Monsieur Pynaud brought in his Accounts of Moneys received for the Pastors in the Province of Aujou Touraine and Main This Assembly did not judge sit to examine the particulars of that Account but left it unto the Pastors and Elders deputed by the said Province to make report how many Ministers and Proposans they had in their District according as was ordained for the other Provinces 26. The Province of Xaintonge petitioned that the Church of Bourdeaux might be compelled to perform their promise made unto them of giving them a Proposan instead of Monsieur Primrose This Assembly judging the demand of the said Province to be but equitable doth yet notwithstanding exhort it to acquit that Church of its Obligation because it hath none assurance of the Ministery of the said Mr. Primrose he having obtain'd his Congé and License of departure from this present Synod 27. The Decree of the Synod of Pons in Aulnix made in the year 1605. for the conjunction of the Consistory of Rochell with the Province of Xaintonge in all Ecclesiastical and Political Affairs is confirmed by this present Assembly 28. That Petition of the Church of Roffec about its separation from the Church of Vertueil and being couched upon the Roll of separate and distinct Churches is remanded back unto their Provincial Synod to be finally determined by it 29. The Petition of the poor Widdow of Monsieur Roussepeau is dismissed over to the consideration of the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge to whose Charity she is recommended and that Synod is authorized to oblige the Church of Pons to assist her with some relief answerable to her necessities 30. A difference arose between the Province of Normandy and that of Anjou Touraine and Mayne about the Church of Monjoubert which is made up of divers Burroughs and Villages lying partly in the County of Perche and partly in the Dukedom of Normandy upon which account one of those Provinces demands the said Church to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Alanson and another with the Colloquy of Mayne This Assembly considering the present State of the said Church and being very desirous of its preservation and because its Pastor was presented to it by the Province of Normandy and he is now residing there doth decree that it shall continue joyned unto the Colloquy of Allanson until such time as the Quarters of Monjoubert and Allieres can maintain a Minister of their own And then those Churches shall return unto the Colloquy of Mayne 31. Monsieur de Bonvouloir at present Pastor of the Church of St. John d'Angely having obtained License of Departure from the Province of Poictou upon this condition that he should reimburse the Church of Poiré and and Belleville the sum of four hundred and fifty Livers which they had spent upon him at the Schools and University This Assembly at the request of the Deputies of Poictou ordaineth That the said Sieur de Bonvouloir shall come to account with the said Church within the space of two months about the Moneys they pretend due unto them from him and before an half year is ended he shall make them full satisfaction for all Arrears which he oweth to them or on default hereof he shall return again and be subject to the Authority of that Province of Poictou who have full power to dispose of his Ministry 32. The Deputies of Provence demanding of this Assembly one or more Pastors to supply their vacant Churches and this Assembly at present not knowing where to find them doth intreat and exhort the Provinces of Dolphiny and Lower Languedoc to assist those Churches with some of their Ministers until such time as God shall have in his good providence provided a sufficient number for them 33. Upon the petition of Monsieur Perrin this Assembly decreed that the Quarters of the upper and neither Cedron shall be joyned to the Church of Mombrun till such time as they can get and maintain a Pastor of their own 34. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers writ Letters unto Monsieur de Beauvois a Gentleman of Normandy in which he acknowledgeth that the said Gentleman had lent him a certain summ of Money during the time of his Exile in London These Letters shall be communicated to him by the Deputies of Higher Guyenne and the said Durdes shall bring in his exceptions against them unto the Colloquy of Foix at their next meeting and in case those exceptions of his be not of any force or value he is injoyned to give full and speedy content and satisfaction unto the said Gentleman 35. The Provincial Deputies of Normandy moved this Case from the Church of Caen Whether a child born in marriage disallowed by our Discipline being presented unto Baptism by Godly Sureties who had formerly presented others unto this Sacrament issued from the same married persons might be Baptized Answer was given them that the Parents fault cannot prejudice the Children so that there is no difficulty at all in the case nor should they make any scruple in the least of admitting such Infants unto Baptism especially when as Godly persons will become Sureties for their Religious Education Yet nevertheless the Church should at the same time testify that they do not approve of the said Marriage 36. Monsieur de la Buissonniere petitioned in the name of the Colloquy of Caen that Monsieur le Seneschal Minister of the Gospel might be at their disposal notwithstanding the Provincial Synod had granted him unto the Church of Orbec contrary to the intention of Monsieur de Lasson deceased by whose Legacy he was educated unto the Ministry The Last will and Testament of the said Mr. Lasson deceased being produced and read in this Assembly there was this clause expressed in it That he had ordained the Churches of Caen and Lasson should be called together to dispose of that Proposan who was maintained at the University by the Moneys and Legacy he bequeathed to that intent and purpose Wherefore this Assembly judged that the said Synod ought not to have presented the said Le Seneschall unto the Church of Orbec contrary to the advice and consent of those two Churches it being a great prejudice yea and a downright infraction of the Will of the said Testator However those two Churches are intreated not to be over urgent for the Recalling of the said Pastor till that Church of Orbec have time to provide it self of another 37. Monsieur de la Buissonniere informed this Assembly of the Insolencies and Seditious Challenges of a certain Capuchin Fryar affixed by him to the publick view of the world in some publick places of the City of Allanson but that for peace sake he refused to do the like in answer to him This Assembly commended his modesty and prudent carriage for time past and exhorts him to persist in it for the future upon the like occurrences And our General Deputies are ordered to insert this among others into our Bill of Grievances to be
turned over to the next meeting of the Colloquy of Augoumois which is authorized by this Assembly after hearing both parties to determine finally of that affair 16. The Sieur Salomon a Minister having been lent for two years unto the Church of St. Triers le Perche in Limosin by the last National Synod and being redemanded by the Church of Vanjaux in the Province of Berry by whom he was maintained This Assembly ordaineth that the said Mr Salomon do return within three months unto his said Church of Anjeau at the Charges of the Church of St. Triers and the Provincial Synod of Guyenne shall provide a Pastor for them as soon as possible they can 17. A Petition was presented by divers Gentlemen and others Heads of Families Members of the Church of Montagu in conjunction with the Deputies of Poictou Declaring that forasmuch as they were well able without the Church of Vielle Vigne comfortably to maintain a Pastor they therefore craved that one might be conferred upon them and that they might be reincorporated with the Province of Poictou This Assembly ordaineth that those two Churches of Vielle Vigne and Montague shall continue united together and that the Pastor shall alternatively exercise in both Churches his Ministry and shall appear in person always at the Provincial Synods of Brittany and both these Churches shall remain in this estate till that by the common Consent of them both and of the two Provinces it be otherwise altered and ordained by Authority of a National Synod 18. Letters being writ from the Church of Minerbois meeting in the houses of the Lords de Beaufort and de Paulignan desiring that they might by the authority of this Assembly be joyned unto the Province of Lower Languedoc and that they might be assisted with some Money from the General stock of the Churches for the maintenance of that Minister which shall be assigned them The Synod having heard the Deputies of both the Provinces of Higher and Lower Languedoc adjudgeth the said Church unto the Higher Languedoc and that Provincial Synod is injoyned to provide them of a Pastor and now from this very hour there shall be one portion given to it as to the other Churches of the said Province which shall because of the great number and advantages of its Churches supply that of Minerbois out of its own Stock that so an addition may be made unto the said portion and to what sums may be collected in the said Church to raise a competent subsistence for the Minister that shall be given them 19. The Letters of Monsieur Aubriot Pastor of the Church of Maes Sainctes Puelles were read which related his great Poverty and the lamentable necessities of his Church and he craved two or three supernumerary portions for his Maintenance in the said Church This Assembly ordained that the Province of Higher Languedoc shall add to the portion of the said Aubriot two portions more to be taken out of the Stock of the said Province without drawing any augmentation to themselves from the general Stock of the Churches considering that they have two portions drawn forth under the names of two Pastors and Professors in the University of Montauban 20. The Deputies of Provence propounding several matters not appertaining to this Synod they were dismissed over to the next Political Assembly 21. The Deputies of Dolphiny complained that the Sieur Scoffier educated at their Charges in Geneva was Ordained Pastor to a Church in Berry and craved that he might be again returned unto Dolphiny This Affair was dismissed over to the Provincial Synod of Burgundy with full power of putting a final period to it whether by making restitution of the Moneys disbursed on him or by enjoyning the said Scoffier to return unto the Province of Dolphiny 23. The Provinces of Vivaretz and Dolphiny contending about the Church of Soyon it is decreed that Monsieur Murac Pastor of the said Church shall subject himself as a Member of them to the Synods of Vivaretz until the Church of Valence be provided of a more convenient Meeting-place within the Province of Dolphiny whereunto the said Murac shall be appropriated and that portion given under his name shall continue settled on the Church of Soyon But as long as the Pastor above-mentioned shall actually serve the said Church the portion afore-said shall be allotted to the easing and benefit of both Churches Concerning the Ministers of Mantes and Fountainbleau See Syn. Gap p. m. 32. 23. The Complaint of the Isle of France being again renewed for that the two Ministers of the Church of Mantes and Fountainbleau by command from the Lord Duke of Sully do receive five hundred Crowns out of the portions adjudged that Province This Assembly ordains that the said Synod shall remonstrate unto those Ministers once more their duty and command them accordingly to perform it otherwise they shall be proceeded against by all Censures Yet nevertheless for the support of those Churches and of the Province also over and above the two ordinary portions under the names of the aforesaid Ministers and the five extraordinary granted by the National Synod of Rochel there be two portions more by way of vantage decreed to be thrown into the Stock of the said Province which shall be paid them until the sitting of the next National Synod 24. Considering the deep Poverty and great Burdens of the Church of Maringues by reason of their former very grievous sufferings over and above the two portions assigned unto their Pastors a third extraordinary one is now also bestowed upon them until the Meeting of the next National Synod 25. The two portions formerly granted unto the Church of Aubenac shall be continued to it till the Sitting of the next National Synod 26. Monsieur Poitey having gathered the Acts of our National Synods into one Volume See Syn. Gap p.m. 28. and tender'd it unto this Assembly humbly craving leave that by our Authority the Copies thereof might be distributed we approving the Zeal and good Affection of the said Piotey do not judge it expedient that any Copies thereof should be imparted because of the ill consequences that may happen hereon and therefore advise him to rest contented for the present and to detain by him his worthy Labours for his own private use and benefit 27. There being a difference between the Higher and Lower Languedoc about the Churches of Cormes and St. John du Brueil order was given to those of the Higher Languedoc to demand their remaining Debt of the portions of those two Churches from the Province of Lower Languedoc which had received their Moneys and in case they refuse to give them satisfaction than the Province of Vivaretz by the Authority of this Synod shall judge and determine finally of that Affair 28. The Province of Higher Languedoc is exhorted to consider the Expences that Monsieur Benoist Pastor of Montauban has been at in his just defence against the unjust proceedings of his Adversaries 29. The same
of July The second before the last of this next October And the third before the last of February sixteen hundred and thirteen To wit for Provence Lower Languedoc and Vivaretz in the City of Montpellier For Brittany at Nants For Xaintonge at the City of Rochel And for the Provinces of Burgundy Dolphiny and Vivaretz to the Commissioners which are or shall be named by the said Province at the City of Lions To wit the two first payments at the Fairs in August and All-hallontide of this present year and the third at the Fair of the three Kings in the year 1613. And the above-mentioned Provinces shall be obliged to appoint in each of those before named Towns one certain house unto which the Lord du Candal may come and make payment of those Moneys And the said Lord du Candal shall pay in quarterly unto the said Churches whatsoever he can actually recover of that Quarter unto each of the Provinces equally they concurring to the abatement of a Sous in the Liver within the fifteenth of August of the year 1613. at the places and unto the persons named by the said Provinces And touching the overplus which remaineth to be recovered after the fifteenth of August in the year 1613 he shall give in his notes in writing unto every particular Province who shall come and take them according to the Accompt and Dividend which shall be made by our General Deputies at Court. Of all which summs thus actually payed down by the said Lord of Candal he shall take and keep unto himself a Sous in the Liver which was freely granted him excepting for the Universities from whom he may detain only four Deniers a farthing in the Liver which in truth is not his but the right and due of the Lord de Visouze And as for these Rescriptions of the last Quarter he shall only take three Deniers and the whole shall be managed and dispatched in a full and exact conformity to that agreement past between him and the Deputies of our Churches at the National Synod of Gap and the Regulations made in the following years Moreover the said Lord du Candal is required not to divert unto any other uses the Moneys of our Churches and Universities whatever orders he may receive from other hands without an express order from a National Synod otherwise it shall not be allowed him in the yielding up of his Accompts Done at Privas in Vivaretz the 4th of July 1612. Subscribed by Chamier Moderator Monsanglard Scribes Du Moulin Assessor and Maniald Scribes THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in the City of Lower Tonneins in the Province of Lower Guyenne Begun on Friday the second day of May and ending on Tuesday the third of June in the Year 1614. under the Authority and by the Permission of Louis XIII King of France and Navarre THE CONTENTS OF THE Synodical Acts. 1614. The 21th Synod Chap. I. CAtalogue of Deputies Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. An Order about Letters of Deputation Chap. III. Urgent matters Important advice by the Deputies of the Council of Lower Guyenne given unto the Synod Art 6. Chap. IV. Observations upon the Confession of Faith Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. VI. Observations upon the Synod of Privas The eighteenth Article of the Confession explained Observat 19. Chap. VII Appeals Chap. VIII General matters Chap. IX Of Particular matters Chap. X. Of Colledges and Universities Chap. XI Accompts of Universities and Colledges Chap. XII Lord of Candals Accompts Chap. XIII Dividends of Moneys among the Provinces and Universities Chap. XIV Roll of Deposed and Apostate Ministers Chap. XV. An Act of the Oath of Union Chap. XVI An Act about the meeting of the next General mixt Assembly Chap. XVII The Synods Bill of Grievances Chap. XVIII A Project for uniting all the Protestant Churches which have shook off the Papal yoke◠Chap. XIX Letters from James 1. K. of Great Britain unto the Synod with the Synods Answer and several other Letters Chap. XX. The Excommunication of Jeremy Ferrier an Apostate Minister THE Synod of Tonneins In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in France held at Tonneins within the Province of Lower Guyenne on Friday the first of May and continued till Thursday the third of June in the Year of our Lord 1614. CHAP. I. Deputies Names Officers chosen 1. AFTER Invocation of the Name of God the Letters of Deputation were read that so the Call of every person assisting in it might be known and the Oath taken by them that they had not by any secret under-hand or undue practices gotten themselves Elected Deputies and that they knew not any of this Assembly to have so done after which they chose the Sieur Gigord Moderator and Monsieur Gardesy Assessor and Monsieur Rivett a Pastor and Monsieur Maltret an Elder to be Scribes 2. The Assembly proceeding in their Examination of the Letters of Commission begun with the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne for which there appeared Monsieur John Gardesy Pastor in the Church of Mauvesin and Bennet Balarand Pastor in the Church of Castres with Peter du Puy Lord of Sabournac Elder in the Church of St. Paul la Miate and Denys Maltret Advocate in the Court of Castres Elder of the Church in that City 3. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church at Touars and Peter de la Vallade Pastor of the Church in Fontenay Compte with Jonas de Bessay Lord of Bessay Elder in the Church of Marueil and Giles Begaud Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of St. Fulgentius 4. For the Province of Brittany Monsieur de la Place Pastor of Sion and Andrew le Noir Lord of Beauchamp Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of my Lord the Duke of Rohan with Stephen Groyer Lord of Kerbouchart Councillor of the King and Alloué de Guerrande Elder in the Church of Croisis and James de Beaulieu Elder in the Church of Rennes 5. For the Province of the Isle of France Picardy Champagne and the Land of Chartres Mr. James Imbert Durant Pastor in the Church of la Ferté of the Vidame and Abraham de la Cloche Pastor of the Church of Chaltray together with Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder in the said Church who tendered Letters of Excuse from the Sieur Vauquet Elder of the Church of Laon declaring the Reasons of his absence from this National Synod of which his Province shall take cognisance and they be exhorted to take care that for the future there may be none of their Deputies wanting 5. For the Province of Vivaretz Vellay and Forrest Monsieur Daniel Chanforan Pastor of the Church of Poussin and Monsieur John du Croy Pastor in the Church of Villeneuve de Berg together with James Olivier Advocate in the Court
years old heretofore Pastor in the Church of St. Stephens in Forest tall of Stature Chestnut-colour'd Hair Head lifted up he was deposed for Adultery by the Province of Vivaretz 3. John Pressac alias Martin born at Montauban formerly Minister in the Church of Brieteste in Albigeois an Apostate of mean Stature about thirty years old he hath little eyes sunk deep into his Head and purblind brown Chestnut Hair pale Visag'd great Nose rash and haughty in speaking 4. N. Laurens an Apostate born at Montpellier a little dwarfish Fellow about thirty years old bald headed black Beard little Eyes great Lips pale-Visag'd formerly Pastor in the Church of Aymargues in Lower Languedoc publickly accused of Adultery 5. Hector Joly formerly Pastor in the Church of Montauban in the Higher Languedoc about Nine and forty years old pretty tall of Stature black Hair'd was deposed by this Synod for the hainous Crime of Fornication 6. Stephen Giraud heretofore Pastor of the Church of Gemauzac in Xaintonge about two and thirty years old high enough of Stature black Hair red Fac'd his Eyes sunk into his Head was deposed by the Synod of Xaintonge with hopes given him and a promise of being restored but he was totally deprived and deposed by this Synod for Drunkenness Adultery and Theft 7. John Cottelier sometimes Minister in the Church of Nismes in the Lower Languedoc about Five and thirty years little of Stature but a well compacted Fellow bald headed black Hair scarce any Beard high Forehead he was deposed for Fornication and other Crimes 8. Paul Daude formerly Minister in the Church of St. John of Gardonenque Deposed by the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes and his Deposition was confirmed in this for divers notorious Crimes he is a Fellow about two and thirty years of Age of a flaxen colour'd Hair red Beard a long and ghastly Visage great Nose Ferrets Eyes sunk deep into his Head and yet poreing upon the Earth and short of Stature 9. N. Philippin born at Newcastle in Switzerland tall enough and great necked red Beard a bald uplifted Head wide open Nostrils lame of his right hand he was sometimes Pastor of the Church of Chasteau Dauphin but interdicted the Ministry for divers Natural Infirmities by the Synod of Dolphin and now a Vagabond Done and Decreed in the National Synod of Alez which sate from the First day of October till the Second of December 1620. Signed in the Original by du Moulin Moderator Brunier Assessor Vignier Scribe Papillon Scribe and by all the rest of the Deputies The Synod of Alez began on a Thursday and ended on a Wednesday The Original was lodged in the Archives of Rochell THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIV NATIONAL SYNOD OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE AND OF BEARNE HELD IN The Town of Charenton St. Maurice near Paris the First day of September and ended the First of October in the Year of Our Lord 1623. By the Authority and Permission of Lewis XIII King of France and Navarr being the Sixty Fourth King of this Realm in the Fourteenth Year of his Reign In which Sate the First Commissioner for His Majesty the Lord Augustus Galland a Member of the said Communion according to His Majesties Letters Patents of the 17th of April 1623 verified in Parliament the Second of May following it being His Majesties Pleasure that alwayes in all Colloquies and Synods for the future there shall be present an Officer of the King professing the Reformed Religion to represent his Person and see that nothing but Ecclesiastical matters were Treated and Debated in them as had been Decreed by the Edict The CONTENTS of the Synod of CHARENTON Chap. I. THE first Commissioner from the King in a National Synod the Lord Augustus Galland Deputies to the Synod Election of Officers Chap. II. The Kings Commission to the Lord Galland Chap. III. A great Debate about this Commission Chap. IV. Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. VI. Observations upon the Synod of Alez Chap. VII Reflections upon those Observations made by the Synod of Alez on two Acts of the National Synod of Vitre Chap. VIII Reflections upon their Appeals Chap. IX Reflections upon their Chapter of General Matters Chap. X. Reflections upon that of particular Matters Chap. XI Reflections upon their Colledges and Vniversities Chap. XII One Observation on their General Laws for the Vniversities Chap. XIII Appeals unto this National Synod Chap. XIV Of General Matters Chap. XV. A Remarkable passage about Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Reformed Church of Bourdeaux and Arnoux the Jesuit See G. M. 16. Chap. XVI A Canon passed in Obedience to the Kings Letter that no Ministers should be Deputies unto Political Assemblies See G. M. 17. Chap. XVII The Causes of the French Kings unwillingness to suffer Monsieur du Moulin to be Minister in the Church of Paris or elsewhere in the Kingdom A Catalogue of du Moulins Works Dr. Twisses Testimony of him and them Chap. XVIII Particular Matters Chap. XIX An Expedient to preserve the Churches Peace P. M. 11. Chap. XX. An Account of Curcellaeus another Ecebolius P. M. 17. Chap. XXI Mr Camerons Address unto the Synod P. M. 33. Chap. XXII Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXIII The Lord of Candals Accompts Chap. XXIV A Dividend of Moneys among the Provinces Chap. XXV The Roll of Apostates Chap. XXVI The Decision of the Arminian Controversies Canons about Predestination Election and Reprobation Errors rejected Chap. I. Of Christs Death and Mans Redemption by it Errors rejected Chap. II. Of Mans Natural Depravedness Conversion and Gods Method in it Errors rejected Chap. III. The Saints perseverance Errors rejected Chap. IV. all subscribed by the Moderator and Deputies XXVII Remarks upon some of the Members of this Synod THE FIRST Synod of Charenton 1623. The 24th Synod SYNOD XXIV 1623. In the Name of God Amen The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Charenton near Paris the First of September and divers Dayes after in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and Three CHAP. I. The Kings First Commissioner Deputies and Synodical Officers THE Lord Augustus Galland Councellor of the King in His Council of Estate and Attorney-General of the Kingdom of Navarre was Commissionated by His Majesty to open this Synod by his Royal Authority and to be present in all its Sessions as shall be afterwards Declared There appeared as Deputies for the Province of Normandy Mr. Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Charenton John Maximilian de Baux Lord de L' Angle Pastor in the Church of Roan John Lewis Mustel Esq Lord of Boisroger Elder in the Church of Ponteau de Mer and James de la Loys Elder of the Church of St. l o. As for the Province of Orleans and Berry Mr. Simon Jurieux Pastor of the Church of Chastillon on the Loir James Imbert Durant Pastor of the Church
the National Synod of Rochel the 18th in order held in the Year 1607. on the Discipline by which at the Request of the Province of Dolphiny the said Article had been explained The Assembly gave leave unto Provincial Synods to extend the Loan of Pastors unto the term of a full Year notwithstanding the Churches from whence those Pastors were borrowed had entred their Appeal against it 4. Upon the 4th Article of the 2d Chapter the Province of Poictou was advised to observe that Canon framed by the 24th National Synod held at Charenton in the Year 1623 which had ordained That the Children of Ministers should not he preferred unto the Pensions unless caeterus paribus they were equal in Merits with the other Competitors 5. After those Words in the 8th Article of the 5th Chapter As also all Sentences of Suspension those shall be added which were given by the Consistory and were not declared before the Congregation shall be binding although the suspended Person had made his Appeal either to a Colloquy or Provincial Synod 6. In Obedience to those Remonstrances made by his Lordship the Lord Commissioner the Provinces are exhorted to come prepared to the next National Synod in which it will be debated whether any thing shall be changed in the 19th and 20th Articles of the 5th Chapter before mentioned 7. The Word Gypsys the French call them Bohemians shall be razed out of the eleventh Chapter because the two others do sufficiently explain it 8. Those Words as also the Names of Office such as Baptist Angel Apostle shall be struck out of the 4th Article of the fore-mentioned 11th Chapter as being useless and now not practised in the Churches 9. The Deputies of Xaintonge upon that same Article reporting that divers Persons according to the Custom of the Country did give Names unto Children in Baptism which occasioned ridiculous Raillery and foolish Jesting and that it would be needful to redress it The Synod gave Liberty unto that Province to use such Means as they judged best and most expedient to effect it 10. The Lord Commissioner remonstrated on the 18th Article of the same 11th Chapter that the Register of Baptisms Marriages and Interments of the Members of all the Churches should be yearly brought into those Courts of Judicature whereunto our respective Churches do belong The Synod unanimously concurred with his Lordship and injoined all the Provinces to see that it be accordingly observed and performed 11. Upon the Remonstrance of the Lord Commissioner instead of those Words at the close of the first Article of the 13th Chapter Shall give such Advice unto the Parties as may be convenient there shall be inserted according to the Intentions of the Synod of Vertueil in the Year 1567 and of Montauban in the Year 1594 these Words The Consistory shall advise the Parties to apply themselves unto the Civil Magistrate 12. These Words Nevertheless the Parties shall be exhorted not to depart from the Words and Promises de futuro without great and lawful Causes shall be inserted into the fifth Article of the same 13th Chapter and the Clause beginning thus All Promises shall be razed 13. At the Request of the Lord Commissioner this Clause was added to the end of the 13th Article of the 13th Chapter Vnless that such a Marriage were authorized by the Civil Magistrate 14. Upon the Remonstrance of the Province of Xaintonge the Synod decreed That such as in conformity to the 18th Article of the same 13th Chapter did cause their Banes to be published in the Temples of the Popish Religion should carry a Certificate of their being of the Reformed Religion unto that Church which was nearest the Place of their Abode and where their Banes also shall be proclaimed that so all Surprizals may be prevented 15. These following Words shall close up the 22d Article of the same 13th Chapter Vnless the Magistrate hath interposed with his Judicial Sentence to the contrary 16. Upon the 2d and 11th Articles of the 14th Chapter the Synod approved of that Sentence given by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge which judged that the Faithful ought not to desire their Parties of the contrary Religion to swear by the Te igitur and Cross 17. The Assembly not being able to add or change any thing in the 4th Article of the 14th Chapter giveth Licence unto the Province of Normandy to establish for its own particular Service such Orders as it shall judg most fitting for the Edification of the Churches in their Division 18. The Lord Commissioner requiring that for the future no Book might be published till it had been first examined by Divines appointed unto that very purpose this Assembly did thereupon ordain That the 16th Article of the said 14th Chapter of the Discipline shall be couched in these Terms Ministers nor any other Members of these our Reformed Churches may not cause any Books concerning Religion which are either made by themselves or any others to be printed or published till such time as they have first communicated the Manuscript Copy unto the Colloquy or if Occasion so require unto the Provincial Synod and in case the Matter be urgent unto the Vniversities or unto two Pastors nominated by the Synod who shall give an Attestation under their own Hands that they have examined the said Manuscript 19. The Lord Commissioner acquainted the Synod that his Majesty had sent him divers Books and Treatises on several Subjects fraught with injurious and intolerable Expressions and therefore required that they should be censured according to their Deserts Whereupon the Synod requested the said Lord Commissioner that those Books might not be at all look'd into because they were printed many Years ago and the greater part of them when their Authors were enforced to it by the bitter Provocations of others professing a contrary Religion And the Synod having together with his Lordship took all possible care in the foregoing Canons to prevent the printing of all offensive Books for the future the Provinces shall use all possible Care and Circumspection that his Majesty should not have any the least occasion to complain of us With which Answer his Lordship remained satisfied and judged it not meet that any particular Censure should be applied unto those Books as he had at first demanded 20. The whole Book of Church-Discipline having been read over the Deputies of the Provinces did in their own Names and in theirs who had commissionated them sign it promising solemnly that they would observe it and see it exactly observed by their respective Provinces CHAP. XVI Observations made in reading the Acts of the 25th National Synod held at Castres in the Year 1626. CHAP. XVII A great Debate about incorporating the Churches of Bearn with those of France opposed by the Lord Commissioner Article 1. THE Province of Bearn having charged its Deputies to submit it unto the Discipline of the Churches of this Kingdom and to the Authority of our National Synods as the rest of
the Provinces but with these Conditions First That they be not bound to send more than two Deputies unto our National Synods Secondly That Judicial Sentences past by and in the Province until now shall not be revoked nor reversed Thirdly That Pastors serving in the said Province shall not be translated into another Province Fourthly That the Appeals of private Persons may not be received in these National Synods The Synod absolutely granting the two first Conditions doth nevertheless exhort the said Province to send equal number of Deputies with the other Provinces unto the National Synod whenas his Majesty shall be pleased to permit one to be held in the Provinces bordering on that of Bearn And as for the two other Conditions provided that the said Deputies shall promise on behalf of their Province to own the Authority of our National Synods and to take out their Appeals in the Form specified Canon the 10th of the 8th Chapter of our Discipline the Synod yieldeth unto their Demand assuring them that it will take a most particular Care of their Edification and as it intendeth not to lose its Right unto divers Pastors born in the Provinces of the Higher and Lower Guyenne who are now actually employed in that of Bearn so also it will never use it to their evident Prejudice but in every Matter and especially in that of removing Pastors either from the Churches they are now serving or from out of the Province the National Synod will give full proof of their fraternal Charity and Affection Article 2. Upon this Debate the Lord Galland his Majesty's Commissioner remonstrated That the Conjunction of the Churches of Bearn with those of this Kingdom and particularly their Submission unto the Discipline of the Reformed Churches of France and the Power of appealing from Bearn unto the National Synods here were Matters of that Nature that they could not be done without the King's Permission because such Conjunctions depend upon Soveraign Authority that the late King Henry the Fourth of happy Memory had already determin'd this Question having in the Years 1602 and 1604 permitted the Churches of Bearn to assist at the National Synods of France hereby to conserve an Union in Doctrine but he also decreed that they should bring in their Cahiers of Complaints distinct from those of France And in the Year 1615 whenas the Political Assembly of Grenoble demanded this Union it was denied in that Answer given to the 22d and 23d Articles in these Words That the late King did never permit nor approve of the Vnion of the pret Reformed Churches of Bearn with those of France nor will his Majesty now permit it until such time as the said Principality shall be re-united and re-incorporated with the Crown of France But yet in the mean while the Deputies of Bearn may bring in their Petitions by themselves which shall be answered according to Reason Against which Answer the Assembly of Rochel having took great Exceptions and in a particular Article at the Conference of Loudun in the Year 1616 there was returned an Order little differing from the Cahier of Grenoble so that the Land of Bearn not having since had any Permission from the King to join it self unto the Churches of France it cannot be done but must be confined to the plain and simple terms of Petition Besides the Consequences of this Union have been formerly resented for the Churches of Bearn shrowded with the shadow and hope of a powerful Assistance were transported to such dismal Excesses as make a very mournful History in that of our Times And all Authors are agreed that the Land of Bearn was originally a Member of the Kingdom of Navarre lying on the other side of the Pyrenean Mountains though subject to our Kings of the Merovingian Line as is evident from Gregory of Tours who relateth that the Bishops of the said Territory came unto the Council of Agde in the Year 506 and to that of Mascon in the Year 588. And the Lord of Bearn acknowledged the Kings and Kingdom of France for his supream Lord and did Homage to them and to their Sovereign Authority But in the Year 1512 Louis the twelfth King of France to make some Compensation for and to sweeten the Loss of the Kingdom of Navarre usurped by Ferdinand King of Arragon granted unto John of Albret and Katharine of Navarre his Wife that the Land of Bearn should enjoy its Charters and Priviledg of Soveraignty until such times as it should be otherwise determined by meet and competent Judges And since that the Country of Bearn hath been accounted a Principality distinct from the Kingdom and independent without any reservation That in the Year 1571 Jane Queen of Navarre set up a Church-Discipline whose Execution is limited within the Bounds of that Principality and the Laws are all enacted and sworn to by the States of the Country and maintained to this very day from the observation whereof the Subjects cannot withdraw themselves nor without the permission of their Prince may they take upon them to constitute Judges in Church or State much less to enlarge the Bounds of Appeals whenas by the Laws of Bearn they are to be terminated by its Provincial Synods and within the Country it self as is in like manner done in the City of Metz and Principality of Sedan And should this Conjunction be admitted Causes would be drawn out of the Province which would be an Innovation of dangerous Consequence to his Majesty's Authority and to this little Province and contrary to its Union which hath preserved the Country in its Laws Forts Customs and domestick Prerogatives The Deputies of Bearn to give some colour unto this Union say That this Union was permitted by the King that it hath been exercised by his Majesty since the uniting of Bearn with the Crown of France that it was approved by the said Lord Commissioner in the National Synod of Castres in the Year 1626. But here are divers Mistakes The Truth is that Henry the Fourth of happy Memory and the King now reigning most gloriously have not permitted nor promised the Union of the said Churches nor was it permitted by the Cahier of the Year 1615. But the Answer unto the Union demanded was deferred till after the Country was united with that of France so that the victorious Arms of his Majesty having subjected the Land of Bearn to his Obedience and the Union of the Country made by his absolute Authority notwithstanding all former Grants and Priviledges the Subjects are bound to have recourse anew unto his Majesty And although by the Cahiers of the Year 1615 the Union of the Churches was put off till the Union of the State yet none may therefore assert that because the State is united with the Crown of France the Union of the Churches must therefore of Right be made also but that it may be obtained there is need of a new Address unto his Majesty that he would by his Sovereign Authority
Church which was also confirmed by the Synod of the Isle of France as also for that they refused him an Attestation which he would have used for divers Ends and Purposes The Assembly having heard the Deputies of that Province told him that his Affair was not of that nature as to be brought before a National Synod however out of special Favour to him they did permit him to discover his Grievances which being unfolded by him and considered occasion was thereby given of remonstrating to him his Offences committed by Words and Deeds and Proceedings against the Pastors and Consistory of the Church of Paris And farther it was declared to him that the Censures of the said Church had been inflicted on him by reason of his ill Deportments And farther he was exhorted to pay all Respect and Obedience unto his spiritual Guides and Rulers and to subject himself unto the Discipline of our Churches And finally he was injoined to acquiesce in what had been decreed concerning his Matters both by the said Church and the Provincial Synod All which he did immediately 9. The Judgment of the Province of Sevennes concerning the Ministry of Monsieur Soleil having been confirmed the Appeal brought by Mr. Vignolles and Roux was declared null and the Appellants worthy of Censure for their unreasonable Misconstruction of it 10. The Appeal of the Church de la Fitte was rejected because it ought not to be brought unto nor received in this Assembly Wherefore they were injoined to acquiesce in the Judgment of their Province 11. On reading that Clause in the last Will and Testament of the Lord de la Fon relating to the Legacy bequeathed by him for the educating a young Scholar in Humanity and the Arts who may one day serve the Church of God in the Sacred Ministry and the Judgment given by the Synod of Normandy upon it and the Memoirs of the Church of Baaly This Assembly disannulled that Judgment of the said Provincial Synod as also the Appeal of the Church of Baaly and confirmed the Decree of the last National Synod and now declareth and ordaineth That the said Church hath only nor ought it to have any other Interest in the said Legacy than its bare Administration for so the Lord de la Fon disposed of it in his Testament aforesaid for the maintenance of a Scholar and that it is the proper and special Duty of the said Church to be accomptable for it unto the Colloquy of Caen according to the Intention of the deceased Donor expressed in that Clause of his Will wherein he mentions the said Legacy And the said Colloquy or the said Church of Baaly are necessarily to be called in at that time when the Election of the Scholar is to be made and to be present at his Examen to judg of his Progress and the said Church if they please and have need of him may and ought before any other have the choice of him to be imployed in the Service of their Souls in the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments 12. The Deputies of Sevennes complained that the Synod of Lower Languedoc had several times attempted to provide for their vacant Churches out of their Province which is directly contrary to the Canons of our Discipline and have thereby reduced those two Reverend Ministers Mr. du Mas and de la Cosle to remain without employment This Assembly condemning such Proceedings doth recommend unto the Province of Lower Languedoc the Practice of the twenty fourth Canon made in the National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1623 Observation the second upon the Discipline And it being the desire of the Church of Alez as also of the Synod of Sevennes whereunto that of Lower Languedoc doth freely consent that Monsieur Button should be assigned to the Ministry of the Church of Alez he is by the Authority of this Synod given and confirmed to them for their Pastor 13. The Appeal of Monsieur Rouzé and of the Church of St. Andrew de l' Ancize was disannulled because the Affairs of their annexed Congregations ought to be soveraignly and finally determined by their own of the Neighbour-Provinces And this Assembly recommends the said Mr. Rouzé to the care of the Synod of Sevennes to provide for his comfortable Subsistence according to the Rules of Christian Charity 14. This Assembly passing by the Appeal of the Province of Xaintonge from the Judgment of that of Poitiers according to the Decree of the National Synod of St. Maixant held in May 1609 Article the nineteenth about â—ppeals leaveth the Family of the Lord du Brueil Goulard at liberty to join themselves unto the Church of Annay 15. To regulate that Contest between the Provinces of Xaintonge and Poictou the latter of these pretending to reunite the Church of Champagne Mouton with their Synod This Assembly confirming the Decree of the first National Synod of Charenton ordaineth That the said Church shall continue incorporated as it hath been to this day with that of St. Claud until the next Synod of Xaintonge which shall make some Provision for Monsieur Ferrand and by all fitting Means for the Subsistence of the Church of St. Claud and immediately after the breaking up of the said Synod the Church of Champagne Mouton shall be joined unto that of Courteilles and provided for to its liking and content by the Synod of Poictou and that said Synod shall take a most particular care that the Church of Vigean be not left destitute of a Pastor 16. This Assembly ratified the Judgment of the Consistory and Colloquy of Caen approved by the Synod of Normandy who declared the Appeal of Monsieur Fourneaux null and not receivable and ordaineth That the said Judicial Sentence be fully executed according to its purport and tenour in due form as to the deposing of the said Fourneaux And whereas he had been publickly suspended from the Lord's Supper and since he hath acknowledged his Offence for marrying his Daughter unto one of a contrary Religion publickly before a whole National Synod and he having been kept back from communicating at the Lord's Table this last Easter the said Suspension shall be taken off both from himself and Wise after that he shall have confessed in the Consistory his Sorrow for the Sin which his Conâ—â—vency hath brought into his Family 17. Upon perusal of the Judgment past in the Synods of Sevennes and Lower Languedoc and of the Letters of Monsieur Horle's Widow and the Memoirs of the Church of Anduze this Assembly declareth the said Church to have well deserved the sharpest Censures and therefore rejecteth their Appeal and confirmeth the judicial Sentence of both those Synods and enjoined that said Church to give full Satisfaction unto that poor and afflicted Widow 18. This Assembly receiving the Appeal of the Lord Chabassier Judg of Anduze and of Monsieur Couraut Pastor of the Church of Quissac and condemning the Facility of the Synod of Sevennes held at Sumene who without hearing of
he can hinder them But he hopes that for the future you will use more Circumspection and carry your selves better and avoid all just occasions of displeasing his Majesty though they may occur unto you CHAP. III. The Moderators Answer 6. THE Lord Commissioner having finish'd his Speech the Deputies return'd their Answer by the Mouth of the Moderator Monsieur Garrissoles who thankfully acknowledged the grew Goodness and Mercy of Almighty God in answering the Prayers of his poor Churches with his Heavenly Blessing So that the General Loss which the whole Nation sustained in the Death of the Late King of most Glorious and Immortal Memory is now most abundantly made up and recompensed in the Succession of his present Majesty For though the Sun of this Kingdom did set under a most sad and black Eclipse and was likely to have been Buried in the everlasting Darknesses of an Unconsolable grief of an irremediable Confusion yet we have all seen to our Incredible Joy and Admiration the Peace and Happiness France to shine out again in a New Bright Star from the East who hath revived the Hopes of all his Faithful Subjects and filled Christendom with Wonder and Astonishment when they consider that the good Hand of God hath not only exalted his Majesty from the Cradle to his Father's Throne whose Birth was so long Desired They need not be Proud of it and at last obtained by the Joynt Prayers of his People and most especially of the Churches but also hath put the Reins of the French Empire into the Hands of the Queen Regent a Princess whose Glorious Birth and Extraction seems to serve for no other end than to place her Vertues on the highest Theater of Glory Secondly the beginnings of his Majesties Reign are under most auspicious Stars for Success Victory and an uninterrupted Series of Prosperities upon his People have mutually contended how they might most advance the Reputation of his Crown and have combined together in Strengthning those rightful Arms employed by his Majesty for Defence of the State and Protection of his Allies The Designs of his Royal Highness and of other Chieftains have every where succeeded with Happiness and Glory His Majesty was no sooner Seated on the Throne but he gave out Marks of his Royal Authority his first Declarations were to ratify and Confirm the Edicts of Pacification and to assure all the Churches in his Kingdom of their being Protected by their Sacred Majesties and that as those Edicts had been made in favour to us so also should they be conserved for us That glorious approvement of the Services of * * * Mareschal Turenne and Mareschal Gassion Two Great Men bred up in our Bosom and Communion and raised so far above the reach of Envy that the Staff of Mareschal of France together with the Conduct of Royal Armies were put into their Hands without the least discontentment of any Person in the State And their Majesties Condescention in accepting kindly of our most Humble Petitions presented them by the Hands of our General Deputy and granting us the Priviledge of holding this Synod and committing the Inspection of it unto a Person most Illustrious for his Vertues and well deserving that high Place of Dignity and Honour he enjoyeth in the First and Chiefest Parliament of the Kingdom All these and many other Considerations more do inforce our Souls with a Sweet and Pleasing Violence to break forth into inlarged Praises and Enflamed Thankfulness unto their Majesties for such signal Favours and Benefits vouchsafed to us which we account the First-Fruits and Pledges of a greater Harvest yea and in most ardent Supplications unto our God for the Preservation of their Sacred Persons his Benediction upon their Government the Glory of their Crowns under whose Comfortable Shadow the Churches enjoying a Sweet Peace will never have any other Desire nor Thought than to practise Faithfully and Conscientiously that most express Command of our Lord and Saviour by his Apostle St. Peter to Fear God and Honour the King and that with a most intire and sincere Obedience And as we have no design to do it so neither shall we ever admit any Person to sit as a Member of our National Synods it being contrary to our Ancient Custom who hath not a Deputation from the Provinces nor shall we hold any Foreign Correspondencies nor shall we Receive or Read any Letters coming from Foreigners nor return any answer to them unless that my Lord Commissioner who Represents his Majesties Person shall have first Perused them and approved of our so doing Nor will we debate about State Matters nor make any Orders in relation to them Nor shall we present unto the Pastoral Office in our Churches any Foreign Ministers who be not Natives of this Kingdom nor set up Provincial Councils in Opposition to his Majesties Will nor as his Majesty hath demanded to us will we suffer those Canons of our National Synods concerning the Approbation of Books that shall be Printed on Matters of Religion to be Violated Nor shall we Excommunicate any of those Persons who quit the Communion of our Churches for we do not arrogate unto our Selves any Jurisdiction over them from that Moment in which they left us Nor shall we tollerate any Sermons fraught with Injuries and Reproaches against the Members of the Church of Rome whether in general or particular or that may Excite the People to Insurrections Tumults or Rebellions or taking up of Arms against the Sovereign Authority of their Majesties Nor shall any single Province have an Absolute Power of indicting General and Publick Fasts nor suffer that Monies be Collected from Door to Door nor that the Poor's Monies be diverted from their proper use nor that the Forty Fourth Article of particular Matters in the Edict of Nantes be broken It being our Sincere and most Fixed Resolution to observe in the precisest and strictest manner their Majesties Edicts and under the benefit of them to lead a Quiet and a Peaceable Life in all Godliness and Honesty But my Lord we do most humbly beseech their Majesties in the First Place that by the Interposal of their Sovereign Authority they would stop the violent Attempts and Practices of such Persons who being instigated by a false Zeal or by reason of their Imployments do trouble the Publick Peace and Tranquillity by an infraction of the Edicts and by actual Enterprises against the Professors of our Religion both in general and particular that so none of them contrary to the principal end the formal and express intention of the said Edicts may be expos'd to Sufferings upon the Account of their Religion or be inforced by reason of them to draw up a Bill of Complaints and Grievances sustained by them for a good Conscience towards God the very title of which is so displeasing unto their Majesties Secondly We most humbly beseech their Majesties to take it into their Royal Consideration that our Confession of Faith was framed
not be put to the Costs and Charges of Postage of Letters and Packets which by Reason of this his Employment he must of necessity be at in receiving from and sending to the Churches and with this condition that the said Sieur Loride shall be bound to give an Account once a Year unto all the Provinces by Letters directed to one of their chiefest Churches of all things concerning them and their Affairs And in case the Provincial Synods should not approve of the payment of the said Sum of Three Thousand Livres a Year the said Sieur Loride decalred that he would be contented with a Moiety of his Salaries and Fees for all Suits and Processes in our businesses before the Council A Tax of Three Thousand Livres assessed upon all the Provinces hereunder named to be paid into the Sieur Loride de les Galinieres for managing the Affairs of our Churches intrusted with him  l. s. d. The Province of Normandy is taxed the Sum of 400 00 00 The Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne 300 00 00 The Province of Burgundy 060 00 00 The Province of Lower Languedoc the Sum of 300 00 00 The Province of Berry 100 00 00 The Province of Sevennes 150 00 00 The Province of Provence the Sum of 050 00 00 The Province of Poictou 160 00 00 The Province of Brittaine 060 00 00 The Province of Anjou 100 00 00 The Province of the Isle of France 450 00 00 The Province of Xaintonge 230 00 00 The Province of Dolphiny 200 00 00 The Province of Lower Guienne 300 00 00 The Province of Bearn the Sum of 060 00 00 The Province of Vivaretz 080 00 00  3000 00 00 All which Sums amount in the Total to Three Thousand Livres which shall be payed by each of these Provinces according to this rate in case the Provincial Synods shall agree unto it CHAP. XI Particular Matters 1. THE Deputies of the Province of Berry complained against Monsieur du Prat Pastor of the Church of D'Angeau that whereas he hath been setled in their Province for above Six Years yet in all this times he would never own the Authority of their Synod nor submit himself unto it This Assembly decreed that he should appear in person at the next Synod of that Province and give a Reason of this his Carriage and undergo its Judgment and in case he pretend any Grievance he shall appeal unto the Synod of Anjou who shall by Authority from this Assembly take Cognizance and give Judgment in it but till the meeting of that Synod of Anjou he shall stand bound by the Judgment of that of Berry 2. The Provincial Deputies of Normandy moving that this Assembly would in their Wisdoms take some care to remedy those Disorders which are fallen out in the Church of Alanson through the long continuance of Elders in their Office And a Memoir being read containing the Requests of some certain Members of the said Church that there might be a certain time limited when Elders should quit their Office that so they may not perpetuate themselves in it This Assembly remanded back their Petition unto the Synod of Normandy according to the Canon of the National Synod of Tonneins which assigned the cognizance of such matters as these unto Provincial Synods and that Provincial Synod shall take care in it according to their Prudence having first made an exact inquiry into the true state of the said Church 3. Monsieur Gualtier Pastor in the Province of Xaintonge presented himself to this Assembly declaring that he had finished his work upon the Discipline of our Church Monsieur Larroq did after effect and Print it as he had written the last National Synod held at Charenton and that he had another design in Hand which was a Treatise of the Harmony of the Articles of our Confession of Faith Liturgy and Church Discipline with that of the ancient Church and in special with the Decisions of the Councils of the Gallicane Church The Assembly applauded his Zeal and ordered him to apply himself unto his Province of Xaintonge to which he shall produce his work and they shall dispose of it according to the Canons of our Discipline And in the mean while he and his Labours were recommended unto God praying that the Father of Lights would enrich him with all needful gifts to the accomplishing of his great design and to shour down his Heavenly Benediction upon his Person and Undertaking 4. The Sieurs Priouleau Pastor of the Church of Rochel Berual Elder le Toncille and de la Chapeliere Heads of Families in the said City appeared as Deputies from that Church with a Petition unto this Assembly requesting that Monsieur Gilbert Pastor of the Church of Mesle might be conferr'd upon them as their Minister and they back'd their Petition with very many and weighty Arguments The Deputies of the Church of Mesle were heard who did as importunately Petition that their Minister the aforesaid Monsieur Gilbert might be continued with them And the Provincial Deputies of Poicton persisting in that Resolve made in their last Synod of their Province that they did not judge it any way fit to grant them their Request Now although this Assembly doth highly value that Church of Rochel and it's Petitions yet nevertheless it doth not count it reasonable to deprive the Church of Mesle of a Pastor who is so very useful and needful to them 5. This Assembly did for divers causes thereunto moving them without intending it a Precedent for the future receive the Informations given by one part of the Elders and Heads of Families in the Church of Calais although they ought according to the Canons of our Discipline to have been carried unto the Synod of the Isle of France and took cognizance of those Troubles wherewith that Church hath been agitated about the settling of a Second Pastor in it The Sieurs Tricotel and Peter du Croix a Deacon in the Quarter of Guisnes and James Barrizeau of the Lower Town of Calais Deputies from another part of that Church had audience given them and there were read Letters and Memoirs from Monsieur de Montigny Pastor who was sent unto the said Church by the Synod held at Ay this present Year The whole Affair having been heard and debated a Decree past that the Sieur de Montigny shall if it so please him exercise his Ministry in the said Church till the meeting of the next Synod of that Province which will be within Six Months at the farthest And before that time the Church of Calais shall choose a Pastor by plurality of Votes in a lawful Assembly called and directed by their Consistory according to the order of our Discipline either fixing their choice upon the Sieur de Montigny who received a most Honourable Testimony in this Assembly or upon any other whom they shall judge most proper for their Edifying And by th' Authority of this Assembly one of the Pastors of Dieppe and
way than he hath taught us by his Word that therefore all those Imaginations of Men about the Intercession of Saints departed is none other than an abuse and imposture of Satan whereby he may turn Men aside from the right method of Prayer We do also reject those Means which Men presumed they had whereby they might be redeemed before God for they derogate from the Satisfaction of the Death and Passion of Jesus Christ Finally We hold Purgatory to be none other than a Cheat which came out of the same Shop from which also proceeded Monastical Vows Pilgrimages Prohibitions of Marriage and the Use of Meats a Ceremonious Observation of Days Auricular Confession Indulgences and all other such like Matters by which Grace and Salvation may be supposed to be deserved Which things we reject not only for the false Opinion of Merit which was affixed to them but also because they are the Inventions of Men and are a Yoke laid by their sole Authority upon Conscience ARTICLE XXV And forasmuch as we are not made partakers of Christ but by the Gospel we believe that that good order in the Church which was established by his Authority ought to be kept sacred and inviolable and therefore that the Church cannot subsist unless there be Pastors whose office it is to instruct their Flocks and who having been duly called and discharging their office faithfully are to be honoured and heard with reverence Not as if God were tied unto such Ordinances or inferiour means but because it is his good pleasure in this sort to govern us So that for these reasons we detest all those Fanatical Persons who as much as in them lieth would totally abolish the preaching of the word and administration of the Sacraments ARTICLE XXVI Therefore we believe that it is not lawful for any Man to withdraw himself from the Congregations of God's Saints and to content himself with his private Devotions but all of us jointly are bound to keep and maintain the Unity of the Church submitting themselves unto the common instruction and to the Yoke of Jesus Christ and this in all places wheresoever he shall have established the true Discipline although the Edicts of earthly Magistrates be contrary thereunto and whosoever do separate from this Order do resist the Ordinance of God and in case they draw others aside with them they do act very perversly and are to be accounted as mortal plagues ARTICLE XXVII However we do believe that we ought to distinguish carefully and prudently betwixt the true and false Church because the Word Church is very much abused We say then according to the word of God That the Church is an Assembly of Believers who agree among themselves to follow God's word and the pure Religion which dependeth on it and who profit by it during their whole Life increasing and confirming themselves in the fear of God as being persons who do daily need a farther progress and advancement in godliness Yet notwithstanding all their indeavours they must have continual recourse to the grace of God for the forgiveness of their sins Nor do we deny but that among the Faithful there be some Hypocrites or despisers of God or Ill-Livers whose wickedness however cannot blot out the name of the Church ARTICLE XXVIII In this Belief we protest that where the word of God is not received and where there is no professed subjection to it and where there is no use of the Sacraments if we will speak properly we cannot judge that there is any Church Wherefore we condemn those Assemblies in the Papacy because the pure word of God is banished out of them and for that in them the Sacraments are corrupted counterfeited falsified or utterly abolished and for that among them all kinds of Superstitions and Idolatries are in full vogue We hold then that all those who meddle with such actions and Communicate with them do separate and cut themselves off from the Body of Christ Jesus Yet nevertheless because there is yet some small track of a Church in the Papacy and that Baptism as to its substance hath been still continued and because the efficacy of Baptism doth not depend upon him who doth administer it we confess that they which are there baptized do not need a second Baptism In the mean while because of those corruptions which are mingled with the administration of that Sacrament no Man can present his Children to be baptized in that Church without polluting of his Conscience ARTICLE XXIX We believe that this true Church ought to be governed by that Discipline which our Lord Jesus hath established so that there should be in the Church Pastors Elders and Deacons that the pure Doctrine may have its course and Vices may be reformed and suppressed that the poor and other afflicted Persons may be succoured in their necessities and that in the name of God there may be holy Assemblies in which both great and small may be edified ARTICLE XXX We believe that all true Pastors in whatever places they may be disposed have all the same authority and equal power among themselves under Jesus Christ the only Head the only Soveraign and only Universal Bishop and that therefore it is unlawful for any Church to challenge unto it self Dominion or Soveraignty over another however it is requisite that all care should be taken for the keeping up of mutual Concord and Brotherly Love ARTICLE XXXI We believe that it is not lawful for any Man of his own authority to take upon himself the Government of the Church but that every one ought to be admitted thereunto by a lawful Election if it may possibly be done and that the Lord do so permit it Which exception we have expresly added because that sometime as it hath fallen out in our days the state of the Church being interrupted God hath raised up some persons in an extraordinary manner for to repair the ruins of the decayed Church But let it be what it will we believe that this Rule is always to be followed that all Pastors Elders and Deacons should have a Testimony of their being called unto their respective Offices ARTICLE XXXII We believe that it is expedient that they who be chosen Superintendents in the Church should wisely consult among themselves by what means the whole Body may conveniently be ruled yet so as they do not swerve from that which our Lord Jesus Christ hath instituted And this doth not hinder but that in some Churches there may be those particular Constitutions which will be more convenient for them than for others ARTICLE XXXIII But we exclude all humane Inventions and all those Laws which are introduced to bind the Conscience under pretence of God's service And we do only receive such as serve to keep up Concord and to retain every one from the highest unto the lowest in due obedience In which we conceive that we are to observe that which our Lord Jesus Christ appointed concerning Excommunication which we
said Auditory shall be expresly charged That if any one of them do know any impediment for which his Ordination who shall be then mentioned by his Name may not be compleated or why he may not be accepted that they do then come and give notice of it unto the Consistory which shall patiently hear the Reasons of both Parties that so they may proceed to Judgment The Peoples silence shall be taken for a full consent But in case contention should arise and the afore-named Elect be pleasing to the Consistory but not unto the People or to the major part of them his reception shall be deferred and the whole shall be remitted unto the Colloquy or Provincial Synod which shall take cognizance both of the justification of the before-named elect Minister and of his reception And although the said Elect should be then and there justified yet shall he not be given as Pastor unto that People against their will nor to the discontentment of the greatest part of them nor shall the Pastor be imposed against his will upon that Church and the difference shall be terminated by order as above at the Costs and Charges of the Church that shall have demanded him CAN. VII Who so consenteth to be chosen unto the Sacred Ministry ought to accept of the Office with which he shall be invested and in case of his refusal he shall be solicited thereunto by fitting Exhortations but he shall in no wise be constrained CAN. VIII The Election of Ministers shall be confirmed by Prayers and Imposition of Hands always avoiding all Superstition and according to this ensuing form The Form of Ordination usually observed in the Churches of France at the Reception of their Ministers All things before-mentioned having been observed two Pastors deputed by the Synod or Colloquy to lay their Hands upon the Minister elect being come into that Church one of them who preacheth the Sermon shall discourse briefly of the Institution and Excellency of the Ministry alledging Testimonies pertinent to this occasion from holy Writ such as Ephes 4.11 12. Luke 10.16 John 20.21 22. 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20. 1 Tim. 3.8 or others of the like nature admonishing every one to see to it that both Minister and People do perform their respective Duties The Minister to acquit himself of his Charge the more carefully because he knoweth it to be precious and excellent in the sight of God and the People with all humility and reverence to receive the Word of God which shall be declared by him who is now sent unto them Then shall be read in the hearing of the whole Congregation what is written in 1 Tim. 3. and 1 Tit. where the Apostle teacheth what kind of Man a Minister should be And that it may please God to vouchsafe Grace unto this elect person to acquit himself worthily and faithfully of his holy Calling a short Prayer shall be conceived to this purpose in which the said Pastor shall insert these or the like words O Lord God we beseech thee to endow with the Gifts and Graces of thy holy Spirit this thy Servant lawfully chosen according to that Order established in thy Church and abundantly to enrich him with all Abilities needful for his acceptable performance of the Duties of his Office to the Glory of thy holy Name the Edification of thy Church and his own Salvation whom we now dedicate and consecrate unto thee by this our Ministry And then the Minister that prayeth standing upright below the Pulpit shall lay his Hands upon his Head for whom Prayer is now made he being humbly on his knees And the new Pastor arising the two Deputies sent from the Colloquy or Synod shall give him before the People the right hand of fellowship And this Form and the above-mentioned Canon shall be unanimously observed in all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom CAN. IX Our Confession of Faith and Church-Discipline shall be subscribed by such as are chosen in the Ministry both into the Churches in which they shall be ordained and in those unto which they shall be sent CAN. X. No Ministers shall be ordained without appointing them unto a particular Flock and they shall be the peculiar Pastors of those Churches unto which they be assigned And no Church shall pretend right unto any Minister by vertue of a particular promise made by him without the authority of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod CAN. XI Such as shall be chosen unto the Ministry of the Gospel must know that they be in that Office for term of life unless they be lawfully discharged upon good and certain considerations and that by the Provincial Synod CAN. XII The principal Duty of Ministers is to Preach the Gospel and to declare the Will of God unto their People and they shall be exhorted to forbear all strange ways of teaching which have no tendency to edification and they shall conform themselves to the simplicity and common stile of God's Spirit taking heed that there be nothing in their Sermons prejudicial to the Authority of holy Scripture and they shall never Preach without having for foundation of their discourse a Text of holy Scripture which they shall ordinarily follow and they shall handle and expound as much of that Text as they can forbearing all needless Enlargements all tedious and unseasonable Digressions all superfluous heapings up of Scripture-Quotations and vain recitals of various and different Expositions They shall very rarely alledge the Writings of the Fathers nor at any time prophane Histories and Authors that so they may reserve unto the Scripture intirely its own Authority Moreover they shall not handle any Doctrine in a scholastick way of Disputation nor with a mixture of Languages In one word they shall avoid whatsoever may serve for ostentation or in any wise occasion doubts or scruples And that this Canon may be more carefully observed and practised Consistories Colloquies and Synods shall put to their helping hand CAN. XIII Churches are admonished to use more frequently the Ordinance of Catechising and Ministers are to treat and expound it by short plain and familiar Questions and Answers accommodating themselves unto the capacity of the meanest People without expatiating themselves into common places Yea all Ministers shall endeavour to catechize every one in their Flocks once or twice a Year and shall exhort them to conform themselves thereunto very carefully CAN. XIV Ministers and their Families shall actually reside on their Churches on pain of being deposed from their Sacred Ministerial Office CAN. XV. Those Persons to whom God hath given Talents and Abilities for Writing are advised to use them in a modest manner suitable to the Majesty of God's Word and therefore consequently they shall not write after a ridiculous or injurious rate and in their ordinary Sermons they shall express this self-same modesty and gravity And they who are endowed with gifts for writing shall he chosen by the Provinces and if it happen that any Books
shall be destitute of employment the Colloquy or Provincial Synod are of duty bound to provide him of another Church within one Month. And if within that term the Colloquy or Synod have not provided for him he shall be then at liberty to get himself a Church out of that Province in any place where God shall open a door unto him according to the Canons of our Discipline CAN. XXX Authority is granted unto Provincial Synods for divers considerations to remove Ministers from their Churches their Churches having been first heard and their Reasons well and sufficiently weighed But in case of discord the whole shall be determined by a National Synod and till the sitting of which nothing shall be innovated CAN. XXXI When as a Minister is persecuted or for some other reason cannot exercise his Ministry in that Church unto which he was appointed he may by the said Church be sent elsewhere or they may exchange him with another for a certain time by the good will and consent of both the Churches But and if the Minister shall not submit unto the judgment of those two Churches he shall give the Reasons of his refusal unto the Consistory and in it their equity shall be debated and determined and in case they be not esteemed valid and the Minister shall notwithstanding persist in his resolution of not accepting the said Employment the difference shall be referred unto the next Provincial Synod or else unto the Colloquy if both those Churches do belong unto the same Colloquy CAN. XXXII Ministers may with their own consent be lent by the Consistory according as the Edification of the Church shall require but the loan shall not be done without the advice of two or three Ministers or of the same Colloquy if it be for any longer term than six Months CAN. XXXIII Ministers that have been lent when as the time of their loan is expired shall be restored again unto their Churches from which they had departed CAN. XXXIV If a Church do not redemand its Pastor within one Year after the time for which he was lent is expired he shall then appertain unto that Church unto which he was lent provided always that the said Pastor do yield his consent unto it but and if he do not give his consent he shall dispose of himself according to the advice of the Colloquy or Synod of that Church to which he had been lent And this Canon shall be of force with reference to those Ministers who because of persecution have betook themselves unto the service of other Churches and the persecution ceasing they be not redemanded by their former Churches within one Year which shall begin from that time in which those Ministers gave notice of it unto those aforesaid Churches CAN. XXXV A Minister destitute of a Church and unimployed in his Province and lent by the Colloquy to a Church out of the bounds of the Province till the next Session of his Provincial Synod if he be not employed by that Synod within their Province he shall remain appropriate unto that Church to which he was lent provided that he and the Church do mutually consent thereunto CAN. XXXVI That Churches may perform their Duties to their Pastors according to those Obligations on them by the Word of God and that Pastors may have no just ground of offence given them nor to abandon their said Flocks they shall be admonished to minister unto their Pastors all things necessary for their comfortable subsistence CAN. XXXVII And to prevent their ingratitude who by experience are known to have dealt unworthily with their painful Ministers this order shall be observed one quarter of the yearly Pension which was promised them shall be paid in unto them by way of advance beforehand CAN. XXXVIII And for the future lest through any ill management of this matter the Churches should happen to be dissipated those who are chosen Moderators in Colloquies shall enquire of the Elders in every Church about the Maintenance afforded by them unto their Ministers and of their Care in supplying their Wants according to the Canon before ordained that so by the Authority of Colloquies provision may be made for them CAN. XXXIX When as necessary Maintenance shall have been detained from a Pastor and three Months be laps'd since his Complaints and Remonstrances it shall be then lawful for the said Pastor to joyn himself unto any other Church by consent of his Colloquy or Provincial Synod And the Colloquy or Synod may shorten the term of three Months if there be urgent necessity for it yea if that the necessity be pressing and three Months are expired and the Pastor is not supplied though he had entered in his Petition to be discharged it shall suffice if he call into his Consistory two neighbour Ministers and he shall not be bound to wait for the sitting of the Colloquy or Synod to obtain their advice and consent unless that one of the said Assemblies were convocated and to meet in that very self-same Month in which he was to have departed CAN. XL. In that tryal and judgment which shall be passed upon a Peoples ingratitude at the complaint of a Minister all circumstances shall be prudently considered and special regard shall be had unto the poverty of the Church and of the Plaintiff's estate that so they may use those means which will be most likely to promote the Glory of God the Edification of his Church and the Honour of the Ministry CAN. XLI A Church being found ungrateful shall not be provided of a Pastor till such time as they have given intire satisfaction according to their ability unto him of whom they be deprived And this Pastor shall in the mean while remember always to keep himself disingaged from the Church of any other Province but his own unless by a Decree of the said Province it may have been otherwise determined N.B. The last Clause of this Canon is not in four Copies of different Editions as that of the Year 1653. that of Geneva 1666. that of Quevilly 1678. and an English Translation of the Discipline printed for Bourn in the Year 1642. But yet I find it in the Paris Edition by Vandôme in the Year 1663. and in another Impression of it at Quevilly I think in the same Year 1663 for I have not the Original now by me which I returned twenty Years ago to my Friend but the Translation I made of it CAN. XLII Ministers though they have Estates and Lands of their own may yet nevertheless take Wages from their Flocks yea and it is expedient that they should so do in regard of its consequence lest other Ministers and Churches be prejudiced by this their example Yet shall they be advised so to manage this liberty as the Churches necessity and their quality shall require it CAN. XLIII No Pastor under the title of a Pastor shall be permitted to possess an Inheritance but in case his Stipend or any part thereof were
were Arbitrators But and if any Members of the said Consistories shall be chosen Arbitrators it shall be as they are private Persons and only in their own names CAN. XV. Besides those Admonitions given by the Consistories if there be a necessity of inflicting greater punishment or censures upon Offendors it shall be either Suspension or Privation for a time from the Lords Table or else Excommunication or cutting off from the Church And Consistories shall be advised to manage both the one and other with singular Prudence and to distinguish well betwixt them as also to weigh and examine very prudently those faults and scandals with their circumstances that are brought before them that so Censures and Judgment may be given according as is meet and requisite CAN. XVI Suspension from the Lords Table shall be used for the greater humbling of Offenders and for quickning them to a most lively sense of their offences This Suspension shall not be published unto the People nor its Cause nor also the re-admission of the Delinquent unless they had been Hereticks Despisers of God Rebels against the Consistory or Traytors to the Church These also shall be suspended who have been attainted of Crimes deserving Corporal punishment and causing grievous scandal to the Church Item those who contrary to the Remonstrances made them were married by a Popish Priest and Fathers and Mothers that so marry their Children and Tutors Guardians and others in the stead of Parents that do in the same manner marry their Orphan-Pupils and those also who shall carry them to a Popish Priest by him to be baptized or represent another at such a Baptism It being needful that such persons although they begin visibly to repent should be immediately suspended and for a time deprived of the Lord's Supper and that their suspension be declared unto the people that so they may be more deeply humbled and induced unto Repentance as also that the Church may be discharged of all shame and blame and to terrify others and learn them by this example not to be guilty of such sinful miscarriages CAN. XVII If by such suspensions Sinners be not reformed but abide obstinate and impenitent after long forbearance and frequent admonitions and earnest sollicitations of them to it they shall then be proceeded against with publick Admonitions made before the Congregation by the Pastor on three Lord's days following and for their greater shame if it be thought needful they shall be mentioned by name and the whole Church shall be desired to intreat God for them and to endeavour by all means to bring them unto Repentance and an acknowledgment of their sins to prevent their being cut off by Excommunication unto which we cannot proceed without a World of regret and grief And if after all this there be no Conversion on the Sinners part but that they persist in their hardness and obstinacy on the fourth Sabbath the Pastor shall publickly declare to the whole Congregation that the said scandalous and obdurate Sinners nameing them particularly are no longer owned by us for Church-Members but in the name and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ and of his Church are cut off from it And this shall be the Form of Excommunication See the Acts of the second National Synod of Paris in the year 1565. Canon the Second The Form of Excommunication to be used in the Reformed Churches of France decreed by the Synod of Alez 1620. and incorporated with the Canons of Church Discipline by the National Synod of Charenton Observation the 11. upon the Synod of Alez Dear Brethren THis is the fourth time that we declare unto you that N. N. for sundry Sins and Scandals committed in the Church of God and for his Impenitency and contempt of all Admonitions which have been given from the word of God was suspended the holy Supper of the Lord which Suspension and its Causes have been notified to you that you might join your Prayers with ours that the Great God would be intreated to mollify his hard heart and touch him with sincere Repentance and draw him out of the way of Perdition But although we have so long born with him prayed exhorted and adjured him to return unto God and have essayed all means to bring him unto Repentance yet nevertheless he persisteth in his impenitency and with a most hardned obstinacy rebelleth against God and trampleth under foot his Word and the Discipline established in his House and boasting of his Sin hath caused a great deal of trouble for a long time unto his Church and the most holy name of our God to be blasphemed Wherefore we Ministers of the Word and Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ whom God hath armed with spiritual Weapons mighty through God to throw down the strong holds which do oppose themselves against him to whom the Eternal Son of God hath given power of binding and loosing upon Earth declaring that what we shall bind in Earth shall be bound in Heaven and being willing throughly to purge the House of God and to free his Church of Scandal and by pronouncing Anathema against the wicked one to glorify the name of our God In the Name and by the Authority of our Lord Jesus by the advice and authority of the Pastors and Elders assembled in Colloquy and of the Consistory of this Church we have cut off and do cut off the said N. N. from the Communion of the Church of God We do Excommunicate and deprive him of the Fellowship of Saints that so he may be unto you as a Pagan or Publican and that among true Believers he may be an Anathema and Execration Let his Company be reputed Contagious and let his Example possess your Souls with astonishment and cause you to tremble under the mighty hand of God! And this Sentence the Son of God will ratify and make effectual until such time as the Sinner being confounded and abased before God shall glorify him by his Conversion and being delivered from the Bonds of Satan to whom he is inslaved he may mourn for his Sin with Repentance unto Life Let 's pray God most dearly Beloved Brethren that he would daign to compassionate this most miserable Sinner and that this dreadful Sentence which with very great regret and sorrow of heart we have pronounced against him by the authority of the Son of God may contribute unto his humiliation and bring back into the way of Life and Salvation a Soul which is wandered and strayed from it Amen! Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negligently Amen! If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha Amen CAN. XVIII Henceforward all Sentences of Excommunication confirmed by the Provincial Synod shall be of full power and valid as also all Sentences of Suspension from the Lord's Supper made by the Consistory which were not declared unto the People shall hold good although the Person suspended had entered his Appeal unto the Colloquy
