The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, John Calvin

The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History · John Calvin

p. 615JO: CALVIN

The Life of John Calvin, who died Anno Christi 1562.

MAster John Calvin was borne at Noviodune, a Famous City of France, His birth.June the sixth, anno 1509. His fathers name was Gerard Calvin, his Mothers Joan Franc…, both of good repute, of a competent estate. Gerard was a very prudent man, and therefore well esteemed of both by the Nobility, and others of the Country:His education. He gave his Son John very liberall education from his childhood. From the Grammer-School, he sent him to Paris, and placed him with Maturinus p. 616Corderius, a man well esteemed both for his probity, and learning, of chiefest account amongst all the School-Masters in France for his training up of youth. From thence John Calvin was translated to the School at Montacute, where he had Hispanus for his Master, under whom, by reason of his sharp wit, he profited so much, that from the Grammer he proceeded to the study of Logick, and other arts. His Father from the beginning designed him to the study of Divinity,He is designed to Divinity. which he judged him to be very much inclined to, being religiously addicted from his childhood, and a severe reprover of his School-fellows faults. And being thus resolved, he procured a Benefice of the Bishop for him, in the Cathedrall Church of Noviodune, as also a Cure in a neighbour Village, called Bishops-bridge, where himself was borne, though afterwards he removed to the City of Noviodune, in which place our John before his Ordination preached divers Sermons to the people. But this purpose of his (both their minds changing) was afterwards altred; For his Father seing that the study of the Law was a certainer step to riches and honour,He is designed to the Law. altered his mind upon that account, and his Son growing into acquaintance with a certain kinsman of his,His conversion. called Peter Robert Olevitane, was by him instructed in the true reformed Religion, whereupon he addicted himself to the study of the sacred Scriptures, and beganne to abominate and withdraw himselfe from the superstitious services in the Popish Church: Upon this occasion hee went to Orleans, He goes to Orleance.where Peter Stella the most famous Lawyer in France, read his Lectures, whose Auditor John Calvin was, and in a short space wonderfully profited in that study: So that many times, occasionally supplying his Masters room, he rather seemed a Doctor, then a learner of the Law: And when he was about to depart, all the Professors in that University, proffered freely to bestow the degree of a Doctor upon him as having so well deserved of the University.He studies the Scriptures. But all this while he neglected not the study of the sacred Scriptures, and Divinity; insomuch as few in that City, that were addicted to the reformed Religion, but they came to him to be satisfied in their doubts, and went away admiring his learning and zeal. And some that were intimately p. 617acquainted with him at that time, testified that his manner was constantly to continue his studies till midnight,His studiousness. and in the morning so soon as he wakened, to ruminate what he had read over night, whereby he fixed it in his memory, neither would he suffer himself to be disturbed during the time of his meditation: And the better to fit him for his studies, he alwaies supped very sparingly. By which practise he attained to excellent Learning, and a very good memory: Yet withall hereby he contracted such weaknesse of stomack, as brought upon him many diseases▪ and at last an immature death.

About this time the University of Biturg grew famous,He goes to Biturg for that they had procured out of Italy the eminentest Lawyer of his time, Andrew Alciat, whom our John also would needs be a hearer of: Thither therefore he went, and during his abode there, he grew into familiar acquaintance with Melchior Wolmarus, a German, the publick Professor of Greek in that University, a man famous for Religion, and Lea…ning. Under him he studied the Greek tongue,He studies the Greek. for which benefit he so much prized him, that afterwards he dedicated to him his Comment upon the second Epistle to the Corinthians.

Whilst he was imployed in these studies, he neglected not that of Divinity,He preacheth. so that he preached divers Sermons in a neighbour Towne called Liveria. But whilst hee was thus bu…ied, news came to him of his Fathers death which called him back into his own country: And having setled his affaires there, hee went back to Paris, He goes to Paris.being now about four and twenty years old, at which time he wrote that excellent Commentary upon Seneca de Clementia, being much affected with that Author, whom he used to say agreed very well with his Genius. After a few moneths stay at Paris, he grew acquainted with all that professed the Reformed Religion; and amongst the r…st with Stephen Forgeus, a famous Merchant, who afterwards sealed the Truth with his blood.

From hence forward at the earnest request of all the godly that held their private meetings in Paris he layd aside all other studies, and wholly applyed himself to that of Divinity, wherein also he found the speciall assistance of God. At this time Nicholas Cope was Rector of the University at p. 618Paris, who being to make an Oration upon the Kalends of November, at which time the Pontificians used to celebrate …heir All-Saints day, at the instigation of John Calvin, hee spake of Religion more purely and clearly then they used to doe. This the Sorbonists could not bear, and the Parliament of Paris was angry it, insomuch as they cited him to appear before them, which accordingly he was about to submit to; but as he went, some of his friends advised him to take heed of his adversaries; whereupon he returned home, and immediately after left France, and went to Basil, where his Father was a Professor of Physick.

The Officers sent by the Parliament,His danger. searching for Cope, went into Master Calvins house, who by chance not being at home, they ransacked his study, and amongst his papers found many of his friends Letters, which had like to have endangered the lives of many. So bitterly were the enemies of the Church at that time enraged against the people of God, especially one John Morinus, whose abhominable cruelty is infamous till this day. But it pleased God to divert that Storm by the prudent, and pious diligence of the Queen of Navar, Is delivered by the Queen of Navar.the onelyonly Sister of King Francis, a woman of an admirable wit, and exceeding tender of the welfare of the Professors of the Reformed Religion. She also sent for Mr. Calvin into her Court, used him very honourably, and heard him gladly. But Mr. Calvin finding Pais too hot for his abode, went to Xantone, where sojourning with a friend, at his request he drew up short Christian admonitions,He goes to Xantone. which were dispersed amongst certaine Priests to be taught to their people, that so their people might by li…tle and little be drawn to searching out of the Truth. Shortly a…ter he went to Nerac, a City of Aquitane, Thence to Nerac.where he visited that good old man James Faber Stapulensis, who being formerly a Professor of the Mathematicks, and Philosophy in Paris, was per…ecuted for the Trutly by the Scybomsts, but by the friendly help of the Queen of Navar was delivered and sent to this Town of her jurisdiction: This good old man received young Mr. Calvin with very fatherly affections, prophesying that in time to come he would prove a famous instrument for the building up of the French Church.

p. 619From thence Mr. Calvin went again to Paris, Again to Paris to confer with Sevetus.being called thereto by the speciall providence of God: For at this time that wicked Servetus was come thither, dispersing his poyson against the sacred Trinity; who hearing of Calvin, pretended that he was desirous to confer with him; and a time and place was appointed for their meeting, whither Calvin went, not without perill of his life, who was faine to hide himselfe from the rage of his enemies; but when he had waited long for him, Servetus came not, being indeed afraid of the very sight of Master Calvin: this was Anno Christi 1534.1534. Infamous for the abominable cruelty exercised against the poor Saints of God, especially against Gerard Ruffus, a Master of Art of Sorban, and Caroldus an Augustinian Monk, who under the protection of the Queen of Navar, had for a yeare or two very much propagated the truth, which the Divel envying, now stirred up his instruments to pul them out of the Pulpit, and to cast them into prison: yea, King Francis himself was so irritated, by reason of certaine papers against the Mass, scattered about the City, and fixed to his Chamber door, that he presently commanded a publick Procession, wherein himselfe and his three children assisted, with a bare head, carrying a Torch in his hand to expiate that wickedness, and commanded eight of the Saints of God to be burned alive,Eigh… Martyrs. in four principall parts of the City; Swearing publickly, that he would not spare his own children if he knew th…m to be infected with those damnable he esies. Calvin beholding these sad spectacles, went presently af…er to Orleans, where he published his famous book which he called Ps…chopannychia, against that error long before broached, and now again revived,He goes to Orlens. of them which held The Soules sleeping after they were s…vered from the bodies: And so purposing to bid adien to France, he associated to him his old friend with whom he had sojourned at Xantone, and travelling through …orrain, went towards Basil: But being not far from the City of Meton, they fell into great straits, for one of their servants who had gotten all their money,His servants Knavery. being mounted upon a lusty horse, ran away from them, and could by no means be overtaken, so they were f…in to send their other servant to borrow ten crowns, which with much p. 620adoe carried them to Strasborough, He goes to Basil. Studies Nebrew.and from thence to Basill. There Mr. Calvin quickly became an intimate friend to those famous men Simon Grynaeus, and Wolfgang Capito: He studied also the Hebrew tongue, and though he endeavoured by all means to conceal himself, yet was he forced to publish his Institutions, which he called but the foundation of a far greater work.

The Protestant Princes in Germany hearing of this bloody act of King Francis, were much provoked by it, yet did the King at this time seek their friendship, and to excuse his cruelty, by the advice of William Bellaius Langaeus, he sent them word that he had onelyonly punished certain Anabaptists, Popish lies.who set up their fanatick spirits instead of Scripture, and shewed themselves contemners of all Magistrates. Which disgrace put upon the true Religion, Mr. Calvin not enduring took occasion from thence to publish that his incomparable book, prefixing a Preface to King Francis, which surely he never read, or else it would have provoked him to have given a great wound to the Babylonish Whore: For that King (therein not like his Successors) was a great weigher of matters, had a good judgement to discern the Truth, was a favourer of Learned men, and not altogether estranged from the Professors of the Gospel. But neither he, nor the people of France either saw, or heard those things, the sinnes of the King and people hastning Gods wrath against them.

Mr. Calvin having published this book, & performed that office of duty to his Country, had a great desire to visit the Dutchess of Ferrara, He goes to the Dutches of Ferrara.the Daughter of Lewis the twelfth of France, a woman famous for her piety, and thereby also to have a sight of Italy. To her therefore he went, and endeavoured to confirm her in the Truth, so that she loved him dearly all his life after, yea even after his death honoured his memory.

Returning out of Italy (into whose borders, hee used to say, that he went, that he might return again) he came into France, where setling his affairs, and taking along with him his onelyonly brother, Anthony Calvin, he intended to returne to Basill or Strasborough; He goes to Geneva.but all other waies being stopped, by reason of Wars, he went to Geneva, without any purpose of p. 621staying there. Yet presently after it appeared, that it was so ordered by Divine Providence: For a little before, the Gospel of Christ was almost miraculously brought into that City by the labour and industry of two excellent men, William Farell of the Delphinate, sometimes a Scholar of Faber Stapulensis, and Peter Viret, a Bernate, whose labours God afterwards wonderfully blessed and prospered. Calvin hearing of these worthy men (as the manner is amongst the godly) went to visit them, to whom Mr. Farel (being a man indued with an heroicall spirit) spake much to perswade him rather to stay with them at Geneva, then to goe any further. But when he saw that perswasions wou…d not prevail,Is sltayed there. he said thus unto him; I protest unto thee in the name of the Omnipotent God, that if thou thus proceedest to frame excuses, and wilt not joyn with us in this work of the Lord, that the Lord will curse thee, as seeking thy own, rather then the things of Jesus Christ. Calvin being terrified with this terrible threatning, submitted to the judgement of the Presbytery, and of the Magistrates, by whose suffraes, together with the consent of the people he was chosen not onelyonly their Preacher, but also Professor of Divinity: The first he refused, the second he accepted of, Anno Christi 1536, in the monethmonth of August. Chosen Divinity Professor. 1536.This year became famous by a stricter League between the Bernates, and the City of Geneva, as also by the entertainment of the Gospel at Lausanna, where a free disputation was held between the Pontificians and the Protestants, at which Mr. Calvin was present.

Then did Mr. Calvin publish a certain form of Christian Doctrine, fitted for the Church of Geneva, as yet scarce crept out of the pollutions of Popery. He added also a Catechism, not that which we have by way of Question and Answer but one much shorter, containing the chief heads of Religion. Then did he, together with Mr. Farell, and Caroldus (most of their Colleagues through fear forsaking them) attempt to form a Church amongst the Citizens:His prud…nce to reform Geneva. For which end hee proposed, that all the people being gathered together, shou'd publickly forswear Popery, and withall should swear to observe the Christian Religion, and Discipline contained in a few Heads; which thing (through Gods mercy) was effected p. 622Anno Christi 1537,1537. though many of the Citizens refused, the City being yet scarce free from the snares of the Duke of Savoy, and the dregs of Popery, and many being much enclined to Factions: Yet a publick Scribe reading them, the Senate and people of Geneva swore together to those heads of Christian Religion and Discipline. The Devill being much enraged at this excellent work, having tried a thousand wayes by open enemies to overthrow it, and not prevailing by those waies, he sought under the pretence of piety to destroy it:Anabaptists hinder the Reformation. stirring up first the Anabaptists, and then Peter Carole, not onelyonly to disgrace it, but as much as in them lay, utterly to have subverted it. But the Lord was wiser, and stronger then Sathan, as the event shewed: For Calvin with his Colleagues in a publick, and free Disputation, did with that gravity out of the Word of God, confute the Anabaptists, March the 18 1537, that (which is seldome seen) from that time forwards there never appeared any of them in that Church. But the other disturber of their Churches peace, Peter Caroli, caused greater, and longer troubles, where of this is a brief account. This impudent Sophister was bred in the Colledge of Sorbon, from whence at last he was cast out for an Heretick, whereupon he went fi…st to Geneva, Peter Carolian Heretick.then to Lausanna, and from thence to Neocom, but so infected, and inflamed by the Devill, that wheresoever be came, be left an impression of his foul spirit: And when he saw himself opposed by the Protestants, he went to the Papists, and from them to the Protestants again: And at last brake forth into open railing against Mr. Farell, Viret, and Calvin, as if they held some corrupt opinions about the sacred Trinity. Hereupon there was a full Synod assembled at Berne, A Synod at Bern.in which Peter Caroli was condemned for his calumny, and thereupon removed. But shortly alter he went to Mediomatrice, that he might hinder the work of the Lord happily there begun by Mr. Farell: From thence writing an Epistle, he railed upon the godly, giving hope to the Papists that he would return to them againe: Yet was hee sent to Rome, that he might give satisfaction to the Pope himself. There he was received with scorn,Gods judgment on Hereticks. and being opperessed with poverty, and infected with the French-pox, at last with much adoe he gat into an Hospital, p. 623where shortly after he died miserably; and this truly was his unhappy end.

