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Pierre Viret

October 15, 2023

Pierre Viret (1509/1510 – 4 April 1571)[1] was a Swiss Reformed theologian, evangelist and Protestant reformer.

Portrait of Viret in Theodore Beza's Icones (1580)

Early life Edit

Pierre Viret was born in 1509 or 1510 in Orbe, then in the Barony of Vaud, now in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.[1] He was the son of Guillaume Viret, a tailor and shearer.[1] After attending school in his hometown, Viret studied at the Collège de Montaigu of the University of Paris, where he came in contact with and converted to the Reformed faith.[1] He returned to Orbe in 1531 to escape the persecutions in Paris.[2]

Preaching Edit

William Farel, a Protestant preacher, called Viret to the ministry when he returned to Orbe. On 6 May 1531, Viret preached his first sermon. His preaching was received with astonishment and acclamation, and many were soon converted to the Reformed Faith, including Viret's parents.[2] He initially preached in Orbe and Grandson, and later in Payerne, Neuchâtel and Geneva[1] before undertaking missionary tours in France, where he preached to crowds of thousands in Paris, Orléans, Avignon, Montauban, and Montpellier. His preaching was sweet and winning, earning him the name of "The Smile of the Reformation."

At one time, he was captured by Catholic forces. Viret was considered one of the most popular French-speaking preachers in the 16th century. Above all he was the reformer of the city of Lausanne, where he converted the local population to the Reformed faith. In his time, Lausanne and Geneva became training grounds for Reformation preachers. Among those who studied in Lausanne was the author of the Belgic Confession, Guy de Brès. While at Lausanne, Viret contributed to the foundation of a school of theology (which would become the University of Lausanne) in 1537, where he worked as a professor.[1] In 1559, along with most of the academic staff, Viret resigned his seat over disagreements with the Bernese authorities and moved to Geneva. He and other relocated professors and students from the Lausanne school soon became the foundation of the Academy of Geneva.[3]

 
Bas relief of Pierre Viret.

In 1561, Viret moved to Southern France, possibly due to health reasons.[1] After serving as a pastor in Nîmes and Montpellier, he was called to Lyon, in 1563, to preside a synod of the Reformed churches of France.[1] According to Melchior Adam, "in Lyon, preaching out in the open, he brought thousands to saving faith in Jesus Christ."[4]

Expelled from the city two years later, in 1567 he accepted an invitation from Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre, to introduce the Reformation to the Béarn.[1] He died in Bellocq or Orthez in 1571.[1]

Legacy Edit

Jean-Marc Berthoud suggests that "if his good friend, John Calvin, was the consummate dogmatician and the prince of exegetes, Pierre Viret must be considered as the finest ethicist and the most acute apologist of the sixteenth century."[4] Robert D. Linder notes that "Viret, unlike Calvin, was ready to extend openly the authority of the Bible over the State."[5] Linder concludes that "Viret deserves a far more prominent place in the story of the Reformation than he has been accorded thus far, especially by historians in the English-speaking world."[6]

Translated works Edit

Viret authored over fifty books,[1] many of which have been translated into English, including:

  • Anchor of the Soul: An Exposition of the Apostles Creed
  • The Catechism of Pierre Viret
  • The Christian and the Magistrate: Roles, Responsibilities, and Jurisdictions
  • Exposition of the Ten Commandments
  • His Glorious Bride
  • Jesus Christ, the Believer's Comfort and Joy
  • Letters of Comfort to the Persecuted Church
  • Marvelous Trinity
  • Simple Exposition of the Christian Faith

Decalogue Commentary Series Edit

  • No Other God
  • Nothing Like God
  • Taking His Name in Vain
  • Remember the Sabbath Day
  • Honor thy Father and Mother
  • Thou Shalt Not Kill: A Plea for Life
  • Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
  • Thou Shalt Not Steal
  • Defend the Truth
  • Thou Shalt Not Covet

References Edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Pierre Viret in German, French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.
  2. ^ a b 'Book V: Struggles of the Reformation, Chapter III: A New Reformer and an Image-Breaker (1531)', in J.H. Merle d'Aubigné (translated by W.L.R. Cates), History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin, 8 volumes (Longmans, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, London 1863-1878), Vol III: France, Switzerland, Geneva (1864), pp. 262-76 at Project Gutenberg. See also reprint, (Sprinkle Publications, Harrisonburg, VA, 2000).
  3. ^ Michael W. Bruening, Calvinism's First Battleground: Conflict and Reform in the Pays de Vaud, 1528-1559 (Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 2005), page 254
  4. ^ a b Berthoud, Jean-Marc. "Pierre Viret and the Total Sovereignty of the Word of God". Chalcedon Foundation. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  5. ^ Robert D. Linder, The Political Ideas of Pierre Viret, Travaux d'Humanisme et Renaissance, Vol. LXIV (Librairie Droz, Geneva 1964), p. 63.
  6. ^ Linder, The Political Ideas of Pierre Viret, p. 179.