our Church CAN. XXXII A Pastor or Elder breaking the Churches Union or stirring up Contention about any point of Doctrine or of the Discipline which he had subscribed or about the Form of Catechising or Administration of the Sacraments or of our Common-Prayers and Celebration of Marriage and not conforming to the determination of the Colloquy he shall be then suspended from his Office and be farther prosecuted by the Provincial or National Synod CAN. XXXIII In every Church there shall be kept Memorials of all notable and remarkable passages relating to Religion and in every Colloquy a Minister shall be appointed to receive them who shall carry them unto the Provincial and thence unto the National Synod CHAP. VI Of the Union of Churches CANON I. NO Church shall claim any Primacy or Jurisdiction over another nor one Province over another CAN. II. No Church shall assume unto it self a power of undertaking business of great consequence in which the interest or damage of other Churches shall be comprised without the advice and consent of the Provincial Synod if it may possibly be Convened And in case the affair be urgent it shall at least be Communicated by Letters unto some other Churches in the Province and they shall receive and take their advice about it CAN. III. Churches and particular Members shall be advised that whatever persecution may happen to procure for themselves a private peace and liberty they do not depart from the Sacred Union of the whole Body of our Churches And whoever acteth contrary to this Canon shall have such a Censure inflicted on him as Colloquies and Synods shall judge expedient CAN. IV. Disputes about Religion shall be so managed that none of ours may be the Aggressors and if they are ingaged in a verbal disputation they shall in no wise undertake it without laying down this for a Foundation-Rule That the Holy Scripture is the sole Judge of Controversies nor shall they yield the power of judgment and decision in points of Doctrine unto the writings of the Ancients nor shall they enter upon any Disputation unless the conditions of it be first agreed on by Writings mutually and respectively signed and executed Nor shall they attempt a publick Disputation but with the advice of their Consistory and of a select number of Pastors who for this purpose shall be chosen by the Colloquies or Provincial Synods They shall not adventure upon any dispute or general Conference Chap. VII Of Colloquies without the advice of all the Churches assembled in a National Synod upon pain if Ministers act otherwise of being declared Apostates and Deserters of the Churches Union CAN. V. Churches shall be informed that our Ecclesiastical Assemblies of Colloquies and Synods whether Provincial or National are the Bands and Buttresses of their Concord and Union against Schisms Heresies and all other inconveniencies that so they may discharge their duty in the use of means for the continuance and upholding of those Ecclesiastical Assemblies And in case any Churches or particular Person should refuse to contribute unto their expences who were obliged to be present in those Assemblies they shall be grievously censured as Deserters of that Holy Union which ought to be kept up among us for our mutual preservation And all Ministers who shall neglect the observation of this Canon shall be most severely censured by National and Provincial Synods N.B. That the Editions of the Discipline at Paris and Ronan in the Year 1663. have in the last line of this Canon National inserted but two other Editions of the Years 1666. at Geneva and 1676. at Quevilly do omit it and have only Provincial Synods CHAP. VII Of Colloquies CANON I. IN every Province the Churches shall be divided according to their number and conveniency of neighbour places into Colloquies or Classes And this Division shall be made by authority of the Provincial Synod And the next adjoining Churches shall meet in Colloquies twice or four times a year if it may be done as of ancient times it hath been ordained The appointment of time is left wholly to the prudence of Provinces and unto these Colloquies the Ministers accompanied each of them with an Elder from every Church shall give their personal attendance CAN. II. And the proper business of such Colloquies and Assemblies shall be to consult about composing differences and difficulties emerging in their Churches according to the Canons of our Discipline and in general to provide for whatsoever may be thought expedient and necessary to the weal and maintenance of our Churches CAN. III. And in these Colloquies Ministers in their turns shall make a Proposition from the Word of God that so their care and diligence in the study of the Scripture and their method and form of handling it may be known CAN. IV. As Consistories are subject and subordinate unto Colloquies so are Colloquies unto the authority of Provincial Synods CAN. V. Chap. VIII Of Provincial Synods Colloquies and Synods shall consult about the extent and bounds of those places in which each Minister shall exercise his Ministry CAN. VI. In the close of Colloquies there shall pass a friendly and fraternal Censure upon Pastors and Elders there present in all matters of which it may be thought fit to admonish them CHAP. VIII Of Provincial Synods CANON I. IN all Provinces the Pastors and Elders of every Church shall meet together once or twice a year if it can be done which is left unto the prudence and discretion of the Synod CAN. II. Ministers shall bring with them one or two Elders at the most chosen out of their Consistory And the said Ministers shall bring with them their Commissions But if a Pastor come alone without an Elder or an Elder without a Pastor there shall be no regard had of their Memoirs And this Canon shall be observed in all Ecclesiastical Assemblies If they cannot appear they shall excuse themselves by Letters on which the Brethren then and there present shall pass judgment and send their Memoirs subscribed by one Pastor and Elder Such as having no lawful excuse shall yet forbear their appearance at Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall be censured and the said Colloquies and Provincial Synods may judge definitively of their fact and dispose of their persons CAN. III. Churches which have many Pastors shall depute them by turns unto Colloquies and Synods CAN. IV. Ministers and Elders which are deputed unto Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall have their expences defrayed out of the common stock of their Churches CAN. V. Those Churches which refuse means unto their Ministers for their appearance at Colloquies and Synods shall be admonished of this their duty that they exhibit to them and in case of failure in it so that Ministers are inforced to come unto them upon their own charges after two or three admonitions they shall be deprived of their Ministry and the charges of those Ministers shall be defrayed by those Churches unto which they are sent and in
which they now serve saving always their power of prosecuting that ungrateful Church which prosecution shall be managed according to the judgment and direction of the Provincial Synod CAN. VI. If a difference fall out betwixt a Church and its Pastor and in order to its composing the said Church hath been twice advised of the day when and place where the Synod and Colloquy do meet and refuseth to appear notwithstanding the absence of one Party yet the Synod or Colloquy shall have power to proceed to judgment CAN. VII In all Synods Provincial and National one of the Pastors by common consent and a low voice shall be chosen President and one or two Scribes His Office shall be to guide and moderate the whole action to give notice of the places days and hours at which the Assemblies shall meet to begin the Synodical Sessions to propose and offer matters that are to be deliberated to gather the particular Suffrages of all the Members to declare the greatest number and to pronounce the Conclusion Item He shall see that every one do speak in due order and without Confusion He shall silence the Contentious and in case of Disobedience he shall command them out of the Synod that Consultation may be held about their Censure He shall make all the Remonstrances and Answers unto them who demand Counsel or send Letters unto the Synod Moreover he shall preside at those Censures which shall be made in the close of the whole Action and all by the advice of the whole Assembly and not otherwise His Office shall expire together with the Synod and the next Synod hath full Liberty to chuse him again or another And all Moderators of Colloquy shall be governed by this self-same Canon CAN. VIII Elders that are Deputies of Churches shall have an equal power of Voting with the Pastors and the Elders of that place where the Synod shall assemble may be present and propound matters in their turn Yet notwithstanding two only of them shall have power of Voting to avoid all Confusion CAN. IX Whatever hath been decreed by Provincial Synods for the Government of the Churches in their Province shall be brought up unto the National Synod CAN. X. Forasmuch as divers Persons who that they may decline or delay the effect of Church Censures passed on them for their offences do appeal from one Ecclesiastical Assembly unto another yea and unto the National Synod also which is by this means more incumbred about the decision of their matters than of any thing else It is now ordered that for time to come whatsoever differences may fall out within the Precincts of any Province shall be definitively judged and without Appeal by the Synod of that Province unless it be the Case of Suspension or Deposing of Pastors Elders and Deacons or the removal of Pastors from one Province unto another Item The changing of a Church in one Colloquy and joining it unto another as also whatsoever may concern the Doctrine of the Sacraments or the whole Body of our Discipline In all which Cases there shall be a gradual process observed till they come from the Colloquy to the Provincial and from the Provincial to the National Synod that then and there it may receive its last and final judgment CAN. XI If a difference fall out betwixt the Synods of two Provinces they shall pitch upon a third to reconcile them CAN. XII The Synods in every Province shall keep a Register of the Widows and Children of those Ministers who died in the service of their Churches that so they may be holpen and maintained by the common stock and joint charges of all the Provinces if their necessities do so require it And in case a Province prove ungrateful its Deputy shall make report thereof unto the National Synod that provision may be made for them by its authority CAN. XIII The Deputies of Churches shall not depart from the Synod without leave and they shall carry home with them the Synodical Decrees CAN. XIV The authority of a Provincial is subordinate unto that of National Synods According to the Governments shall the Orders which refer unto Colloquies and Provincial Synods be regulated without exalting one above another CAN. XV. At present the Provincial Synods shall be thus distributed 1. The Isle of France the Land of Chartres Picardy Champagne and Brie 2. Normandy 3. Brittaine 4. Orleans Blesois Dunois Nivernois Berry Bourbonnois la Marche 5. Touraine Anjou Loudunois Le Maine Vandôme and the Perche 6. The Higher and Lower Poictou 7. Xaintonge Aunix the City and Government of Rochel and Augoulmois 8. The Lower Guienne Perigord Gascony and Limousin 9. The Higher and Lower Vivaretz together with Vellay and Forest. 10. Lower Languedoc to wit Nismes Vsez Montpellier and as far as Beziers inclusively 11. The rest of Languedoc the Higher Guienne Tholouse Carcassonne Quercy Rovergue Armagnac and the Vpper Avergne 12. Burgundy Lyonnois Beaujolois Bresse the neither Avergne and Gex 13. Provence 14. Dolphiny and Principality of Orange 15. The Churches in the Soveraignty of Bearn 16. The Sevennes and Guevaudan CAN. XVI If it should so fall out that for the conveniency of a Church it should be divided into two or more or that more Churches should be united into one this shall be done by a Provincial Synod of which also the National shall be advised CAN. XVII If a Minister be deputed by his Provincial Synod to go unto the Synod or Colloquy of another Province about some common affairs he shall have his Consultive Vote in it and not only for that particular business about which he came but also in all matters transacted during that Sessions excepting always matters of his own private concern N.B. The two last Editions of the Discipline do make but 16. Canons in this Chapter and add the 16th unto the 15th Canon of the distribution of the Provinces as if it were a branch or member of it But the matter being diverse from it and my Editions of Quevilly and Paris in the Year 1663. making 17. I have therefore kept unto them CHAP. IX Chap. IX Of National Synods Of National Synods CANON I. NAtional Synods shall be held once every year if it can possibly be done and this Order shall be observed for its assembling That in the closing up of every National Synod a Province shall be chosen which shall be intrusted with the power of calling the next and shall be charged to acquaint all the other Provinces with the day and place of its meeting CAN. II. If difficult cases should be moved in any one of the Provinces it shall give notice of it unto that Province which is charged to assemble the National Synod and having ordered the time and place of its meeting the other Provinces shall be acquainted with it that so they may come unto the Synod ready and well-prepared for a Decision CAN. III. And forasmuch as at this time it is very difficult and dangerous
of these Providences And the Churches shall be advised to celebrate the Fast as much as possible they can unanimously at the same time provided they have conveniency of times and places for it CAN. IV. Whereas divers Churches have been accustomed to use publick Prayers on some particular day they may if they like it retain this their practice which for many years they have so happily observed and others also may conform to it according to those means which God may graciously afford them and which their edification may require And all Pastors in the careful and faithful discharge of the duties of their Function shall by their most serious Remonstrances and Exhortations remove that contempt of which too many are guilty who disdain to frequent Sermons and neglect that Ordinance of Family-Prayers which ought daily to be performed in private Houses by the respective Heads of Houses with their Families and Domesticks And all Churches in which over and besides Preaching of God's holy Word there hath been usually performed Morning and Evening Prayers on those days in which they had Sermons or in the Evenings of every day are exhorted to conform herein unto those Churches which have no such Custom that so Superstition may be nipt in the bud and that common carelesness and notorious neglect of Sermons and Family Prayers may be quite banished Because the usage of common publick Prayers should only be reserved for times of distress and affliction as the general publick Fast is an Ordinance only to be used upon extraordinary occasions and therefore ought not to be brought into ordinary common practice For which causes those of our people who have had this Custom shall be advertised by their Pastors to lay them down quietly that no scandal may be taken at them And all Heads of Families shall be carefully admonished to pray ordinarily twice a day in the Morning and Evening with their Housholds N.B. That this part of the Canon which is in a different Character from the former is not to be found in my Copies and Editions of 1653 1666 and 1676. But it is in express words in the Editions of Paris and Quevilly in the Year 1663. What were the grounds of the omission I know not guess I do Those of Geneva might not have a perfect Copy of the Synodical Acts and so Printed it according to what they had The Reverend Pastors of Paris and Rouen were obliged at least their Consistories to oversee all the Impressions and Editions of the Confession and Discipline and they having in their Archives the best and most authentick Acts of their National Synods might therefore see that this Canon should be Printed in its fullest and most comprehensive expressions Sure I am this Canon was made and ratified in the Synod of St. Foy 1578. Canon 12. and in the Synod of Montpellier 1598. Canon the 18th of General Matters and in the Synod of Tonneins 1614. Canon the 4th of General Matters CAN. V. At Funerals there shall be neither Prayers nor Sermons nor any dole of publick Alms that so all Superstitions and other inconveniences may be avoided and those who attend the dead Corps unto its Sepulchre shall be exhorted to behave themselves modestly whilest they follow it meditating according to the object presented to them upon the miseries and brevity of this Life and the hopes of one more happy in the World to come CAN. VI. Forasmuch as Mourning consisteth not in habits but in heart the Godly shall be admonished to demean themselves with a modest decency and to reject all Ambition Hypocrisy Vanity and Superstition CHAP. XI Of Baptism CANON I. BAptism administred by an Unordained Person is wholly void and null CAN. II. A Doctor in a Church may not preach nor administer the Sacraments unless that he be at the same time both Doctor and Minister CAN. III. A Jew or Pagan of what age soever he be shall not be baptized till he have been first instructed in the Christian Faith and that he give evident proof thereof by his Confession N.B. You may see the Form of Baptizing Jews and Infidels Chap. XI Of Baptism in the Acts and Canons of the National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1644. where it is at large inserted and I must crave my Readers Pardon for not transcribing it CAN. IV. Children both whose Parents are Members of the Church of Rome and those of Excommunicated Persons shall not be baptized in our Reformed Churches although they were presented by Godly Sureties unless the Father or Mother when there is no Father shall consent and require it and shall have resigned up their Authority unto the Sureties by giving and granting them their right of Education with Promise of suffering their Children to be educated and instructed in the true Religion CAN. V. The Children also of Sarazins and Gipsies may be admitted unto Baptism in our Reformed Churches upon those conditions before mentioned provided that there be not any presumption of their having been already baptized and the Sureties being first seriously admonished to consider how they can acquit themselves of their obligation and promise made unto the Church and moreover that those very Sureties will undertake for the Religious Education and instruction of those Children CAN. VI. No Baptism shall be administred but in Church-Assemblies or where there is a formed publick Church But where there is no publick Church and the Parents through infirmity are afraid to carry them unto publick Baptism in the Congregation Ministers shall consult how far in prudence they ought to yield unto them Yet nevertheless there shall be some face of a Church and both Exhortation and Prayer but if there be no Church and a Congregation cannot be assembled the Minister shall not make any difficulty to baptise the Infants of believing Parents tendered to him with Exhortation and Prayer CAN. VII Forasmuch as we have no Commandment from the Lord to take God-Fathers or God-Mothers who may present our Children unto Baptism there cannot be any particular Canon made which shall bind Persons to do it But sith it is a very ancient Custom and introduced for a good end to wit to testify the Sureties Faith and the Baptism of the Infant and also for that they charge themselves with the care of educating the Child in case it should be deprived of its Parents by death and for that it doth maintain a sweet Communion among the Faithful by a Conjunction of Friendship they who will not observe it but will by themselves present their own Children shall be earnestly intreated not to be Contentious but to conform unto the antient and accustomed Order it being very good and profitable N.B. The Clause inserted in the middle of this Canon is in my two best Editions of Paris and Rouen though it be left out in the three others and therefore I have caused it to be put into another Character CAN. VIII Women shall not be admitted to present Children unto Baptism unless
all possible care shall be taken that neither the Civil Magistrate nor weak Christians may be offended CAN. X. A Man may not marry the Mother of his Deceased Spouse to whom he was betrothed without an Order from the Civil Magistrate which shall be waited for both by the Pastor and the Parties Contracting that Marriage N. B. This last Clause of the Canon is only in my Parisian and Quevilly Editions CAN. XI Likewise a Man may not marry his Wife's Aunt such a Marriage being Incestuous and although the Magistrate should permit it yet shall it not be Solemnized in our Assemblies And therefore all Pastors are carefully to keep themselves from it And by parity of reason the Marriage of an Uncle with his Niece or with the grand Niece of his deceased Wife is also Incestuous CAN. XII Although Civility and Decency may oppose the Marriage of a Man with the Widow of his Wife's Brother yet in case the Civil Magistrate do authorize the Contract the Churches shall not make any difficulty to bless such a Marriage Provided that there be good evidence that the said Contract hath been first allowed and approved by the authority of the Civil Magistrate N. B. These last Clauses of this Canon Printed in another Character are only in my Editions of Paris and Rouen CAN. XIII No Man after his Wife's Death shall marry her with whom he had committed Adultery during her Life unless that such a Marriage were authorized by the Civil Magistrate CAN. XIV Forasmuch as the principal end of Marriage is to procreate Children and to avoid Fornication the Marriage of an Eunuch that is so known shall not be admitted nor solemnized in any of our Reformed Churches CAN. XV. All Marriages shall be propounded unto the Consistories with a sufficient Certificate of the Promises CAN. XVI The Banes of Matrimony shall be published in those places where the Parties dwell and if they have a mind to celebrate their Marriage elsewhere they shall carry with them a sufficient Certificate that the Banes have been thrice published CAN. XVII The Banes shall be published on three Sabbath-Days following in those places where the Word of God is Preached and in other places when as Common-Prayers are read However it be yet there shall be the space of fifteen days between the Publication of the Banes and the Solemnizal of the Marriage in the Congregation which may be performed on the third Sabbath CAN. XVIII Such as live in those places where the publick Exercise of Religion is not established may cause their Banes to be published in the Popish Churches because it is a matter purely Political CAN. XIX The Churches shall not suffer any Persons to be Married without an ample knowledge and approbation of them CAN. XX. If one of the Parties be of a contrary Religion the Marriage-Promises shall not be received nor published in the Church unless that Party of the contrary Religion have been sufficiently instructed and have publicity protested in the Church of that place where the said Party shall be known that from a good Conscience he doth renounce all Superstition and Idolatry and particularly the Mass and that he will through Divine Grace persevere the residue of his days in the pure worship of God of which instruction the Consistory of that Church shall take Cognisance in which that Protestation shall be made And it shall not be lawful for any Pastor or Consistories to do otherwise on pain of being Suspended yea and deposed from their Offices CAN. XXI If one of the Parties who would Marry be Excommunicate the Marriage shall not be permitted to be Solemnized in any one of our Churches unless that the Excommunicate Person shall have acknowledged and done Penance for his Offences But as for suspended Persons from the Lords Table the Consistories may permit them to marry notwithstanding their Suspension but yet not without taking Cognisance of their Cause CAN. XXII The Banes of Widows who desire to marry again shall not be published in the Church till at least seven Months and an half be expired after their Husbands Death that so all Scandals and Inconveniencies which might afterwards fall out may be prevented unless in such a Case in which the Civil Magistrate hath interposed his Judicial Sentence to the contrary CAN. XXIII All Marriages shall be publickly Solemnized in the Religious Assemblies of the Faithful according to the word of God and by the Ministry of the Pastors and not of any others N. B. That middle Clause in another Character is only in my Parisian and Quevilly Editions of the Discipline CAN. XXIV For the good order of our Churches no Marriage shall be Solemnized on those days in which the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is Administred And this Canon shall not be broken but upon very great Considerations of which the Consistory shall take Cognisance Moreover no Marriages shall be Solemnized on Days of publick Prayer and Fasting CAN. XXV Such as being betrothed shall cohabit together as Man and Wife before they be lawfully and solemnly Married whether their offence do come to light before or after the Solemnizal of the Marriage they shall do publick Penance for this their Offence or at least they shall acknowledge it before the Consistory either way as the discretion of the Consistory shall appoint And if it be discovered before Marriage then shall there upon the Wedding day before they do proceed to compleat the Marriage be such Ceremonies and Censures used as the Consistory shall judge fitting unless those Persons had cohabited together in the days of their Ignorance without despising or contempt of our Church-Government And those also who cohabited as Man and Wife when as there was no Church erected in the places of their Habitation or in the Province and all these shall only be called into the Consistory that so their Marriage may be ratified and Celebrated in the Church of God if the Consistory shall judge it to be expedient CAN. XXVI That those inconveniencies may be avoided which fall out through over-long delays of Solemnizing Marriages the Parties and those Persons under whose power they are shall be advised not to defer the Consummation thereof any longer than six Weeks after publication of the Banes if it be possible CAN. XXVII All Marriages shall be Registred and carefully kept in the Church-Books CAN. XXVIII The Faithful whose Partners are convicted of Adultery may be admonished to a reconcilement with them but in case they will not do it that Liberty which God in his holy Word hath granted them shall be declared to them But if it be the hap of a Church-Officer he shall not take his Wife again or if he do he shall lay down his Office CAN. XXIX This course shall be taken about Divorces for Adultery The Innocent wronged Party shall prosecute at Law before the Civil Magistrate the Delinquent so long till that by his definitive Sentence and final Judgment she be duly Convicted which Sentence the
We were pursuing Our Victories the Duke of Rohan the Citizens of Anduze those of Sauve Gange Le Vigan Florac Meruez and all other places of the Sevennes Nismes Aymargues Vsez Milhaud Cornus St. Affrique St. Felix St. Rome of Taon the Pont de Camarez Viane Castres Rogve Courbe Reuel Montauban Caussde Mazeres Saverdun Carlat Le Mas d' Azil and generally all Fortresses and places in the Higher and Lower Languedoc Sevennes Gevaudan Guyenne and Foix the Gentlemen and others who were in Arms yet against Us and Our Service did send their Deputies unto Us to testifie their Repentance for having fallen into Rebellion and promising to yield unto Us in the face of the whole World all that Obedience and Fidelity which good and loyal Subjects owe unto their King they petitioning Us that We would pardon them and grant them an Act of Oblivion for their said Rebellion and for all Matters passed and done by occasion thereof and they offered of their own accord to raze the Fortifications of the said Towns that so there might be no cause given us to distrust their Fidelity or that might minister an occasion unto any one of departing from it and farther to assure Us they would put into our Hands such Hostages out of those Towns and such a number of them as We should demand unto which We did the more readily incline because We would by so rare an Example of Clemency after so many Relapses gain the greater Interests upon the Hearts and Affections of Our Subjects and spare the estusion of their Blood the desolating of the Province and all those Confusions and Calamities which be the inseparable attendants of War We being solely moved hereunto by our meer compassion of their Miseries and desire of their Welfare And this causeth Us to hope that Our said Subjects having such manifest Tokens of that Goodness which is treasured up in our Heart for them will return the more sincerely unto their Duty and that it will serve as an everlasting Cement to keep them inseparably united unto our obedience We waiting for that Grace and Mercy of God in Heaven to touch and illuminate their Minds that they may be reunited unto the Catholick Church and so dry up the Fountain of these most lamentable Divisions For these Causes after that the Hostages of the said Towns were delivered to Us and that We had put them into safe places appointed by Us to this purpose where all and every one of them respectively should dwell until the said Fortifications were perfectly rased and demolished We desirous to take some course about the past Disorders and to prevent the like for the future We do give you to know and understand that after We had maturely debated this Affair with our Council took their advice from Our certain Knowledge full Power special Grace and Royal Authority by this Our present perpetual and irrevocable Edict signed with Our Hand We have declared enacted and ordained We do declare enact and ordain We will and 't is Our pleasure I. That the Roman Catholick and Apostolick Religion shall be set up again and restored in all Towns and places of the said Countreyâ— from whence it had been removed or diverted And all Churches Goods and Ecclesiastical Houses in those said places and Provinces shall be restored unto them to whom they do belong without any suing for the Profits past and received In which Churches and in all those said places the said Religion shall be exercised freely and peaceably without any trouble or obstruction whatsoever But nevertheless we ordain that in all the Monasteries which are in those Towns returned unto their obedience to our Authority that there shall not be placed any other Religious Persons than those who live in a most exact observation of the Rule of their Order according to those Letters which they shall obtain from us II. And whereas we desire above all things to see for the future a perpetual Union among our Subjects tho' we will and intend to maintain them who profess the said pretended Reformed Religion in the free and peaceable exercise thereof and without any trouble yet we cannot but desire their conversion which we beg heartily of God in our daily Prayers Wherefore we exhort all our said Subjects of the said pretended Reformed Religion to divest themselves of all passion that so they may be the more capable of receiving the Light of Heaven and of returning into the Bosom of the Church in which for above eleven hundred Years continuance the Kings our Predecessors have lived without any interruption or change For we cannot any other or better way express unto them our paternal affection than by desiring that they would walk with us in the same Path-way unto Eternal Salvation in which we our selves are going III. We do farther ordain that all Patrons to whom of right it appertaineth shall provide for all the vacant Parishes in those Countreys good sufficient and able Curates and that they so order it that they have a sufficient Income for their Maintenance that so they may acquit themselves worthily of their Functions according to the tenour of those Ordinances made by us the last January or by some other means more commodious according to that Report which shall be made by those Commissioners who shall be deputed by us to this purpose IV. We have remitted pardoned and indemnified we do remit pardon and indemnify unto the said Duke of Rohan and Lord of Soubize and all the Inhabitants of the said Towns and Places and those of the Champain Country which adhered to them all matters passed since the 21. of July 1627. unto the day of the Publication made in every Seneschalsy of these Articles of Grace which we accorded them the 27. day of June last We have discharged and do discharge them of all acts of Hostility raising of Armies leading of Warlike Souldiers Enterprizes by Sea and Land of general or particular Assemblies yea and of that Assembly at Nismes seizing of Ecclesiastical or of the Royal Moneys or of Moneys belonging unto private Persons Coining of Money under whatsoever title or value Imprinted Libels Insurrections and popular Commotions Riots Violences Attempts made upon the two Towns of St. Amand and the Castles of that Lord the taking of the Castles of St. Stevens of Valfrancesquez and Florac and the rasing of it as also the Murder and other Accidents fallen out in that Enterprize upon St. Germier and Castres the last January as also the Inhabitants of Vsez for the Murder of the Sieur du Flos and the Consuls of the said place the Decrees denounc'd against them in the Parliament of Tholouse and in the Court of the Edict of Beziers and the Sieurs D'aubais James Genoier Paul Saussier and Andrew Pelissier for their being named and chosen to be Consuls of Nismes in the year 1627. and their exercise of the said Offices for the said year as also all the Political Consuls and Counsellers
and the Consular Town-Clark and all those mentioned by name in that Decree past in the Court of the Edict at Beziers about the proceedings of the Sieurs de Suc and Maussac who were Counsellors there and of their prosecution by reason of the said Consulship of Nismes and the Decrees thereupon made both in our Privy-Council and said Court of Parliament Court of the Edict and Court of Aids sitting at Montpellier And the Inhabitants of Anduze of their Murder of the Sieur de Mantaille and the Sentences of Condemnation issued out against the Consuls and particular Inhabitants of the said Town during those Commotions The Inhabitants of Milhaud their fact against the Sieur de la Roquesavas and the restitution of the summ of 4000. Livers unto the Jacobine Fryars The Sieur de Gasque for his Imprisoning of sundry the Inhabitants of Alez the violations of safe-conduct Impositions and raisings of money erecting of Courts of Justice of Officers and Councils by the Provinces and Executions of Judgments ordered by them in Civil or Criminal matters Government and Regulations made among themselves and their exercising those Offices in the said Towns whilst they were in Rebellion against us and the Attorneys demanding Justice when as they exercised their Offices before the said Judges Officers and Counsellors established in the said Towns yea and those who had Licence from us to sojourn and act during the said time in those Towns aforesaid Journeys Intelligences Negotiations Treaties and Contracts made with the English by the said Towns and Inhabitants and by the said Dukes of Rohan and Lord of Soubize as well with the said English as with the King of Spain and Duke of Savoy and the Letters written unto the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland and the Sieurs Clausell and Du Cros who have been imployed All Sales of Goods Church Furniture or other things felling of Timber on other Mens Lands Fines carrying away of Plunder Ransoms or Moneys of any other nature taken away by reason of the said Commotions melting down and seisings of Artillery and Ammunitions making of Powder and Saltpetre Takings Fortifyings Dismantlings or demolishing of Towns Castles Boroughs and Villages yea the taking of Meruez Aymargues and other burnings and demolishings of Churches and Ecclesiastical Houses and others by order and authority of the said Duke of Rohan and all Criminal Prosecutions thereupon without prejudice unto the Civil Interest of the said Religious Ecclesiasticks for which they shall have recourse unto the Chamber of the Edict We discharge them also of all Farmings of Benefices and Church Lands Goods of which they were spoiled by those who Commanded under their General We will likewise that they injoy the benefit of the whole Contents of all former Acts of Indemnity and for whatsoever hath been done or negotiated since the time aforesaid notwithstanding all Proceedings Decrees and Condemnatory Sentences had and passed against them yea those very Decrees in the Parliaments of Tholouze and Bourdeaux against the said Duke of Rohan who shall be preserved in all his Honours and Dignities which he formerly injoyed nor shall he for those aforesaid matters be in the least sued or prosecuted for which we do impose a perpetual silence on all our Attorneys-General and their Substitutes excepting always all Cases execrable which were reserved in the Edict of Nantes and others depending on the Civil Interest about matter of fact happened at Vezenobre and Tournac and for Houshold-goods which are found to be the very same and were taken away from those who were in Obedience to the King V. And in pursuance of our Intention to maintain all our Subjects professing the said pretended Reformed Religion in the free exercise of the said Religion and injoyment of the Edicts accorded to them We Will that all those aforesaid shall intirely enjoy the said Edict of Nantes and other Edicts Articles and Declarations Registred in our Parliaments and that in pursuance hereof they shall have the free Exercise of the said Religion in all those places in which it hath been granted to them VI. And all those Temples and burying places which were either taken away from them or demolished shall be restored to them with Licence to rebuild them if they think it needful VII We Will that all Fortifications of the said Towns and places shall be intirely rased and demolished except it be the whole compass of those Walls within three Months and this to be diligently dispatched by the said Inhabitants and because of our confidence in them for so doing we do not place any Garisons nor any Cittadels among them And the said demolitions shall be made according to the Orders and Directions of those Commissioners which shall be appointed by us and according to those Orders and Instructions which they shall have received from us And in the mean while for greater assurance that this our Will shall be performed Hostages shall be given by the said Towns who shall be kept in those places ordained by us until the said Demolishments be fully accomplished VIII We Will that these aforesaid have their Estates Moveable and Immoveable their Priviledges Titles Rights and Suits Ordered and restored to them notwithstanding all Condemnations Gifts Confiscations and Reprizals which may have been made and granted excepting only the Profits and Revenues of their said Estates and those Houshold-Goods which are not now in being the Woods which are cut down the Debts which have been received unto this present day actually and without fraud after judicial Prosecution and Compulsion Yet nevertheless we will that the precedent Declarations given upon the fact of the said Reprisals until these present Commotions Decrees given forth contradictorily and matters transacted in and upon them shall take place and be Executed notwithstanding all Decrees to the contrary We will also that the Heirs of the Sieur de Mormoirac shall be restored unto their Estates IX We do permit these aforesaid to return again unto their Houses and if there be need to rebuild them yea and we do permit them as to our good and faithful Subjects to dwell in such Towns and Places of our Kingdom as shall best please them excepting in the Isles of Olleron and Ré and Rochell and Privas We do also permit those Inhabitants of Pamiers who were not in that City at the time of its taking to re-enter into it and to injoy all their Estates they yielding all obedience to us and taking the Oath of Fidelity to us before our Commissioners whom we have appointed to receive it X. Our Officers dwelling in those Cities who have not payed their annual Fee shall be admitted to pay it within two Months both for the time passed and the year now current And as for those who are dead in case they have paid the said Annual Fee those Offices of which they were provided shall be conserved for their Widows and Children And as for those whose Offices we have filled up with other Persons by reason of the
were most cruelly disciplin'd A Lady of eminent Quality gave this Relator this Account That when they had seized all her Estate clapt her up in Prison Arraign'd and Condemn'd her to Death for Murdering five of her Children because she had conveyed them away that they might not be trained up in Popery they took her two youngest one of five and the other of two years and put them into Nunneries They could never get that of five to kiss a Crucifix or bow to their breaden God though they kept her from meat and drink eight and forty hours and having scourged the poor young Heretick unmercifully they returned her with her young Sister whom they had also tormented with Famine and Whipping to the poor Mother in whose Arms one of these Innocent Lambs died a few hours after That very day the Edict was published the Attorney-General and some other Magistrates send for the Protestant Heads of Families who lived in Paris to appear before them and when they came they declared to them That it was the King's absolute Will and Pleasure that they should change their Religion that they were no better than the rest of his Subjects and that if they would not do it willingly his Majesty was resolv'd to compel them to it At the same time by Letters under the Privy-Seal they banished all the Elders of that Consistory together with some others in whom they found more constancy and resolution and they dispersed them into those places which were remotest from all Commerce and Business and have since used them with unparallel'd Cruelties When as the diligence of Mr. Attorney-General and the City Magistrates succeeded not answerably to their desires and expectations Monsieur Seignelay Secretary of State would try what influence he had in his division at Paris Wherefore he gets together about an hundred or sixscore Merchants with some others unto his House and having shut the doors he forthwith presents them a Form of Abjuration commanding them in the King's Name to sign it declaring that they should not stir out of the doors till they had yielded a full obedience The Contents of this Form were That they did not only renounce the Heresie of Calvin and enter into the Catholick Church but also that they did it voluntarily without any force or compulsion This was done after a most imperious manner and with the tone of authority Yet notwithstanding some had the courage to speak tho' they were soon cut short with this reply They were not called to dispute but to obey So that they all signed before they went out SECT LIV. With some of the Ministers they dealt very treacherously fawning upon them with kind words and counterfeit civilities wheedling them into a good opinion of those respects and loves they never had nor intended for them This proved a great and dangerous Snare to two worthy Ministers among others as will appear from this following Letter written to an eminent French Minister in London from Paris October 19. 1685. From Paris Octob. 19. 1685. Monsieur my most honoured Brother SInce you are owner of so much goodness as to interest your self like a kind Brother in those Affairs which particularly concern us and forasmuch as we can avow our Affections for you to be great and sincere and our fellow-feeling of all your Sufferings to be real and very sensible it is but just that when our Brother Du gives you an Account of the state of our Family we should also at the same time acquaint you with that of our Consciences You may then understand my most dear Brother that no sooner was the King's Declaration published which abolishing the Edict of Nants obliged all the Ministers within a Fortnight's time to depart the Kingdom but Monsieur and my self went immediately to seek and take places for our selves and Families in the Brussel's Coach as my Brother went to that of Calais But two or three days after being informed that neither our Wives nor Children should have the liberty of leaving the Kingdom with us and that we should meet with an hundred difficulties in our departure and that we must needs have Certificates from our Intendants which was utterly impossible for us to procure in that short time was now left us we together with divers others went and waited upon Monsieur de la Renie who is the Judge and Civil Magistrate of this City who gave us a Certificate according to the King's Edict which yet in the issue was useless and unprofitable Monsieur de la Renie being particularly acquainted with Monsieur treated us with a great deal of civility and desired us seriously to reflect upon that perplexed condition into which we and our Families were plunged and that we would examine our selves whether with a good Conscience we might not tarry in the Kingdom and whether our presence would not also contribute to the consolation of a multitude of gracious Souls groaning under the pressures of their Afflictions who had been abandon'd by their fugitive Pastours according to the general Complaints brought in against them from all quarters Hereupon we drew up several Projects I formed mine Monsieur framed his and they were both so contrived that any one might easily judge we should never be suffer'd on those terms to live in the Kingdom And to speak the truth they were not approved by my Brother Du who drew up another the Copy whereof we now send you but we must confess most dear Brother that we have found it to be of dreadful consequence and most dangerously insnaring to us But Du having resolutely maintained that we had no other way left us of abiding in the Kingdom than by signing this Writing and if we would not yet he himself would alone in his own person present it to my Lord Bishop of Meaux we did at length sign it Monsieur and my self tho' with extreme repugnancy and with this very restriction that Du should retrieve it out of the hands of the Bishop of Meaux as soon as he had read it which Du solemnly promised us he would do My Lord Bishop perus'd our Writing and having told Du that he conceiv'd the King would never grant us what we desired in it we believ'd our selves oblig'd all three jointly to take our leaves of the Bishop and of Monsieur de la Renie because we were two days after to avoid the Kingdom My Lord Bishop of Meaux dismist us very civilly But Monsieur de la Renie made us a long discourse about our Writing given in to the Bishop of Meaux and that Conference which our Brother had with him telling us among other passages that the King took notice of our Measures that he had approved and praised them that he had a better opinion of us by far than of a great many others who had yet gone beyond us but that the King desired us to continue our Conferences with the Bishop of Meaux and that the King having learnt our intention of going
to Fountainbleau that we might wait upon the Bishop of Meaux which was a truth had the kindness for us as to order him to come to Paris and if after our Conferences ended with my Lord Bishop of Meaux we could not with a good Conscience hold Communion with the Church of Rome he would then give us when ever we should desire it a Licence for our selves and Families to depart the Kingdom and that finally my Lord of Meaux would charily preserve our Writing which had been presented unto his Majesty We all three accepted the Proposals And had several Conferences with the Bishop of Meaux But this very day we are urged to come to a Resolution and upon our refusal of signing the new Formulary we are plainly told That it is ill done of us to recoil after that of our own accord we had advanced so far and they farther tell us That our own Writing obligeth us to far greater matters than the new Formulary and that we declare in the very beginning of it That of all Evils Disunion is the greatest and that by this our Confession neither Transubstantiation nor any of those other Points debated by us could be a bar to our Re-union and that in effect we do formally re-unite ourselves by our very Writing and that by submitting our selves to the Conduct of Bishops and of their pitiful Curates we do subject our selves to the whole Ecclesiastical Discipline and that we intreating the Higher Powers who went unto Mass to believe our Sentiments to be the same with theirs who desired the Cup we were engaged at the same time to do as they did even to wait for that Reformation which was universally desired and which the King incessantly pursued as having resolv'd that the Cup should be delivered unto the People in the Sacrament And thus they boast we are caught by our own Writing which was left imprudently enough in the hands of my Lord Bishop of Meaux and which they say also at the same time is in the King 's This is the truth of our present Estate and for which we conjure you most dear Brother to send us as soon as possible your advice lest c. WE whose Names are here-under written being fully perswaded that among Christians there cannot be a greater mischief than to be divided one from another especially when as the providence of God has made us all Subjects to our King who is the most glorious Monarch in the whole World and being unmeasurably grieved that we are bound to depart his Kingdom and to subject our selves unto the authority of strangers whom we can never own for our Soveraign Lawful Princes Do declare That from this very day we can promise my Lord the Bishop of Meaux that we will subject our selves to the Sermons and Even-Songs used in the Catholick Church thereby giving a sensible demonstration of our Union with the Archbishops Bishops and Curates of France We also intreat That we may be absolutely believed to be in the same Sentiments with the Higher Powers who in conformity to the Liberties of the Gallican Church gave in divers Articles as our Historians relate to my Lord Cardinal de Joyeuse concerning the Council of Trent and until such time as they may be established by the King's Authority and signed by the most Reverend Clergy of France in the sence of the second Article of the last Edict verified in Parliament the 22d of this instant October we most humbly beseech his Majesty to grant us the liberty of abiding within his Kingdom in quality of poor private persons we calling God to witness by our Oaths That we will do nothing against his Majesty's Declarations but contrariwise we shall endeavour by our example to keep the People within those bounds of Fidelity and Obedience which we all owe unto the King and our Superiours I suppose those Articles were the same which had been demanded by the Cardinal of Lorrain and the other French Ambassadours in the Council of Trent as they be mentioned by De Mezeray in his 3d Tome p. 1470. viz. That an Ecclesiastick Person should hold but one Benefice That the Mass being finished Prayers might be celebrated in the Vulgar Tongue That the People might Communicate in both kinds That all Pastors should be capable and obliged to Preach and Catechise That the abuse crept in among the Common People in the Worshipping of Images might be removed SECT LV. Now the Ministers have left the Kingdom and vast multitudes of their People steal away after them as well as they can But the King and Haman the French King and his Cabal sit down and drink whil'st that Paris as Shushan of old and all other places in which the Reformed remain are in great perplexities In every Province whithersoever the King's Commandment and his Decree came there was great Mourning among the Protestants Fasting Weeping and Wailing and many lay in Sackcloth and Ashes Yet among the Sighs and Groans or God's poor Saints who mourn for the Desolations of Zion the Ruines of their Temples and Sanctuary the loss and reproach of their Solemn Assemblies the Prophanations of their Holy Sabbaths their deprival of Religious Ordinances the banishment of their Pastors the dissipations of their Churches and the total extirpation of the pure Evangelical Religion and cannot be comforted the Popish Clergy the Monks and Jesuits have their Jubilees and Triumphs and the Pope sends a Letter to the King congratulating him for his Zeal against the Hereticks in his Kingdom and for repealing the Edict of Nantes It spake this Language The Pope's Letter to the French King congratulating him for Abolishing the Edict of Nantes Innocent the XIth to our dearest Son in Christ Lewes the XIVth the most Christian King of France Our dearest Son in Christ SInce above all the rest of those illustrious Proofs which do abundantly declare the natural inbred Piety of your Majesty that Noble Zeal and worthy the most Christian King is most conspicuous with which being ardently inflamed you have wholly abrogated all those Constitutions that were favourable to the Hereticks of your Kingdom and by most wise Decrees set forth have excellently provided for the Propagation of the Orthodox Belief as our beloved Son and your Ambassadour with us the Noble Duke de Estrées hath declared to us We thought it was incumbent on us most largely to commend that excellent Piety of yours by the remarkable and lasting Testimony of these our Letters And to congratulate your Majesty that Accession of immortal Commendation which you have added to all your other great Exploits by so illustrious an Act of this kind The Catholick Church shall most assuredly record in her Sacred Annals a Work of such Devotion towards her and celebrate your Name with never-dying Praises But above all you may most deservedly promise to your self an ample Retribution from the Divine Goodness for this most excellent Vndertaking and may rest assured that we shall never cease to pour
LVIII There were nine and twenty National Synods celebrated by these Churches within the space of one hundred Years they met in this order and at the times and places mentioned in this ensuing Catalogue 1. At Paris May 25. 1559. 2. At Poictiers March 20. 1560. 3. At Orleans April 25. 1562. 4. At Lyons Aug. 10. 1563. 5. The 2d at Paris Octob. 21. 1565. 6. At Vertuil Septemb. 1. 1567. 7. At Rochel April 2. 1571. 8. At Nismes May 8. 1572. 9. At St. Foy Feb. 2. 1578. 10. At Figeac Aug. 2. 1579. 11. The 2d at Rochel June 28. 1581. 12. At Vitré May 26. 1583. 13. At Montauban June 15. 1594. 14. At Saumur May 13. 1596. 15. At Montpellier May 26. 1598. 16. At Gergeau May 9. 1601. 17. At Gap May 18. 1603. 18. The 3d of Rochel March 1. 1607. 19. At St. Maixant May 26. 1609. 20. At Privas May 23. 1612. 21. At Tonneins May 2. 1614. 22. The 2d of Vitré May 18. 1617. 23. At Alez Octob. 1. 1620. 24. At Charenton Septemb. 1. 1623. 25. At Castres Septemb. 15. 1626. 26. The 2d of Charenton 1631. 27. At Alanson May 27. 1637. 28. The 3d of Charenton 1654. 29. At Loudun Novemb. 10. 1659. The next National Synod was appointed to be held in the City of Nismes but when that will be Peloni Palmoni the wonderful Numberer can only and most certainly inform us THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE First National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At PARIS in the Year of our LORD 1559. The Contents of the Acts in this Synod Chap. I. The Lord of Callonges Minister in the Church of Paris Moderator Eleven Churches send their Deputies to the Synod Chap. II. General Matters The first Draught of the Church-Discipline in Forty Canons Chap. III. Particular Matters Twenty Five Cases of Conscience resolved 1559. First Synod THE First National Synod Henry the Second died the tenth of July 1559. SYNOD I. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost The Decrees of the National Synod celebrated in Paris the Five and Twentieth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred fifty and nine and in the Sixteenth Year of Henry the Second King of France CHAP. I. Monsieur De Morell Lord of Callonges was at that time Minister of the Church of Paris Publick Matters FRancis de Morell otherwise called De Callonges presided and there assisted at it on behalf of the Reformed Churches of France the Pastors of Diep and St. Lo in Normandy of Paris of Angiers of Orleans of Tours of Chastelherand of Poitiers of Xaintes of St. John d' Angeli and Marennes CHAP. II. The First CANON I. NO Church Discipline Cap. 6. Art 1. nor Church-Officer be he Minister Elder or Deacon shall Claim or Exercise any Jurisdiction or Authority over another In every Synod there must be a President chosen His Office in the Synods II. A Moderator shall be chosen by general Consent in every Synod who shall give Notice of the Days and Places of Meeting and of the Sessions of the Synod And he shall gather the Suffrages and declare which is the greater Number and pronounce the Synodical Decisions Moreover he shall see that Order be observed in Speaking without confusion and impose Silence on such as are eager and contentious and in case of Disobedience he shall cause them to withdraw that Advice may be taken how to Censure them Moreover he shall preside at the Censure of every Person and make the Remonstrances As also to give Answers in case of Counsel demanded or unto Letters sent unto the Synod yet therein always observing the Advice of the Assembly And he himself also shall be subject unto Censures The Office of the Moderator shall expire with the Synod and the next Synod is at liberty to chuse him or any other A Pastor may bring with him an Elder unto the Synod III. Ministers that are sent unto the National Synod may bring with them one or two Elders or Deacons but not more and those chosen by the Body of their Consistory who also shall have their Votes in the Synod As for the Elders and Deacons of that Church where the Synod shall be assembled they may be present also and speak in their Order yet to avoid confusion two of them only shall have Power of Voting in it And no Person shall depart from the Assembly without leave first had and obtained IV. National Synods shall meet according to the Necessities of the Churches and in them there shall be an amicable and brotherly Censure of all its Members The Lord's Supper to be administred at the end of every National Synod and at the closing up of the Synod the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated to testifie their Union not only by the Ministers and Elders of the Synod but in general with that whole Church V. The Ministers with one Elder and Deacon at the least from every Church in all the Provinces of this Kingdom shall meet together once a Year and choose such a Time and Place as shall be most convenient for their Synodical Assembly The manner of Receiving a Minister VI. No Minister for the present shall be chosen by one only Minister or by his Consistory but by two or three Ministers and their Consistories or by the Provincial Synod or by the Colloquy which in those Places where they be already established shall be if possible called together for this purpose And the Elect-Minister shall be presented unto the People for their Approbation but in case there be opposition the Consistory shall judge thereof and if neither part do consent the whole shall be Reported to the Provincial Synod which shall take Cognisance thereof as well for Justifying of the Minister as for his Reception provided the major part of the Consistory and People do consent thereunto No Minister may be sent unto the Synod wâ—â—hout sufficient â—owers VII Ministers shall not be sent from the Churches without Authentick Letters or some other sufficient Testimonials from those Places whence they come and if having no such Commission they should offer themselves to be Received they shall not be Admitted unless their Conversation be fully known and upon what Account they have quitted their Church And in case of opposition they shall be dealt with as was before determined The Elect Deputy must subscribe the Confession of Faith VIII The Deputies Elect shall subscribe our Confession of Faith both in their own Churches in which they were chosen as in those also from which they be sent and their Election shall be confirmed by Prayers and Imposition of Hands by the Ministers yet without Superstition or Opinion of Necessity How Intruders into the Ministry are to be proceeded against IX Such as shall intrude themselves into the Ministry in those Places where the Ministry of the Word of
God is already established shall be sufficiently admonished to forbear and in case of their persistency they shall be declared Schismaticks and the same Admonition shall be given unto their Followers who also abiding contumacious and obstinate shall be denounced Schismaticks X. If A People not having the Ministry of the Word of GOD fixed and setled among them should choose unto themselves a Pastor The Neighbour-Church shall amicably and earnestly intreat him to confer with them and exhort him to subscribe the Confession of Faith and Church-Discipline established among us And in case of refusing such Subscription three or four Ministers of the next Churches shall assemble together with their Elders and shall then declare him a Schismatick and the People shall be advised to avoid such a Person But in case of Non-conforming to our Discipline he may not be declared Schismatick until such time as the Provincial Synod shall have ordained some other course to be taken with him None may Preach in another Church without the Pastâ—r or Consistoryâ—s leave XI The Minister of one Church may not preach in another without the consent of its Pastor but in his absence the Consistory may give Leave and Authority unto that Stranger And in case the Flock be scattered by Persecution or any other Trouble he shall endeavour to assemble the Elders and Deacons but if that cannot be effected he may notwithstanding Preach for the Re-uniting of the Flock A Minister may be intreated but not enforced to accept of the Call XII He that being called to the Holy Ministry and hath once accepted of that Call shall betake himself wholly to this Employment but in case he should afterwards change his mind and refuse it he shall be sollicited by fitting Exhortations to embrace it but he may not by any other means be enforced thereunto XIII Ministers that cannot discharge their Office in those Places whereunto they have been appointed if being sent elsewhere by the Advice of their Churches they do refuse it they shall then declare the Causes of such their refusal unto the Consistory who shall judge whether they may be admitted and if they may not be and they still persist in their not accepting the said Employment the Provincial Synod shall determine of it No Intruder into the ministry may be approved XIV Whoso intrudes himself into the Ministry of the Gospel although he may be approved by the People yet shall he not be approved by the Neighbour-Ministers nor others in case another Church excepts against him Wherefore e're they proceed farther the Provincial Synod shall be assembled as soon as conveniently it may for to determine about it And in case that Synod cannot be called if there be a Colloquy of six Ministers at the least established there the said Colloquy shall have Power to take Cognizance of this matter Ministers are such for their Life XV. Such as are once chosen unto the Ministry of the Word must know that their Call is during Life And as for those who were sent for a certain time and to whom for some special Reasons we gave admittance it is advised That the Church in which they are do make provision of a fixed Minister that so the others may intend their own Affairs But if the Churches cannot provide a Pastor for this Flock these shall not be permitted to abandon the Church for which Jesus Christ died An Exchange of Ministers for a time XVI If a Minister be personally persecuted so that he cannot without great danger unto himself discharge his Office in the Church whereunto he was ordained he may exchange for a time with another Church and this with Advice and Consent of both Churches And in case of the Minister's Disobedieâ—ce to the Judgment of their Churches the Cause shall be referr'd unto the next Provincial Synod There may be other Causes of changing which shall be proposed and judged in the Provincial Synod No Pastor shall forsake his Church without leave XVII No Pastor shall quit his Flock without leave first had and obtained from his Consistory and the Neighbour-Churches also shall approve the cause of his departure Yet on such occasions it will be fitting to admonish Churches to relieve their Pastors and to minister unto their Necessities And if necessary Relief be refused them when they have been advised to it in this case it shall be lawful for the Minister to ingage himself unto some other Church This is the Second Article in the First Chapter of the Discipline It is not lawful to â—â—car the Popish Preachers XVIII Novices received of late into the Church especially Monks and Priests shall not be chosen unto the Ministry without a long and diligent enquiry into and approbation had of their Lives and Doctrine XIX Forasmuch as it is not lawful nor expedient to hear the Sermons of Popish Preachers or of others introduc'd without a lawful Call in those Places where the Ministry of the Word is established Therefore the true Pastors are obliged as much as in them lieth to hinder their Flocks from going to them Causes for the Deposing of a Minister XX. Ministers teaching Evil Doctrine and not desisting upon sufficient Admonition and such as are disobedient to the Holy Orders and Counsels of God's Word given them by their Consistory as also they who lead a scandalous Life deserving Punishment by the Magistrates or Excommunication and they who are totally insufficient for their Office shall be deposed But those who be rendred uncapable by Age Sickness or any other Affliction or hindred by the Providence of God from the Exercise of their Ministry shall not yea their double Honour shall be continued to them and the Churches are required to maintain them and to provide another Minister to execute their Office Crimes for Deposing XXI Scandalous Crimes punishable by the Judges as Murder Sodomy and High-Treason or any other Sins which would redound to the great Dishonour and Scandal of the Church although they had been committed not only before his Call unto the Ministry but even in the time of his Ignorance merit the Deposing of such a Minister As for other Sins less scandalous the Judgment of them is left to the Prudence of the Provincial Synod XXII A Minister Convict of enormous and notorious Crimes shall be immediately deposed by the Consistory two or three Pastors of unstained Reputation being called into Counsel with them And in case the Delinquent Minister complain against his Accuser and of the Calumny laid upon him Presently by the Consistory the whole Matter of Fact shall be reported to the Provincial Synod If he has taught any Heresie or False Doctrine he shall be out of hand suspended by the Consistory two or three Ministers as before being called in until such time as the Provincial Synod shall have Decreed about it The Causes of Deposing unless necessity so require of which the Consistory shall judge may not be published
unto the People The Elder 's Office XXIII The Elders and Deacons are the Counsel of the Church in which the Ministers of the Word ought to preside The Office of Elders is to assemble the People to make Report of Scandals unto the Consistory and such other like Matters according as in every Church it is couched in Writing together with the proper Customs of those Places and Times Yet is not their Office for Life The Deacon's Office XXIV The Deacon's Office as now used by us is not perpetual yet this belongs unto them to Collect the Moneys for the Poor the Prisoners and the Sick and by the Advice of the Consistory to distribute those collected Charities among them to Visit them and in their respective Houses to Catechize them and in case any Deacon shall be found fit and he promise to devote and consecrate himself during Life unto the Service of God in the Ministry he may be chosen by the Ministry and Consistory to Catechize publickly according to the Form received in our Churches and this in order to their Trial without permitting them to administer the Sacraments The manner of Electing Elders and Deacons XXV The Office of Elders and Deacons is not to Catechize publickly nor is their Office perpetual However neither the one nor the other shall quit it without leave first obtained from the Church In the Minister's absence or sickness or in any other necessity of the Church the Deacon may read Prayers and the Holy Scriptures but he shall not take upon him the Office of Preaching XXVI In those Places in which Church-Order is not yet established both Elders and Deacons shall be chosen by the common Suffrage of Pastor and People but where Discipline is already constituted it shall be done by the Minister and Church-Councel who shall give them their Charge and they shall subscribe the Confession of Faith professed and avowed by us then they shall be presented unto the People and in case any one should oppose their Election it shall be debated and determined in the Consistory but if they cannot agree it shall be referr'd unto the Provincial Synod Causes of Deposing Elders and Deacons XXVII The Deacons and Elders shall be deposed for those very self-same Reasons that the Ministers of the Word were according to their quality and if being condemned by their Consistory they should make their Appeal they shall be suspended until such time as the Provincial Synod shall have ordained otherwise Books forbidden to be Printed till first communicated XXVIII Ministers nor any Other Members of the Church may not Print their own or others Works concerning Religion nor in any wise Publish them till they have first communicated them unto two or more of the Gospel of unspotted Reputation Who are to be Excommunicated XXIX Hereticks Contentious Persons Despisers of God Rebels against the Consistory Traytors to the Church such as be impeached and convicted of Crimes worthy of Corporal Punishment such as scandalize the whole Church shall be utterly excommunicated and cut off not only from the Sacrament but from all Communion with the whole Church And as for Delinquents suspended from the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper and guilty of other Vices it is left to the Church's prudence whether they shall be admitted to hear the Word preacht or no. XXX Such as are Excommunicate for Heresie Contempt of God Schism Treason and Rebellion against the Church or other grievous Offences scandalous to the whole Church shall be denounced Excommunicate Persons before the People Who are by Name to be declared Excommunicate and who not unto the People together with the Causes of their Excommunication And as for those who were Excommunicate for lesser Offences it 's left to the Church's Prudence to consider whether they shall be published by Name unto the Congregation or not And this Order shall hold till it be otherwise determined in a National Synod Manner of Receiving Excommunicate Persons XXXI These having been Excommunicated shall address themselves unto their Consistory for Re-admission into Church-Fellowship who shall judge of their Repentance And if they have been publickly Excommunicate they shall testifie their Repentance publickly but if they have not been publickly Excommunicate they shall only in private before the Consistory express their Repentance Denial of the Faith demands a Publick Acknowledgment When Fasts are to be proclaimed XXXII Such as through force of Persecution have abjured the Gospel shall not be received into the Church till such time as they have expressed their Repentance publickly before all the People XXXIII Publick Prayers and extraordinary Fastings yet without any scruple or superstition shall be enjoyned in times of severe Persecution of War Pestilence Famine and other grievous Affliction as also whenas a Minister is to be chosen or a National Synod to be conven'd Of the Publication of Marriage XXXIV Marriages shall be propounded unto the Consistory in which the Contract of Marriage shall be produced signed by the Publick Notary or proved by some other sufficient Attestation in such places where there is not a Notary Or if the Persons will not produce their Contracts they shall however bring a sufficient Attestation under the Notary's hand or some other way and a Fortnight after the Banes shall be published on three Lord's Days following in those Places where the Word is ordinarily preached and in other Places where is Exhortation and Publick Prayers provided that this Publication be continued a full Fortnight and then the Marriage may be solemnized in the Church This Order shall not be infringed unless there be very great Causes for it whereof the Consistory shall take Cognisance Marriages and Baptisms are to be Registred XXXV Both Marriages and Baptisms shall be Registred and the Register preserved carefully by the Church together with the Names of the Fathers and Mothers and Sureties for the baptized Infants XXXVI The Faithful may not contract Marriage within the prohibited Degrees of Affinity and Consanguinity and the Church is to take heed that all scandal in this particular be avoided The Church may not dissolve a Marriage XXXVII The Faithful whose Yoke-fellows are convict of Adultery shall be advised to reconcile themselves with them but in case of refusal that liberty they have by the Word of God shall be declared to them However none of the Churches shall dissolve the Marriage least they should intrench upon the Authority of the Civil Magistrate The Consistory in case Parents refuse their Consent shall order about it XXXVIII No Person may contract Marriage without the Consent of Parents But in case Parents should be so unreasonable as to refuse their Consent to such an holy and needful Ordinance the Consistory shall advise what is to be done herein XXXIX Promises of Marriage once made cannot be dissolved no not by mutual consent of the Parties who have past those Promises each to other And the
Heresie which cannot be decided by Disputes either in the National or Provincial Synods the Deacons and Elders shall be reduced to an equal number in voting with the Ministers And in other Matters relating to the Government of the Churches although the Elders and Deacons exceed in number the Ministers yet their Suffrages shall be collected ART V. In the first Constitution of a Church he may be chosen for an Elder who hath formerly or doth as yet hold Communion with the Idolatry of Rome provided always that he promise never to return more unto it Art VI. A Minister newly chosen shall bring with him a Testimonial to be delivered into the hands of the Consistory unto whom he is sent which shall be kept by them very carefully ART VII This Order shall be observed by him who begins to Preach in Publick and to gather a Church viz. That as soon as possible he can he shall take their Names and Number who will submit unto Discipline and who are to be owned as Sheep of that Flock that so all may not be received higly-pigly without distinction unto the Lord's Table and over these there shall be had a most diligenâ— Inspection ART VIII All Violences and Injurious Words against the Papists No Injuries shall be offered unto the Popish Church Men. as also against their Chaplains Priests and Monks shall not only be forborn but to the utmost of the Church's Power shall be suppressed ART IX The Church of Orleance is deputed to call the next National Synod within an Year or thereabout and to give notice thereof unto all the Churches three Months before of the Place Day and of all those difficult Questions which are to be handled in it And in order hereunto the other Churches shall within nine Months send unto them those Difficulties which they would have debated and decided by them CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS An Abjuration before the Magistrate must be repaired publickly I. OUr Brother of Poictiers propounded this Case Whether a Person having Abjured the Gospel before a Judge and his Clerk he be not bound to publick Pennance To which it was answered That inasmuch as the Magistrate is a publick Person the Abjuration done before him was publick and therefore it must be repaired by a publick Repentance Promises of Marriage by words de praesenti or de fufuturo ought to be kept inviolate II. Whether plain and sincere Promises of Marriage made by word de futuro may by consent of the Parties be dissolved We answer That such Promises whether by words de proesenti or futuro ought inviolably to be performed for although by those words de futuro the Accomplishment be delaid yet the Parties are nevertheless bound and obliged before God to fulfil them Touching the Baptising of Papists Children see Partie Matters c. 3. of the first Synod at Paris III. The Children of Popish Parents shall not be admitted unto Baptism in our Reformed Churches although they were presented by a believing Surety unless the Father or Mother will devest themselves of their Authority and devolve it upon the Surety yeilding up and releasing to him their Right and solemnly ingage that they will allow their Child to be Educated in the true Religion IV. Whether for Warning unto others such Persons may not be debarred the Lord's Supper whose Repentance is only Exteriour That may be ordered according to the Grievousness of the Fact Whether we may lawfully serve ourselves of Papal Dispensations V. Whether a Monk who hath quitted his Monastery may make use of the Pope's Dispensation that so he may enter again upon his Estate We answer That the Monk hath done very ill in using such unjust Means whereby to recover his Estate Whoso makes a Trade of Dancing after divers Admonitions shall be excommunicated VI. Upon mature Deliberation it is decreed That whoso professeth a Trade of Dancing and hath been divers times admonished and doth not quit it shall be excommunicated and principally because of his Obstinacy and Rebellion VII It being demanded What Course should be taken with such who having been a long time Members of the Church yet do not Communicate at the Lord's Table lest they should be obliged to a total Renunciation of Idolatry We answer That if after some convenient Time and Admonitions given them they do not reform this their neglect they shall be â—nt off from all Communion with the Church They are to be Excommunicate who refuse to partake with the Church at the Lord's Table Whether a dying Child may be baptised VIII As to that Question Whether Baptism may be lawfully administred extraordinarily where the Child is ready to die It was resolved That in those places where the Word of God is ordinarily preached the established Order shall be observed but in such places where Sermons are had only extraordinarily at an undue Hour it is left to the Minister's Discretion to accommodate themselves to the Infirmities of Parents yet to be very careful that they do not nourish them up in Superstition Iâ—s not lawful to marry the Sister of the deceased Wise IX May a Man lawfully Espouse the Sister of his deceased Wife who hath left him Children begotten on her Body by him To which was answered That this is in no wise lawful nor expedient and the Church must see to it that no such Marriages be solemnized in it X. May a Woman kept by a Priest as his Concubine although she protest he is her Husband and the Priest also secretly owns her for his Wife yet before Witnesses denies it may she be continued in or cut off from the Communion of the Church We answer That she ought to use all Diligence in summoning the Priest to get their Marriage celebrated and blessed in the face of the Church and in case of refusal by the Priest she shall separate herself from him and having given satisfactory Proofs of her Repentance she shall be received into the Fellowship of the Church Baptism by a private Person is null XI What is to be done in case a Child has been baptized by a private Person It 's answer'd That to avoid the Scandal given and taken there shall be Sermons preached for the better Information of the People who shall also be acquainted with the Nullity of such Baptism and that this may be imprinted upon their Hearts the Child shall be brought publickly into the Church there to receive the true Baptism XII In a Church already constituted may he be chosen for an Elder who through weakness hath defiled himself with Idolatry since his Admission into Church-fellowship It 's answered In case his Fall has been lately committed and is fresh in memory he ought not to be chosen May a Popish Priest administer the Lord's Supper since we do not disannul his Baptism XIII May the Lord's Supper be received from a learned Popish Priest since the Baptism administred by him is not repeated It
