THE LIFE

OF

CALVIN.

LONDON:

THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY;

Instituted 1799.

210. i. 82.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

CHAPTER I.

The Reformation-Birth of Calvin-His early life-Con-

version and first labours

CHAPTER II.

Francis 1.-His cruel and perfidious conduct-Calvin

comes forward as the champion of the Protestant cause-

Publishes his Institutes-Appeals in the Dedication to

Francis-Flies from France-Takes refuge at Ferrara-

Returns to France-Leaving his native country, arrives

at Geneva-His struggles with various opponents-His

exile from Geneva

CHAPTER III.

His labours at Strasburg-Recall to Geneva-His mar-

riage-Conflicts with the Libertines-Death of his wife

--Correspondence

CHAPTER IV.

5

33

57

Controversy with Bolsac-Dispute concerning Predestina-

tion-Controversy on the Trinity Discussions with

Servetus-The Condemnation and Death of the latter

89

CHAPTER V.

PAGE

Controversy with Berthelier-Calvin's influence in the

northern states of Europe-Persecution in France-First

attempt to form a Protestant mission amongst the

heathen-His friendship with John Knox

CHAPTER VI.

. 109

Conference at Poissy-Massacre at Vassy-First religious

war-Battle of Dreux-Calvin's political opinions

CHAPTER VII.

136

Last years of Calvin's life-The reformer's literary

Jabours-Remarks on his epistolary correspondence-

Characteristics of his style-Calvin as a preacher-His

illness-Patient endurance and death

160

LIFE OF CALVIN.

CHAPTER I.

The Reformation-Birth of Calvin-His early life-Conversion and first labours.

Of all the revolutions which have been achieved in the history of modern times, the Reformation is the grandest. Its object was the noblest which can be well conceived, the emancipation of the human mind from the bondage of error; and its results have been the diffusion of blessings untold amongst the nations who have come within the circle of its influence.

The men who originated and conducted the glorious movement to success were chosen of God, and raised up especially for the work he intrusted to their hands. The weapons with which they fought the Lord's battle with the enemy were not carnal," but were such as are "mighty through God" to the pulling down the