The Dead Yet Speaking, Biography 43
IOHANNES CALVINVS.
The Life and Death of John Calvin.
IN the yeer of our Lord God 1509. this reverend and faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ Iohn Calvin, was born at Noviodunum a famous towne fituate in that part of Aquitane, which borders upon Picardy: he may well be termed the Luster of the French Nation, for his excellent endewments of learning and piety; he was descended from vertuous Parents; blessed onelyonly with a competency of worldly riches, sufficient to preserve an honest report amongst their neighbours; their greatest blessing appeared in the gift of this gratious infant. His Fathers name was Gerard Calvin, … man much esteemed of the Nobility inhabi…ing Aquitane, because he was a singular Politician, approving his judgment and advice touching the administration of the Commonwealth, desiring his presence whe…soever that they consulted about serious affairs and important matters of State; whereby it came to passe that his son Calvin was brought up in his youth with the sons of the eminentest persons in that Country: His mother was called Ioanna Franca.
These children he accompanied unto Paris, for the increasing of his learning, where he had Maturinus Corderius for his Tutor, a man much reverenced for his internall and externall qualities, and esteemed the best for the instruction and bringing up of youth within the Relme of France. The reason why his father brought him up in learning, was because he perceived a voluntary inclination in his sonne thereunto, which appeared two manner of wayes; first because in his youth he was religiously given; and secondly, because it was observed that he was a sharp reprover of vice in his School-fellowes. These were sufficient …estifications unto his Father; wherfore when he came to some maturity of age, his father so wrought with the Bishop of Noviodun…m, that he had a Canons place in the Cathedrall Church, and also a Cure in a Parish neere adjoyning, where it is thought that he Preached many Sermons, although not advanced to the Ministeriall function; but this proceeding continued not long, partly by reason of his fathers desire, who was earnest with him to addict himselfe unto the study of the civill Law, a surer step unto wealth and preferment; and partly by the perswasion of Rober…us Olivetanus, (a man well deserving of the Fr…nch Churches, for the doing of the Hebrew Bible into French) who willed him to give himselfe wholy unto the reading of the sacred Scriptures, and to seperate himselfe from those superstitions which were odious in the sight of God.
Being willing to testifie his obedience unto his father, he therefore left his Cure and went to Orleans, where h… became an Auditor unto Petrus Stella (then publicke professor in that place, and reputed to be the soundest Civilian then living in France) by which meanes he attained unto great perfection in that Art, so as he seemed in short time to be rather a teacher then …n Auditor, aud would many time… supply the places of the professors themselves; by which meanes he gained so great love in the Academy, that at hi… departure from Orleance they profered to confer freely on him, the dignity of Doctor in the Civill Law: this is also remarkable in the prosecution of his Fathers Will, he was not forgetfull of the counsell of his kinsman Olivetanus, so as withall he diligently gave himselfe unto the study of Divinity; in which also he attained unto such perfection that those Inhabitants of Orleans, who were touched with a desire of a more pure religion, would resort unto him to have private conference with him, greatly admiring both his zeale and knowledge during his residence in that Academy; besid… his daily exercises, he used to spend halfe the night in reading, & the morning following he would meditate awhile in his bed on that wch he had read; by wch constant watchfulness, as it was a means of furnishing him wth solid learning & wth a retentive memory; so it was also a means of procuring unto him many diseases, & at the length untimely death.
About this time the Academy at Burdeaux was famous for the presence of that Prince of Lawirus, Andraeas Alcia… who came out of Italy to be their publike Professor; whereupon Calvin le…t O…leance and came to Burdeaux, where he acquainted himselfe with Alciatus, and also with Melchior Volmarus, then publicke Professor of the Greek tongue; whose learning, piety and other vertues, together with his admirable d…xterity, in the bringing up of youth cannot receive worthy commendations of this Wolmarus: Calvin learned here the Greek tongue, and a thankfull rememberance of which benefit he hath recorded unto future ages, by dedicating unto him his Commentary on the second Epistle to the Corinthians. Whilst he studied this tongue, he laid not aside the study of Divinity, but made it his onelyonly ayme, a… it a…peared by his actions; for during his continuance in Burdeaux, he would intreat Wolmarus to walk with him into the Country, and to be an Auditor unto his Sermon…, which were approved by him, with no lesse then an as…onished admiration.
