CHURCH HISTORY

Calvin yet had to fight many battles before the opposition was conquered, but he finally succeeded in the strength of his God. Geneva truly became the model city of Protestant Christendom. That life which is from God prevailed; levity and worldliness were overcome. Even strangers who visited the city, had to testify that true piety dominated in Geneva. They declared: “There the Gospel is preached in all the temples and in all the houses, there we hear incessantly sweet psalm singing, there day and night hands are folded and hearts raised up to the living God.”

Social order and welfare also was taken care of in Geneva; begging was not allowed, and the sick were charitably nursed. From the very beginning Calvin also very seriously took into consideration the instruction of the youth. Under his direction the schools were improved and a school was established for the study of Latin. This, however, was not sufficient; Calvin still felt that there was a great need for a college where young men could receive theological training to preach the Gospel in the various congregations which had arisen in France and at other places. Calvin had not fixed his eye upon the congregation at Geneva alone, but he wished nothing so fervently than that the interests of God’s Kingdom might be advanced throughout all Europe.

The college was established and was dedicated by Calvin on the 5th of June, 1559. Calvin took upon himself the theological instruction. From all lands young men came to Geneva to study under Calvin. For many years the college at Geneva was a blessing for the congregations in France and the Netherlands. Although persecution yet raged fiercely in these countries, the work of the Reformation went forward under the blessing of God. More and more the people felt a great need for the Gospel to be preached among them, and while the congregations were not able to provide in this need themselves, they turned to ask for help at Geneva. The young preachers who left the college at Geneva to follow this calling knew very well that they were in danger of being imprisoned or losing their life at the stake, but this did not terrify them. They understood the calling of the Lord, and many of them were faithful unto death.

Calvin encouraged the weak and comforted those that mourned; he carried on much correspondence with various congregations and people in many countries of Europe. His name was known all over. It is no wonder that his strength was soon spent under so much labor. His constitution had always been weak, but during the last years of his life he suffered continually. However, he continued his labors unremittingly although in weakness and pain. When one of his friends admonished him to rest a little from all his writings and dictating, considering his failing energy, he replied, “Would ye that the Lord, when He comes, should find me idle?” It was in the year 1562 that he became even more sickly and was greatly hindered in the performance of his labors. For weeks and months he was carried to the different meetings which he wished to attend.

On the 6th of February, 1564, as he was expounding the Gospel before the congregation, he began to hemorrhage severely. He had to be taken to his home, and his friends felt that he would soon be taken out of their midst. Cahin also knew that his end was approaching.

On March 27 th, 1564, he was carried to the City Hall where he met with the Council for the last time and thanked the members for all that they had clone for him. This had been his wish. He also asked to be carried to the church at Easter where he partook of the Lord’s Supper, which was administered by his colleague, Theodore de Beza. For the last time he sang with the congregation the Song of Simeon: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word.”

Once again the Council met, but this time in the home of Calvin. Once more he wished to see the members of the governing body and bid farewell to them. He also received the ministers at his bedside and commended the congregation of Geneva to their care. “I know,” he said, “that God will keep and protect His congregation and will make sure of her unto the advancement of His work; yea, I know He will be in her midst.” Calvin’s approaching death was solemnly regarded by all. It seemed as though they were losing a father, and sorrow filled many hearts.

Notwithstanding his old age, Farel also had come to Geneva to bid farewell to his dying friend. On the 19th of May the ministers held their usual meeting, at the close of which a meal was served to them. They again gathered at the home of Calvin. He asked to be carried to the table, and tried with difficulty to partake of some of the food, but he soon had to return to his bed. “It is nothing,” he said, “I shall still be with you in spirit.” He suffered much in his weak body, and often he was overheard saying: “Lord, how long yet?” At another time he said: “Thou shattereth me, Lord, but it is good that is Thy hand.” During the last eight days he was more quiet; they often noticed that he was in prayer. His remaining strength was diminishing daily, and towards the evening of the 27th of May he entered into the eternal rest.

A great multitude of friends followed the remains of his body to the place of burial. At the time of his death he was fifty-four years old. Geneva was filled with sorrow. His funeral was simple, without any demonstrations, and his grave was left unmarked, as he had expressly desired, and cannot be found. Calvin did not need any signs of greatness in stone or granite. His works are his monuments, and these works will be published and studied as long as this and coming generations cling to the eternal truths of God’s Holy Word, and as long as there is a Church militant here on earth.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” — Rev. 14:13.

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen