CCLXXVIII.—To Viret.[333]

Death of Bucer and of Joachim Vadian.

Geneva, 10th May 1551.

Although you have received no letters from me for a considerable time, let me tell you, that you have, on that account, been a source of constant and even anxious thought to me. The grief which I have suffered at the death of Bucer increases my anxiety and fear. I have now again experienced a fresh wound from the death of Vadian, whose labour, although of wide influence, and calculated to be felt throughout the entire Church, was nevertheless of especial use in the state, and of great importance among the Swiss and Grisons in particular. I feel my heart almost like to break when I think of the great loss the Church of God has sustained in the death of Bucer. The Lord grant that I may leave in life all those whose death I should mourn, that I may the more joyfully leave the world.

Adieu, most excellent brother. May the Lord keep you together with your wife and family. Salute all earnestly in my name.

John Calvin.

[Calvin's Lat. Corresp. Opera, tom. ix. p. 60.]