An Essay of John Calvin
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John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509 in Noyon, France. In those days the most important man in Noyon was a bishop whom Calvins father was a secretary to. It was a factor that made his father decided that Calvin would get a religious education. At fourteen his father sent him to the University of Paris to be trained to be a priest by studying theology. He received a thorough conservative training in Catholic faith at this university. His fathers affairs with the bishop fell out, again playing a part in Calvins life. His father now felt that law would be more to his liking and he sent Calvin to the University of Orleans and Bourges.
Despite the education he received at both universities, Calvin was more interested in the study of the classics. So when his father passes away he seized the opportunity to follow his heart by returning to the University of Paris to study Greek, Hebrew, and
Latin classics. It seemed that Calvin had found a field of his own choice but, something happened that converted him and from that time on he gave his life to the service of God. Now a lover of the great Christian classic, the Bible, he became convinced that the Word of God, the holy Scripture, and not the things which the Church fathers said, was the real guide to follow in religious matters. His Protestant views forced him to flee Paris for his safety after his friend Nicholas Cop, who was giving his inaugural address as rector, made a strong plea for acceptance of the Reformation. But it was the case that many rectors have tried to do the same in Calvins defense failing and having to flee for their safety.
“Rector after rector neglected to insist that students declare in writing their subscription to the full version of confession of faith which seems quietly to have fallen into desuetude. The intention, at the outset, had been to deny entry to the unsound in doctrine lest they pollute the School with their presence, just as unregenerate offenders must be denied access to the Supper of the Lord.”
Calvin was on his way to Italy but he ended up in Geneva. Intending to remain there for just one night he was persuaded by “William Farel, who had been laboring in Geneva in the interest of the Reformation for some years, insisted that Calvin stay and help himassert[ing] that it was the will of God that Calvin do so. And Calvin, not daring to resist that willagreed to stay” The major part of Calvins important life was spent there in Geneva. Three publications in the first year there gave evidence that even though he was not teaching in Geneva just yet, his time there was not dormant. In 1538, Calvin and Farel were banished from Geneva because they had a dispute with the government officials. Soon there after, the government and people of Geneva realized that this banishment was more of their lost than his and in 1541 sent an urgent plea for Calvin to return to lead the church and state. At this point he established what is known as the Consistory.
Calvin was already gained his status as a great minister, the Consistory marked his ministry from 1542 to the date of his death in 1564. The Consistory was an institution that “…penetrat[ed] every aspect of Genevan life…” It had strict control over church affairs, politics, education, amusement, and family life. This “…regulatory