Sources Edit

(in order of publication)

  • (Crespin, J.), Procédures Tenues à l'Endroit de Ceux de la Réligion du Pais-Bas (Procedures Held With Regard to those of the Religion of the Netherlands) (Jean Crespin, Geneva 1568)
  • Merle d'Aubigné, J.H. (translated by W.L.R. Cates), History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin, 8 volumes (Longmans, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, London 1863-1878), Vol III: France, Switzerland, Geneva (1864), at pp. 262–76 (Extract at website of Pierre Viret Association)
  • Cart, J., Pierre Viret, le Réformateur Vaudois, Biographie Populaire (Librairie Meyer, Lausanne 1864) (Read at Google)
  • Godet, P., Pierre Viret (F. Payot, Lausanne 1892) (read at Google)
  • Doumergue, E., Lausanne au temps de la Réformation: avec une introduction sur Pierre Viret et Orbe, sa ville natale, et un appendice sur les deux premiers imprimeurs protestants de Lausanne (Georges Bridel et Cie., Lausanne 1903)
  • Barnaud, J., Pierre Viret, Sa Vie et Son Oeuvre (1511-1571) (G. Carayol, Saint-Amans (Tarn) 1911)
  • Schnetzler, C., Vuilleumier, H., and Schroeder, A. (eds), Pierre Viret d'après lui-même : pages extraites des oeuvres du Réformateur à l'occasion du 4e- centenaire de sa naissance (Georges Bridel et Cie., Lausanne 1911)
  • Le Jubilé de Pierre Viret : Lausanne et Orbe : 23–26 octobre 1911 (Eglise Nationale Evangélique Réformée du Canton de Vaud. Commission Synodale, 1911)
  • H. Vuilleumier, Notre Pierre Viret (Payot, Lausanne 1911)
  • Schaff, P., 'Pierre Viret and the Reformation in Lausanne', in History of the Christian Church, 8 Volumes (C. Scribner's Sons, New York 1916-1923), VIII: The Swiss Reformation, 1519-1605, at pp. 250–52 (Extract at website of Pierre Viret Association)
  • Vuilleumier, H., Histoire de l'Eglise Réformée du Pays de Vaud sous Régime Bernois, 4 volumes (Editions la Concorde, Lausanne 1927)
  • Vincent, G., Rhyn, G. and Wüst, P., Pierre Viret, un Vaudois se lève : Quelques traits d'une grande histoire rassemblés pour la jeunesse Vaudoise à l'occasion du Quatrième Centenaire de la Réformation, 1536-1936 (Editions la Concorde, Lausanne 1936).
  • L. Latourette, 'Les dernières années de Pierre Viret (1567-1571)', Revue de Théologie et de Philosophie (Lausanne) New Series Vol. XXVI (1938), pp. 60–68.
  • Linder, R.D., The Political Ideas of Pierre Viret, Travaux d'Humanisme et Renaissance, Vol. LXIV (Librairie Droz, Geneva 1964)
  • Linder, R.D., 'Forgotten reformer', Christian History Magazine, Issue 71, pp. 35–37 (Read at journal website)
  • G. Bavaud, Le Réformateur Pierre Viret (1511-1571), sa Théologie, "Histoire et Société" collection, No. 10 (Labor & Fides, Geneva 1986) (Preview at Google)
  • O. Favre, 'Pierre Viret (1511-1571) et la Discipline Ecclésiastique', (author of M.A. Dissertation 'La discipline ecclésiastique dans la théologie du Réformateur Pierre Viret', Faculty of Reformed Theology, Aix-en-Provence 1993) (Archived at )
  • Troilo, D.-A., 'L'Œuvre de Pierre Viret: Le problème des sources', Bulletin de la Société de l'Histoire du Protestantisme Français (1903-2015) Vol. 144: Octobre–Novembre-Décembre 1998 (Librairie Droz, Geneva), pp. 759–790
  • 'Viret, Pierre', in H.J. Hillebrand (ed.), Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation (Oxford University Press 1996, 2005 online version)
  • Berthoud, J.-M., Pierre Viret: A Forgotten Giant of the Reformation: The Apologetics, Ethics, and Economics of the Bible, (Zurich Publishing, 2010)
  • Sheats, R.A., 'Pierre Viret: The Unknown Reformer', Faith For All Of Life Magazine (Chalcedon, March/April 2011) Read at Chalcedon Magazine: Resources, Magazine pdf
  • Sheats, R.A., Pierre Viret: The Angel of the Reformation, (Zurich Publishing, 2012)
  • Crousaz, K., and Solfaroli Camillocci, D. (eds), Pierre Viret et la Diffusion de la Réforme (Antipodes, Lausanne 2014)

