[150] Subjected to torture, Gruet admitted his guilt, and as well
on the ground of his impious and blasphemous productions, as of a
letter written to a private individual, in which he exhorted the
Duke of Savoy to turn his arms against Geneva, he was condemned to
death. It appeared, according to the letter of Calvin to Viret,
of which a fragment is here reproduced, that this sentence was
not unanimous, and that Gruet reckoned up to this time, in the
councils of the republic, friends or accomplices who were desirous
of saving him. This did not prevent his execution on the 26th July
1547, and the example threw terror into the ranks of the party of
the Libertins. On the trial of Gruet, see the various historians of
Geneva,--Spon, Picot, and the _Histoire de la Suisse_, vol. xi. pp.
364, 365.
Indecision of the Seigneurs of Geneva--inflexibility of Calvin.
GENEVA, _24th July 1547_.
There is nothing new in our affairs. The Syndics protract the case
of Gruet against the will of the Senate, which does not, however,
as would be proper, utter any protest against the delay. For you
know that few of them are judicious. I exercise my severity in
dislodging common vices, and principally the sources of corruption
among the youth. I conceal all sense of the dangers which good men
from several quarters allege to exist, lest I should appear over
solicitous about myself. The Lord will give the issue in the way
that may please himself. Adieu, brother, and most sincere friend,
as also your wife and family. May the Lord Jesus continually direct
you, and be present with you. You will convey best greetings to the
brethren, and to your wife in my name. My wife salutes you and your
family. Yours,