[333] The year 1551 was marked by two grievous losses to the
Reformed churches of Europe. Bucer, overcome by the sorrows of
exile, died in England on the 28th of February, and the decease
of Joachim Vadian, one of the most brilliant minds of that age,
occurred at Saint Gall during the same year. The earliest notice
of Bucer's death is to be found in the Journal of King Edward VI.
of England:--"_February 28th._--The learned man Bucerus died at
Cambridge, who was two days after buried in St. Mary's Church, all
the whole University, with the whole town, bringing him to the
grave, to the number of three thousand persons. Also there was
an oration of Mr. Haddon made very elegantly at his death...."
&c.--_Zurich Letters_, first series, tom. ii. p. 492. Vadian, cut
off in the prime of life, breathed his last in the arms of his
friend Kessler, the poet, leaving behind him a name held in deep
veneration by his friends and countrymen. Above two thousand of
the present inhabitants of Saint Gall claim the honour of being
descended from the burgomaster Vadian. See the notice of him given
in the present collection, vol. i. p. 475.
Death of Bucer and of Joachim Vadian.
GENEVA, _10th May 1551_.
Although you have received no letters from me for a considerable
time, let me tell you, that you have, on that account, been a source
of constant and even anxious thought to me. The grief which I have
suffered at the death of Bucer increases my anxiety and fear. I
have now again experienced a fresh wound from the death of Vadian,
whose labour, although of wide influence, and calculated to be felt
throughout the entire Church, was nevertheless of especial use in
the state, and of great importance among the Swiss and Grisons in
particular. I feel my heart almost like to break when I think of the
great loss the Church of God has sustained in the death of Bucer.
The Lord grant that I may leave in life all those whose death I
should mourn, that I may the more joyfully leave the world.
Adieu, most excellent brother. May the Lord keep you together with
your wife and family. Salute all earnestly in my name.