[216] John Cochlæus of Nuremberg, one of the principal opponents and detractors of Luther, against whom he displayed more anger than skill in his warfare. He appeared at the Conferences of Worms and of Ratisbon, in 1541, and died in 1552. We have, of his writing, the "Libri duo Hussitarum Historiæ," Moguntiæ, 1549.
[217] The princes of the Empire, met at Nuremberg in 1524, had drawn up a list of the abuses of the Court of Rome, proclaimed the necessity of a Reformation, and appealed to a general council, interdicting, at the same time, the publication of any opinion contrary to the dogmas of the Church, previous to the convocation of that assembly.
[218] Repulsed at the same time in the requests which he had addressed to the Church of Neuchatel and to that of Strasbourg, Caroli had retired to Metz, from whence he wrote a letter to Calvin full of bravado and reproach, offering to be reconciled with him and Farel if they would procure him a benefice. The reply of Calvin, equally remarkable for power as well as charity, is a testimony of the moderation and of the wisdom of the writer.
[219] Hugh Latimer and Nicolas Saxton.
[220] The Edict of Fontainbleau, put forth the 1st of June 1540, called on the inquisitors, the bishops, and the parliaments to repress the crime of heresy, and by which it was assimilated to the crime of treason. The number of victims increased greatly on the promulgation of this edict, and the punishment was rendered more cruel by the atrocious tortures which preceded.
[221] Calvin, in the month of August 1540, had married Idelette de Bure, the widow of an Anabaptist of Liege, John Störder, whom he had brought back to the Reformed faith. He lived nine years with her in the most entire union, and remained a widower in the month of April 1549.
[222] Bucer was on the eve of setting out for the Conference of Worms, which he was to have attended, accompanied by Calvin.
[223] Marguerite, sister of Francis I. The letter to which Calvin here refers is unfortunately lost.
[224] The end is wanting.
[225] Directed on the back,—To the Magnificent and Honourable Lords Messieurs the Syndics and Council of Geneva.