[368] At the request of the Protestants of Metz, Farel had left
Neuchatel to go to preach the Reformed doctrine in that town. He
received Calvin's letter at Strasbourg, where the Reformer joined
him the year following.--See _Hist. des Martyrs_, liv. iii. p. 153;
Bèze, _Hist. Eccl._ tom. iii. p. 432.
Wishes for the success of the journey undertaken by Farel to
Metz--calumnies of James de Morges.
GENEVA, _30th August 1542_.
Wherever, my very dear brother, you are, may the Lord keep you in
health and safety all the day long, and that for the good of his
Church. If, as we suppose, you have got an entrance within the walls
of Metz, may be even there also open up a way for the Gospel; may
he fill you with the spirit of wisdom, of prudence, of moderation,
of zeal, of fortitude, that you may be armed at all points for an
undertaking so difficult and arduous. I clearly perceive how many
imminent and dangerous conflicts surround you, which require the
special help of God. But you are neither so raw nor inexperienced
in this warfare, as that even great danger has any power to alarm
you. Neither is the strength of Christ, which has ever been present
with you in such a wonderful manner, at all diminished. We, who are
here at Geneva, await somewhat anxiously the issue, to see what
success shall be vouchsafed you. You are aware how very generally,
in our day, the judgment of folly rules everywhere, so that men form
their estimate of every plan or undertaking from the event. In the
meanwhile, you would scarce believe what complaints James de Morges
spreads everywhere hereabout, saying that you hastened to accept
a call which had been offered to him, whereby serious injury had
been done to him, and that, against the mind of all the godly in
that quarter (Metz) you hastened thither. You know the ostentatious
vanity of the man, which I wish you had checked in time. It has now
with age increased in growth to such a degree, as to have become an
incurable malady, for certainly he has never raved so openly as he
does at present.
The Metz brethren are, however, in some measure themselves in fault,
who have fled to him as to a sacred anchor, when they might have
got others who were more distinguished, and also more apt to teach;
but these trifles can no way hinder you in this bold undertaking,
neither would I have troubled you with these at present, were I not
afraid that some reports of that kind might reach you from some
other quarter. I preferred, therefore, to be beforehand. By the
first safe opportunity I will write you more at large about our
present state. Adieu, most excellent, most genuine brother. Salute
all our friends, for whom it is my prayer that counsel and courage
may be imparted to them, and that, upheld by the strength of the
Spirit, they may fear nothing. Again, farewell.
[_Lat. orig. autogr._--_Library of Geneva._ Vol. 106.]