflifeOOwate iii'rn J/(/// /<>//' /.'»/>(/. MEMOIRS yjg^^i^^.JU^m or TKE LIFE AJSTB WRITIJS^GS OF JOHN CALVIN : TOGETHER WITH A SELECTIOJ\^ OF LETTERS, WRITTEN BY HIM, AXD OTHER DISTINGUISHED REFORMERS : ALSO, NOTES, AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF HIS COTEMPORARIES COMPILED Bl THE REV. ELIJAH WATERMAN, PA.STOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN BRIDGEPORT. CaivinuTti assiduc cotnitata modestia vivum^ Hoc corde manlbus finxerat ipsa suis Ipsa a quo potuit virtutem discere virtus . Roma, taus terror maximus Die fuit. lUnTFOBD JRIVTRP BY HALE & HOSMEK. 1813. L. DISTRICT OF COJVJ\'EC'TICUT . SS, < SHJiLi. > ^^ REMEMBERED, That Oil the first day of Jul}', J * C ^" the tliirty-seventh year of the Independence of the ( *#*##* 3 United States of America, ELIJAH WATERMAN, of said district, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, in tlie words following — to wit : " Memoirs of the I^ife and Writings of John Calvin : together with a se- lection of Letters, written by him and other distinguished Reformers : Al- so, Notes and Biographical Sketches of some of his Cotemporaries. Com- piled by the Rev. Elijah Waterman, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport." In conformity to an act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned" And the act of Congress of the Unit- ed States, entitled " An Act, supplementary to the act, entitled An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of Designing, Engraving and Etching Historical and oth- er Prints." H. W. EDWARDS, Clerk of the Distnct of Connecticut. A true copy of record, examined and sealed by me, H. W. EDWARDS, Clerk of the District of C-onnecticut. ERRATA. Page 1. Note, read Tractatus Theologicl Calvini. 16. Bottom line, for 26th read 20th. 1 9. Note, for the second Epistolis read Epistola. 20. Line 9 from bottom, read 1534. 20. Note, for Bern read Buren. 25. Note, for April 7th read April 17th. 28. Line 5, read 1540. 51. Line 10, for awaken read weaken. 106. Line 7, for reason read i-easons. 131. Note, line 6, for September read August. 181. Line 3 from bottom, for Ecclesiastibus read Ecclesiasticis. 188. Line 15, read, to continue stedfast in tlieir sufferings. 93. Under Extract No. 2, the mark ot quotation should have been put before the word NoUiiiig, at line 4. ADVERTISExMENT A HE following Memoirs have respect to a pe- riod highly interesting in the annals of the Christian Church, and are designed to exhibit the character oi one of the most successful Reformers. The delinea- tion of the features of a mind of ascendant powers, pressed with difficulties and invincible in advancing the best good of man, becomes interesting and in- structive, in proportion as the details are complete, impartial and authentick. In the pursuit of this ob- ject, the compiler has omitted no means, and spared no labour, which his limited time and talents >vould enable him to apply. The Letters and Prefatory Epistles of Calvin furnish a great proportion of those facts which Theodore Be- za has collected in his life of this Reformer. In these Memoirs the writer has preserved his own method, and stated the facts without any special regard to the style of the authors from whom they are compiled. In those instances where reference is not made to the authorities, the materials of the narrative are chiefly from the writings of Calvin, or from his life by Beza. While he feels himself responsible to the publick for the correctness of the history, and the faithfulness of the translation of the Letters, he is far from presu mines' ii ADVERTISEMENT. that he has not fallen into errours, either from his own inattention or the incorrectness of his guides. The original plan has been extended, and the labour bestowed upon the compilation is much greater than was at first proposed. A necessity, arising from cir- cumstances which it would be useless to detail, has precluded the opportunity of that more severe revision of the work, which the compiler would most cheerful- ly have attempted, in order to have rendered it more worthy of the extensive patronage it has received. In making a selection from the numerous Letters of Calvin and others, he has been desirous of producing those which he believed would best illustrate the events of the life and the moral qualities of the mind of Cal- vin. Written from the impulse of the moment, and in the confidence of friendship, they are the index of his heart, and a rigorous testimony, that his talents were profound, his labours immense, and his influence, in the Reformation, commensurate with both. The compiler cheerfully acknowledges his obliga- tion to several gentlemen for their obliging generosi- ty in supplying him with rare and valuable books, by which he has been enabled to bring before the patrons of the work, new and correct information, concerning Calvin, the Reformers and the Reformation itself. BRiDGEroRT, March 1, 1813. MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE dA^JD WRITIXGS OF JOHN CALVIN. John CALVIN was bom at Noyon in Picardy, a pro= vince of France, July lOtli, A. D. 1509. His parents, Gerard Chauvin and Joanna le Franc, were in respectable circum- stances and of virtuous and unblemished reputation.* They possessed the esteem of many of the nobility in their neigh- bourhood, and were favoured with the privilege of liberally educating their son in the family of Mommor, one of the most distinguished in that province. In this noble family, Calvin received the discipline of childhood and the rudiments of lite- rature.f With the children of this nobleman, his father sent him to Paris, for the more favourable prosecution of his stu- dies. Under the instruction of the learned Mathurin Cordier, J Principal of the College of la ]\Iarche, he laid the foundation of that correct knowledge of the Latin language, which ena- bled him eminently to surpass his cotemporaries in ^vriting it with elegance and ease. * Beza de Coena Domini, &c. Oper. Tom. 1. page 257. f See the dedication to Claude Hangest, in commentariis Senecx de de- mentia ; Tractatis Theologicis Calvini, ad finem. Amsterdam edition, 1667. * See Notes and Biograpbicftl sketches in this volume : No. 1. 1 2 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1529 From la Marche, Calvin vas removed to the College of I\Iontaigu. In this seminary, under the instruction of a learn- ed Spaniard, he made unusual proficiency, and was distin- guished by being advanced from the common exercises of his fellow-students, to those of philosophy and the mathematicks. In his boyhood he discovered a devout disposition, in severely censuring tlie viqes of his companions. His father viewed with pleasure the grave deportment of his son, and procured for him, at the age of 12 years, from the Bishop of Noyon, a benefice in the Cathedral Church of la Gesine. At this time he must have received the tonsure,* the first step towards priestly orders in the Church of Rome, of Avhich he was a member, and to which his father was now looking for his ad- vancement in wealth and honour. Calvin however was ulti- mately introduced to the work of the ministry in a way vastly different from what his father had devised, and for purposes totally foreign from those which his patrons in the Church had intended. For several years Calvin pursued the study of polite litera- ture at Ppris. In 1527, he was presented to an additional be- nefice, the Rectory of i\lartville, which, in 1529, he ex- changed for the parocliial Curacy of Pont rEveque,f the native place of his father. In this town Calvin sometimes preaclied, although he belonged to the clergy only by the tonsure. Gerard, flattered with the distinguished attain- ments of his son, and observing how greatly the science of the law enriched its professors, suddenly changed his purpose, and recalled him from the study of philosophy, to that of jurisprudence. On this course of studies, Calvin entered re- luctantly, and only in obedience to the will of his father. He says himself, J that his mmd was too strongly addicted to the * See Notes and Biog. No. 2. I Drelincouit, as quoted by Bayle, Gen. Die. Art. C»!. ^ f?ee Lf trers In this Wort, ?«'«>. L 1520 LIFE OF CALVIN. 3 superstitions of the Papacy, to be easily drawn from that niire ; and his habits too firmly seasoned, to yield with docility to a change of studies so unexpected. About this time, he be- came acquainted with his kinsman Peter Robert Olivet an.* This acquaintance was followed by consequences of great mo- ment to Calvin and the cause of the Reformation, which wag now ahnost imperceptibly extending its influence in France. From that learned and pious man he imbibed his first taste for the true doctrines of religion. The dawning of the pure light upon his devout mind awakened him to mir emitting diligence in searching the scriptures. His other studies, for ivhich he had no affection, he pursued in a cold and indiffer- ent manner. He seized every unoccupied hour for the pri- vate perusal of the Bible, till, his mind sickening at the su- perstitious errours of Popery, he began to withdraw himself from that communion. On changing his purpose, as to the profession of his son, Gerard placed him at the University of Orleans. And al- though Calvin was indiiferent to the study of jurisprudence, he still made such progress, under the tuition of tlie learned Peter Stella,f that he was invited by the professors to supply the chair, in their occasional absence. On leavuig that L ni- versity, he received, as a testimony of respect, a unanimous ami gratuitous offer, from the whole faculty, of a doctor's degree. Before a year had passed at Orleans, he attracted the at- tention of all those, who were desirous of the knowledge of the true doctrines. Modesty and diffidence were predomi- nant qualities of his mind. He was fond of retirement, and at this time peculiarly solicitous to be unkno\vn. This how- ever was so far from being granted him, that all his rf;treat.=i for study were frequented by such numljers as to have the • See Notea and Biog'. No. 3. f This distinguished lawyi*r was afterwards President of ihe ParliamcnT of Paris. Bavte. 4 LIFE OF CALVIN. 3530 appearance of a public school. His application to study was severe, and his acquirements were rich and astonishing. He seldom retiied for sleep till the night was far advanced. He allowed himself only a few hours for repose, and resumed, in his morning meditations, the subject which had engaged his attention the preceding evening. He thus digested and stored up in his memory, whatever he apprehended would be valua- ble for future application. This practice, continued momiug by morning, contributed extensively to facilitate liis acquisi- tion of knowledge, to strengthen his unusual powers of memo- ry, and to enlarge the vigorous grasp of liis youtliful mind. Andrew Alciat, an Italian lawyer, had by his talents given a higli reputation to the University of Bourges. Calvin was removed by his father from Orleans, to attend the lectures of this distinguished Professor. The munificence of Francis I. in patronizing literary men, had drawn many foreigners into France, and among others the learned Melchior AVolmar,# who was, at this time, Professor of the Greek language, in that University. Under his instruction Calvin applied him- eelf to the study of the Greek. Both literature and religion coiubined to form between these two men a strong and dura- ble friendship. During his residence at Bourges, Calvin unit- ed Avith his professional studies his researches on theological fubjects, and occasionally preached at Ligniers, a small town in the province of Berri, with the permission and sometimes in the presence of the Seigneur. The sudden death of his father recalled him fi'om Bourges to the domestick concerns of the family at Noyon.f From his native place, Calvin visited Paris, and prepared his very learned and elaborate commentary on Seneca's Epis- tle de dementia. Anticipating the progress of the nerv opi" * See Xotes and Blog. No. 4. f Beza, Opera Tom. 1, pag. 257—- speaking of the mother of Calvin, says — " Honestissimam matronara jam olim defunctam— TAa« most virtuous voman long since deceaftd.'* 1532 LIFE OF CALVIN. 5 nions^ and the violent persecutions which would he raised to suppress every incipient attempt to refonn the abuses of the Church, he selected, with the provident spirit of a great ge- nius, tliis appropriate subject, and laboured, with much ad- dress, to impress on the mind of Francis, the mild and mode- rating principles of clemency.* He illustrated and enforced the thoughts of that moralist, by an extensive selection of au- thorities and examples from the most distinguished Poets and Historians of Greece and Rome. It is a specimen of learn- ing and eloquence unrivalled as the production of a young man at the age of twenty-two years. The dedication of this work to Claude Hangest, Abbot of St. Eloi at Noyon, one of the family of Mommor, bears date at Paris, April 4th, 1532. As it was WTitten in Latin, the author of course latinized his oAvn name, Cauvin, by Calvinus. Cauvin m the dialect of Picardy, his native province, and C'hauvin in French, have the same import as Calvinus in La- tin. This work was extensively circulated, and the author became known by the common appellation of Calvin, Avhich he afterwards retained as the surname of his family .f During a few months residence at Paris, Calvin became acquainted with the principal advocates of the pure doctrines. Among these he especially distinguished Steplien de la Forge,J a celebrated merchant, who was afterwards burnt for the name of Christ. Being left free at this time to make his own election of pursuits in life, Calvin laid aside * Varillas Hist, of Francis I. as quoted by Bayle. f Calvin has been captiously censured by his enemies, for the chan^^e of a letter in his name. But the censure equally f:ills upon Erasmus, Luther, Melancthon — and almost every author of any distinction in that peri»d. Dupin Eccles. Hist. Cent. 16. book 3, p. 255 ; and Mair.i- bourg and Drelin court, in Bayle. — Art CaL T He is mentioned by Calvin with the distinction of a marty;- iij his Tract against the Zibcriinea, - Opuscula Calvini, p. 276. 6 LIFE OF CALVIN. 153;2 his legal studies, and devoted himself to the cause of reli- gion. This gave higli satisfaction to the friends of the Re- formation, who then held their private assem])lies at Paris. In these he was active in illustrating and confirming the ge- nuine doctrines of the Bible. On the first of November, Nicholas Cop, Rector of the University of Paris, delivered a discourse, at the meeting for the annual celebration of the festival of All Saints.* At the suggestion of Calvin, the Rector treated concerning the su- perstitions of that day, with a plainness which offended the Doctors of the Sorbonne and the Parliament of Paris. The Rector was summoned to appear before the Senate. He sur- rendered liimself to the olhcer ; but on his way he was ad- monished- by his friends not to trust himself as ith his adver- saries. He returned home, and subsequently retired to Ba- sil, his native City.f Calvin being implicated in tliis business, was next pursued by Morin, who hasted to his lodgings in the College of For- tret, to seize his person. At this time Calvin was providen- tially absent ; but Jilorin secured his papers, among which were several letters from his friends, whose lives by this event were exposed to imminent danger. The minds of the inquisitorial judges were so highly ex- asperated against the Pteforraers, that their severity was on- ly arrested by the interference of Margaret de Valois, Queen of Navarre. J This Princess was the only sister of Francis I. Possessed of strong powers of mind, and an amiable temper, she M as eminently qualified, both by the dignity of her sta- * The origin of All Saints day. When the Saints in the Church of Rome had multiplied beyond the number of the days of the year the first of November was consecrated with due ceremonies to honour— Pfl- na^a. All the Saints. Rees' Cyclopaedia — Art. All Saints. t See Letters, No. 2. - See Notes and Bi»g'. No. 5. 1533 LIFE OF CALVIN. 7 lion and the purity of her principles, to afford a powerful protection to the persecuted Reformers. At the very side of the throne, her enlightened soul penetrated the dark cover- ings which the arts of superstition had thrown before the eyes of royalty. She early cherished, with an affectionate heart, the dawning light of the true doctrines and pure wor- ship of God. In this persecution she extended her favour to Calvin ; sent for him to her palace ; received him with kindness ; heard him discourse ; and used her influence with the king for his personal safety. From Paris, Calvin retired to Saintonge, to visit his friend Lewis du Tillet, Canon of Angouleme. Their acquaintance commenced at the University of Orleans. Calvin, during hie residence in this respectable family, instructed Tillet m the Greek language, and in the pure doctrines of the gospel. He drew up, at his request, some short Christian exhorta- tions, which were publickly read in the Church and distri- buted among the people, in order to bring their minds, by degrees, to an enquiry after tlie truth. From Saintonge, Calvin went to Nerac, in the province of Aquitain, to visit James Faber, Stapulensis, Professor in the University of Paris.* The Queen of Navarre had rescued, after a severe contest, this early Reformer out of the hands of the Inquisitors of the Sorbonne, who threatened his life for having agitated theological questions in that seminary. She provided for his security and support in Nerac, a tonsil within her own jurisdiction. This venerable old man re- ceived young Calvin with joy, and predicted that he would be the instrument, in the hands of God, of establishing the true religion in France. Calvin returned to Paris, and with much caution secreted litmself from the rage of his enemies, who still remembered * See Notes and Biog^. No. 6. 8 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1533 the abuse wliicli by his means had been oU'ered to their Saints*. At this time, Michel Seivetus had commenced the dissemination of his opinions concerning the doctrine of the Iioly Trinity. He requested an interview m ith Calvin, for a Jiublick disputation. The latter, at the manifest hazard of his life, repaired to the appointed place, and waited a long time in vain for the arrival of his antagonist. Francis, under the influence of his sister, appeared disposed to treat the Reformers m itli moderation. He had from politi- cal motives, at least, favoured the Lutherans m Germany, and even invited Melancthon to reside at Paris. This mo- deration excited the resentment of the Pope, and the preju- dices of many of his own subjects, who were anxious to root up every germ of the Reformation, by the severest means. Alarmed by the threats of the Pope, and the vu'ulence of his adherents, Francis was prepared to take any occasion to re- trieve the confidence of the Papists, and strengthen himself against his rival Charles V. " The indiscreet zeal of some, who had imbibed the reformed opinions, furnished him with such an occasion as he desired. They had affixed at the gates of the palace, and other publick places, papers con- taining indecent reflections on the doctrines and rites of the Popish Church." Gerard Roussel, a doctor of the Sorbonne, and Coraud, a Monk of the order of Augustine, who had, through the influence of the Queen of Navarre, for two years publickly preached the true doctrines in Paris, were now seized in their pulpits and tlurown into prison.* The King, infatuated with rage at this insult, decreed a publick procession. *< The holy sacrament Avas carried through the city in great pomp. Francis walked uncovered before it, bearing a lighted torch in his hand ; the princes of the blood supported the canopy over it ; the nobles marched in order • See Notes and Biog. No. 7. 1534 LIFE OF CALVIN. 9 behind. In the presence of this numerous assembly, the King, in strong and animated language, declared that if one of his hands were infected ^ith heresy, he would cut it off with the other, and would not spare even his own children if found guilty of that crime."# To finish the proof of his zeal for the Romish Church, he ordered eight of the Re- formers to be burnt alive, in four of the most frequented parts of the city. The sentence was executed, with all tlie torture of the most ferocious barbarity. After these transactions, Calvin, steady to his purpose, took a more decided stand in the cause of the Reformation. He publickly renounced all fellowship a\ ith the Romish Church, by resigning, on the 4th of iMay, 1534, the benefices of the Chapel of la Gesine and the Rectory of Pont I'Eveque.f By a covert conduct, he might have still enjoyed the annual emolument of these livings under the Papacy. In throw- ing himself, therefore, poor and unpatronized, upon the hand of his Divine iMaster, he demonstrated the firmness of his principles, and the purity of his motives. Retiring to Or- leans, the place of his more youthful studies and devotions, he prepared and published a scriptural and elaborate con- futation of an errour revived from ancient times, That the soul sleeps from deaths to the resurrection of the body. This treatisej is a proof, that the author, at the age of 2o, v,as intimately acquainted with the divine scriptures and the works of the Fathers ; that his studies must have been labo- rious, his memory strong, and his intellect clear and com- prehensive. * Robertson's Charles V- B. 6, p. Ill, and 112.— Mosheim, Vol. 3. p. 351. — Dupin. — 16 Cent. \ Drelincovirt — quoted by Bayle. % It was entitled Psychopannychia — The dedication to a certain friend 3S dated Orleans, 1.534,— —Opuscula Calvini, p. 3>5. 2 10 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1534 The Reformation commenced at Basil in 1525, and its progress opened a safe retreat for Cop, the Rector of the University of Paris. To this city Calvin now looked for per- sonal safety, and a retirement for study, which his own country denied him. In company with his friend Lewis du Tillet, he proceeded on his way from Orleans to. Basil through Lorraine. Near Metz, one of the servants taking their money escaped with a horse, and left them embarrass- ed without the means of proceeding. By tlie assistance of the other servant, hoAvever, who had ten croAvns, they arriv- ed at Strasburg, and without farther difficulty reached Ba- sil. In this town resided those early Reformers, Simon Gry- neus and Wolfgang Capito. With these ministers Calvin formed an intimate and permanent friendship. In close re- tirement, and almost unknown, he applied himself to the stu- dy of the Hebrew, the knowledge of which language had become important to enable him more effectually to advance the cause of religion. The object of Francis, in burning those Reformers at Pa- ris, was to conciliate Paul III., and detach him from the in- terest of Charles V., against whom he was at this time de- termined to declare war. No less intrigue was used in the labours of du Bellay, who was sent ambassadour into Germa- ny, to appease the indignation of the Protestants, which the cruelty of Francis had excited against him. The courtly art and eloquence of this minister were exerted to persuade them, that the king had only burnt some Anabaptists, Avh© had substituted their own inspirations for the Avord of God, and who abusively trampled on the laws, and excited insur- rection against the magistracy. This pretext it Avas expect- ed would be a sufficient defence, as that sect had rendered themselves extremely odious by their excesses to the solier and pious in Germany. This representation Avas therefore made by FrMicis, to divert the resentment of the Protestants 1535 LIFE OF CALVIN. 11 from himself, and to cherish their jealous^' against his im- perial rival. Calvin well understood the hypocritical pro- ceedmgs of the King, and the flagrant insult which was thus offered to the memory of the Reformers who were burnt at Paris. Constrained by an imperious sense of duty, to make known to the Protestant princes, that the Reformers of France were evangelical in their doctrines, and pure in their pur- poses, Calvin published at Easily* The Institutj2s of the Christian Religiok. The preface addressed to Francis I. is a masterly production, unrivalled for force of argument, classick purity, and persuasive eloquence. The management of Bellay, and " the wicked and false pamphlets" which were dispersed among the Germans, m- stead of abating, increased their resentment against Francis, as they became informed of the true state of the case. The Elector of Saxony, and the other confederate princes, not on- ly refused him their assistance, but aided the Emperour who had, frbm motives of policy, refrained from usiiig any vio- lence against the dissemination of their doctrines. From the same cause they prevented IMelancthon from visiting the French Court, although he discovered a strong inclination to comply with the plausible but deceptive invitation of the King. Clement IMarot, a poet of considerable distinction,! being represented by tlie Papists as one of those who prepared and affixed the placards to the door of the palace, was brought into discredit with Francis. Finding that they had seized • See Letters No. 1.— Most editions now have tlie date August 1, 1536. Mr. Bayle, who examined the subject, is decidedly of opinion lliat the first edition was at Basil, August 1, 1535. Calvin's own statement accords with this date. And it appears that the custom of book-sellers was, to put the date of the next year to a ASfork printed off toward the end of August. Bayle, Ait. Flacius. Dupln says, that the first edition was printed at Ba- sil, 1535. Eccl. Hist. 16th Cent. p. 182. ■f See Notes and Biog. No. 8. ^ LIFE OF CALVIN. loZb his bookf, and -tvere in pursuit of his person, he left Blois, and sought protection at Beam, under his former patroness, the Queen of Navarre. IMarot, still apprehensive of danger from the virulence of his enemies, retired into Italy to the court of the Princess of lienee. Duchess of Ferrara.* This Prin- cess was daughter of Lewis XII. and cousin to the amiable Margaret de Yalois. She had imbibed the principles of the Reformers, and was eminently distinguished for her virtue, learnhig and uniform piety. The reputation of Renee ex- cited the attention of Calvin, and after the publication of his Institutes, he went into Italy to visit this illustrious woman. She received him with kindness, and listened to his instruc- tions, by Avhich he confirmed her more strongly m the true doctrines of the gospel. She continued for thirty years, till the close of life,f to be a nursing mother to the reformed Church. The exalted opinion which she formed of Calvin was testified by the respect uniformly shown him in her let- ters while he lived ; and after his decease, she gave proof of her gi'ateful attachment to his memory. The Duke of Fer- rara was a Papist, and circumstances made it expedient for the Duchess to be reserved on those doctrines, which she faithfully cherished in her heart. Calvin spent but a short time in Italy, and returned to France, to settle his pecunia- ry concerns at Noyon. To avoid the prevailing persecu- cution, he resolved to retire, a\ ith his only surviving bro- ther, Anthony Calvin, and establish his residence at Basil or Strasburg, that he might pursue his studies in quiet seclu- sion. The Emperour, instead of waiting for Francis to com- mence the war which he had tlireatened, marched his troopt * The placards were posted on the door of the palace in November, 1534. — The procession, mass, and burning of the eight Refonners, was ip January, 1535. About this time Marot went to Ferrara.— ^Bayle T See Notes and Biog. No. 9. ^36 LIFE OF CALVIN. 13 into France in May, 1536. The direct road leading from France to Strasburg was by this means obstructed. Calvin, with his brother changed their route, and passed through the borders of Savoy, and, by the guiding hand of Provi- dence, came to Geneva. Geneva, though formerly an imperial city, had for some years been under the immediate government of the Bishop, •who had the title of Prince of the town and adjacent coun- try. The Dukes of Savoy had long contended with the Bishop of Geneva for the government of that city. The form of its internal constitution was purely republican. The> people annually elected four Syndicks, twenty-five Senators, and a Council of two liundred, for the management of their publick affairs. The citizens, \\ho were attached to the po- pular form of their government, had always been firm in their opposition to those who supported the episcopal or ducal prerogatives. In 1532, William Farel visited Geneva, and preached the reformed doctrines with considerable success. But, in conse- quence of the powerful opposition of the Grand Vicar and the Popish party, he was obliged to retire. The instructions however of Farel inspired the friends of the popular govern- ment with a bolder spirit of enterprise, and a warmer zeal for the defence of their civil rights. The Duke and the Bish- op, being from prejudice and political interest alike violent in their opposition to the Pteformalion, induced of course all the friends of the pure doctrines to unite with those who were ar- dent in defending their elective privileges. Their love of li- berty and zeal for their religion, strengthened by every selfish passion, gave fresh vigour to their eiTorts, and in their success- ive contests they made substantial advances to their object.— The Duke and the Bishop dropped their contending claims, and from policy united their strength against the common enemy. In 1534, the Duke attacked them as rebels, l3v sur. 14 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1536 prise. The Bishop, at the same time, to divest them of the rights of humanity, excommunicated them for apostacy and sacrilege. They despised the censures of the latter, and bold- ly defended themselves against the inhuman attack of the former. The Bishop, after having excited the hatred of the Duke of Savoy by his weakness and duplicity, and the indig- nation of the citizens by his vices and Papal censures, made a precipitate retreat from Geneva. The zealous and decided Farel was immediately invited to return ; and together with the amiable Viret commenced, with more effect, his evangel- ical labours. The Genevese, in these successful strugglee, %vere assisted by the Canton of Bern ; and Francis I., who supported or destroyed the Reformers, as his political interest dictated, sent them secret supplies. They defeated the Duke of Savoy, extended their authority over the neighbouring cas- tles, and eventually established their independence on the re- publican basis. This free and independent city progressed, under the benign influence of the reformed doctrines, to a de- gree of consideration, wealth and influence, which Avas for a long period of momentous import to the civil and religious concerns of Europe.* Flushed with victory, and animated with the pleasing ex- pectations of independence and liberty, the citizens of Gene- va yielded with unqualified promptness to the counsels of Farel and Viret. In 1535, in a full assembly of the people, they obtained the abolition of tlie Papal authority, and the adaption of the doctrines and worship of the reformed Churches. Many however consented to a change in their re- ligious forms, from interest or necessity, who were still, through iajnorance and habit, strongly attached to the super- stitions of Popery. The Popish corruptions and prejudices, the materials for subsequent tumults and factions, were at * Dupin Ecd. Hist. 16 Cent. p. 179. Robert, Ch. V. Vol. 3, p. 117.—— ■Rees' Cyclopxd. Art. Geneva. 1536 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1,5 this time rather checked than destroyed. A revolution in go- vernment and religion, eJiected so suddenly, could not at once be followed, under any new structure which might be raised, with stability and order. Such was the state of things at Geneva when Calvin and his brother arrived to refresh themselves and lodge for a sin- gle night. An acquaintance of his immediately made him known to Farel. This bold and zealous Reformer, feeling deeply interested in the success of the cause at Geneva, used every persuasive method to retain him. Farel, finding how- ever that Calvin's object was to devote himself to private and retired studies, and that he prevailed nothing Ijy entreaty to divert him from this determined purpose, said in the strong language of imprecation, I declare to ymi, in the name of Al- mighty God, if under the pretext of love to your studies, you re- fuse to unite your labours with ours in the work of the Lord, ths Lord mill curse you in your retirement, as seeking your own nill and not his. — Awed by this denmiciation, Calvin gave over the prosecution of his journey to Strasburg, and yielded to the will of the Presbytery and of the Magistrates. By their suffrages, with the concurrence of the people, he was not onhf- chosen Preacher (which he at first refused) ; but was also elect- ed Professor of sacred literature, which he accepted, in the month of August, lo3G.# Calvin, being conscious of his bash- fulness and timidity declined at first to pledge himself to per- form the duties of the ministerial office-f In his letter to Su- dolet, he says — Doctoris prinuim, dcinde Pastoris immere in Ecclesia illafunctussum. — Sluod earn provtnciam suscepi, legiti- ■truz fuisse vocationis jure meo contendo. — I discharged frst the office of Professor, and afterwards that of Pastor in that Church. — / contend that I accepted of that charge having the avthoritij of a lawful vocation.'^ * A literal translation from Beza. \ See Letters No. 1 and 3. + Opuscxila Calvini p. 105. Responsio ad Sadoletum. See Notes &vA Biog. No. 9. 16 LIFE OF CALVIN. USf About this time the Genevese formed an alliance with the city of Bern, which aiforded them a mutual support against their enemies. The city of Lausanne, also, after a publick disputation, between the Papists and the Reformers, at which Calvin was present, acceded to the worship and doctrine of the Reformed Churches. The first object of Calvin's attention at Geneva was to publish a Formula of doctrines, and a short Catechism dis- tributed into questions and answers, adapted to the state of the Genevese Church, on its first emerging from the deiu- gions of Popery. Calvin, at this time, entered with Farel and Coraud on the duties of his pastoral oHice, and directed all his elforts to advance the purity of the Church. Some of his colleagues^ avoided the tumults of the opposition fi'om fear ; while oth- ers increased his anxiety by secretly countenancing the fac- tious. Farel and Coraud, who were among the first Reformers in France, were determined in their labours, and resolutely gave him all possible assistance to prepare the minds of the people to abjiure the Papal authority, and to take an oath of adherence to some specified articles of doctrine and disci- pline. It can excite no surprise, that a people scarcely eman- cipated from Popish superstitions, whose habits had been formed under their licentious influence, should furnish ma- ny individuals who would strenuously oppose the most whole* some restraints of religion. Notwithstanding the opposition of those colleagues, who had acted in that Church under the Pop- ish polity, on the 26th of July, 1537, the Senate and citizens of * These colleagues appear to have been men who had been either Priests before the Genevese abjured the Papal forms, or persons educated in the loose habits of that corrupt Churcli. But they could not have been colleajj;utjs of Calvin, as Beza calls them, unless he had himself iee?! ordain- ed. Calvin, it seems, held the ofHce of Minister in the first Church of Ge- neva. All the Churches in that territory were collegiate Churches. US7 LIFE OF CALVIN. IT Geneva, preceded by the Recorder, entered the council- house, and publickly took the oath of adherence to the pro- posed articles of doctrine, and rules of discipline. During the period in which Calvin, with Farel and Co- raud, were preparing the Formula of worship, the Anabaptist?, amidst the dissensions which prevailed, took occasion to in- crease the difficulties, by attempting to propagate their prin- ciples. These being destructive of all religious order and civil coercion, were of course adapted to captivate the disaf- fected and unruly. Those among the Genevese who Averc the secret adherents of Popery, although opposed to the strange notions of that new sect, were still however united with them in opposing the establishment of the pure doctrines and discipline in that Church. Observing those operations, Calvin and his faithful colleagues requested to hold a pub- lick disputation with the Anabaptists, concerning their opi- nions. On the 18th of March, 1537, the dispute was held in a full assembly of the people. The Anabaptists were so com- pletely confuted by the testimony of the scriptures, that they left Geneva which was rarely visited afterwards by any of that obtrusive sect. At the same time, a certain Peter Caroli, who had been ex- pelled from the school of the Sorbonne at Paris, came to Ge- neva. He assumed the pompous title of a Bishop, pursued by the inquisition of Paris for having advocated the true doc- trines. His poverty and imposture being detected and ex- posed, he was refused the ministerial fellowship which at first Calvin and his colleagues Avere disposed to grant him. En- raged at this repulse, he became the easy tool of the factious. Ptelying on the clandestine assistance of some of the principal leaders of the disaffected, he obtruded himself upon a busi- ness which a judicious mind would have discovered must ul- timately terminate in defeat and disgrace. The following ex- tract of Calvin's letter to Gryneus, Minister at Basil, will fur- 3 18 LIFE OF CALVIN. 153r nish a sufficient statement of the conduct of Caroli in his ac- cusations against Calvin, Farel and Viret, and its issue in the Synod at Lausanne : — " Calvin to Gryxeus. " When we heard ourselves impeach- ed by Caroli of the heresy of Arius, and then of that of Sa- bellius, it did not much disturb us, as our ears had l^ecome ^easoned to such calumnies, and we entertained the confi- dent expectation, that it would presently vanish into smoke. By openly denying the charges, we did all that was imme- diately in our power. This was abundantly sufficient to sa- tisfy all persons of religion and integrity. Om' Catechism was written a little before this time, and published in French. In this we testified, that — The Father, Sox and Spirit, nere embraced in the One Essence of God ; and we so dis- tinguished one from the other, as to leave no room for per- verse suspicions. We taught, for instance, that Christ ivas the true and natural Son of God, who had possessed one Di- vinity nith the Father from eternity ; that, in the appoifited time, He Iiad taken our flesh for our redemption. — But when this outrageous man still persisted, we requested that a con- vention of ^Ministers should be granted us, fiom the whole Canton of Bern, that we might before them defend our inno- cence. The brethren of the French language were first as- sembled at Lausanne, and with them were also sent two Senators and two IMinisters of Bern. Equipped to sup- port the accusation with the precaution of a Lawyer, Ca- roli came with his satchel of papers. In our refutation, we so exhausted his whole bundle of evidence, that there was not the least suspicion remaining on the minds of the Coun- cil, who judged our confession to be most pious and holy. — We were acquitted by the decision of the Synod, not only 1537 LIFE OF CALYIN. 19 from errour, but from all suspicion. Caroli was condemned as an infamous calumniator.* " Yours, &c.'* This mischievous sophist had the hardihood to continue his accusations, on the ground that he had other and high- er evidence to convict those Ministers of heresy. A second trial was holden before the Synod at Bern. The result was equally unfavourable to Caroli. This sycophant was after- wards, by a decree of the Senate of Geneva, expcJIad from their territory. P^estless and dissatisfied with himself, and envious at the distinction of others, Caroli alternately changed from the Papists to the Reformers, courting the one by calumniating the other, till he fell into merited disgrace with both. After unsuccessfully courting the favour of the Papists at Metz, by opposing the preaching of Farel in that city, he addressed a letter to Calvin. In this he attempt- ed to exculpate himself, and implored his assistance to pro- vide him with the charge of some Church, which might supply him with the means of subsistence. To his letter Calvin returned a faithful and affectionate answer,f assuring him of his assistance, when that penitency and humility should be manifested which the aggravated nature of his of- fences demanded. Favour on these terms Mas in vain ex- tended to this irritable man, who had become familiar with falsehood and other vices. Reduced at length to a wretch- ed and destitute condition, and labouring under a loathsome disease, he was, after much difficulty, received by the Pa- pists into an hospital, where he ended his days in a manner correspondent to the wicked course of his life. The anxiety of Calvin was excited, toward the close of this year, at the conduct of many persons in France, who • In Epistolis Calvini, p. 22r— et Epistolis Farelli ad Calvinnm, p. SI. t See Letters, No. 4. 20 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1537 received the true doctrines, but to avoid persecution, or se- cure emoluments, publickly adhered to the Popish service. Prompt iu his attention to whatever might promote or re- tard the progress of the Reformation, he wrote on that sub- ject two elegant epistles.# The first on the duty of avoid- ing the unlawful superstitions of the Romish Church, and of openly professing Christ, he addressed to Nicholas Ceminus, his intimate friend when at the University of Orleans. Ce-= minus, having received the appointment of a civil office in the Province of la Maine, requested the advice of Calvin, on the following question : How far one might innocently appear as a Papist, in accommodating himself to their forms, while he cherished in private the principles of the true religion ? In the answer of Calvin, the strong feelings of personal friend- ship, and the predominant love of that Saviour, who de- mands, in his service, the whole heart, are mterwoven with an interest of affection, and an energy of argument, which bear the soul along on the slow but increasing current of conviction, till it insensibly rises into that animated apprehen- sion of unseen things, before which the favour or displeasure of the world dwmdies into all its transient littleness. The other epistle Cahan dedicated to Gerard Roussel, who, after his imprisonment at Paris in 1533, was retained at Nerac by the Queen as her domestick Minister. By her favour, he was first made Abbot of Clerac, and afterwards Bishop of Oleron. Calvin addresses his old friend, with a familiari- ty of reproof which testifies his grief at the step Roussel had taken to cover himself from persecution. Enlarging on the pleasing expectations which he might entertain of secu- rity in his M'orldly promotion, he proceeds to exhibit the na- ture of the office, and the absolute duties of a Bishop of Je- * In Opusculis Calvini, pp. 409 — 423. These two epistles were translat- ed into German by Leo Judah, a Minister of Ziu-ich, and published in 1539. . Judah's letter to Calvin, among his Epistles, p. 12. 1537 LIFE OF CAI.YIN. 21 sus Clirist. He draws a contrast between them and tlie rites and superstitions of the Romish Church, which Roussel had pledged himself to perform, by accepting and liolding his office visibly in that communion. He presses the enquiry, with a force not easily evaded, Wliether an honest man can perform those stipulated services, which he had enumerated as unscriptural ? He calls Roussel before the judgment seat of Christ, to answer the enquiry •, and concludes by urging him, with a zealous and eloquent earnestness for the cause of Christ, either openly and promptly to fulfil the duties of the episcopal office, as limited and commanded by the -r ord of God, or to leave his standing and emoluments in that polluted Church, for rewards more durable than the dignitaries of this world can bestow. In the conclusion of this letter, the reason- ing of Calvin corresponded with his own example. He urges the point of duty, as at that time of peculiar moment to be clearly understood among the friends of the true doctrines, who were surrounded by many dangers and temptations ; and insists that all persons loving the truth as it is in Jesus, ought to withdraw from the idolatrous communion, the usurp- ed authority, and profligate priesthood of that Church. The changes produced in many families and estates of the Genevese, by their late war with the Duke of Savoy, which terminated in their nidependence, laid the foundation for subsequent contests. From this cause, and the corrupt ha- bits of the people, animosities successively arose, and nume- rous hindrances were thrown in the way to obstruct the pro- gress of Church order and discipline. Calvin, Farel and Coraud, harmonizing in their opinions, pursued the mild course of instruction, and of expostulations with the refrac- tory, to bring the people by degrees to conform to the doc- trines and discipline which they had adopted. Their most faithful exertions, hoAvever, proved unavailing. Tlie passions of those, whose flagrant vices they had reproved, Avere kin- 22 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1538 died into the bitterest resentment against them. The evils were daily accumulating, by the factions into which the city Ttas divided, till, confiding in the strength of their numbers, many openly refused to submit to those rules of discipline which they had sworn to support and obey. Those J\Iinis- ters were conscious, that if they relinquislied the restraints of discipline, and their restrictive admonitions against the vices of the profligate, they should eventually defeat ?!' the pur- poses of the Church of Clurist. They judged it expedient, therefore, to take a determined stand ii' what they conceiv- ed to be their official duty, and abidt the consequences. They publickly refused to dispense the Lord's Supper to those persons who rejected the rules of discipline, and who were labouring to open the same easy and licentious ac- cess to the Eucharist as that in which they were indulged by the Popish Church. These fermentations were accelerat- ed by the differences which had arisen between the Church of Geneva and that of Bern, with respect to some of their ceremonies. The Genevese, before Calvin settled with them, had introduced the use of leavened bread at the Lord's Sup- per, removed the Popisli baptismal fonts, and abolished all the festivals of the Romish Church, observing the Lord's day only as holy time.# A Synod held at Lausanne had or- dered that the fonts, with the festivals and the unleavened bread, should be restored. But as the Ministers of Geneva had not been called to that Synod, they demanded the pri- vilege of being heard. Upon this it was agreed that these differences should he referred to the decision of a Council to be holden at Zurich. This controversy about the cere- monials of religion furnished an occasion for those disaffected * Calvin, in his letter to tlie Ministers of Bern, says. Before I came first to this city, all the Popish festivals had been abolished. This had been thought proper by Farel and Viret, and I willingly acquiesced in tlie re- csivedcnstom. 1538 LIFE OF CALVIN. 23 Syndicks, who had aided Caroli in his proceedings, to make more effectual exertions to displace those Ministers. In the alternative of submitting to ecclesiastical censures, or ejecting those faithful Pastors, they had no hesitancy in making their election. They convened an assembly of the people, ia which the greater part overpowered the better, and without granting the request of those Pastors to be heard, they ob- tained an order. That Farel, Calvin and Coraud should leave the city within tno days. When this sentence was announced to Calvin, conscious of his integrity, and confident of the ap- probation of his divine Master, he said. Had I been in the service of men, this would have been a poor reward ; but it is well. — / have served Him, who never fails to repay Ms ser- vants whatever he has promised. In obedience to the order of the people, Farel, Calvin and Coraud,* amidst the lamentations of their whole flock, retir- ed from Geneva. They proceeded directly to Zurich, to attend, according to appointment, the Synod of the Swiss Churches. This Council, by a formal decree, requested the Church of Bern to interpose their influence w ith the Gene- vese for the recall of those exiled Ministers. Their efforts were however unavailing. Man is often impatient to effect, at once, the objects which he regards as desirable ; but God fulfils his counsels by a progress and order comprehended only by himself: With him, delay is accomplishment. Geneva was still destined of God, to be the place for the immense labours and extensive influence of Calvin, in promoting the cause of the Reforma- tion. By passing into exile his faith was tried, his experi- ence enlarged, his acquaintance with other Churches and di- vines extended, and his subsequent authority and usefulness vastly promoted. * See Letters, No. 5. Coraud's death- 24! LIFE OF CALVIJN. 1538 By his ejectment Calvin was freed from the obligations of his ministerial calling. He spent a short time at Basil, and then retired to Strasburg, where he determined to repose himself in retirement, and devote his whole attention to his favourite studies. The Church in this city was illuminated by those distinguished men, Bucer, Capito, Hedio, Niger, and Sturm ius.# Calvin had not long enjoyed his retirement, before the influence of Bucer and his associates procured his election to the Professorship of Theology in the College of Strasburg. His learning, his talents and application enabled him to discharge the duties of this office with unrivalled applause. He had an unwavering testimony of the publick approbation, in the increasing number of students, who Mere attracted to that seminary by his reputation. At the re- quest of his friends, he at length resumed his ministerial du- ties, and, with the approbation of the Senate, gathered a French Church ; and estaljlished the same order of worship and discipline, which he had introduced into that of Ge- neva. The factious Syndicks, having obtained the subversion of that ecclesiastical order and discipline, which they opposed as too rigid and severe, proceeded to introduce unleavened bread, to the exclusion of the common bread, which had been used at the Lord's Supper by Farel and Viret, since the adoption of the reformed doctrines in that Church. This occasioned new dissensions among the members. Anx- ious to prevent divisions, and to keep the sound members in that Church from separation, Calvin addressed a letter to those who were oifended at the change.f He admonished them, among other things, not to abstain from the Eucha- rist, to use moderation, and accommodate tlieraselves to those • John Sturmius, Rector of the school, is to be distinguished from James, the Senator and Syndick of Strasburg. t See Letters, No. 6. ra38 LIFE OF CALVIN. 25 designing innovators, lest they should excite a serious conten- tion about things in themselves indifferent. Ready to con- tend even to death, in defence of essential doctrines, Calvin well knew how to exercise moderation, about such matters as the use of leavened or unleavened bread at the Lord's Supper. The Genevese Church were, at this time, divided among themselves, and destitute of learned and influential Pastorp. In this situation, they were exposed, as an object of prey, to the Papists, who were vigilant and active to seize the op- portunity to bring them back to the Romish Church. James Sadolet, Bishop of Carpentras, a city of Dauphiny, and on the borders of Savoy, had been created a Cardinal in his ad- vanced years, for the special purpose of increasing his exer- tions and influence in repressing the progress of the reform- ed doctrines. Distinguished for his talents, eloquence and correct morals, he well understood how to time and temper his exertions for the most effectual accomplishment of liis purpose. He addressed a letter to the Senate, Council and people of Geneva, under the meek appellation of Beloved Brethren.^ With a richness of style, mildness of mamier. and prudence of argument, adapted to soften their prejudices, he endeavoured to fix their attention on those points, about which they most directly agreed ; and affectionately entreat- ed them to return within the pale of the mother Church. On perusing this impressive letter, at Strasburg, Calvin per- ceived the evils it might oceasion to the Genevese Church, from that smooth, deceptive reasoning, which was artfully pursued to fascinate the ignorant and undisciplined mind. The answer which Calvin addressed to Sadolet reversed both the manner and matter of the Cardinal's argument. Open, distinct and dignified, it placed before the people of * Sadolet's Letl<-r, in Opus. Cal. April 7, 1539.— The answer of Calvin is Alated September 1, 1539. 5(J LIFE OF CALYIN. 1530 Geneva the precise points of the controversy ; unmasked the pollutions of Popery ; fixed their attention on the essential terms of acceptance with God at the day of Judgment, and with an eloquence of argument so appropriate, as placed the object of the Cardinal's pursuit eifectually beyond his reach. Daring this year, Calvin published a revised edition of his InstiUitrs ; — his Commentary on the Epistle to the Bo- mans, Avhich he dedicated to his friend Simon Gryneus ;— and a small \vork on the Lord's Supper,% by •which he de- signed to allay the severe controversies on the subject, which were in agitation between the adherents of ZidngUus and Luther. Among those whom Calvin had been successful in reclaim- ing from the Anabaptists, two were persons of some distinc- tion. Faul Folse, to whom Erasmus dedicated his Enchiri- dium Militis Christiani, and who was afterwards a Pastor in the Church of Strasburg ; and John Storder, of Liege, w^hose widow, Lleletta, de Bure, Calvin married, by the advice of Bucer, in the year 1540. In a letter to Farel Calvin writes thus : — " Concerning my marriage, I now speak more openly — you know very well what qualifications, I ahvays expect- ed in a wife. I am not of that passionate race of lovers, who, when once captivated with the external form, embrace also, with eagerness, the moral defects it may cover. The person Avho would delight me with her beauty, must be chaste, frugal, patient, and afford me some hope, that she will be solicitous for my personal health and prosperity. Strasburg, May 29, 1539." The only child of Calvin was a son, ^v}\o died in 1515. Calvin, at the close of a letter to Viret, dated August 19, of that year, says, The Lord has certainly inflicted a heavy and severe wound on Jis, by the death of our little son ; but he is our Father and knows what is expedient for his children. * In Opusculis Calvini. 1539 LIFE OF CALVIN. 27 In the ppring of 1539, Calvin, vith Simon Gryneus, was appointed, bj- the Churches of Strasburjr, to attend the im- perial Synod at Frankfort.* He alsg attended, with Bucer and John Sturmius, at the Diet of ^Vorms in 1540, and the Diet of Ratisbon in 15il. In his letters to Farcl, he gave an interesting detail of the transactions of those conventions, and designated the characters of the most distinguished per- sons who attended them.f Calvin interested himself in fa- vour of the persecuted brethren in France, and eventually succeeded in procuring an address to the King, from the States and Princes of Germany, for the relief of the persecut- ed Churches in that country. At this time commenced his acquaintance with Philip Melancthon, which opened the v, ay for an interesting correspondence, and a friendship terminat- ing only with the death of the latter. Melancthon, on his acquaintance with Calvin, distinguished him by the appel- lation of the Theologian. At this time also, Gaspar Cruel- ler, subsequently Rector of the xlcademy of "Wittemburg, had an interview with Calvin on the nature of the Lord's Supper, and declared his approbation of his opinion. The Syndicks, who eilected the expulsion of Farel, Calvin and Coraud, pursued a course of licentiousness, which, un- der the influence of their habits of moral stupidity, rapidly drew upon them the vindictive consequences of their crimes. This life is not indeed a state of retribution, but events arc sometimes indelibly marked by the hand of a remunerating Providence. One of those Syndicks Avas accused and found guilty of sedition. In attempting to escape from the offi- cer, he precipitated himself through ^ window ; and, being very corpulent, bruised his body to such a degree, that he languished a few days and died. Another vt as found guilty * Seckendorf, vol. 2, p. 205. t See Letters, No. 7 to 23, for Calvin's account of the Diets of Germain-., and his recall and return to Geneva. 2S -LIFE OF CALVIN. 1541 of murder, and publickly executed. The other two, for their misconduct while on an embassy from Geneva, were forbidden to return, and condemned to perpetual exile. The current of two years had materially changed the face of things at Geneva. In 1541, the people, in a publick as- sembly, manifested their desire for the return of Calvin ;# and an embassy was sent to Strasburg to solicit his release from the French Church in that city. He was then at the Diet of Worms ; they proceeded therefore to that place. He however wholly declined their proposals. Bucer and his colleagues protested against his leaving the Divinity Chair, and his Church at Strasburg. At this time the Emperour, for political purposes, dissolv- ed the Assembly at Worms, and ordered a Diet to be hold- en at Ratisbon in March, 1541. Melancthon, having become strongly attached to Calvin, insisted that he should relin- quish his determination of returning home, and proceed with Bucer directly for Ratisbon, It was ultimately agreed, that Calvin should visit Geneva, examine the state of the Churcl;, and determine what the cause of religion required as to his return to that city. It Avas proposed to the Genevese agents, that they should request Viret to leave his Church at Lau- sanne, and spend a few months with them till the Diet should be closed. The Genevese persevered in their la- bours to procure the return of Calvin, and eventually suc- ceeded, through the interposition of Bullinger and the Church of Zurich, who addressed the subsequent very interesting letter to Calvin on that occasion : — " The Professors and Pastors of the Church of Zi:Eic]ff>r TO Caxvin, their respected Brother in Christ. (The first part of the letter abridged.) " We have always Avritten to you, dear and respected bro' 4her, with the greatest pleasure ; but on no occasion have we * See Ijctters, No. 12 and lo 1541 LIFE OF CALVIN. 2^ -addressed you Avith more exalted satisfaction, tiiau the pre- sent, in which we magnify our office as the friends of the glo- ry of God and the church of Christ. We are persuaded that the love and power of Christ bind you to us in the strictest bonds of friendship, and we feel a confidence that we shall ob- tain the object which we request. " The futile result of the arts and hypocrisy of Satan, in procuring your ejection from the city and Church of Geneva, we need not detail ; nor the dignified manner in which you were received at Strasburg, where you found favour in the eyes of the Lord. For your former enemies, disappointed as to the disgrace which they predicted would follow you in your exile, now come, with the strongest vows of sincerity, and by an honourable legation bringing the highest testimo- nies of your faith, diligence and innocence, to beseech your return to that city, and to your former pastoral office in that Church. This change in the state of the Church of Geneva brings unusual joy to us and all the pious. And that you are recalled to that Church, we doubt not, will awaken in your soul sentiments of peculiar joy ; and now by this letter we entreat you, and we trust our entreaties will have some weight, not to neglect or despise this vocation of God. We are not ignorant Avhat obstacles the flesh may oppose, nor what difficulties may deter you from this undertaking. You may indeed say — < WhaX ! shall I return to those who, base, inconstant and vain, exiled me without cause ?' and ma- ny other such like things. But to these suggestions, whether true or false, it is the duty of a soldier of Christ to stop his ears, while he opens them with readiness to the call of God. — The causes which now detain you at Strasburg are not such, as were you to leave that Church would produce any commo- tion ; for that Church is distinguished above others for men ©f the most exalted piety and learning. — But the Church of Geneva, at this time, has no learned Minister but Viret alone, 30 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1541 on whose shoulders the whole wciglit of the pastoral office now presses ^vith all its force, and Yiret must, in a short time, return to his own flock, as his own Church at Lausanne is in great danger Avhile destitute of its Pastor. If our eternal Pas- tor left the ninety and nine, and sought in its wanderings the lost sheep, what shall not he do, whose sheep of their o^vn accord demand theip Pastor, and pm-sue him retiring from them with such ardent zeal ? Christ willingly offers his grace to his un^vorthy and wilful despisers ; and it becomes us in all our actions to follow his example. With what mind, with what spirit, or even conscience, can you desert and fly from those, who come earnestly to you, and seek you alone for their Pastor ? — It was by your labom's, and liy your ministry, that the Church of Geneva was renewed in Christ. Will you therefore, can you disregard and reject the earnest cries of your children for their omii parent ? Will you suffer so ma- ny Iambs to be exposed as a prey, for whom Christ poured forth his blood ? That they are exposed as a prey, is evi- dent, since the eloquent Sadolet, with wonderful address and artful intrigue, attempted to l)reak into the Church of Gene- va. And encouraged by the hope of spoil, in a Church des- titute of its pastoral defence, he will, with more intense eager- ness, pursue the object, which he has ventured to attack. — We should never account that diflicult which God com- mands, nor grieve at the vocation of the Lord ; for he who is able will give us strength, and wisdom, and patience. His faithfulness will not fail, in removing those obstacles which, in the judgment of the flesh, lie in our path. The Lord w as never ^vanting to those who called upon him in truth. Since then so many Churches entreat you to enter on this office, you should do it the more confidently. But more- over, as to the great advantages of your holding that station, we need not say much. You will deliver many sheep from thji jaws of the wolves, and will bind upon your head an un*. 1541 LIFE OF CALVIN. 