[421] Regent in the College of Geneva, Sebastian Castalio sought
also to have the title of minister, as we see from the Council
Register, January 1544, "Sebastian Chatillon, regent. Calvin
represents to the Council, that it is very right to employ the
Regent, but not in that office of the ministry, _on account of
certain peculiar opinions which he entertains_." These opinions
which were called in question, were his doubts on the doctrine
of election, on the descent of Jesus Christ to hell, and on the
authenticity of the Song of Solomon. Offended at not being able to
obtain the office and functions of a minister, Castalio denuded
himself of those of regent, and prepared to leave Geneva, provided
with the most honourable attestations of the pastors of that town.
The ministerial office refused to Castalio--The marriage of
Bonnivard, Abbot of St. Victor.
_11th February 1544._
SEBASTIAN has set out with our letters to you. Would that either he
might consider more advisedly what was best for himself, or that we
might have fallen upon some method by which we could have contented
him without disadvantage to the Church. When his old situation with
us had been kept open for him, he refused to stay unless we should
add somewhat to his stipend. This could not be obtained from the
Senate. To me it seemed better to say nothing whatever about the
reason why he could not be admitted to the office of the ministry,
or to hint merely, that somewhat of a hindrance lay in the way,
and thus to prevent all unpleasant suspicions, so that the public
estimation in which he is held should suffer no diminution. My
intention was, that I might spare him, which I would willingly have
managed, (although, perhaps, not without incurring displeasure,)
if he would only have suffered me. The case, therefore, at his own
request, was discussed in Council, but without any difference of
opinion. I am truly sorry on his own account, and all the more so,
because I fear that he may not find in your quarter that which he
desires. Do you look after him, and help him to the utmost of your
power. What his opinion of me may happen to be, gives me no concern
whatever. Raymond, assuredly, so far as he could, has lately torn
me in pieces during my absence, by venting the most outrageous
invectives. There is no need, however, of my annoying you by
repeating them over. Depend upon it, however, there is nobody here
so perversely saucy who would venture upon the half of what he said.
I bear with it all, notwithstanding, and conceal my knowledge of it,
except that among the brethren, I have complained that there were
some who did not speak and feel kindly concerning me. But let us not
stop to consider such trifles. Do you know that the Abbot of Saint
Victor, and the mother of Corne, by their unsuitable marriage, have
afforded us plenty of sport in the way of joking?[422] Adieu, my
dear brother; salute Celio, Ribitti, your family, and the rest of
our friends. May the Lord preserve both you and them.--Yours,