Letters of John Calvin

by John Calvin

***- THIS TITLE IS OUT OF STOCK IN OUR U.S. OFFICE AND WILL SHIP UPON ARRIVAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.***Calvin wrote to kings and princes, Reformers and friends, nobility and common people alike. His letters reveal a man of deep pastoral concern, consistent and exemplary evangelistic zeal, with a humble sense of the final authority of God and his Word. This selection, chosen from the 19th century translation, contains a number of letters written in connection with the establishment of the Reformation in England, a cross-section of Calvin's correspondence with his closest friends, especially William Farel, and also Luther and Melanchthon. There are also letters of pastoral counsel and encouragement, and perhaps most moving of all, Calvin's exhortations to five young men imprisoned in Lyons, France, awaiting the day of their certain martyrdom.

Genres: Theology, Biography, Church History, Christian

261 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1988

About the author

French-Swiss theologian John Calvin broke with the Roman Catholic Church in 1533 and as Protestant set forth his tenets, known today, in Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536).

The religious doctrines of John Calvin emphasize the omnipotence of God, whose grace alone saves the elect.

* Jehan Cauvin
* Iohannes Calvinus (Latin)
* Jean Calvin (French)

Originally trained as a humanist lawyer around 1530, he went on to serve as a principal figure in the Reformation. He developed the system later called Calvinism.

After tensions provoked a violent uprising, Calvin fled to Basel and published the first edition of his seminal work. In that year of 1536, William Farel invited Calvin to help reform in Geneva. The city council resisted the implementation of ideas of Calvin and Farel and expelled both men. At the invitation of Martin Bucer, Calvin proceeded to Strasbourg as the minister of refugees. He continued to support the reform movement in Geneva, and people eventually invited him back to lead. Following return, he introduced new forms of government and liturgy. Following an influx of supportive refugees, new elections to the city council forced out opponents of Calvin. Calvin spent his final years, promoting the Reformation in Geneva and throughout Europe.

Calvin tirelessly wrote polemics and apologia. He also exchanged cordial and supportive letters with many reformers, including Philipp Melanchthon and Heinrich Bullinger. In addition, he wrote commentaries on most books of the Bible as well as treatises and confessional documents and regularly gave sermons throughout the week in Geneva. The Augustinian tradition influenced and led Calvin to expound the doctrine of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in salvation.

Calvin's writing and preaching provided the seeds for the branch of Protestantism that bears his name. His views live on chiefly in Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, which have spread throughout the world. Calvin's thought exerted considerable influence over major figures and entire movements, such as Puritanism, and some scholars argue that his ideas contributed to the rise of capitalism, individualism, and representative democracy in the west.

Reviews

[Jack Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Already endeared to his theology, this endeared me all the more to his personality - in no small part because the best letters were consistently the ones written to the Englishmen ☝️🙂‍↕️

[Xenophon · Rating 3 out of 5]

These letters are not Calvin at his deepest or most quotable, but they do serve as a window into who he was as a man and a pastor.

He wrote purposefully, only expounding on theology when and where it was necessary. To every letter, there was a time and a purpose under heaven. That purpose was often comfort in persecution, counsel to political leaders (a lot of it), and providing the occasional admonishment. No matter the context, Calvin had the grand ability to take all his learning and get things down to where the goats feed. He was clear. Almost dry at times.

Banner of Truth's main objective here is to show Calvin's warm side towards his flock. His pastoral heart is evident, but I would describe him as temperate more than anybody else.

Overall, I found the text profitable. These letters are awesome for historical reading and never lacking in depth, but not exceptional as reading for spiritual edification. There are better letters for that purpose in the Reformed/Puritan library.

[Benjamin Ried · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book to see the pastoral side of Calvin that too often gets lost in the theological emphasis.

