Renewed expressions of regret for the death of Vadian and
Bucer--controversies excited by Osiandor--numerous migrations to
Geneva--commencement of hostilities in Italy.
GENEVA, _15th June 1551_.
Nicolas[334] has at length returned from England, having been
detained for eleven days by head winds, and afterwards tossed about
by so severe a tempest, that he scarcely escaped shipwreck. He
reports that he was so kindly and affectionately received, that I
have good reason to congratulate myself that my labour was spent to
the best advantage. After having delivered my letter to the Duke of
Somerset, and having said that he had another also for the King,
the Duke himself undertook the duty of presenting it, and on the
following day set out for the Court. If I am not deceived, the work
not only greatly pleased the Royal Council, but also filled the King
himself with extraordinary delight. The Archbishop of Canterbury
informed me that I could do nothing more useful than to write to
the King more frequently. This gave me more pleasure than if I had
come to the possession of a great sum of money. In the present state
of the kingdom, many things are still to be desired. Among other
evils that are incurable until the King shall have attained his
majority, there is this one: that all the revenues of the Church
are devoured by the nobles, and they are meanwhile hiring for a
miserable pittance, worthless men to discharge the duties, or at
least occupy the position of pastors. I nevertheless will not cease
to goad the whole of them. I did not allude to the death of Bucer,
lest I should open my own wound afresh.[335] For when I reflect how
great a loss the Church of God has sustained in the death of this
one man, I cannot but feel the deepest anguish. He would have been
of great advantage to England. I was expecting more from his future
writings, than anything he had hitherto performed. In addition to
this, the Church is now destitute of faithful teachers. Vadian had
very great influence among the Swiss.[336] The Lord has taken him
away. Osiander is absolutely mad.[337] Let us take courage, however,
until we shall have finished our course and reached the goal. One
thing I fear, that while holding a place among the runners, I may
set an example of slowness. Yet I am not a little comforted by this,
that you, who have outstripped all others, extend to me so much
pardon and mild indulgence. It is sufficient, if, not led away by
the unsettled wanderings of others, we hold on in the right way;
even although some get far ahead of us, and others lag a great way
behind. As for our old friend with the new face,[338] I shall for
my part be careful to encourage him, as you urgently advise, and
shall give my colleagues a hint to do the same. But believe me,
he manifests no sincerity. I surmised from the first what he was
wishing to be at. I concealed that I had detected it; kept my hand
on it, as it were. He patronizes, as he used to do, persons given
over to shameless pleasures. He is in like manner given to defend
bad causes. His arrogance and ferocity are in no degree abated.
His cohort runs riot more at will than ever. However, I shall so
conduct myself, that he will easily perceive that I am heartily
reconciled to him. You have heard, I suppose, what a mournful
procession they lately made: and yet so shameful a butchering of
a most distinguished citizen has not restrained their wantonness.
As to Christopher's asking me to attend their suppers, I have,
hitherto, indeed, refused none of them: but when the duties were
intrusted to Ambard Corné, he, by his procrastination, broke in upon
the established order. I am, in the meantime, much occupied with
foreigners, who daily pass through this place in great numbers, or
who have come hither to take up their abode.[339] Among others, the
Marquis de Vico, a Neapolitan, arrived lately. Another will follow
by and by. Should you pay us a visit next autumn, you will find our
city considerably increased--a pleasing spectacle to me, if they do
not overwhelm me with their visits. Viret was here lately, but he
went off sooner than I could have wished. There is already open war
between the Pontiff and the French.[340] There is a rumour, that
all the Cardinals who sided with the King, have fled from Rome. If
the Emperor is to be involved in this war, he will be forced to
give some relief to Magdeburg, and those places allied with it.
Adieu, most upright brother; salute my friends earnestly, both your
colleague and the other fellow-ministers. Ours also send kindest
regards to you, viz., my colleagues, Normandie, Budé, Trier, Saint
Laurent, the two Colladons, and my brother. May the Lord long spare
you to us; may he shine on you with his Spirit, bless your holy
endeavours, and watch over the Church committed to your care!--Yours,