31 fading crown before God. You kno-sv that Geneva, being oa the confines of .France, Italy and Germany, affords the strongest expectations that the Gospel may be disseminated through the neighbouring cities, and the bounds of the king- dom of Christ enlarged. You know that the Apostle chose the chief cities, in which to preach the Gospel, that he might more easily cause its streams to flow through all their borders. You must be well aware, how extensively you may spread from that city the Gospel of Christ, by your preach- ing and your writings. These, dear Calvin, are the things, which induce us to ask you, to entreat you, to conjure you, not to reject this vocation, vv hich wc believe is of the Lord, but to follow it instantly and without delay. We doubt not your fidelity and good will to run with readiness in the way of duty, though we thus press you with some stimulating motives, that you may make the greater speed. We hope that our prayers and entreaties will avail with you. You know how much we love you, how much we would do for your sake and at your request. We regard and respect you on account of the eminent gifts with which God has been pleased to adorn you. But both yours and his, studious for your reputation, and the warmest friends of the Churches and of truth, we beseech you, our bro- ther and friend, and conjure you through Christ, neither to resist or despise our request, as we hope we are influ- enced by the Sphit of God and the highest regard for his glory. Farewell, our ever revK-ed brother, and pray to God for us. * ZuaicH, April 4, 154)1." Bucer and his colleagues also gave their opinion in favoui of Calvin's return to Geneva, at least for some stipulated time. He however reluctantly yielded, and on this subject says, in the preface to his Commentary on the Psalms, " Ai--- 32 LIFE OF CALVIiV. 1541 though the prosperity of this Church was of such high con- cern that I would willingly have undergone death for it, yet my timidity suggested a great variety of reasons why I should not afresh subject my shoulders to a burden so op- pressive. — At last, the obligation and responsibility of my of- fice determined me to restore myself to the flock, from which I had been so violently separated ; but with what deep sor- row, abundant tears, and extreme anxiety I did this, the best of beings is my witness." — Calvin, pressed by the ad- vice of all his friends, retired from the Diet of Ratisbon, and arrived at Geneva September 13, lO'll. He was receiv- ed Avith the gratulations of the whole people, while the Se- nate made their publick acknowledgment to God for so sig- nal a favour. " The Genevese now requested the Senate of Strasburg to \"*^ cancel the clause of the agreement which limited the conti- nuance of Calvin with them, to a specified time. This was X*^ yielded at length, on condition that he should retain the ho- nours conferred on him by that city, and his annual sala- ry. He consented to retain the first, but the pecuniary emolument he could never be prevailed on to accept. Cal- vin had made it a condition of his return, that Farel should fee recalled at the same time. The people of Geneva com- plied on their part, but no inducement could prevail on Fa- rel to leave Neufchatel, to trust himself again on the rest- less waters of that city.* On resuming his former charge, Calvin fixed himself stedfastly on the direction of his Lord, — Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. As an object of faith and ground of hope, this passage of scripture furnished him with divine support through his unremitting labours and unparalleled trials, in promoting the pmrity and prosperity of the Church. • See letters, No. 20, 21, 22. ^ loll LIFE OF CALVIN. 33" Calvin well understood that the period of renewed con- fidence must be improved to introduce a system of dec- trine and discipline, which would be a standard of faith and government. He explained to the Senate what he judg- ed would be expedient for their welfare in the Church. Agreeable to his request, the Senate appointed six of tlieir body, who, with Calvin, Viret and the three colleagues, ma- tured, with cautious deliberation, the articles of ecclesiasti- cal polity. By these articles, the power of excommunication, together with the subordinate rights of discipline, was com- mitted to the Church. It Avas of course violently opposed bv' those persons,whose habits and crimes rendered them olmoxious to its coercive authority. Some of the common people, and a number of the influential citizens, who had put off the Po- pish forms, and assumed merely the name of Christ, by de- grees went over to the opposition. The three colleagues,^- who still remained in that Church since the exile of Calvin, Farel and Coraud, although they had bound themselves to abide by whatever Calvin and Viret should judge expedi- ent, now began privately to oppose the adoption of the arti- cles. These Pastors were too much exposed to discipline, by their own irregularities, to be advocates for the establishment of restrictive laws. The opposers covered themselves with the pretext, that other Churches had not the right of ex- communication ; that this was the right of the Senate ; and if the authority was given into the hands of the Church, it would terminate in Papistical tyTanny. Convinced that the articles were according to the word of God, and that they were indispensable for the government and purity of the Church, Calvin proceeded, Avith moderation and firmness, to prove from the scriptures, that the poAver of excommunica- tion AA-as in the Church ; and that it was inconsistent to lodge with a civil body the exclusive right nf doing an act * See Letters, Xo. 20. O 34 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1541 purely ecclesiastical. To weaken the force of llie objection^ that other Churches did not exercise this power, he adduc- ed the testimony of tiie most learned Reformers, of Zuin- glius, GEcolampadius, Melancthon, Bucer, Capito, Zuichius,^ IMyconius, and others. In his argument he passed no cen- sure on tliose Churches which had not adopted rules for exer- cising tlieir own rights, and cast no Wame on those Pastors who Judged that the members of theu- Churches needed no such ecclesiastical restraints. He enforced, with nmcli clear- ness, tlie vast difference between the unscriptural impositions of tlie Papacy, and a legitimate Presbytery. Calvin suc- ceeded in his purpose. On the 20th of November, 1541, the revised law s of ecclesiastical polity in that Church were established by the unanimous vote of the Senate, and the consent of the people. The course of labours on ^^Ilich Calvin entered, and the daily duties which he di-xharged as Professor and Pastor, are truly astonishing, and such and so numerous as no ordi- nary mind could have effected. Every ofiicial duty was lo- cated with the most exact order. He preached every day of every other week — on IMonday, Tuesday and Wednesday, he gave lectures in Theology — on Thursday, he presided in the meeting of the Presbytery — on Friday, he expounded the holy scriptures to the congregation. In addition to these and other oflicial duties, he devoted the remnants of his time to study and writing. Um^emitting in his labom's, he illus- trated the holy scriptures by his commentaries ; answered, as occasions called, the opposers of religion ; and wrote on the most abstruse subjects with profoundness and caution. In fine, he turned his attention and his pen to whatever con- eerned the order, the purity and peace of tlie Church. The instruction of youth was, in the estimation of Calvin, an object of primary interest to the welfare of civil society, and the cause of religion. He therefore revised and enlarg- 1542 LIFE OF CALVIN, 35 ed the Catechism, which he first publislied in 1537. Tliis judicious and popular Mcrk was composed after the order of his Institutes, embracing doctrines, duties and the means of grace. He pubhshed it in French and in Latin. It was noticed with unparalleled applause, and soon translated into the German, English, Dutch, Scotch, and Spanish lariguag- es ; into the Greek by Henry Stephens, and finally into the Hebrew by the learned Christian Je^v, Emanu;! Tremeiims. And the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, in 164:3, made it tlie model of the Catechism which is so justly esteemed among all the Presbyterian Churches.* X"^- AVhile Calvin was cautiously occupied in the concerns of liis own Chiurch, his labours were unremitted in administer- ing relief and consolation to the brethren who were driven from France and Italy, by the persecution of the Papists, v His reputation as a Divine and Professor of Theology, attract- Ov\^ ed such numbers from Italy, England, and even Spain, that it was with difiiculty that they were furnished w ith lodgings in Geneva. He was ever anxiously mindful of tho:e in Frauce, who Avere suffering imprisonment, chains and death, and when he could afford them no other means of relief, he ad- dressed to them letters of encouragement and comfort. This year a scarcity of provisions, and its usual compa- nion, the plague, prevailed in Geneva. The police of the ci- ty, as their custom had been, established an infirmary v.ith- out the walls, for the reception of the infected. The sedu- lous attention of a comforter^ was required to give instruc- tion to the sick, and consolation to the dying. In conse- j quence of the dread of the contagion, three persons only of- fered their service to fill this dangerous post, Calvin, Casta- lio and Blanchet. Tlie lot being cast, fell upon Castalio, who unfairly declined this oitice of humanity. The Senate being unwilling to hazard the life of Calvin, Blanchet ge- * Opusciila, p. 12, t See Notes and Biog. No. 11. A 3G LIFE OF CALVIN. 154i2 nerously assumed the perilous and honourable charge upon himself. Peter Tossanus, Pastor of IMontbeillard, was engaged at this time in a controversy concerning the ceremonies of that Church. At the request of the bretlu'en, he ^v•rote to Cal- vui, for his opinion on the various points of controversy.* ]\Iyconius, Pastor of Basil, experienced a severe opposition in his attempt to introduce the rules and discipline of the Con- sistory into that city. The opposers contended that the power of excommunication belonged to the Senate, and ad- duced the example of IMoses and David, as holding civil offices, and at the same time controling ecclesiastical mat- ters. Myconius, perplexed with these arguments, wrote to Calvin for his opinion. Calvin concisely refuted the objec- tions, and vindicated the right of the Church to the exclu- sive authority of excommunicating its members, when incor- rigible under subordinate discipline.f The progress of the Reformation in France was counte- nanced, amidst the severest dangers, by many distinguished personages. The number of the reformed Churches m- creased beyond the most sanguine expectations of their ad- vocates. The jealousy and rage of the Doctors of the Sor- l)onne Avere excited, and they determined to enforce against them the severest persecutions of imprisonment, banishment and fire. In pursuance of this object, those Inquisitors, headed by Peter Li&set, framed the chief points of their faith and worship into twenty-five articles, as a standard for the trial and punishment of every person who refused to subscribe them. They were presented to Francis I., who approved them ]\Iarch 10, 1542. Being afterwards sanction- ed by the Pope, Paul III., they were published by a royal decree, enjoining all Doctors, Bachelors and Teachers to sub- scribe them, and not to teach any thing contrary to them on * See Letters, No. 25. t See Letters, No. 27. 1543 LIFE OF CALVIN. 37 the penalty of being treated as hereticks. Some of the re- formed Teachers, through weakness or fear, a\ ere induced to subscribe those Popish articles. This inflicted a deep Avound on the cause of the pure doctrines. The attention of Calvin was called to this artful measure of the inquisito- rial Pai'liament of Paris, and in answering their confession of faith, he applied to each article such solid reasonhig, and sometimes such satirical pleasantry, as furnished against its errors a powerful Antidote.^ The writings of Calvin, and the reputation he had esta- blished at the Diets in Germany, excited towards him the jealous attention of the Papists. The purity of his Latin, the force of his reasoning, and his facility at composition, with his extensive learning, all which he had forcibly exem- plified in his pul)lications, secured to him fi'ora his enemies a high degi'ce of consideration. The servitude and freedom of the jvilli as maintained by Luther, IMelancthon, Bucer and Calvin, was a material point in the great question, so mucli agitated about good works and the doctrine of justification by faith. The Papists were solicitous that some great eifort should be made, to defend their side of the question, Avhich had been laid naked by the writings of tliose Reformers. Albert Pighius,f subtle, learned and ambitious, offered him- self as the champion of theh' cause. It was first proposed at the Diet of Worms, that he should enter the li?ts against all those Reformers ; but, upon further consideration, he select- ed Calvin as his antagonist, considering that a victory over him would be the defeat of them all. Pighius began the combat with high expectations of securing the Pope's favour, and a Cardinal's Hat ;J but he met in the issue with a dou- * This is the titie of Calvin's answer. See Opuscula, p. 190. t See Notes, No. 12. i Pope Innocent IV., about the year 1250, decreed that a Bed Hat should be the symbol of the Cardinal's office. This co^izance was so singulai', that it was soon used for the office itself. 3S LIFE OF CALVIN. 1543 ble mortification. The Papists cliarged liiin with maintain- ing errors on some points against their faith, and with adopt- ing on others the opinions* of that Reformer -v\ horn he had undertaken to refute. Calvin, in reply concertiing- the servi- tude and freedom of the nill, proved that Pighius had copied whole pages from his Institutes^ without the least notice to his readers of the somxe from which he had taken tliose spoils. Tims this ambitious and self-confident man incurred, at the same time, the displeasure of the Papists, and the just cen- sure of the learned. Calvin dedicated his work concerning' the freedom of the nill, to his friend Philip ]\IelanctIion,f February, 1543. About this time originated the diiference between Sebastian Castalio and Calvin. Castalio was learned in the languages, and had been patronized by Calvin, first at Strasburg, and on his return to Geneva he introduced him as the Instructor of the Grammar School in that city. Castalio published a translation of the scriptures in the French language, in which appeared much aiiectation of style and vulgar obscu- rit}', together with some impure expressions. Calvm, in a private conversation, pointed out to him, with all fiankness, those things which appeared to be reprehensible. Castalio was uritated at the free remarks of Calvin ; and instead of correcting the faults of his translation, avowed more openly opinions, whicli he had before concealed, and %vhich were of- fensive to Calvin, especially as he deeply wounded the au' thority of the scriptures, l)y rejecting the Song of Solomon as uninspired and obscure. Calvin was jealous of the authority and purity of the scriptures, and a stranger to all compro- mises with those Avho persevered in maintaining opinions A^hich he viewed as false and heretical. Castalio persisted in justifying his rejection of a portion of the divine volume, * Sec Baylc, Art. Pighius. t Opuscula Calvini, p. 117. Se€ Letters, No. 28. 1544 LIFE OF CALVlN. ^ which rests, like every other part, not on the reasoning or fan- cy of man, but on the testimony of God. He was summoned before the Senate, by the voice of the people, and, after be- ing fully heard in his defence, was sentenced as a calumnia- tor of the scriptures, and ordered to leave the city. In November, 1544, Calvin ;vrote an interesting letter to the Pastors of Neufchatel on the subject of discipline.*: The ®rder which should be pursued, and the disposition v/hich is to be exercised in conducting censures among Ministers, are judiciously illustrated. As he proceeds, he lays down this proposition — The scriptures express the substance of eccle si' astical discipline in plain words ; but the jorm of that disci- pline, since it is not prescribed bij the Lord, ought to be deter- mined by the Ministers for edification. The observation of the principle involved in this proposition, concerning the exterior order and government of the Church, would have saved her members from much injurious controversy. HoAvever diifer- ing about the colour of the vesture of Jesus, the Churches which were united in the essential doctrines, the apostacy, the atonement and Godhead of the Redeemer, the Divinity and office of the Spirit, might on that principle have given each other the right hand of fellowship, and walked together in peaceful and affectionate attachment to the transcendant cause of him who purchased the Church ^dth his own blood. During this year, the Emperour of Germany was providen- tially compelled to grant indulgence and aid to that cause,, which he designed ultimately to destroy. Pressed with the burdensome expenses of his war with France, and by the suc- cess of the Turks in Hungary, he called a Diet at Spires ; and to secure the assistance of the protestant Princes, he ordered, among other privileges, which he granted them, that no person should be molested from that time on accovnt of his re- * See Letters, No. 29. 40 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1544 ligious principles, till a general Council should be called.-'^ With this decree the Pope was of course displeased. In the heat of his resentment, he addressed a letter to Charles, re- proaching- him in severe terms, with assuming the rights of the Pontiff, and betraying the cause of the Church ; and threatened to exert against him the power of his official ven- geance. The Emperour, pressed with difficulties on every hand, gave Paul an evasive aiid courtly answer. In the perusal of those letters, Calvin observed the temporizing of Charles, and the arrogance of the Pope, who had, in his opinion, violated the truth of the Gospel, and reproached the innocence of the Reformers. He addressed an answer to Paul, with the firmness which would have become the Em- perour, and well adapted to shame his audacity, and expose the emptiness of his threats. f While the Diet at Spires was in session, which terminated so favourably to the cause of the Protestants, Calvin, with his usual vigilance, seized the opportunity of publishing, with greater effect, his work, entitled The necessity of reforming the Church.X In this treatise, he attacked the vices of the clergy, and exposed the corruptions of the Papacy ; he also defined, in a luminous manner, the true Church of Christ, and defended the cause of the Reformation, with an energy of argument, unparalleled in the Avritings of that distinguish- ed age. To extend its circulation, and increase its influ- ence, he expressly addressed it to the Emperour, Princes and Orders assembled in Convention at Spires. The Anabaptists and Libertines took their rise about the same time, 1525, and from the same point of depression and ignorance. They pursued substantially the same delusive ' Bower's Hist, of the Popes, vol. 7, Oct. p. 630.— — Kobert. Charles V. f See Pope Paul III.'s Letter and Calvin's answer in Opusculis Calvini, p. 178, et 182. ^ Opuscula Calvini, p. 37. I544i LIFE OF CALVIN. 43. objects, perfectibility of soul, and a spirituality of devotion, which elevated them above religious order and civil re- straints. Casting behind them the revealed scriptures, the Anabaptists, by their personal visions and inspirations, and the Libertines, by abstract reasonings and a union of soul with God by secluded contemplations, alike laid claim to sinless perfection. The former assumed as their g-uide the impulses and illapses of the Spirit, while in fact they were under the dominant influence of their own enthusiastick passions. The latter alleged, that God was the immediate author of all human actions, the efficient cause of evil as well as good, and that man was not accountable for his conduct. The Papists charged these monstrous errours over to the Reformers, who had sent abroad the scriptm-es among the vulgar, and brok- en the chains of ignorance, which they had kindly imposed upon the human intellect. Infidels alleged that all the mis- chief and errours of each religious denomination originated alike from the religion of the Bible. The humble believer, however, undismayed by those charges and allegations, esti- mates the depravity of human nature, as a root sufficiently X'igourous, to yield all the enthusiasm, superstition, infideli- ty and misery which are produced among men. To check the growth of those errours, and to vindicate the cause of Christ and the Reformation from reproach, Calvin published, June 1, 1544, his instructions against the errours and fanati- cism of the Anabaptists and Libertines.^ In his arguments against the latter, he points out, Avith great clearness, the na- ture of the divine sovereignty, its absolute exercise over man, a fallen, depraved, but still a moral and accountable being. He exposes, with a strong hand, the absolute falsity of the libertine position, that God, as the cause of all things, is the ''indent cause of evil, or author of sin. — He rejects these as* * Opuscula p. 356 et 374, 6 ^ LIFE OF CALVIN. UU sertions as blaGpiienious, \yliile he maintains the scriptural doctrine of the absolute sovereignty of God. Calvin discri- minated clearly the limits whicli bounded the human intel- lect on that subject, and wisely stopped short of that duplex lahyrintkvsy do-ublc labyrinth, as he calls it,* which lies beyond the light of revelation. Neither Augustine, Calvinf nor Ed- wards,.]; who thought and wrote much concerning the sove- reignty of God, V. ill probably ever be surpassed in intellect, in acquisitions or distinct apprehensions in the science of mo- rals, or the doctrines of religion. They neither ventured themselves, nor have they given license to others, but have left man}' warning comisels to prevent even their attempts to intrude into the secret tilings which belong to God.^ * In argtimento Genesis. Vol. 1. ejus opernm. ■\ Passages mij^hl be multiplied, from the writings of Calvin, to show that he totally rejected the imjb/ozw dogrmi — That God is the autlior, or the efficient cause of sin — a single passage, in which he quotes Augustine, may here be appropriate — Men are the work of God, says Augustine, as. they aro men ; but tliey are in subjection to the Devil, as they are sinners, until they ar^ delivered from that state by Christ. — "Therefore," adds Calvin, " the ^oorf are of God ; the ivieked, a eeipsis, from themselves." Opuscula Calvini pag. 126 see also in his tracts, in p. 62" — 629 — " Nego Deum ese mali authorem." Cal. in Acts ii. 23. " Neque tamen malorum autlior sit Deus." Cal. Lib. de praedestinat. et passim. ^ President Edwards says — I utterly detiy God to be the author of sin ; re- jeetinj such an imputation on the JMost High, as -what is infinitely to be abhoV' red ; and deny any such thing to be the consequence of-xliat I have laid down. — Freedom of tlie will. Part IV. Sec. IX. II. $ It may be modestly suggested, whether some have not reproached the writings of Augustine, Calvin and Edwards, who still never read them, the sum total of whose knowledge of the works of these great men is picked up from mutilated scraps, selected for the sole purpose of prejudicing the minds of common readers against them ; and whether others professedly, and doubUess in some instances, real friends to religion, have not been prompted, by a desire for distinction, to make the world believe, that they could see farther and clearer on tliose speculative points, than Calvin ; and are tlms plunging, with metaphysical enthusiasm, into the darkness of that double labryn'nth which will bewilder many unweary minds into sceptieisiB aad infidelitv. 1545 LIFE OF CALVIN. ^^ The instructions of Calvin against tlie errours and fanati- cism of the Libertines gave offence to Quint in and Poquet, the two principal leaders of that sect. These two men had imposed upon the Q,ueen of Navarre so far as to induce her to believe, that they were honest and religious in their prin- ciples and purposes, and that they were misrepresented and injured by Calvin in that work. A letter was written, hj the direction of Margaret, complaining to Calvin of his seve- rity towards those men whom she had patronized as the friends of the pure doctrines. In his answer, Calvin address- ed her with an affectionate respect for her piety and digni- ty, and with a frankness and fi-eedom becoming a ]\Iinistcr of Christ. He opened the dangerous nature and tendency of their opinions to the cause of religion, obviated some re- proaches which they had uttered against him, and entreat- ed her to withdraw her patronage from such av icked and de- ceitful men. The letter of Calvin effectually obstructed their influence in the court of Navarre, and prevented their further inroads upon the Cliurches of France.# During the ravages of the pestilence in Geneva and its environs, in the beginning of 1545, occurred a singular in- stance of human depravity. That grade of inhabitants who had become so poor by their vices, as to seek a daily subsist- ence in attending the sick and cleansing their chambers, form- ed an alliance for the horrid purpose of secretly spreading the infection. They rubbed the pestiferous matter upon the posts and doors of houses, and other frequented places. The activity of the plague, and the malignity of its ravages, were awfully increased, and the whole city was thrown into con- sternation. To prevent detection, and secure themselves frotn justice, those monsters, by a horrid oath, devoted themselves to the devil, if they should, under any tortures * See Letters, No. SO. 44 LIFE OF C.\LVIN, 1545 that might be inflicted, discover the names of any of their associates. The ligaments of such an oath, upon minds so corrupt as to take it, could have no influence. The inspired sentence, Be sure your si7i nill find -jou out, was ultimately verified in these men, most of whom were apprehended and sentenced to merited punishment. The numerous deaths by the plague, the changes of pos- sessions and descent of estates, ^\\i\l the contested rights of citizenship, introduced much disorder among the inhabit- ants. Some indulged in the most aggravated vices, and oth- ers committed the most licentious crimes. In addition to all these evil?, tlie demagogues of party seized upon the goods of the Popish Bishoprick. Against this spirit of sa- crilegious pimider, the vhtuous citizens united their exer- tions ; and Calvin, from the pulpit, boldly testified both against their le\^■dness and rapacity, declaring that they would draw upon themselves the vindictive judgments of God ; warning them, that the original extortions of the Papists, in accumulating this property, would be no justi- fication for their seizing by violence, that to which they had neither a providential nor legal claim. The ^^'aldenses, inhabiting the retired vallies of Pied- mont, had long struggled for their religious rights, under the severe pressure of Popish intolerance. Having obtain- ed a copy of Oxivetak's translation of the scriptures, they committed the whole Bible to the press in the Waldensi- an tongue. Strong in the faith of the Gospel, they pub- lickly held their religious assemblies, and submitted to sufl'erings and privations amidst the cruelties of almost un- ceasing persecution. In 1536, an exterminating edict was published against the numerous Waldenses who inhabited the towns of Cambriers and Merindol. The operation of this decree "William* du Bellai, Governour of Piedmont, had suspended for several years. The enemies of this in- 1545 LIFE OF CALVIN. 45 nocent people opposed this forbearance, and accused them to the King of many heresies. To comiteract these accu- sations, they presented to Francis, in 1544, the confession of their faith. This had been formed after the model of the Genevese Church, a circumstance by no means in their fa- vour with Turnon and the influential Papists at court. The adoption of more vigourous measures \vas urg- ed by Minerius Oppedeus, the new President of Provence ; and he obtained, through the influence of Cardinal Turnon, an order from the King to carry into effect the edict ^\hich the moderation of Bellai had suspended. Oppedeus, in the absence of the Governour, Count de Grignan, raised a body of troops which were joined by others from Avignon, and marched against these industrious and pious people. He lacked and burnt their towns ; and killed, tortured and com- mitted the inhabitants to the flames without respecting ei- ther age or sex. He inhumanly destroyed all, wlio did not escape beyond discovery to the caves of the mountains, or flee beyond his reach within the hospitable walls of Geneva, and the reformed cities of Switzerland.* Having aided them, by his counsels and letters, in estab- lishing their faith, Calvin was greatly afflicted at their ca- lamities. He had, for several years, applied himself to the German Princes, to procure their influence with Francis for the humane purpose of securing these persecuted people in the peaceful enjoyment of those religious rights v\ hich they accounted dearer than life. These expectations were blasted at a stroke, by this exterminating persecution. He still, how- ever, found a place for the exercise of his parental care, by extending to these sorrowful fugitives assistance and conso- lation. » Dupin. Ecrl. TIret. 16, Book 2, p. 184. 40 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1545 Andrew Osiander, an early disciple of Luther, published a work against the Zuinglians upon the Eucharist. =* He call* ed up not only all the old peculiarities on that subject, but sharpened afresh all that bitterness of invective which Lu- ther himself had too much indulged. Osiander m as one of those persons who only feel tJiemselves to be of importance in a storm. The followers of ZuingJius, and the adherents of Luther, had permitted, for a time, those points of debate, which they had so long and severely agitated, about th<' re- al presence in the elements of the supper, to be much at rest. IMelancthon, Bucer and Calvin were studious to cover the Coals if they could not entirely quench them. But thi& haughty and vehement man kindled up afresh, from those sleeping ashes, the consuming lire of controversy. Calvia was deeply afflicted at the revival of those pernicious dis- putes among Churches, wliose differences were almost wholly confined to that single point. In his letter to Melancthon, he laments the imprudence and bitterness of Osiander ; and especially his abusive treatment of Zuinglius, the first Re- former of the Swiss Churches, and of the amiable CEcoiam- padius. But he was far more deeply distressed at the wounds inflicted on the cause of the Saviour. — Let us mourn, he says, /or it becomes us to be ajlicted with the troubles of the Church ; but let us still sustain ourselves with this hope, that although we arc oppressed and tossed by these mighty wa- ters, we shall not be overwhelmcdA Luther himself was deeply engaged in this controversy. About 1543, Gualter of Zurich published the works of Zuin- glius with an apology for his doctrine, which gave oiieiice to the German Reformer. The same year, the translation of the scriptures into the German language, commenced by Leo Ju- dah, was finished and published by Bullinger and the other * Mosheim, Cent. 16, p. 45, 47, Note. f See Letters, No, 31 and 35. loio LIFE OF CALVIX. iJ Pastors of Zurich. The bookseller sent a copy of this Bible to Luther, who was highly o^'ended, apprehending that it would be a means of supporting the opinion of Zuinglius concerning the nature of the Lord's supper. He wrote a let- kr to the bookseller, which should not have contained expres- sions so unworthy of that great man. In 15 ii, Luther alsa published a short confession concerning the LorcVs supper ; # in the introduction to which he used a wantonness of lan- guage, and a roughness of reproach, with such anathemas, against Bullinger and the other Pastors of Zurich, as admit neither of translation nor even apology; except it may be said, such was the temperament of the man, and such his blind attachment to his favourite dogma, that the real body mnd blood of Christ were in, with, or under the consecrated bread and wine at the Lord's supper. It was to this last work of Luther that Calvin alludes, in the subsequent extract of his fetter to Bullinger, dated Geneva, Nov. 2o, 1544. " Calvin to Bullihger wishes health. "I hear that Luther has at length burst forth, with atrocious invectives, not only akgainst you but against us all. Now I scarcely dare beg of you and your colleagues, to be silent, because it is not just that the innocent should Ije thus abused, and not be allowed to defend themselves ; and besides it is difficult to determine, whether it is expedient. I wish you to recal these tilings t^ yx)ur mind : How great a man Luther is, and with hoir great gifts he excels ; also with what fortitude and constancy of mind, with what efficacy of learning, he hath hitherto la- boured and watched to destroy the kingdom of Antichrist, and to propagate, at the same time, the doctrine of salvation. • Seckendorf, Vol. 2, p. 420, a^id list of Luther's writings in index !It Dupin.Cent. 16, b. 11. p. 177- 48 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1545 I often sat/, if he should call me a devil, I hold him in such ho- nour, that I would acknowledge him an eminent servant of God. -^ — But as he is endowed with great virtues, so he labours un- der great failings. I wish he had studied more effectually to restrain his impetuosity of temper, which breaks forth in every direction ; that he had always turned this vehemence, which is so natural to him, against the enemies of the truth, and not equally brandished it against the servants of God ; and that he had given more diligent labom', to search out his own faults. He has been surrounded by too many flat- terers, seeing he is also too much inclined l)y nature to in- dulge himself. It is om' duty to reprehend what is evil in him, in such a manner as to yield very much to his excellent qualities. Consider, I beseech you, with your colleagues, in the first place, that you have to deal with a chief servant of Christ, to whom we are all much indebted- And then, that by contending, you will effect nothing, but a pleasure to the impious, who will triumph, not so much over us as over the Gospel. For reviling one another, they Avill give us more than full credit. But when we preach Christ with one con- sent, and one mouth, they pervert this union, to diminish our faith, by which they disclose, more than they would, the im- portance of our united labom*s. I wish you to examine and reflect upon these things, rather than dwell on what Luther has merited by his intemperate language. Lest that befall us, therefore, which Paul denounces, that by biting and de- vouring one another we should be consumed, however he may have provoked us, we must rather abstain from the conr test, than increase the wound, to the common injury of the Church." * Luther, in his asperity against the Zulnglians, Bullinger and others, had used harsh language ; and Calvin, who was anxious to prevent the con- iroversy, states his own feelings, supposing Luther should call him a devilf &c. to al'.nv th(^ resentment of EulUnsrer and the other Parstors of Zurich. lo4i5 LIFE OF CALVIN. 49 The persecutions in France, at this time, induced some per- sons who adhered to the Reformers in private, to conform to the externals of Popery, in order to shield themselves from chains and death. Calvin disapproved of their conduct, and published a tract* exposing such a conformity to the Pa- pists as inconsistent with their duties to their families and the cause and conunands of Christ. These persons, who ■were for compromising their religion for the favour of the world, complained of the principles which Calvin had es- tablished, as the rules of duty for the professed followers of Christ, as too rigid and severe. They appealed to the ad- vice of Luther and JNIelancthon, expecting more favourable terms, Calvin, at their request, addressed a letter to Luther, and another to Melancthon,| accompanied by his treatise^ and a subsequent defenceX of it. In this defence he gave them the appellation of Pseudo-Nicodemitesj as they had justified their covert acknowledgment of Christ, by the example of Nicodemus, in visiting Jesus by night. It does not ap- pear that Luther answered the letter of Calvin. But Me- lancthon gave his opinion in full and decisive language. In allusion to the feelings of Calvin about the controversy of Osiander, expressed in the sentence quoted above, Melanc- thon concludes his letter in these words, — April ITth, the day on which Noahy 3846 j/ears ago, entered the ark, by nhich example, God testifies that he nill not forsake his Church, when tossed on the mighty waters,^ Those two tracts of Cal- vin, with the letter of JNIelancthon, and those of Bucer and Peter MartyrTf annexed, were published in 1546. Three years after, Bullinger, and the other Pastors of Zurich, ad- dressed a letter to Calvin, approbating the doctrine w hich he * See Opuscula Calvini, p. 434. De xdtandis SuperslitioTiiius. t See Lelters, No. 31. * Opuscula Cal. p. 444. § Opus. Cal. p. 457. H See Notes No. 13. 7 50 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1546 had supported, That it was unlaivful for any Christian to appear to assent to those false doctrines and that supersti- tion which in his heart he condemns, A young man, by the name of Troitett, having coun- terfeited the hermit in France, retm-ned to Geneva about this time, with an assumed appearance of piety. Calvin, remarkable for his penetration in distinguishing the dispo- sitions of persons^ and their real from their avowed opi- nionSj soon discovered the hypocrisy of Troilett, and gav& him in a private conversation his advice. He however, aided by others, became stiU more obtrusive in his man- ners, in the meetings of the congregation. At length Cal- vin gave him a public reprimand, for his unbecoming and disorderly conduct. Incensed at this, he readily found those who justified and encouraged his audacity ; and, on the death of one of the Ministers, he demanded to be in- troduced into the vacancy. The Senate interposed their authority, and ordered an enquiry to be made respecting his character. The Ministers of the Genevese Churches laid before the Senate the reasons of their objections, that he was by party influence, and the low arts of intrigue, pushing himself forward to the pastoral office ; that the baseness of his morals was evinced by the surreptitious letters, which he had produced to support a lame charac- ter; and that, in consequence of this fact, he was even now the sport of his own faction. The Senate ordered the ecclesiastical laws to be enforced against him, and he Avas rejected.* In the beginning of the year 1546, Charles V. and Paul III. concerted a plan which, in its result, was designed to effect injuriously the dearest interests of the German and Swiss Reformers. So confident was the Pope of success, * Epist. Calvini ad Farellum, dat. Sept. 8. 154G LIFE OF CALVIN. 51 tliat in July he addressed a letter* to tlie Swiss, declaring his determination to unite his forces with the Emperour's, and revenge their contumaciousness by an exterminating war. The Swiss were thrown into great consternation by tliis letter, and by the measures of Charles, who had put the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse under the Ban of the Empire, more effectually to ruin them by exposing their dominions to every species of lawless depredation.f The Emperour managed in the most artful manner, to divide and awaken those States which were deeply interested to be united in their conunon defence ; and with no less duplicity he led the Pope into all his measures, by holding out to him. the advantages which the Romish Church ^vould derive from suppressing the Protestants. In both respects he succeeded beyond his expectations. After multiplied disasters, those Princes were humbled at his feet, and yielded to such terms as this haughty man saw expedient to prescribe.;}; The accu- mulated fruits of years appeared in a moment to be swept away, from themselves and their children ; their hopes of the Re- formation blasted ; and their dearest interests in the visible Church sinking into the grave wdth their venerable Pte form- er.^ Death, by many, was embraced as a happy de- liverance from the distresses which they felt, and the more tempestuous trials which they feared. Tlie fugitive breth- ren gave to the reformed Churches the most dismal tidings of the ruin of their cause. The intimate friends of Calvin, Bucer, Melancthon and many others, were borne down with anguish, and their lives threatened with imminent danger. The letters of Bucer conveyed the feelings of his heart in the concise language of grief : my Calvin ! is not God thus wanting to his promises^ because we have despised them ? * Dupin EccL Hist. 16 Cent. B. 3, p. 34. t Dupin, 16 Cent. B. 3, p. 39. % Dupin p. 72. $ Luther died February 18, 1546. 52 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1546 Hon suddenly y all our loftiness is fallen into baseness and mise- ry ? — Beseech the Lord fervently for the health of this Churchy that she may learn to lose her life, that she may save it.% — Amidst these convulsions, the soul of Calvin while he sympa- thized in their sorrows, was still undismayed. Firm as the rocks of his country, and with vie^vs far more elevated than her mountains afford, he looked abroad over all the darkness of Pontifical impiety and imperial ambition, which, like the clouds of morning mist, winding around their tops, transient- ly dissolved, before the visions of faith, and passed away be- "neath the light of the promises and the Providence of the Redeemer. The Pope discovered too late, that the disguised policy of Charles was directing all his measures to the accu- mulation of his own power ;, that with all his means to crush the Protestant and establish the Romish worship, he had done nothing, but negotiate with the enemies of Popery, on terms that would best secure his personal domination ; and, apprehensive that his next step would be to dictate laws to the States of Italy, he suddenly withdrew his troops, prefer- ring that the Protestants should abide in their strength, as a check upon this ambitious and perfidious jnan. The Pope was thus turned back by the way which he came, disappointed of his piirpose, and dismayed at the influence which he had thrown into the hands of Charles. During the troubles in Germany, the Genevese were agita- ted with internal factions. Ainmi Perrin, a man of consum- jnate vanity, audacity and ambition, headed the unruly and disa^ected in that city. By the suffrages of the people, he had been elected to the oflice of Captain General of Geneva. From this circumstance, and the singularity of his manners, Calvin, usually in his letters to Farel and Viret, designated him by the title of Comicus Caesar, the comical Emperour^ * Eplst. Calvlni, p. 45, ct 46. 1547 LIFE OF CALVIN. 5S Exposed by their immoralities to ecclesiastical censures, Per- rin and his associates concerted a plan to weaken and destroy the influence of Calvin. Two of the colleague Pastors, becom- ing from their intemperance liable to the severity of the laws, instigated one of the Senators to accuse Calvin of teaching false doctrine. The Senator, who brought the accusation, was summoned before the Council, and the matter being heard, he was sentenced, as a calumniator, and the two Pastors were deposed from their office, and forbidden to frequent the wine shops. Amidst these difficulties, Calvin laboured to evince that the Gospel which he announced was not a matter of refined spe- culation, or worldly convenience, but the high calling of Godf the supreme business of a Christian's life. The plain instruc- tions of Calvin gave offence to those who wished to revel in licentious amusements, and yet be treated as good and whol- some members of the Church. Perrin and some others, fall- ing under censure, were zmxious to escape the judgment of the Consistory, and pleaded that the trial for criminal conduct should come only before the Senate. The Consistory urged, in defence of their rights, that the system of discipline had been sanctioned, as conformable to the word of God ; and im- plored the support of the Senate, that the Church might re- ceive no injiu-y. The Senate decreed, that the ecclesiastical laws should be observed, and established the sentence against the delinquents. The violence of Perrin and his associates was greatly increased in their endeavours to raise disorder and sedition in the city. To allay the increasing evils, the Coun- cil of two hundred w ere convoked to meet on the 16th of Sep- tember, 1547. On the preceding day, Calvhi informed his colleagues, that tumults would probably be excited by the fectious, and that it was his intention, to be present at the meeting. Accordingly Calvin, accompanied by his colleagues, proceeded to the Council house, but arrived before the ap' M LIFE OF CALVIN. 1547 pointed time. Seeing many persons walking about the door, they retired through an adjoining gate and were unnoticed. They had not been long in this retreat, before they heard loud and confused clamours, which instantly increased with all the signs of sedition. Calvin ran to the place, and though the aspect of things was terrible, he advanced into the midst of the violent and noisy crowd. His presence struck them with astonishment. His friends pressed around him, as a defence. He raised his voice, and solemnly declared, that he came to oppose his body to their swords, and if they were determined to shed any blood, he exhorted them to be- gin Avith his. The heat of the sedition abated. On entering the Senate chamber, he found a more violent contest. He pressed between the parties, when they were upon the point of drawing their swords for mutual slaughter, in the very sanctuary of justice. Like an Angel of peace, he arrested the fury of the faction, and having brought the assembly to their seats, he addressed them in a continued and impressive oration. He pointed out to the seditious their crimes, and the publick evils which must inevitably follow upon indulg- ing in such immoralities and factions ; and denounced upon them the judgments of God, if they should persist in such iniquities. The eifects of this address were so deeply felt, by the seditious themselves, that they commended him for his interposition, which had arrested their bloody attack upon the Senate. # Soon after this, the wife of Perrin was called before the Consistory for her improper conduct. She became petulant, and intemperately added insult to abuse. After being re- proved without effect by Pouppinus, one of the Ministers, she Avas referred to the Senate, and by their order confined in prison. She made her escape, and meeting Pouppinus with- * Calvin's Letlrr to Vivet, dated Sept. 17, 1547, in ejus Epistolis. 154r LIFE OF CALYIN. 5% out the gates of the city, attacked him ^^ ith the most abusive language. The next day a libel Avas found affixed to tlie pulpit, in which the Pastors were threatened with death, if they persisted in their adherence to the rules of discipline and publick reproof. The Senate ordered a strict enquiry after the conspirators. One James Gruet was apprehended, and his papers examined. Among these were letters and other writings, which insulted the Senate and the la'svs of the Republick ; tlu-eatened the life of Calvin ; ridiculed the scrip- tures as false ; abused the Saviour ; and called the immorta- lity of the soul a dream and a fable.# Convicted of thes& and other crimes against the city and Senate, Gruet was sen- tenced to death, and publickly beheaded. Perrin and his wife retired from Geneva. Calvin, however, interceded with the Senate to remit their sentence against her, upon her showing any signs of repentance. But this interposition pro- duced no effect upon the mind of this outrageous woman. Amidst those conflicts, Calvin was watchful over the in- terest of the reformed Churches of France. In August, he addressed a letter to the Church of Rohan to counteract the errours of a Franciscan Friar, who was labouruig, to impose upon that people the corruptions of the heresy of Carpocra- tes.f The interests of the Protestant Churches of Germany were at this time endangered by the proceedings of the famous Council of Trent,J which was called by Paul III., and open- ed in that city January T, 1546. Between that time and March, 1547, it held seven sessions. The acts of this last general Council were published for the special purpose of con- denming the opinions of Zuinglius, Luther and their follow- * Calvin's letter to Viret, July 2, 1547, in Epis. \ Calvini Opuscula p. 403. Carpocrates was author of a pernicious heresy in the 2d Century. Mosh. vol. 1, p. 184, and Rees' Cyclopedia, i Dupin, 16 Cent. Hist, of Coun. Trent. 56 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1548 ers. To rectify their misrepresentations, and false statements, of the conduct and principles of the Reformers, Calvin pub- lished, in November, 1547, an antidote against the seven ses- sions of the Council of Trent. In this he recited the acts of each session, and replied with energy and effect.* In the mean time, the faction of Perrin became anxious to have their leader restored to his office and influence in the city. They proposed a settlement of all the subsisting diffi- culties, and requested that Viret should be called from Lausanne, to assist in effectuating this object. Calvin ac- cordingly wrote to Viret and Farel.f These Ministers came to Geneva, and through their address and influence, and at the request of Calvin, the Senate reluctantly, because jealous of the dissimulation of Perrin, restored him to his office, af- ter the Consistory had removed the sentence of excommuni- cation. This accommodation took place in the beginning of 1548. However Farel, Viret and Calvin might have expected that this accommodation would be permanent, they sooh found, that Perrin and his faction had pursued those mea- sures of peace, in order the more extensively to effect their hostile purpose. They threw off the mask by degrees, and with increased impudence proceeded to vent their malice against Calvin, in those methods which are the last resorts of meanness. Some cut their corslets in the form of a cross ; others named their dogs Calvin ; some changed his name in- to Cain ; and a few abstained from the Supper of the Lord, to express their hatred of the Pastor. Conscious of his own integrity, Calvin, unmoved by these reproaches, pursued the regular course of duty, and procured the arraignment of these revilers before the Senate, for their contemptuous con- duct towards the ministry. Being convicted, they sanction- * Cal. Opus. p. 226. I Epist. Calvinj, to Viret, March, 1547. To Farel, August, 1547. 1548 LIFE OF CALVIN. 57 ed anew the terms of reconciliation with their oaths, on the 18th of December, and for a season their factious proceed- ings were suppressed. Having obtained complete success in the battle of IMulh- berg on the Elbe, in the spring of 15i7, and made the Elect- or of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse prisoners, the Em- perour, to make sure of his ambitious purposes, called a Diet at Augsburg. After much opposition from the Pope, and fruitless delays from their mutual jealousies, he determined to settle, agreeable to his own wishes, the religious order of his own dominions. He accordingly published, jMay 15, 1548,# a system of doctrine and worship, designed to regu- late the Churches of Germany, till another Council should be convened. This Formula was called the Irderim. It artfully covered the substance of Popery, with some ac- commodating expressions, to quiet the Protestants, under the imperial authority. In the general alarm and resentment, it engaged the attention of Calvin. He exposed the oppres- sive measures of Charles ; unmasked this system of hypocri- sy, as he examined it step by step ; and demonstrated its noxious tendency to subvert the foundation of the Protestant cause.-f During this year, amidst the vexatious factions of his own Church, Calvin, as though surrounded by a perfect ralra, completed and published his learned commentaries on the Epistles of the Apostle Paul. And also, in a small but elegantly written work, he exposed, with much acuteness, ihe falsity and folly of judicial astrology. Bucer, having read the Interim at the request of the Elector of Brandenburg, plainly told him, " that it was nor thing but downright Popery, only a little disguised." The Elector was highly offended, and Bucer, not without great * See Burnet's Hist, of the Reformation, vol. 2, p. 81. Dupin, 16 Gent. B.3,p.83. t See Opnscufe Thsologica Calvini, p. 260. 8 <5S LIFE 01 CALVIN. 1548 hazard, returned to Strasburg-. Germany, wliich had been the sanctuary of the persecuted Reformers from Italy and France, was now threatened with an over\\ hehning storm ; and many of her Mhiisters Avere compelled to shelter them- selves in obscure retreats, or to take refuge in Switzerland and England. Henry VIII. was succeeded, in 1547, by his son Ed- ward VI., a youth distinguished for his piety and early at- tachment to the cause of the Reformation. The venerable Cranmcr, v\ith others under the auspices of the Lord Pro- tector and the Prince, had entered on the \vork of purifying the Church, Avith moderation and wisdom. To forward, in the best maimer, the laborious undertaking, they judged it expedient to ask the assistance of some of the experienced Reformers from Germany. For this purpose, Cranmer ad- dressed letters, in the name of the King,# to Peter IMartyr, at Strasburg, requesting him and others to come into Eng- land. JMartyr, with Bernard Ochinus, arnvcd in England in Nov. 1547. IMartyr was appointed Divinity Professor at Ox- ford ; Ochinus was made a Canon of Canterbury ; and a sa- lary of forty marks Avas settled on each of them by the King. The letters of IMartyr conveyed to his friends the account of the changes which were taking place in England, in ec- clesiastical matters, and excited the attention of Calvin and Bucer. " Calvin wrote," says Bishop Bfrnet, " to the Fro- tector on the 29th of October ,f encouraging him to go on^ notwithstanding the wars, as Hezekias had done in his Re- formation. He lamented the heats of some that professed the Gospel ; but complained that he heard there were few live- ly sermons preached in England ; and that the Preachers recit- ed their discourses coldly. He much approves of a set form * Burnet's Hist, of the Reformation, vol. 2, p. 50. t Iclem.p 83. The three editions of Calvin's Letters which I have be- fore me, of Geneva, llannan and Amsterdam, all have this letter dated Oc- tober 22. 1549 LIFE OF CALYIN. 59 of prayers, whereby the consent of all the Churches did more manifestly appear. But he advises a more complete Keform- ation. He taxed X\it prayers for the dead, the use of ehrism, and extreme unction, since they were no %shere recommend- ed in scripture. He had heard, tliat the reason why they went no farther, was, because the times would not J ear it : But this was to do the Avork of God by political maxims ; wliich, though they ought to take place in other things, yet should not be followed in matters in wliich the salvation of the soul is concerned. But above all, he complained of the impie- ties and vices which were so common in England ; as swear- ing, drinking and uncleanness, and prayed him earnestly that these things might be looked after." Such is the account which Burnet* gives of the elegant letter of Calvin to the Duke of Somerset.-f When Nicolaus, the messenger, deliver- ed it to the Duke, and informed him that he had another for the King, he graciously undertook the office of delivering it, and went the next day to the palace, Vvliere it was re- ceived with great pleasure by the young inonarch and the royal Council. Cranmer informed Nicolaus, that Calvin could do nothing more useful than to write often to the King.j; Bucer still remained at Strasburg, but the troubles in Germany about the Interim daily increasing, he yielded to the request of Archbishop Cranmer, and with Paul Fagi- us^ arrived in England in the spring of I5i9.*t[ Bucer was * Peter Heylin, in his history of the Presbyterians, f^ives an account of this letter, but not with the candour and correctness of Burnet. Ileylin is an intemperate and incorrect author ; and has need of a verbal process upon his assertions, even when he refers to his autliovities. Heylin however slightly alludes to the other letters which Calvin wrote to the Protector and the King'. See Heylin, Hist. Presb. p. 12. f See Letters, No. 34, i Calvin's letter to Farel, dated June 15, 1551, in ejus Epi5;t. § The learned Fagius was employed at Cambridge to translate the Old TesUment from the Hebrew, and Bucer the Xew Testament from the Greek. But these works were not completed. Fagius died Nov. 15, 1550. ^ Bucholtzer's Chronology, Anno 1549. He sayE that Bucer and F.ighjs left Strasburg April 1, 1549 60 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1549 appointed Professor of Theology at Cambridge, and gave Calvin an account of the state of religion in that country. Considering the temporizing spirit of Bucer, and the exten- sive benefit he might render the English Church, Calvin, in his answer,* advised him to be decisive and express on the subject of the Lord's Supper, and elTectually consoled him in his exile from Strasburg. The expediency of submitting to the hiterim had excited a controversy among the Saxon Divines. Melancthon and others concurred in the opinion, that in matters of an indif- ferent 7iature compliance was due to the imperial edicts. Under this covert, they sheltered themselves from persecu- tion, while in appearance they connived at the imposition of the su])stance of Popery upon the reformed Churches. Mat- thias Flacius, with others, attacked those evasive divines, and with an overbearing intolerance and bitterness accused IMelancthon of apostacy from the true doctrines. Calvin, at their request, wrote Melancthon an admonitory letter. Con- sidering his anxieties lest Melancthon had yielded too much on this occasion, this letter is an uncommon instance of faith- ful friendship to that distinguished man, and of supreme re- gard to the cause of Christ.f While the German Churches were thus oppressed by the severity of Charles, and multiplying their difficulties by per- sonal dissensions, the Swiss were making important advances in composing their diiierences of opinion about the Eucha- rist. Luther, after the interview of JMarpurg in 1529, had beeu most vehemently tenacious in maintaining the doctrine of Con- svbs'anticttion. Zuinglius, Bullinger, Calvin and others were decidedly opposed to this doctrine, as being nothing essen- tially different in absurdity from the Romish Transubstantia- tion. IMelancthon, Bucer and Calvin were anxious to keep all the Churches in fellowship, and had used accommodating ' Sec Letters, No. .% f See LetteTs, No. -3'5. 154^ LIFE OF CALVIN. Ql terms in explaining the presence of Christ in the elements of the Supper. In consequence of this, Calvin v.as represented as holding the opinion of Luther that, after the consecration of the elements, ihe body and blood of Christ are substan- tially present, together with the substance of the bread and wine. To remove these unfounded suspicions, Calvin repair- ed with Farel to Zurich, and in a publick conference set- tled the agitated question on the permanent basis of a writ- ten confession. The articles were approved by the other Swiss Churches, and the Church of Zurich was thus united to that of Geneva, and Bullinger to Calvin, in renewed and durable bonds of amity.* Loelius Socinus, of Sienna, who injudiciously indulged himself in curious and scholastick questions, having some acquaintance with Calvin, addressed to him several en- quiries of a theological nature. Calvin answered his ques- tions about the resiurrection and other points ; and at the same time suspecting his opinions, he plainly advised him to check his ardent deshe for unprofitable speculations, as the indulgence might be the occasion of much evil to him in the end.f This man was artful in concealing his own wayward opinions, under the form of questions to be discussed, as though he was seeking for light, when his real object was to puzzle and undermine the opinions of others, and draw them into darkness and doubt. He appears to have profited so far by the admonitions of Calvin as to have concealed the extent of his presumptuous speculations, not only from him but also from Melancthon and Camerarius. After his death, it was ascertained that he was the principal author of those ©pinions which have given a new appellation to an old he- resy. Faustus Socinus obtained at Zurich the papers of his uncle, from which the notions of the Paulicians were re- * See Tract. Theolog. Calvlni, p. 648, dated Aug'ust 1, 1549. f Tft-o letters to Socinits, inEpist.Calvini ; the last dated Dec«n her, 1549. 63 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1549 vived, That Ihe Almighty Saviour is a mere man, and the Holy Spirit a mere attribute ; and that the eesential doctrines of the Gospel, original sin, the atonement, and the agency and grace of the Holy Spirit are not taught in the scrip- tures.* Notwithstanding tlie conflicts with which the Genevese Church had struggled, her numbers were increased, and on account of the persecutions which prevailed in France and Germany, and the wars in both countries, many respectable strangers had sought refuge in this independent city, where they were received by Calvin with great kindness. The divine blessing rested upon his labours, both as Professor of Theology and Pastor of that Church, while his reputation and the influence of his writings were extensively increasing in the Churches abroad. Early in the spring of this year, the faith and fortitude of Calvin were brought to a severe trial. The companion, who had for about nine years cherished him in the most af- fectionate manner, was removed by death in March, 1549. She was comely in her person,f amiable in her manners, and devoutly humble in her religious duties ; and her death was to Calvin, amidst his labours and infirmities, an irrepa- ra])le loss. His strong and habitual faith, however, enabled him to submit, with exemplary calmness and constancy, to Diis chastising stroke from the hand of divine sovereignty. On this interesting occasion, he shall speak for himself. *< Calvin to Fakel. " The report of the death of my wife has doubtless i;fach- ed you before this. I use every exertion in my power not to be entirely overcome with heaviness of heart. My friendf, who are about me, omit nothing that can aflTord any allevi- * Sec Raylr. Art. Fanst. Socinus, Notes. f Bayle. 1519 LIFE OF CALVIN. 63 ation to the depression of my mind. When your l^rother left us, we ahnost despaked of her life. On Tuesday, all the brethren being present, we united in prayer. Pouppi- nus then, in the name of the rest, exhorted her to faith and patience. In a few words, (for she was very feeble,) she gave evidence of the stateof her mind. After this I added an exhortation, such as I thought suitable to the occasion. As she had not mentioned her children, I was apprehensive that from delicacy she might cherish in her mind an anxiety more painful than her disease ; and I declared before the brethren, that I would take the same care of them as if they were my own. She ansAvered, I have already commended them to the Lord. When I observed that this did not lessen my obligation of duty to them, she answered immediately. If the Lord takes them under his protection, I know they nill be entrusted to your care. The elevation of her mind was so great that she appeared to be raised above this world. On the day when she gave up her soul to the Lord, our bro- ther Borgonius, a little before 6 o'clock, opened to her the consolations of the Gospel, during which she frequently ex- claimed, so that we all perceived that her aifections were on things above. The words she uttered were, glorious Re- surrection I — God of Abraham, and of all our fathers ! — The faithfkil have, for so many ages, hoped in thee, and not one has been disappointed. / will also hope. These short sen- tences she rather ejaculated, than pronounced with a conti- nued voice. She did not catch them from others. But by these few words she manifested the thoughts which exercis- ed her mind, and the meditations which she clierlslied in her own heart. At 6 o'clock I was compelled to leave home. After seven they shifted her position, and she immediately began to fail. Perceiving her voice beginning to falter, she said, Let us pray-'^Lct us pray — Pray for me, all of you. —At this time I entered the house. She was unable to e* LIFE OF CALVIN. 