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's absolutely fascinating to get into the head of a reformer I so admire. Reading his letters to Farel, Melancthon, and the prisoners at Lyons, one sees the human and pastoral sides of Calvin which so are so often denied by his detractors. I can't say that every letter is exactly riveting -- I might say a few are rather boring to read -- but that may actually be a benefit. The reader gets to see something of Calvin's normal life, without imbellishment.

A minister will also find in these letters examples of how Calvin applied the Reformed faith to real-world situations, ranging from small domestic problems to issues of violent persecution. Calvin was certainly no "armchair theologian," and he found much comfort in the doctrines of God's meticulous providence, mercy, and grace.

Linguistically speaking, I'm not qualified to say much about the translation. I don't read french or latin, and so can't make comparisons for accuracy. I can say, however, that the English is a bit awkward at times. A few of the sentences are so long and complex that I had to read them three or four times before I really got the sense of them. Despite that, the book isn't too difficult to read, and actually sounds rather beautiful at times.

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Calvin presents himself in his letters as nothing more than a man, with the same emotions and weaknesses like everyone else. yet it's the same man who had to rise to plenty an occasion, some more grand than others. there is a variety of issues contained in this limited set of letters. this is a book that allows john calvin to introduce himself.

[Landon Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The common view of John Calvin is that he was a cold and calculating individual; harsh, legalistic, and cruel. This little book dispels that false notion. It is made up of a selection of 70 of his letters. In them we get a distinct view of the humanity of John Calvin. His ultimate desire in life was the glory of God and the good of his people. In his letters we get to see his heart poured out in devotion to God, his burden for the Church, his deep care for struggling Christians, and his desire that God would continue the work he began in the reformation. If you’re acquainted with the Theology of Calvin and you want to get to know the man I enthusiastically recommend this book. The only downside is that the translation seems a little dated. There are some archaic words and cumbersome sentences. But if you can handle it, have a go at it. You won’t be disappointed.

[Robert Luff · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I wondered why several of these letters were chosen for this collection -- they were either uncompelling, or they highlighted a strange quirk (not the good kind) of Calvin. But the rest are so encouraging and convicting. Several of these letters are written to those under severe persecution (some to prisoners on death row for their faith in Christ), and I didn't want them to end. Others are written to major political and religious figures of history -- King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth I (the latter by proxy), Luther and Knox, Cranmer and Melanchton. As a child of God by Jesus Christ, this is my family history, and I gladly recommend it to all believers who love their history.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into Calvin. Featuring letters of historical interest to royalty and suchlike, letters of theological articulation, letters of rebuke, letters of encouragement and in all a warm pastoral heart is found.

My favourite quote in a letter to some experiencing affliction:

“Now when He permits his children to be afflicted, there is no doubt but that it is for their good. Thus we are forced to conclude that whatever He orders, is the best thing we could desire.”

[Slade Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows the pastoral heart of calvin for believers. There is encouragement for those under persecution, suffering deaths of loved ones, exhortations to kings, and calls for unity among the brethren. This shows the often neglected aspect of Calvin's ministry in that he shows through his letters a sincere love for believers and a humble servitude to the Lord.

[Matt Waters]

The abridged version is good (or else you have the 6 vols), shows a very different John Calvin that what you may have heard--that he is theological and systematic and comes off as uncaring. Exactly the opposite is the case when you read his letters to his parishioners and those who are his friends, and those with whom he disagrees.

[Dave Carrig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but felt like it could have been better. The footnotes were often vague and because of that some of the letters are read with little or no context. The writings themselves were very good and show that Calvin was as pastoral as he was theological.

[Brian Nicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great glimpse into the life of the reformer from his own hand.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for people who are interested in the life of the great reformer. It contains letters that can encourage and spur readers toward holiness.

[Brandon Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this from a historical perspective and general look at the dude

[Buddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives you good insight into John Calvin the person and how he practiced the theology that he wrote about and taught to others.

[Ben N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that Calvin wasnt right about everything but He sure did love the Lord and was a brilliant mind. This book really captivates His love for the scriptures. Post by Ben DeRaps