[251] See the preceding letter. The negotiations entered into with
the Church of Zurich, and already near a close, were prosecuted
equally at Berne; but they were encountered there by insurmountable
difficulties, arising from the hesitation of the ministers and the
policy of the Seigneury. Calvin did not shrink from any concessions
which, without causing injury to the integrity of the doctrine,
might rally their spirits to union and peace.--Hospinian, tom. ii.
p. 370.
Revisal of the Formulary--persecutions in France.
GENEVA, _13th August 1549_.
I was reminded, when it was too late, of the departure of the
registrar. For it was not convenient for me to write then--on
account of the Supper namely--especially as I was not able to do
it so satisfactorily as could be wished. Indeed this is almost a
customary thing with me. But a letter came into my possession to-day
which you had written just before mine was composed. I had delayed
writing you a private letter, indeed, until a trustworthy messenger
might be at hand to convey it to you. And although I had not
actually come under any obligation, I was unwilling to forego the
opportunity which presented itself. You will ascertain whether the
edition with this new preface will satisfy the Bernese. Of yourself
and your associates I have no doubt. For, in my opinion, I have
followed your outlines and only spread my colours over them. But you
remember what I lately wrote regarding your two paragraphs. I am
persuaded there will be no one among you who would not, of his own
accord, desire my additions. And they are of especial importance,
lest some might think we were rather artfully silent, and others
justly desire what must necessarily be expressly stated. The third
correction will present no difficulty save in one or two words. I
know the whole matter must so commend itself to you and to the rest
of the brethren, that I shall entirely acquiesce in your decision.
What you decide upon, therefore, I shall regard as altogether
satisfactory. I think, again, that you will understand what I am
aiming at.
I dare hardly venture to give you anything new from this place,
there are so many idle rumours daily afloat. This, at least, is
certain, that numerous dangers are not very far distant, unless the
Lord counteract them. All that I wish is, that Christians may live
securely, as they can die securely. The Frenchman is so insane,
that, as one may say, he wishes, after the fashion of the giants,
to fight against God.[252] In the meanwhile, the firmness of the
martyrs is wonderful.[253] It was a new thing for the king, when one
of them of his own accord devoted himself as a sacrifice, that he
might openly address to him at least three words for Christ, when he
was preparing to witness the burning. I do not write to Celio, and
perhaps he has not yet gone to you. If he is there, I should wish
him, as previously ordered, to speak to the bookseller regarding the
money for which I became security. He complains that the decision
will be unfair. Our friend, however, says the opposite. I remain
neutral. But since I have pledged my word, I am called upon to pay
it.
[252] In the month of July 1549, the fury of the persecutions was
redoubled at Paris and in the provinces, and places of execution
were so multiplied everywhere, as if the King had wished, by
additional severity, to remove from memory the Edict which he had
restored on account of the Vaudeis of Provençe.--Bèze, _Hist.
Eccl._, tom. i. p. 70, _et suiv._ Notwithstanding all this violence,
says Bèze, the churches increased and gathered strength in many
places.
[253] Among the number of professors burnt on occasion of the
public entrance of the King into Paris, there is found Florent
Venot, of Sedano in Brie,--allowed to stand for six weeks in a pit
at Chatelet, called _the Hippocras' Cup_, where it was impossible
either to remain lying or standing--and whose firmness overcame the
cruelty of the executioners. "You think," he said to them, "by long
torment, to weaken the force of the spirit, but you waste your time,
and God will enable me to bless his holy name even till my death."
Compelled, by a refinement of cruelty, to be a spectator of the
torment of his brethren burnt at Paris, he exhorted them by look and
gesture before he ascended the pile prepared for him in the _Place
Maubert_.--_Hist. des Martyrs_, p. 186.
Adieu, brother in the Lord, and most honourable and accomplished
man, together with all your fellow-ministers, whom you will salute
respectfully in our name. May the Lord be ever near you and keep
you, and may you be instrumental in advancing the glory of his name!
Amen.--Yours,