or others that may sing Masses for the Dead is he to be deposed from his Office We answer Let him be first heard in the Consistory speak for himself before they proceed unto his Deposal XXVII It was demanded Whether the Word of God might be preached publickly without Authority from the Civil Magistrate Answer was given That there should be special care had of the Time and Publick Peace and above all that there be no Tumults nor Sedition XXVIII The Churches of Paris Orleance and Rouan are deputed by this present Synod to Protest against the Popish Council now held at Trent and of the Nullity of all its Decisions and Decrees and their Protestation shall be done either by Printed Books or Oral Remonstrances unto the King's Majesty or by any other way as they shall judge needful XXIX It is now Decreed That the Deputies of the Provinces when they go to Court shall take with them our Confession of Faith and consult among themselves how to present it unto His Majesty together with the Petitions of our Churches and to this purpose they shall make Application unto those Lords who they know to be Favourers of our Cause and Religion XXX Whereas divers Persons do solicite this National Synod to supply the Congregations who have sent them hither with Pastors they are all answered That at present we are utterly unable to gratifie them and that therefore they be advised to set up Propositions of the Word of God and to take special care of Educating hopeful young Men in Learning in the Arts Languages and Divinity who may hereafter be imployed in the Sacred Ministry and they are most humbly to Petition the Lord of the Harvest to send Labourers who may get it in XXXI May he be admitted to communicate in the Bread only at the Lord's Table who hath an Antipathy against Wine Yes he may provided that he do his utmost to drink of the Cup but in case he cannot he shall make a Protestation of his Antipathy The End of the Synod of Poictiers THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE III. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At ORLEANCE in the Year of our LORD 1562. The Contents of this Synod Chap. I. A Moderator and two Scribes chosen Chap. II. General Matters The Synod to be called the General or National Church-Council of the Kingdom Chap. III. Discipline exercised upon Delinquents Chap. IV. Various Matters Cases of Conscience c. THE Synod of Orleance 1562. Synod III. SYNOD III. Articles of the National Synod held at Orleance the Twenty fifth Day of April in the Year One thousand five hundred sixty and two after Easter in the Second Year of K. Charles IX CHAP. I. Monsieur De Chandieu was a very learned French Divine His Works are 1. The Marks of the True Church 2. De L'Vnique Sacrifice 3. Contra les Traditions c. in Follo He was Lord of Chandieu and Baron of Chabot chosen by the Church of Paris to be their Pastor at Twenty Years of Age and Moderator of this National Synod at Twenty three A Gentleman of eminent Piety and Gravity He was desired by the King of Navary to be his Pastor and upon his Death removed to Geneva where he was called to the Pastoral Office in that City and discharged it with very great fidelity He never took any Wages for his Work in the Ministry He wrote himself Sadeel which is the Hebrew of Chandieu The Field of GOD. He died of an Hectick Fever in the 57th Year of his Age saith Mr. Du Thou but he was mistaken for it was in the 63d Anno 1591. Melchior Adams hath writ his Life among his Theolog. Exteri ANthony de Chandieu Minister in the Church of Paris chosen President Robert le Macon Lord La Fountaine Minister in the Church of Orleance and Peter Sevin Deacon of the Church of Paris chosen Scribes by General Consent of the Deputies CHAP. II. General MATTERS This Synod bears the Name and has the Authority of a General Council by the Advice of the Assembly I. THE Ministers and Elders Convocated in this Assembly of Orleance for the General Council of France following the Determination of the last Synod held at Poictiers are of Opinion That the present Assembly should have and bear the Name and Authority of the Council General of the Deputies of this Kingdom notwithstanding that several Deputies are absent who shall be sufficiently informed of Matters debated and resolved in this Council together with the Reasons for which notwithstanding their absence we were constrained to proceed without them all which shall be more largely declared in the next General Council where also shall be heard the Reasons of those absent Deputies for their Non-attendance and their Arguments if need be against the Decisions of the present Council Ministers of Princes and great Lords shall sign the Confession of Faith II. The Princes and other great Lords following the Court in case they would have Churches instituted in their Houses shall be desired to take such for their Pastors as are Ministers in Churches truly Reformed bringing with them sufficient Testimonials of their Lawful Call unto the Ministry who shall before their Admission subscribe the Confession of Faith of the Churches in this Kingdom and our Church-Discipline And that the Preaching of the Gospel may be more successful the said Protestant Lords shall be requested every one of them to erect a Consistory There shall be a Consistory in their Houses composed of the Ministers and other Persons most eminent for Piety in their said Family by which Consistory all Scandals and Vices shall be supprest and the Rules of Discipline observed Moreover those Ministers shall be present at Provincial Synods if it may possibly consist with their occasions And that this may be effected the Council hath ordained That the Province in which the Synod shall be assembled shall be obliged to call them to it And those Ministers especially or a part of them shall be there present being deputed by the rest unto the General Synods together with their Elders who may inform the said General or Provincial Synods of their Lives and Conversation And in case the said Lords and Princes have divers Houses they shall be advertis'd None to have preheminence over another that none of their Ministers may pretend domination or preheminence over another according to that Article of our Church-Discipline in this case expresly provided And when as the said Lords and Princes shall reside in those Houses of theirs where there is a Church already formed we desire for the preventing of all Divisions that the Church in their Family would joyn itself unto the Church of that place and for that time to make but one Assembly III. Whenas the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated in the close of every Synod according to the Fourth Article of our Church-Discipline in the Acts of the First National
Synod The said Sacrament shall not be administred privately to the Ministers and Elders only deputed unto these Synods but in publick and to the whole Church in which they be assembled A Bishop or Curate may not be received into the Ministry till they have first renounced all their Benefices and long tryal had of them IV. If it happen that a Bishop or Curate desire to be promoted unto the Ministry of the Gospel they may not be received till such time as they are first admitted Members of the Church renouncing all their Benefices and other Rights depending on the Church of Rome professing also publickly Repentance for their past sins as they shall be ordered by the Consistory and after long tryal and proof had of their Repentance and Godly Conversation they may be chosen into the Ministry of the Gospel according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline 6 8. of the Synod of Paris and 3. of Poictiers A Minister must be ordained to a particular Flock Ministers may not quit their Churches nor joyn themselves unto any other without the Authority of the Provincial Synod or without the Consent of the Neighbour-Ministers or of that Church unto which they were sent Ministers preside by Turns Provinces may not be divided without the Advice of Synods V. Ministers shall not be ordained without assigning them to some particular Flock If they be sent any where for a certain time that time being expired they shall return unto the Church from whence they parted and be under her power And in case they were not accepted by the Church unto which they were sent they shall be at liberty to return unto the Church from which they parted or else to wait the Determination of a Provincial Synod concerning them during which time they may not Preach but by the Advice of two or three Neighbour-Ministers And this also shall be observed by them who having leave do depart their Churches without ever being sent elsewhere that so no Ministers may be Vagrants nor by their own Authority intrude themselves where best liketh them VI. Ministers shall preside by Turns in their Consistories and Synods that so none may presume to any superiority over another VII The Division of Provinces as they relate unto Provincial Synods shall remain in their first Estate And in case the said Provinces have too great a number of Churches they may be divided according to the Advice of those Provincial Synods which shall consider the conveniency of those Churches complaining of their too great distance and recommend them to another Province nearer to them and more commodious for them and giving them to this purpose Letters of Dismission unto that Province into which they shall be incorporated And as for Churches erected since the last Provincial Synods and others that may be hereafter constituted they shall be obliged to joyn themselves unto the nearest Province VIII The Faithful shall be exhorted not to Scandalize the Papists by working upon Holy-days Works may not be done on Festivas Spiritual Kinred not comprised in the words of Affinity and Consanguinity Rule for Marriages dissolved by Adultery And as concerning that which they call Spiritual Kinred this Council is of Opinion That it is not comprised nor understood by the words of Affinity and Consanguinity in the last Edict of January However it adviseth That the Deputies of the Churches do upon the first occasion presented to them endeavour to obtain the King's Declaration as to this and other matters IX And as for Marriages dissolved for Adultery it is now Ordained That the Churches may not marry those Persons without observing this Order The wronged Person who hath not offended shall be bound to Prosecute at Law before the Magistrate its offending Party so long till that by his final Sentence he be convicted See the 53d Article of the Synod at Vertâ—til which said Sentence he shall produce before the Consistory demanding leave and permission to marry Which Consistory having called the Parties concerned before them may grant them License to marry But the offending Party shall not be permitted Marriage till such time as the Offended be first married and then this Offender having done publick Pennance according to the Prudence of the Consistory may have License to marry And this Canon shall be in force till the Churches have greater Liberty This shall hold also in the case of Fornication after Promises of Marriage where the Whoredom was not known unto the espoused Party Such as cohabit before Marriage shall do publick Penance or before the Consistory X. Whoso shall have cohabited together as Man and Wife without having been first lawfully and solemnly married and now demand to be married shall do publick Penance or at least before the Consistory according to its Discretion and then the Marriage may be celebrated all requisite Solemnities being first observed excepting such Persons who shall have cohabited together during the time of their Ignorance and not despised contemptuously the Orders of our Churches And it shall hold also in their Case who have cohabited together where there was no Church constituted in the places of their abode These shall only be called into the Consistory that their Marriage may be ratified None may with a good Conscience advise the buying of an Office Judicial Care must be had about Modesty in Garments XI It being expresly forbidden us by the Kings to purchase any Estate or Office of Judicature no Church shall advise the doing of it XII The Churches shall admonish the Faithful of both Sexes to be very Modest in their Apparel and to retrench all Excesses and Superfluities which are originally committed in and about it However the Churches shall make no Decrees concerning it because 't is a matter belonging to the Civil Magistrate but they shall cause the King's Ordinances relating hereunto diligently to be observed Nor may the Churches excommunicate any Man or Woman for using such Habits and Fashions as are common and customary in this Kingdom Benefices may not be purchased for fear of countenancing Idolatry No Pastor may be deputed to Visit the Churches XIII The Faisthful cannot with a good Conscience purchase any Benefices nor part of their Revenue least by this means they should be intangled with some kind of Idolatry or in the least sort be Favourers of it XIV Whereas some Ministers have been deputed by certain Provincial Synods to visit the Churches this Council doth advise That the Order formerly used to discover Scandals arising in the Churches being sufficient for that purpose is now again ratified and approved by this Council and this new-found Office is condemned because of its dangerous Consequence No Prayers at the Grave XV. That all Superstition may be avoided Ministers shall not use any Prayers at the Interment of our Dead When the Discipline is to be read in the Consistories XVI The Articles of our Ecclesiastical Discipline shall be read in the
Brethren having been heard on this Affair reporting his continual Rebellions against the Consistory of the said Church for near six Months together The Council doth injoyn the Consistory to call the said Joequin before them and to give him a very severe Reproof for the sorementioned Crimes and in case of his Contempt and continued Rebellion to depose him from his Office of Deacon without delay as also to cut him off from the Communion of the Church and to denounce him publickly Excommunicate until such time as he shall have given publick satisfactory Evidences of his Repentance The End of the Synod of Orleance Thus Subscribed in the Original Chandieu Lord of La Roche President of the Council Le Masson Lord of La Fountaine Scribe of the Council THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE IV. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At LIONS in the Year of our LORD 1563. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Moderator chosen Chap. II. Of Synods in Five Canons Chap. III. Of Consistories in Five Canons Chap. IV. Of Censures Two Canons Chap. V. Of Ministers Three Canons Chap. VI. Of Baptism Three Canons Chap. VII Of Marriage Four Canons Chap. VIII Of Interest for Money Chap. IX Of Hereticks and Schismaticks and Vagrants Chap. X. Of the Lord's Supper Chap. XI General Matters Chap. XII A Case of Conscience about the Marriage of Cousin-Germans Chap. XIII A Book Censured See also Cap. 9. Chap. XIV Particular Matters A Delinquent Minister Censured Chap. XV. Advice to the States of Languedoc Chap. XVI Very many curious Cases of Conscience resolved Chap. XVII Memorials for the Service of the Churches Chap. XVIII Distinction of the Provinces Nine at first Chap. XIX Books Censured Chap. XX. Vagrants and Deposed Ministers Registred Chap. XXI Cases of Conscience 1. About Marriage 2. Consistories 3. Baptism 4. And the Lord Supper Resolved by Mr. Calvin and sent unto the National Synod of Lyons at their desire THE Synod of Lions 1563. Synod IV. SYNOD IV. Articles concluded on in the National Synod held at Lions the tenth of August 1563 in the third Year of the Reign of King Charles the Ninth CHAP. I. Mr. Virett was a most Eloquent Preacher and Calvin's Colleague at Geneva See the Catalogue of his Works in Du Verdier's Bibliotheque M R. Peter Virett Minister in the Church of Lions was chosen Modederator and Scribe CHAP. II. Observations Additions and Annotations upon the Church-Discipline Of SYNODS ARTICLE I. AT the Opening of all National and Provincial Synods the Canons of our Church-Discipline shall be read and for the future Provincial Synods shall send unto the National those Articles and Canons composed by them for the Government of their respective Provinces and all the Churches in their District ARTICLE II. The Canons of the three former National Synods held at Paris Poictiers and Orleance shall be reduced into a Body and this Order shall constantly be observed at the end of every National Synod ARTICLE III. Every Sentence of Excommunication confirmed by the Provincial Synod shall be for the future stable and valid IV. None other Articles of Discipline shall be divulged but those which were composed by common Consent of all the Deputies ARTICLE V. The Deputies of the Provinces shall not depart from the National Synod without carrying home with them the Resolutions and Decrees of the Synod signed and attested by the Moderator and Scribe CHAP. III. Of CONSISTORIES ARTICLE VI. ALtho' it may be convenient in weighty and important Business of the Church to call into gether with the Consistory some of the most discreet and judicious Members of the Church though they be not in actual Office in the Consistory yet nevertheless there ought not to be any other ordinary Assembly or Form of Council for Church-Matters excepting the Body of the Consistory which hath been chosen and settled by the Church to these very ends and purposes who be Persons in publick Offices which the others are not ARTICLE VII A Civil Magistrate may be a Member of the Consistory provided it do not hinder him in the Exercise of his publick Office nor be prejudicial to the Church VIII Professors of Divinity may be admitted Members of Consistories and deputed unto Synods ARTICLE IX Consistories are left at liberty to receive as Members into them both Father and Son and two Brothers at the same time unless there be something which may hinder it of which the Provincial Synod shall take Cognisance ARTICLE X. Although the Body of the Consistory may advise and admonish disagreeing Persons to terminate their Controversies and Suits at Law yet that very Consistory shall never consent to be the Judge or Arbitrator of those Controversies betwixt Persons at Variance about worldly Goods and Estates but in case any Members of the Church not of the Consistory shall be employed as Arbitrators in those Differences then the Members of the Consistory may assist them with their particular Advice but always in their private Capacities CHAP. IV. Concerning CENSVRES ARTICLE XI IF any Officer of our Reformed Churches shall have committed Idolatry in times of Persecution they shall be deposed from their Office and before they be admitted to communicate at the Lord's Table they shall do publick Penance And as for private Persons who have offended in the same manner they also shall undergo such a Penance as the Consistory shall judge meet The whole to be managed with Christian Moderation according to the Discipline ARTICLE XII Ministers who scandalize the World by marrying basely and unworthily the Brethren in this Synod are all of one Mind and Advice That Consistories shall proceed against these Delinquents in such a manner as may prevent all Scandals for the future CHAP. V. Of MINISTERS ARTICLE XIV MInisters though settled in one Church may be lent unto other Churches for some time for their Instruction and Comfort And whenas our Proposans are called unto the Ministry they shall be settled in some one particular Church there constantly to remain yet Synods shall have Power to remove Ministers from one Place to another for some certain Reasons and Considerations provided their Churches do consent unto it according to the Discipline ARTICLE XV. Here must be inserted the Fifth Canon of the National Synod of Orleance viz. Ministers shall not quit their Churches nor joyn themselves unto any other without the Authority of the Provincial Synod or consent of the Neighbour-Ministers or that Church unto which they were sent XVI Whenas a Minister is to be chosen not only the Consistories of that Church but the Neighbour-Ministers also shall with the Colloquy pursue that Election CHAP. VI. Of BAPTISM ARTICLE XVII MInisters shall admonish their Flocks to compose themselves withall possible Reverence at the Administration of both the Sacraments ARTICLE XVIII Women alone shall not be admitted to present Children unto Baptism ARTICLE XIX If a Person come to Years of Discretion was never baptized and shall
the future be prevented XV. To the case Whether a Promise made by a Maid at the Age of eleven with the consent of her Parents to which before twelve she had renounced Ministers contracting unfitting Marriages to be severely censured Promises of Marriage made by Minors though with the consent of Parents are null A Papist maynot be married unless he or she do renounce the Mass Renters of Benefices where Idolatry is shall within a limited time be excommucate He that continues and hardens himself in his sins shall be excommunicate might be dissolved This answer was given That such a Promise was Null XVI It being moved Whether Ministers might marry them who were downright Papists The Synod answers That it may not be done unless they do positively renounce the Mass XVII Gentlemen or other renting Benefices from Priests where Idolatry is not as yet purged shall be seriously admonished to abstain from so doing within a certain fixed time and in case of final Disobedience to this Admonition they shall be cut off from Communion at the Lord's Table XVIII As to the difficulty propounded by our Brethren of Nismes Whether a Minister may with a good Conscience leave his Church when his Wife after that he hath done his Duty in order to her Conversion will not live with him It is answered That all circumstances considered he shall renew his Endeavours for the Conversion of his Wife and in the mean while he shall have his liberty to resume again his Charge as soon as he shall have reduced his Wife unto her Duty XIX Our Brother of Xaintes having demanded what is to be done in this case A Man having done publick Penance in the Church for divers Faults committed by him yet again and again returns unto the same Sins ought he to be excommunicated or not Our Judgment is because he hath not truely hearkned unto the Church that he be excommunicate XX. As to that Question Whether the Promises of Marriage may be given before a Priest because the Mother will have her Daughter contracted by a Priest It is answered Forasmuch as the presence of the Priest is only required that the Espousals should be performed by him 't is our Advice that it ought not to be done XXI A young Man promiseth Marriage unto a Maid with this express Condition inserted in the Contract That he promiseth Marriage provided the Maid consents to be married in the Reformed Church the Maid promiseth and consents for a time afterward seeing the Troubles arising for Religion she will not yeild unto it and saith farther That she will never have this young Man It 's demanded Whether he is hereby freed from his Promise We answer The young Man shall endeavour by his diligent Sollicitations to perswade her and 't is left to the prudence of the Consistory to judge of the Diligences used by him and accordingly to proceed to a Declaration of the Nullity of the Marriage if need be XXII Such as bearing Office in the Reformed Church having in times of Persecution fallen into Idolatry shall be deposed from their said Office and before they be again received unto the Lord's Table shall undergo publick Penance And if private Persons are guilty of the same Crime they shall do the same Penance enjoyned them by the Consistory all which shall be performed with Christian Charity and due Moderation according to the Rules of our Ecclesiastical Discipline XXIII The case being moved Whether it be sufficient that the Fornication of a Man be proved by his Harlot and the Testimony of some worthy Person who shall depose that he heard the Fornicator acknowledge his Crime and that those belonging to the House do testifie of theit frequenting each others company 'T is our Counsel That the Consistory of the Church would exhort the Accused to confess the Truth confronting him the Harlot and Witnesses together and to examine well all Circumstances And if he persist in his Denial yet to suspend him from the Lord's Supper provided the Witness be an honest Person and without reproach XXIV The Churches shall be advertised not to celebrate the Marriage of strange Persons who dwell not in the places where those Marriages are to be solemnized unless they bring Certificates from those Churches whereunto they do belong A Pagan Maid must not be baptized till she have been well instructed in the Christian Religion XXV A Maid brought from among Salvages and not instructed in the Principles of Christian Religion ought not to be baptized before she can give a rational account of her Faith and that by a publick Confession XXVI In the Province of Berry whenas over and above the Synodical Assemblies and Propositions to exercise the Gifts of young unordained Preachers in order to their Approbation for the Ministry there shall be other Assemblies specially convened to consult about necessary and emergent Affairs they shall be held by the common Agreement of the Churches Consistories and not by any other Authority that so that Article of our Discipline may not be thwarted which expresly ordaineth that no Church shall usurp any Authority over another XXVII The Minister of Memiot desiring our Judgment in this case A Gentleman caused his Child to be baptized by a Priest who continues practising his Idolatry Shall this Child be rebaptized or not It 's answered in the Negative XXVIII The Minister of Chasteneauef and Mazon desired Resolution unto this case Whether he may with a good Conscience lend another his Name that under the covert thereof he might enjoy the Profits of a certain Benefice We answer That he ought not to do it in any wise XXIX Forasmuch as the Minister of New castel in Normandy hath of his own accord forsaken his Ministry induced thereunto by the perswasions of his Wife as he protested before the Colloquy at Diep it is resolved that the Brethren Ministers of that Colloquy shall censure him according to his Deservings and put him in the Catalogue of Desertors A Man may not marry his Brother's Widow XXX It being demanded Whether it were only a Prohibition of Humane Laws That the Widow of the deceased Brother might not be married to his surviving Brother The Council answered That such Marriages were also forbidden by the Word of God And though under the Law of Moses it was ordained That when the elder Brother died childless the younger Brother should raise up Seed unto him yet this was only a temporary Law to God's Ancient Israel and intended only for the preservation and distinction of their Tribes XXXI One having renounced his Benefices demands advice What he shall do with his Writings Deeds and other Evidences belonging unto the Lands and Revenues of those his said Benefices We advise him to discharge himself by due course of Law according to the Ordinance of the Magistrate and he shall cancel his Letters of Presentation XXXII A certain Lady craves our Advice Whether she may claim her Right and Interests in a
it IX Under the Second towards the End this shall be added And the said Elders shall be admonished not to declare unto the Consistory their faults without just Cause and in much Charity according to the Rule of God's Word No Person at the first Report of his Miscarriage shall be mention'd by name in the Consistory On this Article the Lord-Admiral propounded That Persons upon the first Report should not be mention'd by Name unto the Consistory until they had first resolved whether they should be called into it or no. And there was added That no Person for the first Report ought to be named unless the Consistory for good and vallid causes should think fitting so to do X. Under the Third towards the End shall be this Addition If they be fit and in case of want and hindered by Ministers CHAP. VII General Matters Thursday the Fifth of the same Month. I. THere shall be added to the Third Article of Elders and Deacons That none others besides the said Deacons shall intermeddle with the Administration of the Poors Money II. This Article shall be added The Elders and Deacons may be present at Propositions of the Word of God made by Ministers besides their ordinary Sermons as also at Censures and shall have their Priviledge of Voting in all Matters Doctrine only excepted Of the CONSISTORY III. THE Fourth Article shall be thus formed Ministers and Elders compose the Consistory in which Ministers shall always preside and the Deacons may be present if so be the Consistory do judge it fitting IV. On the Seventh Article after these Words For tryal of their Ability shall be added which yet shall not be done without great Prudence and Discretion with promise of Secrecy V. There shall be this Addition made to the Close of the Eighth Article And if there be any other Counsels they shall be supprest VI. After these words in the Ninth But principally at the Auditing of Accounts there shall be this Addition of which the People shall have notice given them VII The Tenth Article was thus Explained If there should arise any Contention concerning Doctrine it shall be out of hand notified unto the Colloquy subordinate unto the Synods where also the Elders and Professors in Divinity may be present to give their Judgment on the Points but the Decision of these Controversies shall especially belong unto the Ministers and Professors of Divinity VIII In the Twelfth instead of Adjured to speak the Truth there shall be Exhorted and Summoned in the Name of God to speak the Truth IX On the Sixteenth after these words Propositions of the Word of God shall be added Among Scholars Of Delinquents and Censur'd Persons and what are these Offences which render them obnoxious unto Censures No copy of Excommunication or Church-censures to be given X. THE Question being mov'd whether a Copy may be given of the Excommunication or of any other Censure It was answered That because the whole Process was a Matter of Conscience it ought not to be given And as for the publick Act it 's subject properly to the Magistrates Jurisdiction XI The first Article was approv'd of but after those words And if notwithstanding all this they do not convert but persist in their Stubbornness and Obstinacy there shall be added On the fourth Lord's-day the scandalous Persons shall be Excommunicated either in this or such like form as shall be advised on by the Consistory we do declare unto the whole Congregation that we do not own him for one of the Members of our Church and in the Name and by the Authority of our Lord Jesus we cut him off from it XII On the third unto those words After they shall have continued firm shall be added without expecting the Advice of a National Synod Of Provincial SYNODS XIII ON the first Article instead of once a Year shall be inserted at least twice XIV In the second after the first Period shall be added And the said Ministers and Elders shall produce their Orders of Deputation XV To the sixth This Article is the 11th in the Chapter of Provincial Synods in the Book of Discipline this Article of the Synod of Vertueil shall be added If there arise any difference between two Synods they shall choose a third to reconcile them Of BAPTISM 1571. Synod VIII XVI AFter these words in the second Article This is the 4th Article in the Chapter and Book of Discipline Quit and resign their Right unto the Sureties shall be added As to Instruction And a little before shall be added If the Parents do consent The second and third Article shall make but one Papists and excommunicate Persons being joyned together XVII And the fourth after these words And is wholly null shall be abridg'd and cut short and shall be thus expressed Baptism administred by a Person who hath neither Call nor Commission is wholly null and void CHAP. VIII Acts passed upon Friday the Sixth of the said Month. I. IN the sixth Article the word Alliance shall be removed and it shall suffice to say thus much That fellowship among the Faithful may be maintained by Conjunction of Friendship and instead of Conceited shall be put Contentious II. Instead of these words in the Eighth Although the Husband have an unbelieving Wife yet he is not excusable shall be put these words Altho' the believing Husband have a Wife of contrary Religion yet is he not excusable III. After these words in the Ninth The Ministers shall reject shall be added as much as is fitting IV. This Article shall be added The Consistories shall have an eye over them who detain their Children from Baptism too long a time Of the LORD's SVPPER Beneficed persons not to be admitted to the Lord's Supper V. THis Article shall be added Beneficed Persons retaining the Name and Title of their Benefices and those also who dabble with Idolatry in their said Benefices shall not be admitted to the Lord's Table but such as hold those Benefices by the King's Gift and make a true and publick Profession of the Reformed Religion owning and avowing it with sufficient Considence may be received unto the Lord's Supper only they shall be exhorted to apply the yearly Profits of those their Benefices to pious Vses This is the 7th Article in the Chapter of the Lord's Supper and Book of Discipline VI. After these words in the sixth Article And striving as much as in them lieth shall be added yea also they shall put the Cup unto their Mouths that so they may prevent all Offence which might otherwise be taken VII At the End of the tenth Article there shall be this Addition And therefore the National Synods shall take care about it as the Good of the Church shall require This Article is the 14th in the Chapter of the Lord's Supper and Book of Disline Of MARRIAGES VIII THere shall be this Addition made unto the first Article This is the
saying of St. Augustin That Medicines which are more hurtful than profitable should be wholly forborn And sith in particular Facts many Circumstances occur concerning which a Special Law cannot be enacted we ought therefore to be the more discreet wary and considerate And the whole is left to the Wisdom of the Consistory VI. There shall be added to the Twenty Eighth Article concerning Ministers these words Nevertheless it were expedient that Ministers took Wages because of its consequence and that others may not be prejudiced VII The Sixteenth Article concerning Ministers shall begin thus The Minister who shall have intruded himself c. VIII After these words in the Thirty fourth Article concerning Ministers That have preached Heretical Doctrine there shall be added And does obstinately maintain it IX In the first Article of Provincial Synods instead of those words At least there she ll be put in As much as possible X. In the first Article of National Synods after those words Within a Year shall be added If it be possible XI Before the Title of Provincial Synods shall be put Titles with Articles of * * * Classes Colloquies And the first Article shall be this The Neighbour-Churches shall assemble themselves in Colloquies four times a Year if possibly they can and each Minister shall come accompanied with one Elder not only for this end that Ministers in their respective turns may handle a common place in Divinity from the Scriptures but that by mutual common Counsel they may compose those emergent Difficulties which trouble their Churches For it is thus ordained by the Discipline and generally to provide whatever they conceive expedient and necessary for the Conservation of the Churches XII The second Article concerning Elders shall be thus enlarged to wit after these words The Elders Office is to convene the People unto Publick Assemblies there shall be this addition And in general to watch but most especially over the Church And after these words To make Reports of Scandals there shall be added And in conjunction with the Ministers to judge and decide And after those words And other such-like Matters shall be added Which concern the Order Preservation and Government of the Church XIII At the end of the Title of National Synods this following Article shall be added That the Acts and Articles of Synods may be preserved and that they may be of use in time to come for the deciding Controversies resolving Cases that may be propounded in the Synods the said Articles of things past or to come and others concerning Synods as also the Articles of our Discipline together with the Confession of Faith of our Reformed Churches shall be all deposited with the Deputies of that Province which is impowered to call the next National Synod and is charged to bring them forth at their first meeting XIV At the end of the Twenty second Article of Marriages there shall be this added And the betrothed Woman shall have the same liberty with the betrothed Man in case the said Man shall have fornicated after the aforesaid Promises XV. The Article concerning Professors of Divinity shall be thus enlarged Doctor and Professors of Divinity shall be chosen by a Synod or †††Collâ—ay Classis after good proof and sufficient tryal had of their Life and Doctrine And they shall be acquainted that they be wholly dedicated for their Lives unto the Service of God and his Church and to be imployed according to the appointment of the Classis or Synods to whose Authority they shall yield Obedience Moreover they shall subscribe the Confession of our Faith and Church-Discipline And whenever any difficulty in Doctrinal Points does occur they shall be called forth if they be upon the place to assist at its decision The Regents also shall make the same Subscription XVI Towards the close of the Fifth Article concerning Elders there shall be this addition And Professors of Divinity lawfully and duly called unto their Offices XVII The Fourth Article concerning Consistories shall be couched in these words Deacons may and ought to be Memâ—â—â—s of Consistories The Ministers of God's Word together with the Eldership do constitute the Churches Consistory in which the Ministers ought to preside and Deacons may and should be present in the Consistory that so by their Advice the Church may be served as hitherto in these difficult times we have happily employed them in the Government of the Churches and called them forth into the Eldership And for time to come all Deacons thus chosen or continued shall joyntly together with the Pastors and Elders have the Rule and Conduct of the Churches CHAP. IV. This Article is the â—ast in the Chapter of Consistories XVIII THis following Article shall be plac'd next in order to the 10th of Consistories If one or more of the People stir up strife and thereby break the Churches Vnion in any Point of Doctrine Discipline or the Form of Catechising Administration of Sacraments How such are to be dealt with who raise Contentions in the Church about our Doctrine Discipline or Worship Catechising and Marriage or of Publick Prayers and Celebration of Marriage and that private Admonitions prove ineffectual to suppress them then the Consistory of that Church shall presently endeavour to compose and appease the whole without any noise and with all sweetness by the Word of God And in case the Dissenters should not acquiesce in their determination that Consistory shall intreat the Colloquy to meet at such time and place as may be most convenient having first of all oblig'd the Dissenters in express terms and those on Record not in any manner of way to spread abroad their Opinions until the meeting of the said Colloquy on pain of being dealt with as Schismaticks excepting always freedom of Conference with Pastors and Elders in case they have not been sufficiently instructed But and if the said Dissenters refuse to give those fore-mentioned Promises then shall they be censured as Rebellious Persons according to the Discipline And the Colloquy being met shall proceed as was above directed And in case the said Dissenters after a patient Hearing and Refutation rest fully satisfied the whole business shall be Registred But if not and extraordinary necessity so require the Provincial Synod shall be intreated to meet at such a time and place as the said Colloquy shall judge most convenient the former Promises having been once again repeated by the Dissenters And the Synod being assembled they shall with very great and mature deliberation advise and consider of the Matter Places Times and Persons whether it be expedient that another Conference be held with these Dissenters and publickly with open doors before the People and whether liberty of speaking may be granted unto any of the Assistants which if it be yet the determination of the Point in Controversie shall not be left unto them but to the Provincial Deputies according to the known Rules of our Discipline And
then if the said Dissenters refuse conformity they shall promising as before be dismissed over to the ordinary National Synod or if there be one at that time extraordinarily assembled they shall be heard in it with all holy freedom And here shall be the final and absolute Decision made of this Controversie from the Word of God whereunto if they refuse a full and entire Obedience and in plain and express terms do not renounce their recorded Errors they shall be cut off by the Sword of Excommunication from the Body of their Churches A Pastor or Elder breaking the Churches Vnion or stirring up contention about any Point of Doctrine or Discipline which he had subscribed or about the Form of Catechising Administration of Sacraments Publick Prayers or Celebration of Marriage and not conforming to the determination of the Colloquy shall be then suspended from his Office and either the Provincial or National Synod shall finally proceed against him CHAP. V. The manner of Electing Ministers XIX THE Fourth Article concerning Ministers shall be couched in these terms A Minister shall not be chosen by one only Minister with his Consistory but by two or three Ministers called into the said Consistory and if there be one in being by the Colloquy or if it may be by the Provincial Synod Afterward he shall be recommended to the People who shall hear him two or three weeks following or for some longer time if it be conceived fitting that he may be known to them and his Method in Teaching the Congregation also shall be expresly informed that if any one of them know a just cause or reason why the called Minister should not be chosen or if they be dissatisfied with them that they would declare it unto the Consistory who will readily receive and patiently and freely hear their Exceptions against him And in case there arise contention on one side or other the Election shall be suspended and the whole Affair shall be brought before the Provincial Synod who shall take knowledge both of the Justification and Reception of the said Ministers who though justified shall not however be imposed upon that People against their will or to the discontentment of the major part of them And on the contrary the Peoples Silence shall be taken for their full consent Finally the said Pastor shall be presented unto the People and be ordained by laying on of hands And if any Ministers be desired by particular Churches to be employed in their Service they shall be sent with good Testimonials of their Life and Doctrine unto the Colloquy or Synod of the Province whereunto the Churches that demanded them do belong and that Colloquyor Synod shall first hear them and in case the Ministers thus sent have never before exercised the Pastoral Office they may examine them and afterwards depute three or four Ministers to nominate and present them unto the Churches which desired them who having heard them preach shall finally receive them or if the People do oppose it the whole Affair shall be determined according to the Order before appointed and all at the Costs and Charges of the Churches which demanded them XX. At the close of that Article concerning Excommunication under the Head of Delinquents these words shall be added And during the Publication as well of the said Excommunication as of the Reconciliation it shall be lawful for those of the People who never consented to give Notice of it unto the Consistory and they have all holy liberty for so doing and the Consistory shall consider of it whereas the silence of others shall be taken for consent And in case of opposition or discontent they shall not proceed unto Excommunication without advising with the Colloquy yet nevertheless the said Suspension shall stand and remain in its full vigour and effect XXI To the first Article of Particular Orders there shall be made this short addition And to nourish Monks XXII In the 27th Article concerning Ministers after these words To shorten the Term of Three Months there shall be added And the said Colloquy shall consider how those ungrateful Persons shall be dealt with weighing maturely and considering seriously all Circumstances and above all having in their eyes the Glory of God the Edification of his Church and the Honour of the Ministry And what remains of that Article shall be razed out XXIII After the 18th Article concerning Consistories this present shall be subjoyned In those places where the Exercise of the Reformed Religion is not established the Faithful shall be exhorted by the Neighbour Colloquies to choose unto themselves Elders and Deacons and to observe the Discipline of the Church and the Colloquy shall advise unto what Church most commodiously both for Minister and People they may be annexed and this shall be done by consent of all or the major part of them and they shall not depart from that Church without having first consulted the said Colloquy Provincial Synods have Power of changing Ministers XXIV The 16th Article concerning Ministers shall be couched in these following words Authority is granted unto Provincial Synods for certain Causes to remove Ministers their Churches being first heard and their Reasons duly pondered but in case of difference the Cause shall be finally decided by the National Synod and till that Sentence be obtained Ministers shall abide where they were XXV There shall be this addition made unto the Article of Provincial Synods And the said Deputies shall come at the common Charges and Expences of their Churches XXVI To the sixth Article of Baptism this Clause shall be added And after they have made Profession of Religion XXVII To the third Article of Elders after these words As also the Sentences of Suspension shall be done there shall be this addition Without any mentioning of Name XXVIII Unto the end of the 7th Article of Elders shall be this added And they shall be diligently exhorted to continue in their Offices as long as may be because frequent changes brings damage unto the Church The Faithful may not be present at any Stage-plays XXIX There shall be this addition at the end of the 18th Article concerning particular Orders It shall not be lawful for the Faithful to be present at Stage-Plays Comedies Tragedies or Farces whether they be acted publickly or privately because they have been ever condemned by God's ancient Churches for corrupting of good Manners especially when as the Holy Scripture shall be profaned by them But if a Colledge judge it meet for their Youth to represent any History not comprised in the Sacred Scriptures which was never given us for our sport and pastime but to be preached for our conversion and comfort and provided this be done but very seldom and by the Advice of the Colloquy which shall first peruse the Composition it may be tolerated XXX The fifteenth Province shall be divided into two Forest Auvergna and La Marche shall make one Burgundy Lyonnois and Benujolois another and
from the King and without any mixture of Superstition or Idolatry they may do it lawfully enough But and if they hold them with Idolatry or Superstition be it either from the King's Gift or the Pope they cannot do it there is sin and guilt in the case nor shall they be admitted to Communion with us at the Lord's Table For this would be a professed owning of the Pope's Tyranny who hath no rightful Dominion nor Authority in these matters but Kings and Princes only who are robbed by the Pope's Usurpation of their just Rights Power Priviledges and Authority CHAP. VII Particular MATTERS Art I. IT is now concluded that the Province of Normandy may be divided into two Provinces in case they cannot conveniently meet in one and all the Ministers shall come unto them accompanied with their Elders according to the Canon of our Discipline and not by deputies from the Colloquies Art II. As for Cozain upon reading those Letters sent us from our Brethren the English Ministers it was ordered That the two Books written by the said Cozain and dedicated to some particular Members in the Church of Bourdeaux and brought unto this present Synod by Monsieur de la Sauls should be put into Monsieur Beza's hands for his perusal and who should make report of their Contents unto us and an Answer shall be returned to our Brethren of England Art III. The Deputies of the Isle of France craved our Advice about those Points of Church-Discipline now controverted by Monsieur Ramus du Rosier Bergeron and some others Whereupon an Order was made That Monsieur de Chambrun should read in this Assembly that Abridgement made by our Brethren of the Isle of France and extracted out of Morellius's Answer to that Book De la Confirmation de la Discipline and sent by them unto this Synod together with the Book of the said Morellius in answer to it and for decision of those Points and Arguments therein contained as also Ramus and De Rosier's Books which shall be delivered unto Monsieur Cappel to be examined by him And in case there be any other Arguments found in them besides those formerly urged by Morellius these shall be also answered And Messieurs de Beza De Roche Chandieu and De Beaulieu are chosen to reply unto them And as for the Decisions and Decrees they shall be made only by the Provinces Yet liberty is given unto the By standers in case they think good to make opposition and to this purpose the Doors of the Synod shall be leâ—t wide open and silence shall not be imposed upon any Man in this matter for this time Only it shall not be made a Precedent Art IV. But this Affair having been since considered examined disputed debated and put to the Vote as it was ordered in the last mentioned Canon a Decree passed That our Church-Discipline as it hath been all along to this very day observed end practised among us so also shall it be for the future without any change or innovation in it as being grounded upon God's Word And as for those Positions asserted by Monsieur Ramus Morellius Bergeron and others 1. About the Decision of Points of Doctrine 2. About the Election and Deposal of Ministers 3. About Excommunication out of the Church and Reconciliation with and Re-admission into it 4. And lastly about Prophesying None of these shall be received among us because they have no Foundation in the Word of God and are of very dangerous consequence unto the Church as the whole hath been verified and made appear in the presence of this Synod in which all the Arguments of those Books of Ramus Morellius and Du Rozier were most narrowly sifted and discussed and this was unanimously assented to by the Declaration of all the Provincial Deputies who affirmed That they had maturely and duly considered of those Points of Discipline controverted by those Gentlemen before-mentioned And Monsieur De la Roche Chandieu was ordered to reduce and set down in writing all the Answers and Resolutions made by this Assembly unto the said Treatises and Arguments and to communicate them with the Colloquy of Lionnois that they may be printed and published Only the Relation of these Synodâ—cal Answers and Resolutions shall be writ with the greatest moderation and without mentioning the Names of any Person Art V. The Colloquy of Limmigny shall be advised to get the Memoirs of their Synod to be razed nor may they make any particular Canons of their own but shall be governed by those of our Discipline Art VI. Monsieur Berauld and his Colleagues in the Church of Montauban are charged to recover from Monsieur Comerard of Tholouse the History of the Albigenses written in their Langùage and Monsieur D' Acier shall translate it into French and having done it shall communicate it unto their Colloquy according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline and then cause it to be printed And Letters shall be written to this purpose unto the said Sieurs de Comerard and D' Acier from this Assembly Art VII The County of Messin and City of Metz shall be joyned to the Province of Champagne according to the particular Canon of our Discipline and Letters concerning it shall be sent unto them from this Synod Art VIII The Lord Admiral de Chastillon having writ a Letter unto this Synod the Churches were all admonished of their Duty to his Majesty and an Answer should be returned to this effect unto his Lordship Art IX A Vote passed but without any prejudice to the liberty of Monsieur de Saules and without debating the Merits of his Cause that a Letter should be written unto the Magistrates of Geneva thanking them for their Love and Good-will and they shall be desired to continue it unto all the Churches of France in general and particularly to those of Bearn and we do grant Monsieur de Saules tor one Year more unto the Queen of Navarre and Letters also shall be written unto her Majesty and to his Highness the Prince her Son Art X. The Churches shall be excited to assist with their Charity the poor Members of the County and Church of Orange who are in extream poverty there being no less than Twelve hundred Families of these Refugees in the single Province of Dolphiny Art XI Before that Mr. John le Gagneur shall be admitted Pastor into any one of our Churches he shall give good Evidence of his Repentance and of his Reconciliation with the Church of Geneva and we will have some considerable space of time for proving the truth of his Repentance Art XII Upon the Censure of Ramus Morellius and their Companions it was voted That Letters should be writ in the Name and Authority of this Assembly unto the said Ramus Morelly Du Rozier and Bergeron and to give them all severally to understand what was concluded by this Assembly against their Books and to re-mind them of their Duty according to God's Holy Word and a Letter
its Minister and that Church having been twice informed which is suffered of the Day and Place when the Colloquy and Synod shall meet refuseth to appear The said Colloquy or Synod may proceed farther and determine finally about that difference notwithstanding the Absence of one of the Parties The Union of the Church must not be quitted for any Persecution XXVI The Churches and particular Persons shall be admonished never to depart from the Sacred Union of the Church whatever Persecutions may befal them nor shall they procure for themselves a separate Peace and Liberty distinct from the whole Body of our Churches And in case of failure â—â—â—â—in they shall be censured as the Colloquy or Synod shall judge expedient XXVII Appellants from Provincial Synods unto the National shall be bound personally to appear at those very National Synods â—â—â—â—as Appâ—â—al unâ—â— Synods must â—â—ther appear in Person or send their most â—â—â—le Meâ—â—â—rs or to send thither their most ample Memoirs and in case of default the Sentence of the National Synod shall he ratified And this Rule shall hold good in all Appeals from Consistories unto Colloquies and from Colloquies unto the Provincial Synods XXVIII Ministers shall be bound to Assist personally at Colloquies and Provincial Synods If Pâ—â—stors do not attend on Colloquies and Provincial Synods they may be deposed by them or to send their Memoirs and lawful Excuses and in case of disobedience to this Order the said Colloquy or Synod may judge difinitively of their neglect and dispose of their Persons CHAP. V. XXIX THE Province of higher Languedoc is ordered to call the next National Synod in the beginning of May 1579. However the said Province is intreated if the Lord be pleased to grant the Churches any further liberty to have respect unto the Conveniences of the far distant Provinces Which also their Deputies have promised shall be done XXX The fourth Canon in the Chapter of the Lord's Supper shall be couched in these words Beneficed Persons who bear the Name and title of their Benefices and do either directly or indirectly communicate with Idolatry and receive the Revenues of their Benefices either immediately with their own hands or mediately by the hands of others shall not be admitted to communion with us at the Lord's fable But such as enjoy those Benefices by his Majesty's Gift or Toleration and are downright Professors of the true Religion and do visibly own and maintain it they shall have the same priviledge with all other Members of our Churches to sit down with us at the Lord's Table Only they shall be exhorted to apply the Revenue of their aforesaid Benefices unto pious Vses And the Management of this Exhortation is left wholly to the Prudence of the Colloquies and Consistories CHAP. VI. XXXI UPon perusal of the Memoirs and Instructions produced in a late Assembly of many Deputies from sundry famous Reformed Churches Kingdoms and Provinces who met at Francfort and were invited thither by the most Serene and Illustrious Prince Elector John Casimir Prince Palatine and Duke of Bavaria in which were laid down several Means Expedients and most proper and effectual Remedies for uniting all the Reformed Churches of Christendom in one common bond of Union as also for suppressing and terminating the Differences which are risen up and fomented by their common Adversaries among them and for hindring some hot-headed and bigotted Divines from condemning and as they had menaced and protested they would condemn and pronounce an Anathema against the greatest and soundest part by far of the Christian Reformed Churches Now that such imprudent and wicked Designs might be obviated and prevented they did after mature Advice and Consultation had among themselves unanimously resolve and agree to draw up a Petition unto their most Illustrious Highnesses the Princes of the Empire who adhering to the Confession of Ausbourg Moreover they had given an express charge that one uniform Confession of Faith should be framed which was to be taken and accounted as the general and common Confession of all Protestants and to send several Copies of it unto all those Kingdoms and Provinces in which those Churches were gathered to be examined and approved by them and to be crowned with their joynt common and unanimous Consent and Approbation And they had also agreed upon the time when and place where the Deputies of those Kingdoms and Provinces might be convocated and particularly they had invited the Churches of this Kingdom to send thither some prudent Persons of great Experience well approved for their Piety and and Integrity and impowered by all the Churches with ample Authority to treat agree and decide all Points of Doctrine and other Matters concerning the Union Peace and Conservation of the Churches and of the pure Worship of God This present National Synod of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom blessing God for so good a Motion for such an excellent Proposal and applauding the Care Diligence and good Counsel of those worthy Deputies in the fore-mentioned Assemblies and approving the Remedies and Expedients propounded and prescribed by them doth now ordain that if the Copy of the said Confession be sent timely enough unto us it shall be examined in each of our Provincial Synods or in some other place and manner as will best consist with the Conveniences of our respective Provinces and in the mean while four Ministers most verst in all Ecclesiastical Affairs are constituted a Committee to intend this business to-wit Mr. Anthony de Chandieu Mr. John de Estre Ministers of the Word of God in the Church of Paris and Mr. Peter Merlin Minister of the Church of Vitre in Britain and Monsieur Gabert late Minister of the French Church at Francfort and they be expresly charged and commanded to meet at the day and place appointed with their Letters of Deputation and with a most full and ample Commission from all the Ministers and Elders deputed by the Provinces of this Kingdom and there will accompany them the most illustrious Lord Viscount of Turenne that so they may do all Matters as were above designed But in case the Provinces should neither have opportunity nor conveniency to examine the said Confession in their respective Synods 't is lest unto their Prudence and soundest Judgment to agree and come to a conclusion about all those Matters which shall be debated by them whether they be Points of Doctrine or any other Articles relating to the Peace Union Weal and Happiness of all the Churches XXXII These same Commissioners deputed as in the immediately foregoing Article unto the Conference in Germany are ordered to peruse that Treatise of Monsieur de Chandieu Intituled La Confirmation de la Discipline des Eglises Francoises and to prefix their manual Approbation of it and to dedicate it with a Preface unto the Church of Christ and to hasten with as much Expedition as they can its Publication XXXIII Monsieur Esnard having according to the Commission given him
in the Month of June the last Year 1577. by divers Churches of this Kingdom rendered an account of his said Commission unto this Assembly produced and read the Acts and made an ample Relation of what was done and transacted in that general Synodical Meeting at Frankford in Germany the last September 1577. in which were gathered the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of Christendom and in which he assisted also as a Deputy from our Churches This Assembly was very well pleased with his whole Negotiation accepted and approved of it and doth now discharge him of his said Commission and all Instructions and Blanks signed and given him by our Churches relating to his said Commission were vacated and disannulled as being altogether needless for the future and all Duplicates of the said Commissions and Instructions which he was bound under his own Hand and Seal to observe and follow were in like manner cancelled and disannulled that so he might be intirely acquitted freedand discharged and we do also now discharge him without ever demanding any Matter or farther account from him for the future Given at St. Foy this 13 th Day of February 1578. The first Appeals mentioned in any of their Synods CHAP. VII Appeals and Particular Matters Art N. B. One Book calls this the 34th or 36th Article of General Matters HIS Excellency the Prince of Conde appealed from the Consistory of Rochel for disswading him from communicating at the Lord's Table because of a Prize taken at Sea by his Commission after publishing the last Edict of Pacification embraced by the said Prince Unto which his Excellency made this Answer That the said Prize was taken before the forty Days for divulging the said Peace were expired and it was from the sworn Enemies of the King of Navar and of himself also That it being a meer Civil State-Matter the Consistory had nothing to do with it To which the Consistory replied That the whole Church and City of Rochel were greatly Scandalized hereat because they were accounted Infractors and Violators of the publick Peace of the Kingdom and that they were commonly taxed and reproached for such Prizes as Harborers and Concealers of Pirates and piratical Goods and that for their parts they could not foresee any thing else but that divine Vengeance would light down upon them if they did not oppose such unlawful Practices proceeding from certain Persons who maliciously abused the Name and Authority of his Excellency the Prince So that they could not do less in Duty and Conscience considering their Office in the Church than to endeavour by all good means to extinguish the Fire of such a blazing Scandal and they most humbly beseech his Excellency the Prince to take kindly this their Admonition as done net out of any ill will or bad design against him and that he would be pleased to exert hit Authority in such like Matters so that the Peace sworn by him may be kept and observed This Assembly having maturely considered the whole Affair doth own acknowledge and approve of the Zeal and good Affection of the Church and Consistory of Rochel especially in opposing it self against scandalous Sins and that herein they have not acted beyond the Line of their Duty for they be supported and maintained in it by the holy Word of God which ought to be the Rule of all our Actions whereby they are either to be approved or rejected and that denounceth a Curse upon all those who shall offend but the least of Men and unto this divine Word all of us must yield Obedience if we intend to have and hold communion with the Lord Jesus Yet notwithstanding this Assembly could have wished that the said Consistory had suspended and deferr'd their Judgment in an Affair of so great Importance and had not been so hasty and precipitant about it that so all suspicion of Animosities on either side might have been avoided And as for his Excellency the Prince this Assembly doth earnestly beseech him not to misconstrue those Remonstrances made him in the Name of God which we judge were but just and needful and grounded upon the Word of God and therefore we desire his Excellency that he would be pleas'd to remove the occasion of the said Scandal and take in good part the Admonitions of the Church and that he would be reconciled to it and he shall be particularly intreated so to do by our Brethren Messieurs Merlin Bouguet De la Tour and St. Martin who are charged by this Assembly to acquaint his Excellency with this our Request unto his Excellency and to the said Consistory and that we have none other end nor design in it than the perfect Union of our Members to serve God in Holiness and Righteousness not giving any offence to those that are within or without and this being done we decree that his Excellency the said Prince shall be received into Communion at the Lord's Table Given at St. Foy the Great this 14 th Day of February 1578. And thus Signed Francois Loiseau Scribe of the said Synod II. His Grace the Duke of Rohan requesting by Letters that this Assembly would grant Monsieur de Claville Minister of the Church of Loudun to be Pastor of the Church in his House and Family or at least to serve it in course four Months every Year and that the Sieur de la Tousche Minister of St. Fulgent may take up his Residence at Monchamp The Ministers of those Churches being now absent it was thought good to dismiss this Affair unto the Provincial Synods to which those Churches do appertain that they may judge of it that his said Grace the Duke of Rohan may be gratified in his demands by those Synods III. Monsieur De Spina Minister of the Gospel shall be sent Pastor unto the Church of Anger 's only the Churches of Paris and Saumur have still their Right in him reserved to them And in case that through the difficulties of the Times he should not be able to subsist at Anger 's the Neighbour Classis or Colloquy to that City shall take care of his maintainance and provide it for him and they may also lend him as they shall see good for the Glory of God IV. Monsieur du Lygne shall be lent six Months longer unto the Church of Agen in which time the Province of Anjou shall do their Duty to redemand him and there shall be a Church given him wherein to exercise his Ministery and to make provision for his Subsistence And in case the said Provincial Synod should not recal him within the term prefixed he shall be fully settled in the said Church of Agen. CHAP. VIII V. JOhn Bonniot or Bouquier styling himself Gaultier exercising the Ministery at present at San Bouchard near unto Great St. Foy because that he hath temerariously intruded himself into the Ministery without any Call for that he hath forged divers Letters clipped his Majesty's Coin melted down his Clippings into base Silver Lingots and vended them
this nature should have a perpetual tendency to the Churches edifying So that when Parents or Sureties do offer Children unto Baptism and desire their own Names to be put upon them this their Request shall be granted provided they be not Names prohibited in the close of the Ninth Canon of Baptism as the Names of God Angel or Office or such as be notoriously ridiculous V. Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall most humbly intreat and exhort Kings Princes Great Lords and all Impropriators of Church-Lands and all our opulent and wealthy Churches to lay by and dedicate some considerable Portion of their yearly Incomes Estates and Revenues towards the maintenance of Students in Divinity and of poor Schollars of excellent and hopeful Parts who may be hereafter imployed in the Sacred Ministry And that this Canon may be observed this Assembly will give the first Example and doth now order that Letters shall be written unto those most Illustrious and Noble Personages and to our richest Churches inviting them unto this most needful Contribution and these Letters shall be signed in the Name of this National Synod by the Moderator Assessor and Scribe VI. National and Provincial Synods shall be held once every Year for time coming and Colloquies twice a Year but by this Canon we do not intend to abridge the Provinces who can better do it of their Priviledge in observing the first established Order Pastors must come accompanied with one Elder unto Synods or Classes VII Pastors shall ever come unto these Ecclesiastical Assemblies accompanied with an Elder and in case they be sent alone there shall be no regard had unto Memoirs as in like manner it shall be with the Elders if they come singly Sureties must ponder seriously their Engagements at Baptism VIII Pastors shall diligently exhort all Sureties of both Sexes seriously to weigh and consider their Promises ingaged at Baptism and Parents shall be advised to chuse such Sureties for their Children as are well instructed in Religion and of exemplary Life and Conversation or at least such as if need be may be able to educate their Children in the knowledge and fear of God Some Crimes shall not be blotted out the Books of Consistory IX Upon Repentance and Satisfaction given unto the Church all Crimes and Offences shall be razed out of the Books of Consistories except such who for their Contumacy and Rebellion had been censured with Suspension from the Lord's Supper or Excommunication None of the Consistory may declare the Sins of ingenuous Penitents X. Consistories shall not give in Evidence against any Person by Act or any other way unto the Magistrate And the Members of those Consistories shall not reveal any Person the Confessions of Penitents who voluntarily and of their own accord or by Admonitions given them shall have confessed and acknowledged their Offences XI Forasmuch as divers sickly Persons are Communicants at the Lord's Table and some for fear of Infection scruple to take the Cup after them Pastors and Elders are advised to use their best prudence and discretion in this case CHAP. III. XII A Woman having been joyned in Marriage unto one who was formerly a Monk or Priest and since returned unto his former Profession may not marry another Man until such time as her first Marriage be dissolved and the Sentence of Dissolution shall be pronounced as of Right it ought by the Magistrate XIII Pastors are left unto their liberty to use either the accustomed words or any other words in the Administration of the Lord's Supper it being a matter indifferent The Faithful may not hold any Benefices where there is peril of Idolatry See the Second Synod of Rochel art 34.37 provided they be such as tend unto edification XIV In the case of Benefices to which there is a Right of Patronage by presentation from the Lord of the Mannor or by the interposal of the Bishop of the Diocess the Faithful must be advised not in the least to retain them thô they were freely given them without any Condition express or implicite of Service unto the Idol XV. Farmers of the Temporalities of the Clergy of their Rents Tithes and such-like Matters shall observe the Nineteenth Article of the last National Synod held at St. Foy which was to intermeddle as little as may be with such Concerns because of divers Abuses and Inconveniences that might happen about them Which ceasing those of the Reformed Religion may lawfully farm them And all Consistories are desired to take Notice of it XVI See the Second Synod of Rochel Art 50. How Parents ought to behave themselves when they marry their Children to one of a contrary Religion Parents professing the Reformed Religion having Idolatrous Children of a Religion contrary to their own who would take them Wives Idolaters like themselves shall be advised to use their utmost endeavour to turn away their Children from such a Marriage especially if as yet they be Minors and not emancipated from under their Paternal Authority But in case they cannot prevail upon them whenas the Marriage-Articles shall be signed they shall openly protest their abhorrency of that Idolatry into which their Children do so wickedly plunge themselves and afterwards may give their Consent to the Promises and Conditions concerning the Portion and other such-like Matters XVII Publick Penances to be used prudently See the Second Synod of Rochel Art 26. Consistories are advised to take care that Publick Penances be used very seldom and with a great deal of prudence and only for publick notorious Crimes really committed which are come to the knowledge of the far greater part of the Church and in this case the scandalous sin itself shall be particularly confessed No Book of the Holy Scripture shall be turn'd into Plays XVIII Neither the Canonical nor Apocryphal Books of the Holy Bible shall be transformed into Comedies of Tragedies XIX No Church nor Province shall make any Ordinance unless for Substance it be conformable to the General Articles of our Church-Discipline Ministers by their Personal Promises shall not be obliged to any Church XX. No Church shall pretend Title or Right unto any Minister because of his particular Promise given them without the Authority of the Colloquy of Provincial Synod XXI In case a Minister be destitute of a Church in his own Province and Colloquy and shall lend his Service unto another Church out of his Province which hath desired him so to do till the next Synod and if that Synod when convened cannot employ him in its own Province he shall then be the peculiar Minister of that Church which had demanded him provided it be done with the full content of the Church And this Canon shall bind for the future but without any prejudice to the time past XXII In the first Article concerning Elders and Deacons after these words The Duties of their Office shall be read there shall be this addition And a particular Prayer shall
be expressed conceived and offered up to God for them XXIII In the first Article concerning Delinquents after these words Cutting him off in the Name and by the Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be added And of his Church Protestants possessing Tythes must wholly employ them in pious Uses on pain of being censured XXIV Whereas divers Persons professing the Reformed Religion do by their own Authority and Right possess Tythes which formerly were appropriated unto Church-men in Holy Orders they shall be advised to employ them wholly to pious Uses such as the Maintenance of the Ministry Relief of the Poor Education of Schollars who be the Seminary of the Church and in no wise unto their private Profits on pain of being suspended the Lord's Supper in case of non-observing this holy just and reasonable Counsel XXV That Article concerning Burials without Exhortations and Prayers at the Graves shall be punctually observed and such as act contrary to it shall be severely censured XXVI Against Dances See the Second Synod of Rochel Art 33. Ministers and Consistories are hereby admonished to see that Canon concerning Dances to be most strictly observed which is the 20th under the Title of Particular Orders forbidding expresly all Dances and also they shall prudently distinguish between such as be contumacious Rebels against this holy Advice and those who by their discontinuance of Dancing do manifest their having profited by it XXVII ‖ ‖ ‖ No suspended Person from the Lord's Supper may be Sureties for a Child at Baptism Suspended Persons from the Lord's Table shall not be admitted to present Children unto Baptism in quality of Sureties during the time of their Suspension XXVIII There shall be no change made in the present Division of the Provinces with reference to their particular Synods Yet are they advised all of them so to assign the Places of their Synodical Assemblies as will be most commodious for them XXIX Churches that in singing Psalms do first cause each Verse to be read shall be advised to forbear that childish Custom and such as have used themselves unto it shall be censured XXX Whereas divers Persons during Publick and Family Prayers do neither uncover their Heads Humility must be testified in Prayer nor bow their Knees expressing thereby the great pride of their Hearts and scandalizing such as fear the Lord that this their Irreverence may be amended and reformed all Pastors Elders and Governors of Families are advised and required to see carefully unto it that during the time of Prayer every one in their Churches and Families without exception be they high or low noble or base do testifie the humbleness of their Heart by those fore-mentioned outward marks of humility unless they be hindred by unavoidable necessity or malady in which cases we leave them to the direction of their particular and respective Consciences No Legal Formalities to be used in the Exercise of Church-Discipline XXXI In the Exercise of of Church-Discipline all Formalities and Terms of Law commonly used by the Civilians shall be forborn And forasmuch as divers Persons that they may avoid the Censure of their Crimes do ordinarily appeal from one Ecclesiastical Assembly unto another and then at last to the National Synod which is thereby more encumbred in the deciding their businesses than of any other Differences arising in any Province are to be definitively determined in that particular Province This Synod doth ordain That for time to come whatever Differences arise in any Province shall be definitively determined by that very Provincial Synod and no Appeal from it to be admitted excepting what concerns the Suspensions and Deposings of Ministers Elders and Deacons and the removal of a Minister from one Province unto another and Points of Doctrine in which cases they may be brought by degrees at last to the National Synod where they shall be finally judged and determined XXXII The Holy Word of God condemning that Custom introduced into certain Reformed Churches of enquiring into and generally censuring of Faults in the Publick Congregation both of Men and Women before the Lord's Supper those Churches that have used it are exhorted to forbear it for the future and in Point of Censures to acquiesce in the observation of that Order established in our Discipline and practised by all other the Reformed Churches of France And such Churches as shall refuse so to do shall be censured That the Complaints of Ministers and the dissipation of Churches may be avoided the Churches must advance a Quarter's Pay before-hand unto their Ministers XXXIII That the Ingratitude of divers Churches towards their Ministers who therefore deserve justly to be deprived of them may be hereafter prevented This Assembly doth ordain That every Church shall advance a Quarter's Stipend before-hand unto their Pastors of that Annual Maintenance they had ingaged to pay them And in case three Months be laps'd and his Quarteridge unpaid after Complaints made unto the Consistory or the more eminent Members of that Church the said Pastor may withdraw himself from the Service of his said Church appealing from its Consistory unto the two nearest Ministers before whom he shall declare the causes of his departure that so he may be discharged from all Calumny and the Pastor thus ungratefully dealt withal shall not be obliged to tarry for the Judgment of any Colloquy or Synod unless one of those Assemblies do meet in the same Month of his departure And that ungrateful Church shall not be provided of any other Pastor till it shall have first given plenary satisfaction unto its former Minister And he must in the mean while remember not to engage himself to any Church out of his Province unless he have first obtained License from his own Provincial Synod XXXIV The Censure incurred and merited by the ungrateful Members of particular Churches shall be inflicted on them by their own Consistories according to our Discipline XXXV The 11th Canon in the Chapter of Marriages shall be thus explained That whenas one of the Parties is of a contrary Religion the Marriage shall not be admitted in a Reformed Church until such time as that Party of the contrary Religion be sufficiently instructed and is enabled with a good Conscience to make a publick Protestation of his Renouncing all Idolatry and Superstition and that by the Grace of God helping him he will continue the rest of his Days in the purity of his Worship And the Consistory of that Church in which he is to make this Protestation shall take Cognisance or the sufficiency of his knowledge XXXVI All the Provinces are desired to take Notice that a certain Minister called German hath been deposed from his Ministry and declared a Vagrant for good and just Cause by the Provincial Synod of Orleans and Berry whose Sentence shall abide valid Saving always to the said German power to justifie himself before the National Synod if he think fitting The Confession of the Low
another where their Crime is not known they shall only testify their Repentance privately before the Consistory but with this Condition that in case they return to that former Church whereunto they belonged they shall then and there also make a publick Acknowledgment of their Offence XXIV Publick Penances shall be undergone personally and by those only who have publickly offended the Sinner openly and sincerely with his Mouth from his Heart testifying his Repentance XXV Whoredoms when committed and come to publick â—â—owledge shall by their Actors be publickly acknowledged with evident Tokens of Repentance XXVI This Clause by the greater part shall be razed out from the end of the 17th Article of Figeac and there shall be this only inserted known by the greater part XXVII Both those Canons of the Tenth National Synod and of our ancient Discipline concerning the time of meeting for Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall remain in full force so that they be wholly left unto their Liberty to do therein as they may most conveniently XXVIII Forasmuch as Provincial Synods depend upon the National Colloquies also shall for the same Reasons be subject unto the Provincial Synods and Consistories unto Colloquies XXIX The National Synod of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom assembled in this City of Rochel under the Authority of the King's Edicts having seen a certain Book Intituled The History of France printed in this City upon divers complaints made unto us from all parts of the Kingdom against it and having took Cognisance of the proceedings of the Consistory of this Church against the find Book hath found that in many places the Author speaks exceeding irreverently and irreligiously of divine Things and that it is a heap of idle vain and prophane Matters full of Falshoods Lies and Calumnies to the great prejudice of God's glorious Power to the disadvantage and dishonour of our Holy Doctrine and Reformed Religion to the Dissamation of divers godly Persons dead and living And therefore hath thought good to advertise all the Churches that they beware of the said Book and inasmuch as in them lieth to disapprove it And this Synod doth judicially declare the Author of the said Book if he own himself a Protestant unworthy of our Holy Communion and not to be admitted to the participation of the Sacraments until such time as he shall have acknowledged his offence and by convenient means such as the Suppression of his History shall have repaired the Scandal that he hath given unto the Churches XXX The Synod also having seen and examined another Book written in Latin upon Genesis by a certain Fellow called James Brocan of Piedmont printed in this City hath declared and doth declare it to be fraught with Impieties and horrible Profanations of the Sacred Scriptures and pernicious Errors especially in Matters of Revelation of Revelation Prophecy and therefore exhorts all the Faithful to keep themselves carefully from being seduced by it XXXI The first Article of Provincial Synods being read it was decreed That all Ministers should attend in Person at their Provincial Synods or should excuse themselves by Letters in case of absence the causes whereof should be judged valid or otherwise by those Assemblies XXXII The third Article concerning National Synods shall abide in its full power But for the benefit of all our Churches there shall be this clause added That for time to come if possible it may be done there shall be two Ministers and two Elders deputed from every Province unto them XXXIII Forasmuch as Dancings and other Dissolutions do sprout up and increase every where yea and in these our Reformed Churches it was thought good to exhort the Consistories that for God's sake they would conscientiously observe the Six and twentieth Article of particular Orders decreed in the Synod of Figeac and in the Name of God and by the Authority of this present Assembly that it be read publickly in the Churches and all Colloquies and Synods are hereby expresly charged to censure those Consistories that neglect their Duty in this particular XXXIV All those who by unlawful means as by Papal Bulls or ready Money shall purchase or hold Benefices and such as cause Idolatry to be upheld and maintained either directly or indirectly shall be excluded Communion at the Lord's Table XXXV As to what concerns Impropriators and Farmers of Benefices the ancient Canons of our Discipline shall hold good and be in full force power and vertue against them Yet nevertheless the Deputies shall bring with them from their respective Provinces whatever Difficulties have occurr'd about those matters that so they may be debated in the next National Synod And whereas our Brethren of Languedoc Gascony and Perigord have desired have for the welfare of their Churches to censure such Farmers the business is left unto the prudence of their Provincial Synods XXXVI That Churches may not hereafter upon the death or removal of their Pastors be dissolved the Ministers who preside in the Colloquy for a new Election shall first of all enquire of every Elder in other Churches of the Colloquy what and how much Maintenance they exhibit unto their Pastors and what care they take for paying in unto them their promised Stipends that so provision may be made for them by the Authority of the Colloquies XXXVII These words The most eminent shall be blotted out from the 33d Article of Figeac XXXVIII Synods and Colloquies shall consult how to six the Limits and Extent of that Church wherein a Minister shall exercise his ordinary Calling XXXIX Ministers belonging to the Churches of France and now living abroad without the Kingdom shall be recalled by their respective Provinces XL. Forasmuch as there is a notorious contempt of Religion visible in all places yea also in our Religious Meetings we advise that Notice be given unto all Persons to bring with them their Psalm-Books into the Churches and that such as contemptuously neglect the doing of it shall be severely censur'd and all Protestant Printers are advised not to sunder in their Impressions the Prayers and Catechism from the Psalm-Books XLI The 17th Article of particular Orders concerning Habits was thus explained This Synod declareth That such Habits are not to be allowed in common wearing which carry with them evident marks of lasciviousness dissolution and excessive new-fangled Fashions such as painting slashing cutting in pieces trimming with Locks and Tassels or any other that may discover our Nakedness or naked Breasts or Fardingales or the like sort of Garments with which both Men and Women do wickedly cloath and adorn themselves And Consistories shall do their utmost endeavour to suppress such Dissolutions by their Censures and in case the Delinquents are contumacious and rebellious they shall proceed against them even to Excommunication XLII As to the 14th Canon concerning Marriages this Synod doth not judge it contrary to the 24th Article enacted by the Assembly of Estates at Blois for in that Orders only were given unto Notaries and Scriveners how
