Fresh details regarding ecclesiastical discipline--hope of
speedy realization--announcement of the publication of a book
against the errors of Servetus.
GENEVA, _30th December 1553_.
The messenger arrived six days after I had received your letter.
The people of Schaffhausen give a pious and judicious reply; those
of Bâle give a very meagre response; they offer us almost no
advice, sending us simply a copy of their edicts, without, however,
pronouncing any judgment. Our brother, Sulzer, earnestly apologizes
for not having been able to accomplish more. And I can perceive,
in various ways, indeed, most upright and respected brother, how
strenuously you have exerted yourself in our behalf; nor do I doubt
but that our friend Gualter performed his part also. Whatever may
have happened, I feel that I owe more to your singular faithfulness
and remarkable zeal, than I am able to express. But the Lord, in
whose cause you have made such endeavours, will give you his reward.
Assuredly my affection for you will not be found wanting. Nothing
has as yet been done in the Senate, the letters being still in the
hand of the translator. Seeing that we have to do with very base
calumniators, they will get up various quarrels with us. I expect,
however, either victory, or a satisfactory winding up of the matter.
As soon as anything has been effected, I shall see to it that you be
informed of it. For it will be a matter of common gratulation to us,
if the event turn out according to our wishes. The pamphlet against
Servetus, in which I have set forth that argument which you wished
me to employ, was published at the late Frankfort Fair.[467] With
respect to those matters which the men at Bâle are making a clamour
about, and of which I complained to you, I resolved to spare their
reputation, and have done so, lest the disgrace of a few men should
bring dishonour on the whole Church;[468] and certainly they deserve
to be overwhelmed in eternal oblivion. The progress of events
convinced me of what had not previously occurred to me, viz., that
your letter concerning Servetus, should be inserted in the book;
and trusting to your kindness, I took the liberty of inserting it.
Should you not approve of my plan, however, I shall endeavour to
remedy it. Adieu, very distinguished sir, illustrious minister of
Christ, and revered brother. May the Lord continue to guide you by
the spirit of wisdom and fortitude, and to protect your Church.
[467] This is the book against the errors of Michael
Servetus.--_Opera_, tom. viii.; and _Opuscules_, p. 230. The
Registers of Council contain the following intimation on the subject
of this work:--"Calvin has represented to the Council, that at
the request of the Swiss Churches, he is about to publish a book,
containing an account of the opinions of Servetus: and that he has
not been so bold as to commit it to the press without the permission
of the Council, assuring it that this book contains nothing not
conformable to the word of God, or dishonourable to the city. Agreed
to permit Calvin to print it; 11th December 1553." This book, as
establishing the right of magistrates to punish heresy by the sword,
has given occasion to the most violent controversies.
[468] Calvin had written, what he then suppressed: _De Curione et
Similibus_. The condemnation of Servetus was disapproved of by
certain of the professors of the Academy of Bâle, among whom is to
be found the celebrated Italian refugee, Celio Secondo Curione, and
Sebastian Castalio.
Salute earnestly in my name your colleagues, and your family. My
colleagues, MM. Celso Martinengo and Budé, and the other brethren,
respectfully salute you.--Yours truly,