[391] While Calvin was eloquently pleading among others the cause
of the persecuted faithful of France, he was struggling with
an ever-increasing energy for the suppression of scandals, and
the formation of a new people at Geneva. His efforts, however,
seemed powerless before the enormity of the evil, and the furious
resistance of that party, which history has justly branded with
the name of Libertine. The cabal of the factious gathered strength
from day to day, and disorders were committed with impunity. The
task of reforming the public morals, courageously undertaken by
the ministers, was almost absolutely fruitless. Ashamed of such
excesses, but incapable of suppressing them, the Great Council
increased the severity of its edicts, but had not the power to
impose them upon the multitude who were banded together against
the _foreigners_. The French were a particular object of fury to
the factions. They beat them in the streets, and subjected them
to all sorts of outrages. Most absurd accusations were circulated
against them, and were believed by the multitude. The presence of
Farel and Viret in Geneva could not quiet these troubles; and it
was in vain that these courageous ministers presented themselves
before the councils, "to commend to them the care of religion and
morals."--_Chronique_ of Roset, c. v. pp. 42, 44; Ruchat, c. v. pp.
489, 490.
Conspiracy of the Libertines--energy of the Reformer--struggles
of Viret at Lausanne.
GENEVA, _26th October 1552_.
I occasionally abstain from writing, from having nothing important
to write about, but my material is in these days more abundant
than I could wish--so much so, that it has kept me from writing
altogether. For I think it better silently to repress the very
sad cares which torture me, rather than seek consolation by
inconveniencing you. Even if I did throw part of the burden on your
shoulders, I should rather increase than diminish the evil. The very
act of writing, moreover, by awakening the memory, irritates the
wound. I was aware that our enemies were making secret preparations
for an insurrection, for four months past; the fire was to be
kindled at the next election, in the month of November, when it is
customary to appoint the chief magistrate. Bernard had given me a
hint of it. But we were ignorant of the charge by which they thought
to oppress and even overwhelm us. But the Lord has seasonably
dragged them forth to the light. They spread a rumour among the
petty tradesmen, and then bawled out in the assembly hall, that
forty thousand pieces of gold were deposited with three Frenchmen,
as a reward for betraying the city. They made indirect allusions to
the three guardians of the poor, among whom was Du Tailly, whom the
Lord lately called to himself, and who is very greatly lamented by
all the pious. Wendel was not ashamed to allege, in the presence of
the Senate, that there were three hundred thousand. This conjecture
deceived them, for, when they had hoped, by their atrocious calumny
to kindle a fire which should consume us in a moment, the flame by
and by ended in smoke. They are, notwithstanding, in the meantime,
acting with careless effrontery, seeing, as they do, the inactivity
of those who ought to have mended matters, which they could have
done with the utmost ease had they possessed a single spark of
manliness. For what would not the wicked dare when there is impunity
for all evils? But I trust that Christ will ere long prove our
deliverer.
He[392] has neglected what he had promised to Viret. I, for my
part, am doing all I can to refresh his memory. But he is amusing
himself with us. It were better, therefore, for Viret to come of
his own accord. The proper time would be, however, before the
Martinalia, when despair will drive our enemies to act like the
Bacchæ if he does not make his appearance. But he is drawn away
elsewhere. And the affairs which he has in hand are to me of so much
importance, that I consider it sinful to place any obstacle in his
way, or to offer the very least hindrance.[393] On the contrary, I
feel exceedingly ashamed that I have afforded him no more comfort
under so great difficulties, than if I had been buried. Although,
therefore, most anxious that you should encourage us with your
presence, it must nevertheless be deferred until another occasion,
especially as it would be better that both of you should be present
at the same time. I scarcely know what to say regarding Garnier's
letter.[394] The specimen which I had lately of his character
in a private matter, will prevent me in future from having any
dealings with him. You will say the public position of the Church
is concerned. Pardon my timidity, for I fear very much that no men
are more insolent and haughty, than those of a servile disposition.
Had it been convenient for Viret to come here, nothing could have
been more useful and appropriate, than for us to hold a consultation
on the leading topics, before the matter had proceeded farther. I
fear, however, that it will be scarcely possible for Viret to be
here before the completion of the Bernese embassy. Accordingly,
I have no one to consult with, unless I lay the matter before my
fellow-ministers. I am persuaded, however, that no settlement should
be come to, until you reach us.
[392] Probably Amy Perrin.
[393] Placed by his character and talents at the head of the
Vaudois clergy, Viret had to maintain a ceaseless struggle against
the encroachments and ecclesiastical tyranny of the Seigneurs of
Berne.--See Ruchat, c. v. p. 488.
[394] Minister of the French Church of Strasbourg.
Adieu, most upright and very dear brother. Salute that noble man,
the Seigneur de Dammartin, your colleague, and the rest of our
friends. May the Lord guard you all by his protection, enrich
you with the gifts of his Spirit, and bless you in all things.
Amen.--Yours truly,