Opinion regarding Vergerio--intelligence regarding Bucer--letter
to Melanchthon--disputes with Berne--literary publications of
Calvin.
_July 1550._
Although I have not been able to secure a messenger for a long time,
who might convey my letter to you with convenience and safety, yet I
must really confess that I am ashamed of my long delay. But you will
readily excuse me; and I can with truth declare, that I would gladly
have written you on different occasions had I been able sooner to
find a messenger. It is not expedient for us, in my opinion, to be
anxious about our exculpation with the people of Zurich, lest some
groundless suspicion should steal in upon them. We shall see by and
by whether they have any faith in those clouds of theirs. Defence
will be easy then. Let us in the meantime cherish our unanimity.
Vergerio, Bishop of Pola,[287] is here at present; he will not
return to the Grisons, however. I think Viret wrote you concerning
him. He came by Lausanne, and spent a few days in familiar
intercourse with the brethren. There is much that is praiseworthy
about him; and I hope that he will be steadfast in the right path.
As I knew he passed through Zurich, I endeavoured to elicit from
him whether he had heard of aught unfavourable there. I could not
scent out anything, however. We should therefore keep quiet, unless
a better opportunity presents itself. Those who come from England,
say that matters get on well there. I have heard nothing of Bucer,
except that he seems rather pliant to some.[288] There is a fixed
opinion in the minds of many regarding him which is not easily
rooted out. It is not unlikely that the good man feels annoyed by
this prejudice. And whether he affords any occasion for it or not,
I cannot tell. We shall have some word soon. No change has taken
place in Saxony as yet. Should you feel disposed to spend a quarter
of an hour, perhaps, in reading an epistle in which I discuss [the
question] of ceremonies, you will find a copy of it enclosed. I have
written to Melanchthon also in almost the very same strain, but,
owing to my negligence, it turns out that I do not possess a copy
of it.[289] Should you also be inclined to look into those points
on which I recently advised the Protector of England, I have sent
that [document] also. Would that time had allowed me to seek your
advice, rather than show you what I have now done regarding the
matter. The Collector of Finance[290] of the French king, who was
in prison, has cost us no further trouble. The Bernese ambassadors,
lately sent in his behalf, were of some use, though of less than I
could have wished. They succeeded, however, in quieting the mind of
the king. Five or six days after there comes a most polite letter,
in which the king returns us his thanks, and courteously asks us to
release the captive. This was done. By the wonderful goodness of
God, we are now freed from a source of anxiety which often robbed me
of my sleep. That new impost which the Bernese are exacting,[291]
annoys us sadly. We are resolved not to pay it. We wish it tried
at law; our opponents wish us to bow to their authority. Thereupon
one evil rises out of another. Moreover, this awkward circumstance
attends it, that I dare not refuse my advice to those soliciting it.
I commenced Genesis seven days ago; may it be auspicious! In the
meantime Isaiah is called to press.[292] The printers are at present
busy with Paul, but I fear they have been longer of beginning than
they should.[293] If it be not out in nine days hence, it will
have other companions, for I hope that the book _De Scandalis_ and
the _Canonical Epistles_ will be printed during the coming winter.
Adieu, most upright brother, ever to be revered by me in the Lord.
Salute earnestly your family and all the brethren. May the Lord
watch over you all and guide you by his Spirit!