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."