[458] The state messenger charged with the delivery of the documents
relative to the trial of Servetus to the Swiss Churches, had visited
in succession those of Berne, Zurich, Schaffhausen, and Bâle, and
had now returned to Geneva with their replies. The churches were
alike unanimous in their judgment of the theological culpability
of Servetus, and in their testimonies of affection and confidence
towards Calvin and his colleagues. Without giving expression to the
nature of the punishment which should be inflicted on the accused,
they were unanimous in advising them to rid the Church of a pest,
which had already brought ruin to so great a number of souls. Their
various replies will be found in _Calvini Opera_, tom. ix. p. 72,
_et seq._ The magistrates of Berne, who had counselled toleration to
Bolsec, manifested an inflexible rigour towards Servetus, exhorting
those of Geneva not to act unworthily of Christian magistrates.
The ministers of Zurich were still more decided: "We think," said
they, "that you ought in this case to manifest much faith and
zeal, inasmuch as our churches have abroad the bad reputation of
being heretical, and of being particularly favourable to heresy.
Holy Providence at this time affords you an opportunity of freeing
yourselves and us from that injurious suspicion, if you know how
to be vigilant and active in preventing the further spreading of
that poison, and we have no doubt but that your Seigneurs will do
so." After such replies the sentence against Servetus could not be
long doubtful; and the magistrates, in condemning him to death,
were only the interpreters of the stern thought of an age in which
persecution, that sad legacy of the Middle Ages, was the avowed
jurisprudence of all Christian communions. The day following that on
which Calvin penned these lines addressed to Farel, (27th October
1553,) Servetus was led forth to hear his doom pronounced at the
gate of the Hotel de Ville, and mounted the fatal pile erected at
Champel, bequeathing a mournful souvenir to the Reformation, and an
eternal subject of accusation to the enemies of the Reformer. The
error of Calvin in the death of Servetus was, we may say, altogether
that of his age, inasmuch as men of the most conciliating and
moderate dispositions, viz., Bucer, Œcolampadius, Melanchthon,
and Bullinger, were at one in their approval of the condemnation of
the unfortunate Spanish innovator. One may deeply deplore this error
without insulting the Reformation, and combine in a just measure
that pity which a great victim demands, with respect for those men
whom an unhappy time made the accusers and the judges of Servetus.
Deliverance by the Swiss Churches regarding Servetus--vain
efforts of Calvin to obtain a mitigation of his punishment.
GENEVA, _26th October 1553_.
Behold what will give you some gratification. Instead of an epistle,
here is a summary which will not occupy long time. The messenger
has returned from the Swiss Churches. They are unanimous in
pronouncing that Servetus has now renewed those impious errors with
which Satan formerly disturbed the Church, and that he is a monster
not to be borne. Those of Bâle were judicious. The Zurichers were
the most vehement of all; for they not only animadverted in severe
terms on the atrocity of his impieties, but also exhorted our Senate
to severity. They of Schaffhausen will agree. Also to an appropriate
letter from the Bernese is added one from the Senate, in which they
stimulate ours not a little. Caesar, the comedian, after feigning
illness for three days, at length went up to the assembly in order
to free that wretch from punishment. Nor was he ashamed to ask that
inquiry might be made at the [Council of the] Two Hundred. However,
he was without doubt condemned. He will be led forth to punishment
to-morrow. We endeavoured to alter the mode of his death, but in
vain. Why we did not succeed I defer for narration until I see you.
Adieu, most upright brother, and distinguished minister of Christ.
May God ever guide and preserve you. Much health to all friends.
Ours salute you again.