John Calvin Becomes a Respected Leader
The year 1534 was decisive for Calvin. From this time forward his
influence became supreme, and all who had accepted the Reformed
doctrines in France turned to him for counsel and instruction,
attracted not only by his power as a teacher, but still more,
perhaps because they saw in him so full a development of the
Christian life according to the evangelical model. Calvin moved to
Basel, Switzerland, where he was welcomed by the band of scholars
and theologians who had conspired to make that city the Athens of
Switzerland.
There Calvin now gave himself to the study of Hebrew. When Calvin
was 28, he moved again, to Geneva. Switzerland, and he stayed in
Geneva, with the exception of a brief trip, for the rest of his
life.
Deeply convinced of the importance of education for the young,
Calvin and his associates were established schools throughout
Geneva, and to enforce on parents the sending of their children to
them; and as he had no faith in education apart from religious
training, he drew up a catechism of Christian doctrine which the
children had to learn while they were receiving secular
instruction.
While staying for a while in Strassburg , Calvin met and married,
in August 1540, Idelette de Bure, the widow of Jean Stordeur of
Liege, whom Calvin had converted from Anabaptism.
In her Calvin found, to use his own words, “the excellent companion
of his life,” a “precious help to him amid his manifold labours and
frequent infirmities.” She died in 1549, to the great grief of her
husband, who never ceased to mourn her loss.
Their only child Jacques, born on the 28th of July 1542, lived only
a few days.
The Last Years of John Calvin
In his later years, Calvin was afflicted with fever, asthma, and
gout. In the early part of the year 1564 his sufferings became so
severe that it was manifest his earthly career was rapidly drawing
to a close. On. the 6th of February, 1564 John Calvin preached his
last sermon, having with great difficulty found breath enough to
carry him through it. He was several times after this carried to
church, but never again was able to take any part in the service.
He refused to receive his stipend, now that he was no longer able
to discharge the duties of his office. In the midst of his
sufferings, however, his zeal and energy kept him in continual
occupation, as he commented, “Would you that the Lord should find
me idle when He comes?” Calvin had many acquaintances but few close
friends. His private character was in harmony with his public
reputation and position. If somewhat severe and irritable, he was
at the same time scrupulously just, truthful, and steadfast; he
never deserted a friend.
On the 25th of April, 1564, Calvin made his will. He spent much
time in prayer and died quietly, in the arms of his faithful friend
Theodore Beza, on the evening of the 27th of May 1564, in the
fifty-fifth year of his age. The next day he was buried without
pomp in the common cemetery.
