Excuses for his delay in leaving Strasbourg--conclusion of the
Diet at Ratisbon.
STRASBOURG, _3d August 1541_.
Bucer has returned five days ago. I have not ventured as yet,
however, to press our setting out upon our journey, as well because
I knew that I could not easily induce him to come until matters
there were settled,[290] lest his going thither might prove to no
purpose, as because hitherto he has been employed partly in writing
what was exceedingly necessary, partly by private business, which
has occupied him from the first until to-day. That writing on which
he has been engaged will be finished, as I suppose, in a short time,
and then we wait every hour in expectation until those of Basle send
back word concerning the state of the process. On my part, I have
repented more than a hundred times that I did not proceed to that
town immediately on my return from Ratisbon; for even although my
presence had not been of much avail in that quarter, it would, at
least, have delivered me from much anxiety, because I have never
ceased to be restless about the issue of the affair, and, at the
same time, feared lest I might seem wanting to our friends in these
difficulties; while, on the other hand, a different apprehension
seized me lest those ancient friends of ours, who are wont to take
every thing by the wrong handle, should suspect something else. As
soon, however, as some certain intelligence is brought to us, I will
not give him any rest until I bring off Bucer along with me; but if
he shall still put me off I will come away notwithstanding, that I
may advise with you and with others according to the present aspect
of affairs; for the interest and requirements of the Church would
bear no further delay, nor could I have any peace of mind while
kept in this state of uncertainty, nor will my own private reasons
and domestic arrangements admit of my remaining longer in this
suspense; therefore I have publicly announced in the Academy, that
I would not lecture any more until something was settled one way or
other.
[290] He refers to the process pending between Berne and Geneva
which had been submitted to the arbitration of Basle.
The Diet concluded very much as I had always foretold that it
would; for the whole plan of pacification passed off in smoke,
while all has been referred to an Universal Council, or, at least,
to a National one, if the former cannot be soon obtained. But what
else is this than to be frustrated?[291] for it is afterwards added
that a new Diet is to be held eighteen months hence, if no progress
is made in the Council. In the first place, that is too great an
interval; and, in the next, the fate of former attempts does not
afford much hope of success; lastly, it is very likely that the
Emperor will then be so entirely taken up with other matters that he
will have a just exemption from attending the meetings of the Diet.
However that may be, the adverse party will feel that they have
received no slight wound, and time will make this more evident. I am
unwilling, however, to follow this subject further, because I shall
be better able to do so when we meet, which I hope will be shortly,
if the Lord will.
[291] See Sleidan, lib. xiv. p. 387.
This matron has been about fifteen months with us; but as it is
very troublesome to her to live in a country where she does not
understand the language, and as she fears that after my going
away she may be more at a loss than before, she has determined on
removing to Geneva. She possesses enough to live upon; you will
only help her to find a house: her venerable age entitles her to
assistance; and she has most respectable sons. Take care, therefore,
that she may find my recommendation of some use to her. These
civilities which I request of you,--the duties of benevolence, you
can shew her without much trouble. I do not advise, however, that
you take her to live in your house, but only that you provide a
home for her by means of your friends, at a reasonable rent, that
she may not be forced to loiter long in the public hostelry. Adieu,
my excellent brother; may the Lord preserve and direct you in his
work.--Yours,