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Letters of John Calvin, Volume I

Jean Calvin · c. 1540s–1564 (letters collected here; selection dating over Calvin’s lifetime; compiled in the 16th c. by Beza/Jonvillers) primary

passage 179 of 354 · LETTER PAGE > part of our lesser, great, and general councils, (which hereupon (19/20)

in brief
Calvin reflects on providence in the Reformation, urges dependence on God amid uncertainty, and says he is alarmed by increasing security despite new offenses, including the “double marriage” affair.

When we weigh and consider carefully the whole course and progress of this work of Reformation, we shall find that himself had overruled, by wonderful methods, all the events in providence, without the advice or help of man, even contrary to all expectation. Upon this strength, therefore, which he has so often put forth in our behalf, let us, in the midst of so much perplexity, place our whole and entire dependence. There is one thing which alarms me, that I see so great security prevails in the midst of us. And that, indeed, not only alarms me, but it is altogether overwhelming, when we see new causes of offence daily arising, such as that sad affair of the double marriage:[255] nevertheless, I am not cast down on that account.

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topics: fortune and the turn of the wheel · greed and the love of money · providence and divine governance

Letters of John Calvin, Volume I · Jean Calvin · 1540–1564