About the same time Mr. Calvin observing that there were many in France that knew, and were convinced of the Truth,Calvins care to reform others. and yet indulged themselves, as if it were enough that they reserved their hearts for Christ, though they were present at the Popish Services, published two elegant Epistles: One to exhort the flying of Idolatry, directed to Gerard Russus, whom we mentioned before: The other of the Popish Priesthood, directed to the same man, who was now made a Bishop, and was fallen from his former zeal. But whilst Mr. Calvin was thus employed, he met with grievous seditions at home. The Gospel indeed was entertained, and Popery abjured in Geneva; A sedition at Geneva.but many were not reformed of the prophane and scandalous courses in which they had been indulged, and which they had learned of the impare Popish Clergy: and those ancient feuds which had sprung up by reason of the Savoyan Warrs amongst the chiefest Familes, were not yet layd aside. These at first were gently admonished, and when that prevailed not, more sharply reprehended; and when yet they continued to be stubborn, and refractory, and that the City by the factious of certaine private persons was divided into parties, so that by no means they would endur… to be brought into that order to which they had been swo…n, Mr. Farel, Calvin, and Caroldus, inspired with an heroicall spirit, did openly professe that they could by no meanes administer the holy Sacrament of the Lords Supper to persons who were at such bitter enmity amongst themselves, and so utterly averse to all Ecclesiastical Discipline.

Another evill that fell out was this;Another evill. A difference there was in some Ecclesiastical Rites between the Bernates and the Genevians; The Genevians using common bread at the Sacrament, and a different sort of Fonts; they also abolished all holy daies but the Lord day, whereupon the Bernates assembling a Synod at Lausanna, decreed, that Waters should be used in the Sacrament, and required that in Geneva the same practise should be observed: But the Colledg of Ministers at Geneva desired that first they might be heard; and for this end appointed a Synod at Zurick. Upon this occasion p. 624the Syndics which were chosen for that year at Geneva (who for the time are the chiefest Magistrates) assembling the Captains of the seditious persons, so farr prevailed (though Mr. Calvin and his Colleagues interposed, and desired first to be heard) the greater part overcoming the better, that these three worthy servants of Christ were commanded within two daies to depart the City,Calvin is banis…ed. because (as was alledged) they refused to administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. When this Decree was brought to Mr. Calvin, he said, Truly if I had served men, His holy speech.I should have had but an ill reward; but its well that I have served him who doth alwaies perform to his servants what he hath once promised.

Who would not now have thought, that this business must needs have brought destruction upon the Church of Geneva? but the event shewed the wonderfull wisdom of God in turning it to good;God above the Lev…. partly by employing the labours of these his servants elswhere, by variety of experiences to fit them for greater employments: partly that the seditious persons in Geneva overthrowing themselves by their own violence, that Church might be purged from many pollutions. So wonderfull doth God shew himself in all his waies, especially in the admirable government of his Church.

At the time appointed, these three worthy Fathers (to the great grief of all good men) left Geneva, Calvin goes to Zurick, and so to Strasborough.and went to Zurick, where gathering a Synod of the Helvetian Churches, the Synod decreed, and by the intercession of the Bernates, tyred the mindes of the Genevians for their re-admission; but when that prevailed not, Calvin went to Basil, and from thence to Strasborough; where, by the desire of the Senate, and the importunity of those bright Stars which at that time shined in that Church, Bucer, Hedio, Capito, Niger, and their Colleagues, he was designed to be the Professor of Divinity,Is made Professor of Divinity. with a competent salary allowed; which place he discharged with the great applause of Learned men; and by the consent of the Senate he planted the French Church there, and setled Discipline in it. Thus was the expectation of Sathan frustrated, Calvin setled in another place, and a new Church erected for the former subverted. Yet in the mean time did not the Devil cease to endeavour wholly to eradicate the Church p. 625of Geneva: for which end he stirred up some wicked men, yet under the pretence of piety,Unleavened bread brought into Geneva. to bring in that Decree of changing common bread into Wafers; indeed onelyonly to stirre up new controversies: Wherein also Sathan failed not of his purpose, many godly men upon this occasion abstaining from the Sacrament, till Mr. Calvin by his holy Letters had perswaded them not to contend for a thing so indifferent in it self. By this means unleavened bread was again brought into use in the Genevian Church: Concerning which, Calvin being afterwards restored, would never contend, and yet withall did not dissemble his judgement about the same.

But behold! presently after fell out a farre greater evill,1539. Anno Christi 1539, which yet by the prudent diligence of Mr. Calvin was quickly extinguished, which was this; There was the Bishop of Carpentoratum, called James Sadolet, a man of great eloquence,Sathans subtilty. which yet he abused to the subversion of the Truth, for which cause he was made a Cardinall. This man seeing the flock deprived of such able and vigilant shepherds; thought it a fit time to ensnare them; for which end he wrote Letters under the pretence of his neighbourhood, directed to his dear friends (as he called them) the Senate Councell, and people of Geneva, in which he omitted no arguments whereby he might perswade them to return into the bosome of the Romish Church. And at this time there was no man in Geneva that would undertake to answer the same so that probably they would have done much mischief, but that they were written in a forraign language. But whe… Mr. Calvin at Strasborough had read them, forgetting all the wrongs which had been done him,Calvin, care of Geneva. he returned an answer so speedily, truly, and eloquently, that the Cardinall despairing of accomplishing his end, wholly gave over his design. Neither indeed did Mr. Calvin deferre till this time the manifesting of his Pastorall bowels, which he yet retained to the Genevians, especially to those that suffered with him in the same cause, as may appeare by those excellent Epistles which he wrote to them the same year wherin he was banished. Wherein his principall scope was to exhort them to repentance, to bear with the wicked, to maintain peace with their Pastors, and to bee frequent in calling upon God; p. 626as also to stirre them up to expect light after those deadly mists of darknesse, which he told them would follow, as also the event ere long made to appear. About the same time also hee published his Institutions much enlarged, and his Commentarie upon the Romans, dedicated to Simon Grynaeus his dear friend, and that golden book of his concerning the Lords Supper, which he made for the use of his French Church, which Galasius afterwards turned in Latin. In which he handled the Doctrine of the Sacrament so dextrously, and learnedly, that it served to determine the unhappy controversies about it, to the satisfaction of all good and learned men.Anabaptists reclaimed. Neither was his happinesse lesse in reclaiming many Anabaptists from their errors, amongst whom were these two principall men, Paul Volsius, who afterwards was a Pastor in the Church of Strasborough: the other was John Storder, who afterwards dying of the Plagne, Mr Calvin by the advice of Bucer married his Widdow,Calvin matries. called Idellita, a very grave and honest Matron.

In these studies and labours did Mr.1541. Calvin continue at Strasborough to the year 1541. In the which year the Emperour Charles the fifth assembled two Diets, the one at Worms, the other at Ratisbone, for compounding the differences about Religion: At both which,He goes to two Diets. by the desire of the Divines of Strasborough, Mr. Calvin was present; o the great advantage of the Churches, especially of his own French Congregation, and where he was most lovingly entertained, and highly prised by Philip Melancthon, and Gasper Cruciger, so that Philip called him His Divine. Hee also had much private conference with them about the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and they could not but very well appove of his opinion therein.

But now the time was come wherein the Lord purposed to shew mercy to his poor Church at Geneva: For one of the Syndics, who had promoted the Decree for their banishment, did so misdemeane himself in his Office, that being found guilty of sedition, whilst he thought to escape out at a window, being a fat man,Gods judgements on his enemies. he fell down, so bruised himself, that within a few daies after he died. Another of them had his head cut off for a Murther; the other two having done the p. 627Commonwealth much disservice in an Ambassy wherein they were employed, were faign to fly their Country, and were condemned in their absence.

These evill instruments being thus removed,He is sent for to Geneva. the City of Geneva beganne to call for their Farell and Calvin; but when by no means they could recover Farell from Neocom, where he was now setled, they used all their endeavours to procure Calvin; and for that end they sent Ambassadors to Strasborough, using also the intercession of those of Zurick, to request that Mr. Calvin might be sent back to them. The Senate of Strasborough were exceeding unwilling to hearken to it. Calvin himself,Hardly obtained. although he had not changed his mind towards the Genevians for the miscarriages of some wicked men, yet abhorring to enter into new troubles, but especially because he found the Lord blessing his Ministery at Strastborough, did absolutely refuse to return. Besides Bucer, and the other Pastors, did professe their great unwillingnesse to to part with him. But the Genevians still pressing hard for him, Bucer at last thought that their requests should be condescended to, at least for a time; which yet was not granted by Mr. Calvin himself, til they had urged him with the judgment of God in case he refused, and with the example of Johah. But this falling out just at the time when Calvin, with Bucer was going to visit the Diet at Ratisbone, his return was delayed for a time; and in the mean time the Genevians obtained of the Bernates that Peter Viret should go from Lausanna to Geneva; and indeed this made Mr. Calvin farre more willing to return to Geneva, when he saw that he was to have such a Colleague, by whose labours and counsels he might be much furthered in reforming that Church. So after some moneths Mr. Calvin went to Geneva, Sept. 13, Anno Christi 1541, being singularly welcomed by the people,His returne to Geneva. 1451. and especially by the Senate, who acknowledged the wonderfull mercy and goodnesse of God towards them, in restoring him to them again. And whereas the Senate of Strasborough had decreed that after a time he should returne to them againe, they of Geneva would never give over till they had reversed that Decree, which at last was yeelded to by them of Strasborough, yet with this Proviso, that that pension which p. 628they had setled upon him should still be continued to him; but Mr. Calvin could never be perswaded to receive it,His self denyall. caring for nothing lesse then for riches. Mr. Calvin being thus restored to his Church, and perceiving that the City needed such bridles, he professed that he could not comfortably exercise his Ministry amongst them, except together with the Doctrine of the Gospel, they would embrace the Presbyterian Government, for the well regulating of the Church. Hereupon Elders were chosen, & a Model of the Presbyterial Government was drawn up consonant to the Word of God, and gratefull to the Citizens,He settles the Presbyterian Government. which the Devill afterwards sought by all his artifices to destroy, but all in vaine. Hee wrote also a Catechism in French and Latine, not much different from the former, but much larger, divided into Questions and Answers, which indeed was an admirable peece, and found such approbation and entertainment abroad, that it was turned into High-Dutch, English, Scottish, Low-Dutch, Spanish, yea and Immanuel Tremelius turned it into Hebrew, and Henry Stevens turned it into Greek also.His great labours. His ordinary labours were these. Every other Sabbath he preached twice, Munday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, he read his Divinity Lectures. Every Thursday he assisted in the Consistory for the exercise of Ecclesiasticall Discipline. On Fridaies he read a Lecture for the clearing of some hard places of Scripture. Besides which, he wrote many Commentaries upon the Scriptures: Answered many adversaries to the Truth; wrote many Letters to sundry places, of advice, and direction, in weighty businesses. So that we have cause to wonder how it was possible for one man to undergoe so many businesses. He made very much use of Farel and Viret, and yet himself contributed much more to them. And truly their familiarity as it was much envyed by the wicked, so it was very gratefull to all good men. And it was a very pleasant sight to behold these three men, so famous in the Church, and all agreeing in the Work of the Lord, and yet so excelling in severall gifts of the Spirit. Farell exceeded in a certain greatnesse of mind, whose thundering Sermons could not be heard without trembling, and whose ardent prayers would lift a man up into Heaven. Viret did so excell in sweet Eloquence, that p. 629he chained his hearers to his lips. Calvin, look how many words he spake, with so many grave and pithy sentences he filled the minds of his hearers: So that (saith Mr. Beza) I often thought that the gifts of these three men meeting in one, A compleat Preacher.would make up a compleat Pastor.

