[310] After leaving Bâle, and his establishment at Geneva, (July
1548). This seigneur lived in the village of Veigy, situated several
leagues from the city, between Hermance and Les Voirons.
Misconduct of a servant of M. de Falais.
_This 24th of December_ (1550.)
MONSEIGNEUR,--I thank you in the name of all, for the trouble you
have been pleased to take in helping us, if perchance the bad
business which has been going on underhand can be set right.[311] I
find, however, that the examination will not be sufficient to enable
us to get to the bottom of it. We have of course forbidden all
intercourse for the future between the young man and that unhappy
woman. But it will be a more difficult matter to bring home to their
consciences their past misdeeds. Indeed there is but one witness who
testifies that the brother was incensed at it. Now he denies that he
had ever perceived it at all.
[311] In allusion to the misconduct of a servant of Monsieur de
Falais.
Yesterday I was called away from the consistory by some
extraordinary business, so that I could not see how they dealt with
this gallant. And my brethren are at this moment taken up with the
_Visitation_,[312] whither indeed I must also go. However, I hope
that what we have got will serve very well to make a beginning. I
shall, if it please God, let you know of any shortcoming, by word
of mouth, humbly thanking you for your so liberal entertainment,
although I feel always assured of your good-will, even had you not
said a word to me about it.
[312] We read in the MS. Chronicle of Michael Roset, lib. v. chap.
27, "By advice of the ministers, April 3, 1550, it was enacted, that
an annual visitation be maintained from house to house, for the
examination of men and women as to their faith, in order to discern
between the ignorant, and hardened sinners, and true Christians,
which in time has wrought great benefit."
Wherefore, Monseigneur, being constrained to conclude, I beseech
our good Lord to have you in his holy keeping, and to guide you by
his Spirit, as seemeth good to him, for the glory of his name by
you even unto the end. I hope that he will vouchsafe us grace to
celebrate the Supper together, although we must be locally separate.
And so I commend me to the kind favour of yourself and of Madame.
Your humble brother and servant,