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pagated by the Socini, are, however, rejected by the modern Unitarians.
CALVINISTS.
John Calvin, or Cauvin, after Luther, the most eminent of the religious reformers, was born at Noyon, in Picardy, 1509. He was educated for the Romish Church, in which he officiated a short time as curate, when he resigned his living, and attached himself to the profession of the law. He continued the study of divinity, however, and in his twenty-third year, having gone to Paris, he abandoned every secular pursuit, and consecrated himself to the service of God. Being accused of heresy, he was obliged to leave the kingdom, and saved himself from persecution by retiring to Basil in Switzerland.
In 1536, he was appointed professor of divinity in Geneva. It was here he laboured so zealously in establishing the Reformation, and succeeded in causing the senate and people openly to abjure the Church of Rome, and swear to a summary of doctrine and discipline, which recognized the Presbyterian form of church government.
The death of Servetus is a deep and lasting stain on the character of this eminent reformer. While vindicating the liberty of conscience, he so far forgot his own principles, and the behests of the gospel, as to consign to the flames the unfortunate Socinian.
Calvin's writings are very numerous, his principal work being "The Christian Institute." He died at Geneva, 24th May, 1564.
The Calvinist adheres to the doctrines which Calvin promulgated at Geneva. These, which are termed the five points, are Predestination, Original Sin, Particular Redemption, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints. The most prominent feature of this system is the election of some, and the reprobation of others, from all eterinity. The Assembly's Catechism, the Westminister Confession of Faith, and Calvin's Institutes, contain a just account of the religious opinions of this body of Christians.
Calvinists form no particular distinct society, but are found among various denominations of Christians, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Independents. It is the creed of the Established Church of Scotland, and of the Seceders; the doctrine of the thirty-nine articles of the Church of England; it is also acknowledged by the Dutch legalized churches; and by the generality of the Presbyterians in America.
ARMINIANS.
The Arminian favours the tenets of Arminius, an eminent
