![BÈZE, Théodore de (1519-1605). Autograph document answering questions in a different hand, n.p., n.d. [c.1561], including 15 lines in Bèze's hand, written in brown ink on the left hand portion of the leaves, in reply to questions written on the right, 2 pages, 4to, folded once (slightly browned and frayed in outer edges, traces of former mounting at right hand edge on verso).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2007/CKS/2007_CKS_07411_0331_000(022249).jpg?w=1)
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BÈZE, Théodore de (1519-1605). Autograph document answering questions in a different hand, n.p., n.d. [c.1561], including 15 lines in Bèze's hand, written in brown ink on the left hand portion of the leaves, in reply to questions written on the right, 2 pages, 4to, folded once (slightly browned and frayed in outer edges, traces of former mounting at right hand edge on verso).
Answers to questions put to Bèze possibly near the time of the Colloque de Poissy (1561) by a representative of the churches of the principality of Montbéliard, then belonging to the Dukes of Württemberg. The present manuscript may document a last effort at Christian peace at a moment when the wars of religion had not yet begun; at Poissy a modus vivendi was still being sought between Catholics and Protestants. Bèze replies to a question concerning the interpretation of an ordonance: 'tenez vous aux modifications sur ce faicte dont le feu duc Christophe [de Wurttemberg] mesme s'est contente de peur de n'estre contraincts de rien innover. Vous avez este tousjours en bon repos. Et demeurez fermes en ceste conclusion'.
Of French origin, Bèze converted to Protestantism and moved to Geneva in 1558. At first occupying the chair of Greek at the academy there, in 1564 he succeeded Calvin as Professor of Theology. Under his leadership the Calvinist church became increasingly authoritarian.
Documents in Bèze's hand are rare. The Bibliothèque de Genève holds a manuscript where his hand can be seen alternating with another in a similar series of questions and answers. (Brunet II 1380: 'les exemplaires en sont rares et recherchés').
Answers to questions put to Bèze possibly near the time of the Colloque de Poissy (1561) by a representative of the churches of the principality of Montbéliard, then belonging to the Dukes of Württemberg. The present manuscript may document a last effort at Christian peace at a moment when the wars of religion had not yet begun; at Poissy a modus vivendi was still being sought between Catholics and Protestants. Bèze replies to a question concerning the interpretation of an ordonance: 'tenez vous aux modifications sur ce faicte dont le feu duc Christophe [de Wurttemberg] mesme s'est contente de peur de n'estre contraincts de rien innover. Vous avez este tousjours en bon repos. Et demeurez fermes en ceste conclusion'.
Of French origin, Bèze converted to Protestantism and moved to Geneva in 1558. At first occupying the chair of Greek at the academy there, in 1564 he succeeded Calvin as Professor of Theology. Under his leadership the Calvinist church became increasingly authoritarian.
Documents in Bèze's hand are rare. The Bibliothèque de Genève holds a manuscript where his hand can be seen alternating with another in a similar series of questions and answers. (Brunet II 1380: 'les exemplaires en sont rares et recherchés').
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