[490] Calvin was already on his return from the journey which
he had undertaken in Switzerland, and which he had accomplished
with extraordinary despatch. In succession he had visited Berne,
Zurich, Schaffhausen, Basle, Strasbourg, everywhere exhorting the
magistrates to make energetic intercession in favour of their
French brethren, so cruelly persecuted. Last of all, he had gone
to the Diet of Arau, and had addressed the same entreaties to the
deputies of the Cantons. These latter wrote to the King, Francis I.,
with much force of language; but their tardy interference had no
influence upon the resolution of the monarch, blinded by perfidious
counsels, and which were not entirely cleared away until two years
afterwards upon a deathbed.--Extract from the _Council Registers_ of
Geneva, May 1545; Ruchat, _Hist. de la Réf._, tom. v. p. 253.
Journey of Calvin in Switzerland--resolutions of the Diet of
Arau in favour of the persecuted brethren of France.
GENEVA, _25th May 1545_.
You will pardon my not having returned to Lausanne. For many
reasons I hastened forward, but chiefly because Claude Farel had
mentioned to us that the dwelling of Geniston might possibly be
attacked with the plague a second time. I may shortly relate the
result of our proceedings. The Bernese not only granted what we
asked, but were also encouragers by their advice to others. The
Zurichers appointed immediately an assembly at Arau, and called
others thither by special messengers. They ordered intimation to be
made by us to those of Schaffhausen and Basle. After that we set
out for Strasbourg, where I could not even allow myself to spend
one day, although I made the journey with the utmost expedition.
At Arau, they did not pass such a decree as I had wished they
might. Thereupon, at my request, the Council again took up the
question, but I could not succeed in getting them to forego their
first resolution, and to reconsider it. They resolved, that letters
were to be despatched by a special messenger, in which they might
intercede earnestly with the King, and on receiving the answer,
that thereupon a solemn embassy should be sent; for they think that
it would be more useful if, after having heard his excuses, they
send an envoy fully instructed. They declare, in the meantime,
that they shall spare neither expense nor pains. Since they are
thoroughly determined, let us await with patience the result of
their epistolary experiment. I am moreover charged, if I shall
hear any further news, to write forthwith to Berne. The Senate of
Berne has promised to make intimation to others. I send a copy of a
writing which, at their request, I presented, after I had explained
all the circumstances more at large. I am afraid lest anywhere I may
have been mistaken; and I fear all the more on this account, because
it would be very perilous were my faithfulness to be undervalued or
lightly esteemed among them, if I wish to be of any use in future.
Nicolas can write you a summary of what has been done, or, if you
think it fit, do you yourself write to Berne. Adieu, most beloved
brethren. The Lord, may he preserve you. Let us depend wholly upon
him.