was admitted as a preacher. His pulpit eloquence, and his lectures as professor of philosophy and divinity, at Berne, Brixia, Venice, Mantua, Lucca, and other cities procured him distinguished reputation. When nearly thirty years of age, the writings of Zuingle and Bucer effectually wrought upon his mind, and the impression was strengthened by his intercourse with Valdes a famous Italian disciple, who extirpated the confidence of Martyr in the papal infallibility, so that he began privately to inculcate the Protestant doctrines. But the renovation of so prominent a character as Peter Martyr could not be concealed; and it was unsafe for him to continue in Italy. He therefore removed to Zurich; then he visited Basil; and finally settled in Strasburg, where he married a Nun who like himself had escaped from the superstitions and impurity of conventual life,

While residing at Strasburg, Cranmer invited him to England; and Edward VI. appointed him Professor of Divinity at Oxford in 1549. The Papists resolutely opposed his lectures, but his zeal vanquished all opposition. The accession of Mary to the throne rendering it impossible for him to remain in England, he retired to Strasburg; and thence was removed to Zurich, where during seven years, his labours were exceedingly popular and advantageous. He was invited to Geneva; and after Mary's death, Jewel earnestly solicited him to return to England; but he refused all their offers, and remained at Zurich with undiminished popu

larity until he heard his Master's message calling him to his reward. During his residence at Oxford, his wife had been separated from him by death; and such was the virulence of the Papists, that her bones were dug up, and buried again in contempt. Martyr was renowned for his acumen and skill in controversy; and his pre-eminent qualifications as a disputant were not less dreaded by the Papists than admired by all the Reformed churches. He was a sincere and zealous Reformer, and humble amid his greatest triumphs over superstition and error. One of his most famous works is entitled “Defence of the Orthodox doctrine of the Lord's Supper," against Gardiner. It has been remarked, that Martyr was a "man who should never be named without the highest respect and honour." He continued to reside at Zurich until his death in 1562; when he was called to sing the triumphs of Immanuel, around the throne of Jesus in the glory everlasting.

WOLFGANG MUSCULUS.

WOLFGANG MUSCULUS was born at Dieuze in 1497. His parents were so poor, that they could give him no education, and his living was obtained by going from house to house singing, and accepting for his music any thing which was presented. His talents however induced a convent of Monks to offer him admission into their order. He accepted their invitation, and was so indefatigable a student, and made such rapid progress, that he was soon chosen a preacher. He was one of the earliest adherents of Luther and his principles; for his name is recorded among the zealous propagators of the Gospel in the year 1518. He continued to itinerate, as persecution forced him, until 1527, when he found safety at Strasburg. There he was married; but as he had no regular provision for his maintenance, his wife became a domestic servant, and he worked as a weaver. Thus was exhibited the remarkable fact, a Preacher of the highest order in genius and erudition exerting a vast influence and acquiring sterling and deathless renown by his preaching on the Lord's day, and labouring like Paul all the week with his own hands in the meanest employ, for the indispensable necessaries of life. From Strasburg he removed to Augsburg in 1531, and so powerful was his eloquence, that after some time all the Roman Priests and Monks were

expelled from that city. In 1548, Charles V. recaptured Augsburg, and restored the Pope's power; upon which Musculus retired to Switzerland, and the citizens of Berne appointed him professor of Divinity in their college. Musculus knew nothing of Greek until he was thirty-two years old, and nothing of Hebrew until he had arrived to his fortieth year; and yet such was his application combined with aptitude and genius, that in learning he attained the very highest rank among his contemporaries, and his skill in disputation produced the most important results at the ecclesiastical conferences which he attended. He closed his labours and his life at Berne, the thirtieth day of August 1563.

WOLFGANG MUSCULUS,
A Divine of Lorrain,
Professor of Theology

In the College at Berne.
He died at Berne,

In the year 1563,
Aged 66.

JOHN CALVIN.

JOHN CALVIN was born at Noyon in Picardy on the tenth of July 1509. When about twenty years of age he resigned his ecclesiastical benefice, and through his zeal in defending the Reformation against the Doctors of the Sorbonne he was obliged to fly from Paris, and escaped to Basil. There he wrote his Institutes, and surprised the world by his celebrated appeal to Francis I. on behalf of the Huguenots. In 1536, by the solicitation of Farel, he was appointed Minister and Professor of Divinity at Geneva. But his pungent admonitions against the vices of the persons in power drew upon him their indignation, and he was banished from that city. He removed to Strasburg, and accompanied Bucer to the ecclesiastical conferences at Worms and Ratisbon. He was recalled to Geneva in 1541; and from that period continued zealously to exercise his superior learning and extensive talents in the propagation of divine truth and the principles of the Reformed churches.

No higher proof of Calvin's philanthropy can be mentioned than the fact, that notwithstanding his high reputation and authority at Geneva, all his property at his death was only his library and 300 crowns. His indefatigable diligence is demonstrated by the nine ponderous volumes which he wrote. Some of his works have never been surpassed, or scarcely equalled.