The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 168

The European Union in Prophecy
and application soon made him the pride of the college, and it was confidently
anticipated that John Calvin would become one of the ablest and most honoured
defenders of the church. But a ray of divine light penetrated even within the walls of
scholasticism and superstition by which Calvin was enclosed. He heard of the new
doctrines with a shudder, nothing doubting that the heretics deserved the fire to
which they were given. Yet all unwittingly he was brought face to face with the heresy
and forced to test the power of Romish theology to combat the Protestant teaching.
A cousin of Calvin's, who had joined the Reformers, was in Paris. The two
kinsmen often met and discussed together the matters that were disturbing
Christendom. "There are but two religions in the world," said Olivetan, the Protestant.
"The one class of religions are those which men have invented, in all of which man
saves himself by ceremonies and good works; the other is that one religion which is
revealed in the Bible, and which teaches man to look for salvation solely from the free
grace of God."
"I will have none of your new doctrines," exclaimed Calvin; "think you that I
have lived in error all my days?" --Wylie, b. 13, ch. 7.
But thoughts had been
awakened in his mind which he could not banish at will. Alone in his chamber he
pondered upon his cousin's words. Conviction of sin fastened upon him; he saw himself,
without an intercessor, in the presence of a holy and just Judge. The mediation of
saints, good works, the ceremonies of the church, all were powerless to atone for sin.
He could see before him nothing but the blackness of eternal despair. In vain the
doctors of the church endeavoured to relieve his woe. Confession, penance, were
resorted to in vain; they could not reconcile the soul with God.
While still engaged in these fruitless struggles, Calvin, chancing one day to visit
one of the public squares, witnessed there the burning of a heretic. He was filled with
wonder at the expression of peace which rested upon the martyr's countenance. Amid
the tortures of that dreadful death, and under the more terrible condemnation of the
church, he manifested a faith and courage which the young student painfully
contrasted with his own despair and darkness, while living in strictest obedience to
the church. Upon the Bible, he knew, the heretics rested their faith. He determined
to study it, and discover, if he could, the secret of their joy.
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