[294] The title:--To William Rabot, "Dictus a Salena" of Avignon.
It appears from a letter of Rabot's to Calvin, preserved in the
Library of Gotha, that, exiled from his native country from
conscientious motives, this young man was then engaged in the
study of law at the University of Padua, in company with a number
of gentlemen, among others Charles de Jonvillers, Francis and
Louis de Budé, &c. Their studies were intermingled with religious
discourses, which contributed to the spread of the Gospel in certain
distinguished families, among which we remark that of Contarini,
originally of Padua. The increasing rigours of persecution soon
scattered this focus of Evangelism, and led some of those youthful
missionaries to Geneva, where Charles de Jonvillers, one of
their number, gained the friendship of Calvin, and became his
secretary.--_Divers MSS. of Gotha and of Geneva._
Exhortation to the study of the Scriptures.
_24th July 1550._
Although we have been unknown to each other by sight, yet since you
recognize the Master Christ in my ministry, and submit yourself
cheerfully and calmly to his teaching, this is a sufficient reason
why I should, on the other hand, esteem you as a brother and
fellow-disciple. But, as I understand from your letter, that it
is not very long since the Lord shed the light of his gospel on
you, I could not give a fitter expression of my love towards you,
than by exhorting and encouraging you to daily exercises. For we
see sparks of piety immediately disappear which had shone forth
on many occasions; because, instead of increasing the flame, they
rather extinguish what little light the Spirit of God had enkindled
in them, by the empty allurements of the world, or the irregular
desires of the flesh. That nothing of this kind may happen to you,
you must first of all give devoted submission to the will of the
Lord, and in the next place, you must fortify yourself by his sacred
doctrines. But as this is too extensive a theme to be embraced in a
letter, it is better for you to draw from the fountain-head itself.
For if you make a constant study of the word of the Lord, you will
be quite able to guide your life to the highest excellence. You have
faithful commentaries, which will furnish the best assistance. I
wish very much you could find it convenient at some time to pay us
a visit; for, I flatter myself, you would never regret the journey.
Whatever you do, see that you follow the Lord, and at no time turn
aside from the chief end.
Adieu, illustrious and very dear sir.--Yours,