154if speak, hut gave signs of an agitated mind. I said a few things concerning the giace of Christ, the hope of eternal life, our domestick intercourse and fellowship, and our de- parture from this society and miion. I retired to pray. She Avas attentive to the instruction, and heard the prayers with a sound mind. Before 8 o'clock she breathed her last so placidly, that those present could not distinguish the mo- ment which closed her life. — I now suppress the sorrow of my heart, and give myself no remission from my official du- ties. But the Lord still exercises mc with other troubles. Farewell, dear and faithful brother. May the Lord Jesus strengthen you by his spirit, and me also in this so great ca- lamity, A^hich would inevitably have overpowered me unless from heaven he had stretched forth his hand, whose office it is to raise the fallen, to strengthen the weak, and to refresh the weary. Salute all the brethren and your whole family.. " Yours, JOHN CALVIN. « Geneva, April 11, 1549." " Calvin to Viret. " Although the death of my wife is a very severe affliction, yet I repress, as nmch as I am able, the sorrow of my heart. My friends also afford every anxious assistance, yet Avith all our exertions we effect less, in assuaging my grief than I could wish ; but still the consolation which I do obtain I can- not express. You know the tenderness of my mind, or rather with wliat effeminacy I yield under trials ; so that without the exercise of much moderation, I could not have supported the pressure of my sorrow. Certainly it is no common occa- sion of grief. I am deprived of a most amiable partner, who, whatever might have occurred of extreme endurance, would have been my willing companion, not only in exile and poverty, but even in death. While she lived .she was 1549 LIFE OF CALVIN. 65 indeed the faithful helper of my ministry, and on no oc- casion did I ever experience from her any interruption. *' For your friendly consolation I return you my sincere thanks. Farewell, my dear and faithful brother. IVIay the Lord Jesus watch over and direct you and your wife. To her and the brethren express my best salutation. « Yours, JOHN CALVIN. ^» April 7, 1549." " ViRET TO Calvin. " The things which are related to me, by the united testi- mony of the most respectable witnesses, concerning the forti- tude and equanimity of your mind, under this so severe fa- mily wound and domestic k grief, afford me reason to suppose, that I should congratulate rather than console you in my letter ; especially as I am perfectly aware of that which you call the tenderness of your mind. This quality may, with more propriety, be ascribed to you than effeminacy, as youi* conduct fully proves the last to be inapplicable to your dis. position. On this account, I the more admire the influence of that divine Spirit which operates in you ; and abundantly proves himself by his fruits worthy of the name of the true Comforter. And may I not justly acknowledge the power of that Spirit in you, since you bear, with so composed a mind, those domestick misfortunes, which with the greatest possi- ble severity most intimately affect your heart, A\hich was al- ways so easily moved at the calamities of others, and so ac- customed to feel them as if they were your own. Believe me, your fortitude is uncommon, and so is the testimony of divine benevolence towards you. This makes me greatly ashamed of myself, that in a similar affliction I did not ex- 64 Lll E Oh CALVliV. 1549 ercise the same fortitude, nor even arrive at the least shadow of it. I ^\ as so overpowered and prostrated by that stroke of adversity, that the whole earth appeared to me nothing but a mere wilderness. Every thing was unpleasant ; there was no object which could assuage the sorrow of my soul. I often accused myself of bearing my aiiliction with much less forti- tude, than was becoming my station, and still less becoming a man Avho had embraced the doctrine of divine wisdom, at its first appearance, professing myself not only a disciple, but a teacher of others ; because I was unable to use those reme - dies, in my own sufferings, which I prescribed to others un- der like trials. But you, on the contrary, are so far from be- ing dejected and disheartened^ that you inspire others Avith new strength by your example; testifying that you have done that yourself which you recommended to others, and thus you are able, when in health, to give the best counsels to the sick, and in your own trials can draw consolation from them, and conduct yourself as though all was well. It com- forted me beyond measure, Avhen I was informed, not by vague rumoui's, but by so many messengers, that you went through all the duties of your office, with a readiness and ease, great- er than usual, and that you were always present in body and mind, at all your meetings, sermons, and all publick and pri- vate duties, to the admiration of all ; and that you did this especially at the time, when your sorrows were recent, and had the keenest edge to wound and destroy your constancy. Proceed therefore with the same stability ; and so conduct yourself as to confirm this opinion of you in the minds of all, that you have always exercised that presence of mind, which this aiiliction has not so disturbed, and that repose which it has not so interrupted, but that you were able to discern, and command with ease, all those things which could tend to comfort you. That you may do this, and persevere in youi: course with fortitude, and receive daily an increase of 1550 LIFE OF CALVIN. 6/ strength, and more ample consolation, is my most fervent prayer to God. And what more can I do to assist you ? For I have neither the influence of authority, nor the acute- ness of reasoning, to withdraw or dissuade you from this se- vere conflict of sorrow, unless your omti mind supplies you with resolution in bearing this cross, through the exuberant grace of divine goodness, from which proceed all those other gifts, which the Lord heis so richly bestoAved upon you. I will therefore say no more on this subject. I may have said too much already. My Avife salutes you most affectionately, and is exercised with no common grief, by the death of her dearest sister, and with me considers it a calamity to us all. It grieves me, that an opportunity is not now afforded me for a personal interview with you. Should you A^ish it, no im- peding circumstances shall prevent me from visiting you. My colleagues salute you with all the brethren, among whom you may number Francis of Viviers, who is now here and begs me to salute you in his name. Salute our domestic k and other friends, especially Gallasius, Beza# and Ottoman, in my name, to whom Francis also wishes health. FarewelU « Yours, PETER YIREI'. « LiiusAKifE, April 10, 1549." The year 1550 was comparatively tranquil, and the eccle- siastical affairs were conducted with unusual harmony. As some persons neglected publick worship, and others attended but with little profit, it was decreed by the Senate, that the Ministers should not limit their labours to preaching the word, but should at stated times visit every family, attend- ed by the Decurion of each ward, and a ruling Elder : and • In 1548, Beza left Paris, and arrived at Geneva Oct. 24. From thence he went to Tubingen, to see his old instructor, Melcliior Wolmar. He re- turned to Geneva, and at the call of the Chui-ch of Lausanne, and the solicit- ations of Calvin, he commenced his ecclesiastical labours in this city, 154.9, 68 LIFE OF CALVIN, 1551 that they should question each person summarily concern- ing the reason of his faith. This personal apphcation of in- struction -vvas attended with favom'able and extensive bene- fits. It was also decreed, that the commemoration of the nativity of the Saviour should be referred to the next Lord's day, and that no day should be observed as holy excepting every seventh day which is called the Lord's day. This regulation oifended some who were attached to the festivals, and they attempted to excite an opposition to this proceed- ure, by insinuating that Calvin would finally abolish the Lord's day itself. But however ready the opposers were to charge this decree upon Calvin, the fact was, that it was passed by the people not only without the request, but even without the knowledge of the Ministers ; and Calvin, though he judged this measure inexpedient, at this time and under all the circumstances, laboured to conduct himself in the most accommodating manner respecting this subject.# At this time, to expose and counteract the disposition to detraction which is too commonly indulged by many, Calvin publish- ed, on this occasion, a small work concerning Scandal^ which he dedicated to his old and faithful friend Laurence of Nor- mandy.f Martin Bucer, Professor of Theology in the University of Cambridge, closed his learned and useful career February 28, 1551. As he had been highly respected by Edward VI., his remains were interred with distinguished funeral ho- nours.J The death of Bucer occurred at the critical mo- ment when the Liturgy of the English Chmch was under- going a reform. The loss of his influence in that work, and the close of a long and most confidential intimacy and correspondence, so deeply affected Calvin, that in his letter * Epist. Cal. to the Minister of Buren, dated July 10, 1550- ■j- See Opuscula Calvini, p; 64. + See Burnet, vol. 2, p. 155. 1551 LIFE OF CALVIN. G9 to Farel, he forebore d"welling on the painful subject ; and says, " When I reflect with myself, how great a loss the Church of God has sustained in the death of this man, it cannot ]je but that I should be tortured with fresh sorrow. His inlluence was great in England. And from his writings, I cannot but indulge the hope, that posterity will be benefited in a still more extensive degree. It may be added that the Church appears to be deprived of faithful Teadiers." He proceeds to mention, in the same letter, the death of his fi-iend Joa- chim Vadian, Consul of St. Gal, a civil Magistrate valua- ble for his learning and piety, the weight of whose influ- ence was very great in the civil and religioiis concerns of the Helvetians.* Those who, from restlessness or ambition, are ever upon the watch to effect their evil purposes, are seldom without some pretext sufficiently plausible to afford them the hope of accomplishing those objects, to which their hatred of reli- gion, or love of poAver, so strongly and anxiously impels them. The faction of Geneva, in order to stir up the sleeping fires of contention, first openly opposed the granting of the rights of citizenship to those who, exiled from other countries by persecution, had taken up their residence in this city. They next attacked Calvin with deriding language, as he was retir- ing from a meeting held across the Rlione ; and to gratify their disposition for mischief, and abuss against the 3Iinis- ters who reproved their vices, and the Consistory that disci- plined them, they secretly removed one of the posts of the bridge over which Raymond Calvet must necessarily pass at night, and he narrowly escaped being precipitated into the river. For the purpose also of raising a popular tumult, a child was presented for baptism in the Church of St. Ger- Tais, to whom it was well known that the Minister could not * See Cal. Epist. Letter to jj^el June 15, 1551, and to Viret May 10, 1551. to LIFE OF CALVIN. 15Sa administer that ordinance, if lie adhered to the established rules of ecclesiastical order. . He refused to give the name Balthazar, and a violent tumult was raised on the occasion. Against these evils, however, Calvin opposed no means of defence, but the shield of steady and invincible patience.* The successive attacks of the factious, to demolish the Consistory, had on the whole tended to add new strength io the basis, and to increase the compactness and durability of the edifice of Church discipline. Ecclesiastical censures Avere extremely dreaded, and the stoutest hearts Avere appalled at the disgrace which accompanied them. To avoid the infa- my of publick censure, as they were determined to persist in their heretical opinions and vicious conduct, they judged it expedient to remove Calvin fi-om his office, or destroy his in- fluence, as he Avas the principal barrier Avhich obstructed their course, and the chief supporter of correct discipline. Among the Hydras of faction, which successively shot forth their revegetating heads in Geneva, Jerome Bolseck oc- cupies a distinguished place. He first appeared in the char- acter of a Parisian IMonk, of the order of the Carmelites. Some years however before this, he had quitted his habit, without changing his disposition. After obtruding himself upon the pious Duchess of Ferrara, as a Reformer, his hy- pocrisy AA as detected and he was driven from her court. With only three days preparatory study, he then assumed the profession of medicine, and soon after came to Geneva. Finding himself despised as a quack, by the learned Physi- cians of this city, he Avas compelled to take some other course, and unfortunately attempted to establish himself as a * Quick's Synodicon, vol. 1, Art. of Discipline. Baptism, p. 46. Also, Synod 3d at Orleans, p. 25, sect. 21. Children of excommunicated parents were not to be baptized. Pagan names, and names sacred to God, and the names Baptist, Angel, Archangel, &c. were t* be refused.".— See Bing- ham's works, vol. 2, p. 774^ 1551 LIFE OF CALVIN. 7.1 Theologian. The diversity of opinion, about the doctrine of predestination, opened the way for his attaching himself to that party, who were in opposition to the confession of the Church and the principles of Calvin. He soon began to ad- vance his sentiments on some disputed points in the publick meetings. Calvin, in a private conversation^ pointed out his errours, and endeavoured to persuade hira into the belief of better things. Disregarding these counsels, and pleased with the commendations of the disaffected, he was instiga- ted to address the people at a meeting of the congregation, the 16th of October, after one of the Ministers had discours- ed from John, viii. 47. concerning the sovereignty of the grace of the Holy Spirit. He undertook to prove the fallacy of the doctrine of divine sovereignty, as stated by the Preach- er, and added haughty and seditious reproaches against the avowed principles of that Church. As Calvin left the house at the close of the regular service, Bolseck supposed he was absent. He had hoAvever returned with the crowd, and stood unobserved by Bolseck till he finished his harrangue. Calvin immediately stepped forward, and on this unexpected, emergency, discovered an extent of knowledge, strength of memory, and force of reasoning, which astonished the assem- bly. He confuted and overwhelmed Bolseck, with so many passages of scripture, so many quotations from Augustine, so aptly arranged and so pointedly applied, that all the factious were covered with confusion for the Monk, who alone stood with a frozen and imblushing front. One of the Magistrates being present ordered him into custody as a seditious person. The Swiss Churches were consulted, and after a full hearing before the Senate, this seditious man was sentenced, upon hin o>vn answers and confessions, to perpetual banishment, on pain, if he returned, of being whipped for Lis scandals, his impieties, and his ill life. His sentence was publislied by sound of trumpet, and being forbidden to remain in the trr- 72 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1552 ritories of Geneva, he retired to a neighbouring town in the limits of the Canton of Bern, from which territory he was twice afterwards expelled for his seditious conduct.# Bolseck, finding himself an outcast in Switzerland, went into France, and sought to obtain ordination, first at Paris and then at Orleans ; artfully dissembling repentance, and voluntarily seeking reconciliation with the Church of Gene- va, from which he was excommunicated, previously to his expulsion from that city. His apparent penitency made a favourable impression on the Synod of Orleans in 1562 ; and it would seem that he was entered on their list of Preachers, as in the records of the Synod 1563, at Lyons, he is named among the vagrants and deposed Ministers, as a most infamous liar and apostate.f Bolseck returned to the Papists, and settled at Autun, in the character of Physician, where, by his looseness of manners, he subjected himself to the re- proach even of the most licentious. J The College of Ministers at Geneva, in a publick assem- bly, discussed the doctrine of divine predestination, and Cal- vin summing up the whole in a treatise, it received their approbation, and was published January 1, 1552. This in- tricate subject was limited Avithin its proper bounds ; its connection with other points opened ; and its purposes illus- trated with great clearness. This litigated question, which always ajforded to the uneasy and unprincipled a plausible pretext to raise difficulties, was now eagerly seized, by the combined efi'orts of the factious in Geneva, and in the dif- ferent Churches of the Canton of Bern, who were anxious to blast the reputation, and destroy the influence of Calvin. Castalio retained his bitterness against him ; and for fear of the consequences of being known, propagated in secret the * See Bayle's Diction. Bolseck notes. I Quick's SjTiodicon, 4th S)motl, Lyons, p. -Cf. \ Baylc, Art. Bol!?eck. 155:2 LIFE OF CALVIN. IS Pelagian doctrines at Basil. Others at the same timG united with the Papists, and accused Calvin of making God the au- thor of sin : A doctrine which they might have known he had confuted in his Tr?ict against the Libertines. To ascer- tain the true sentiments of Calvin, and exhibit them fairly, was no part of the labours of his enemies ; and they gladly sheltered themselves, in their apostate pursuit, under the least shadow of authority from some late writings of Melanc- thon, who, though he had sanctioned Avith his name the work of Calvin against Pighius, had objected against the 16th article of the formula of faith concerning the Lord's Supper, which had been adopted by the Churches of Zurich and Ge- neva.* Calvin's letter to Melancthon will shew his grief and his painful anxiety about the reports which were circu- lated, for the purpose of leading the uninformed to the belief, that there was a total difference of opinion on that litigated subject between them.f The labours of the abandoned, and the virulence of the Papists, Calvin could bear as a matter of course ; knowing that the usual procedure of those, Aviio wilfully misrepresent the conduct or opinions of others, is to continue to repeat them with unceasing boldness, even in the face of facts, and the most ample refutation. Contempt and indiiference cannot always be indulged with safety about re- ports, on account of their grossness or inconsistency ; for if they are left unnoticed, it sometimes gives a new handle to the propagators to increase their labours and success. As a general rule, Calvin judged it expedient to refute the false- hoods propagated about him ; especially those which related to his theological opinions, the misrepresentations of -which affected injuriously the progress of the pure doctrines. His enemies had plucked out, here and there from his writings, sentences which, when insulated, afforded them the advantage * See Theologici Tractatus Calvini, p. 593, Section 16. T See Letters, No. 44: r4 LIFE OF CALYIN. 1552 of attaching to them such a construction as enabled them to ciiarge upon him opinions which he abhorred. Being accus- ed of teaching the Fate of the Stoicks, under the doctrine of Predestination, in his reply, he says, The Fate of the Stoicks is a necessity t/iat controls God himself. Predestination, as the scriptures teach it, I define to be the free coioiscl of God, hy which he governs the human race, and all parts of the world, according to his immense nisdom and incomprehensible jus- tice.* The objections of Calvin's opposers, however unfair ami unpleasant to him, called forth his acute and discruiii- nating powers of mind in illustrating the true doctrmes, and obviating plausible difficulties, to the great benefit of the cause of religion. The Hermit Troillet, Avho was precluded from the ministe- rial office, assumed the profession of a Lawyer, and at this time put himself at the head of the factious and disafiected, in opposition to the doctrine of gratuitous election and di- vine sovereignty. The question \\'as agitated before the Sen- ate with much spirit. Troillet contended, with the force of impudence, in favour of those Pelagian opinions which are so congenial to the native depravity and pride of man ; while Calvin, without fearing the displeasure, or courting the fa- vour of any, maintained his doctrines according to the sure testimony of God. His triumph was complete ; and his late treatise on Predestination, and the secret operations of Divme Providence, Avas approbated as bemg agreeable to the scrip- tures, and what Avas remarkable, even by the suffrages of his enemies themselves. Troillet lived but a few years subsequent to this period. When dra^ ing towards the close of life, he became anxious that Calvin should •witness his repentance. He declared that his conscience could yield him no peace, unless before his • See Tract, Theol. p. 603. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. To death, he should become reconciled to him, \?hom he liad so unprovokedly and indignantly injured. Calvin was not of aa implacable spirit ; the current of his passions was not swollen with the sullen and interminable resentments of malice, but kindly affectionate towards the bitterest of his enemies when penitent. He therefore yielded promptly to his duty in visit- ing Troillet ; and with the utmost benevolence consoled and supported him, in the distress of his departing moments. The confession of Troillet, who had so long laboured to in- jure him, must have afforded the mind of Calvin a double satisfaction, as a testimony of his ministerial integrity, and an evidence of the repentance and peace of a former enemy. The Republick and Church of Geneva were much endan- gered by the feverish malice of the factious, which was now hastening to a crisis. With the increase of their numliers, the hope of ultimate success was strengthened, and they be- came outrageous with clamours and threats against the friends of liberty, and the laws which restrained the licen- tious. They procured the re-enactment of the old edicts for the appointment of Senators, which however operated, providentially, in favour of the supporters of order. They removed some of the Senators ; and ordered, on the ground of pretended fear, all arms to be taken from the exiles resident in the city, giving them permission only to wear their swords when without the walls. Every thing appeared to be yield- ing before them, in their progress towards the accomplish- ment of the object, which they had so long and so violently pursued without success. Amid the accumulating contentions of the faction of Pcr- i-in, Bertilier and Balthazar, Michel Servetus, author of a heresy against the true Godhead of the scriptures, came to Geneva. Having for more than twenty years Avandered from place to place as a Physician, spreading his blasphemies un- der the name of Michel Villeneuve, he at length publislied rp LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 a tedious volume at Vienne in Dauphiny. Tliis work was printed by Arnollet of Lyons, and the proof sheets were re- A'ised by William Geurot, who had been concerned in the faction of Genevci, and retired to Lyons to escape the punish- ment due to him for lewdness and other crimes. Servetus, having filled his book with blasphemies, was, on the report of the book censors, apprehended at Vienne, and sentenced to death, for Ihe heresies of his work, and on his own confession at his trial. According to the sentence of the Popish tribu- nal, he ^\as to be burnt alive on the 17th of June.* He escaped from his prison, and after wandering about Italy for some time, to elude the vigilance of the Papists, he was at Jengtli driven, by his unfavourable auspices, to Geneva. By the advice of Calvin, Nicholas de la Fontain accused him of heresy and blasphemy ; and one of the Syndicks ordered Jiim to be apprehended and conducted to prison, on the 13th of August. Subsequent to the articles of charge being sub- stantiated against him l:>efore the Senate, the Popish Magis- trates of Vienne demanded him to be given up to them a« their prisoner. After his escape from Vienne, he was burnt in effigy with five bales of his books, on the Ifth of June, the day on which the sentence of death was to have been executed. The Senate of Geneva put it to the choice of Ser- vetus, whether he would return to Vienne, as the Papists de- manded, or abide their decision. He preferred to abide the consequences of a judgment at Geneva. At this time, he perfectly well understood, that the laws of that Republick, enacted against hereticks by the Emperour Frederick II.,! when it Avas under the imperial jurisdiction, were still in force ; and that by these laws his sentence must be governed at Geneva. But the following letters and extracts will exhi- liil, in the best manner, the progress and issue of the trial of * LiTe of Servetus, London edit. 1724. f Moah. Vol, 4, p. 171. 155S LIFE OF CALVIN. 77 this unhappy man, who was, after all their generous labours to reclaim him, sentenced to be burnt, which sentence was ex« ecuted on the 2rtli of October, 1553. « Calvix to Farel, wishes health. " It is as you say, my Farel. Though we are tossed here and there, by many severe storms, yet the master who go- verns the ship, in which we are borne along, will never per- mit us to perish by shipwreck in the midst of the sea. There is no reason, therefore, for our minds to be over- whelmed with fear or fatigue. V^e have now new employ- ment ^vith Servetus. He thought perhaps to pass through this city. For what purpose he came here is not yet known ; but being recognized, I supposed he ought to be detained. My Nicholas challenged him to a capital trial, offering him- self inpoenam talionis. The next day he publickly alleged forty articles of accusation. At first the heretick was eva- sive. AVe were therefore called. He roughly reviled me, as conscious to himself of his crimes. I received him as he de- served. At length the Senate pronounced all the articles to he proved. Nicholas was dismissed from prison on the third day, my brother having given bail for him, and on the fourth he ■was released. I shall say nothing of the impudence of the man. But so great was his rage, that he did not hesi- tate to declare the Godhead to be in the devils. Nay more, ihat several Gods were in each ; because the Deity was sub- itantially communicated to them as well as to wood and tone. I hope at least the sentence will be capital, but I des- ire the severity of the punishment to he remitted. My Col- eagues salute you, Avith Budeus and Normandius \^'ho has i-ecovered his health. Salute Claudius in my name. " Geneva, August ^, 1553." 78 LIFE OF CALTIN. 1553 " Calvin to Sulcer, wishes health. " The name of Michel Servetus, who has, for these twen- ty years past, infected the Christian M'orld with his virulent and pernicious dogmas, cannot, I suppose, be unknoA\n to you. If you have not read his book, it can hardly be but that you must have heard soraethinj:^ concerning his kind of doctrme. This is he of whom that faithful minister of Christ, Bucer of sacred memory, who was endowed with a mild and forbearing disposition, declared in the pulpit, that he ought to have his bowels taken out and scattered. From the first he has not ceased to spread his poison, and has lately caused to be privately printed at Vienna a larger vol- imie, made up of the same errours. The fact being known, he was thrown into prison, from which he escaped, I know not in what manner, and after wandering about Italy for almost four months, he was at length driven, by his unfa- vourable auspices, to this city. One of the Syndicks, at my request, ordered him to be committed to prison. And I do not coHceal, that I thought it my duty to do all in my power, to restrain this more than obstinate and ungovernable man, lest the contagion should continue to spread. We see how licentiously impiety every where thickens, and new errours are springing up from this fountain ; and still there is a great indifference among those, whom God has armed with the sword to vindicate the glory of his name. While tlie Papists are so eager and zealous to protect their superstitions, that with atrocious cruelty they shed the blood of the innocent, Christian JMagistrates should blush at their own coldness in defending the real truth. I confess that there is nothing more inconsistent than that ^ve should imi- tate their excessive fury. But there are certain bounds to moderation ; lest the impious be allowed to utter, Mith im- 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. n piinity, whatever blasphemies they please against God, >v]ien there is the power of restraining them. In the case of this man three things are to be considered : First, With what monstrous errours he has corrupted every doctrine of reli- gion ; with what detestable derision he has laboured to de- stroy all piety ; with what foul inventions he has entangled Christianity, and overturned all the principles of our religion. Secondly y With what obstinacy he has conducted himself; with what diabolical pride he has despised all admonitions ; with what inexorable headiness he has been precipitated to spread his poison. Thirdly, AVith what arrogance he this day asserts his abominations. He is so very distant from the hope of repentance, that he does not hesitate to fix this stain upon those holy men, Capito and (Ecolampadius, that they had been associated with him in the same opinions. When the letters of (Ecolampadius were shown to him, he said that he wondered by what spirit he had been led to abandon his original sentiments. But as I trust you will take care that the impiety of this man be represented in its proper colours, I will add no more. I will only inform you, that the Quest- or of the city, who will deliver you this letter, is sincere in this business, and will not turn aside from the ol^ject we de- sire. I wish your old disciples were animated in the same manner. I say nothing of the ciffairs in France, as I pre- sume we have no news, but what is equally kno^m to you ; except that on the last Saturday, three pious brethren were burnt at Lyons, and a fourth sent to a neighbouring tow n, to undergo a similar punishment. It is scarcely credible, with what light of the Holy Spirit of God such illiterate men were instructed in the perfection of Christian doctrine, as the event testified, and with what fortitude and invincible- constancy they were supported. One ef them, overpowered by fear, at first swerved from a sincere confession of his faith. Yet when he was assured, that tlje judges would ab- 80 LIFE OF CALVIN, 1553 solve Ivan, he declared his base dissimulation, and offered himself with readiness to the ilames. In other parts of France also, similar burnings prevail, nor is there any hope of their being assuaged. Farewell. " Geneva, September 9, 1553." In a letter to the Pastors of Frankfort, Calvin informs them of the fact, that a large number of copies of the work of Serve- tus, printed at Vienne, were carried by a huckster to the fair of Frankfort, but being a pious man, when he discovered the impiety of the books, he suppressed them. He informs them, that Servetus was retained in prison at Geneva, by the Ma- gistracy, and says, " It is your duty to endeavour to pre- vent this pestilential poison from spreading any farther. — The messenger will inform you of the number of the books, and the name of the bookseller with whom they are depo- sited, who will, if I mistake not, suffer them to be burnt. — I trust you are resolute enough to purify the world from this abomination. It is sufficient that I inform you of the fact. Geneva, August 2G, 1553." " Farei. to Calvin, salutem dicit. *' That Normandius has regained his former health, and that the Marquis is returned from Italy, I congratulate both them and you also. Besides, I liave good reason to covet the happy condition of tlie pious matron, who is freed from the evils with which w^e are struggling, and now has the privi- lege to be and live with Christ. It is a Avonderful dispensa- tion of divine Providence, concerning Servetus, that he went to your city. I wish he may be wise even late. It would be a miracle indeed, if he should meet death seriously converted to the Lord, and die but once who has deserved a thousand deaths ; if he should now strive to edify all the living, who 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 8Jl has laboured earnestly to injure many who are now dead, and many yet alive, and even to poison posterity. The judges will be very cruel and injurious to Christ, and the doctrine of piety, and enemies of the true Church, if they are not moved by the horrible blasphemies of this unpious heretick, by which lie attacks the divine majesty, and labours to weaken the influence of the Gospel of Christ, and to corrupt all the Churches. But I hope God will grant that tliose, who are praised for the just punishments inflicted on thieves and sacrilegious persons, may so conduct themselves in this affair, as to preserve their merited reputation, by removing him who has so long obstinately persevered in his heresies, and ruined so many of his fellow-mortals. By wishing to miti- gate the severity of the punishment, you discharge the of- fice of a friend towards your greatest enemy. But I en- treat you to manage this business so that no one hereafter shall dare rashly to advance new dogmas, and thro^\' every thing into confusion with impunity, so long as this man has done. You see the arrogant heretick Bolseck who, though so often convicted, cannot be reduced to order. The indul- gence rather than the justice of the judges, while they ne- glect their duty, not only hurts and ruins him, but many others. These things, however, do not escape you, and I have no occasion to mention them to you. But as we com- plain of many other things, why not of this also ? Many are inclining to the heresy of the Cataljaptists,* ^vho, as they are chiefly the most abandoned men, deny that the wicked ought to be punished, in order that they may m ith impuni- ty teach and practise their own abominations. They h ould have hereticks no otherwise dealt with, than that they be permitted to go at large ; as if there was no diiference be- tween the office of a Pastor and that of a IMagistrate. If * Persons opposed to baptism. 11 82 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 tlie Pope condemn the pious as hereticks, and his furious judg- es unjustly inflict on the innocent what is due to hereticks, "what madness is it to collect from their abuse, that hereticks are not to be pimislied, that the righteous may be in secu- rity ? Truly in this unheard of mode of reasoning, they \TOuId provide for themselves and others, in a way different from that in which all the servants of the Lord have trodden, that they might join themselves to hereticks. When I have read the passage where Paul says, If I have committed any thing northy of death, I refuse not to die, I have really thought that I should be willing to meet the sentence of death, if I should teach any thing contrary to the doctrine of right- eousness. I have also added farther, that I should be wor- thy any punishment, if I should lead others astray from the faith and doctrine of Christ. And I am not able to judge concerning others any thing different from what I determine in my own case. — Farewell, and with you all the pious. It is wonderful how enraged Satan is and all his, that you are not dead before this time. I read to-day a letter to one of the l>rethren, in which it was mentioned that you were dead ; and that before your departure, you went to Fri- bourg, and sending for a Priest confessed to him that you liad greatly erred. So let these Popish tricks remain and hold their place, and let the ]Mass-Priests, and the whole pontifical dregs learn, how true all those reports are which Ihey spread with shameless impudence. Not only the old Pontiffs, but the young ones, and the two-fold Monks, are ready to biu-st with rage that you continue to live. May Christ give all a better understanding, and preserve you and that Church, and enrich it Avith an increased number of believers, with gifts and heavenly blessings. I desire that your colleagues and all the pious may be in health. My brother colleagues, Casper and Claudius, wish you health, " NEurcHATEi, September 8, 1553." 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN, 8§ " Bulling ER to Calvin^, Avislies Iiealtli. " Mr DEAR Brother — The Lord has indeed provided the means, through the most convenient occasion, for your most illustrious Senate to purge itself and the Church from the plague and pollution of heresy, while he has given into their hands Servetus, the Spaniard. A great part of the Christian world know him, either from the blasphemous books published concerning the errours of the Trinity ; or from those merely Jewish which he publislied for the justification of his works. You judge in his last book published, that he has surpassed himself in impiety. If therefore your illustrious Senate measure back to him, what is due to a blaspheming reviler, the whole world will see that the Genevese hate blasphemers, and that those liereticks, who obstinately persist in heresy, are to be punished by the 4!word of justice, and that the glory of the divine majesty is to be vindicated. But if they should not do this, it will not be your duty to desert that Church to others, and so admi- nister the occasion of evils. Contend with mtrepidity, trust- ing in God through Christ ; — implore his counsel and assist- ance, that he may deliver you. We will assist you by onv earnest prayers. Five et vale, live and Ijarewell. « September 14, 1553, Zurich." After the Senate had declared the charges to be proved against Servetus, he appealed^ to the opinions of the four Swiss Churches, to whom the Senate forwarded the charges, proofs and replies, with his book. The following letter is the answer of the Ministers of the Church of Zurich : — • Deinde quum ille provocaret ad alias Ecclesias. Opnsciila Calvini^ p. 523. 84 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 " The Mis-isters of the Church of Zurich, to the ex- cellent Stndicks and honourable Senate of the Ge- KEVESE RePUBLICK, OUR TRULY RESPECTED LoRDS, wish- ing healtli, " We have received, by the messenger, the letter of your Excellencies, together ^\ ith the book of Servetus and the arti- cles selected from it, and also the written conference between our dear and venerable brethren, your IMinisters, and Michel Servetus. As your piety required of us to examine all of Ihem with diligence, and give our opinion on those points; in compliance with your request we Avill, by the assistance of God, explain to you, with as much precision and perspicuity as we are able, what we think and teach concerning the Unity and Trinity of the Godhead, and the mystery of the Son of God ; and our opinion of the controversy or writings of the Ministers of your Church and of Servetus. We doubt not, that the adorable mystery of the Unity and Trinity of the ever blessed God has been firmly believed by all holy persons, from the beginning of the world, and has been delivered to posterity to be faithfully believed by them, and has been evi- dently asserted in tlie scriptures by the true Prophets inspir- ed by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, this first and fundamen- tal principle of true theology is so proved by the oracles of God, so confirmed by evident signs, and received by the unanimous consent of the catholick and orthodox Church of the Old and New Testament, that it has been always consid- ered a mobt heinous sin even to call it in question. We therefore confess, with the holy and universal Church of God, that there is but one Essence of God, and three distinct Per- sons, not to be confounded. For the Father, speaking from heaven concerning his Son, says, This is my beloved Son, in ivfiom I am ircll pleased. The Son is he to whom the Fa-ther 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 85 gave testimony. But the Holy Spirit appeared under the form of a Dove. These are three distinct Persons in one di- vine Essence. Before tlie Council of Nice, arose PraxeaSj Noetius and Sabeliius, called by the ancients Patripassians, and confounded the distinction of Persons to preserve the Unity of God. But they Avere learnedly and irresistibly re- futed by the Pastors of the Church, who maintained from the scriptures, and preserved in the Church, that the mystery of the triune Unity of God was to be adored. Hence we per- ceive, that in the Nicene Council, the Pastors of the Church transmitted to us in their creed nothing, but what the catlio- lick and orthodox Church had retained from the time of the Apostles, and even of the Prophets. When therefore Servetus the Spaniard so often calls the eternal Trinity of God, a tri- ple monster, a three headed Cerberus, imaginary Gods, aiid finally visionary and three spirited devils, he wickedly and most horribly blasphemes against the eternal majesty of God. By calling Athanasius, Augustine and other excellent servants of God, and illustrious lights of the Church, Trinitarians, that is Atheists, for so he calls all those who acknowledge a Trinity, he reviles, with unjust and insufferable reproach, not only those, but the whole order of holy men, and also the whole Church of God. But that which appears in this un- happy man is to be abhorred, that he should excuse the blasphemies uttered by the Jews against the Christian reli- gion, and should approve and praise the abusive Avords of the JMahometans, that three Persons in tlie Trinity, or, as he says, three Gods, Mere.unknown to the Fathers, and are the Sons of Beelzebub. What could this man belch forth more impious against God, or against the holy Cliristian faith ? And we pray you, what Christian ears can patiently hear these things ? The Church of God has, from the begin- ning, believed and uniformly taught, that the Son of God subsisted from all eternity in his own Person., for the 86 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1558 Church had been taught this by the word of God. Christ himself most openly in the Gospel declares, Before Abra- ham was, I AM. Certainly the substance, not of the flesh indeed, but of the Godhead ; according to which the Apos- tle calls him, the express image of the Father'' s Person — and at the same time, he quotes this passage from the Old Tes- tament, Thou art my So?l, tids day have I begotten thee. This Son of glory. Son from eternity, true God, in time was made the Son of man — true man, born not of the substance of God the Father, but from the substance of Mary his virgin mo- ther, whom God overshadowed by his Spirit. Hence this Son is called the blessed seed of the woman, the offspring of David, and the Son of man. But he remains in one undi- vided Person, having at tlie same time two distinct and un- confounded natures, divine and human. This is so evidently proved, both formerly and now, from the perspicuous and manifest testimonies of scripture, that Avhoever doubts it plays the fool with liis reason. We therefore in simplicity, and with one mind, firmly believe, A\hat we have now de- clared, and we preach these doctrines to the Church entrust- ed to our care. Servetus is therefore again guilty of blas- phemy against the Son of God, when he impudently rails at the hypostasis of the Son, existing fk'om eternity, coequal and coessential with the Father, as a diabolical idea and fab- ulous chimera. And over and above this, he dares assert, that the Father of the lx)dy of the Son was no other than God the Father himself, from whose substance the flesh of the Son "was formed. Paul, the teacher of the Gentiles, taught far otherwise, and said. That the Son of God was be- gotten of the seed of David according to the flesh ; and declar- ed to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness. But why should we proceed to enumerate the single blasphemies of this man ? The faitliful and learned Pastors of your Church have diligently and honestly collect- 1553 LIFE OF CALYIN: gf ed some of his most enormous errours and avowed heresies, in the work entitled, The opinions or propositions selected from the book of Michel Servetus. We neither find them se« lected nor designated by a spirit of calumny. Neither do we in any manner receive or approve them, but wholly exe- crate them. For Servetus, in his answer immediately sub- joined, does not explain but involves the subject in obscurity ; and at the same time corrupts the opinions of many of the ancients concerning the Unity and Trinity of God, and also the mystery of the Son of God, which is plainly evinced in the very apposite answer of the jMinisters of your Church. The reply or gloss of Servetus contains little else than extreme impudence, and detestable outrage. For he so often tlurows out against Calvin his mentiris, you lie, and calls him so often magician and Simon i\Iagus, that the bare remembrance of it grieves us, and makes us blush for him : Especially since his work speaks out for itself, and what he has written when fair- ly examined testifies that Calvin invented nothing, but that Servetus rather denies and covers with the true foundations of the Christian religion, and have thereby tried to introduce trouble and schism into the Church of God, by which many souls may have been ruined and lost — things horrible, frightful, scandalous and infectious ; and have not been ashamed to set yourself in array against the divine Majesty and the holy Trinity ; but rather have obstinately em- ployed yourself in infecting the world with your heresies and offensive poison ; a case and crime of heresy grievous and de- testable, and deserving corporal punishment. Fcwr these and other just reasons moving us, and being desirous to pm"ge the Church of God from such infection, and to cut off from it so rotten a member, having had good counsel from oth- ers, and having invoked the name of God, that we may make a right judgment ; sitting upon the tribunal of our 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 91 predecessours, having God and the holy scriptures before our eyes, saying, in the name of tlie Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, by that definitive sentence which we here give by this writing — you, Michel Servetus, are condemn- ed to be bound and led to the Champel,# and there fasten- ed to a stake, and burned alive with the book ^^Titten ^\•ith your hand and printed, until your body shall be reduced to ashes, and your days thus finished as an example to othei>-, who might commit the same things ; and we command you, our Lieutenant, to put this our sentence into execution. Read by the Chief Syndickj, De ArIord."t Extracts fi-om the refutation of the errours of Michel Ser- vetus, drawn up by Calvin, with the assistance of the other jVIinisters of the Genevese Republick. In this work the propositions in proof of the heresy and blasphemy of Servetus are stated, his answers and the reply to them, &c. &c. &c. And the question discussed. Whether it is lawful for Christian Magistrates to punish hereticks ? The affirmative is maintained by Calvin, and subscribed by all the IMinisters, J as follows : John Calvin, Michael Cope, Abel Pouppinus, John Pyrery, James Bernard, John de St. Andrew, Nicholas Galasius, John Baldwin, Francis Borgonius, John Faber, Nicholas Little, John IMacarius, Raymond Calvet, Nicholas Colladonius.. Matthew Malesian, • The Champel was a small eminence, about a quarter of a mile from the walls of Geneva. t Life of Servetus, London edit. 1774. * Se«TractatU3Theologici Calyini, p. 511-.59r; 02 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 Extract, No. 1. " As long as there was any hope of recalling him to a right mind, I did not, sai/s Calvin, cease to aiford all ray assistance in private to- effect it. But not to detain the reader with doubtful narrations, I will simply mention what he confessed to be true, only two hours before his death, in the presence of many u itnesses. As he requested a conference with me, two Senators were sent, who accompanied me to the prison. Be- ing asked, ^^■hat he desired, he answered, that he begged my pardon. I ingenuously observed, that I never had pursued any private injuKies ; — that as much as I was able I had ad- monished him with mildness ; — that I had, sixteen years ago, oifcrcd my assistance to cure him, even at the imminent dan- ger of my life ; — that it was by no means my fault, that he had not repented, and received the hand of fellowship from all the pious ; — that I had without ever exposing him, patient- ly dealt ^vith him by private letters ; — finally, that I had omitted towards him no office of benevolence, until so much enraged by ray free remonstrances, he poured forth not the spirit of passion, so much as the fury of madness. But ceas- ing to speak of myself, I entreated him to think rather of asking forgiveness of the eternal God, against whom he had boen so atrociously insolent, by endeavouring to blot out the three Persons from his Essence, and calling him the three headed Cerberus ; as if an essential distinction was establish- ed between the Father, and his Son, and Spirit. — That he should resolutely seek to be at peace with the Son of God, wliom he had deformed by his foul inventions, and by deny- ing him to be like us in that flesh which he assumed, and Ijrtaking the bond of fraternal union, he had denied at the Same time the only Redeemer. But as my entreaties and ad- monitions availed nothing, I w ould not presume to be wfee 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 93 above the rule of my master. For, according to the direc- tion of Paul, I departed from the man Avho is an heretick, and sinneth, being auTOKXTar^tToi, condemned of himself. 1 wish the errours of Servetus were buried. But while I hear that they are spreading, I cannot be silent with- out incurring the guilt of perfidy. Tlie oljject of this work, however, is more immediately to give the reason for the punishment of that man. For those things which were done by the Senate, are by many ascribed to me. Nor do I at all dissemble, that by my influence and advice, he a\ as by the civil power, committed to prison. For having received the freedom of this city, I was bound to impeach him if guilty of any crime. I confess that I prosecuted tlie cause; thus far. From the time that the articles were proved against him, I never uttered a word concerning his punish- ment. To this fact all good men will bear rae witness ; and I challenge the wicked to produce ^vhateve^ they know. But how far I proceeded is not of so much consequence, as that I ought to refute in this publick work, the calumny invented to asperse me by turbulent, foolish or malicious men and drunkards." Tractatus Theolog-'icl Calvini, p. 511, Extract, No. 2. " As Servetus was sentenced to be burnt by the Papists at Vienne, the enemies of Calvin took occasion to accuse him of being the cause of his apprehension in that city. Nothing was less becoming me, say they, than that I should expose Servetus to the professed enemies of Christ, as to huge beasts. For they affirm, that it was by my means, that he was taken at Vienne, in the Province of Lyonnois. But whence this my so sudden familiarity with the inquisitors of the Pope ? Whence this great influence with them ? Is it U LIFE OF CALVIN. ^ 1553 credible, that letters should pass freely to and from those, vho are as much at variance as Christ and Belial ? It is useless to spend -words in refuting this calumny, which is broken to pieces and falls by a simple denial. If indeed what they falsely object to me, was a fact, I do not gee any reason why I should deny it ; since I do not dissem- ble, that it was by my means, that he was seized in this city, and required to defend his cause. Let malevolent and slan- derous men object Avhat they please, I offer myself beforehand, and freely confess, (for according to the lau s of tliis city the man could not be justly treated otherwise,) that the accuser proceeded at my request ; that the formula was dictated by my advice ; by which some entrance was made upon the cause. But ^\ hat my design then was, is evident from the progress of the action. When my Colleagues and myself nere summoned, it was by no means our fault that he did not con- fer peaceably and freely with us concerning his dogmatisms. We in fact proceeded as in chains to give the reason of our faith, and informed him that we were prepared to answer his objections. It was then that, with swollen cheeks, he poured forth upon me such reproaches, as made the judges themselves ashamed and grieved for him. — I avoided all railing at him. A7id had he been in any majiner curable, he would have been in no danger of any ncightier punishment. But he was so en- tirely destitute of moderation, tliat, filled with boasting and ferocity, he petulantly rejected with scorn all wholesome and useful advice. But the execrable and absurd blasphemies which he uttered, during the conversation, may perhaps be related elsewhere ■\\ith more propriety. This only for the pre- sent will I declare, that I was not so inveterate against him, Intt that he might have redeemed his life, by mere moderation^ if he had not been destitute of reason. I know not what I shall say, unless that he M'as so seized with this fatal mad- Biesp, that he threw himself headlong into ruin. Eighi 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 95 days after, I was again summoned ; and the opportunity was again given him of a free conference with us. He form- ed an excuse, that he was prevented by his grief and anx- iety. But whatever books he requested I freely lent hira> partly from my own library, and partly from others. It is therefore a probable suspicion, that he was encouraged from some others, with a vain confidence, which destroyed him. ^ 1 trust that my moderation will be evi- dent to all good men, unless indeed it should seem to be effeminacy. But, as if he had taken new draughts of a poi- sonous humour, he proceeded to insert, in ail the books he could obtain of mine, his insulting reproaches^ so that he left no page free from his purulent vomiting. Concerning this, at that time, I thought it best to be silent, and my in- timate friends know that I was entirely unruffled by his un- generous insults." Tractatus Theologici Calvini, p. 517". EXTKACT, No. 8. ^ By mutilating the word of God in a foul manner, he manifestly proved that all religion was equal to him, only provided that he could indulge himself after his own petu- lancy. Moreover, we entertain such a judgment of that man, who held only one object professedly, that he took no pleasure in reviling any traditions concerning religion, ui^ess he could, through their obscurity, erase from the memories of men all belief of the Godliead. AVTiile his arrogance called up all the most violent heresies, yet he added and mixed up with them a certain rashness of intemperate zeal. The life of Servetus was too dissolute, to lead any one to sup- pose, that he was driven by mere errour to disturb the Church. He had indeed never hesitated to subscribe to the substance of the grossest superstition ; but with this great 96 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 Jiherality, he had never given much care to present himself as a worsJiipper of God. When he was therefore asked in prison, by the Judgeg, from what reason he was so zealous concerning all innovations in religion ? he was speechless. Nor had he any thing to say, unless that he took the liber- ty to be bold in sacred things, as if to trifle Avith God. In his trial, he evinced his impiety in the most evident manner. He declared all creatures were of the personal substance of God, and that all things were full of Gods ; for in this manner he did not blush deliberately to speak and write. We were wounded with indignation and asked him, misera- ble man ! What ? If any one trampling on this pavement should say, that he trampled on your God, would you not be ashamed at so great an absurdity ? He said, I do not doubt but that this bench, and whatever you see, is the substance of God. When it was objected, then the devil will be substantially God ; he burst into a deriding laugh, and said. Do you doubt this ? This is my general princi- ple — All things spring from the stock of God, and all na- ture is the substantial Spirit of God. The volume of Ptolomy's Geography was introduced; in the preface to which, Servetus had admonished his readers, that the scrip- ture account of the great fruitfulness of the land of Judea, was mere boasting ; as the testimony of travellers proved it to be uncultivated, barren, and destitute of every pleasant thing. He first said that this was written by another. So bold a cavil was promptly refuted, and by this means he was demonstrated to be a publick impostor. Reduced to this strait, he defended it as correctly written. He was asked if he was vain enough to suppose any authority was superior to Moses ? He said others had written besides Mo- ses. — It was replied, certainly, and they all agree with Moses, who was the most ancient. How great is the crime of the man who would deceive posterity by falsehood ? Who was 155S LIFE OF CALVIN. Qf it that said, It was a land that flowed with milk and honey ? And it was added, That the land Avas now a testimony of the righteous judgment of God, formerly threatened against the Jews, as is described in Psalm cvii. 33, 34. The Senate and many other distinguished persons witnessed, that when he was convicted of impiety against the scriptures, he slily rubbed his face and said, there was no evil in all this ; and though convicted he made no acknowledgment. Entrusted by the printer of the Bible in Latin, at Lyons, with revising the proof sheets, he cheated the printer out of 500 francs, adding his polluted notes, &c. He pervert- ed most wickedly the 53d chapter of Isaiah, stating that the sufferings described — were the mournings for Cyrus, nho had died to take amay the sins of the people. 1 omit that when Servetus pretended to have the sufi'rage of Nicholas Lyranus,* (in favour of his false glosses upon Isaiah) the book was brought ; and though convicted of falsehood, he did not blush. It was a common thing with him, boldly to quote from books he had never seen. Of this he gave a specimen laughable enough in Justin INIartyr. He magnifi- cently boasted, that IMartyr, in his Golden Age, had not mentioned the fables of the Trinity and Persons. I immedi- ately ordered the volume to be brought, and pointed out with my finger certain places, in which that holy man had as openly asserted our faith, as if he had written at our re- quest. But he could no more read the Greek language than a boy learning his A, B, C. Finding himself basely caught, he peevishly asked for the Latin translation, to be hand- ed him. How happens this, said I, since there is no Latin translation extant, and you cannot read Greek, that you should yet pretend yourself to have read so familiarly the works of Justin ? Whence then did you obtain those testi- * One of the most celebrated commentators of the I4th century. 13 gs LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 monies which you indulge youi'self in quoting so liberally ? He, as he Avas accustomed, with a brazen front, passed quick- ly to another subject, without the least sign of shame. But tliat wielded and hardened men may not boast of this frantick man as a martyr, on account of his obduracy, in his death there appeared such a brutal stupi- dity, as justifies the opinion, that he never acted at all seri- ously in religion. After the sentence of death was pronounced upon him, at one time he stood like a person astonished, at another he gave deep sighs, and at others he slu-ieked like one affrighted liy apparitions ; and this increased upon him, till he continually cried out, in the manner of the Spaniards, Mercy ! IVIercy ! When he was brought to the place of pu- nishment, our brother and Minister, Farel, with difficulty extorted from him, by earnest exhortation, his consent that the assembly should unite with him in prayer. And truly, I do not see by what principle he should consent to have those do this, concerning whom he had written with his own hand, that they were ruled by a diabolical faith ; that they had no Church, no God, and that because they baptized in- fants, they denied Christ himself. But Farel ex- liorted the people to supplicate for him, and expressly, that the Lord would have mercy on this man, and would lead him back from his execrable errours, to a right mind, that he might not perish. In the mean time, although he gave no signs of repentance, he did not even attempt a word in the defence of his opinions. What, I ask, does this mean, that when placed under the hand of the executioner, and having obstinately refused to mvoke the eternal Son of God, he did not, for he had the liberty, offer some defence at least ? I think it is quite evident, that as long as he thought he could sport himself with impunity, he conducted himself with far too much audaciousness ; but Avhen the punishment due to his crimes was inflicted, he fell into despair. But 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. ^ more than enough has been said concerning the man, other things shall be placed in their order, in the description of his dogmatisms, where the reader may determine whether the man himself, or the errour, is indiilerent and syiTerable, or a vast and deep ocean of impieties, which weaken our whols faith, and indeed in a great meastu'e entirely destroy its foundation. I do not propose to lay open tlie whole mass of confused mixtures, for I perceive this would be to plunge into thickets of briars and thorns, and wander in endless la- byrinths. It will be most useful to pursue the same com- pendious course, which we followed in the examination of the cause itself, that the nature of the doctrines being noted under distinct heads, the readers may perceive what mon- strous things, no less detestable than multiform, are contain ed in his books. How various and continued was the verbal dispute, and then after this, he repeated that complaint, that it was improper to conduct the trial about religion in the prison ; which I ans^vered was true, and that I had from the beginning declared that nothing would be more grateful to me than that the points should be discussed in tlie house of worship, in the presence of all the people. Nor was there any reason why I should avoid the light and presence of the assembly, where tUe cause most worthy of approbation would be watched by candid hearers. After all this, however, he APPEALED TO OTHER Churches, Ille provocarct ad alias J-^c- clesias. This condition also was freely agreed to by me. Upon this our Senate, desirous to put an end to his prevari- cations, decreed that the propositions which I had selected from Servetus' books should be copied and given to him. By the same decree of the Senate, he was permitted to re- tract any thing which he should perceive that he had un- justly written ; and if he found any thing unfairly perverted by us, he might refute it ;— if he thought any of iiis opi- nions unjustly condemned, he might defend them from tlie 100 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 word of God. And that there might be no needless delay, I transcribed every article to a word. He had as much time as he pleased to make out his answer to the proposi- tions, w hile to us there was allowed no more than two days. And besides all this, as he expected that it would make his cause more plausible, if he made the closing defence, he again requested in writing, that this might be granted him, and he obtained this privilege also. But although he well understood, that the question to be decided was de capite suo, concerning his life, and that the neighbouring Churches were to be consulted, on whose answer would depend the weighty previous sentence,^ yet how he continued to cavil, the readers will see, whom I would inform, lest there should be any suspicion, that there is not a single thing put down by me, in these propositions and replies, which was not law- fully sealed and entered on the publick records." Tractatus Theologici Galvini, p. 522, 52S. The following extracts from letters, written by several emi- nent Reformers, show that they concurred in opinion with Calvin on the subject of punishing hereticks ; and that they approved of his conduct in relation to Servetus : — <' BULLINGER TO CaLVIN^. " In all places there are good men who are of opinion, that impious and blasphemous hereticks are not only to be ad- monished and imprisoned, but also capite esse ijiulctandos, to be punished nith death. Be not therefore discouraged that you have undertaken this labour. The Lord Avill assist yom- holy endeavours and studies. I know that you have not a cruel disposition, nor do you approve of any cruelty. And * Whether the accusations were proved, and if proved, whether he wds guilty of blasphemy. