Tracts & Letters (Vol 6) - Calvin - VIII - Letters CCCCXXXVI to CCCCLI

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

My summary
Today we read letters from 1556 and 1557 addressed to the Elders and Deacons of the French church of Frankfort, the French church of Frankfort, John Clauburger, Bullinger, Rodolph Gualter, Viret, the Seigneurs of Geneva, Melanchthon, Justus Jonas, the Ambassadors of the Ligues and the French church of Antwerp.

The issues discussed included:
(i) divisions at the church in Frankfort;
(ii) fugitive Libertins;
(iii) Melanchthon's lack of clarity on the Supper;
(iv) the poor relationship between Geneva and Berne;
(v) the adultery of Calvin's sister in law.

What grabbed me
It was interesting to read Calvin's slight rebuke to the church in Frankfort for calling a minister from another church that needed him: 'When I first heard the news of the election you have made, I was sorry for one circumstance only, which is that you have paid no respect to the present necessities of the church of Wezel, at least if you were aware of them. For you know that each church should not consult its own interests so exclusively as to pay no attention to those of others. What is more, in withdrawing our brother Master Francis from Wezel, while matters are in such disorder there, you would have done a wrong not only to the small flock which is assembled in that place, but to the whole of Christendom. For if he had departed, or if even now he should depart from there, without having waited for the issue which God will be pleased to give to the cause for which he is struggling, he would inflict on it a more dangerous wound than you imagine. But I am convinced that you were unacquainted with his position when you elected him, and that since that time you have not been immoderately warm in your demonstrations towards him. For my part, I should never advise him to stir before having gained the cause for which he has combated till now, though he and the little flock should be driven out by force and tyranny.'

Too many churches call a minister with no concern for their brothers and sisters at the church that the minister currently pastors.

Such action shows a lack of concern for the rest of the kingdom of God.

Next week's reading
Read Letters CCCCLII to CCCCLXIX.

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