Chapter CCCXXXV: To the Pastors and Doctors of the Church of

ZURICH.--Account of the struggles at Geneva for
the maintenance of ecclesiastical discipline--
appeal to the Pastors of Zurich for their
influence with the magistrates of that town, 442

CCCXXXVI. TO BULLINGER.--Fresh details regarding
ecclesiastical discipline--hope of speedy
realization--announcement of the publication
of a book against the errors of Servetus, 447

CCCXXXVII. TO FAREL.--Assistance afforded to the faithful
refugees in Switzerland--reply of the Churches
on the subject of ecclesiastical discipline, 448

CCCXXXVIII. TO AN ITALIAN LADY.--He exhorts her to withdraw,
by a voluntary exile, from the persecution and
idolatry reigning in Italy, 450

CCCXXXIX. TO A SEIGNEUR OF JERSEY.--Christian exhortations--
sending of a minister, 453

CALVIN'S LETTERS.

CXLIV.--TO VIRET.[1]

[1] The letters of the Cantons to the King, in favour of the Vaudois
of Provence, only served to irritate that monarch. He passionately
replied,--"The Vaudois have but received the just punishment
of their crimes. Besides, the Swiss have no more right to busy
themselves with what passes in my kingdom, than I have to make
inquiry into what they do at home."--_Histoire de la Confédération
Suisse_, vol. xi. p. 289. The failure of those proceedings
redounded to the discredit of Calvin with the people, as he had
been the instigator of them. His adversaries went about reiterating
everywhere that he had compromised the most valued interests of the
Cantons, by drawing upon them the enmity of the King of France.

Unpopularity of Calvin--various advices.

[GENEVA, _September 1545_.]

When a crowd of the godly had come hither, and I heard some things which it was of great consequence you should know, I wished two of them at once to set out for you. You will understand that Satan seeks by every sort of artful contrivance to keep all men from thinking of succouring these people, and to give a keener edge to the ferocity of the King and courtiers, which is already more than sufficiently whetted against them. The Swiss also are uncommonly severe upon me, not only the pensionaries, but all those who have no other wisdom than that of Epicurus, because, by my importunity, I have drawn down upon their nation the hatred of the King. But may there be nothing of such moment as shall retard us in the discharge of our duty beyond what cannot be avoided.

Charles the schoolmaster, on whose account Sebastian abused me, has deserted his post, induced by what prospect I know not. We have appointed Francis his successor; but as he had received one month's payment out of the salary of your school, it seemed the more honourable course that he should previously request permission and his discharge from the Bernese Council, a matter in which, as I trust, there will be no difficulty. A maternal uncle also of our colleague Peter sought a recommendation [for him,] which he brings with him. If you think it called for, you will likewise lend the aid of your suffrage. We have always found him an excellent and ingenuous man, peaceable and modest. He is said, for instance, to have laboured faithfully, and with success, in the vineyard of the Lord in Provence.

Adieu; may the Lord be ever present with you.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]

CXLV.--TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.[2]

[2] Letter without date, written at the same time as the following,
(September 1545.) Summoned in the name of the Emperor to leave
Strasbourg and return to Brabant, M. de Falais had not obeyed that
command. This refusal, in stirring up the imperial displeasure
against him, had exposed him, without defence, to the interested
denunciations of his enemies. The butt of most calumnious
accusations, he saw his character misunderstood, his name outraged,
his property put under sequestration, while he pined away himself--a
prey to sickness and discouragement.

Exhortation to glorify God amid poverty and persecution.

[_September 1545._]

MONSIEUR,--Although I do not know the state of mind or body in which you are at present, nevertheless, I have good confidence in God that, whether in health or sickness, he gives you strength to overcome all the annoyance you may have to encounter. For you are no novice in the fight, seeing that for a long time past the good Lord has begun to prepare you for it; and nothing has happened to you which you had not looked for beforehand. But it is time to show in reality that when you have set yourself frankly to follow Jesus Christ, you have not done so without being resolved to hold fellowship with him at the cross, since he has done us that honour to be crucified in us, to glorify us with himself. And there is no doubt, even at the time when you were in your own mansion, and in the peaceable enjoyment of your property, you would have had the courage to quit everything had it so pleased him, and that you were of the number of those who _use the things of this world as not abusing them_, (1 Cor. vii. 31.) But, forasmuch as it is very reasonable that one should be taught by experience to discern what our affection is most set upon, you are to consider that it has been our Lord's will to give you to many others for an example, and, by this means, to glorify his name in you.

On the other hand, we know not what it is to part with everything for the love of him, until he has brought us to the test. True it is, that he who has taken off his affection from the goods of this world has already sold all, and has made himself poor, so far as depends upon himself; but the fruit and the proof of this spiritual poverty are, patiently to endure the loss of worldly goods, and without any regret, when it pleases our heavenly Father that we should be despoiled of them. I do not set these things before you as to one who is ignorant, or who has need of lengthy remonstrances, but for the love that I bear you, of which God is my witness. I take comfort along with you, as I also suffer in your person.

The time then is arrived when you must manifest that you reckon all things no more than dung, that you may reach forward to Him who not only has bestowed on you all his benefits, but also himself. And since God has permitted that you should be disburdened of a part of your worldly goods, you are to consider that he has clearly perceived that, for the present, they would prove a useless fardel for you. I say a part, albeit that, as it were, the whole has been snatched away from you, yet, so that there remains, as I hope, an abundance for your use. These whirlpools, however, which engulf the whole world, have daily greater want than those whose substance they have swallowed down.