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 101 who does not know that there are proper limits to be fixed to this subject ? I do not see how it was possible to have spared Servetus, that most obstinate man, the very hydra of heresy. « Zurich, June 12, 1554." " Melancthon to Calvin. " Reverend and dear brother, I have read your book, in which you have clearly refuted the horrid blasphemies of Servetus ; and I give thanks to the Son of God, who was the ^^»iievT}ji, the awarder of your crorm of victory ^ in this your combat,- To you also the Church owes gratitude at the presf^nt moment, and will owe it to the latest posterity. I perfectly assent to your opinion. I affirm also that your Magistrates did right in punishing, after a regular trial, this blasphemous man, « Oct. 14, 1554." " Melancthon to Bullinger. « Reverend and dear brother, ■ ■ ■■ I have read your answer to the blasphemies of Servetus ; and I ap- prove of your piety and opinions, I judge also that the Gene- vese Senate did perfectly right, to put an end to this obsti' nate man, who could never cease blasphemmg. And I Avon- der at those who disapprove of this severity. « August 20th." " Peter Martyr to Calvix. " I would not have you be retired in this extremity. It bitterly grieves me and all good men, that against the truth and your name, they spread such foolish and false things, about the eternal election of God, and the punishment of 102 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 hereticks with death. — But it is well, in what they write they dare not mention his (Servetus) name. As often as we are asked alwut this, both Zanchius and I defend yo ur side of the question and the truth in publick and private, with all our strength. " SxRASBURG, May 9." Martyr had just returned from England to Strasburg, oC whom Bishop Jewel said, that he was never to he named but with the highest respect and honour. From Allwoerden's life of Servetus, William Roscoe, in his history of the Pontificate of Leo X. vol. 4, p. 544. Amer. Ed. selects three Letters, said to be written by him, while in prison, and addressed to the Lords, Syndicks and Senators of Geneva. The third letter only is of any material importance. In this Servetus expresses his views on the subject of capital- ly punishing hereticks and blasphemers for theh opinions. The following is a translation of that letter, made from the French, for insertion in this work : — " My greatly honoured Lords, I am detained under a eriminal accusation, on account of John Calvin, who has falsely accused mc; saying that I had written : — " First, that all sonls ?vcre mortal. " Secondly, that Jesus Christ took from the Virgin Mary, mihj a fourth part of his body. " These are horrible, and execrable things. Among all ether heresies, and all other crimes, there is none so great, as to make the soul mortal. In all others, there is some hope of salvation, but in this there is none. Whoever says it, does not believe, that there exists either God, or justice, or resurrection, or Jesus Christ, or holy scripture, or any thing ; but all at death, man and beast, are both the same thing. If I had said that, not only said, but written and 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. iOg published it, to infect the world, / should condemn myself to death. Therefore, my Lords, I demand that my false aGcu- ser be punished pxna talionis^ and be detained prisoner as I am, until the cause is determined by my death or his, or by some other punishment. For this I inscribe myself against him on the said/^cena talionh ; and am contented to die, if he is not convicted as well of this as of other things, which I shall allege against him. I demand justice of you, my Lords, justice, justice, justice. — Done in your prison at Ge- neva, this 22d of September, 1553. « MICHEL SEHVETUS, in his own behalf.'* The ]\Imisters of the Church of Geneva had selected thir- ty-eight propositions,* from the writings of Servetus, in proof «f the accusation made against him of heresy and blasphe- my, by Nicholas de la Fontaine. The first proposition is as follows : — I. " Omnes qui Trinitatem statuunt in essentia Dei, esse Tritoitas, veros Atheos ; nee Deum habere nisi tripartitum et aggregativum. Item habere connotativum Deum, non absolutum : imaginarios habere Deos, et illusiones damonio- rum. Lib. 1, de Trinitate, pag. 30. Quibus respondet quod addit pagina sequenti : Somnia ut voles, dirige oculos ad phantasmata, et tunc videbis tuam Trinitatem non esse intelligibilem sine tribus phantasmatibus. Tandem conclur dit omnes Trinitarios esse Atheos." In the preceding letter, Servetus mentions only two of the thirty-eight propositions, the nineteenth and thuty-eighth. The nineteenth respects the body of Jesus Christ, and is as follows : — XIX. " Tria elementa esse ab utroque parente tam ia Christo quam in nobis. Terream vera materiam esse a sola. * For tUe whole thirty-eight propositioDSj s«e Opuscula Calvini, pp. iU LIFE OF CALVIN. 155S matre tarn in Christo quam in generalibus omnibus. Undc sequitur ilium non habuisse corpus nostro simile : id quod perisde est ac redemptionem nostram delere. Dial. 2, de Trinit. p. 250. Quod etiam plenius exprimit, lib. 5, de Tri- nit. p. 194, quum dicit in nobis solum esse elementa creata ; in Christo esse creata et increata, et substantiam Spiritus Dei, ipsi carni substantialiter communicatam." The two first periods of this proposition read literally thus : — " Three elements are from each parent, so in Christ as in us ! But the earthly matter is from the mother alone, so in Christ as in all universals." Here then it may be left with Mr. Roscoe, or any other advocate of Servetus, to ex- plain how much more, in fact, than one fourth part of his body Servetus allowed the divine Redeemer to have deriv- ed from his virgin mother. The following is the other proposition mentioned in the above letter : — XXXVIII. " Animam redditam esse mortalem per pec- catum, sicut caro mortalis est ; non quod in nihilum anima redeat, sicut nee caro. Sed mori quando cum dolore vita- libus actionibus privatur, et inferno languem detinetur quasi non amplius victura. Lib. 4, de Regeneratione, p. 551. Deinde concludit regenitos aliam habere animam quam ante ; propter substantiam innovatam, et novam Deitatem ad- junctam. Pagina sequenti." This proposition shall be literally translated. " The soul becomes mortal by sin, so as the flesh is mor- tal ; not that the soul returns into nothing, so as neither does the flesh. But at death, when with pain it is deprived of vital action, it is also detained languishing in hell, as no more to live. Book 4, on Regeneration, p. 551. From this he concludes, that the regenerated have another soul than that which they had before; on account of the substance changed, and the new Godhead joined to it. p. 552." 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 106 Who wiil not now say with Servetus, That these are horri- ble and execrable things ? And who wiil not admit, that this man " said thefti, not only said, but wrote them, to in- fect the world ?" And that therefore, according to his own sentence upon himself, he deserved to die ? For the benefit of Mr. Roscoe, the testimony of Servetus, approving and justify- ing the punishment of hereticks with death, is now brought distinctly under his eye. Although i\Ir. Roscoe appears somewhat at variance with himself, in the progress of his writings, and sometimes talks like a Papist, sometimes like a Protestant, and many times like neither, he appears nevertheless weJl pleased to strengthen his assertions by the names of Ecclesiasticks, more effectually to wound the cause of the Reformation. He cautiously intimates the fact, that AUwoerden \vrote his life of Servetus, " at the instance of the learned Mosheim." JMosheim was a Lutheran, and the English translator of his ecclesiastical history, Dr. Maclaine, has repeatedly noticed the unfairness of that au- thor, in his treatment of Calvin and the reformed Churches. While Luther is exalted with a bold pre-eminence, Zuingli- ufi, Calvin and even IMelancthon are thrown quite into the shade on the back ground of his history. It is also too evident, that IMosheim, in his account of Servetus and his opinions, has glossed the harshness of his blasphemies, and %vith no small address laboured to make him appear somewhat dignified in his errours. But the historian that could slight and pass over, as though nearly below notice, as Mosheim does, the learn- ed Gaspard Peucer,# who, for openly professing the opinion of Calvin, was, by the rigid Lutherans, confined ten years in prison, must be suspected of some sinister design in pro- curing to be written, as well as in writing himself, the histo- * See Maclaine's note on Mosh. vol. 4, p. 49 ; and other notes In vvhick ^ Warns his reader that MQsiudm was a Lutheran. 11 106 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 ry of such a man as Servetus. Tlie testimony of Mosheim is not therefore to be admitted, without caution, in any case which affects the Swiss reformed Churches, or their Mi- nisters. In his history of Leo, vol. 4, at p. 117, Mr. Roscoe has in- serted a very laborious note, in which he has given full vent to his prejudices against the first Reformers. The reason for dropping his remarks in a note were doubtless because the burning of Servetus would not synchronize with the death of Leo ; and to have thrown it to the end of the volume would have placed it, not so immediately under the notice of the reader. JMr. Roscoe is a living author, distinguished by the elegance of his writings, and as a member of Parliament from Liverpool. Eager to grasp Calvin, Melancthon and Bullin- ger, as the victims of publick prejudice, he has pressed him- self into the path of the biographer of Calvin, and of course no other apology will be offered for the subsequent remarks. Bishop Warburton, in his notes on Pope's Essay on Criti- cism, condemns Luther, Calvin and their followers, as igno- jant of the principles of Christian charity ; and at the same time commends Erasmus for his liberal sentiments. Under the shield of that gigantick Prelate, Mr. Roscoe introduces his ungenerous assertions, to wound the cause and the repu- tation of the Reformers. The Bishop however, who often, and sometimes with dignity, wandered out of the track of common sense, is unfortunate in noticing Erasmus, as an in- stance of any distinguished Christian tolerance. For it is a fact that Erasmus did maintain " in his Epistle* against some," (that is the Reformers at Basil,) " who falsely call themselves Evangelists, that there Avere certain cases in which they might lawfullT/ be punished capitallij^ as blasphemers and sedi- tious persons**^ Quid autem vetat, inquit, ne Princeps hosTeti- * Rees' Cyclopedia, art. Eras, and Bayle. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. lOf cos turbantes public am tranqidlUtatcm e medio tollat ?^ No one of the Reformers ever contended for a power in the civil Magistracy more extensive than this for which Erasmus pleads. The duphcity of Erasmus should not be dignified by the term of toleration. For Avith all his wit and learning, and he had much of both, he was of a temporizing and va- frous mind, who did in his way much of the work of a Re- former, and still lived and died professedly a Papist. « The execution of Servetus," says Mr. Roscoe, " is thus described in a manuscript history^ cited by Allwoerden and published in ir28." He gives the quotation in the Latin. The translation is as follows ; — " Servetus is fastened to a post fixed in the ground, with his feet reaching the earth ; a wreath of straw or leaves is put upon his head and sprinkled with sulphur ; his body is bound with iron chains to the stake, and the neck tied with a large heavy quadrupled or quintupled rope : The book is gu't to his thigh : He asked the executioner whether he should torture him long ? In the mean time the Carnifex moved the fire in his presence, and then round the circle. The man seeing the fire cried out so horribly, that he greatly terrified the multitude. When he had long languished, some of the people threw on hurdles, he crying out with a horrible voice, Jesu, Fili Dei ceterni, miserere mei, — Jesus, Son of the eternal God, have mercy on me. After suffering about half an hour he expired." — This account of the execution of Servetus, made from a manu- script 170 years after the event, is of itself suspicious. Farel, and the other Blinisters who were present at the Charapel, la- boured, previous to his execution, to have him sliew some signs of repentance. Servetus, according to Beza,f said, 1 confess that Christ is the Son of the eteriml God — Ego Christum ieterni Dei filium esse fateor. Observing the sub* • Beza de Haereticis a magistratu puniendis. Tract. Theol. p. 95. I DeHxreticis a magistratu puniendis — in Tract. Theol. p. 115. 108 LIFE OF CALVIN. 155S terfuge, they entreated him to acknowledge Christ, not only to be the Son of the eternal God, but the eternal Son of God. This he refused, and the Ministers of Geneva state, in their refutation of his errours, that he obstinately refused to invoice the eternal Son of God — .sternum Dei Filium invocare perti- naciter renueret. It is not probable therefore, that Servetus invoked the mercy even of the Son of the eternal God. It need only be added, not with the expectation of mollifying the bigoted virulence of those, who are most liberally credu- lous as it respects any thing that may wound religion, that it is not to be supposed that the man invoked the mercy of the eternal Son of God, nho had, in more than a hundred places 271 his printed books, boldly called the triune God a triple head- ed Cerberus' — a phantom of devils- — a Geryon monster, -^-an il- lusion of Sat an. ^ Thus far IMr. Roscoe has shielded himself under the notes of Warburton, and the manuscript of Allwoerden. But this Knight-errant historian of Leo X. must now be noticed in a more mortifyuig attitude, as he advances to attack the first fathers of the Reformation, by his own personal and naked as- sertions. Forgetting every thing but " their violence," he follows up his favourite description of the burning of Serve- tus with a position unbecoming a historian, who would secure to himself the confidence of his readers. In his quixotick adventure against " protestant priests," he deliberately ^vrites and publishes — " What Calvin did not scruple to perform, Melancthon and Bullinger did not hesitate to approve." The mind that has the least savour of candour, that possesses even the tolerance of Erasmus, must revolt at this historian's * Plus centum locis, says the statement of the Genevesc Ministers, Trin» itas simpUciter ab eo vocatur triceps Cerberus, diabolieum phantasma, Ge- ryonis monstrum, illusio Satanx, et quid non ? Tract. Theol. Cal. p. 549. Geryonis monstrum. — Geryon a King of Spain divided his kingdoM into three parts, and was fabled to have three bodies.^Ainsworth. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 10.9 intemperate " calumny against the truth of history.'''' Re- proachful aspersions, w hen uttered by a person of a low cha- racter, whose word attaches to itself some special discredit, may be permitted to pass with indiiference, as carrying with them their own refutation. But when William Roscoe, the historian, writes that Calvin was tlie executioner of Servetus,, he can havs no plea in bar Oi a 5full exposure, as asserting that, for the truth of which he has neither given, nor can give any proof. In following him through his quotations to shew, that Melancthon and Bullinger approved of what Calvin per- formedy the burning of Servetus, he is found, with shaIlG^^ and petulant minds, picking up the very du't of slander and malicious irony ; and too restless to stay his pen, with " suck were the sentiments of the 7nild and candid JMelancthon," he presses on to close the climax of his note, by profanely quot- ing an expression from the scriptures, " and such the Jirst fruits of the reformation.^* Mr. Roscoe is now calmly asked, for there is no unpleasant apprehension respecting the answer he can give, in what vol- ume, and at what page is the testimony to be found, that proves Calvin to have been even instrumental in procuring the burning of Servetus ? Mr. Roscoe \f\\\ not, it is presum- ed, even pretend, that Calvin was present at the place of exe- cution, or that he saw, at any remote distance, the dismal spectacle. The most favourable construction, A^hich his words will admit, is that Calvin was the means, that it was through his influence and personal exertions, that Servetus was tied to the stake, and suffered the punishment of burn- ing. Is ;!\Ir. Roscoe still to be informed, that Calvin interce- ded with the Senate, to have the sentence of burning com- muted for some punishment less ignominious ; and that of course he was opposed to that kind of punishment ? Ho\t then will he make good his assertion, by any consistent con- struction, that CdX\\n performed the act of burning Servetus? 110 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 The extreme prejudices of this historian are evinced, by his stretching a note across the foot of three pages, and append- itig to his work the three letters of Servetus, relating to a fact that did not occur till more than thirty years after the death of the profligate, indolent and prophane Leo, whose life he has appropriately chosen to write. Ought not Mr. Roscoe to have examined the subject, before he ventured to throw out, upon second hand quotations, such ungenerous aspersions against Calvin, the other Reformers, and the Reformation itself ? A Review of some facts relative to the apprehension and trial of Servetus ; ivith further notice of Mr. Roscoe'* s note. Both in his letters, and the exposition of the errours of Servetus, Calvin franldy confesses, that Nicholas de la Fon- taine proceeded at his request to accuse Servetus ; — that he dictated the articles of the charge ; — that by his influence the civil poM er committed him to prison, and required him to defend his opinions ; — and that thus some c7itrance was made upon the cause. But Calvin appeals to his conduct, in the progress of the examination, for proof, that his design was to lead this a^vfully ^viclied man to repentance, and to stop the flood of impiety which he was pouring forth on the world, to destroy the very foundations of morals and reli- gion. He states that, having taken the oath of citizenship, he was bound to advise his apprehension, as he personally knew the fact of Servetus' heresy and blasphemy. Calvin also knew, that tlie Papists had long and bitterly reproached the Reformers, the Genevese Republick, and himself espe- cially, with receiving and protecting those whom they call- ed hereticks. To have done this in the case of Servetus, would have given substantial gi'ounds for their invectives against Geneva, which they called the seat of heresy. And 1553 LIFE OF CALVIiST. Ill how, under the existing circumstances, habits and opinions, would Calvin and the Reformers have been reproached, had they protected this fugitive from the inquisitorial prison of Vienne ? Doubtless all those, who now revile them on the one hand, would in that case condemn them on the other, as the protectors of a convicted blasphemer. Servetus had wandered about Italy for some time,# after his escape from the prison of Vienne, without finding any place where he might be secure from the rage of the Papists. It is evident that they were in pursuit of him, from the fact, that the Vice-bailiff of Vienne, on the 31st of August, formally de- manded him of the Senate of Geneva as their prisoner. And when this application was made, what did the illustrious Senate of Geneva do ? They proposed to Servetus to make his own election^ Avhether he would be conducted back to Vienne, where he had lived as a Physician, " ten or twelve years" ; or abide the issue of his trial at Geneva. He not only deli- berately chose the latter,f but with tears besought the Se- nate not to send him back to Vienne. At this time he well knew the laws of this city, — the progress of the trial, — and that the Senate had declared the charges against him to Idc proved. He also knew the manner in which Calvin had ad- vised him to retract his errours, and his forbearance, not on- ly under the shameful treatment of the books which he ge- nerously lent him, but also after the most furious and mad * Calvin, in one of his letters, says three or four months. This he said doubtless from reports, which he might have heard relative to his escape from Vienne, which was before the 17th June. I See Life of Servetus, anonymous, published at London, 1724, p. 118. — Also, Biographical Dictionary, Art. Servetus. The effigy of Servetus, with five bales of his books, was carried in a dung-cart to the C/iameve, and burnt with a slow fire, according to sentence, on the 17th of June, by tlie common hangman at Vienne. See the above Life, &c. p. 77. 112 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 abuse heaped upon him in the presence of the Senate. " If he had been," says Calvin, " in any manner curable, he would have been in no danger of any farthe r punishment." It was however the dehbetate opinion of Calvin, as it was of all other good men of that age, that the scriptures war- ranted the power, and made it the duty of the civil Magis- tracy, to restrain with the sword, those obstinate hereticks and blasphemers, avIio persisted in disseminating their opinions. Nothing can equal the impiety of Servetus before the Senate. He furnished the same proof against himself on his trial at Ge- neva, as it is said he had before done by his blasphemous lan- guage in the inquisitorial court of Vienne. When Calvin sa,w, that he was most outrageously bent on his own ruin ; that, as he observes in a letter to Sulcer, Servetus had passed hei/ond the hope of repentance, he expressed himself as fol- lows, in a letter to Farel, " I hope the sentence at least will be capital, bvt I desire that the severity of the punishment inay be remitted.'*'* " From the time," says Calvin, " that the Senate pronounced the charges against him to be proved, / never uttered a word concerning his punishmenty Now does this, Mr. Fioscoe, look like malice, like the hatred of a man pursuing another with murderous intentions ? If Servetus had been guilty only of theft or burglary, who would have abused Calvin for advising his apprehension, or furnishing the evidence of the crime for his conviction ? But a blas- phemer may surpass all common prophanity against the most holy God, the divine Saviour and Sanctifier, and for more than twenty years be diligent at the work of inventing new and piquant terms of blasphemy, and publish them, although conscious of their corrupt and deadly tendency : This opin- ionist may proceed, deliberately, to cast his pestiferous poison into the very fountain of the waters of life, that the streams may transmit imperceptible and certain death to the souls oi the human race : But if a minister of that God wlio is so bias- lopS LIFE OF CALVIiN". 113 phemed opens his advice, even when under oath to do it, and affords any assistance, when bound by conscience, to endea- vour to bring the awfully wicked man, not to punishment, but to repentance : — Then it is, that the nervous system of some men is put all on a shiver. So jealous are they of the rights of man, and so indifferent to the rights of God, that their blood runs cold, even at the remote recollection of the legal execution of such a man ; and becoming blind to every other object, they are prompt, like Mr. Roscoe, to " challenge the annals of persecution to furnish another such instance of atrocious cruelty." In the exposition of the errours of Servetus, Calvin in- forms his readers. That he did not consider it a matter of con- sequence for him to refvte the calunmy invented to asperse him hy factious, foolish or malicious men or drunkards. In passing over those insignificant calumniators with silent and. dignified indifference, he doubtless misjudged. He had not conceived, that his writings would be of such weight with posterity, as to excite the continued hostility of the Papist, the Socinian and the Infidel ; much less of the professed Christian moralist. He probably did not rank himself so high as to suppose, that the Perrins, Berteliers and Bolsecks, •who personally sought to blast his reputation while he liv- ed, would have such a numerous body of descendants, Avho would invent new calumnies and repeat old ones, to asperse him through successive ages. But yet it is possible that, from his intercourse with such men, he did judge, that there were characters, and that from the ver}' nature of man there would always be those, upon whom reasoning, however forcible, and facts, however stubborn, would have little or no influence ; who nill revile rashly the most benevolent defend- ers of divine truth, because they nill revile. It has become so much a matter of course, with a certain class of Avriters, to speak evil of Calvin, that the bare asser- 15 lU LIFE OF GALVIN. 1553 lion of any thing reproacliful about him passes currently ■with them without either proof, or even semblance of pro- bability. The compilers of Biographical Dictionaries, Cyclo- paedias and Encyclopsedias, have dealt liberally in unauthoris- ed assertions on this subject. In one life of Servetus, Calvin is charged nith pursuing him nith malevolence andfury^ — nitk brutal and furious treatment of him at his trial, — with dissimu- lation and malevolence tonards him after his condemnation^ — That he acted in all this affair from motives merely personal ; — and when the candid reader casts about his eye for the proofs, and proofs he has a right to demand in support of such high charges, — what does he find ? Why, indeed the word of the calumniator — That every body believes this ; and a second is — Tliat nobody can doubt it. The above charges^ and authorities to prove them, are quoted nearly verbatim from the life of Servetus in the new and general Biographical Dictionary, published in London in 12 vols. 1784. These unlmo^^n writers, who stab in the dark, have been so eager to calumniate Calvin, that they have attempted to dignify Ser- vetus with the learning of Sydenham, the inventive powers of Harvey,=* and the mild morals of Boerhave. They fur- nisli a specimenf of abusive and bold assertions afifecting the character of the Genevese Reformer, which strongly evinceg^ that they have pursued him nith malevolence and fury. * Harvey discovered the ciixulation of the blood, Etc. but those writers, in their rage to honour Servetus, have attempted to credit this man " of pro- dig^ious learning'^ with that discovery ; and the learned Wotton 8ays, that the vei^ learned Charles Bernard could inform him no farther, only that he had it from a /earned friend, who copied it from Servetus. The authori- ty is then, a learned friend said so. ■\ Dr. Lempriere, in his late universal Biography, has detailed facts with the same spirit as that of his predecessors, in his short life of Servetus. He has however improved upon Allwoerden's manuscript, by saying that " VffJ> long hours elapsed" while Servetus was burning at the stake. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 115 As Mr. Roscoe is one of the latest Avriters, who has assum- ed the task of hunting down Calvin, \vith unquaUfied ac- cusations of injustice and cruelty in the ciflair of Servetus, it is not improper to request him, as he has both learning- and leisure, to point out, on legitimate testimony, any one sen- tence which that Divine has %vritten, or any one action of his, in the imprisonment and trial of Servetus, which, when measured by the habits and principles of that age, shows the least want of integrity or moderation ; or which mani- fests any symptoms of cruelty of disposition, or personal hat' red towards him ; or that he rejoiced at his condemnation or his death. By that standard, let this historian, who is so well versed in the knowledge of the opinions of that period, name a single fact fairly authenticated, that proves in Calvin a disposition incompatible with an honest desire for the re- pentance and recantation of those enormous errours, by which Servetus might have not only escaped punishment, but have been treated with friendship at Geneva. If such writers will assert, that Calvin acted from personal hatred to\vards Servetus, let it be proved, not by sly, insinuating suggestions, and unfounded assertions, but by a fair statement of facts, and a candour of testimony, that will at least convince the imderstanding, and do away the imputation, which now in- evitably fastens upon them, that they are wilful calumniators* As it is possible that Mr. Roscoe has not read Tlieodore Beza's Tract De hcereticis a civili Mag^istratu piinicndis, he may be informed that it is to be found in the first volume of that author's Theological Tracts. In this work is an exten- sive illustration of the views and opinions of the ancient Fa- thers and early Reformers of the Christian Church, relative to the right and duty of the civil jMagistracy to punisJi here- ticks. At pages 94 and 148, the opinion of Luther is given, and his words expressly quoted, to prove that he maintained, that hereticks were to be restrained and punit:hed by the civil IIG LIFE OF CALVJN. 1553 Magistracy. In the same work it also appears, that this was tlie opinion of Melancthon, of Urbanus Regius, of the Saxon Church, of Brentius, of Erasmus, of Bucer, of Capito, of BuIIinger, of Musculus, and of the Genevese Church. To these distinguished Reformers, the names of almost all others might be added, to prove that Calvin's opinion on that sub- ject was only the opinion of all other learned and pious men of that period. It is also to be noticed, that Melancthon, Bulllnger, Peter Martyr, Hemmingius, Farel, Beza, Bishop Hall and others approved expressly, and in %\ riting, of the conduct of Calvin, and also of the final sentence of the Senate of Geneva, in punishing capitally the man, who called the triune Unity of God a three headed Cerberus, and a triple bodied monster. Now would it be agreeable to the panegyr- ist of the profligate Leo to pack his jury, and in the 19th cen- tury try a case, which occurred in the 16th, by the modern principles of lil^erality and expediency ? Truth is indeed un- changeable ; but the opinions of men vary essentially in suc- cessive periods. The change at times has been rapid, under 1 he influence of minds distinguished by acuteness of intellect, and habituated to sober investigation. Calvin himself is an instance of the powerful command, which a great and com- prehensive mind may have o^er the current of opinion. He arrested the attention, and directed the thoughts of multitudes into a new channel on tlie great doctrines of religion. As the judicious Hooker says, " thousands were debtors to him, yet he to none, but only to God, the author of his talents, and that blessed fountain, the word of life." But no man, no age has been great and perfect in every thing. Depraved man lias, in every period, discovered his apostaoy and weakness. The successive exertions of the greatest minds have given abundant proofs, that the most vigorous powers of intellect are at a humiliating distance from comprehending all the re- lations of morality and religion, even under the guidance of 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 117 revelation. A tliousand instances might be adduced, from Civilians and Ecclesiasticks, to exemplify this statement. For instance, men of the most comprehensive minds beheved, in the middle of the 18th century, the lawfulness of slavery, which, in the beginning of the 19th, is severely reprobated as unjust and cruel, by every uninterested and well informed mind. But would it be correct for Mr. Roscoe, or any other person, to assert that the moct learned and pious men of the 18th century were of an atrocious and malevolent disposi- tion, because they justified a principle which, in its practical effects, was productive of the most horrid cruelties to mil- lions of human beings possessing equal personal rights Mith themselves. AVill Mr. Roscoe then, and others like him, complacently indulge their hostile prejudices on such per- verse and uncandid grounds, in order to revile the Reformers, the greatest and best of men, A\'ho more than most otliers of any age laboured, with apostolick ardour, to act in the fear of God ? It will not be controverted but that, in this liberal age, there is in a very numerous class of writers a bigoted lib- erality towards all those opinions which inflict wounds on the vital doctrines of revelation. This is precisely that appropriate liberality, which the Senate of Geneva noticed in Servetus at his trial ; a liberality towards the grossest superstitions, and a zealous concern for the most heretical innovations in religion, while the worship of God, in all its forms, ^^as by him neg- lected and despised. One important fact m the case of Servetus has lieen passed over, by every biographer of Calvin, who has attended to that subject. Servetus, after a full examination and defence before the Senate, and after the Consistory had laboured to confute and reclaim him fi-om his errours, appealed to the Sniss Churches. This appeal was made before the Consistory had given their judicial opinion on the point at issue, Avhetherthe allegations, Avhich the Senate had pronounced to be proved, 118 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 amounted to heresy and blasphemy. On his appeal to the Churches of Zurich, Schaffhausen, Bern and Basil, the Sen* ate immediately ordered the thirty-eight propositions select- ed from his writings to be copied and given to Servetus. By the same decree, he was permitted to retract any of hie opinions ; refute any of the propositions, or defend himself against any thing which he judged to be unjustly alleged. To make his defence he had as much time as he pleased. The whole case was reduced to writing, and, together with the privileged reply of Servetus and his books, was forAvarded, by the hand of the Questor of the city, to the Swiss Church- es, who were now to determine the question — Whether he nas guilty of heresy and blasphemy. Servetus well imderstood that the question to be determined was de capite suo. The gratuitous reply which he deliberately made, on a case so deeply interesting, is noticed by the Church of Zurich when they say in their letter, the reply or gloss of Servetus con- tains little else, but extreme impudence and detestable outrage. It is indeed a curiosity, and may be found verbatim in the refutation of the errours of Servetus by the Genevese Slinis- ters, in the volume of Calvm's Opuscula. It is no presump- tion to say, that in point of al3use and scurrility, this defence stands unrivalled, by any one that was ever made by any de- fendant, however infatuated, in the most desperate cause. In their answers, the four Swiss Churches decided the pre- vious question, that Servetus was a heretick and an obstinate blasphemer. Upon this decision, and not upon the opin- ions of their own consistory, the Senate rendered their judg- ment against him, according to their long established laws. In the face of circumstances so forbearing and so generous, JMr. Roscoe in his note abruptly challenges, that " the an- iKils of persecution cannot furnish a more atrocious instance of bigotry and cruelty, than the burning of Servetus in a Pro- testant city by Protestant Priests." — He asserts in the next 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 119 breath, that he was " the unhappy victim of ecclesiastical tyranny ;" and refers to the three letters of Servetus at the end of his volume, as the sole and high proof of the charge, " from which the reader may judge of the cruelty and injus- tice of his tyrannical and bigoted persecutors, the Ecclesias- ticks and Magistrates of Geneva." He then closes his le- gendary note with, " such were the first fruits of the Re- formation." This illiberal defender of liberality, like a true disciple of Gibbon, studies to soil the cause of pure religion, and to de- form the characters of the best of men, while at the sam« time he labours to dignify a profligate Pope, and to elevate an impious blasphemer. He may however be challenged temperately to name, not merely in the annals of persecution, but even in the records of criminal justice, an instance of more moderation and li)>erality, than was exercised by the JMagistrates of Geneva in the trial of Servetus. Let this learned historian lay his finger on the page of the history of any man, who has been burnt for his religious opinions or writings, that was not a victim to more cruel tyranny, and treated with less moderation than that Spaniard. I-et him ex- tend his vision into Holland and Germany and from the ma* Dy thousand victims* who fell beneath the hand of the exe- cutioner, in the different persecutions carried on by Charles V. and his successors, select the most favourable instance for his purpose, and the issue of the comparison is challenged, as proof of more cruelty and injustice , on the part of the impe- rial persecutors, than in the case of the Swiss Churches and Magistrates of Geneva. Let him, if it will not be too much for the overflowing sympathies of his Uberal heart, turn his, view to a land to be seen across his country's channel, that • A writer in the Christ. Obs. rol 4,p. 616, referxingp to Grotius fot au-. Ihority, says, 100,000. 120 LIFE OF CALTiN. 1553 liitle barrier under Providence of the liberties of man, and there, during the unshackled reign of infidel benevolence and philosophick humanity, instance from the annals of persecu- tion, in that period of full day light, a single case out of thou- sands that may, from its mildness and gentleness, put the Christian ^Magistrates of Geneva to the blush for what he calls theu* " unparalleled cruelty and injustice," in the trial and execution of Servetus. Zuinglius began to preach the pure doctrine at Zurich in 1516. Thirty-seven years had elapsed before the sen- tence was executed upon Servetus, which the historian of Leo calls " the first fruits of the Reformation''^ ; of that glo- rious ara, " when," as he observes, " Europe saw the lumi- nary of classical learning at a higher meridian than at any time before or since." But were no effects produced by the preaching of the pure doctrines, and the translation of the scriptm'es into the different living languages, which, with more correctness and less bigotry, might have received that scriptural appellation ? The enquiry is not put to his can- dour, that would be yielding more than the case requires, but the appeal is made to him in all his prejudices against " Prophets and Pseudo-Prophets,''^ to answer the question. But waving the question, and admitting that persecutions and burnings were the first fruits of loosening the chains of Popish thraldom, and opening the pure light of the Gos- pel upon the people at large, will the result of an examina- tion be such as to vindicate the bold assertion, that the burning of Servetus was the earnest of the harvest ? It can be no pleasant task, in which the candid and truly liberal mind will volunteer, to expose even the infirmities of men, who acted according to the principles then commonly admit- ted, ])y bringing their actions and opinions to the standard which the progress of more than two centm'ies has fixed as tlie measure of toleration. This is to exercise the same unclia- 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 121 ritable and persecuting spirit, for which the fathers of the Reformation are condemned and ungenerously reproached, by those who are apparently ignorant of the corruption of human nature, and destitute of that knowledge of them- selves, which would convince them, that their own cir- cumstances need only be changed, and with all their boasted philanthropy, their pride and selfishness would prompt them to kindle the fires of persecution, upon all who did not burn incense to their licentious and bigoted liberality. In decid- ing upon the moral quality of the opinions and actions of men of other times, it is an imperious duty to examine tlie civil and religious circumstances in which they lived ; to weigh well the habits and even the prejudices under which they laboured, the rules of right and wrong, of commenda- tion and blame, which they adopted, and tlie degrees of knowledge w hich enlightened their path, so as not to exact from them the use of talents which they did not possess. True liberality will restrict the enquiry to this point, Did they act consistently with their avowed principles, and conscientiously in respect to the will of God ? The subject is with reluctance pursued : but the state- ment of some facts may remind those persons who may ea- sily forget, or who perhaps do not know, that while they so vi- olently impugn, and so falsely accuse Calvin, they reproach., at the same breath,some of the highest Dignitaries, and most re- spectable Civilians of the English Church. Those distinguish- ed men preceded the Genevese in burning heretic ks ; and they doubtless acted with more integrity than those who, at this time of day, revile them, with selected epithets, for punishing with death obstinate offenders against the autho- rity of God. As Mr. Roscoe, with all his learning, appears to be unread in the English aimals of persecution, he may v.ith deference be asked to examine a page or two in Bishop Bur- net's " Hhtor/f of the Reformation of ihe Chvrch of F.irg- 16 122 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1555 haid,'^ vol. 2, p. 105 — 107, anno 1549. Ample credit is due to the authority of Dr. Burnet. In following him, the reader feels a confidence that he shall not designedly be led astray ; and is liberated from those doubts and suspicions of fallacy, Avhich spring up and trouble him as he advances over the pages of some more elegant historians. " On the 12th of April, 151:9," on complaint against those who went under the name of Anabaptists, " for disseminating their er- rours and making proselytes, a commission was ordered for the Arcliljishop of Canterbury^ the Bishops of Ely^ Worces- ter, Westminster, Chichester, Lincoln and Rochester, Sir Wil~ Ham Petre, Sir Thomas Smith, Dr. Cox, Dr. May and some others, (three of them being a quorum,) to examine and search after all Anabaptists, hereticks, or contemners of the Common Prayer. They were to endeavour to reclaim them, lo enjoin them penance, and give them absolution : or, if they Avere obstinate, to excommunicate and imprison them, and to deliver them over to the secular power to be fur- ther proceeded against." *' Some tradesmen in London were brought before these Commissioners in JMay." They abjured their former opi- nions, and were acquitted. " One of those was ordered to carry a faggot, next Sabbath, at St. Paul's, where there should be a sermon setting forth his heresy.* — But there w as anotlier of these extremely obstinate, Joan Bocher, com- monly called Joan of Kent." Her errour in short was, — ♦* That she denied that Jesus Clu'ist took his flesh of the Virgin 3Iary, because her flesh was sinful. They took much pains, and held many conferences with her. But she was so extravagantly conceited of her own notions, that she re- jected all they said with scorn ; whereupon she was adjudg- * Strype, in _ his Annals, calls this man by the name of Putto. The Uw for carrying the /afjof to the Church was enacted in 1 545, under Heiuy ■^111^— Neal's Hist. Puritans, vol. 1, p. 27, quarto edit. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 12S ed an obstinate heretick, and so left to the secular poner.''^ The young King, Edward VI. refused to sign the -warrant de comburendOf for burning her. Cranmer and Ridley took the woman into custody to their own houses to reclaim her •, fout she persisted with contemptuous jeers and insolence : and on the reiterated and strong solicitations of Cranmer, the King signed the warrant, and she was burnt on the 2d of May, 1550. " Bishop Scory preaching at her burning." " On the 6th of April, 1551, George Van Pare, a Dutcli- man, was condemned in the same manner that Joan of Kent was, and on the 25th of April, was burnt at Smitlifield, His accusation was for maintainmg. That God the Father was only God, and that Christ Avas not very God. He was dealt with long to abjure, but a\ ould not. One thing was certain," adds the candid Burnet, " That ivhat Cranmer did in this matter flowed from no cruelty in him ; no man being further from that black disposition of mind ; but it n as truly the effect of those principles by which he governed himself .^^ To this every ingenuous mind assents, and finds a pleasur*^ in tracing the Primate's conduct up to a cause, adequate to the effect, without resorting to cruelty of disposition, or ma- lignancy of heart. The question is now put to i\Ir. Roscoe, "WTiether the English annals of persecution, of prior date by tluee years, do not furnish instances in Joan of Kent and George Van Pare, " of more bigotry and cruelty", than the case of Serve- tus ? Let the words on which the accusation, against that man or that woman, was founded, be compared with the thhty-eight propositions, selected from Scrvetus' writings. Compare too the circumstances of the proceedings of the ec- clesiastical court of Commissioners, A\ho were to enquire af- ter delinquents, and the secular judicatory, sentencing upon the then vague principles of common law in England, v,ith those of the Syndicks and Senate of Geneva, guided by 124! LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 the statute laws of that Republick. And were there any records to be relied on, detailing the manner of execution, no doubt but that both at Smithfield and the Cliampel, the spectacle would be equally painful. While it is free- ly granted that, under the habits of those times, Cranmer acted with the strictest integrity, see this venerable Arch- bishop pleading at successive times before young Edward, •with all his eloquence and arguments, to induce him to sign the warrant for burning Joan of Kent ; and the King yielding at last, " 7vith tears in his eyes, saying to Cran- mer, that if he did nrong, since it was in submission to his authoritij, he should ansiver for it to God^* Mr. Roscoe may now be requested for a moment tff observe Calvin, entering the Senate of Geneva, after their sentence upon Ser etus, grounded on the decision of the four S^N'iss Churches, and pleading before that body, that the punishment of Seroctus might be mitigated and rendered I'jss severe — T/iat the sentence of burning might be commw- ted for some punishment less ignominious— .f * Bishop Burnet's llist. Reform, p. 106. — Btimet says "that people had believed thiit all the statutes foi> burning hereticks had been repealed. But now it was formd, that repealing the statutes did not take away that which was grounded on a writ nt common latvy f Ptcuce t'(?co atrociiatem remittere cupio. — Genus mortis conati sumiu viufare, sed frimtra. — Epist. ad Farellura, Aug. 20, ct Oct. 26, 1553. Some •,'*1io lai)our to fix upon Calvin every thing whicli the Senate did, assert tliat ais influence was powerful with that body. The Syndicks and Senate of Geneva were annually elected. In 1.553, Perrinwasone of the Syndicks, and Bertelici-, who is said by Bcza to have excited Servetus personally to abuse Cahln when before the Senate as a witness, was clerk of the lower Court, and had been .ibout six months before the trial of Servetus excom- municated. Tlie majority of the Senate at this verii time were under the influence of the Perrin and Bertelier faction, as will abundantly appear in the subsequent details of their proceedings, in August and September of this year, wlien they voted, in the face of Calvin and the Consistory, that Perttlier should be admitted to the Lord's Supper. It may be asked where, and in what, respect, Calvin had any influence over the Senate that cOnUem- 1553 r.fFE OF CALVIN. 125 Here is no deception, Mr. Roscoe. Calvin did in fact in- tercede for his bitterest enemy. A historian must abide by facts, whatever may Ije llie hostility of his prejudices against their tendency and effect. There is no Mish obtru- sively to "^vound your reputation as an autlior, or your feel- ings as a man. But have you not been luiinformed on this subject, and misguided by unwary prejudice ; or jirompted perhaps by opposition to the sentiments of Calvinists, to make bold and unauthorized, nay even most disingenuous assertions concerning the Reformer of Geneva ? If Cranmer, as Burnet says, and can his declaration be disproved on the whole, " 7vas a pattern of humility, meekness and charity,^'' >'^ — how amiable m these respects, and how dignified in the above comparison, must be the character of Calvin ? Compare moreover the dates of the burnings in England with the single one in Geneva, and if you, Su', still abide by your assertion, that the fikst fruits of the Reformation Avere persecution and burning for heresy, or the exercise of pri- vate judgment, it may at least ])e expected, that you m ill lionourably declare, that they were gathered at Smithfield in England, three years Jjefore they were reaped on the Champel of Geneva. In taking leave of the note of the learned and elegant his- torian of the Pontifiicate of Leo, it Avould be pleasant to be liberated from those mortifying investigations, which bring into view evidences of the weakness of man. But the duly becomes imperious, so far forth, as to prove, that persecu- tion for opinion's sake was so strongly supported by the habits of the 16th century, that even a minor sect, accounted lieret- ned Serretiis ? It must be admitted, that tlie Senate, ■who refused, at Cal- vin's request, to mitigate and change the punishment of Scrvctus, were un- •ter the control of Perrin, and not of Calvin. "' Hist. Reform. Vol. o, p. 25a Jl^ 126 LIFE OF CALVIN. • 1553 ical by all other?, and who bitterly inveighed against civil restraints on private judgment, when themselves were expos- ed, Avere nevertheless equally prompt to use the coercive power of the Magistracy, when they could command its di- rection to the punishment of those, whose opinions they con- sidered as injurious to the promotion of their own scheme. The followers of Faustus Socinus have long indulged, Avith an imposing- confidence, and an assiduity of repetition, a spi- rit of calumny, which has been doubtless successful in pre- judicing some minds against the name and Avritings of Calvin. It is however a fact, that Faustus Socinus, the man Avho gives the name to the sect of Socinians, nas himself a persecutor. Not of one, indeed, who in his estimation blasphemed the triune Godhead, and reviled, with unparalleled impiety, the scriptures, and every doctrine of the scriptures ; but of Fran- cis David, superintend ant of the Unitarian Churches in Tran- sylvania. " David opposed Socinus in the notion of giving Avorship to Jesus Christ." Both Socinus and David profes- sed to hold that Jesus Christ Avas a mere man. David urged, that it Avas as unlawful to pray to him as to the Virgin Ma- ry, or any of the Popish Saints. Of course David, in refu- sing to give divine Avorship to Christ, acted consistently Avith his OAvn avoAved principles. Socinus supposed, that to avoAv this openly would expose their sect to odium, and prevent its progress. Socinus Avas hypocritical, and made it a mere question of expediency ; while David made it a question of conscience; and persisting to teach his opinion freely, he Avas persecuted, by Socinus and his associates, and throAvn in- to prison, ])y order of the Prince, Battori, " Avhere he lan- guished for six years until his death, Avhich happened Nov. 15, lofO." Socinus Avas the contriver of his imprisonment, Avhich was the occasion of his death. This should silence the Socinians in their reproaclies against Calvin ; " Avhen," a*; Lc Clerk says, " nothing can be said against that Reformer 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 127 which will not bear as hard upon their own Patriarch,''^ So- cinus.# With propriety then the Socinians may be requested to direct their attention, and bestow their sympathy, upon a conscientious brother who died in prison, a lingering death, under the oppressive and persecuting influence of the father of his sect. The candid mind will call into exercise the feelings of compassion ; and be thankful for the superior light now enjoyed on the subject of persecution for the sake of opinions. The spirit of Clnistianity will lead her disci- ples to mourn the depravity of human nature, as the source of errour, and the origin of civil punishments for private sentiments. Let the Socinian beware, lest from the virulent reproaches which he may cast upon others, he should give just occasion for the observation, that under the restraints of the nineteenth century, the form of persecution is chang- ed, while the spirit of it remains, and would be ready to ex- press itself under given circumstances, with the same exter- minating intemperance as in other times. Indeed, it must be admitted, that no man, who knows his own heart, and has candour enough to avow its propensities, will say that Trajan, or Pliny, or Innocent III.,f or Socinus, or Cranraer, or Calvin, and a host of other learned men, were either na- tiu:ally or habitually inclined, with any peculiar malice, to pursue and destroy others merely for their opinions. For more than fifty years after the death of Calvin, no in- stance could be found of any respectable writer, who censur- ed him respecting the execution of Servetus. On the pub- lication of Calvin's Epistles by Theodore Beza, in 1575, Je- * Dupin Eccles. Hist. 16th cent. b. 4, p. 417. Rees' Cyclopjed. Art. Fran. David. New Biog. Diction. Art. Socinus. Mosh. Eccles. Hist. vol. 4,. p. 200, note. Fuller's Letters, Cal. and Socin. compared, p. 145. f Innocent m. This Pope is said to have first introduced the punish- ment of hereticks by byrning^, in the beginning of the 13th century. 128 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 rome Bolseck took offence at the account ■nhicli had been given of his conduct and opinions in some of those letters. Bolseck, at that time having turned back to the Papists, wrote a life of Calvin for the sole purpose of blasting his name. But however destitute of principle, and prompted by revenge to invent the most daring falsehoods, he no where, it is asserted, accused Calvin of personal hatred to- wards Servetus, or cast any blame upon him for what he did in advising the prosecution against him. Maimbourg, a Jesuit, wrote a history of Calvinism, in which, with all his Popish partialities and misrepresentations, he says nothing on that subject. DupiN, another Papist, in his Ecclesiastical History, does not even name Servetus in his life of Calvin, and but barely mentions him among the Socinian hereticks. Bayle, who was of no religious denomination, in his life of Calvin, does not even name Servetus, nor cast any re- proach upon that Reformer in his voluminous notes. Few biographical writers have indulged more boldness of observa- tion upon characters than Bayle ; and perhaps no one man has been so extensively acquainted as he was with the events of the Reformation, and the characters of those distinguish- ed men who were active in promoting it. It was not ig- norance, but a thorough knowledge of the facts, which must have induced this writer to pass in silence a subject which, within a centiury past, has been brought forward, with so much animosity, to discredit the name and writings of Calvin. The judicious Hooker,* when laljouring with no indiffer- ent zeal to confute the ecclesiastical polity of Geneva, says, " A founder it had, for my own part, I think incomparably the wisest man that ever the French Church did enjoy, * Hooker was bom before Calvin's deatli, and died in 1600, being cotem- porary with Beza. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 129 since the hour it enjoyed him. His bringing up was in the study of the civil law. Divine knowledge he gathered not by hearing and reading so much as by teaching others. For though thousands were debtors to him, as touching know- ledge in that kind, yet he to none but only to God, the au- thor of that most blessed fountain, the book of life, and of the admirable dexterity of wit, together with the helps of other learning, which were his guides ; till being occasioned to leave France, he fell at length upon Geneva." Hooker's Eccles. Polity, Preface, p. 62. " We should be injuri- ous unto virtue itself, if we did derogate from them whom their industry hath made great. Two things of principal moment there are, which have deservedly procured him ho- nour throughout the world : The one, his exceeding pains in composing The Institutions of the Christian religion ; the oth- er, his no less industrious travels for the exposition of holy scripture according to the same Institutions. In which two things, whoever they were that after him bestowed their la- bour, he gained the advantage of prejudice against them, if they gainsayed ; and of glory above them, if they consent- ed. Of what account the master of the Sentences," Peter Lombard, " was in the Chm'ch of Rome, the same and more amongst the preachers of the Reformed Churches, Calvin had purchased : so that the perfectest Divines were judged they, which were skilf ulest in Calvin's writings ; his books were aK most the very canon to judge both doctrine and discipline by. The French Churches were all cast according to that mould which Calvin had made. The Church of Scotland, in erecting the fabrick of their Reformation, took the self same pattern." Hooker's Preface, Eccl. Pol. p. 65 and 06. "The pious and excellent Bishop Hall solemnly pro- nounced, that in that transaction, relative to Servetus, Cal- vin did well approve himself to God's Church." See his Christian Moderation, b. 2, Sect. 14, quoted in Dr. Miller's ir 130 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 Contin. of Lett. p. S27. Heylin, although strongly attach- ed to EpiscopacVy and to Archbishop Laud, in his history of the Presley terians, says much, with his usual unauthorised asperity, against Calvin ; yet he never reproaches him as to the matter of Servetus, whom he only names as a Socinian. Bishop Burnet, in his history of the Reformation of the English Church, has passed in silence the story of Servetus, and always named Calvin with respect. Without increasing this list with the names of Francis Ju- nius, James Anrdnius, Davila, Strype, and a vast number of other historians and Divines of different theological senti- ments, it may be asked, On what principle it was, that those Avriters passed with approbation, or without notice, such atrocious cruelty and personal malevolence in Calvin, as Mr. Roscoe and others, within a century back, have boldly charg- ed upon him in the affair of Servetus ? Were the Divines and historians at the close of the 16th, and through the irth century, more ignorant of the facts and circumstances which attended that business than those Divines or histori- ans who, in the IStli century, have so pointedly selected, and so invidiously impugned Calvin, as pre-eminently pos- sessing, and furiously exercising the spn"it of persecution for the sake of opinions ?# This it is presumed will not be as- serted by any one competent to judge of that question. * That Divines and historians, who are members of the Church of Eng- land, should reproach Calvin, about burning Servetus, even if tlie fact were so, is strange, when witliout revei-ting back to the burning of Lambert and Askew, in the reign of Henry VUI. — to Van Pare and Joan of Kent, in that of Edward VI. — or of the two Anabaptists in that of Elizabeth ; tliey may read, as late as 1612, under James I. of the burning of Le- gate and Wightman for the Arian heresy. And if they follow down the details of their liistory, during the reign of Charles I. and Arch- bishop Laud, and read the petition of Alexander Leiffhton, or his sen- tence and punishment, they will find causes enough for the chills of grief, and tears of sympathy, from persecutions not only for heresy, but for non--conforrrAty to the Common Prayer Book of the Episcopal Church- 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 131 The rise of the prejudices against Calvin, and his ^vritings, may be found in the controversies which originated be- tween those who were professedly the followers of that Di- vine on the one hand, and of James Arminius, on the other. Theodore Beza supposed, like many others who call them- selves Calvinists, that he could explain some things on the subject of predestination and election, with more precision and perspicuity than Calvin had done. In this instance, Beza acted regardless of the following advice which he says Calvin gave him on his first entrance upon theological studies : " Take care that you do not entangle and ensnare yourself in vain subtilties ; and when any new notions arise in your mind, however they may please and flatter you at first, yet do not give yourself up to them, till you have thoroughly weighed and sifted them. In a word, moderate and re- strain the vivacity and over forwardness of your genius. I have endeavoured all along to follow this advice, which was given me, by that great man of blessed memory, John Cal- Yis, when I first gave myself up to the sacred studies."* William Perkins of Cambridge published, in 1590, hi? Ar- iTiilla Aureay &c. in which he digested the sentiments of Be- za, on that mysterious subject, into a more logical and pal- pable form.f Francis Gomarus, who -was appointed Professor of Divinity at Leyden in 1591;, supported the sys- tem of Mr. Perkms without opposition till 1603, when Ar- minius v/as appointed his colleague in the Professorship of • Beza, apud Philippum Pareum, in vita Davidis Parei, as quoted by Bayle. f Calvin had stated, that the damnation of the reprobate sprang from their own corruption of nature. Beza and Perkins rested it on the decree of God, &c. Bayle, Art. Arm. Beza, in volumine primo tractationum theo- logicarum, — De zetema Dei praedestinatione, p. 337. Perkins, — Armilla Aurea,Edit. Basiliae, 1598, p. 15, et passim. Acta Sj nodi Dordrechti, et Sententia Remonstrantinm, vol. 1 et 9.. Ibid. De electione et reprobation ne, &c. 132 LIFE OF CALVIN, 1553 that University. The successive disputes between these two learned divines drew out the peculiar sentiment of Arminius. In 1608, and tlie following year, Gomarus and Arminius dis- puted publickly before the Assembly of the States of Hol- land. The last disputation was broken oif by the sickness of Arminius, who died October 19, 1609. He however left followers who, in strenuously supporting his opinions, and ultimately refining upon them, to obviate objections, have as much exceeded what he had defended, as Perkins and oth- ers since have ventured beyond the scriptural limits which Calvin had established on those mysterious points. Th& e^ihg iMjXov, the apple of discord^ was thrown among the lead- ers of the controversy, and their heat and animosity were increased till the meeting of the Synod of Dort, in Novem- ber, 1618, by order of the States of Holland. The contro- versy by degrees had grown into a state of faction, and en- dangered the peace of the government. Maurice, Prince of Orange, from political motives, put himself at the head of the CalvinistF, and Barnavelt, the advocate of Holland, with Hogerberts and Grotius, were the leaders who sided with the Arminians. The five points of controversy were decided in favour of the Calvinists, and the Arminians were declared corrupters of the true religion. The Belgick confession of faith was established as the religion of Holland. Grotius was a Civilian, connected with the grand Pensionary, Barnavelt, and ^vas imprisoned by Maurice, as an enemy to the govern- ment.