they should carry and behave themselves wherefore leaving unto Notaries to follow their ordinary business in the way and manner prescribed to them nothing hinders but that the Church may make Espousals by words de proesenti XLIII All excessive and scandalous Usuries shall be severely forbidden and condemned Usuries forbidden XLIV After these words The Superstition of the Romish Church in the second Article of particular Orders there shall be these added And the said Printers and Booksellers are exhorted not to sell any scandalous Books relating to Idolatry or Impudicity or such at have a tendency to corrupt good manners Not lawful to marry the Widow of the Wise's Brother XLV As to that Case propounded Whether a Man might lawfully marry the Widow of his Wife's Brother we judge That over and above what has been determin'd by others formerly in this matter that there is a secret affinity between such Parties because in the sight of God the Man and Wife are accounted but one flesh and therefore decency and civility will not permit it Licenses to marry may be taken from the King thô not from the Pope XLVI It is in no wise lawful for any Member of our Churches to address themselves unto the Pope for Dispensations to marry within the degrees prohibited and to remove any present or after Impediments which may or do occur in that holy Estate because in so doing there is an owning and subjection to his Tyrannical Authority But yet in degrees not forbidden by the Word of God which are now forbidden by our Civil Magistrate we may lawfully address ourselves unto the King tor his License XLVII The Faithful shall be admonished both in Sermons and private Conferences not to defer Baptizing their Children unless there be some very great cause inducing them thereunto XLVIII None of our Members in Communion with us shall assist at their Weddings or Wedding-Feasts who that they may marry a Popish Wife do revolt from the Reformed Religion But as for those who have a long while ago left the Profession of our Religion or have been ever Papists it 's left to the prudence of the Faithful to consider what will be most expedient for them and if they go let them take heed of approving the Evil in those Meetings and that they bear no part in the Dances and other Dissolutions which are commonly found and committed at them XLIX For time to come neither Ministers nor any other of the Faithful shall print or publish any of their Writings or private Works without having first obtained the express leave and approbation of their respective Colloquies L. There shall be this clause added to the 12th Article of Figeac And the said Fathers shall make it appear unto the Consistory that they have been diligent in their Duty to hinder as much as in them lay the said Marriages LI. The Province of Brittany is ordered to convoke the next National Synod and shall give Notice thereof three Months before unto all the Provinces as also to the Ministers of Bearn Metz and Sedan and to the Ministers of Princes professing the Reformed Religion The Original of the Acts of this Synod was lodged up in the Archives of the City of Rochel out of which this present Copy was extracted and it was thus signed De Nort Moderator De L'Estang and Scribes chosen and deputed thereunto by the Synod Chauveton Scribes chosen and deputed thereunto by the Synod The End of the Second Synod of Rochel THE ACTS DECISIONS 1583. Synod XII and DECREES OF THE XII National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Vitrè in the Castle of the Right Honourable GVY Earl of Laval on the 15th Day of May and ended the 27th of the same Month in the Year 1583 being the Ninth Year or the Reign of Henry the Third King of France and Poland THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Deputies Names Deputies from the Churches in the Netherlands 18. Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. General Matters Deputies to be sent from the Reformed Churches of France unto the Dutch Synods and from theirs unto the French Synods 1. Their Confession and Discipline mutually signed Ministers to be lent reciprocally Assessments of Members to be in Churches not Provinces A Case of Conscience 6. Another about Prayer to be used at the Baptisms of Children born in Incest 8. Promises of Marriage by words de praesenti indissolvable Notorious Sinners cast out of the Church 12. A weighty Case of Conscience 13. Baptism to be administred before the last Psalm 14. A Case about Patronage 15. All the Deputies to communicate in the end of the National Synod 16. Whether a Popish Bride may be accompanied to her Church 17. A Case about Womens Habits 18. A Case about Prohibitions against Church Censures 19. Acts for a Synodical Seal and a National Fast 21 22. A Case about ungraceful Church-Members about Ministers delegated out of their Colloquy or Provinces about visiting of the sick 24 25 26. Chap. III. Canons removed from changed in and added to the Discipline Chap. IV. Of particular Matters A deposed Minister petitioning to be restored unto his Office is rejected A Case of Conscience 2. A whole Church deprived of the Ministry for not maintaining their Pastor 4. A Case of Conscience 5. An Apostate Minister exposed and excommunicated 6. Censures upon two other such Delinquents 7. A Minister practising Physick censured 10. the Harmony of Confessions approved 14. A Case about confronting Witnesses 15. A Case about a dissolved Marriage 17. A scandalous Minister deposed 18. A Case about a Pension upon a Benefice 21. King of Navarr's Message unto the Synod 26. A motion for Vnion between the German and French Churches The Appeal of a scandalous Minister rejected 31. A Case about a Man's Marriage with his Wife's Niece 32. Broccard's Book on Genesis again condemned 33. Bellefleur for writing against the Discipline censured An Act for calling the next National Synod THE First Synod of Vitre SYNOD XII CHAP. I. The DEPVTIES There appeared in this Synod on behalf of the Provinces and as their Representatives the Pastors and Elders hereafter named viz. 1. FOR the Province of the Isle of France the Land of Chartres Picardy and Brie Monsieur Matthew Virell Minister in the Church of Marchais in Beavoisis within the said Isle of France accompanied with Claudius de Hames Lord of Felnoy Elder of the Church at Dieppe 2. For Champagne and the Land of Messin there should have served Mr. Fleuret Minister of the Church of Esparnon in Champagne but he fell sick by the way and sent Letters of excuse unto the Synod which were accepted But the Province was censured for not sending an Elder with the said Minister 3. Fox Normandy M. William Feuguero Minister of Basqueville and John de Lamare Deacon of the Church of Veinieres 4. For Brittaine M. Peter Merlin Minister of the Church gathered in the House of the
thus In every Church their shall be Memoirs conserved of The Form of Prayer ordinarily used at Baptism shall not be forborn at the at the Baptism of Infants born in Adultery Fornication or Incest VIII It being demanded Whether the usual Form of Prayer should be recited at the Baptism of Infants born out of Matrimony and in Adultery or Incest because there are in it those words Begotten of Father and Mother whom thou hast called into thy Church This Synod judgeth that there should be no difficulty nor dispute had or made about it because that under the Name of Father and Mother are not only comprised the more immediate and next Parents that begat them but also their Ancestors to a thousand Generations And this also should be considered that tho' the Parents be faulty yet they are not therefore totally excluded God's Covenant IX The 4th Article in the Chapter of Marriages asserting that Promises of Marriage made by words de praesenti are indissolvable Promises of Marriage by Words de praesenti are indissolvable shall not be changed And in case of any Offence taken by one of the Parties thus espoused and that he or she refuse to perform the said Marriage the refuting Person shall be urg'd unto it by Ecclesiastical Censures yea even by Excommunication itself unless the offending and deserting Party have never communicated at the Lord's Table in which case all Admonitions having been given duly in the Consistory his or her obstinacy shall be on three several Lord's Days publickly denounced and signified unto the People And on the fourth they shall be publickly informed that we do repute such a Person by name no Member of our Church And this being done if the deserting Person do still persist in his obstinacy the innocent Party shall be dismissed unto the Magistrate that he may be set at liberty who having obtained it by his Authority he may marry whom he pleaseth provided it be in the Lord and his Marriage shall be publickly blessed and solemnized in the Church And the deserting Party shall not be received into Communion with us nor be suffered to marry any other until we have had by a long space of time a sufficient proof of his Repentance and that he hath given due satisfaction to the Church X. It being queried Whether the Names of Children born out of Marriage should be recorded in our Baptismal Register Bastards may be entred into the Register of Marriage except such as are born in Incest The Answer was Yes that they might be owned except such as are born of incestuous Parents that so the memory of so foul a Crime may be forever buried in the Grave of Oblivion And in this particular case the Mother only shall be named and the Person that presents the Child unto Baptism and whenever illegitimate Births are registred it shall be expresly mentioned that they were born out of Marriage XI A Father tho' suspended from the Lord's Table yea and excommunicated may and ought to be present at the Baptizing of his Child XII No Thieves nor Murderers nor any others guilty of notorious wickedness punishable by the Civil Magistrate shall be received into Church-fellowship with us least the Church should incur blame by it as if it were a Receptacle and Sanctuary of impious Persons XIII What is to be done in this case Whenas a most heinous Crime is committed which deserveth exemplary punishment yea Death itself and it be known unto the Consistory or some one particular Member of it but the Criminal hath not been called before the Consistory nor hath privately demanded their Advice or Counsel shall he to discovered unto the Magistrate or no This Synod is of Opinion That he ought not to be impeached unless before a Magistrate of our Religion and it shall be done by way of Intelligence and not by that of a Delator or Accuser XIV Whereas the greater part of our People do very much offend God by their contempt of Baptism either forsaking the Assembly Baptism to be administred before the last Psalm be sung or carrying themselves exceeding irreverently during the Administration of that holy Sacrament it hath upon mature Advice been judged fitting that for the future Baptism be administred before the singing of the last Psalm or at least before the last Blessing be given and the whole Congregation shall be solemnly admonished to give equal Honour to both the Sacraments the same unto Baptism that they do unto the Lord's Supper Because Jesus Christ is offered with all his Benefits both in the one and other Sacrament XV. Gentlemen and others enjoying Right of Patronage shall not be urged to forsake their just Titles only they shall be admonished that whatever profit accrues unto them thereby that it be employed to pious Uses as for the maintenance of God's holy Service in his Church to help defray the Charges of Colloquies and of the Poor XVI Henceforward that Church in which the National Synod is celebrated shall be obliged so to order their Affairs that their appointed time of celebrating the Lord's Supper may fall in with the closing up of the Synod that so the Deputies may testifie that holy Union between all the Churches of this Nation by their mutual Communion then and at that time and in that Church at the Lord's Table XVII Whether it be lawful to accompany a Popish Bride unto her Church The Deputies of Anjou proposed this Case Whether it were lawful to accompany a Popish Bride unto their Church Advice was hereupon given that this should be done as seldom as possible and provided there were not in that Company any Dissolutions by Minstrels or other Vanities and Disorders which are customary in such Processions See the Synod of Saumur art 4. of Gen. Matters And the same Resolution was given in the Case of accompanying the Corps of deceased Papists at Funerals unto their Graves that it was in no wise lawful to be present at them if there were any kind of Idolatry or Superstition committed in them XVIII The Deputy of higher Languedoc propounded this Case A Godly Woman is married to a Man of the contrary Religion who will have her wear that Apparel which is unbecoming Christian Modesty and in case of Non-compliance with her Husband's Commands there arise Quarrels and great Disserences between them may she be tolerated in the usage of those Habits This Assembly is of Opinion that to avoid the above-mentioned Inconveniencies she may be born withal excepting on those Days when the Lord's Supper is celebrated or she presents a Child to be baptized in which she shall cloath herself modestly and so testifie her Humility and Christian Modesty XIX Our Brother the Deputy of Lower Languedoc presented to us this Case that certain Persons professing the Reformed Religion having been according to the Order of our Discipline censured for their Miscarriages obtained a Prohibition from the Civil Magistrate forbidding all farther Proceedings This
the Man first contracted to her according to the liberty given us by our Lord Jesus should declare that he doth repudiate and reject the said Wise because the had violated her Faith given to him and is joyned unto another And after such a declaration if so be the Delinquent Parties return unto their Duty according to our Discipline the Consistory may approve and confirm the Second Marriage and the rather because a Child begotten in the said Marriage hath been baptized in our Church the Father having devolv'd his Right in it upon the Surety who presented it III. The Differences fallen out on the Promises of Marriage between Monsieur John Herisson and Mary the Daughter of Monsieur Moutier Minister of Orbec are dismissed to the Colloquy of Beauvoysie where they shall be fully and smally determined and the Brethren of Feugeray and Paris because they well understand the Matters of Fact relating to it shall be present thereat This present Synod having given no Judgment in the Case because the'fore-mentioned Parties were never summon'd to nor appeared before this Synod and for divers other particularities and circumstances relating to this Affair which merit a longer and more diligent enquiry than the time allotted for our Sessions would admit of IV. As touching the matter proposed by our Brethren the Deputies of Augoumois What is to be done with the Church of Angoulesme who for refusing Maintenance unto their Pastor had together with all the Haeads of its respective Families been deprived of their Minister and of Communion at the Lord's Table by the sole Authority of their Provincial Synod until such time as they had given full satisfaction unto their said Minister It is decreed by the Authority of this Assembly That this whole Affair shall be dismissed unto the Synod of Xaintonge which shall duly summon both Parties to appear before them and having heard them shall put a final period by their Sentence unto all their Differences V. Our Brother the Deputy of Picardy demanding Advice on this difficulty A Woman refuseth to cohabit with her Husband pretending that he was a Monk thô she was well acquainted with it long before she married him and adds scoffingly when she is exhorted to re-unite herself to him That they must be married as if they had never been It is the Judgment of this Synod That for this deserting of her Husband she shall be proceeded against by all Church-Censures and the Husband is advised if he think it fitting to summon her before the Civil Magistrate VI. Master Julian de Lande an Apostate who being formerly displaced with Reputation to himself from the Sacred Ministry hath since revolted from the true Religion and wallows in Debauchery and Idolatry refusing to hearken to the Advice and Orders of his Consistory and hath drawn also a Nephew of his into Apostasie this Assembly ordaineth That the Sentence of Excommunication be publickly denounced against him and that without delay VII This Synod having understood of the Revolt and Apostasie of one Crosse formerly a Minister in the Province of Normandy and that he is plunged Head and Ears in Idolatry persisting obstinately therein As also the defection of one Saint Martin from the Truth who was a Minister of the Gospel in the same Province This Synod remits these Matters of Fact relating to both these Revolters unto their own Provincial Synod with full Power to proceed against them both according as it shall judge most expedient for the good and edification of the Church VIII The Deputy of Higher Languedoc having formed a Complaint against the Colloquy of Armagnac for separating itself from the Province of Higher Languedoc and joyning itself unto the Condonnois thereby to make up one entire Province a part from the other This Assembly ordaineth That it shall be remonstrated to the Colloquy of Armagnac that by this their separation they act contrary to the Distinction of Provinces established by the former National Synods and that they ought to return unto their first condition and become as heretofore One Synod with that of Languedoc and this Order shall be observed until tho meeting of the next National Synod whereunto the Colloquy of Armagnac shall be summoned to exhibit their Reasons for this their separation and if upon mature deliberation it be found necessary the said Distinction shall be then ordained IX Monsieur Le Sage Minister of Mimbré in Maine being re-demanded by the Province of Normandy this Assembly defers the Judgment of this Affair till the next National Synod because the Province of Anjou had no Notice given it of the Difficulties propounded by the Deputies of Normandy as also that the said Le Sage may have warning given him to prepare his Answer to them X. The Remonstrance of the Deputy of Augoumois being heard upon an Appeal from their Synod by our Brother Monsieur De la Croix Minister of Jarnac which Synod forbad the said De la Croix the Practice of Physick together with his Ministry and having also heard the Reasons urged by the said De la Croix for his said Practice as his Abilities for it the Publick benefit by it and the great Charge lying on him by his numerous Family This Synod ratifies the Sentence given against him according to our Discipline by his own Provincial Synod And the Consistory or Jarnac are to procure another able Physitian to dwell there and the said De la Croix shall be admonished wholly to addict himself unto his Ministry and as for his Practice of Physick that he do fully conform himself unto the Articles of our Discipline XI The Lady De la Blanchardaye hath liberty granted her to get a Minister that may set up the true Worship of God and Exercise of the true Religion in her House called The Wood of Mayne provided that the Neighbouring Colloquy do allow and approve of the said Minister and in the mean while our Brother Le Fresne shall continue to discharge his Office in the Church of Lacay and in case he cannot do it because of the aforesaid Establishment the Colloquy or Provincial Synod shall provide another Church for him XII All the Provinces are desired to take Notice in what place Monsieur Du Croy formerly Minister of Perigueux may be now residing and whether he doth exercise his Ministry or not and that Province wherein he is found shall be intreated to exhort him instantly to return unto his own Church XIII Forasmuch as those of Higher Languedoc have permitted some of their Members to Farm Tythes and other Ecclesiastical Goods upon this Condition that they give them a certain Sum of Money This Assembly ordains That for time coming this rigorous manner of dealing shall be wholly disused only that the said Farmers be exhorted according to their Duty to contribute some considerable Portion of their Gain towards the Relief of the poor Churches whereunto the said Revenue was originally designed XIV This Assembly gives its Approbation to that excellent Work of our
dear Brother Monsieur * * * One Copy calls him Halnar and in two other Coples Saluart Salnar Minister in the Church of Castres styled Hamonia Confessionum as being most useful and needful for these our times judging also that it would do singular good Service if it were rendred into our French Tongue and therefore the Province of Higher Languedoc is charged by this Synod to get it translated and to prefix an Epistle Commendatory to the said Book in the Name of their faid Province XV. The Church of Vitré requesting our Advice in this case Whether Witnesses should be confronted deposing a Crime committed by the Delinquent who does obstinately and upon his Oath deny the very Matter of Fact This Assembly judgeth That all occasions of new Quarrels may be avoided which may probably arise from such Confrontations the Witnesses shall not be confronted unless of their own accord they do freely consent unto it or unless that the last and greatest Censures must of neccessity be used which indeed cannot be executed till such time as the Delinquents shall have been well and duly convicted and this cannot be done unless that he confess and own his Offence or that the Witnesses do avow it constantly to his face XVI The Article about our Catechism shall remain in its full power till the next National Synod whereunto the Provinces shall come well instructed that so we may advise whether Mr. Calvin's Catechism may be retained or that a shorter one consisting only of the Apostles Creed the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments shall be taken up and used in the Ordinance of Catechising XVII The Deputies of Poictou propounded this Case A certain Marriage was dissolved by Authority of the Official because of the Husband's Impotency sometime after the Woman being publickly married in the Church it fell out the Man also was re-married but in the Romish Church he being now touched with Repentance demandeth to be received unto the Peace and Communion of our Church This Assembly adviseth that before his re-admission his Wife shall be interrogated whether she be well satisfied with him that so it may be known whether he hath not abused God's holy Ordinance of Marriage because he had been once before judged impotent and if he be now found such we advise the deferring of his Reception till we have had more ample proof of his Repentance But if it be otherwise he having according to our Discipline repaired his fault of being married in the Church of Rowe shall be restored to the Peace and Communion of the Church Nevertheless this Assembly judgeth that the Consistory should be censured not only for not using its Authority to hinder the Woman to suddenly after her Marriage contracted and solemnized from running to the Official who presently ordered her a Separation but also for not persisting in their Admonitions to the Husband that he should not so easily and readily consent as he did unto a dissolution of the said Marriage because such a Separation ought not to have been till after three Ecclesiastical Sentences had thrice gradually intervened as is usual even in the Church of Rome XVIII Claudius Merchant formerly Minister in the Church of Beauriers and Civray in the Province of Berry having been accused and convicted of Adultery before this Assembly we do depose him from his Charge and Ministry for being a scandalous Person utterly unworthy of it Moreover we do ordain That this his said Deposition shall be published in those places where he exercised his Ministry but without mentioning the Woman only in general this shall be declared that 't is for a very gross and heavy Sin for a most grievous Scandal Finally he shall not be admitted in any place of his Residence unto the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper till he have first done Publick Penance for this notorious Scandal given by him unto the Church altho' the particular Crime committed by him shall not be specified in the Church And the Consistory of the Church De la Roche posé shall be censured for putting him into Office among them before they had sufficient Attestations concerning him XIX Divers Gentlemen complaining by the Deputies of Augoumois that in those places where there is but one Sermon in the Week their Ministers do resufe coming on the Week-days to Preach and Baptize their Children which are then born unless they bring them at the appointed Times for Religious Worship This Assembly adviseth That to prevent all Clamours and Complaints for the future the Consistory shall appoint one Day in the midst of the Week for an extraordinary Assembly and so provide for all emergent necessary Duties XX. The Churches shall be informed that by the Ninth Article of the Secret Articles the King promiseth to dispense with the Degrees of Consanguinity and Assinity between Persons of the Reformed Religion so that we need not have recourse unto the Pope for Dispensations Wherefore in such Cases they may apply themselves unto His Majesty by our Agent at Court XXI Our Brother the Deputy of Poictou propounded this Case That a certain Person having quitted his Benefice did yet notwithstanding receive a Pension from his Curate that enjoys it This Assembly adviseth that he be admonished either to relinquish such a Pension or else wholly to employ it unto Pious Uses XXII Whereas the Deputy of Anjou hath demanded that the Church of La Gravelle may be declared a Member of the said Province because 't is inclosed within its bounds the Assembly judgeth That inasmuch as our Brother De Cherpon Minister of it had been mostly incouraged in his Studies by the Liberality of the Lord De la Val and that the far greater part of the Members of that Church are Brittains it being distant from Brittany but one small League that therefore the said Church shall be reputed to belong to the Province of Brittany and the rather because of the paucity of Ministers in it And this Order shall be in force no longer than the time of Monsieur Cherpon's Residence at and Relation to the ' foresaid Church of La Gravelle * * * In my Copy it wrs Noturi◠which I lookt upon as an Error of the French Scribe for Norwich XXIII Our Brother Monsieur Mary Minister of the Church of Norwich in England but living at present in Normandy shall be obliged to return unto his Church upon its first Summons yet because of the great Success of his Ministry in these parts his Church may be intreated to continue for some longer time his absence from it XXIV Monsieur De Feugeray Pastor in the Church of Rouen having informed this Assembly of the great importance of that Church and how necessary it is that it should be provided of able Ministers we being at present destitute of all help for them do advise the Province of Normandy to enquire in their respective Classis whether they may not find two Churches so nigh one unto the other
that he only accepted of that Call for a time and with this express condition That his Father were contented with it this Assembly doth assign the said Mark Antony unto the Church of Villemure in the Colloquy of Lower Quercy to serve them as their own peculiar Pastor yet on these Terms that he shall assist the said Church of Maruejoles by the space of three Months during which time the Colloquy of Givaudan and the Province of Lower Languedoc shall use their best endeavour to provide another Pastor for the Church of Maruejoles which Church also is ordered to satisfie the said Mark Antony Bennet within six Weeks of his Return all his Arrerages and the whole Stipend of the Quarter now current and in case of failure herein by them the said Bennet is left in full liberty to leave them immediately and to betake himself to the Service of his own Church of Villemure he advising with his Colloquy and they approving it according to the Discipline XVI Divers Provinces having consulted this Assembly what course they should take with those who challenge and with those who accept the Challenge to fight a Duel as also how to deal with the challenged who killing their adverse Party have since obtained His Majesties Pardon or have been afterward legally justified and discharged the Synod made this Decree That every such Person should be suspended the Lord's Table and this their Suspension shall be out of hand published to the Congregation and before ever they be re-admitted to the Churches Peace and Communion they shall undergo Publick Penance for those their Offences XVII The Consuls and Elders in the Church of Montauban petitioned this Assembly that during Monsieur Berault's absence their Church might be supplied for that Year by Monsieur De la Nove Minister of Beaufort in Anjou Answer was given them that according to our Discipline it could not be done 'till such time as both the Church and Province to which he stood related had been first acquainted with it And therefore they should send Letters unto that Church and Province and to the Lady Vaux and to the Lord Du Plessis intreating them because of the great importance of the Church of Montauban that they would be pleased either to grant or at least to lend their Pastor Monsieur De Nove unto the Church of Montauban during Monsieur Beraud's absence And till that the Synod of Anjou have gratified the said Petitioners the Colloquy of Lower Quercy shall take care that the said Church of Montauban be not left destitute without a Pastor but that they do from time to time send able Ministers unto them CHAP. VII The Roll of the Vagrants Deserters and Deposed Ministers 1. THE Vagrants are Isaac and Moyses Bouchars who wander up and down sowing false Doctrines they were of Poitiers the Elder of them is a little dapper Fellow red Face and Beard roaving Eye the younger is much of the same stature but blackish Beard pale and sad and roaving Eyes as his Brother 2. Costa or La Costa of Bearn who preacheth here and there without any Ordination He is a Fellow of low Stature a black Beard a swarthy Countenance a notorious Lyer Impudent and a Thief 3. Commission is given to Master Villette and Master Chalais Deputies of Lower Languedoc to make speedy enquiry about Monsieur Du Croix late Minister of Perigueux who hath forsook his Ministry for the Practice of Physick Vincentius Cordatus being sixty Years of Age a tall lubberly Fellow The DEPOSED 4. In the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne Master Bernard Vaissy for preaching false Doctrine 5. Master Gaspar Olaxa a Spaniard for raising Troubles and Seditions in the Church of Castres 6. Master Peter Beaupoil otherwise going by the Name of Dumont or Damont 7. Master James Caza of Normandy Master Gabriel Roul otherwise La Sales De Coucher in Rouargue A Schism having fallen out in the Church of Saint Foy upon the score of the said Roul the Ministers of this Synod who are to meet in the Assembly of St. Foy are impower'd with full Authority from it 1594. Synod XIII to hear and judge fully and finally of that business Because of the Necessities and Dispersions of the Churches on the other side of Loire the Province of Anjou is appointed to call the next National Synod unto the City of Saumur in the Month of May two Years hence And forasmuch as the Province of Lower Languedoc to whom by Order of the last Synod held at Vitré it belonged to convocate this next ensuing Synod hath parted with its Right in favour to and for the benefit of that Province these things considered the next Synod shall be intreated to appoint that the National Synod which shall succeed it may be assembled and held within the Bounds of the Lower Languedoc Given at Montauban the 28th of June in the Year of our Lord 1594. The Original Acts of this Synod are kept in the Archives of the City Rochel and are thus signed Beraud Moderator Gardesy and Scribes of the Synod Rotan Scribes of the Synod The End of the Synod of Montauban THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XIV National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Saumur the 15th Day of June in the Year of our Lord 1596. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Deputies Names An observation past on Monsieur Rotan a Deputy Moderator and Scribes chosen The Lords Supper to be celebrated June 16. Chap. II. Observations and Approbation of the Confession Chap. III. 26. Observations upon the Discipline Provinces to take care of Proposans 4. Colledges and Vniversities to be erected 5. Crimes which may expose Penitents to Publick Infamy or Death not to be confessed by them in their Publick Penance 8. Pastors to be sent alternatively unto Synods 11. Ministers not deputed unto Synods shall have no Votes 13. Gypfies Children may be baptized 15. Baptism must be administred in a Church 16. Two Names unto a Child indifferent 17. Marriage Promises de futuro indissolvable 18. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. General Matters A Caveat against a Scot who would reconcile both Religions 1. Latin Disputations better for Vniversities than Colloquies 3. Church-Members Names to be Registred 11. Ministers may preach on Holy-days 13. Duellers 14. The Vnion betwixt the Churches of France and the Netherlands to be maintained 15. None admitted to the Lord's Table living among the Papists without a Certificate from the Elders 16. The King and Constable's Letters to the Synod 18. Frauds of a Geneva Book-seller 19. A Case about Ministers being Deputies unto Politick Assemblies 20. Whether Contracts of Marriage should be seen before Publication of Banes 21. Idolatry to be abjured before Persons be admitted to Communion with us 22. The Local Magistrates of the Reformed Religion may assist at Colloquies and Synods 23. May a Protestant Judge swear a Papist upon his crucifix 24. Hautyn to print the Bible 25.
and diligently perused by it they were found to contain divers erroneous Points of Doctrine contrary to the analogy of Faith yea and contrary to the point of Justisication Whereupon the said de L'Escale was interrogated Whether he would receive Instruction in those Points which are contrary to the Confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom but he answered in the Negative and that he would not submit himself to the Judgment of this Synod nor be instructed by it but boldly demanded that we would either approve or reject his Theses And although our Brother Mr Rotan who was first deputed to confer with him before the Lord du Plessis Governour of this City and two Elders of the Church had non-plust and silenced him so that he knew not what to answer yet nevertheless he did obstinately persist in his Errors and Self-conceitedness Whereupon this Assembty having remonstrated to him his gross spiritual Pride and wicked pernicious Errors doth now ordain That this Act shall be inserted into the Articles of the present Synod that so the Reformed Churches of France may be cautioned against his false Doctrine which hath been condemned by the Churches of Suitzerland and Intelligence of this shall be given unto Monsieur Beza in Geneva and to the French Church of Basil II. The Deputies of the Isle of France and Normandy declaring That they had only prosecuted the Verification of the Edict in 1577 for themselves this Assembly was satisfied therewith III. Whereas Monsieur de Serres hath informed this Synod See Synod of Montauban G. M. art 52. concerning the Printing of his Harmony and how impossible it is for him to transcribe three Copies as he was ordered by the last National Synod held at Montauban This Assembly hath therefore thought fitting that this present Work be Printed either at Geneva or Rochel or any other place where they may be conveniently communicated unto the Pastors deputed by the Synod of that Province in which it shall be printed IV. The Censure denounced in the second Article of the National Synod of Montauban against Monsieur Bargemont shall be revoked See the Synod of Montaub Appeals art 2. and struck off the File because he hath given satisfaction unto his Province V. The Fact of Monsieur de Croix heretofore Minister in the Church of Perigneux shall be examined by the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny VI. Monsieur de * * * Two other Copies call him Villenave Vielbancque complaining by Letters unto this Assembly that he was deposed from the Ministry by the Colloquy of Berry who were impowered to it by Authority of the last National Synod held at Montauban and requiring that a Committee might be appointed to hear what he had to say in his own defence a Vote passed that his Cause should be dismissed over to the Provincial Synod of Gascoigny VII The French Church in London by their Letters to this Synod earnestly requested That Monsieur de la Fontaine might be continued among them and the said Minister moved also by his own Letters to the same purpose Whereupon Monsieur D'Orival Deputy from the Province of Orleans intreated That in case Monsieur de la Fontaine were yielded up unto the Walloon Church of London that then Monsieur du Moulin might be given during life unto the Church of Orleans and his Mission to it ratified by the Authority of this Assembly The Deputy of the Isle of France also did consent that on those Terms Monsieur du Moulin should be perpetually affixed to the Church of Orleans This Assembly decreeth That Monsieur de la Fontaine may remain in the Service of the Church of London always that Right reserved which our Churches of France have unto him and that Monsieur du Moulin be given for ever unto the Church of Orleans VIII Our Brethren Pastors in the Church of Metz excusing themselves for not sending a Deputy unto this Synod by reason of their present Circumstances and craving Advice about the dissoluteness of Habits Monsieur de Serres is ordered from this Assembly to write unto them That they do their endeavour to come unto the Synods of this Kingdom and that they conform themselves unto that Article of the Discipline concerning Habits without any the least difficulty And this self-same Order shall serve also for the Provinces of Gascogny and Orleans which demanded a larger liberty as to that Article IX Letters were read from the Pastors of Sedan excusing their inability of deputing one from their Body unto this Synod and craving Advice about the Marriages of such as were lately received into Fellowship with our Churches whether their Nuptials might be solemnly blessed in our Assemblies before they had communicated at the Lord's Table and claiming Monsieur Capel Lord of Tilloy and some others as their own Ministers requesting also that they might be assisted by a Collection in this their extream necessity After mature deliberation it was resolved That they should conform exactly as to their first demand unto the Articles of our Discipline without any the least repugnancy and for the Second they were dismissed over to the Synod of Champagne and for the Third we will endeavour to gratifie their desires and the Provinces shall be exhorted liberally to contribute to them and the Monies of the said Collection shall be remitted unto Monsieur de Menilles and de la Gourmandiere Elders in the Church of Paris X. The Lord du Plessis Governour of this City desiring that the Lords going into the Army might be exhorted to take with them a Minister demanding also from this Assembly that Monsieur de la Noue might be provided of a Pastor by our Authority It was resolved That the Lords now going and those who are already gone into the Army should be advised so to do and Letters shall be written unto the Church of Sedan that they would be pleased to lend one of their Pastors unto Monsieur de la Noue who may be sit for such an Employment and in case of failure herein on their part then the Colloquies of the Isle of France shall endeavour to get him one XII Monsieur Manthois according to the desire of Monsieur de la Banseric is granted unto the Church of Pont-dorson XII The Lord Baron of Courtomer demanding by Monsieur de la Banseric a Pastor for his Church of Courtomer the Church of Paris was appointed to use all possible means to procure him one XIII Master Gabriel Raoul formerly a Minister requesting by his Letters to be restored unto his Office this Assembly judgeth That the Deposition of the saiâ— Raoul ought to be continued whereof Notice shall be given him by Monsieur de St. Hilary De Sâ—â—res was suspected to be an Accommodater with the Papists but prevented by Death XIV Monsieur de Serres complaining of that Order past against him in the last National Synod of Montauban This Assembly having with much patience for a long time together
Pastors and Elders as they be obliged by that Article of our Discipline otherwise they shall have no power of Voting in that Synod XIII In explaining the fifth Article of the tenth Chapter of our Discipline concerning Funerals it was decreed That Ministers should hinder the distribution of the Deceased's Alms at their Interrments that so those inconveniences which would otherwise fall out may be prevented XIV That Article of the Synod of Saumur concerning the Administration of Baptism after Singing the last Psalm before the Blessing shall be inserted into the eleventh Chapter of our Discipline XV. Having read and carefully examined the Memoirs sent from the Provinces concerning the fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter of our Discipline about the Form in which Promises of Marriage are to be conceived and uttered this Assembly ordereth That both that Article of the Discipline and of the last Synod of Saumur shall be amended and that the Churches be left to their own liberty and discretion either to use the words de praesenti or de futuro XVI In explaining the tenth Article of the same Chapter this case was propounded by the Colloquy of Foix A Man espoused the Widow of the Deceased who was married to his own Sister in a former Marriage The Synod judgeth That such a Marriage is not incestuous nor comprised in the said Article forasmuch as Affinity ceaseth by Death and proceedeth not beyond the Persons conjoyned by that said Affinity XVII A Question was moved upon reading the 16th Article of the 13th Chapter Whether it were lawful to give them a Certificate to be married out of their own Churches Who desired it for this reason only that they might avoid Bewitching and Impotency procured by tying the Point This Assembly ordaineth That it shall not in the least be granted them and adviseth them not to give way unto such fears proceeding from their weakness and unbelief and the Faithful are exhorted to arm themselves against such Attempts by an entire confidence in God's Holy Word and by fervent Prayers to vanquish such Illusions and to come unto the Ordinance of Marriage when blessed in our Churches with more Reverence Attention and Devotion than is usual XVIII The Assembly decreed about the 23d Article of the same Chapter concerning Widows Marriages That they shall not be admitted to contract Marriage till seven Months and fourteen days be fully expired after their Husbands Death XIX The 21st * * * It 's the 20th Article Article of the same Chapter being examined the Church in the House of her Highness the King's Sister craved Advice for their Conduct in that great Concern of her Royal Highness's Marriage with the Prince of Lorrain because althô she had employed the Authority of the Provincial Synod and of divers famous Persons both within and without the Kingdom yet she cannot any longer hinder it This Synod approving their Duty judgeth this Marriage utterly unlawful nor shall it be permitted in any of our Churches and Letters to this purpose shall be written to her and all Ministers are enjoyned carefully to observe this Article otherwise they shall be suspended and deposed from their Ministry And this Injunction shall be annexed to the Articles of our Discipline N.B. She would not be married after the Popish way and could not after the Protestants Henry IV. her Brother found out a temper got the Archbishop of Roven his Natural Brother to pronounce only the formal words of Marriage in his Cabinet the King himself joyning their Hands and the Duke of Barr went immediately to Mass and she to a Sermon at Court See the 28th Artic. of Part. Matters of the Nation Synod of Gâ—rgâ—aâ— XX. A Case was propounded upon the Article of Incests A Maid was married in her Nonage to one who in his first Marriage had espoused her Aunt by Papal Dispensation and had Children by her now she is since come to the knowledge of the Truth embraceth and makes open profession thereof but not her Husband she also hath born him Children may this Woman be received into Communion with our Churches This Assembly distinguishing between Affinity and Consanguinity and considering the time wherein the said Marriage was contracted and that the Dispensation such as it was is reputed a Law in this Kingdom and because the Husband is of the contrary Religion adviseth That without approving the said Marriage she be received unto Communion with us in the Sacraments And this shall be published unto the People XXI On the Article of Publick Penance for Scandals the Province of Higher Languedoc moved Whether a Man convicted and condemned by the Civil Magistrate for a certain Crime which yet he pertinaciously denieth may be received to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church without undergoing Publick Penance This Assembly judgeth That in the first place the past Life of this condemned Person be revised and examined and then the Accusations brought in against him the Witnesses attesting them and the Judges passing Sentence on him and then to ponder all Circumstances and Proofs over and above what were produced before the Magistrate and if alter the greatest diligence used herein and Adjurations made him in the Name of God to confess the Truth he still persists in his denyals he may be received unto the Lord's Table provided that the Church be publickly acquainted in his presence that the Judgment of the whole Process lieth between God and his own Conscience XXII Instead of those words in the beginning of the * * * It is now the 23th Art 26th Article of the same Chapter Who shall have dwelt there shall be inserted Who being espoused shall have dwelt together XXIII A Case being moved Whether Lands might be purchased on these Terms That you keep up Divine Service as 't is called in the Church of Rome This Assembly is of Opinion That we should make a difference between those who purchase upon Terms of paying such and such Suits and Service unto a Bishop Abbot or Curate and those who in downright Terms scruple the causing Mass to be said or sung the former of these be not liable to Church Censures but the latter must be informed that they cannot with a safe Conscience neither possess nor acquire such Lands or Leases XXIV Proctors and Advocates i. e. Attorneys and Counsellors professing the Reformed Religion may not take of their own accord Monitories out of the Popish Ecclesiastical Courts But Judges being Publick Persons and having Authority to declare what is Law and ought to be done may order what they shall do in such Cases XXV The last clause of the 13th Article in the Chapter of Ministers shall be struck out because 't is comprised in the 15th Article of the last Chapter of our Discipline concerning Particular Orders XXVI Divers Provinces complaining of the Licentiousness of Printers in publishing all sorts of Books Cities and Churches having Printers in them are advised to suffer no Book to get into the Press
served them as this was ever the sence and judgment of the said Synod of Xaintonge II. Whereas both the Church of Paris and Lions do lay claim unto the said Monsieur D'amours as theirs and engaged to them This Assembly having heard the said D'amours open the whole Affair and weighed the Arguments on both sides doth find that he is not obliged either to the one or other but is at full liberty to accept of any Church presented to him by the Synod III. And forasmuch as the Church of Chastelheraut have presented their Petition That the said Monsieur D'amours should be setled among them after hearing what was urged to the contrary by the Church of St. John and the declaration of the said Sieur D'amours leaving himself wholly to the disposal of this Assembly it is decreed That the said Sieur D'amours shall be given unto the Church of Chastelheraut IV. The Consistory of Havre de Grace appealing from an Order of the Synod of Normandy which had ordained our Brother Monsieur * * * Another Copy calls him Maâ—â— Dinnis de la Mathennie Pastor of Cricquetot to be their sole Pastor he having served them faithfully in the Ministry ever since he first gathered their Church and and that the two Churches should be united into one and their Pastors Joynt-Pastors and that the Churches should make but one common Purse for their maintenance And the demand of those of Cricquetot being heard urging that the said Monsieur de la Mathennie was first of all sent unto them and that they always had and would continue to him his Stipend It was voted That the said Monsieur de Mathennie should continue with the Church of Cricquetot and those of the Havre have six Months time given them to provide themselves of another Pastor during which time the said de la Mathennie shall remain as he hath done in the Town of Honsleur and shall serve both the Churches and as to the Annexation of the Church of Beauvillier it shall be determined by the Colloquy of Caux and the Church of Hauvre is exhorted according to their Duty to pay double Honour unto the said Monsieur de la Mathennie as they have done heretofore V. The Appeal of Master Michael Mercier from the Synod of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne was rejected because he appeared not in Person to prosecute it in this Assembly and that Order of the Church of Paris ratified by their Provincial Synod concerning the Exercise of Religion in the place ordained by His Majesty is approved also and confirmed by the Consent and Authority of this present National Synod VI. The Sentence past by the Synod of Lower Guyenne against Messieurs Chauveton and Baduel is ratified and because of the great importance of that Affair we do further decree That he of the two who shall first endeavour his Restoration unto the Church of Bergerac shall be totally deposed from the Ministry VII The Appeal of the Church of Nerac about the concern of Monsieur John Renaut is declared null and the Sentence of the Synod of Lower Guyenne confirmed and how the said Monsieur Renaut shall be for time coming disposed of is left wholly to the Wisdom of that Synod But since that the said Renaut was yielded up entirely unto the Church of Nerac VIII The Appeal of the Church of Chaume from the Synod of Poictou was not admitted because the matter in debate between them is of the nature of those things which ought to be determined in their own Province IX The Appeal of the Colloquy of Poictiers from that Order of the Synod of Poictou is good and valid and it is decreed That Monsieur Menestoier Pastor of the Church of Sancay Monstreuill Bonninll and L' Artillier shall incorporate himself with the Colloquy of Poictiers X. Monsieur de la Millie reappealing from an Order of the Synod of Poictou who had setled Monsieur Favre in the Pastoral Charge of the Church of Vigean this Assembly approveth that Order and the Province is exhorted to take care that the Church of the said de Melliere be provided for as soon as possible XI That Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc from which the Church of Macilargues and de Nager had appealed is confirmed And Letters shall be dispatched unto the said Synod requesting them out of hand to provide an able Minister for the Church of Macilargues XII An Appeal was brought by the Church of Nismes from a Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had given Monsieur Terond to the Church of St. Martyn whereupon this Assembly decreed That in case the Church of Nismes did not send the said Monsieur Terond unto his own Colloquy within the space of one Year that then he should be wholly setled in the Church of St. Martyn nor shall that Church be provided of any other Minister for a full Year unless the said Monsieur Terond be recalled back again in which case all his Charges shall be defrayed by those of Nismes XIII The Church of Nismes appealed from the Synod of Dolphiny because they refused to grant them Monsieur Chamier though carnestly desired by them to be Professor of Divinity in their University This Assembly is of Opinion That the said Sieur Chamier cannot be removed from the Church of Montlimard without the express consent of his Church and Province XIV The Appeal of the Elders in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loire from the Censures of the Synod of Orleans and Berry is rejected and they shall be again censured by Letters from this Assembly more sharply XV. That Order of the Synod of Dolphiny concerning Monsieur Felix from which the Church of Niort hath appealed is confirmed XVI The Church of Cognac appealed from an Order of the Synod of Xaintonge about Monsieur de la Nusse The Assembly examining the matter finds that of Right the said de la Nusse belongs to the Church of Cognac but because of the Covenants between them it decrees That the said Sieur de la Nusse shall at the sole Charges of the Church of Nerac come and serve one Year in the Church of Coignac during which time those of Nerac shall endeavour to procure for the Church of Coignac such a Minister as shall be approved by the Colloquy of Augoumois and in case of their non-observing this Order Monsieur la Nusse shall be wholly appropriated to the Church of Coignac XVII Monsieur Bourguignon appealing from the Synod of the Isle of France enjoyning his return unto his own Province this Assembly considering the great Services done by him unto the Church of God and his manifold Losses have and do adjudge him absolutely unto the Church of Mets. XVIII The Father of Monsieur Olivier appealing from the Synod of Higher Languedoc it was ordered That the said Olivier shall be setled in the Church of Lectoure and Letters shall be written unto the Father to this purpose XIX Upon the Appeal of
our King directed unto this Assembly being read wherein she demanded a Supply of Ministers for her Court it was voted That the Church in her Royal Highness's House should be supplied from the first Day of July next unto the first Day of October following by the Province of Normandy and from the first of October to the first of April next following by the Church of Sedan and from the said first of April 1602 by the other Provinces who in their turns should each of them send a Minister who shall be in actual Service six Months according to this Order now declared viz. The Lower Languedoc Orleans Dolphiny Anjou the Higher Languedoc Poictou the Lower Guyenne Xaintange Vivaretz and Burgundy unless the said Church be not before-hand provided of two able Pastors particularly appropriated to it And her said Royal Highness shall be by our Letters sent to her expressy to this purpose advised to get them and that the Moneys she bestows upon the Schools of Bearn may be employed by her Royal Highness towards the maintenance of a competent number of Proposans And that the Church in her Royal Highness's Court may not at any time be left unprovided the Provinces are all obliged to supply her with two Ministers that in case one should be detained by some lawful lett or hindrance the other may be always ready to serve in his stead XI In answer to the Letters of the Churches of the Low Countries this Assembly decreeth That the Province of Normandy shall continue to give them Notice of the Time and Place of our National Synods XII Letters shall be written to Monsieur de la Fontaine intreating him to use his endeavours for begetting a right understanding between Dr. Sutcliffe Saravia and our Churches XIII It is decreed That for time coming the Province authorized to convene the National Synod shall be so impowered to publish the General Fast which is to be observed in all our Churches upon emergent Providences XIV Letters shall be written to the Doctors and Professors of Divinity in the University of Leyden intreating them not to ordain our French Proposans Students in their University but whenas they have finished their Course of Theology to send them into France that here being called unto the Ministry they may receive Imposition of Hands in the face of our Churches XV. The Book entituled Elenchus Novoe Doctrinoe is dismissed over to the perusal of the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny and in case they approve of it and prefix a Preface to it it may be Printed XVI The Church of Paris is required to examine Three Books the one called Apparatus ad Fidem Catholicam the other Advice for the Peace of the Church and the third having this Title Seen by the King And in case the Propositions which some have extracted out of them be not contained in them then the Acts of the Synod of Montpellier relating thereunto shall be razed out and the Provinces by the Authority of this Assembly are enjoyned to raze them out CHAP VI. Particular MATTERS I. THE Differences between the Synods of Higher Languedoc and Lower Guyenne concerning the Churches of Nerac Leyrac and others of the Lower Armagnac which had been sent up to this Assembly by the last Synod of Montpellier it being impossible now to determine them because the Deputies of the Lower Guyenne had neither Orders nor Instructions about them are remanded back unto the next Provincial Synod of Xaintonge finally to determine them and that by the Authority of this Assembly And the said Synod of Lower Guyenne for not sending Instructions unto their Deputies concerning those Affairs is hereby censured II. The Province of Normandy reporting the extream Poverty of the Church of Lunere being utterly disabled from ever satisfying their old Debt unto Monsieur Vatble the said Province is exhorted to do their utmost endeavour that it may be satisfied by them III. That Decree of the Synod of Montpellier concerning Monsieur de L' Espoir having never been put in execution this Assembly enjoyneth the Province of Higher Languedoc to see it executed and in case of their neglect that then the said M. de L'Espoir shall return to the Church of Boslebec Since this Ordinance the Deputies of Higher Languedoc agreed with those of Normandy to re-imburse the Church of Boslebec whatever Charges they may be at in getting a Pastor one half whereof was to be born by those of Pamiers and another half by the said Province of Higher Languedoc or else to maintain for them for two Years space a Proposan in the University of Montauban or if they pleas'd to give them an hundred Crowns to be employed by them to this very purpose in ready Money IV. The Demand of Monsieur Caille is turn'd over to the Synod of Dolphiny to take care about it But this Article was struck out by the following National Synod of Gap V. Letters shall be once more written to the Duke de L'Esdigueres about the 17000 Crowns belonging to the Churches of Lower Languedoc and the Article of the Synod of Montpellier declaring those Moneys to have been raised towards the maintenance of Proposans shall be corrected and amended VI. In pursuance of what was decreed by the same Synod of Montpellier the Churches of Cormes and of St. John du Bruil shall be incorporated with the Colloquy of Vigan and the Synod of Lower Languedoc shall see that this Order be observed VII The Church of Lions desiring a Pastor and that one may be given them out of Dolphiny which hath several of their Ministers residing in the Churches of that Province it 's ordered That the said Province of Dolphiny do furnish that Church of Lyons and if possible to lend them at least for some Months Monsieur Chamier VIII The French Translation of The Harmony of Confessions done by deceased Monsieur Saluart is dismissed to the Synod of Higher Languedoc to be perused by them and if they judge it expedient then to Print it but with the Latine Annotations of Monsieur Goulart IX The Province of the Isle of France demanding Messieurs de L'Estang and de la Valleé to be restored to them who are now in Poictou have a Grant given them to prosecute their Right in the next Provincial Synod of Poictou X. This Assembly judging Monsieur Pellart to belong of Right unto the Isle of France ordaineth the Church of Marans in which he now serveth to yield up unto those of the Isle of France such a Proposan as they shall best like of within four Months otherwise that time being laps'd the said Monsieur Pellart shall be surrendred unto the said Province XI To the Case propounded by the Deputy of Brittany this Assembly gives it in as their Judgment That the Lords and Gentlemen Patrons of Churches and Chappels wherein Mass is sung cannot with a good Conscience repair them no although by not doing it they forfeit their Right of Patronage and Presentation to them XII The
extraordinary not from the Church of Rome 4. The question being moved whether in Treating of the Call of our first Pastors and Reformers it were expedient that we should lay the stress of their Authority for Preaching and Reforming upon that Call and Ordination they had in the Church of Rome or no. This Synod doth judge that we ought according to the one and thirtieth Article to found it principally upon their extraordinary Vocation whereby they were by an inward powerful impulse from God raised up and commanded to exercise their Ministry rather than to charge it upon the sorry Relicks of a corrupted Call and Ordination in the Romish Church 5. That Article treating of Antichrist shall be the one and thirtieth in order in our Confession of Faith and shall be thus worded Whereas the Bishop of Rome hath erected for himself a temporal Monarchy in the Christian World and Usurping a Soveraign Authority and Lordship over all Churches and Pastors doth exalt himself to that degree of Insolency as to be called God and will be adored arrogating unto himself All Power in Heaven and in Earth and to dispose of all Ecclesiastical matters to define Articles of Faith to authorise and expound at his pleasure the sacred Scriptures and to buy and sell the Souls of men to dispense with Vows Oaths and Covenants and to institute new Ordinances of Religious Worship And in the Civil State he tramples under foot all Lawful Authority of Magistrates setting up and pulling down Kings disposing of Kings and of their Kingdoms at his pleasure We therefore believe and maintain that he is truly and properly The Antichrist the Son of Perdition predicted by the Holy Prophets that great Whore cloathed with Scarlet sitting upon seven Mountains in that great City which had dominion over the Kings of the Earth and we hope and wait that the Lord according to his promise and as he hath already begun will confound him by the Spirit of his Mouth and destroy him finally by the brightness of his coming 6. The word Superintendant in the two and thirtieth Article is not to be understood of any superiority of one Pastor above another but only in general of such as have office and charge in the Church 7. The words substance and nourish shall remain unchanged in the six and thirtieth Article according as it hath been decreed by the Synods of Rochel in the year 1571. and of Nismes in the year 1572. 8. The Confession of Faith being read was sworn and subscribed by all the Deputies in the names of their respective Provinces and they did farther most solemnly ingage by their promise never to depart from it and protested that this was that very doctrine which was taught in all their Churches 9. The Provinces are exhorted for the future at the opening of their Synods to read this Confession of Faith and our Book of Discipline And Monsieur Chamier is appointed to draw up an Apology for this our Confession and to bring it with him unto the next National Assembly CHAP. III. Observations upon reading of the Discipline No private Ordination 1. THE Province of the Isle of France shall be exhorted to be more careful in and about the Election and Ordination of their Pastors and that Imposition of hands be given them not privately in a clandestine manner by a Consistory or Colloquy but solemnly and publickly in the face of the whole Church and that the fourth Article in the first Chapter of our Discipline be more religiously observed by them and all the Provinces Uniformity in Ordination 2. According to the Tenor of the seventh Article in the same chapter it is Decreed that all the Churches shall observe one and the same form in Ordination of Pastors by which the Person to be Ordained shall during that action be humbly on his knees and this ordination shall be administred on the Lord's day or on some certain day of the week in which there is held a solemn Assembly And these evil customs practised in some Churches of suffering the Person ordained to get into the Pulpit and of permitting another besides the Preacher to give Imposition of hands are justly condemned by this Synod 3. The eighth Article shall be most carefully observed and to this purpose there shall be deposited a Copy of our Confession and Discipline in every Provincial Synod Colloquy and Consistory See the 5th Observation upon the Discipline in the Synod of Rochell 4. All Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories are injoyned as they would avoid the greatest Censures to have a strict Eye over such who act contrary to the eleventh Article of the first Chapter of our Discipline and to suspend them from the Ministry and they also shall be liable to the same censures who leaving the true and genuine fence of Scripture expounded by it self do rather pitch upon the glosses of Fathers and Schoolmen and launch out into Allegories Larding their Sermons with Philosophical Discourses quoting the Fathers and bringing their Books with them into the Pulpit and they also who in time of Lent or on such noted seasons do chuse the self same Texts with the Popish Preachers 5. The twelfth Article of the same Chapter The form of Catechising according as now used in most of our Churches shall not be changed And whereas some choose a particular Text and accommodate it to that particular section of the Catechism they would treat of we desire they would not alter our establisht Order but conform themselves as the rest do unto it 6. Upon the same twelfth Article Ministers and Consistories are left to their own discretions whether in those general Catechisings which are usually had both publickly and privately before the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper they will further examine every individual person or not and therein to consult what will most contribute to the Spiritual benefit of their Catechumens 7. The third Article of the second Chapter shall be couched in these words Provincial Synods in which are our Universities shall choose their own Doctors Pastors and Professors of Divinity whose ability shall be proved by publick Lectures on some special Text out of the Original Hebrew and Greek Bible given to them for that purpose and by disputations in one or two days following as may be most adviseable And being approved in case they were never in the Ministry the right hand of fellowship shall be given them they having first of all promised to discharge their Office with faithfulness and diligence and to handle the sacred Scriptures with all sincerity according to the analogy of Faith and the confession of our Churches which shall be subscribed by them 8. On the fourth Article of the second chapter The fifth penny in all collections for the poor shall be laid up for the maintenance of Proposans And this shall be an Universal order throughout the Provinces 9. On the first Article of the third chapter That custom observed in some
their Colloquies and Provincial Synods This Assembly following the Decree of the Synod of Saumur dismisseth such disputes over unto the Schools and judgeth their usage â—angerous among Ministers Another Copy hath of the Lower Guyâ—nne 15. That Order made by the Province of Anjou against a Lord of misrule chosen by the Lawyers is approved and confirmed by this National Synod 16. If any of the Brethren have observed in the Writings of our Authors somewhat deserving censure they be desired to inform the Provincial Synods of it which are ordered to convene as soon as may be after the breaking up of this National Assembly Every Province to maintain a select number of Scholars 17. Every Province shall be bound to maintain a certain number of Scholars named to this purpose out of the dividend of our Moneys granted us by his Majesty which said Scholars shall be obliged to study either in the Universities of this Kingdom or else where at the Order of the Province that maintains them And the said Scholars shall not be admitted into the Ministry in their respective Provinces without producing good and sufficient Testimonials of their Learning and Godliness signed by the Pastors and Professors of those Universities wherein they have studied 18. Messieurs Sohnis Beraud Gigort Ferrier and Chamier are appointed a Committee to draw up a Body of Laws for the right ordering of our Schools and Universities which shall be presented by them unto the next National Synod And in the mean while that the order already set up in the University of Montaubon may be confirmed the Pastors who at the breaking up this Synod shall return unto it and others that live near it shall pass over unto Montaubon and exhort the Consuls in the name of this Assembly to put to their helping hand together with their Pastors and Professors that it may be duely observed 19. When as a Professors place in an University comes to be vacant it shall be lawful for the other Professors together with the Pastors and Consistory thereof to nominate another Person by way of Provision who till the meeting of the Provincial Synod may read Lectures and perform the duties of that office 20. That Article of the Assembly of St. Foy concerning Counsellors resigning their places in the Mixt Courts shall be exactly observed by all the Provinces because it contributes abundantly to the better conduct of all our Affairs 21. This Assembly ordaineth that the summ of Nine Thousand Livers which had been assigned unto Monsieur de St. Germain out of the small income of the years 1602 and 1603. shall be intirely paid him by Monsieur Palot if he hath not yet done it although there had been but Six thousand Livers order'd him by the Assembly of Saint Foy. And that the summ of four thousand five hundred Livers which was ordered by the said Assembly unto Monsieur Bordes shall be also intirely paid him by the said Palot for every one of those years if it be not as yet done although he was not mention'd in the Account of the year 1602. nor in that of the year 1603 and there had been ordered him only twelve hundred Livers And the said sums shall be paid by the said Palot unto those two Gentlemen before any other moneys payable either to Ministers or Governors without any allowance or defalcations made by the said Palot for Taxes or Values of Moneys As also the sum of 2000 Livers a year ordained unto Monsieur des Fontains for his pains taken in auditing the Accounts of the said Palot and which as Wages had been payed him by the said Monsieur Palot for both these years 1602 and 1603. and shall be allowed unto the said Palot in the first place before all other moneys of the said Churches and Garrisons all this notwithstanding any debates whatsoever formed to the contrary by the General Deputies who hereafter may be ordained to reside near his Majesty who also shall be paid their respective Compositions preferably to all others out of the Moneys of the said Churches 22. Monsieur de St. Germain and Monsieur des Bordes General Deputies for our Churches at Court have the thanks of this Assembly for their faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of their Office as also the like thanks is rendred to Monsieur des Fontains for his pains taken with Monsieur Palot in auditing his Accounts according to the Commission given him by the Assembly of St. Foy 23. Our Universities are advised to do their utmost endeavour in getting a publick Library and in particular the King of Spains Bible in many Languages Printed at Antwerp 24. Our Universities shall bring in their Accounts together with all their Acquittances from the Synod of Montpellier unto the next National Synod And because of the great importance of the University of Sedan and its singular usefulness unto our Churches This Assembly out of the Dividend of Moneys granted to our Universities doth farther add over and above what was given it by the Synod of Gergeau the summ of three hundred Crowns more 25. There having risen up great Differences about the Deputation of Monsieur Du Bourg unto the King who was sent by the Provinces of the Higher and Lower Guyenne and that of Higher Languedoc of Normandy the Isle of France and the Church of Paris These Provinces and that Church in particular are very sharply censured for acting contrary unto what had been determined in the Assembly of St. Foy and thereby sowing the Seeds of division among us and the said Du Bourg shall be admonished to look to it that he bring no inconveniencies by his manner of proceedings upon our Churches and that such like troubles may be for the future prevented and avoided because they be contrary to and destructive of our Union all the Provinces shall be warned that for the future they do not grant any authority unto any one single Church or Person to dispose of affairs which may be of general concernment unto their Provinces without having first communicated them unto them respective Provincial Synods or Political Assemblies CHAP. VII Of Particular Matters 1. THe Province of Berry desired some course might be taken first with those Churches who arrogating to themselves all the Moneys of his Majesties bounty did grant out of it but sorry niggardly pensions and secondly with those who complain of their grievances in the inequality of payments to which their Provinces were taxed and lastly about the assistance and relief which is to be Ministred unto Churches in their first rise and gathering This Assembly devolved the whole upon the prudence of that Province in which these cases might fall out and to act according to the rule of Charity in and about them 2. The same Province of Berry prayed that the Synod of Burgundy might be injoined to censure Monsieur Textor by the authority of this Assembly for quitting the Church of Lorges he not having obtained leave neither from his Church
a Professorship in the Universities determined 6. Pecuniary matters may be determined by another Province 8. two Deputies shall be sent and no more from contending Churches 12. Such at Marry Popish Wives shall bear no Office in the Churches 13. Two Canons about Monkes 15 16. The Baptism of Midwives null 18. Three cases about Marriage 19 20 21. Orders about Scholars Pensioners 24 Elenchus novae Doctrinae supprest 25. Professors of Divinity shall finish their course in three years 31. Cases about accused persons 37 39. Chap. VI. Of Accompts A Dividend of 135000 Crowns among the Churches and Universities and General Deputies Chap. VII Other Accompts of Moneys to be paid by the Lord of Candal Chap. VIII Memorials and Instructions given to the Lords General Deputies Chap. IX Appeals Two divided Churches healed 1 2. The Appeal of a Deposed Minister rejected 15. A great contention composed 19. Chap. X. Particular matters 3. Non resident Pastors ordered to their Churches 1 2. A great contention composed 6. Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux recalled into Scotland 9. Dissentions in a Church made up 19. A case of Witchcraft 21. A case about a Donative 22. Moneys of two Churches for the Exiles of Salluces 23 24. A case about a Childs Baptism 35. The Insolency of a Capuchin Fryer 37. A poor Minister relieved 39. Censures taken off from a Church and Minister 43. A Petition to the King 52. Chap. XI Particular matters relating to the Isle of France Chap. XII The Roll of Deposed Ministers Chap. XIII Orders about Legacies Chap. XIV Political Acts the King's Letter to the National Synod 4. Chap. XV. The Lord of Candals Accompt The Third Synod of ROCHELL SYNOD XVIII 1607. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France held at Rochell the first day of March and continued till the two and twentieth day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and seven CHAP. I Names of the Deputies and Synodical Officers Monsieur Beraut chosen Moderator Monsieur Merlin Assessor Scribes Monsieur Andrew Rivet and Monsieur Roy. THERE appeared in it as Deputies from their several Provinces the Pastors and Elders hereafter named For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois Monsieur George Pacard Minister in the Church of Rochefoucaud Master James Merlin one of the Pastors of the Church of Rochel Monsieur Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille Elder in the Church of Tonney-boutonne and Mr. Daniel le Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes with Letters from the said Province Mr. Gigord was a man of most singular Piety holy in his Life happy in his Death He died full of Peace and Joy in Believing ravished with the consolations of Gods Spirit For the Province of Lower Languedoc Master Christopher de Barjac Lord of Gasques Pastor of the Church of Vigan and Master John Gigord Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montpellier and Tristram de Brueis Lord of St. Chappe Elder in the Church of Nismes and Stephen du Vergier Ordinary President in the Chamber of Accounts of Languedoc Elder in the Church of Montpellier with Letters of Commission from their Province For the Province of Orleans Berry Blesois and Nivernois Master Joachim du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Orleans and Master Nicholas Vignier Pastor of the Church of Blois together with the Lords Daniel de St. Quintin Baron of Bellet Elder in the Church of St. Amand and Michael de Launay Lord de Filaines Elder in the Church of Blois Mr. Joachim du Moulin was the godly Father of that excellent man of God Mr. Peter du Monlin impowered with authority from their Province For the Province of the Isle of France Picardy Champagne Brie and the Land of Chartres Master Francis de Lauberan Lord of Montigny Pastor of the Church of Paris and Master Tobias Yoland Pastor of the Church of Vitry le Francois and Paul de Charites Lord of Plessis Chennelle Elder of the Church of Chartres commissioned by Letters from their Province For the Province of Lower Guienne Perigord and Limousin Mr. Paul Baduel Minister of the Church of Castillon Mr. Gilbert Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux together with John du Puis Lord of Cazett Elder of the Church of Castillon and Mr. Stephen Manial Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux For the Province of Anjou Touraine and the Maine Monsieur Abel Bede Pastor of the Church of Loudun and Master Peter Solomeau Pastor of the Church of Vandosme together with James Ridouett Esquire Lord of Sanzay Elder of the Church of Bauge and Bartholomew de Bruges Elder of the Church of Loudon For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne Master Michael Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban Daniel Raphin Pastor of the Church of Realmont John de Periott Elder of the Church of Montauban and Peter Philippin Elder in the Church of St. Antonine For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz and Velay Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of the Church of Privas and Master Christopher Gammon Elder of the Church of Nonnay bringing with them Letters of excuse for not having sent the number of Deputies prescribed by the Canons of former Synods which were in no wise admitted and therefore the said Province was censured However their Deputies were received for this time This Assembly declaring it should not be made a president for future neglects as also that if in time coming they did not send the full number of four Deputies they should have no power of Voting and this in pursuance of what had been decreed in the National Synod of Gap For Provence Monsieur Daniel Chanforan Pastor of the Church de la Coste and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin with Letters of excuse for not having sent the number above-mentioned which because of the paucity of Ministers in their Province was for this time only received And they were enjoined for the future to send four Deputies or to incorporate themselves with some other Province For the Province of Higher and Lower Poictou Master James Clemencean Minister and Pastor of the Church of Poictiers and Andrew Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars together with Samuel Mauclerc Lord of Marconny Elder of the Church of Poire and Belleville and Monsieur Joseph des Fontaines Elder of the Church of Mesle Mr. Perriâ— writ the History of the Albingezses He dedicated the Second Part to the Duke of Candale Eldest Son of the Duke of Espernon who became a Protestant For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. John Paul Perrinâ— Pastor of the Church of Nians and John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere Pastor of the Church de la Mure together with Charles de Veze Lord of Coucy Elder of the Church de Dieu le fit and Lord of the said place and Francois de la Combe Elder of the Church of St. Marcellin For the Province of
to appear at Court and that he was at the Expence of printing the Confession of our Faith This Assembly gives him the Sum of seventy Crowns to reimburse his Charges and thanketh him for his care and faithfulness in the delivery of those Letters and for having communicated with Monsieur Piscator and brought back with him his answers But order is given unto the Synod of Lower Guyenne to examine him upon some certain points mentioned in the aforesaid answers as for styling himself the Messenger or Ambassador of the Churches and for submitting the Confession of Faith of the Churches of this Kingdom to the Censures of Forreign Universities and in case these can be proved upon him he shall be censured And forasmuch as the Letters of Monsieur Piscator have been communicated to others before they were tendered to this Assembly the said Synod shall make a strict inquiry into this matter and know whether Monsieur Regnault were guilty of it or no. CHAP. II. Observations on reading the Confession of Faith 1. ON the tenth Article in which it 's said that the whole off-spring of Adam are infected with Original Sin The Pastors of Lauzanna by their Letters request that our Lord Jesus Christ may be excepted But it was not found needful to accord it to them because that it 's expresly mentioned in another Article of the same Confession and for that in this place it is to be understood of other persons as also for that the Scripture expresseth this in plain terms 2. Whereas the Synod of Gap had charged the Provinces to consider in what terms the twenty fifth Article of the Confession of Faith should be couched and to come prepared for it unto the present Synod and to judge whether any mention should be made of the Catholick Church spoken of in the Apostles Creed as also whether it would not be expedient to add the word pure to that of true Church in the twenty ninth Article and that all in general should come ready to debate that Question of the Church The Provinces having been heard speak by their Deputies it was finally resolved by common unanimous consent that nothing should be added to or taken from these Articles and there should be no more discourse had about that point of the Church 3. It was Decreed that nothing should be added unto the eighth Article of our confession which treats of Justification because it 's couched in the very express words of Scripture and in its own common phrase Those Explications and Amplifications desired by some may be received either from Doctors in our Universities or Pastors of our Churches 4. Whereas Doctor John Piscator Professor in the University of Herborn by his Letters of answer to those sent him from the Synod of Gap doth give us an account of his Doctrine in the point of Justification Concerning Man's Justification in the Opinion of Piscator as that it 's only wrought out by Christ's Death and Passion and not by his Life and Active Obedience This Synod in no wise approving the dividing causes so nearly conjoined in this great effect of Divine Grace and judging those arguments produced by him for the defence of his cause weak and invalid doth order that all the Pastors in the respective Churches of this Kingdom do wholly conform themselves in their Teaching to that form of sound words which hath been hitherto taught among us and is contained in the Holy Scriptures to wit That the whole Obedience of Christ both in his Life and Death is imputed to us for the full remission of our Sins and acceptance unto Eternal Life and in short that this being but one and the self-same Obedience is our entire and perfect Justification And the Synod farther ordains that answer shall be made unto the Letters of the said Doctor Piscator propounding to him this Holy Doctrine together with its principal foundations yet without any vain jangling and with that devotion as becomes the singular modesty expressed by him in his Letters to us wherein there is not the least bitterness or provoking expression leaving it unto God who can when he pleaseth reveal unto him the defects which are in the Doctrine of the said Piscator as also to assure him that he hath exceedingly satisfied this Assembly in his Explications on that Topick of Repentance The suppression of the Book of Felix Huguet on the point of Justification for being written without the Warrant tho' in the name of all our Churches against Piscator 5. Letters were sent by Mr. Felix Huguet Minister of the Gospel together with two Copies of a Book writ by him in Latine concerning Justification which said book he had for some time past caused to be Printed at Geneva without the knowledge of the Pastors of that City or the Approbation of the Pastors of the Province of Dolphiny where he resides Upon report made of it by several Brethren Pastors of Churches ordered to peruse the said Book both as to its style and matter The Synod judgeth the said Huguet to have incurred a most grievous censure first for writing in the name of the Synod in a matter of General concern without any warrant from it for so doing and secondly for giving a publick answer to a Book which was never published and lastly for having Printed his Book contrary to the Canons of our Church-discipline And therefore it ordaineth that the said Book be suppressed and that thanks be returned to the Magistrates of Geneva for their preventing of its publick sale and to intreat them that for the future they would totally suppress it And farther the Synod hath thought good that in the Letter which shall be written unto Dr. Piscator he shall be acquainted that Huguets Book was writ without the order knowledge and consent of our Churches and only attempted by him upon a private caprice of his own without any publick Warrant or Authority for so doing Monsieur Sohnis answers orthodoxly and in the name and by order of the Churches unto Piscator 6. Whereas Monsieur Sohnis Pastor and Professor of the Church and University of Montauban hath at the desire and in the name of this Assembly written Letters and an Answer unto those of Piscator which upon perusal are found very orthodox It 's ordered that thanks be returned unto the said Sohnius for his labour and diligence but yet for peace and concord 's sake it 's thought good to detain them by us for a while and Monsieur Sohnis is intreated to suspend the publication of his Treatise about Justification for some short time till we see what fruits the sweet and gentle procedures may produce and the next National Synod shall then license it 7. Monsieur Regnault Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux having sent us the Copy of Letters written to him by the most Illustrious Lord John Earl of Nassau in which he expresseth his desire of maintaining the Peace and Union of the Church and
