Tracts & Letters (Vol 6) - Calvin - VI - Letters CCCCV to CCCCXVII

Required reading
Tracts and Letters (Volume 6) by John Calvin (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Letters CCCCV to CCCCXVII.

My summary
Today we read letters from 1555 addressed to Bullinger, the Seigneurs of Berne, Farel, Viret, Peter Martyr, Melanchthon, the Five Prisoners at Chambery, the Brethren of Poitiers, the Brethren of Angers, the Brethren of Loudun.

A significant portion of today's reading was taken up with reports of the violent rebellions in Geneva. 

However we also heard about:
(i) the ongoing tensions between Berne and Geneva;
(ii) persecuted ministers;
(iii) Melanchthon's refusal to take a definite position on the sacrament;
(iv) the advance of the gospel in Roman Catholic areas.

What grabbed me
Today we read an interesting account of what happened during one of the Genevan riots: 'There was now in arms a numerous body of villains. One cry was every where heard — The Frenchmen must be massacred — the city has been betrayed by them. But the Lord in a wonderful manner watching over his wretched exiles, partly threw them into so deep a sleep that, during these horrid outcries, they were tranquilly reposing in their beds ; partly strengthened their hearts so that they were not dismayed by the threats nor fears of danger. What is certain none of them stirred out of the house. And by this single miraculous interference of God, the rage of the ungodly was defeated because no one presented himself to the conflict.'

A wonderful testimony to God's amazing protection of his people.

Next week's reading
Read Letters CCCCXVIII to CCCCXXXV.

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