Part 1

Transcriber's note:

Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).

Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.

* * * * *

LETTERS OF JOHN CALVIN

COMPILED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS AND EDITED WITH HISTORICAL NOTES

BY

DR. JULES BONNET.

VOL. II.

TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN AND FRENCH LANGUAGES.

PHILADELPHIA: PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION, 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.

CONTENTS.

1545.

LETTER PAGE

CXLIV. TO VIRET.--Unpopularity of Calvin--various advices, 15

CXLV. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Exhortation to glorify God amid poverty and persecution, 16

CXLVI. TO MADAME DE FALAIS.--Congratulations on the constancy manifested by her in the midst of trials--salutations from the suffering Idelette de Bure, 19

CXLVII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Vanity of trust reposed in the princes of this world--confidence in God, 20

CXLVIII. TO FAREL.--Captivity of Farel's brother--ravages of the plague in Geneva, 22

CXLIX. TO VIRET.--Dispersion of the School at Geneva-- contests at Neuchatel on the subject of church property--Calvin's opinion of Farel, 24

CL. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Prayers for his restoration to health, 26

1546.

CLI. TO FAREL.--News from Germany--journey of the French Ambassador to Geneva--details concerning the condition of the town, 26

CLII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Calvin dedicates to him one of his Commentaries, 29

CLIII. TO JOHN FRELLON.--Rupture of the relations between Calvin and Servetus, 30

CLIV. TO FAREL.--Reply to various questions--terrible threat against Servetus--imprisonment of one of the leaders of the Libertins, 31

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., 34

CLVI. TO VIRET.--Election of a minister at Neuchatel-- sickness of Viret's wife, 36

CLVII. TO VIRET.--Calvin invites his friend to repair to Geneva after the death of his wife, 37

CLVIII. TO VIRET.--Renewed and more pressing invitation to come to Geneva, 38

CLIX. TO THEODORE VITUS.--Indication of the various documents wherein are set forth the opinions of Calvin regarding the Lord's Supper--earnest desires for union and peace among the Churches-- condition of Geneva, 39

CLX. TO VIRET.--Instructions to Viret about a journey to Geneva, 42

CLXI. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Calvin's labours--the diet at Ratisbon--the Church of Metz--the Reformation at Heidelberg--_Apology_ for M. de Falais-- opinion regarding the sermons of Ochino, 43

CLXII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Advice regarding the editing of the _Apology_--details of a loan contracted for M. de Falais--news from Germany and Italy--Farel and Viret at Geneva--death of Juan Diaz, 47

CLXIII. TO FAREL.--Troubles at Geneva--imprisonment of the several members of the family of Favre--account of the assassination of John Diaz at Neubourg, 52

CLXIV. TO AMY PERRIN.--Complaints regarding the conduct of Perrin--firm and courageous declaration by the Reformer of his resolution to persevere in his duty unto death, 56

CLXV. TO FAREL AND VIRET.--Requests in favour of the faithful in France, 58

CLXVI. TO MADAME DE FALAIS.--Expression of Christian sympathy and condolence on occasion of the illness of M. de Falais, 60

CLXVII. TO FAREL.--Excitement caused at Geneva by the Representation of a Play, 61

CLXVIII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Proposals of matrimony on behalf of Viret, 63

CLXIX. TO VIRET.--Account of the steps taken relative to his marriage, 65

CLXX. TO VIRET.--Fresh details regarding the projects for his marriage, 65

CLXXI. TO VIRET.--Same subject as the preceding, 68

CLXXII. TO VIRET.--Breaking off of the match treated of in the preceding letters, 68

CLXXIII. TO FAREL.--Violence of the family of Amy Perrin-- declamations of the wife of Froment against the ministers of Geneva, 70

CLXXIV. TO FAREL.--Calvin's indisposition--literary labours--apparent reconciliation with Perrin and his family, 72

CLXXV. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Recurrence to the matrimonial projects of Viret--explanations on various subjects, 74

CLXXVI. TO MADAME DE FALAIS.--Sad communication to be made to M. de Falais--promise to send several discourses, 76

CLXXVII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Congratulations on his convalescence--uncertainty of prospects in Germany--confidence in the all-powerful protection of God, 77

