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Described by one historian as a "noble and pure apostle of Christianity",100 Ferenc David was born in Cluj, the chief city of Transylvania, now a part of Romania. He was unusual among the prominent Brethren in that the whole of his active life was spent in and around his native city. He was a respected tutor at the state academy in Cluj, now the Babes-Bolyai University.

In 1566 he heard one of the theology professors speak on "God is one in essence, three in persons''. David's objections that the presentation was unscriptural produced quite a furore in both university and city.

Respected and feared by religious leaders for his tremendous knowledge and command of Scripture, "he seemed to have both Old and New Testaments at his finger ends", as a Catholic priest said wistfully after one encounter. Another writer states that David was true to his name, using Bible verses as David of old used sling stones.! 106

David nevertheless united this competence with a humility and modesty that endeared him to his students, fellowbelievers, townsfolk and even his Catholic captors. After a trial in Alba-lulia on a charge of blasphemy trumped up by his Catholic and Calvinist enemies, he died in prison at the age of sixty-nine.