John McNeil, Ph.D.: "History and Character of Calvinism." Ch. 8--The Ins...

8. The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 119-128. One reads of Calvin’s wanderings as an exile as persecutions are arising for Bible-men in France. The first edition, March 1536, was written for two purposes: first, as a plea to King Francis 1 in defense of believers and, secondly, as an instructional aid to those with whom he was increasingly associated. These persecuted believers were “faithful and saintly persons” and “holy martyrs” (120). Apparently, Francis 1 was fickle and Calvin thought he might persuade Francis to accept the Biblical faith, “the evangelical teaching,” “our doctrine” (122). Calvin is outside the French jurisdiction and runs through Metz, Strasbourg and Basel. Calvin repudiates the imputation that they allege themselves to be a new church, a standard charge. Various editions: 1536, 1538, 1539, 1541, 1543, 1545, 1550, 1553, 1554 and 1559. The last had four books: God the Creator, God the Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit, and the Church. In the refinements, the purpose was developed: it was designed for theological students reading the Bible. Richard Hooker (1553-1600) noted about English theologians: “…the perfectest divines were judged they who were skillfulest in Calvin’s writings…almost the canon to judge both doctrine and discipline” (Ecclesiastical Polity, 1.158). On the other hand, Calvin is the man that red-faced Imp, Laud, loved to hate, a theologian whom he could never rival. As for Laud (and many modern Anglicans in America), malice and envy rode the dumb ass of pride (ass used in the KJV sense). Calvin’s Institutes helped to shape Western theology including the Church of England in the days when the light shon on that nation. This is a refreshing review and another reread is ordered up.