Assembly commissionated Monsieur Vignier Minister of the Gospel and Monsieur des Fontaines Texier and le Fevrier Elders to examine and close up those Accounts which being done and report made by them it appeared that Monsieur Phillip Pinaut Receiver of the said Moneys stood indebted to them in the sum of 4292 Livers 15 Sous and 8 Deniers upon the whole which said Audit and final Reckoning is approved and ratified by this Synod and it 's further ordered that the said sum of 4292 Livers 15 Sous and 8 Deniers shall remain in the hands of the said Pinault to be employed in the Maintenance of the said University and about nothing else as we shall hereafter take care for And in so doing the said Receiver and Province shall be acquitted and discharged of the said Moneys And the Originals of the Accounts aforesaid shall be kept in the Consistory of Rochell and the Duplicates and Copies evidencing the whole shall be lodg'd in the hands of the said Pinault with the consent of the Deputies of that Province 29. The Province of Xaintonge moving whether it were not needful to make a compleat Answer to the Works of Bellarmine This Synod charged the Deputies of Dolphiny to intreat Monsieur Chamier to prosecute his worthy Labours begun by him upon this Subject 30. Every Province shall chuse one particular Church in it where the Original Acts of their Synods shall be conserved that in case of necessity they may have recourse unto them 31. The Professors of Divinity in the Universities of this Kingdom shall be advised so to contrive their Lectures and Common-places that they may be compleatly finished in three years time 32. The Province of Orleans and Berry demanding that the time for Proposans tendering themselves unto Synods and Colloquies with their Propositions might be fixed equally This Assembly judged that it were best and most convenient to leave it as before unto the liberty and prudence of those Meetings 33. Moreover at the request of the same Province it was ordained That Churches which had Ability should be desired to Erect Libraries for the service of their Ministers 34. Monsieur Perrin is intreated to finish his begun History of the True Estate of the Albingenses and Waldenses and to help him in it all persons having Memoirs by them either of the Doctrine Discipline or Persecutions of those poor Saints of Christ are charged to transmit them to him with all possible care and diligence 35. Into whose hands there may fall a little Treatise about the dispossession of the Devil out of a Demoniack in Soreze they are required to suppress it 36. No Scholars for the future shall be received by the Provinces as Pensioners and who be now maintained at the trivial Schools by the Moneys of his Majesties bounty till such times as they shall have finished their Studies of Humanity and have begun their course of Philosophy and shall give in good Security for repaying the sums received by them and expended on them in case that through their default they do not serve the Church in the Ministry of the Gospel 37. This Case was propounded by the Deputies of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne How they should deal with them who being accused of Crimes were absolved by the Magistrates and yet afterward new evidence appeared against them and the scandal continued The Synod leaves it wholly to the prudence of Consistories who shall comport themselves herein according to circumstances and take special care that the Lives and Reputation of the Brethren be not exposed to needless dangers 38. The Deputies of Normandy requiring that the proper Hebrew names of the Old Testament according as they be printed in this last Edition of our Bibles might be refined and pronounced as in the former Antient Impressions This Synod judgeth it more convenient that they remain as they are and that nothing be changed by our Printers in any of their After-Impressions 39. Monsieur Beraud propounded this Case Whether an Elder of the Church accused of some enormous Crime and justified by an Inferiour Judge and yet drawn by his adverse Party to a Superiour Tribunal may whilst this Appeal stands in force against him exercise his Office in the Church The Synod judgeth that he ought to refrain until such time as he be finally acquitted and discharged by due course of Law See the Synod of Gergeau p. m. 39. 40. The Provinces are exhorted to assist the poor Churches especially in their distribution of his Majesties Bounty conferred upon us 41. The General Deputies are charged not only to manage the general Affairs of all our Churches but the particular ones of every single Church especially when as a difficulty is started about the Erection and Conservation of it according to the Edict And this Order shall bind the Provinces to seek out diligently a Legal Title for the Erection of our Churches and to associate themselves with the Deputies in all Prosecutions at Law necessarily required that so their Erection may be obtained and confirmed A conditional Supersede as to the Article of Antichrist 42. Whereas since the last Resolution taken by us concerning that Article Antichrist and its insertion into the body of our Confession of Faith and in consequence thereof its being printed his Majesty hath notified unto us by our Deputies as also by Monsieur de Montmartyn that the publishing of this Article would exceedingly displease him This Assembly ordaineth That the Printing thereof shall be superseded unless any Member of our Church be molested for it or be brought before the Magistrate for his confession of it or any Minister for Preaching Teaching or Writing about it and his Majesty shall be humbly intreated to interpose his Authority that no one be disquieted for the Impression which is already past or for being possessed of any Copies received from the Press 43. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc crav'd the Advice of this Synod what should be done in that case of Moneys received by their Deputies sent unto the Assembly of Chastelleraut in the year 1605. and which had been given them to defray the Charges of their Journey and Abode there by the Churches and by his Majesties Liberality This Synod ordaineth That the Receivers and Detainers of the said Moneys not having given in their Accounts for them unto their respective Provinces nor having received from them good and vallid Acquittances and Discharges shall be bound to do it and in case of defailure they shall be prosecuted with all Church-censures and other due courses of Law if that the Provinces and Churches do so require it 44. In reading the Synod of Gap about Censures inflicted on the Violators of Marriage-promises without just cause several difficulties were related to have arisen in divers places upon this Subject Wherefore this Synod decreeth That neither private persons nor Consistories have any Authority to dissolve such promises but shall remand them back unto the Cognizance Order and Legal Judgment of the
Paris to have sight and Copy of the Accounts of the last Receivers General upon whom as he saith were his Assignments and there they lie and it will he granted him immediately And in case the said Palot refuse to petition the said Court the Lords our General Deputies shall compel him to it and force him in their names to take out Coppies and Extracts concerning those Receivers General and whatever else may necessarily relate unto the said Palot And whereas the said Palot doth take for granted that there is due unto him the sum of twelve thousand Crowns and more It is necessary that our General Deputies should demand sight of those Accounts brought in by him that it may be proved whether he hath made a good and just Receipt for all his Moneys which they may easily do and the said Receipt may be verified but taking out from the Exchequer Copies and Extracts or all Moneys which the Receivers General have imposed or payed in to the said Palot All which any Attorney belonging to the said Court of Exchequer will get dispatched for them out of hand And forasmuch as we have too just cause to fear it that in the Account brought in by the said Palot there will be found several double false Reprisals All the Deputies of the Provinces are charged to send unto our Lords the General Deputies a Copy of all Accounts given in by their particular Receivers in their respective Provinces that so we may have a full and perfect knowledge of the Receipt and Disbursment set down and used in the Account of the said Palot So that if any thing should be owing to him which is very improbable and incredible he may be payed by the Receivers General of Thoulouse who were ordered in the closing up of their Accounts for the years 1600 and 1602. To pay in unto the said Palot the summ of 15966 Crowns six Sous and ten Deniers For out of this summ there will not only be enough to satisfie him but there will also remain some Moneys in stock for our Churches And 't is to be feared that he hath made the like mixtures in his other General Receipts in which he hath left a Fund for accommodating with all the Debtors And this affair is of so long continuance that people do now a days forbear speaking of it as if it were so old as to be forgotten which usually falls out in all general matters And when as the said Accounts are brought in and cleared up then all Papers remaining in the hands of the said Palot concerning those Assignations shall be taken from him and the Receivers General and the Debtors are to be prosecuted And if any of those assignations appear to be of no worth nor value our General Deputies shall use their best and utmost endeavour to get new and better Assignments And that it might be made appear that there was such a good debt of fifteen thousand nine hundred sixty and six Crowns five and fourty Sous and six Deniers owing unto our Churches there was put into the hands of our Lords General Deputies the Extracts taken out of the Chamber of Accompts for the Province of Languedoc Done at Rochel this 12th day of April Signed Berault Moderator of the National Synod Rivet Scribe Roy Scribe CHAP. IX Of Appeals 1. MOnsieur de la Rouviere Doctor of the Civil Law came impowered by the Common Council of the City of Usez into this Assembly to defend an Appeal which certain of the Consuls and Inhabitants of that City had made from the Colloquy of Usez and the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc held at St. Hippolyte by whom Mr. Laurence Brunier Minister of the Gospel was restored unto his Pastoral Office in the Church of Usez against the will and desire of these his Opponents On the other part the said Mr. Brunier Pastor of that Church and de Janas Doctor of the Civil Law came also furnished with ample powers from a great Assembly of that City disavowing those powers of the Sieur de la Ruviere and of the Consistory there Now although the disavowal of the first powers by the second might have been very well contested yet nevertheless because of the consequence and importance of this affair the Assembly passing by that formality did give audience to both Parties that it might take some effectual course about the principal Wherefore the Deputies of that Province were heard give in the reasons moving the said Province of Lower Languedoc to restore the said Mr. Brunier unto the Church of Usez and Monsieur Codur unto the Ministry in their Province contrary to the Decree of the National Synod of Gap which had excluded Monsieur Brunier from the City and Church of Usez until the meeting of this present Assembly and Mr. Codur from that Province Monsieur de la Rouviere was also heard speak on behalf of the Appellants and offering his objections as well against that decree of the Provincial Synod as against the very person of Monsieur Brunier Monsieur Brunier also was heard speak in his own defence and justification and the Deputy sent together with him from the Consistory of the Church of Usez who testified the unanimous desire of the Consistory and of the whole Church to enjoy him for their Pastor and how eminently acceptable and successful the Ministry of the said Mr. Brunier was among them Letters also were read from the Church of Beziers and one of their Elders sent by them declared the importunate desire of the said Church that Monsieur Codur might be confirmed in the Pastoral Office to them as also how very fruitful and edifying his Ministry had been among them Upon the whole this Assembly did utterly dislike and disapprove of those proceedings of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc for neglecting the Decree of the National Synod of Gap and for introducing Monsieur Brunier into the Church of Usez and Monsieur Codur again into the Province and doth judge the said Province to have incurred a very great Censure by its notorious transgression of a decree made by the National Synod a crime of very dangerous consequence because if Provincial Synods shall slight the Authority of the National they will open the Flood-gates to let in upon us a deluge of unseen mischiefs And the said Monsieur Brunier hath deserved a sharp reproof for listning unto methods for his restoration which tho sought out by others were in truth propounded by himself unto the Provincial Synod and for that he acquiesced rather in the Judgment of a Provincial Synod than of the National yea and acted contrary to it And the like Censure is inflicted upon Monsieur Codur who being excluded the said Province could not of right have sought a readmission into it nor ought the Province when he sought it to have readmitted him And as for the Church of Usez it cannot but be blamed for its precipitancy and impatiency in not tarrying till the time
prefixed by the National Synod was expired when they might have lawfully redemanded their Pastor Moreover these Appellants themselves cannot be justified nor wholly absolved from guilt and miscarriages for they have testified too much animosity against a Reverend Minister of the Gospel for slight and trifling matters only and there be some of them who have merited a very smart and sharp reproof because they having at first endeavoured his restauration amongst them have since by an unaccountable Levity destroyed the Work which they were building and have attempted his total and perpetual exclusion But for as much as the infinitely Wise God hath extracted good out of all these evils and made all these Feuds and Animosities all these Heart-burnings and Contentions wonderfully to contribute to the advancement of his glory the propagation of the Gospel the conversion of many Sinners and the singular edification of both these Churches of Usez and Beziers This Assembly doth judge meet to accommodate and compound all these differences in manner and form following First Monsieur Brunier is presented unto the Ministry in the Church of Usez and the Province of Lower Languedoc is ordered to provide him an assistant out of hand And Monsieur Codur he also is conferred upon the Church of Beziers to be from henceforth their ordinary Pastor and the Sieurs Brunier de Janas and de la Rouviere were all actually reconciled one unto the other in the presence of this Synod and they did all solemnly promise that they would use their best endeavours to reconcile and reunite their several and respective parties now absent And that this might be more easily effected and attained the Sieurs Bayly Perrin de la Colombiere and Valeton are charged as they return home to their own Churches that they pass over to the City of Usez and compose the differences between the opposite parties in it And Monsieur Codur is also charged to bear them company and to deal with his Friends and Allies and Acquaintance there that they may embrace this sacred and desireable peace And Letters shall be written unto all the Appellants in the name of this National Synod and signed by Synodical Officers to press and exhort them to be at peace among themselves to put a period unto all their divisions and dissentions and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace 2. The Consistory and far greater part of the Church of Tonneias appealed from a Judicial Sentence given by their Provincial Synod held at Nerac for that they had freed and discharged Mr. Francois de Monjoux Pastor of their Church from his Ministry in it and relation to it and given him unto the Church of Bazas and its Annexes and for that he the said Mr. Monjoux had acquiesced in the said Sentence And the said Church complained that this was done without ever hearing them and that they did disown and disavow that Person who had been sent by some of the Jurates and Magistrates of their Town nor did they in the least approve of their Elder 's Silence in that Synod when as this matter was under debate This Assembly judgeth that the Synod had acted too precipitantly in giving Mr. de Monjoux his Dismission without a more ample hearing of his Church and therefore ordereth that he shall continue as formerly their Pastor but the said Church of Tonneias shall also for their part take care as in Conscience they are bound that his necessities be supplied and a comfortable maintenance be provided for him And in the mean time their Actings and Proceedings who procured his Congé and Dismission are very much blamed as also their Deputies and Monsieur Monjoux who were all present in this Assembly were censured and their Clubs and private Cabals about Church-matters out of Consistory were all reproved and particularly that Chicannery and contentious humour of theirs in getting all their Acts expedited and dispatched before Publick Notaries and Secular Judges Wherefore this National Synod doth advise and conjure them in the name of our Lord Jesus to be reconciled and at peace among themselves which these persons now present did readily yield and accord unto and as a pledge and token thereof did mutually take each other by the hand promising that they would deal and mediate effectually with their absent Parties to be at peace also and the Pastors of Lower Languedoc as they return homeward shall ride over unto Tonneins and labour to make up and conciliate all these differences And whereas the Parish of Dunet was heretofore incorporated with the Church of Tonneins it shall be conjoyned and reunited to it And in case any new difficulties should be started about it the next Provincial Synod is charged by the Authority of this Assembly to assoil and remove them And it the said Parish yield its consent to be united with that of Tonneins the said Church shall take an especial care about the safe going and coming of their Pastor in the exercise of his Ministry among them And as for that particular fact of John Carrier who complains of his being deposed from his Office in the Eldership without any just occasion the afore-mentioned Deputies are charged to hear him upon the place and to do him right by a final Judgment on his Cause and they shall do the same for the Deacon who also makes the like complaint as the Elder And it is farther decreed that there shall be twenty Crowns paid out of the common Stock of the said Church and Town unto the Sieurs Fassas and Carrier to defray their Expences and to recompence them for their Costs and Trouble in this business which could not amount upon a moderate computation unto a lesser sum 3. The Church of Angoulesine together with their Pastor Mr. Hog complained of the Synod of Xaintonge for condemning the said Church to pay unto the Heirs of Monsieur Mauget Vivian their late Pastor the sum of six hundred and twelve Livers and that it should be paid out of their portion of Moneys given by his Majesty unto the said Church This Assembly judgeth that the said Mr. Hog hath done very well in thus appealing because those Moneys granted us by the King are only appropriated unto Pastors in actual service so that the Provincial Synod did wrong the said Church of Angoulesme by that their Judgment And upon consideration had of the Heirs of Mr. Mauget Vivian deceased and their great poverty and the deep poverty of the said Church and the right that it hath unto the Moneys of his Majesties Bounty there was adjudged unto those Heirs the sum of three hundred Livers and the said Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoumois is ordered to make payment of it unto them out of the Moneys which are in the hands of the Receiver General for the fourth quarter of the years 1604 and 1605. 4. The Church of Saujon appealed from the last Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held in their Town for that it
had obliged the said Church to give twelve Sermons every year unto the Parish of Medis and to celebrate once in the year the Lord's Supper in it the said Parish paying the sum of an hundred Livers towards the maintenance of their Pastor the Church of Saujon declaring that through the goodness of God they were well able to maintain their own Minister without any assistance from the said Parish This Assembly ordained That those of Medis should ordinarily attend upon Divine Service in the Church of Saujon but that Mr. Bonnett should sometimes visit them as his conveniencies and occasions may suffer him without obliging him to time But and if the said Parish of Medis should rather like to incorporate it self with Meschiers or any other Church or would have a Pastor of its own which is left wholly to their own choice and liberty then the Church of Saujon shall be acquitted and discharged of all relation to them and Medis unto them respectively nor shall the one lay claim or pretend unto any thing of or from the other 5. Monsieur Vaissé Pastor of the Church of Campagnac appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne held at Realmont by which the said Church of Campagnac was joyned unto the Colloquy of Lower Quercy in case it provided it self of another Pastor or if it would keep the said Vaissè then the said Church was joyned unto the Colloquy of Albigeois yet not hindering the said Church to contest its rights and priviledges before this Assembly Monsieur Benoist Deputy for the Colloquy of Lower Quercy in which quality his Commission was approved without obliging him to demand leave of his Church of Montauban was heard speak on behalf of that Colloquy Whereupon this National Synod confirmed the Judgment of the Provincial Synod judging that it was in no wise expedient that the said Vaissé should be turned over to the Colloquy of Lower Quercy and ordained that he should continue in his Pastoral Office and Relation unto the Church of Campagnac which should be joyned to the Colloquy of Albigeois which is ordered to bear with the said Mr. Vaissé although he cannot come so often as he would unto the said Colloquy especially if the places be far distant one from the other 6. Monsieur Tenans Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Rector of that University appealed from an Ordinance of the Synod of the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne which having deputed extraordinarily some Pastors to examine two Candidates for the Profession of the Greek Tongue had devolved the Expences of their Journey and abode upon the Stock of the said University and had deprived him the said Rector of his Vote in judging of the Capacities of the two Competitors This Assembly judged that the Rector had done very well in thus appealing For as to the first point it is but just that the Costs should be defrayed by them who through their contentious temper do draw persons before extraordinary Judges And as for the other Article the Rector could not be deprived of his Vote unless they had just causes to except against him whereof the rest should take cognisance 7. The Church of Benet and St. Maixiere appealed from a Decree of the Synod of St. Maixant confirmed by the Provincial Synod of Poictou for returning back again unto the Church of Champdenys those Members which had left them since the gathering and setling of the Church of St. Maixant This Affair was remanded unto the Provincial Synod to be revised by it and when as they have well considered all circumstances of the conveniencies and inconveniencies relating to those Churches the said Synod shall pass a final Judgment thereupon and provide for one without any ways in the least prejudicing or damnifying the other 8. The Colloquy of Lower Poictou appealed from an Ordinance of their Provincial Synod which had incorporated the Church of Maillezay with the Church of Benet for a time But this Appeal was rejected and the Order of the Synod was confirmed as long as it made good for the Edification of both Churches 9. An Elder of the Church of Marans appealed from the Synod of Xaintonge held at Saujon for lending the Sieur de la Violette one of the Pastors of the Church of Marans unto the Church of St. John d'Angely for one whole year after which term he might return again to Marans which made Monsieur Pillard hereupon to leave them Several of the Inhabitants of Marans were called in yea and those of the best quality and account among them who offered unto this National Synod that they would maintain two Pastors without ever in the least taxing or burdening those persons who desired the departure of Monsieur Pillard from them above what they were ordinarily rated and assessed or what they would freely give and contribute of their own accord This Assembly approving and applauding their Zeal and finding their offers to be very just and equitable and contrariwise blaming and condemning the Ingratitude of that other party who would force away their Antient Pastor doth ordain that both those Ministers shall be and continue to be the ordinary and standing Pastors of that Church which shall pay unto each of them a like equal stipend without leaving one behind in Arrears when and whilst the other is paid totally and entirely And in case they do not obey this Decree and that one of these Ministers should come to be lent or removed it shall be the Sieur de la Violette who shall tarry yet three months longer at the Church of St. John d'Angely over and besides that year which the Provincial Synod had determined and that term being expired he shall return unto the Church of Marans 10. Monsieur de Bontoux Minister of the Church of St. Africk appealed from the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc Guyenne for that they had suspended him the exercise of his Ministry a whole month because he went out of their Assembly against their positive prohibition This Appeal was vacated and the Colloquy which abetted him in this his groundless Appeal was also censured 11. Whereas Monsieur Raffin hath executed an Order of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne in the City of Milhaud that the Elders of the Church there should communicate at the Lord's Table before the Judges and Consuls and this conformably to the Decisions and Decrees of our former National Synods this Act of his was approved and ratified and the Appeal of the said Magistrates disannulled nor indeed did they insist much upon it but gave up their Cause 12. Whereas the Provincial Synod of Lower Guyenne had restored Monsieur Reynauld unto his Pastoral Office in the Church of Bourdeaux this their Judicial Decree is confirmed by the Authority of this present Assembly and the rather because that those persons who had appealed from it have dropt their Appeal and seem to be well satisfied 13. Monsieur des Fontaines appealed from the
Church provide themselves of any other for the Ministry in that Church or for the Profession of Theology during the time of his loan unto the Church and University of Saumur 4. The Church of St. Ireney le Perche in the Countrey of Limousin petitioned this Assembly for a Pastor that so their Ruine and Dissipation might be prevented and that they might be holpen with some Moneys to make him up a competency for his subsistence with them The Assembly considering that Monsieur Alix was lent unto the Church of Angeau doth injoyn the Provincial Synod of Berry to examine Monsieur Salomon a Proposan and in case they find him well qualified they shall set him apart to the work of the Ministry by Imposition of hands and send him unto the said Church of St. Ireney le Perche for two years only in case the Church of Orleans be not destitute of Pastors which is much feared for both the Pastors of Orleans and Angeau have been a long time very sick and like to die And the said Church of St. Ireney le Perche shall be put upon the same Roll with the other Churches to draw forth and receive its portion of the King's Monies 5. Whereas the Elder of the Church of Villefaignun and Savelles hath petitioned that they might be without any longer delay provided of a Pastor the next Synod of Xaintonge is charged to take care of them and to give order for their supply And in the mean while the Neighbour Ministers of Xaintonge and Augoulmois are required to visit and officiate by turns in the said Church 6. There being great divisions and contentions among the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Montauban and particularly one lately fallen out between Messieurs Beraud the Younger and Duncan first Regent of their Colledge and Competitor for the Profession of the Greek Tongue and there having been very ill doings and of dangerous consequence in their proceedings their Cause being removed from the Colloquies and Synods by the said Duncan and others unto the Court of the Edict in the City of Castres This Assembly that past evils may be remedied and such as are future may be prevented doth enjoyn those Gentlemen concerned in these differences and who are now personally present in this Synod to be reconciled one unto the other which was done accordingly And that the absent parties might be reunited Messieurs de Gasque Gigord and those Elders deputed by the Province of Lower Languedoc shall take in their way homeward the City of Montauban and are charged by the Authority of this Synod to accommodate and compose all their dissensions And it is farther ordained That both the said Mr. Beraud the Younger and Mr. Duncan shall desist all pursuits about the Profession of the Greek Tongue and for peace sake a third person shall be chosen into that Office And whereas the said Duncan was obliged by a special Article of the said Colloquy to prosecute his Appeal in the Court of the Edict the Provincial Synod is ordered to inflict a very severe Censure upon that Colloquy in case that Article be found registred in the Original of their Acts which for this purpose shall be produced And Messieurs de Gasques Gigord St. Chapte and Bergier as they travel through the City of Castres shall acquaint his Majesties Officers professing the Reformed Religion in that Court how very prejudicial it will be unto our Churches if those Academical Differences shall come to be impleaded at their Bar that so according to their Zeal and Piety they may prudently provide for our publick and common benefit and take care in due time that the Liberties and Priviledges of the Churches be not invaded nor disseized 7. Monsieur de la Vallade is confirmed in his Ministry unto the Church of Fontinay unto which he was formerly presented nor shall the Province of Guyenne or Bergerac claim any right to recall him and this Decree passed without any opposition from the Deputies of the said Church and Province who declared they had no Commission to redemand him So that all Agreements and Covenants made betwixt the said Vallade and his Father and the said Church are ratified and become perpetual However this Assembly doth not approve of that Form in which they be drawn up especially with reference unto the Moneys which they pretend to have furnished him and in case the Church of Bergerac should demand him the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge is impowered with Authority to determine finally of him and all matters between him and them 8. The Churches of Maringues and Paillac in Auvergne petitioned this Assembly that they might be supplied with able Ministers and because of their deep poverty and want of necessary means to allow a sufficient maintenance for a Pastor the Synod of Lower Languedoc was enjoyned to lend them a Minister for one year they taking the first opportunity of their meeting to apply themselves thither for one And that a competency may be the more easily provided over and above the four portions out of the King's Money formerly allotted unto those of the Lower Auvergne there be two more granted to them and the said Churches of Maringues and Paillac shall receive four of them and the other two shall remain with and belong unto the Church of Issoire And it is farther ordained That the said Synod of Lower Languedoc shall in the mean time chuse a Proposan of good hopes and well qualified who may be given as ordinary Pastor unto the said Church of Issoire 9. Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux brought Letters from the Magistrates and Ministers in the Church of Edinborough in Scotland written and directed to this Assembly and other Letters also written by his Majesty the King of Great Brittain recalling him home unto his Native Countrey to serve the said Church of Edinburgh and he declared farther that he had never absolutely ingaged himself either to this Kingdom nor to any particular Church in it but had always reserved a liberty of departure when as he should be duly recalled This Assembly replied that they would not in the least abridge him of his liberty but as he had acquired it so he might use it with a good conscience yet nevertheless they intreated him to consider well of all circumstances and to have a tender care and respect unto the Church of Bourdeaux which by his most fruitful preaching and exemplary godly conversation had been exceedingly edified Whereupon he promised seriously not to abandon the said Church till it were better supplied 10. The Sieur de la Buissonniere desiring that the Canon about calling the Provincial Synod of Normandy might be explained This Assembly decreeth that every Colloquy shall meet in its course in those places which are most commodious and the said Province is injoined to call unto their Synod a Pastor and Elder out of every Church and that it could not in any wise approve of their former actings being
directly repugnant unto our Discipline to call only the Deputies of the Colloquies and the said Province was censured for that irregular practice and the Higher Normandy is forbidden to Congregate and pack up into one their two Colloquies as they have done heretofore 11. The Church of Cormes and that of St. John du Brueil petitioning to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Rovergue and separated from that of Sauve This Assembly having heard Monsieur Gasques speaking on behalf of the Lower Languedoc that they did not oppose it their Petition was granted them provided that the Synod of Higher Guyenne would carefully inspect and watch over them 12. The Church of Foix and Tarascon complained of their utter inability to maintain a Pastor by reason of the excessive poverty of the Inhabitants of those places This Assembly did therefore add two Portions more out of the Kings Money to that which they already had and intreated Monsieur de Montigny to perswade Monsieur du Mattellet to accept of the Pastoral Charge of that Church and to assist and incourage him in it 13. The Petition of the Church of Bourg Argentall was granted and they shall be henceforward incorporated with the Church of Bonlieu in Vivaretz but on that condition mentioned in the Act of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy that when as by the good providence of God they may be inabled to maintain a Pastor of themselves that then they shall be returned back unto the said Province The Deputies of the Lower Guyenne petitioning that the Decree of their Provincial Synod might be confirmed that all their Churches might be obliged to put the moneys Collected by them for the poor Exiles of the Marquisate of Salluces into the hands of Monsieur Bernardin Elder in the Church of Thonneins that he might be reimbursed the four hundred Crowns lent by him upon his Majesties Grant of that sum unto the Deputies assembled at Chastechelaud and who had already paid it in to the Brethren of the said Marquisate This Assembly hath confirmed and doth now by this present Act ratifie and confirm that Decree aforesaid and it shall be accordingly executed and performed but so that every Church shall be taxed according to its ability and the said Collection thus assessed shall be levied according to the said Rate and Tax 15. Madam la Faye being fallen blind is recommended to the Charity of the Church of Bourdeaux which is intreated to continue their wonted Relief and Assistance to her 16. Monsieur Haulier Pastor of the Church du Mas d' Assier is injoyned to ride unto Vivaretz and in obedience to the Synodical Decree made at Gap to Account with the Church of Annonay and to give them full satisfaction within six months time all delays and excuses being set by 17. Monsieur Baldran Deputy for the Churches of Bearn petitioned that Monsieur Esperian the younger Minister of St. Foy might be restored unto their Province and to serve in one of their Churches The Elder of the Church of St. Foy was heard who produced a Letter written by the Father of the said Monsieur Esperian declaring that his Son if he pleased might continue where he was This Assembly did not approve that the said Esperian should be any wise obliged unto the Churches of Bearn to the hindrance of his abode at St. Foy and this was so determined by the National Synod of Gap and is now ratified by this present Synod And the said Esperian by our authority is now fixed and appropriated to the Church of St. Foy yet with this restriction that in case of great and indispensible necessities he may assist the Churches of Bearn as a Pastor as they also shall in like manner assist ours by vertue of that holy Ordinance of Communion betwixt the Churches of our Lord Jesus 18. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers did by his Son acquaint this Synod of that great Affliction God had laid upon him in depriving him of his Eye-sight together with very many domestick troubles befallen him partly by Persecutions in former times and grievous Sicknesses and that the Church of Pamiers is not of sufficient ability to maintain another Minister Wherefore the Province of Higher Languedoc is enjoyned to deal kindly with him in their Dividends of his Majesties Liberalities and to provide for him under his pressing necessities 19. That all Dissensions arising in the Church of Xaintes about Church-Offices may be prevented for the future this Assembly doth judge fit that as soon as the said Church shall be provided of a Pastor one third of their Consistory shall be changed and another third at the years end and the residue the year following and the Election of the two thirds who are to continue and enter into Office shall be made by majority of Votes of the said Consistory and those who have a mind to be discharged shall enjoy their Liberty And this Canon was made for the said Church at the request of the Province of Xaintonge and to be perpetuated in the said Church but without any prejudice in the least unto other Churches 20. Our Brethren in the Baylywick of Gex shall subscribe the Church-Discipline yet with this Restriction that they shall not be obliged unto some particular Canons which shall be excepted by name in their subscribed Copies and this because of their present estate and circumstances 21. The Deputies of Poictou craved resolution unto this Case Some persons lately married were tied up from Conjugal performances by Witchcraft and thereupon separated one from the other and the Wife was since married unto another Man and afterward her first Husband unto another Woman May these persons be admitted to the Peace and Communion of the Church This Assembly remits the Judgment of the matter of fact unto their Provincial Synod which is ordered particularly to examine all circumstances 22. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Case whether a Colloquy might refuse payment of a Donative given by the Provincial Synod unto the Widdow of a deceased Minister upon this pretence that the said Widdow died before the time of paying the said Donative became due and whether her death may cause a Revocation of that Relief from the indigent Heirs of the said poor deceased Widdow This Assembly resolves in the negative and censureth that Colloquy for making a needless stir and opposition 23. The Church of Rochell having collected eight hundred Livers for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces this sum of Moneys was ordered to be paid in to the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny which was done accordingly and the said Province shall bring in their Account how they distribute it unto the next National Synod 24. The Church of Bourdeaux delivered unto the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny four hundred Livers collected in it for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces and the said Province is to bring in their Account how they have distributed it unto the next National Synod 25.
no wise able of himself to sustain the loss But this Assembly dismissed his Petition unto the Synod of his own Province which is required to consider it and give him due satisfaction 48. Whereas the sum of one hundred Crowns was adjudged unto the Province of Xaintonge for the setting up of a Free-School in it the said Moneys shall be imployed upon the Colledge of Rochefoucaud for its subsistence and the like sum shall be conferred upon the Province of Lower Guyenne towards the Augmentation of the Colledge of Bergerac 49. Whereas the province of Dolphiny draweth forth out of the General Stock of our Churches one portion under the name of Monsieur Mercure a Minister of the Gospel who doth actually serve several Churches both in that Province and in Vivaretz it is now ordered once for all that those particular Churches shall not have particular portions assigned to them but shall be reputed for one only because he is sole Pastor to them all 50. The two portions that were adjudged unto Monsieur de la Faye Pastor of the Church of Aubenas by the Synod of Gap over and above that other which the Province was to pay shall be continued to him and this order shall hold good till the sitting of the next National Synod 51. Whereas there be differences arisen between the Province of Lower Languedoc and that of Vivaretz about certain sums of Money ordered to be expended in several Journeys which were undertaken by the joynt and common consent of them both and for the common good and benefit of both those Provinces This Assembly having heard both Parties ordaineth That the Province of Vivaretz shall be acquitted by that of Lower Languedoc in paying out of their first and dearest Moneys by the Lord of Candall the sum of three hundred Livers And all the Provinces are straitly and expresly enjoyned that for the future they do never divert any of the Moneys granted us by his Majesty unto such Affairs without the consent of Ministers and Churches who are particularly concerned in them nor shall this be done at all without mature and previous deliberation had about it 52. A most humble petition shall be presented unto his Majesty to beseech him to order that Monsieur Masela having been wickedly prosecuted at Law about the Interment of his deceased Mother and put to the vast charges of seven or eight thousand Livers in his own defence against that unreasonable and unrighteous Suit may have some amends and satisfaction given him for his great damages CHAP. XI Particular Matters relating to the Provinces of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Article the First MOnsieur Du Bois the younger addressing himself unto this Assembly to prove his Liberty in being freed not only from the Church of La Ferté au Vidame and it s annexed Congregations but also from the Province of the Isle of France and Champagne after perusal of the Acts of the Colloquy and Synod of the said Provinces he was declared free and to be disposed of elsewhere according to the Rules of our Discipline as this Synod shall judge meet and in the mean while he may continue the exercise of his Ministry in the Church gathered in the house of the Lady de la Barre Article 2. The Provincial Deputies of Burgundy Lyonnois and Forest complaining that Monsieur le Faucheur at present Minister of the Church at Nonnay in Vivaretz had quitted the said Church and Province without ever having his Legal Dismission from them and therefore demand that he be remanded back unto the Church of Dijon And the Deputies of Vivaretz being heard who required the confirmation of his Ministry unto the Church of Nonnay And the Deputies of the Isle of France demanding him for the Church of Paris and those of Sedan also petitioning that he might be assigned to them for their Pastor And the Deputies of Dolphiny producing Articles of Agreement made between them and the said Faucheur in consequence whereof they claimed him for the service of the Church in Grenoble This Synod in no wise approving those Articles of Agreement and finding that the Province of Burgundy hath a just right unto him though yet it was not absolute and that neither the Churches of Paris or Sedan have any the least pretext of claim unto him It therefore using that power and authority which they have over him who ought as Pastor to be responsible unto this Assembly doth confirm him as fixed Pastor unto his own Church of Nonnay without ever suffering either his Father or himself to pretend unto any right for the future of leaving that Church or to be given unto any other Article 3. The Church of Chastillon on the Loir petitioning that Monsieur Solais might be given them for their Minister the Synod did not judge it reasonable to grant them their request because he was not discharged by the Province of the Isle of France whereunto he belongeth But the Province of Orleans and Berry are ordered out of hand and with as much conveniency as they can to provide a Pastor for the said Church Article 4. Monsieur de Montigny demanding in the name of the Province of the Isle of France that Mr. de la Touche the Elder should reimburse the Church of Paris the Moneys laid out by them for his Education when he was their Scholar or that he be sent back again unto the said Province therein to exercise his Ministry This Assembly ordaineth That the hundred Livers given by him unto the Church of Compiegne shall be deducted and allowed him in the Account and farther ordaineth that he bring in his Account by the hands of his Brother a Minister in the said Province unto their next Provincial Synod that the remainders of his Debt may be seen and known as also what may be owing him from the Moneys of his Majesties Liberality which Account being thus Audited those who have the Arrearages of that Moneys in their hands shall be bound to make good payment of it Article 5. Monsieur de Montigny requested on behalf of the Church of Paris that Monsieur Ferrier might be given them for their Minister The Synod having heard the Deputies of Lower Languedoc and considered the Call given the said Ferrier by the Church of Nismes judgeth that he cannot be conveniently removed from Nismes and farther enjoyns him to discharge with care and diligence his Office of Pastor and Professor there Whereupon the said de Montigny renewed with greater importunity his demands that Monsieur le Faucheur and Monsieur Peyrol might be given unto the Church of Paris instead of le Ferrier The Synod judged it inexpedient to alter its resolution so lately taken about le Faucheur nor to come to a new one about the said Peyrol considering his Office of Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Montpellier And he being farther urgent with them for Monsieur Chave the Synod replied he was not at their disposal because he wholly
appertained unto the Church of Geneva Article 6. A Proposition was made about the expediency of reducing the number of our Universities several Brethren judging them to be too many and that the Professors and Regents in them might be lessened and fixed and that a general sum might be assigned to them because that of Saumur demanded an Augmentation The Synod not being able at present to come to a stated resolution on these Articles ordered all the Provinces to be ready with their thoughts about them against the next National Synod Article 7. And that the poor Churches of this Kingdom may be relieved with the greater ease and advantage such Churches as are of ability to maintain a Colledge shall bring with them an Account of what they can do without the assistance of the publick That so an estimate may be taken of what may be added to compleat and perfect our Universities And the Provinces bordering on the Universities already erected are intreated to watch over see and visit them and to certifie the Approaching Synod of the duties or defaults of their respective Regents and Professors And in the mean while it was not judged convenient to bestow on that of Saumur the Augmentation demanded by them but it was deferr'd until the next National Synod Article 8. Monsieur de Montigny and Poupart instantly demanding Monsieur Bede to be given at least for some time as Minister unto the Church of Paris The Synod having heard the said Bede and Monsieur de Burges Elder of the Church of Loudun did not find it reasonable to deprive them either for a time or for ever of the Ministry of their said Pastor Article 9. The Synod proceeding in their distribution of Pastors freed from all ingagements did grant Monsieur du Bois to be the Minister unto the Church of Laval in the Maine Article 10. Monsieur du * * * Alias Merlin Moulin demanding whether Dory Lord of Grateloupe might be readmitted into fellowship with the Church he continuing in that Marriage state solemnized between himself and the Grand-daughter of his late Wises Sister because it was allowed by the Judicial Court at Nerac which had registred the Licenses granted him by his Majesty This Synod duly pondering all circumstances and divers other matters proposed about it have determined that both himself and Wife may be reconciled unto the Church and received into Communion provided that they be first admonished of the fault committed by them and also that it be notified unto the people that we do not at all approve of this Marriage Article 11. The Deputies of the Isle of France moving about the five hundred Crowns which were drawn from them by the two Pastors of the Church of Mantes and Fountainbleau This Synod considering the supernumerary portions assigned unto the said Province and their Annexed Congregations judgeth that they have no reason to complain for what is past and for the future it doth order five supernumerary portions more to be assigned unto the said Province for the better relief of those two Churches of Mantes and Fountainbleau Article 12. And farther it enjoyneth the said Province to cause those two Pastors to conform themselves unto the Discipline of our Churches and to rest contented with the ordinary stipends received by the other Pastors of that Province and in case they do not acquiesce in the Authority of this Synod they shall be prosecuted according to the Canons of out Discipline Article 13. The Deputies of several Provinces instantly demanding that some Colledges might be erected for the educating our Youth in good Learning before they be sent unto the Universities This Synod hath granted unto all the Provinces in which there be no Universities the sum of one hundred Crowns each towards the setting up of Lesser Schools wherein Children may be trained in Grammar-Learning And the Provinces are charged to bring in their Accounts of their faithful disposal of this Money unto the next National Synod Article 14. The Province of Burgundy is ordered to call the next National Synod within two years and in case the said Province cannot conveniently nor safely do it then the priviledge of summoning it shall be devolved on the Province of Poictou And the two years are thus limited to commence the first of May next ensuing CHAP. XII The Roll of Deposed Ministers 1. IN Xaintonge Monsieur Constantin a man of indifferent stature whose face and skin are of Olive-colour his eyes somewhat great a small red beard and about forty years of age 2. In the Province of Anjou Theophilus Bluett otherwise de la Combe tall of stature black hair large whiskers on his beard when he speaks he bends down his eye-lids aged about thirty nine 3. In the Province of Poictou Baptist des Touches near sixty years of age of a middle stature his beard black mingled with gray of an Olive complexion A fellow utterly unlearned 4. In the same Province Oliver Enguerrand Apostate about thirty years of age of a middle stature pretty full fac'd having no beard 5. In the Province of Normandy James de l'Obel alias du Val born at St. Lo heretofore Minister in the Baylywick of Gisors tall of stature brown hair a meagre visage aged about five and forty or fifty years 6. In the Province of Lower Languedoc Samuel des Planteuit alias de la Pause formerly Pastor in the Church of Beziers about seven and twenty or eight and twenty years of age full visag'd and pur-blind CHAP. XIII Orders about Testamentary Legacies 1. ALthough we would not prescribe them any Laws who desire to relieve the Church of God in its necessities and that they be at their own liberty to dispose of their Charities whether by Stock Rent or Moneys and to assign it to any certain Church Colledge or Hospital under such Assurances and Conditions as in their wisdoms they shall judge best consisting with their Affairs Yet this Synod doth judge it needful to advise the Saints to exercise their pious Liberalities according to the Word of God and the example of the Primitive Church And that such Charities of theirs may be well secured and faithfully dispensed according to the Intention of the Donors 2 Therefore the said Donors shall be advised to settle their Legacys or Gifts upon some certain Churches for the maintainance of their poor or of the Sacred Ministry therein with this clause that in case of Interruption by war or any other publick calamity that such rent shall be imployed by the next adjoyning Church or otherwise to be disposed of as shall be judged most fitting by the Consistory Colloquy Provincial or National Synods 3. Such as dwell in places of greatest security shall bestow their Gifts in ready moneys if possibly they can rather than in stock That so the said Moneys may be laid out in purchase of some yearly rent arising from the Chambers or the nearest Guilds to the Chambers oft the City of Rochell Montauban Montpellier Nismes or
Sieur Quinson Pastor of the Church of Chartres and Favieres appealing in their name from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France held at Charenton by which the Lord de Bijannettes was left at liberty either of communicating with the Church of Blainville whereof he was a Member or because he was nearer with that of Favieres he contributing both to the one and other This Assembly confirms that Decree of the Synod of the Isle of France and declares the Appeal to be null and void because the difference is of their nature which may be finally determined by the Provincial Synods However for time coming it is ordained that no Member shall joyn himself to another Church without leave first had and obtained from the Colloquy or Provincial Synod which shall very well weigh and consider of all Motives and Arguments inducing to it 16. This Assembly took no notice of the Appeal brought by the Province of Lower Languedoc from the Judgment of that of Vivaretz about the business of Monsieur Rossell because according to the Canon of the last National Synod it might have been finally determined in that Province as also because the difference arose from a particular Agreement which the said Rossell made with the Church of Gignac wherein they had obliged themselves to pay him over and above his Salary that portion accrewing to them from the Moneys granted us by His Majesty Nevertheless this Synod did expresly prohibit for the future all such Bargains and Agreements and ordains that Pastors shall have from their Churches settled and certain Wages in which payment shall not be reckoned their Augmentation from the Moneys of His Majesties Bounty And Ministers shall give Acquittances unto their Churches of all Moneys received from them at the quarterly payments 17. The Sieur Guibert Pastor complaining of a Judgment passed in the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge whereby he was consigned Minister to the Church of Archiac The Assembly having heard the Deputies of that Province and the said Guibert also declared the Decree of the said Province just and equitable and ordaineth his continuance in the said Church until such times as by advice of the Colloquy or of the same Province he may be elsewhere employed if need be but they be exhorted to take care for his comfortable maintenance 18. The Colloquy of Mayne appealing from a Decree of the Colloquy of Touraine chosen Umpire between that of Mayne and Anjou by which the Church of Prinjey and Gallirante had been adjudged to the Colloquy of Anjou upon hearing the Arguments produced by the said Colloquies this Assembly revoketh and reverseth the Decree aforesaid and adjudgeth the Church of Prinjey and Gallirante unto the Colloquy of Mayne 19. A difference falling out between the Provinces of the Isle of France and Berry upon this occasion divers Gentlemen and others formerly Members of the Church of Chartres had lately joyned themselves unto the Church of Basoches and Genouille gathered in the Colloquy of Blesois because of its nearness to their Habitations and more Commodious for them The Synod hearing the arguments on both sides and perusing the Memoirs doth leave the Gentlemen and other persons to their full Liberty either for Basoches and Genouille or for that of Chartres 20. The Sieur Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban and the Sieurs de Novellan and de Vaures Deputies from that Church unto the last Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne held at Pamiers appealed for that the said Beraud was aggrieved by the aforesaid Synod which having restored the Sieur Benoist to the aforesaid Church and refused to give him his dismission tho he humbly demanded it and had ordained that he should be reconciled with the said Benoist that they might live for the future amicably in peace and good correspondence together And the Sieurs de Novellan and de Vaures appealed for that the said Sieur Benoist was sent back unto the Church of Montauban as if he were one of their own proper Pastors Upon hearing the complanits of the Sieur Beraud and the Deputies of the said Church and the defence made by Monsieur Benoist and on perusal of divers Acts and Letters written on both sides and the Provincial Deputies also being heard producing the Acts on which their Decree was grounded and relating the Charge and Commission given them as they passed through Moutauban both from the party favouring Monsieur Beraud and the party desiring the continuance of the Ministry of the said Benoist This Assembly observing in all their proceedings more of passion than of reason ordaineth that the said Beraud be out of hand reconciled with the said Benoist and the said Benoist shall testifie unto him the great desire he hath for the future of living with him in all Love Honour and Respect and intreat him to forget and forgive all past miscarriages And furthermore it doth absolutely and fully ratifie and confirm that Decree of the Provincial Synod disannulling the Appeal of the said Deputies and exhorts them to a mutual reconciliation and to use their utmost endeavour for the effecting an entire universal Peace in the said Church And in case this be not done the next approaching Provinvincial Synod is charged by vertue and authority of this Assembly to remove them both from it and to employ them elsewhere in some other distinct Churches of the Province and by some other Ministers to serve and supply the Church of Montauban And the Sieurs Bauconis Silvius and de Malleret are ordered to travel unto Montauban and to give the said Church a punctual Account of this our Decree in all its circumstances and the Expences of their Journey shall be defrayed by it And whereas the Deputies of the said Church do desire that Garissoles and Cabault Proposans maintained by them might be examined in this National Synod and that it would be pleased to give in their Opinions of them whether they were persons sufficiently qualified for the Sacred Ministry and capable of assisting their other Pastors it was resolved that this matter should be left wholly to the Judgment of their Provincial Synod who should determine both of their Capacity and Induction into the said Church whereunto however they should not consent till such time as they had unanimously agreed about the Ministry of Monsieur Benoist on which condition they might grant the demands of the said Church And in case it should be a long time before the Synod Assembled that then the Colloquy of Lower Quercy shall finally determine this Affair provided that they call in to act together with them the Colloquy of Armagnac that so all sinister thoughts of partiality in their Judicial Sentence may be obviated and prevented And if in pursuance hereof they shall perceive a design laid for the exclusion of Monsieur Benoist then they shall not in the least proceed to the Ordination of the said Proposans nor unto their Instalment in the Church of Montauban 21. The
University of Montauban appealed because the last Synod held at Pamiers refused to admit of Monsieur Gardesie unto the Professors place of the Greek Tongue This Assembly decreeth that the Synod or both the Colloquies which shall judge about the Proposans of the Church of Montauban shall also take cognisance of this Affair And in case they do grant the said Gardesie unto that University and he consent unto it that then they do dispose of one of the said Proposans or of some other person whom they believe will best edifie the Church of Mauvoisin unto its service in the Pastoral work 22. The Appeal of the Common Council of the City of Montauban on behalf of the Counsellors in their Colloquy is dismissed over to the next Political Assembly of the Province 23. The Sieurs des Baconis Sylvius and de Malleret in their journey unto Montauban about the affairs of that Church are ordered to visit the Churches of Meusac Islemade and St. Leophary and to take knowledge of their Estate and Proverty that so they may testifie unto the approaching Synod of the Higher Guyenne whether the Sieurs Richaud and Bicheteau can be maintained by them and whether they be able to incourage them in their personal residence among them according to the Decree of the National Synod of Rochel 24. Whereas Monsieur Beraud appealed from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for their continuing the Sieurs Richaud and Bicheteau in the Curatorship of the University of Montauban since the Decree of the last National Synod and for their approving of that custom of precedency among the Elders according to their Seniority in Office This Assembly expounding the Canon of the aforesaid Synod of Rochel declareth that it never intended to set up any ordinary Curators excepting those that be upon the place and it only gave leave unto the Consistories and University Counsels to call in upon extraordinary occasions such persons as they judged best able to advise and assist them and therefore can in no wise approve of this Intendency ordained by the Provincial Synod And as for the other point it cannot allow the Provincial Synods to make orders about precedency and condemns the said Province for so doing and farther it does appoint all Consistories to use their prudence in preventing of those disorders and confusions which may fall out on such punctilio's and to take care that every one have that respect paid him which is due unto him 25. The appeal of the Sieurs Rafin Perrot and Phillipy about their expences unto the last National Synod is sent back unto the Neighbour Province with full power to determine finally therein according to the Canon of the same Synod concerning Pecuniary matters 26. The Sieur Beraud brought in an Appeal of the Colloquy of Armagnas which complained of the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne that meerly out of conformity to their Neighbours would send their Deputies to the Synods of Lower Languedoc and Guyenne This Assembly approving the resolution of the said Synod Censures the Colloquy for their opposition and makes null and void their Appeal 27. Master Claudius Maillard Doctor of Physick and heretofore Elder in the Church of Orleans appealed from the judgment of his Provincial Synod held at Gien by which the said Maillard was censured together with his book written by him against his own Pastor Monsieur du Moulin and because it had ordained that his Censure should be published in the Church before the whole Congregation the said Maillard pleading that neither his Book nor Person ought to have been censured but only that formality of his having caused it to be printed and farther that the Censure past upon Mr. du Moulin by the same Synod ought also to have been published in the Congregation Upon perusal of that aforesaid Printed discourse and published by the said Maillard and sent by him subscribed with his own hand unto this Assembly and the several acts produced by him proving his assertions And Monsieur du Moulin being heard apologizing for himself and his demand of License to depart from the said Church and Province both which he had long ere this have quitted had it not been that he expected the sitting of this Assembly and the Deputies of the said Church being heard earnestly requesting his return unto them The Acts also of the Colloquy held at Baugency being perused which condemned the Consistory of Orleans for not deposing of Esaiah Fleureau from his Office and for not publishing his suspension from the Lords Table notwithstanding his Appeal and finally the act of the Synod before-mentioned together with what was done about its execution by the Deputies sent from the Synod After mature deliberation of all these things this Assembly judged that the said Maillard had do reason at all to Appeal from the sentence of the Synod considering the greatness of his fault which is again condemned both in substance and circumstance and ordaineth that he shall call in all his Books dispersed abroad and suppress them and judgeth that the said Colloquy ought in no wise to have hindred the Appeal of the said Fleureau And as for the said Sieur du Moulin This Assembly approveth the judgment of the Synod and the proceedings of the Pastors delegated for its execution but cannot allow of the departure of the said du Moulin since the denunciation of the said Sentence And it ordaineth that the said du Moulin shall be restored unto the Church of Orleans which is injoined to love honour and maintain him And that an effectual reconciliation may be wrought among them Messieurs Ferrier Chauve de Montdenis and Basnage Ministers together with the Lord of Fiefbrun an Elder and the other Elders Deputed with the aforesaid Elders unto this National Synod are commissioned by it to transport themselves unto the Church of Orleans and there by Authority of this Assembly to ordain whatsoever may be judged expedient for the mollifying of those Hearts and abating of those heats and reconciling of the divided parties and the happy re-establishment of the Ministry of the said Sieur du Moulin in that Church and to inflict such Censures as are meet upon the Refractory and Contumacious Members which shall oppose and hinder this pacification 28. The Provincial Synod of Poictou dismissed over unto this Assembly the last Censure of Master Fiacre Picard sometime Minister in the Church of Chastelheraut who being convicted in the said Synod of several notorious Crimes was suspended until now from his Office and commanded to appear in person before this Assembly The Deputies of the Province gave an account of the Synods judgment past upon him produced the Accusations brought in against him and the several proofs and Evidences of them together with his Letters and Confessions After which the said Picard was called in and heard speak in his own defence some things he owned and others he denied whereupon this Assembly confirmeth the judgment past upon
him by the Province of Poictou and farther to shame and humble the said Picard it Decrees that he shall continue suspended for a full year and until the next Provincial Synod of Xaintonge unto which he shall give his personal appearance and bringing with him sufficient Attestations of his good Life and Conversation approved by the Inhabitants of the places of his abode he may be re-admitted into the Sacred Ministry but not to officiate within the Precincts of the Province of Poictou and as for his request that we would in some manner relieve him under his great wants this Assembly granteth unto the Province of Xaintonge a supernumerary portion which may be given to him 29. The Appeal of divers persons inhabiting the Parish of St. Sulpice within the Marquisate of Royan who by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge were adjudged to the Church of Royan was reported together with the arguments urged on both sides This Assembly leaveth the said Inhabitants unto their liberty to join themselves either to the Church of Saujon or Royan as best liketh them only adviseth them to choose that which is nearest the place of their abode And this same order shall be of force with respect to the Village of Petit Pont and la Maison des Hurtins near unto la Tremblade that so the Decree of the Synod of Xaintonge may be confirmed and established And the Appeal of the Church of Aruert is hereby vacated 30. The Appeal of the Sieur Maurice Pastor in the Church of Orange complaining or his Provincial Synod for their over much Indulgence unto the Lady d' Aramond is rejected It being a known case that that same Synod could finally determine in such affairs See the Roll of Apostates in the Synod of Castres 31. The Church of Vertueil and Villefaignon appealed from a Decree of the the Synod of Xaintonge which adjudged Monsieur Perier to be Minister in the Church of Pons for one year with purpose as the Deputies of the Province declared to have continued him there during life if so be those of Pons should approve of it who also did most importunately demand it from this Assembly Upon hearing of all the parties concerned this Synod ordaineth that the said Monsieur Perier shall be the proper and ordinary Pastor of the Church of Pons but with this condition that the said Church do pay unto the Church of Vertueil and her annexed Congregations three hundred Livers disbursed by them for his maintenance at the University and those annexed Congregations shall remain united and conjoined as formerly unto the Church of Vertueil And the Sieur Gomard Pastor of the said Church of Vertueil shall do the same work at Villefaignon as the said Perier had done before him to whom also the said Churches shall pay the remaining dues of his Sallary 32. The Appeal of Monsieur Voysin from the Colloquy of Lauragais concerning the maintenance of his Uncles Widdow Madam Voysin by the Church of Puylaurens is remanded back unto the Province to pass a final Judgment on it 33. The Appeal of Samuel Gautier Lord of Aulnes from the Provincial Synod of Normandy was rejected 34. The Appeal of the Church of Pamiers from the Decree of the Synod of Higher Guyenne importing that the said Church should pay yearly the summ of five and forty Livers unto the poor necessitous family of their late deceased â—astor Monsieur Fraugier was read Whereupon this Assembly having heard on the one side Monsieur Nouellhan pleading for that Church and the Deputies of the Province on the other side against them declared the Appeal Null but withal ordered that the Province was bound in Prudence and Charity to take some course for their present relief and future subsistence either at the sole charges of that Church or in case of their inability by the help and assistance of the Province which also is advised to consult whether it would not be more expedient to continue the Pension as it is now stated or to pay in at once or twice a good round summ as a settled stock for the discharge of that Pension 35. Monsieur Welsh a Scotchman Minister in the Province of Xaintonge Appealed from the said Province because that in its last Synod held at Rochel they had adjudged his Ministry unto the Church of Jonzac until such time as God should recall him back into Scotland Which was a grievance to him This Assembly having read his Letter and the reasons urged for him and for the Province against him approveth the Judgment of the Province and Decrees that he shall serve in the said Church However for the Consolation of the said Mr. Welsh it injoins the next Colloquy to the Classis of Jonzac or the Synod to deliberate what will be best expedient both for him and the Church and in case he be not inclined to serve the said Church of Jonzac another Church shall be provided for him within the Province such an one as may be most meet for him excepting that of Pons to which he was once presented by this Assembly And further he is commanded both in Preaching and in the exercise of Discipline to conform unto that order and manner used and accustomed in the Churches of this Kingdom 36. The Church of Foix and Tarascon complained in their Appeal of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for entring into the common charges a part of two Supernumerary Portions which had been granted them by the last National Synod Upon which it was answered that the said Church had done well in appealing and that it was unjustly Decreed by the said Synod which is now injoined by the authority of this Assembly to make restitution of what they had taken from those two aforesaid Portions unto the said Church 37. The Sieur de Beauvoysin Appealed from the judgment of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc because of the differences fallen out betwixt him and Monsieur Esaiah Ferrier Pastor in the said Province Upon hearing the state of that whole affair at large and the method used by the Province which never refused to accommodate it but only delayed it because of the absence of one of the Parties caused by the proceedings of the other This Assembly judged the Appeal of the said Beauvoysin to be ill laid and therefore remands the whole process back again unto the Province and injoineth both Parties personally to appear at their next Synod and that Provincial Synod to work out between them a good reconcilement Upon which the Memoirs brought by the Lord of Puymichel Deputy for Provence were restored to him that he might put them into the hands of the said Sieur de Beauvoysin 38. The Colloquy of the Isles in Xaintonge Appealed from the Decree of the Provincial Synod which had rebuked the said Colloquy for over-rigorous censuring the Minister of the Church in St. Just because of his non-appearance at their Meeting in Soubize and of the Sieur Petit Deputy from the Synod for publishing
part and not totally and entirely observed nor was that Reparation given his Wifes honour who had been affronted when as God-mother she presented a Child to Baptism as was ordained by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge This Assembly judgeth that for the first of these the Consistory of the said Church is justly consurable having but in part performed what was enjoyned them and they be once again commanded to fulfil the whole Article and in case of their not doing it the Synod is charged to proceed against the said Consistory by all Church Censures And for the second point complained of by him this Assembly by and with Consent of the Deputies of that Province and of the said du Roy doth send it back unto the Synod or to the Delegates of the Colloquies of Xaintonge who shall by Authority from us judge finally of it 8. The Sieur Rochers at present Minister of the Church de la Chese in Poictou representing his very great wants and complaining both of the Church of Gardonne and the other Congregations in Perigord annexed to it for being indebted to him all the Moneys granted us by His Majesties Liberality for part of which he gave an Acquittance the same day that he had his Licence of departure by the Colloquy of Perigord and yet that very part is detained from him by the Province of Lower Guyenne This Assembly having heard the Deputies of that Province and the Sieur Charron offering satisfaction should be given him by those particular persons who were behind-hand in Arrearages to him or else in present ready Money or in that which was equivalent it did advise him to accept of the offers made him and by way of advantage the Lord du Candal was ordered to pay him an hundred Livers which shall be abated in Account from the Province of Lower Guyenne and shall be deducted by the said Sieur Rochers if so be that the Province of Xaintonge unto which he is dismissed do find that there be two years of the King's Bounty owing to him And whereas the Church of Saueilles is also indebted to him the Province of Poictou is ordered to examine the matter and to see that he be fully satisfied 9. The Church of Marennes petitioning that the Sieur Richer the younger who was now freed from that Church wherein he Ministred in the Province of Champagne and Brie might be presented to them for their Pastor This Assembly grants that the said Richer may preach among them until such time as Monsieur de Chabosselay their Pastor shall return unto them And the Colloquy of the Isles shall judge of what may be best expedient for the said Church and whether the said Richer may be confirmed in it and in case he be not employed there he shall be at full liberty to dispose of himself elsewhere 10. The Church of Paris petitioning by the Sieurs Durand and du Pradel that Monsieur Ferrier might be either sent or absolutely given them for their Pastor This Assembly weighing the reasons urged by the Church of Paris for it and those of the Deputies of Nismes and Languedoc against it Judgeth that they cannot equitably dispose of the Ministry of the said Ferrier Yet on the other hand considering the great importance and needs of the Church of Paris it intreats the Church of Nismes to lend their said Minister Monsieur Ferrier for one year or to resign him up wholly to them for life when as they shall be particularly requested to it by the Church of Paris An Order concerning Ministers born in Geneva but settled in the Churches of France that neither the Lords nor Ministers of that City can pretend any right unto them 11. The Lords and Pastors of the City and Church of Geneva sent their Letters unto this Assembly demanding that the Sieurs Chauve and le Faucheur whom they claimed as their own might be returned to them to exercise their Ministry among them After hearing the Provincial Deputies of the Lower Languedoc and Vivaretz and understanding they had none other Title to them than that of their Birth which also the Churches of France hath unto divers Pastors that have and now do actually serve the Church of Geneva This Assembly judged that their right unto them was not considerable and therefore intreats the Lords and Ministers of the City of Geneva that they would not for the future lay any claim or pretend any right unto them they being lawfully established Pastors in this Kingdom according to the Discipline of our Churches by which the Pastors are fixed and appropriated unto their Flocks immediately upon their Ordination All which shall be notified unto the Seignory and Ministry of the said Church and City of Geneva 12. The Church of Chastelheraut petitioned this Assembly to provide them a worthy Pastor they being utterly unable to procure one It was ordered that they be assisted for six months by the Neighbour Ministers and by the Colloquy of Higher Poictou and particularly by Monsieur Clemenceau Pastor of the Church of Poictiers for the first month beginning with the first of July and the second by Monsieur Monestier Pastor of the Church of Saujon by Monsieur Forent Pastor of Chauvigny the third by Monsieur Mestayer Pastor of Lusignan the fourth by Monsieur Cuville Pastor of Couche the fifth and by Monsieur Favre Pastor of Vigean the sixth 13. Remonstrances were made on the one hand by the Churches of Maringues and Paillac and on the other by the Church of Issoire this last complaining that whereas two portions of four had been formerly assigned to them now in the last National Synod they were taken from them without their knowledge or ever being heard speak for themselves and given unto those of Maringues and Paillac as also that they could never get a Minister setled among them by the Synod of Lower Languedoc but only the lone of one and him too at excessive Rates and Charges After hearing the Deputies of Lower Languedoc the Assembly ordained that for time to come the Churches of Maringues and Paillac should be joyned to the Province of Burgundy and in the distribution of its moneys four portions shall be assigned unto the said Churches according to the decree of the National Synod of Rochel And as for the Church of Issoire it shall remain incorporated with the Province of Lower Languedoc untill the next National Synod In which three portions of the Kings Moneys shall be allotted to it And the two Provinces into which the said Churches are dismissed shall provide Pastors for them as soon as possibly they can 14. The affair of the Sieur Drouet Pastor in the Church of Pont le Evesque in Normandy is remitted over to the same Province he having produced no Appeal from it 15. The Petition of the Inhabitants of Vertueil craving Relief from the Judgment given against them in this Assembly for their conjunction with those of Villefaignan and equally to injoy the Ministry of Monsieur Comar is
