Letters Between Beza & Zanchi
Edited by David Attebury. December 2023. This is a compound work: I use a customized ChatGPT 4 to assist in the first translation draft, but check each line to the original and make changes.
7,983 words. 32-minute read time
The order of these letters is that presented in Epistolas Familiares (1609), a 689-page book containing 190+ letters written to and from Zanchi, including those of Heinrich Bullinger, Theodore Beza, John Calvin, Melanchthon, and Johannes a Lasco. The letters to and from Calvin are translated here, where the context for some of the below letters can be found.
1 - Zanchi to Beza, 1556, July 6
2 - Zanchi to Beza.
3 - Zanchi to Beza
4 - Zanchi to Beza, 1561, November 8
5 - Zanchi to Beza, 1564, March 28
6 - Beza to Zanchi
7 - Zanchi to Beza
8 - Beza to Zanchi, 1571, June 3
9 - Zanchi to Beza, 1571, June 26
10 - Zanchi to Beza, 1568, April 16
11 - Zanchi to Beza
12 - Zanchi to Beza
13 - Beza to Zanchi, 1580, October 27
14 - Beza to Zanchi
15 - Beza to Zanchi, likely 1563
Letter 1 - Zanchi to Beza, 1556, July 6.
360 words.
H. Zanchius to Theodorus Beza. Greetings.
Your letters, Most Learned Beza, I received on the fifth of July, and in them, what I most wished for, I saw firstly, that you doubt nothing of my piety, and the sincerity of my spirit. Then, that I am loved by you, and preserved in the number of your friends. Lastly, your readiness to please me: with these things, what could have happened to me either more desired or more pleasing? Therefore, I give you the greatest thanks, and I ask again and again that you continue to love me. Indeed, to him whom you have commended to me, I offered all my effort, and in whatever matters I can, I promised not to fail in being of use or pleasing to him.
But he, intending to go to Zurich, and indeed by your and excellent counsel, to hear our Martyr, said: nor did I neglect to pour cold water. How heavily and distressfully all good men bear the departure of the Martyr, you can know, even with me being silent. For me certainly, nothing could have happened more serious or more troublesome. I cannot write more because of occupations and cares. This one thing only I will add, which now has come to my mind.
When I was in Zurich, I saw at Mr. Bullinger's Gribaldi's confession written by his own hand, in which nothing seemed to be lacking: but at the same also I saw the writings of the same Gribaldi, which conflict with that confession, namely those writings, of which you had long ago sent a copy to Mr. Martyr. But Mr. Musculus, whose piety, learning, and judgment no one does not know, seems to think well of the man.
So indeed in letters recently sent to me speaking about Gribaldus: “The man,” he says, “is not only very skilled in law, but also most knowledgeable in the piety of Christ.” He will soon come to us (so I have heard from someone) to visit us. I will hear the man. Then I will write to you. Farewell. I greet Mr. Viret. Strasbourg, July 6, 1556.
Entirely yours,
H. ZANCHIUS.
Letter 2 - Zanchi to Beza
1,154 words
H. Zanchius to the same. Greetings. For several weeks, traveling through Swabia and Switzerland, Lord and most esteemed brother, for our cause, indeed Christ's cause, I first came into conversation with Brenz, and that for the second time, and two witnesses were present. He is a serious, modest, and learned man: but something can be desired in him. Certainly, in such men, I grieve many things, all of which originate from one source, and that not a good one, (you understand).
And indeed, about the sacramental matter (this being the primary topic), he said many things, which it is neither permitted nor expedient to repeat. But I, in turn, responded as much as was sufficient, considering the place, time, and reason for my visit. To my other Theses, he did not wish to respond much. For some he approved to such an extent that he did not want to believe that they had been objected to me, or condemned by Marbach; however, others, after hearing my brief explanation, he could not disapprove.
But regarding some points, like those about the faith of the elect and their perseverance in faith, he neither wanted to approve nor disapprove. And when I wanted to bring forward, in addition to the scriptures and Fathers, also the testimonies of Luther, Bucer, and his own, he responded in these words: “I do not want to hear the testimonies of Luther, Bucer, or my own. I do not want to argue with you, I want to keep myself impartial, especially since the other party is not present.” However, he gave such letters to Sturm that even by those alone, our entire doctrine could be freed from the charge of heresy.
The theologians of Tübingen themselves also said that only those [theses] concerning faith, and the perseverance of the Saints, could not be approved by them, although they would not condemn [them] as heresy. But in the course of the conversation, it was easy to see that we do not agree on the essence of what faith is. One philosopher and doctor of medicine, Schegkius, subscribed to my opinion in all respects. Then I came to Schaffhausen, and that church gave an open testimony.
