[195] "Calvin informs the Council of certain disputes between
the Seigneury and the ministers of Berne, which have gone so
far that three of the ministers of said city have been deposed,
besides Peter Viret of Lausanne; requests that leave may be given
him to go to Berne to defend Viret, which was granted him; the
Seigneury, besides, undertaking to defray the expenses of the
journey."--_Registers of Council_, May 7, 1548.
Disputes among the ministers of Berne--and Calvin's journey
thither.
GENEVA, _9th May 1548_.
After receiving your last letter, I had set out on my journey; but
meeting the father-in-law of my brother Coppet who told me that
you had left Berne three days before, I returned home for several
reasons, which, if it shall be deemed necessary, I will detail to
you when I see you. Make me now aware of what you intend to do; for
I will straightway execute whatever you shall demand, without the
slightest deliberation. I have not yet been able to understand the
result of your proceedings. Giron and Zerkinden requested greetings
to me. When Nicolas asked whether they had anything to say besides,
he got the answer that there was nothing good. I hence suspect
that the matter is worse than they were willing to express. Adieu,
brethren most dear to me. Both of you salute the brethren. May God
preserve you all, guide you by his own Spirit, and establish you
amid these stormy troubles.
* * * * *
When you, Viret, have read Bucer's letter, you will give it to the
bearer of this that it may be carried to Farel. I have understood,
besides, that Duke Christopher of Wurtemberg, with his father, has
set out for the court of the Emperor. We thus see that all is in the
hand of one. Nevertheless the Lord will either close it, or wither
it, or cut it off, as seems good to him.
[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]