In short, you have not been lessened one whit, seeing that our Lord, while teaching you that your inheritance is in heaven, has made provision for what might be useful for the life of the body, by bestowing contentment upon you, and, as regards property, more than was needful to make you contented. If the whole should be taken away from you, there would yet remain the consolation to which we must chiefly betake ourselves, namely, to yield ourselves up entirely. It is certain, that having the Son of God, we suffer no injury in being deprived of all else: for thus highly ought we indeed to prize him. But further, since this kind Saviour has so benignly upheld you, that while calling you to the fellowship of his cross, he has provided for your worldly comfort, it is quite fitting that you submit yourself to his good pleasure, and, besides, rejoice that in being minished, so far as the world is concerned, you are thereby so much the more exalted before him and his angels. For howsoever the world strives, by all means, to bury Jesus Christ in ignominy, his burial cannot be otherwise than glorious, not only in himself, but also in his members. Let us therefore endure personal humiliation, as shall seem good to him. But my letters would never come to an end were I to follow out the drift of this discourse. Therefore, Monseigneur, after having humbly commended me to your kind favour, I pray our good Lord that he would so work in you now more powerfully than ever, to make you despise all that is in the world, and to make you breathe upwards direct to him with your whole heart, without being turned aside by anything whatsoever, making you taste what is the worth of the hope which he reserves for us in heaven; and that it may please him to lighten your burden as regards the body, in order that you may be all the better disposed, well to meditate upon the favours he has bestowed upon you, and to take delight in them, acknowledging the love which he has shewn you. My wife, who is sick in bed, begs also to be humbly commended to your kind remembrance. This bearer, who is of the better sort, and of the stamp such as you require, will inform you more at large concerning our state.

Your humble brother, servant, and assured friend,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]

CXLVI.--TO MADAME DE FALAIS.

Congratulations on the constancy manifested by her in the midst
of trials--salutations from the suffering Idelette de Bure.

FROM GENEVA, _this 18th September_ [1545.]

MADAME,--I have not leisure to write at such length as I willingly would, on account of the state in which we are. The present letter shall be solely to praise our good Lord for the trust which he has bestowed on you, enlarging your heart in the midst of anxieties, by which it might have been tried, without your having his comfort from on high. Whatsoever may happen, if we have the patience to hearken to our Saviour, he will always give us wherewithal to rejoice our spirits, and will make us taste and feel, in a lively way, that it is not in vain that he has promised to make us unconquerable in tribulations. Now, then, learn in reality what that beautiful promise is worth, that we are indeed happy, when all the world shall speak ill of us, and shall hate us, and shall persecute us for his name's sake. Therefore it is, that he has prepared you, long before exposing you to danger. To this truth it is that you must now recur, that you may acquiesce in it; and, indeed, he is actually leading you thither by the hand.

Wherefore are we not together, to provoke Satan, by meditating upon the things which may well cause us spiritual rejoicing, and give us matter for glorying more than ever, even when we are utterly discomfited according to the world's estimation? But I am aware that you have no need of my fellowship in that; and besides, I say so, more to content myself than because of your necessity. Above all, understand that now the hour is come when you must shew what a helpmeet you are to Monseigneur your husband, in such a sort that he may always have occasion to bless God, as he has had hitherto, for having provided him with such a support. I say this, because I consider that it is the principal one that God has left him as regards the creature, without having deprived him of all. I see clearly, though absent, by what zeal you are urged forward to acquit yourself of duty, and what trouble you take to employ yourself therein. For which reason, what I now speak is not so much by way of exhortation as, while congratulating, to uphold you in that good courage which God has given.

I address to your care some reply which I have made to the sister of Monseigneur, who is at Mons, to a communication which she sent lately to the wife of Saint-André. If it seem good to you, you can cause forward it to her, with this which I send to the sister of Monsieur David. I submit the whole to your good discretion.

To conclude, Madame and very honoured sister, after having affectionately commended me to your kind favour, and having also presented to you the humble commendations of my wife, who lies sick in bed, I entreat our good Lord to fill you with all grace, daily to increase his glory in you, and to triumph in your constancy, in order that finally we may be also partakers of his glory which he has promised us.

Your servant and humble brother,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]

CXLVII.--TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.[3]

[3] This letter, without date, seems to have been written at the
same epoch, and under the same circumstances as the two preceding
letters.

Vanity of trust reposed in the princes of this world--confidence
in God.

MONSEIGNEUR,--I hope that, when these present shall reach you, they will find you, by the favour of our kind Lord, in such state of mind and bodily health as we desire, and likewise Madame your wife. The news, however, which we have had of the sickness of both has grieved us, and will do so until we receive other which may gladden us. Besides, there is reason indeed that we should live and that we should die to Him who has purchased, in order to be every way glorified in us, and that we shew practically that we are his, submitting ourselves entirely to him in true obedience, which is not in our power to do without resigning and giving up our persons to him, so that he dispose of them as shall seem good to himself. If it please him to prolong life, we must prepare to see much poverty in the Christian Church. We see the dispersion and complete disorder there is in it at present. Hope of amendment there appears none on the side of the world; for to befool one's-self in relying upon princes, that is labour lost. They have, besides, so many hindrances, that they have not leisure to think about what ought to be the chief consideration of all. In short, they are entirely taken up with their civil state, for the sake of which they will persecute Jesus Christ, thinking that there is no other method of maintaining it. It will be nothing new, however, if, though only for shame's sake, they should make a pretence of applying a remedy for such horrible confusion, on account of which both heaven and earth cry out. Wherefore, it only remains for us to pray God that it may please him to strengthen us with true constancy in the midst of these scandals, in such a way that nothing may seduce us, but that we may persevere always. And also, that he would look in pity upon his Church, and put forth the hand to lift her up again, fulfilling that which the prophet has said, that _seeing that he had no helper among men, he has put forth the strength of his arm_, (Isa. lix. 16.)