Here he continued earnestly prosecuting his Studies with all diligence, untill such time as he was called home by his Fathers death, where he continued no longer space but untill that he had put off the dayes of mourning, and then he went againe unto Paris, where at the age of twenty four yeers, he wrote a Commentary upon that book of Seneca, de clementia; he had not continued long here, but his worth procured him the favour and love of such z…alous persons as desired a Reformat…on, & especially the love of Stephanus Forgeu…, an honorable Merchant, who afterwards suffered Martyrdome for the truth of Christ: In this Academy he forsook the study of humaine learning, and betook himself wholy unto the study of Divini…y, to the exceeding joy of such godly persons, who durst not to discover their profession to the world, because of the strength of their enemies, but kept their private assemblies in Paris.
During his residence here Nicalaus Copus the son of Gulielmus Copus of Basil, the Kings Phisitian, was designed Rector of Paris; who b…ing to deliver his Oration according unto the Custom, the same day that religious acts were celeberated by the Pops; he requested Calvin to performe it for him, who willingly condicended thereunto, and in his O…ation he discoursed more freely concerning the purity of Religion then others in that place had formerly done. This act being not well brooked by the Senate, they call a Parliament, and the Rector is summoned to appeare; in his journey thither he was admonished by some of his friends to take heed unto himselfe, because he wanted neither many nor powerfull enemies. He taking these words into a deepe consideration, returnes backe againe, departs out of the Kingdome, and conveighs himselfe to Basil. Neither was Calvin free from danger in this act; for some were sent into the School which is called Fortre…um, where his lodging was; but finding him not within, they brake open the doores of his Study, take such Papers as they finde, and amongst them many Letters which were sent by zealous p…sons unto him, whereby they also were brought into gre… danger of their lives; but they were all delivered by the meanes of the Queen of Navarre, who honourably receiv… and entertained Calvin in her house, and became an Audi…o… unto his Sermons.
Having continued here a while under the protection of the Queen, he shapes his course toward Neracum a City i… Aquitaine … to visit Iacobus Stapulensis, who was protected and defended by the Queene for the same cause, and therefo… placed in that City under her Dominion. This old man having a certaine relation from him how all things wen… he most courteously entertained him, was right glad to conferre with him; and withall spending this judgement on him, that he would be an excellent instrument for the establishing of the Kingdom of Christ within the Kingdom of France.
Having continued a few dayes with this Iacobus, he returnes again to Paris, being led thereunto by the hand of God, for the purging of the City of that damned haere…i… of Servetus concerning the Trinity; but after long expectation and secret hiding of himself, he was constrained again to leave the City without the effecting of any thing; the enemies of the truth still labouring to take away his lif….
In the year 1534. Gerardus Ruffus and Coraldus, zealous professours of the truth of Christ, and labouring to promote the Gospell in France, were with great cruelty pulled downe out of their Pulpits and cast into prison: and the King was so enraged, by reason of certain writings opposing the Masse, which were scattered up and down the C… ty, and fastned unto the door of his Bed chamber, that aft… publick Prayers, he commanded (at the which he himself… was present, together with his three Sonnes, being bar… headed, and holding a burning Torch for expiations sake) eight persons, supposing to be guilty of that act, to be burned alive; and in the presence of the People, he bound hims…lfe with a solemn Oath, that he would not spare his own ch…dren, …f he should but know that they were infected with that most horrible and damned heresie.
Calvin beholding the miserable state and condition of things, resolved to leave France; revealing his intent unto an intimate friend of his, with whom he was formerly acquainted during his residence with the Queen of Navarre. Who, out of his singular affection unto Calvin, promised to accompany him in his journey; wherefore they forthwith prepare for Basil, committing their money unto the custody of one of their servants, who being well horst and espying an opportunity answering his wicked intent, leavs them to shift and to provide for themselves; and doubtlesse they had been driven into great distresse, had not the other servant furnished them with ten Crownes, which he h…d about him, by means whereof they came at length to Basil.