External links Edit

  • Pierre Viret - Suisse hub site, Association Pierre Viret:
    • Bibliography, articles about Pierre Viret
  • Texts at the English language website of the Pierre Viret Association
  • Works by Pierre Viret at Post-Reformation Digital Library

October 15, 2023
pierre, viret, 1509, 1510, april, 1571, swiss, reformed, theologian, evangelist, protestant, reformer, portrait, viret, theodore, beza, icones, 1580, contents, early, life, preaching, legacy, translated, works, decalogue, commentary, series, references, source. Pierre Viret 1509 1510 4 April 1571 1 was a Swiss Reformed theologian evangelist and Protestant reformer Portrait of Viret in Theodore Beza s Icones 1580 Contents 1 Early life 2 Preaching 3 Legacy 4 Translated works 4 1 Decalogue Commentary Series 5 References 6 Sources 7 External linksEarly life EditPierre Viret was born in 1509 or 1510 in Orbe then in the Barony of Vaud now in the canton of Vaud Switzerland 1 He was the son of Guillaume Viret a tailor and shearer 1 After attending school in his hometown Viret studied at the College de Montaigu of the University of Paris where he came in contact with and converted to the Reformed faith 1 He returned to Orbe in 1531 to escape the persecutions in Paris 2 Preaching EditWilliam Farel a Protestant preacher called Viret to the ministry when he returned to Orbe On 6 May 1531 Viret preached his first sermon His preaching was received with astonishment and acclamation and many were soon converted to the Reformed Faith including Viret s parents 2 He initially preached in Orbe and Grandson and later in Payerne Neuchatel and Geneva 1 before undertaking missionary tours in France where he preached to crowds of thousands in Paris Orleans Avignon Montauban and Montpellier His preaching was sweet and winning earning him the name of The Smile of the Reformation At one time he was captured by Catholic forces Viret was considered one of the most popular French speaking preachers in the 16th century Above all he was the reformer of the city of Lausanne where he converted the local population to the Reformed faith In his time Lausanne and Geneva became training grounds for Reformation preachers Among those who studied in Lausanne was the author of the Belgic Confession Guy de Bres While at Lausanne Viret contributed to the foundation of a school of theology which would become the University of Lausanne in 1537 where he worked as a professor 1 In 1559 along with most of the academic staff Viret resigned his seat over disagreements with the Bernese authorities and moved to Geneva He and other relocated professors and students from the Lausanne school soon became the foundation of the Academy of Geneva 3 nbsp Bas relief of Pierre Viret In 1561 Viret moved to Southern France possibly due to health reasons 1 After serving as a pastor in Nimes and Montpellier he was called to Lyon in 1563 to preside a synod of the Reformed churches of France 1 According to Melchior Adam in Lyon preaching out in the open he brought thousands to saving faith in Jesus Christ 4 Expelled from the city two years later in 1567 he accepted an invitation from Jeanne d Albret Queen of Navarre to introduce the Reformation to the Bearn 1 He died in Bellocq or Orthez in 1571 1 Legacy EditJean Marc Berthoud suggests that if his good friend John Calvin was the consummate dogmatician and the prince of exegetes Pierre Viret must be considered as the finest ethicist and the most acute apologist of the sixteenth century 4 Robert D Linder notes that Viret unlike Calvin was ready to extend openly the authority of the Bible over the State 5 Linder concludes that Viret deserves a far more prominent place in the story of the Reformation than he has been accorded thus far especially by historians in the English speaking world 6 Translated works EditViret authored over fifty books 1 many of which have been translated into English including Anchor of the Soul An Exposition of the Apostles Creed The Catechism of Pierre Viret The Christian and the Magistrate Roles Responsibilities and Jurisdictions Exposition of the Ten Commandments His Glorious Bride Jesus Christ the Believer s Comfort and Joy Letters of Comfort to the Persecuted Church Marvelous Trinity Simple Exposition of the Christian FaithDecalogue Commentary Series Edit No Other God Nothing Like God Taking His Name in Vain Remember the Sabbath Day Honor thy Father and Mother Thou Shalt Not Kill A Plea for Life Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery Thou Shalt Not Steal Defend the Truth Thou Shalt Not CovetReferences Edit a b c d e f g h i j k Pierre Viret in German French and Italian in the online Historical Dictionary of Switzerland a b Book V Struggles of the Reformation