In conclusion, let us employ ourselves in his service, labouring without growing weary or losing courage, until he call us away into that blessed rest where we have contentment in himself, delighting ourselves in the labours we shall have undergone, receiving then the recompense of reward which shall be there revealed to us.

Now therefore, Monsieur, after humble commendation to your favour and that of Madame, I beseech the good Lord to uphold you in real prosperity, continuing his graces in you, so that to the end you may be instruments of his glory, and that he may be your sanctification.

Your servant and humble brother ever,
CHARLES D'ESPEVILLE.

[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]

CXLVIII.--To Farel.[4]

[4] Letter without date, and without conclusion, written during the
attack of the plague, under which the minister Geniston succumbed,
that is to say, in September 1545.

Captivity of Farel's brother--ravages of the plague in Geneva.

[_September 1545._]

You will hear sad news; for this person will inform you that your brother Gautier[5] is lying in fetters, and in imminent peril of his life. The very thing that I always feared, and that I foretold would occur, has happened; and in this I regret that I have not proved a false prophet. But of what avail are such complaints? With regard to helping him, I do not know how far it is in the power of the Bernese to do so, nor what, at this time, they may be willing to undertake. You will know these things better than I. There is no hope of obtaining any seasonable assistance from Germany, unless by means of John Sturm, who, however well disposed he may be towards the cause, is not, so far as things have gone, friendly to your brother. Would that you had thought better, while there was time, of what it is to offend a friend who deserved well. Besides, you are not ignorant of the fact, that there are servile persons who wish, at this time of the day, to approve their obsequiousness to the princes. Yet, if you shall be of opinion that it will be useful to attempt something in that quarter, your influence with Sturm himself is great. You have, however, your own Bucer, to whom he never ventured to refuse anything; but it is a long circuit. Let him, therefore, accelerate the movements of the Bernese, lest the remedy come too late.

[5] Gautier Farel, brother to the Reformer. He was very soon
afterwards restored to liberty, contrary to all expectation.

We are surprised that we have had no announcement regarding yourself. Viret made me aware of the resolution that had been come to by the brethren; but, as far as I can gather from his letter, nothing has been done in the Council. How long, therefore, will the matter remain in doubt? Here, as you know, we are in great straits: you are away from us; Matthæus is occupied in the hospital for those who are suffering from the plague. In the meantime, while we are calling upon you to come, we have lost our very excellent brother and most faithful colleague Geniston.[6] What if the others should likewise be taken away? What if one only should survive, [I myself?] What if the ministers be shut up by themselves, through the absurd superstition of our townsmen?--just as lately a large number was within a little of being so confined. Consider, therefore, these our difficulties, lest you put us off longer than is right. But what Viret mentions that your people have added, viz: that you are conceded to us, on the condition of our being able to bring about the succession of Toussain, is certainly ridiculous; for what can we do in that matter, or in what way shall we attempt the business? The short of it is, we by no means prescribe a definite time, but we desire you to use your utmost diligence to disengage yourself from the place where you are, in order that you may forthwith repair to us unfettered;[7] for we are now sadly in want of your presence, as you may judge from our condition. The wife of Geniston is, at the same time, in the death-throes, his little girl is wearing away, and his little boy is now given over....

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]

[6] The minister, Louis de Geniston, following the noble example
of Pierre Blanchet, cut off by the plague in 1543, had, of his own
accord, offered himself for the service of the hospital set apart
for those afflicted with the plague. He fell under it, a victim of
his devotedness, in September 1545. His wife and two of his children
were carried off a few days afterwards by the scourge, which almost
wholly depopulated several quarters of the city.

[7] There exists (Imp. Lib. _Recueil Hist., de France_, vol. xix.)
a piece entitled _Lepida Farelli Vocatio_. In that letter Calvin
vigorously urges his friend to repair to Geneva, by calling to mind
the religious violence with which he was himself detained there,
by the voice of Farel, at the time of his first entrance into that
city in 1536. "Do you expect that I should thunder as you were wont
to do, when you wished forcibly to draw me hither?" The urgencies
of Calvin were fruitless, and the Church of Neuchatel retained, for
twenty years longer, the services and the indefatigable activity of
Farel.

CXLIX.--TO VIRET.

Dispersion of the School at Geneva--contests at Neuchatel on the
subject of church property--Calvin's opinion of Farel.

_24th October 1545._

We shall wait until you either restore Francis to us, or send Erasmus. As, meanwhile, the school is dispersed,[8] you must make haste. If both of these courses appear to you tedious, or attended with difficulty, briefly signify so to us; for I will send for a person from Strasbourg, who, in my opinion, will be suitable, although I would rather have taken one from this quarter. With regard to the _assistant-teacher_, I do not venture upon anything, because it will be more satisfactory that the person who has the superintendence of the school shall have the unfettered power of selecting whom he chooses.