Here he found Symones Grinaeus and Wolfangus Capito, who received him with great joy, where he continued and gave himself unto the study of the Hebrew tongu: here he also set forth his Institutions, a laborious & learned worke, and well worthy of the Author, with a Preface most excellent unto the King of France, which if he had read, it had without doubt given a great wound unto the Popish religion: b…t the sins of that King and of that Nation were so great, and vengeance so near at hand, that leave was not given unto them by the Lord to peruse the same.
Having set forth this book, and in some sort performed his duty to his Country, he left Basil and went into Italy to visit the daughter of the King of France, a vertuous and a godly Princesse, whom he there confirmed and strenthned in her religiou… course of life, whereby she greatly affected him during the time of his life, and also made a kind testi…tion of the same unto the world after his death. Hence he returned againe into France, with an intent to goe for Germany, but in regard of the Wars, passages were shut up that he could not travell, and therefore he turned into Ge…eva, not thinking to mak any residence at all in that place, but by the observation of future actions, it is evident that he was guided thither by the hand of God: into this City, not long before his comming, the Gospell of Christ was wonderfully brought, and that by the labour and industry of two famous Divines, (viz.) Gulielmus Farellus somtime… Scholer unto Iacobus Stapulensis, and Petrus Viretus, whose labours were aboundently blessed by the Lord: Calvin going for to visit these Genevan lights, he was entertained by Farellus with a long discourse, and thereby discovering the excellency of his parts, desiring him to remaine at Geneva, and to be an ass…ant to him in that place for the advancing of the truth of Christ: but when he saw that Calvin could not easily be drawn and perswaded thereunto, and being a man of a bould spirit, he said unto him after a vehement manner, I pronounce unto thee in the name of the living and alpowerfull God, that unlesse thou joyne with us in this worke of the Lord, it will come to passe, that he will curse thee as one that seeketh more his owne then the glory of Christ.
Calvin being astonished with this terrible sentence and speech of Farellus, he forthwith submitted himselfe unto the pleasure of the Presbytery and Magistrates; by whose voyces and consent of the People, he was not onelyonly chosen to be a Preacher, but was also designed to be their Divinity Lecturer, and graced with the title of Doctor, in the year 1536. which year also is remarkeable for that League concluded betwixt the Cities of Brene and …eneva, touching Divine Worship; and also for the conversion of the Inhabitants of Lausanna unto Christ.
The first thing which he attempted, after his admission into this City, was a more exact reformation in the Church; & for that cause drew a compendium of Christian Religion and forme of Doctrine, unto which he laboured to have the Inhabitants to subscribe, and to binde themselves by an Oath to abjure the supersticious Doctrine of Rome, and to defend the same with their lives. This motion was refused by many at the first, yet not long after (God so disposing) even in the year 1537. the Senate and people of Geneva, took their Oathes for the defence of the same.
The ground being thus laid, there wanted not enemies, and those bitter ones to oppose him in his proceedings; for first the Anabaptists began to sow their erronious opinions in the hearts of many, to the great detriment of the Church; but these were so confuted by Calvin in publick disputation appointed by the Senate, that scarcely any one of them appeared afterwards in the City. The other disturber of the peace and happinesse of that Church was, Petrus Caroli born at Sarbona; who, as she brought him forth an impudent Sophister, so she cast him out againe as a more wicked haeretick: being thence cast out he came to Geneva, accompanied wth the spirit of the Divel; when he saw himself to be sharply reproved of the Inhabitants, he went unto their en…mies, and from thence he returned unto Geneva againe, intending to leave behind him some expressions of his worse then diabolicall opinions; and for that cause he first began openly to accuse Farell, Calvin and Viret, of a misconceived opinion concerning the Trinity; wherupon a Synad was called at Berne, wherein that calumny of Petrus Caroli was condemned.
But that which strooke the greatest strok for the crushing of these hopefull beginnings, was the intestine dissentions and seditions in the City, who would not endure this new forme of Government; these Farell and Calvin, began first to correct with mild admonitions, and when they saw that would not prevaile they used more severe and sharper reprehensions, which many not brooking, the City came to be divided, and many renounced that Oath which they had formerly made; in respect of wch actions Calvin & Farell, with an undaunted courage openly protested, that they could not lawfully administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper unto them, by reason of the disagreements amongst themselves, and by reason of their alienation from all Ecclesiasticall discipline.