Besides the …orementioned labours of Mr. Calvin, he had also the charge and businesse of a Family to look after … besides many forraign businesses; for God so blessed his Minister, that from all parts of the Christian World hee was sought to,He is much sought to. partly for advice in matters of Religion, and partly to hear him pr…ach: So that at the same time there was an Italian Church, an English Church, and a Spanish Church, besides the Church of Geneva, that that City seemed too …t…le to entertaine all that came to it for his sake. Thus, though he was loved of the good, and feared of the wicked; and things were excellently setled; Yet hee did meet with many oppositions for the exercise of his Graces: For as soon as he returned to Geneva being mindful of that saying of our Saviour, Seek first the Kingdom of God, …nd his righteousnesse, and all other things shall be added unto you; His first, and chiefest care was by the consent of the Senate to settle such an Ecclesiasticall Polity as was most consonant to the Word of God: From which afterwards it should not bee lawfull either for the Ministers or people to recede. But before proof was made of it, not onelyonly some of the common people, but even of the chief men that had cast off Popery, and given their names onelyonly to Christ, shewed their hatred against it. Yea some of those Ministers which continued there when these 3 good men were cast out (though the chiefest of them afterward left their stations) being found guilty of sundry wickednesses) although (being convinced in their consciences, they du…st not oppose it, yet) underhand they manifested their dislike of it, and would by no meanes be brought into order: and that pretending the example of other Churches, wherein no Excommunication was used.The Presbyter Government kickt at. Yea some of them cryed out that it would introduce the Popish tyranny again. But Mr. Calvin overcame these diffi…ulties by his const…ncy, joyned with singular moderation; shewing that not onelyonly the true Doctrine, but Ecclesiasticall p. 630Discipline was also to be fetched out of the Word of God,Its vindicated by him. and that his had the approbation of the most learned men (of that age, as Oecolampadius, Zuinglius, Zuichius, Melanthon, Bucer, Cap…to, and Myconius, which he proved out of their writings: Withall telling them that other Christian Churches were not to be condemned which had not proceeded so far, not those Pastors which found that their people needed not such a bridle: And lastly shewing what a vast difference there was between the Popish Tyranny, and the easie yoak of the Lord: So that he at last obtained that his Discipline was written, read, and confirmed by the Suffrages of the people, and generally received, Novemb. the twentieth 1541.

But though these things were so happily carried on, yet Mr. Calvin, considering that he was like to meet with some difficulties in the exercise of it, did his utmost endeavour that Viret, who was only lent them by the Bernates for a time, and Farel, who was now setled at Neocom, might be joyned with him as his perpetuall Fellow-Pastors; but he could not possibly effect it: Viret presently after returning to Lausan…, and Farell remaining at Neocome, so that the whole praise of se…ing the Genevian Church is due to Mr. Calvin alone.

The year following, viz. 1542,1542. He comforts the persecuted. Mr. Calvin met with many afflictions, some at home, but especially by the enflamed fury of the adversaries of the Truth abroad, in France and Italy, whence they d…ve away many Professors of the Gospel, for the comforting of whom, he layd out himself excedingly, writing many encouraging Letters every way, both to those that were escaped, and to those also that yet remained within the reach of the Lions jaws.

The same year also there fell out two other great evils, … and Pestitence its usuall companion;Famine and Pestilence. and at this time the custom of Geneva was, that such as were infected with the Pestilence, should bee removed into an Hospitall out of the City, where, being in need of a constant and sedulous Pastor, when, by reason of the danger most men refused it, there were three that offered themselves, viz. Calvin, Sebastian Castali…, and Blanchet; and Lots being cast between these p. 631three, it fell upon Castalio, who notwithstanding his former forwardnesse, now shamefully drew back, and refused it; and when Calvin would have cast Lots again, the Senate, and Blanchet (who now took this work upon him) would not suffer it.Sathans malice About this time also other mischiefs fell out; for Peter Tossanus, the Pastor of Montbelgard, was much troubled about the controversie of the Lords Supper; And at Basill, where the foundation of Church Government was scarce layd (do Myconius what he could to the contrary) it was by some evill affected persons subverted; and both these men had recourse to Mr. Calvin for his counsel. And at Neocome, though Mr. Farel laboured with good successe, yet the work of the Lord was much obstructed, partly by open force, and partly by that Apostate Peter Caroli, of whom we spake before; about which businesse we may discern Mr. Calvins labours, partly by his printed Letters, and partly by the testimony of such as were eye-witnesses of it.Popish impudence. But there was a farre more audacious act of the Sorbonists at this time, who neither having authority from God nor man, yet dared to impose sundry Articles of Christian Religion, as they called them, but such indeed as were stuffed with so many errors, and fooleries, wherein that society of men did abound, as that it is a wonder how any man that had the use of reason should assent thereunto; yet many, partly through fear, and partly through ignorance, subscribed them. Wherefore Mr. Calvin answered them,He answers the Sorbonists. learnedly confuting their errors by solid arguments, and so set forth their fooleries, that every man which was not wilfully blind might easily discern the same.

Thus ended this year, to which the next succeeded,1543. no whit mi…der▪ either in regard of the famine or pestilence, which infested all Savoy; and Master Calvin proceeding according to his accustomed manner, confirmed his owne at home, and strongly opposed the adversaries abroad; publishing his four books about free-will, which he dedicated to Phil. Melancthon, against Albert Pighius, the greatest Sophister of his age, and who had singled out Calvin for his antagonist, being promised a Cardinals hat if he could carry away the victory from him.He answers Pighius. But being frustrated of his p. 632labour, he gat that which the enemies of the truth only deserve, viz. That he stanke amongst learned and good men, himself being deceived by the Divel. How much Melancthon esteemed of those books of Master Calvin, himself testifies in his Epistles which are in print. Master Calvin also the same year wrote to the Church at Montbelgard, whereby the mouths of calumniators may be stopped, who accuse him of too much rigidness in the exercise of Ecclesiasticall Discipline.

The year following,1544. which was Anno Christi, 1544.Castali…'… errors. Master Calvin declared his opinion about the purpose of the Church of Neocome in Ecclesiasticall censures; and at home Sebastian Castalio, whom we mentioned before, being a light man, and very ambitious, having translated the New Testament into French, was exceedingly displeased that Master Calvin did not approve of it; yea, he grew so angry, that he vented divers errors, and not consent therewith, he publikely preached that the Canticles of Solomon was an impure and obscaene song, and therefore would needs have if expunged out of the sacred Canon; and because the Ministers opposed him, he railed exceedingly against them; which they judging unfit for them to bear called him before the Senate, where being heard with much patience,His punishment. he was at last condemned of slanders, and commanded to depart out of the City. From thence he went to Basil, where being at last admitted. what his carriage was there, is besides my purpose. The year before the Emperor Charles the fifth being to war against the King of France, had promised the Germans that they should not be molested for their Religion, till a generall councill should be called, which as he told them, he would take care to be effected. This the Pope Paul the third was much incensed at, and published an harsh expostulation against the Emperor, because he had equalized the Hereticks with the Catholicks, and had thrust his sickle into another …ans harvest: The Emperour answered, That which he thought to be reason: But Master Calvin, because he saw in the Popes Letters, that the truth of the Gospel did suffer, together with the innocency of good men,He confutes the Pope. took him up very roundly, and repressed his impudence. At this time a Diet p. 633was assembled at Spires, upon which occasion Calvin published the Book Of the necessity of reforming the Church, then which that age produced not a book of that subject, that was more weighty and nervous. The same year also Master Calvin in two books did so confute the Anabaptists and Libertines (who had revived the monstrous heresies of former ages) that whosoever read them,He confutes the …n…baptists and Libertines. except he was willing to it, could not be deceived by them, and they which had been formerly deceived could not but be reclaimed to the truth Yet the Queen of Navar was offended with his book against the Libertines, being so bewitched with two of the chief Patrons of that heresie; Quintinus and Pocquetus, whom Calvin had noted by name, that though she was not otherwise tainted with their errors, yet she had a great opinion that they were good men, and therefore took her selfe to be wounded through their sides: which when Master Calvin understood, he wrote to her with admirable moderation,He pacifies the Q. of Navar. as not unmindfull of her dignity, nor of all the good she had done for the Church of God, and yet withall as became a faithfull servant of Jesus Christ; he reprehended her imprudence for admitting such men, and asserted the authority of his Ministry, and he so far prevailed, that the men of that abominable sect of Libertines, which began apace to flock into France, afterwards kept themselves in Holland and the Countries adjacent.

The labours of this year being finish…d, the succeeding year being 1545,1545. brought new and greater labours with it: For the Plague increasing in the City, and neighbour Villages, seemed as if it would devour all before it, and coveteousness so prevailed with the poor people, who were imployed to attend the rich in their sickness,The plague dipe…sed by wicked persons and to cleanse their houses, that by an horrible conspiracy amongst themselves, with a pestilentious ointment, they anointed the posts, thresholds and doors of many houses, whereby a more grievous pestilence ensued; and these wicked instruments of the Divel had bound themselves to Sathan by an oath,They are punished. that by no torments they shou…d confess their wickedness: Yet many of them being taken in the City and villages, were punished according to their deserts.

p. 634Its almost incredible what envy and reproach this act brought upon Geneva, and especial…y upon Master Calvin, as if the Divel should rule there altogether, where he was most opposed. This year was also infamous by that abominable and cruel Edict which the Parliament of Aquitane set forth against the poor Waldenses of Merindol, Cabriers, Popish cruelty against the Waldenses.and those parts, whereby most unheard-of cruelties were exercised, not against some few, but against all of them, without any distinction of ages or sex, yea to the very burning of their Towns. Some of these that escaped flying to Geneva, Master Calvin was the more afflicted for them, and carefull of them, because a little before he had written consolatory Letters to them, and sent them faithfull Pastors for the instructing of them purely out of the Gospel, and had also (where they were in danger before) preserved them by his intercession to the Germane Princes, and Helvetians. The unhappy controversie also of the Lords Supper sprange up again; Osiander, a man of a proud and monstrous wit, reviving it out of the ashes:Osianders errors. For the quenching of which flame Master Calvin did what possibly he could, as may appear by his Letters which he wrote to Melancthon about the same. But the intemperancy of Osiander was such, that he would by no means hearken to the wholsome counsell that was given him by those two men.Plague continued. In the mean while the Plague still raging in the City, took away many good men: Whereupon Master Calvin out of the Pulpit thundred against many wickednesses, especially against whoredom,He thunders against sin. which was not laid aside, notwithstanding that judgement of God amongst them. Good men assented to this which Master Calvin spake, but some there were of the great men of the City, which hindred the reformation hereof, till at last they ruined themselves thereby: And to all these evils this was added to compleat them, that now (though very unseasonable) the controversie about the priviledges of the City sprang up, neither could the faithfull Pastors be suffered to dispose of the Ecclesiasticall goods taken from the Pontificians, as they ought to be. About this business were many clamours, many complaints, and much pains taken by writing, and conference, but they proved all in vain; whereupon Master Calvin did publickly p. 635profess,He abhors Sacriledge. that he could not endure so many sacriledges which he knew would at the length be severely punished by God, yet withall, he acknowledged the justice of God, in that the goods which were formerly so unjustly gotten by the Mas…-Priests, God would not suffer them to be brought into the Churches Treasury.

Master Calvin yet met with two more things which did afflict him this year. A wicked fellow was returned to Geneva, his own Country, who for a time had lived as an Hermite in France. This man pretending to the reformed Religion,A Hermi…es wickedness. Master Calvin (who was very acute in prying into mens minds, and manners) taking notice of him, admonished him first gently, and afterwards more freely, and at last reproved him for carrying himselfe more proudly in the Congregation then beseemed him. The man not bearing this, easily found out such as had been reproved for their wickedness by Master Calvin, by whose favour and help he might be assisted; so that a Pastor being to bee chosen in the room of one that was dead, this man by the help of his companions, sought the place▪ and so far prevailed that the Senate commanded that in the Election regard should be had of him. Master Calvin with his Colleagues opposed it, shewing how far this his seeking to intrude himself was dissonant from the word of God, and at length obtained of the Senate, that they should proceed in their Election according to the Ecclesiasticall constitutions so merly agreed on.

At this same time also there were many in France, who being falne at first through sear of persecution, began at last to please themselves with this conceit, that it was no sin to be present with their bodies at the Popish services, so they kept the true Religion in their hearts.The Nicodemites. This pernicious error was long since condemned by the Fathers: Against these Master Calvin wrote, and confuted that error; and because these persons thought him too rigid, he adjoyned to his own, the opinions of these learned and godly Divines, Philip Melancthon, Bucer, Peter Martyr, and the Church of Zurick, so that the name of these Nicodemites stark amongst all good men, for so were they called who cloaked their errors with his example.

p. 636The next year,1546. being 1546. proved nothing milder then the former.Geneva in danger. For frequent intelligence came of the preparations of the Emperor, and the Popes frauds against the Protestants: Wherefore Mr. Calvin judged it necessary to confirm the mindes of the Citizens against the terrour of these reports, especially considering the impudency of many wicked men, who were so farre from being curbed by all the bridles of Ecclesiasticall Discipline, that on the contrary they raged the more, and sought to break them all in sunder. These men having gotten one Amedius Perrinus, Perrins wickedness.a vain, bold, and ambitious man, for their Captaine; (for indeed he had long before procured to be chosen the Captaine General by the Suffrages of the people,) This man supposing (as the truth was) that neither he, nor such like himselfe could stand whilst the Ecclesiasticall Laws were in force, and especially whilst Mr. Calvin did so thunder against their lasciviousnesse, beganne now to discover what he, and his associates had been long contriving; which being taken notice of, and speedily prevented by the authority of the Senate, hee indeed held his peace, but the contrived wickednesse presently brake out more openly. For shortly after one of the Senators in a publick assembly of the people blamed Calvin as one that taught false Doctrine;Calvin accused sub…ned (as was supposed) hereunto privately by two of the Colledge of Pastors, both of them being Drunkards and therefore no whit lesse fearing the severity of the Laws then the others forementioned. But Mr. Calvin made little account of this barking. Yet this man that thus accused him, was called before the Senate and his cause being heard, was condemned for slander, and those two drunken Ministers which had set him on,His enemies punished. were removed out of their places being forbidden going into Taverns: Whereby we see, that the wickedness of the wicked returns upon his own pate.