[8] The plague had dispersed the regents and students of the
College of Geneva, and Calvin was labouring at the re-organization
of that establishment. He had already proposed to the Council, in
March 1545, to call to Geneva the celebrated Maturin Cordier, _as
president of the regents_; but this proposal ended in nothing, and
Maturin Cordier remained at Lausanne.

I had excused myself to Farel, but he remains fixed in his purpose.[9] It would not only be ridiculous, but bordering on imprudence, to undertake to correct in the Neuchatelese a vice which here we are not able to cure. I had given it as my advice, that it would be better to draw up a memorial, in which the Princes should promise that they would be always ready to make restitution, if an agreement could be come to regarding legitimate administration. In the next place, I advised them, under this pretext, to put a stop to those profane alienations, in order that the matter might be left undecided until a more favourable time. Farel replies, that the authority of the Princes will not avail much. What confidence then will our letter produce? He further urges me to enter into communication with Bucer, in order to obtain from the Council of Strasbourg a letter to the Council of Berne to this purport:--That it had been pointed out to them that the Neuchatelese did very wrong in squandering the goods of the Church; and that it was the duty of the Bernese to check this license. He hopes that a letter of that nature would also do good at Berne. I, on the contrary, hardly think that the people of Strasbourg would write such a letter, as they would be afraid of increasing the sore. In the next place, if they should write, do we not know that their admonition would be laughed at? And, although the Bernese were in the highest degree desirous to remedy this fault of the Neuchatelese, with what face could they set about it? I have to implore that they will not venture to reprehend in others that which they pertinaciously defend as lawfully done by themselves. I may therefore say of Farel what Cicero said of Cato, "That he acts indeed with good judgment, but in counsel does not always shew the best." The cause of this is chiefly, that being carried away by the vehemence of his zeal, he does not always discern what is expedient, and either does not foresee dangers, or despises them; and there is to be added the evil, that he cannot bear with patience those who do not comply with his wishes. But what could I do? for I will not be induced to undertake anything which I think will be of injurious tendency.

[9] Farel was then at strife with the Seigneury of Neuchatel, on the
subject of the administration of ecclesiastical property.

Christopher will tell you about Champereau,[10] and I will write when the matter has come to an end. Adieu, most excellent brother, and most sincere friend. I have not yet had an opportunity of meeting Amédée. I will, however, fulfil your commission.--Adieu, again, including your wife, aunt, and brothers. The co-presbyters, my wife, and the neighbours respectfully salute you.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Lat. copy_--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 111.]

[10] Rebuked on the ground of his morals, this minister had been
banished to a country parish, and having refused to submit to the
entire Consistory, he had received his dismissal.

CL.--TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.

Prayers for his restoration to health.

FROM GENEVA, _this 26th of October_ [1545.]

MONSEIGNEUR,--I hope that, according to what Antony Maillet has latterly informed us, you are better in body and mind than usual, for which I thank our good Lord, beseeching him fully to confirm you; for I doubt not but the sickness has left a long trail of feebleness. But He who has begun to raise you up, will perfect, as I hope, what he has begun by his infinite goodness, as well to grant the prayers of his servants as to shut the mouth of the wicked, so that they take not occasion to say that you have been overcome by their temptation; for you are aware that they want not great colour for their blasphemy. Therefore, God will shew them that he has fitted you to receive still greater assaults, if there is need; and in the meanwhile, will grant us the favour to enjoy a longer time of you to our singular consolation. When we shall have tidings from yourselves, they will rejoice us still more.

In the meantime, Monsieur, after having humbly commended me to your kind favour and that of Madame, and having presented to both of you the kind remembrances of a woman brought back to life, I beseech our gracious Lord to have you always in his holy keeping, multiplying his graces in you daily, to the glory of his name.

Your humble brother, servant, and entire friend,
JOHN CALVIN.

[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]

CLI.--TO FAREL.

News from Germany--journey of the French Ambassadors to
Geneva--details concerning the condition of the town.

GENEVA, _26th January 1546_.

There is nothing from your brothers since they passed through this place. I briefly indicated my opinion to Viret about the choice of a colleague for you. I am afraid that further delay may involve a long train of inconveniences, which I should wish to be guarded against. Feron, our brother,[11] so far as I see, will never have quiet of mind until he is translated elsewhere. I had made mention of him to Viret, but it will be for you to consider the matter.

[11] Minister of the Church of Geneva; deposed, a few years
afterwards, on account of the irregularities of his life.

My brother brought back no news from Germany, except that the Ratisbon Assembly pretends that our party continue their deliberations at Frankfort,[12] and the confident report of a league, or at least a friendly alliance, between your party and the King. The Emperor was also said to be laid up with gout in the feet or hands. The King's ambassador in that quarter, when passing through, supped with me. We talked together familiarly, for he acknowledges being under some obligation to me. I again, however, urge you to beware lest our friends prove too compliant. I point to the license that prevails over the whole kingdom, of taking cruel measures against the godly. We will await the issue. You are aware that the Pope is now busying himself that, by means of false pretences, a council may be held at Trent; we do not, however, hear that there is to be a full convocation.

[12] Alarmed at the first movements of the Council of Trent, and
the perils to which the good understanding between the Pope and the
Emperor might subject the Reformation, the Deputies of the League of
Smalkald had reassembled at Frankfort. But their union was not so
solid as the gravity of the occasion demanded. The Elector of Saxe
and the Landgrave of Hesse were influenced by different political
views; but they were both alike disposed to seek the alliance of the
Kings of France and England, as well as of the Protestant Cantons
of Switzerland, that they might withstand the storm that menaced
them.--Sleidan, l. xvi., and Robertson, vol. iv. B. vii. p. 234.
London, 1851.

