[276] _On the back_: "To the very Illustrious M. Francis Dryander, a
Spaniard, at Baslo, with M. Myconius."
Dryander left Strasbourg (for England) in 1548. Melanchthon
gave him letters of introduction to King Edward and to Cranmer,
by whose patronage he obtained a Chair in the University of
Cambridge.--(Zurich Letters, first series, tom. i. p. 349.) At
the end of the following year (December 1549) we find Dryander
in Strasbourg again. What were his motives for returning to the
Continent cannot now be ascertained. See the notice of Dryander, p.
111.
Counsels and encouragements--collection of commentaries on
Isaiah by Des Gallars.
GENEVA, _7th March 1550_.
I am happy that you have returned safely from England. If your
affairs here are satisfactory and prosperous, and the Lord is
providing you with employment, I am the more delighted, although,
as matters now stand everywhere, it becomes us so to walk in the
world that we may be willing forthwith to depart. England seems as
yet unsettled. Elsewhere, whatever was satisfactorily established
appears now to decay. So that, unless we can preserve our patience,
we shall nowhere find the aspect of affairs so pleasing as to
prevent us from longing for a change. This is every day more and
more the experience of myself, whose struggle you suppose is almost
concluded. For I am perpetually disturbed by new contentions, and
new sources of annoyance and disgust, to such a degree, that,
were a free choice allowed me, I would prefer any lot to groaning
continually under so grievous a burden. The Lord has adorned you
with genius and learning; he has gifted you with a zealous and
magnanimous spirit. We must pray that he will not suffer these rich
endowments to lie unimproved. I know, indeed, that hitherto you
have endeavoured to make your life useful to the Church, and that
your attempts have not been without fruit. But I desire that your
gifts may be more fully displayed, and I trust that they will. My
meditations on Isaiah, which you say are expected, will shortly be
published. The composition of the work, however, is Des Gallars',
for, as I have but little time for writing, he jots down to my
dictation and arranges his materials afterwards at home. I then make
a revision of it, and wherever he has missed my meaning I restore
it. When my letter reaches you, I expect the treasurer of our city
will be there also, and will remain for two days. If you have any
news he will be glad to convey them. I have nothing to say to MM.
Myconius and Sulzer till they answer my last. Remember me, however,
to them and to Oporinus. My colleagues desire me to salute you
cordially. I pray for all joy and prosperity to your wife wherever
she is.
Adieu, illustrious sir. May the Lord continue to guide you by his
Spirit, and be ever present with you!--Yours,