* Thus provoked and embittered against the profess- ed Calvinists, and against the power of the Magistracy in matters of religion, Grotius uttered tliat most ungenerous as- • See liayle. Art. Arminius and Gomarus. Mosh. Neal, and Rees' Cy- clopaedia, Art. Dort. And especially the Acta Synodi Dort vol 1 and 2y— ibr«an account of the Arminian controversy. 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 13^ persion against Calvin, Serveti exustor.^ Francis Turretin animadverts upon tliis expression of Grotius, and declares it to be a bold calumny against the truth of history. " It is evident,^'' says li«, " that Calvin, nith his colleague Pastors, dissuaded from the burning of Servetus : but neither the laws, nor the IMagistrates would allow him to be treated more mildly on account of his horrid blasphemies." Tarretin, one of the most learned, modest and pious men of any age, was introduced, 1653, as Professor of Theology into the same chair which Calvin first held at Geneva. la his Institutio Theologicat ElenchticoE, he discusses the ques- tion. Whether hereticks are to be punished by the civil Sla-. gistracy ? In this discussion he introduces the case of Ser- vetus, and defends the justice of his sentence, on the ground of the complicated and enormous heresy, which he had pro- pagated for more than twenty years, -with great virulence and obstinacy, against all the means used to reclaim him.f It was subsequent to the Synod of Dort, that the writings of Calvin were first attacked with bitterness in England. It was when, under Charles I., William Laud " became /?/-/wi(7 Minister in all afi'airs both of Church and State" : — It was when, as Bishop Hall says, " It grieved my soul to see our ow» Church begin to sicken with the same disease,'' Armi- • Grotii Opera, vol. 4, p. 503. The petulance of this learned Civilian at this time is evinced, not only by his abusively calling Calvin the burn- er of Servetus, but also by his calling Monsieur de la Fontaine, who accus- ed Servetus, Calvin's cook. Fontaine at least had so much learning as to manage the accusations against Servetus before the Senateof Geneva, the first two days of the trial. On the third day, September 16, Germain Colla- don assisted him. The confinement of Grotius, and the execution of Bar- navelt, may be pleaded in excuse for his low and undignified reproach of Cabin, but can never free him from the charge of Turretin — That lie utter- ed a bold calumny against the truth of history. t Francis Turretin's Works, vol. 3, p. 3T4, loo. 18, quest. 34. 131 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 nianisni, " which Ave had endeavoured to cure in our neigh- bours"; the Church of Holland.* The influence of the Primate, Laud, brought forward, in the Arminians, new and resolute auxiliaries to the aid of the Papists and Socinians, in their propulsive hostility against Calvinism. Every vagTant from the genuine Institutes of Calvin, who still called himself a Calvinist, furnished fresh materials for his impugners, by which they imposed on the publick mind, as the lessons of that Divine, feverish dogmas, which he absolutely denied and rejected. The two words, horribilc decretwn,] have been forced from their relative positions, and rung through all the changes of reproachful terms in the English language, by such writers as Daubeny, the Bishop of Lincoln, and even Dr. Hobart, apparently for the illiberal purpose of prejudicing the publick sentiment against the name and the writings of Calvin. Regardless of the advice of Bishop Horsely, " take special care, before you aim your chafts at Calvinism, that you knoAV what is Calvinism,and what is not," the enemies of Calvin have been so abusive in their misrepresentations and misquotations, that they sometimes, to avoid personal disgrace, have unmanfully sheltered them- selves under fictitious names. But it is not to be expected, * Some specialities of the life of Joseph Ilall, Bishop of J\'or-vich, WTitten by himseir, prefixed to the 3d volume of his works, quoted from Miller's Con- tin, of Letters, p. 334. I The candid perusal of tlie 23d chapter of tlie 3d book of Calvin's Insti- tutes, in which the words horribile decretum are found, will, it is presumed, convince any upright mind, tliat Calvin has wisely avoided the double laby- rhith on the stibjrrt of Reprobation, precisely as the Apostle Paul does, llom. ix. 20. JV'iy but, O man, -u-fio art thou that repliest affoitist God? Cat- vin maintains, that Adam fell by his own fault ; — tliat the damnation of the reprobate springes from their oavii corruption of nature ; — tliat their perdi- tion no otherwise depends upon the predestination of God, tlian that the cause and the matter of it are found in themselves ; — that Adam fell be- cause God judged it expedient, — why he judged it expedient, is hidden from us. Instit. Cal. lib. 3, cTi. 23, in sec. 7, 8, 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1S§ that arguments will wrest from such men opinions adopted from prejudice, interest or passion. And after all that has been or can be written, the virulent and habitual opposers of Calvin must be left to the dominant influence of their own prepossessions, without the hope of their even reading his works Avith candour. It was, hoAvever, the peculiar honour of Cal\^in, a\ hile he lived, that, although unprincipled and heretical men \s ere his opposers, yet every pious, learned and eminent Reformer lvas his friend. The good and the great of every coun- try looked up to him, Avith respect and esteem. His ene- mies have yet to name the individual, among all the re- putable Reformers, Avith Avhom Calvin had any unfriendly controversy, or any one Avho did not respect him during his Avhole life. The integrity, the peaceableness and stability of Calvin may be put beyond controversy, by a correct an- SAver to these questions of fact — Who nere the enemies ? — Who nere the friends of Calvin while he lived ? It is readily admitted, that the Papists hated him. At Noyon, a report that he was dead being circulated, in con- sequence of an illness Av^ith Avhich he weis seized in divine ser- vice, they decreed a publick procession, and returneeIoved brother. May the Lord be always with you, govern and protect you. In return, pray that he may support this unliappy Church. Geneva, Sept. 4, 1553." Rodolptus Gualter, a colleague of Bullinger at Zurich, returning from Geneva, gave him an account of the faction and proceedings of Perrin and Bertilier. In a letter, da- ted Sept. 14, Bullinger writes to Calvin : — " My dear brother, I received your letter, and the information I de- rived from Gualter has rendered me extremely anxious. Do not retire, I beseech you, from that Church, which has so many excellent men. You should call to mind that passage in the Acts of the Apostles, Fear not, for I have- much people in this city. And although the wicked and polluted are more numerous than we wish they were, yet many things are to be borne for the sake of the elect. Besides you are not ignorant how all those would leap for joy, who hate the true Gospel in France ; and the ex- treme danger to which you would expose the Frencli ex- iles, if you should depart from Geneva. Stay therefore, stay and bear whatever reproaches, contempt, dangers and suiferings the Lord shall please to bring upon yon. The U& LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 J;ord will not forsake you. Through manifold tribulations- ?re must enter the kingdom of God.^* " Calvin to Bullincer, wishes health. " Respected Ijrother, — I perceive by your letter, that you do not apprehend the extent of those evils, of which I com- plained to you. As the wicked know that I am constitution- ally irritable, they have often, by various methods, endea- voured to move my indignation, and to shake my patience. But although I have had severe and difficult trials, yet they Jiave in no instance obtained what they eagerly sought, that I should turn aside from the path of duty. I have long since been inured to all their stings. For the Lord has so exercised mc, within a short time, among this people, that I have learned by much experience, how many things are to l>e borne l)y the Ministers of Christ. I hope the same Provi- dence, which has hitherto sustained me, will inspire me with no less fortitude, through whatever trials he may lead me in future. Under his protection, and relying on his support, I will never willingly desert the station in which he has pla- ced rac. Nor indeed, when Mr. Gualter was lately here, ^vas I so ])orne down with reproaches and indignities, as to liave prepared myself to leave this place. But the wicked f vcn then m ere entering upon measures, by which they de- f ij^nicd to thrust me away, however unwilling. " A certain person was deprived of the privilege of partake iiig of the Lord's Supper, until he should repent. Despising llif judgment of the Church, lie was determined, notwith- standing the sentence, to be admitted. And in order to overthrow entirely, by his obstinacy, the poAver of the Con- sistory, lie had obtained from the lower Senate, what I was bovmd to refuse him. But knowing him to be a brazen fa- ced man, and that the wicked had set hira up agaipst me, 155S LIFE Oi CALVIN. 119 either to overpower me by his impudence, or to excite a tu- mult, I informed the Senate ^vhat I should do. But the baser faction prevailed, and I could obtain nothing just from that body. On the following day, (the Sabbath, Sept. 3,) our brother Gualter being present, I declared, that I -would sooner suffer death, than prostitute the sacred bread of the Lord to an excommunicated person, whose express intention it was grossly to make a mockery of the Gospel, and to tread under foot the discipline of the Church. "What I said in the afternoon, I wish you to read in the sermon itself, which our friend Beza translated into Latin. Do not suppo:^e, that any thing has been changed ; I have not inspected it. It was written by a Notary from my mouth as I delivered it. The affair was afterwards discussed in the Senate, and the good cause prevailed. The seditious have ceased, for a little while, to disturb that order of things which they desire to destroy. This pause, ho^vever, is only to take a more con- venient opportunity to set every thing in commotion. But the day of the annual election is at hand, when they will doubtless attempt something. The Lord grant that their perverse counsels may be dissipated. The discipline Mhich has been received in this Church, by the decree of the Sen- ate and the people, I will certainly sooner sanction with my blood than suffer it to be destroyed before my eyes. If they hold me back from the duties of my office, I will sooner be compelled to depart, than give up my liberty, the loss of which would be the ruin of my ministry. Still I am by no means so hardened, but that I am most painfully exercised about the dissipation of this flock, which I foresee Mould be the consequence. But while I am examining what is lawful for me to do, I am confirmed in my purpose. Proceed, my brother, as you have done, to assist us by your prayers, that Christ may preserve to himself this fold. 150 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 " It is HOW the eighth day since the messenger returned from your Church. I am uiia])Ie to express hoAv much this CJiurch is indebted for your faithful labours and discreet answer ; and for speaking so aficctionately and lionourably of me and my Colleagues, and in coinmendation of our doctrines. We acknowledge ourselves individually under obligation to you aiKl give you no common thanks. We should be pleased Avith an opportunity to contend willi you in kind offices, but we know that you are satisfied with our disposition to do it. What will be done concerning tlie jnan, is not yet known. But as far as I am able to conjecture, he will be carried to the bar of the Senate to-morrow, and led to punishment the day after. Affairs in France continue in the same unhappy situation. Wherever there are objects of their violence, the y do not spare their lives. At Dijon three will shortly be burnt, unless it has already been done. There is danger al- so, lest the commotions in Scotland should awaken the spirit of persecution. I mention this, that you may remember our unhappy brethren. At Nismes, it is reported, that there are seven or eight held in cliains. There are also many in other cities of France. Farewell, most excellent man and beloved brother. Salute your fellow Ministers, your wife, sons in law and children. May the Lord be always Avitli you, protect and guide you by his spirit. My colleagues salute you respectfully. Geneva, Oct. 26, 1553." When Pcrrin and his party found that the Senate, upon more mature deliberation, would confirm the rights of the Consistory, they requested to have the question referred to tlie different Senates of Zurich, Bern, Schaifhausen and Ba- sil. The Churches in these cities had not within themselves the poAver of excomnmnication. Delinquents in extreme cases were punished by the civil JMagistrate. The following ex- tract from Calvin's let tfj-, with the articles of discipline in 15fi5 LIFE OF CALVIN. 151 the Genevese Church, about which so much contention had been excited, Avill afford some lis^ht on this ecclesiasticai controversy. « Calvin to the Ministers of Zurich. " Respected brethren and fellow labourers; health and happiness. For two years past, our condition has been the same as though we lived among the professed enemies of the Gospel. The last act is now performing. The enemies of the Gospel, having gained many victories, think they are about to enjoy a splendid triumph over Christ, his doctrines and Ministers, and finally his whole household. I pass over the barbarity, the insult and inhumanity, with which they iiave vexed the exiles, whom they received under their pro- tection. The authors of these injuries are themselves witness- es, with what modesty, patience and endurance those strangers put up witli all these indignities, when they had an immediate remedy in their own power. Tlie impiety of those men has now reached its summit. Having thrown off all shame, they obstinately desire to convert the house of worship into a brothel. To exemplify their extreme depra- vity : When our brother Fare] was here lately, to whom they OAve themselves as you well know, he admonished them freely, by his own authority ; and their fury was so enkindled, that they were not ashamed to endecwour to procure sentence of death to be passed upon him. I know it is no new thing, that in a free city factious men should be found, who stir up tumults. But the blindness of our Senate must be deplored, Vho demanded that, the father of their liberties, and the father of this Church, should be sent to them by the inha- bitants of Neufchatel, as a crimnal to be tried for his life. I am compelled to say, that this was a disgrace to our city, a stain which I would gladly wash off with my blood. 152 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 Fare! came, but before he entered the city, the Clerk of the Senate declared at ray house that he should not ascend the pulpit. I will omit other things ; it is sufficient to have giv- en a specimen of this ingratitude, which will excite the in- dignation of all good and ingenuous minds. Many reasons forbid my deploring more freely the evils which prevail here. Take the whole in a word, unless the adversaries are restrained by your assistance, the reins will go loose upon the neck of their licentiousness. It becomes you to take as dili- gent care of us, as though the government of this Church was in your own hands. We will not be so difficult as to quit our station rather than yield our opinion to yours. All pious persons acknowledge, that we have hitherto been too complying, in order to avoid tu- mults. This, however, Avas when we had a full belief, that God was trying our patience by the wickedness of those men. But this victory must not be yielded to them, unless ■we will consent, knowingly and deliberately, to betray the whole authority of the Church into their hands. In that case, the ministerial office would go to destruction ; the name of Christ w^ould be subjected to the most opprobrious in- sults ; the unbridled indulgence of their licentiousness in all evils would increase with redoubled outrage; and the pious would not only be oljnoxious to all kinds of injuries, but Avould be wholly prostrated in affliction and misery. We are confident, therefore, that you will take care, and by your opinions assist the faithful who are here, that they may be liberated from these evils, and permitted to worship God with more quietness. " Farewell, best and beloved brethren. May the Lord be with you, direct you by his Spirit, and afford you pru- dence, sufficient not only for watching over your own Church, Init for tlie defence of others also. My Colleagues affection- 1553 LIFE OF CALVLN. m ately salute you, and anxiously recommend this Church to your faithfulness and prudence. <« Yours, JOHN CALVIN. « Geneva, November 26, 1553." " The principal heads of the DisciPLii^E of the Chuecii OF Geneva. " Twelve years are now elapsecl since this order of the Con- sistory, and the written la^vs were established in this city. These were passed by the Senate, and received and sanction- ed by the suffrages of the whole people, as folloAvs ; I. " If any one shall spread opinions contrary to the doc- trines received in this Church, he shall be admonished in a friendly and brotherly manner : If he accepts this kindly, it shall be passed without any mark of disgrace : If he shall be obstinate, or pertinaciously addicted to his errour, he shall foe seriously admonished, imtil the Consistory shall judge that there is a necessity for greater severity ; and then he shall be interdicted the Supper, and referred to the Senate. II. " If any shall neglect the sacred assemblies, and it ap- piear to be done openly ahd with contempt ; if any shall de- spise the ecclesiastical order, that it become reproached by their example, and the communion of the faithful be tram- pled upon, they shall be called to the Consistory, and ad- monished ; If they shew themselves teachable and obedient, they shall be acquitted in a friendly manner : If they obstr- nately persist in that which is worse, after three admonition?, they shall be prohibited the use of the Supper, and that shall be reported to the Magistracy. • III. " Respecting the life of each individual, that course shall be pursued in correcting faults, which the Lord has prescribed : Namely, secret trespasses shall be privately re- proved by mild admonitions, nor shall any call his brother 20 Uh Lli E OF CALVIN. 153S io the examination of the Church for a fault, which is not connected with public scandal, until he shall have added stubbornness to the first offence. IV. " Those who hold private admonitions in contempt ehall be admonished again by the Church. If they remaiH obstinate, and although convicted by lawful testimony, per- sist in their obstinacy instead of supplicating pardon, they shall be debarred the use of the Supper until they repent. V. « Respecting manifest and notorious sins, which the Church cannot overlook, this difference shall be used : An ordinary offence, for ^v^Iiich the reproof of admonition may be sufficient, the Elders of the Consistory shall not prosecute any farther. Any one who neglects his duty shall be call- ed to account for the example of others : If he asks par- don, he shaU be forgiven ; but if no repentance shall be ma- nifested, the admonition shall be seriously repeated. Those who go on to the scandal of the Church shall be debarred the holy Supper, as despisers of God, until they shall give proof of repentance. VI. " If the offence be more scandalous, and deserving a severer punishment than verbal reproof, the Judges of the Consistory shall take cognizance of it, that he who has so fal- len may be debarred from the holy Supper of the Lord, for some short time, that he may humble himself before God. VII. " If any one shall obstinately despise the judgment of the Consistory, and thrust himself forward to the sacred Table, he shall be repelled by the Minister. VIII. " That moderation of discipline shall be observed, which may give no occasion for complaints on account of un- reasonable severity, and so that the corrections may be alto- gether as useful medicines. IX. " So also shall the Consistory confine itself within tlie limits of ecclesiastical government, that it may neither dero- gate nor diminish any thing fiom the ordinary power of the 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1 JG Magistracy : And the Ministers of the word shall be conteutr cd with the spiritual sword, and not concern themselves with the civil jurisdiction, lest they take away any thing from the Magistracy. As often as causes shall be brought to the Consistory, the judgment of which may require civil punish- ment or coercion, the parties shall be sent to the Senate, which may exercise civil judgment at its own discretion, " Besides, the Judges of the Consistory are not only the Mi^ nisters of the word, but double to their number of chosen El* ders, who are elected partly from the upper Senate, and part- ly from the Iowqt Senate, and usually one of the Syndicte presides."* « BuLLiNGER TO Calvin, wishfis health, "Their Excellencies, the Magistrates of Geneva, have written a letter to the illustrious Senate of our city. As it was written in French, the Chief Magistrate sent it to our brother Gualter, to be translated into German ; thus it hap- pened that I saw and read it. They proposed three ques- tions to our Magistrates : 1. How, from the precept of God, and according to the sciiptures, excommunication is to be exercised, and religion preserved pure ? 2, Whether it can be exercised in any other way than by a Consistory ? 3. What is the custom of our Church in this case ? This letter was read in full S^ate : and immediately, the Chief Magistrate and three Senators were deputed, to consult with the three associated Pastors of this Church, concerning the proper answer to be given. They consulted, and unanimous- ly agreed, to write to the most noble Senate of Geneva, that we were very much grieved that they should be so much troubled, that debates and contentions should be heaped one ' See Letters, No. 54. 156 LI¥E 0¥ CALVIN. 1553 upon another. That for a long time we had heard of the Consistorial Laws of that Church ; and acknowledge them to be pious and consistent with the word of God ; that they ought not to be changed by any innovation ; and that it would be more prudent to preserve them entire, especially in this age, ^\ lien men are waxing worse and worse. And al- though our discipline does not, in all respects, correspond with yours, yet yours is accommodated to the circumstances of times, places and persons, and we do not think that it should be subverted. But as you wish to know our method of proceeding in these cases, we send you the heads of our discipline drawn up in a few words. These things were agreed upon in our conference to-day, and to-morrow this answer will be laid before the whole Senate. How. far it will meet ^v"ith their approbation, I cannot say. I pray God, from my heart, that he would turn all these things to the glory of his name. We have laboured with much anxiety, that nothing should be done, that might have any tendency to subvert the good laws of your Church. We also exhort you to continue faithful to the. Lord, and to use moderation in all things, so as not to lose, by. any excess of rigom*, those Vshom tlie Lord would have presu ved, who does not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. Farewell, most excellent man and beloved brother in the Lord. Eter- nal happiness to our brother Budeus ; health to Count a Mar- tmengis, to Galasius and the brethren. " In the utmost haste, Yours, « HENRY BULLINGER, « ZiiEicn, Dee. 12, 1553." " P. S. I have just received a copy of the letter of our no- ble Senate. I see nothing different in the substance of it from what I have mentioned above. They even seriously txhort your Senate, to remaui steadfast in thoee rules whigh they have heretofore received." ■'m 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 157 The answer of the IMagistrates of the Swiss cities, approv- ing of the Consistorial Laws, disappointed the faction of Per- riu and Bertilier. This year was remarkable for the contro- yersies which the wicked excited about doctrine and disci- pline. The issue was, however, on the w^hole successful to the cause of religion. Calvin, amidst his other labours, had prepared his Commentary on the Gospel of Jolui, which m as jjublished with the following dedication : — • To THE MAGNIFICENT LoRDS, THE SyNDICKS AND SENATE OF, Geneva, truly respected in Chiist, John Calvin wish- es from the Lord the spirit of prudence and fortitude, and a prosperous and successful administration. *' As often as I call to mind the advice of Christ, by which he determines that the office of benevolence in the invitation of guests, is to adapt the terms of acceptance to their cir- cumstances, at the same time, it occurs to me, that he has dignified you with singular honour, in appointing your city to be not the receptacle of an individual, or of a few stran- gers, but the common place of entertainment for his Church. Hospitality is esteemed one of the principal virtues. The ^vicked themselves txtol it. And Avhen persons are condemn- ed as extremely barbarous and cruel in their manners, they are called alcvw?, that is, inhospitable. But you have a still higher ground of praise, that in these turbulent and imhappy times, the Lord has selected you, as the protection and confidence of those pious and innocent men who are dri- ven away from their dwellings and their country, l:)y the cruel and sacrilegious tyranny of Antichrist. Neither is this all, but Avith you the sacred retreat is dedicated to his name, and he is here worshipped in purity. AVhoever, there- fore, endeavours to deprive you of these things, either pri- Tately or openly in the least degree, must do it not only to lo8 LIFE OF CALVm. 1553 spoil your city of its principal ornaments, but muSt be ma-, liciously hostile to its prosperity. Although then the offices of piety, which are here performed for Christ and his di* persed members, call forth the abusive reproaches of the im- pious, this one recompence ought abundantly to satisfy you, that the Angels from heaven, and the children of God from all parts of the world, pronounce you blessed. You may then justly disregard the foul reproaches of those who exer- cise no more religion or shame in their treatment of God him- self, than in those malicious things which they utter against you. Indeed those who abuse you begin first by reproach- ing the Deity himself. Your treatment of the unhappy exiles may excite the hatred of many against you. There IS, however, no danger to be feared from it, since he opposes the protection of his hand to arrest their rage, who has promised himself to be the defence and guardian of those cities, where there is a habitation for the doctrine of his gos- pel, and an ample residence for those pious men whom the world cannot endm-e. It is evident that the pro- fessed enemies of the true doctrines hate you, merely be- cause of the protection which they see you afford then.. Regardless of their machinations and threats, it becomes you to defend, Avith invincible constancy, these two bulA\arks, the worship of the pure religion, and the pious care of cherish- ing the Church which Christ has committed to the shelter of your wings. What signify the reproaches, with which the Po- pish janglers of the tavern attack us, as having fallen off from the Church, because we have departed from the Ro- mish platform ? I Avish that we were able to testify, before God and Angels, with entire confidence, that we had depart- ed as far from her pollutions, as the proof of those crimes with which she oppresses us, is easy and expeditious. They indeed glory in the title of the Catholick CTiurch, who yet Jeavo no part of the doctrines of the law and Gospel uncopta- 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. 150 minated by their depravations; who corrupt the whole worship of God with their superstitions ; and who are not ashamed to adulterate all the institutions of God with thei-r fictions. Indeed, so CathoUck is the mass of errours, by which they destroy all piety, that it might be sufficient to supply a hundred Churches -with the means of corruption and ruin. We shall never be able to extol, according to its richness, the immense goodness of God, by which our deli- verance has been effected from that vortex of death ; so that we have an anchor of faith reaching its hold on the so- lid and eternal truth of God. That the Papacy is a deformed body, compounded of innumerable inventions of Satan, spread over the Church, with a confusion and discordance like that of Babylon, the following commentary will, I trust, be a lumi- nous witness. In the mean time, I ingenuously confess, that from the contagion of her pollutions, which sppead them? selves far and wide, we are not sufficiently removed. Anti- christ complains, that we have departed from hijn ; but we are compelled to mourn that we have with us too many of the remnants of those vices which infect the world. W'e have restored to us the sincere purity of doctrine, a sound devotion, the pure worship of God, and the genuine order of the Sacraments, such as Christ dehvered to his Church ; but the principal reason why that correction of life and mo- rals prevails so much less than it ought, is that a great part of the people, still remembering that unbridled licentious- nessj in which the Papists indulge themselves without re* straint, cannot be brought to submit to the yoke of Giri&t. Our enemies, however, that they may injure us among the ignorant, falsely declare, that we are without any discipline or order. But this one thing would abundautly refute their calumny, if we should be silent, that \^ e have no greata^ contests among ourselves than those about our inmioderate- rigour, as our discipUire is indeed accounted by niai^. You IGO LIFE OF CALVIN. 1553 are the best witnesses, for me and my colleagues, tliat we are not more austere and restrictive than the obUgation of our office requires and compels us to be. We therefore rest our- selves on the correct judgment of your consciences, which are prompt to judge from things before you, concerning us, and on the other hand, to perceive ho^v■ ridiculous is the im* pudence of the Papists. " I will no^v say some things of m5'^self. Although my numerous writings, I trust, would testify to the world, hoAV I have governed this Church, yet I have judged it proper 4o produce some appropriate monument of the fact, which should bear the inscription of your name. It is of great moment, that the nature of the doctrine, which you know is taught by me, should be produced before all. As in the books which I have hitherto published, I have studied to profit both you and the people under your government, after ray death, it is by no means becoming that the doctrine, which hath floored from your city to foreign nations, produc- ing abundant fruit on every side, should be neglected in this Church. He who dedicates this Commentary to you will, I trust, have a more abiding hold upon your memories. That this may be the case, I pray God himself to infix these truths upon your hearts, with his own finger, that they may never be erased by the wiles of the adversary. It is God only who can give success to my labours, who gave me this mind in the first place, that t should have nothing more at heart than to provide faithfully for the salvation of you all. That I am at a great distance from the exact diligence of a good Pastor, and from other virtues which the magnitude and excellency of the oflice demands, I ingenuously confess before the av orld ; and I most assiduously deplore before God the many sins which obstruct my course. This, however, I confidently profess, that I have not been ^vanting in faith and correctnees of disposition. If, hoAvever, the wicked do 1553 LIFE OF CALVIN. IGi not cease to complain, as it is my part to confute their ca- lumnies, by well doing, so it is yours to restrain them as much as you are able by a sacred exercise of your authority. Farewell, most noble Lords, highly respected by me in Christ, to whose protection I commend you. " Geneva, January 1, 1553." The progress and establislmient of the Reformation in England were interrupted by the premature death of Ed- ward VI. He was celebrated for an amiable disposition, and unusual talents in the acquirement of learning. Hooper, in a letter to Bullinger, written in 1550, observes, " For a thousand years there has not been any person of his age, (thir*- teen), who had such a mixture both of piety and learning, with so true a judgment as appeared in him. If he should live, and go on suitably to these beginnings, he would be th& wonder and terrour of the world. He took notes of all thfe .vill rather compel those godly men, which are It^ft bcliind, seriously to cqnsider what a deep a])yss tliey arc falk-n into ; 166 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1554! wliose dangorourf estate as ill more grievously wound them, when they shall s-cc tlial you have travelled beyond the middle of that course, fi?t»m which they have been so unhappily re- tracted, or l)rought back again. Farewell, ray most dear brethren, the faithful servants of Jesus Christ ; and be you still under the governance and protection of the Lord your God. « Geneva, January 15, 1551." The controversy still continued. Dr. Cox, who had been tutor to Ed^ ard VI., and one of the principal revisers of the Liturgy in 1552, was with others strenuous to adhere to the English forms. Sir Francis Knollis, Mr. Knox, Mr. Goodman, and Mr. Whittingham, afterwards Dean of Dur- ham, were determined upon a still farther reform in their Liturgy. In this situation Dr. Cox and fourteen others ad- dressed a letter to Calvi^i for his advice. The following is the answer. • " Calviit to Cox and his associates, Salutem dicit. " I have delayed answering your letter, excellent men and beloved brethren, longer perhaps than you hoped or ex- pected. But when you know that the way has, for some- time, been beset by robberp, so that a messenger can with di- ficully go to you from this place, you will readily pardon nie tliis delay. I have freely comnmnicated to our good brother Thomas Sampson, what I learned from the letters of some persons concerning the unhappy contest which was agitated among you. Some of my friends also complain, that you defend, with such precision, the English ceremo- nie?, a= ^Iioms you evidently to be too strongly wedded to the forms of your country. I confess I have heard the rea- sons which you p^blickly allege, as forbidding you to de,* 1554 LIFE OF CALVIN. IGT part at all from the established forms ; but they were such as admitted a prompt and easy confutation. As I have ex- horted those who dissent from you, that they should yield all the moderation possible, so I was displeased, that on your part, you conceded or remitted nothing. But as the name of no individual was expressly mentioned to me, I dared not make any interposition, lest my confidence should expose me to the accusation of rashness. But I now rejoice, that you have been more courteous and tractable about this controversy ; and that the whole business has been amicably adjusted. Surely no one, I believe, in his sound judgment, will deny, that Tapers, Crosses, and the fopperies of this vanity, have proceeded from superstition. Whence I con- clude, that those who retain them, fi'om their o\vn deliberate opinion, too passionately drink from the dregs. I see no rea- son why the Church should be burdened by such frivolous and impertinent ceremonies ; not to call them pernicious, the proper epithet, when the liberty is permitted you of compos- ing a pure and simple order of worship. But I restrain my- self, lest I may appear to excite new difterences about a matter that is, as I liear from you, now well settled. This indeed I do not dissemble, that in my opinion, it was neither done in a pious nor brotherly manner, if N. (Knox) was call- ed in question on any clandestine information of individuals. It would have been better for you to have remained in your own country, than to kindle the fire of unjust cruelty in a foreign country, which may inflame others, however unwil- ling. But as it grieves me to touch even lightly upon crimes, the memory of which I wish was buried in perpetual oblivion, I will only exhort you, my respected brethren, to give all diligence to pacify the minds of those whom you perceive to be justly agitated at the offence of those individuals. When I heard that some ^\ ere determined to leave that City, (Frank- fort) I, earnestly admonished them, as was my duty, that if it W8 LIFE OF CALVIN. 15^ was not convenient for tlierii all to dwell together in the same place, by no means to sufler the distance of places to destroy their brotherly communion. I was apprehensive, that some secret dislike, from their former contentions, might still re- main. Nothing will be more grateful to me, than to be de- livered from this apprehension. For if any should come to this city, the very suspicion of a secret dissension among yourselves Avould giieve me much. I hope, therefore, that what you write of the free reconciliation may be firm, and extensively lasting ; so that if any part should go forth to any other place, you may, notwithstanding local distance, gtill cultivate a holy friendship. There has been sin enough already committed, although discord should proceed no far- ther. But prudence and equity demand of you, carefully to purge away whatever of alienation may still remain, that you may be held together in the l>onds of charity. May the Lord protect you l)y his power, direct you by his Spirit, fol- low you with his blessing, and mitigate the afflictions of your banishment. " Geneva, June 12, 1554." Notwithstanding the plain and paciflck advice of Calvin, those who were in favour of reforming the l.iturgy were un- der the necessity of removing from Frankfort. They took refuge in Geneva, and established an English Church in con- formity to the Presbyterian order. Knox and Goodman were the Pastors, who afterwards returned to Scotland, and the other members, after the death of Mary, to England. • During this year, a controversy arose between the Minis- ters of the French Church at Strasburg, about the Eucha- rist. The folioAving letter will present some things not unin- teresting. Jerome Zanchius is the brother designated by the letter N. as appears from Melchior Adam's Life of Zanchius, jfnd fiom Bavlr, 1554 LIFE OF CALVIN. \m " J. CiLViN TO Dr. M-VRPAtHius, Pastor of the Church of Strasburg. " For almost s'ix months, I liave heard, Avith great grief, many thhigs about the disturbances in the French Church which is with you. "While those few wicked and obstinate men are determined to trouble our brother N. their outrage is the cause, which disturbs Avith contention that little Church, to which the Lord granted a place of refuge among you. It is not strange that this ne^rs should be sad and severe to me ; for the scattering of this flock would Avring my very heart with sorrow ; as it was God's will that I should formerly col- lect them by my labour, and cherish them for a season. Al- though I was very anxious, that some remedy should be sea- sonably applied ; yet as I hoped that Avhatever tumults Avere excited they would be easily quelled by your and your bro- ther's prudence and moderation, I thought it best for me to remain silent, lest I might give you unnecessary trouble, or appear to distrust your equity. But as it is rumoured, that affairs are daily growing worse, I determined to write to you, for my grief Avould not allow me to be silent any longer. But while I am reflecting on this, behold a more joyful mes- senger annoxmces, that your most noble Senate are taking proper measures to restrain the audacity of those five wicked men ; that now the commotions are quieted ; and that the state of things is at least tolerable. I wish all things \\ ere settled according to our prayers, so that nothing should re- main but for me to congratulate, upon pure and stable grounds. But as there is yet a certain sad suspicion and fear of what is still to come, I thought it was my duty to give all diligence to remove this evil. Two things, as far as I ^n understand, were the principal cause? of all these evils. In the beginning, N. was complained of for thin}iingAnd teach- 22 HO LllE OF CALVIN, 1554 ing diilereiitly fiom you on the LorcVs Supper. I will not say hy whom, or Avitli Avhat intention, the means of peace should ha^ e been used. The trial of the cause was commenced. But if the business had been transacted with good faitli, it ought to have been dismissed. He who had been accused gave a confession of his faith. How true, how evident, and how full, I do not determine. This is suificient for me, that it was admitted. Therefore I have thus heretofore thought ■•.ritJi myself, that the opinion of your brother and fellow IMinister, if not wholly approbated by your silence, was de dared tolerable. It is not to be supposed, that during thi? time you Avere obliquely contriving any secret artifices. Could I suppose, therefore, but that more than was just had been granted to tliose five unprincipled men, by which thej were enabled to disturb the Church ? This ought to be ex- amined, in order, by you all, Avhether it is lawful or becom- ing, indeed Avhether it is right and courteous, to cherish against their Pastor five turbulent men, who have openly se- parated from the body of the Church. But as this wound is noA\ healed, I return to the first subject. I do not sufficient- ly comprehend what was demanded of N. more than he performed. You ought to be careful, that he should not be pressed Avith too much precision. If that excellent servant of God, and faithful Doctor of the Church, Luther, Avas now living, even he Avould not be so severe or implacable, but that he Avould willingly admit this confession, that Avhat the Sacraments represent is truly given us •, and therefore in the Lord's Supper Ave ai*e made partakers of the body and blood of Christ. For how often has hi> declared, that the only ^ound of his contention Avas, that it might be manifest, that the Lord did not trifle Avitli us, by empty signs, but that he effected Avithin, Avhat he proposed to our eyes, and thence the effect Avas connected Avith the signs. Tliis is agreed upon" aniong us, unless I am greatly deceived, that the LordV 155i LIFE OF CALVIN. 1 7 i Supper is not a theatrical spectacle of the spiritual food, but that what is represented is really given ; because at tJie Sup- per the pious souls are fed with the flesh and blood of Christ . Although I address myself to you, rather in the character ot an intercessor, than of an instructor, yet I must freely say, that those would be too morose, who, not contented with this moderation, w oiild depose their brother from the minis- try- Besides, it is a pernicious example, that he who was rightly, and in order, called to the office of Pastor, should be deposed without a lawful judgment of the Church, and at the mere will of the Senate. It indeed begins to be tlie custom in many places ; but I have often seen it fall on the heads of those who knowingly and wilfully betrayed the rights of the Church. The sacred memory of Capita and Bucer, which still flourishes among all the pious, and will, I hope, long flourish, whose faith and prudence, erudition and integrity, were well lmo^vn, still, like a lamp, illuminates that place, so that whatever is done on either side by you, will be more conspicuous, and more publick for an example. Whatever was their form of worship, in preserving the order of the Church, they would have suffered death ten times, before they would have approved, I do not say by their con- sent, but even by their silence, of the forcible deposition of a Pastor. If you, or your colleagues, should hope to derive any benefit from my presence, verily I should not refuse the labour of going. Indeed I would the more willingly go to you, because I see myself also involved in this controversy. It would be very afflicting to me, to see that kind of doctrine, which I formerly so freely taught there, both in the Churcli and the school, rejected with slight. But I v> ould not be too importunate. I did not intend to proceed farther than by asking, advising, entreating and exhorting you, that I jnight procm-e, in this way, the peace of my pious brother, and of the unhappy little Church. If I hem- that I Jiavt obtained 372 LIfE or CALVIN. 1554( the object, I so much desire, it will afford us all very great joy. Farewell, excellent man, with my dearest brethren, your fellow Ministers, who with you govern that Church, to whom, if you think proper, I wish the contents of this Iet-» ter to be made known. Blay the Lord protect you all, and direct you with the spirit of prudence, rectitude, equity and constancy, and may he bless your labom's. Amen. " Yours, JOHN CALVIN. « Geneva, August 24, 1554." The following letter, written to the excellent and learned Sleidan, in the confidence of friendship, relates to the affairs of the Church at Strasburg : — " Calvin to John SLEiOAN, wishes health. " Being informed lately, by the letter of our brother N. — ■ that you were one of the three, appointed by the Senate to to govern the French Church, I was, as might be expected, greatly rejoiced ; and I trust that, this will long be to me a matter of joy. For I conclude, that this office was imposed upon you rather by the wisdom of God than of man, that by your prudence and fidelity j^ou might quiet those distur- bances which the adversary has hitherto excited. From this circumstance you will therefore take care, that no occasion be given to the wicked to raise any tumult. Now then that little flock has been provided for according to the pray- < r of my heart. It is not from fear that I refrain from ex- horting you to your duty, but because I esteem it to be mi- iiecessary. How much I ou^t to rejoice at the agreement of Melancthon with us in one thing, I know not ; since on the chief points, he openly attacks the sound doctrine, and is ei- ther selling himself to the Philosophers, or for fear of exciting the hatred of some indi\iduals against himself, he craftily, or 1554 LIFE OF CALVIN. ITS at least disingenuously, conceals his opinion. JMay the Lord grant him a stronger resolution, lest from his timidity pos- terity suffer an extensive injury. " Within three months, five ox six have been burnt in Aquitaine, in whose death Christ has gloriously triimiphed. Lately also, in a town of the Venetian Republick, a little be- yond Vulturnia, a pious man, well known to me, confessed Christ with admirable constancy, to the last breath. We have nothing new, but what is equally known to you. Fare- well, excellent and much respected man.* Blay the Lord al- ways protect and bless yoi|, together with your family. Con- cerning the Turkish fleet we have received more certain news, that having burnt some to^vns, laid waste the maritime coun- try, and taken 5000 prisoners, they have returned to Greece. « Geneva, September 26, 1554." During this year, Calvin wrote many letters to forward the work of Reformation in foreign parts ; and laboured to strengthen the faith of different Churches, and of the perse- cuted brethren. He finished about this time his learned and elaborate Commentary upon Genesis. The two following are selected from the many letters which the Genevese Reformer wrote about this time : — *' Calvin to Martyr, wishes health. " Although our friend John Sturmius, when he ga\'e me his advice concerning the dedication of my CommentarieSj * John Sleldan, the German historian, was bom 1506, and died at Stras^ burg 1555. He wrote the history of the state of religion and publick af- fairs, in 25 books, from 1517 to 1555. This history is esteemed, by the learned, to be well and faithfully written, and his authority is respected, James Sturmius, a magistrate ot Strasburg', whose influ^ce was great in the Reformation in that city, assisted Slei4an in hjs history. James Sturr ipnius di«d October^ 155" I i i LIFE OF CALVIN. 1554 added that you Avere of the same mind, yet it was far more pleasing to be informed of the same by your own letter. One thing I fear, that my Avork, for which you manifest so mucli regard, Mill not be worthy of so high estimation. But how happens it, that j^ou are silent about your own Commen- taries on the same book, (Genesis) ? From your answer to Robert Stephens, when you were in England, I expected that they Mould be shortly published. I am sorry, that the Church of God should be so long deprived of those advan- tages, which I believe will be extensive. In the present confused mass of ]x)oks, it is of the first importance, that the Aveighty, learned and solid studies of pious and well-thinking men, Mho are endowed Avitli equal authority and judgment, should be published ; both to defend the purity of doctrine, that, it may descend unsullied and entire to posterity, and to repress the al>surd levity of those, Avho throw all things into confusion. Concerning MelanctliMi, I feel very much grieved. It is not sufficient for him to waver, and turn Mhich May soever the favour of men will carry him, or be- tray the truth by silence ; but he must endeavour to bring o\ cr to his effeminacy the firm servants of God, whose ex- ample it Mould rather become him to imitate. You have clone excellently m'cH, in professing yourself a free defender of the true doctrine. For thus, by your example, a rule is prescribed to him, how far peace is to be cherished, that he may at length learn to aspire to some portion of a deter- mined mind. I have written to your colleague, at the re- <^uest of Sturmius, Avho would too submissively gratify him. .{loMTver this may succeed- in pacifying that N- , I shall jicver repent of having attempted something. If some have fallen off, it is your duty to bear a\ ith more fortitude the burden M'hich is imposed upon you. Since I am fully con- A'inccd that you do tlii?:, I am more and more confirmed in the opinion, that you were detained at Strasburgby the wonderful 1554 LIFE OF CALVIN. 175 Providence of God, that you might give assistance to that trou' bled Church. Please to salute Zanchius in my naiue. Oiu* friend the Marquis salutes you. Farewell, most excellent man, and respected brother. May tiie Lord be with you always, govern you and bless your labours. If your letters had arrived sooner, your advice would have rendered the exhortation to the Princes more copious. But I did not re- ceive them till after the middle of August. My colleagues salute you. « Yours, JOHN CALVIN. « Geneva, August 26, 1554." « Calvin to Melancthon, S. D. ** I am gTieved, and very much wonder, that my last let-:^ ter has not been answered by you. I cannot however suspect that this arises from pride or contempt ; as nothing could be more inconsistent with your disposition and habits. Having found, therefore, a messenger who offers to take th& trouble of carrying my letter to you, I tliought I Avould again at- tempt to draw something from you. I do not say this, be- cause I question your love for me, which was always beyond measure ; but because I judge your silence to be prejudicial to the Church of God. It is on this account that it ought to be afflicting and troublesome to me. " I wrote lately on that point of doctrine, about which you more dissemble your own opinion than differ from u&'. For what else can I think of a man of most penetrating judg- ment, and so eminently skilled in the divine doctrines ? Since no one, who is moderately conversant in the sacred writings, conceals that which you yourself cover as unkno\vn. And yet the knowledge of the gratuitous mercy of God is destroy- ed from the foundation, unless we hold this, that it is by tlif mere good pleasure of God, that the faithful, whom hf ]im ire LlF^ OF CALVIN. 1554 chosen to salvation, are fccparated from the wickejj ; and un- less this is allowed also, that faith emanates from the secret election of God ; because he illuminates, by his Spirit, those t\hora it seemed good to him to choose before they were born, and plants them by the grace of adoption, in his family. Consider, with your usual prudence, how absurd it is, that this doctrine should be unsettled by so eminent a Divine. You must see, that it will aiford a very pernicious example, if in our writings such a manifest difference should be ob- served. Nor will I prescribe this rule for removing differ- ences, that you should assent to my opinion ; but let us by no means ])e ashamed to subscribe to the holy oracles of God> I will readily embrace whatever method of conciliation shall be pointed out as agreeable to you. Behold ignorant and turbulent men on your side, renewing the sacramentarian war ; while all the good sigh and complain that such men encourage themselves by your silence. For although igno- rance is bold, yet no one doubts, but that if you profess pub- lickly Avhat you think, you would subdue, or at least, in a great measure, you w ould easily appease their intemperance. I am not so ignorant of human natiu"e, that I cannot consider with myself, and point out to others also, the kind of meit with whom you have to deal ; how the confusion of affairs keeps you anxious and perplexed ; liow many things must be cu'cumspectly observed by you, which impede and delay your progress. But nothing is so injurious as your dissimu- lation. This loosens the curb upon these furious men, to dis- turb and excite divisions in the Churches. I will not men- tion how dear an ingenuous profession of the true doctrine ought to be to us. You know that, for more than thirty years, the eyes of an innumerable multitude have been fixed on you, desiring nothing more than to submit themselves to jour instruction. What ? Are you ignorant, that many hang is suspense, from that ambiguous form of teax:hing,.to 1554 LIFE OF CALVIN. 177 which you adhere with too much timidity. But if you are not free to be honest to yourself, and teach substantially what is useful to be known, you are at least bound to exert yourself to bridle the intemperate violence of those, who are officiously raising tumults about nothing. For what, I be- seech you, would these men have? Luther exclaimed, through his whole life, that he contended for nothing, but to assert that efficacy which he attributed to the sacraments. It is agreed, that they are not empty forms, but that they give truly what they represent : that in Baptism the efficacy of the Spirit is present, to wash and regenerate us : that the holy Supper is a spiritual feast, in which we are truly fed by the flesh and blood of Christ. In quelling the tumults, therefore, which these preposterous men have again excited, the cause is of too great interest to suffer us to yield it up tlu-ough the fear of hatred. You cannot indeed escape these various agitations, in the course you are pursuing. All our exertions are to be directed to this single point, that the brazen wall of a good conscience may firmly support us, not only in these, but in all the violent attacks with w liich the whole world may assault us. Already I hear you call- ed, by the patrons of Osiander, too flexible, and charged vrith being more devoted to profane philosophy than to the doc- trines of revelation. This reproach wounds me more severe- ly, than if those malicious and perverse men should object against you that which it Avould be not only honourable for you to confess, but magnificently glorious for you to pro- claim as your opinion. Farewell, dearest man and brother, respected by me above others. May the Lord be your de- fence, and continue to guide you by his Spirit even unto the »^nd. « Yours, JOHN CALVIN. " Geneva, August 26, 1554." 23 178 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1555 The union of sentiment among the Swiss Churches, about the Lord's Supper, had, for several years, been a souree of strong- consolation to the Pastors and pious brethren. This agreement, however, had been equally an ol^ject of hatred to the factious spuits of errour. At this time, Joachim West- phal, a man of much intemperate violence, rekindled the fire of controversy. He was strongly bigoted in favour of Consuljstantiation, and severe in his opposition to the doctrine of Zuinglius and Calvin about the Eucharist. Heshusius, JMinister at Heidleburg,# followed up the attack of West- phal, and severely abused the mild and perhaps too tempo- rizing Melancthon. He also opposed the articles of union be- tween the Helvetick Chmxhes, relative to the Lord's Supper. Calvin published an explanation of the articles of agreement, whicli greatly established the fiiends of peace, while it in- creased the violence of Westphal and Heshusius against the opinions of those Churches on that subject. Those who wish to travel over the ground of the controversy,, concern- ing the spiritual nature of the Lord's Supper, on the one hand, and the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the consecrated elements, on the other, will find in the tracts of Calvin, in answer to Westphal, Heshusius and the JMagdeburgenses, &c. an ample and elaborate discussion of tliat much controverted question. These different tracts were published in 1554, 1556, 155r, and 1561.f The following letter exhibits the state of Calvin's mind, concerning the controversy which Westphal had excited : — « Calvin to Farex, Salutem dicit. " My dear Farel — Although I might justly glory in the reproaches, whicli virulent and petulant tongues heap upon • See Bayle, f See Opuscule Calvini, p. 648—744. 1555 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1^9 me, since they rail at nie for nothing, but what I believe God and his Angels approve, yet notAvithstanding, I earnest- ly desire to be secreted in some retirement ; if in that May their fury, which appears to be enkindled by my presence, might be abated. I do not speak of the worthless, -w hom I have long since learned to estimate as they deserve. But it is to me a source of substantial grief, to see Heaven con- stantly assaulted by giants, out of hatred to me. Let us, however, bear it patiently, since we know that it is by the direction of divine Providence, that we are tossed about by so great tempests. Westphal has published an illiberal book against me, to which I know not whether it is expedient to give an answer. Some of my friends request me to do it. When I have read it, the Lord will direct to what is best. You seem to suppose, that I can produce a volume in a moment, and would have me publish more Commentaries than could be written in the course of a long life, by one who was freed from all other cares. How much leisure time, do you suppose I have, after discharging my official duties ? I wish others would undertake to refute those ag- gressive works. I will most earnestly advise Melancthon to this task ; but you know how dilatory he is. FareAvell, best and most beloved brother. JVIay the Lord be always Avith you, protect and support you. My brethren and friends sa- lute you much, and among others our friend Beza, who is now with me. « Geneva, October 10, 1555." The labours, the trials and successive contests, which Cal- vin had to pass through, in preserving the order, and promo- ting the purity of the Church of Geneva, were extremely ar- duous. Love to the cause of Christ was his ruling passion. In seeking first the kingdom of God, he seems to have lost sight of every other object. His confidence in the special 180 LIFE OF CALVIN. 155^ Providence of his Master, was unremitting. He was firm in his hope, that the sunshine of peace would ultimately be en- joyed in that Church. In a person, whose feelings were so acute, and affections so strong as his were, for the purity of doctrine and discipline, the immoralities and crimes of the members of that Church must have caused the most painful sensations. The day however of better things, to the Church and Republick of Geneva, was now at hand. In the begin- ning of the year 1555, the authors of sedition against ecclesi- astical restraints prepared the way for their own destruction. Tliey fell victims to the storm, which was raised by their desperate wickedness. Some of the leaders were capitally punished ; others fled from theu' country ; and all of them jcarae to a shameful end, furnishing an example of the slow but just judgment of God, against the enemies of his Church. Calvin, in a letter to Bullinger, gives a concise statement relative to the downfal of Perrin and his faction.* The Republick of Geneva was now freed from those fac- tious leaders, Avho had opposed the order of the Church, and disturbed the administration of justice. The crafty, ambi- tious and immoral Perrin, who had so long continued his baneful labours, was now completely disgraced, and had fled to escape punishment. The former edicts concerning the ec- clesiastical polity were reenacted, by the unanimous suifrages of the citizens. A new tone was given to the morals of the people ; and the aflairs of the Church were conducted in comparative peace. The King of Poland, having read Calvin's Tract concern- ing The Reformation of the Church, became interested to intro- duce the principles of reform more extensively into the Churches of his country. He requested a correspondence with the Divine of Geneva ; whose letters to the King, and * See Letters, No. 5?. 1555 LIFE OF CALVIN. 