The sending of a minister--perplexities regarding anticipated
events in Germany.
FROM GENEVA, _this 18th May 1547_.
MONSEIGNEUR,--Since your convenience has not permitted your coming
hither as we had hoped, it is enough if God graciously grants you
health where you are. For albeit I might desire to be near you,
nevertheless I prefer what is best for you. Concerning the man of
whom Maldonado spoke to you, besides the knowledge which I have had
of him while he has been here I have made inquiry about him at his
old master, Gallars, who tells me that he found him very leal and
serviceable. It is true, that he would not reckon him qualified
to manage great affairs, unless one should instruct and set him
his lesson; but that in the carrying out of whatsoever he shall be
commanded to do, there will be nothing wanting; nay, that he will
even be vigilant. And even as regards the former quality, I do not
undervalue him. For a staid and modest man is far better, than one
who is overbold and venturesome. You will decide according to the
turn of your affairs, in order that the Sieur d'Albiac may send him;
and thus you may not remain long unprovided. Moreover, I hope that
God has rid you of the annoyances wherewith that marplot[126] has
been so long teasing you. That done, you may be altogether at ease
about your house.
[126] Valeran Poulain. See pp. 104, 110.
We are still on the lookout for news about the general state of the
church. If God intends so sorely to afflict us, as to let loose that
tyrant upon us,[127] who only seeks to ruin everything, we must be
quite prepared to suffer. Considering that He who has us in charge,
rules in the midst of his enemies, it becomes us to have patience,
consoling ourselves in the assured hope, that in the end he will
confound them. But yet I hope that he will provide against these
great troubles, supporting our weakness; and that he will check the
boldness of those who triumph before the time, and that against
himself.
[127] The Emperor Charles the Fifth had just gained a decisive
victory at Mühlberg (24th April 1547) over the Protestant princes.
Monsieur, having humbly commended me to your kind favour, and that
of Madame, and having presented to both of you the remembrances of
my wife, I pray our good Lord to guide you continually, to watch
over you and to enlarge you in all his mercies. I abstain from
entering upon the proposal which the Sieur Maldonado has brought me,
about settling a church in that quarter;[128]--for I know not what
to say about it, except that I would desire that all may be well
done.
Your servant and humble brother,
JOHN CALVIN.
[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]
[128] That is to say, at Bâle. The French church of that town was
founded after the massacre De la Saint Barthelemy, at the request of
a great number of refugees, among whom we find the children of the
Admiral de Coligny.--MSS. of the archives of the French Church of
Bâle.
CXCV.--To Monsieur de Falais.
Information in regard to a house--advice on the subject of a
marriage proposed for a relative of Monsieur de Falais.
FROM GENEVA, _this 26th of May 1547_.
MONSEIGNEUR,--I hope that the bearer of these presents will be the
captain of our town,[129] from whom I have hired the house. He has
a mind to betake himself to your quarter, in order to confer with
you. He has offered me an alternative condition. In the first place:
should it please you to lend him money for a certain term, that the
house shall remain pledged to you in security for the repayment,
without paying any rent; and that of the repairs which you may make
for your convenience, he shall bear a part: secondly, that he should
sell it to you. It is true that he is not the feudal superior, but
he engages at all risks to maintain and warrant you in the sale of
it out and out. In this case, he must have three hundred crowns for
it. If your intention is to purchase, you will discuss the price
with himself, making the best bargain you can. It is very certain,
that assuming the responsibility of keeping it in repair, he will
not readily give it for two hundred crowns. You will have to choose
between these two conditions, and to arrange with himself, if you
see it to be for your advantage. If so be that you do not enter
into agreement with him, I have told you already that the house
could not be secured to you, consequently you would need to look
about elsewhere. For you will not prevail on him to put it into a
proper state for your accommodation, unless you go about it in this
way. And in good earnest, if you purpose to come here about the end
of summer, I advise you to endeavour that the repairs may be made
before your arrival, to avoid having your heads broken, and many
other inconveniences. I believe that the plan I have laid down would
please you very well, so that your absence need be no hindrance,
and it will be quite easy to have the thing done. He does not think
much repair is needed, but I suspect it will not amount to less
than forty crowns. Wherefore, the purchase would seem to me more
expedient, especially if you could agree at two hundred crowns, and
that he would take upon himself to warrant in perpetuity. I desire
that you may do something in this matter, provided it be to your
advantage.
[129] The bearer of this letter was the captain-general, Amy Perrin,
then on his way to Bâle. He had been charged with a secret mission
to the new king of France, Henry II., and was imprisoned after his
return to Geneva, because of unfaithfulness in the fulfilment of his
commission.
The Sieur de Parey[130] arrived last evening, and came to call
for me about nine o'clock. As it was rather late, we had scarcely
leisure to speak together, so that I do not yet know the position
of his affairs. After having spoken to Sieur Maldonado, I would
advise that you only inform the girl of the nature of the objection,
without mentioning to her any mishap which may have occurred to him;
for all that would be told over again afterwards. Therefore, I would
merely let her understand: "He sleeps little, there is somewhat of
levity about him, wherefore some danger might be apprehended from
his peculiar constitution. Consider, then, whether you would be
patient if God were to visit you with such a trial." That, in my
opinion, would be sufficient. And according as you shall see her
disposed, you will do what you think right in the matter. We have
had some report of the decision, and he,[131] complaining of the
sentence of the judges, glories in his shame. May God give him a
better mind.
[130] A pretender to the hand of Mademoiselle de Wilergy.
[131] Valeran Poulain. See note 1, p. 113.
Monsieur, having humbly commended me to the kind favour of yourself
and of Madame; and having presented to you the remembrances of Des
Gallars and of my wife, I pray our good Lord to have you always in
his keeping, to rule and guide you, and bestow grace upon you to
glorify him always.
It is enough that you be informed who the bearer is. I do not know
if he will have other company along with him, for he went away
in such haste, that without having spoken of it to me, he came
this morning all booted and spurred, to bid me adieu. You see
what has been the cause of my not having been able to communicate
with Maldonado, for he went away yesterday evening to sleep at
Tourné. That is also the reason wherefore I have not sent you any
compliments from him.
Your servant and humble brother,
JOHN CALVIN.
[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]