Beza

Beza, or De Beze, Theodore, born at Vezelai in Burgundy, in 1519, was educated for the bar, and after a dissipated youth came under the influence of the Reformers, and went to Geneva, being subsequently appointed professor of Greek at Lausanne. Ten years later he joined Calvin as his assistant in the newly-founded church and university of Geneva. At the invitation of the King of Navarre he was present at a conference of orthodox divines, and his arguments are said to have converted the royal listener. He accompanied Conde in the war of Ligne, and was present at the battle of Dreux. In 1564 he succeeded Calvin as head of the Reformed church, and in 1571 presided over the Protestant synod at Rochelle. His activity and industry were marvellous, and he continued to look after the great interests confided to him until 1600. His death occurred in 1605. The chief of Beza's numerous works are his metrical version of the Psalms, his translation of the New Testament, and his History of the French Reformed Churches.