Ambrosius Blaurer did the same. So did the Zurich and Basel theologians, in addition to private letters to Sturm on the same matter. I did not go to Bern, because having sent a messenger to our people to ask, if they did not want me in Strasbourg, to grant me for the Bern school, they actually testified to the Lords that neither my person nor my teaching was disapproved by them.
I came even less to Geneva, because it is acknowledged among your people that I have taught no differently on predestination and the perseverance of the Saints than Calvin and the Church of Geneva: indeed, a man shamelessly said in the Chapter that I had drawn all my heresies from the books of Calvin and Beza; in which matter, while he intended to burden me before my colleagues, he greatly praised me in their eyes. Having returned home, I found among many letters from many people, also two of yours, from which I derived great pleasure, understanding those things that you wrote to me anew, and perceiving your goodwill towards me: for which I owe you great thanks, and would like you to be persuaded that I am your most sincere friend, and hold you in as high regard as the very greatest.
However, I do not respond to each point, because it is not necessary: but only to those things which I know you wish to be answered. One is about the Epigram: Sturm says he remembers having received it, and if he did not give it to Mr. Olevian, our common friend (for he was then here in Strasbourg, about to take a wife, when he received the Epigram) it should still be among his papers. The other is about Perocilius.
Holbrachus received friendly letters from him, and in turn says he responded amicably and Christianly. I congratulate both. As for Holbrachus, there will be perpetual amnesty. As for what to respond to the letters, I have nothing further. Just receive a few words about the state of affairs in Germany. Illyricus and his four colleagues were deprived by their Princes of both the duty of preaching and teaching. Among other reasons, this was not the least: that they wanted to introduce a certain new Papacy into Germany.
Illyricus went to Magdeburg, to his Heshusius and brothers. The controversy between the Bishop of Bamberg and the Nurembergers (as I hear) has been settled. Heshusius has published a response to your book, Mr. Calvin, and also to those of Boquin and Klebitz. It is in what form, a well-argued book. Only one copy was secretly brought here, and that was sent to Mr. Calvin.
On the fifteenth of this month of February, at Saverne, the Prince of Württemberg will meet with Brenz, and your Duke of Guise with his brother the Cardinal, to discuss (as it is reported) about a certain marriage. And plague, famine, and war are feared in many places in Germany.
Religion is most successfully advancing in the Palatinate; the breaking of bread has already been instituted and received there. That which you wrote about some form of agreement is dear to the Palatine and the Landgrave. Hotman has not yet returned. Our Arnolphus has presented his confession of faith to the Senate in Frankfurt, but there has not yet been a response. The pastors there are the same now as before.
The Flemish pilgrims who were in Wesel (I do not know if they are still there) were in great danger because of the Sacramentarian matter. For they were ordered to subscribe to Luther's opinion within three days or to leave the city. As for the state of our cause here, I cannot yet write anything certain, except that our Senate is neither impious, as to want to condemn sound doctrine, nor rash, as to act precipitously; many also day by day open their eyes more and more, and apply themselves to recognizing the truth.
For a week I was with our toothless but not speechless Martyr; and I derived incredible pleasure from his speech (for he told many things about your France). He was called to Lyon by our Italians: but I have not yet been able to give them a definite answer, as our cause is pending: We would also prefer this school to be properly established before I leave, if I must leave. Just as we therefore constantly commend to God this Kingdom, the true pious Princes, the Churches, the Pastors, and all the pious brothers with perpetual prayers: so in return we desire ourselves and our Churches to be commended to Christ by you. Farewell in God's grace, and best friend. Strasbourg, February 5.
Yours sincerely,
H. ZANCHIUS.
Letter 3 - Zanchi to Beza
524 words
H. Zanchius to the same. Greetings.
I indeed responded some time ago to your two letters, Most Learned Beza, but I could not find someone to whom I could safely entrust my response to be delivered to you. Therefore, I add these new things. I too was at Saverne; I heard the Cardinal preaching: the sermon was very pure, and indeed about the reformation of Churches, on that passage in Matthew when Christ entered the temple and cleansed it; the Churches, following the example of Christ, should not be overturned but cleansed, and that according to the standard of the Word of God, and brought back to their original institution.
Then I also spoke with him privately, and he seemed to me to be entirely focused on this: that all Churches be truly and seriously reformed and united. He hopes this can easily be done if, setting aside mutual hatreds and ill feelings, there could frequently be friendly discussions, and both access to them from us and to us from them could be open and safe. In summary, if he is serious, thanks are to be given to God for doing in this man what He also did in Paul. If he is feigning, the Lord must be asked to make him seriously come to his senses.
