Election of new magistrates at Geneva--troubles in
France--letter from Bucer.
GENEVA, _27th November 1548_.
You ought not to impute to my negligence your not having received
a letter from me since you set sail from this place; for I have
found no one setting out in your direction. It is not quite safe,
moreover, in these times, for a letter to be carried about by a
variety of hands. In the next place, I hardly know what to write
to you, because there is nothing that is not fitted to cause you
much more annoyance than satisfaction. The prefect Molard is here,
with whom are joined as assessors the eldest son of Balthazar and
a certain Rigot of that faction. You see, therefore, that there
will be no danger this year to the wicked from the severity of the
judges. We wait, however, to see in what channel their licence
will break forth. On the same day our comic friend Cæsar again
donned the socks.[210] Being now rendered somewhat more ferocious,
he boasts among his stage-players after his own Thrasonic fashion.
Finally, there appears to be no hope of speedy amendment, whatever
we may essay. Nor is it to be doubted that they are labouring to
effect a great revolution in the republic at the next assembly of
syndics; but the Lord in heaven is vigilant.
[210] Deprived, the preceding year, of his office of councillor and
captain-general, Amy Perrin had contrived, by the force of intrigue,
to recover his former dignities.
The commotions at Bourdeaux are settled, or they are at least
lulled for a season.[211] For examples of extreme cruelty have been
exhibited, which may in a short time boil forth in greater tempests.
The people of Saintonge keep themselves concealed in the isles.
Bucer lately wrote to me that Antiochus was looking forward to a day
of purification. As far as I can gather from his letter, the council
have no heart for that.[212] I also received a letter from Bullinger
yesterday. When I reply you will know all. Should our council by
chance permit what has been adduced against the Interim of the sons
of Cæsar[213] to be printed here, I shall send you a copy by the
first messenger I can find. But as Trolliet maintains among his own
friends that there is no need of so many books and sermons, I am
afraid lest his authority prove so powerful as to force us to seek
a press elsewhere. Adieu, brother and most sincere friend, along
with your colleagues Fatin, Michel, Thomas, and the rest of the
co-presbyters. May the Lord continue to guide you all by his Holy
Spirit. You will salute your whole family in my name and in that
of my wife. All my city colleagues salute you. The others conduct
themselves piously and uprightly, with the two exceptions of Philip
and Ludovic Siliniac. James Bernard had lately a quarrel with a
grandson of Wendelin, because he allied the latter too closely with
us. His brother left this for another place three days ago. In
haste, yours,