Letters of John Calvin, Volume II / Compiled from the Original Manuscripts and Edited with Historical Notes
COMPILED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS AND EDITED WITH HISTORICAL NOTES
VOL. II.
TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN AND FRENCH LANGUAGES.
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PHILADELPHIA: P R E S B Y T E R I A N B O A R D O F P U B L I C A T I O N, NO. 821 CHESTNUT STREET.
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by JAMES DUNLAP, Treas., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
When a crowd of the godly had come hither, and I heard some things which it was of great consequence you should know, I wished two of them at once to set out for you. You will understand that Satan seeks by every sort of artful contrivance to keep all men from thinking of succouring these people, and to give a keener edge to the ferocity of the King and courtiers, which is already more than sufficiently whetted against them. The Swiss also are uncommonly severe upon me, not only the pensionaries, but all those who have no other wisdom than that of Epicurus, because, by my importunity, I have drawn down upon their nation the hatred of the King. But may there be nothing of such moment as shall retard us in the discharge of our duty beyond what cannot be avoided.
Adieu; may the Lord be ever present with you.—Yours,
John Calvin.
Monsieur,—Although I do not know the state of mind or body in which you are at present, nevertheless, I have good confidence in God that, whether in health or sickness, he gives you strength to overcome all the annoyance you may have to encounter. For you are no novice in the fight, seeing that for a long time past the good Lord has begun to prepare you for it; and nothing has happened to you which you had not looked for beforehand. But it is time to show in reality that when you have set yourself frankly to follow Jesus Christ, you have not done so without being resolved to hold fellowship with him at the cross, since he has done us that honour to be crucified in us, to glorify us with himself. And there is no doubt, even at the time when you were in your own mansion, and in the peaceable enjoyment of your property, you would have had the courage to quit everything had it so pleased him, and that you were of the number of those who use the things of this world as not abusing them , (1 Cor. vii. 31.) But, forasmuch as it is very reasonable that one should be taught by experience to discern what our affection is most set upon, you are to consider that it has been our Lord's will to give you to many others for an example, and, by this means, to glorify his name in you.
Jean Calvin
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DR. JULES BONNET.
CONTENTS.
CALVIN'S LETTERS.
Unpopularity of Calvin—various advices.
Exhortation to glorify God amid poverty and persecution.
CXLVI.—To Madame de Falais.
Congratulations on the constancy manifested by her in the midst of trials—salutations from the suffering Idelette de Bure.
Vanity of trust reposed in the princes of this world—confidence in God.
Captivity of Farel's brother—ravages of the plague in Geneva.
CXLIX.—To Viret.
Dispersion of the School at Geneva—contests at Neuchatel on the subject of church property—Calvin's opinion of Farel.
CL.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Prayers for his restoration to health.
CLI.—To Farel.
News from Germany—journey of the French Ambassadors to Geneva—details concerning the condition of the town.
Calvin dedicates to him one of his Commentaries.
Rupture of the Relations between Calvin and Servetus.
CLIV.—To Farel.
Reply to various questions—terrible threat against Servetus—imprisonment of one of the leaders of the Libertins.
CLV.—To Farel.
Pacification of the Church at Neuchatel—report of the speedy arrival of the Emperor in Savoy—dangers at Geneva—withering mention of Francis I.
CLVI.—To Viret.
Election of a minister at Neuchatel—sickness of Viret's wife.
Calvin invites his friend to repair to Geneva after the death of his wife.
CLVIII.—To Viret.
Renewed and more pressing invitation to come to Geneva.
Indication of the various documents wherein are set forth the opinions of Calvin regarding the Lord's Supper—earnest desire for union and peace among the Churches—condition of Geneva.
Instructions to Viret about a journey to Geneva.
CLXI.—To Monsieur de Falais.
CLXII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Troubles at Geneva—imprisonment of the several members of the family of Favre—account of the assassination of John Diaz at Neubourg.