For (as you know better than I) he is adorned with the excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit. But, as charity commands, I prefer to believe that he is acting sincerely: and therefore I will both give thanks to God the Father and pray for him. I only fear lest he be seduced by the “everywhere” (for he has spoken at length with him) to embrace a monstrous ubiquity. Although I have brought many testimonies, yet our cause is still in such a state that neither do the lords pass judgment, nor can I obtain a discussion from the Pastors. I petitioned the Württembergian, when he was here, that the Pastors might at last come into discussion with me, my only wish being that the case be recognized and justice be done, it being more than enough that things have been done in the dark up to now, it being safer that at last we come into the light. But what? The opposite has been taken care of.
I sense that this is the cunning plan of these shrewd men, but I hope they will not achieve what they desire. For I am confident that the Lord will not let me be so disheartened that I would abandon His cause. In the meantime, I ask that you commend me to the Lord. This one thing consoles me: that for 8 years I taught only in the School. Now, by being silent, I am remarkably advancing with the lords and the people. For many, after and because of this disagreement, read books, ask questions, and learn the truth. Thus, the Lord wondrously defends, spreads, and promotes His cause. Sturm indeed shows himself a man. I would have never expected such steadfastness from him for Christ. He sends you his warmest greetings. Farewell, and remember me in your prayers.
Letter 4 - Zanchi to Beza, 1561, November 8
413 words
H. ZANCHIUS TO THE SAME.
Greetings. To write nothing at all to friends, Most Learned and Most Worthy of Respect Beza, is not the way of a friendly man; and I know how troublesome it is for very busy men to read lengthy letters. Therefore, I write to you neither nothing nor much. Not nothing, because our friendship does not allow it. Not much, because your very important occupations do not permit it.
What I do write is this: We were indeed glad, and not moderately so, when we first heard that a colloquy had been arranged, and that for this purpose Martyr and you, to say nothing of others, had been selected: but now we are affected with truly incredible joy, having read the confession on the Sacramentarian matter, and having heard that both sides have agreed upon it. We were, however, quite saddened when we learned that your holy colloquy had been hindered and scattered by the envy of the Devil.
Therefore, we congratulate both the entire Kingdom and especially the Most Christian Kings and Most Illustrious Princes, as well as you, Most Learned of men, on this most fortunate beginning of your colloquy. Then, we constantly pray both privately and publicly, preceded also by the public fasting of the entire Church, that God, who has begun this happily, may also continue and complete it most successfully. We also desire that in return, you commend both us and our Churches to God the Father through Christ in your prayers. For while Christ daily spreads His teaching there, here Satan does not cease, with all his might, to completely extinguish it.
Indeed, there are good soldiers who defend, among whom our Sturm carries the banner; yet, nonetheless, the forces of the attackers are both numerous and not to be despised. Since we are all one body, and we need God's grace and protection no less than you do, we ask you to persist steadfastly in your undertaken expedition against the kingdom of Satan, and to pray unceasingly for the protection and preservation of our Churches against the same Satan. May the Lord Jesus keep you strong in spirit and safe in body for the defense, preservation, and spread of His kingdom. Farewell, man of God, with all your fellow soldiers, and if there be Mr. Diller, the preacher of the Prince Palatine, and Mr. Boquin there, I bid them also be greeted well.
Strasbourg, November 8, '61.
Yours most lovingly, H. ZANCHIUS.
Letter 5 - Zanchi to Beza, 1564, March 28
253 words
H. Zanchius to the same. Greetings.
The one who will deliver this to you, most respected brother, is Count Martinengo, named Ulysses, a man endowed with singular piety, and most studious of good letters and especially of languages for the sake of Holy Scriptures. He is inclined to devote himself to Theology, so that if ever he is called to the Ministry of the Word, he might not be found utterly inept and unskilled. He came to us for the completion of his studies, and to achieve this more quickly and easily, he desires to live in your house. Therefore, Most Learned Beza, I commend him to you for better acquaintance, and ask that you make it so that he feels my recommendation has had some weight with you. You will have a Count who is pleasant, agreeable, candid, humane, and most obedient to you. I know you will not regret having welcomed this excellent man into your hospitality. And I, for my part, will not be ungrateful for this kindness. Now, as to the state of our affairs, you will learn from the Count himself. But how greatly I am distressed by what Bullinger wrote to me from your letters, that Mr. Calvin is fatally ill, and the excellent Hyperius has passed away to the Lord, you yourself can imagine. May the Lord have mercy on us. Farewell and, if he still lives, which may the Lord grant, greet our excellent father Calvin for me.
Clavenna, March 28, '64.
