Numerous occupations of Calvin--news of Germany--firmness of the
Senate of Strasbourg.
STRASBOURG, _20th April 1539_.
I do not remember throughout this whole year a single day which
was more completely engaged with various occupations. For when the
present messenger wished to carry along with him the beginning of my
book,[145] there were about twenty leaves which it required me to
revise. In addition, there was the public lecture, and I had also
to preach; four letters were also to be written; some disputes to
settle, and to reply to more than ten interruptions in the meantime.
You will therefore excuse if my letter should be both brief and
inaccurate. We shall not clearly understand what was concluded in
the conference at Frankfort[146] until Bucer's return hither, which,
from what he writes, we may expect before seven days. He informed
us, however, by letter, that he had never seen our princes more
determined in their resolution to defend the Gospel. Certainly
the act which was transacted at Smalkald was produced by no very
important matter, in which, however, they displayed true greatness
of soul. For there were at that place certain impure images, which
they pulled down, together with their altars. They abolished also
the elevation of the host in the Supper, which they had until that
time retained. There are some just at this present time who dream
about I know not what kind of moderation, to which they would like
to call us back. I wished just to give you an inkling of this, that
you may comprehend that they are very far from trepidation. Our
Senate of Strasbourg proves itself hearty in the cause. An abbess
who had dilapidated, or had begun to make away with the property
of the monastery, was lately given into custody. The Imperial
Chamber, at the request of the bishop, ordered her to be set at
liberty. The mandate, however, was treated with contempt. The
members of the League approved of what was done, and declared that
they would maintain the cause. A messenger was therefore despatched
to the Chamber to give intimation that the Senate would not abide
by their judgment, whatever might be the result. We are waiting
therefore until they let fly their mimic thunderbolt. Will you see
that Balliot sends the money for the payment of Wendelin[147] the
printer? At present I can hold on no longer. Greet diligently all
the brethren.--Yours,