[277] "To Nicolas Colladon, a man distinguished for piety and
learning."
Among the numerous French refugees whom persecution led yearly to
Geneva, there were none more distinguished than the members of the
Colladon family, originally from Berry, where they occupied an
eminent position, and are reckoned, even in our own day, among the
number of the Genevese aristocracy. Nicolas Colladon, to whom the
letter of the Reformer is addressed, was the son of Leon Colladon,
the celebrated parliamentary advocate of Bourges, who, with his
brother Germain, retired to Geneva in the early part of the year
1551. Long initiated in evangelical doctrine, Nicolas Colladon
continued to exercise those pastoral functions in his adopted
country, which he had previously performed in Berry. In 1564 he
was made Principal of the College of Geneva, and in 1566 succeeded
Calvin himself in the chair of theology, without ceasing to
discharge his pastoral duties with a zeal which, during the plague
of 1570, found a perilous opportunity of signalizing itself. He
spent the last years of his life in the Canton de Vaud. The precise
date of his death is not known.--Senebier, _Hist. Litt._, tom. i. p.
398. Galiffe, _Notices Généalogiques_, tom. ii. p. 566; and Haag,
_France Protestante_, Art Colladon.
Settlement of the Colladon family at Geneva.
_12th May 1550._
I have at present no other reason for writing you than that I
thought it absurd that a messenger, sent with difficulty hither
from so intimate a friend, and on business well known to me, should
return without a letter from me. I was afraid, also, at the same
time, lest your brother should entertain unpleasant suspicions
should he hear that I had been altogether silent. My friend Laurent
at present declines the journey to which you urge him; his excuse is
brief, but such as we both hope will abundantly satisfy you. I will
only add this from him, that he was as far as possible from seeking
any excuse for not visiting you. I assure you that his inclination
is in no respect altered; but having seriously pondered the whole
matter, I dare not advise him to leave his home at present. It
is well, however, that those with whom you invited him to confer
are disposed to entertain a removal.[278] And, indeed, they can
accomplish nothing in this affair without coming to us. For as the
girl is engaged in marriage here,[279] it would be too hazardous for
them to remain at home. It will be your duty, therefore, to urge
them to collect their baggage, and prepare for the journey. This may
at first sight appear ridiculous, as if, in a matter so difficult
and perplexing, I fancied everything was easily managed. I am not
so inexperienced, however, as to be ignorant of the obstacles,
embarrassments, and delays with which you must struggle. This only
I wish, since the matter admits of no delay, that you would exert
yourself vigorously in discharging your duty.
[278] In allusion to the various members of the Colladon family, who
were contemplating a removal to Geneva.
[279] Anne Colladon, the sister of Nicolas, was on the point of
being married to Laurent de Normandie. See Note 1, p. 217.
Adieu, beloved brother in the Lord. Salute your relatives kindly in
my name, both the father and all the families. May God direct you
with the Spirit of wisdom and fortitude; may he be present with you
and further all your pious efforts! Amen.--Yours,