Sad state of the Republic--discouragement of the Reformer.
GENEVA, _14th December 1547_.
I am not surprised, and I am thankful that you feel impatient
because so few letters from me reach you at this time; for I see
from this that we are the objects of solicitude on your part. You
are, moreover, daily hearing many reports, some of which may cause
you bitter sorrow, and others inspire you with various fears on
our account. The rumours that are spread abroad are almost all
groundless; but we are oppressed by intestine evils that are so
little public as hardly to be known, unless to a few in the city.
The wild beast that lately, by the treachery of his keepers, escaped
from his den, breathes nothing but threats.[176] Macrin being cast
out, there is nothing they do not promise themselves, because they
are confident that matters are now entirely in their own hands.
For they count upon this [ejection] as constituting the proof
of oppressed liberty. Affairs are certainly in such a state of
confusion that I despair of being able longer to retain this church,
at least by my own endeavours. May the Lord hear your incessant
prayers in our behalf. [My] brother will give you a better account
of all the circumstances [than I can do by letter.]
[176] According to the testimony of the Registers of Council, Amy
Perrin had been restored to liberty, on bail, at the instance
of the Seigneury of Berne and his family, and on condition of
begging the forgiveness of God and men, and paying the expenses of
justice.--_Register_, 23d November 1547. Had this legal liberation
been preceded by the escape of the prisoner? We are not aware.
Adieu, most upright brother. Salute respectfully all the
brethren.--Yours,