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, 79

CLXXIX. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Consolations on the death of his sister, 84

CLXXX. TO MADAME DE FALAIS.--Assurances of affection for herself and her husband, 85

CLXXXI. TO VIRET.--Statement of the expense of a visit to Lausanne, on the occasion of Viret's marriage-- ecclesiastical difficulties at Berne, 86

CLXXXII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Military movements in Switzerland--policy of the Cantons in reference to the Emperor, 88

CLXXXIII. TO MADAME DE BUDÉ.--Calvin exhorts this lady to leave France, and retire with her family to Geneva, 90

1547.

CLXXXIV. TO THE AVOYER NŒGUELY.--Complaints of the misconduct of several ministers in the Pays de Vaud, 94

CLXXXV. TO FAREL.--Mission of Calvin in Switzerland-- dispositions of the various Cantons, 95

CLXXXVI. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Search for a house for that gentleman in Geneva--various details--mention of Charles V. and Francis I., 97

CLXXXVII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Instructions regarding the _Apology_--alarming rumours current at Geneva-- Calvin's confidence, 100

CLXXXVIII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Disputes of M. de Falais with Valeran Poulain--reports of the expected arrival of the former in Geneva, 102

CLXXXIX. TO VALERAN POULAIN.--Severe reprobation of his behaviour towards M. de Falais--reply to a calumny directed against the Reformer, 104

CXC. TO VIRET.--Weakness of the Genevese magistracy-- expectation of Viret's arrival in Geneva, 106

CXCI. TO WOLFGANG MUSCULUS.--Anxiety regarding the Churches of Germany--advice to Musculus, 108

CXCII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Steps taken at Basle to retract a promise of marriage made to Valeran Poulain, 110

CXCIII. TO FRANCIS DRYANDER.--Confused state of the Church--hopes and fears for the future, 111

CXCIV. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--The sending of a minister--perplexities regarding anticipated events in Germany, 113

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, 114

CXCVI. TO VIRET.--Interview of Calvin with a senator of Berne--advantage secured over the party of the Libertins, 116

CXCVII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Recommendation of John de Budé--uncertainty of the news from Germany, 118

CXCVIII. TO MONSIEUR DE BUDÉ.--He exhorts him to follow the example of the rest of his family, and retire to Geneva, 119

CXCIX. TO VIRET.--Citation before the Consistory of the wife of Amy Perrin--case of Gruet--news from Germany, 122

CC. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Solemn lessons afforded by the sad occurrences in Germany--troubles in Geneva--energetic attitude of Calvin, 125

CCI. TO VIRET.--Indecision of the Seigneurs of Geneva--inflexibility of Calvin, 128

CCII. TO THE FAITHFUL OF FRANCE.--State of Germany-- details regarding the struggles of the Reformer in the cause of the truth at Geneva, 129

CCIII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Thanksgivings 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, 132

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, 137

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, 139

CCVI. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Dedication of the _Apology_--mention of M. de Mommor--sickness of Maldonado, 141

CCVII. TO HENRY BULLINGER.--Comments by Calvin on a work by Bullinger--state of Germany and Italy--policy of the Cantons, 143

CCVIII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Return of Nicolas des Gallars--stay of Farel and Viret at Geneva, 145

CCIX. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Re-assuring intelligence on the state of Geneva--restoration of Maldonado, 146

CCX. TO FAREL.--Sad state of the Republic-- discouragement of the Reformer, 147

CCXI. TO VIRET.--Rising at the Hôtel de Ville--heroic bearing of Calvin--trust in God alone, 148

CCXII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Printing of _The Apology_--troubles at Geneva, 150

CCXIII. TO VIRET.--Invitation to come to Geneva, 151

CCXIV. TO FAREL.--Publication of _The Antidote_-- statement regarding the condition of Geneva, 152

CCXV. TO THE FAMILY OF BUDÉ.--Consolations on occasion of the Death of one of its Members, 154

1548.