Yours, H. Zanchius.
Letter 6 - Beza to Zanchi
829 words
Theodore Beza to Jerome Zanchi. Greetings.
I have received your letters, full of singular kindness and humanity, Most Learned and best brother, so that I must indeed be iron-hearted and inhuman if I do not only cherish you, but also love you, and embrace you with all affection. As for our friend whom you commended to me, I also learned from him what your goodwill towards me is, in that you offered him everything so extensively and so kindly, for which I give you immense thanks and profess myself to be greatly in your debt.
You feel the same as I do about the death of Mr. Martyr, and as all good people do; nothing could have been more damaging to that city, nothing could have been more bitter for the good people who are there. But I also grieve for your personal loss, having been deprived of the protection of such a great man, and the companionship of such a faithful friend, and I have no doubt that now the whole burden of troubles falls on your single head. But see to it, my Zanchi, that you continue to act bravely and steadfastly, as you are doing. Many are the adversaries, fierce, powerful, but how much stronger is the truth of the Lord?
We can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Therefore, be strong in courage, and the course which you have once entered, see that you hold and preserve it in the midst of storms by the help of Christ, whom we serve. He who gave you this excellent spirit will undoubtedly complete in you what He has begun: He who placed you in this station will not abandon you as you fight bravely, but will indeed make you victorious. We, for our part, when we cannot do otherwise, will assist you with constant prayers in your absence. If there is anything else within our power, we will not fail to do our duty, so you need not seek it in vain.
Regarding that legal expert, I am pleased to hear that there is some hope of his coming to his senses, unless perhaps he has deceived our man, with whom you wrote you saw his pure confession written by his own hand. Certainly, the one of which I had sent a copy to Mr. Martyr also exists here, written and sealed by his own hand. Which is the older, I dare not say, nor can I make a judgment about that one which, of course, I have never read.
As for me, I no longer require any confession from him, but rather this: that he should not be ashamed to deny, detest, and condemn with anathema in a contrary writing, or publicly, those things which he was not ashamed to write impiously and affirm before God and his Church. If he refuses this, I do not see why I should regard him as a brother, even if he were to produce a thousand confessions that seem impressive. May the Lord preserve the Church from these monstrous and arrogant spirits, which, lest they seem to concede anything to men, subject everything to their own judgment. Paul sharply rebuked not only those who said, “I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas,” but also those who said, “I am of Christ,” in such a way that they separated Christ's faithful ministers from Christ. I, too, cannot and indeed should not think otherwise.
However, I would strongly desire that many of us be more cautious in praising men who are not well known, not sufficiently tested. Although charity is not suspicious, men must be tested first before being so extensively praised. How costly this easiness and excessive trust is to the Churches of God is shown by the fact that nothing tends to foster these monsters in the bosom of the Church as much, from which they ought to have been ejected as the most hideous plagues. But it is easier to lament these things than to change the nature of men, which is in the hand of God alone.
I was prompted to write this to you by that splendid testimony with which you indicated to me that he was adorned by a truly excellent and upright man, but here, however, too credulous, about which I will also not hesitate to write to him, when an appropriate opportunity arises, so that they may at last stop deceiving good men. Farewell, most excellent man and dearest brother in the Lord: may the Lord Jesus preserve you and your whole family. Our Mr. Viret greets you, with whom I came to this town a few days ago, to find some remedy for a very serious evil that seems to threaten him.
Therefore, see to it that you earnestly commend his safety to the Lord, which both he and all of us plead for and hope from you. Farewell again. Geneva, the Calends of September.
Letter 7 - Zanchi to Beza
436 words
H. Zanchius to the same. Greetings.
If, as you write, you love me, best Beza, be careful not to write at length or think that you owe me anything for any merits of mine towards you. For I have never deserved well of you, nor, if I ever do anything for your sake, can that be called a merit, but rather it should be called a duty and an obligation.
For your excellent virtues and the singular gifts of God in you have so bound me to you, and impel me to love, respect, and admire you, that I feel I can never do enough for your sake, and will always remain greatly indebted to you, as if I owe you my very soul (so to speak). Therefore, you owe me nothing for any merits of mine towards you, but only for our common piety and faith you owe me the most precious thing, namely your love, which is to me the most desirable and gratifying thing. Let us leave merits to the Papists, and let us embrace each other with mutual and sincere love.
Your friendly and Christian encouragement and stimulation to bravely and steadfastly fulfill my duty was most gratifying to me, as it came from a truly friendly man and one gifted with the spirit of Christ. I will indeed strive towards what you exhort: but since without the grace of Christ, we can neither begin nor complete anything good, it follows that, as you kindly promise to do with other good men, you assist me with your prayers and commend me to the Lord Jesus.