Complaints regarding the conduct of Perrin—firm and courageous declaration by the Reformer of his resolution to persevere in his duty unto death.
Requests in favour of the faithful in France.
CLXVI.—To Madame de Falais.
Expression of Christian sympathy and condolence on occasion of the illness of M. de Falais.
Excitement caused at Geneva by the Representation of a Play.
CLXVIII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Proposals of matrimony on behalf of Viret.
CLXIX.—To Viret.
Account of the steps taken relative to his marriage.
CLXX.—To Viret.
Fresh details regarding the projects for his marriage.
CLXXI.—To Viret.
Same subject as the preceding.
Breaking off of the match treated of in the preceding letters.
CLXXIII.—To Farel.
Violence of the family of Amy Perrin—declamations of the wife of Froment against the ministers of Geneva.
CLXXIV.—To Farel.
Calvin's indisposition—literary labours—apparent reconciliation with Perrin and his family.
CLXXV.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Recurrence to the matrimonial projects of Viret—explanations on various subjects.
CLXXVI.—To Madame de Falais.
Sad communication to be made to M. de Falais—promise to send several discourses.
CLXXVII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Congratulations on his convalescence—uncertainty of prospects in Germany—confidence in the all-powerful protection of God.
CLXXVIII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Excuses for Viret—uses of sickness—various rumours concerning the war in Germany—explanations on the subject of the Supper.
CLXXIX.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Consolations on the death of his sister.
CLXXX.—To Madame de Falais.
Assurances of affection for herself and her husband.
CLXXXI.—To Viret.
Statement of the expense of a visit to Lausanne, on the occasion of Viret's marriage—ecclesiastical difficulties at Berne.
CLXXXII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Military movements in Switzerland—policy of the Cantons in reference to the Emperor.
Calvin exhorts this lady to leave France, and retire with her family to Geneva.
Complaints of the misconduct of several ministers in the Pays de Vaud.
Mission of Calvin to Switzerland—dispositions of the various Cantons.
CLXXXVI.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Search for a house for that gentleman in Geneva—Various details—Mention of Charles V. and Francis I.
CLXXXVIII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Disputes of M. de Falais with Valeran Poulain—Reports of the expected arrival of the former in Geneva.
Severe reprobation of his behaviour towards M. de Falais—reply to a calumny directed against the Reformer.
Weakness of the Genevese magistracy—Expectation of Viret's arrival in Geneva.
Anxiety regarding the Churches of Germany—advice to Musculus.
CXCII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Steps taken at Basle to retract a promise of marriage made to Valeran Poulain.
Confused state of the Church—hopes and fears for the future.
CXCIV.—To Monsieur de Falais.
The sending of a minister—perplexities regarding anticipated events in Germany.
CXCV.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Information in regard to a house—advice on the subject of a marriage proposed for a relative of Monsieur de Falais.
CXCVI.—To Viret.
Interview of Calvin with a senator of Berne—advantage secured over the party of the Libertins.
CXCVII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Recommendation of John de Budé—Uncertainty of the news from Germany.
He exhorts him to follow the example of the rest of his family, and retire to Geneva.
CXCIX.—To Viret.
Citation of the wife of Amy Perrin before the Consistory—case of Gruet—news from Germany.
CC.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Solemn lessons afforded by the sad occurrences in Germany—troubles in Geneva—energetic attitude of Calvin.
Indecision of the Seigneurs of Geneva—inflexibility of Calvin.
State of Germany—details regarding the struggles of the Reformer in the cause of the truth at Geneva.
CCIII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Thanksgiving for the happy deliverance of Madame de Falais—false reports concerning the state of Geneva—details regarding the publication of the Apology—indisposition of Calvin, and his regret at being separated from Monsieur de Falais.
CCIV.—To Farel.
False report of Calvin's death—proposition (query) by the wife of Amy Perrin—calumnious accusation against Idelette de Bure—journey of Farel to Geneva.
