[25] This letter is addressed to Dr. Bucer, Bishop of Strasbourg.
Martin Bucer, a very distinguished minister and theologian, was born
at Schelestadt in 1491, and was initiated by Luther himself in the
doctrines of the Reformed, which he introduced at Strasbourg, in
concert with Mathias Zell and Hedion. Of a moderate and conciliating
turn, he interposed continually between the Reformers of Germany
and of Switzerland, and made sundry efforts to induce them to
adopt a common symbol. "His learned writings and commentaries, his
disputations and conferences on unforeseen occasions, his goings out
and comings in for the sake of the Church's peace, will always make
known his remarkable erudition, great piety and zeal, joined to an
excellent disposition."--Th. Bezæ Icones, Genève, 1580. Compelled
with several friends to leave Strasbourg in 1549, on the advance
of the imperial army, he sought an asylum in England, and obtained
a chair in the University of Cambridge. He died there in 1551, and
was interred with extraordinary pomp. His body was disinterred under
the reign of Mary, and publicly burnt at the stake. In the reign of
Elizabeth his memory was honourably restored.
Recommendation of a French refugee in Strasbourg, who had been
falsely accused of holding the doctrines of the Anabaptists.
NOYON, _4th September 1532_.
The grace and peace of the Lord be with you by the mercy of God and
the victory of Christ.
Leisure to write would not have weighed as an argument to persuade
me, any more than good advice, unless it had seemed right to deplore
in a few words the unhappy lot of this excellent brother, which
some friends of undoubted faith and credit have represented to me
by letter. For whether you bear with me in my grief and sympathy,
or whether I further him in his suit, I could not refrain from
writing. The disposition and manners of the man I had known while he
lived with us in France. He so conducted himself as to be beloved
among the men of our profession, if any one was. Esteemed as such
among men who were endowed with some degree of authority, and so
as to be neither a shame nor a disgrace to them. At length, when
he could no longer bow the neck to that voluntary bondage which
even yet we bear, he departed to take up his residence with you,
having no prospect of return. But, as the matter stands, it fell
out, contrary to his expectation, like the shifting scene of a
play, and he could find no settled abode whither he might betake
himself. Thither, also, as I hear, he had hastened on account of
his straitened means and household matters, that he might have the
benefit of the assistance of friends whom himself had formerly
assisted, until better times should come. Now, observe how far more
powerful is calumny than truth. Some inconsiderate person, I know
not who, among your people, whom I certainly do not presume to
suspect of malevolence, had so prepossessed the ears of every one
with his invectives, that they were shut to all explanation. There
was, therefore, not a single person from whom he could extract a
penny. Probably it was not intended by the person, whoever he was,
who kindled the sparks of this tragedy, to destroy the character
of a harmless individual. Nevertheless, however that may be, I can
neither excuse him nor apologize to him, and do not hesitate to
assert that he has been in error, to the great hardship and calamity
of this individual. They cast upon him these reproaches, as is
said, because he had fallen under suspicion of Anabaptism. Strange,
indeed, unless the person was outrageously suspicious who spun out
this conjecture from so slender evidence. In conversation I drew
him intentionally to speak of this sacrament. He agreed in express
terms so entirely with myself, that never have I met with any one
who professed the truth upon this point more frankly. Meanwhile
he suffers notwithstanding, nor does there appear any probability
that these sinister rumours, which have already obtained a certain
degree of credit, will soon be suppressed. I intreat of you, Master
Bucer, if my prayers--if my tears, are of any avail, that you would
compassionate and help him in his wretchedness. The poor are left
in a special manner to your care--you are the helper of the orphan.
Suffer him not to be reduced to such necessity as to be driven to
extremity. You can help him, if you choose, in some one way or
other, but rather do so yourself, according to your own discretion.
I could not, however, hold my hand from going even beyond the bounds
of ordinary restraint in supporting the cause of this individual.
These for the present.--Most learned sir, farewell. Thine from my
heart,