I wish that even one day could be given to a conference on our affairs. As this, however, is for the present impossible, do not needlessly vex yourself, should many reports be spread abroad. There was, indeed, a time when we were on our guard, when our party appointed sentinels for the gates, and were usually more careful in keeping watch.[13] But they inconsiderately gave a signal of alarm, without my knowledge, however, and when I had not the smallest suspicion that anything of the kind would take place.[14] Seizing the opportunity, our neighbours [the Bernese] run to our aid, and most unreservedly offer their assistance. No one had any suspicion of kindness so obliging. Our friends make no communication to me, and after speeches had been made backwards and forwards, an agreement is come to between the parties. Shortly afterwards, there arrives a new embassy with the most monstrous commissions. The captain of the garrison, proffered by the Bernese, with his proposals, having met with a refusal, has quitted the city.[15] I am now aware how many various reports are everywhere circulated, but I see no danger. Should you hear anything, deny confidently the existence of any sort of alliance between us. For presently, when they become ashamed of themselves, they will have recourse to the old arts, saying that they are unjustly defamed, &c. I can hardly persuade our friends that there is need of deeds on our side; nor is this wonderful, for in other things they act foolishly in spite of my remonstrances. Adieu, brother and most sincere friend. Salute for me, in the kindest manner, all your co-presbyters and your family. May the Lord direct all of you by his Spirit, and preserve you safe.

[13] "Upon the intelligence that the Duke of Savoy has retaken two
strongholds in Piedmont, and that he is collecting a body of troops,
resolved to continue to work at the fortifications."--_Registers of
Council_, 28th December 1545.

[14] "Oath exacted of all private individuals, of fidelity
to the Seigneury, and of their readiness to live and die for
liberty."--_Registers of Council_, 7th January 1546.

[15] The Seigneurs of Berne, eagerly seeking every opportunity of
establishing their influence at Geneva, had offered to guard the
city, and to protect it against all foreign attacks. This proposal
was discarded, as tending to compromise the independence of the
Republic.--_Registers of Council_, 11th January 1546.

The impostor who had undertaken to carry Bucer's letter to you, stopped at Montbeliard, nor would he ever have conveyed it to you, had not my brother purposely set out for that place, because he had in his keeping another of far greater moment. He is a worker in gold by trade, but a fellow who is deserving of the gallows.

I am so far convalescent as to be able for preaching and lecturing, but am kept busy with arrears.[16]

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]

[16] We read, in the _Registers of Council_ of the 29th of January
of this year:--"Calvin having been ill, the Seigneury present to him
ten crowns. On his recovery, he returns the money to the Council,
who cause it to be expended in the purchase of a tun of wine for
him, thus leaving him no alternative but to accept it."

CLII.--TO MONSIEUR DE FALAIS.[17]

[17] Calvin had just dedicated to M. de Falais his Commentary on the
First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. The epistle dedicatory
is of the 22d January 1546. The name of M. de Falais--sad example
of the fragile nature of human affections!--was effaced ten years
afterwards from the preface of this Commentary, and replaced by the
name of the Marquis of Vico.

Calvin dedicates to him one of his Commentaries.

[_January 1546._[18]]

[18] _On the back_, in the hand of M. de Falais--'Received the 6th
February 1546.'

MONSEIGNEUR,--Since my written letter, I have changed my mind, touching the epistle dedicatory of my Commentary, because it is a great trouble and difficulty to be forced to fill up so many pages and no more; I therefore send it altogether, nevertheless, with this condition, that it shall not be printed but by your command. Wherefore, I enclose it in the present letter, in order that Vendelin[19] may not have it but from your hands. Should it not appear fitting that I address it to you, I shall make a new one, on being advertised to that effect. As for the rest, do not be astonished if I speak with brevity of you, for I would fear to touch some thorns in entering further on the subject. But according as circumstances will bear it, we can, should it so please God, on a second impression, discourse fully and say all that there shall be need for. Howbeit, I would greatly desire, if it might so please God, to be with you for three or four days, to confer by word of mouth rather than by writing. Possibly it is folly on my part to think that my presence can be of any service to you. But why so? while the power may be wanting, affection makes me speak thus. These wishes, however, are more easy to form than to fulfil. So let us be content with what God gives us.

[19] Printer in Strasbourg.

Yesterday we had news here of the defeat of four thousand English by five hundred light horse. But it is from France.[20]

[20] The French were then besieging the town of Boulogne, occupied
by the English. The peace between the two rival monarchs of France
and England, was signed the year following.--De Thou, lib. i. ii.

Monseigneur, after having humbly commended me anew to your kind favour, and that of Madame, I pray always our Lord that he would uphold you in his glory.