The troubles of this year being thus ended,1547. the next year, which was 1547,The German Church n… grea… danger. proved far world, indeed that Age saw not a more calamitous time then that was; The Churches of Germany seeming utterly subverted, the Protest in Princes taken, and Cities yeelding up themselves, after so gr…at labour used, and so great difficulties passed through in planting p. 637the Gospel amongst them, with what great grief the godly soul of Mr. Calvin was afflicted for the desolations of the Churches is not easie to express,His tender affections to them. especially if we consider that great affection which he bore to them, though farre remote from him, which indeed was no other then if he had bore them all upon his shoulders. And indeed he was wonderfully grieved when he heard of those holy men, his worthy friends Philip Melancthon, Bucer, Peter Martyr, &c. in so great danger that they seemed nearer death than life. But yet, that Mr. Calvin bore up with a valiant mind in this tempest appeares both by his writings and by his carriage, for being much vexed at home by sundry wicked men, yet would he not start at all from his fixed course. To speak somewhat of his domestick troubles, Mr. Calvin wholly imploying himself to shew, that the life of Christianity did not so much consist in vain speculation as in practise, he necessarily met with those enemies which did not onelyonly oppose all piety, and honesty, but threatened warre to their own country: The chief of these was that Perrinus before mentioned, who with his companions had brought themselves into this condition, that they must needs use extremity;P…ins wickednesse. for which end they appealed from the Presbytery to the Senate. The Presbytery on the contrary pleaded their Ecclesiastical Constitutions, agreeable to the Word of God, and setled by Authority; and therefore they desired the Senate that their priviledges might not be infringed. The Senate concluded that the Ecclesiastical Laws being established, ought not to be violated. But when this audacious fellow would not otherwise be ruled, the Senate decreed that he should be deposed from his Oaptainship, and live a private life.He is punished. Though all these things were transacted before the Senate, yet was Mr. Calvin wonderfully afflicted by them; for once upon a publick hearing; there was such a tumult raised, that they were very neare imbruing their hands each in others blood; which sedition Calvin with his Colleagues hearing of, interposed themselves, though it was with the perill of his life (the faction of the wicked being most against him) and stopped it. Yet these men proceeding in their wickednesse, hated him the more for it. So that Mr. Calvin sharply reproved them for it in his Sermons; and p. 638Gods judgements threatned by him proved not in vain: For one of them writing an infamous Libel, and affixing it to his pulpit, wherein were contained many railings against the sacred Ministery, and particularly against Mr. Calvin, that he deserved to be thrown into the River of Rhodanus: This man being apprehended and convicted of these, and many other horrid blasphemies, had hi… head cut off. And after his death there was another Libell found written by his owne hand, containing blaspemies against Moses, and Christ himself, with which impiety there was no doubt but that he had infected others

At this very very time,He writes against Trent. and in the middest of these troubles, Mr. Calvin wrote his Antidote against the seven Sessions of the Councell of Trent. He also sending Letters to the Church of Christ in Roan, confirmed them against the fraud of a certain F…anciscan Fryer, who had spread the poysonsom Doctrines of the Libertines and Carpocratians amongst them.

The year following,1548. which was 1548, the evill of the aforenamed faction in (eneva brake forth againe: The Devill (which is almost incredible) abusing those persons to be instruments thereof, who indeed were the greatest enemies to it,Sa hans subtilty. viz. Farel, and Viret. These men comming to Geneva made o grave Oration in the Senate about composing their differences. Mr. Calvin requiring nothing but that those men should mend their manners, and Perrinus with his associates pro…si…ng any thing, so he might be restored to his former place. For Perrinus being restored to his place, he, and his wicked companions grew so impudent, that they cut their cloathes crosse on their breasts that they might know each other; others of them called their dogs by the name of Calvin: Others instead of Calvin called him Cain: Calvin reproached.others out of an hatred to Mr. Calvin, professed that they would not come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.

All which Mr. Calvin and his Colleagues did boldly,An Amnesty. and faithfully reprove, and when they were called before the Senate, the innocency of the good men easily carried away the victory. So that the Amnestie [or forgetfulnesse of wrongs] was solemnly sworn to Decemb. 18 But it afterwards appeared that all this was done thorough dissimulation, and p. 639that Perrin sought nothing thereby, but to be chosen a Syndic, that he, and his might by that meanes have the more liberty to act all their wickednesse, as the event declared. Mr. Calvin in the midst of these broils, was so farre from giving over his accustomed labours, that (as if nothing had molested him) hee wrote learned Commentaries upon six of Pauls Epistles; as also by weighty Arguments confuted the Interim, which was published for the destruction of the German Churches,He confutes the Interim. shewing withall the right course for the restoring of those Churches. He discovered also in a book the vanity, and falshood of Judiciall Astrology, which many beganne now to give too much heed to;And Astrologers. and being saluted by Letter from Brentius, now in exile he wrote consolatory Letters to him, in which friendship it had been happy if Brentius had continued. Bucer also being a banished man in England at this time, Calvin wrote to him to declare and open his mind more fully about the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and comforted him in a most friendly manner. He also wrote Letters of advice to the Duke of Sommerset, He writes into England.now Protector of England (who afterwards suffered an unworthy death) about such matters, as if his counsell had been hearkened to, it had been happy for England, and perhaps the Church there had happily avoyded many of those storms which afterwards befell it.

In the midst of these contencions the Church of Geneva did wonderfully encrease,The Church increas…th in troubles. which did exceedingly torment the Devill and his instruments, and Mr. Calvin was very solicitous to entertain, and provide for such as were banished for the name of Christ: Which care of his it pleased God to bless the year following, that the fury of those wicked men,1549. though it was not quite extinct, yet for the present it was layd asleep: And truly hee had need of such a truce, being grievously afflicted with a domestick accident: For at this time he lost his dear Wife,His wife dies. a very choice woman; yet did he bear this accident with such constancy, that therein he gave an excellent example of fortitude to the whole Church. The same year there arose a great contention in the Saxon Church about things indifferent: Whereupon sending to Mr. Calvin for his judgement, he freely declared p. 640his opinion to them. He also admonished Melancthon of his duty, whom some accused for too much softnes in this point; but Master Calvin afterwards found it to be a false charge. For at this time, it was unknowne with what minde and spirit the whole troop of Flaccians were carried,The Flaccians. which afterwards raised such great troubles to the Church, and were acted with such fury and impudence, as if they had been hired by the Pope of Rome, to carry on his cause. But it pleased God to compensate this wound inflicted upon the Churches of Germany, A sweet concord.by a great blessing upon the Helvetians: For Farel aud Calvin going to Zurick, when many thought that Master Calvin did too much favour the Doctrine of Consubstantiation, in a Synod of all the Helvetian and Rhetian Churches, he shewed his agreement with them; and indeed there was no great difficulty to bring good men and lovers of the truth into an harmonious concord. This agreement of the Helvetian and Rhetians Churches was written, which did more and more unite Bullinger and Calvin, and the Church of Zurick with that of Geneva. Master Calvin also about this time wrote two learned Epistles to Laelius Socinus, He writes to L. Socinus.the poyson of whose opinions did not appear till after his death; for in his life time, going through the Churches, he had deceived Melancthon, Calvin and Camerarius; but afterwards it appeared, that he had much favoured Servetus, Castellio, and Ochin, and their mad opinions: for his Commentary upon the first chapter of John coming forth, shewed that he went beyond the impiety of all those Hereticks, which had corrupted the most Divine portion of Scripture.

Anno Christi 1550 succeeding,1550. the Church of Christ enjoyed peace,Peace in the Church. and then it was decreed in Geneva, Ministers pattern.that the Ministers, not onelyonly in their Sermons, which many neglected, and others heard with small profit; But from house to house at many seasons of the year should divide the City amongst them, and require of every family an account of their Faith; by which means its scarce credible what profit came to the people thereby. Another decree for the abolishing of Christmas-day, Holidayes …bolished.and that no holy day should be observed but the Sabbath onelyonly: which did so offend some loose p. 641persons, that they bruited abroad that Master Calvin had abolished the Sabbaths, to bring the greater odium upon him. This offence taken by some, occasion… Calvin to write his book of Scandals, dedicated to Lauren… Normendius his intimate friend.

Anno Christi. 1551.Wickedness discovered. great contentions brake out in the Church, and this year was begun with the death of Bucer, to the great grief of the whole Church, and of Master Calvin especially, who alwayes highly prised him. About the same time dyed Joachim Vadian, a Senator of Geneva, a man endowed with singular learning and piety; Whereupon the wickedness of the factious persons brake forth again, which had slept a great while. These men would by no means suffer the exiles which fled thither for Religion, to injoy the priviledges of the City; and not content therewith, Mast. Calvin having been forth to Preach beyond the Rhodanus, as he came home, they entertained him with scorns, and one Raimund his Colleague having occasion one evening to pass the bridge over the Rhodanus, they had almost cast him into the River; and lastly they raised a great tumult in the Church of Saint Gervase, A Tumult.because a child being brought to be baptized, the Minister refused to give him the name of Balthazar (which name had beenf, or some reason, forbidden by their Law.) Neither could Master Calvin tel how to cure these evils, but by his invincible patience.

About the same time another mischief invaded the Church of Geneva, which was occasioned by one Jerome Bolsec, a Frier Carmelite of Paris, who had indeed laid aside his Coul, but not his Monkish mind.Bolsec. This man first fled to the Dutchess of Ferrara, whom he deceived, till being found out he was driven from thence. Then pretending to be a Physician he came to Geneva, but the learned Physicians there rejecting him; that he might manifest himselfe a Divine, he vented some false and absurd opinions about Predestination, first in private, and then in the publick Congregation: Him therefore did Master Calvin confute, first with a moderate reproof only,Confuted by Calvin. then sending for him to him, he laboured to instruct him better; but he either puffed up with his Monkish pride, or provoked by the seditious persons, seeking by him to p. 642provoke Master Calvin, took the boldness upon the sixteenth of October to preach upon this Text, He that is of God, heareth the words of God, and they which hear them not, are not of God; whence he took occasion to preach up Freewill, and that Predestination was out of works foreseen, withall reproaching the true doctrine, and shewing himself seditiously proud; and he became the more bold, because seeing Master Calvins seat empty, he judged him to be absent: But indeed Master Calvin coming late, sate behind some others; and when the Frier had done, Master Calvin suddenly standing up, though he had thought of no such thing before, then truly, if at any time, he shewed what a man he was; confuting the Frier with so many testimonies of Scripture, with so many places out of Saint Augustine, and lastly, with so many weighty arguments, that all were ashamed of what he had taught, but only the impudent fellow himself: Insomuch that one of the Magistrates of the City apprehended him, and committed him to prison for a seditious person,Bolse… punished. and after hearing and examining his cause, the judgement of the Senat of the Helvetian Churches being also requested, upon the 23th. day of Decemb. he was publickly condemned for sedition, and Pelagianisme and banished the City, being rhreatned with severe punishment, if he were afterwards found either in the City, or territories belonging to it. After this, going into a neighbour Town, he was the cause of many and great stirs there, till he was twice expelled the Country of the Bernates. From thence going into France, he sought to get into the Ministry in the Reformed Churches, which he found in a peaceable condition; first in Paris, then in Orleans, pretending great penetency for his former miscarriages, and of his own accord seeking reconciliation with the Church at Geneva: But presently after when he saw the Churches under affliction, he fell back to his Popery, loading the reformed Churches with many reproaches. At the same time the Colledge of Ministers at Geneva, He fals back to Popery.in a publick meeting asserted the true Doctrine of Predestination, which Calvin put into writing: So that all the Divel gat by these contentions was, that that head of Christian Religion which before which was very p. 643obscure, was now very clearly opened to the understanding of all that were not contentious. The year following; which was 1551.1551. it further appeared what a flame this wicked Varlet had kindled, though condemned by the common judgement of so many Chu…ches. For the difficulty of the question having not been sufficiently explicated by the Ancients, did stir up especially curious wits, to make inquiry into the same. By which means the factious persons (supposing that they had gotten an excellent advantage against Master Calvin) thought that by removing him they might subvert all things:New stirs. So that it cannot be imagined what stirs arose, not onelyonly in the City, but also in other places, as if the Divell had set all his engines on work to raise contentions. For though there was a sweet agreement amongst the chief Pastors of the Churches, yet there were not some wanting in the Country of the Bernates which accused Calvin as if he had made God the Author of sin; Being forgetful how far he had professedly opposed that cursed Tenet, when he had confuted the Libertines. At Basil, Castalio, a good and simple man, though he did all things closely, yet it was discerned that he defended Pelagianisme, Calvin falsly accused.and Melanc…hon had so b…gun to write of these things,Cast…lio's er…. that though he had formerly subscribed Calvins book against Pighius, yet he seemed to brand the Genevians, as if th…y held the Fate of the Stoicks. The Pontificians also, though they had been a thousand times confuted, yet renewed their old slanders. These things did much trouble Master Calvins mind, and so much the rather, because the efficacy of error was so great at this time, that th… mouth of truth in some places seemed to be stopt by publick Authority. Neither was this a controversie of a few years.