There also happened unto this another evill, (viz.) a difference betwixt the Churches of Geneva and Berne, about some ceremonies; which because it could not presently be concluded on by the Synod at Lausanna, but was referred unto another appointed at Tigurum; the Commissioners unpatient of delay, assembled the people together, and perswaded then to command Farell, Calvin and Coraldus to depart the City within two dayes, because they had refused to administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to them; which message when it was delivered unto Calvin he replyed; Indeed, if I had served men, I had been evilly rewarded, but now it shall goe well with me, because I have served him who will truely pay unto his servants that which he hath once promised.
Who could otherwise have thought but that this action would have proved fatall unto the Church of Geneva? yet the event manifested the contrary, & shewed that it came to passe by Divine providence, partly because that by exercising him with these trials, he might be the more fitter for weightier matters; and partly because he might purge that Church againe from many grosse and wicked errours. When that sedition had overthrown and sunk it selfe with its owne weight; so wonderfully doth the Lord appeare in all his workes, but more especally in the Governing and protection of his Church.
Some there were who greatly bewailed the departure of these faithfull Pastors, who also inwardly asmuch lamented the the miserable and wretched State of that City. From Geneva they went unto Tigurum, where a Synod was called to effect a reconciliation betwixt the Churches, and those of Geneva; being willed by an Embassadour sent from Berne to subscribe unto the decrees thereof, they would not condiscend thereun…o; whereupon Calvin left Tigurum and went unto Basil, where after that he had remained two or three dayes, he directed his course unto Strasburge, where he was called by the Senate, Bucer, Hedio, Capito, and many other reverend Pastors, to be the Divinity Lecturer in that City, which he did not only perform with the applause of all the learned, but also with the consent of the Senat he planted the French Church in that City.
Here Calvin remained untill the year 1541. in which year a Convocation was enacted by the Emperor at Wormes and Reinspurge, for the taking away of differences out of those Churches concerning Religion; at which Convocation Calvin was present, and unto this Assembly came also the Commissioners before mentioned, who perswaded and prevailed with the Inhabitants of Geneva for the casting out of Calvin out of the City; upon one of them God shewed a terrible example of vengeance in the same place; for being censured guilty of sedition, as he was about to save himselfe by escaping through a window, he fell downe headlong, and with the weight of his body he so crushed himselfe, that within few dayes after he dyed. Another of them being found guilty of murther, he had his head stricken off; the other two, by reason of their ill carriage in the affaires of that Commonwealth, were in their absence condemned and ejected by the Citizens.
During his abode at Strasburge, untill this Assembly called by the Emperour, the Church at Geneva was greatly afflicted with sundry opinions, which were brought into the City in the year 1539. by Iacobus Sadoletus, which notwithstanding tooke no deep rooting, Calvin by his letters in his banishment perswaded the contrary.
These Commissioners being thus taken away, as the fountaines of all sedition in the City, it pleased the Lord to worke a desire in the hearts of the Inhabitants of recaling Farel and Calvin into the City; but when they saw that they could not possibly recall Farel from Neocum, they send Embassadours with all speed unto Strasburge, making the Tigurines also their intercessours for the obtaining of Calvin.
The Inhabitants of Strasburge appeared unwilling to grant their desire, and Calvin himselfe; because he saw his actions to prosper and to be blessed of God; in that City refused also himselfe to goe unto Geneva, fearing least his proceedings should be again hindered by the like sedicious uproares.
The Embassadours were urgent, and followed their matter …o close, that at the last it was concluded that Calvin should againe to Geneva; but because he was to accompany Buc…r unto Reinspurge, his journey was deferred for a space, and they of Geneva procured Viret from Lausanna to Preach unto them, untill the returne of Calvin from Reinspurge; which fell out in the year 1541. where he was received with exceeding joy and gladnesse, not onelyonly by the Senate, but also by all the Inhabitants; and he was again restored unto his Church.
But at his entrance againe, he told them, that he could not truly discharge his Ministeriall function, unlesse they would also entertain a Presbytery, strengthned with Ecclesiasticall discipline together with his Doctrin: unto which motion they consented; whereupon a Presbytery was chosen, their Offices were declared unto each of them: and unto this forme of Government they all subscribed.
