God arms the devil, as well as all the wicked, for conflict, and sits as umpire, that he may exercise our patience. But if the disasters and miseries which press us happen without the agency of men, let us call to mind the doctrine of the Law (Deut. 28:1), that all prosperity has its source […]
Fornication 1. As to those who are caught in fornication, if it be an unmarried man with an unmarried woman, they are to be imprisoned for six days on bread and water, and pay sixty sous amends. 2. If it be adultery, one or the other being married, they are to be imprisoned for nine […]
On 14 March, 1542, Calvin wrote to Myconius “I value the public peace and concord so highly, that I lay restraint upon myself; and this praise even the adversaries are compelled to award to me. This feeling prevails to such an extent, that, from day to day, those who were once open enemies have become […]
The following remarkable passage occurs in the state register of February 29, 1580, that is sixteen years after [Calvin’s] death. It shows what species of influence he exercised, and proves not only the respect entertained for his genius, but that he stood too high to excite the envy of his brethren. They would elect no […]
There has come to my notice the foolish writing of a worthless individual, who nevertheless presents himself as a defender and vindicator of the glory of God, because he contests the principle that God rules the world so that nothing happens but by his secret counsel. This wretched fellow does not see that, by snatching […]
Calvin wanted a wife. He asked several of his friends to help him find one- but he especially depended on Farel to do it. So he wrote him “Would that it were permitted me to pour out my feelings on your friendly bosom, and again to hear your advice, that we might be better prepared! […]
Calvin writes … our minds cannot find calm repose, until we arrive at the unmerited love of God. As the whole matter of our salvation must not be sought any where else than in Christ, so we must see whence Christ came to us, and why he was offered to be our Saviour. Both points […]
[Peter] not only calls the unbelieving foolish, but also points out the reason why they slandered, even because they were ignorant of God. But inasmuch as he makes the unbelieving to be without understanding and reason, we hence conclude, that a right understanding cannot exist without the knowledge of God. How much soever, then, the unbelieving […]
Here’s what he said about him (Opera Omnia X,176)- Hoc sane video, nihil hoc asino posse fingi superbius, nihil petulantius hoc cane (with thanks to Lloyd Petersen for the heads up). Now that’s how you insult someone. Take note, Luther.
Calvin- of his colleagues in Geneva- “Our other colleagues are rather a hindrance than a help to us: they are rude and self conceited, have no zeal, and less learning.” Next faculty meeting use that line. Go ahead.
[Peter] not only calls the unbelieving foolish, but also points out the reason why they slandered, even because they were ignorant of God. But inasmuch as he makes the unbelieving to be without understanding and reason, we hence conclude, that a right understanding cannot exist without the knowledge of God. How much soever, then, the unbelieving […]
Here’s what he said about him (Opera Omnia X,176)- Hoc sane video, nihil hoc asino posse fingi superbius, nihil petulantius hoc cane (with thanks to Lloyd Petersen for the heads up). Now that’s how you insult someone. Take note, Luther.
Calvin- of his colleagues in Geneva- “Our other colleagues are rather a hindrance than a help to us: they are rude and self conceited, have no zeal, and less learning.” Next faculty meeting use that line. Go ahead.
On 21 February 1538, Calvin wrote Bullinger “In general, we are looked on here as preachers rather than pastors. We cannot have a Church that will stand unless the discipline of the apostles be restored. There is much alteration which we earnestly desire, but which can be effected only by our applying ourselves to it […]
I deny that they [i.e., robbery and murder and that sort of evil] serve the will of God. For we cannot say that he who is carried away by a wicked mind performs service on the order of God, when he is only following his own malignant desires. He obeys God, who, being instructed in […]
What was the most pressing debate of the 16th century and beyond? Which of these two humble Godly theologians was the best. They both are the best!
An interesting tidbit from Calvin’s life is related by his lovestruck biographer Stebbing, who wrote Calvin sometimes used very strong language towards those before him [in proceedings before the consistory], calling them hypocrites, and that they returned the abuse, a conduct which he did not leave unpunished. On such occasions he would rise indignantly from […]
Before he will return to Geneva, Calvin expects certain conditions to be met. On February 19, 1541, he says to them, ‘I beg you to bethink yourselves of all the means of wisely constituting your church, that it may be ruled according to the command of our Lord.’† Calvin was therefore anxious to make the […]
Not to collect a great number of passages, it may suffice at present to refer to one Psalm (145) in which a summary of the divine perfections is so carefully given that not one seems to have been omitted. Still, however, every perfection there set down may be contemplated in creation; and, hence, such as […]
Because of the bondage of sin by which the will is held bound, it cannot move toward good, much less apply itself thereto; for a movement of this sort is the beginning of conversion to God, which in Scripture is ascribed entirely to God’s grace. Institutes 2.3.5 (summarized).
Zwinglius Redivivus 