This same year that good Hermite, whom we mentioned before, appeared publickly to dispute with Calvin, who had suffered a repulse when some years before he had sought t… creep into the ministry; whereupon he turned Lawyer, and the Patron of the factious persons. Their cause came to be heard before the Senate, with a great contention on both sides;The Her…ites w…ckedness. the first fighting with impud…ncy, and the favour of the wicked; but M Calvin defending his Doctrine only with p. 644the authority of truth. And the truth prevailed, M. Calvins writings being judged pious and Orthodox by his very adversaries.His repentance But the repentance of this his adversary is not to be passed over in silence;Calvins charity to him. for a few years after, when he lay upon his death-bed, he professed that he could have no peace of conscience till M. Calvin had forgiven him, which he not onelyonly did speedily, but comforted and confirmed him to his last hour.

Anno Christi 1553.1553. The malice of the factious brake out so impetuously,Geneva indangered. that not onelyonly the Church, but even the Common-wealth, was brought into extream hazard thereby; for they proceeded so far by their clamours and threats, and by their number oppressing the liberty of good men, that the ancient Edicts about constituting of Senators was by them dissolved; and pretending that they were afraid of the forreign Exiles, they took from them all their weapons and swords (except when they travelled abroad) so that nothing seemed remaining, but when they had got all the power into their own hands, that they should then effect what they had often aimed at. The Divel also then ministred another occasion of troubles,M. Servetus. for the ancient enemy of the Sacred Trinity, and of the true God, Michael Servetus, a very monster, composed of many ancient and prodigious heresies, having gone about a long time as a Physician, and spread his blasphemies under the name of Michael Villanovanus, at last published a great book at Vienna, belonging to Geneva, the Printer whereof was Arnollet of Lions, the Corrector to the Press William Guerotius, long agoe addicted to the factious Genevistes, but a few moneths before being like to be punished for his whoredomes, and other wickednesses, was fled from Geneva to Lions.

This Servetus having published his Book, stuffed with Blasphemies, was at Vienna cast into prison for the same, but making an escape he came (by a secret providence) to Geneva, thinking to pass further,Servetus imprisoned. but (as God would have it) being discovered, and Master Calvin acquainting the Magistrates with it, they cast him into prison: Much means was used to bring him to a sight of his wickedness, and to repentance for the same; but when this desperate wretch (encouraged p. 645by some of the chief of the factious persons) would not be brought to a recantation of his abominable blasphemies, by the common consent of all the Helvetian Churches, he was condemned to death, and upon the seven and twentieth of October, He is burned.without any signe of repentance, was burned alive. The same year Master Farell being very sick, Master Calvin went to Neocome to visit him; but his disease prevailing, he left him for dead; yet it pleased God wonderfully beyond expectation to raise him up again, to the great joy of the Church.Bertelerius his wickedness. Whilst the businesses of Servetus were in agitation, there rose up one amongst the factious, one Bertelerius, a most impudent man, who for many wickednesses was suspended from the Sacrament by the Presbytery; whereupon he went to the Senate, desiring by them to be absolved, which being effected,The Presbytery slandered. there was no doubt but the raines of Ecclesiasticall Discipline being let loose, all things would grow into confusion; therefore Master Calvin in the name of the Presbytery opposed it, shewing that the Christian Magistrate ought to preserve, not to destroy the Ecclesiasticall constitutions: Yet the false clamours of the adversa…es prevailed, who said that the Presbytery encroached upon the authority of the Magistrate, so that in a meeting of the Common-Counsell it was decreed,An unjust Decree. that the last appeal ought to be to the Senate, who might absolve whom they thought fit. After which the Senate not much minding the business, suffered this Bertelerius surreptitiously to get letters of absolution from them, confirmed by the Seal of the Commonwealth. But Perinus and his companions, hoped that one of these two things would follow, viz. that either Calvin would not obey this mandat of the Senate, and so he would be oppressed by the people in a tumult; or else that he would obey it, and then it would be easie for them to dissolve the Decrees of the Presbytery, and so open a door to all licentiousness. But M. Calvin (though he had notice of this but two days before the Sacrament was to be administred, in the monethmonth of September) in the time of his Sermon, lifting up his voice, and stretching forth his hand, spake much against the contemners and profaners of those sacred mysteries: But I (saith he) following Chrysostome, will rather suffer my p. 646selfe▪ to be slaine, then this hand of mine shall reach the holy Elements to those that have been judged contemners of God. Calvins courage.This speech (which is wonderfull to observe) did so far prevaile with them (who otherwise were head-strong enough) that Perinus sent privately to Bertlerius, The good successe.commanding him not to obtrude himself upon the Sacrament, and so (through Gods merciemercy) the Sacrament was peaceably administred, and received with a certain trembling, as if God himselfe had been present in their sight. In the afternoon Master Calvin preached upon that Text in the Acts, wherein Paul took his leave of the Church of Ephesus, wherein he professed that he was not the man that would himselfe oppose, or teach others to oppose the Decree of the Magistrate, exhorting the Congregation to persevere in that Doctrine wherein they had been taught, as if he had taken his last farewell of Geneva. And seeing (saith he) things are come to this pass, give me leave (brethren) to use the words of the Apostle to you, I commend you to God, and the words of his grace; which words as they wonderfully daunted the wicked, so they prevailed much more with the godly party, to put them in mind of their duty.

The day after Mr. Calvin with his Colleagues,An unjust decree reversed. and the whole Presbytery intreated the Senate, and the Common-Councell that they might be heard before the people, whilst they should give in reasons for the abrogating of that fore named Law. This was easily assented to, their minds being wonderfully changed; and it was decreed, that that Law should be suspended, and that the judgement of the foure Helvetian Cities should be desired therein; and that nothing in the meane time should be acted that was prejudiciall to the Laws formerly established. Thus this tempest was rather dispersed then wholly quieted, which beyond hope, being diverted from Mr. Calvin, the factious sought to bring it upon the head of Mr. Farell: For Mr. Farell, as soon as he was recovered of his great sicknesse,Mr. Farell in danger. came to Geneva, and there in a Sermon sharply reproved the factious, partly relying upon the justnesse of the cause, and partly upon his age, and that ancient authority which he had amongst them. But they, complaining that he had done them much wrong, p. 647when he was returned to Neocome, appointed him a day to answer it before the Senate, and withall sent to the Senate at Neocome that he might appear at the day appointed. He came therefore again to Geneva, yet not without danger, whilst the factious cryed out that he deserved to be thrown into the River of Rhodanus: but an honest young man of the Citizens advised Perinus, that Mr. Farell, the common Father of the City,Yet delivered. might be no way wronged; joyning also with himself another honest young man, they gave notice to the well-affected Citizens, that they should stand by Mr. Farell at the day of hearing, which also they did; so that his adversaries being astonished and deterred hereat, of their own accord craved pardon, and Mr. Farell was dismissed. About this time a grievous calamity befell the Church of England by the immature death of that godly Prince, King Edward the sixth,King Edwards death. which was a grievous wound to all the Reformed Churches. Yet at this same time Mr. Calvin wrote his learn-Commentaries upon the Gospel of St. John.

Geneva (as we heard before) having inflicted deserved punishment upon Servetus, not as upon a Sectary, but as upon a monster for his horrible impieties and blasphemies, by which for thirty years space he had infected the Christian world both by his teaching and writings: It cannot be imagined how this stirred up the rage of Sathan, such a flame arising from hence as set Poland first, then Transsylvania and Hungary all on a fire, which himself seemed to foretell by the spirit of Sathan, when in the beginning of his book he set this sentence out of the Revelation, There was a great battle in heaven Michael, and his Angels fighting with the Dragon▪ For his ashes being scarce cold, a great controversie sprung up about the punishing of Hereticks: A controversie about punishing Hereticks.Some holding that they ought to be restrained, but not to be punished with death. Others thinking that it could not be clearly stated out of Gods word, what was Heresie; thereupon said, that it was lawfull to hold either part in all the Heads of Religion, and that all men (though holding a wrong opinion) were to be left to the judgement of God. This latter opinion some good men inclined to, fearing that the contrary Tenet might kindle the cruelty of Tyrants against the godly. The principall p. 648of these were Sebastian Castalio, and Laelius Socinus, therein pleading their own cause:Socinus his Heresies. The former indeed more closely, and the latter more openly, as one that studyed to vindicate the clear authority of the Scripture, in a certain Preface, to the perverting of the holy Bible; and in his Annotations upon the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, had endeavoured to draw men from the written Word of God, as an imperfect Rule, as if Paul had taught to some of his Disciples that were more perfect then the rest, a certain more hidden Divinity then that which he had committed to writing. Hereupon Mr. Calvin Anno Christi 1554,1554. set forth a copious confutation of all the Doctrine of Servetus, Calvin consutes them.which was subscribed by all his Colleagues: adding many reasons why, and how farre a Magistrate might proceed in punishing such an one as was lawfully convicted of Heresie. The adversaries on the contrary published a Rapsody, collected partly out of the writings of the ancient Fathers, which they perverted to their own ends, and partly out of the writings of certain unknown Fanaticks, and under the name of Martin Bellius, Castilio's Heresies.which indeed was Castalio, though afterwards he forswore it, and falsifying also the name of the City, in which they falsly pretended that it was published. To this book, swarming with many other Errors and Blasphemies, Mr. Beza answered, thereby to free Mr. Calvin from that labour,Conf…ted by Beza. who was now busie in writing his learned Commentaries upon Genesis, and in diverting other dangers from the Church: For the factious went on to innovate things in the City, and though the Amnestie was again renewed before the Senate upon the second of February yet they daily grew worse and worse, so that Master Calvin was much busied both in blaming and reproving them for their wickedness, and in endeavouring to strengthen the godly against the poison of their impiety; for they had proceeded to such a height of wickedness, that they turned part of the sacred Scriptures into obscaene songs,Horrid impieties. and used to beat strangers whom they met in the night, and sometimes also to rob them. They also privately used the books of Bolsecus, Castalio, and other corrupt men, that they might renew the controversie about Predestination; yea, they proceeded p. 649to scatter abroad a false and scandalous libell, wherein they grievously aspersed that worthy servant of Christ Master Calvin. Castalio also sent another Latine Book to be privately Printed at Paris, Calvin aspersed.to which Master Beza answered, and Master Calvin also confuted some of the fooleries of the same kind. About this time the care of the English exiles lay heavy upon him, some of which were come to Vesalia; others to Embden, and others to Franckford, all sending to Master Calvin for advice and counsel:The English exiles provided for by him. Neither was he a little troubled for the andaciousness of some of the Pastors (encouraged by the secret favour of others) of the French-Church, long since planted by him at Strasborough: And in short how great pains he took this year for severall Churches, may appear by the multitude of Epistles wrote by him, by which he stirred up many Noble-men to imbrace the Gospel, and strengthned many of the Brethren, some of which were in extream danger, and others already cast into bonds.

We spake before of the sweet Harmony that was between the Helvetian and Rhetian Churches, about the Doctrine of the Sacrament. This concord did exceedingly displease the spirit of error; therefore he easily found out one that might easily reinkindle the fire which before was extinguished, viz. Joachim Westphalus, who was seconded by Heshusius, then a Minister of the word,Joa. Westphalus. but afterwards a Bishop, of whom wee shall speak more afterwards: Hereupon Master Calvin published an explication of that agreement, which, by how much it imbittered their spirits, by so much the more it satisfied all good men that were lovers of the truth.

The year following, viz. 1555. by the speciall mercy of God, brought peace along with it to the Church of Geneva, 1555.which was now quiet from its domestick stirs; for the factious ruined themselves: God discovering their horrible treason to the State, by the means of one of the conspirators, who in his drunken fit discovered it;Gods judgements on the wicked. whereupon some of them were beheaded, others of them were banished, who though a while after they vexed the City, yet perished shamefully in the end, leaving an example of the just judgement of God upon such persons, though it may be deferred p. 650for a time. Thus the Commonwealth was freed from these Pests. To which another mercy was added by the answer of the four Helvetian Cities, to whom the question about the Discipline (which we spake of before) had been proposed, who unanimously confirmed the Ecclesiasticall Polity as it had been before settled, contrary to the expectation of the factious. Yet something was not wanting whereby Mr. Calvin might be further exercised: For he took great pains in constituting the Church in Polonia by the will of the King: In comforting the afflicted in England, He conforts the English in persecution.who were much troubled by reason of the cruell burning of those three Bishops and Martyrs, incomparable for piety, viz. Nicholas Ridley, John Hooper, and Hugh Latimer, who suffered amongst many other worthy men, and shortly after that great Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury: As also in comforting the imprisoned brethren in France, And the persecuted French.especially those five valiant Martyrs who this year were burned at Camerac.