CCV.—To Viret.
Mention of a letter from M. de Falais—Emmanuel Tremelli—a book by Viret—journey of Budé and Nicolas des Gallars to Paris.
CCVI.—To Monsieur de Falais.
CCVII.—To Henry Bullinger.
Comments by Calvin on a work by Bullinger—state of Germany and Italy—policy of the Cantons.
CCVIII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Return of Nicolas Des Gallars—stay of Farel and Viret at Geneva.
CCIX.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Re-assuring intelligence on the state of Geneva—restoration of Maldonado.
CCX.—To Farel.
Sad state of the Republic—discouragement of the Reformer.
Rising at the Hôtel de Ville—heroic bearing of Calvin—trust in God alone.
CCXII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Invitation to come to Geneva.
CCXIV.—To Farel.
Consolations on occasion of the Death of one of its Members.
CCXVI.—To Monsieur de Falais.
CCXVII.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Particulars regarding his departure, and the purchase of a property near Geneva.
Brotherly explanations regarding the difference on the subject of the Communion.
CCXIX.—To Monsieur de Falais.
Obstacles to his departure—delay of some months.
Distressing condition of the Swiss churches.
Disputes among the ministers of Berne—and Calvin's journey thither.
CCXXII.—To Viret.
Communications regarding affairs at Berne.
Ecclesiastical tyranny of the Seigneurs of Berne—sojourn of Idelette de Bure at Lausanne.
New explanations regarding the Supper—Violence of some of the Bernese ministers—Calvinism and Buceranism.
Preparations for the marriage of Mademoiselle de Wilergy, his relation.
CCXXVI.—To Farel.
Uncertainty regarding the disposition of the Cantons—stay of Monsieur and Madame de Falais in Calvin's house.
Embarrassment occasioned to Calvin by the treacherous publication of one of his letters to Viret.
Exhortation to come to Geneva, that he might there serve the Lord faithfully.
Duties imposed on the Protector by the high office which he holds—plan of a complete reformation in England—preaching of the pure word of God—rooting out of abuses—correction of vices and scandalous offences.
CCXXX.—To Farel.
Election of new magistrates at Geneva—troubles in France—letter from Bucer.
Evidences of faith and Christian steadfastness, amid the dangers that threaten the Church.
Exhortation to a courageous and honest profession of the truth.
CCXXXIII.—To Mademoiselle de....
Exhortations to steadfastness in the faith—acknowledgment of liberality.
Exhortations to discharge to the end their ministerial duties.
Hope of union with the theologians of Zurich—dedication of several writings.
Consolations to be found in the study of divine and everlasting truth.
Desire of union between the Churches of Berne and Geneva.
Death of Idelette de Bure, the wife of Calvin.
CCXXXIX.—To Farel.
Further details regarding the death of Idelette de Bure.
Account of the instructive death of Madame Laurent de Normandie.
CCXLI.—To Viret.
Various particulars—recommendation of Francis Hotman, Jurisconsult.
Pleading in favour of the alliance of the Reformed Cantons with France.
He exhorts her and her companions to live in conformity with the law of God.
Encouragements and consolations—desire for the conclusion of peace between France and England—excesses of the ultra-Lutheran party in Switzerland and Germany—agreement between the Churches of Geneva and Zurich.
Thanks to the Duchess of Somerset, the mother of Anne Seymour—exhortation to perseverance in the true faith.
CCXLVI.—To Farel.
Reply by the Protector of England to a letter from Calvin.
CCXLVII.—To Farel.
Imprisonment of two brothers of M. de Falais—persecution in the Low Countries and in France.
CCXLVIII.—To Viret.
Urgent recommendation of the adoption of a fixed formulary in the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Revisal of the Formulary—persecutions in France.
CCLI.—To Farel and Viret.
Letter concerning Vergerio—history of Francis Spira.
