John Calvin: The Organizer of Reformed Protestantism, 1509-64

“Whether friend, disciple, or foe,” writes Walker, “none could fail to recognise Calvin’s transcendent ability. He might be slandered, the worst of motives might be imputed to him by traducers, but none who knew him could doubt his devotion to his cause. With all his frequent arrogance towards men, Calvin’s spirit was humble towards God. To do and to teach His will was undoubtedly his prime intention; and if Calvin too often identified the divine purpose with his own wishes the error does not detract from the sincerity of his consecration. He submitted to his long bodily enfeeblement as from the wise hand of God. In the crises of his life, his conversion, his first settlement in Geneva, and in his return to the difficult ministry in that turbulent city, he sacrificed ease, scholarly honours, and personal inclination to what he deemed the imperative voice of God. He put God first. In the strength of the conviction that God had chosen his task, he fought his battles and did his work. It is this crowning trait that was expressed in the declaration of the Genevan Little Council, standing under the shadow of his recent death: “God gave him a character of great majesty,”—and that must ever, remain Calvin’s highest claim to personal regard.” 


This classic biography includes the following chapters: 


I. Calvin’s Spiritual Antecedents 

II. Childhood and Early School Days 

III. Uncertainty as to His Work in Life 

IV. Religious Development and Conversion 

V. Flight for Safety in Concealment and Voluntary Exile 

VI. The “Institutes,” Italy, and Arrival in Geneva 

VII. Geneva Till Calvin’s Coming 

VIII. Calvin’s Early Work at Geneva 

IX. Calvin in Strassburg 

X. Calvin Returns to Geneva.-Its Ecclesiastical Constitution 

XI. Struggles and Conflicts 

XII. The Tragedy of Servetus.-Clavin’s Victory Over Opponents, 1553-1557 

XIII. Calvin Crowns His Genevan Work, 1559 

XIV. Calvin’s Influence Outside of Geneva 

XV. Calvin’s Theology 

XVI. Calvin’s Last Days.-His Personal Traits and Character