But at home the Errors of Servetus beganne to spring up againe, whose blasphemies Mattheus Gribaldus was observed to favour,Gribaldus favours Servetus. a Lawyer of some note, and the Lord of a Town not farre from Geneva: This man comming to Geneva, was brought to Mr. Calvin by some Italians who had been his Scholars when he taught at Padoa; but Mr. Calvin refused to give him his hand, till they could agree about some of the chief Heads of Divinity, viz. about the sacred Trinity, and Divinitie of Christ, till when he would by no meanes bee perswaded to doe it; and because hee refused, Mr. Calvin told him that an heavy judgement of God hung over his head for his pertinacious impiety, which shortly after came to passe: Being first forced to fly to Tubing, where he was entertained by the favour of Vergerius, and being afterwards taken at Berne, Gods judgment on him.upon a feigned submission was dismissed: But returning to his old course, and entertaining and favouring Gentilus (of whom we shall speak anon) God found him out, and prevented his punishment by man, by striking him with the Plague whereof he died. About this time also Mr: Calvin met with another tryall:Calvin accused b…some Ministers. For certain neighbour Ministers, who were underhand encouraged by Bolsecus, thinking to get themselves a name by opposing so great a p. 651man, and indeed they lay under many other scandals, railed exceedingly against Mr. Calvin, as if he made God the author of sinne, because he would exclude nothing from the eternall foresight and ordination of God. Mr. Calvin being little moved with these calumnies, was yet at last provoked by their importunities, so that he obtained of the Senate leave to goe with their Ambassadors to Berne, there to defend himself and the Truth before the Bernates, which accordingly he did, and so prevailed, that one Sebastian was branded with infamy, and banished: B…lsecus also was commanded to depart out of their coasts:They are punished for it. So all these calumnies ended in smoak: And one Andreas Zebedaeus, who had been his most bitter accuser, after Mr. Calvins death, himself also lying upon his death-bed at Nevidune, a towne four miles distant from Geneva, sending for some of the chief Citizens, did of his own accord confesse the Truth which before hee had opposed, and detesting his former actions caused all his papers to bee burnt before his, and their faces.

The next year, viz. 1556,1556. a tertian Ague seised upon M. Calvin as he was preaching,He falls sick of an Ague. which handled him so roughly, that it made him come downe from the Pulpit: Hereupon many false rumours were spread abroad, which were so gratefull, especially to the Papists, that at Noviodune, his own country, the Priest had returned publick, and solemn thanks for the death of Calvin: He recovers.But the prayers of good men prevailed for his health, and he was so farre from dying of that disease, that rather being increased in his strength, hee undertook a longer journey then he was used to doe, viz. to Frankford, being invited thither to pacifie some controversies, which were sprung up in the French Church there. At length returning home, though something impaired in his health, yet remitted he nothing of his daily labours, publishing the next year his very learned Commentaries upon the Psalmes, to which hee prefixed a very precious Preface. The rest of the year being very full of tumults by reason of some factious Ministers,Faction and Famine. and God sending a Famine also, yet Mr. Calvin spent it in defending the Truth against Joachim Westphalus; and when notwithstanding Westphalus continued p. 652his prattle, Mr. Beza answered him, and stopped his mouth. Then also Mr. Calvin, Westphalus confuted. And Castalio.and Beza, both confuted the calumnies of Castalio against the eternall Predestination of God which he had spread abroad, yet concealing his name. At this time a grievous persecution rising at Paris against the godly, it was a great affliction to Mr. Calvin; many being taken when they were assembled in Saint James his street for the celebration of the Lords Supper,Persecution in Paris. being about eighty in number (the rest escaping by the benefit of the dark night) who the next morning were led to prison, loaden with scornes and reproaches, though some of them were noble women of good account. Against these sheep of Christ the Kings anger was enflamed, not onelyonly by those about him, but by the very occasion of the times: For this fell out at the same time when the Kings Army had received such a notable defeat at Saint Quintan: Besides these godly persons were forced to meet in the night, because they could not do it in the day, which further irritated him: Hereupon also those old lying scandals were raised against them, especially by one Democarus a Doctor of Sorben, Christians slandlered.who charged the Christians as the cause of all the evils which befel the Kingdom.

There were also some false witnesses suborned against them, which the credulous multitude was too apt to beleeve; there were therefore seven of them brought forth to be burned, amongst whom there was a noble woman, who with six others shewed admirable patience: and whereas they were accused for promiscuous whoredomes at their meetings, especially by the Sorbonists, who thought the more to incense the King thereby, a godly and learned man, who had lately been their Pastor,Lies confu…ed. easily confuted those lies, and the German Princes interceding in their behalf (which Mr. Calvin procured with admirable celerity) the tempest wasCalvins care for them. in a good measure blown over. The next year being 1558, proved very happy to the Commonwealth of Geneva, by reason of that strict League made betwixt them and the Bernates. But a grievous persecution brake out against the Church of Christ in France againe; and at home the Heresies of Servetus were revived by Valentine Gentilis, Gentilis an Heretick.mentioned p. 653before. To stop the former, Mr. Calvin sent Letters to the German Princes, which opened to them the great calamities which the Churches groaned under, requesting them to intercede for them, and in the meane time himself endeavoured by his daily Letters to support them under their afflictions. And for Gentilis, who was a man of an unhappy, but sagacious, and subtill wit, presently after the burning of Servetus, he gat his book, and Calvins confutation of it, and not weighing the Truth in the ballance of the Sanctuary, but of carnall wisdome and reason, he concludes that the Father was the onelyonly one God of himself, who propagated Essence to the other two persons; so that he beganne to professe that there were three Gods, three Eternals, Omnipotent, and Immense Gods: and to prove it, he wrested not only the sacred Scriptures, but the Councill of Nice also, and rejected Athanasius his Creed, as also the Testimonies of all the Ancients, viz. of Ignatius, Tertullian, Iraeneus, and Lactantius, by a certaine unheard-of impudence; yea did not onelyonly reject all the Orthodox Writers which followed the Nicene Councel,He infects some. but reproached them as wicked men. Other Blasphemies also followed this about the Hypostaticall Union. He first vented these things in private (as hee pretended, for Disputation sake) to some of the Italian Congregation; whereupon an assembly being called on purpose, Mr. Calvin, Is confuted.before some choice Senators, and all the Ministers, and Elders, having patiently heard them, confuted them so fully out of the Word of God, that all the Italians presently subscribed to the Orthodox Faith, except onelyonly six, who afterwards being called one by one, subscribed with their hands, but not with their hearts, as time made to appeare. Gentilis therefore returning to his old course, and going on to spread his former Blasphemies, is apprehended, dissembles not his opinion, being heard as much, and as long as he would. At length, seeming to be convinced by Mr. Calvin, he feigned incredible repentance, and gave in a Recantation signed under his own hand. Hereupon he was dismissed, first taking an oath that he would not goe forth of the gates of the City; but presently, contrary to the same, he flyes into Savoy to Matthew Gribaldus, and presently after p. 654two of his Disciples, Alciat and Blandatra followed him, who afterwards proved the infectors of Transylvania, Transylvania infected.and the Countries adjacent: But Gods judgement hanging over the head of Gentilis, he staied with Gribaldus (both of them casting off the other two as illiterate fellows) and there he wrote a book against Athanasius and Calvin, and so going to Lions, he there printed it, dedicating it to Gaiensis a Praefect, who was altogether ignorant of the blasph… mies contained in it. Whilst he was at Lions he was apprehended by the Papists, but when he shewed them that hee had written a booke against Calvin, he was dismissed, as one that had deserved wel of their Church. From thence he went into Transylvania to …landatra, Alciat, and their companions; but they having now sucked in the Heresies of Samosatenus, and he not well agreeing with them therein, Christ indeed drawing him forth to condigne punishment, he returned into Savoy to his friend Gribaldus; but Gods plague had now swept away that Pest, and Mr. Calvin also was dead at Geneva. Hereupon Gentilis, either infatuated by God, or thinking that there was none left at Geneva that could answer him, went strait to Gaiensis, who was justly offended with him; who there fore presently apprehending him, by the just judgement of God, sent him to Berne, there to be tried; where being convicted both of Perjury & many manifest impieties, after many wayes were used to bring him to repentance,He is punished with death. but in vain he had his head cut off, thereby suffering a just reward for all his impieties.

Towards the latter end of this year,Calvin falls sick. in October, Mr. Calvin was taken with a Quartane Ague, which Physicians say, is deadly to old persons, which though it held him but eight mon…ths, yet it so debil…tated his lean, and overworne body with his in…ssant lab…urs, that he never throughly recovered his health again: Yet all this time, though his Physicians warned him, and his friends disswaded him from his preaching, and Lectures, yet did he continually busie himself night and day in dictating, and writing Letters every way, often saying,He h…tes idlene…se. That nothing was more troublesome to him then an idle life. At this time also he published the last Edition of his Institutions in French and Latine, and his learned Commentary upon Isa…ah.

p. 655The yeare following, viz. 1559,1559. was famous for the League entered into between the two most potent Kings of Spain and France, which was strengthned by a…linity betwixt them, which was likely to prove fatall to Geneva, but that the counsell of the Pontificians, who abused the simplicity of King Henry of France, hindered it. For King Henry published most severe Decrees, and cast some of his Senators into prison,A persecution in France. who had declared their judgements freely, that he ought to proceed gently in matters of Religion, till a Generall Councell could bee called; having this in his eye principally, to restore the Duke of Savoy to his Country, that by his help hee might utterly destroy Geneva. In the meane time Master Calvin (though sickly) laboured hard … Gen…va, comforting and confirming the afflicted Churches and brethren; as also by his frequent and servent prayers craving help of God. And behold the wonderfull work of God … whilst all things were ful of terror,The King of France …in. the King of France in the great Marriage solemnity which was made for the confirmation of the Peace, in his running at Tilt, received his deaths wound, and that by the hand of the Captaine of his Guard, by whom a little before he had apprehended and imprisoned the aforesaid Senators. This death of the King was expiated (as he thought) by the Cardinall of Lorraine, who upon the one and twentieth of December, caused that learned Lawyer, faithfull Counsellor, and holy Martyr of Christ, Annas Du Bourg, to be unjustly and cruelly burned. But by the singular blessing of God, in the midst of these calamitous times, the hearts of the Genevians were so raised up, and confirmed, that in the very same yeare, and almost moment of time in which two such potent Kings had contri…ed their destruction, by the encouragement of Mr. Calvin they laid the foundation, and built a famous Schoole, adorning it with eight Masters for boyes, as also with Hebrew, Greek, A School built at Genev… ▪Philosophy, and Divinity Professors; which being finished to the honour of God Omnipotent, Mr. Calvin in a great assembly in the chiefest Church, read, and declared those things which conduced to the perpetuall establishment of so holy and profitable a foundation, whereby he did as it were solemnly consecrate it.

p. 656The year after, which was 1560. Master Calvin was by some loaden with much envy, as if he had stirred up an Assembly against Francis the Second, the heir of his Fathers Kingdom; which Assembly was called, The tumult of Amboise; whereas indeed Master Calvin never understood what it was, as also both by word of mouth, and by his Letters to friends, he disliked it.Sancarus his heresies. This year one Sancarus of Mantua (Italy being fatall to the Polonians) began to teach, that Christ was Mediator onelyonly according to his humane nature; accusing all of Arianisme, that should say that he was Mediator also according to his Deity, as if thereby they made the Son lesse then the Father.Confuted. This calumny, and all his other Doctrine was notably confuted, as by Philip Melancton, and Peter Martyr, so also Master Calvin, at the request of the Polonians, did briefly, but strongly confute the same; and foreseeing what shortly after came to pass, that whilst some more unskilful persons would take upon them to confute Sancarus, if they took not heed, would fall into the error of them which held three Gods: He eloquently admonished them, that taking heed of Blandatra, and his followers, they should so assert Christ to be our Mediator according to both his natures, that in the mean time they should not multiply Deities: But this labour of his was vaine towards them that were to perish.

About this time the Bohemian Waldenses sent two of theirThe Bohemian Waldenses. brethren to Master Calvin to desire his judgment about some matters of Religion, whom he lovingly satisfied, exhorting them also that they would enter into a neerer conjunction with other Reformed Churches. At the same time also Q. Mary being dead, and Queen Elizabeth succeeding, many of the godly French relying upon her piety and humanity,Q. Elizabeth in England. fled for refuge into England, with the consent of tha reverend man, Edmund Grindal, Bishop of London, they craved leave of her that one might be sent from Geneva to plant a French Church there:A French Ch. erected in England. whereupon Galacius was sent.

