Tracts & Letters (Vol 4) - Calvin - IX - Letters LXXXIII to XCIV

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

My summary
Today we read letters from 1542 addressed to Oswald Myconius, the Brethren of Lyons, Farel, Viret and Benedict Textor .

The content of today's letters included:
(i) difficulties enforcing church discipline in Geneva;
(ii) the Reformation in other parts of Europe;
(iii) warning against a Carmelite monk;
(iv) the death of a friend, Amy Porral;
(v) sickness of Calvin's wife;
(vi) the work of new ministers in Geneva;
(vii) Calvin's literary works;
(viii) disputes with a translator, Castalio;
(ix) the death of Calvin's son.

What grabbed me
I liked reading Calvin's warning to another church about a particular monk: 'Our conscience, however, would not admit of our receiving him immediately, until his pride had been a little abased, that he had learned to trust somewhat more in God, and that he had profited yet farther a little so as to teach faithfully and purely; for he had three things about him which by good right were displeasing to us. First of all, that good persuasion of himself. Secondly, that he was so devoted to the kitchen, that methinks the earth itself would scarce have supplied him, as if God in heaven were not all-sufiicient for the nourishment of his own. Thirdly, he was so ignorant, that we were very much astonished; for in our congregation, where we read a text of St. Paul, which contained beautiful matter of doctrine and copious, and ought to be well known by all who preach in that quarter, because it is the Epistle for the first Sunday in Advent, when it came to his turn, not only did he speak meagerly and sparingly upon it, but he reversed the whole of what Paul said, not intentionally or in malice, as we thought, but in pure stupidity. Other vices we let pass, as worldly vanity and the like, that we may not appear as if we persecuted him in hatred and enmity. What we have now told you is to forearm you, that you may not be imposed on to your hurt. As regards the individual, we pray the Lord that he would give him the spirit of humiliation and of meekness, correcting that lofty and foolish presumption which he has; and above all, that he might know himself such as he really is, so as to get a true sight of himself, for then he will have occasion indeed for self-abasement. In conclusion, very dear brethren, we shall commend you to the holy safeguard of our Lord Jesus, who is the true pastor of all the faithful.'

If you know of a dangerous person, for the sake of Christ's kingdom warn other churches when he leaves yours.

Next week's reading
Read Letters XCV to CVII.

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