CCXVI. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Cost of printing of _The Apology_--despatch of several copies, 157

CCXVII. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Particulars regarding his departure, and the purchase of a property near Geneva, 159

CCXVIII. TO HENRY BULLINGER.--Brotherly explanations regarding the difference on the subject of the Communion, 160

CCXIX. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Obstacles to his departure--delay of some months, 162

CCXX. TO FAREL.--Distressing condition of the Swiss churches, 164

CCXXI. TO FAREL AND VIRET.--Disputes among the ministers of Berne--and Calvin's journey thither, 165

CCXXII. TO VIRET.--Communications regarding affairs at Berne, 166

CCXXIII. TO VIRET.--Ecclesiastical tyranny of the Seigneurs of Berne--sojourn of Idelette de Bure at Lausanne, 167

CCXXIV. TO HENRY BULLINGER.--New explanations regarding the Supper--violence of some of the Bernese ministers--Calvinism and Buceranism, 168

CCXXV. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Preparations for the marriage of Mademoiselle de Wilergy, his relation, 173

CCXXVI. TO FAREL.--Uncertainty regarding the disposition of the Cantons--stay of Monsieur and Madame de Falais in Calvin's house, 175

CCXXVII. TO VIRET.--Embarrassment occasioned to Calvin by the treacherous publication of one of his letters to Viret, 176

CCXXVIII. TO A FRENCH SEIGNEUR.--Exhortation to come to Geneva, that he might there serve the Lord faithfully, 179

CCXXIX. TO THE PROTECTOR SOMERSET.--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, 182

CCXXX. TO FAREL.--Election of new magistrates at Geneva--troubles in France--letter from Bucer, 198

CCXXXI. TO JOHN STURM.--Evidences of faith and Christian steadfastness, amid the dangers that threaten the Church, 200

1549.

CCXXXII. TO MADAME DE CANY.--Exhortation to a courageous and honest profession of the truth, 201

CCXXXIII. TO MADEMOISELLE DE ....--Exhortations to steadfastness in the faith--acknowledgment of liberality, 205

CCXXXIV. TO THE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH OF MONTBELIARD.-- Exhortations to discharge to the end their ministerial duties, 208

CCXXXV. TO HENRY BULLINGER.--Hope of Union with the theologians of Zurich--dedication of several writings, 210

CCXXXVI. TO BUCER.--Consolations to be found in the study of divine and everlasting truth, 212

CCXXXVII. TO THE PASTORS OF THE CHURCH OF BERNE.--Desire of union between the Churches of Berne and Geneva, 214

CCXXXVIII. TO VIRET.--Death of Idelette de Bure, the wife of Calvin, 216

CCXXXIX. TO FAREL.--Further details regarding the death of Idelette de Bure, 217

CCXL. TO MADAME DE CANY.--Account of the instructive death of Madame Laurent de Normandie, 219

CCXLI. TO VIRET.--Various particulars--recommendation of Francis Hotman, Jurisconsult, 223

CCXLII. TO HENRY BULLINGER.--Pleading in favour of the alliance of the Reformed Cantons with France, 225

CCXLIII. TO MADAME DE LA ROCHE-POSAY.--He exhorts her and her companions to live in conformity with the law of God, 229

CCXLIV. TO BUCER.--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, 232

CCXLV. TO LADY ANNE SEYMOUR.--Thanks to the Duchess of Somerset, the mother of Anne Seymour-- exhortation to perseverance in the true faith, 236

CCXLVI. TO FAREL.--Reply by the Protector of England to a letter from Calvin, 238

CCXLVII. TO FAREL.--Imprisonment of two brothers of M. de Falais--persecution in the Low Countries and in France, 239

CCXLVIII. TO VIRET.--Negotiations in reference to the publication of the _Consensus_--George, Count of Montbeliard, 240

CCXLIX. TO THE PASTORS OF THE CHURCH OF ZURICH.--Urgent recommendation of the adoption of a fixed formulary in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, 241

CCL. TO BULLINGER.--Revisal of the Formulary-- persecutions in France, 243

CCLI. TO FAREL AND VIRET.--Letter concerning Vergerio-- history of Francis Spira, 245

CCLII. TO FAREL.--Criticism on a work by Farel, 246

CCLIII. TO VIRET.--First mention of Theodore Beza--poverty of Calvin's colleagues, 248

CCLIV. TO JOHN HALLER.--A reformer's complaints on the malevolence of the Bernese ministers, 249

CCLV. TO WOLFGANG MUSCULUS.--Prohibition of the Vaudois Conferences--remonstrances on the intolerance of the Bernese ministers towards those of France, 251

CCLVI. TO MONSIEUR DE SAINT LAURENS.--Statement of leading articles of the Reformed Faith, 253

1550.