Criticism on a work by Farel.
CCLIII.—To Viret.
First mention of Theodore Beza—poverty of Calvin's colleagues.
A Reformer's complaints on the malevolence of the Bernese ministers.
Prohibition of the Vaudois Conferences—remonstrances on the intolerance of the Bernese ministers towards those of France.
Statement of leading articles of the Reformed Faith.
Congratulations on the royal favour shown to the Duke of Somerset—use to be made of his influence for spreading the Gospel in England.
CCLVIII.—To Farel.
Tidings from Germany and England—recommendation of a domestic.
CCLIX.—To Farel.
Election of a new Pope.
Counsels and encouragements—collection of commentaries on Isaiah by Des Gallars.
Settlement of the Colladon family at Geneva.
Notice of a publication attributed to Gruet.
CCLXIV.—To Viret.
Hope of an early visit from Viret—projected excursions in the neighbourhood of Geneva.
CCLXV.—To Farel.
Opinion regarding Vergerio—intelligence regarding Bucer—letter to Melanchthon—disputes with Berne—literary publications of Calvin.
Exhortation to the study of the Scriptures.
CCLXVII.—To Farel.
CCLXVIII.—To Farel.
State of religion in England—Calvin's literary labours—arrival of Robert Stephens at Geneva.
Misconduct of a servant of M. de Falais.
Explanations on the subject of the abolition of the great festivals at Geneva.
Criticism of a mandate published by the Seigneurs of Berne.
Explanations regarding various points of doctrine in dispute between the Romish and the Reformed Churches.
CCLXXIII.—To Viret.
Various particulars—literary labours of Theodore Beza.
He exhorts him to persevere in the work of the Reformation in his kingdom—enumeration of abuses—ceremonies—ecclesiastical elections—universities.
CCLXXVI.—To Bullinger.
Thanks for a document—dedication of two commentaries to the King of England—captivity of Bishop Hooper—movements of the Emperor in Germany.
CCLXXVII.—To Bullinger.
Mention of a letter to the Duke of Somerset—Re-opening of the Council of Trent—symptoms of war in Europe.
Death of Bucer and of Joachim Vadian.
CCLXXIX.—To Farel.
Renewed expressions of regret for the death of Vadian and Bucer—controversies excited by Osiandor—numerous migrations to Geneva—commencement of hostilities in Italy.
Sickness of Theodore Beza—Calvin's grief.
Protestations of attachment—reforms required in the Church of England—squandering of the revenues of benefices and of the universities.
CCLXXXII.—To Viret.
Reply to the attacks of Pighius, and of George of Sicily.
CCLXXXIII.—To the Ministers of Neuchatel.
Arrest of a minister from Neuchatel in France—steps for obtaining his release.
Edict of Chateaubriand, in France—attacks on Calvin in Geneva.
Statement of the controversy with Bolsec regarding Election.
Recommendations regarding the dispute with Bolsec—request on behalf of the Protestants of France.
Calvin's dissatisfaction with the reply of the ministers of Bâle, and the conduct of Monsieur de Falais regarding the affair with Bolsec.
CCLXXXVIII.—To Farel.
Recommendation of a schoolmaster—complaints against the ministers of Zurich.
Refusal to reply to the curious questions proposed to him by Socin.
Thanks for the zeal manifested on behalf of the faithful in France—Complaints of the conduct of the Ministers of Zurich in the affair of Bolsec.
CCXCI.—To Farel.
Fresh complaints by Calvin against the ministers of Zurich and Berne—his unpopularity in the latter city—advices to Farel.
Rigorous and inflexible spirit of Calvin against heresy—Praise of Theodore Beza.
Journey of Calvin and Farel in Switzerland—steps in favour of the Reformed in France—return to the affairs of Bolsec.
Agreement to the proposal for assembling a General Synod for the more close union of the Reformed Churches.
CCXCV.—To Bullinger.