Monsieur Benoist presented the Letters of Monsieur d'Islemade which were recommended to the Lord of Mirande our General Deputy as also the Affair of the Sieur Piloty propounded by the Deputies of Lower Languedoc 30. Whereas the Widdow of Monsieur Quinson deceased complaineth of the Colloquy of Gex for not paying her the Arrears due unto her of her Annuity this Complaint is dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy who shall by their Judicial Sentence put a full and final period to it 31. The Church of Gien Situated upon the Loire being destitute of a Pastor and addressing themselves unto this Assembly petitioned by their Letters and by Monsieur Alix their Deputy that by our Authority they might be provided We Considering the necessities and importance of the said Church Monsieur Francis l' Oyseau now free of I ingagements is granted to them for their ordinary Minister who also accepted of the Charge and was sent unto that Church who were required to take care for his Comfortable Subsistence as being a most faithful and eminent Servant of Christ and one that hath industriously and painfully discharged his Ministry in Sundry and divers places for many years together as appeareth by those honourable Testimonials lying by him and given him from those Churches 32. The Church of Poictiers complaining of the Loan of Monsieur Clemenceau their Pastor for one month unto the Church of Chastelheraut that they could not in the least spare him This Assembly considering their necessities doth nominate in his stead the Sieur de la Roche Crese Pastor of the Church of Cuirey 33. The Deputies of Berry complained in the name of their two Colloquies against that of Orleans about an agreement made by the Church of Orleans and others with the Sieur Fluereau This business was dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy by whose Judicial Sentence a full and final period shall be put unto it 34. The Churches of Vitray in Brittany and of Lassay in the Maine being at variance about the Ministry of Monsieur Conseil sometimes Pastor in the Church of Puylaurens in Lauragais This Assembly having heard the Deputies of both Provinces and what was urged on either hand as argument for them doth censure the said Conseil for his actings in both those Churches as also that Church of Lassay for their secret dealings with him to gain him wholly to themselves yet nevertheless judging that the Church of Vitre had no just title to the said Conseil by vertue of his private promise past unto them the Province of Higher Languedoc having transferred him unto that of Anjou he shall therefore continue Minister in the said Province and be consigned to the Church of Lassay 35. Master James Royer sent Letters and a book unto this Assembly treating of that controversy first started by him in the Church of Geneva and afterwards continued in that of Metz. The Letters of the Pastors of Geneva relating to this matter being read and those also of the Consistory of Metz craving advice from us about that custom of their Elders giving the Cup in the Sacrament unto the Communicants and reciting the words of Institution at their delivery of it from the eleventh Chapter of the first of Corinthians This Synod having already determined what should be done herein by an express Canon inserted into our Discipline in which nothing shall be changed for whatever Difficulties may arise about the delivery of the Cup It cannot by any means approve of the actings of the said Royer nor at all of publishing the said book nor the great passion discovered in his Letters And therefore Ordaineth that Letters be written unto the Church of Metz that by them he be exhorted to follow the things that make for Christian peace and love and we counsel and advise the said Church in answer to their Request that forasmuch as Pastors in Populous Churches cannot without excessive toyling themselves deliver the Cup to every individual Member Communicating at the Lords Table they may use the help of their Eldership but withal they shall injoyn them silence and the Pastors only shall speak when these Sacred Elements are distributed that so it may be generally and manifestly known that the adminstration of the Sacraments is wholly appropriated to the Pastoral office 36. To put an end to the difference between the Sieurs Durdez and de Beaune this Assembly being very well satisfied that the said Durdez is indebted for those summs of Moneys mentioned in his Letters intreateth the said de Beaune to rest contented with one hundred Livers out of one of those portions allotted to the said Durdez CHAP. IX An Order for Calling the next National Synod ORDER is given to the Province of Vivaretz to Assemble the next National Synod and that within two years immediately after the month of May next and it 's left to the prudence of the said Province to chuse the place and to give notice of that day wherein the Synod shall be opened CHAP. X. The Roll of Deposed Ministers THeophilus Bluett and James de l'Obell who were formerly deposed their Deposals is new confirmed without any hope of Restauration and their names were inserted in the National Synod of Rochel at the end of General Matters Henry Dindault whose Deposition was confirmed in the Appeals before-mentioned in this Synod he is about five and twenty or six and twenty years old low of Stature Chess-nut coloured hair pale and meager low visag'd Bertrand Faugier deposed in Dolphiny sometimes Minister in the Church of Vienna is of mean stature black hair beginning to be gray fat and corpulent aged about five and fifty having a very long and large beard and a little short-sighted James Vidouse deposed in the Lower Guyenne about five and thirty years old low of stature Chess-nut coloured hair long and large beard pale and often winking with his eyes One called Senerac or Serverat or Sajerac born at Castres in Albigeois formerly Minister in the Church of Lombert in the same Colloquy is revolted from the Truth of the Gospel unto the Idolatrous Church of Rome he is a fellow short and thick black hair'd he had a full beard but is now shaven wrinkling always his forehead about thirty five years old Vagrants John Rostolon Native of Bearne calling himself a Proposan pretty tall of stature meagre small eyes the hair of his eye-brows very thick not separated black hair little or no beard about four and twenty years old CHAP. XI Moneys divided among the Churches 1. THE Moneys gathered for the Poor of the Marquisate of Saluces were deposited in the hands of Monsieur Videl at the General Assembly of Gergeau by the Sieur Chaussepied from the Province of Poictou amounting to the sum of fourteen hundred four and forty Livers eight Sous and six Deniers and are now in the hands of the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny By the Province of Orleans and Berry one thousand nine hundred Livers By the Province of Brittany seven
might be Censured 3. The Lord of Barjac was Censured for not adhearing to the Resolutions taken in the Assembly of Saumur by plurality of suffrages Anno 1611. And for joyning himself unto their private Cabal who would have made the Lesser number carry it from the greater contrary to the Natural Order of all Synods But the said Lord of Barjac giving publick Testimony of his sorrow for this Miscarriage and protesting seriously for the future never in any wise to depart from the Universally received order of being Concluded by the Majority of Votes his Censure was taken off and his offence remitted to him To prevent all divisions in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom this National Synod framed an Act or Oath of Union to be taken by all the Deputies CHAP. III. The Oath of Vnion sworn by all the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France assembled in the National Synod at Privas in Vivaretz and subscribed by them all the day month and year above-mitten WE whose Names are here under written Deputies for the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in a National Synod at the Town of Privas in the Province of Vivaretz knowing by past-experience that nothing is more needful to preserve the Weal Peace and good Estate of the said Churches than an holy Union and unviolable Concord both in Doctrine Discipline and their Dependencies and that the said Churches cannot long subsist without a good intimate and mutual Conjunction one with the other and better kept than formerly Being for this cause desirous to remove all seeds of disunion and occasions of divisions which may hereafter trouble the said Churches and to prevent all Impostures Calumnies private Factions Plots and Practices by which divers persons ill-affected to our Religion do endeavour to dissipate and ruine them Which quickens us more than ever to find out by joynt accord and Common Consent the proper and most effectual means of our just lawful and necessary conservation in the aforesaid Union under that obedience due unto his Majesty our Soveraign Lord and the Queen his Mother We have in the Name of all our Churches and for their good and for the service of their Majesties Sworn and Protested and we do Swear and Protest Promising also our utmost Endeavour that these very self-same protestations shall be ratified in and by all our Provinces to remain inseparably united and conjoyned in that confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom read in this Synod approved and ratified by every one of us Swearing not only in our own Name but also in the respective Names of all the Churches of our Provinces which have Deputed us unto this Synod that we will live and die in it As also we Protest in our own and their Names to keep inviolably that Ecclesiastical Discipline Established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and to see its Canons observed for the better Government of these our Churches and the reformation of life and manners Acknowledging that it is Most agreeable to Gods holy Word whose Authority is Supream And we Protest and Swear to yield all obedience and fidelity to their said Majesties desiring nothing else but that under the Protection of their Edicts we may serve our God with Liberty of Conscience CHAP. IV. Observation on Reading the Confession of Faith 1. WHereas there is mention made in the 14th Article of the Heresies of Servetus some of the Deputies desired that the specifying of them might be removed because those his Heresies are now as it were dead and buried and the Deputies of the Provinces in pursuance of that Decree past in the last National Synod of St. Maixant having brought with them the Judgment of their respective Provinces upon this Subject it was thought meet that nothing should be innovated in that Article but that it should be entirely left as we found it 2. That Union in Doctrine may be preserved among us and no Errors may be suffered to creep into our Churches All Pastors in actual service and all Proposans who are to be received into the Ministry shall sign this following Article I Whose Name is here under-written do receive and approve the Contents of the Confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom and do promise to persevere in it until death and to believe and teach agreeably thereunto And whereas some persons contend about the sense of the eighteenth Article treating of our Justification I declare and protest before God that I understand it in the same sense in which it is received in our Churches approved by our National Synods agreeably to the Word of God which is That our Lord Jesus Christ was obedient to the Moral and Ceremonial Law not only for our good but also in our stead and that his whole Obedience yielded by him thereunto is imputed to us and that our Justification consists not only in the forgiveness of sins but also in the Imputation of his Active Righteousness and subjecting my self unto the Word of God I believe that the Son of Man came to serve and that he was not a Servant because he came into the World I do also promise that I will never depart from the Doctirne received in our Churches and that I will yield all Obedience to the Canons of our National Synods in this matter And this Article shall be religiously observed in and by all the Provinces 3. Our Printers be forbidden henceforward to print the Confession of Faith with this Title The Confession of Faith revised and amended by the National Synod 4 The Confession of Faith being read and heard was approved by all the Deputies who protested that by the Grace of God they would live and die in it As was manifest by their Act in swearing the said Union CHAP. V. Observations upon Reading of our Church-Discipline Article 1. IN reading and revising the Discipline of our Churches this National Synod voted That whereas in the close of the second Canon of the first Chapter the time and manner of admitting Novices lately converted from Popery to the Reformed Religion are particularly specified Now instead of these words Unless in a Provincial Synod these ensuing shall be inserted Unless by the Advice of Provincial and National Synods and the said Canon shall be finished with this Sentence Nor shall they be Ordained by Imposition of Hands no more than if they were unknown persons without the Advice of Provincial and National Synods Article 2. On the third Canon of the first Chapter after these words which do almost conclude it And after long experience had of his Repentance and Godly Conversation There shall be nothing added but the last clause shall be blotted out viz. He being found meet and sit and sufficiently qualified to teach the Church may be chosen and called unto the Sacred Ministry Article 3. The Deputies of Burgundy demanding that they might not be bound by that Canon of the Synod of St. Maixant that seven Pastors should be
the desire approbation and expectation of his Province He afterwards revolted 15. The Sieur de Sousais appeared personally in the Synod and having been heard in his defence against the Accusations of the Province of the Isle of France who proved that he had deserted his Church of Bordes without leave and that he had been already absent from it the space of eighteen months This Assembly dismissed the final Judgment of his Case unto the Provincial Synod of Berry with full Authority to determine it in which he shall justifie himself as also from all other Crimes whereof he is suspected and accused and the time and place of that Synods meeting shall be signified to him till which we judge it also expedient that he shall not exercise his Ministry 16. The Complaints and Accusations brought in against Mr. Jeremy Ferrier Pastor of the Church of Nismes were heard as he was also in his Defence and Answers This Assembly over-looking many of his miscarriages for which he had been dealt withal particularly and by word of mouth privately reproved and for which he deserved a very sharp Censure it doth now admonish and charge him to give glory unto God by a penitential Acknowledgment of his sins committed both in his Office of Pastor and Professor and in his management of Civil matters and more especially for his abandoning the Church of Paris without leave from it first obtained contrary to the promise made by him at his Admission into the Ministry there that he would always continue in their service Item he was reproved for his great neglect of his Professoral Office ih Divinity which he could not discharge whilst he made several Journeys unto Court and to Political Assemblies contrary to what had been decreed in the National Synod of St. Maixant and for not taking care about the supply of his Place and discharge of his Office by some fit person during his Absence and farther for his intermedling with the Moneys of the University And appropriating more of them than was his due even the sum of three thousand one hundred and three Livers five Sous and six Deniers to his own private use It was commonly reported of him that he was bought off by the Popish Clergy by a Pension of 3000 Crownâ— if they were so liberal but he turned Apostate afterward and was excommunicate See the Synod of Tonneins the last Act. Item for giving his consent to the publication of Captain Gautier's Letters which he should rather have suppressed they having caused such contentions as lie not now in his power to allay unless he imbark himself in tricks and shifts utterly unbecoming his Ministerial Calling For which causes it was ordained that he should by Letters written with his own hand give full satisfaction to the Church of Paris and clear his hands of the aforesaid Moneys belonging to the University and farther to obviate and stifle all fears jealousies reports and suspicions concerning him he is expresly forbidden to present himself in any Political Assemblies be they Provincial or General for the space of six years And out of kindness to him and that the honour of his Ministry may not be blasted it is decreed that he shall exercise it in some other Province as may be judged most conducing to the Glory of God and the Edification of the Church 17. The Church of Mussaye brought in their Appeal from a Decree of the Synod of Brittany held at Blain in the month of November last for that they were deprived of their portion of Moneys granted unto the Churches by the King This Assembly reverseth that Decree and ordaineth that the said Church shall injoy her part and share of those Moneys as well as the other Churches of the Province and the payment that hath been now made her upon this order shall be allowed in the Accounts of the Receiver of that said Province And the Lord Baron de le Moussaye is praised for his singular zeal and good affection testified by him in the advancement of Gods glory and the Settlement of the Churches 18. The Province of Lower Guyenne is obliged to see that order of the Synod of St. Maixant better observed for it ordained that Monsieur Salmon who was lent by the National Synod of Rochel for two years unto the said Province shall be restored unto the Province of Berry And the said Province of Lower Guyenne is injoyned to Restore the said Monsieur Salmon or to reimburse the Province of Berry their charges expended by them in his Education at the University And in case they neglect to execute this Decree the Receiver General shall detain in his hands three portions of His Majesties Moneys belonging unto that Province until such time as this Order be performed And in case the said Salmon be disobedient refusing either to return unto them or make them satisfaction as is before ordained he shall be as he is now declared suspended from the Ministry 19. The Appeal of Monsieur Maillard from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Berry concerning the Sieur Alix is disannulled Because an Appeal brought by a private person who hath no Office in the Church against a Synod is utterly unworthy of any consideration 20. This Assembly remanded back again the Appeal of Monsieur de Mont-sanglard Pastor of the Church of Corbigny St. Leonard from a Decree of the Synod of Berry held at Castillion upon Loir unto the same Synod which is commanded to provide him for his yearly maintenance the sum of five hundred Livers comprizing in it the Rent-charge of his house And in case his Church through poverty be not able to pay him so much then the said Synod shall make it up unto him from the Moneys granted us by His Majesty 21. The Church of Saint Loo in Normandy complained that whereas the Inhabitants of Hauteville going to the Church of Havre for the Worship of God had formerly contributed towards the maintenance of their Pastor they now were by the Provincial Synod discharged from the said Contribution This Assembly doth ratifie the Decree of the said Synod 22. The Sieur Mazett one of the Pastors in the Church of Metz in the Dukedom of Lorrain appearing in this Assembly reported the Divisions fallen out in his said Church on this occasion that the Deacons having by an antient Custom distributed to the Communicants the Cup in the Lord's Supper with these words This Cup is the Communion in the Blood of Christ omitted these words which we bless Also there were read Letters from the said Church of Metz containing their Arguments upon which they grounded their observation of that Custom This Assembly having maturely pondered whatever was said by both Parties doth confirm the Sentence given by the National Synod of St. Maixant which allowed Elders and Deacons in case of necessity to deliver the Cup but without speaking founding this their Decree upon the example and practice of our Lord Jesus who only himself spake at his
last Supper but yet permitted his Apostles to distribute among themselves the Bread and the Cup. And as to the abridgment of these words which we bless this Assembly judgeth that none should be employed but such as can authoritatively utter all the words of Institution Nor can the Example of the Church of Geneva any ways relieve the Church of Metz because that at Geneva in their delivery of the Cup the Deacons are silent but not so the Pastors For which causes and that the Authority and Reverence due unto this holy Sacrament may be kept up and maintained the said Church is exhorted to conform it self in this matter unto the Example and Practice of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the general Custom of our Churches and this to be done by the sweetest ways possible without any thing of violence 23. This Assembly was informed how that the Consistory of the Church at Orleans and in particular a certain Elder of it called Mesmein did but with a previous Protestation to declare unto the Supream Magistrate and to the Kings Attorney the matters transacted in it set themselves against an Order of the Provincial Synod held at Blois ordaining a General Colloquy in pursuance of the Decrees of their former Provincial Synods as also that the Sieur Eruet Doctor in Physick had writ a Defamatory Libel against that Canon of the Assembly of Saumur which enjoyned all the Provinces to establish Counsels for their mutual safety and against that Decree of the said Synod held at Blois This Assembly reproving and condemning all these Proceedings as being contrary to our Discipline and to the Union of all our Churches did Depute the Sieurs du Moulin la Fresnaye and Cartaud Pastors together with the Sieurs Bigot Manevill and du Bois Elders as they return in their way homewards to pass unto Orleans and there to Assemble the Consistory and notify unto them the pleasure of this National Synod which is that the Canons and orders of Saumur be observed as best agreeing with our duty unto their Majesties and what had been practised during the life of Henry the Great of Glorious memory and full Power is given unto the said Commissioners to determine finally in the Name and Authority of this Assembly of this affair and to suspend and remove all past excesses in and about it whatsoever and the Charges of the said Deputies during their abode at Orleans shall be defrayed by that Province 24. The Appeal of Master John de Vassan Pastor of the Church of the Castel upon Loir who stands accused of several Crimes and suspended by the Commissioners which were Deputed by the Provincial Synod of Anjou is dismissed over to the next approaching Synod of that Province and in case he do not appear in person to justify himself he is from this very instant declared to be deposed from the Sacred Ministry 25. The Sieurs d' Arguillon and Barnier two Magistrates of the City of Nismes together with Arnold Guyrand second Consul and Vestric Favier a Member of their Common Council as also the Sieurs Suffren and Chambrun Pastors of the said Church of Nismes deputed by their Consistory unto this Assembly did instantly and most importunately intreat that their Pastor Monsieur Ferrier might not be removed from them notwithstanding what had been before resolved about him in this Assembly as also that he might at their request be restored to them and that leave might be granted him to assist personally in Political Assemblies in case he were commissionated thereunto Whereupon the said Deputies of Nismes being demanded if they had any thing to offer from the said du Ferrier answered that he had charged them with nothing as from himself The Assembly having maturely debated the Remonstrances and Petitions of the said Deputies and applauded their Zeal and great Love to Monsieur Ferrier gave them to understand that forasmuch as the causes moving them to transport the said Ferrier out of the Province were still valid and in being they could not depart from their former Resolution which was not taken up on design of reflecting on or interesting the said Church of Nismes for which they have as high an esteem and value as for any other Church of Christ in the Kingdom and they hope that the whole Church will submit it self unto this Synodical Decree Whereupon the said Deputies and particularly the Sieur d' Arguillon speaking first renewed with great vehemency his desires adding very injurious words full of menaces threatning us with the confusions that would arise hereupon in the Church of Nismes and that he would give them notice of it He was seconded according as it had been concerted among them in private by the Sieur Vestrie Favier with discourses full of Arrogancy and Threats with a Protestation of Appeal unto another Synod and let this do what it pleased they would never part with the said Monsieur Ferrier and that he should continue to exercise his Ministry both in Nismes and in the Province also Accusing this Assembly of passion and partiality in its Judgment Whereupon the Assembly desiring an Act of Record for such injurious Language and to know whether the said Deputies would avow or disavow it the said Vestrie returning again into the Synod to evidence his owning of all his former discourses gave us Memoirs of them stuft with falshoods and calumnies all subscribed and attested with his own hand the which Copy was ordered to be safe kept and forth-coming in case of need at the next National Synod 26. And the Sieurs Suffren and Chambrun are sharply censured for becoming the Bearers of such Libellous and injurious writings against this Assembly to whom it was declared that they might and ought to have excused themselves from any conjunction in such a Deputation because by their departure from the City of Nismes the whole Church was left without a Pastor and this their offence was judged so grievous and their contempt of this Assembly so intolerable that they deserved a very long suspension from their Ministry Yet nevertheless out of pure respect unto the Church of Nismes and that it may not be left destitute of its Ministers The Synod doth Mercifully pardon them their offence and injoyns them most strictly upon their return unto Nismes to do their utmost that this Synodical decree be put in execution against the said Ferrier and that they do their utmost endeavour to prevent whatever Murmurings or troubles may hereupon fall out and that they keep their Church in peace And in Case after the dissolution of this Assembly they presume to act contrary to what is now commanded them the next Colloquy of Lions is authorized to proceed against them and all other Pastors and Elders Complices with them in the same Rebellion even to suspension yea and deposition from their respective charges And as for Monsieur Ferrier this Assembly will provide him a Church out of the Province which shall be signified unto him and
more advantagiously promote the common Weal of our Churches the repose and happiness of the State and the establishment of their Majesties Authority And the like Letters to the same purpose shall be written to the Lords of Chastillion of Parabere to the Dukes of Rohan and of Sully to the Dukes of Soubize and de la Force and to the Lord du Plessis from this Assembly to acquaint them with our desires and invitations in the name and behalf of all our Churches to joyn in with the Lords Dukes of Bouillon and de les Diguieres and that as we had exhorted these so we do earnestly exhort their Lordships also to quit and forego their own particular Resentments and Discontents and that as formerly they have so they would be pleased now and evermore to testifie their zeal and affection for the Weal and Repose of our poor Churches and that they would demean themselves with a generous frankness and integrity in their mutual Correspondence and Re-union one with the other that being united in a perfect Bond of Charity they may with conjoyned Forces promote and advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Letters also shall be written unto the Lady Dutchess of Tremouille intreating her in the name of all our Churches to continue her endeavours in mediating the said Peace and Re-union and to give her thanks for her singular care in the Education of her Children in the True Religion and in the Fear of God and in Love and Affection to our Churches hoping and praying that they may hereafter prove excellent and useful Instruments of God's glory and of the Churches good And it shall be protested to all and every one of those Lords in the name and behalf of our Churches in the said Letters directed to them of our Intention and Resolution to consider honour and value them according to their Families Qualities Dignities and Merits as being the most honourable Members of our Body And the said Letters shall be presented them to wit unto the Lords of Bouillon and of les Diguieres of Chastillion and to the Lady Dutchess of Tremouille by the immediate hands of our General Deputies Those for the Lord Duke of Rohan and my Lord of Soubize by the Lords Barons of Saujon and Bonnet Deputies for the Province of Xaintonge who shall also acquaint them particularly from this Assembly with our sentiments desires and designs exhorting them to approve of them and to consent unto them and they shall be intreated to declare freely their thoughts of the whole that so the General Deputies may be out of hand advised and allured of it The Letter to the Lord Duke of Sully shall be tendered by Monsieur de l'Isle Grossat Deputy for the Province of Berry That to the Lord de Plessis by the Sieurs Perillau Vigneux and Ferrand Deputies of the Province of Anjou That for the Lord de la Force by the Sieurs de Brassalay and du Hau Deputies of Bearne That for the Lord de la Parabere by the Sieurs de Cuville and Cognac Deputies of Poictou And all these Gentlemen are charged with one and the same Message as above-mentioned only they may make such additions as their zeal and dexterity shall judge to be most conducing to the Weal and Perfection of so glorious a work Moreover this Assembly intreateth and exhorteth that for God's sake and the glory of his great name and their own salvation and for the peace and welfare of the Nation yea it adjures by all that is desirable or commendable the whole Body of our Communion in general and every faithful Soul in particular to divest themselves of all Animosities whatsoever and to lop off immediately all dissolutions and dissentions lest they should be the causes of the dissipation of the Churches of God in this Kingdom which have been planted in the Blood of infinite Martyrs and preserved by the Zeal and Concord of our Fathers and that they would at length open their Eyes and see and consider that the Churches Enemies bottom all their designs of ruining us upon our own Intestine Dissentions and that by reason of these we are become very little and exceeding despicable with our Adversaries And all Pastors and Elders of Churches are enjoyned diligently to procure the Re-union of the respective Members of their Flocks and to lend one another their helping-hand to effect so good a work and mightily to insist upon it in their puâ—lick Sermons and private Exhortations and Remonstrances And in case they should meet with contempt scorn and reproach in the discharge of this their duty and that any one through an obdurate perverseness should shew himself implacable and irreconcilable This Assembly according to that Authority which the Great God gives unto the Ministers of his holy Word denounceth to them the dreadful Judgments of God and wisheth that they may be had in Execration among and by all the Faithful yea all the ensures of the Church shall be exerted against such Refractory persons and the utmost rigour of our Discipline shall be inflicted and executed upon them lest the good Name of God should be blasphemed through our sins and that we may not contract upon our selves the guilt of the Churches desolation but rather that b the Bond of Peace and Fraternal Union the Church of God may send forth a sweet perfume among our Adversaries and his holy Name may be blessed and glorified by the Children of men 9. And whereas in the prosecution of the said Re-union the several persons before mentioned to be employed in it must needs be at considerable Expence this Assembly leaveth that Affair unto the prudence of our Lords the General Deputies who shall apply themselves to the Lord of Candall with this our Order to disburse Moneys for their necessary Charges And the Lords the General Deputies at Court are ordered to complain unto their Majesties that the Moneys granted by them by way of Augmentation unto our Churches are not paid nor have we the disposal or management or receipt of them and they shall again by word of mouth renew their former Instances and vigorously importune that the said Augmentation-Moneys and all other sums belonging to us may be put into such hands as shall wholly depend upon our Churches that so according to the Warrants granted us for the said Moneys and according to the Promise made us they may be paid in unto us without any defalcation or diminutions and that our poor Churches may be cased of that Penny in the Liver which the Receivers attribute unto themselves and their condition bettered if may be And as to what sums have been advanced by the aforesaid Lords Deputies notice shall be given thereof unto the Provinces CHAP. XII A Warrant signed for 45000 l. for the Churches FRiday the 22th of June the Lord de Rouvray produced in this Assembly the Original Grant of Augmentation of five and forty thousand Livers which it hath pleased His Majesty to bestow upon
examine the matter of fact and by the Authority of this Synod judicially to censure and condemn it And in the mean while the Pastors shall Assemble the Consistory of that place and Summon before them the said du Tremoulet and all his Partners in that Scandal and in case of their non-appearance immediately to suspend them from the Lords Table and to denounce this their suspension publickly before the whole Congregation 18. Report being made of the extream Poverty of Mr. William Papin who was discharged from his Ministry and is now Emeritus and at present residing in Dolphiny this Assembly gives him freely one portion free of all Taxes for his Subsistence which shall be drawn out of the Province of Vivaretz where he once served and given unto the Province of Dolphiny with order that they pay it him punctually 19. The Churches of the Baylywick of Gex reported by their Deputy the Sieur du Pain how that they were dispossessed of all their Antient Church-Lands and Stock and that their Temples wherein they worshiped God were taken from them notwithstanding all their Petitions and Endeavours to preserve them This Assembly gave express order to our Lords the General Deputies in Court that they be very urgent with their Majesties that the twelve hundred Crowns granted unto the said Churches and taken from the five and forty thousand Livers of Augmentation lately given unto our Churches may be paid out of some other Fund and that the said Augmentation-Moneys may come in wholly and freely without cloggs and defalcations unto our Churches And farther that the Churches of Gex may be assisted with some Relief towards their Building of other Temples 20. The Church of Montpellier was censured for seeking Monsieur de Faucheur to be their Pastor by oblique and very unbecoming ways And the Church of Annonay also fell under the same Censure for driving that unworthy Bargain with the said Church of Montpellier 21. The Lords General Deputies informed this Assembly how that the Church of Bergerac deserting the Union of our Churches had by undue means procured to themselves the sum of fifteen hundred Livers out of the five and forty thousand Livers of Augmentation towards the maintenance of their Colledge to the great prejudice of all our Churches and especially of their own Province This Assembly judgeth them worthy of the greatest and severest Censures and enjoyneth their Provincial Synod to make them yield up that Warrant gotten by them for the said sum And in case of their refusal the said Synod shall denounce unto them by the Authority of this Assembly that their portions out of the King's Moneys shall not be paid them but detained in the hands of the Receiver General of the Province And if it be found that any one of their Pastors have tampered in this Disunion they shall be suspended from their Charges and all the other Delinquents shall be censured as Schismaticks and Deserters of our Union And farther it is ordained that none of their Pastors or Elders shall be received as Members of the Provincial or National Synods until such time as they have fully submitted themselves to our common Order and so receive their portions in the usual and ordinary ways which are appointed them 22. The Affairs of the Churches in the Principality of Bearn are particularly recommended to the care of our Lords General Deputies at Court 23. The Province of Dolphiny having not brought in to this Assembly the Account of their distribution of the Charity-Moneys gathered and deposited with them for the poor Refugees of the Marquisate of Salluces as they were enjoyned This Assembly doth once more command and enjoyn them on pain of Censure to perfect the said Account and to bring it in to the next National Synod And whereas in consequence hereof the Sieur de la Combe presented an Acquittance which the Provincial Synod held at Ambrun the seventeeth day of June One thousand six hundred and ten had given hi Assessor Guyonne and Jullien Scribes the aforesaid Sieur de la Combe is discharged by this present Assembly of the sums of seventeen hundred fifty nine Livers and eleven Sous which had been delivered to him in the National Synod of St. Maixant by the Provinces of Berry and Brittain by whom also the said Sieur is acquitted he having deposited them in the hands of the Province of Dolphiny 24. A difference having risen between the Church of Sezane and the Sieur Normund Pastor of Belesme about some Moneys which the said Normund had received in the name of the Church of Sezane he having visited them in hopes to be called unto the Ministry among them the Deputies of the Isle of France were appointed to compose it which Agreement now perfected by them is approved and confirmed by this Assembly and it ordains that the said Sieur Normund do out of the Moneys received by him restore sixty Livers unto the said Church and pay it for their use into the hands of Monsieur Montigny Pastor of the Church of Paris and this within three months within which time also the said Church shall restore unto the said Normund his Books and Clothes in their custody and so they shall give mutual Discharges and Releases unto one another 25. The Deputies of Anjou demanding reimbursement from the Province of Brittany of moneys expended by them and paid by the Church of Saumur towards the maintenance of Giles Drisonieurs formerly a Monk in the Province of Brittany and the Province of Brittany contesting with them to the Contrary The whole affair is dismissed over to the Province of Normandy which is finally to determin it 26. Monsieur Moulin having tendred unto this Assembly a Latin book made by him upon the controversy with Piscator concerning justification The Sieurs Sonys la Fresnaye le Faucheur and Bonnett were ordered each of them to peruse and read it and make report of it who gave in a very honourable Account of it as containing sound and orthodox Doctrine and contributing very much unto the Churches Edification whereupon Monsieur du Moulin had the thanks of the whole Assembly given him for his great labours taken in the conference at Paris on this Article in defence of the Truth Yet nevertheless lest that reunion projected in this Assembly should be retarded it adviseth him not to publish it till the sitting of the next National Synod during which time he shall send a Copy of his book unto every Province that so this matter being more carefully examined it may come forth with general Approbation and Satisfaction 27. The difference between the Isle of France and le Sieur de le Touche Pastor of Mouchamp in Poictou is dismissed over to the next Provincial Synod of Berry who by authority of this Assembly shall put a final period to it 28. A Letter was read from the Inhabitants and Consistory of the Town of Clerac and their demands heard also by the mouth of Monsieur Ricotier their Pastor But this Assembly
the common suffrages of their Consistory 3. The like Judgment was past upon the pretended Appeal of Isaac Perrier it being a matter which ought to be determined by the Provincial Synod 4. John Froment suspended from his office of Elder by the Synod of Higher Languedoc in opposition to a decree of his Colloquy which had restored him although neither the Consistory nor his adverse party nor any other had Appealed was now heard upon his Appeal The Deputies of the Province making no answer to the reasons of his complaint this Assembly Censured the said Province for proceeding so unjustly and contrary to all order and therefore re-instateth the said Froment in the Eldership 5. Monsieur Paul Banquemar a Citizen of Rouen complained of the Consistory of that Church for not suffering the Banes of his Daughter to be published after the contract had been past before the Notary unless she were first of all Betrothed by the Pastor he judging this act of theirs contrary to the Canon of the Synod of Privas Privas obs 9. appealed from the Provincial Synod of Normandy held at Sees in the year 1613. by which that Custom of calling in the Pastors before the publishing of Banes tho formerly practised was not confirmed and imposed upon all their Churches This Assembly finds the Consistory of Rouen to be too severe in in this matter and that the Synod should not have made it necessary and for the future it injoyneth them to leave those parties to their Liberty And on the other hand it exhorts the Appellant to be more Moderate than he has been in his Letters remonstrating to him that it is his duty not to revive those old quarrels which through the vigilance of the Consistory and his own silence had been long ago buried in oblivion 6. The Sieur Fevry Pastor of the Church of Tonne-Charante Appealed from a Decree of the Province of Xaintonge for detaining him in the Ministery of that Church notwithstanding the Petition of his Father who redemanded him This Assembly grants him his Liberty provided he make it appear unto the Colloquy or Synod of the Church he serveth that he is called by another Church near unto that of his Fathers according to the methods observed by us whereof the said Synod or Colloquy shall take cognisance within the space of one year at the farthest 7. St. Maixant p. m. 17. 2. Vitré obs 3. on the former Synod The differences between the Provinces of Poictou and Brittany about dismembring the Churches of Montagu and of Viellevigne are dismissed over to the Province of Anjou with full Authority from this Assembly to put a final period to them Because the Church of Montagu was not heard in the Synod of St. Maixant as the Deputies of Poictou do relate it 8. The Sieur Textor being Emeritus a discharged Pastor Appealed from an Ordinance of his Synod of Burgundy for diminishing his portion granted that Province in his Name and for his use See below Art 11. This Assembly injoyneth the said Province to restore him all his Arrears and for time to come to give him the quiet injoyment of the whole And this order shall be of-force not for him only but for all others in the like circumstances with him nor may the Provinces dispose of their Moneys to any other uses 9. The Sieur Collinet having Appealed from the Decree of the Synod of Burgundy Gap App. 15. this Assembly Ordaineth that the Province shall pay the C not only of the said Collinet but also of the Messenger who was sent unto Court with the verbal processes of the Churches of Chaalons Paray c. 10. The Colloquy of Chaalons Appealing from the Ordinance of the Synod of Burgundy which had adjudged the Church of Mascon unto the Colloquy of Lions and by Consequence would dispose of the Sieur Perreaud formerly Pastor of Pont de Vaux This Assembly Decreeth that the Church of Mascon should remain incorporate with the Colloquy of Chaalons until such time as the Church of Pont de Vaux may be provided of another Pastor which shall be done without any delay 11. The Sieur Rigert a Pastor Emeritus in the Province of Dolphiny complained in his Appeal against the Synod of that Province for taking his portion to the common Charges with others See above Art 8. It was Decreed that the said Province should for the future leave his portion wholly free unto him 12. Clement le Servier otherwise le Dauphin having Appealed from the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny for deposing him from the Sacred Ministery and not appearing to defend it in this Assembly his Appeal was declared null and void 13. The Church of Val Francesque Appealed from the Synod of Sevennes because it granted unto the Quarter of St. Romans that the Lords Supper should be celebrated amongst them upon a Sabbath day But this Appeal of theirs was declared null for that its contents was of the nature of those things which might be finally determined in the Synod of their Province 14. The Appeal of Monsieur Massouverain Pastor of the Church of Poussin in Lower Languedoc was declared null because he neither appeared in Person nor by Letters to prosecute it And the said Massouverain is injoined to appear before the Province of Sevennes there to answer unto such matters as shall be brought in against him 15. The Appeal of the Church of Teyrac in the same Province about the Ministry of the Sieur Guerin was declared null because none appeared for them nor did they send any Memoirs concerning it 16. The Appeal of the Church of Vigan about the Free School of that Province granted to the Church of Anduze was rejected because it was of the Nature of those businesses which might be determined finally by the Province 17. It was also judged needless to bring into this Assembly an Appeal from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes for their refusing to annex the Churches of the upper Rouargue unto their Province 18. Whereas an Appeal was brought in by the Province of Burgundy redemanding Monsieur Margonne formerly a Minister of their's in the Church of Noyers 2 Vitré obs 5. upon the foregoing Synod but at present serving the Church of Chastillon on the Loire And the Deputies of Berry assuring this Assembly that God hath eminently owned and blessed his Ministry there with singular success All which being seriously considered His Call unto the Church of Chastillon was confirmed by the authority of this National Synod and it farther ordained that the Province of Berry should give unto the Province of Burgundy a Proposan meet and sit for the Sacred Ministry and such an one as shall be acceptable unto the said Province and this against the sitting of their next Provincial Synod 19. An Elder of the Church of Castel-Sagrat and Monsieur Tinell the Father appealed from the Synod of Sevennes for refusing to give them Monsieur Tinell his son at present Pastor
of Monsieur Chauve at present Pastor in the Church of Sommieres urging for themselves the great importance of their Church and the indispensible necessity they had of a Pastor whose Age and Experience might be able to undergo the burdens of so numerous a Congregation After hearing the Letters of the said Church of Nismes and their request uttered by the mouth of the Sieur de * * * Another reads Pierre d'Or another Pinedon Pucchredon their Deputy and the Arguments of the Provincial Synod by their Deputies to the contrary this Assembly ordained that the said Sieur Chauve should be lent for three months unto the Church of Nismes after which term the Provincial Synod having heard both the Churches and the said Sieur de Chauve may judge whether it be needful or not to dispose of his Ministry and if they find it necessary then by the Authority of this Assembly they shall give him unto the Church of Nismes and they shall provide that of Sommieres with another Pastor either taken from Nismes or elsewhere 33. The Sieur de la Faye This was razed out by the second of Vitré Obs 6. upon this present Synod Pastor of the Church of Aubenas in Vivaretz appeared in this Assembly Appellant from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod which had threatned him with the greatest Censures as if he had deserved them and farther had ordained that the next Synod of his Province should remove him unto some other Church which in their wisdom they should conceive to be more expedient for him and that in the mean while the Colloquy should have a watchful Eye over his conversation But this Assembly condemned all the proceedings of that Province in this Affair particularly for receiving Informations against the said Sieur de la Faye unattested and for censuring him without any cause or Reason and for not having recorded that their Censure nor brought hither any Record thereof and therefore approving the Appeal of the said Sieur de la Faye it doth abrogate that Sentence of the said Provincial Synod as infamous and unjust in every article branch and member of it 34. Certain Inhabitants of Caussade Appealed from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc This was reverst in the 2d Synod of Vitré p. m. 12. importing that the Sieur Grand formerly their Pastor but afterwards suspended for three months and then removed from three years should now at last the term being expired be imposed again upon them This Assembly over-looking the formalities which ought to have been observed in their Appeal but were not did graciously receive both them and it and having heard the Province and seen the Decree declaring several miscarriages whereof the said Grand had been guilty ordained that he be summoned to make his personal appearance before us and to be heard speak with his own mouth what he hath to say for himself and then to be Judged according to the merits of his cause Whereupon the said Sieur Grand having been examined by a Committee appointed for that End and they making report of his confessions and answers this Assembly aggravated his Censure and Judged that he could not exercise his Ministry to the edification of that Church of Caussade and therefore doth ordain that he be disposed of somewhere else by the Colloquy of Lower Quercy at their next meeting and that he be for ever made uncapable of returning to Caussade nor may the said Church ever have power over him or his Father who became bound for him to redemand the Moneys disbursed by them on his Studies because they enjoyed the exercise of his Ministry for some space of time 35. The Colloquy of the Isles Appealed for that Monsieur de la Forest formerly Pastor in the Church of St. John d' Angely was given by their Provincial Synod unto the Church of Mauze in the Colloquy of St. John d' Angely The Sieur Cocq ' a Minister having been heard speak for that Colloquy and the Deputies of the Synod of Xaintonge for the Province this Assembly confirmeth the said de la Forest in the Pastoral office of that Church of Mauzé and ordaineth that the Province shall provide for the Church of St. John d' Angely as soon as possible they can 36. The Church of Agen Appealed because having demanded their portions free of all taxations the Synod of Lower Guyenne had refused it This Assembly rejected their Appeal and dismissed over the affair relating to it unto the said Province which shall provide for their Pastors maintenance as soon as one shall be setled with them 37. The Church of Boislebeque appealing from the decree of the Synod of Normandy by which Monsieur Simson was not only excluded from the said Church of Boislebeque but also from all other Churches of Normandy this their Appeal was made null and void and the judgment of the said Province confirmed which is intreated to take care that the said Church of Boislebeque be supplied with a second Minister in case they shall judge it needful 38. The Colloquy of Albigeois brought an Appeal from the Judgment given in their Provincial Synod of Higher * * * Another Copy Higher Guyenne Languedoc about the affair of Monsieur Josion one of the Pastors of the Church of Castres relating to the Censures past against the said Colloquy and their Deputies After hearing the Sieur Raffin Pastor of the Church of Realmont for the said Colloquy and the Deputies of the said Province together with the said Josion and the Sieur de la Garrigues Deputy of the Church of Castres and the report of the Commissioners deputed to inspect the writings produced by the several parties and who were ordered to examine and hear Witnesses dwelling upon the place and who were particularly mentioned by name unto them this Assembly took off the Censure inflicted upon the said Colloquy and its Commissioners by the said Synod and yet approveth of its judicial sentence in all other particulars and ordaineth that all Papers concerning this business be deposited with Monsieur Gardesy that so the remembrance of them may be for ever forgotten 39. The appeal of Monsieur Raffin Pastor of the Church of Realmont from the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had confirmed an Ordinance of the Colloquy of Albigeois obliging the said Church to visit the annexed Church of la Fenasse every six weeks was disannulled and the decrees of the Provincial Synod and Colloquy were both confirmed 40. The Consuls of Pamiers appealed from a decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc which would not grant them the precedency claimed by them to communicate first at the Lords Table before the Judge of that City But this their appeal was rejected because it was of the nature of those things which might be finally determined by the Synod of their own Province 41. The appeal of Monsieur Graue Elder in the Church of Pamiers from the Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc about Moneys ordered
to be kept by Monsieur Ligonnier in his hands was declared null and rejected and the act of that Synod was ordered to be put in execution and made effectual 42. The Sieur Collinet appealing from the decree of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy this Assembly ordained that that Province should defray the expences of his journey to Court because he was sent thither to carry the verbal process of the Churches of Chaalons Paray c. 43. The Consistory of Mornac appealed from the Decree of the Synod of Xaintonge which had ordained that the said Church should pay unto the Sieur Cocque their Pastor his arrears due unto him from them but this their appeal was rejected by this Assembly who also injoin the said Church to make full payment unto him of his just dues or otherwise they should be deprived of the Sacred Ministry of the Gospel by the next Colloquy of the Isles or by the Provincial Synod who have all authority given them so to do from this Assembly 44. The Sieur Suffran appealed from the Colloquy of Lionnois which had suspended him from his Ministry to which he saith he submitted purely out of fear This Assembly having heard the Deputies of that Colloquy and the arguments of the said Suffran comprised in a Script of His presented to us finds the Colloquy to have judged prudently and piously in every particular of their Sentence and ordaineth that he be provided of a Church as soon as may be in the Province of Lower Languedoc or in some neighbour Province and that in the mean while a portion of Moneys allotted unto the Pastors shall be detained in the hands of the Lord du Candal to be paid unto him With this condition that when as he shall be provided of a Church that portion shall be put upon the score of the Province wherein it lieth and he officiates CHAP. VIII General Matters 1. THE Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne proposed that a most humble Petition might be tender'd by them unto their Majesties that they would be pleased to grant unto their Ministers a full maintenance This Synod is of opinion that it were more proper for a Politick Provincial Assembly to make this request than for us which are but an Ecclesiastical 2. The same Province moved another case Whether Consistories might be allowed to give in evidence unto the Civil Magistrate against insolent and outragious persons abusing their Pastors or Elders who called them according to the Duty of their Places before them This answer was returned that that Canon of our Discipline forbidding the discovery unto a Civil Judicature of matters transacted in the Consistory ought not to be restrained to the sole confessions of Crimes but is to be understood in the most comprehensive sence of all things whatsoever excepting only such riots and outrages whose fact being notorious it may be lawful to inform the Magistrate of But as for outragious words of what kind soever they may be Consistories shall apply the censures of the Church to redress and reform them 3. The Province of Higher Guyenne requested that there might be a particular Canon made for removing Elders from their office in the Churches 1614. The 21th Synod and that the time of their coming in and going out might be fixt and limited This Assembly Judgeth that this matter should be left to the prudence of Provincial Synods But nevertheless it ordaineth that if an Elder be deputed unto a National Synod by his Province he shall continue in his office tho the term thereof be expired until such time as he have discharged the trust reposed in him and shall have given an account unto the Province of those affairs concredited to him and dispatched by him in that National Synod 4. Forasmuch as divers Provinces have remonstrated that by Reason of the continuance and growth of ungodliness we be daily threatned with the most dreadful Judgments of God and that there is an indispensable necessity of extraordinary prayers unto the throne of Grace for the prosperity of their Majesties and for imploring the good blessing of God upon the beginning and progress of the Kings personal Government who will be very shortly declared Major and that the publick weal of the State may be promoted the Peace and Union of our Churches more firmly stablished that therefore we be called out to celebrate a publick Fast in all the Churches of this Kingdom This Assembly for these causes now-mentioned doth appoint the fourth day of this next September to be observed generally in all the Churches of this Kingdom as a day of Solemn Prayer Humiliation and Fasting And as for those extraordinary Prayers which are used 't is left unto the Churches prudence where they be in use either to continue them or lay them down 5. The Deputies of Berry demanding some alteration in that Canon of the National Synod of Rochell concerning Monks 3 Rochel g. m. 16. See St. Maixant ob 4 upon the same Synod who forsaking their Convents were to be sent back unto their respective Provinces Because it lays a very burdensom charge upon the poor Churches which are utterly unable to Support under it This Assembly Judged it not their duty to make any change in that Canon only it adviseth the Provinces to be very circumspect in their reception of such persons and in the dispensation of their charities lest they become a charge unto the Provinces which do already need relief 6. At the request of the Provincial Deputies of Burgundy and Orleans 2 Syn. of Vitré g. m. 38. our Lords the General Deputies are intreated and exhorted and also by this Assembly to get those Letters Patents for exempting the Pastors of our Churches from all taxes and other subsidies verified they having been already granted And the Deputies of the Provinces in this Synod are charged to carry back this same Petition unto their Mixt Provincial Assemblies that so they may joyn their most humble requests with those of the General Assembly in case it be not done before the time of their meeting 7. The Province of Dolphiny desired that those words Prestre and Préstrise in the 5th Section of our Catechism might be changed into those of Sacrificateur and Sacrificateure because none questioned their sence and meaning and for that words were received by common usage The Assembly did not Judge it any wise convenient to alter these words 8. At the request of divers Provinces it was ordained that our National Synods should not only not innovate any thing in the confession of Faith Catechism Liturgy and Discipline of our Churches unless the matter had been first Proposed by one or more Provinces but also unless it were a thing of very great importance nor should that be resolved on till such time as all the Provinces being duely informed of it had first debated it at home in their respective Synods and if it so happen that any of them shall have considered of it before the
who consented to pass over unto their Church that they might have a proof of his Ministry and he a tryal of their Tempers and in case of mutual Agreement he intended to settle among them as their Pastor This Assembly approved of this their Reciprocal Transaction and decreeth that after their acceptance of him according to the Discipline of our Churches he shall be confirmed in his Pastoral Office to them 8. The Deputies of the Church of Pons demanding the establishment of a Colledge in their City 2. Vitré Appeal 2. and a supply of Moneys necessary its charges were remanded back to the Province of Xaintonge who should take such care about it as they judged needful 9. The Churches of Soules having deputed the Sieur Bustonoby Pastor 2. Vitré p. m. 19.38 remonstrate the necessity and advantage that would accrew by the personal Residence of Ministers among them which yet they could never effect by reason of their poverty and inability requesting also some little Moneys to forward the impression of a few Manuscripts in the Biscain Language this Assembly over and above the portions received by them from the Province of Lower Guyenne doth bestow upon them two portions quitted free and discharged of all expences taxations and deductions whatsoever and three hundred Livers to be paid at one entire payment towards the Printing of the said Manuscripts And the said Province shall bring in those Moneys upon Accompt unto the next National Synod 10. Mr. Stephen Rochers Pastor of the Church of Monthasillac and Piles having been suspended from his Office by the Provincial Synod of St. Foy until the next Synod of that Province appeared in person before this Assembly petitioning to be restored unto his Ministry and producing laudable Certificates from the Colloquy and Church of Bergerac where he hath since resided as also from that in which he had served his request was granted him and he was declared from this instant Reinstated into the holy Ministry which he was exhorted to discharge with all prudence diligence and faithfulness and whereas he complained of his Churches Poverty the consideration thereof was deferr'd till such times as the Moneys granted us by the King should come to be distributed 11. The Deputies of the Isle of France demanding that another Order might be Issued out against Monsieur de la Touche Pastor of the Church of Mouchamp in Poictou to Account with them about the Moneys owing them for maintaining him several years together in his preparatory Studies for the Ministry 2. Rochel p. 3. m. 4. Privas p. m. 17. to the performance of which he stands obliged by the very orders of one or two former National Synods This Assembly having heard his exceptions and reflecting upon the inconsiderableness of the debt and that his brother hath served in the Ministry in the very self same Province and that he was at great expences in Paris where he fell sick in a Journy which he took on purpose to put an end to this business doth cancel his obligation and intreats the said Province also never to trouble him any more about it 12. The difference in the Church of Mussidan and the Complaint of Monsieur Chabot for that the Publick worship of God had been transferred unto Lunga and the Sieur Latane given without the Consent of the said Chabot unto that Church are dismissed over unto the Provincial Synod to be examined by it and that matter concerning our Cautionary Town there it shall be decided by the next Mixt Provincial Assembly and that things may be brought into a good temper in order to an accommodation some of the Members of this Assembly shall in their way homeward call in at Mussidan and by their best arguments perswade them to a sincere Peace and hearty Union among themselves 13. Phillip Marulles born at Realmont Student in Divinity in the University of Montauban was presented by the Deputies of Higher Languedoc craving some charitable assistance from this Synod who gave him sixty Livers to be paid him by the Receiver General out of the Moneys allowed unto the said Province 14. The Deputies of Vivaretz reported that divers Churches in their Province sending two Elders unto their Synods caused an Inequality in their Votes and the lesser Churches on several occasions do make greatest noises and complaints This Assembly leaveth that Synod In case of contestation full power to gather the suffrages not by Deputies but by their Churches however this shall not be made a precedent unto the other Provinces 15. John Guerin second Regent in the Colledge of Die in Dolphiny requested to be restored unto the sacred Ministry of the Gospel from which he was deposed thirty years ago for a crime committed by him when as he lived at Geneva This Assembly having read and heard the Attestations given him by the Churches of Dolphiny in which he hath since made his aboad and of the University of Die and of his Provincial Synod gave orders unto the said Provincial Synod to write unto our Reverend Brethren the Pastors Professors and Elders in the Church of Geneva to give us their thoughts about it and in case by their answer they approve and consent unto it the said Province having pondered all circumstances and believing that he may be useful in Edifying God's Church is impowered with full authority from this Assembly to restore him unto the Ministry 16. The Deputies of Berry declaring that the Moneys granted unto the Lord Duke of Sully for the Colledge of Boisbelle were laid out and employed in repairing the Colledge of Chastillon Privas p. m. 35. and in divers other pious and requesting that they might be discharged from making restitution of them as they had been injoyned by the National Synod of Privas they being in no wise able to do it by reason of their deep poverty and very great necessities of their Province This Assembly compassionateing their deplorable condition doth for this reason only grant them their request 17. The great necessity and famine befallen the Church of Mas St. Espueilles having been reported in this Assembly St. Maixant P. m. 19. the Lord du Candal w to pay out of the Common Moneys of our Churches unto the Inhabitants of the said City the sum of nine hundred Livers and to Monsieur Aubriot their Pastor charged with a great and numerous family the sum of three hundred Livers the whole being 1200 l. Which sum of nine hundred Livers shall be distributed by the Consuls and Consistory who are to give an Acquitance for it And that the said distribution may be made among the People with the greater Order and fidelity Monsieur Isaiah Lignier Lord de la Menarie Elder of the Churches of Melquel and Lunel who is now personally present in this Assembly and was an Eye-witness of their sore and deep affliction is intreated to see this Charity well-managed and distributed and he shall carry home with him what other Collections he hath
received for the said City Which accordingly he promised to see done and performed 18. The Deputies of Dolphiny complaining that the Sieur Scoffier had not obeyed the Decree of the Synod of Privas St. Maixant p. m. 21. Privas p. m. 34. in paying the Moneys which he owed them this Synod voted that ninety Livers should be detained out of the Moneys beloning to the Province of Berry in which the said Scoffier serves as a Minister in the hands of the Lord du Candal and delivered unto the Province of Dolphiny yet leaving the Province of Berry at Liberty to take what course they thought good to recover the said sum from Monsieur Scoffier 19. The Deputies of Dolphiny complaining that the Sieur Jarry had received thirty Livers from the Church of Castel-Dolphin upon promise that he should come and serve them which yet he hath not done nor restored to them the said Moneys Order was given to the Synod of Sevennes that they injoin him to make them satisfaction and that they consult what censure to inflict upon him 20. Bertrand Auger or Faugier who was put upon the File of the Deposed Ministers by the National Synod of St. Maixant having cleared himself of the Crimes laid unto his charge was restored unto the exercise of his Ministry by the Synod of Dolphiny whose Deputies now demanding that his name might be razed out of that black Kalander this Assembly did accordingly grant it to them 21. A judgment of the Province of Normandy about some Money-matter being put in execution Privas p. m. 25. which was remanded thither by the Synod of Privas this Assembly ordained that the Province of Brittany should pay two thirds of the charges expended by the Sieur Trizonius who was commissionated in that affair by the Province of Anjou and the Moneys for the said charges shall be kept by the Lord du Candal in his hands out of the Moneys appertaining to the Province of Brittany unless their Deputies would rather compound and make present satisfaction 22. Complaint being made by the higher Generality of Normandy that the general charges for the whole Province were divided by equal portions between the Lower and Higher Normandy although there was a very great inequality both of Churches and Colloquies betwixt them this Assembly ordaineth for the future that the said Charges shall be divided into five parts whereof the Lower Normandy shall pay three and the Higher the other two 23. The Synod of the Isle of France complained of the Church of Paris for not paying in as the other Churches of that Province have done and still do the fifth penny of their Charity-Moneys This Assembly having heard the Sieur Bigot and seen the Acts of the Provincial Synod and the Accounts of the said Church approveth of the administration of their Charities and ordereth that the said Church shall continue in the same estate as it was heretofore only that their Deputies shall bring in to their Provincial Synod an account how they dispose of their fifth penny 24. The difference betwixt the Church of Orleans and their Provincial Synod about Claudius Garnier a Dominican Fryar converted unto the Protestant Reformed Religion is turned over to the Province of Anjou to put a final period thereunto by the authority of this Assembly 25. The Province of Lower Languedoc having referred unto this Assembly the separation of the Churches de la Bastide Viras Vignas and Bessars from the Church of Barjac that they might be incorporated with the Province of Vivaretz After hearing the Deputies of both Provinces and perusal of the Judgment given by the Synod of Lower Languedoc the aforesaid Churches were all adjudged unto the Province of Vivaretz excepting only that those of the Quarter of Bessars and only they are left to their own choice whether to continue Members of the Church of Barjac or to follow those other Churches See before Appeal 38. 26. The expences of Monsieur Raffin in his journey to this Assembly for defending that Appeal brought by the Colloquy of Albigeois shall be re-imburst him by the Provinces of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne out of the portions allotted to the said Colloquy 27. The difference between the Colloquy of Albigeois and the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Gyuenne about the distribution of their respective portions is dismissed over to the Synod of Lower Guyenne who have full power to put a final period to it by the authority of this Assembly 28. The Province of Lower Languedoc desiring to be discharged by this Assembly from paying those summs for which they stood indebted unto the Synod of Privas because that the Apostate Ferrier who had their Moneys and whom they had impleaded for them hath removed his cause by way of Appeal unto the Council It was ordained that the Decree of Privas should not in the least be changed And yet notwithstanding that these Petitioners should be holpen in their just prosecution of the said Ferrier at Law by all the Churches 29. This Assembly approving the labours of Mr. Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars and particularly those learned Works of his published against the Adversaries of the Truth gave him their thanks for them and as a testimony of that love and honour they bear him do give him the summ of six hundred Livers out of the common stock of all the Churches 30. The Synod of Poictou having proposed that there might be a new division and increase of Colloquies in the said Province after hearing the arguments pro and con this Assembly ordained that the Colloquies should abide in number and form as they have ever been untill now 31. The Sieur Chabot petitioned by Letters unto this Assembly that the publick Preaching of Gods Holy Word together with the administration of the Sacraments and all other exercises of our Holy Reformed Religion might be again restored unto the Church of Mussidan It was ordained that Messieurs d' Anglade and Esperien Ministers of St. Foy do visit that Church and Preach at Mussidan and dispose the dissenting parties to a reconciliation till the meeting of their next Provincial Synod 32. The Province of Higher Languedoc is exhorted to consider the distresses of the Church of Aiguesmortes and to assist it with a supernumerary portion equal unto any of those other portions given by them unto Pastors and to be paid out of that stock of Moneys which will be allotted them in the general Dividend 33. And the said Province is intreated to give unto Master Andrew Chanforan the Son of Monsieur Chanforan Pastor of the Church of Poussyn the first place that falls vacant for any Proposan Privas p. m. 19. 34. The Deputies in this Synod are charged when they return unto their respective Provinces to recommend unto them the continuance of their Charity towards the poor Refugees of the Marquisate of Salluces a great many of them still groaning under very pressing wants 2. Vitré obs 8. upon this Synod 35. According
their dependencies and that the said Churches cannot long Subsist without a Good a Strict and Mutual Union and conjunction of one with the other and this better kept and maintained than formerly Therefore being desirous what in us lyeth for the future to remove all seeds of division and occasion of partialities between the said Churches and to obviate all Impostures Plots Calumnies and Practices whatsoever by means whereof divers Persons ill affected to our Religion do indeavour its utter Ruine and destruction For which reason we are more bound than ever by an unanimous consent and agreement to use those means which will most and best contribute to our just lawful and necessary preservation in the Union aforesaid under the authority of our Soveraign Lord the King and the Queen Regent his Mother we have in the Name of all those Churches and for their Weal and Happiness and for the service of their Majesties Sworn and Protested and do Swear and Protest yea we do also promise that we will see these our Protestation to be ratified in and by all our respective Provinces to continue inseparably United and conjoyned in the Confession of Faith owned and Professed by the Reformed Church of this Kingdom and confirmed approved and ratified by us all We Swear as well in our own Names as in the Names of all the Churches and Provinces which Commissionated us to be their Deputies unto this Assembly that we will live and die in this Confession as also we do protest that we will keep inviolably that Ecclesiastical Discipline which is established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and to observe its Canons for the Government of these Churches and the reformation of manners owning and acknowledging that it is agreeable to the Word of God under whose supream and unviolable authority We Protest and Swear to yield all obedience and fidelity to their Majesties desiring nothing more than through the favour of their Edicts to serve our God without any Violence offered unto our Consciences Sworn and Subscribed by Gigord Moderator Gardesy Assessor Rivet and Scribes Maltrett Scribes And by all the other Deputies with their own hands CHAP. XVI An Act for the Meeting of the General Mixt Assembly THE Lord of Rouvray our General Deputy having sent unto this Synod his Majesties writ bearing date the 22d day of this present month by which at the request of this National Synod the time of meeting for the next National General Assembly is put off till the a 25th of August but without any change of place This Assembly judging the City of Grenoble to be a very inconvenient place because of its great distance and for being the Residence of a Parliament and for divers other great and weighty reasons ordered that Letters should be written unto the Lord Marshal Duke de Lesdiguieres and presented to him by the Deputies of Burgundy and Dolphiny who also by word of mouth should humbly intreat his excellency not only to take in good part the change of the place of meeting which all the Deputies convened at this Synod have unanimously desired and hold necessary but also that he would be pleased to joyn with them in their humble request and Petition unto their Majesties by the Lords our General Deputies who shall present unto them Letters from this Assembly in which with all humbleness it shall be declared that the late King of most happy Memory did usually make choice of the most meet and convenient places for the holding of those Assemblies And the said Lords Deputies shall use their utmost care and diligence to give notice and information of the success of this their undertaking before the 15th of July or sooner if may be unto the Provincial Assemblies in case of refusal This Assembly adviseth also that it would be expedient that they send each of them one Deputy chosen out of their whole Body to reiterate with all submissions and reverence their most humble Petitions unto their Majesties and by conjoyned Supplications to obtain this change from them Moreover the Lords General Deputies are most expresly charged to prosecute their complaints of that grievous Outrage Committed by the Lieutenant in the Government of Guise against Monsieur Sigart Pastor of the Church of Levall and to desire that justice may have its due Course upon that Officer they corroborating by word of mouth what hath been written unto their Majesties from this Assembly about it They be also exhorted according to the Canon made at Privas most humbly to petition their Majesties that we may be exempted from that necessity which is now more eagerly and violently prest upon us than ever yea and with greater severity rigour and exaction than heretofore and against that Liberty of Conscience which hath been so often promised us of styling our selves of the pretended Reformed Religion we rather choosing to suffer all kind of torments than to be compelled with our own mouths to condemn our own most holy and true Religion Moreover they be exhorted to assist the Church of Dijon whose place of Meeting for Religious Worship is removed four long Leagues distant from that City although by the Edict they may have their Temple in the Suburbs And yet this poor Church hath been frustrated of its expectations and earnest requests after ten years Prosecution and Attendance at Court for if They shall also complain of the Commissioners that were sent into Burgundy to see the Edict of Nants executed for that they refused to hear the Petitions tendered them for restoring the exercise of our Religion in seven antient Baily wicks and in the Cities of St. John de Laune and de Noyers where the Word of God had been duly and constantly Preached in the years 1576 and 1577. And they shall favour and stand by that opposition made by those of our Religion in Vivaretz against the Petition presented to the Council by the Judge of the Lower Vivaretz who would of his own head and authority bring into the Royal Courts of Villeneuve of Berg and Annonay Causes determinable in the Provosts Court which is expresly contrary to that Article of the Edict declaring that the Judgment of Declinators and Exceptions against the Jurisdictions of a Court shall only appertain to the Mixt Chambers of the Edict or to other Courts at the choice of the Professors of our Religion They shall complain also of letting decay the Fortifications of Clermont in the Lower Languedoc one of our Cautionary Towns and given us as a pledge and hostage for our security The Papists in the mean while fortifying the Town against the Castle They are also intreated to be careful of that business of Monsieur de la Garde Governour of Tonneins who being summoned and brought before His Majesty and Council after a world of difficulty was dismissed over to the Chamber of Grenoble from whence the Jesuits and other Clergy of the Romish Church would fain remove it back again to Paris And they shall use all
in unto him And therefore altho the said Commissioners Bigot and de la Combe have received the thanks of this Synod yet they were ordered to put into the hands of our General Deputies all papers in their Custody relating to this affair And that for the future the matter having been once laid open before the Provinces it shall be recommended to a General Assembly to embrace the prosecution of it and to follow their Majesties with our most humble requests that we may be paid the said sums according to the Intention of their warrants granted us at first and other orders in pursuance of their first truly and faithfully without any deductions for Non-Valoirs 16 The Inhabitants also of the Bareny de Combata in Sevennes who in seven Towns for the greatest part of them being Protestants are yet deprived of their Temples and all exercise of the Reformed Religion and constrained to travel many a long Journey and expose themselves to a world of inconveniences that they may worship God according to his holy word and all because they have a Popish Landlord who yet would not oppose the re-establishment of their Churches provided it were ordained by the supream Authority And let it be particularly observed that in one of the Towns of that Barony called Vie there was a Church and Pastor in the year 1561. 17. The other Provinces are exhorted to joyn with that of Dolphiny to obtain a sufficient time for the poor Communalties and Villages in the Bailywick of Gresivaudan to recover their just rights from their wicked Popish debtors and that all proceedings at law against them may cease and be vacated because the Commissioners appointed to judge between them were not the one half Protestants as they should have been and because that the Respit of three months allotted them to bring in their Appeal before the Chamber of the Edict at Grenoble was too short and could do them no service The Writ of Appeal not having past the Seal till the time was lapst and the three months already expired During which time the Syndick of the Communalties got a Writ of Foreclusion against the said Creditors 18. The affair of the Church of Monosque and Tourves who having got an Order of Council that of Monosques to build a Temple for the worship of God neat unto their place of abode and that of Tourves within their own bounds as being priviledged because a Bailywick yet could never obtain unto this day that those orders should be put in execution 19. Lastly there is recommended to them the affairs of the Churches of Antibe Forqualqâ—ier and Derbordes which although they had proved incontestably that the worship of God according to our Reformed Religion was publickly in use and exerecise among them in the year 1577. Yet notwithstanding Judgment is still suspended to their very great prejudice CHAP. XVIII Expedients for reuniting the Christian Churches which have shook off the Papa Yoak and for composing the differences which are already risen or may hereafter rise up amongst them offered and propounded to them 1. WE must lay down this as a foundation-principle that to endeavour an Union and Agreement between the Churches is a most useful pious and necessary work and very feasible As to its possibility we say that such an Union cannot be effected without the concurrence aid assistance and conduct of those Soveraign Princes who have withdrawn themselves from the obedience of the Pope among whom his Majesty of Great Britain as being the Chiefest and most Potent Monarch of a most clear anti piercing Judgment and most affectionately inclined hereunto can most effectually promote and advance it 2. This being presupposed we conceive that some certain place should be chosen of safe and convenient access whereunto two Divines shall be sent by his Majesty and two from the Churches of France and two from the Low Countries two from the Cantons of Switzerland and one or two from each of the German Princes embracing and professing our Faith 3. Zealand in our opinion would be the most commodious place for such a Treaty which is as it were the fore-door of England and easily to be aborded by the Messengers of the respective Princes and Churches 4. And when they meet at this place let there be no disputes about Religion for when once the Spirits are inflamed there will be no yielding on any side and all parties will return homeward with the imaginary Triumphs of their own Victories Wherefore it were better to lay before them on the Table the several Confessions of the Reformed Churches of England Scotland France the Netherlands Switzerland and the Palatinate c. And that out of all these Confessions there might be framed one in common to them all in which divers Points may be omitted the knowledge whereof is not needful to our everlasting happiness Among which the controversie moved by Piscator and several subtil opinions lately broached by Van-Armin about free Will the Saints Perseverance and Predestination may be reckoned It being a most certain Truth that all the Errors in Religion have sprung hence that men would either know too much or have too much that is to say either out of curiosity or from their avarice and ambition 'T is this last Sin that hath corrupted and ruined the Church of Rome But yet Satan doth use his utmost endeavours by the first to corrupt ours However could we but gain that authority and power over our selves so as to ignore divers matters and to rest contented with points only necessary to Salvation we should have gone a great and good part of the way and made a considerable progress in our WORK of UNION 5. This Confession being once prepared it must be subscribed not only by the Deputies then and there present but also by the several Princes and by our National Synod And let this Canon be enacted that if any controversie should hereafter be moved either in England France or Germany in the Low Countreys or Switzerland nothing shall be concluded or decided much less innovated in or about it without the general consent and concurrence of all the Provinces that have signed this Agreement 6. 'T is probable that thus far we shall meet with little or no opposition The Parties treating being the Reformed Churches agreeing in the fundamental Articles of Faith only dissenting from one another in the quillets of Ceremonies and Church-Government 7. Concerning which Ceremonies and Church-Discipline a mutual Declaration should be made and added unto the said Confession by which the said Deputies in the names of their Principa's do declare that the Churches shall not judge nor condemn one another for this difference it not hindering our mutual Agreement in the same true Faith and Doctrine and that for all this we may cordially embrace each other as true Believers and Joynt-Members of one and the same Body 8. It were fitting that after this Conference had as a pledge of their mutual Concord the Lords Supper
