Affliction of Calvin--news of the Diet of Ratisbon--appointment
of the theologians charged with the representation of the two
parties--their reception by the Emperor--portrait of Julius
Pflug, of Gropper, and of Eck.
RATISBON, _24th April 1541_.
My last letter will have given you to understand clearly enough the
state of affliction in which I then was. If on that account it has
appeared somewhat fretful, you will impute it to my grief, which had
made me more peevish than usual. Even yet, although I am recovering
my composure by degrees, I still feel nothing more than a slight
abatement of the pressure. Nay even, what one ought to feel shame
in confessing, there is some such sort of consolation in grief,
as that it may be somewhat pleasing in itself not to be entirely
delivered from sorrow. Meanwhile, I have received a letter from Du
Tailly, dated on the 30th, in which he informed me that there was
a messenger on the way from you, who would give more particular
information as to your present state. He has delayed so long,
however, in making his appearance, that I have given over expecting
his arrival. If you have anything which you can communicate in
writing, and sure I am that there are many things, they might be
forwarded to me within the compass of a letter, if Mirabeau[259]
will send it to the King's ambassador, addressed under cover to
Ulrich;[260] for his messengers go pretty frequently to and fro. I
earnestly desire that you may explain to us clearly and faithfully
how that dispute between the two cities[261] has been settled; how
our Genevese friends are disposed; in what manner that church holds
itself together; what Viret is doing; what are the hopes and what
the pursuits of all, provided that you do not begin to grow warm
on the subject. For myself, I am also already too much disordered
and put out; and by your vehemency you produce this effect, that
those persons place less reliance upon you whom it had been of
importance to have influenced. Neither ought you to be surprised at
this, when you cannot escape this imputation of over vehemency even
from myself. I would, however, specially recommend, that you would
a second time press upon them, and seriously entreat them not to
forget what they may have promised. It would be delightful to me to
be informed of that when I return, as I have intimated by former
letters; nor is it difficult to accomplish, if you will only assist.
[259] One of the numerous French refugees, whom persecution had
driven into Switzerland. He was a member of the Church at Neuchatel.
[260] Ulrich Chelius. See note 2, p. 160.
[261] The process between Geneva and Berne, submitted to the
arbitration of the town of Basle.
In the meetings of this Diet nothing memorable has yet been begun.
The Emperor was allowed to choose a few pious and experienced men of
weight and authority, who, upon examining and well considering the
points in controversy, might deliberate upon the means of agreement,
and afterwards submit to the approval of the states the heads of
agreement which they had settled among themselves. On the 20th of
this month he appointed, on the part of our adversaries, Julius
Pflug,[262] John Gropper[263] of Cologne, and John Eck;[264] on our
side, Philip Melanchthon, Martin Bucer, and John Pistorius.[265]
He also mentioned publicly that he would fix upon one of the
princes, who might preside over their business. Our friends having
consulted together, at my request they desired that a greater
number of witnesses might be present. It is not yet known what may
be obtained, except that there is some hope entertained that the
Emperor takes an interest in the matter. In the meanwhile, these
six who were appointed were summoned; they were kindly received by
the Emperor, who gave them his hand on their first meeting, and
when they took their leave. By an interpreter the Emperor addressed
to them a very solemn exhortation; that as he had committed such
important interests to them, trusting in their piety, learning,
and integrity, he doubted not they would answer his expectation.
That, therefore, they should have the glory of God, the public
peace, the salvation of all nations as their aim; that they should
not be influenced by ambition; that they should yield nothing
to the obstinacy or to any regard to the favour of men. Each
answered separately for himself. Therefore,--and may the Lord grant
success,--something will forthwith be attempted. Further, if we
may forecast what is likely to be the issue, receive in few words
what are the sentiments of many. First of all, it is worth while to
ascertain the distinguishing characteristics of the men. That same
Julius (Pflug) is an eloquent man, and thoroughly accomplished in
human learning, but by no means well versed in theology; besides, he
is ambitious and fond of applause; in other respects by no means of
an impure life. Since, therefore, he has neither sound knowledge,
nor a sufficiently settled determination, while he is trammelled by
his ambition, you may consider how little is to be expected from
him. Gropper sometimes reaches farther; but he also is of that
large class of men who attempt to figure to themselves I know not
what--some sort of middle path between Christ and the world. He is,
however, such a man, that one may deliberate with him not without
benefit. You know Eck[266] well enough already. No one entertains a
doubt but that this Davus[267] will throw all into confusion by his
forward impertinence. I do not indeed altogether despair; but when I
begin to hope, then I remember what took place at Worms. Certainly,
if anything very desirable shall be attained, it will so fall out
beyond all my expectation. When they have made a beginning you shall
hear more satisfactorily from me. Farewell, my very excellent and
right-hearted brother; may the Lord preserve you to his Church, and
confirm you along with all our holy brethren, all of whom will you
greet kindly in my name? I cannot enumerate them; do you consider
them as mentioned specially by name. You must keep up the spirits
of Viret, by frequent encouragement, that he may not be too much
cast down. Nevertheless, I was very glad when lately I heard that he
had removed his wife and household furniture to Geneva. On receiving
this intelligence I became less anxious.--Yours,