181 other distinguished persons in Poland, are a proof of his as- siduity in promoting the cause of Clirist in its purity. This year, Mary, Queen of England, pursued the work of persecution with great violence. Eight hundred persoas were put to death, at diU'erent times, by various kinds of punishment. Among the great number of JMinisters, who were burnt, Nicholas Ridley^ Hugh Latimer , John Hooper ^ Robert Ferrar, and Thomas Cranmer, were distinguished Martyrs. The remains of of Martin Bucer and Paul Fagius were dug up, and committed to the flames, after having been bm'ied about four years. # Calvin was deeply aiilicted at the death of those eminent English Reformers. With Cran- mer he had, for several years, a correspondence, which had a salutary influence in reforming the Liturgy of the English Church. In France also, persecutions at this time prevailed. Calvin addressed a consolatory letter to his brethren, who were in chains. And he gave the most animating instruc- tions, to encrease the fortitude, and strengthen the patience, of the five Martyrs, who were burnt at Cambray. Matthew Gribauld, a Lawyer, who maintained some hereti- cal notions concerning the being of God and the Person of Christ, had, for several years, occasionally visited Geneva.f Some Italiani, who had been under his instruction at Padua, introduced him to Calvin, with whom he requested to have a private dispute, upon some of his own theological dogmas. Calvin agreed, on condition that there should be proper wit- nesses present at the discussion. This he refused. AVlien he came again to that city, Calvin informed him, by a friend, that he was free to confer with him, in the presence of his brother Ministers, and three Ecdesiastibus Seidorihis-Churck Elders ; assuring him, that he need fear no danger from any disclosure of his sentiments. Gribauld agreed to the propo> * See Bucholtzer's Chronology, Anno 1555. t Epist. t'alvinij Georgio Comiti ^Yirtebergensi, &c. May f!, 1557, 182 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1555 sal, and came lo the appointed place, "where Calvin and the others ^ve^e assembled. Calvin declined giving him his hand, and excused himself from using any deceitful ceremonies with one, who diifered so materially on the essential points of religion. lie declared, that it "oas improper to put on appear- ances, Mhere there was no real cordiality, but on the contrary an entire hostility of sentiment ; and that if they could agi'ee on the essential principles of faith, he should feel and would treat him with all due respect. Upon this Gribauld left the room in a turbulent manner. The seeds of heretical opinions were sown by this man, among some of the members of the Italian Church, which was under the pastoral care of the amiable and learned Count Martincnges.% He was the ultimate friend of Calvin, and while he lived he governed his little flock at Geneva with peculiar care. At his death, he commit- ted them to the fatherly protection of Calvin, expressing great anxiety, lest those pernicious principles of Gribauld should prevail to their ruin. The progress of heresy is from moderate suggestions to bold impieties. So it was with Gri- bauld. He escaped punishment by fleeing from Tubingen, where he had been introduced as Professor of Law, by the favour of Vergerius. By the Senate of Geneva he was ex- cluded from that city. He was afterwards apprehended at Bern, and upon his recantation, was released. But soon af- ter, he avowed the- same opinions, and was apprehended. Be- ing seized by the plague, he died in prison, and thus escaped a capital punishment. f Jerome Bolseck, after he was exclu- * Eplst. Calvlni ad Marlyrem, May 22, 1558. •j- Matthew Gribauld, it is stated by Bayle, wrote and published a iiistoiy of Fravjcis Spira. In tlue title, Gribauld says he was a familiar ac- quaintance cf Spira, in 1548, and that he wrote what he saw and heard himself. It was printed .it Basil, 1550. Sleidan, in his history, de- clares that Gribauld w.is a spectator of the sad condition of Spira, and that he wrot« and published an account of it ; also, that many others, men ofldisllnction, saw Spira in that situation, which the history describes. 1556 LIFE OF CALVIN. lS3r ded from the territory of Geneva, resided in the Canton of Bern. By his influence, some jNIinisters in that quarter, who were unprincipled and licentious, were induced to allege against Calvin, That he made God the author of all evil, be- cause he excluded nothing from his eternal Frovidencc and or- dination. Being disposed, by misrepresentations, to injure the reputation of Calvin, they disregarded the statements which he had formerly made in replying to the same objec- tions. Calvin had abmidantly proved, that the ordination of God, concerning man, jvas consistent nith the lams of moral agency ; and without attempting to explain the mystery, as- serted, and from the Scriptures proved the fact, that the di- vine sovereignty was absolute. Though personally regard- less of these often repeated calumnies, he however, from con- cern for the cause of truth, petitioned the Senate for permis- sion to repair to Bern, accompanied by delegates from that body, in order to defend the true doctrines of religion be- fore the people of that city. The points of doctrine were amply discussed. Bolseck was ordered to depart from the territory of that Canton. Castalio, who was more artful and secret in his enmity against Calvin and those doctrines, was, from learning, talents and morals, far more influential than Bolseck in spreading the errours of Pelagius. He was censur- ed, and also exiled from the territory of Bern. Another of these accusers, and not the least violent, ^^'as Andrew Zebedeus. He was a Minister of Newburg, four miles from Geneva. Some time after the decease of Calvin, being himself on his death-bed, he assembled the principal citizens, and confessed his belief of the doctrines of the eter- nal Providence and absolute sovereignty of God. He de- clared his abhorrence of his treatment of Calvin, and order- ed his >vritings on those subjects to be burnt in his presence. In 1556, Calvin was seized with a quartan ague during divine service. His constitution was much debilitated, by 184 LIFE OF CALVIN. i5;5r tlie discharge of his numerous official duties, and by his un- remitting studies. The reformed Church at Frankfort ap- plied to him for his advice, concerning the diiTerences Avhich prevailed among them, upon the subject of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Among the letters, which he wrote this year, is one addressed to the Church at Frankfort, and others to d liferent persons in that city. Having recovered his health in some measure, at their request, he made a visit, in the month of August, to that Church, to assist them in set- tling the agitated questions. After his return, he resumed his labours in preparing his Commentary on the Psalms. Daring the reign of Henry II., the Reformers in France suffered many severe persecutions. They had, however, in their interest many noble and influential persons, at the head of whom w^as Lewis, first Duke of Conde, and Gaspard de Coligni, Admu*al of France. The opposition to them was powerful, and they ^vere obliged, for their security, to celebrate the Supper, and hold their meetings in private houses, and -with secrecy. A large number, having assem- bled, on the 4th of September, in St. James street at Paris,# for the celebration of the Supper, Avere discovered by the Papists. Many of them made their escape, by the darkness of tJie night. Eighty were apprehended, imprisoned, and treated with the most abusive indignity. Among those were many noble women of the first rank. Henry was petu- lant and cruel ; and at this time his furious bigotry was es- ■ pecially enraged at the loss of the battle of St. Quintin. Demochares, a Doctor of the Sorbonne, accused them of those crimes, which the Pagans charged against the first Christians. Tlieir enemies reproached tliem A\ith being the cause of all the calamities of the kingdom ; and suborned witnesses to testify, that in their nocturnal meetings they in-, * BCrcboU^ev's Chronolo.^-. 1557. 1558 LIFE OF CALVIN. 185 dulged in the most filtliy lewdness. The King ordered twenty-one of these unhappy persons to be burnt alive. Seven of these were to be committed to the flames at three succes- sive times. One of the first seven was a woman of a noble family, who exhibited an example of fortitude becoming a believer in the promises of Christ. Two others were youths distinguished for their constancy in the faith, under such trying circumstances. The Minister, who performed the service on the evening when they Avere apprehended, pub- lished the most ample testimony, to prove the falsehood of the calumnies with m hich their accusers had reproached them. The interest taken by Calvin, m the distresses of his breth- ren, is manifested by the letter which he vTote to the Landgrave of Hesse, to secure his interference %v ith the King of France, to remove the imputation that the Reformers were in any manner the cause of the slaughter at the battle of St. Q,uintin, and also for their deliverance from persecu- tion. *' Caivin to the most illustrious Prince, liORD Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, &c. **^ Most illustrious Prince and Lord, though conscious of my inferiority yet I am persuaded, that your Highness con* siders me as a faithful servant of Christ ; and that your former benevolence towards me still remains the same. I will not make a long apology for my request, in a case where sloth or omission w^ould oh my part be cruelty. I abstained from writing to you, when the two brethren went to you some time since, because I would not l)e trou- blesome, nor press your Excellency to perform a duty to which I believed you were already sufficiently inclined. But as they are now going to you the third time, a new reason excites me to unite my entreaties with, theirs, that 9A 186 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1558 you may not think their importunities with your Excel- lency are repeated so often without cause. It is proba- ble, that tlie rumours Avhicli are spread have reached your ears, that there was no need of any expostulation ^vith the King, who had, of his own accord, ordered all those to be liberated, who had been thrown into prison on account of the gospel. It is true, that of a great number only seven as yet have been burnt. But they are very much deceived, who think that bounds are now set to this cruelty, as if the enemies were grown mild, or were satisfied with innocent blood. The invincible constancy of the Martyrs has indeed,, for a moment, broken or restrained their madness. They lately led two youths to punishment, whose tender age they supposed would render them less courageous and constant, hoping by their apostacy to brand the true faith with infamy and disgrace. Disappointed in these expectations, they a\ er6 disposed to pursue some diiierent course. They examined those who appeared most prepared to undergo death, paying no regard to their wealth, or distinguished family connections, and concealed them in caverns, from which they will, on the very first opportunity, be dragged to death, to wliich they believe themselves to be sentenced. And this thing is com- monly known. More than thirty both men and women are in this condition. Others are distributed in monasteries, to whom the Monks are so many daily tormentors. If many have escaped from these cells, it has not proceeded from clemency or humanity ; but because it was agreeable to the Monks, who wish their cloisters to be freed from such nox- ious persons, lest the contagion should be propagated among them. This half way punishment, however, very much dis- pleases the Cardinal, who reigns supremely at Court. This is evident from the severe threats and reproaches of the King, because the Judges of the Parisian inquisition have not acted with more energy and effect. He has, at length, by his Am- 1558 LIFE OF CALVIN. 18? bassadour, petitioned the Romish Antichrist to appoint three Cardinals, to preside over the inquisition, with the unbri- dled liberty of destruction and slaughter. He has published a new edict by wliich the Bishops have committed to them the power of life and death. Nothing is left to the royal Judges, but to be the executioners of the sentences of the in- quisition. Should we all then remain silent, your Excellen- cy will at once, fi'om your smgular prudence, discern what the event will be, unless immediately obviated by effectual measures. Your piety and zeal will no doubt excite you, without delay, to succour those unhappy brethren, whose sighs and groans ought justly to pierce all pious hearts, and stimulate them to provide for their brethren the most prompt and effectual relief. The request which is now urg- ed relates not only to those who are in prison, but to three hundred thousand persons, who are every moment agitated with new terrours. Even now, not only at Paris, but in other cities of France, some of the faithful assemble for prayer, and other exercises of religion. But while the certain danger of death threatens them, the less they spare their own lives, the more worthy are they, on that account, to receive assistance, if by any means it can be afforded them. ]\Iay the Lord protect your Excellency, and adorn you, most illustrious Prince, with all good gifts, and confirm you with the spirit of fortitude even unto the end. " Geneva, Feb. 27, 1553." Calvin wrote letters also, by the two brethren mentioned above, Theodore Beza and John Budeus, to Otlio Henry, Prince Palatine Elector, and JMichael Dillerus. He forward- ed to Otho the confession of faith, adopted by the French reformed Churches, that he might remove the unfounded as- persions, which the agents of Henry II. had endeavoured to cast upon those who were persecuted, as though they were 188 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1558 different in their faith from the German Churches. For it was now the interest of Henry, as it was formerly of Francis I., to excite animosities between the Protestants in Germany and the Emperour. Calvin assures Otho, that the French inquisition put to death all persons without distinction, who did not confess that Christ was daily sacrificed in the Mass. Such were the bigotry and cruelty of Henry II., that he was him- self present at the burning of those unhappy persons, and it is said, that the horrible spectacle made so deep an impres- sion on his mind, that the idea haunted him during the re- mainder of his life.* The German Princes at length inter- posed their influence with Henry, and the persecutions were in some measure al)ated. Calvin also addressed letters to those who were imprisoned for their faith, and encouraged them to continue in their sufferings. In 1558, an alliance was entered into between the Repub- lick of Geneva and that of Bern. One object of this was to exclude from the territory of one government, persons who had been banished by the other. This greatly dis- commoded the plans, and frustrated the expectations, of those persons who had been excluded from Geneva, and had taken up their residence in the Canton of Bern, more con- veniently to carry on their attacks upon the doctrines of the Genevese Church, and to secure the circulation of their er- rours among that people. The heretical sentiments, which Gribauld had propagated among some of the members of the Italian Church, gave rise, at this time, to new controversies. A'alentine Gentilis, a native of Cosenza, a man of a penetrating and subtle mind, easily perceived that neither the extravagant forms of ex- pression, with which Servetus had coloured the heresy of Paul of Samosata, nor the confusion of the Persons a\ itli the * See Rees' Cyclopsedia, Art. Henry II. of France. i 1558 LIFE OF CAI.VIN. 180 Essence of God, introduced bj' Sabelliu?, nor yet the ficti- tious divinity of Christ, taught by Arius, could be recon- ciled with the word of God. He perceived also, that what thes criptures teach concerning one Essence, and three distinct. Persons, did not fall within the comprehension of the human imderstanding. He proceeded, as is usual with such specu- lative minds, to reject the wisdom of God ; and to substitute that which he conceived to be more agreeable to human reason. Unwilling to receive the truth upon the divine tes- timony, and leave the mystery with God, he boldly attri- buted the supreme authority, vionarchia, to the Person of the Father, whom he Avould have to be the only and alone uvToesev, sovereign God. He openly avowed the Esscntia- tion, that is, the propagation of Essence, and as there were three Persons, so there must be of course three Essences, that is, three Gods, eternal, omnipotent and immense. To support his notions, he not only wrested the scriptures, and perverted their testimony, which establishes the facts on this mysterious subject ; but also the authority of the Council of Nice, and of those ancient fathers, Ignatius, TertuIIian, Ireneus and Lac- tantius. He affected to despise the orthodox v/riters who lived after the Council of Nice, and accused them of impie- ty, for supporting the doctrine of the triune unity of the Godhead. Gentilis commenced the propagation of his opinions secret- ly, under the pretence of discussion and enc[uiry, among a few persons ; of this number were John Paul Alciat, a ]\Ii- lanese, and George Blandrata, a Physician of Salusses. The Consistory of the Italian Church in Geneva, b^fing informed that some members were infected with liis heresy, called a special meeting. An examination was held in the presence of some selected Senators, the IMinisters and Church Elders. They patiently heard the arguments in favour of the here- sy. These were refuted by Calvin from the testimony of 190 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1558 the scriptures ; and the question was so Avell settled, that all the Italians, excepting six, readily subscribed the articles of the Genevese confession of faith on the 18th of Alay, 1553. The six, who at first refused, were afterwards called sepa- rately, and subscribed the confession, but not \\ ith sincerity. Gentilis, notwithstanding his avowed i-etraction, still propaga- ted his inventions, and being again arraigned, he defended his opinions before the Consistory. Being confuted and con- founded by Calvin, he dissembled very deep repentance, and abjured his errours in all the publick places of the city. Up- on his promise under oath, not to leave Geneva, he was dis- missed. But regardless of this obligation, he soon after fled to Gribauld, in Savoy, and was followed by Alciat and Bland- rata. The two latter, not being esteemed by the others as men of science, retired into Transylvania, and for several years propagated their pernicious opinions in that and the neighbouring countries. Gentilis and Gribauld, by their united labours, forged a work against the Trinity, in which they reproached the sentiments of Athauasius and of Cal- vin. They procured the publication of this at Lyons, with a dedication to the BailiiT of Gex, who was totally ignorant of their sentiments. While at Lyons, Gentilis Avas seized by the Popish inquisition, on account of the heretical senti- ments contaii«;d in his book. He exemplified the looseness of his principles, in his method of avoiding the punishment with which he was threatened by the Papists. He persuad- ed them that he had only Avritten against Calvin, and on this account they dismissed him as a man who had deserv- ed well of the Catholick Clmrch. Gentilis eventually en- trusted himself in the hands of the Bailiflf of Gex, and re- quested the privilege of a publick disputation in defence of his principles. He made the challenge on the condition, that whoever failed of supporting his opinion should forfeit his head, and if the challenge was not accepted, he was to be 1558 LIFE OF CALVIN. 191 declared as a person holding orthodox and pious sentiments, concerning the most high God, and his Son Jesus Christ.* The BailiJf of Gex, pleased with the opportunity of having the man in his power, who had imposed upon him by the dedication of his work, caused him to be apprehended and committed to prison. He was at length sent to Bern, to de- fend himself concerning his errours. Here he was duly tri- ed, and convicted of perjury and publick impiety in renew- ing his attack upon the Trinity. All means having failed of bringing him to renounce his errours, he wcis sentenced and beheaded September 9, 156C. The quartan fever had continued its attacks upon Calvin for eight months, and reduced him to a state of debility from Avhich he did not afterwards recover. At the request of his Physicians and friends, he omitted his publick sermons and lectures in theology, but still devoted day and night, in dictating and writing letters. He would often say, Hon) unpleasant to me is an idle life I Notwithstanding the ex- postulations of his friends to take care of his health, he this year prepared the last edition of his favourite work, The In- stitvtes of the Christian Religion. In his preface he says, " I proposed to myself, in this edition, to provide a way in which the students of sacred theology might advance with an uninterrupted step in the study of the scriptures. I think I have so embraced the substance of religion in all its parts, and digested it in such order, that tlie mind which imder- stands this may, without difficulty, determine what the scrip- tures principally teach, and what is the grand object of all the counsels and examples which they contain. All doctrines and duties are comprehended in this compendium. The or- der of these Institutes appears distinctly in all my Commen- taries as the image in a glass." * See Bayle, Art. Gentilis. 192 LIFE OF CALVIK. 1553 The following are the prmcipal editions of the Institutes during the life of the author : — First edition, A. D. 1535, at Basil.* Second edition, 1539, at Strasburg, enlarged, the edition which Pighius attacked. Third edition, 1 54Iick eeuiinary. The College Avas instituted in September, with eight Preceptors for youths, and several Professors of Hebrew and Greek, Phi- losophy and Divinity. It >\ as dedicated to the most High and Holy God, in the full assembly of the people, at which time the object of its institution, and the laws by which it was to be governed, Avere publickly read. Calvin retained the Professorship of Divinity, and Theodore Beza was induct- ed into the office of President. Francis II. who succeeded his father, was under the influ- ence of the Duke of Guise and his brother. Cardinal Lor- rain. He was young, weak in constitution, and feeble in mind. By the intrigues of ambitious men, his reign was dis- tinguished for violence and disorder. The foundation was now laid for those civil and religious contentions which so long afflicted the Reformed Churches of France. The burn- ing of Annes du Bourge Avas followed by a more extensive persecution of the Calvinists. The King appointed Presidi- al Courts, %vhich had power to try only cases of this sort. " They condemned to the flames, without mercy, all those who were convicted of the new religion." The Reformers were no^v become very numerous in France, and many distin- guished men and noble families favoured tlie pure doctrines and worship. The Prince of Conde was the head,* and Co- ligiri the strong arm of their party. They sought, by every means of address and mest humble petition, to obtain liberty of conscience, and security in their religious assemblies. Their efljorts were of no avail ; the restrictions upon them were in- creased ; their cup Avas rendered more bitter ; and at length they injudiciously concerted a plan to defend themselves by • See Dupjn, cent. 16, book 4, p. 398, 399, and book 3, p. 164. 1560 LIFE OF CAI.VIN. 199 force. The contests between the Papists and Reformers at Amboise were violent. Calvin was accused of having excited the leaders of these tumults openly to oppose the orders of the King-. In his letter to BuUinger, dated May 11, 15G0, he says that he interposed his authority, to prevent the attempts to redress themselves ])y force. In his letter to Ambrose Blaurer, of the 27ih. of May, he fully exposes the wickedness and impolicy of such attempts to obtain redress. He had, from the first of his knowledge of their plans, opposed them, and predicted the evils that would follow. Some however at Geneva it seems encouraged the conspiracy at Amboise, who were resolved upon appearing armed before the King, and demanding liberty of conscience, and the removal of the Guises from the government. At this time also, Geneva \^ as openly threatened with invasion. Calvin, writing on the sub- ject, observes, " I cannot be persuaded of this danger ; yet if greater dangers should press us we will quietly wait the event, relying on the protection of God. Whatever shall happen, our heavenly father will turn it to our salvation ; and in shewing mercy to us, will have respect to the gocd of the whole church." At the close of this letter he informs BJau- rer, that he dictated it from his bed, " where, according to ray custom, I lie down one half of my time, that I may b« able to improve with more strength the remaining hours." In consequence of the commotions which were excited in Provence, Languedoc and other place?, the King called a Council to be holden at Fontainbleau, about thirty-five miles from Paris, on the 20th of August 1560. The following let- ter details the transactions of this Council. "Calvin to Bullixgek, wishes health. " All the Nobles were lately assembled at Fontainbleau, a place less than two days journey fiom Paris. A certain SOe LIFE OF CALVIN. J5G0 Cardinal was present, who is either a Mine catk or a flaggon, for he certainly bears not the figure of a man. The Guises thought, that the splendour of this convention would be greatly increased if they assembled, from all parts, as many as possible of the purple habited Knights, who boast them- selves of the order of St. Michael. Thirty made their ap- pearance when before there were only twelve. The Chancel- lor said much in extolling the illustrious Senate, in whom re- sided all the authority of the kingdom. This mtroduction was a piece of gross flattery. He afterwards discoursed upon the state of the kingdom ; and observed that since there was need of remedies to cure the diseases, the cause of the evils must be investigated. Here he ended his speech as if, desti- tute of counsel, he would implore the aid of Physicians. The King designedly asked the opinion of the Bishop of Valence, who was among the lowest Counsellors. The Guises were anx- ious to awaken the private feelings of all, and that every one should be suddenly attacked, as should appear best for their purpose. The Admiral arose, contrary to their expectation, and handed the king a petition in which those who desired the pure worship of God in Normandy requested, that they should be permitted to meet in the day time, that they might avoid the various calumnies, to which they were exposed from th?. circumstance of their being obliged to hold secret and nightly meetings. He was asked from whom he obtained the petition. He answered, that he had been anxious for the publick good, and to know more fully what the Reformers desired : That there were fifty thousand men whose subscription might be obtained if it should please the King. Coligni and the Arcli- bishop of Vienne were the only t\vo who spoke on this subject with energy. These things being heard by the Council, the greater part of whom were silent voters, the Duke ©f Guise fully vented himself in a manner that would have been in- tolerable any where else. Take an instance of his stupidity. 1560 LIFE OF CALVIN. STOl When the Admiral said, that he was not pleased with the barbarian custom, that the King should be surrounded by an army instead of being protected by his body guards ; that this education was not worthy of France, as the young King ought not to be brought up in the habit of guarding him- self against his subjects, as though he was in fear of those, whose favour he ought to secure and cherish by his good will ; the Duke answered, that the king did not need nurs- es and foster-fathers, inasmuch as he is educated in the plen- itude of his own virtue, (I repeat his very words,) that if he is to be instructed, his mother is sufficient for this office. He boldly said also, that M'hatever a thousand Councils might decree, he was determined to follow the institutions of his ancestors. His brother, the Cardinal Lorrain, was more grave and prudent. He said it was in vain to ask from Coun- cils for any change in doctrines ; that it was unlawful to call into controversy M'liat had before come from the Holy Spirit ; and that if there were corruptions in morals, the Bishops ought to be permitted to correct them fully. He was fretted by what the Archbishop of Vienne said, that it was a re- proach, and a shameful sign of confusion, that Bishops should leave their Churches, to follow the Courts of Princes ; and by his entreating the King with much earnestness, that the Churches should not be deprived of their Pastors, under the vain pretext of the publick good. Hence this rule was adopted, that no one should be bound by law or necessity, to attend the Court, but each one should act as he pleased. — You ask, what was the result ? The Archbishop of Vienne retired home. After foin: or five days were consumed in vain consultations, it was determined, that there should be a meeting of the States in the month of December. The Bishops are summoned to meet on the 20th of January, not to decree any thing, but to consider what is to be proposed to the Council, They had hitherto obstinately opposed a 26 20^ LIFE OF CALVIN. 1560 meeting- of the States ; and tliey have now cunningly contriv- ed to elude the hopes of those who expected some alleviation 6f their evils from this assembly. This exception is added, That each Province shall examine, before its own Prefects, what business it is expedient to treat of in the Council. This affords no liberty at all ; as they must choose their de- puties under the direction of those Governours. Those flat- terers therefore will attend, who are purchased and nominat- ed by the Prefect. How frivolous and trifling this ostensible Council is, you may easily learn from the formula of the edict which convenes it, whicli some one of your friends will inter- pret to you. In the mean time the truth of the Gospel is breaking forth. In Normandy, our brethren now preacli publickly, for private houses will not contain three or four thousand men. In Poictiers, Saintonge, and in all Aqui- taine, they enjoy greater liberty. Languedoc, Provence and Dauphire have many intrepid disciples of Christ. Why the Cardinal ceases, he has clearly professed, That he may in a short time detect the impudence of the Fanaticks. But the Lord, I hope, will not only bring to light his wicked pur- poses, but also dissipate his impious endeavours. Fare- Svell, inost respected man and highly esteemed brother. — May the Lord always preserve all yours in health, Sec. « Geneva, October 1, 1560." The opinion of Osiander, that man was justified by the es- sential righteousness of God, was at this time controverted by Francis Stancarus, Professor at Koningsburg. Of a warm and zealous mind, he pursued the other extreme, and main- tained, that Jesus Christ is Mediator only according to his human nature. His opinion was condemned as heretical by several Synods, and confuted by Melancthon, and by Peter Martyr. The Churches of Poland however, being much disturbed by these disputes, made application to the Cohsis- 1560 LIFE OF CALVIN. 303 tory of Geneva for their opinion. Calvin addressed a letter to the Poles, and in a short admonition exposed the fallacy and pernicious nature of this errour. He also guarded thera against the heresy of the Tritheists, as defended by Blandrata and his adherents. He laboured to confirm them in the belief, that Christ was IMediator in both natures, with- out multiplying his divinity.* The United Brethren, commonly called "Waldenses, who had retired into Bohemia, to enjoy liberty of worship, and pm-ity of doctrines, addressed a letter to Calvm by two of their number. In consequence of the disputes in the Po- lanese Churches, they hesitated about extending to them the right hand of fellowship. They also had some difficulty among themselves, as to the Lord's Supper, as their confession asserted, that the bread and Avine were the true body of Christ. Calvin replied to them, that it was their duty to as- sist the Polanese ; and so much the more, as they, in common with other Churches, were labouring under difficulties among themselves ; and were at the same tune suiTounded by the enemies of the pure doctrines. Speaking of the Augsburg Confession, he says, " We know, how plausible the conduct of those is, who, under the cover of the Augsburg Confession,f taking their peace and quietness, escape troubles and hatreds and even the cross itself. But what the autlior himself, Phi- lip Melancthon, thought on this point, is no secret w^ith you ; and perhaps the improbity of those persons, m ho endeavour to draw obscurity over the clearest light, may compel us to * See Calvlni Opuscula p. 587. Amst. Ed. f Tliis was the first publick confession of faith by the Protestants of Germany. It was drawn up by Melancthon, and presented to the Empe- rour, Charles V. in the Diet of Augsburg, June 25, 1530. The confession contains 28 chapters, 21 of which are employed in stating the opinions of the Protestants, on the great points of doctrine. The 7 last are an exhibi- tion of the errours and abuses of the Bomish Church. Mosh. vol. 3. p 354 204 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1560 make it known to the world. Nor yet, although we reverent- ly cherish the memory of Melancthon, do we rest upon his authority for confuting our adversaries ; but we would only show how unjustly they cover themselves with the Augsburg Confession, whose opinions are totally foreign from the mind of its author." — In his letter to the Polish Princes, in 1557, which was the ground of this application from the United Brethren, Calvin says, " A part, as we hear, embrace the ■ Augsburg Confession ; others tenaciously retain the doctrine of the Waldenses ; and others desire a pure and more simple explanation of the mystery. As to the Augsburg Confession, there is no just reason, why the servants of Christ should contend among themselves, only let the genuine sense be agreed upon." In his letter to Schalinger, Pastor of Frank- fort, Calvin says, « I do not reject the Augsburg Confession* which I long since subscribed, volens ac libens, mllbigly and freely, as the author himself explained it." The same dispo- sition to cherish union and peace, which induced Calvin to subscribe the Augsburg Confession himself, influenced him to say to the Polish Princes, " That in unity of faith and agree- ment among brethren, consisted the prosperity of the Church." On the same principle, he urges the Waldenses to cherish a mutual agreement with other Churches, as they all had one Father in heaven, and Avere all united in one body under Christ, the head ; and that the best bond, to cherish and pre- serve concord among brethren was not to admit, with too easy credulity, unfavourable reports about each other.* In consequence of the persecutions in France, during the reigns of Henry and Francis, many of the French Reformers took refuge in England, under the protection of Queen Eliza- beth. From motives of policy, the English Court gave assis- tance to the Prince of Conde, and his party, in their contests ' In Epist. Calvini p. 113, 115, et p. 145. Amst. Edit. 1560 LIFE OF CALVIN. 205 with the Guises, to secure the toleration of their principles and ^vorship. By dividing the French at home, they prevented . them from aiiording that aid to Mary, Queen of Scotland, which might have enabled her to maintain and establish her claims to the dominion of that country.* Men and money Avere furnished by Elizabeth to the Reformers in France, and those who emigrated to England were kindly received, and tolerated in that form of worship, which she ^ras at this time assisting their brethren at home to establish. Under such circumstances, the Presbyterian form of worship was introdu- ced and tolerated in England. By the direction of Edmund Grindal, Bishop of London, the emigrants >vrote to Calvin to send them a Minister, who should establish a Church upon the same principles of doctrine and order of w orship a\ ith the Genevcse. Nicholas Gallasius came to London for that purpose. Grindal and other distinguished characters at Court procured for them the Church of St. Antliony near merchant taylor's hall.f By Gallasius, Calvin ^vrotc to Grindal. " Galvix to the Bishop of Lokdok. " Most excellent and revered Sir, although you do not ex- pect that I should give you tlianks, for the pious services you have rendered the Church of Christ, ycl I should accuse my- self of unreasonable ingratitude, if I should not acknowledge myself under obligation to you, for so respectfully taking up- on yourself the care of our people, who reside in the cliief city of your diocese ; not only that, through the favour of the Queen, liberty is given them of the pure worship of God, but also that they might call from this city a faithful raptor. But since you have cheerfully, of your ov. n accord, ask'.d * See Burnet's Iiist. Ucform. Anno. 1559 t See Heylln, Hist. Presbjt. p 217 20G LIFE OF CALVIN, 1560 \ and exhorted me to be careful lo clmse a proper Pastor for them, I need not recommend to your protection and patron- age those for whose welfare I see you are so anxious. As you liave testified already your rare and singular love of piety, in assisting them so liberalh^, so it Avill be the part of your con- stancy to continue your favour towards them to the end. Re- specting ourselves, as the situation appeared to demand a man of the most excellent gifts, and your guests expressly wished us to send them some one of our connection, we pre- ferred rather to deprive omselves, than not to accommodate them according to their pious request. We have yielded to them accordingly, our brother Nicholas Gallasius, one of the three whom they at first named. It is with regret, that he suffers himself to be torn from us, by whom he knows himself to be greatly beloved. He leaves this place with reluctance, where liis labours have been no less fruitful than faithful ; yet, overcome by your exhortations, he has accepted of this office, hoping that he might be of more extensive service iii enlarging the kingdom of Christ. Necessity alone obliges us to dismiss him ; as we feared that without his presence, sufficient provision would not be made for that tender and yet unsettled Church. His departure is no small loss to this place, where he is held in high estimation, and where he has always conducted as becomes a servant of Christ. To me he is a dear and familiar fi'iend ; and I could not consent to his departure without severe sorrow. But any thing is to be suffered to accommodate our destitute and persecuted brethren, witli the assistance tliey so anxiously request. On this account, I am the more solicitous that he may find his situation with you so agreeable as to lighten his burdens, and solace him under the trials arising from this change of resi- dence. When, by your kindness, he shall be more intimately known to you, I trust. Reverend Sir, that you will find liim sufficientiv amiable without the recommendations of others. loCO LIFE OF CALVIN. 207 And now, if I have any interest in your favour, I entreat you again and again, to continue your kindness and benevolence to one to uhom you see me so strongly attached. I am sin- cerely grieved, that the Churches throughout the kingdom are not yet so quietly settled as all good men \sished, and had at first expected. To overcome obstacles, indefatigable exertions are required. It is now expedient, and therefore the Queen ought to know it, that you should willingly dis- miss, nay even reject whatev^er savours of earthly domination ; that it may be evident that your authority is lawful, and that it is given you of God to exercise your spiritual func- tions. This will be her true excellency and majesty. Then she will hold, under Christ the head, the highest degree of dignity, if she stretch forth her supporting hand to the law- ful Pastors, to enable you to fulfil the duties which are en- joined upon you. But as your prudence neither requires ad- vice, nor your magnanimity excitements, I will only have re- course to prayers, and entreat the Lord, most excellent and revered Sir, to govern you with his Spirit, sustain you with his strength, defend you with his shield, and bless your holy labours. My colleagues respectfully sahite you. « Geneva, May 15, 1560." The violent measures of Francis had driven the Reformers in his kingdom almost to despair of their cause. But while the prospect was still darkening, and severer persecutions were expected to follow the meeting of the three Estates at Me- lun in December, Francis died suddenly on the 5th of that month. This event relieved them from their immediate ap- prehensions ; and they subsequently found seasons of enlarge- ment and comparative repose. Francis II. was succeeded by his brother Charles IX. at the age of ten years. Scarcely had this chilil mounted the throne when letter?, written in his name, were brought to Ge^ 208 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1561 neva by a herald, in which he complained, that persons from that city were exciting disturbances in his kingdom. He de- manded that they should be immediately recalled, or he should not pass over such a just cause of revenge. Calvin, being summoned by the Senate, answered in his own name, and in that of his colleagues, that at the request of the French Churches, they had sent men of sound faith and holy life, well qualified to assist them in regulating their Churches, and defending the sacred cause ; that they had done this, not to disturb the kingdom, but to promote the Gospel of peace ; and that if any other accusations were made against them, he and his colleagues were ready to answer their accu- sers before the King. This business Wcis proceeded in no farther, as the management of aii'airs in France fell into the hands of the King's mother, Catherine de Medicis, who held the regency. In September, Calvin dedicated his Prtelectiones on Daniel to all the pious norshippers of God, who were labouring to build the Church of Christ in France. He affectionately ad- dressed his countrymen, reminding them that although he had been twenty-six years in a foreign city, he had not been unmindful of their welfare ; that he had assisted their Churches by his publick labours, and by his private exertions had endeavoured to awaken the drowsy, to stimulate the slothful, to encourage the fearful, and to strengthen the wa- vering to perseverance ; that at this critical moment, he ded icated to them his Lectures on tlie Prophecy of Daniel, to give them new strength from the ancient examples of faith and constancy, that they might not be disheartened amidst the storms and tempests which so violently assailed them. And although at no period, had the prospects of the reformed Churches in France been so promising, yet Calvin, as with a prophetick voice, declares to them, that contests and trials, far moTt' severe than they apprehended, awailed tliem. 1561 LIFE OF CALVIN. 309 The conference at Poissy between the Romish Prelates and the reformed Ministers was now in session. In this assem- bly Beza presented to Charles IX. the confession of faith adopted by the French Churches. " This was the confes- sion," says Mr. Quick in his Synodicon, " which was drawn up by the Rev. Mr. Calvin, and was owned in their first na- tional Synod held at Paris, in the year 1559, and presented unto Francis II. first at Amboise, in behalf of all the profes- sors of the reformed religion in that kingdom ; afterwards to Charles IX. at the conference of Poissy. It was a se- cond time presented to Charles ; and at length published by the Pastors of the French Churches, with a preface to all other evangelical Pastors, in the year 1566. It was also most solemnly ratified in the national Synod, held the first time at Rochell, 1571, the year before the massacre of Bar- tholomew ; and signed by Jane, ^ueen of Navarre, Henry, Prince of Beam, Henry de Bourbon, Prince of Conde, Lewis, Count of Nassau, and Sir Gaspard de Coligni, Lord High Admiral of France."# Among the many distinguished persons of the Reformers, who were present at the conference of Poissy, were Theodore Beza from Geneva, Peter Martyr from Zurich, and Nicholas Gallasius from the reformed Church in London. The let- ters which Beza wrote to Calvin, during his continuance in France, afford a very interesting account of the transactions of the conference, and the disordered state of religious matters in that kingdom .f During its sessions at Poissy, Francis Baldwin, a Lawyer, who had several times changed sides in his avowed religious opinions, being suborned by Cardinal Lorrain, offered for sale in the palace a book in which, under the mask of modera- tion, the corruptions of Popery were artfully defended. Cal- * Quick's Synodtcon vol,l,p. 15. f Tn Epist. CaWIni. 27 210 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1562 vin, being informed by Beza of this circinnstance, immedi- ately wrote an answer, in which he exposed both the decep- tion of the work, and the character of Baldwin.* In the month of January, 1562, was published the first edict which had given any tolerance to the reformed Church- es. Notwithstanding all the persecutions they had suffered, the number of them had increased to two thousand one hun- dred and fifty.] After the adoption of the confession of faith drawn up by Calviu, they were by degrees designated by the term Calvinistick ; and their doctrines, by their enemies, were termed Calvinism. The Duke of Guise, the leader of the Popish party, being at Vassi in Champaign, his attendants " picked a quarrel" with the reformed who were assembled in their meeting- house, " singing psalms, and fell upon and killed near sixty, and wounded near two hundred.'* The civil animosities and the wars Avhich followed upon this outrage, committed against the edict of the King, continued till march 1563. These contentions were extremely distressing to Calvin, who ■was now^ considered as the father of the French Churches. His bodily infirmities were increased by his constant labours in writing, dictating, and discharging still not only his own official duties, but also those of the President of the College, in the absence of Beza. The doctrine of the French Church- es being openly attacked, and also secretly defamed to the German Princes, by the Papists of France, Calvin, in the name of the Prince of Conde, drew up a concise account of their confession of faith, which was presented to the states of • Calvini Opuscula, p. 304, Anist. edit. Besponno ad Fersipellem, &c. The propriety of tliis appellation will appear from the fact stated by Anto- nius Guerinius in his letter to Baldwin, You have changedyour religion seven times within these tiventy years, Septiea his viginti annis religionem mutasti. •^^ Bayle Art. Baudouin. Notes. t Dupin 16 cent. B. 3, p. 190, B. 4, p. 400. 1563 LIFE OF CALVIN. 211 the Empire, at Frankfort, as a vindication from those calum- nies. Premonitory impressions are to be received with caution. The busy and fantastick power of imagination, especially in a disordered body, may lead to visionary apprehensions which are by no means to be regarded as the premonitions of Providence. But to reject all statements of this kind, is contradicting the experience of some, and the belief of others, sanctioned by the testimony of corresponding events. On the 19M of December, which was the Sabbath, the wind having been unusually high for two days, and Calvin con- fined to his bed, to a number of his friends who were with him, he says, / know not what it is, but I have thought that I heard a warlike sound of drums through the night. I was not able to persuade myself that it was a delusion. I beseech yoUy let us pray, for something of great moment has taken place. In a few days, the news of the battle of Dreux, which was fought between the Prince of Conde and the Duke of Guise, on the 19M of December ^ reached Geneva ; the issue of which was unfavourable to the cause of the Reformers, as the Prince was taken prisoner. The bodily infirmities of Calvin grew more complicated and severe, but his watchful and vigorous mind rose in its exertions. The nearer he approached the termination of his course, the more unremitted were his studies. These labours he pursued when his reputation was established beyond the possibility of enlargement, and when every personal consider- ation called him to repose. His publick duties were only relinquished by absolute weakness. When confined to his bed, oppressed mth the head ache, weakness of the bowels, and the pains of the gout, he would dictate letters, treatises and commentaries, till his amanuensis was wearied. His an- swers to the Polanese, against the enemies of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and to the deputies of the Synod of Lyons; 212 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 his Commentary and Harmony on the four books of Moses, •\vi-itten first in Latin, and translated by himself into French, and his Commentary on Joshua, which he commenced this year and finished on his death bed, are an ample testimony that the object of his labours was the glory of Christ and the prosperity of his Church. On the 6th of February, 15G4, he preached his last ser- mon, and closed his theological lectures. He was then so severely oppressed with the asthma, as almost to deprive him of the use of his voice. After this tune, he was occa- sionally carried to the meeting of the congregation, and for the last time on the 31st of March. In a letter to the Phy- sicians of IMontpelier, dated the 8th of February, he describes the complicated diseases, which his unremitting labours and studies had produced and cherished, with accumulating strength, from the earher part of life. Considering that thek generous assistance could no longer be of any service, he commends them to the blessing and protection of God. For ten years he had usually abstained from all animal food at dinner, and rarely eat any thing after breakfast till his stated hour for supper. For the head ache, with which he was frequently afflicted, he used fasting as a common remedy, and sometimes passed thirty-six hours without any food. His bodily constitution was of a dry temperament, and in- clined to the consumption. His sleep was short and unsound. Five years before his death, he was occasionally afflicted with spitting of blood. When the quartan ague abated its severity, he ■v\'as seized with the gout in his right foot. He was at times visited with the pains of the cholick, and a few months before his death with the stone. The Physicians exhausted their skill in prescribing remedies, and he was no less faithful in following their directions, as far as it respected punctuality in taking their medicines. But nei- their by argimients nor bodily distress, would he be induced 1564! LIFE OF CALVIN. 213 to suspend his laborious studies. Lender the pressure of these complicated disorders, he was never heard to utter a syllable unbecoming the fortitude and patience of a Chris- tian. In his severest pains he Avould raise his eyes to hea- ven, and say, Horn long, Lord ? In his days of health also he often used these words, ^^ hen he heard of any calamities befalling his brethren, whose affliction deeply affected the sensibility of his heart. When his friends expostulated, and affectionately urged him to cease in his sickness, from dictating and writing, he would say, Whcd ! nould you that nhen the Lord comes, he should surprise me in idleness ? On the 10th of JMarch, when Beza and other friends visited him in their usual manner, they found him dressed and sit- ting at the table on which he had been accustomed to write. Observing them, he reclined his head upon his hand, appar- rently in silent meditation, and after a few moments, addiess- ed them in a slow and interrupted voice, but with a cheer- fid countenance ; / return you thanks, my dearest brethren, for your solicitude for me, and I hope that in a fortnight, I shall assist at your assembly for the last time ;* after that I think the Lord nill manifest his mill nith respect to nie, and mill take me to himself On the 24th of March, he attended the meeting of the Consistory for the discipline of maraJs, and the service being past in peace, he said, " I perceive that the Lord has given me some enlargement." Then taking the New Testament in French, he read some of the marginal annotations, which he had corrected, aiid asked the opinion of his colleagues concerning their propriety. The exertions of this day were * The assembly, or meeting' of the Consistorj', before the administra- tion of the Sapper was called, tlie Censura Morum, or discipline of mo- rals, at which time Uiey enquired after any delinquencies of the members, that they might be dealt with as the case required, before coming to the table on the aext Lord's Day. 214 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 too fatiguing, and on the morrow he was more unwell. On the 27th, he was carried to the door of the Council House, and walked, supported by two friends, into the chamber. Being uncovered, he presented Beza, the Rector of the Col- lege, to the favour and patronage of the Senate. He thank- ed them for all their kindnesses and respect ; and especially for the proofs of affection which they had shewn him during his present illness ; / feel, said he, that I have come here for the last time. Having uttered these words with difficulty, his voice failed him, cuid he took leave of the Senators, who were all in tears. On the 2d of April, the stated Sabbath for their commun- ion, being very feeble, he was carried to the house of wor- ship in an easy chair. He heard the sermon, received the Lord's Supper from the hands of Beza, and joined the con- gregation in a hymn, with a trembling voice, while his pale countenance manifested tokens of peace and joy. He made his will on the 25th of April, in which he express- es with great meekness, his views of the way of salvation for sinners, and his experience of the riches of divine grace, through Jesus Christ. " The Will of John Calvin. « In the name of God, Amen. On the 25th of April, 1564, I, Peter Chenalat, citizen and Notary of Geneva, witness and declare, that I was called, by the worthy John Calvin, Minis- ter of the word of God, in this Church of Geneva, and citizen of the same city ; who, being indisposed in body, but of a sound mind, declared his determination to make his last will and testament, and requested me to write what he should dictate and declare by word of mouth — which I have done, as he pronounced and declared, word for word, without omission or addition, in the following form : 1561 LIFE OF CALVIN. 215 " In the name of God, Amen. I, John Calvin, Minister of the word of God, in the Church of Geneva, oppressed and af- flicted with various disorders, believing that Gkid will shortly remove me out of this world, have determined to make my testament, and to commit to writing my last will in the fol- lowing form : « First, I give thanks to God, that, having mercy upon me, whom he created and placed in this world, he has not only delivered me out of the thick darkness of idolatry, in which I was buried, but has brought me into the light of his Gospel, and made me a partaker of the doctrine of salva- tion, of which I was most unworthy : that, with the same mercy and kindness, he has graciously borne with my mul- tiplied transgressions and sins, for which I deserved to be re- jected and cut off by him : that he has, however, exercised 6uch great clemency and compassion to^vards me, that he has used my labours in preaching and promulgating the truth of his Gospel. And I testify and declare my intention to pass the remainder of my life in the same faith and reli- gion, which he has delivered to me in his Gospel : that I have no other defence or refuge of salvation, than his gratuitous adoption, on which alone rests my confidence : and with my whole heart I embrace the mercy which he exercises towards me, for the sake of Jesus Christ, accepting the merits of his death and sufferings, that in this way he may be satisfied for all ray transgressions and sins, that their remembrance may be blotted out. I also testify and declare, that as I am a supplicant I ask of him, that he would wash and purify me in the blood of the exalted Redeemer, effuso pro huma>'I GENERIS PECCATis, shcd foT the sws of the human race, that I may be permitted to stand before his tribunal in the image of the Redeemer himself. I declare also, that I have sedulous- ly exerted my labours, according to the measure of grace and favour which God has bestowed upon me ; that both in my 216 LIFE OF CALVIX. 1564 sermons, writings and commentaries, I have faithfully and purely declared his word, and with integrity interpreted the holy scriptures. I also testify and declare, that in all the controversies and disputes which I have conducted with the enemies of the Gospel, I have used neither craftiness, nor the pernicious arts of sophistry, but have candidly and sincerely been engaged in the defence of the truth. " But, alas, my study and my zeal (if worthy of that name) have been so languid and remiss, that I confess innumerable things have been wanting in me to the full discharge of the duties of my office ; and unless the unmeasurable bounty of God had been present, all my study would have been vain and transient. And I also acknowledge, that unless he had been present to assist me by his grace, I should have become, in his sight, more and more guilty of negligence and sloth, for which cause I witness and declare, that I hope for no other refuge of salvation than this, that since God is the father of mercy, he may shew himself a father to me, who ac- knowledge myself a miserable sinner. " Further, I Avill, after my departure from this life, that my body be committed to the earth, in that manner, and "with those funeral rites, which are ordinarily used by this Church, and in this city, until the day of the glorious resur- rection shall come. " With respect to the small worldly estate, which God has bestowed upon me, and which I have determined to dis- pose of in this testament, I will, that Anthony Calvin, my dear brother, be my heir ; and out of respect to him, let him have and hold for himself, the silver goblet which was given to me by INIr. de Varannes, with which I desire him to be contented, as I conmiit to his trust the remainder of my es- tate, requesting of him that at his decease this goblet may be given to his children. I bequeath ten gold cro^^ns, to be given by my l^rother and legal heir, to the children's school ;. 1564i LIFE OF CALVIN. 217 and as many to the support of poor strangers. Also, I will to Joanna, daughter of Charles Costans and of my half sister on the paternal side^ and to Samuel and John, the sons of my said brother, each forty crowns, out of my estate, after his death : To his daughters Anna, Susanna and Dorothy, each thirty crowns : To David, their brother, on account of his known youthful levity and petulance, only twenty -five crowns. " This is the amount of all the property which God hatli given me, as far as I am able to ascertain it, from an estima- tion of my books, furniture and estate of every kind. Should there, however, prove to be more, I will, that it be equally distributed among my brother's children, not excluding Da- vid, if by the favour of God he shall conduct himself with propriety. " Nothing of much value, I believe, will remain after my debts are discharged, the management of which business I commit to my brother, in whose faithfuUiess and good will, I have confidence, on which account I will and appoint him to be the executor of this my testament, and together with him ray worthy friend Laiu-ence de Normandie ; giving them full power and authority, without an order of Court, to take an inventory of my goods, and sell the moveables, to procure money to fulfil the conditions of my ab@ve written will, which I have set forth and declared, this 25th day of April, in the year 1564. « JOHN CALVIN. " The next day, being the 26tli of April 1564, the same worthy man, Calvin, commanded me to be called to him, to- gether with Theodore Beza, Raymond Calvet, Michael Cop, Lewis Enoch, Nicholas Calladon, James de Bordes, Ministers and Preachers of the word of God in the Church of Geneva, and also the worthy Henry Scringer, Professor of Arts, citi- 28 218 LlIE OF CALVIN. 1564 zens of Geneva, and in their presence he testified and declar- ed, that he dictated to me his testament, in the form above written. He dhected me to read the same in their hearing. He then testified and declared it to be his last will, which he desired to have carried into eifect. In testimony and confirm- ation of which, he requested them all to w itness the same w ith their hands, which was done the year and month above, at Geneva, in the street commonly called the Canons, and in the house of the testator. In proof of which, I have sub- scribed the same with my hand, and sealed it with the com- mon seal of our Supreme Court. « PETER CHENALAT." Having thus made his will, he signified to the four Syo- dicks, and to the Senators, his desire to address them before his death in the Senate-room, to which he hoped to be car- ried on the following day. They answered, that it \vould be more agreeable to visit him, and requested him to be careful of his health. On the next day, they all repaired from the Senate room, to the house of Calvin. After mutu- al salutations, he acknowledged the respect they had shown him, and addressed them as follows : — " I have long wished for a conference with you, but have deferred it till I was more certainly assured of the near ap- proach of death. I return you thanks, my highly honoured Lords, for having distinguished me with so many honours, which I have by no means deserved, and for bearing so pa- tiently with my many infirmities, w hich I have always con- sidered as a singular mark of your benevolence towards me. In the exercise of my ministry, I have been obliged to under- go various contests, and to sustain many insults ; trials, to which the best of men must submit, and ^ hich I know and acknowledge have not arisen from your fault. I earnestly beseech you, that, if in any thing I have not performed my I564i LIFE OF CALVIN. 219 duty as I ought, you will ascribe it to my inability, and not to any indisposition. I assure you, tliat I have always taken a deep interest in the welfare of this Republick ; and if I have not accomplished all that my station demanded of me, I have however always laboured with my ^vhole strength to promote the publick good. Should I refrain from avowing, that the Lord has sometimes used my endeavom's for the ac- complishment of this object, I should be guilty of dissimula- tion. I must entreat your pardon, once more, that I have effected so little in my publick and private capacity, in com- parison with what I ought to have done ; and I freely ac- knowledge, that I am much indebted to you, for having borne, with so much equanimity, my vehemence, which has sometimes been immoderate, for which sin, I trust I have al- so the forgiveness of God. " As to the doctrines which you have heard from me, I testify to you, that I have not rashly nor uncertainly, but pure- ly and sincerely, taught the word entrusted to me of God, knowing that otherwise his indignation would already hang suspended over my head ; but now I am confident, that my la- bours in the ministry have not been displeasing to him. I make this declaration, in the presence of God, and before you, the more willingly, as I have no doubt, but that Satan, after his usual manner, will raise up many vain, dishonest and gid- dy minded men, to corrupt the pure doctrines which you have heard from me." He then called their attention, to those immense benefits with which God had distinguished them. " There is no one," he said, " who can inform you better than myself, from how many and how great dangers, the Almighty and merciful God has delivered you. You see in what circumstances you are placed. AVhether in prosperity or adversity, keep this truth, I entreat you, constantly before your eyes, that it is He alone preserves cities and kingdoms ; and that He in return ^*t 220 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564i demands that they worship Him. Remember that David, that illustrious king, testifies, that it was when he enjoyed a profound peace, that he experienced his fall, from which he never would have arisen, if God had not stretched out his hand, with singular favour, to his relief. What then may not happen to \^eak and infirm men, since so powerful and brave a Prince has fallen ? You must humble yourselves, therefore, in the presence of God, that he may give you grace to live in his fear, and to put your whole confidence in him. Thus T\ ill you be assvjed of the continuance of the same pro- tection which you have so often experienced, and may pro- ceed with stability, under his care, even when your prosperity and security may hang suspended on a slender thread. If things proceed prosperously, take heed, I beseech you, not to exalt yourselves like profane men, but with all humility of heart, give thanks unto God. If misfortunes befal you, and death surround you on every side, still hope in him, who raises even the dead : Nay, consider well, that God is by this means awakening you from your sloth, that you may learn to look unto him alone, with the most entire confidence. If you would preserve this Republick in its present stability, give the most persevering heed, that you pollute not, by your vices, the sacred seats on which he has placed you. He is the Most High God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who will honour those who honour him, but will cast down in abasement, those who despise him. Worship him, therefore, according to his commandments, and think more and more intensely on this duty. We are very far from rendering un- to God, our reasonable service. I Imow the disposition and manner of life of each of you, and that you have need of this exhortation. Among those who excel, there is no one, who does not come short of his duty in many things. Let every one examine himself, and ask of God the supply of his own deficiencies, AVe see what corruptions prevail in most of the 15G4 LIFE OF CALVIN. 