Recommendation of John de Budé--Uncertainty of the news from
Germany.
FROM GENEVA, _the 4th of June 1547_.
MONSEIGNEUR,--I have nothing to write you at present, except that
the bearer is one of the sons of the late Mr. Budé.[135] When you
shall have made his acquaintance, you will find him so excellent,
that you will esteem him worthy of being loved by all those who love
God, even if the memory of his father had not of itself recommended
him. He is none of those who make a great show and parade. And all
the more on that account is he valued by me, and I know that so it
will be with you. His intention is to go to see Bâle and Strasbourg,
then to return without making any long sojourn in those parts.
Notwithstanding, I have advised him to make full inquiry whether the
roads will be safe before going further, and he has promised me to
do so; for where there is no necessity, it would answer no purpose
to put himself in danger. I believe that before he arrives there,
you will be no longer in deliberation with regard to Sieur de Parey.
For the prolonged delay which he asks for, is by no means with a
view to strengthen his resolution; and indeed I conjecture, that
it has been cautiously suggested by his relations, thinking that
between this time and that he might alter his mind, seeing that they
must be acquainted with his humour.
[135] John de Budé, Sieur de Vérace. See note 1, p. 90.
We are quite amazed to have no news that can be depended upon.
One may perceive the disorder which prevails in Germany, and the
wretched management. If there had been a grain of salt among them,
they would have looked well to their affairs, before they came to
the knowledge of that which was to be known far and wide three days
afterwards. But what do I say? _Non est consilium, non est fortitudo
absque domino._ Therefore they are taken unawares.
I hope to know by the first what decision you have come to with our
captain.[136]
[136] Amy Perrin.
To make an end, Monsieur: having humbly commended me to your good
grace and of Madame, and having presented the like remembrances
to you on the part of my wife and others, I supplicate our good
Lord always to have a care of you, to rule you by his Spirit, to
strengthen you against all stumbling-blocks and annoyances, as well
as the whole of your household. Although I have not leisure to write
to the young ladies, I desire to be very affectionately remembered
to all three.
Your servant and humble brother,
JOHN CALVIN.
[_Fr. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 194.]