[76] The first letter of Calvin to du Tillet (Letter xvii. p. 60)
did not remain unanswered:--"If my retreat in this country has
caused you great annoyance, as I have understood by your letter
of the last of January, I myself have not thought the less of
it, considering the interruption of our accustomed converse and
familiarity ... could not produce in you so much disquietude. But
what could I have done, if, having been there two years or thereby,
my conscience could never be at peace on this account, that without
a clear call I had retired from a charge which I ought not to have
relinquished without the command of God, whereby I have been put
into a state of languor, such as you have seen, and by reason of
the great unceasing depression of mind which has taken possession
of my spirit, I have for this some time past been useless for
everything?"--_Paris MSS._ This letter, written from Paris, (10th
March,) did not reach Calvin at all; it was during a sojourn to
Strasbourg that the Reformer, driven from Geneva, (23d April 1538,)
had retired to Basle, and imparted to his old friend the events
which condemned him to a new exile.
Journey of Calvin to Strasbourg--project of a new assembly at
Zurich--policy of the Bernese--in his retirement Calvin breathes
freely--news from France.
STRASBOURG, _10th July 1538_.
I hope, sir, you will not take in ill part that John[77] is gone
away thitherward to you without my letter, for it grieved me to
write to you, having so many things to communicate, without having
time to make at least a partial communication. On the other hand,
it was not easy for me to impart such information to you by halves,
without at once entering fully into the details. The complete
declaration was by no means impossible, but I was afraid that it
would scarce be pleasing to you; wherefore I greatly preferred
entirely to forbear writing, casting the duty upon John, who, as
I think, will have faithfully acquitted himself of the charge,
except that he will not have been able clearly to discover to you
the source and origin of the evil, which is not known to many. I
have been so greatly importuned by the two of this town[78] that to
satisfy them I have made the journey hither.
[77] See Note, p. 60.
[78] Bucer and Capito, already mentioned.
Touching ourselves, it has been resolved that it is fit and proper
even now to call an assembly, where Zurich, Berne, Basle, this town
of Strasbourg, Bienne,[79] and one from the aforesaid place,[80]
shall be present, where, after diligent inquiry made by them, it may
be formally declared that we have duly and faithfully administered
our charge, to the end that such a testimony may stand as a lawful
judgment, to shut the spiteful mouths of the malignant, as well as
to the confusion of those who have taken upon them to engage in
such an enterprise. By the same method they hope that the schisms
which may take place, and have already begun, will disappear. When
I do well consider the case, the difficulty seems to me to overpass
all human help; wherefore, I have nought else to recommend than to
commit the issue to the great Physician, who alone can provide and
take order in applying the proper remedy.
[79] That town, then independent, and already Reformed, was united
by a treaty of alliance to the Protestant cantons of Switzerland.
[80] Probably Geneva.
The Bernese endeavour, or, I should rather say, persist,[81] as
much as they are able, to make believe that all goes well, but
there is no one else who does not think quite the contrary. By his
just judgment God sends blessing after such a fashion upon the head
and family of those who thus wickedly mock at the disorder of his
Church; and it is sent for their correction, in order that they may
be differently minded in an affair of so great importance. I shall
retire to Basle, waiting to understand what the Lord would have me
to do. It is not the fault of those of this town that I am not their
guest; but they have charge enough without me, and I can live for a
while supporting myself on what you left with me, and a portion of
my books; yet the Lord himself will direct us. Above all, however,
on looking back and considering the perplexities which environed me
from the time when I first went thither, there is nothing I dread
more than returning to the charge from which I have been set free.
For while, when first I entered upon it I could discern the calling
of God which held me fast bound, with which I consoled myself, now,
on the contrary, I am in fear lest I tempt him if I resume so great
a burden, which has been already felt to be insupportable. There
are other reasons, which can only be explained in conversation,
with which, however, those with whom I have to do will never rest
contented. Nevertheless, I know assuredly that our Lord will guide
me in that so very doubtful a deliberation, the more so because I
shall look rather to what he will point out to me than to my own
judgment, which beyond measure drawing me contrariwise, I feel ought
to be suspected.
[81] The Bernese were the declared opponents of the ecclesiastical
discipline which Farel and Calvin had wished to establish at Geneva,
and which appeared to them to trench upon the right of the civil
power. The seigneury of Berne were not disposed to favour the two
banished ministers.
There is a stir at present about an affair of vast consequence,
and _not without the knowledge of the king and the emperor_,[82]
which I can well suppose that Monsieur Firmin[83] will tell you
something about, and therefore I say no more about it. One may very
much doubt whether they are not merely trying the ford without
any thoroughgoing intention; but within two months we shall know
for certain whether there is any thing in it. After my humble
commendation to your good graces, I pray our Lord so to guide you
in his way, that you may be holy and unspotted at the day of his
appearing.
Your humble servant and assured friend,