The joyfull newes of Calvins comming unto Geneva again being spread abroad, it caused many godly minded persons to resort, some out of Italy, some out of England, some out of Spaine, unto the same place to be Auditors unto him: these increased unto that number, that there wa… not roome in the City to entertain them; and Calvin perceiving that ordering of all things in the City, would be a labour too weighty for him; he de…ired that he might have Farel and Viret adjoyned unto him; but it could not be granted; for Viret was returned againe unto Lausanna, and Farell was detained at Neocum; so as Calvin alone carries away the glory of that reformed Church.
It was Bezaes opinion concerning these three, that a compleat Pastor might be composed of them; taking boldnesse from Farel, eloquence from Viret, and solid substance from Calvin, every word appearing a grave sentence.
In the year 1542. Calvin was exercised with many laborious imployments; not onelyonly concerning the affaires of Geneva, but also about the comforting and relieving of such as were banished their Countrey for the profession of the Gospell, and also by writing consolatory Letters unto them, for their confirmation and strengthning in the extremity of their afflictions: unto these also were added; first, a Famine: secondly, a Pestilence, both being predominant at one and the same time in Geneva. Now because the custome of the City was to place such as were infected, in a Pesthouse, for that cause erected without the City; one Blanchetus tooke upon him the charge of visiting the sicke; and Calvin by the command of the Senate was delivered from that action.
Then he turned himselfe unto the suppressing of such false Doctrine as crept into the Church for the eclypsing of the truth. And first he confuted that opinion of Petrus Tossanus, concerning the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: Then he confuted the Articles set forth at Sorbon. He overthrew Albertus Pighius concerning Free-will: refuted the opinion of Sebastianus Castellio, concerning the Song of Salomon, and caused him to be banished the City of Geneva.
In the year 1544. Carolus the fith, intending to make War against the French King, commanded a peace amongst the Churches in Germanie, untill such time as a generall Councell was called, which he promised should shortly be effected, and in the meane time granted unto them liberty of Conscience; which when it came to the eares of Paulus III. Pope of Rome, he sharply reproved the Emperour, saying, That he esteemed of Hereticks as highly as of Catholicks, and that he seemed to thrust in his sickle into another mans harvest. The Emperour answered, That he was perswaded that his act was just. And Calvin perceiving the truth of the Gospell to be deeply wounded b… these Letters, he sharply reprov…d the boldnesse of the Pope. In this year also there was a Convocation at Spire; whereupon Calvin tooke occasion of writing his Booke, intituled, De necessitate reformandae Ecclesiae. And in the same year also he refuted the Anabaptists and Libertines, and that with such invincible arguments, that none reading and observing hi… Worke, can (unlesse wittingly and willingly) be deceived and seduced by them. But the Queen of Navarre was greatly offended with that Worke of his against the Libertines, because he had particularly reproved Quintinus and Pocquetus, two Ringleaders of that Sect, and not of small account with her Majesty. Calvin being informed of this, he so wisely and discreetly behaved himselfe, that he gained againe the favour of the Queen; and withall, caused that impious and blasphemous Sect to be banished out of France, who afterwards seated themselves in Amsterlodam, the prime town in Holland.
In the year 1545. by the conspiracy of some wicked and evilly disposed persons, the thresholds and posts of the doores in Geneva were done over with an oyntment so strongly composed of poyson, that whosoever touched it, death imediately followed; and from this also proceeded a raging Pestilence in the City, whereby an infinite number of soules were swept away: this accident procured great envie unto Calvin from all places; yet at the last some of the authors of this inhumane act were discovered, and suffered worthy punishment for the same. In this year also he laboured to remove the false opinion of Osiander concerning the Lords Supper, out of the Church; and also the errours of the Nicodemites, and many other grosse opinions which hindred the growth of the truth of Christ. In which proceedings he was abundantly blessed by the Lord, who never permitted his enemies to have their pleasure of him, by taking away his life, which they intended; and more especially he shelterd him from the fury of Amedenus Perinnus, a Captaine of great authority in the City, but deprived for that fact of his Office.
