John Calvin (1520-1567AD)

 John Calvin

Engraved by H. Robinson from the original oil painting in the University
Library of Geneva.
It is considered the best likeness.

French Protestant Reformer of Geneva

John Calvin was, first of all, a theologian. He easily takes the lead among the systematic expounders of the Reformed system of Christian doctrine. He is scarcely inferior to Augustin among the fathers, or Thomas Aquinas among the schoolmen, and more methodical and symmetrical than either. Melanchthon, himself the prince of Lutheran divines and “the Preceptor of Germany,” called him emphatically “the Theologian.”

Calvin's theology is based upon a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He was the ablest exegete among the Reformers, and his commentaries rank among the very best of ancient and modern times. His theology, therefore, is biblical rather than scholastic, and has all the freshness of enthusiastic devotion to the truths of God’s Word. At the same time he was a consummate logician and dialectician. He had a rare power of clear, strong, convincing statement. He built up a body of doctrines which is called after him, and which obtained symbolical authority through some of the leading Reformed Confessions of Faith.
[from "History of the Christian Church" by Philip Schaff, D.D. LL. D.]

Institutes of the Christian Religion. by John Calvin (Beveridge edition 1845AD)

 

John Calvin 

Engraved by Thos. A. Woolnoth from a print by Cornelis Dankertz.

 

1. The Life of John Calvin (269k) by Theodore Beza (Beveridge edition 1844AD) pdf (335k) docx (97k)

2. John Calvin. (434k) by William Cunningham D.D.(1862ad) pdf (251k) docx (89k)

3. Conversion of John Calvin. (101k) by Prof. F. Wendel (1972 edition). pdf (40k) docx (30k)

4. French Confession of Faith (179k) by John Calvin (1559AD) pdf (122k) docx (48k)

5. The Need of Scripture.... (198k) by John Calvin from his "Institutes of the Christian Religion" pdf (114k) docx (52k)

6. Calvin & Servetus (248k) by Philip Schaff from his History of Christianity (1893AD edition) pdf (276k)  docx (90k)

7. Calvin's Prefatory Address to his Institutes (152k) translated by H. Beveridge (1953AD) pdf (124k) docx (53k)

8. A sermon on 1 Timothy 3:16. (140k) American edition, 1829AD. pdf (51k) docx (36k)

9. A sermon on 2 Timothy 1:8-9. (129k) American edition, 1829AD. pdf (48k) docx (36k)

10. A sermon on 2 Timothy 1:9-10. (132k) American edition, 1829AD. pdf (90k) docx (38k)

PDF BOOK (1.2mb) CALVIN,HIS LIFE, LABOURS, AND WRITINGS by Félix Bungener. Translated from the French.1863AD. DOCX (457k)

PDF BOOK (4.5mb) Rise and Establishment of Protestantism in Geneva. (in 30 chapters.)  from James A. Wylie's "The History of Protestantism" volume 2,  book 14.

PDF BOOK (1mb) Calvin and Servetus: The Reformer's share in the trial of Michael Servetus, historically ascertained,  (in 7 chapters.)  by Albert Rilliet (Geneva), translated from the French by Rev. W. K. Tweedie.

PDF BOOK (424k) "The Necessity of Reforming the Church." An exhortation presented to the Imperial Diet at Spires, 1544 A.D.

PDF BOOK (200k) "The Sinfulness of Outward Conformity to Romish Rites.."A letter to a Protestant friend living under the tyranny of the Papacy. 1537 A.D.


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