And now, Monseigneur, humbly commending myself to your favour and to that of Madame, and presenting to you both the respects of my wife, I shall supplicate our gracious God to keep you under his protection, guiding you always by his Spirit, and sending what he knows to be for your welfare. Your servant, humble brother, and sincere friend,
John Calvin.
[Fr. orig. autogr.—Library of Geneva. Vol. 194.]
CXLII.—To Oswald Myconius.
Letter of recommendation for Ochino.
Geneva, 15th August 1545.
The bearer of this letter to you is Bernardino de Sienne,[514] a man not long since of high repute in Italy, and deserving of high esteem everywhere. Though I did not doubt that straightway, upon hearing his name, you would, in your kindness, receive him as his singular piety and erudition deserve, yet I was unwilling to let the opportunity pass of adding my own recommendation also; nor would I view it in the light of his need of it only, but also of my duty. Give him, therefore, to understand, as I know you will do of your own accord, that he is beloved by all the servants of Christ. Yet this, too, will be agreeable to me, if you should shew him that my recommendation weighs somewhat with you. Farewell, most reverend father in God. The Lord be ever with you and your colleagues, to whom, and to your wife likewise, convey my salutations.
John Calvin.
[Lat. orig. autogr.—Archives of Zurich. Gest. vi. 111, p. 1423.]