Wise-Heart

The first of the Reformers profiled in Julia McNair Wright's collection of biographies for young people, recently republished by Master Poole Publishing as A Children's Lives of the Reformers, is George Wishart (c. 1513-1546).

She writes (p. 8) that he "has been remembered for his goodness...It is a very beautiful thing to be remembered for goodness. In those days he was called GEORGE WISE-HEART, and he had indeed a wise heart -- a heart that was wise to choose the love and service of God before anything else."

Although there is uncertainty about the origin of his surname, he was certainly called Wise-heart by contemporaries, and the name fits the man. John Knox referred to him as "that notable Instrument of God, Mr. George Wiseheart" (Historie of the Reformatioun Within the Realm of Scotland (1732), p. 65); George Buchanan called him "Doctor Sophocardius."

He lived and died boldly for Christ. Mrs. Wright takes us through the trials, adversities and adventures of a man who "dared to tell the truth" (p. 15). From how he dressed to what he preached, we learn of a man who dedicated his life to living for God no matter what the cost.

The lesson she imparts to readers young and old (p. 41) is that:

From George Wishart we can learn to fear nothing but sin, to return good for evil, and to be faithful to truth even unto death, when we shall have crown of everlasting life.

International Museum of the Reformation

The legacy of John Calvin and the Reformation is celebrated most particularly at the International Museum of the Reformation in Geneva, Switzerland. Permanent exhibits at the museum include a rooms dedicated to the place of the Bible and music in the Reformation, the controversy of the age as documented in the 16th century Roman Catholic-Protestant war of pamphlets, Calvin's experience and daily life in 16th century Geneva, collections of rare Reformation literary works, the experience of the Huguenots following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (the 'Church of the Desert'), and other aspects of the history and culture of the Reformation with a focus on Geneva's most famous historical figure, John Calvin. A current temporary exhibit (April 24-November 1, 2009) sketches "A Day in the Life of John Calvin." If you are not able to travel to Geneva to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin in 2009, be sure to at least take a virtual tour of the museum here. For those who can visit, there is a museum shop too at which one may purchase souvenirs, including a 21st century Genevan specialty: Calvinus beer.