Calvin, John

( kal'vin,) whose real name was CHAUVIN, which, after the custom of that age, he Latinized into CALVIN US, was the son of a cooper of Noyon, in Picardy, and was born in 1509. He early distinguished himself by his learning, abilities, and inquiring character, and, having entered into holy orders, the result of his Scrip the reign of Edward VI.; but since the time of Eliza- beth it has been on the decline, though, latterly, a re- vival has been taking place. In Scotland, Calvin ism, as established by John Knox, the disciple of Calvin, has been most enduring, and exists there in its greatest purity. Generally, however, the extreme doctrines of Calvin may be said to be rapidly losing ground, though Calvin ism, in its milder form, is the profe ed creed of Presbyterians, Independents, Baptists, Methodists, ., in both the U. States and Great Britain. - See SUB-