These continued dissentions and defamations in the Church at Geneva, were motives which drew Farellus and Viretus unto the same place; who in the year 1548. delivered before the Senate an eloquent and learned Oration, concerning the suppression of Sedition, and the taking away of differences out of the Church. The motion was approved of all, and Perinnus having hopes thereby to attaine againe unto his former preserment, consented thereunto; but he soone discovered his wicked intent, for he was no sooner graced with his former dignitie, but he and many others burst forth into reproachfull speeches against Calvin; and after a disgracefull manner, calling his Dog by the name of Calvin; others stile him by the name of Cain; and some by reason of that violent and fierce hatred which they conceived against him, they would absent themselves from the Communion, and so draw downe a double vengeance on themselves.
In the midst of these evils (which were of force to have caused him to have forsaken the City) he constantly performed his Ministeriall office; and at vacant times he inlightned Pauls Epistles with learned Commentaries. He also most learnedly laid open and discovered the falsity and vanity fo Judiciary Astrology. He comforted Beratius living as a banished man at Basil, and also Bucer in England.
And this is also remarkable, that notwithstanding the daily increa…ing of these contentions, the Church did wonderfully florish in Geneva; and also it injoyed some peace and quietnesse. In the year 1551. for then there sprung up a company of factious fellowes, who denied the priviledges of the City unto such as were banished for the truth, and fled to that place for succour: And being perswaded by Calvin in a Sermon Preached for that purpose, to grant the priviledges of the City unto them; he was well beaten for his paines as soon as he came out of the Pulpit. These stirred up also another Tumult in the Temple of St. Gervas, because the Minister refused to Baptize a child by the name of Balthazar. Calvin not forgetting his late kindnesse received, was contented with patience to let it passe. In this year the City was also much troubled with that blasphemous heresie of Servetus; who by the means of Calvin was apprehended and convicted; but remaining obstinate in his opinion, he was bu…nd alive in the same City.
The cause of Servetus being as yet in hand, one of the factious company, called Ber…lerius an impudent and wicked fellow, (whom the Presbitery had fo…bidden to come unto the Lords table, by reason of his ill lead life) and excomunicated, came unto the Senate, and desired his absolution; which he perswaded himselfe was sufficient; Calvin earnestly opposes this action of the Senate, declaring unto him that he ought to be a defender and maintainer, and not a violator of holy & good lawes; yet Berlterius prevailed with the Senate, and he granted unto him his absolutory letters. Perinnus by the imitation of Bertlerius, thought to take Calvin in a trap, and either to raise a tumult against him, if he would not obey the Senate, or if he consented, then no disanull the authority of the Presbitery: Calvin being fore-admonished of this intent, in his Sermon before the Communion, in the presence of both of them, he uttered these words with great fervency; But I imitating Chrisostome, will rather suffer my selfe to be slain, then that this hand shall reach the holy things of the Lord, unto such as are apparently known to be the contemners and despisers of him: which wrought such an impression in them, that they durst not presume to come unto the Lords table; nay it is probable that he was at that time fearfull of his life, for he Preached as if they never afterwards should have heard him again. In this troublesom state the Church of Geneva continued unto the yeere 1555. wherein a conspiracy was happily discovered, by which meanes most of the factious persons were put to death, and banished the City. By which example of Divine vengeance, others were delivered and kept in awe, and that Common-wealt… freed from many inconveniences; yet in the same yeer the errours of Servetus seemed to revive againe, and to be nourished by Matthaeus Gibraldus an excellent Lawyer, who came unto Geneva, and would willingly have been familiar with Calvin, which he most willingly would have had embraced, so as he would have consented with him in the Article of the Trinity.
