Anxiety on account of the Swiss Churches--approaching departure
for Ratisbon--disputes between Berne and Geneva--calumnies
directed against the Vaudois of Provence.
STRASBOURG, _19th February 1541_.
I was not a little delighted, my dear Farel, with your letter; nor
did Bucer derive less pleasure than myself, because both of us could
perceive that you did not omit a single point which could tend in
any way to the preservation of a good understanding and agreement,
and that you had laid bare to them that singular fervency of spirit
and of charity, as well as of your anxious care for the Church, by
which she ought to be stirred up to serious concern. If nothing
has been attained, as you observe, our condition is most wretched,
who place our reliance upon hearts of stony hardness; but I can
scarcely be induced to believe that they are not in some little
degree softened; for themselves also, in a letter of their own to
our friends, shew that they are possessed by the desire, somehow or
other, of helping that Church, and the cause itself does not admit
of their doing otherwise. Therefore, we may hope well of them,
even although the grounds of good hope may not distinctly appear
to us all at once. You are aware, angry passions when once aroused
must be allayed by degrees, and cannot be appeased in a single
day. One consideration, however, made me singularly glad, that I
see the Church of Geneva provided with a minister by the arrival
of Viret;[234] for I very much feared, that if that Church should
remain destitute for a longer period, something else might happen
than we would wish. Now, I trust, the matter is beyond the risk of
danger. As for me, nothing must be done at present. Would that I had
not that excuse which I am compelled to put forward to them; for
I am dragged most unwillingly to Ratisbon,[235] as well because
I foresee that the journey will prove very troublesome to me, as
because I much fear that there may be a prolonged delay, for they
are wont, ofttimes, to lengthen out the Diets even for ten months;
and, last of all, I am unwilling, because I see myself to be no way
adapted for that kind of business, whatever others may think. But
I shall follow wherever God leads, who knows best why he has laid
this necessity upon me. I am much surprised that Sulzer has written
to his correspondents, that I knew that it was approved of in the
judgment of Melanchthon. Whence he had that information I cannot
divine, since I had earnestly entreated that you would not say a
syllable about it. I foresaw, indeed, that it would not be without
envy; for, perchance, even that might be interpreted as if I had
thrown out ambitiously what you had heard out of his own mouth. But
this also I commit to the overruling direction of the Lord.
[234] See the preceding letter.
[235] The Conferences at Worms had been transferred to Ratisbon by a
decree of the Emperor.
We rejoice that the lawsuit between the Bernese and the
Genevese[236] has been referred to the arbitration of Basle, and
may therefore entertain the hope, that in a short time it will be
settled without any uproar. Do insist, with all your influence,
that the Genevese may acquiesce in the judgment, whatever may be
pronounced, for their obstinacy cannot be approved of if they insist
any further. Do, therefore, take effectual measures that they may
not attempt anything in opposition to the decree-arbitral; if the
others reject it, there will not be one right-thinking person who
will not condemn such a proceeding.
[236] The Bernese Bailiffs of Gex and of Thonon had entered into
possession of certain lordships belonging to the town of Geneva. The
judges who were appointed to settle the dispute could not come to
agreement among themselves, and the whole matter had been submitted
to the arbitration of Basle.--Roset, _Chronique Manuscrite_, cited
by Ruchat, _Hist. de la Réf._, tom. v. p. 148.
Concerning the brethren, I was very much alarmed when a report was
spread, that they were not now to be accused of heresy, but of
riot and sedition.[237] What I had sometime heard from the mouth
of Jo..., came to mind; so I was surmising that they had not been
overwell advised in this respect. Lately, however, the Cardinal[238]
has written to Morler, who had been sent to our friends by the King
of France, that he was ready to grant pardon. We have heard from
other quarters that this was obtained after very much and earnest
discussion; but, however that may be, we have to thank the Lord,
that one way or other the cruel persecution is moderated, both there
and throughout the whole kingdom.
[237] The enemies of the Waldenses did not spare any amount of
calumny in order to compass their ruin. In a Confession of Faith,
published 6th April 1541, the Waldenses eloquently declared their
respect for constituted authority, strikingly confirmed by their
life and conversation. "As regards the magistrates," said they,
"such as princes, nobles, and judges, we look on them as ordained
of God, and willingly obey their laws and ordinances, paying the
tributes, taxes, and tithes which they impose, ... rendering them
honour and obedience in all matters not contrary to the will of
God."--Bèze, _Hist. Eccl._ vol. i. p. 41.
[238] The Cardinal de Tournon, who uniformly displayed sentiments of
the utmost hostility against the Waldenses.
We depart hence on Tuesday; if anything shall occur, you will find
Capito here, for I set out alone with Bucer. I beg and entreat
of you that you would alleviate the irksomeness of my present
situation with long and frequent letters; for unless my weariness
can be refreshed by the solace of friendship, I shall be utterly in
darkness. Adieu, my very excellent and most kindly brother.--Yours,