[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]

CLIII.--TO JOHN FRELLON.[21]

[21] The following is the address of this letter, taken from the
original in the archives of the old Archbishopric of Vienne, and
first published by the Abbé d'Artigny,--_A Sire Jéhan Frellon,
marchand libraire demeurant à Lyon, en la rue Mercière, enseigne
de l'Escu de Coulongne_. The mysterious personage who is pointed
at in this letter, is no other than Michael Servetus--seven years
before the trial which was to attach so fatal a celebrity to his
name. Settled as a physician at Vienne, in Dauphiny, he kept up
a correspondence with Calvin, under the cover of John Frellon,
and he had just sent the Reformer an extract of the work which
was in preparation under the title of _Christianismi restitutio_,
expressing at the same time the desire of coming to Geneva. Then it
was, that Calvin wrote to Farel the letter which has been so often
cited, where this passage occurs, "Servet has lately written to me,
and has added to his letter a large volume of his own delirious
fancies.... _If it may be agreeable to me, he undertakes that he
would come hither. But I will not interpose my assurance of his
safety, for if he shall come, provided that my authority is of any
avail, I shall not suffer him to depart alive._"*--Letter of the
13th February 1546. We know how that terrible threat was realized
seven years afterwards.

*Servetus nuper ad me scripsit, ac literis adjunxit longum volumen
suorum deliriorum... _Si mihi placeat, huc se venturum recipit.
Sed nolo fidem meam interponere, nam si venerit, modo valeat mea
authoritas, vivum exire non patiar._

Rupture of the Relations between Calvin and Servetus.

_This 13th of February 1546._

SEIGNEUR JEHAN,--By cause that your last letter was brought to me at my going away, I had not leisure to reply to what was inclosed therein. Since my return, at the first leisure that I have had, I have been quite willing to satisfy your desire; not that I have had great hope of late of being profitable to a certain person, judging from the disposition in which I see him to be; but in order to try once more if there shall be any means of bringing him back, which will be, when God shall have wrought in him so effectually, that he has become entirely another man. Since he has written to me in so proud a spirit, I would fain have beaten down his pride a little, speaking more harshly to him than is my wont; but I could scarcely do otherwise. For I do assure you that there is no lesson which is more necessary for him than to learn humility, which must come to him from the Spirit of God, not otherwise. But we must observe a measure here also. If God grants that favour to him and to us, that the present answer turns to his profit, I shall have whereof to rejoice. If he persists in the same style as he has now done, you will lose time in asking me to bestow labour upon him, for I have other affairs which press upon me more closely; and I would make a matter of conscience of it, not to busy myself further, having no doubt that it was a temptation of Satan to distract and withdraw me from other more useful reading. And therefore I beg you to content yourself with what I have done in the matter, unless you see some better order to be taken therein.

Wherefore, after my commendation to you, I beseech our good Lord to have you in his keeping.

Your servant and hearty friend,
CHARLES D'ESPEVILLE.

[Printed--_Nouveaux Mémoires de l' Abbé d' Artigny_, tom. ii. p. 70.]

CLIV.--TO FAREL.

Reply to various questions--terrible threat against
Servetus--imprisonment of one of the leaders of the Libertins.

GENEVA, _13th February 1546_.

You will be at ease regarding your brothers since you received the letter of Claude. The messenger who brought it asked whether mine would be ready when I returned from sermon, after three o'clock. I replied in the negative; but I bid him dine at my house with my wife, as I myself had been invited to dine with Macrin. I promised to be with him immediately after dinner, to make a brief reply. He did not come [to my house,] but hurried away without waiting a moment, so that I was confounded by so sudden a departure. And yet the youth had not appeared to me to behave badly in general. I trust the reflection may occur to your brothers, that they have been thus extricated from all their difficulties by the hand of God, in order that they make the greater haste [in the work.] It did not become the Israelites, when a way was opened up to them, to show remissness in immediately girding themselves for flight.[22] Such would have been the burden of my epistle had not the messenger deceived me; but I am confident that they are burning with ardour of their own accord. I now come to your own contests.[23] If the ungodly still occasion you some trouble, when that letter shall arrive, I have briefly expressed in it what I think should be your mode of proceeding. I should wish, however, the matter to be discussed _viva voce_; and that, thereupon, the result, or something like it, be committed to writing. You will perhaps smile because I suggest nothing out of the common, as you looked for something recondite and elevated at my hands; but I do not wish, nor, besides, is it right to be fettered by your estimate of me. I had rather, however, be foolish by so writing, than by my silence lead you to suppose that your entreaties were neglected by me. If nothing can be effected by reasoning, and in this lawful way, the Bernese must be privately prevailed upon not to allow that wild beast to go out of its den. I do not sufficiently comprehend your meaning regarding a treaty, unless it be, as I conjecture, that you are turning your thoughts to some sort of alliance, with a view to your receiving the assistance of the Bernese; and that just as they guard the liberty of the people by the law of the state, so they may protect ministers in their office by some title which commands respect. If that be provided for, I do not disapprove of [the alliance.] Bear in mind, that recourse should be had to those extraordinary remedies only when there is the exculpatory plea of an ultimate necessity. In the next place, be very cautious lest anything you do be such as may injure your interests in time to come. You may have greater cause of regret in that you once received aid, and were parties to a compact, than if you were to remain in your original servitude. Marcourt has, without doubt, already promised a place for himself; for he publicly proclaims that he does not regard the consent of the brethren, since he is desired, both by magistrates and people, and he has no doubt but that they are indignant against you. Finally, since he prematurely discloses the wickedness of his character, he must be repulsed by all artifices, lest he rise to a position in which he is able to perform what he threatens. With regard to those who gave out that we were establishing here a permanent seat of despotism, under colour of defence, let us suffer this rumour to spread on both sides. Their impudence has been met with civility and mildness, so that they ought to be ashamed of themselves.[24] I trust that they will keep quiet. I seek, as far as I am able, to persuade our friends to remain unconcerned. Servetus lately wrote to me, and coupled with his letter a long volume of his delirious fancies, with the Thrasonic boast, that I should see something astonishing and unheard of. He takes it upon him to come hither, if it be agreeable to me. But I am unwilling to pledge my word for his safety, for if he shall come, I shall never permit him to depart alive, provided my authority be of any avail.[25]

[22] Decimated by the most cruel persecution, the faithful of
Dauphiné, the native country of Farel, had inquired of the
ministers of French Switzerland, whether it was lawful for them
to have recourse to flight, in order to escape the fury of their
adversaries. Numerous refugees had already settled at Geneva.--See
vol. i. p. 473.

