[197] See letter of 9th May preceding. The relations between the
Vaudois ministers and the Seigneury of Berne, became daily more
complicated. A Synod assembled at Lausanne, having ventured formally
to propound ten propositions contrary to the celebrated disputation
of Berne, and to manifest an inclination in favour of ecclesiastical
discipline, with the concurrence of two Bernese ministers, Beat
Gerung and Simon Sulcer,--these two clergymen were arbitrarily
deposed by the Seigneury, under the pretext of "the maintenance of
peace and tranquillity in the Church."--Ruchat, tom. v. pp. 357, 358.
Ecclesiastical tyranny of the Seigneurs of Berne--sojourn of
Idelette de Bure at Lausanne.
[GENEVA,] _15th June 1548_.
I took care to have a copy of the letter which I wrote to Bullinger
and Haller transcribed for you, in case its contents should be
reported differently from what you may have thought it proper they
should have been; for, as far as I am concerned, the letter itself
contains my opinion to the best of my judgment. If the reason must
be assigned, I not only look to what is becoming in honourable men,
but I further fear that we may suffer a heavy penalty if, by servile
dissimulation, we strengthen the tyrannical power which barbarous
men already openly usurp. We may serve Jodocus,[198] and other such
beasts, provided only they form no barrier to our serving Christ;
but when the truth of God is trodden down, woe to our cowardice
if we permit this to be done without protest. It should not even
be tolerated that an innocent man should suffer injury. At this
time, both numerous servants of Christ and his doctrine itself are
assailed. Is it not full time that all the godly, both collectively
and individually, should raise their heads in his cause? But,
nevertheless, that you may come to a free decision making no
account of my pre-judgment of the case, you are not only permitted,
so far as I am concerned, but I even wish you to give your opinion.
Should it seem proper to allow Farel a reading, I will take care
that another copy be sent to him, that I may receive back the one I
send to you.
[198] Jodocus, minister of the Church of Berne.
It is truly a source of pain to me that my wife should have been so
great a burden to you; for she could not have been of much service
to your wife when confined, so far as I can divine, since she
herself, on account of the state of her health, stood in need of the
assiduous attentions of others. It is matter of comfort to me to be
persuaded that you would not bear it impatiently.
Adieu, brother and most sincere friend. May the Lord guide you, and
protect your whole family--Amen. Yours,