[349] This is Calvin's last letter to Myconius. Struck by apoplexy
while in the pulpit of the Cathedral of Bâle, a few days before
the Easter festivals of 1551, Myconius never rallied, till he was
carried off by the plague in October 1552, in the sixty-fourth year
of his age. His bereaved widow survived him only a few days. Simon
Sulzer succeeded him in the office of _Antistes_ which he had filled
during more than ten years with moderation and wisdom.--See Melch.
Adam, _Vitæ Theol. Germ._, p. 224; Ruchat, tom. v. p. 468.
Recommendations regarding the dispute with Bolsec--request on
behalf of the Protestants of France.
LAUSANNE, _November 1551_.
I am compelled to dictate these few lines, being confined to bed
with a severe headache. The person who is to deliver my letter to
you is my brother's father-in-law. He will, therefore, communicate
to me faithfully anything with which you may intrust him. Although
in so just and sacred a cause I trust there will be neither
difficulty nor delay, yet, as you have especially to do with the
general answer of the brethren, I beseech you particularly, and
Sulzer also, to undertake the whole matter.[350] Our Senate,
indeed, took a correct enough view of the case, but it is of great
importance to have the mind of your church as well as of our own.
[350] Alluding to the reply expected from the ministers of Bâle,
concerning the case of Bolsec. See the preceding letter.
There is another thing, also, which I am exceedingly anxious to
obtain from you and the rest of the brethren; but as there is no
need for pressing you on the matter, it will be sufficient for me to
give you a hint of it. Edicts worse than atrocious have lately been
published by the King of France, in which all manner of cruelties
are employed for the extinction of whatever spark of manliness there
is in the kingdom.[351] Not only has he increased the rage of those
judges and officers who previously, in most instances, went farther
than they should, but if any are more moderate than the rest, they
are compelled by violent threats to shed, like very gladiators, the
blood of the innocent. The flames have been kindled already in very
many places. There is one mode, perhaps, by which his fury may be
somewhat appeased: Were those of the Swiss who profess the sound
and pure doctrine of the Gospel to intercede, perhaps, during those
commotions of war, their authority might carry the more weight. As
the cause is a just one, and worthy also of your compassion, I shall
say no more, convinced as I am that it will be to you an object
of the deepest interest. Adieu, brother, worthy of my heartfelt
reverence. Salute all your friends and fellow-ministers. May the
Lord guide you by his Spirit, and protect you by his power!--Yours,