Towards the latter end of this yeare King Francis of France dyed suddenly,K. Charls in France. and that in such a juncture of time, when all things seemed so desperate, that they could not be cured but by God himself; and King Charls the ninth, a p. 657child, was searce entred into his Kindom, when by a Herald Letters subscribed with his name were brought to Geneva, Geneva threatned.wherein he complained that many were sent out from thence,Defended by Calvin. that infected his Kingdom, desiring that they might be presently called back, threatning that otherwise he would not let passe the revenging of that injury. Mast. Calvin being hereupon sent for by the Senate, answered in his owne, and in his Colleagues names that at the request of the Churches of France, they had exhorted certain men that were sound in the faith, and of an holy life, whom they judged fit for the work, that they should not be wanting to lend their help to their Country in so holy a cause, especially the Churches craving assistance from them for their further edification: And that this they had done, not to disturb the Kingdome, but that the people might be taught the Gospel of peace; and if they were accused for any thing further then this, that they were ready to answer their accusers before the King: So this business went no further. The same year Master Calvin and Master Beza, answered the impudent book of Tileman Hushusius. Heshusius answered.Master Calvin also confuted those blasphemies which Gentilis had published at Lions against him, and Athanasius: He published also his Lectures upon Daniel, which he dedicated to the French Churches; and as he interpreted that Prophet, so in his Praeface he was himselfe a Prophet, so etelling the tempest that hung over them. At which time also Francis Balduinus, Ecebolius. his errors.afterwards called Ecebolius, because he had changed his religion three or four time, being suborned by the Cardinall of Lorrain, by evill means reconciled to the King of Navar, dispersed a certain book up and down the Court, written either by himself, or (as some rather thought) by Cassander, wherein he stiled himself a pious and moderate man, which book was worse then the Emperors Interim, for that under the specious pretence of restoring moderation, he sought to bring in all the Popish corruptions. Master Calvin being informed hereof published an answer to this book,Confu…ed. to which some other answers were shortly after added, which made a full discovery of, the wit and purpose of Balduinus, which this railer could by no means digest, whereupon he never gave over to brand Calvin p. 658and Beza with his impudent reproaches; till the year after being growne odious both to God and men,Gods judgements on him. of both Religions whom he had so often deceived by his turning, whilst he was following a suit of Law at Paris, he wore away, and ended his wretched life.

In the year 1562.1562. God gave peace and liberty to the French Churches, by a publick Edict of the Kings: But not long after, the King of Navar being suborned by Popish subtilty, presently after the Duke of Guise had committted that abominable massacre at Vassy, Civil war in France.began that civil, war which continued many years after, to the miserable devastation of France; and it cannot be spoken how much Master Calvin was affected and afflicted therewith, which so far increased his disease, that it was easie to divine, that it would not be long before he was translated to a better life; yet did he not desist from exhorting and comforting every one, no nor from preaching and reading his ordinary Lectures. And the same yeare he published that excellent confession of Faith, which was sent to the States of the Empire met together at Franckeford, in the name of the Prince of Conde, and of all the Godly in France, who besides the injuries which they sustained by an unjust war, were unworthly traduced to the Germans, as if they held many false and monstrous opinions. One thing also is not to be pretermitted, that on the nineteenth of Decem. Master Calvin lying in bed sick of the Gout, being the Sabbath day, and the North-wind having blowne two dayes strongly, said to many that were present,A prodigy. Truly I know not what is the matter, but I thought this night I heard warlick drums beating very loud, and I could not perswade my selfe but it was so: Let us therefore goe to prayers, for surely some great businesse is in hand. And this very day there was a great Battail fought between the Guisians and the Protestants not far from Paris, news whereof came unto Geneva within a few days after.

The year after,1563. which was 1563. Master Calvins disease did so far increase,His sickness increaseth. that it was almost incredible that so weak a body, exhausted with so many labours, and worne out with so many diseases, should yet retaine so valiant and generous a mind: So that even then he could not be perswaded p. 659to favour himself, and if at any time he abstained from his publick labours (which yet he never did but whenHis indefatigable pains. by necessity he was enforced thereto) yet he was busie at home, either in giving counsell to those that sought it, or in dictating to his Scribes; the witnesses whereof are those two serious admonitions to the Polomans, to take heed of those blasphemous persons which denyed the Sacred Trinity. The answers which he returned to the brethrens Messengers, who were now met in a Synod at Lions; his Commentaries upon the foure books of Moses, which himselfe turned out of Latin into French. And lastly his commentary upon Joshua, which he now began, and finished a little before his death.

In the year 1564.1564. Feb. the sixth, Master Calvin being short-winded by reason of a stopping in his lungs,His la…t Sermon. preached his last Sermon, and from thence forward he spake little, onelyonly now and then he would be carried to the Congregation, the last time being March the last; His diseases (being contracted by the incredible labours both of his mind and body) were very many: For (besides that naturally he was but of a weak body, leane, and inclinable to a Consumption) he slept little,The causes of his sickness. & spent a great part of the year in Preaching, Teaching and dictating. For at least ten years together he abstained from dinners, taking no food at all till Supper; so that it was a wonder how he could escape a Ptisick so long. He was often troubled with the head-ach, which his abstinence onelyonly could cure, whereupon he sometimes fasted thirty six hours together. But partly through straining his voice, and partly through his too frequent use of Aloe… (which was taken notice of too late) he was first trouble… with the Hemorrhoids, which at length proved ulcerous, and then five years before his death he did many times spit blood: And when his Quartan Ague left him, the gout took him in his right leg, then the Collick, and lastly the Stone, which yet he never discerned till a few months before his death. The Physicians applyed what remedies possibly they could, neither was there ever man that was more observant of their rules: But in respect of the labours of his mind, he was extreame negligent of his health, so that the violent paines of p. 660headach could never restraine him from preaching. And though he was tormented with so many and violent diseases, yet did never any man hear him utter one word that did unbeseem a valiant or Christian man. OnelyOnly lifting up his eyes to heaven,His great patience. he used to say, How long Lord? For he often used this Motto in his health, when he spake of the calamities of his brethren (which always more afflicted him then his own.) When as his Colleagues admonished and earnestly increated him, that in his sicknesse he would abstaine from dictating, but especially from writing himself: He answered, What? He wil not intermit his labours.would you have me Idle when my Lord comes? March the tenth when al the Ministers came to him, they found him cloathed, and sitting at his little Table where he used to write and meditate; He beholding them (when he had rubbed his forehead a while with his hand, as he used to doe when he meditated) with a cheerfull countenance, said, I give you hearty thanks (my dear Brethren) for the great care you have of me, and I hope within these fifteen dayes (which was the time that they were to meet about Church censures) I shall be present at your Consistory. For then I beleeve God will declare what he will determine concerning me, and that he will receive me to himselfe: Accordingly he was present that day, which was March the four and twentieth, and when all their businesses were quietly dispatched,His speech to the Ministers. he told them that God had given him some further delay, and so taking a French Testament in his hand, he read some of the Annotations upon it, and asked the Ministers judgements about the same, because he had a purpose to amend them. The day after he was somewhat worse, as being tyred with the former dayes labour.

March the sever▪ and twentieth he caused himself to bee carried in his chair to the Senate door, and then leaning upon two, he walked into the Court, and there presented to the Senate a new Rector for the School, and with a bare head,He goes to the Senate. he returned them thanks for all their former favours, and in particular for the great care they had of him in his sicknesse: For I perceive (saith hee) that this is the last time that I shall come into this place: Which words hee could scarce utter, his voice failing him, and so with many teares p. 661on both sides, hee bade them farewell.

April the second, which was Easter-day, though hee was very weak, yet he caused himself to be carried to the Church in his chaire, where after Sermon hee received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper at Mr. Beza's hands,He receives the Sacrament. and with a chearfull countenance, though weak voice, sang the Psalme with the rest of the Congregation, shewing, though in a dying countenance, signes of much inward joy.

April the …ive and twentieth he made his Will in this form; In the name of God Amen,He makes his Will. Anno Christi 1564, April the five and twentieth, I Peter Chenalat, Citizen, and Notarie of Geneva doe witnesse, and professe, that being sent for by that Reverend man John Calvin Minister of the Word of God in the Church of Geneva, and a free Denizon of the same City, who then truly was sick in body, but sound in mind, told me that his purpose was to make his Testament, and to declare his last Will, desiring me to write it down as he should dictate unto me with his tongue, which I professe I did presently word by word as he told me, neither did I adde, or diminish any thing from that which h… spake, but have followed the very form suggested by him… Whic… was this. In the name of the Lord Amen, I John Calvin, Mr. Calvins Will.Minister of the Word of God in the Church of Geneva, oppre…ed and afflicted with divers diseases, so that I easily think that the Lord God hath appointed shortly to lead me out of this world, I therefore have determined to make my Testament, and to co…mit to writing my last Will in this form following.

First I give thanks to God, that taking pitty on me whom he created and placed in this world, hath delivered mee out of the deep darknesse of Idolatry into which I was plunged, and that he brought me into the light of his Gospel, and made me a partaker of the Doctrine of Salvation, whereof I was most unworthy: Neither hath he onelyonly gently and graciously born with my fault…, and sinnes, for which yet I deserved to be rejected by him, and driven out; but hath used towards me so great meck…esse and mildnesse, that he hath vouchsafed to use my labours in preaching and publishing the Truth of his Gospell. And I witnesse and professe, that I intend to passe the remainder of my life in the same Faith and Religion which he hath delivered to mee by his Gospell, and not to seek any other aid or refuge for Salvation then p. 662his free Adoption, in which alone Salvation resteth. And with all my heart I embrace the Mercy which he hath used towards me for Jesus Christ his sake, recompensing my faults with the merit of his death and passion, that satisfaction may be made by this meanes for all my sins and crimes, and the remembrance of them may be blotted out. I witnesse also, and professe that I humbly begge of him, that being washed and cleansed in the blood of that highest Redeemer shed for the sinnes of mankinde, I may stand at his judgement seat under the Image of my Redeemer. Also I professe that I have diligently done my endeavour according to the measure of grace received, and bounty which God hath used towards me, that I might preach his Word holily …nd purely both in Sermons, Writings, and Commentaries, and interpret his holy Scripture faithfully. I also witnesse and professe that I have used no…uglings, no evill and sophisticall arts in my controversies and disputations which I have held with the enemies of the Gospel, but I have been conversant candidly, and sincerely in maintaining the Truth.

But (out alasse) that study, and zeal of mine (if it be worthy so to be called) hath been so remisse and languishing, that I confesse innumerable things have been wanting to me to the well performing of my duty, and unlesse the immeasurable bounty of God had been present, my studies had been vaine, and vanishing away. Moreover I acknowledge that unlesse the same bounty had been present unto me, the goods of the minde which God hath given me, would have made me guilty of the greater sinne, and slothfulnesse before his judgement seat. For which causes I witnesse, and profess, that I hope for no other help for salvation but this onelyonly, that seeing God is a Father of mercy, hee shewed himself a Father unto me, who acknowledge my self a miserable sinner.

As for other things; After my departure out of this life, I would have my body committed to the earth in that order and man…er which is usuall in this Church and City, till the blessed day of Resurrection cometh.

As touching that slender Patrimony which God hath given me, concerning which I have determined thus to dispose. Let Anthony Calvin my most dear Brother be mine heire; but, only for honour sake, let him take before hand, and have to himself the p. 663silver Charger which was given me by Varannius for a gift, wherewith I desire him to be contented: For whatsoever things remaine in mine …heritance, I request, and commit them to his faith, that he returne them to his children when he shall dye. I bequeath tenne g…den Scutes to the School of boyes from the same my brother, and heire. Also so much to poore strangers. So much to Joane the daughter of Charles Costan, and of my Kinswoman. But to Samuel and John, the sonnes of my said Brother, I desire to have given to them forty golden Scutes by mine heir when he dieth. To Anne, Sus…, and Dorothy, his daughters, thirty Scutes of gold: But to David their brother, because of his lightnesse and miscarriages, but five and twenty Scutes of gold. This is the summe of the whole Patrimony and goods which God hath given me, so neare as I can estimate it, setting a price upon my Library, my moveables, and all my houshold goods, with all other my faculties. If there bee found any thing above, I would have it to be distributed to all those children, the sons and daughters of my brother: Neither doe I exclude that David, if hee prove a good husband. If there shall be any surplusage above that summe, I beleeve there will be no great matter, especially when my debts are paid, the care whereof I have committed to my said brother, upon whose love and fide…ity I relye: For which cause I will and appoint him to be the Executor of my Testament, and together with him the worshipfull man Laurence Normendie, giving them power to take an Inventory of my goods without any more accurate diligence of the Court. I also permit them to sell my moveables, that out of the money made thereof, they may execute my Will above written. Dated this 25. of April, Anno Christi 1554.

