September 10, 2011

Tracts & Letters (Vol 4) - Calvin - IV - Letters XXXIII to XLI

Required reading
Tracts and Letters (Volume 4) by John Calvin (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Letters XXXIII to XLI.

My summary
Today we read letters from 1539.  All are addressed to Farel except one to the church in Geneva.

The subjects of today's letters included:
(i) relationships between Protestants and the authorities;
(ii) Melancthon and his teachings;
(iii) Calvin's plans for marriage;
(iv) counsel to the Christians in Geneva to obey their ministers;
(v) the sale of Calvin's books and other monetary concerns;
(vi) Calvin's response to Cardinal Sadolet;
(vii) Caroli - a repentant Roman Catholic who actually triggered a strong disagreement between Calvin and Farel over his acceptance back into the Protestant church.

What grabbed me
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Calvin's marriage plans. 

Particularly what he looked for in a wife: 'But always keep in mind what I seek to find in her ; for I am none of those insane lovers who embrace also the vices of those they are in love with, where they are smitten at first sight with a fine figure. This only is the beauty which allures me, if she is chaste, if not too nice or fastidious, if economical, if patient, if there is hope that she will be interested about my health...'

Most interesting reading!

Next week's reading
R
ead Letters XLI
I to L.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

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