CCLVII. TO THE PROTECTOR SOMERSET.--Congratulations on the royal favour shown to the Duke of Somerset-- use to be made of his influence for spreading the Gospel in England, 257

CCLVIII. TO FAREL.--Tidings from Germany and England-- recommendation of a domestic, 262

CCLIX. TO FAREL.--Election of a new Pope, 264

CCLX. TO FRANCIS DRYANDER.--Counsels and encouragements-- collection of Commentaries on Isaiah by Des Gallars, 265

CCLXI. TO NICOLAS COLLADON.--Settlement of the Colladon family at Geneva, 266

CCLXII. TO THE SEIGNEURY OF GENEVA.--Notice of a publication attributed to Gruet, 268

CCLXIII. TO MELANCHTHON.--Controversies excited in Germany by the establishment of _the Interim_--brotherly reproofs, 270

CCLXIV. TO VIRET.--Hope of an early visit from Viret-- projected excursions in the neighbourhood of Geneva, 275

CCLXV. TO FAREL.--Opinion regarding Vergerio--intelligence regarding Bucer--letter to Melanchthon--disputes with Berne--literary publications of Calvin, 276

CCLXVI. TO WILLIAM RABOT.--Exhortation to the study of the Scriptures, 278

CCLXVII. TO FAREL.--Publication of the book on _Scandals_-- persecution by the King of France--Bucer's discouragement, 279

CCLXVIII. TO FAREL.--State of religion in England--Calvin's literary labours--arrival of Robert Stephens at Geneva, 282

CCLXIX. TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.--Misconduct of a servant of M. de Falais, 285

1551.

CCLXX. TO HALLER.--Explanations on the subject of the abolition of the great festivals at Geneva, 287

CCLXXI. TO VIRET.--Criticism of a mandate published by the Seigneurs of Berne, 289

CCLXXII. TO RICHARD LE FEVRE.--Explanations regarding various points of doctrine in dispute between the Romish and the Reformed Churches, 291

CCLXXIII. TO VIRET.--Various particulars--literary labours of Theodore Beza, 298

CCLXXIV. TO THE KING OF ENGLAND.--He exhorts him to persevere in the work of the Reformation in his kingdom--enumeration of abuses, ceremonies, ecclesiastical elections--universities, 299

CCLXXV. TO BULLINGER.--He excuses the infrequency of his letters, and urges the publication of the _Consensus_, 304

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, 306

CCLXXVII. TO BULLINGER.--Mention of a letter to the Duke of Somerset--re-opening of the Council of Trent--symptoms of war in Europe, 308

CCLXXVIII. TO VIRET.--Death of Bucer and Joachim Vadian, 310

CCLXXIX. TO FAREL.--Renewed expressions of regret for the death of Vadian and Bucer--controversies excited by Osiander--numerous migrations to Geneva-- commencement of hostilities in Italy, 311

CCLXXX. TO A FRENCH GENTLEMAN.--Sickness of Theodore Beza--Calvin's grief, 314

CCLXXXI. TO THE DUKE OF SOMERSET.--Protestations of attachment--reforms required in the Church of England--squandering of the revenues of benefices and of the universities, 315

CCLXXXII. TO VIRET.--Reply to the attacks of Pighius, and of George of Sicily, 317

CCLXXXIII. TO THE MINISTERS OF NEUCHATEL.--Arrest of a minister from Neuchatel in France--steps for obtaining his release, 318

CCLXXXIV. TO BULLINGER.--Edict of Chateaubriand, in France--attacks on Calvin in Geneva, 319

CCLXXXV. TO THE MINISTERS OF SWITZERLAND.--Statement of the controversy with Bolsec regarding Election, 322