The same year also yeelded much sorrow unto Calvin, in regard that persecution raged in many places, and especially in England; which tooke away Hooper, Ridley, Latimer, and afterwards Cranmer, men of incomparable piety; whereby the propagation of the truth was hindred. There hapned also other causes of discontent, as the faction of some neighbouring Pastors, bewitched with the instigation of that Carmelite Bolsecus, who bitterly inveighed against him concerning Predestination; whereupon he obtained leave of the Senate to go unto Berne, to be censured by the Church concerning that point; in which censures the adversaries being found guilty, they were expelled & banished the Country; and he found favor, & was in great estimation amongst the best. In the year 1556. Calvin preaching in Geneva, he was taken so strongly with an Ague, that he was forst to leave in the midst of his Sermon, and to come downe from the Pulpit: upon this accident, newes was spread abroad concerning his death, which in short space came unto Rome, and it was so ioyfully entertained by the Pope, that he forthwith caused publicke prayers and thanksgivings to be dedicated unto God in all the Church for the same; but the prayers of the faithfull prevailed more; for he was so far from dying, that being as it were endewed with another life, he went unto France, fuet ad Maenum, being thereunto called for the removing the dissentions out of the Churches of France; whence returning, although somewhat sickly, yet he ceased not to execute his constant course in his Ministery; and also he carefully and timely confuted the hereticall opinion of Valentinus Gentilis, touching three Gods and three Eternals, lest by continuation it should take such root, that it would hardly be plucked up. And these were his actions untill the year 1558. wherein in pleased God to afflict him with a quartan Ague, which caused great sorrow and lamentation in Geneva; yet it continued with him but for the space of eight weeks; in which time it weakned and so enfeebled his body, that he was never sound untill the day of his death. During this sicknesse, he was advised by the Physitians and some of his friends, to forbeare his usuall exercises, and to cherish his body with a little ease; but he would not, declaring unto them, that he could not endure an idle life.
In the year following Henry King of France intended to levell Geneva with the ground, and to put the Inhabitants thereof to the sword; but before he could effect that bloody project, he was taken captive by a higher power; and the City still flourished, even in the midst of her enemies: and that nothing might be wanting unto her prosperous and flourish…ng state, Calvin caused a Schoole to be erected, and consecrated unto the great God, which should alwayes be furnished with learned Ministers and publicke Professours of the Arts and Tongues, and especially of Divinity; that so the City might enrich it selfe with its owne treasure.
In the year 1560. the Waldenses sent unto Calvin for his judgement concerning some points, wherein he gave them aboundant satisfaction, and exhorted them to joyne themselves with the other Protestant Churches. And at the same season, many Protestants in France, hearing of …he peace and quietnesse which the Church in England enjoyed at the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, many of them came into England, and desired of Edmund Grindal, … Lord Bishop of London, that they might have leave to s…d for a Preacher unto Geneva, for the planting of the French Church in London; who condiscended thereunto; Galas… was sent.
Calvin having spent his dayes hitherto in extraordinary labours (for his life may well be said to be a continued labour mixed with griefe, as appeareth by the Works which he wrote being at Geneva.) The time was now at hand in which he must goe unto his eternall rest; his diseases, contracted by his indefatigable labours, caused him to give over his Divine exercises; for indeed, how could he continue long? when as his body was by nature weake and leane, inclining to a consumption; and because he slept very little, spending almost all the year either in Preaching, Teaching, or Dictating; for ten whole years he never Dined, and after the set houre he would not receive his Supper. He was subject unto the disease called the Migram, for the curing of which he used nothing but fasting, and that sometimes for the space of six and thirty houres. After that his quartan Ague left him, he was troubled with the Gout taking him in his left legge; which to make it the more grievous was seconded with the Colick. The Physitians applyed what remedies they could, and he carefully followed their counsell. He was armed against these afflictions with an admired patience, no man ever hearing him uttering a word unworthy of himselfe in his greatest extremity, but lifting up his eyes unto heaven, he would chearfully utter the words of David, How long O Lord. When he was exhorted by his friends to desist from reading or writing in the time of sicknesse, he would reply, What? will you have the Lord finde me idle?
Not long before his death, some of his fellow Pastors coming accordingly as they used to visit him, they found him contrary to their expectation apparalled, and fi…ting at his Table in that forme as he used to meditate, resting his head on his hand, he spake these words unto them; I thanke you brethren for the care which you have over me; but I hope that within these fifteen dayes the Lord will reveale how he intends to dispose of me, and I thinke that I shall leave you, and be received of him.
Growing weaker and weaker, he was brought into the Senats Court by his command, where after an humble manner he thanked the Senate for the curtesies formerly conferred on him, and for the speciall care which they had of him in this his last sicknesse. Not long after he received the Communion at the hands of Beza, labouring the best that he could to joyne with the rest of the Congregation in singing of Psalmes unto God.
