Various particulars--recommendation of Francis Hotman,
Jurisconsult.
_7th May 1549._
When Ferron was deposed he said you would write on his behalf. I
have not received anything as yet. He behaved so insolently in
our assembly that he very much resembled a man deprived of his
reason.[232] The Lord will direct the matter according to his will;
we have resolved on acting so moderately as to show him that he has
to do with men and with servants of Christ. Cæsar the comedian
annoys us in whatever way he can. Hitherto it has so turned out that
he has gained nothing by it but the utmost disgrace. And yet, among
his own party he gives himself all the airs of a victor.[233] Haller
has at length explained what he would desiderate in our confession.
This consists of a great many unimportant and trivial points. I
shall reply to him as soon as I find opportunity. I did not send you
the letter before it was read to the brethren. It is on this account
that Hotman[234] has undertaken this journey to you; he will carry
it more safely than otherwise. I do not think it proper, nor have I
been disposed, to inquire more minutely into that situation to which
he aspires, except that he has resolved to dedicate his work to the
Lord and to the Church. I especially approve of this resolution.
For he has strong native talent, is of extensive erudition, and is
possessed of other valuable qualities. However, I know that you
think so highly of him that there is no need of me recommending him.
And, as you are of opinion that his work would be useful, I have
no doubt that you would be sufficiently disposed of yourself to
aid him. I was unwilling, however, to act so, that he might think
me wanting in my duty to him. I shall only add, that he should
understand there is nothing nearer our hearts than that he should
devote his labour to the Church.
[232] Accused of having wished to seduce a servant, Ferron was
deposed from the ministry on the 5th September 1548.--_Registers of
the Council._
[233] In a letter from Calvin to Farel, written on the same day as
that to Viret, we meet with a passage regarding Amy Perrin:--"Cæsar,
our comedian, in his last mission, exasperated them [the Bernese]
exceedingly, and I fear he has commenced a serious tragedy among
us."--_MSS. of Geneva_, vol. 106. Charged with a mission to Berne,
he had returned to Geneva more insolent and more intractable than
ever.
[234] The learned lawyer, Francis Hotman, recently engaged in the
evangelical cause, had quitted France, his native country, at the
advice of Calvin, to retire to Geneva. He became, during the same
year, Professor of Law at the Academy of Lausanne.--See _La France
Protestante_, Art. Hotman.
Adieu, brother and most sincere friend. May the Lord Jesus preserve
yourself, your wife, and your little daughter, and send a blessing
upon your sacred labours. Salute all respectfully in my name.--Yours,