one kind the Adoration of the consecrated Host Prayer in an unknown Tongue by the Petitioner Errors of this last sort altho in themselves less yet do they most often occasion the greatest divisions and do most venemously exasperate mens Spirits and immediately engender Schism For if a man communicate at the Lords Table with an erroneous person in the doctrine of Predestination or about the Nature of Jesus Christ or who believes that the Body of our Lord is every where in all places at once altho this Error be very great yet may it not trouble him who is a Communicant with him But and if we communicate with one who giveth religious adoration unto the bread or pretends to sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ such an action would scandalize us and must needs drive us from that Communion lest we should participate with him in his Idolatry or in a false Sacrifice Now we have this advantage together with the Lutheran Churches that all our differences are of the first kind and as for those external Ceremonies used and practised by them we have no such difference but what may be easily composed yea and that too with a wet Finger 18. It were fitting to lay before them on the Table the Concordat of the Polonish Churches made at Sendomir in the year 1570. and since revived in the Synod of Ulodislan in the year 1581. that so we may learn by their example to serve our selves of all things which may contribute unto this Union and are worthy of our imitation And possibly there may be found some Lutheran Churches who for peace sake would not insist upon their Ubiquity but frankly yield it up and part with it 19. The same Order should be observed in this second Assembly as in the first and the same difference paid unto his Majesty of great Britain and it should be opened with a fast and concluded with the celebration of the Holy Supper of our Lord at which both the Lutheran Ministers and ours should communicate together 20. It is very needful that some course should be taken to bring the several Churches and People to embrace and practise the Articles of this Union and that Soveraign Princes and Estates do promise to exert their Authority about it and that those words of Lutheran Calvinist and Sacramentarian Gustazus Adolphus K. of Swiâ—â—dland would have them styled the Evangelical Churches being wicked badges of distinction were utterly abolished and that our Churches should ever after be called the Christian Reformed Churches And all Invectives from the Pulpit or Press or Writings against the Brethren of either side shall be forbidden under the severest penalties And that the Catalogues of Books vended at Frankford maybe no more stuft with injurious Titles as formerly And the German Princes should at some certain days mutually agreed on send their Pastors unto the principal Churches of their Neighbour Princes and also admit and receive of their Ministers into theirs and so communicate together on some set and solemn day at the Lords Table 21. If it should please God to bless this Holy and Laudable Design with success which would be a Crown of Eternal Glory unto his Majesty of Great Britain and to the Princes joyned with him therein then would it be a convenient time to sollicit the Romish Church unto a Reconciliation which whether it may be really effected or is at all feasible seems as yet very doubtful because the Pope will admit of no Council nor Conference at which he may not preside But could this General Union of all Christians be once accomplished we should be then more considerable and Ministers might Preach with more authority and greater success than ever CHAP. XIX A Letter from His Majesty of Great Britain To Messieurs the Pastors and Elders Assembled in their National Synod at Tonneins in France Sirs HAving received intelligence that your Assembly would be held in Gascony the first of May in which some persons may be engaged to revive that Controversly about Justification and to urge the Consciences of others to assent against their own judgment unto matters not sufficiently Understood by them We thought good to send you Monsieur Hume one of our subjects and of your Pastors with this our present Letter to exhort you in our Name not to suffer the spirits of your Pastors and Professors to be imbittered one against another about distinctions more substile than profitable more curious than needful but that you would indeavour to Moderate those animosities which are grown up already to too great an heighth among several of your Ministers and that you would quench those sparkles of dissention which meeting with wood hay stubble and slight rather than substantial matters may inflame you into such aschism as will Consume you all unless you do timely prevent it and stifle it in the birth by committing to the fire those Books Papers and Manuscripts which serve only as fewel unto new Controversies rather than promote your Edifying and give occasion to the Enemies of Gods Church to advance themselves on your weaknesses and to be the more hardned in their Errors Particularly we intreat you to compose the difference risen up betwixt the Sieurs du Moulin and Tilenus if it should be brought unto your immediate Cognisance and discussion and not be removed out of the way by Arbitrators which we judge of the two to be the best and by arbitrating their fact you your selves will publish unto the World how great a value you have for the Gifts of God in both those personages That honour with which God hath invested us by exalting us unto the highest and most eminent place in his Church for the defence of the truth or duty to serve it in our regall dignity and to the utmost of our power and that particular desire we have to see a good Peace and Vnion to flourish among all Sincere Professors of the Christian Faith and our care for your preservation as being the first Churches which have rejected the yoke of Idolatry do induce us to deal so freely with you And we promise our self from your prudence that all matters shall be pacified and amicably composed among you as we have commanded Master Hume to press you more amply by word of mouth thereunto to whom you may give credence receiving him as our Messenger and as a persom well-known unto you and sufficiently commended by his own excellent good parts and a Lover of peace which above all things we recommend unto you and so we pray God to Bless your godly debates and consultations and to have you always in his holy keeping From our Palace this 15th Day of March,1614 Signed James R. The Synods Answer To the King of Great Britain Sire THAT Zeal with which it hath pleased God to inflame your Royal Spirit and that abundant care which your most Serene Majesty vouchsafeth to take of all the Christian Churches obligeth every good servant of God to pour out continual
your businesses are in extream danger at it were at the last gasp when you need the greatest Circumspection a most immovable fidelity and unchangeable integrity and without any affectation or introduction of ambition or hidden disguised interests No man going to War intangles himself with the World that so he may the better please his Captain that hath listed him That commination is very dreadful the Priest shall be as the people and that lamentation exceeding doleful All this evil and mischief is from the Prophets and the Stones of the Sanctuary are lying at the four Corners of the Streets Let us most Dear and Honoured Brethren give up and resign our selves to the conduct of true Wisdom speaking to us from the Word of God which is to forsake our own This also most Honoured Brethren should be endeavoured that all persons whatsoever in the Ministry when called forth unto those secondary employments of the Church do retain in their deportments and conversations the marks and characters of their first and most Sacred Vocation Let their Devotion Piety Gravity Self-denial and Sequestration from Worldly pleasures used with too great a liberty by many Christian States-men serve to maintain the sweet odour and reputation of our Church Government and to keep up inviolably the authority of their most Holy Ministry and to bind the Souls and Consciences of men by religious humility to an everlasting dependance on the Majesty of their great Lord whose holiness and Soveraign Wisdom shineth forth most resplendently in the Order of his service as the Queen of Sheba saw and admired it in the Court of Salomon Impiety and Impudence are too much in vogue every where But let the Sanctuary the Church of God be at least the Receptacle and Habitation of true and unfeigned Piety where it may act and breath freely at in the open Air with an uplifted countenance in a couragious demonstration of the Spirit and evidence of Truth convincing and condemning the unfruitful works of darkness and awakening with its bright shining Flambeau the drowzy Consciences of a perverse generation it may incourage the faithful unto perseverance and preserve the Remnant of Jacob in this day of dispersions and desolations The last Enemy of the Church and he hath been essentially one and the same in all ages and places and therefore she is now exposed unto all the mischiefs he can do her it the World The World succeeding the the stood of Heresies and Persecutions disguiseth himself into a Friend and Ally and the poor Church being respited and reprieved from her former contention and destructions by a short peace he makes short work with her and brings upon her the consumption determined which ravageth her poor and small remainder These last times have yielded us sufficient evidences and tokens of his rage and desolations Faith is decayed zeal grown cold the Gospel and the cross are become ridiculous and contemptible the language of Canaan is quite forgotten and a multitude of Souls in Israel debauched by following the Counsel of Balaam Now a strong and vigorous resolution is most needful His cheats and impostures can never be prevented but by a rejection of them when they crave at first their admission We are bound also in Conscience to request and sollicit you tho we be very well satisfied that it is already upon your Hearts to take care that those different sentiments which for these last years have troubled your Church in the Doctrine of Justification may be supprest Those opinions have been fomented and imbitered by prejudices grudges and secret hatable they have been spread abroad and propagated into a multitude of unprofitable and dangerous questions by frequent disputes and wranglings As for our part although we hold absolutely the same Faith with your Churches and do apply whole Christ unto our selves for Redemption from Death and Wrath and to obtain everlasting life and that we judge it to be communicable by imputation of all his obedience done and suffered by him in his human Nature which we were bound to have yielded according to the law of God in our persons yet we could never approve of such great strife and altercation between Brethren who were otherwise minded much less can we approve of their bitter separation and mutual condemnation So that we had rather that little spark had been suffered of its own accord to have dwindled away into nothing than by blowing it into a flame by so many oppositions to kindle a greater fire in the hearts of Gods People which hath tormented then with a world of ungodly jealousies suspicions and prejudices and those too in an age tossed and beaten with the tempestuous winds of contention and victory We have divers time suggested this advice and importunately insisted on it that there might be a Temperament and Expedient found out for a Concordat which without condemning or prejudicing either party might be sufficient to guide and direct Conscience and totally to exclude all errors subversive of Faith and destructive of Salvation in this fundamental point And we have received abundant consolation for that the self-same Counsels have been prescribed by a great and most potent Monarch and by very many learned men and most celebrated Universities And we were exceedingly satisfied that you did not reject but were well-pleased with our proceedings and intentions as we do according to the Universal Laws of Christian Charity freely forgive their unkindnesses to us who have been displeased with us for them And you most Honoured Sirs sith you have not only knowledge and wisdom but power also to judge and determine in these matters we beseech you to exert that power so forcibly and effectually that you may pluck up by the roots all unprofitable and curious questions and see to it that your Pastors and Professors do with all sincerity pursue those things which make for the Edification of your Churches in Faith and Godliness and that they utterly abandon all those opposition of Science falsly so called On which point we presume to deliver our mind with our usual freedom and we desire you would revise that form couched and conceived in the Synod of Privas and once more deliberate about it not that we except against the substance of it in the least but because its manner seems to threaten you with worse breaches and far greater partialities We are not the first who have observed the Remedy of forms to be very dangerous especially when a controversy is not formed into a party unless it be in Articles purely necessary and determined by the Word of God it self and when it 's otherwise impossible all means failing us to detect the fallacies of our real Adversaries and such strait bands instead of conjoyning and setling have for the most part dislocated the members and wounded them more sorely We desire also that when new authentick forms shall come to be framed the Churches might be first of all consulted that so our ears may not be
broken with the din and complaints of their being surprized and of an usurped domination over Conscience and of reproaches for precipitancy and connivency as we are informed hath been the issue of that at Privas And in short we should think it best to leave your Confession alone immoveable and not as you often do dig it up and lay open this Foundation which though for the present it may be done with a good Intention and with laudable moderation yet may in after times produce a world of licentiousness Above all we most instantly request this of your Piety totally to extinguish those Accessory questions which being altogether needless and unprofitable do extreamly indanger Gods Church and are naturally apt to engender Heresies or Atheism among the ignorant people We very much fear that the Printing of Tilenus his book will be a great stumbling block and hindrance to this work and therefore we judged it necessary to obstruct the publication of its answer and are in great trouble what other lawful course we may take for the justifying of our Dear Brother whom he hath so grievously impeached However if it shall be thought good for the weal of the Church that he be silent and there be no more invectives or mutual recriminations left standing on the File we hope some other Expedients may be found out to salve the honour and the reputation of our Brother especially since the controversie is not about any point in it self fundamental which is to be defended but occasionally and in disputation where all sort of arguments and ways of proving though they be not always good and receiveable do not consequentially import a simple and absolute assertion because had it not been for their serviceableness to confirm the conclusions they had never been at all mentioned And we cannot think it any wise convenient to redeem the honour of a private dispute from the Laughter and Scorn of the Enemies of Truth by letting in upon us a swarm of perilous and curious Questions together with horrible scandals and scruples perplexing and tormenting Conscience Let 's labour rather to extirpate these animosities and to draw these divided Spirits nearer in love one unto the other And then the offendor who in our opinion cannot with any Conscience judge so unworthily of our Brother will be the first as in duty bound to acquit and clear him exchanging his Invectives into Brotherly admonitions We receive frequent and mournful relations of that accursed Practice of Duels yea and among persons of our Religion and tho we believe this violent and brutish Sin is so strongly rooted as to elude and reject all remedies yet because of its atrociousness and enormity we desire your holy Synod to consuls of the last and Soveraign Remedy even that dreadful power which the word of God hath given unto his Church to draws out the Spiritual Sword against such notorious delinquents without connivency dispensation or respect of persons that by its implacable severity against those daring Rebels the Lord blessing his own ordinance their feet which ran swiftly to shed innocent blood may be hereafter stopped and restrained At least let us weep and groan before the Lord that this evil may never be imputed to us that we may be delivered from the guilt of so much Blood as hath been wickedly spilt among us that it may never lie at our doors nor our Consciences may ever reproach us for having lent our heart or hands unto that murdering spirit and that we may never be marked with this brand of infamy which is peculiar to the enemies of God to have been Executioners of his vengeance upon themselves Finally most Honoured and Dear Brethren knowing the great care you have for us and how much you are allarumed with reports of Plots and Preparatives for War against us we give you to understand that through grace excepting Gods ordinary discipline of fears and threats he doth yet keep us in peace and lengthens out our tranquillity by which we are taught continually to conside in him who quickneth the dead and not to be puffed or lifted up with pride and carnal security but Religiously to improve our repose unto his service and glory and the general aid and benefit of all the Churches And we thank you heartily for your kind acceptance of our affection expressed in sending so great a number of your Scholars to Study in our University which is a very great honour to us and we shall do our utmost endeavours by all means to fit them for your future service by moulding them into the form of sound words and into that doctrine which is according to godliness weaning and withdrawing them as much as in us lieth from that vanity of Jesuitical knowledge wherein to our great grief so many gallant hopeful wits have through vain curiosity and affectation been wretchedly insnared especially in the endless Mazes and Labyrinths of Metaphysical terms and questions the true Siminaries of all novelties and heresies Help us as we shall you in united Prayers unto the throne of grace you have been exceeding helpful to us this way in our frequent distresses and we conserve the Memory thereof by us and ever shall as of a most pretious Jewel And may the most blessed God continue his divine grace and favours to you and us perfecting his strength in our infirmities uniting all our hearts in a perfect charity and grant us to keep the Faith unto the end and to finish our course with joy and to lay hold of Eternal Life and that we may all be to the praise and glory of his grace through our Lord Jesus Christ to whose power and Spirit we do with all our hearts recommend your holy Synod and all your Churches in general Subscribing our selves most sincerely Most Honoured and Dear Brethren Your most humble and most affectionate Brethren in the Lord the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva and in their Names S. Goulart J. Diodati A Letter from the Lord of Plessis Marli unto the National Synod of Tonneins Sirs I Could not let the ' Deputies of this Province part from me without giving you assurance of my most humble and faithful service and to intreat you notwithstanding all the tricks and wickedness of this age to believe that I am speaking to you as one who is quitting this world and hath nothing left him to dispatch but his own Epitaph which through divine grace shall never give the lie to my past life and after all I shall never take my own private Interests for the Rule of my Life or actions nor so abound in my own sence as to counteract the common Resolutions of our Churches whose prudence I have always found safest because Conscience is its eye and guide Sirs All good men expect two principal blessings from your holy Synod the first is that you would be pleased by your Authority once for all to suppress those unnecessary Questions which trouble the
concord of our Churches in that Doctrine which notwithstanding the many evil times have past over us hath been preserved until now in its purity among us The other is that by continuing the Oaths injoyned by the last Synod of Privas you take the most proper and effectual course to heal the wounds which our unhappy divisions have these years last past made in the Vnion of our Churches and I see no Expedient more likely to suceed than unanimously and with joynt consent to agree and pitch upon one General end whereunto all and every one shall direct and aim I Salute most humbly every Member of your Assembly and beseech God Almighty to assist and fortify you by his holy Spirit for his own glory and for the Vnion Restauration and Propagation of his Church From Saumur April 20. 1614. Your most humble and most affectionate Servant Du Plessis The Duke of Rohan's Letter to the National Synod Assembled at Tonneins Sirs THOSE strong obligations which the Churches of France have laid upon me do ingage me to seek out all occasions whereby to testifie my gratitude 'T is this which causes me to write at present and to crave this favour of you to believe that I shall never forget those assistances I received from you in the last Synod of Privas and particularly from divers Churches of this Kingdom yea and from those I have never known Certainly Sirs I shall Confess it freely that the effects of your kindnesses have exceeded my services yet I hope that for the future you will know you have not have obliged an ungrateful person And that what you have kept for me shall be always chearfully employed for your selves We are fallen into such a time as need extraordinary Prayers unto God for his Guidance and Counsel We have been much afflicted since the Assembly of Saumur by divisions sown and fomented among us The Synod of Privas knowing it to be the most compendious Course for our Ruine did indeavour to prevent it But divers persons being unacquainted with our malady then there could not be a thorough cure effected But now every one knows it and may contribute something thereunto For my part I think it no difficult matter for us to use the true Remedy which consists in an entire re-union of all our Members that so we may be but one Body and the more fit to serve God the King and our Country and the more able to divert our enemies from enterprizing upon us from whom also we might take away the very will of doing it by its impossibility This Sirs is a work well-worthy of your Assembly I exactly conformed to the desires of the last Synod and I do now again renew my promises of observing your Orders not only in that but in whatsoever else you shall judge to concern the glory of God whom I ardently beseech that he would preside in your Councils and to give me that grace never to abuse his favours conferred upon me but that employing whatever I have received from his divine Majesty to the advancement of his Kingdom I may consecrate the remainder of my days unto his service My Lord Baron of Montausier hath particular orders from me to acquaint you with my intentions and proceedings and especially with that journey of the Lord of Hautefontain taken by my command unto his highness the Prince I desire you would believe him in what he shall inform you as if it were my self and I shall always approve my self to you all generally and particularly Sirs From St. John d' Angely this 24. of April 1614. Your most Humble and most Affectionate to do your service Henry of Rohan A Letter from the Lord of Caumont to the National Synod of Tonneins Sirs I Well hoped to have had strength enough to have been personally present with you and to have injoyed the honour and contentment of saluting your Holy Assembly and to have given you my self by word of Mouth the assurance of my fidelity and affection unto whatsoever the service of my God obligeth me for the support of his Churches and the advancement of his Glory But being at present detained by important businesses which the Sieur de Mailléz shall inform you of I intreat you therefore most humbly to be pleased with my absence and to believe that no person in the World is more ready to expose his life and the Lives and Estate of all his with greater chearfulness and willingness for Gods cause and yours than I shall be to adventure mine and the lives and fortunes of all mine And I pray God that by his Holy Spirit he would be pleased to preside in the midst of you and to conduct your Holy Wills in such manner as he knows to be most expedient for his Glory the Weal Repose and Conservation of his Church whereof having the honour to be a Member I shall ever remain in its Communion and subject my self wholly in all things unto it under the priviledge of the Edicts and the authority of their Majesties intreating you to lay your Commands upon me and to be assured that in whatsoever I may serve the publick and every one of you in particular you shall have evidence of my obedience and loyal affection The Lord follow you most Reverend Sirs with his choicest Favours and Benedictions I am From Paris May 2. 1614. Your most Humble and Affectionate Servant Caumont A Letter from the Lord of Chastillon to the National Synod of Tonneins Sirs MY past actions which through Divine Grace no Man hath just cause to complain of are I believe sufficient proofs of that care I ever had for the re-union and good intelligence of the great men of this Kingdom professing the true Religion and the fear of God as also of that respect I paid unto the desires of the last National Synod of Privas intimated to me by their Letters and what I have since done both at Court for our general concerns and since my return in this Province to conserve your Lives and Priviledges enjoyed by you during the reign of the late King will testifie that the true blood of the late renowned Lord Admiral de Chastillon is in my Veins and that I have managed all publick affairs fallen into my hands with all uprightness and justice as the Sieurs Gigord and Codur who have been Eye-witnesses of my deportments can more fully inform you if they please Sirs this my Letter drives at none other end than to let you see what deference I have for you and that my whole life shall be employed in the service of the Churches and I beseech you to believe that besides it and the service of the King and your preservation and advancement there is nothing in this world more dear unto me And if I can do you in my station any particular service either here or elsewhere you shall always find me ready for it Had it been as easy for me to have been personally present with you as
la Coste Pastor of the Church of Dijon was approved and the Appeal of the Church of Mascon made void and the said Sieur de la Coste is confirmed in his Ministry to the Church of Dijon 17. Monsieur de St. Stephens presented Memoirs from the Church of Cailla appealing from a Decree of the Synod of Lower Languedoc and offering several reasons for their Appeal demonstrating the singular benefit their Church would receive by the Ministry of Monsieur de Gassaigne and petitioned this Assembly to bestow him upon them and to remove the Sieur Terond unto the service of some other Church The Deputies of the said Province having been heard speaking for it the Appeal of the Church of Cailla was judged not receivable and Monsieur Terond was confirmed in his Ministry among them upon those conditions expressed in their Synodical Decree and the said Judgment is the rather confirmed because the Church of Manacelles will not consent that the said de Gaissaigne their Pastor should be taken from them 18. The Appeal of the Church de la Mote from the Judgment of the Province of Poictou was not received because the matter of it might be finally determined at home in their own Province and for that the Church had not sent any person nor Memoirs to maintain and prosecute this their Appeal 19. Samuel du Fresnay Student in Divinity appealed from the Decree of the Synod of Normandy held at Falaise in Aprill sixteen hundred and sixteen by which he was suspended the Lord's Supper and because they had ordained his suspension to be published unto the Congregation and lastly for that they had threatned him with Excommunication out of the Church for Errors in point of Doctrine maintained by him quite contrary to his promise made of abjuring them and that he would never any more vend and utter them cither by word or writing He appearing personally in this Assembly was heard speak for himself as also the Deputies of the Province on behalf of their Synod And this affair after a full hearing of both the Parties being found to be of very great Importance the Sieurs Josion Montdenys Courant Chambrun and Chamvernon Pastors were Commissionated to examine the said du Fresnay and to inform him of the matters reported and to bring in their report of the whole unto this Assembly Since that the said Commissioners having inform'd us that they had heard and convinced him by the word of God of Errors against the Article of Christ's last coming unto judgment this Synod did give him another hearing and convicted him of that and divers other opinions shaking the very foundation of our Christian Doctrine and he obstinately persisting in those his Errors and refusing to give glory unto God by abjuring of them This Assembly approving all former actings and proceedings against him and of that Sentence past upon him in the Synod of Normandy and as yet respiting their own judgment concerning him do give him the space of four days seriously to consider of those Instructions which have been now afforded him and that time expired the said Du Fresné presented himself before us and did by word of mouth and under his own hand-writing declare that he renounced all those aforesaid Erroneous Tenents asserted by him and that he was very much displeased with himself to have believed and published them and that he desireth to live and die in the purity of God's holy word taught in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom Upon which Declaration the Synod praised God for his acceptance of them and their poor indeavours and received the said du Fresné unto the Peace of the Church and did immediately take off his Consure and ordered all his Writings which were brought hither together with his Retractation should be deposited in the hands of Monsieur Rivet our Moderator and Pastor of the Church of Touars and though it doth not deprive him of his hopes to continue his studies in Divinity yet it doth not judge expedient that he be called out unto the Ministry till the sitting of the next National Synod in which he shall produce good and valuable Attestations from the places and Universities in which he shall make his abode how much he hath profited by those Instructions given him and in case he ratify his present protestations made in this Assembly who are Ear-Witnesses of them by his after actions and Conversation then we do ordain that out of the common Fund of the Churches moneys the Lord du Candal our Receivor General shall put into the hands of the Consistory of the Church of Saumur the sum of two hundred Livers to defray his expences in that City and for every year henceforward the sum of one hundred and fifty Livers until the sitting of the next National Synod and this for to support and incourage him in his Studies either at Geneva Saumur or any other of our Universities in this Kingdom 20. The Appeal of Monsieur de Bedaride from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny is dismissed over unto the next Synod of Lower Languedoc unto which the Sieurs Bedaride and Maurice who was formerly Pastor of the Church of Orange and at present of that of Aiguieres in Provence shall give their personal presence that they may be heard on those matters they have to offer and that Synod shall by the Authority of this Assembly make a final determination of that affair as also of that Complaint of Monsieur Julian the Elder against Monsieur Maurice and those several Parties shall not be suffered in any wise to produce any Processes but what are purely Ecclesiastical 21. Master Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church of Aiguieres in Provence appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Dolphiny which had disannull'd the promise made by the Colloquy of Valentinois unto the said Maurice for receiving his Son into the Catalogue of Scholars Pensioners in the said Colloquy This Assembly ordaineth that the Canon made by the Province of Dolphiny about the reception of Scholars Pensioners shall for the future be observed and the Son of the said Maurice shall have the reversion of the next Pension for a young Scholar in whatsoever Colloquy of the said Province it becomes Vacant 22. The appeal of the Church of Breau and Aulais from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes is declared null and the judgment of the said Synod is confirmed 23. The Church of Quissac appealing from the Synod of Sevennes their Appeal is declared null because they sent no Memoirs concerning it unto this Assembly and therefore the judicial Sentence of the said Synod was ordered to be put in Execution 24. The Church of Rochecouart was heard in their Appeal from the Decree of the Synod of Poictou and the Deputies of that Church were told that the Synodical Decree against them was confirmed and the Pastors of Rochebeaucourt and Vertueil and Monsieur Peterin an Elder deputed unto this Assembly from the Province of Xaintonge
were ordered out of hand to go unto the said Church of Rochecouart and to use their best endeavour to appease the differences in it and to reunite its divided Members and to desire Monsieur Fourgaud their Pastor to devest himself of the burden of his Pastoral Office in it we granting him in consideration of his great and continual Maladies that he shall be Emeritus and only preach unto them when his own conveniencies and health may permit him 25. That Appeal of the Church of Tours from the judgment of the Province of Anjou was dismissed over to the Synod of Poictou who shall put a final Period to it by the Authority of this Assembly 26. The Appeal of the Church of Vsez from the judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc is declared null and the Ministry of Monsieur Fauchet is confirm'd in the Church and University of Nismes 27. The Church of Aulais appealed from a judgment of the Synod of Sevennes and sent Letters and Memoirs about it unto this Assembly which accepted of their Appeal against the Decree of the said Synod and declared That the Church of * * * Another Copy has Bâ—â—â—ize another Bâ—â—â—ez and another Bâ—uâ—ezz Brunize shall be for the future annext unto that of Aulais according to their own desire and request unto this Assembly by their Letters written to us 28. Monsieur Banconis Pastor of the Church of Tonneins appealed from the judgment of the Synod of Lower Guyenne for that they had dismissed Monsieur Marmett from being their Minister and had fixed him in the Pastoral Charge of the Church gathered in the House of that most Illustrious Prince the Lord Duke of Rohan But this Assembly declared that the Appeal ought not to be admitted by them because that very Synod hath full power finally to determine of this affair and doth therefore ratify this Synodical Decree 29. The Sieur Colinet Pastor of the Church of Paray having appealed from the judgment of the Synod of Burgundy which had ordained that he and Monsieur Gravier his Collegue should serve the Church of Bourbon their Appeal was declared null and void because he neither sent Letters nor Memoirs about it unto this Assembly 30. The Sieurs Charon la Fosse and Gillet appealing from the Synod of Lower Guyenne for restoring Monsieur de Puch unto his Office of Elder in the Church of Bergerac were never to be regarded in their Appeal because they had not sent any Memoirs or Letters concerning it unto this Assembly 31. The Church of Maringues appealed from the judgment of the Province of Burgundy which had given Monsieur Chesneau their Pastor from them unto the Church of Soubize in Xaintonge but they afterward disclaimed and quitted their Appeal insisting only to be reimburst of their Charges expended by them in bringing the said Chesneau and his Books from Geneva to Maringues and setling him among them and also that their other Expences in getting and setling among them Monsieur Tonnel instead of Monsieur Chesneau according as the Lord des Brosses Elder of the Church in Soubize had offered and stood bound for it unto the Synod of Burgundy might be paid in unto them This Assembly having seen the account of the said Charges amounting to the sum of two hundred and eight Livers nineteen Sous and that Article of the Synod of Burgundy relating to it hath ordained that there shall be presently taken two hundred and eight Livers nineteen Sous out of the moneys belonging to the Province of Xaintonge and put into the hands of the Deputies of Burgundy who also on their part shall pay unto the said Monsieur Chesneau the Arrears of his Salary due unto him as appears by a Schedule now tendered by the Elders of the said Church of Maringues and since granted by him unto a certain particular Friend of his and the Province of Xaintonge may redemand the said sum from the Church of Soubize 32. The Appeal of Monsieur Roussell from the Sentence of the Synod of Dolphiny held at Nions in April 1617. obliging the said Roussell to live in that Province was declared null because he had neither sent any Letters or Memoires about it unto this Assembly 33. The like Judgment was past upon the Appeal of Monsieur Videl acting for the Sieur Bouyer from a Decree of the same Synod 34. The Church of Vitré appealed from a Judgment of the Province of Brittain by which an hundred Livers were taken out of the four hundred granted to their College and given to the maintenance of a small School in the Church of Viellevigne This Assembly ordaineth that the sole right of having a College shall belong to the Church of Vitré and they shall be fully paid their four hundred Livers Tonneins of Univers Art 11. And the Province shall out of the supernumerary Portions attributed to it assign an hundred Livers unto the Church of Viellevigne and continue the payment thereof for the maintenance of a School there And whereas the College of Vitré hath not had any Exhibition to this very day this Assembly will pass a special Order which shall for the future be observed by the Province of Brittain as to this concern 35. The Sieur Soubyran Consul of the City of Aimargues Above Art 13. together with divers Inhabitants thereof Appealed unto this Assembly by Letters and Memoires which were delivered by the Sieur Margaret for that the Synod of Lower Languedoc had confirmed Monsieur Boulet in the Ministry and Pastoral Office of the said Church of Aymargues and required that Monsieur Laurent who had been removed from them by the said Synod might be restored On the other side the Consistory of the said Church petitioned by Letters and Memoires sent by the Sieur Tarascon one of their Elders that the Judgment of the said Synod might be confirmed After a serious Debate of the whole affair and hearing the Deputies of Lower Languedoc it was declared that the Appeal of the Sieur Soubyran and the other Syndics with him could not be approved and that the judgment of the Synod should be fully executed and the Ministry of Monsieur Laurent confirmed in the Church of Bernixy And it being apparent by what hath been brought before this Assembly that there be very great divisions in the Church of Aymargues the Assembly ordered the Sieurs Josyon Joly and the Baron of Montbrun and de la Viale Deputies of the Higher Languedoc as they return to their respective Churches to pass over unto Aymargues and to use their utmost care diligence and prudence to heal their breaches and to reunite the divided Members of that Church and to procure and settle Peace in it and to prosecute those contumacious Persons who rebel against the Government of our Churches and of that particular Church of Aimargues with all Ecclesiastical Censures CHAP. VII A Speech made unto the King by the Deputies of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in France together with his Majesty's
hold that such persons ought not to be rebaptized And therefore those Churches unto whom these poor Wretches be presented are advised to take all possible care that they be well principled in the Faith of our Lord Jesus 5. At the request of the Provincial Deputies of Anjou Saumur g. m. 2â— Alez g. m. 1. and of the Isle of France This Assembly ordained that the Decree of the National Synod of Saumur shall be still in force which was couched in these words That although by reason of the present necessity of these times in which we now live Pastors are permitted to be sent Deputies unto these Political Assemblies in which affairs relating to the Churches preservation are treated and debated Yet our Provincial and general civil Assemblies are earnestly requested to discharge and dismiss all Pastors from Deputations unto Court and this at the desire of several Provinces 6. At the request of the Province of Berry all the Provinces are enjoined to extend their Equity and Charity towards the poorer Churches Gergeau p. m. 39. in their distributions of the Kings money and in their allowances for expences in travel unto the general Assemblies whether they be Political or Ecclesiastical 7. The Deputies of Burgundy demanded whether a Patron might with a good Conscience sell away his right of Presentation unto any Rectory or Benefice 1 Vitré g. m. 15. provided he dispose of those moneys unto pious uses It was answered that he might warrantably do it For it was thus decreed in the National Synod of Vitré in the year 1583. 8. The same Province of Burgundy demanded that a special Canon might be made for direction how we should receive 3 of Râ—chel g. m. 16 Below Art 19. and what maintenance we should exhibit unto Monks who come unto us from foreign parts Order was given unto the Provinces where such Fellows first come to examine them most strictly and to see whether they be fit for the study of Divinity that so they may be supplied with maintenance accordingly or to employ them in other Callings according to their Capacities and the said Provinces shall give account of them unto the National Synods that they may dispose of them as of their own Peculiar 9. The Province of Higher Languedoc moving it Fâ—â—lliâ—rs Obs 14. all the Churches are injoined to suppress with the greatest care imaginable all manner of Insolencies such as they call Charivary's Redemptions of Marriage and the like and they who after admonitions prove incorrigible shall be prosecuted with all Ecclesiastical Censures and Magistrates professing the reformed Religion are intreated to exert their Authority so as to hinder or punish such Scandals 10. The Deputies of the said Province demanding Gap Obs 9. upon the former Synod that Ministers ordained abroad without the Kingdom might not be permitted to exercise their Ministry in our Churches at home without subjecting their Testimonials unto the Examination of Colloquies or Provincial Synods The Assembly ordered that all the Provinces should yield exact Conformity unto the ninth Article of Observations upon the Discipline made by the Synod of Gap on that of Gergeau 11. At the request of the forementioned Deputies the Professors in our Universities are ordered not to be too easy in giving their Testimonials unto Scholars but first of all carefully to examine their parts proficiency and conversations and according to the progress they have made in Humanity St. Maixant g. m. 30. and of Univers 8. Alez g. m. 6.1 Paris 13. Philosophy and Divinity and as they shall merit to give them their Attestations 12. On a Remonstrance exhibited by the Deputies of Normandy it is ordained that if a Pastor have given his Ministry unto any one particular Church he shall not leave it at his pleasure but shall first demand and obtain the advice and consent of his Colloquy or Provincial Synod in the matter and in case they judge of its expediency he may remove 13. This Assembly ordaineth St. Foy 7. that Catechising be more frequently used in all our Churches than ever and that the manner of expounding it whether Sermon-wise or by Questions and Answers is wholly left to the prudence of the respective Consistories who are to consider of the capacities and apprehensions of the Children in their Churches 14. Forasmuch as divers notable errors have been met withal in the Impressions of whole Bibles and of the New-Testament singly and of the Psalm-Books The Consistories of those Churches which have a Printing Press belonging to them are injoined to look carefully to it that their Printers have good Overseers and Correctors of the Press and that they Print with a fair Character and a good Paper And particularly the Pastors of the Church of Montauban are charged to call in all the Copies of the New Testament Printed in their City in Octavo and to suppress them because of the many and frequent faults in that Impression which quite alter and pervert the sence and because of the evil Consequence if that Impression should be vended and in answering the Letters of our Brethren the Pastors and Professors in the City and University of Geneva this Clause shall be inserted that we earnestly desire them to over see the Impressions of the Holy Bible of the New Testaments and Psalm Books that they may for the future be more correct than heretofore 15. The Deputies of the Isle of France demanding that the second part of the fifth Canon in the sixth Chapter of the Discipline might be a little qualified Saumur g. m 8. This Assembly did not think fit to make any alteration in it but exhorts Consistories Colloquies and Synods to use it unto Godly Edifying 16. The Deputies of Anjou and Poictou remonstrating how exceeding needful it is Figeac 51 Alez Obs 4. upon this Syn. that our Universities should be supplied with able Professors in Divinity This Assembly exhorts the Provinces to come prepared for this Debate unto the next National Synod and in the mean while to consider how to raise a Fund for the maintenance of some Scholars of great parts and hopes who may be wholly destinated unto this work or to find out some better expedient if they can 17. Complaints coming to us from divers hands Alez Obs 5. upon this Syn. that the Pensions paid by Scholars in the University of Saumur are so very high and the expence so exceeding great that many cannot and others will not send their Children to it This Assembly chargeth Monsieur Rivet Lanusse and de la Pilletierre that in their way homeward to their respective Provinces they do visit the University Council of Saumur and report unto them these Complaints and to assure them that in case they do not take some effectual course for moderating those excessive rates for lodging diet and washing the next National Synod will advise about it and transfer the said University to a cheaper and more convenient place 18. The Deputies of
which reason we are more bound than ever to use by an Unanimous consent and agreement such means as will most and best contribute to our just lawful and necessary preservation in the aforesaid Union under the Authority of Our Sovereign Lord the King and the Queen Regent his Mother We have in the name of all those Churches and for their wellfare and for the Service of Their Majesties sworne and protested and do swear and protest promising that we will see these our Protestations ratified in all our respective Provinces to continue inseparably United and Conjoyned in that Confession of Faith owned and professed by the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom confirmed approved and ratified by us all We swear as well in our own names as in the names of the Churches and Provinces which have Commissionated us to be their Deputies unto this Assembly that we will live and die in this Confession Moreover we do profess that we will keep inviolably that Ecclesiastical Discipline which is Established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and observe its Cannons for the Government of the said Churches and the Reformation of manners owning and acknowledging that it is agreeable to the Word of God under whose Supream and Inviolable Authority we protest and swear to yield all Obedience and Fidelity to Their Majesties desiring nothing more than through the favour of their Edicts to serve our God without any violence offered to our Consciences Sworn and Subscribed by Peter de Moulin Moderator of the Synod Minister of the Church of Paris and Deputy for the Isle of France Picardy Champaigne c. By Lawrence Brunier Assessor Minister of Christ in the Church of Usez Deputy for lower Languedoc By Nicholas Vignier Minister of Christ in the Church of Blois Scribe of the Synod and Deputy of the Province of Orleans and Berry By Thomas Papillon Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of that Church Deputy for the Isle of France and Scribe of the Synod Sworn and Subscribed by Isaack de Juigne Pastor of the Church of Vassy and Deputy for the Isle of France Picardy Champaigne c. 2. By Samuel de L' Escherpiere Lord de la Riviere Minister of the Word of God at Roan by Daniel Massys Pastor of the Reformed Church in Caen by James de Montbray Elder of the Church of Conde upon Noireau and by Anthony Bridou Lord of Boissleroy Elder in the Church of Fescamp Deputies for the Province of Normandy 3. Sworne and subscribed by Paui Guyon Minister of the Word of God in the Church of Dieu le fit by Peter de la Croze Minister of the Holy Gospel in the Church of Courtozen in the Principality of Orange by Moses du Port Esq Doctor of Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of la Mure By James Bernard Doctor of Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Montlimart Deputies for the Province of Dolphiny 4. Sworne and subscribed by Paul Huron Pastor of the Church of Riez by Elijah de Glandeves Lord of Ajon Elder in the Church of Puymichel Deputies for the Province of Provence 5. Sworne and Subscribed by Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan by Peter Guillaumine Pastor of the Church of St. Andrews de Valborgne by John de Vignoles Lord of St. Bonnet and of Colegnuc Elder of the same Church by John Baudouin Doctor of the Civil Laws and Elder in the Church de la Salle Deputies for the Province of Sevennes 6. Sworne and subscribed by Ezechiel Marmet Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of my Lord Duke of Rohan by Philip de Vassaut Esq Lord of Penmoncel Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard Deputies for the Province of Britain 7. Sworne and subscribed by Daniel Jamett Pastor of the Church in St. Amand in Bourbonnois by Galliot de Combis Lord of Soustelle Elder of the Church of Romorantin by John de Benes Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church of Guyan Deputies for the Province of Orleans and Berry c. 8. Sworne and subscribed by Peter Heliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Due by Francois Perreault Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Mascon by Noel du Noyer Lord of Joncey Elder in the Church of Bussy Deputies for the Province of Burgundy Lyonnois Bresse c. 9. Sworne and subscribed by Daniel Chanet Pastor of the Church of Ars in the Isle of Re by John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons by Pasquet Elder of the Church of Rochefoucault by Peter Formentin Esq Lord of Chastinat Sheriff of the City of St. John d' Angely Deputies for the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois 10. Sworne and subscribed by John de Voisin Pastor of the Church of Realmont in Albigeois by Anthony Garissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent in Lauragais By Paul de Luffee Lord of Maravaut and Governour of Maulterin in Armagnac Elder of the same Church by James du Puy Elder of the Church of Montauban Deputies for the Province of higher Languedoc and the higher Guyenne 11. Sworne and subscribed by J. Chauffepied Pastor of the Church of Niort by John Carre Pastor of the Church of Chastelheraut by Giles Begaud Lord of la Begaudiere Elder of the Church of Mountagu Deputies for the Province of Poictou 12. Sworne and subscribed by Samuel Bouchereau Pastor of the Church of Saumur by Matthew Cottiere Minister of Gods Word at Tours by G. Raboteau Elder in the Church of Pruylly Deputies for the Province of Anjou Touraine and le Main 13. Sworne and subscribed by Peter de Abbadie Pastor of the Church of Pau by John de la Coste Lord of Badett Plaisance and of Monheim Elder of the Church in Monheim now mentioned Deputies for the Principality of Bearn 14 Sworne and subscribed by John du Luc Pastor of the Church of Castel jaloux by James Privat Pastor of the Church of Castelle upon the Dordogne by Francois Joly Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux by John de Boutiers Squire of the Kings Body and Lord of Artigues Elder in the Church of Grateloup Deputies for the Province of the lower Guyenne 15. Sworne and subscribed by David Agard Pastor of the Church of Vaylance and of Soyon by Danlel Richard Pastor of the Church of Chedard in Batiere by John de la Blache Lord of Blesset Elder of the Church de la Bastie by John de Rovre Doctor of the Civil Laws Lord of Esbonaud Elder in the Church of Aubenas Deputies for the Province of Vivaretz 16. Sworne and subscribed by Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier by Anthony de Raques Lord of Claussonnes Elder of the Church of Montfrin by Charles de Bouques Lord of Pons Doctor of the Civil Laws Elder of the Church of Montpellier Deputies for the Province of Lower Languedoc 17. Sworne and subscribed by John de Chal'ais General Deputy for the Reformed Churches of France near His Majesty The Sieurs Des Marez
a Scandalous Person from the Lords Table The Provinces of Berry and Sevennes remonstrating that many and great inconveniencies might fall out by the Execution of such an Ordinance This Assembly Decreed That although for good and just causes the Pastor had been excepted against yet the Elders only by themselves might not proceed to suspend any Person from the Lords Table without the Presence and Approbation of a Neighbour Pastor 3. On that Article concerning Monsieur de Beauchamp 2. Vitre Appeal 2. which injoyned the Province of Britain to give him satisfaction for his Pension due unto him for his Four Years Service Minister in the House of the Lord Duke of Rohan and the rather because the said Province had for that whole time received the Portion of the said Monsieur Boauchamp out of the Monies given us by His Majesties liberality And the Letter of the said Minister were read in which he complained of the Injustice of the said Province and requested that a particular Church of Anjou might be appointed by the Authority of this National Synod to adjudge unto him the Summ of Eight Hundred Ninety and Eight Livres Ten Sous and Nine Deniers which are Owing him and be detained in the hands of Monsieur Boitereul Receiver of the said Province of Britain This Assembly decreeth that Monsieur de Beauchamp and Monsieur de Pestere for the Province the Deputies of Britain declaring that all Writings concerning this Affair are lodged with him shall appear before the Consistory of Saumur on the First day of April next that so their Accounts being Audited the Consistory of the said Church of Saumur may by the Authority of this Assembly finally determine this Matter And in the mean while the said Summ of Eight Hundred Ninety and Eight Livres Ten Sous and Nine Deniers shall be stopt in the Hands of the said Receiver of the Province of Britain to be restored unto the said Monsieur de Beauchamp in case it be found due unto him 2. Vitre gâ— m. 6 Below of Univers 12. 4. Whereas the Provinces had been Exhorted by the Synod of Vitre to consult by what means our Universities might be provided of Professors in Divinity This Assembly having heard the Opinion of sundry Provinces here tendered by their Deputies decreed That for this purpose there should be chosen out a certain number of Pastors in the Actual Service of these Reformed Churches without burdening our selves with a new Fund or choosing Scholars who by reason of their sew years and inexperience are less fit to govern the Youth in our Universities 5. Monsieur Boucherau having been heard about those complaints made in the Synod of Vitre concerning the Excessive Rates paid by our Students at Saumur for their Lodging and Diet This Assembly was fully satisfied of the groundlessness of those complaints 2. Vitre g.m. 17. 2 Vitre g. m. 21. 6. That Canon forbidding Ministers to preach their own private Sentiments on State Affairs being read and Report made unto this Synod that several Ministers had acted contrary to it in the last political Assembly held at Loudun This National Synod desirous to stifle all Seeds of Division forbore looking into what is past but for the future it did straitly forbid all Ministers to treat of State-Matters in their Sermons or Pulpit Discourses on pain of being suspended the Holy Ministry because the only Subject of their Sermons and publick Preaching should be the Holy Word of God and the venting of State-Matters by them exposeth the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus unto contempt and the Provinces shall take special care that an Account hereof be given by their Deputies when they return from the General Politick Assembly as also of what may be foisted in of this nature into their Writings and Printed Works 7. These words as much as may be shall be razed out of that Canon which had enjoyned the Churches to sing full parts of Psalms 2. Vitre g. m. 31. and so conform themselves into that Antient Custom in use with us ever since the Reformation 8. The last Synod of Vitre had injoyned sundry Ministers of the higher Languedoc residing in the City of Montauban 2. Vitre g. m. 38. and not in their own Churches to depart thence and to live actually they and their Families in those places where they be fixed Pastors and that within Three Moneths after Notice given them of this Decree and in case of disobedience it was expresly declared to them that they should be suspended yea and they were then denounced to be Suspended from the Holy Ministry But now the Letters and Excuses of the Sieurs Richard Pastor of the Church of Muzac and Islemade of Benoist Pastor of Albai and Realville and of du Mas Pastor of Verlai dwelling at Montauban being read and the Provincial Deputyes of higher Languedoc having been heard speak about them This Assembly besides their Suspension judgeth those Ministers to be guilty of open Rebellion against our Order and Church-Discipline and to have despised very many of our National Synods and to have abandoned their Flocks and therefore it declareth them to be Usurpers of the Sacred Ministry and farther it doth very severely censure that Province of higher Languedoc for suffering such great Disorders so long a time unpunished and the Consistory of the Church of Montauban for permitting them to preach after the Declaration made of their Suspension at Vitre and farther confirming the aforesaid Sentence it declareth the said Benoist and Richard to be suspended the Holy Ministry for Three Moneths to Commence from that very day when as this present Act shall be signified to them and if in case within Three Moneths time they do not obey the Canons of our National Synods and reside personally among their People they are from this very instant deposed And as for the Sieur du Mas this Assembly doth as yet grant him one Moneth more after that this Decree shall be notified to him and in case he be not then Obedient and reside on his Church he is declared suspended from the Holy Ministry which said Suspension shall continue upon him till he do conform and the Portions or Moneys arising from His Majesties Bounty that might accrew unto them as unto other conformable Ministers shall be detained by the Lord du Candal in his own hands until such time as they have intirely satisfied this present Synod and this its Ordinance But notwithstanding all that 's imported in this Censure Monsieur Gardesy is Excepted he having a lawful Excuse for his Abode at Montauban by reason of his great Age and for his laudable Travels undertook and sustained by him for the Service of Gods Church in the Flower and Vigour of his Youth And this present Act shall be Sinned and Authenticated by the Manual Subscriptions of the Moderator Assessor and both the Scribes of this Synod and shall be read and signisied both in the Consistory of the Church of Montauban
and in the respective Consistories of the Churches of those fore-mentioned Ministers by the Deputies of the Province of Lower Guyenne at the Charges of the Province of Higher Languedoc and they shall be allowed Six and Thirty Livres to defray their Charges which shall be payd them in by the Lord of Candal out of the Moneys belonging to the Province of Higher Languedoc And that Province is commanded to see the Discipline more exactly observed especially in the point of Pastors Residence in their Churches 9. Samuel du Fresne Student in Divinity in obedience to the Order of the last Synod held at Vitâ—e presented himself before this Assembly bringing with him Testimonials from the Consistory of the Church of Saumur certifying of his Piety Religious Conversation Soundness in Doctrine diligence in visiting and comforting the Sick and of his Silence when admitted to assist at their Consistorial Sessions and the Rector and Proâ—â—ssors of the University attesting the same things also and that on all occasions whether by Theses publickly defended or private Conferences and Discourses and by Propositions from the Word of God he hath manifested his good Learning and Proficiency in the Languages and Divinity This Assembly giving Credence to his Attestations hath granted to the said Samuel du Fresne the Summ of One Hundred Livres for his Journey hither and Two Hundred Livres more for his maintenance for One Year in which time he may be called out unto the Ministry in some one of our Churches 10. The Sieur Chauveton having been condemned by the Synod of Vitre to pay the Summ of Three Hundred Livres to the Province of the Isle of France 2. Vitre p. m. 17. which had maintained him in his Studies or in case of his default the Provinces of Lower Guyenne in which he is now Minister was to make satisfaction for him The Letters of the said Chauveton were read by which he humbly requesteth to be discharged from paying that great Summ because it was not long of himself that he returned not within the time prescribed unto his Church of Claye where he once served but because of the many heavy Domestick Burdens that lay sore upon him And the Province of Lower Guyenne being heard in their Remonstrances made by them upon this Account The Assembly confirmed the Decree of the former National Synod and that it might be Executed the Lord of Candal is ordered to keep the said Summ of Three Hundred Livres in his own hand out of the Moneys belonging to the Lower Guyeune from the Kings Liberality that so they may be restored unto the Province of the Isle of France and Monsieur de Chauveton may be acquitted from all Payment because of his great Poverty which was fully notified unto this National Synod 11. On that Affair of the Sieur d' Anglade concerning Arrearages of Sallary pretended to be due unto him by the Province of Lower Languedoc for his possession of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Nismes 2 Vitre p. m. 18. his Letters having been read and the Judgment of the Province of Seventies on the Accompt produced by him This Assembly decreeth Four Hundred Livres unto the said Sieur d' Angtade to witt Three Hundred Livres to be paid him out of the Moneys appropriated to the University of Nismes and owing to him as Professor of the Hebrew Tongue there and an Hundred Livres more out of the Common Stock of the Province of Lower Languedoc and these Monies arising from both these Funds shall be paid in unto him by the Lord of Candal 12. Whereas the Province of Berry hath yielded that the Church of Moulins should be incorporated with the Province of Burgundy this Act of theirs is confirmed by the Authority of this National Synod And as to that difference between the said Church of Moulins and the Province of Berry about Moneys due unto it from the Province 2. Vitre p. m. 22. as Monsieur John Durand their Pastor had made report thereof unto this Assembly They shall accompt with the Deputy of the said Province at their next Synod who shall come into Burgundy on purpose to terminate this Affair And in case they should not agree the Province of Anjou shall put a final period to it by the Authority of this Assembly 13. Reading that Article concerning the Sieur Guerin Pastor of the Church of Baugencey who together with divers other Persons of the Province of Orleans and Berry stand bound in a very great Summ of Money 2. Vitre p. m. 26. The Deputies of the said Province having remonstrated that notwithstanding all their Urgencies and Importunities with the Marquis of Rosny and the repeated instances of our General Deputies at Court with the said Lord they could never get from him so much as one Farthing by reason whereof the said Monsieur Guerin and his Sureties are in great trouble and threatned that they shall be compelled will they nill they to make payment or else to lie and die in Prison Wherefore they most humbly petition this Assembly to have compassion on the said Guerin and his Suretyes and to continue unto him that self-same Charitable Assistance until the next National Synod which was granted him in the last This Assembly would most cordially have complyed with their Desires But being bound up by His Majesties Order It cannot divert the Moneys given our Ministers for their Ministerial Labours unto any other Uses 14. Upon that complaint of John le Febure Bookseller and Citizen of Geneva against the Sieur Menuielle the younger 2. Vitre p. m. 21. at present Minister and Pastor of the Church of Orthez whose Judgment had bin dismissed to the Synod of Bearn which also was advised to injoyn him to go unto Geneva and there to justifie himself from the Crime imputed to him before the Magistrates of that City and in default thereof that Synod was to suspend him from the Ministry Now after hearing the Relation of all passages done at Geneva both before the Magistrate and Consistory at the instance of the said le Febre and the Mediation of the said Menuielle's Friends to compound the matter with him and the Letters written by the said le Febure unto the Synod of Bearn the Shifts and Subterfuges of the said Menueille and the Reasons inducing the Synod of Bearn not to suspend him being all urged by their Deputies This Assembly not brooking that a Man blasted in his Reputation and accused of the Crime of Fornication should be Countenanced in his Sin and incouraged in the Functions of the Sacred Ministry to the great Dishonour and Reproach of so High and Holy a Calling doth once more Exhort the Synod or Colloquie of Bearn to interdict the said Menuielle the Exercise of the Ministry until such time as he shall have fully cleared himself from the Crime imputed to him And notice hereof shall be given by Letters in our name unto the Synod of Bearn as also of some other matters
on his Land and he complained farther of the outrages done him which is also come to our hearing by the Commissioners of that Province Now although this Affair be not of their Nature which are to be brought before the National Synods yet for divers reasons this Assembly hath took this particularly into its consideration and doth condemn the Province of Provence for their uncharitable proceedingss which savour of a base Chicanery every way unbecoming the Servants of God and we do appoint the Colloquy of Gapensois in Dolphiny to inspect their Accompts and to add what they shall judge equitable unto the Churches before-mentioned and that by the Authority of this Assembly which will immediately recommend their afflicted Condition unto our Lords the General Deputies who shall address themselves unto His Majesty and the Privy Council for Justice against their potent Oppressor 8. Monsieur Râ—phael Gabett Pastor of the Church of Tulette in Dolphiny appealed from the Judgment of the Synods of Province held at Manosques the Five and Twentieth of October in the Year 1618. And at Aiguieres the Second of May 1619. Which refused to give him Licence of Departure and Honourable Testimonials though they were but his just and lawful dues and had been granted him by the Church of la Code in which he had served the space of Three years and also by the Synod of Thouart when he quitted it And he complained farther that they denied to reimburse him the necessary Charges he was forced to be at in divers Journeys to this purpose and that they had rejected most unjustly this his Appeal when it was tendred to them This Assembly judging the proceedings against the said Monsieur Gabett very unjust and detective in divers points as was demonstrated unto the Deputies of that Province It ordaineth that all the Acts concerning the said Gabet shall be rased out of their Synodical Books and doth very severely censure the said Province and confirmeth the said Gabett in his Ministry at Tulett in Dolphiny and that the Province of Provence shall give him the Testimonials demanded by him and Twenty Livers appertaining to him as Arrearages of his Sallary 9. Mr. Peter Mercurin Pastor of the Church of Cisteron in Provence appealed from the Synod of that Province for denying him a Sight and Copy of their Synodical Acts 〈…〉 which might informe him of the Arrears due unto him for his â—ension whilst he was yet Student and another had not been substituted in his place and he complained that they inforced him to yield up unto the Province Twenty Livers which were given him by the National Synod of Vitre This Affair was dismissed over to the Colloquy of Baronniers in Dolphiny which should audit his Accompts and determine finally about them by the Authority of this Assembly 10. Monsieur Boulet a Pastor of the Church of Vergeres and Condoignac appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Sevennes confirming the Judicial Sentence of the Province of Lower Languedoc which had ordered Four Hundred Livers to be paid him by the Churches and Two Hundred Livers out of the Kings Money including therein the Portion of the said Churches when as there was more due unto him This Assembly declared that this matter did not belong to the Cognisance of National Synods and therefore ratifying the Synodical Decree of Sevennes it doth Exhort the said Boulet to abstain from all terms of Law in his Appeal and in case he has any new matter of Objection against the Province of Lower Languedoc he may again apply himself unto the Province of Sevennes 11. Mr. John de la Faye Pastor of Aubenas appealed from the Synod of Vivaretz held at Chasteauneuf which had given leave unto the Church of Aubenas to dismiss him as also that he should never any more exercise His Ministery within the Province of Vivaretz Hereupon the Informations brought in against the said de la Faye by certain Ministers and Elders Commissionated by a Colloquy held at Meyras in August last were called for and read and the Deputies of the Province were heard in what they had to declare and offer from their Principals The Letters also of some of the Elders in the Consistory of Aubenas and other Inhabitants of the said Town joyning themselves in that Appeal of Monsieur de la Faye were produced they having to this purpose deputed the Sieur de la Borie de Fons de Seures and de la Faisse with them unto this Assembly Monsieur du Sault also one of the Elders of the said Church was heard speak who together with several other Members of the said Church Consistory and Inhabitants of Aubenas demanded that the Decree of the Synod of Chasteauneuf might be Executed This Assembly saw upon the whole very great miscarriages in every party and therefore did first of all censure those Commissioners who instead of quenching the Fire of Division and Contention had poured in fresh Oyle to increase the Flames and fomented Quarrels and Law-Suits among them directly contrary to the Rules and Canons of our National Synods It censureth also the Provincial Synod for pronoucing Sentence so rashly when as there were just grounds of exceptions against the Evidence and without ever hearing the Confession of the said de la Fay or Convincing him in the least of his Offence and for expressing immoderate Passion against him and foisting into their Acts Matters of small moment as if they had been great Crimes It censureth also the Elders of that Church of Aubenas in general for divers failures observed in their proceedings contrary to our Church-Discipline and particularly those among them who would prefer the lesser number unto the greater and bring in little pettifogging tricks into Consistories which are Ecclesiastical Assemblies a matter of dangerous consequence and pernicious unto our Churches And as for Monsieur de la Faye this Synod not being able any longer to endure those great faults of which he is guilty by his own Confession and that he may be excited for the future better to consult the honour of his Sacred Function whereunto he is called of God It doth now suspend him for Two Moneths from all Exercises of his Ministry which time expired The Colloquy of Valentinois in Dolphiny shall at the Costs and Charge of the Church of Aubenas Commissionate some certain Pastors and Elders to restore the said de la Faye unto his Office in it and mediate and effect a good and firm Peace and Reconciliation betwixt them all And in the Name of God all the Members of the said Church and Consistory who are here present are now Exhorted by this Assembly to use their best endeavours that it may be promoted effected and preserved among all their Fellow-Citizens which also they did very solemnly promise And that nothing may be wanting to compose and heal their differences and that the Hearts of all may be disposed and ingaged to this Holy Peace and Union the Sieurs
Chauffepied and Bernard shall immediately visit them and deal with the Consistory and the private Members of the said Church to incline and work over their Hearts and Spirits to embrace it 12. Monsieur de la Garie Minister and Professor of Philosophy at Losanna brought his Appeal against the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Puylaurent which would not suffer him a Scholastick Tryal for the Professors Chair of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Montauban though he offered it and yet at the same time they confirmed Mr. Abel Bicheteau in the said Professorship without any previous Examen or Disputation However this Assembly could not but observe an evident default in the settlement of the said Monsieur Bicheteau both on his part and that of the University of Montauban and on the Synods also which had confirmed him yet doth it ratifie the Decree of the said Synod of Puylaurent and fixeth Monsieur Bicheteau in his Profession and recommends Monsieur de la Garie to the Province of Higher Languedoc not only to defray the Charges of his Journey hither as is just and reasonable but to prefer him also unto the Pastoral Office in some vacant Congregation he submitting himself first unto an Examination according to the Decree of the National Synod of Gap Moreover it enjoyneth the said Province to observe more exactly the Canons of our National Synods in the reception of Publick Academical Professors for time coming 13. Monsieur Isaac de Rieu Pastor of the Church of Pont de Royans appealed in his own Name and in the Name of divers others Ministers and Elders now absent from a Sentence denounc't against them in the Synod of Dolphiny held at Briancon the 18th day of June One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty about a Commission which they together with the Colloquy of Ambrun had joyntly executed This Assembly not in the least approving the Action of these Appealers in granting Letters of Attorney before a Notary Publick unto the said de Rieu as if there had been a cause to be pleaded in a Civil Court of Judicature It doth dismiss them over for the substance of their business unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc which shall judge definitely thereof and the rather because the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny had not brought with them those Papers which was necessary to discuss it and because it was utterly unfit that Monsieur de la Croze should upon his own Charges although he did generously offer it ride into that Province to fetch those Memorials 14. Monsieur Olhagaray Minister in the Church of Mazeres presented an Appeal of the Colloquy of Foix from the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Puylaurent the 18th day of June One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty for that they had defaulked from the Portions belonging to the Church of Foix which were granted them by the Synod of Rochell though not mentioned in the last Synod of Vitre and the said Province refused to make payment of them This Assembly promised to take care of this Matter when as they should distribute the Churches Moneys and that in the mean while it would make Inquiry into what had been ordained by the former National Synods And whereas the Deputies from the Council of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne requested on behalf of the said Colloquy of Foix That they might be assisted with some Moneys to Erect a Colledge in the City of Pamiers they were answered That what had been decreed as to this purpose by the Synod of Vitre should be confirmed by this of Alez 15. The Inhabitants of the Town of St. Aignan appealed from a Judgment past against them in the Synod of Xaintonge held at Tonnay Charente by which they were annexed to the Church of St. John d' Angely but this their Appeal was rejected because it was of such an Affair as might be finally decided within the Province 16. Monsieur Philip Pinauld appealed from the Provincial Synod of Anjou who had conferred his Office of Receiver for the University of Saumur on Monsieur Bouquett because he would discharge it freely and demanded nothing for his pains therein saving only for the Transcribing of his Accompts This Assembly leaveth the whole Affair to the disposal of that Province provided they give General Releases unto the said Pinault 17. The Church of Privas appealed from the Synod of Vivaretz held the last August at Chasteauneuf for abridging them of their Liberty in the choice of their Pastors which they ever had before and did by the consent of their Colloquy allwayes chuse them either from within or without the Province whereas now the Provincial Synod takes unto it self an Absolute Authority of providing for them and hath farther declared That the Portion of the Kings Money which was wont to be payed in unto the said Church doth now of right belong unto Monsieur Lubac although he be none of their Minister nor doth them any Service This Assembly blaming the said Province of Vivaretz for those words of permitting them to choose in times past which seem to condemn those Worthy Ministers who so affectionately served the Church of Privas in its necessity as if they had been guilty of some grievous fault whereas they be every way worthy of Commendation and Thank and not of a Toleration or Connivency And farther blaming that Synod for those words of Absolute Authority which it had arrogated unto it self It ordains that the Church of Privas shall enjoy its free Liberty and may for the future provide it self of a Pastor any where as the Lord shall give them opportunity taking always with them the Approbation of their Colloquy and Synod And forasmuch as this Assembly hath heard talk of Monsieur Lubac an Order shall be sent him to appear before them and to give an Account of himself And in the mean while the Portion due unto the said Lubac shall be stopped in the hands of the Province of Vivaretz until such time as he shall have cleared himself of matters laid unto his charge 18. Several Elders and other the Inhabitants of the Town of Gignac petitioned that they might have a Pastor appropriated to them because of those continual assaults they meet with from the Adversaries of the Gospel they appealed also from the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had imposed upon them against their wills Monsieur duChacornas to be their Pastor And yet contrariwise divers Elders and other the Inhabitants of the said Town of Gignac and St. Andrew Petitioned that the said de Chacornas might be confirmed by the Authority of this Synod to be their Pastor The Assembly reproving those Inhabitants of Gignac for their levity and unserious temper which ingageth them in heats and disputes exceeding prejudicial unto their Consciences and repugnant to the Edifying of Gods Church and Exhorting them to an Holy Union Concord and Perseverance in the profession of the Truth without wavering did promise to provide them a Minister for Six Moneths time who should make
it his business to reconcile and settle them and afterward they shall be recommended unto their Province to give them a fixed Pastor And whereas they demand assistance from us towards the maintenance of their Minister all possible care also shall be taken herein for their full satisfaction 19. An Appeal was brought by the Lord of St. Stephens Baron of Gangers from the Judicial Sentence of the Colloquy of Sauve ratified by the Provincial Synod of Sevennes and Gevaudan held at Meyruez in the Moneth of July last by which the said Baron of Gangers was ordered publickly to be suspended from Communion at the Lords Table for the Injuries and Violencies done by him to Monsieur Coder Minister of the Church of Gangers and farther that if the said Lord continued to trouble the said Codur in the Exercise of his Ministry that then the Province would espouse his Quarrel and defend him by all lawful ways Ecclesiastical and Civil And in the same Appeal the Consuls and Inhabitants of Gangers did by their Deputies represent how that the same Synod had also in the same manner censured them for that they had given leave to the said Monsieur Codur to withdraw himself from them unto a Neighbour Church until such time as that the Synod had provided better for him And yet nevertheless they were enjoyned by the Synod to pay him continually his Stipend as if he were actually in service among them In short they demanded that the said Codur might be removed out of their Town and transplanted elsewhere The Appellants being called in and heard in all what they had to speak or offer and the Provincial Deputies of Sevennes in the reasons moving their Synod to pass such a Sentence on them and Monsieur Codur also being heard in his defence and pretended Justification and two Elders of the Church of Gangers with Letters from the Consistory requesting that the said Church might be no longer deprived of Gods Holy Word and Sacraments This Assembly ratified the Judicial Sentence given by the Synod of Meyruez as to the suspension of the Lord Baron of Gangers from the Lords Table and the Publication of it together with the censure past on the said Consuls and other the Inhabitants of Gangers as being Complices and Partners with their Lord in all his Violencies and Indignities used towards their Pastor Moreover it censureth the Consistory of the said Church for their Levity manifest enough by their Letters and Testimonials contradictory one unto another And as for Monsieur Codur to procure him peace and to effect he peace of the said Church of Gangers he shall be removed from the said Church and the Province of Sevennes are ordered either by their Synod or by he Colloquy of Anduze to settle him elsewhere and in order hereunto they shall be assembled before New-years day next coming till which time the said Church of Ganges shall duly pay him his Stipend and they shall also satisfie him for all his Arrearages fully unto this very day And whereas the said Monsieur Codur hath met with a world of Fatigues and Troubles by reason of his Imployment in Political Affairs to the great hinderance and unsuccessfulness of his Ministry he is intreated never any more to intangle himself with them nor to assist in Person for the future in any of those Political Assemblies And whereas the said Lord Baron of Gangers the Consuls and other Inhabitants of Gangers here present were exhorted to reconcile themselves with the said Monsieur Codur and the Sieur Codur reciprocally to forget the Injuries he had received and that they would mutually imbrace each other and live in an Holy Concord and Love this was freely and chearfully done by all Parties Whereupon this National Synod to strengthen and consolidate this Union and to conciliate them with those who were absent did take off the Suspension from die said Baron and restoreth him to the Peace and Communion of the Church and by this means all Processes both Civil and Criminal on all sides shall cease and never be used more 20. Monsieur Gallpin Judge of the City of Vsez appealed from the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had suspended the said Gallpin from the Lords Table and ordered that the said Suspension should be published in the Church Although this Affair be not of their Nature which according to the Cannons of our Church-Discipline ought to fall under the Cognisance of National Synods yet for procuring that sweet Blessing of Peace and for divers other Important Considerations This Assembly did enter upon the Debate thereof and accordingly judged that the Synod of Lower Languedoc had just cause for suspending the said Galpin from the Lord's Table and this not upon the account of his Office for which they did not in the least intermeddle with him but for that Reproach the said Galpin hath brought upon the Church very unseasonably by his Extravagant Actings against the Sieur Gondin Viguier Provost of the City of Vsez and for discovering himself by the by to be of another Religion than the Reformed of which he now makes profession However the Synod for divers reasons doth not think meet that his Suspension should be published And forasmuch as the principal end of this Assembly is to promote an Holy Union among all the Members of our Church and principally among Persons whom God hath in his Providence advanced unto publick Office and Honour The said Monsieur Galpin is exhorted to reconcile himself with Monsieur Gondin and both of them joyntly to take such Rules and Measures as may secure the Publick Peace and Tranquility of Gods Church in their respective Places and Callings And the said Galpin and Gondin having testified their acquiescence in this Decree they were both reconciled and promised to surcease all Law-Suits and Processes whatsoever and to live in Amity and Concord together and that in case they should act contrary to these their promises that they would submit themselves unto all Censures of the Church to suspension from the Sacraments yea and to Excommunication it self and that the Consistory and Colloquy of Vsez and the Synod of Lower Languedoc should with the highest Authority proceed against them Whereupon the Suspension and its publication decreed against the faid Galpin by the Synod of Lower Languedoc was taken off and he was immediately restored to the Peace and Communion of the Church 21. The Sieur Boulet appealed from the Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Vsez in March last because he having opposed the Election of Monsieur Astier to the Office of an Elder they had censured him This Assembly confirms the Judicial Sentence or the said Synod and doth grievously censure the said Boulet for retaining so long and notorious a passion contrary to the Laws of Christian Charity which forbid us to harbour Wrath and command us to exercise Love unto all Gods Children And Monsieur Astier also is severely reproved for expressing so much disrespect as he hath done unto
