Schaff - History of the Christian Church Vol. 8 - Media Sabda Org

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world, and constitute his noblest monument. The slanderous charges of
Bolsec, though feebly re-echoed by Audin, are no longer believed. All
impartial writers admit the purity and integrity, if not the sanctity, of his
character, and his absolute freedom from love of gain and notoriety. One of
the most eminent skeptical historians of France goes so far as to pronounce
him “the most Christian man” of his age. Few of the great luminaries of the
Church of God have called forth such tributes of admiration and praise
from able and competent judges.
The following selection of testimonies may be regarded as a fair index of
the influence which this extraordinary man has exerted from his humble
study in “the little corner” on the south-western border of Switzerland
upon men of different ages, nationalities, and creeds, down to the present
time.
TRIBUTES OF CONTEMPORARIES (SIXTEENTH CENTURY).
Martin Luther (1483–1546).
From a letter to Bucer, Oct. 14, 1539.
“Present my respectful greetings to Sturm and Calvin (then at
Strassburg], whose books I have perused with singular pleasure
(quorum libellos singulari cum voluptate legi).”
Martin Bucer (1491–1551).
“Calvin is a truly learned and singularly eloquent man (vere doctus
mireque Facundus vir), an illustrious restorer of a purer
Christianity (purioris Christianismi instaurator eximius).”
Theodore Beza (1519–1605).
From his Vita Calvini (Latin) at the Close (Opera, XXI. 172).
“I have been a witness of Calvin’s life for sixteen years, and I think
I am fully entitled to say that in this man there was exhibited to all a
most beautiful example of the life and death of the Christian (longe
pulcherrimum vere christianae tum vita tum mortis exemplum),
which it will be as easy to calumniate as it will be difficult to
emulate.”