[_Calvin's Lat. Corresp._--Opera, vol. ix. p. 240.]
[162] "M. Calvin has represented that letters have been written to
him, as well from Bourgoyne as from Lyons, to the effect that the
children of Geneva were willing to give five hundred crowns to have
him put to death; he does not know who these are."--_Registers of
the Consistory_, 1st September 1547.
[163] Charged with an important mission to the court of King Henry
II., Perrin, on his return, was subjected to the accusation of
treason in the carrying out of his commission. The King of France
had said that he would give two millions to be master of Geneva.
Perrin was accused of having replied, that two hundred horse would
be sufficient to conquer the city.--_Hist. de la Suisse_, vol. xi.
p. 361. It could not however be proved, that he had contracted
secret engagements with France. He was nevertheless imprisoned,
afterwards released at the request of the Seigneury of Berne, and
stripped of his offices.--_Registers of Council_, September and
November 1548.
[164] Idelette de Bure is known to have espoused in her first
nuptials an Anabaptist, Jean Storder. According to the doctrines
of that sect, which denied the authority of the civil power, the
marriage to be legitimate had no need of the sanction of the
magistrate.
[165] Allusion to the work which Calvin was at that time preparing
against the Council of Trent, and which appeared at the end of the
year.--See the Letter to Farel of the 28th December 1547.