That you offer your service freely and generously, I accept, and will call upon it in due time. I felt, and still feel, profound sorrow for the plight of that excellent and exceptional man, Mr. Peter Viret, whom I have always uniquely cherished since the time I first, while making my journey from Italy to Geneva, passed through Lausanne and saw him. I pray to God the Father, through Jesus Christ, that He preserve such a great shepherd of His Church in a way that he will be neither a burden to himself nor useless to His Church.
I desire that my warmest greetings be conveyed to him in my name. As for the current state of our Strasbourg, you will easily understand from what Mr. Calvin and other brothers will tell you about what they have seen here. From such great strife among the Ministers, we can easily divine how great God’s wrath is impending over the world. May God have mercy on His Church. Farewell.
Letter 8 - Beza to Zanchi, 1571, June 3
374 words
Theodore Beza to H. Zanchius. Heidelberg.
Certainly, the son of our Mr. Ehemius, an excellent and accomplished man, needed no one's recommendation among us. However, you did what befits a friend, and I am glad that you seized this opportunity to write to me; so that we may resume that interrupted custom of mutual correspondence, provided that you use someone else's hand, as what you write yourself, I can read with difficulty or not at all.
Moreover, as to what has been transacted in the Synod of Roupy, I wrote partially to our Dathenus not so long ago, and now I write to Mr. Ehemius, to be shared with you. I think the Dialogues of Athanasius, and what has been published with them, as well as the refutation of the Ubiquitarian doctrine, recently printed here, must have reached you. I would like to know what you think about them, especially about the place where Athanasius responds that ὑπόστασις signifies τό εἶναι, while οὐσία means τό τι εἶναι. [Substance signifies the being, while essence means the thing-in-itself.]
I eagerly await your writing on the Trinity, so that those may finally be utterly defeated by the Word of God, unless perhaps the sword of the Turks prevails. I am pleased with that book of Carolinus, recently published in Wittenberg. I have many works of Mr. Melanchthon, but many have sweated in vain in reading and transcribing them, so much is he like you, as far as bad grace [κακόχαρία] is concerned. Some of my own contemplations, to declare my faith, were interrupted and even completely abandoned, not just once but repeatedly, due to the plague, long travels, and finally countless other occupations.
However, I will take care, God willing, to fulfill what I have promised as soon as some leisure for writing is given to me. Concerning our affairs, our plague seems now to have been expiated, with the punishments of several most wicked witches [aliquot sceleratissimarum veneficarum suppliciis]. The price of wheat has doubled with us, and in other places even tripled. Would that, struck by so many signs, we finally come to our senses. Farewell, most distinguished man, and respected brother. May the Lord Jesus increasingly bless your labors. Geneva, June 3, Year 1571.
Letter 9 - Zanchi to Beza, 1571, June 26
969 words
H. Zanchius to that letter of Beza. Greetings.
Nothing could have been more pleasing to me at this time than your letters, Most Learned Beza. For our old friendship, as it is sincere and founded in Christ, so also I wished and wish to be kept in good repair. I have no doubt that eventually we will enjoy together in heaven our Lord Jesus Christ, whose glory and teaching each of us defends in his own way as best he can. We ought, therefore, while we are in His camp and fight under His banner in unity, to cultivate our brotherly friendship with mutual letters and services, which as I trust you will do, so you should be convinced about me. I am glad that our Ehemius's son is so dear to you that my recommendation was not needed by you.
I understood some things about the Synod of Roupy in general from Ehemius; the rest perhaps Dathenus, who recently returned triumphantly from a debate with the Anabaptists. As soon as I received the Dialogues and the other works published together, I read them, as I then had more leisure than I now have: which is the reason why, apart from your preface, I have not been able to read through the book against the Ubiquitarians. Therefore, I cannot write anything about this.
In the Dialogues, besides the orthodox opinion, many arguments also please me. But certainly, many things also displease me, and especially that often the Scriptures are so twisted that the ancient Fathers, by this misuse of the Scriptures, provide heretics with the opportunity to ridicule and attack the very truth more and more.
What you ask about the place on page 4, who am I, from whom you seek a judgment: Yet since you command, I will speak frankly, not to advise but to comply. I believe you ask me to say not so much what I think, but what our Sophists and Aristotelians think about those words. I will therefore do as you ask. These two are very frequent with Aristotle, τό εἶναι (the being), and τό τι ἦν εἶναι (the what it was to be) or τό τι εἶναι (the what it is).
