[377] Bernardino Ochino of Sienna, [ancien supérieur-général,] of the order of the Capuchins. Renowned for his eloquence throughout all Italy, he preached the Reformation successfully at Naples and at Venice, was cited before the tribunal of the Inquisition, and escaped by a voluntary exile the condemnation which threatened him. In the month of September, 1542, he arrived at Geneva, and was the first pastor of the Italian Church founded in that town.—See M'Crie, History, and Council's Registers, 1542, passim.
[378] See Note 1, p. 352.
[379] See Note 2, p. 228. Notwithstanding multiplied conferences, and the conciliatory efforts of the arbiters of Basle, the disputes between Berne and Geneva had not yet been settled. The two republics were brought to agreement only in the month of January 1544.
[380] He was then devoted to the Reformation and to Calvin, of whom he soon became the most determined adversary.
[381] "The plague having made its appearance in several houses of the town, the Plague Hospital was supplied with officers."—Registers of Council, 25th September 1542.
[382] "Peter Blanchet, minister, having offered to attend and offer consolation to the poor affected with the plague, who are at present in the Plague Hospital, his offer is accepted."—Ibid., 23d October 1542.
[383] According to the testimony of Michael Roset and of Savion, contemporaries of Calvin, the Reformer offered himself at the same time with Blanchet to visit the sick. But the Seigneury of Geneva refused his offer, "on account of the great need which the Church had of his services."—Registers of Council, 1st June 1545. Chronique de Roset, iv. fol., and Savion, 60.
[384] The plague prevailed equally at Lausanne.
[385] Ochino.—See Note 2, p. 355.
[386] "Bernardin de Sesnaz, of Sienna, an Italian minister, having asked permission to preach in that language, resolved to grant it to him, and that he shall preach in the chapel of Cardinal d'Ostie."—Registers of Council, 29th October 1542.