Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 37:1 (Fall 1974)
Article: John Calvin, The Duke Of Somerset, And The King Of England
Author: Mark A. Noll

WTJ 37:1 (Fall 1974) p. 1

John Calvin, The Duke Of Somerset, And The King Of England

Mark A. Noll

Introduction

John Calvin’s concern for the Reformation in England J was extensive and deep. Besides providing a haven in Geneva for many Englishmen on an individual basis in the pre-Marian days and for groups during the Marian reaction, he also took a lively interest in the course of reform in England. Nor did this interest fail to bear fruit. In 1551 Pierre Viret reported in a letter to William Farel:

Calvin has received many letters full of kindness from many English notables. All testify that they certainly enjoy his skill and his works. They are encouraged as often as he writes.1

When Viret made this report, Calvin’s writings addressed to England had been directed exclusively to the young King Edward VI and to his uncle, Edward Seymour, later Earl of Hertford, and under Edward VI the Duke of Somerset and Protector of the English throne. The letters and dedications sent from Calvin to Edward VI and his Protector are instructive in a number of ways: (1) They puncture remorselessly that often discredited but stubbornly persistent image of Calvin as “the Pope of Geneva” who “sent out missionary pastors and circular letters … received as encyclicals.”2 (2) By revealing what steps Calvin thought it desirable for the English church to take in reforming

WTJ 37:1 (Fall 1974) p. 2

itself, these writings help to identify major elements of what may validly be called Calvinism. The chasm between Calvin’s own actions and the slanders and claims ascribed to “Calvinism” is an intellectual disgrace which can be at least partially corrected by reference to his relationship with the English King and Protector. (3) These writings reveal the basic compatibility of Calvin’s reforming thought and that of main-stream English Protestantism; they show the kind of influence which Calvin had on the Edwardian Reformation but also the substantial integrity of the English Reformation. (4) Finally, Calvin’s appeals to King and Protector go far to construct a model for the kind of counsel which a religious leader may profitably offer a secular ruler.

Somerset

If there is any validity in speaking of the “Calvinistic” character of the English Reformation under Edward VI, that validity must rest in large measure upon the link forged by Calvin between himself and the Protector of England, the Duke of Somerset. For it is important to remember that, as F. M. Powicke reminds us, “in all that was done [under Edward] the initiative was taken by the Protector and his colleagues in the Council of regency.”You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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