[125] To the most erudite Doctor Francis Dryander, and very dear
friend.
Francis Enzinas, better known under the name of Dryander, born at
Burgos in Spain, was the disciple of Melanchthon, and embraced
the Reformation with ardour. Imprisoned for having published a
translation of the New Testament in Spanish, he recovered his
liberty in 1542, and visited Calvin at Geneva. He afterwards
withdrew to Strasbourg, whence he passed over to England, after the
adoption of the _Interim_, and occupied a chair in the University
of Oxford. There are several letters of Dryander to Bullinger
(1549-1552,) in the fine collection of _Zurich Letters_, published
by the _Parker Society_, 1st series, Vol. i. p. 348, and following.
Confused state of the Church--hopes and fears for the future.
GENEVA, _18th May 1547_.
Greeting:--It would not require a letter of very great length,
were I to comply with your request to write to you at full length
my opinion of the present state of general disorder; because when
matters are in so great confusion, I not only abstain from passing
any judgment, but I do not even venture to inquire into what may be
the issue of them. For as often as I have begun the attempt, I have
been immediately involved in darkness so intense, that I thought
it better to close my eyes upon the world, and fix them intently
upon God alone. I only speak of myself, as I am here situated. Had
I been placed in the situation which some others occupy, my mode of
procedure might then have required to be changed. Besides, I cannot
from this retreat as from a watch-tower observe the circumstances
that go to the formation of a judgment. And if anything reaches me,
it comes late. Further, nothing can with certainty be determined,
until the whole particulars are gathered together. But at present
the more private counsels, from which an opinion is chiefly to be
formed, are unknown to me. What folly then would it be for me to
fatigue myself to no purpose or profit, by occupying my attention
with what is obscure! "What," therefore, you will say, "do you alone
wish to enjoy undisturbed quiet amid the ruins of the Church?"
On the contrary, I sigh anxiously night and day, but I repel as
much as I can all needless reflections that from time to time
steal upon me. I do not, nevertheless, succeed in this so far as
I could wish; it is, however, something, that I do not indulge a
prurient disposition. I occupy myself in considering what is already
done; and I connect matters that occur from day to day, with what
preceded them. Reflection on these things furnishes me, I confess,
with various grounds both of hope and fear. But because, as I have
said, there are so many opposing reasons, I restrain myself in
good time, lest I say anything rashly and beyond what is proper.
The prediction, indeed, which you gave in your letter, will never
deceive us, even although heaven and earth were mingled in confusion
together, viz., that God will take so peculiar a care of his own
Church, as to preserve it even amid the annihilation of the whole
world. Excuse the brevity of this epistle, as I was warned a little
before supper of the departure of the messenger. [My] brother had
told me before mid-day, that he was ready for the journey: I would
not have written, if he had gone so soon. He returned after three
o'clock: I had thus less time than I should have had. Adieu: may the
Lord direct you by his Spirit, and preserve you safe.--Yours,