[23] Ecclesiastical embroilments with the Seigneury of Berne.

[24] See letter of the 26th January, p. 28, note 2.

[25] See the preceding letter. It appears that relations between
Calvin and Servetus continued in a state of interruption, as is
proved by the following passage of a letter of Calvin to Viret,
dated 1st September 1548:--"I think I once read to you my answer
to Servetus. I was at length disinclined from striving longer with
the incurable obstinacy of a heretic; and, indeed, I ought to have
followed the advice of Paul. He now attacks you. You will see how
long you ought to persist in rebutting his follies. He will twist
nothing out of me henceforward."--_Library of Geneva_, Vol. 106.

More than fifteen days have now elapsed since Cartelier[26] was imprisoned, for having, at supper in his own house, raged against me with such insolence as to make it clear that he was not then in his right senses. I concealed what I felt, but I testified to the judge that it would be agreeable to me were he proceeded against with the utmost rigour of the law. I wished to go to see him. Access was prohibited by decree of the Senate; and yet some good men accuse me of cruelty, forsooth, because I so pertinaciously revenge my injuries.[27] I have been requested by his friends to undertake the part of intercessor. I refused to do so, except on these two conditions, viz: that no suspicion should attach to me, and that the honour of Christ should remain intact. I have now done. I abide the judgment of the Council.--Adieu, brother, and most sincere friend. We all salute you and your sisters. You will convey to the brethren the best salutations in my name, and that of my brethren in the ministry. May God ever bless you and prosper your labours.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Imp. Library, Coll. Dupuy._ Vol. 102.]

[26] One of the most violent members of the party that combated the
influence and institutions of the Reformer at Geneva.

[27] Calvin shewed himself, on more than one occasion, disposed to
forgive personal injuries, as the Registers of Council testify:--"A
woman having abused M. Calvin, it is directed that she be consigned
to prison. Liberated at the request of the said M. Calvin, and
discharged with a reproof."--12th December 1545.

CLV.--To Farel.

Pacification of the Church at Neuchatel--report of the speedy
arrival of the Emperor in Savoy--dangers at Geneva--withering
mention of Francis I.

GENEVA, _20th February 1546_.

I specially congratulate you and all your friends, yea, ourselves also, and the whole Church of Christ, that the Lord has unexpectedly stilled all tumults, by restraining the ungodly. Viret had already requested me to be prepared at all points in case there should be need of my presence, and assuredly I should not have been behind; but God is twice to be praised, who by his own counsel has adjusted matters that were in so great confusion. We acknowledge that he was present with you when he opened up to you that plan of admonishing the heads of the citizens. We again acknowledge a memorable work of his, in having given to you those who of their own accord were disposed to act well towards you. I feel confident that the matter has been brought to a conclusion in harmony with the desire of all good men. If our service be desired, you know that we are all yours. I now hourly expect your brothers. May the Lord restore them to us safe and with good fortune.[28] A confident report is spread abroad here of the arrival of the Emperor. I hold it for certain that a passage across will by no means be opened up to him without a bloody conflict. It cannot be doubted, that even though our neighbours were willing that we should be left exposed to the danger of becoming the prey of the conqueror, they would nevertheless find it necessary to guard their own territories; although I do not know why our party have so soon become careless, unless they wished to subject themselves to their sway, and thus save themselves from other masters. It is a hard condition that you must give up your liberty in order to secure allies as defenders.[29] Our party erred in one particular, that they made too violent a reply. But what could I do? On me, nevertheless, the odium redounds, though I strove with great vehemence to prevent the ground of it; but I have bid adieu to the perverted judgments of men. I pass on to another subject. Matters will go more severely with Cartelier, because he mixed up with myself part of the Senate. After that I have respectably enough discharged the duty of clemency, I have resolved to halt. The malevolent will heap obloquy upon me, but if there be an opportunity of replying, I have the means of stopping their mouths. No one certainly will allege that any word less than fair fell from me, for among good and bad I have endeavoured to extenuate his offence. The Parliament of Paris, as I hear, now wages war with fire and faggot against Christ.[30] It is indeed certain that a great multitude of the godly are everywhere held in bonds. Sardanapalus,[31] meanwhile, in the midst of his courtezans, feeds his fancy with victories. May the Lord have respect to his Church!

[28] See p. 22, note 2.

[29] Allusion to the Bernese and to their pretensions of ruling
Geneva under cover of the Alliance.--See p. 28, note 2.

[30] The year 1546 was especially remarkable for the great
persecutions that arose within the bounds of the jurisdiction of
the Parliament of Paris. Meaux, Seulis, Orleans, reckoned numerous
martyrs. One named Jean Chapot of Dauphiné, colporteur of Geneva,
arrested at Paris, was condemned to death, after having undergone
the most cruel tortures. He had his tongue cut out before he was
cast into the flames. "The dispersion," says Beza, "was widespread,
but it led to the great advancement of many churches which were
built up of the stones of that ruin."--_Hist. Eccl._ tom. i. p. 82.
_Histoire des Martyrs_, pp. 170, 177.