Fresh details regarding the persecutions in France.
Information on various doctrinal points, and assurances of Christian sympathy.
Dedication of a new work, and Christian exhortations.
Calvin exhorts him to prosecute with fresh zeal the Reformation of the Church in England, by purging it of the relics of Popery.
Thanks for the zeal manifested by him on behalf of the prisoners of Lyons.
Exhortations to harmony—Is it lawful to call Mary the Mother of God, and to pray for the Pope?
Reply of Calvin to the Syndics of Geneva in the case of Trolliet.
Conspiracy of the Libertines—energy of the Reformer—struggles of Viret at Lausanne.
CCCIII.—To Viret.
Literary labours of Theodore Beza.
Troubles at Geneva—sad intelligence from France and Germany—steady in the promises of God.
Earnest desires for the continuance of their mutual affection—disputes with Trolliet—longing for agreement in doctrine regarding the Communion and Election.
Rupture of Calvin with that Seigneur.
Exhortation to patience and constancy under persecution.
CCCVIII.—To Christopher Fabri.
Congratulations on the subject of his approaching marriage—Calvin's regret that he cannot be present at the ceremony.
Calvin apologizes for silence, and enjoins him to use his influence with the King for the advancement of the Gospel in England.
Exhortations to constancy—Mention of Oritz, the Inquisitor.
CCCXI—To Edward VI.
Recommendation of a French gentleman, a prisoner for the sake of the Gospel.
Serious illness and unexpected recovery of Farel—Calvin's joy.
Last steps in favour of the Prisoners of Lyons.
CCCXIV.—To Cranmer.
He entreats his influence in favour of the person already recommended to the King.
Christian encouragement and consolation.
Extinction of all hope in regard to the prisoners of Lyons.
Assurances of respect and fraternal affection.
He exhorts them to steadfastness unto the end, in the assurance of eternal joy reserved in heaven.
Expression of Christian sympathy under trial.
He impresses on them the duty of maintaining their confession of the truth quietly and modestly.
CCCXXI.—To Bullinger.
Expression of regret for the death of the King of England—sad condition of the German Churches.
Arrest of Servetus, and institution of the process against him.
Information regarding various controverted points—exhortation to fidelity, even unto martyrdom.
Request for the destruction of the copies at Frankfort of the book of Servetus.
Troubles at Geneva—Berthelier and the chiefs of the Libertins are refused admission to the Lord's Table.
CCCXXVI.—To Bullinger.
Deep anxiety on account of the condition of the English Churches—Conference of the Swiss Churches in regard to Servetus.
Statement of the errors of Servetus, and of the duty of the Christian magistrate to repress them.
He consoles her under her trials, and exhorts her to use every means to secure her retreat to Geneva.
Religious counsels, and announcement of the sending of a minister.
CCCXXX.—To Farel.
Acknowledgment of Farel's care for the Church of Geneva.
Deliverance by the Swiss Churches regarding Servetus—vain efforts of Calvin to obtain a mitigation of his punishment.
CCCXXXII.—To Madame De Pons.
He encourages her to come out of the spiritual bondage in which she is held.
Recommendation of several English refugees in Switzerland.
Appeal to the Magistrates of Zurich in reference to ecclesiastical discipline—thanks for the aid afforded by the ministers of that Church in the affair of Servetus.
Account of the struggles at Geneva for the maintenance of ecclesiastical discipline—appeal to the Pastors of Zurich for their influence with the magistrates of that town.
CCCXXXVI.—To Bullinger.
Fresh details regarding ecclesiastical discipline—hope of speedy realization—announcement of the publication of a book against the errors of Servetus.
Assistance afforded to the faithful refugees in Switzerland—reply of the Churches on the subject of ecclesiastical discipline.
He exhorts her to withdraw, by a voluntary exile, from the persecution and idolatry reigning in Italy.
Christian exhortations—sending of a minister.
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