Chapter III A New Reformer and an Image Breaker 1531 in J H Merle d Aubigne translated by W L R Cates History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin 8 volumes Longmans Green Longman Roberts and Green London 1863 1878 Vol III France Switzerland Geneva 1864 pp 262 76 at Project Gutenberg See also reprint Sprinkle Publications Harrisonburg VA 2000 Michael W Bruening Calvinism s First Battleground Conflict and Reform in the Pays de Vaud 1528 1559 Springer Dordrecht The Netherlands 2005 page 254 a b Berthoud Jean Marc Pierre Viret and the Total Sovereignty of the Word of God Chalcedon Foundation Retrieved 28 January 2023 Robert D Linder The Political Ideas of Pierre Viret Travaux d Humanisme et Renaissance Vol LXIV Librairie Droz Geneva 1964 p 63 Linder The Political Ideas of Pierre Viret p 179 Sources Edit in order of publication Crespin J Procedures Tenues a l Endroit de Ceux de la Religion du Pais Bas Procedures Held With Regard to those of the Religion of the Netherlands Jean Crespin Geneva 1568 Merle d Aubigne J H translated by W L R Cates History of the Reformation in Europe in the Time of Calvin 8 volumes Longmans Green Longman Roberts and Green London 1863 1878 Vol III France Switzerland Geneva 1864 at pp 262 76 Extract at website of Pierre Viret Association Cart J Pierre Viret le Reformateur Vaudois Biographie Populaire Librairie Meyer Lausanne 1864 Read at Google Godet P Pierre Viret F Payot Lausanne 1892 read at Google Doumergue E Lausanne au temps de la Reformation avec une introduction sur Pierre Viret et Orbe sa ville natale et un appendice sur les deux premiers imprimeurs protestants de Lausanne Georges Bridel et Cie Lausanne 1903 Barnaud J Pierre Viret Sa Vie et Son Oeuvre 1511 1571 G Carayol Saint Amans Tarn 1911 Schnetzler C Vuilleumier H and Schroeder A eds Pierre Viret d apres lui meme pages extraites des oeuvres du Reformateur a l occasion du 4e centenaire de sa naissance Georges Bridel et Cie Lausanne 1911 Le Jubile de Pierre Viret Lausanne et Orbe 23 26 octobre 1911 Eglise Nationale Evangelique Reformee du Canton de Vaud Commission Synodale 1911 H Vuilleumier Notre Pierre Viret Payot Lausanne 1911 Schaff P Pierre Viret and the Reformation in Lausanne in History of the Christian Church 8 Volumes C Scribner s Sons New York 1916 1923 VIII The Swiss Reformation 1519 1605 at pp 250 52 Extract at website of Pierre Viret Association Vuilleumier H Histoire de l Eglise Reformee du Pays de Vaud sous Regime Bernois 4 volumes Editions la Concorde Lausanne 1927 Vincent G Rhyn G and Wust P Pierre Viret un Vaudois se leve Quelques traits d une grande histoire rassembles pour la jeunesse Vaudoise a l occasion du Quatrieme Centenaire de la Reformation 1536 1936 Editions la Concorde Lausanne 1936 L Latourette Les dernieres annees de Pierre Viret 1567 1571 Revue de Theologie et de Philosophie Lausanne New Series Vol XXVI 1938 pp 60 68 Linder R D The Political Ideas of Pierre Viret Travaux d Humanisme et Renaissance Vol LXIV Librairie Droz Geneva 1964 Linder R D Forgotten reformer Christian History Magazine Issue 71 pp 35 37 Read at journal website G Bavaud Le Reformateur Pierre Viret 1511 1571 sa Theologie Histoire et Societe collection No 10 Labor amp Fides Geneva 1986 Preview at Google O Favre Pierre Viret 1511 1571 et la Discipline Ecclesiastique author of M A Dissertation La discipline ecclesiastique dans la theologie du Reformateur Pierre Viret Faculty of Reformed Theology Aix en Provence 1993 Archived at Wayback Machine Troilo D A L Œuvre de Pierre Viret Le probleme des sources Bulletin de la Societe de l Histoire du Protestantisme Francais 1903 2015 Vol 144 Octobre Novembre Decembre 1998 Librairie Droz Geneva pp 759 790 Viret Pierre in H J Hillebrand ed Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation Oxford University Press 1996 2005 online version Berthoud J M Pierre Viret A Forgotten Giant of the Reformation The Apologetics Ethics and Economics of the Bible Zurich Publishing 2010 Sheats R A Pierre Viret The Unknown Reformer Faith For All Of Life Magazine Chalcedon March April 2011 Read at Chalcedon Magazine Resources Magazine pdf Sheats R A Pierre Viret The Angel of the Reformation Zurich Publishing 2012 Crousaz K and Solfaroli Camillocci D eds Pierre Viret et la Diffusion de la Reforme Antipodes Lausanne 2014 External links EditPierre Viret Suisse hub site Association Pierre Viret Bibliography articles about Pierre Viret Texts at the English language website of the Pierre Viret Association Works by Pierre Viret at Post Reformation Digital Library Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Pierre Viret amp oldid 1145135051, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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