[71] Important events had fallen out at Geneva. Expelled from that
town (23d April 1538) for having refused to administer the communion
on Easter day, Calvin and Farel had gone to Berne.--(Spon, _Hist. de
Genève_, tom. i. p. 276.) The deputies of the Reformed Swiss cantons
were met at Zurich to treat about the union with the Lutheran
Church. The two ministers appeared before that assembly and gave
account of their conduct at Geneva. Without intimating any opinion
on the matter at issue, "The Lords deputies resolved to write in
friendly terms to the Genevese, to induce them to support their
pastors in the work of re-establishing and putting their churches
on a better footing. They also charged the Bernese to support that
letter by a deputation."--(Ruchat, _Histoire de la Réformation
en Suisse_, tom. v. p. 84.) But this double intervention proved
ineffectual. The banishment of the ministers was confirmed, May
26th, by the assembly.
Synod of Zurich--attempt at reconciliation between the banished
ministers and the town of Geneva.
BERNE, _20th May 1538_.
If I have hitherto deferred writing, it has been because everything
was so very much in suspense, that it was not possible to write
anything for certain. And now, as the narrative of all that has
happened [at Geneva] could not be given by us without complaining,
we only desire to acquaint you, that the treatment which we
have experienced, though in opposition to all our wishes, has
nevertheless been in accordance with our expectation. Besides the
very irksome delay of a fortnight, it was also a source of very much
annoyance, that none of those things which passed at Zurich, and
had been openly concluded there, were noticed by Konzen.[72] And in
order not to appear to uphold a bad cause, he declaimed with much
violence against us, as if it were evident that we wished to draw
back and not to keep the promise we had given to the brethren. It
only remained, therefore, that the Senate itself should take the
lead in regard to everything, who in passing the decree took no
very particular account of those things which had been conceded
to us at Zurich by the general consent of all. For we are content
rather to encounter any alternative than not to try every method by
which the requirements of religion may be satisfied, or by which
we may discharge the duty we owe to the Church. Now, therefore,
we start upon our journey,[73] which may it please the Lord to
prosper, for as we look to him in our proceedings, so we commit the
success to his wise disposal. I am compelled to interrupt my letter,
scarcely now begun, because the brethren hasten to depart. Adieu,
most kindly brother, and with very respectful regard.--Greet for me
most lovingly your colleagues. Yours,