riches and honour. Calvin having been instructed in the true religion by one of his relations, named Pierre Robert Olivetan,* and having carefully perused the scriptures, began to be disgusted with the doctrines of the church of Rome, and resolved to renounce her communion. Thus, either to comply with his father's wishes, or his own inclinations, he quitted the study of theology, for that of the law, and removed to Orleans, where he made such progress in that science under Pierre de l'Etoile, † the most celebrated of all the French civilians, that he was considered rather a master than a scholar. In the absence of the professors, he frequently supplied their place, and acquired so much esteem in the university, that they offered to present him with a doctor's degree.

This period of the life of Calvin, illustrates strikingly the importance of early habits of application, as laying the foundation for future eminence and usefulness. Without entering upon the unprofitable question whether originality of mind be intuitive or acquired, it will certainly be more useful to remember, that all the illustrious instances of superior powers,

*Author of a French translation of the Bible, printed at Neuf Chatel.

+ Pierre de l'Etoile was afterwards president of the parliament of Paris.

have been as remarkable for early industry and extensive acquirements, as they were eminent for distinguished rank in the literary world. Milton, Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, Boyle, Bacon, Addison, and Johnson, are characters highly illustrative of this remark. What they would have been, independently of their severe application and rich acquirements, we are not capable of conceiving; but that they would have occupied a much lower station in the republic of letters is absolutely certain. The importance of literature to the cause of christianity is, perhaps, greater than some of its sincerest friends are willing to admit.* It is true, indeed, that in the first promulgation of the gospel, it triumphed gloriously over the learning and the prejudices of its opposers, but it

* "All persons in every age and nation competent to read the best classics with facility and intelligence, have unanimously considered an acquaintance with them as highly conducive, if not absolutely necessary to the formation of a just taste and habit in composition, to the complete knowledge of the human character, to the most advantageous study of the holy scriptures, and to the due appreciation of the glorious gospel. The apostate emperor, that bitter and subtle enemy of our faith, calculated judiciously on the tendency of his machinations, when he forbade the Christians to teach in their schools, the heathen poets, moralists and historians. It would be well if all modern friends of the Gospel, were as perspicacious as Julian was, in discerning the connection of ancient learning and the great cause of revealed truth."

Vide Eclectic Review for March 1807.

will be allowed that it was then accompanied with influences which have since been withdrawn; and that in many subsequent periods, it has been illustrated and enforced by the genius and eloquence of many of its abettors. Nor is learning less indebted to pure christianity: this might easily be shewn by a comparative view of its state before and after the Reformation, upon which the learning and piety of Calvin had evidently so happy and decided an influence.

In the midst of his various employments, our reformer was a diligent student of the holy scriptures, and obtained so clear an insight into their meaning, that many persons whom GoD had inspired with a desire to be instructed in the true religion, applied to him for information, and were equally impressed with his zeal and his knowledge. He was at this time so diligent a student, that after having supped lightly, he continued reading until midnight, and in the morning was employed while in bed, in reviewing what he had read the night before. There is no doubt but that these late studies contributed to his extensive erudition, and his remarkable memory; but they also materially injured his health, and brought on that weakness of stomach with which he was afflicted all his life, and which at length shortened his days.

André Alciat, one of the most celebrated civilians of his age, having rendered famous l'Academie de Bourges, Calvin wished to attend his lectures. During his residence there, he formed an intimate friendship with Melchior Wolmar, professor of Greek; a man of considerable merit, and an excellent tutor; who taught Calvin Greek, an obligation which he acknowledged, by dedicating to him his Commentary on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians.

With his laborious studies he associated an incessant perusal of the scriptures, and sometimes preached in a small town in Berri, named Lignéres, with the consent, and frequently before, the seigneur of that department.

His father dying while he was at Bourges, he was obliged to abandon the study of the law, and to return to Noyon. At Paris, which he visited shortly afterwards, he published his Commentary on Seneca's Book on Clemency, an author, the purity of whose sentiments were in perfect unison with the morals of Calvin; and whom he always read with pleasure. He was then only twenty-four years of age; but, notwithstanding his youth, he became soon known and esteemed by those who were devoted to true religion. Amongst the persons with whom

D

he formed an acquaintance at this period, was a merchant, who was afterwards burned for his attachment to the gospel, named Estienne de la Forge, of whom he frequently spoke with com mendation. Of this person he makes mention in his fourth chapter of the book which he wrote against the libertines.

During his residence at Paris, renouncing the pursuit of all other sciences, he consecrated himself to theology and to GOD; to the inexpressible satisfaction of the reformed, who secretly held their assemblies there.

No sooner had he formed this design, than an occasion offered for the display of his zeal. Nicolas Cop, rector of 'l'Academie de Paris,* having on a public occasion spoken freely against public errors in religion, and given offence to the parliament, was summoned to appear at court. On his journey he was informed that he would be imprisoned. He consequently returned immediately, and quitting the kingdom, retired to Basil.

Calvin, being an intimate friend of Cop, was obliged also to take flight. After his departure, Marin, the bailiff, one of the most cruel

* Son of William Cop, physician to the king, born at Basil.