Information regarding a house to be sold at Geneva.
_22d June 1545._[496]
[496] On the back is written in M. de Falais's hand--"Answered, 18th
July 1545, at Strasbourg."
MONSEIGNEUR,--I write you in haste because not forewarned in time,
but, please God, I shall soon make up for this fault. At present,
I shall only say, that after having considered the subject in
which you requested my assistance, I find that a seller will not
be wanting when it pleases you to buy.[497] But we see no great
advantage in making any purchase, or even entertaining any offer
till you are on the spot to judge what will suit you, in which
circumstances, it will be best, in my opinion, to look about us
without committing ourselves till your arrival; although, at
present, there are two places, one of which may change masters if we
do not interpose at the proper time. But I have no doubt that when
you have made up your mind to come, you will set out immediately
after the hot weather is past, if God throws no obstacle in your
path.
[497] Calvin refers to the purchase of a house at Geneva for M. de
Falais.
I dare not say how overjoyed I should be if you finally decided to
come hither, for fear of being suspected by you in the event of my
offering advice. I am, nevertheless, able truly to affirm that any
desire I might have to enjoy the pleasure which I expect from your
presence would not prevent my considering what would be best for
yourself. And, indeed, the chief cause of my desire to see you here
is that you may be among people who long for an opportunity of doing
you service. It had occurred to me, that if M. de Fromont[498] had
come, and had thought of making a pleasure-trip thus far, as he is
in better travelling condition than yourself, his journey might
serve as a guide to you. In the event of his doing so, I should beg
him to come direct to our house.
[498] Jean, Seigneur de Fromont and Han-sur-Sambre, brother of M. de
Falais.
As to the good Seigneur David, it is all over, if the Lord do not
interpose, and, by a miracle of mercy, deliver him from the grave.
But I shall say nothing more to you on this subject till God shall
have brought it to a final issue.[499]
[499] See note 1, p. 463.
Humbly commending myself to you, Monseigneur, and to Madame, and
presenting to you the respects of my wife, I pray our Lord to
strengthen you both, in body as well as in mind, so that without
fainting or failing we may all accomplish the journey which lies
before us.--Your servant, humble brother, and sincere friend,