TO THE KING OF FRANCE.
f146REPLY TO THE ACCUSATIONS DIRECTED AGAINST THE CHURCH AND SEIGNEURY OF GENEVA.
GENEVA, 28th January, 1561.
SIRE: — Having heard the letters of your majesty, though we had a ready excuse to satisfy you, we are nevertheless exceedingly sorry that we should be charged with being partly the cause of the troubles which have lately taken place in your kingdom. The smallness of our state does not permit us to allege what services we have rendered to your predecessors, to show that we have been as well affected towards the crown of France as could have been desired of us. Thus far, sure, our good-will has never been wanting in that respect, and the effects of it, too, have been manifested as far as God has afforded us any opportunity. Wherefore, sire, for the time past, we pray your majesty to deign to accept the devotedness which we have always and for a long time displayed, and in which we have persisted as a proof of the desire which we have to serve you to the utmost of our power, for the tranquillity and prosperity of your kingdom, and to co- operate, if an opportunity permit us, to procure for your majesty that obedience to which you are entitled. But lest it should seem, sire, that under this general expression of our sentiments we wish to conceal any thing, we protest in verity before God that we have never attempted to send persons into your kingdom as your majesty has been told; what is more, such proceedings have never been demanded of us, nor has any one ever addressed himself to us for such a purpose; so that it will be found that no one, with our knowledge and permission, has ever gone from here to preach except a single individual who was asked of us for the city of London. f147 Not that we disapprove of true Christianity being re- established everywhere, and for that reason we beg your majesty, with your council at the same time, not to suppose that we wish to perish knowingly, and work the perdition of our souls which have been ransomed
at so costly a price by the precious blood of the Son of God. We could wish, therefore, that the doctrine by which our salvation is assured had free course everywhere. But we know well also what is within our compass, and we do not presume even to wish to reform extensive kingdoms, having quite enough to do to maintain ourselves peaceably and in all humility, in the lowly condition in which God has placed us. But because the letters bore that that might have been done by some of the principal ministers of our town, supposing (for the expression was ambiguous) that the words were meant to be applied to our ministers and pastors who instruct us in the word of God, we have summoned them, in order to know from themselves what grounds there were for such a charge, in order that we might promptly satisfy your majesty. They have replied, then, that they do not deny that some persons have made application to them, and that on their part, when they have found that those who had recourse to them were persons possessing instruction and piety, they have exhorted them to exercise their gifts wherever they should go for the advancement of the gospel. For since they find, and are persuaded that the doctrine which they preach is of God, tending to have him duly and purely served and honored, that the grace which he has bestowed on us by our Lord Jesus Christ should be made known, as it is entitled to be, and that all men should be made acquainted with the right way of salvation, in order to attain it, it is impossible that they should not desire this doctrine to be disseminated everywhere, both that God may be glorified, and because of the care they are bound to take of all men. And in that, sire, they make this excuse, that they by no means imagined that they were offending your majesty, f148 seeing that it is the sovereign good of all kings and princes to do homage to Him who has appointed them to reign, and that they are especially commanded to kiss our Lord Jesus Christ in token of obedience.
With regard to the charge of stirring up disturbances and seditions, they protest against ever having entertained any such intention, and declare that, on the contrary, they have employed all their influence to check and prevent them, that they have never given advice to make any innovations, or attempted any thing criminal with respect to the established order of the state, but have exhorted those who are disposed to listen to them to remain in peaceable subjection to their prince. And if any disturbances have arisen, it has been to their great regret, and certainly not by their
countenancing any such enterprises, that they would willingly have lent their aid to repress them. f149 In short, they have declared that they never adhered to any violent counsels, nor recommended the taking up of arms, but have condemned them; and what is more, they never advised the taking forcible possession of churches, for this express reason, that they wished to attempt nothing without the authority and permission of the late sovereigns, your predecessors. And of all such charges they have offered to justify themselves, and prove their innocence, whenever it shall please your majesty to give them a hearing. For our own part, sire, we are so far from ever having given our consent to any enterprise that had for its object to sow discord and divisions among your subjects, or trouble the
tranquillity of your state, or expose your provinces to danger, that we have given orders and forbidden, on pain of rigorous punishments, any of our citizens from taking one step in such proceedings; and when you shall be pleased, sire, to inquire into the truth on this subject, you will find that it was impossible for us to have conducted ourselves with greater fidelity, just as we engage for the future to give to your majesty no occasion of thinking otherwise of us than as of persons well disposed to your person and your very humble servants; and we entreat you, sire, to do us this favor, that having recognized that we have not failed in any point of duty towards you, you will intimate to us the fact, and your majesty with your council will discover that we are ready and inclined to give you every satisfaction.
Sire, after having very humbly commended ourselves to your kind favor, we will pray God to keep you under his holy protection, to grant you a long and prosperous life, and increase your crown with all blessings.
Given at Geneva this Thursday, the 28th January, in the year of grace, 1561.
The humble servants of your majesty, the Syndics and Council of Geneva.
[Fr. Orig. Minute, in the handwriting of Calvin. Arch. of Gen., 1561.]