221 Councils of the earth. Some, cold and indiiTerent to the pub- lick interest, pursue with eagerness their own emoluments ; oth- ers are only intent upon the gratification of their passions ; oth- ers abuse, beyond measure, the talents which God has given them ; others vainly labour to display their own importance, and with confidence demand, that whatever they determine should be approved by the people at large. I would remind the aged not to envy those young persons whom they find to be adorned of God with excellent gifts. I advise the young to conduct themselves with modesty, and to keep far from all self sufticiency. Let not one interfere with the duties of an- other. Avoid animosities, and those asperities of mind, which prevent many, in the me .lagement of publick concerns, from discharging correctly the duties of their office. You will avoid these evils, if each one keeps himself within the limits of his own station, and faithfully fulfils tlie duties which, in the Republick, are committed to his charge. In judicial proceedings, I beseech you, to give no place to partialities or prejudices. Let no one pervert judgment by artful sophistry : let no one obstruct or weaken the force of the laws by chicane and plausible address : let no one depart from what is just and good. If the evil passions are excited by temptation, resist them with firmness ; look to him l)y whom you are pla- ced on the seat of judgment, and ask of him the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Finally, I again beseech you to pardon my infirmities, which I confess and acknowledge before God, and the Angels, and moreover before you, venerable Lords." When he had said these things, he prayed to the Almighty and most merciful God, that he would enrich them more abundantly with his gifts, and guide them A\ith his Holy Spi- rit to the prosperity of the Republick. He then gave his right hand to each one — and bade them all a sorrowful fare- well. They parted fi'om him with tears as fi'om a common father. ^22 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 On the 28th of April, at the request of Calvin, all the Mi- nisters in the jurisdiction of Geneva, assembled m his room, and he addressed them as follows : " After my death, my brethren, continue in this work, and be not discouraged. The Lord will preserve this Republick and this Church, against all the threats of the enemies. Put away all divisions from among yourselves,and embrace one another with mutual charity. Consider dailj^, what you owe to the Church, in which God has placed you ; and suffer nothing to separate you from it. It will indeed be easy for those, Avho are desir- ous of leaving their flocks, to find some pretexts to cover theu* desertion ; but they w^ill discover, by experience, that God cannot be deceived. When I first came to this city, the gos- pel was indeed preached, but the affairs of religion were in a most disordered state, as if Christianity consisted in nothing but the destruction of images. There were many Avicked men, from whom I suffered many extreme indignities ; but the Lord God himself so strengthened me, even me, I say, who am by nature so timid, (I speak as the fact is,) that I was enabled to resist all their efforts. When I returned to this place from Strasburg, I yielded to the call with an unwilling mhid, because it appeared to me that my return would be fruitless. I was ignorant of the designs of God, and the un- dertaking was full of multiplied and magnified difficulties. But persevering in my work, I perceived at length, that the Lord blessed my labours. Persevere then, my brethren, in your vocation ; hold fast the established order ; give all dili- gence, that the people yield obedience to the doctrines ; for there are still some wicked and insolent men. You see that the order of the Church is well regulated ; and if it is de- stroyed by your negligence, you will bring upon yourselves the severest judgments of God. I now testify to you, my brethren, that I have always lived with you, and now depart from you, in the true and sincere bonds of charity. And if. % 156i LIFE OF CALVIN. 2^3 at any time, in the course of my sickness, you have found me too morose, I ask your forgiveness, and give you many thanks, that during my confinement, you have discharged the duties of my ofiice." He then reached his hand to each of his brethren, who retired weeping and with sorrowful hearts. On the 2d of May, Calvin received a letter from Farel,# now 75 years of age, and quite infirm, informing him of his determination to make him a visit. To this letter he retui"n- ed the following answer : " Calvin to Farel, wishes health. " Farewell, my best and most worthy brother. Since God has determined, that you should survive me m this world, live mindful of our union, which has been so useful to the Church of God, and the fruits of which await us in heaven. Do not fatigue yourself on my account. I draw my breath with difficulty ; and am expecting continually that my breath will fail. It is sufficient that I live and die in Christ, who is gain to his servants in life and in death. Again, farewell, with the brethren. * « Geneva, May 2, 1564." The venerable Farel, however, visited Calvin, and renew- ed with him for a night that friendship, m hich death can- not dissolve, but which will be consummated in the heaven- ly world. After this, Calvin spent his time almost con- stantly in prayer, which his difficulty in breathing prevent- ed him from uttering with a distinct articulation ; but his expressive eyes raised towards heaven, and the serenity of * Viret was at this time at the Court of the amiable and intrepid Jane, Queen of Navarre, daughter of Margaret de Valois, whose piety and constancy she surpassed. Under the protection of this patroness of the Reformers, Viret died in 1571, aged 60, 224 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 his countenance bespoke the comfort of his mind, and the solemnity of his devotion. As his voice ^vas sometimes distinct, he was heard to say, I tvas dumb, Lord, because thou didst it. — / did mourn as a dove. — Lord, thy hand is heavy on vie, but I am abundantly satisfied, because it is thy hand. To have admitted all the persons, who, from affection- ate regard, crouded to see him, would have kept his doors constantly open. As he was unable to converse with them, he requested his friends to pray for him in their rethements, and to omit their visits. To Beza, who was his dearest friend, he intimated, that however agTeealile his company might be, he was anxious, that he should not devote to him the time which he owed to religion, and the duties of his office : so careful a\ as he of the time which was dedicated to the Church, and so anxious for the cause of Christ. On the 19th of JMay, the Ministers assembled for the Censura Morum, and as their custom was to take a meal together in token of friendship, Calvin requested that they should sup in the hall of his house. This meeting was two days previous to the Sabbath, on which the Lord's Supper was statedly administered to their Church. They assem- bled at his house, and at supper time he was carried, m itli much difficulty to himself, into the hall. As he approach- ed the table, he said, 1 have come, my brethren, to sit with you for the last time at this tabic. The scene affected them very deeply. He offered the prayer, ate a little, and con- versed as composedly and cheerfully as his weakness Avould permit. Before the supper was ended, he addressed them — I must be carried to my bed, and with a serene and pleas- ant countenance added, these nails mill not prevent my un- ion with you in spirit, although my body be absent. After this day, he arose no more from his bed. His ])ody Mas extremely emaciated, but his countenance retained 1564; LIFE OF CALVIN. 225 still a degree of its usual fullness and vigour. On the 27th of May, his voice was stronger, and he uttered himself with more ease. This was tlie last effort of nature ; for about eight in the evening, all the symptoms of death sud- denly appeared. In the full possession of his reason, he continued speaking, till, without a struggle or a gasp, his breath ceased, and the spirit of this great doctrinal lumi- nary of the Reformation departed, about the going down of the sun. The following night and day, the -whole people were in mourning : For the city had lost her best citizen — the Church, her faithful Pastor — the College, her first Professor — and every family, a common father and comforter. The house was crouded with persons, anxious to behold tlie remains of one whom they so highly respected. Several strangers, among whom was the Ambassadour of Queen Eli- zabeth to France, who had made a visit to Geneva to see and hear him, earnestly requested, as they had not been permitted to visit him while he lived, that they might at least see the body of so distinguished a man. Permission was granted, but the curiosity was so general that the friends judged it expedient to exclude the visitors, lest they should give occasion to the Papists to calumniate them as paying a religious respect to his body. The next morning, being the Lord's day, his body was wrapped in a linen cloth, and enclosed in a wooden coffin. At two o'clock in the afternoon, it was carried, being followed by the Syn- dicks, Senators, Pastors and Professors of the College, to- gether with almost the whole City, weeping as they went, and deposited without pomp in the common burying ground, called the Planum Palatmii, the level Court. According to his request, no hillock or monument Mas erected to his me- mory. A plain stone, without any inscription, was laid over the spot that covered his body. 29 226 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 Beza wrote a few verses, in commemoration of his vir- tues, in which he alludes to the simplicity of his grave. The following is a translation from the Latin : — * "Why, in this humble and unnoticed tomb. Is Calvin laid, the dread of falling Rome, Mourned by the good, and by the wicked feared. By all who knew his excellence revered ; From whom ev'n virtue's self might virtue learn. And young and old its value may discern ? 'Tvvas modesty, his constant friend on earth,'' That laid this stone unsculptured with a name. O happy turf, enriched with Calvin's worth. More lasting' far than marble is thy fame. Galvin died aged 54 years, 10 months and 17 days. — He was 28 years in the ministry. Calvin's stature Avas of the middle size ; his complexion pale and dark; his eyes brilliant and expressive. In his habits, he was neat without ostentation, and plain without carelessness. He was reasonably temperate in his diet, and alike free from the pride of luxury and the littleness of par- simony. His hours of sleep were few ; his mind was almost unremittingly exerted ; and by his intellectual powers, he was distinguished from others, and held a dignified and ea- sy pre-eminence among his cotemporaries. The vigour of his youth was a pledge of a stable manhood. He gave early specimens of mental greatness. The germs of genius were discovered and cherished, by the patronage of the no- ble family of Moramor. His father observed his early ha- tred to vice, and devoted him to the cause of religion ; but parental partiality changed his purpose for the more lucra- tive and courtly profession of law. But God had enriched the soul of this youth with uncommon talents, for more ex- • See the Scots' Magazine, vol. 2, p. 89. 1564 LIFE OF CALVIN. alted ends. In the College, ^rhere he was located to pursue his legal studies, the light of the pure doctrines opened upon his capacious soul, and dissipated the dark clouds of oppres- sive superstition. A new field and the most attractive ob- jects rose in his vieAv. He followed the impulses of his heart, and the guidance of the scriptures, till he escaped from the dominion of Papal darkness. The progress of this great man in every study, in which he engaged, was astonishing. His companions and acquaint- ance acknowledged his superiority. Unremitting in his stu- dies, he appeared to reach at once the heights of wisdom and science. In the morning of life, at the age of twenty-two years, Scaliger " pronounced him to be the most learned man in Europe." By the peculiar force of his talents he ac- quired, with facility, that degree of knowledge, ^vhich others obtain by a slow and laborious progress. His perception was quick, and his comprehension vast. He embodied the rela- tive parts of a subject, and presented it to the minds of others, with a clearness and precision most eflfectually adapted to produce imwavering conviction. His memory was tenacious. The lapse of years rarely effa- ced, from his recollection, persons Avhom he had once recogni- zed. Amidst cares and labours, which crouded successively upon each other, nothing was forgotten. His facility of re- collection, in the theological chair, was of great value to him- self, and highly useful to his pupils. His mind a\ as order, and his life system. In composing the most difficult works, when interrupted for hours, by company and conversation, he would return and pursue his subject without reviewing what he had wTitten, to catch afresh the train of his thoughts. His judgment was discriminating, and he discerned, with uncommon accuracy, the course to be pursued, and the means to be used, in the accomplishment of desirable objects. His dominion was over the intellectual powers of man. His 228 LIFE OF CALVIN. 156i plans for promoting the cause of religion were deliberately formed, and pursued with an intuitive and prospective ap- prehension of men and things. In difficult cases, he advised and pursued moderate and persevering measures, which rare- ly failed of ultimate success. The many Churches and indi- viduals, who sought his counsel, found his opinions grounded, not merely on the immediate state of things, but on the pro- bable progress and changes which would naturally be their result. His advice rarely failed of proving its wisdom, from the eiiectual issue of its operation in securing the ob- ject. In his writings, Calvin evinces the strongest proof of a great mind, not in one production, or on a single subject, but on all subjects, to which he directed the mighty current of his thoughts. Having fixed on the end to be pursued, ob- serving the objections to be obviated, and the difficulties to be surmounted, his arguments are selected, and without say- ing all that a more feeble mind would say, he adheres to those reasons which, if admitted, other things foIloAv of course ; and the mind feels itself under the necessity of assenting to the force of truth, which lights upon it so unexpectedly, and so benevolently, and yields to his authority, to avoid the visi- ble absurdities, and more flagrant inconsistencies, which it finds to be attached to previous opinions. Calvin possessed an intellectual prudence, which enabled him to discern the limits of legitimate knowledge. Unlike those men, who would be thought great, by the smoke which they raise, and in which they involve themselves, while they still profess to sec clearly, boldly impeaching others of their nictating vision, who are modest enough to avow their inability to discern the consistency of absuidities, he was modest in submitting to stop at the bounds of revela- tion, and yet bold in asserting what the divine testimony warranted. He intrepidly maintained the sovereignty of 15^ LIFE OF CALVIN. God over moral agents, and no less resolutely curbed vain curiosity and metaphysical speculation on abstruse subjects. Mysteries he left to God, or another world. In systematiz- ing divine truth, he located doctrines, duties and the means of grace in an order which cannot l^e broken, without produ- cing some such effect as would result to the human body by displacing its members, and combining them in a different relation. He considered it the province of mad philosophy to overstep the maxims of common sense, and travel into the regions of perfectibility by the light of human reason. But truths involving the deepest mysteries, he believed on the tes- timony of God ; and was warmly opposed to that impious rashness which rejects whatever it cannot comprehend, or the truth of which it cannot now see the utility. Personal ease, interest and reputation were secondary ob- jects with Calvin. Love to the cause of Christ was the mas- ter passion of his soul. To promote this cause he exerted every talent, and extended the narrow boundaries allotted him by Providence, by arresting each moment of the rapid current of life, and turning it to some useful purpose. He appropriately selected the words of his device, prompte et sincere, promptly and sincerely. Stern integrity and incredi- ble fortitude were discovered in all his actions. Endowed by Providence with pre-eminent talents, disciplined for their effectual use, located in a most distinguished city, at a most eventful period, Calvin furnishes a rich model of learning, of diligence and success m the cause of Christ. He felt, he thought, he A\Tote and laboured for the most distant Church- es, and for posterity. r. Anxious for the union of all the friends of the truth, he was accommodating, in the most liberal manner, to the friends of the pure doctrines ; but was unyielding on any point, which he considered essential to the purity and pros- perity of the Church. He was constitutionally susceptible '» 230 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 of quick emotions ; and he frankly acknowledges, that he had not succeeded in his struggles to conquer his impatient and irritable temper, with all the success which he desired. My efforts, he says, have not been wholly useless, although I have not been able to conquer the ferocious animal. Ten- der and forbearing towards the weak, the ignorant and sin- cere, he delighted to cherish the smoking flax, and strength- en the bruised reed. But his severity was sometimes in- dignant against the open and obstinate enemies of religion, who profanely trampled on the inestimable truths of Christ, and endangered, by their profligate opinions, the souls of others. Prompt as he was sincere, he treated his friend and compeer Melancthon w ith the same undisguised freedom, as he used towards his bitterest enemies, measuring to each ac- cording, as he judged, that their opinions or conduct affect- ed the cause of religion. The writings of Calvin had a salutary effect upon the Ro- mish Chmxh. By the exposure of her pollutions, her shame ivas excited ; she abandoned some abuses in her doctrines, and girded herself in a somewhat more restrictive discipline. The reformed Churches in France adopted his confession of faith, and were modelled after the ecclesiastical order of Geneva. The liturgy of the English Church was revised and reformed by his means. In Scotland and Holland his system was adopted ; and many Churches in Germany and Poland, indeed in every country into which the light of the Reformation has made its way, have felt the influence of Iiis powerful mind. But at Geneva, as a central point, " he was the light of the Church, the oracle of the laws, the supporter of liberty, the restorer of morals, and the fountain of litera- ture and the sciences." To him the Genevese owe the estab- lishment of their University and Schools, which have enabled them to furnish, to every country in Em'ope, so many In- structors and men of science. Skilled in the profession of 1564 LIFE OF CALVIN. 231 law, Calvin aided in establishing those civil and political re- gulations which, together with the Ceiisura Morwn of the Church, secured, for so long a period, the prosperity and sta- bility of that Republick. The author of the Spirit of Lans observes, with his usual discrimination, "that the, Genevese ought to celebrate the birth-day of Calvin, and that of his arri- val within the walls of their city." Zuinglius, Luther and Melancthon, stars of the first magnitude, had appeared above the horizon in the first dawning of the Reformation, and were the precursors and earnest of a glorious day. Cal- vin arose later, but with a superior intellectual splendour, and moved in an orbit more extensive than the other luminaries of that period. " His extensive genius, flowing eloquence, immense learning, extraordinary penetration, indefatigable in- dustry, and fervent piety, placed him at the head of the Re- formers."* It was a bold enterprise, an arduous task, to attack and demolish the strong holds of passionate and interested super- stition. It was, however, a more Herculean labour, to cleanse the Augean stable of Popish pollutions, and to gather the ma- terials, and erect and establish an edifice of doctrines and dis- cipline, which should, at the same time, support that Gospel by which it was itself supported. Tliis was the object for which Calvin laboured, to combine a system of Church order which, under Christ the head, should embrace a living princi- ple to pepetuate itself under all the diversities of civil govern- ment. Nothing is perfect with man, but the Refoimer of Ge- neva has done much, under the light of Revelation, and in conformity to her principles, to extend, over the intellectual and moral powers of man, a dominion, which will proborbly exist in every free and elective government, and only termin- ate with the close of time. * Maclaine's note, iti Mpsheiw. 232 LIFE OF CALVIN. 1564 In tlie last and trying scene of life, Calvin appeared with all the dignity which the Christian's hope can give to fallen man. While death was breaking his feeble hold from earthly things, his soul reposed with unshaken confidence on the promises of God, and he endured the light and momenta- ry aiflictions, apprehending the eternal weight of glory. He took leave of the IMinisters of tlie Church, and Magistrates of the Republick, like a father departing from his family. His warnings and counsels were affectionate without regret, and generous without jealousy. He acknowledged his own weak- %^ ness, and admonished them of theirs. Experienced in trials and difficulties, he pointed out the way to avoid or surmount them, by fearing God and keeping his commandments. Thus Calvin closed in peace a course of life, which it is easier to censure than to imitate. LETTERS OF CALVIJSr Jl^^B OTHERS, REFERRED TO IN THE PRECEDING MEMOIRS. « Letter I. Prefatory Address to the Commentary on th^. . Psalms. II. Calvin to Francis Daniel. III. Bucer to Calvin. IV. Calvin to Peter Caroli. V. Calvin to Farel. VI. Calvin to the Genevese Church. VII. Calvin to Farel. VIII. Calvin to Farel. IX. Calvin to Farel. X. Calvin to Farel. XI. Calvin to Farel. XII. James Bernard to Calvin. XIII. Calvin to Bernard. XIV. Calvin to Vket. XV. Calvin to Farel. XVI. Luther to Melancthoii. XVII. Calvin to Farel. XVIII. Calvin to Farel. XIX. Calvin to Farel. XX. Calvin to Farel. XXI. Calvin to Farel. 30 234 LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. Letter XXII. Calvin to Farel. XXIII. Address of the Protestant Princes, &c. to Francis I. XXIV. Calvin to Farel. XXV. Calvin to the Church of IMontbeillard. XXVI. Sultzer to Calvin. XXVII. Calvin to Myconius. XXVIII. IMelancthon to Calvin. XXIX. Calvin to the Ministers of Neufchatel. XXX. Calvin to the Queen of Navarre. XXXI. Calvin to Melancthon. XXXII. Bucer to Calvin. XXXIII. Bucer to Calvin. XXXIV. Calvin to the Protector of England. XXXV. Calvin to Melancthon. XXXA^I. Calvin to Bucer. XXXVII. N to Calvin. XXXVIII. Calvin to Bullinger. XXXIX. Cranmer to Calvin. XL. Calvin to Cranmer. XLI. Calvin to Cranmer. ^ XLII. Hooper to Calvin. XLIII. Melancthon to Calvin. XLIV. Calvin to Melancthon. XLV. Calvin to Sir John Cheke. XL VI. Melancthon to Calvin. XL VII. Calvin to Melancthon. XLVIII. Melancthon to BuUinger. XLIX. Calvin to Martyr. L. Melancthon to Calvin. LI. Calvin to Melancthon. LII. Calvin to Bullinger. LIII. Calvin to Sir William Cecil. LIV. Calvin to Olcvianus. i^BrtERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 235 , LETTER I. JoHK Calvin, to the pious awd ingenuous reader s, greeting. (Extract from the Epistle prefatory to his Commentary on the Psalms. Calvin's works, volume third.) As David was raised from the sheep- fold to the highest dignity of government, so God has dig- nified me, derived from an obscure and humble origin, with the high and honourable office of JMinister and Preacher of the Gospel. My father had destined me, from my child- hood, for theology. But, observing how extensively the science of the law enriclied its professors, he suddenly changed his purpose ; and recalled me from the study of philosophy to that of jurisprudence. In this I obeyed the will of my father, and endeavoured to give faithful atten- tion. God, however, with the reins of his secret Provi- dence, eventually turned my course in a different direction. At my first entrance on that study, I was indeed too perti- naciously addicted to the superstitions of the Papacy, to be easily drawn out of such deep mire ; and my mind too firm- ly rooted in those habits, to yield with docility to a change in my studies so entire and unexpected. At length, howe- ver, having experienced some taste of the pure doctrines, I was inflamed with such zeal to progress farther, that, al- though I did not reject my other studies, yet I puxsued them only in a cold and indifferent manner. One year had not elapsed, before all those, who were desirous of the know- ledge of the purer doctrines, flocked to me for instruction, while as yet I was myself a mere beginner in that school. My natural disposition was reserved ; I always loved re- tirement and liesure ; and at this time I chose to be unmo- 236 LIFE or CALVIN. letters. lested and unknown. This, however, was not granted me ; and all my retreats became as much frequented as a publick school. At last, while it w as my whole purpose to cherish my studies in unknown retirement, God so surrounded me with changes, that I was frustrated in my wishes ; and, in opposition to all my inclinations, I was forced into publick notice. For this reason, I left France, and retired into Ger- many ; that, by hiding in some obscure corner, I might en- joy that repose which had long been denied me. But ob- serve, while I lived unknown and secluded at Basil, the burn- ing of many pious men in France excited, throughout Ger- many, severe indignation. In order to remove these resent- ments, wicked and false pamphlets w ere dispersed, in which it was asserted, that those, w ho were thus cruelly burnt, were only Analjaptists, and some turbulent persons w ho, by their perverse conceits, were attempting to overthrow not only religion, but the whole order of civil government. Per- ceiving that, by this artifice, the crafty courtiers of Francis designed to cover the crime of shedding innocent blood, and to cast a false reproach on those holy martyrs, and also from that time to secure to themselves, under this pretence, the privilege of persecuting the Reformers, even to death, with- out the hazard of exciting the resentment or compassion of any on accomit of their suiierings, I determined that my si- lence could not be excused from perfidy ; and that it was my duty to oppose those proceedings with all my power. Tlie reasons for my publishing the Ixsii tuxes were : — i'irstj that I might vindicate, from unjust reproaches, tliosc brethren whose death Mas precious in the sight of the Lord. Secoiidly^ because similar punishments tlureatened many de- fenceless and oppressed persons, for whom I was anxious to excite, at least, some compassion and solicitude among foreign nations. This work was not then so full and laborious as it now is, scd Ircvc dv.ntaxat Enchiridion tunc in lucem prodiity LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 231 but a short Manual only was then publislied, having solely in view, to testify the faith of those whom I saw wickedly put to death, by the impious and perfidious courtiers of the King. Besides, that I by no means sought to increase my own fame, is evident from my immediate departure from Basil, when as yet no one in that city kne\v me to be the au- thor. This I continued to conceal, as it was my determin- ed purpose to be unknown, mitil I was retained at Geneva, not so much by counsel and intreaty, as by the formidable and solemn injunction of William Farel, which arrested me, not otherwise than if God from Heaven had laid his poAv- erful hand upon me. As the wars had obstructed the difect road to Strasburg, I had determined to pass rapidly through this city ; and to make no longer stay than for a single night. A short time before this, the Papacy had been overthrown by the labours of those excellent men, Farel and Peter Vuet. JMatters ^\ ere however yet unsettled, and the city was divided into cor- rupt and noxious factions. A certain man, who by a base defection has since returned to the Papists, immediately made me known. Farel, warm with incredible zeal for spreading the Gospel, instantly exerted all his influence to retain me. WTien he understood, that my pm-pose Avas to devote my?elf to private and retired studies, and found that he prevailed, not at all with me by entreaties, he proceeded even to the imprecation — That God nould curse my retirement, if I should withhold inij assistance hi so great necessity. Struck "vvith awe by this, I omitted ray journey ; but so conscious was I of my bashfulness and timidity, that I would not pledge my- self certainly to undertake the pastoral charge. Scarcely four months had passed, when ue were attack- ed, on the one hand, by the Anabaptists, and on the other, by a wicked apostate who, relying on the clandestine assist- ance of certain Syndicks, v<-as enabled to ci\'e us very much 238 LIFE OF CALVIN. :f.ETTER§. trouble. In the mean time, domestick seditions agitated us extensively in continual succession. Notwithstanding I am, from my natural disposition, timid, flexible and without cou- rage, yet I w^as compelled to bear these impetuous tumults at my very entrance on the rudiments of office. Although I was not overwhelmed by these tumultuous waves, yet so great magnanimity did not sustain me, but that I rejoiced, beyond -what was becoming, when I was so factiously eject- ed from my office. Being discharged, and free from the obligation of my calling, I determined, in the first place, to repose myself in retirement ; when that most excellent Mi- nister of Christ, Martin Bucer, drew me back to my first station, by an adjuration similar to that used by Farel. Awakened by the example of Jonah, which he proposed, I entered upon the office of Teacher. Although I was uni- form in avoiding publick celebrity, I know not by what means I was induced to attend the imperial conventions, where, willing or unwilling, I must of necessity appear pub- lickly in the presence of multitudes, Afterwards, when the Lord, by shewing mercy according to his word, had by his marvellous strength dissipated those counsels, which were as wicked, as the endeavours of the factious to execute them were sanguinar}', a necessity Avas laid upon me of being brought back again to my original station, against the de- sires of my heart. Although ij^e prosperity of this Church was of such high concern, that I w^ould w illingly have un- dergone death for its sake, yet my timidity suggested a great variety of excuses, why I should not afresh subject my shoulders to a burden so oppressive. At last, however, the obligation and repsonsibility of ray office determined me to restore myself to the flock from which I had been violent- ly separated ; yet with what deep sorrow^, abundant tears, and extreme anxiety, the best of Beings is my witness. 'From that time, w ith \vhat various conflicts he lETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 239 has exercised me, and with what trials he has proved me, if I would relate them, the history would be long. Geneva, July 23, 1557. LETTER II. John Calvin to Francis Daxiei,. Ab I have to relate to you a multitude of events, Avhicii would afford me matter for a long letter, I shall limit my- self accordingly, and give you rather an index than a narra- tive, for should I indulge in details, they would grow to a volume. On the first of October, it is customary for the youths, who pass from their grammatical studies to the dia- lecticks, to be exercised in the performance of plays. At this anniversary, a play was performed in the College of Na- varre, which was filled with bitterness and raillery, rather than the severity of satire. Among the characters introduc- ed, was a Queen, busied about nothing but handling her needle, or holding her distaff. Megera enters, and with her torch makes a signal to the Queen to throw aside her needle and her distaff. The Queen at first refuses, but soon after yields to the Fur^/, from whom she receives the Gospel, which deprives her of all she before knew, and makes her almost forget herself. She presently becomes a tyrant, and persecutes the miserable and inoffensive, with every kind of severity. To these were added many other similar fictions, equally unjust in their application to the woman, whom the author evidently designed to insult. The affah', for fconiii. days, was kept secret. But, as truth is the duvghter of fimcj the whole story was soon related to the Queen. Beiieviiig that if this insult was passed over unpunished, it might af- ford a dangerous example to all those who ^vere fond of no- velty, she ordered the commander of the guards to repair 240 LIFE OF CALVIN. jletters. immediately to the College, with an hundred men. At his order, they surrounded the house so that no one should es- cape, while with a few attendants he entered, but found not the author of the play. The offender had not, they say, anticipated this event, but being in the room of a friend, and hearing the tumult, he was secreted, iiU an op- portunity was afforded for hLs escape. The officer of th& guards seized the actors, but the Principal of the College made opposition, and during the altercation, stones were thrown by some of the students. Notwithstanding, he ap- prehended them, and obliged each of them to recite the part he had acted in the play. Exceptions were taken against the whole comedy. But as the author could not be found, they proceeded to secure those Avho might have suppressed the performance, and who yet sanctioned it with theu' per- mission, and dissembled about it afterwards. The first in authority, Lauret, requested to be lodged in the house of the Commissary, as a more decent place than a prison. Mori- nus, the next instructor in order, was commanded to remain at home, until he should be examined. "Wliat has been dis- covered since, I cannot say. Their trial is said to be defer- red till three days hence. Thus much for comedies. Some factious Divines have committed another outrage equally malicious, though not so daring. Having found, in examining the shops of the book-sellers, a work entitled 2'Jte Mirror of a sinful Soid,-^ they placed it in the number of those books, the reading of which they prohibited. When • This work v/as In French verse, and contained several thlng-s not com- mon in the Church of Rome. In it no mention was made of any men or wo- men saints, nor merits, nor any other purgatory but the blood of Jesus Christ. The prayer, commonly called tlie Salve Regina, was by the Queen in this work applied to Jesus Christ. This book excited tlie indignation of NoelBeda, Principal of the College of Monlajgu, and the rest of the Sor- bonne of his temper ; and this led to the acting of the play, in which the Queen of Navarre was instilted. Reza Eccles. Hist, quoted by Baylc. iETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 241 the Queen heard this, she complained to the King, and con- fessed herself to be the author. The King ordered the di- rectors of the Parisian University to inform him, whether they had placed it among the books which inculcated the reprobated religion. If they had, to give him the reason of their judgment. Nicolas Cop, a Physician, now Rector of the University, brought this enquiry before the Colleges of the arts, of medicine, philosophy, theology and the canon law. With the Professors of the arts, among whom he had the right of speaking first, he inveighed, in a long and bitter speech, against the rashness of those, who had usurped that right over her Majesty. He advised them not to expose themselves to so great danger, lest they should excite the anger of the King, by taking up arms against the Queen, the protectress of virtue and litera- ture. And lastly he cautioned them against taking this fault upon themselves, and thereby cherishing the wickedness of those who are ready to attempt any thing under this pretext. The Academy has done it, even when the Academy has given no such authority. They unanimously agreed, to abjure the condemnation of the work. The Professors of theology, ©f canon law and medicine, passed the same decree. The Rector announced the decree of his order, and the other Professors followed his example ; and lastly, the Pastor of the Parish of St. Andrews, on whom the blame now devolved, after extolling in the most magnificent terms the integrity of the King, who had thus far conducted himself as the zeal- ous protector of the faith, added that there were some aban- doned men, who endeavoured to pervert his royal mind, who had conspired to effect the fall of the sacred faculty ; but he Avas confident, that they would effect nothing against the established constancy of the King. As to the business under consideration, he had indeed been appointed, by the decree 31 2^2 LIFE OF CALVIN. i.etxers. of the Academy, to the office of Book-censor y* but nothing had ever been farther from his mind, than to attempt any thing to the injury of the Queen, Avhom he considered as a woman distinguished for the sanctity of her morals, and the purity of her religion ; in proof of which, he would only mention the funeral obsequies with which she had honoured the me- mory of her departed mother. That he held as condemned only such oliscene books as the Pantagruel,f and the Sylvam mnorum, et ejus monetce ; and that he had placed this among those whicli were suspected, it having been published with- out the consent of the faculty ; the blame therefore rested on the decree by which it was forbidden to publish any book unapprobated, that respected matters of faith. In fine, said he, this will be my protection, that I did by the order of tlie faculty what is now called in question. The fault, if there is any, is common to all, although they deny it. He said also, that he had spoken other things in French, that all might un- derstand whether he spoke the truth. But they were filled with indignation that he should endeavour to cover his igno- rance with such a cloak. The Bishop of Senlis, Stella and, some of the Prefects of the royal palace were present at this debate. When the Pastor had finished, Parui, the Bishop of Senlis, said he had read the book, and found nothing worthy of censure, unless he had forgotten his theology. He closed by requesting, that a decree should be published, which would satisfy the King. The Rector, Cop, declared, that the Academy did not acknowledge, approve or take upon it- self the censure, whatever it was, by which the book was num- bered among those which were condemned or suspected. That it might appear by what reasons they defended them- * The Censors of books were a body of Doctors, at Paris, who were es- tablished by the Pope in the fifteenth century, with the privilege of suppress sing of correcting books after or before their publication. t A Romance of Rabelais. iETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 243 selves, the Academy addressed letters to the King, in which they made their apology, and gave him thanks for having called them together in a manner so kind and paternal. A decree was obtained from the King, ordering that the Bishop of Paris should appoint the Preachers in the different parish- es, as those who had made the election before, acting accord- ing to their own fantastical humour, had called to this service the most clamourous, and those filled with a species of fury which they termed zeal, than which the sun was never more burning, and yet, with such zeal, they were zealous over the house of God. Farewell. 1533. LETTER III. BUCER TO C.VLVIil. Grace and peace be multiplied to you, my much esteemed brother, and fellow-labourer in the Lord. We have entreat- ed the illustrious and truly noble Maurus Museus, personally at Basil, and now by letters, to obtain your consent to assist us in our controversial disputes on religious subjects. We must acknowledge, as it appears to us, that the Lord has destined you to be eminently useful to his Churches, and will exten- sively bless your ministry. We arc anxious that both we ourselves, our Churches, and those who are preparing for the ministry with us or elsewhere, should be in harmony with your sentiments on every point of theology. You must be sensible, how extensively injurious it will be to the cause of the Churches, if a difference of opinion is entertained, even on minor points, among the principle Pastors. If we are faith- ful to ourselves, the Lord, I trust, will put it in our power to promote unanimity of opinion among the JNIinlsters and Churches, especially if we can have your doctrines illustrated and enforced by yourself. LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. We will cheerfully meet you, in any place you will ap- point, for the purpose of a conference upon the v hole adrni- nistration of evangelical doctrines, preserving the highest re- spect for the truth of Clii'ist, and a becoming regard for you in the Lord. This age has so advanced in the practice of calum- niating whatever is judiciously said, or correctly written, and of judging with the most rigid severity whatever is of an opposite character, that it becomes us to use every means to render our ministry as influential, as its importance is dignified. We are under the strongest obligations, to bring all our exertions into unison, both to secure our writings and discourses from any unmerited reproach ; and to exhibit the beauty of holi- ness in that simplicity of language which is adapted to the capacities of the very children in the Church of Christ. You are sensible, my respected brother, and fellow-labourer in the Lord, how highly the Apostle Paul estimated the meetings and conferences of holy men, as tending to promote know- ledge and purity ; how cheerfully he travelled over land and sea to animate those believers, whom he knew to be anxious for the edification of the Church, to be frequent in their so- ciety. Appoint, therefore, a place, either at Basil, Bern, or even at Geneva, if the duties of your ofiice confine you, that we may religiously confer upon subjects, which, although clearly apprehended by you, to our tardy understandings, require a more extensive illustration. The wise are debtors to the unwise, that they also may understand. It would af- ford us much pleasure, did our ecclesiastical duties, which we cannot neglect, allow us, even uninvited and transiently, to visit the Swiss Churches. I cannot well express how much it grieves me not to have known and conversed with you, when you were here. Capito, however, communicates every thing to me. I know not what evil spirit made him so forgetful as not to introduce you to me, which omision iETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. Sm he now very much regrets. Farewell, most learned and ho- ly man. Strasbukg, November 1, 1536. LETTER IV. Calvin to Peter Cargli. Grace and peace to you from the Lord, who can inspire both you and us "\\ith a good understanding and a right heart. Since your situation is such, we should have prefer- red to have you presented yourself in person, to treat in om' presence concerning a reconciliation, rather than that you should attempt this by a letter. You vehemently labour to prove, that you did not excite disturbances in the Church without just cause ; as if there could be some good reason for exciting those disturbances. Grant that you ^veTe not treat- ed in that manner, by the brethren, which you ought to have been. Would this indeed furnish you with a right to raise such a tumult ? Will you say, that it was the Spirit of God that influenced you to declare war upon us all ? I do not say this to upbraid you ; I wish I was permitted to be wholly silent. But while you connect all those with Sa- tan, who did not, at least according to your opinion, treat you with sufficient equity, you certainly suppose them to be very stupid, if you imagine that this business can be passed over in silence.— You still glory in this, that you have attempted nothing against the Gospel even at IMetz. But by what method will you prove this to us ? If any one carries on a warfare with a profound servant of Christ, and instead of aiding, obstructs, in every possible manner, the kingdom of Christ, would it not be strange if you should declare such a man to stand on the side of the Gospel ? Look, I beseech you, again and again, to the end 246 LIFE OF CAl.VIN. leiierz. of your course. We hold a luiiiislry in no manner separat- ed from Clu-ist. If you doubt this, we still have the certain and confident testimony of our conscience. You may flatter yourself as you will ; you will at last find, that it is hard kicking against the pricks. In the mean time, how are you able to injure us ? You will call us hereticks. Where ? Among those, for instance, who hold you as a heretick, and at this very moment expose your falsehoods. Among the pious and the learned, I fear no injury from your reproaches. They see all these things in that light, in which I would have you receive them, and call them to mind before that God whose presence you begin to acknowledge. And I beseech you do not meditate your de- fence by the condemnation of that injustice in others, for which you want not only a foundation, but even a pretext. If you will still persevere in this way, I shall be satisfied. I would not, by any means, have you cast away all hope and courage. For if you will exhibit to us the true and sub- stantial index of a riglit mind, we are sincerely prepared to have you return immediately into om- favour, and have all things bmied, forgiven and erased wholly from the memo- ry. I wish you were able, Caroli, to inspect my breast ; for there is nothing I more desire, than that you should in the first place be reconciled to God, that a lasting union might be formed between us. But, believe me, you will ne~ Ter acceptably serve the Lord, unless you lay aside your haughtiness and bitterness of tongue. If you have then a mind to return into favour with us, we are prepared to em- brace you, and to render you every office of kindness in our power. But we are not able to enter into that compact which you demand ; for how shall we at this time promise you a Church ? In the first place, you know, that Churches are not at.our disposal ; besides, with what conscience should "we j)romise that to you, before it is evident, that we agree LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 24j? in doctrine. You do not dissemble but that as yet you dif- fer from us ; and yet you would have us designate a place for you as a teacher. Weigh, yourself, the extreme impro- priety of this. Were we to be so obsequious to you, you would correctly judge us to be something more than stupid. But to conclude, I beseech you to examine thoroughly the whole cause, by yourself, with a composed and sedate mind, and weigh this letter in the scales of candid and impartial judgment. You certainly know, that it is the highest wis- dom to turn from the evil course into which you have en- tered. If you will make the experiment, no office of friend- ship shall be wanting to you, when restored, from me, and Farel seriously promises the same for himself. You will re- member, that the charity which you so severely demand of others, must be shewn, in some measure, towards others. If I seem to be somewhat too severe, think what your letter deserves. I mention this only to profit you ; Avhat I have written, is for the purpose of calling up your sins to your remembrance. Farewell, my brother in the Lord, if you suffer yourself to be esteemed and to hold the place of a bro- ther. The Lord Jesus Christ guide you by the spirit of counsel and prudence, that from those dangerous rocks, against which you have broken, and that tempestuous sea on which you are tossed, you may be received safe into the haven of rest. Your sincere friend, JOHN CALVIN. Strasb¥rg, August 10, 1540. P. S. Farel bids you to be in health, and wishes that you may be sincerely converted to the Lord, and so may you be prepared to return to our friendship and fraternal union, as we ourselves are prepared to embrace you. 218 LIFE OF CALVIN. iEiruRs. LETTER V. Calvin to Farel* I am so ovcrwlielnied, by the death of Coraud, that I can- not put any limits to my sorrow. My daily occupations have no power to retain my mind from recurring to the event, and revolving constantly the impressive thought. The dis- tracting impulses of the day are followed by the more tortur- ing anguish of the night. I am not only troubkd with dreams, to which I am inured by habit, but I am greatly en- feebled by those restless watchings, which are extremely in- jurious to my health. But what wounds my mind so deeply, is the heinousness of the circumstances, if the suspicions are true, and I am forced, in opposition to my wishes, to give them some credit. To what length, will posterity go, when such monstrous things are perpetrated in the very commence- ment of our labours. I fear, and not without reason, that this wickedness will be shortly punished by some dreadful calamity of the Church. It is in fact no small token of di- vine displeasure, which we now experience, that amidst the scarcity of good men, the Church should be deprived of Co- raud, whose talents and piety placed him among the first of that character. Shall we not then, my brother, mourn this distressing calamity, and be in bitterness under the chastise- ment of our Father ? But however oppressed with grief we still have the light of consolation, springing up from those tes- timonies of affection and respect, by wliich his acquaintance amply prove their exalted opinion of his ability and integrity. And the Lord will not permit the iniquity of our enemies to remain concealed even from the eyes of men. They have not gained a single hair by his death. He still bears testimo- ny against their wickedness, at the tribunal of God ; and his iEiTEBs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 249 accusing voice will more clearly sound destruction in their ears, than if tlie Almighty himself should shake the earth. The Lord has spared us, to survive Coraud. Let us be diligent to follow hLs example ; and watchful to tread in the path of increasing light, till we shall have finished our course. Let no difficulties dismay us, or any weight of eartlily sulTer- ing impede our progress towards that rest into which, we trust, he is received. Without the hope of this glory to cheer us in our way, we shall be overcome with difficulties, and driven to despair. But as the truth of the Lord remains firm and unshaken, so let us abide in the hope of our calling, until the hidden kingdom of God be made manifest. Our adversaries have sounded the alarm, by an open decla- ration of wau at Minden, which being merely on a religious account, we are all implicated. If the God of armies guards us by his strength, we shall have a firm and invincible pro- tection ; otherwise we can make but a feeble defence, and shall be easily overpowered. To this asylum let us unitedly have recourse ; for it will remain unmoved though the earth should be shaken to its centre. We shall not cease to solicit a Council until it is obtained. Sonerius has presented another question for our discussion ; whether it is lawful for him and others in like circumstances, to receive the Lord's Supper, from the hands of such pollu- ted men, or even to communicate with them ? On this question, there was no difierence between Capito and myself. We answered, that Christians ought to have an aversion to schisms, and if possible avoid them. Such should be their reverence for the ministry, and the sacraments, that wherev- er these are perceived to exist, there the Church should be acknowledged. Let the Ministers, therefore, by whom God permits the Church to be governed, be what they may, if the signs of the true Church are perceived, it will be better not to separate from the communion. Nor is it an objection, 32 250 LIFE OF CALVIN. tETTES^, tliat sonic impure doctrines are there delivered ; for there is scarce any Church which retains none of the remains of igno- rance. It is sufficient for us, that the doctrine, on which the Church of Christ is founded, should hold its place and influ- ence. Nor should we object, that one who fraudulently ob- tains, or even wickedly thrusts himself into the place of a true Minister, should not be considered as a legitimate Pastor. It is not the business of private persons to entangle themselves in these scruples. They communicate, in the sacraments, with the Church, who agree to have them dispensed by the hands of those whom they consider as holding the standing of Minis- ters. And although it belongs to the members of the Church, to know who or Ashat their Pastors are, and whether they hold their office justly or unjustly, yet they ought to suspend any judgment until they are able to settle the questioQ in a lawful manner. Although they should employ such persons, there will be no danger, that they should appear to acknow- ledge them with approbation, or settle them by stipulated contract. In this manner they will give testimony of their patience, by bearing with those vrhom they suppose worthy of condemnation, in a regular and solemn judgment. • 1 entreat you, my brother, in this age of iniquity, to endeavour to retain all who are in any degree tolerable. Concerning ceremonies, see that the brethren do not contend with the same obstinacy as their neighbours. Let all things be conducted so that Ave may be only the servants of peace and concord. The Lord preserve and strengthen you, my dear brother, by his Spirit, in all your trials. Your soli- citude for me requires that I should, in return, recommend to you to be careful of your health. You appear, it is said, to be very much Avorn doAvn. I entreat you, ray brother, to think so much of others as to remember, that you are still necessary to them, and the Church of Christ. A thousand lETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 251" salutations to all my brethren Avith you, to Tiret, See, Capi- to, Sturmius and Firmius salute you. Strasburg, October 24, 1538. LETTER YI. Extracts from Calvin's Letter to the Genevese Church- In the first place, laying aside all respect of per- sons, examine, I pray you, with what honour the Lord would have you treat those whom he has appointed Pastors and Ministers in his Church. He requires us to yield obe- dience with reverence, while they preach his word ; and he commands us to treat with honour those Avhom he has dig- nified with his embassy, and wills that we ackno\\ ledge thera as his messengers. It is true, while we were with you, we did not much contend about the dignity of our ministry, lest we should open some door of suspicion ; but as we are now placed beyond that danger, we may fi'eely oii'er you our opinion. Had I intercourse with those Slinisters, I would teach them the true nature of their office, and their obliga- tions to you. Let each one, both Ministers and private per- sons, require of himself the correct duties of his onn life, and observe more carefulhj nhat he uncs to others, than what is due from them to him. When this circumspection shall be exer- cised and adopted, as a fixed principle, then indeed those who hold the place of IMinisters of the word, seeing your seuls are committed to their government, "vnll be acknow- ledged by you in the place of parents ; and held in reputa- tion and honour for their office' sake; r.liich they discharge mth you, from the vocation of God. Nor would I be un- derstood by this, to take away that right which God has committed to you, and to all his Churches, that they should fzamine all Pastors, distinguishing the pure from the vile, 2$2 LIFE OF CALVIN, letters. and reprimand those who, under the disguise of Pastors, would exercise the rapacity of wolves. But if you dispute and contend with your Ministers, even to noise and strife, as I hear is the case, it is very evident, that the ministry of those in whom the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to be manifest, is subjected to disgrace and re- proach ; and is almost trodden under foot. It is your du- ty, therefore, attentively to take heed to this one thing, lest while you suppose you only insult men, you in fact declare war against God himself. Nor should it appear to you a matter of small moment, that schisms and sects should be made and cherished in the Church, which the heart of eve- ry Christian must hear of Avith horror. When separations and withdrawings of this kind take place, between a Pastor and his people, the thing speaks for^itself. Finally then, accept tliis advice : If you would hold me as a brother, let there be a solid union among you, a union worthy of the exalted name of brethren ; lest you should reject that ministry which, for your benefit, and the prosperity of the Church, I was compelled to approve, without respecting the favour or iesx of men. We have always admonished you to acknowledge ilie subversion of your Church as the necessary visitation of God, both for your chastisement and our own; and that you should not so much turn your strength against those wicked men, who were the instruments of Satan, as upon your own sins, which justly deserved a more severe punish- ment than that which has been inflicted. Stuasburg, June 25, 1639. LETTER VII. Calvin to Farel, To preclude your fm-ther anxiety for my long expected letter, I shall forward it fresh from my pen, without waiting LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 253 for the arrival (k Michael. I will pass at present my con- ference with Melancthon ; and state the progress of af- fairs since my last. The unjust conditions, boldly advanced by the Ambassadour of the Emperour, had well nigh termi- nated in the assumption of arms to settle the controversy. He proposed that our brethren should separate from the Sa- cramentarians.# You will be aware, that this is the artifice of Satan, who cherishes on this occasion the former animosi- ties which he sowed ; while at the same time new offences^ like flaming torches, are kindled up to excite still greater contention. Our German brethren, however, while they re- fuse to acknowledge the Sacramentarians, are desirous of a union with the Helvetick Churches. The Emperour event- ually relinquished this point, which he had laboured to esta- blish as the means of efl^ecting a truce. I earnestly wish, that these things may be useful to the Churches ; but in look- ing them over in their effects, they promise, in my opinion, nothing beneficial. The Elector of Saxony clearly appre- hends this, and though supposed to be habitually of a dilatory temperament, he is now fixed in the opinion, that we are under the necessity of hazarding the consequences of war. The Land- grave, beyond all expectation, dissuades from warlike mea- sures ; and although he consents to yield to his allies, if they shall judge it expedient, yet his influence has operated ex- tensively in abating the ardour of those who reposed a confi- dence in his constitutional promptitude. The prospect now looks favourable for an approaching truce, in which every attention will be given to those objects that may be condu- cive to unanimity of opinion. The adversaries,! intent to frus- * These were the foUowets of Zuinglius, of the Church of Zurich, be- tween whom and the followers of Luther there was a wide difterence of opi- nion, about the manner of the presence of Christ in the sacrament. f These were the Pope's agents, as appears from Seckendorf, vol. 2. aa- no 1539. 