In the first expression, he understands the subject, or suppositum, as they call it, that is, or that subsists. “To be” is taken in its immediate sense: and only these supposita are properly said to exist. The other, however, understands the very form, or nature and essence, by which the suppositum is what it is, for instance, a man by his humanity. For forms, or natures and essences, do not subsist by themselves outside of the supposita (as you very well know), but just as they are that by which the supposita are what they are, so they are that by which the supposita are defined as to what they are.
For Peter, as he is a man, is so by his humanity: so, if he is defined as to what he is, he is defined by his humanity. Therefore, Aristotle rightly calls essences or natures themselves τό τι εἶναι (the what it is) or τό τι ἦν εἶναι (the what it was to be), a term which the barbarians translated as 'quod quid erat esse,' and call in one word quiddity. This is how our Aristotelians explain it. Therefore, Athanasius rightly says that ὑπόστασις (substance) and θεότητα (deity), are not different things, as if they were two subsisting entities: but ὑπόστασις (substance) is signified by τό εἶναι (the being), that is, that which is and subsists.
What subsists is the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, Himself God: but by θεότητα (deity), τό τι εἶναι (the what it is) is signified, as if to say, that by which the thing that exists, is what it is, namely the divine essence. For the Father is GOD by divine essence, and thus by essence itself is divine; since in God, due to the utmost simplicity, being and essence are the same: and the essence itself subsists, because the same are God, and οὐσία (essence) divine: which is not the case with us. Therefore, Peter indeed is a man by his humanity: but he is not the humanity itself. But the Father is so God by His Deity, that He is the Deity itself.
The same applies to the Son and the Holy Spirit, distinguished from each other by different modes of subsisting. What in us is effected by matter, in God is effected by different modes of subsisting, which others call relations. Therefore, τό τι εἶναι (the what it is) cannot be well translated by a single word: but if it is to be translated by one word, it could be translated by the word Essence or Nature, if we do not wish to use the barbaric Scholastic term, namely Quiddity. I have said what, in my opinion, should be thought and said about these terms, according to the opinion of the Scholastics and interpreters of Aristotle: And I have said it because you commanded it.
The book of Carolinus also pleased me, and all the more so because I see that most things were provided to both him and me by the same spirit.
My books are being copied. But I prefer to read the works of others, and those of more learned men, rather than to publish my own. However, since it pleases the Most Illustrious Prince and good men, I cannot but oblige. I pray to God that He gives you some respite, so that you can benefit not just your congregation by preaching, but the whole Catholic Church by writing. I indeed wish to see your writings. Therefore, may God preserve you and increase His gifts in you. Farewell, excellent Beza. June 26, '71.
Yours sincerely,
H. ZANCHIUS.
Letter 10 - Zanchi to Beza, 1568, April 16
612 words
H. ZANCHIUS TO THE SAME.
Greetings. The one who will deliver this is Thomas Thillius, not long ago a very wealthy Abbot in Belgium, a pious and not unlearned man, but upright and a true Israelite. He comes there, not so much to see the Church and to hear you, as to be privately and specifically instructed, and that as diligently as possible in all things that pertain to the true method of reforming Churches, so that if it ever happens, by the grace of God, that he returns home, he may be able to prove useful to the Churches and benefit his own with sound teaching as much as he harmed them with impious doctrine. Therefore, I commend the man to you; for he also desires to be commended.
I gave those sketches [Σχίδια] of yours some time ago, but did not find anyone to carry them to you; and I know he was a friend to both you and me. If they have not been delivered, I am very sorry: and even more so if they are lost. And I do not know whom to blame more. But I would not want you to be angry with me about this, as no fault lies with me. I entrusted them only to a friend, this I certainly know, even though I cannot precisely recall whom. This happened on the journey when I was coming here, distracted by various cares and businesses, and troubled by the afflictions of my children.
Therefore, as you have considered me excused and loved me thus far, I beg and implore you through Christ. The Lord knows with what great respect, as I ought, I hold you, and with how much love I have always embraced you, from the time I knew you: your humanity, virtue, and singular piety were clear to me. But, as you know, it has been more than 16 years. And this was not the least reason for which, had I been called to you, I would have gladly come. But the Lord wanted me here, and here He had destined me.
Therefore, you should not allow it that you cease to love me, and keep me in the number of your friends. But to God, the best and greatest, be praise and glory, for having finally granted a happy and desired peace to the Churches of France, having previously declared to the whole world His benevolence, care, protection, strength, and power towards them. Are not these the most clear testimonies and most certain arguments that Christ, whom we serve and for whom we fight, lives in the heavens, cares for His Church, and has the management of our affairs?