When this Will was made and confirmed, Mr. Calvin sent to the four Syndi…s, and all the Aldermen, desiring to speak with them all yet once more in the Court before his death, whither he hoped to be carried the next day. The Senators answered, that they would rather come to him, d…siring him to have a regard to his …: And the day after when they came all to him from … Court, after mutuall salutations, and pardon craved for their comming to him, whereas he rather would have come to them, and p…ofessing p. 664that he had long desired to speak with them, though he had deferred it till now, even till he found the approaching of his departure out of this world, he said:

Honoured Masters,

I give you great thanks,His speech to the Senators. that ye have honoured me thus far, having not deserved it from you, and for that you have so often borne with mine infirmities; which to me hath alwaies been an argument of your singular good will towards me: And albeit in performance of mine office it could not be but that I must undergoe many bickerings, and divers assaults, because every good man must be exercised therewith; yet I know, and acknowledge that none of these things have falne out through your default; and I earnestly beseech you, that if I have not alwaies done that which behoved me, you rather would have regard of my will then of my ability. For I can truly testifie that I have been heartily studious of the welfare of your Commonwealth; and howsoever I have not fully performed mine office, yet surely I have studied the publick good according to mine ability, and except I should acknowledge that the Lord hath used my service sometimes not unprofitably, I could not avoyd the crime of dissembling. But this I requst of you again and again, that I may be excused by you for that the things are so little, that I have publickly and privately performed in comparison of those things which it behoved me to have done. Certainly of mine own accord I acknowledge that I am much indebted to you for this cause also, that yee have patiently born with my too much vehemencie sometimes; which sinne also I trust God that he hath forgiven me.

But as touching the Doctrin that you have heard from me, I take God to witness that I have not rashly and uncertainly, but purely and sincerely taught the Word of God intrusted unto me, whose wrath I should otherwise have felt now hanging over me, as I am certainly assured that my labours in teaching it hath not been displeasing to him. And I testifie this the more willingly both before God and you, because I doubt not but that the devill (according to his custom) wil raise wicked, light, and giddy-headed people to corrupt the sincere Doctrine which you have heard from me.

Then considering the unmeasurable benefits which God p. 665had conferred on that City, hee said;

I am a very good witnesse out of how many great dangers the hand of the great and best God hath delivered you. Mor…over you see in what estate you now are; therefore whether your affairs be prosperous or adverse, let that be alwaies conversant before your eyes, that God is he alone that establisheth Kingdomes, and Cities, and therefore will be wo…ship…ed by mortall men. Remember what that great David doth testifie, that when he enjoyed a deep peace he fell soulest, and should never have risen again if God of his singular goodnesse had not reached out his hand to him. What then shall become of such punies, if he fell being so strong and powerfull a man? Yee had need of great humility of mind, that yee may walk circumspectly, and with great reverence before God, and trust upon him onelyonly, being sure that it will alwaies be, as ye have often found, that by his aid you may stand sure, although your safety and welfare may be hung, as it were… upon a very slender thread, Wherefore if prosperity befall you, take heed I pray you that yee be not pussed up with pride like p…ophane persons, but rather give thanks to God with lowliness of mind. But if adversitie shall happen unto you, and death shall stand before you on every side, yet trust in him that raiseth up the dead; yea then especially think that ye are stirred up by God, that ye may more and more trust in him alone. And if ye desire that this your Commonwealth may be preserved in a firm estate, see that you be not defiled with any filthiness. For he is onelyonly the highest God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, he will honour those that honour him, and cast down those that despise him. Honour him therefore according to his own precepts, and daily thin… of this, that we are farre from doing that which is required of us. I know the dispositions and conversations of every one of you, and I know that you have need of exhortation. There is none of those that excell most, unto whom many things are not wanting; therefore let every man look about him and let him ask of the Lord those things which he understands himself to stand in need of. We see what vices reign in the greatest Councels in the world; some are stark cold, and neglect the publick, taking care onelyonly for their own private affairs: Others are indulgent to their private affections: Others use not the excellent gifts God hath bestowed upon them as they ought: Others proudly boast of … p. 666own parts, and upon a certain confidence therein, expect that every man should subscribe to their opinions. I exhort old men that they envy not the younger, whom they finde adorned with excellent gifts from God: I admonish the younger, that they carry themselves modestly without arrogance; and let not one molest another. Avoyd contentions, and all that bitterness of spirit which diverts many from the right way in the government of the Commonwealth. And ye shall the better avoyd these things, if every man contain himself within his own spheare and all administer that part of the Commonwealth faithfully which is committed to him. I pray you for Gods sake, let there bee no place for favour or hatred in the judgement of civill causes. Let none pervert right by subtill and cunning tricks. Let no man hinder the Laws from prevailing. Let no man depart from that which is just and equall. If sinister affections shall beginne to arise, let him resist them constantly, looking upon h…m that hath placed him in his throne, and begge of him his holy Spirit. To conclude, I begge of you again that you pardon mine infirmities, which I acknowledge and confess before God, Angels, and your worshipfull selves.

Having thus spoken, he prayed unto God to multiply his gifts and blessings upon them more and more, and to governe them by his holy Spirit for the safety and good of the Commonwealth. And giving his hand to every of them, he dismissed them all, who departed full of sorrow and heavinesse, as from their Common Father, with many tears.

April the eight and twentieth, the Ministers of Geneva being come to him, he spake thus unto them.

Brethren,His speech to the Ministers. after my decease stand fast in this work of the Lord, and be not discou…aged: for the Lord will preserve this Church & Commonwealth against the threatnings of the enemies. I pray God keep you from dissentions: Embrace one ano…her with mutuall charity. Think again, and again what you owe to this Church where in the Lord hath placed you, and let nothing divert you from your duty: Otherwise it will be easie for such as seek them to finde out …sions; but such shall finde that God cannot be deceived. A so…n as I came to this City, the Gospel indeed was preached, but the affaires were very troublesome, man… p. 667conceiting that Christianity was nothing else but to overthrow Images: And there were not a few wicked persons from whom I suffered many most unworthy things: But the Lord our God so confirmed and strengthened mee (though by nature was not bold) that I gave not place to any of their endeavours. Afterwards when I returned hither from Strasborough, I followed this vocation with an unwilling mind, because it seemed to me that it would prove unfruitfull, for I knew not what the Lord had determined, and the matter was full of many and great difficulties: But going on, at last I found that God had much blessed my labours. Stand fast therefore in this your vocation: Retaine that order that is begun, and doe your uttermost endeavours that the people may be kept in subjection to your wholsome Doctrine: for some are wicked and stubborn. Things as you see are through Gods mercy well setled, and therefore ye shall be left without excuse before God, if through your s…thfulness they be unsetled again. I profess, Brethren, that I have lived with you con…oyned in true love, and sincere charity, and that I now so depart from you. If you have found me any whit pettish in this my disease. I crave pardon of you, and give you very great thanks, that y… have sustained the burthen imposed upon me, during the time o… my sicknesse.

Having thus spoken, he gave his hand to each of them▪ who departed from him with much sorrow, and weeping.

A while after Master Calvin, understanding by Letters from Mr. Farel to Mr. Viret, who was now an old man of eighty years old and sickly, was yet determined to visit him, and was now onward of his journey; he wrote thus to him to stay him.

Farewell my best and sincerest brother, and seeing God will have you to out live me in this world,Hi… Letter to M…. Viret. live mindful of our friendship, which as it hath been profitable for the Church of God here, so the fruit thereof tarrieth for us in heaven. I would not have you weary your self for my sake. I hardly draw my breath, and I expect daily when it will wholly fail me. It is enough that I live and die to Christ, who is gaine to his both in life and death. Again farewell. May 11. Anno Christi 1564.

Yet for all this Letter the good old man came to Geneva, p. 668Viret comes to him.and having fully conferred with Mr. Calvin, returned back to Neocom.

The rest of his dayes, even till his departure, Mr. Calvin spent almost in perpetuall prayer, with his eyes fixed upon heaven, and his voice full of sighes, by reason of his short breath.

May the seven and twentieth, being the day whereon hee departed, he seemed to speak more strongly, and with lesse difficulty; but this was but a lightning before death. In the evening about eight a clock, on the sudden certain signes of present death appeared; at which time Mr. Beza being newly departed from him, some ran to acquaint him therewith; whereupon he presently returned, but found him to have yeelded up his spirit into the hands of God, without the least strugling, yea not so much ascending forth one groan, having had his understanding, memory, and voice even to the last gasp, being much more like to one that was faln asleep then dead.His Death. So that that day at Sun-setting, that great bright light was taken out of this world.

That night, and the day following, there was great weeping and wailing all over the City. Many Citizens and Strangers desired to see him after he was dead, and amongst the rest Queen Elizabeths Ambassadors, who being sent into France, were then there. The next day after being the Sabbath, his body was coffined; and in the afternoon hee was carried forth, the Senators, Pastors, and Professors of the School, and almost the whole City following the corse, not without abundance of tears: He was buried in the common Church-yard, without much pomp, no Tombstone being added, as himself had commanded; whereupon Master Beza made these verses.

Romae ruentis terror ille maximus,

Quem mo…tuum lugem boni,Pez…s verses on him. horr scunt mali,

Ipsa à quo potuit virtutem discere virtus;

Cur ad…o exi…io, ignot o…, in cespite clausus

Calvinus … …ogas?

Calvi…n assidue comitat! Modestia vivum,

Hoc turmulo mamb…s cendid… ipsa suis.

p. 669Ote beatum cespitem tanto hospite!

O cu… invidere possunt cuncta Marmora!

He was a man of an incredible and most ready memory,His Character. in the middest of almost infinite distractions, and of a most exact judgement. He was very regardless of means, and preferment, even when it was often offered: He eat little meat, took very little sleep, was wholly compounded of sweetness and gravity: Discreet and mild he was in bearing with mens infirmities; yet would he severely without dissimulation reprove their vices, which freedom he alwayes used from a child: Such a Preacher he was, that like another Or pheus, he drew England, Spain and Italy to him, filling Geneva with strangers.

Such a voluminous writer, that (as it was said of Saint Augustine) he wrote more then another can well read. His writings were so eagerly received, that as most rare and precious peeces they were forthwith translated into all Languages.… What shall I speak of his indefatigable industry, even beyond the power of nature, which being parallelled with our loitring, I feare will exceed all creedit?… admirable … and may be a true object of admiration, how his leane, worne, spent, and wearyish body could possibly hold out. He read every week in the year three Divinity Lectures, and every other week over and above he preached every day, so that (as Erasmus saith of Chrysostome) I doe not know whether more to admire the indefatigableness of the man, or his hearers. Yea, some have reckoned up that his Lectures were year…ly one hundred eighty six, his Sermons two hundred eighty six, besides every Thursday he sat in the Presbytery. Every Friday when the Ministers met in conference to expound hard Texts, he made as good as a Lecture. Yea, besides there was scarce a day, wherein he spent not some part either by word or writing, in answering the questions and doubts of sundry Pastors, and Churches that sought unto him for advice and c…sell: Over and above which there was no year passed wherin came not forth from him some great volume or other in Folio, so that in few years (besides many golden Tractats, and sundry exquisite answers, which upon short warning he p. 670made to principall adversaries) his huge explications upon the five books of Moses, Joshua, Job, Psalms, all the Prophets, and upon the whole new Testament, came forth into the world fuller of pithy sententious matter then of Paper. These things considered what breathing time could he find for idleness, or loose thoughts? In his last grievous sickness, procured by his intollerable labours, he could scarce be compelled by his friends to pretermit his daily task of preaching, and reading his Divinity Lectures, and at home, when he could not goe abroad, he rather wearied others with continuall dictating to them, then himself. Nothing was more frequent in his mouth then this, Of all things an idle life is most irkesome to me; and when his friends used all their endeavours to perswade him to favour and respect himself: Why (saith he) will yee have God to finde me idle at his coming? Yea, such conscience did he make of mispending a minute, that he was loath to detaine the Ministers that came to visit him from their publick exercises. What wonder then is it, that he scarce attained to the age of 56.… Yea, rather its a wonder that he lived so long. Indeed he lived but 54. years ten months and seventeen dayes, the half of which time he spent in the holy Ministry of the Gospel. Many slanders were cast upon him,Sland…s answered. As that he was Ambitious. But how could that be, whereas he preferred his abode in the Common-wealth, and Church of Geneva, before all other places, which he called the Shop of poverty. Others charge him that he studied to heap up riches, whereas his last Testament shews that he was a very poor man; for all his goods, yea and his Library being sold very dear (saith Master Beza) scarcely amounted to three hundred crowns: And Calvin himself in his life time hearing of this impudent slander, answered: If I cannot perswade men whilst I am alive that I am no great monied man, yet my death will shew it. And the Senat at Geneva can testifie that his stipend being very small, he was so far from being not contented therewith, that when they offered to enlarge his pensions, he utterly refused the same: and by the small estate which he left at his death it appears also,His co…entation. that either his gifts were not great, or else that he spent as God sent. Some reproached him for his brother A. Calvin p. 671because he was divorced from his wife, who was proved an adulteresse: What would these men have said, if he had kept an adulteresse in his house? May they not as well reproach Jacob, David, yea, and Christ himselfe, for that one of his Disciples was a Divel, as himselfe told them? Some said that he was given to delights and luxury: His many great books easily confute this slander. Some gave out impudently that he ruled in Geneva both in Church and Common-wealth, so that he sometimes face upon the Tribunall? But for these things neither they which knew him, nor ensuing ages who may collect his manners out of his writing, will give any credit to them. But its far more easie to calumniate then to imitate him.

Omnia Calvini opera quae diversis chartarum formis edita,His works. si uno formae genere imprimerentur, justae magnitudinis Tomos 20. in Folio efficerent. Most of them are mentioned particularly in his life.