The day wherein he dyed, he seemed to speake somewhat heartily, but this was but the last strugling of nature, for about eight of the clocke apparant signes of death were seen; which being perceived of Beza, he ran forth to acquaint his other Collegues with it, but besure his returne he had quietly yeelded his soule into the hands of God, leaving such a chearfull countenance unto the beholders, that he seemed rather to be asleepe, then dead. Thus was that light taken away, even at the se…ting of the Sun. The day following, there was great lamentation throughout the City; the Church lamented for the death of her faithfull Pastor; the Schoole sorrowed for the losse of so famous a Doctor; and in generall, all were filled with mourning, because they were deprived of their onelyonly comforter, next unto God.
Many of the Citizens desired to behold him after that he was dead, so great was their affection to him; and some strangers also whom the fame of Calvin had drawne unto that place, and amongst them the English Embassadour for France desired greatly to see him being dead; but it could not be granted, least it might raise a scandall on him amongst the Papists. He was buried in the common Churchyard, without any extraordinary pompe, and without any Grave-stone laid over him; for which cause Beza wrote these Funerall Verses:
Romae …uentis terro… ille maximus,
Quem mortuum lugent boni horrescunt mali;
Ipsa a quo potuit virtutem discere virtus,
Cur adeo exiguo ignotoque in cespite clausus,
Calvinus lateat; rogas?
Calvinum assidue comitata modestia vivum,
Hoc tumulo manibus condidit ipsa suis.
O te beatum cespitem tanto hospite!
O cui invidere cuncta possunt marmorae!
How happens it that this is Calvins share,
To lye under this little, unknowne pare…
Is not this he who living did appeare,
Decaying Romes continued dread and feare?
Whose death the godly doth with sorrow fill,
And at whose name the wicked tremble still?
Whose life was knowne to be so holy, cleare,
That vertue might have learn'd a lesson here?
'Tis true, but know that humble modesty,
Which in his life did him accompany:
That hath ordained this green and turfie cover,
On his deceased Corpes to be laid over:
But since thou coverest such an one as hee,
How can the Marbles all, but envy thee.
A little before his death, he delivered an excellent Oration unto the Senate, unto which was also added a serious exhortation unto all the Pastors of Geneva. His Workes which he hath set forth for the generall good of the Church, which are sufficient declarations of his worth are these which follow.
Commentaries upon the old Testament.
1. VponUpon Genesis. 2. An Harmony upon the four bookes of Moses. 3. VponUpon Iosuah. 4. VponUpon the Psalmes.
Lectures.
1. VponUpon Ieremiah. 2. VponUpon the twenty one of Ezekiell. 3. VponUpon Daniel. 4. VponUpon the lesser Prophets.
Upon the new Testament
1. His Harmony on the Evangelists. 2. His Coment on the Acts. 3. On all Pauls Epistles. 4. On the Hebrews. 5. On Peter, Iames, Iohn, Iude.
His Sermons.
1. Vupon Deuteronomy. 2. VponUpon the Decalogue. 3. VponUpon Iob. 4. VponUpon 119. Psalme. 5. VponUpon the Canticles. 6. Upon 38. Chapters of Isaiah. 7. VponUpon the eight last Chapters of Daniel. 8. VponUpon the Nativity, Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascention of Christ. 9. VponUpon Gods Election and Providince. 10. VponUpon the first of Kings. 11. VponUpon Iosuah.
Other Works.
1. His institutions. 2. VponUpon the Eucarist. 3. VponUpon the victory of Iesus. 4. Genevaes Catechisme. 5. Of Reforming Churches. 6. Of Scandals. 7. Of Free-will. 8. Against Anabaptists. 9. Libertines. 10. Sorbonists. 11. Against Iudiciall Astrology. 12. Of Predestination. 13. Of a true Communicant. 14. Part of Seneca enlightened with a Commentary. 15. His answer unto Sadolets Epistle.
Had we but such Reformers in our dayes
As Calvin was, we should have cause to praise
.
Their bless endeavours; but alas our Times
Are daily acting (not Reforming) Crimes;
Heroick Calvins heart was alwayes true
To truth, and still would give the Church her due,
His soul was truely willing to take paines,
More for the publicke good, then private gaines.
His life was fil'd with troubles, yet his mind
(Even like the glistring Glow-worme) alwayes shin'd
Brightest, when most surrounded with the night
Of sad afflic…ions; Calvins whole delight
Was in the law of God, from which his heart
Being steel…d with truth, could not be mov'd to start.