Title: John Calvin's Writings - Letter 25 John Calvin to Sir William Cecil
Author: John Calvin
Language: English

Secretary to the Queen of England.

For writing to you familiarly, most accomplished man, I shall not make a long apology, although
I am personally unknown to you. Relying on the testimony of some pious persons, who have
declared to me your generosity of heart, I trust that you will be disposed to receive my letter with
pleasure; especially when you shall discover from the perusal my intention in writing. Since the
awful darkness which had almost stupefied the minds of pious men is dispersed, and the clear
light has suddenly shone forth beyond all hope, it is reported that you, possessing distinguished
favor with her majesty the queen, have endeavored diligently to remove the profligate
superstitions of Popery, which had accumulated through four years in England, so that the
sincere doctrines of the gospel, and the pure and entire worship of God, again flourish. I have
now therefore to exhort you freely and openly to commence your warfare for Christ. This one
thing however remains, that what you do, you should proceed to do with the greatest activity and
most invincible constancy.

Your holy labors should neither be broken by any troubles, difficulties, contests or terrors, nor
even in the least degree retarded. I doubt not, indeed, but that obstacles sometimes encounter
you; although dangers rise full before your eyes, which would dishearten the most resolute,
unless God should sustain them by the most wonderful power of his Spirit. This is the cause, for
the defense of which it is not lawful for us to decline the most arduous labors. During the time
that the public place of execution was appropriated for burning the children of God, you yourself
remained silent among others. At least then, since greater liberty is restored by the singular and
incredible favor of God, it becomes you to take courage; and if you was, during that period, too
timid, you may now compensate that loss by the ardor of your zeal. I know very well that a
preposterous haste is injurious; and that many retard their progress by an inconsiderate, and
precipitate zeal, with which they would leap in a moment to the end of their race. But on the
other hand, it is faithfully to be considered, that to maintain the whole truth and pure devotion of
the gospel, is the work which God assigns us, and which must not be slothfully undertaken. From
the present state of things, you are better able to judge, what steps are proper to be pursued, and
what degree of moderation is to be exercised.

But you will remember, that all delay, with however specious colors it may be covered, ought to
excite your suspicion. One fear, I conjecture, is from popular tumults, since among the nobles
there are many who would kindle up the fire of sedition; and if the English become tumultuous
among themselves, their neighbors are at hand, who anxiously watch for whatever opportunity
may offer for their purpose. But as her most serene majesty has been wonderfully raised to the
throne, by the hand of God, she cannot otherwise prove her gratitude, than by shaking off all
delays by her prompt alacrity, and surmounting all impediments by her magnanimity.

Since it can hardly be otherwise, but that, in the present turbulent and confused state of things,
her attention should be suspended among important affairs, her mind perplexed and sometimes
wavering; I have ventured to exhort her, that, having entered the right course, she should
persevere with constancy. Whether I have done this prudently or not, let others judge. If, by your
endeavors, my admonition produces the desired effect, I shall not repent of having given her that
counsel. Consider also, most illustrious sir, that God has placed you in that degree of favor and
dignity which you hold, that you might be wholly attentive to this concern, and stretch every
nerve to the accomplishment of this work. And lest slothfulness by any means creep upon you,
let it now and then come into your mind of what great moment are these two things: First, in
what manner that religion, which was miserably fallen away; that doctrine of salvation, which
was adulterated by abominable falsehoods; that worship of God, which was polluted with
defilements, may recover their luster, and the Church be cleansed from this abomination?
Secondly, how the children of God among you may be free to invoke his name in sincerity; and
how those who are dispersed may be again collected? Farewell, most excellent man, sincerely
respected by me. May the Lord guide you by his Spirit, protect and enrich you with all good
gifts.

JOHN CALVIN.

Geneva, January 29, 1559.
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