Now Available: Preparing for Marriage - John Calvin speaks on Courtship and Marriage

As a shepherd of a local flock, it is evident that Calvin had observed many of the tumultuous results of individuals mishandling their single years. He seemed to have great compassion for the single people in his church for he provided much counsel to assist them in governing the critical years leading up to marriage. He preached directly to the issues which they faced and dealt forthrightly with concerns they had regarding marriage and everything leading up to it. He did not provide them with shallow platitudes. Rather, he gave incisive direction for handling a diverse range of complex issues. Through his expositions, letters, commentaries, and the Institutes, he dissected the issues of the single life.

This book captures some of the premarital counsel which John Calvin gave to the youth and families of Geneva. It draws from two categories of Calvin’s writings, bringing up interesting and helpful counsel for young people and their families in order to help them navigate the single years and enter successfully into marriage. First, we have taken statements from his commentaries and sermons on matters relating to this formative time of a young person’s life. Second, many of the statements presented here come from the Marriage Ordinance of 1546, which outlines various difficult issues that most singles need to face before they get married.

I believe you will find this small book to be both helpful and encouraging.

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