[31] Francis I., King of France.

Adieu, most upright brother in the Lord, together with all your fellow-ministers, whom you will respectfully salute in my name, and in that of the brethren. May Christ ever direct you all by right counsel, and bless your auspicious endeavours.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

* * * * *

To the four Presidents of the citizens, special compliments in my name. May the Lord bless them exceedingly.

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]

CLVI.--TO VIRET.

Election of a minister at Neuchatel--sickness of Viret's wife.

GENEVA, _22d February 1546_.

I learned from Farel's last letter, that the commotions at Neuchatel were allayed. And I now feel assured that the matter of the choice of a pastor is concluded; for it had at length been agreed that the ministers should promise on oath to nominate in good faith the person whom they deemed most suitable. It was already considered as almost certain, that Christopher would be the man, provided the Bernese would part with him;[32] and there is hope that they will offer no objection. Farel wrote that the good cause had been not a little aided by the Consul Wateville.

[32] On the death of the minister Chaponneau, the people of
Neuchatel wished to have in his room Christopher Fabri, minister of
Thonon: they accordingly asked him from the Seigneury of Berne, who
with a good grace conceded him to them.--Ruchat, vol. v. p. 299.

Had they invited us as brethren, I should have been ready at any hour. But I rejoice especially, that you were of more service than you thought you would be; for all loudly assert that your arrival was highly advantageous.

I see that Textor does not hold out much further hope of your wife. You need no more words to admonish you to hold yourself ready to bear with moderation the issue, whatever that may be. Would that I also could fly thither, that I might alleviate your sorrow, or at least bear a part of it![33] But so long a ride would cause me pain. I rather advise, should matters happen otherwise than as we wish, that you come hither for a few days.--Adieu, most sound-hearted brother, along with your wife and family. The Lord comfort and strengthen you all. Amen.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]

[33] We again find marks of the same solicitude in a letter of
Calvin to Viret of the preceding month. "Adieu, with your wife,
whose health we will commend to the Lord. Be assured that we are not
less solicitous about her than if she were the wife or daughter of
each of us. The Lord keep you and sustain you with the consolation
of his Spirit."--(January 1546,) Vol. 106, from Geneva.

CLVII.--TO VIRET.[34]

[34] Viret was at that time plunged into the deepest affliction. He
had just lost, after a long illness, his wife, Elizabeth Turtaz,
of Orbe, with whom he had lived for many years in a godly union.
The grief which he felt on that occasion is expressed, in a very
touching manner, in a letter written many years afterwards to
Calvin:--"I was so completely dispirited and prostrated by that
arrow of affliction, that the whole world appeared to me nothing but
a burden. There was nothing pleasant, nothing that could mitigate
my grief of mind."--_Calv. Epist. et Resp._, p. 53. The friends of
Viret, and especially Farel and Calvin, lavished upon him, during
that trial, marks of the tenderest and most brotherly affection.
The familiar correspondence of Calvin furnishes us with precious
revelations in this respect.

Calvin invites his friend to repair to Geneva after the death of
his wife.

GENEVA, _8th March 1546_.

Come, on this condition, that you disengage your mind not only from grief, but also from every annoyance. Do not fear that I will impose any burden upon you, for through my means you will be allowed to take whatever rest is agreeable to you. If any one prove troublesome to you, I will interpose. The brethren, also, make the same promise to you as I do. I will also be surety that the citizens do not interfere with your wishes.

I know not what I ought to imprecate on the wretches who had spread a report of your death. Never did a letter from you arrive more opportunely. Although your death was announced, yet as mention was made of poison, Textor was already in the midst of preparations for the journey, that he might speed to Orbe on fleet horses. A great part of the brethren were present, all overwhelmed with deep affliction. Shortly afterward your letter made its appearance, and such exultation instantly broke forth, that we were hardly masters of our senses. It was fortunate that we did not pass a night of sorrow, else I should not have borne it without danger. But why do I detain you, and not rather incite you to hasten hither as quickly as possible? Adieu, brother and most agreeable friend. Salute respectfully the brethren James, Ribitti, Hubert, Cordier, Celio, Francis, Merlin. The Lord protect you and the remainder of your family.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Lat. copy_--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 111.]

CLVIII.--TO VIRET.

Renewed and more pressing invitation to come to Geneva.

_15th March 1546._

I have hitherto delayed writing to you, because I daily expected you to come hither, as you had promised; nor should I have written even now, as I remain in the same state of expectation, were it not that I might incite you to hasten your journey; for I wonder why it is that you thus put off from day to day. I remember that John de Tournay[35] told me that you had a horse; but why not rather come by boat? Unless David has sold his [horses,] that difficulty could be easily got over, although I believe that one may now be more easily procured than it could have been eight days ago, for fewer couriers have passed this way during these days. Make haste, therefore, that you may recruit a little, and gather heart again with us; for people from your quarter say that you are half dead. Since I can draw you out by no other inducement, I make the announcement, that you shall have no letter from me until you come. Quick, then.--Adieu. Salute all friends. May the Lord shortly bring you in safety to us.--Yours,

JOHN CALVIN.

[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]

[35] Nephew of Viret, and minister in the Pays de Vaud.