254j life of CALVlxN. i^ExrERs. trate our purpose in uniting the Churches, meditate only measures which may bring about the war. The Elector of Saxony will go from the Assembly to visit the Duke of Cleves, whose sister he married. If the Elector can draw the Duke over to the cause of religion, it will be a great be- nefit to the Churcli of Christ. He is the most powerful among the Princes of Lower Germany ; and is not exceeded in extent of dominion, nor surpassed in superiority of juris- diction, by any but Ferdinand himself. When Bucer last wrote me, nothing had been determined concerning the embassy to the King of France, for the safety of the brethren, and the support of the cause of religion. The subject will be discussed and arranged, A\hen other mat- ters shall have been determined, as they Avill then be enabled to state their request to the King ^vith more fulness and force of argument. My conference Avith Melanctlion embraced a great varie- ty of subjects. Having previously written him concerning the agreement, I urged the necessity of obtaining the opinion of the best men, upon a matter of so much importance. I forwarded to him a few articles, in which I had concisely summed up the doctrines of truth. To these he consented without controversy, but stated that some in that quaiter demanded something more fujl and explicit, and with such obstinacy and overbearingness that he Avas, for some time, in danger of being considered as having wholly departed from their opinions. Although he did not suppose that an established agreement would continue long, he still wished that this union, whatever it might l)e, sliould be cherished, until the Lord should draw us on both sides into the unity of his truth. Doubt not but that Melancthon is wholly in opinion with us. It would be tedious to detail our conversations on a di- versity of subjects ; but tlicy will afford us an agreeable to- iETTEKS. LIFE OF CAX.VIN. 1^5 pick at some future interview. When we entered on the subject of discipline, he mourned, as we all of us do, about that imhappy state of the Church, which we are all allowed to deplore, rather than correct. You must not suppose, that you alone labour under the painful burden of ineffectu- al discipline. Every day new examples are occurring, which should excite us all to the most vigorous exertions, to obtain the desired remedy for these evils. A Minister of integrity and learning was lately ejected from Ulm, with the severest reproach, because he would not indulge them in their vices. He was dismissed with a very honourable re- commendation from all his colleagues, and especially from Frechthus. AVhen this was reported at Augslmrg, it excit- ed the most unpleasant sensations. These things have a ten- dency to encourage the licentious to consider it as a matter of sport, to interrupt the Pastors in their ministerial duties, and to drive them into exile. Nor can this evil be reme- died, as neither the people nor the Princes distinguish be- tween the brotherly discipline of Christ, and the tyranny of the Pope. It is the opinion of Melancthon, that we must yield, in a due degree, to the adverse winds of this tempestuous season ; and without despairing of eventual success, cast our eyes for- ward to some favourable moment, when our enemies may be less powerful, and we more able to introduce the remedy for these internal evils. Capito is strongly impressed with tlie belief that the Church is ruined, unless God shall supply some speedy succours, and good men become united in her defence. Despairing of doing any good, he has a desire for death as a release from his unprofitable labours. But if our vocation is of the Lord, of which we are confident, he will bless and succeed us through all the difficulties that may be thrown in our Avay. liCt us attempt all remedies, and if they fail, still let us per- sist in our calling to the last breath. SSe LIFE OF CALVIN. lETTEas. The Waldeiisiau brethren arc indebted to me for a crown, one part of which I lent tliem, and the other I paid to their messenger, who came with my brother to bring the letter from Sonerius. I requested them to pay it to you, as it will part- ly pay you my debt, the rest I will pay when I can. Such i? ray condition now, that I have not a penny. It is singular, although my expenses are so great, that I must still live upon my own money unless I would burden my brethren. It is not easy for me to take that care of my health which you re- commend £0 aifectionally. Farewell, beloved brother. The Lord give you strength and support in all your troubles. Frankfort, March, 1539. LETTER VIII. Calvin to Farel. The day after I received your letter, the last but one, I set out for Frankfort. I omitted to answer it, as my jom'ney was entirely unexpected. Bucer having informed me tliat he could accomplish nothing concerning the cause of the breth- ren, I immediately started for that place, lest their safety should be neglected among the croud of business to be trans- acted. I was also anxious to confer M'ith jMelancthon on re- ligion, and the discipline of the Church. The entreaties of Capito and others furnislied additional motives, as did also the pleasure I anticipated in the society of Sturmius and oth- er good men who were to accompany me. r- As to the advice in answer to the questions of Soneri- us, I solemnly declare, that I recommended no other union to the brethren, than what is exhibited in the example of Christ, who did not hesitate to partake of of the mysteries of God with the Jews, notwithstanding their deplorable impi- ety. Tliey weighed my advice with caution, and were dis- LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 257 satisfied, that I made a difference between the Minister and the people. Of the dispenser of the ordinance, faith and prudence were required ; of the people, that each one exa- mine himself, and prove his own faith. But this wiJl be easily explained when we have an opportunity of conversing on the subject. The evident judgments of God against those noxious spirits. Mho disturb tlie peace of the Church, afford me some pleasure mingled with my grief, for I see that these scourges were not altogether unmerited. It is however de- sirable, that a gracious Providence would, by some means, free his Churches from such polluted members. You say very correctly, that their consciousness of guilt is accom- panied with an anxiety to have every thing buried in the deepest obscurity, lest their own personal baseness should be detected. Perplexed with the subterfuges of the wicked, we must labour to the extent of our power, and leave the event to the infinitely wise management of God. I should be gratified in obliterating from the memory all those evils, which cannot be remedied without injury to the cause. But it would be injurious to hide, in the bowels of the Church, those bitter animosities, hatreds and doctrinal differences, whose virulence woidd thus be nourished, till ultimately the body would be covered with infectious ulcers. Evils of this kind must be remedied, when lenient measures fail, with a reasonable severity. But when the circumstances will admit, a middle way should be pursued, to restore the dignity of the ministry, to bring back the health of the Church, to call into exercise forbearance for small offences, and leave no ne- cessity for intermeddling anew with evils concealed or sup- pressed. The irritation of some wounds is increased by ap- plications, and their cure only effected by quietness and neg- lect. We find this to be the state of things at Frankfort. From the House of Saxony, the Elector, his brother, and his grandson Maurice, are present, attended by four hundred. 33 258 LIFE OF CALVIN, letters. Iiorsemen. The Landgrave was accompanied by the same number. The Duke of Luneiibm-g; arrived with less pomp. Others are present w hose names I do not remember. The other confederates, the King of Denmark and the Duke of Prussia, and some others, sent Ambassadours. This is not strange, as it would he hazardous for them to leave their own dominions, at so great a distance, in the present confused and perilous state of affairs. All were displeased, that the Duke of Wirtemburg, at the distance only of two days trav- el, should prefer his hunting and other diverting sports, to consulting for the safety of his country, and perhaps of his head. He apologized indeed by others, that he was not afraid to entrust the whole care to those whom he knew to be greatly interested in the issue of the business. Men of the first distinction were delegates from the cities. In the first session, war was decreed by a unanimous suf- frage of the Assembly. At this time, two Electors, the Count Palatine, and Joachim of Brandenbm'g, with the Spanish Am- bassadour, Vesalis, the Bishop of Lunden, came into the Con- vention. They first opened the mandate of the Emperour^ which authorized them to make peace, or agree upon a truce, with us, on such conditions as they should judge best. With laboured harangues, and accumulated arguments, they en- deavoured to persuade us to yield to terms of pacification. The point which they urged most strenuously, and on which they felt our influence most sensibly, was, that the Grand Turk, would prosecute his warlike measures with more vigour, in proportion as he saw Germany distracted with intestine wars : that having possessed himself of JFallachia^ he held by treaty from the Poles, the right of a free passage through their dominions, and of course he was now threatening the territories of the Emperour with invasion. They moved us to draw up the conditions of a peace ; and if this could not be effected, they were anxious that a truce should be estab- LETTERS. IJFE OF CALVIN. 259 lished. "We made no question of their sincerity and good faith. For Joachim was favourable to the cause of the Gos- pel, and the Palatine was by no means unfriendly to its suc- cess. But as our confidence did not repose a^ itli ease on the mandates of Vesalis the Spaniard, we prefen-ed that the af- fair should be arranged by the Electors, who exercised the supreme authority in the Empire. This was opposed by the Elector of Saxony, who, for various reasons, entertained an implacable aversion to the Elector of IMentz, and ^\ ho, being uncle to Joachim, dared not consent to an Assembly from which his relative was excluded. Our advocates therefore, after stating the injuries they had received, and the causes which had forced them, unw illingly, into a war, proposed the conditions of peace. These conditions asserted the right of government over their own Churches, the authority of ap- pointing their own IMinisters, and of securing to those who united with them the privileges of their league. After these articles were presented, we left Frankfort. Bucer has since informed me, that the two Imperial Electors granted us something more than the Spaniard was ■^^ illing to sanction. The reason of this arose from the necessity the Eraperour was under, of courting the assistance of the Papists against the Turks, as well as ours ; so he endeavoured to please both parties without giving oifence to either. At the close, he required that, when the present state of affairs should be changed, the learned and pious, t,^ ho were disposed for union, should assemble and agree upon the articles of religion which were now in controversy ; and that the whole business shouUi then be referred to a Diet of the Empire, in which all the controversies of the several branches of the German reformed Churches should be closed. This Ambassadour proposed, for the arrangement of these matters, a truce for one yeai^. Our members are not satisfied with the shortness of the time, nor the uncertainty of the issue. Every thing thus remain* 260 LITE OF CALVIN. letters. in suspense ; and unless the Emperour makes farther propo- sals, the continuance of war seems inevitable The petition from Henry VIII. requested that an Ambas- sadour, accompanied by Philip Melancthon, should be sent to assist in the more secure and correct establishment of the English Church. The Princes had no hesitation about send- ing an Ambassadour ; but were unwilling to send Melanc- thon, suspecting that he was too yielding and irresolute. He is, ho\\'ever, neither ignorant nor dissembling in the opinions w hich he forms ; and he even solemnly affirmed to me that their fears were unfounded. I believe I know him perfectly ; and I should as confident- ly trust him as Bucer, when he has to manage with men who wish to secure to themselves ample room for the indulgence of their vices. Bucer is so zealous in spreading the Gospel, that, contented w ith conformity to the principal points, he too carelessly gives up those smaller ones, which may have an extensive influence in their consequences. Henry himself is, in fact, but half instructed. He prohibits the marriage of Bishops and Priests, under the severe penalty of being de- prived of the pow er and privileges of their office ; retains the daily masses ; would preserve the seven sacraments ; and thus have a Gospel mutilated and dismembered, and a Church filled with many vanities. He moreover manifests the estab- lished mark of a weak head, by refusing the translation of the scriptures into the' vulgar tongue, and proceeding to prohibit, by a new edict, the reading of them by the common people. And to put the matter beyond a question, that he is not in jest, he has, to the grief of all the pious, lately caused an ho- nest and learned man to be burnt at the stake for denying the real presence of the flesh of Christ in the sacramental bread. • The Princes of the Empire, though generally incensed with such cruelties, a\ ill not relinquish J-he em])assy, out of regard to the cause of religion, and its progress and securi- LBTXE&s. LIFE OF CALVIN. 261 ty in that kingdom. The death of the son of Prince George, who had been confined on account of in- sanity, took place m hiie the Convention was sitting at Frank- fort. His successour will doubtless be jMaurice, whom I named among the confederates ; and of course the possessions of George will be soon added to support the little flock of Christ. So uncertain are the events which may change ex- tensively the present face of affairs. Our confidence is in God, and our duty is to pray fervently, that he would grant a favourable issue to the present confused and perplexed state of things. My success in the cause of the brethren, and the subjects of my conference with Philip, you will learn more minutely from Michael. My letter is unfinished, but the messenger will not tarry. Farewell, beloved bro- ther. Salute Thomas and all the brethren from me. Ca« pito and Sturmius salute you. Yours, &c. JOHN CALVIN, March 16, 1539. LETTER IX. - CALViy TO Far EL. I do not remember a day, in the course of this year, ir. Avhich I have been so overwhelmed with a croud of ])u£i- ness. When the messenger called for my book, I had twen- ty sheets to revise, — to preacli,— to read to the congre- gation, — to write four letters, — to attend to some con- troversies, — and to answer more than ten persons, who in- terrupted me for advice. Excuse me, — I write briefly, and not very accurately about any thing. The deliberations of the Convention at Frankfort, we shall know correctly ^\hcn Bucer returns. From his letters he may be expected in ijbout seven days. He writes me, that the Princes are rm- 2G2 LIFE OF CALVIN. ietiers. commonly decisive in defending the Gospel. At Smalkald, they displayed, in a small affair, the resolution ^vith which they are inspired, by tearing down some impm-e images with their altars, and abolishing the Elevation in the Lord's Sup- per. Silence becomes those who, with such oscitancy, have been dreaming of an undefined moderation. I just afford you a taste, that you may understand how removed they are from trepidation. Our Senate has proved itself to be an- imated ^vith a determined spirit, by committing to prison the Superior of a Nunnery, who squandered away the proper- ly of tJie Convent. An officer of the Empire, at the request of the Bishop, ordered her to be released. The confederate Princes sanctioned the conduct of the Senate, and declared that tliey would take the case imc^er their own cognizance. A messenger was sent to the officer of the Empire, informing him, that the Senate would not respect his judgment, what- ever it might be. We expect them, of course, to hurl their innocuous thunder. 'I camiot say any more. Yoms, JOHN CALVIN. April 20, 3539. LETTER X. Calvin to Farel, In my late interview with Melancthon, I did not disguise my displeasure at the nmltitude of ceremonies, A\ hich renders their form of Avorship not very different from Judaism. He refused to contend against my reasoning, and admitted that they retained too many foolish or at least useless ceremonies. But he pleaded as an excuse the neces- sity they were under of yielding to the obstinacy of the Canons of Wittemberg ; but said, that there w as no other city in Saxony so loaded with this burden, and that they LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 263 should by degrees be delivered from the weight of this med- ley. He added, that Luther was as far from approbating the ceremonies, which he retained, as he was from com- mending- our unrescrvedness in their rejection. I wish our friend N could become acquainted with the sincerity of Melancthon ; it A\ould divest him of all his suspicious about his integrity. It does not follow, because Bucer formerly defended the ceremonies of Luther, that he wishes or at- tempts to establish them. Nothing could persuade him to ap- prove of singing in Latin. He abhors images. Some things he despises, and cares nothing aljout others. If these things are once banished from the service of the Church, they will never again be permitted to re-pass her threshhold. H6 disapproves of the separation between us and Luther, on account of those little external observances. Nor do I ac- count them a just cause of separation. The German league has nothing in it which ought to offend a pious heart. Why, I ask, should they not combine the strength which the Lord has given them, for the common defence of the Gospel ? They do not draw any one into their society by force, nor any other restraint. Those cities, which excel in their at- tachment to evangelical truth, were the most in favour of the agreement with the Papists and theh* Bishops at Nurem- licrg. I wish N knew what arts were made use of in the late Convention, and with what obstinacy they were re- sisted. The Ambassadour of the Emperour exerted all his influence, to draw them off from the Helvetick Churches. He did not name them, but he demanded that they should not take up the cause of the Sacramentaria-iS. They answer- ed, that they were in brotherly communion vritli these wliom he called Sacramentarians. How much resolution they ma- nifested in their last defence ! The Emperour imposed the rule, that during the truce they should receive no one into the league. They consented, but with this o^ndition •, that ^Gi^ LIFE OF CALVIN. letieks. if any should receive the Gospel, they should be safe, al- though not members of the agreement. And if they were attacked, they declared that they would defend all those as brethren, who supported the cause of Christ. They, in their turn, required of the Emperour, that no combinations should be formed, during that period, against the Gospel. The Emperour Avished the Priests should enjoy the ecclesias* tical revenues till the end of the truce. The confederates consented, on condition that they supported the Churches and the Schools ; and in this they persisted to the last. Why should I relate the distinguished fortitude of this city ? When the conditions of the Emperour were produced in the Convention, demanding that all leagues formed after the Di- et of Nuremberg* should be declared void, that we should not enter into any new ones, and that both parties should re- main unm''>le?ted, until a conference should be held for re- forming the German Church ; a decree of the Senate was immediately issued, declaring, That they av ould see their children and their wives butchered in their sight, their pro- perty and privileges destroyed, the city rased to the ground, and themselves subjected to a massacre, before they would submit to measures, which would destroy the progress of the Gospel of Christ. JMy Farel, consider how unjust we should be to such men to remain idle, and censure those who, with a resolution worthy of their cause, will not be driven from the line of duty by any dangers or terrors which may threaten their destruction. Affaii's are doubtless verging to a battle. Indeed an attack has been made in the suburbs of Lunenburg. It is our duty, you say, to avoid giv- ing offence to good men — I grant it —but it is equally their duty to avoid taking offence too rashly and without rea- son. Yours, JOHN CALVIN. April, 153f>. * In 1532. LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 265 LETTER XL Calvin to Farel. We have at length returned home, after an absence of almost three months. Our delay was occasioned by our ad- versaries, who constantly were devising new artifices to de- lude us by spinning out the time. When the Emperour was said to be approaching, we supposed that they would have a good pretext for their own justification. For during the whole period they had eluded any conference by the most impudent shufflings ; and why did they not pretend that they could have no consultation, since the Emperour was now going to Ratisbon to hold the Diet ?# But when all ^v'e^e preparing to depart, they unexpectedly gave us an opportu- nity, for a conference. They were perhaps apprehensive, that they could not escape the accusation of dishonesty, if they did not commence, at least in appearance, when we had submitted to all their obtrusive conditions. For they had spent a whole month in proposing absurdities for oui' admission, expecting that by our refusal, they should have an ostensible reason for accusing us with having prevented the conference. By our patience, we frustrated all their ex- pectations, by yielding to every condition which did not materially affect injuriously the cause of truth. At length the colloquy Avas opened. Eckius, being chosen by our ad- versaries for theh advocate, commenced with a speech of two hours. 3Ielancthon answered more concisely. After * The Conference at Worms was appointed to be opened on the 28th of October 1540. From tliis time, nothing' was effected till the 13th of Janua- ry, 1541. On this day, they agreed upon a colloquy, This was after the Emperour, by Granville his Prime Minister, had published his determina- tion to hold a Diet at Ratisbon in March. 34 266 LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. dinner, Eckius again proceeded boisterously. On the follow- ing day, Philip ansAvcred him a\ ith great moderation. Eck- ius spoke again after dinner. The judges then pronounced, that they had disputed long enough about that article.* To the injustice of this sentence we objected, that it was in- tolerable that our adversaries should both open and close the debate. But Granville persisted in his sentence with the inflexible obstinacy of an Areopagite. Permission was ob- tained, for our advocate to speak again, on condition, hoAv^e- ver, that our adversaries should close the dispute. On the following day, Philip closed his argument, and Eckius, with more moderation than usual, ended the del^ate. I will not attempt to describe the monkish fastidiosity, the great au- dacity, insolence and impudence, with which this ostenta- tious man vociferated. Imagine to yourself a barbarous sophist, exulting foolishly among his illiterate companions, and you will have the half of Eckius. Gran- ville, having assembled the Diet, read the Emperour's letter by which it was dissolved ; and the promise was given, that he would examine the unfinished business at Ratisbon. Some of the Divines were ordered to repair to that city. The Senate has ordered me to join Bucer. Melancthon obtained this by particular application. I mention this, that you need not suspect me of endeavouring to be absent, to avoid any application from Geneva. When he took leave of our Ara- bassadour, he so earnestly entreated him to have me sent with Bucer, that I was quite put to the blush ; and when I ex- postulated A\ ith him, he answered me, that he had the best of reasons, and that my excuses would not prevent his urg- ing them, and insisting that I should be brought to that Diet. Just before they offered us a conference, Gryneus, * The dispute commenced upon the doctrine oforipnal sin. Eckius and Melancthon were the only collocutors appointed. On the third day, Gran- ville dismissed the conference. Dupin. i^ETTEKs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 2Q7 Sturmius and myself, liaving requested permission to retmn Jiome, we packed up our things, and went to take leave of our friends. When we came to Philip, he said, " The oth- ers may go, but I will not suffer Calvin to go at this time" ; and immediately ran to the house to prevent my departure. You see that my appointment was not of my own procure- ment. But I am foolish in attempting to M'ipe off a suspi- cion which probably never entered your mind, and which you would not foster if it did. On my return home, I had a great deal of business Avith Claudius. My situation is uncertain. I shall be obliged to leave my domestick affairs unsettled, and he absent as much as six or eight months. I need not mention how injurious to my personal interest my alisence from this place must be. This is the reason that my salary is not augmented. That which is now paid me scarcely yields me and my family a support for eight months. But I do not complain, as I must impute it to myself. I will write you again before I leave home. Farewell, my beloved brother. Salate all the brethren af- fectionately. Strasburg, January 28, 1541. LETTER XIL James Bernard xo Calvint. My venerable Father, That I did not write you by LeA\- is du Four, the Genevese Arabassadour, was neither from indifference for you, nor regret at your reinstatement as the Pastor of this Church. I was absent at LauP"ime, to con- sult with Peter Viret about matters that related to our Church. It is indeed a high gratification to me, that you are acknowledged by our brethren as their good and faith- ful Pastor ; and especially as I know this to be effected by 2G8 LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. the influence of the Holy Spirit. On the Lord's day, at our Church at Rippa, 1 found the house ahuost deprived of its Pastors. JMorentus and IMarcutius, Avho had the care of it, had departed, and Henry alone Avas Avith me. But wliat were we in governing so great a congregation ? Beholding the people all in tears, I admonished them to turn unto the Lord their God, and supplicate of him, ^ho was the Pastor of Pastors, a Pastor whom he would bless tolhe prosperity of his Church. I did not indeed thinly of you, having given up all hopes of your return. The people followed my advice with great devotion. The next day, the Council of two hundred convened and called for Calvin. The following day, a general meeting assemljled. All exclaimed. We de- mand the return of Calvin, the honest man, the learned JNIi- nister of Christ. When I heard this I praised God, who had done what was marvellous in our eyes, in making the stone Tvhich the builders rejected become the head of the cor- 7icr. Come then, my venerable father in Christ. All sigh after you. Your estimation in the hearts of this people will be testified by their affectionate reception of you. You will find me not an opposer, accordmg to the representations of some, (may God forgive them,) but a faithful and sincere friend, de- voted to your wishes in the Lord. Come then to Geneva, to a people renovated, by the grace of God, through the la- bours of Vuet ; and may the Lord hasten your return to our Church, whose blood he a\ ill require at your hand s, for he ha? set you a Avatchmau unto the house of our Israel. Fare- well. BERNARD. GENEVA; February 6, 1541- LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 269 LETTER XIII. John Calvin to James Bernard, a brother and JMinister, in the dispensation of the word, in the Church of Geneva. Your letter was handed me at the moment I was prepar- ed to enter on my journey. You will therefore excuse me, should my ansv/er be later than you expected ; and should it be short and incorrect, as I write in haste on my Avay. Your urgent request, that I should undertake the government of the Church of Geneva, I doubt not, is made in good faith, and with the best disposition, as you judge that its order cannot otherwise be restored, than by the assistance of those, whose departure occasioned it so severe afflictions. This argu- ment, which you so studiously use, always had much Aveight on my mind. It was indeed because I feared that I should resist the will of God, that I dared not reject that vocation. My conscience now holds me bound in the calling Avhich I now sustain, nor will it easily permit me to leave it. Af- ter that calamity, my ministry appeared to me unhappy and unpropitious, and I wholly determined Avith myself, that 1 never Avould undertake the ministerial office, unless the Lord himself should call me Avith a clear voice, that is, unless such a necessity fell upon me as I could not overcome. The Stras- burgese perseveringly used every means to driA^e me from this determination in Avhich I persisted, till at length they succeeded. But they did not break my purpose in the first attack. When they perceived that they could not overcome by repeated arguments, they at last threatened me, that I could no more escape, by evasion, the hand of God, than Jonah formerly did by his flight. It is not therefore strange that I should not lightly leave that station in Avhich the liord has placed me. I am not, hoAvcATr, so fixed in this place, but that ! 270 LIFE OF CALVIN. ietteks. am prepared, at the same time, to remove as often as it shall be determined by the judgment of the Chmch. But I .shall not remove without a lawful order ; and this was the reason why I referred the whole business to the judgment of the Church. My brethren and colleagues, whom for their merit I respect in the Lord, and whose authority I es- teem not otherwise than that of parents, incline rather to this course, that I with Bucer should go to Geneva, and after ascertaining the state of the Church, should determine what the good of the cause requires. But this we can by no means immediately accomplish, as we are now on our way to the Diet of Ratisbon. As soon as we return home, you need not doubt but that the subject will receive our atten- tion. The beginning of this business you know always just- ly displeased me. And from the first unfavourable entrance upon it, I expected no good, unless, as I have always be- sought tlie Lord, he should make you and your colleagues faithful Ministers to himself. In the mean time, many thmgs are reported, which I am not pleased to believe, nor permitted to deny. It is with great grief I have heard those things, which I foresaw would tend to the disgrace of the sacred ministry. I have heard Farel and Coraud as well as myself are so unkindly treated, that it affects and wounds my mind with painful feelings. I confess for ray- self, that I hold Farel and Coraud in so higli estimation for their piety, learnhig and integrity, that I cannot hear them reproached with indifference. I do not dissemble, that you may imderstiind that I treat with you candidly and frank- ly on this subject. But since you discover an excellent mind in your letter, I congratulate you, trusting that your inward thoughts correspond with your words. From me, in my turn, you may fully expect, what I certainly engage, all that is to be expected, first from a man who loves peace and hates contention ; secondly, from a friend most studious of LETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 271 your welfare ; and lastly, from one who is ready to forgive offences. In the mean time, I call you to witness, by the name of God, and by his tremendous judgment, that you should remember that all your transactions are with him, who will hereafter, with the severest scrutiny, demand a rea- son for all your conduct j and who will not suffer himself to be satisfied with words and trifling excuses. Therefore, consi- der seriously with yourself, that as you are engaged in a call- ing the most exalted of all, so it is fraught with the greatest danger, unless you apply yourself to your office with integri- ty of heart and the highest diligence. If you desire my approbation, I declare before hand, that I ask nothing but that you render a faithful and sincere service to the Lord. Farewell, my dear brother. May the Lord Jesus prepare and strengthen you by his Spirit to every good work. Sa- lute, I pray you, all the pious in my name. Ulm, March 1, 1541. LETTER XIV. Calvin to Vieet. ^^^len your letters were handed me, I was prepared for my journey, and in the course of ray hfe I do not remember one more tumultuous. I now catch a moment at UIra, to an- swer you in a brief and confused manner. A traveller iu a tavern has not much time to meditate, and properly ar- range what he ^^Tites. Your letter, if I correctly remembei-, is divided into two parts — In the first, you would prove that the Church at Geneva should not be abandoned. Iji the second, you contend that I ought to hasten my return, lest Satan should take advantage of my dilatoriness, and throw some impediment in the way. To this I answer, as I have always done, that there is no place on earth, I so much 272 LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. dread as Geneva ; not because I bear any hatred to them, l)ut because I see so many difficulties in my way, which I am very far from being able to surmount. When I call to mind the events of times past, I cannot help shuddering at the thought of being obhged to throw myself afresh into the midst of those former contentions. If my lousiness was to be with the Church only, my mind would be more easy ; at least I should feel less dread. But you must understand much more than I can write. Take in a word, that I know, by various channels, that he, who can most injure me, bears still an implacable hatred against me. When I consider the numerous ways which lie open to him for doing evil, how many instruments are prepared for exciting the flames of con- tention, and how many occasions Avill present themselves to him, against which I can by no foresight provide, I am whol- ly disheartened. Many other things in that city give me no small anxiety. As I progress in experience, I am more sensible of the arduous office of governing a Church. I am not, however, unwilling or unprepared, as far as I un- derstand my ability, to afford any assistance to that unhappy Church. These thoughts disturb and perplex my mind with delaying anxieties ; but their influence will not prevent me from doing every thing which I may judge to be for its welfare. Farel is my witness, that I have never uttered a word against their calling me to return ; I only entreated him that he would not, by officiousncss, lose a second time that Church already in ruins. I have given sufficient proof, that nothing is more conformable to my wislies, than to give up my life in the discharge of my duty. I do not dissemlile when I say this. "When the Gcnevese Ambassadours came to Worms, I entreated our friends with tears, that, omitting all consideration of me, they should consult, in the presence of God, M'hat would be most beneficial to the Church, which imploi fd their assistance. AVJicn v>& came to tlie house, al- XETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 273 though no one urged this question, I did not eease to im- portune them witli my prayers, to consider seriously upon this subject ; and they were not wanting in their duty. As we suspected, they almost immediately decreed, that I should be united with Bucer. But I declare to you, as I did to Farel, that this vv^as not fairly settled ; for it was determined before we returned from the Convention of Worms, by the influence of those who least consulted the good of Geneva. If you consult me, I see no reason why I should be sent on this mission to Ratlsbon ; but being appointed, I could not refuse, unless I wished to hear myself every where abused. When I received your letters, I was not at liberty to delibe- rate. I have stated the fact as my excuse. You have now an answer to both your enquiries. I never have, I never can refuse to go to Geneva ; and I promise you, that my re- solution shall not be changed, unless some more powerful ob- stacle closes up the way. I am charged with the care of that Church ; and I know not how it is, but I feel myself more inclined to take the government of it, if indeed the cir- cumstances demand it as my duty. It is agreed, that after our return from Ratisbon, I should go to. Geneva witli Bucer. We will then consult what will be most expedient, under the existing circumstances, for the re-establishment of a Pas- tor, and the renovation of the whole Church. The decision will have more influence, and the operation will be more ef- fectual, as we shall have present those from Avhom we have most to fear afterwards. When the business is once settled, they will be bound by their own judgment, and prevented from exclaiming against its operation ; and also from excit- ing others to disturb the established order. In the mean time, my brother, I entreat you for Christ's sake, to be of good courage. The more uncertain our continuance is in this life, the less we should be troubled about the delay of those events which we earnestly desir^. There are many 35 274 LIFE OF CALVIN. betters. things I know, which iiuist cause you trouble and anxiety ; but consider tiiat these are trials appointed of the Lord, to support you tili liis coming. The day before I received your letters, I wrote to the Senate of Geneva, excusing my delay in coming to them ; and I doubt not but my excuse has been accepted. Farewell, my beloved brother. Salute, in my name, all m ho are devoted to the truth. May the Spirit of the Lord strengthen you for all good works. Ulm, March 1, 154L LETTER XV. Calvin to Farel. I have not written you ?ince I arrived, but I requested Hiy friend Claudius to foi'ward to you whatever he might receive from me. While waiting for a letter from you, I have been informed of a severe calamity ; that Claudius, w horn I so greatly loved, is removed by the plague ; that Lewis, the brother of Charles, died three days after- wards ; that my family was unhappily scattered ; that my brother had retired with Cardus to a neighbouring village ; that my wife had taken refuge at her brother's house ; and that the youngest of the students of Claudius was confined to his bed. The bitterness of my grief is augmented Avitli anxiety and solicitude for those who survive. Night and day, I imagine ray wife before me, deprived of her reason, and calling for her husband. The afflictions of the amiable and affectionate Charles sorely distress me. In four days he was deprived of an only brother, and of a Preceptor whom he treated as a father. When I think of IMalherbe, my mind calls to view the excellent young men who attended Iiim. Under the weight of all these sorrows, it is incredible how much I mourn tlie death of my dear Claudius. Nor will XETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIX. 27,5 you be surprised at my depression, as you know how mucli, for these two years, I have needed a sure and faithful friend, to support me under a multitude of weighty troubles. He conducted himself in so faithful and so obligLiig a manner, that I treated him witli all the familiarity of a brother. When, in 6uspen:-e of mind, I lately deputed him, he solemn- ly pledged himself, that he woukl go wherever I should di- rect, and that he Avould never forsake me. "\\'hen I consi- der how much occasion I have for a good counsellour, al- w ays at hand, and liov,' rarel}^, in this age, we meet Miih an example of so much benevolence and fidelity, I cannot but consider his removal as a chastisement of the Lord, to call my sins to remembrance. The Efliperoiu- has been expecting the arrival of the Princes. The two Electors of Bavaria, and the Duke of Brunswick, the robber, the disgrace and the destroyer of his country, were present at the first moment. The Ambassa- dours arrived successively, and the following Princes : Fred- erick the Palatine, the brother of the Elector, Otho his grand- son, the younger Count of Wirtemberg, the Landgrave, Al- bert of Baden, the Prince of Anhalt, and the Elector of Mentz. The Elector of JBrandenburg is on his way. The Emperom- will persist in his solicitations till they all attend. The Elector of Saxony offered a good reason for his absence by his Ambassadours. The two cities of Goslar and Bruns- wick, which Henry vexed with depredations and robberies, under the pretext of the imperial ban,# the confederates lately decreed to defend by their united arms. The Emperour, fearing the issue, has suspended his de- crees, and annulled his sentences against u^, until he can take cognizance of the whole business Ijefore the Diet. And to * Sometimes cities were put under the imperial ban, that is, stripped of their rights and privileges; a sentence of war or proscription being pro claimed against thero till they made satisfaction. 276 tIFE OF CALVIN. xetters. remove all obstructions, he published his edict, express- ly commanding him to restore all that he had seized, and to abstain from farther depredations. He promised obedience, but still proceeds as before, perhaps you will say, in collusion with the Emperour. However this may be, the Elector of Saxony cannot desert his allies in such a pressure of danger ; he therefore remains on the watch, promptly to oppose the attempts of Henry. As soon as the decrees were suspended, Henry was summoned to hear the imperial ban, by which he was stripped of his privileges, and exposed himself to depredation. In a few days after, we received the same summons. The Emperour, I know not with what sincerity, solemnly declared, that he was very highly displeased at these things, and would use his endeavours that it should all evaporate in smoke. But this decree exposes us to immi- nent danger. Should they proclaim it to-morrow, we cannot move a foot from this place but at the hazard of our heads. It escaped me to mention, that the Duke of Savoy has pre- sented himself here to bipd the faith of the Empire to as- sist him in the recover}' of his dominions, which, when he held, would not add to the Empire. He is too late, there- fore. But the King of France has sent the advocate Ray- mond, who asks to be received into the confidence and pro- tection of the Empire, for the Dutchy of Savoy. Many most splendid embassies have arrived from foreign nations. Car- dinal Contarinus, the Legate of the Pope, on his entering the to^vn, scattered over us so many signs of the cross, that his arm, I apprehend, did not recover in two days from the painful labour. The Bishop of Modena was sent as a spe- cial Nuncio. Contarinus would have us submit without bloodshed, and labours by all means to complete the busi- ness without having rccom'se to arms. The Nuncio is for bloodshed, and has nothing but war in his mouth. Both agree in cutting off all hopes of amicable discussion. The XETTEES. LIFE OF CALVIN. 277 Venetian Ambassadour is a man of great pomp and parade. Tlie English, besides the resident Minister, have sent the Bi- shop of Winchester with a splendid retinue, a man t(^ ma- liciously cunning. The Ambassadours of Portugal, and se- veral others, I omit to name. The King of France has sent Velius, an importunate blocldiead. In mentioning the Princ- es, I passed over all the dregs of the order of Pfaci, except- ing John Pfaf, Elector of Alenlz. The Bishops assembled in great numbers, — the Bishops of Ratisbon, Augsburg, Spires, Bremen, Saltzburg, Brescia, Worms, Bamberg, Hildesheim, and some others. It would be m vain to conjecture what will be the result of this Diet. The minds of the confederates w-ere enraged against Henry of Brunswick, who persecutes them with his infamous libels. They petitioned the Emperour to discard him as a calum- niator, if they should prove that he had attacked their re- putation by the most impudent lies. I see no method for the settlement of this matter, unless it is carried before the imperial Chamber ;* for the Landgrave has refused to sub- mit this controversy to the decision of the Emperour as Umpire. Although this is not the main business, it . will, disturb the commencement of the Diet, and may possibly ex- tensively affect us in the result. The Emperour, convinced of the present confusion of his affairs, will not willingly excite new troubles for himself. An expected attack from the Turks awakens his fears. With the King of France, he lias a doubtful peace, with the hazard of war in the issue. Various rumours are circulating about the Grand Turk. That Hungarian Monk, who, after the death of King John, had taken the guardianship of the Prince, jealous of Ferdinand, sought assistance from the Turk ; • A tribunal composed of judges named partly by the Emperour, and partly by the States, and vested with the power to decide finally all differences ainon^ the members of the Germanic body. Rees' Cy. 27S LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. he sent only a few troops to liis aid, Avhich however attacked Pest, a city in the possession of Ferdinand, on the Danube, opposy,e Buda. An army was levied to force them to raise the seige. And now some report, that the Turk, having made great preparations, is ad\'^ncing with a large army j others say that these preparations were made to quell domes- tick disturbances. Wc shall soon ascertain the object, for it must be something of ^\ eight to detain him from attacking the Walachians- These people rev olted from those tyrants into whose power they had delivered themselves. The Pa- latine of their own, the pupil of the Turk, was placed over them. Wearied with his cruelties, they preferred the most hazardous attempts for deliverance, to the bondage of his do- minion. Having killed the Palatine lact Avinter, they de- stroyed every thing wliich belonged to the Turk ; and hav- ing chosen a new leader, M'hom they obliged to swear eternal enmity to the Turk, they took the strongly fortified citadel, which had been built with wonderful expedition, near the frontiers of Poland. If he leaves this insult unrevengcd, he must be occupied elscAvhere. I hope this may be tlie case, that while he is healing his wounds we may have some leisure to collect our forces and arrange our affairs. The King of Poland may greatly astsist his neighbours, luiless his dominions are molested by the Tartars, who the last w inter made an ir- ruption, and ravaging his territories, attempted to proceed farther. However this may be, the Emperour wishes to put the affairs of Germany into a more composed state, until he has extricated himself from these perplexities ; and will not excite any troubles at this time, unless driven to it by the pressing importunity of our enemies. The confederates arc desirous of having an audience ; and if they can hope fcr no confidence or lasting peace, until there is an agreement in re- ligious matters, and the Churches established in order, they will urge the imperial Chamber to consider this subject iETTEEs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 27vhich we ask, and still secretly oppose its ap- pointment by great promises and high threats. Contarinus professes to wish that we might be subdued without blood- shed ; but if this cannot be done, and the Bmperour will have recourse to arms, they are prepared to furnish him with large sums of money. While at the same time, if he yields to any measure disagreeable to the Romish tyrant, they threaten him with those thunders with ^vhich they are accustom-ed to shake the whole earth. The state of things in Italy makes the Emperour anxious for his power. If he can, he will therefore take refuge there, in order, without meddling with religion, to place Germany in a more composed state, by a temporary peace, or a truce for a few years. In this he will be opposed. Thus you see that affairs are in such obscurity, that there is no place for probable conjecture. In these per- plexities, let us invoke the name of the Lord, and beseech him to gotern, by his wisdom, this great and weighty cause, so deeply interesting to his glory and the safety of his Church ; and to manifest, in this crisis, that nothing is morci precious in his sight, than that celestial wisdom which he has revealed to us in the Gospel, and those souls which he has redeemed by the sacred blood of his Son. In propor- tion as all things are uncertain, we must stir up our minds with the more assiduous zeal in our supplications. Casting our views over the whole progress of our affairs, we find that the Lord has governed events in a wonderful manner, with- out the aid or the counsels of men ; and made them prosper- ous beyond all our most sanguine hopes. In these difficul- ties, let us rest entirely on that wisdom and power which he has so often displayed in our protection. One circumstance terrifies me, that our friends are in so great security ; with this I am struck with consternation, to see that new offences are daily committed as the evryihynf^.ix or rather S'va-yetf^tx. I am not however entirely discouraged. I have lately received, iETTERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 281 a letter from Viret, which I answered briefly, that it was not convenient to deliberate on that subject at present. I wish, my Farel, that I could depart from this place to-morrow, but what shall I do ? I am bound here, and fear I shall pine away with tediousness and disgust. Farewell, dear bro- ther. Salute, in my name, all the brethren, Thomas and Michael, who will be greatly afflicted at the contents of this letter, and Cordier, my old Preceptor, and the rest. Ratisbon, March 28, 1541. LETTER XVI. Luther to Melancthon. My dear Philip, I have just received your last letter. — I am grieved that your influence, so favourable to the cause of truth, should be in any degree diminished ; but my confi- dence rests on the extent neither of your powers nor my ovra. Our afiairs are managed, not by chance, but by the establish- ed counsel of the living God, who does not indeed always direct events in a manner the most agreeable to our wishes. The word is progressing, prayer is fervent, hope is animated, faith overcomes, and thus we are compelled to be submis- sive ; and were we not in the body, we might take our ease, and rejoice in festivity, remembering the command of Mo- ses — Hold ye your peace, the Lord shall fight for you. For although we may be anxious to determine, to say and do ev- ery thing with the most vigilant circumspection in another manner, yet if the Lord does not fight, we shall watch in vain ; if he fights, we shall not sleep in vain. It is certain that the Lord fights for Israel, and is descending slowly, and with measured step, from his throne, to accomplish his long ex- pected counsel. There are very many signs, which impress me with this persua^sion. Things arc pafe in your houses, 36 2B2 . LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. thanks to be to God. Do not fear, be joyful and of good courage, anxious for nothing. The Lord is at hand. Let the Henries, the Bishops, the Turl^s, and Satan himself d o what they can. We are the sons of the Icingdom, who wor- ship and wait on the Saviour, who is continually spit on and crucified by these Henries. April 22, 1541. LETTER XVII. Calvin to I'arel. It is painful on many accounts to be here ; but in ex- tending my view over the whole business, I shall never re- pent of having come. You may think that I trifle, but I under- stand perfectly well what I say. And you will know, whea we have the pleasure of an interview, that I have a good reason for my assertion. Now give attention, and collect as much as you can from my narration.* Our advocates passed from the subject of original sin, without difficulty. The disputation on free will followed, and was amicably settled, according to the opinion of Au- gustine. This harmony was somewhat interrupted by the contention about the meritorious cause of justification. At length, a formula was presented ; and, after passing through various corrections on both sides, it was admitted. It will doubtless surprise you, that our adversaries made con- cessions so extensively favourable to our cause. I enclose a copy of the formula. The confederates have retained the principal doctrines of divine truth, and nothing was admit- ted into this formula contradictory to the scriptures. You will, without question, desire a more full explanation, and in this respect we shall be perfectly agreed. But a moment's • The first ffesBi'on of the Diet waS held April 5th, 1541. XETTERS. LIFE OF CALYIN. 28$ reflection, upon the characters of the persons with whom we have to transact this business, will convince you, that we have effected much beyond our expectations. In the defi- nition of the Church, the advocates were agreed ;* but an extensive and unyielding controversy arose about tlie govern- ment ; and the article, by mutual consent, was omitted. On the sacraments, they had some Ararm contention ; but when ours admitted, that the ceremonies Avere a medium, they proceeded to the Supper. This was an insurmountable rock. Changing the bread and wine into the real body and blood of Christ, replacing the host, carrying it about, and other super- stitious practices, were rejected. This was considered, by the Romish advocates, as an insufferable step. Bucer, my col- league, being wholly bent on unity, was incensed that these controverted questions were moved so prematurely. JMe- lancthon was inclined to the opinion, that all hope of pacifi- cation should be cut off, about things so entirely corrupt. Our advocates, having assembled us for consultation, demand- ed our individual opinions. We were unanimous, in our judgment, that transubstantiation was a mere fiction ; that laying up the host was superstitious ; and that the worship paid to it was idolatry, or at least very pernicious, as it was not warranted by the word of God. I was requested to give my opinion in Latin, and although I understood not the opinions of the others, I freely, and without fear of giving offence, condemned the doctrine of the local presence, and declared that the worshipping of the host was intolerable. Believe me, in such cases, determined and resolute minds have a very great influence in establishing the opinions of oth- ers. Cease not to pray to God to support us with the spirit * The advocates to manage the business in the Diet, appointed by the Emperour, were for the Catholicks, JuUus Pflugius, John Eckius and John Gropher — for the confederates, Philip Melanclhon, Martin Bucer and Jolm Pistorius. Dupiii, ICth cent, book 9,, p 16?. 284 LIFE OF CALVIN. LitmRs. of fortitude. Melancthon drew up a writing, which being presented to Granville, was rejected with abusive language, which our three advocates announced to us. If, at the very comraenceuient of the discussion, we have to encounter such difficulties, what an accumulation of them still remains to in- terrupt our progress, through the examination of the private mass, the sacrifice and communication of the cup ? What obstacles Mill lie across our way when we come to the open profession of the real presence ? What tumults will then be raised ? Your letters were delivered to me by Plumarius, a month after they were Ttritten. I expect to receive others shortly. The safety of the brethren is in my view a matter of great anxiety, but the obstacles I have mentioned still prevent oar success. Maurus has been commissioned on that business, and is still labouring to unloose that knot. We have increased reason to animate our hopes. The Land- grave, being disappointed in his sanguine expectations of success, in obtaining assistance from others, will now turn his attention to us. If this takes place, he will most resolutely es- pouse our cause ; and Maurus, being a pious and determin- ed man, will exert his whole strength in our favour. He has hitherto behaved himself with fidelity. Nothing, how- ever, has yet been obtained, but that our brethren should, upon acquitting themselves by oath before the Bishop, be per- mitted to return home unmolested. N is very troublesome to us. May the Lord remove him, or amend him. Salute the brethren. Philip and Bucer salute you. On the day before yesterday, when we dined with the Landgrave, friendly men- tion was made of you. Ratisbon, May 11, 1541. i j^EiTBns. LIFE OF CALVIN. iS5 LETTER XVIIL Calvin to Farel. The messenger having delayed his departure a day lon^ ger than I expected, I write again, to mention some things which have taken place, and wliich may be interest- ing to you. Granville, although he had destroyed by his answer all hope of agreement, when he heard of the apo- plexy of Eckius, whose importunity he perhaps supposed had prevented the agreement, commanded that Pistorius should also be excluded, and that the other four should pro- ceed in their consultations Avithout witnesses. As far as I could understand, our advocates might have easily accom- plished the business, if we would have been contented to be half Christians. Philip and Bucer framed an ambiguous and deceptive confession concerning transubstantiation, endea- vouring, as far as passible, to satisfy their adversaries, Avithout yielding any thing. I am not pleased with this metliod of proceeding. They however have a motive which guides them. They indulge the hope that the things \\ ill manifest themselves, whenever there shall be an opening for the true doctrines. They prefer to pass over present diihculties, re- gardless of the consequences of that llexi])Ie mode of expres- sion. But in my opinion, this will be very injurious to the cause. I am persuaded, however, that they have the best interests of religion at heart, and are extremely anxious to advance the kingdom of Christ. Oor advocates are decided and prompt to every thing ; but in their intercourse with our opponents they are too temporizing. It grieves me, that Bucer is exciting against himself the displeasure of so many persons. Being conscious of his own integrity, he expects more eecuritv from it than circumstances will warrant. Wt: S86 LIFE or CALVIN. i.etters. should not be so satisfied m ith our purity of conscience as to throw off all regard to the opinions of our Ijrethren. But while I lament these things a\ ith you, my Farel, suffer thfem, by no means, to escape from you. One thing, however, among all these evils, is very pleasant to me, that Brentius surpasses others in his opposition to the inipanated Gody*- as he calls it. I ^vill say no more, that you may be the more anxious at my return to see me. Farewell, my dear brother. Freithus, Musculus and Brentius, and all our friends, salute you. Eckius, it is said, is convalescing. The world does not yet merit deliverance from that ferocious man. FtATisBON, May 12, 154L LETTER XIX. Galvin to Farel. Since the time of our first difference on the subject of the Eucharist, we have never been able to agree upon any question. You know that our opinion was unanimous, that transubstantiation was a mei*e fiction, at war with the Avord of of God, and with the very nature of a sacrament ; that wor- shipping the host, as being the real body and blood of Jesus Christ, is idolatry, or something very dangerous ; and that preserving it is mere supeistition. Our three advocates per- sisting in this opinion, Granville inveighed bitterly against Philip, supposing that if liC could bring him to give up these points, lie should have no dilHcuIty with the others. But as Melancf lion remained inOcxlble, he directed them to proceed to other questions. The .^larquis of Brandenburg, with the * Itnpanatiim Dcmn, an expi-ession sigiiifying the opinion of the Lu- therans, concerning the Eucharist, that the body and blood oC Clmst are really in, with or uvder the lirpadandxinneaheT consecration. LExxERs. LIFE OF CALVIN. 2S7 knowledge of the Emperour, had privately sent one of the Princes of Anhalt, Arabassadour to Luther, hoping to obtain, on account of former disputes, something more favourable to the Papists, than what we were all determined to grant. The result of this embassy I have not learned ; I presume however that Luther's answer is not unfavourable to us. There re- main yet three questions concerning the Eucharist to pass un- der discussion, the sacrifice of the mass, private masses, and the distribution of both elements. The adversaries, having consented to abolish the publick sale and multitude of masses, retained only one daily mass in each Church. By the same concession it was agreed, that the mass should not be exposed except in a public meeting ; and that exhortation should be given at the communion. They consented that the partici- pation of the cup should be free to every one that requested it. That the mass was a sacrifice they attempted to show by sophistical expositions, and you may conjecture very well from whence they collected them. Those things were all re- jected by our advocates ; and Philip presented some articles on the other side of the question. They then proceeded to the confession of sins, on which point our adversaries disco- vered more moderation. They did not require a scrupulous enumeration of oiiences, but insisted upon the necessity of con- fession and absolution. Our advocates presented a formula iti opposition to their opinions. The invocation of saints, the primacy of the Pope, and the authority of the Church, being brought up at once they could not agree. All our ar- ticles were then added to the book of Conrnrd.# The Em- perour, in the most liberal and pleasant manner, returned his thanks to the collocutors, for having faithfully ptrforraed their allotted duty. Charles then referred the result of tlic * The book of Concord was, by the Emperour's order, presented to the advocates by Granville, as the ground of unien: the Protestant ar- ticles and exceptions were added lo it 288 LIFE OF CALVIN. letters. deliberations to the Imperial Chamber of the German States. Sut as nothing could be settled without the book of Concord, it was brouglit before that Court with all the articles which had been added. The Emperour soon repented of this sub- mission of the business to the heads of the Empire. The Imperial Chamber however insisted, that what had been once decreed should not be revoked. While this business was proceeding, the Senate were ordered to give audience to the Ambassadours of Hungary and Austria, avIio humbly suppli- cated that assistance should be afforded them. The Empe- rour insisted also, that the Imperial Chamber should Jay aside the consultation about religion, and turn their attention to tlie objects of this petition. As soon as I saw this truce was agreed to by the Ordines, I seized the opportunity and made my escape. — I have given you an abridgment of the history of the transactions of the Diet ; the details and more secret circum- stances I will relate to you at some future interview. I wish you had succeeded in obtaining Bucer's return. As to what ap- pertains to the brethren who are suffering for the Gospel, I have not effected what I wished. The cause dejnanded an embassy of some weight which the times, that is, the vicious inclinations of men, will not grant. Farewell, ray dearest brother. — The Lord preserve you all. Strasburc, July 3541. LETTER XX. Calvin to Farel. I am retained here as you wislicd ; wJiich may God grant to be for his glory. Viret still contmues with me, nor AviJl I suffer him by any means to be torn from me. It is your duty, and that of all the brethren, to afford me assistance, unless you \vish me to be tomicnted and miserable, without BETTERS. LIFE OF CALVIN. 289 doing any good to the cause. I reported the labours of my office to the Senate, and assured them of the impossibiUty of settling the Church on any permanent foundation, unless a system of discipline was adopted, such as is prescribed by the word of God, and was observed by the ancient Church. I treated upon certain points, which might sufficiently ex- plain my wishes. And without entering upon the A\hole ground, I requested them to appoint some members who might confer with us on the subject. They chose a com- mittee of six. Articles concerning the whole polity of the Church will be drawn up, which we shall lay before the Senate. Our three colleagues pretend that they will consent to what- ever Viret and myself shall judge expedient. Something will be effected. We are anxious to hear how matters pro- gTess in your Church. We hope, through the authority of the Bernese and the Biellese, that the commotions are at least allayed, if not terminated. When fighting against the Devil, under the banner of Christ, he who armed and di- rected you to the battle, will give you the victory. But a good cause requires a good defender ; take heed, therefore, and give diligence, that those qualifications may be found in you which command the approbation of good men. We do not exhort you to preserve a pure and undefiled conscience : of this we do not doubt. But this we desire, that you would be as accommodating to the people, as your duty will allow. There are, you know, two kinds of popularity. The one is, when we obtain approbation, by our ambition and desire of pleasing ; the other, when by moderation and equity, we en- tice the minds of others to yield themselves to us with a plea- sant docility. Pardon us, if we use too much freedom with you, for on this point, we perceive that you do not fully satisfy the virtuous. If in nothing else, you transgress in this, that you do not satisfy those to whom the Lord has maide you a debtor. You know how much we respect, how 37 ^90 Ll^'E OF CALA'IN. letters, iBuch we love you. This love and this respect impel us to censure you with this exact and rigid severity. We ardent- ly desire, that those excellent gifts, which the Lord has be- stowed upon you, may not be sullied by a single blemish, which may afford a handle to the carpings of malevolence, to injure your influence. I have written these things by the advice of Yiret, and for this reason have used the plural •lumber. Fare^v ell, deai'est and excellent brother. Geneva, 16th Sept. 1541. FETTER XXI. Calvin to Fakel. You Lave no reason to feel very solicitous about my expos- tulation, for I had more of a disposition to rally you than to complain. I know very well, that you will not have forgot- ten me, although you should omit, a thousand times, to meh- tioii me in your letters. On this subject mate yourself easy. — I should be pleased if a reconciliation with those who vex and weary you and your Church was as easy. Although, as you say, we must not dread a war with the world and the flesh, but rather seek it, if we would serve Christ ; yet it is desirable, that all those who carry