Certainly, these things are no lesser wonders and miracles than those that the Lord used to grant in the Old Testament, when He defended His people against so many and such powerful tyrants, with an outstretched hand from heaven, through I know not what weak and contemptible servants. What and when has Satan not attempted against this Church through the most powerful tyrants? Yet in the meantime, how wonderfully has Christ always preserved it?
What was Satan not even now scheming against this most holy Josiah and his people: But Christ turned everything to salvation, and He who was despised by many, renders him day by day more and more venerable and admirable. Therefore, to this living Christ, who protects us, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory. May He deign to preserve and defend His Churches, and spread His Gospel throughout the whole world. Farewell, and please greet the brothers in my name. Heidelberg, April 16, 1568.
Letter 11 - Zanchi to Beza
438 words
H. Zanchius to the same. Greetings.
Do not wonder, best Beza, that I respond late and briefly, but rather wonder that I live and still greet you. For the Lord from heaven marvelously chastises us, though mercifully: and people so shun and flee from us, that few dare to visit us, and no one, to touch our things. Yet at last, a certain brother dared what no one else did. Therefore, through him, these few words to you. Whoever I am, I am Christ’s, and I want to live and die for Christ. Therefore, whether in Clavenna or in Lyon, it is all the same to me, as long as I serve Christ.
How gladly, however, I would have come to Lyon, not only for other reasons but especially for the companionship and acquaintance with the pious and learned brothers, of whom I know not a few there; you yourself can judge. I also have, as you know, friendships with innumerable other Frenchmen, so much so that I might truly be called a Gaul. Is not Bergamo in Cisalpine Gaul? But what can I do, best brother? The Lord has called me here: how then can I voluntarily forsake this calling?
Therefore, the Lord must be asked to do what is good in His eyes: it is not for me to decide, but for the Church. I had heard distressing news a few days ago about our excellent father Calvin: but since nothing further either written or reported came to me, I have some hope. May the Lord preserve him for us. For if he were to pass to the Lord, I fear some wrath of God upon that city. Therefore, the Lord must be entreated not to take such a Pastor to Himself in these calamitous times. Soldiers are being gathered in the Duchy of Milan, and our Rhaetians are being strongly urged to make a treaty with Philip. However, due to these continuous rains throughout this month, a great shortage of food is feared in Italy.
Thus, famine will follow the plague, and perhaps even war, unless the Lord has mercy on us. In our small town, within the span of three months, about 400 have died from the plague, and it's not yet over. Perhaps from the remainder, there will be one flock and one shepherd: and the people will be one, acceptable, and followers of good works, whereas before they were divided into idolaters and carnal men. May the Lord make it so that in this regard I am a prophet. Farewell, and please greet Mr. Calvin and the other brothers. J.H.Z.
Letter 12 - Zanchi to Beza
867 words
H. Zanchius to the same.
Greetings, Most Illustrious man, and brother in the Lord to be revered. To those [letters] I received from you on the 14th of November in the year '80, do I not respond quite timely on the 25th of March, '81? But I ask you, my Mr. Beza, to forgive me, naturally very lazy at writing letters, very busy with various studies and school affairs, extremely inexperienced in writing, and finally, an old man, forgive an elder. I use this confidence with other old friends too, namely, that when nothing urges a response, I either do not respond or respond late, that is, when I have time, believing that they will not be offended by this negligence or slowness of mine. In the meantime, nothing is more pleasing to me than the letters of others. What an excellent man I am, who gladly receive but do not gladly give!
I speak only of letters. Certainly, if I could even moderately paint, I would not be so burdened: but Borraus used to say that my letters seemed to him to be scratched by the feet of hens: to which I said, his to me, by the beaks of geese. For he was not much better than me: you would have said they were Syrian ciphers. Nor do I always have a secretary [amanuensem]. But since there was nothing in your letters that demanded a response, at first I delayed, then I forgot, distracted by other affairs.
For what you had written about your annotations, it had two parts: one, that you were considering adding a final touch; the other, that if I judged anything to be corrected, I should freely indicate it. With the first part, nothing could have been more pleasing to hear, and you would do excellently if you do what you promise, as it cannot be done by you without great benefit to the Church, with new gems and new precious things added to your extensive treasure. But this did not require a response from me, nor did you need a spur. As for the second part, what need was there for a response?
For who am I, my most learned Beza, to add to, subtract from, or dare or be able to change anything in your most accurate studies on the New Testament, which even adversaries are compelled to admire and respect? I could perhaps say what I would do if the Bible were to be translated into another language by me. But what should be done? Who am I to advise Minerva? I, because I have been so educated and long versed in that old and common edition, do not dare to deviate much from it, unless where I am manifestly compelled.
