Letter of Consolation

by Pierre Viret, Christian Fantoni

“No tyranny is eternal. When a bow is bent too long, it will break. The more bent it is, the likelier it is to break. Nothing can overcome the violence of tyrants but the endurance of the saints. Nothing can dull the blades of their swords; nothing can diminish and extinguish their fires but faith and constant prayers.” ~Pierre Viret In Letter of Consolation , Pierre Viret--John Calvin’s friend and a forgotten hero of the Reformation--comforts and encourages his people through intense persecution. This book is a new translation of Viret’s writing during seasons of Roman Catholic oppression and up to the legalization of Protestant worship in France in 1559. The Letter explores not only the Protestant Christian response to tyranny and hardship, but also how to maintain faith as persecution recedes. As Viret wrote, “Let us always be like those who sail at sea. If no wind is blowing now, let us be even more careful and prepared for storms and tribulations.” “Was preaching needed? He was there. Was a theological dispute organized? He was ready. Did his sheep need their pastor? Viret met their needs tirelessly. He advised them, consoled them. He was there for them, all the time, with dedication unsurpassed.” ~From translator Christian Fantoni’s Introduction

Genres: Theology, Audiobook, History

68 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Pierre Viret (entre 1509 et 1511 - 1571) est un théologue réformateur suisse et une figure importante de la Réforme protestante,

Pierre Viret (1511 – 1571) was a Swiss Reformed theologian and an important figure in the Protestant Reformation.

Reviews

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't it funny how a translation can be from a language you don't know, but you can still tell whether it's a good translation? For instance, I've tried twice to get through Constance Garnett's Brothers Karamazov and failed. Clunkety-clunkety-clunk. But Christian Fantoni's translation of Letter of Consolation is beautiful and natural English prose—classic without feeling antiquated. On top of that, we've got Belle Iverson's narration, which also has it all: appropriate affect, intelligent comprehension, correct pronunciation, and lovely tone. Much as I'd like to listen to her narrate a thousand more books, somebody oughta marry that girl and put her to work reading bedtime stories to a passel of kids. And of course the content is excellent as well, so having it adorned with translation and narration of equal quality makes this edition practically perfect in every way.

[Luke Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierre Viret writes this letter, unwittingly, not to merely those reformers being killed by the Church of Rome, but further to Christians in all ages facing fierce opposition and persecution. His book is spectacularly more encouraging than any stoic or secular philosopher, and it is profoundly more true. Here are some of my favorite quotes just from the last half. "These are the tears that Christ has given us. They have such strength and power that they can peirce the sky... Just as Moses stretched out his arms to win the battle, Christ stretched out his arms to win the war... While those in Christ flee darkness, putting on the full armor of God, it is the tyrant who, pursuing darkness, puts on the full armor of Satan... Remember that we ought to invoke Him more, not less, in times of comfort. For it was in comfort that David committed both adultery and murder...Nothing can overcome the violence of tyrants but the endurance of the saints. Nothing can dull the blades of their swords. Nothing can diminish and extinguish their fires, but faith and constant prayers." - Letter of Consolation, Pierre Viret

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the Canon audio.

[Noah Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short letter, written by persecuted Protestant Pastor Pierre Viret, is unbelievably under- read and studied. Pierre, a pastor from southern France was exiled from his church by the French and he spent the rest of his ministry life working with Calvin, Farel, and Beza in Geneva. While in France, Viret and his congregation suffered many horrific things including death and imprisonment. Pierre himself survived two assasination attempts including poisoning and being stabbed by a Catholic priest in the street. This letter was written as an encouragement and exhortation to his persecuted brothers and sisters in southern France while they faced the hardship of the “Edict of Villers-Cotteretes” and the “Edict of Fontaineblau” where many Protestants were tried for heresy by secular courts and imprisoned or burned at the stake. Viret , along with the other members of the Genevan Company of Pastors, received daily letters of suffering from the French Protestants and they responded by raising up missionary pastors to send into France along with Viret taking up the mantle of writing long encouraging letters to the persecuted Protestants. This letter of Consolation is a beautiful example of this ministry and is pastorally rich and theologically a masterpiece. This letter deserves to be read widely and the themes of sovereignty, justice, love for enemies, and boldness should compel any Christian that stumbles upon this historic gem. 5/5














“The apostles had no emperors, kings, rulers or lords to help or protect them. All were against them. All power, riches, authority, dig-nity, excellence, knowledge and human appearance stood against them. They were like an indestructible and impregnable tower or bastion, in which all the might of the prince of this world had gath-ered. But the apostles were armed and equipped with the guns and artillery of the real and living faith. They bombarded their enemies with the cannonballs and the stones of their prayers. These prayers were loaded with the power of their faith. They burned with the celestial fire that consumed their hearts. It is more powerful than any human-made fire or powder used for artillery. This is the fire they used to bring down the mighty towers that rose against God. This is the fire they used to capture all human thoughts and bring them in obedience to faith (1 Cor. 11). With it they shook the whole earth.
They knocked down castles, fortresses, and prisons (Acts, 4:31; 12:7; 16:27). They opened and broke doors, chains and shackles. They confronted their enemies head-on. They opposed the efforts, the plans, the machinations, and the ruses of Satan and his followers.
Despite these enemies, this leaven of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has caused the dough to rise greatly. This little mustard seed has grown so much that its branches have extended to the whole world. And today there are so many of us.” Letter, pg 37

[William Schrecengost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great treatise of comfort for the afflicted saint. Written specifically for persecuted Christians during the reformation, but still pretty applicable to the average Christian going through a variety of trials. Look to Christ and your eternal rest.

[Caleb M. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

[Josh Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of gold. It was good on audio but as a slow read in form of devotional or meditation on the truths of God, it would shine even brighter. High recommend for this short volume.

[Knowlton Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent perspective on suffering as a Christian, but really good advice for times of prosperity, too. A line that really stood out to me was, "Jesus Christ wants you to love His gospel." I think this at least approximates the heart of the book. All real consolation comes from the hope of the gospel we love. All disobedience reveals an absence or deficiency of love for the gospel.

[Jon Sheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read for the length. Air tight beginning to end.

[Callie Lindstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Biblical Teaching

In light of the controversies faced in this world, this book provides good scriptural examples of how to deal with spiritual foes.

[Deax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Jamie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A precious, precious book full of meaty truths for trying times.

[Owen Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underrated and almost forgotten gem of the reformation.

[Uhhmainduhmeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.