The reason why I have always liked in the Papacy the version of the Psalms by Flaminio, along with his brief annotations, is that I would not hesitate to retain the simplicity of the words and the letter, especially when the Syriac text also agrees. However, separately, if I felt differently about something, I would explain it in the annotations; but I would retain the very simple context, leaving something to be indicated to the reader as well.
Such versions are less likely to be rejected by those who are familiar with the common edition, and I believe they will also be more pleasing to posterity; just as that theology which agrees more with pious antiquity, as long as it does not conflict with the scriptures, pleases me, and my conscience rests in it, so that to dissent from the common consensus of the Fathers, without any compelling necessity, is to me a matter of utmost religion. I speak of myself and my own disposition.
But your annotations (this is said without any suspicion of flattery) are such and have brought so much light to the true understanding of the New Testament, that there is no one, nor will there be among those professing sacred scriptures, who does not owe you a great deal, and they will never perish. Therefore, I eagerly await the final edition. I wish that you could and would provide for the Old Testament, before you depart to the Lord, what you have provided for the New. I will pray to God.
The brothers from Antwerp have used [me], but our most illustrious Prince has not obscurely indicated that he disapproves of my departure. Therefore, I stay. However, it was most gratifying to all of us to see the excellent man, Mr. Daneau, who left with his family safe and, as we hear, arrived successfully among the Batavians. His presence will be most beneficial to that entire region. I showed him what I had begun in my spare hours on the book of M. Chemnitz, but he relieved me of the labor with his learned examination. Our Ulenberg also did good work on the Book of Concord. But Sturm is remarkable in his old age. With the multitude of his writings and books, in this Fair, he has overwhelmed Marbach.
Apart from that, we are all well and live in peace. May the Lord preserve you for a long time for His Church.
Letter 13 - Beza to Zanchi, 1580, October 27
481 words
Theodore Beza to H. Zanchius. Greetings.
Your letters greatly cheered me, my brother, from which I learned both that you are well and that you hold dear the memory of our friendship. But it was also very pleasing to me to understand that you approve of our response to those delusions, which indeed was extorted from me not so much by any just reason (for they are more foolish than to deserve refutation) as by the insistence of some friends.
Moreover, apart from the fact that I was very glad that our opinion in these matters completely coincides with yours, it also gave me no small pleasure that you informed me about some individuals whom you have brought back to the right path, in which matter I have no doubt that you have rendered useful service to the Church. As for those young men you wrote to me about, they will be highly recommended to both me and my colleagues, both on their own merit and your commendation. Regarding your journey to Belgium, I have not yet discussed it with our Daneau. I think you are right to judge that it is scarcely advisable for you to change the position in which you are now placed by the most excellent God.
Indeed, besides the reasons you mention and weigh as is fitting, I do not cease to hope that the Lord will take pity on the Palatinate, now astray. And while many of those whose labor God used in building up that place are dispersed, I would still wish the principal ones not to be too far away, whose help will be needed in its restoration, if only our prayers are heard. Finally, seeing that their situation depends on him, or rather requires that one individual, of whom I hardly know if anyone today lives less worthy of his name, whether you consider his body or his soul, I feel such pity for them that I can advise no one to associate themselves with them voluntarily, though this is said with all due respect to God’s most excellent providence and without prejudice to anyone.
About our affairs. Still hanging by a thread from one God, we nevertheless stand by His great benefit, healthy and enjoying peace, which so many other peoples vainly seek and so many reject. But there are many reasons why I doubt whether this benefit will last long. Our Dauphiné, fiercely attacked, has demonstrated even greater fortitude. In Aquitaine, peace is being negotiated. I fear much more than I dare to hope, and you see we have fallen into times when the world can bear neither its diseases nor its remedies. But let us intensify our prayers as we are carried into port. Farewell, most distinguished man and dearest brother. May Lord Jesus happily preserve you and your family and increasingly bless your labors. Geneva, October 27, 1580.
Letter 14 - Beza to Zanchi
79 words
Your Beza.
As I revise my major annotations on the New Testament, if you have ever happened to look at them and have observed something about which you think I should be warned, I ask you through our friendship not to hesitate to write it to me freely. I certainly do not conceal from whom I have benefited. By doing so, you will indeed do a favor not only to me but also to the whole Church. Farewell again.
Letter 15 - Beza to Zanchi, likely September 1563
65 words
Theodore Beza to Jerome Zanchius.
There is no need for me to add anything about myself. Therefore, I have only added this much, that you consider the son of Mr. Morsius even more recommended, or rather that I fulfill my duty. As for the rest, I pray to God that He takes up the defense of His cause and strengthens you more and more. Farewell.