take our advice first in it CHAP. X. FORM of EXCOMMUNICATION 2. Paâ—is 2. 2. Vitre 2. Observaâ— upon the Discipline 21 THE Province of Poictou requested that there might be another Form of Excommunication framed of a larger Nature than that in our Discipline because the horrible Corruptions of the Age we live in do indispensably need it and call upon us loudly to put it in Execution Whereupon this Form following was drawn up See the Excommunicat 〈◊〉 Jâ—â—emy Ferâ—â—er in the â—nd of the Synod of Tâ—â—neiâ—s My Brethren This is the Fourth time that we declare unto you that N. N. hath been suspended the Lords Table for that hainous Crime of N. committed by him to the great scandal of the Church of God and yet he continues impenitent and rejecteth all Counsels and Admonitions that have been given him which suspension and its causes we have fully notified unto you that you might joyn your Prayers with ours unto the great God to soften his stony heart and to move him unto Repentance and to bring him out of the high and broad way of destruction But notwithstanding our Indulgence to him and long suffering and forbearance of him although we have prayed intreated threatned and adjured him to break off his sinful courses and to return unto the Lord and tryed all means to bring him unto Repentance he yet persisteth in his Ungodliness and Impenitency and is more obstinate and hardned in his Rebellions against God and tramples under foot his Holy Word and scorneth that Discipline which God hath set up in his Church boasting himself of his Sin and causeth unto the Church for a very long time a world of grief and trouble and the Holy and Effectual Name of Jehovah our God to be blasphemed Wherefore we Ministers of the Word and Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ whom God hath armed with Spiritual Weapons Mighty through God to destroy the strong holds of Sin which oppose and exhalt themselves against him and to whom the Eternal Son of God hath given an ample Power of binding and loosing in Earth declaring that what we shall do here below he will ratifie and make it good in Heaven we being willing to purge and cleanse the House of God and to free the Church from all Reproach and Scandal and to glorifie the Name of God by pronouncing an Anathema upon the Wicked and Godless Sinner We do in the Name and by the Authority of our Lord Jesus and by and with the Advice of the Pastors and Elders assembled in the Colloquy at N. and of the Consistory of the Church of N We have and do cut off the said N. from the Communion of the Church we do Excommunicate him and cast him out of the Society of Gods Saints that he may be reputed by you as a Publican and Pagan and that among the faithful he may be an Anathema and Execration Let his Company be lookt upon as contagious and plaguy and his Example possess your Souls with terror and horror and make you tremble under the Mighty Hand of God and know that 't is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God And this our Sentence of Excommunication the Son of God himself will ratifie and may he succeed and prosper it in such an effectual manner that this proud Sinner being ashamed and confounded before God may give Glory to him by his Conversion and that being deliver'd from the power of the Devil who hath hitherto kept him in Chains and Bondage he may be sorry for his Sin with a Godly sorrow and turn from it with a repentance unto life never to be repented of Let us my well-beloved Brethren call upon our God that he would be pleased to yearn with the bowels of his compassion upon this vile and miserable Creature and that this horrible Sentence which to our very great regret and grief we pronounce against him by and with the Authority of the Son of God may serve to abase and humble him and to reduce him into the way of Life and Salvation who hath wandred and strayd as a lost Sheep in the crooked paths of destruction Amen! Amen! Cursed is he who doth the Work of the Lord negligently Amen! If any one love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha Amen! 22. The Province of Xaintonge craved advice what course we might take with them who take out from the Courts of Parliament Prohibitions against the Orders and Censures of the Church as if they were intolerable abuses This Assembly injoyneth all Synods Colloquies and Consistories to procede against such Persons as Rebels against the Discipline of our Church and to inflict upon them the last and heaviest censure of Excommunication provided they have first endeavoured by the ways of Love and Kindness and Grave Religious Counsels to reduce such Persons unto their Duty and to subject them unto our Church Orders CHAP. XI The Canons of the Synod of Dort incorporated with those of the Reformed Churches of France 23 A Motion was made in this National Synod that some course should be taken in time to prevent the spreading of the Arminian Errors that have of late so much troubled the Churches of the Netherlands that they create no trouble to the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom This Assembly embraced the motion very readily and approved of it as very laudable just and needful for the peace of the Church of God and for the Conservation of the purity of our Doctrine and for the farther strengthning of our Union with the Foreign Reformed Churches and therefore counting the Maladies of the Low-Country Churches a very fair Advertisement and warning unto us and that we may imitate so excellent an Example and prevent the danger threatned us by making use of these self-same means they did for the Expulsion of those Errors out of their Bowels wherefore forasmuch as the National Synod of Dort called by the Authority wise Counsel and vigilant forecast of their High and Mighty Lordships the States General of the Confederate Netherlands and of all the United Provinces under their Jurisdiction and Government and in which assisted personally divers great and very Learned Divines from many other Reformed Churches of our Lord Jesus hath been in the Netherlands and still is a most effectual remedy for the Reformation of the Church and the grubbing of Heresies in the Article of Predestination and its depencies This Assembly after invocation of the Name of God decreed that the Articles of the said National Council held at Dort should be read in full Synod which being read accordingly and every Article ponder'd most attentively they were all received and approved by a common unanimous consent as agreeing with the Word of God and the Confession of Faith in these our Churches that they were framed with singular prudence and purity that they were very meet and proper to detect the Arminian Errors and to confound them for which reason all the
own Language and Opportunity and Advantage they never had before This Assembly desiring to inlarge the Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus ordains that Three Hundred Livres a year shall be allowed the Province of Lower Guyenne to set up a Church in the aforesaid Country of La Boure upon condition that they render an account of the Imployment of the said Moneys unto the next National Synod 58. The Remonstrances of the Churches of Monredon of L' Isle in Jourdain St. Severe St. Seve and Aysseins are disinissed over to the Province of Higher Languedoc who shall look carefully into those matters specified by them and act for them as it shall judge most beneficial to them 59. The Judgement past by the Colloquy of Anduze about the Differences and Quarrels that hapned in the Church of St. John de Gardonengues through the dis-placing of their Seats and which was ratified by the Provincial Synod of Sevennes being none of those matters that are to be brought before our National Synods is remanded back again to the said Province of Sevennes to see it Executed 60. Concerning that difference fallen out in the Church of Alez since the Decree of this Synod the Relation of which concludeth the Chapter of Appeals This Assembly having heard the Magistrates Consuls Consistories and Deputies of the Church and Companies of the Town and Monsieur Ollier particularly did exhort them all to an Holy Concord and Cordial Union which that it might be the better effected the Pensions of both their Ministers shall be equal so that Monsieur Des Maretz shall not have more than his Colleague Monsieur Ollier but they shall each of them receive yearly the Summ of Seven Hundred Livres a piece and that Church shall bear their Charges unto Colloquies and Synods and all those Acts in the Register of the Consistory prejudicial to the Reputation of Monsieur Ollier shall be razed that so all grounds and occasions of Divisions may be removed And in case this present Agreement should be violated then the Colloquy of Vsez is impowered to judge finally of this matter and to remove Monsieur Ollier from his Ministry in this Church of Alez and to dispose of him elsewhere and that by the Authority of this National Synod 61. The Provincial Deputies of Anjou reported that the Portion given by the National Synod of Vitre unto Monsieur du Bois was payed out of the Moneys of that Province and that the Summs mentioned in the Lord of Candalls Account for the said Portion for the years 1617 1618 and three quarters of 1619 ought to accrew unto the said Province because they have already payed them out of their own Purse This Assembly ordains that the Summ of Six Score Livres imployed in the said Account for those years before-mentioned under the Name of Monsieur du Bois and whose payment hath been forborne shall be now payd in to the Receiver of the said Province of Anjou and his Acquittance being produced it shall be allowed the Lord of Candal in his Accompt And the said Forbearance being now discharged The Lord of Candal shall keep one Portion in his hands to be delivered unto Monsieur du Bois at the place of his Abode 62. The Lord of Clausonne acquainted this Assembly that His Majesty had made him his Lieutenant Governour in the Town and Castle of Lectoure and therefore he craved our Certificate of his being a Protestant professing the Reformed Religion and a Member in full and actual Communion with our Churches This Assembly could not in reason deny him especially he being at this Instant a Deputy to it and one of the Elders for the Province of Lower Languedoc 63. This Assembly willing to provide as it had promised a Pastor for the Church of Gignac and considering its great importance and acknowledging the singular gifts with which the Holy Ghost hath richly endowed Monsieur Codur formerly Minister in the Church of Ganges and that he is every way fit and qualified for the Service and Edification of that Great and Populous Church this Assembly intreats him to go and preach in the said Church of Gignac until the meeting of the next Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc which he accepted and promised to remove thither as soon as possible And when that Synod shall meet the said Church of Gignac having a Pastor settled among them for Life he shall be at full liberty to retire himself either into the Colloquy of Anduze or into the Synod of Sevennes who are ordered to secure a Church for him or else he may accept of the first Call which the Providence of God may vouchsafe him And that the said Church of Gignac may be able to subsist The Portion appropriated to it from among the Churches of Lower Languedoc shall be payd in free of all Taxes and Charges to it by the said Province and an half supernumerary Portion out of the Common Stock of the Churches 64. Whereas the Church of Montagnac craveth help and assistance against a process in which they be intangled about the demolishing of their Temple in the late unhappy Civil Wars This Assembly recommends unto the Province of Lower Languedoc the said Church and ordereth them to relieve it out of those great means which God hath given them And the Lords Deputies at Court are requested to interest themselves particularly in their Affair 65. The Colloquy of Gex petitioned leave that they might send only but two Pastors and two Elders unto the Provincial Synods But this their Petition was dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy to decree in it what they judged would be most expedient And whereas the said Colloquy craveth an augmentation unto the Moneys already given them this Assembly desires them to rest contented because it could not be granted 66. The Deputies of the Church of Montauban petitioned that Monsieur Guyon at present Pastor in the Church of Dieu le fit in Dolphiny might be given them to be their Pastor Upon hearing of the said Monsieur Guyon and the Deputies of Dolphiny this Assembly declared its unwillingness to dispose of the Person of the said Guyon and of his Ministry especially sith that his Church in which he is now settled hath not been in the least acquainted with this motion 67. The Colloquy of St. German in Sevennes was censured for their levity and rashness in condemning Monsieur Toussain upon so groundless an Accusation and for their suspending him from the Exercise of his Ministry and the Province of Sevennes was censured for conniving at this great Offence And that the Sacred Ministry may be discharged of all blame and ill reports the said Monsieur Toussain shall appear in Person at the next Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc there either to be justified or condemned as the case requireth and this according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline 68. The Letter of Monsieur Marbais was read and the Assembly remitted his Affair unto the Province of Poictou to give him
satisfaction therein 69. The Church of Nismes did both by Letters and word of Mouth by the Sieurs Ollivier and Mazaudier petition that Monsieur Jamett might be given them for their Pastor he being a Person every way qualified in respect of his Gifts and Graces to edifie it and to repair those sore breaches which the Apostacy and Debauches of some of their former Ministers had caused among them This Assembly having a special respect unto the Church of Nismes and considering its great necessities and importance because of the vast number of its Members and the University there erected though it would not use its absolute Authority in disposing of the Person and Ministry of Monsieur Jamett yet neither can it bear with his Excuses nor with the Oppositions made by the Deputies of the Province of Orleans and Berry therefore it doth intreat the Church of St. Amand and the said Province of Berry also in which he doth at present exercise his Ministry to consider seriously with themselves of the great importance of that Church of Nismes and to grant them their request as in Christian Charity they be bound and particularly by reason of that Holy Communion which is between all the Saints and Churches of this Nation And Letters shall be dispatcht to His Grace the Lord Duke of Sully that he would be pleased to give his consent unto this Call 70. Monsieur de Chasteaumal reported in this Assembly his Fathers many and good services done for the Churches and the many heavy losses suffered by him for the profession of the Gospel and the true Reformed Religion and requested that a Pension might he allowed a Son of his whom he designeth for the Ministry Although this Assembly knows that such an Affair as this ought not to he taken notice of by the National Synods yet because of the Hereditary Piety of the said Lord of Chasteaumal the Province of Dolphiny is injoyned to consider and honour him and to bestow the first vacant Scholarship in their Province upon his Son 71. Letters from the Church of Sancerre and the Deputies of Orleans and Berry as also from the General Assembly held at Loudun informed this Synod of the great necessities of that Church Whereupon two supernumerary Portions were ordered for their Relief as a Testimony of our unfeigned Love to that important Church which shall be payd them yearly by the Province of Berry who for that purpose should receive them in the General Dividend and make good payment thereof till the sitting of the next National Synod 72. Whereas the National Synod of Vitre had granted unto Monsieur Scoffier an Aged and Worthy Minister 2. Vitre Act. 17. Of the Dividend declared Emeritus one supernumerary Portion and half for his subsistence it shall be joyned to the Moneys of the Province of Sevennes whose Receiver without any further Order shall pay it in free unto him of all Taxes and Costs whatsoever 73. The Lord of Clausonne acquainting this Assembly with the Poverty of the Church of Montfrin in the Lower Languedoc an half supernumerary Portion was ordered unto that Church which shall be numbred in the distribution as one of the Churches in the Province of Lower Languedoc 74. Monsieur de Anjou representing the Poverty and Necessity of the Church of Puymichel in Provence a supernumerary Portion shall be granted to it in the General Dividend 75. The Assembly having ordained that in the last Sessions of this Synod there should be a List brought in of the Churches to whom the Collected Charities should be imparted and by what Provinces they should be particularly assisted Now that this Decree may be the better executed it was judged meet that the Collections made in the Provinces of Dolphiny Lower Languedoc Province Sevennes Vivaretz and Burgundy shall be assigned to the Church of Privas And the Moneys Collected in Higher Languedoc and Guyenne shall be appropriated to Lectoure And the Charities Collected in the Lower Guyenne and Xaintonge shall be given unto Puymirol And the Collection in the Isle of France Normandy Britain and Berry shall be payd into the Church of Netancour and that of Anjou and Poictou shall go toward the relief of Vendosme Nor shall these Charities so Collected be any way prejudicial to that General Collection which we have designed for the Refugees out of the Marquisate of Salluces 76. It being the bounden Duty of all Pastors personally to reside on their Churches the Deputies of Lower and Higher Languedoc and of Sevennes are obliged immediately upon their return home unto their respective Provinces to notifie unto those Ministers who neglect this their Duty that they go and reside on their Churches within Three Moneths on pain of being suspended the Sacred Ministry 77. That Affair concerning the Children of the Lord de la Reynela whose Uncle and Guardian is the Lord of la Garelaye shall be recommended to the Lords General Deputies at Court to prosecute it most vigorously and effectually 78. Upon complaint made by the Widow of Mr. Emanuel Sebastian Minister of Gods Word lately deceased This Assembly ordered that all Arrears of Pension due unto her since her Husbands Death by the Province of Sevennes shall be punctually pay'd her out of the first Moneys that come into the Receivers hands of the said Province and he himself shall pay those just Debts with his own hands immediately unto her 79. Whereas the Church of Vsez hath craved leave to seek for it self a third Pastor either within or without the Province This Assembly grants it to them but with this proviso that they keep close to the Forms prescribed by the Discipline and that they act nothing herein to the prejudice of their present Ministers and particularly that they do not in the least diminish that double Honour they ought to have for the Reverend Monsieur Brunier and his Family whose great labours have been for these many years that he hath served them and yet continue to be exceeding useful and beneficial to their Souls See of this Jacornai in the Roll of Apostates in the Synod of Castres 80. The Church of Gignac having been exceedingly perplexed ever since the Call of Monsieur Jacornais unto the Ministry among them who was recommended to them by the Province of Higher Languedoc it seemed good unto this Assembly to remove him thence yet without any Impeachment unto his Credit or Ministry his Conversation being every way blameless and unreprovable only he hath met with no incouragement nor maintenance from them though the said Church of Gignac hath received ever since his presentation to them their Portion of the Kings Money Wherefore the said Province of Lower Languedoc is injoyned to see that the said Jacornais be fully satisfied and that he have his Sallary payd him until such time as he be provided of another Church and that it may be done effectually they shall either detain from the said Church of Gignac what is owing them by the Province and so
Tilloy Pastor in the Church of Sedan decreeth that he be intreated to write the said History and the Provinces are exhorted to send him whatever Memoirs they have on this Subject 13. On that Canon concerning Monsieur Pilotis the Deputies of Sevennes requesting that he might be reimburst the losses which he had heretofore suffered in the Service of our Churches This Assembly agreeing with the Synod of Alez hath answered that the Moneys attributed unto the Churches can not be diverted unto other uses 14. That Canon condemning the Province of Higher Languedoc to make restitution of the Summ of Five Hundred Livres unto that of the Isle of France the Province of Languedoc requesting that it might be discharged from paying the Two Hundred Livres which yet rest due This Assembly judged that it ought not to change a Tittle in the said Canon and that the said Province should apply it self unto that of the Isle of France to whose Charity they be recommended 15. On the next Canon concerning Monsieur Richer this Assembly having seen the Judgment of the Consistory of Saumur Deputed to clear up his Accounts doth confirm the said Judgment yet nevertheless it intreateth the Province of the Isle of France to deal charitably with the said Richer according to the Canon of the Synod of Alez and the advice of the Consistory of Saumur 16. The reading of particular Matters being over it was observed that divers Provinces though they were ordered by the foregoing Synod to execute several Canons yet had not brought with them any proof of their care and diligence in so doing The Synod therefore ordained that for the future the Provincial Deputies should produce the Acts of their Provincial Synods and other needful Evidence of their having performed the Matters which were injoyned them CHAP. XI On the Chapter of Colledges and Universities 17 THE Synod of Anjou petitioned that the Fourth Canon concerning Professors of Divinity and the Hebrew Tongue who are Ministers to be reputed Pastors of that Church wherein the University is seated might be explained This Synod confirming the decree of Alez declareth this to be the sence and meaning of it That the Churches are not obliged to give them Wages nor imploy them in such frequent services as their ordinary Pastors but leaveth it to die prudence and discretion of Consistories to agree with the said Professors about their work and maintenance as they shall judge most consonant to reason and equity 18. In that Fifth Canon by which the Province of Higher Languedoc is censured after those words And for not having observed all the Formalities required by the Discipline in the reception of the said Monsieur Beraud into the Professors Chair of Divinity shall be added these following When as the said Sieur Beraud had submitted himself unto the most Rigorons Examen even as the Deputies themselves of that very self-same Province had attested 19. On the Eleventh Canon which had setled the Colledge of the Province of Sevennes in the Town of Anduze by provision only till the meeting of this present Synod This Assembly ordaineth that since by their silence both that Province and the City of Alez do seem to consent unto it things shall continue in that Estate in which they are at present 20. Reading that Article about bringing in the Accompts of our Colledges and Universities Monsieur Basnage and le Clerk Pastors and Du Port and du Four Elders were constituted a Committee to examine all such Accompts CHAP. XII Observations on the Chapter of General Laws for our Universities 21 THE Synod after Debate had of what Classick Authors should be read in Schools doth order all Tutors and Regents of the Lower Classes on every Saturday to read unto their Scholars a Section of the greater Catechisme either in French Latin or Greek according to their Capacities and to cause them to get it by heart and to give them a plain and familiar Exposition of it CHAP. XIII Appeals unto this National Synod of CHARENTON 1 WHereas the Church of Mesnil-Imbert appealeth from the Sentence of the Synod of Normandy which had ordained that the said Church should be joyned to that of Falaise The Deputies of that Province being heard they did declare that they had no notice nor intimation given them of this Appeal till this very moment and Monsieur de Beaufiel Deputy for the said Church being heard praying that they might be joyned unto that of Orbec This Synod injoyneth the Province of Normandy to procure the re-union of the Church of Mesnill-Imbert with that of Falaise and in case that the said Church of Mesnill will not consent unto this re-union then to conjoyn them with that of Orbec And the Province shall annex that of Falaise unto such a Church as will with the greatest ease and readiness admit of it and in the mean while the said Churches shall be served by the Neighbour Ministers according to the Ordinance of their last Provincial Synod 2. Monsieur Belon Pastor of the Church of Gevaudan in the Lower Guyenne appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had declared that the Church of Montauban should not give him any recompence for his labours among them during the time of his Retreat and Sojourning in it The Synod ordaineth that the Judgment of the Province shall hold good 3. An Elder of the Church at St. Savinian appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Xaintonge which had set Monsieur des Oullieres at liberty so that he might joyn himself unto the Church of Tailleburg and contribute towards the Ministry there This Synod for divers reasons doth reserve to it self the cognisance of this Matter and reforms the said Sentence and confirmeth that of the Colloquy of St. John d' Angely held at Jarnac the Two and Twentieth day of April last 4. The Lord of Lodde together with the Consistories of the Churches of Treviers and Collumbieres appealed from the Decrees of divers Colloquies and Synods held within the Province of Normandy which had assigned the Pension given by the Lady of La Hay du Puy for the maintenance of a Proposan in Divinity unto the Son of Monsieur Basnage who had not as yet attained unto that Degree The Synod being not in a capacity to judge of this Affair because the Acts and Evidences necessary to be perused before a judgment can be given on it are not produced hath left it to the Consistory of the Church of Paris finally to dâ—â—ermâ—nâ— it within one Moneths space after the breaking up of this Synod And the said Province is ordered to send that Act of the said Ladies gift and the resolutions of the Colloquies and Synods thereupon thither unto that Church of Paris that so they may judge of it by the Authority of this Synod And whereas Monsieur Basnage declared that he would decline acceptance of the said gift the Synod confirming the payments which have been already made ordaineth that for the future no Money shall
injoyned to send their Acts unto it and to adjourn the Parties thither 17. Monsieur Peyreille Pastor of the Church de la Cabarede appealed from a judgment of the Colloquy of Albigeois and the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had Deposed him from the Holy Ministry The Letters of the said Peyreille directed unto this Assembly being read and the Acts of all proceedings had against him by the Colloquy of Albigeois having been perused and the Deputies of the Province of Higher Languedoc having spoken on behalf of their Synod This Assembly did not only confirm the Sentence of the said Colloquy and Province but doth farther aggravate it by depriving the said Peyreille utterly of all hopes of ever being re-instated into the Sacred Ministry 18. The Lord Broccard formerly president of the Exchequer at Dijon brought his Appeal from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy but it was declared null and the Consistory of Dijon is injoyned to proceed against him the said Broccard by all Church-Censures in case he detain his Daughter from her Husband without his consent 19. The Church of Croset brought its Appeal from a Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy which ordained that the Churches of Cheury and Puilly should both equally and by turns enjoy the Ministry of their Pastor with that of Crosett This Assembly remanded back again this Affair unto that Provincial Synod which having congregated its Four Colloquies shall revise it over once more and then pass a final Sentence on it 20. The Church of Monoblett appealed from the judgment of the Province of Sevennes because it had lent their Minister Monsieur de Merveils for Sixth Moneths unto the Church of St. Hippolyte The Church also of St. Hippolyte brought an Appeal from the same Judgment The Deputy of St. Hippolyte was heard petitioning that the Ministry of Monsieur Marvell might be confirmed to them during Life and the Deputies of that Province were heard also and the Letters from the said Churches were read audibly and distinctly and a Canon of the National Synod of Tonneins and several other Acts were all perused and considered after which this Assembly altering the Judgment of the said Province ordained that according to their request Monsieur Marvells be settled during Life in the Ministry of that Church of St. Hippolyte and chargeth the said Province to get out of hand a supply for that of Monoblett 21. The Consuls of the Town of Anduze appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Sevennes importing that Monsieur Couront should continue his Ministry in the Church of Anduze and the said Courant petitioned that he might be freed from their Service The Deputy of that Church and the Deputies of the Province having been heard and Letters of the said Courant being read this Synod discharged the said Courant from his Ministry in that Church and ordereth the Province to present him unto some other Congregation and farther the Deputies of Sevennes are charged as they return home to pass through Anduze and to accord and pacifie the Differences between their Consuls and Consistory And whereas the Deputy of the said Town hath brought in a complaint against Monsieur Ollier another of its Pastors This Assembly considering that their Complaints are about sorry Trides and that they had not first carried them as they ought to their own Provincial Synod doth ordain that Monsieur Ollier continue in his Ministry there until the sitting of the next Provincial Synod who shall take care of this business 22. Monsieur Tricot Pastor of the Church of Chasteau du Loire complained of the Consistory of the Church of Tours for that being order'd by the Provincial Synod of Anjou in their Name and Authority to judge of a difference betwixt Monsieur du Verger an Elder in that Church and himself they gave a respit of Hearing for Fifteen days unto the said du Verger before which time this National Synod will be dissolved and the Parties concern'd deprived of all means for bringing in their Appeal and having it here determined This Assembly considering that the said du Verger is absent dismisseth over the Affair to the Colloquy of Anjou with full power in two Moneths time after our breaking up to judge finally thereof 23. Monsieur Guerrin Pastor of the Church of Baugency brought in his Appeal from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Berry This Assembly for certain reasons drawn from the special nature of the matter in question judgeth that it does not belong to the cognisance of our Ecclesiastical Assemblies as it hath been also thus determined by the Provincial Synods However we would not have it to be made a President 24. The Church of Puylaurens appealed from a Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc by which Monsieur Garissoles Pastor of that Church was lent unto the Church of Montauban until the meeting of this National Synod which yet was contrary to a Decree of the last National Synod held at Alez which had only lent Monsieur de Garissoles unto that said Church for Six Moneths with an express prohibition unto the said Church of Montauban not to detain him beyond that time Monsieur du Bois Deputy for the Church of Montauban having been heard and the Elder of the Church of Puylaurens as also the Deputies of the Province this Assembly corrected and condemned the Judgment of the said Synod of Higher Languedoc for violating the Decree of the last National Synod of Alez And yet considering the great necessity of the Church and University of Montauban ordaineth that Monsieur de Garissoles shall remain in the Church of Puylaurens until the next Provincial Synod which may then bestow him upon the Church and University of Montauban provided that he yield his consent unto it which that he may be induced to Letters shall be written him from this Assembly to perswade and incourage him to accept thereof 25. The Church of Montrevil Bonnein appealed from a Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Poictou for giving away Monsieur * * * Two Copies call him Delon but a Third D'Vssen Delon their Pastor from them unto the Church of Montauban After that the Deputies of the said Province had been heard the Assembly confirmed Monsieur Delon in his Pastoral Office in the Church of Montauban upon the same terms and conditions as were expressed in that Decree of the Provincial Synod of Poictou 26. The Church of Touars appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Poictou which for some special reasons had remanded back unto the Colloquy of Higher Poictou their Petition about Monsieur de la Piltiere whom they desired to be their Pastor and who is now Minister in the Church of Chastelheraut After hearing the Deputy of that Church of Touars and the Deputies of the Province and the Letters of the Lord Duke and Lady Dutchess of Tremouille and of the Church of Chastelheraut and those of Monsieur de la Piltiere and the Memoirs sent by him
tending to his being discharged from the Church of Chastelheraut because of his indisposition This Assembly valuing the Health of the said Sieur de la Piltiere and for divers other considerations doth bestow him upon the Church of Touars and whereas the Church of Chastelheraut pretends to have been at great Charges and Expences about the said Sieur de la Piltiere the Judgment thereof is devolved over unto the Colloquy of Higher Poictou which is injoyned to provide the Church of Chastelheraut of an able and worthy Minister considering what an important Post it is 27. The Church of Vassy appealed from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France for depriving them of Monsieur Juigne their Pastor because he had for divers years together complained of their unkindness and unthankfulness unto him The Church of Passavant Mont and Pressigny appealed from the Judgment of the same Synod because it had deprived them for their manifest and notorious ingratitudes of their Pastor the Sier Babinett * * * Of this Babinett see the Roll of Apoitates and Deposed in the National Synod of Castres and had given him unto the Church of Vassy At the same time the Church of St. Quentin appealed and complained of Monsieur de Juigne who having been presented to their Church for Pastor by the Synod aforesaid and agreed with them and also begun to exercise his Ministry among them upon pretext of fetching his Goods and Books from Vassy returned thither but never came back again unto them and had left them quite destitute After hearing the Deputies of the Church of Vassy and St. Quintin and the Deputies of the Province and perusal of divers Letters written unto this Assembly by the Churches of Vassy Passavant Mont Pressignay and St. Quintin aforesaid and by the said Monsieur de Juigne This Synod acknowledging that the Province had but too great reasons for making those exchanges and removals doth yet notwithstanding because of the satisfactions and amends since made by them ordain that the said Sieur de Juigne shall continue in the Church of Vassy and the Sieur Babinett in the Church of Passavant Mont and Pressigny and that the Church of St. Quintin may be no longer vacant This Assembly chargeth the Deputies of the Isle of France now present in it to write in their Authority unto the two nearest Ministers of the City of St. Quintin that they ordain Monsieur Mestayer by imposition of hands unto the Ministry in that Church and that he continue there until the sitting of the next Provincial Synod which may either continue him in it or supply the said Church some other way and provide another Church which shall be more to the advantage of the said Monsieur Mestayer And farther this Assembly censureth those Churches of Vassy and Passavant for their disingenuity and ingratitude towards their Pastors and the said Monsieur Juigne for his irresolution and unfixedness 28. Monsieur Juigne some days after this censure came unto this Synod and requested that the Note and Reproach of ingratitude fastned on his Church of Vassy and of irresolution on himself might be removed because that he was ever well pleased with his Church and their not contributing to his maintenance came not from want of Will but from their Poverty and Inability This was granted but the Censure past on him was ordered to hang still on the File 29. The Lord of Aldebert Judge of Sauve appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Sevennes which had ordained that though Monsieur Bony Pastor of the Church of St. Andrews deserved to be suspended yet he should only receive a sharp and publick Reproof and be continued in his Ministry After the Letters of the said Aldebert and Bony were read and the Sentence of the said Province of Sevennes and those Acts produced when the Judgment was given and the Deputies of that Province were heard and Monsieur Rossel his Petition for the said Bony how that because of his Absence the Business might be remanded back again unto the Province This Assembly declareth that the said Province deserves a very severe censure for being so slow and remiss in its proceedings and using an unjustifiable Indulgence and Lenity when it came to Judgment and decreeth that the said Bony shall continue suspended from his Ministry from that very day whereas this Synodical Sentence shall be signified to him which the Deputies of the said Province shall forthwith inform him of until the next Sessions of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc unto which the Parties aggrieved shall make their complaints The Deputies of Sevennes being charged to summon them unto it that so the said Synod by the Authority of this Assembly may examine and judge and aggravate the Sentence if need be And that Province of Sevennes is ordered to proceed with rigour and vigour against all other Pastors who have demeaned themselves ill in their Office and to render an account thereof unto the next National Synod 30. The Church of Nions appealed from a Judgment of the Synod of Dolphiny importing that the said Church should not seek for it self a Pastor without the Province and that Monsieur Bouvier should be their Minister for Six Moneths The Acts needful to be known for the right understanding of this Case having been all read and the Deputies of the Province being heard This Assembly judged that at present there was no reason for that Church to seek a Pastor abroad out of the Province and the said Province is injoyned to provide them a Minister fit for their Service 31. The Lord of Puyredon Elder in the Church of Nismes appealed from the Sentence of his Consistory about Matters of Precedency and the way of gathering the Votes and Suffrages in the said Consistory This Synod judging this Affair not fit to be debated by it hath dismissed it over to the Colloquy 32. Whereas the Elder of the Church of Charenton St. Mere Vallognes and le val de Serre appealed from the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Normandy which had provided for the safety and comfort of Monsieur Basnage their Pastor that he should be removed from them and placed elsewhere as he himself should approve of This Appeal was declared null 33. The Appeal of Monsieur Bicheteau Professor of the Hebrew Tongue at Montauban from the Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Montauban the Five and Twentieth day of April last is declared null 34. An Appeal of Monsieur De Mas Pastor in the Church of Campagne from the Higher Languedoc held at Montauban the Five and Twentieth day of April last is declared null 35. The Appeal of Monsieur Perrier formerly Pastor in the Church of Paillac from the Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy which had Deposed him from the Sacred Ministry was declared null 36. The Pastors and Elders of the Church of Issurtille appealed from the Judgment of the Province of Burgundy for refusing them
received Whereupon His Majesty taking the words out of the Lord Chancellors Mouth repeated it himself I will not that one of them that is now in the Ministry of their Churches be turned out Afterward My Lord Chancellor continuing his Discourse told them That as for the second point that His Majesty left us wholly at liberty to judge of our Doctrine and would not himself have the cognisance of it but only gave us to understand that no Man should be obliged to pin his Faith upon anothers Sleeve or to swear unto the Faith of a Stranger but that every one should believe as he would Whereupon these Deputies judging and believing that this Answer did not m the least prejudice them nor our Churches because no Person in the Reformed Churches swears unto anothers Faith after they had once again returned Thanks unto His Majesty for all His Favours and protested afresh of their most humble Obedience and inviolable Affection to His Majesties Service they departed And having before their return hither waited upon the Chancellor privately and rendred him thanks as also to the Lords de Pisieux and d' Herbant for that Audience and very kind reception they had by their means from His Majesty they were informed by them that His Majesty was very well pleased with them and that he retained his Intentions of keeping the Peace provided his Subjects of the Reformed Religion continued in their Obedience 2. When as the Deputies had ended their Report the Lord Galland Commissioner and Deputy for the King in this Assembly related what was given him in charge by His Majesty upon these two aforesaid points This Synod yielding all Obedience to His Majesties Will in what concerns the admission of Strangers for the future doth yet resolve to take all opportunities of petitioning His Majesty that our Churches may enjoy the same liberty they ever had in this matter And as for the second point concerning the Oath The Synod declareth that the Intention of that of Alez was not in the least to wound His majesties Authority of which they will be alwaies most tender and sollicitous nor did that National Synod design to bring into this Kingdom any Foreign Customs or Strange Doctrines or New Opinions but only to testifie the Union of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom with those of the Low Countries in certain points of Doctrine which have been in all times entertained and embraced by them and for their substance are comprehended in our Confession of Faith but upon which there fell out some Controversies in the Netherlands However that they may give all possible contentment and satisfaction unto His Majesty This present Synod considering that the City of Dort is a Dependance and Member of a Foreign Common-wealth it doth ordain that the Reference had in the said Oath unto that City shall be taken away nor shall it for the future be administred in the Churches and Universities of this Kingdom And the said Oath shall be hereafter taken in that form as is exprest in the close of the Canons decreed in this present Synod which by its special Order were printed and inserted into these present Acts. 3. The Province of Normandy moved that a Canon might be ordained to oblige all Pastors to visit once a year the respect Families of their Churches and to take notice of their progress in Piety and to press them to it by the most quickning motives Although this Synod doth not judge it necessary to make any New Canons on this occasion yet nevertheless doth it exhort all Pastors and Consistories carefully to oversee the Flocks committed to their charge according to the Rule of Gods Word and the Example of those Worthy Ministers who have been noted and renowned for their diligence and faithfulness in the House of God 4. That same Province also requested that the Moneys given us by His Majesties liberality might not for the future be distributed by the number of Pastors but of Churches This National Synod as that of Privas before it decreeth That the former course and practice shall stand and that the said Portions shall be distributed according to the number of our Ministers but withal it exhorteth the Provinces in their particular distribution of the said Moneys to have a special regard and compassion for the poor and weaker Churches 5. The Province of Anjou petitioned the Synod that some expedient might be found out for setling of a certain Maintenance upon our Universities But there could not be at present any thing done in it 6. The Province of Lower Guyenne moved whether it might not be expedient to add some Marginal Notes unto those Texts in our French Bibles and to be published in the next Impression of the Holy Bible which our Adversaries accuse us to have falsified and corrupted This Assembly did not judge it needful because our Translation of the Sacred Scriptures hath been sufficiently defended by our own Divines as will appear to any one that will but take the pains to consult their Learned and Orthodox Writings upon this Subject 7. The Province or Lower Languedoc demanding License for our Pastors to continue their receiving of Moneys belonging to the Colloquies This Assembly did very sharply reprove and censure the said Province for acting contrary to that Canon made at Alex and forbiddeth all Ministers so much as to intermeddle with that Receipt and the Deputies of the said Province immediately upon their return home are charged to give notice of this present Ordinance unto them and if any one of them for the future dare violate it this Assembly declareth him from this very instant suspended the Sacred Ministry which suspension shall continue upon him till the sitting of the next National Synod before which he shall appear in Person to give an account of his Actions And the Moderators of Colloquies and Synods are commanded to exert all their Power that this Canon be observed or else they shall answer for it in their own private Capacities 8. The Province of Burgundy moved that for the future no Church nor Minister might be admitted to bring in any Proposal or Petition unto the National Synod but by the way of the Provincial Synods and the Deputies of their Provinces This Assembly accepted and approved of the motion as agreeing with the Sentiments and Canons of former Synods and made it into a Canon 9. The Province of Dolphiny requesting of this Synod that some certain Persons might be selected to collect out of the Writings of the Fathers such passages as will be of use in that Controversie of Church-History This Synod because there have been published a vast number of Books on this Subject and a multitude of Collections already made by divers of our Orthodox Divines doth not judge it needful to imploy any one particularly on such a Task But yet withal it exhorts all them to whom God hath given those Abilities that they would improve them so as to frame and compose a faithful
examine Witnesses about it and to give a final Judgment therein by Authority from it and ordaineth that the said des Maretz be cited to appear before them and that the Deputies of the said Province shall carry those Evidences thither which they produced in this Assembly 22. Monsieur Huron a Minister without Imployment was presented to the Church of Mirembeau in the Province of Xaintonge at the request of Monsieur Thomas Elder in the said Church and this Assembly did also by vvay of Advance give him Sixty Livres 23. Monsieur Morell Deputy from the Church of Die desired this Assembly that it would be pleased for the future to pay the Professors of that University their Stipends and in case the Synod vvould be pleased to do it they offered freely to relinquish their right which by contract with the Province of Dolphiny they had over the said University or else that we would grant some greater Augmentation than heretofore towards the maintenance and keeping up of the said University This Synod ordered that the Six Hundred Livres granted by the National Synod of Alez should be continued unto that University 24. The Province of Provence complained by Letters of Monsieur Huron sometime since Minister of the Church of Riez in the same Province that he had lying by him very many Papers belonging to them and that he had not given an Account of his Deputation unto the last Synod of Alez and finally that he stood indebted a considerable Summ of Money unto the said Province and therefore they requested this Assembly to injoyn him the said Huron to come in Person unto their next Provincial Synod and to give an Account of these Matters After that Monsieur Huron was heard speak for himself and the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny who produced the Memoirs of the Province of Provence this Assembly did not judge the two first Articles complained of either reasonable or charitable and declares him acquitted and absolved from them And as for the third concerning the Summs of Money pretended to be owing by him the Cognisance and Judgment thereof is devolved on the Consistory of Montpellier unto which Monsieur Huron may send or in Person deliver what he has to produce for his own Justification and Discharge 25. The same Monsieur Huron complaining that the Province of Provence have not payd him one farthing of the Dividend he should have had of the Kings Moneys since the sitting of the last Synod at Alez This Assembly counting this Affair not to belong to its cognisance did remand it as that last immediately foregoing unto the Consistory of Montpellier 26. The Widow of Monsieur Toussaint deceased late Pastor of the Church of Luc in Provence complained that notwithstanding all her earnest Sollicitations and Endeavours used by her with that Province she could never get a Denier of the Four Hundred Livres nor of the Seventy and Five Livres nor a Doit of the Arrearages ordained by the National Synod of Alez for the maintenance of her poor Orphans This Assembly ordaineth the Lord of Candal to pay the said Four Hundred Livres unto the said Mrs. Toussaincts out of the Moneys belonging to that Province because of the security brought by her from Monsieur Galles her Father Physitian to the City of Orange and as for the Arrears and other Articles of her demands the Judgment of them is devolved upon the Colloquy of Baronniers in Dolphiny which injoyned to put the Decree of Alez in Execution and by Authority from this Assembly to put a final period to this business 27. The said Province of Provence having given in none Account of the Observation of those Canons which were made particularly for them in the Synod of Alez This Assembly ordereth the Sieurs of Chambrun and Crubelier to go in Person unto the next Synod of the said Province which shall bear their Charges and that afterwards the Province of Dolphiny and Lower Languedoc shall send each of them one Pastor unto their following Synods to see those aforesaid Canons punctually observed by that Province of Provence And these Three Provinces of Dolphiny and Lower Languedoc and Provence shall each of them give an Account hereof unto the next National Synod And once more the said Province of Provence is injoyned carefully to observe and keep those Canons or else they shall lose and forfeit all part and interest in the Moneys of His Majesties Bounty 28. Monsieur Jasper Martin Pastor in the Church of Saliens complained that he was never payed one farthing of that Portion granted him by the Synod of Alez and therefore petitions this Assembly to give him another until the meeting of the next National Synod This Assembly orders that he be payd in this present year the Portion granted him in the year 1620. by that of Alez and farther as an augmentation the Summ of One Hundred Livres more 29. Monsieur du Val heretofore Pastor in the Church of Falaise in the Province of the Isle of France appeared personally in this Assembly petitioning to be restored unto the Ministry and provided of a Church by its Authority The Synod not being fully informed for what reasons the said Province had suspended him the Exercise of his Ministry hath remanded him bâ—ck again unto the said Province which shall dispose of him according as they shall judge best for the Glory of God and the Edification of his Church 30. The Widow of Monsieur de Preau late Pastor in the Church of Vitre in the Province of Britain petitioned this Assembly to allow her the same Pension they did others in her condition only till such time as she had finished her Law-Suit commenc't against the Murderers of her Husband This Synod not judging this Affair to belong unto its cognisance hath dismissed her over to that of the Province and recommends it particularly unto them 31. Monsieur Joly formerly Pastor of the Church of Hour and Baillolet petitioned this Assembly that whereas the Colloquy of Beausse by Order of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France had suspended him from the Ministry for Three Moneths time because he had deserted those aforesaid Churches we would be pleased to take his suspension off the File and out of the Acts of the said Colloquy after that both the Lord of Sasseuse Elder in the said Church of Baillolet and the Deputies of the Province had been heard This Assembly approveth of the said suspension Yet for divers Considerations doth ordain that it be razed out of those Acts. 32. The Province of Lower Guyenne complained that in the dividend of Moneys given us by the King and to be received this very Year the Synod had forgotten the Summ of Three Hundred Livres appointed by the National Synod of Alez for maintaining of a Minister in the Churches in the Land of La Bour in Biscay This Synod intreateth the Lord of Candal that out of the good Moneys which might accrew for the Wages of a Second Professor in the Universities
him of the Monies accompted for by the said Palot and not delivered into the Hands of the Lords Commissioners that so we may have recourse unto it when need requires in out prosecution of the said Palot 16. The Lord of Angoulin's requesting on behalf of the City of Rochel that the Synod would be pleased to reimburse the said City the Sum of Two thousand five hundred Livers which were lent unto certain Deputies of the Provinces assembled in the said City in the Year Sixteen hundred and seventeen This Demand was dismissed over to the next Politick Assembly which his Majesty shall be pleased to grant unto his Subjects of the Reformed Religion that so the said Assembly may take care about it to whom it doth belong because the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality and which are at the disposal of our National Synods ought not to be diverted from that particular Use and Service whereunto his Majesty hath devoted them 17. The Deputies of the Isle of France declaring how very useful unto the Churches the worthy Labours of Monsieur Blondel Pastor of the Church of Howdan might be and the Synod being further informed of his rare Dexterity and Diligence in the Imployment of those excellent Talents which the Lord hath concredited to him for the Edification of his Church it decreed That he should be publickly commended and incouraged and that the Lord of Candall should pay him in presently as a Token of our great Esteem and Value for him a Thousand Livers to buy him Books and that as soon as his Works shall be ready for the Press the Synod will defray the Charges of their Impression And because his great Excellency lieth in Church-History and Antiquity he is earnestly desired to follow his Genius and to combate and refute the Adversaries with that Weapon 18. The Demand of Quentin Mareschall a Printer dwelling at Chastelheraut is dismissed over to the Province of Poictou who shall take care of it according to the Rules of Christian Charity And the said Mareschall is forbidden the troubling our National Synod any more with his little Businesses 19. The Synod not abridging the Rights and Priviledges of any Province doth permit that of Higher Languedoc to recal Monsieur Casaux a Pastor lent unto the Church of Montagnac in the Lower Guyenne and the Lower Guyenne may recal Monsieur Testard at present Minister of the Church of Realmont in the Province of Higher Languedoc whenever the Necessity and Edification of the Church shall so require 20. Monsieur Mestrezat presented Letters from the Lord de Launay and requested by word of Mouth both for himself and his said Colleague that the Synod would be pleased to discharge them from that Commission which the National Synod of Charenton had intrusted them with But this Synod not being in a capacity to alter the Decree of that Synod did earnestly intreat them both to continue in that Employment for the general good of the Churches 21. Monsieur Tolozany Pastor of the Church of St. Antonine relating the great Poverty of his Church and Family and the extream Necessity whereunto he is reduced in his old Age. The Synod not being at present in a capacity to alter any thing in former Constitutions for the Relief of our indigent Ministers doth ordain that immediately three hundred Livers be given him to the easing of his Church of which in the Dividend that shall be made of the Monies granted us by his Majesty there shall be a particular care taken 22. Letters from my Lady Marchioness of Bouillé and from Monsieur du Mont formerly Pastor in the Church of Mimbre in the Territory of Maine were read in open Synod And Information being made of the notorious Crimes committed by the said du Mont the Province is ordered to proceed forthwith against him and to depose him from his Office And the said Lady shall be advised of it by Letters from this Synod 23. The Complaint of Monsieur Toussain a Pastor Emeritus in the Province of Dolphiny was given unto the Province of Sevennes who should procure by their best Skill and Power the paiment of those Arrears of Wages due unto the said Toussain by the Church of Marvejoils 24. Monsieur * * * Anotâ—er Copy calleth him Benter Brucet a Proposan being demanded by the Church of La Verdac to be their Pastor the Colloquy of Condommois is authorized to examine and ordain him CHAP. XXIX Care taken for a poor persecuted Church 25. THere were Letters from the Church of La Mote Mauravel in the Province of Lower Guienne sent unto this Synod and being read together with their Memoirs we were informed of a cruel Persecution raised against the said Church by the Lords Cardinal of Sourdis and Bishop of Maillezais Whereupon the Lord Commissioner was humbly desired to write unto his Majesty and the Ministers of State on the behalf of that poor distressed Church And Letters were also ordered to be written out of hand unto the Lord Duke of Esperon earnestly to entreat his Grace that by his Authority his Majesty's Edicts and the Publick Peace might be preserved And our general Deputies at Court shall address themselves unto his Majesty that according to his usual Clemency and Royal Goodness he would be pleased to stop the Torrent of this Persecution and to exert his Justice and punish the Infractors and Violators of his Royal Ordinances and to curb and restrain their Fury who dare in a time of open Peace to deprive his Majesty's Subjects of the Benefit and Protection of his Edicts of the Exercise of their Religion and of the Safety of their Lives And the said Church of La Mote shall be immediately advised to keep and secure the possession of their Temple and Religious Worship and to seek and get into their Possession all necessary Titles Evidences and Proofs of their Right unto their Temple 1626. The 25th Synod and to bring those Evidences and Acts of Prohibitions that have been served upon them by the Officers of the said Lord Cardinal and all other Proofs of their Excesses and actual Outrages against their Members unto this City that so they may with all diligence be dispatched unto the Lord des Loges Advocate in his Majesty's Council who will use all needful Means on behalf of our Churches that their Adversaries may be prosecuted and punished 26. Mousieur de la Motte Pastor of the Church du Gua in Vivaretz did both by word of Mouth and written Acts which he produced declare and prove his great Losses and Persecutions sustained during the last Troubles The Council gave him good assurance that in the Dividend of our Churches Moneys there should be a particular care taken for his Relief and Comfort 27. The Synod compassionating the sad Estate of Monsieur du Bois a Publick Notary living in the City of Pouzin ordered that three hundred Livers should be paid him out of the Mass of Moneys which will be allotted unto
the Province of Vivaretz And whereas the Church of Paris lent him already in his great Necessities one hundred Livers they be desired out of pure Christian Charity freely to forgive him that Sum. 28. The Synod taking into consideration the Complaint of the Widow of Monsieur Rossel deceased and the great Losses suffered by the Church of Bedarioux decreed that the Province of Lower Languedoc should pay her in the Stipend allowed her for the Year of her Widowhood and discharge that poor Church from the paiment thereof and take special care that this Widow have some settled Maintenance for the future Moreover an Order was granted that because her Necessities at present were very sore and pressing she should receive fifty Livers which the Lord of Candall is intreated to advance before-hand out of the Moneys accruing unto the aforesaid Province whose Receiver shall be obliged to allow it him on his Account 29. The Synod accepting his Offers promised its best Assistance unto the Reverend Monsieur le Faucheur Pastor of the Church in Monpellier and prayed him to take heart unto himself and couragiously to imploy those excellent Talents and Graces the Lord had bless'd him with in the Refutation of those Heaps of Sophism's piled up by the Cardinal of Perron in his huge Volume of the Eucharist that so the Church of God may be edified by so laudable and profitable a Work and the sorry sophistical Wranglings of the Enemies of God's Truth may be check'd and represt 30. There was granted threescore and twelve Livers unto the Sieurs Maurice de Bloy de Matrimont and Collan to defray the Charges of their Journey unto Montauban which is eighteen Livers apiece 31. Monsier Caper was ordered to pay unto Mr. Moynier Pastor of the Church of Bourniquett immediately seven-score Livers in consideration of his great Losses and this is not intended as a diminution of that Relief which the Synod hath reserved for him when it comes to divide the Monies destinated to the support and maintenance of our Churches in the Higher Languedoc And the Synod of that Province is charged to communicate unto his necessitous Family as they are bound by the Laws of Christian Charity for its Subsistence 32. An hundred Livers were assigned unto Monsieur Baylin Pastor of the Church of Villemur and to be paid him out of the clearest Monies which belong unto the Churches And farther it was voted that when the Dividend should be made of those Monies there shall be a special regard had unto the Necessities both of the said Church and Pastor 33. The Sieurs Crubel and Montanier Pastors of the Churches at Bias and La Corbaride declared and proved before the Synod by authentick Evidences and Memoirs the utter impossibility of their Residence on their Churches because of the dismal and deplorable Condition to which they be reduced Whereupon License was given them to reside at Montauban until such time as it should please God to bless those distressed Churches with Ability for their Resettlement among them and the next Provincial Synod shall take special care that it may be effected 34. The Churches of Soulés and La Bour being at a vast distance from the other Churches of this Kingdom whereby our National Synods have had little knowledg of their Estate and Wants and of that Relief which hath by this and former National Synods been ministred to them The Sieurs Mizaubin and Grenouilleau are ordered to travel thither immediately upon the breaking up of this Assembly and as Visitors appointed by this Synod to inspect their Condition and to inquire into those Differences between the Sieurs Busthonoby and Guillemin and to compose them and to make report of the Necessities of those Churches they being now incorporated with the Synod of Lower Guienne unto it and they shall take care that those Churches do by their Deputies appear at their Synodical Meetings and bring in an Accompt of their disposal of those Monies which have been formerly and may hereafter be allotted them And that Synod is charged to concern it self for the well-being of those Churches 35. The Province of Sevennes having advanced a thousand Livers before-hand for the Churches of Auvergne did request this Assembly that they might be reimbursed A Decree past that the said Province proving those Disbursments they should be repaid accordingly out of the Monies granted by the last National Synod unto those Churches 36. Monsieur Paulet informing this Synod with how great Violence he was forced and driven away from his Church of Vezenobre it was immediately voted that his Cause should be particularly recommended unto the Lords our General Deputies and that when the distribution of Monies shall be made in the close of this Sessions all care and respect should be had unto his Necessities 37. The Lord and Lady of Dangeau complaining that the Synod of the Isle of France had forbidden the particular recommending of them unto God in the Publick Prayers made by the Church of Chartres meeting at the Bridg of Tranchefetus although they had been formerly made for the Lord and Lady of that Place And the Deputies of the Isle of France having declared the Reasons of that Prohibition and justified it by the Acts of two several Synods thô they had also condemned the omission of those aforesaid Prayers and that they would have ordained their re-usage were it not for those many Oppositions they had encountred in it The Synod decreed That the Pastor of the Church of Chartres shall mention in his Prayers and pray particularly by Name for the said Lord and Lady according to the Intention of the Synods of that Province 38. The Sieur Codur writ Letters of Excuse which were read in this Synod as also the Acts of the last National and Provincial Synods of Lower Languedoc concerning the removal of his Ministry out of the Province of Sevennes Whereupon it was decreed that the Province should be censured for their over-much Indulgence to the said Codur and judged that the Gloss put upon the Canon of the Synod of Charenton by one of its Deputies was not in any wise to be admitted because it directly contradicted the Intention of that Synod And it doth now forbid the said Codur to exercise his Ministry either in the Provinces of Lower Languedoc or Sevennes and interdicts the Synods of those Provinces the granting him any License for so doing on pain of censuring the Moderators of those Synods in their private Capacities Moreover the said Codur is once again commanded to obey the Canon of the National Synod of Charenton and to retire himself into the Province of Dolphiny that there he may be provided of a Church And in case he refuse Obedience unto this Order the Synod of that Province is now impowred with full Authority to proceed against him according to the utmost rigour and severity of our Discipline 39. There were six-score Livers ordered to the Lord of La Beguadiere for defraying the Charges of his
Journey which he took at the command of this Synod 40. There were sixty Livers paid the Lords Taby and Languett who were ordered to cite Monsieur Noguier unto this Synod and to hear and examine Witnesses 41. This Synod honouring the Memory of Monsieur Daneau heretofore a very famous Minister of Christ Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Bearn and desiring to preserve his Works from the Grave of Oblivion intreateth his worthy Son to gather them into one Volume and to publish them and the Charges of their Impression shall be born by this Synod They be in one Volume in Folio 42. Sixty Livers were ordered to be paid unto the Sieurs Mizaubin and Grenouilleau Commissioners appointed by this Synod to visit the Churches of Soules and Labour to defray the Expences of their Journey of which they shall give an Accompt unto the Province of Lower Guyenne And in case this Sum be not sufficient for the clearing their necessary Charges in that their Journey then the Province shall supply the rest and bring it in upon Accompt unto the next National Synod 43. This Synod approved that the Lord of Eragny Deputy for the Province of Normandy should use all necessary means for getting a place ascertained where the Professors of the Reformed Religion may worship God in the Bailywick of Chaumont in the Territory of Vexin and the said Place being obtained and named the Church of that Bailywick shall be incorporated with the Isle of France provided that the Quarter of Gisors do yield their Consent and be the lesser Part of the Church of Sancourt and in case the two Provinces of Normandy and the Isle of France cannot agree about it they shall submit unto the Judgment of the Neighbour Synod CHAP. XXX A Donative to Monsieur Chamier 44. MOnsieur Chamier Pastor of Montlimard presenting unto this Council the very learned Works of his most Reverend Father which he published at the desire of several former National Synods The Council judging it equitable to testify that great respect and honour they ever had for his Father of blessed Memory and to give some acknowledgment of the Churches Debt and Thankfulness for the many and eminent Services he had once rendered them and these his incomparable Labours now dedicated to it do offer the Sum of three hundred Livers presently to be given him by Mr. Cooper out of the general Stock of the Churches And further there shall two free Portions more be distributed to him out of the Dividend which will befal the Province of Dolphiny and shall be paid in unto the said Monsieur Chamier betwixt this and the next National Synod 45. This Synod considering the long-continued Sufferings of the Sieur Constant during his Imprisonment in the Clink of the Common Goal of Bourdeaux and the great Expences he must needs have been at for the getting his Enlargement voted and decreed That out of the general Stock of Monies belonging to all our Churches there shall be drawn out three free Portions and delivered to him 1616. The 25th Synod betwixt this and the next National Synod by the Lord of Candall 46. Monsieur Belliot petitioning the Synod to have compassion on him because of his many and great Necessities sore Afflictions and Losses which he hath sustained during his long Imprisonment in Bourdeaux There was a Portion and half free of all Charges and Taxes whatsoever ordered to be paid him by the Lord of Candall until the next National Synod 47. The Sieurs Petit and Duranty Deputies from the Church of Nismes made their Addresses unto this Synod That it would be pleased to grant them Monsieur Baux Pastor of the Church of Mazamet to be their Minister After hearing the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc on the one hand who joined with the said Gentlemen in their Demand and on the other hand the Deputies of Mazamet aforesaid Monsieur Baux himself and other Deputies of the Higher Languedoc who opposed their Petition A Vote past that this Business should be carried back unto the next Synod of Higher Languedoc which is ordered to provide for the Church of Mazawet and to grant the Church of Nismes effectually their Request 48. The said Sieurs Petit and Duranty did farther petition this National Synod That by their Authority Monsieur Chambrun who was removed unto the City of Orange by the National Synod of Alez might be restored back again unto the Church of Nismes But the Synod answered That the said Deputies should apply themselves unto the Church of Orange and in case of their refusal then unto the Colloquy of Baronniers in Dolphiny and so to get their Petition answered according to their Hearts desire 49. The Church of Vsez deputed the Sieur L' Exque with Letters unto this Council petitioning that Monsieur Buez Pastor in the Church of Cournon-Terrail might be conferr'd upon them for their Pastor The said Church was ordered to apply it self unto the next Synod of Lower Languedoc which is injoined to dispose the said Buez to comply with the Desire of the Church of Vsez because of its great Importance and for that there is very great and good Reason the said Synod should yield unto their Requests 50. The Synod being informed by the Deputies of Burgundy that the Church of Paillac was at present unprovided and considering its great Importance ordereth that Monsieur Repasseau a Pastor now at Liberty shall be sent unto that Church to serve them as their own Pastor and notice hereof shall be given them by Letters signed by the Officers of this National Synod 51. The Lord of Quelus presenting Letters from the Church of Anduze petitioning that Monsieur Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay might be given them for their Pastor After that the said Vinay and the Deputies of the Province of Vivaretz and Sevennes had been heard their Petition was remanded back unto the next Synod of Vivaretz who were intreated to have a particular respect both to the Person of the said Monsieur Vinay and his Preservation and the great Importance of the said Church that so as the Welfare of that Church on the one hand and Christian Charity on the other required that worthy Minister might be treated with all possible Respect and Kindness 52. The next Synod of Lower Languedoc which is charged to call Monsieur Ressent to account for his Actings shall be informed that the Sieur Mercurin declared in this Council that the said Ressent sent him against his will unto the Commissioners Crubellier and Chambrun and abusing of his easiness and good Nature never declared to him the Contents of the Letter of Credit he sent by him insomuch that when he came unto Vouert and Orange he was constrained to make up his Errand from what he could recollect of Discourses past betwixt him and the said Ressent 53. The Colloquy of Ambrun is ordered to judg finally in that Difference betwixt the Church of Cisteron and the Sieur
and what Relief the said Agard hath and shall receive from that Province that so there may be some care taken to reimburse them 105. That Monsieur de la Vallade may be maintained in his Sickness and whilst the Hand of God is heavy upon him he being now visited in this City The Council ordered that out of the Sum of Ten thousand Livers given by his Majesty to defray the Charges of this Assembly a fourth part of that Portion of it which would have accrued unto the Province of Anjou should be presently taken out and bestowed upon the said Sieur de la Vallade and he shall not be obliged to be accountable for it And Mr. Cooper is requested to pay in this Money before-hand unto him 106. This Synod ordained that all Papers brought by Mr. Bony and the Lord Aldebert should be deposited by Mr. de Puy and de Grenouilleau into the hands of the Provincial Deputies of Higher Languedoc which was done accordingly 107. Mr. Busthonoby Pastor of the Churches in Soulés informed the Council That however the last National Synod of Charenton had ordered a Maintenance for him in those Churches yet there remained due October Quarter in the Year 1624 and the full Years 1625 and 1626. And he humbly prayed the Council to compassionate him under his pressing Wants and Necessities The truth of this his Information being undoubted and unquestionable the Lord of Candall was intreated to pay in unto him all those his Arrears and if the said Lord would of his Christian Charity and Generosity advance it before-hand we assure him he shall reimburse himself out of the first Monies he receiveth for the Service of our Churches 108. The Synod observing that by the Dividend made in the National Synod of Charenton there was granted unto the University of Montauban over and above its accustomed Allowance the Sum of Eight hundred and fifty Livers which were to be paid them till the sitting of this Assembly and through inadvertency that self-same Sum was again imployed in a late Dividend as if it were now due and to be paid unto the said University The Synod therefore ordaineth that out of the said Eight hundred and fifty Livers there shall be One hundred Livers only given in lieu of the Principal unto the said University and Sixty Livers to their Beadle and Porter and that the remaining Overplus amounting to Six hundred and ninety Livers and also Ninescore and nine Livers and eight Sous for a Portion cut off from the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne of those which were imployed in the said Dividend shall be detained yearly by the Lord of Candall from the said University and Province and he shall bring his Receipt and Accompt for all this unto the next National Synod 109. The Lord of Candall is intreated to pay unto the Province of Berry over and above the Portions which were allotted it one Portion omitted in the Account of the said Dividend 110. The Portion of Monsieur Dacier a Pastor Emeritus having been omitted by the Synod of Charenton through forgetfulness when they made a Dividend of Monies belonging to the said Province of Higher Languedoc shall be now restored him and paid into his Hands out of the very first Monies that shall be received for the Churches 111. Whereas the Sum of Four hundred Livers was settled upon another Colledg besides that of Nerac out of the Dividend for the Province of Lower Guyenne the laid Sum shall be detained by the Lord Candall because there was a particular Article of Four hundred Livers past for the Colledg of Bergerac 112. In case Monsieur Constans should be molested by the Apostate Peris the Council resolves to stand by him and to make his their common Cause and to maintain his Innocency and to defray all necessary Charges that he may be put to in the Suit 113. The Lord * * * Another Copy calls him Chanitrier Chintrier formerly Receiver of the Monies given us by his Majesty's Bounty for the Province of Xaintonge shall deliver unto the Lord of Angoulins an Acquittance of the Lord du Candall for the Arrears due unto the said Province for the Year 1621 and for which the said Chintrier shall be discharged by the Lord of Angoulins and shall himself draw up in due Form of Law the Discharge and Acquittance which is to be subscribed by him 114. The deep Poverty of the Church of Varis being reported by the Deputies of Dolphiny who also presented their Letters unto the Council a free Portion was voted for them out of the Dividend for the Province of Dolphiny to be delivered unto the said Church of Varis between this and the next National Synod 115. The Deputies of Dolphiny presented Letters from Monsieur le Veilleux a Pastor which being read the Council commending his Zeal and Piety and approving his Retreat from the City of Nismes doth charge that Province of Dolphiny to provide a Church for him in which he may employ those excellent Gifts which the God of all Grace hath so plentifully showred down upon him for its edification 116. The Council exhorted the Province of Anjou to get the last Tome of Mr. Cameron's Theological Works printed and promiseth that the next National Synod shall take care to see them reimbursed the Charges they must of necessity be at in that Impression CHAP. XXXI Of Universities and Colledges 1. THE Sieurs Roqués and Huglas first and second Consuls of Montauban Monsieur Weemes Principal of their Colledg and the Deputies of the Province of Higher Languedoc petitioned That Mr. Charles formerly Professor of Divinity in the University of Ortez and Principality of Bearn might be removed thence and preferr'd to the Church and University of Montauban But there was great Opposition made unto it because of the present and pressing Wants of the Churches of Bearn and their mighty struglings to preserve their University for which they had most humbly petitioned his Majesty and the Agreement past between them and the said Mr. Charles After the whole had been debated the Synod judged that they could not by any Authority of their own compel nor in Reason or Conscience ought they by their Exhortations to oblige those Churches to discharge the aforesaid Mr. Charles and to bestow him on the Church and University of Montauban Yet notwithstanding they acquainted the Deputies of those Churches that in case their Hopes and Endeavours should be frustrated they might then resign up the said Charles unto the University of Montauban and oblige both that City and the Province of Higher Languedoc by complying with their Desires 2. The Synod not judging it convenient to lessen the number of our Universities and wanting Means at present to provide for their Subsistence being utterly disabled from adding any thing unto them more than formerly they decreed That the Professors of Montauban and Saumur should receive out of the first Monies to be distributed among the Churches the Arrears
Ressent 547. La Motte Antony de Creze 548. Curban Claudius Marshall 549. Joran Andrew Guerin 550. Lormarin Peter Maurice 551. Riez Andrew Genoyer 552. La coste James Bayly 553. Merindol James Malat. 554. La Charce Andrew Beruard 555. Grasse Peter Mercurin 556. Luc John Durier 557. Soderon John Bernard 558. Manosques Paul Guardinar 559. Velaux James Rescent Fourteenth Province and Provincial Synod of Orleans and Berry divided into three Colloquies having twenty nine Churches and thirty Pastors 1st The Colloquy of Sancerre Gien and Nivernois 560. St. Leonard near Corbigny Stephen Monsanglard 561. Chastillon on the Loing Simon Jurieu 562. Gien upon the Loir Daniel Jamet 563. Chastillon on the Loir Louis Margone 564. Bruion Bennet de la Roche 565. Henry Chemont Dantigny enjoyeth the Ministry of Isaac Babaud 566. Sawerre Paul Alard a Rocheller 567. La Charité John Taby 568. La Scelle and Dolat Anne Poat 569. Despueilles Elijah Semeele 2d Colloquy of Orleans and Blaisois 570. Blois Nicholas Vignier and Paul Testard 571. Romorantin Jacob Brun. 572. Cheleure and Boudara David Horace 573. Boisgency John Guerin 574. Basoches and Denouville Jerom Belon 575. Orleans James Imbert and Durand 578. Chasteaudun James Lancy 579. Dangeau Lewes Tuissard 3d Colloquy of Bourbonnois 580. Argenton Bliseus Saluon 581. St. Amand and Belet Lewis Scoffier 582. Delise Peter Falquet 583. Moudun René Bedé 584. Ambusson William Vignon 585. Gergeau destitute 586. Bourges destitute 587. La Chastre and St. John Verin destitute 588. Suilly destitute Fifteenth and last Province and Provincial Synod of France is the Province of Normandy divided into five Colloquies having thirty five Churches and forty Pastors 1st Colloquy of Roan 589. Roan hath John Maximilian de L'anglé Peter Erondelle and David Primrose 590. Orbes Abraham le Seneschal 591. Quillebaeuf William Cacherat 592. Saucourt Charles De lossat 593. Pont Levesque Stephen Fudes 594. Eureax Peter le Tellier 2d Colloquy of Caux 595. Dieppe Abdias de Mondenis and Moyse * * * The Son of this Cartaud sâ—â—â—â—â—ed his Father and in the Year 1685 he turn'd Apostate Cartaud 596. Boislebec James de Larrey 597. Luncrey and Basqueville Isaac de la Balte 598. Seintet Isaac de la Motte 599. Fescum David Guellode 600. Haure de Grace John Baudowin 3d Colloquy of Caen. 601. Caen John le Boniver Lord of la Fresnay John de Ballehache and Samuel Bochart 602. Baali Samuel Bajeux 603. Bayeneux John le Breton 604. St. Vast Stephen le Sage 605. Trencens Antony le Genevois 606. Geffosse David Chanduret 607. Les Essars John Tappin 4th Colloquy of Falaise 608. Atis Peter Morin 609. Presnat David Bourgat 610. Mezieres Peter Baulran 611. Vire William Blanchard 612. St. Silvain Noah Gallot 613. Condé upon Noireau John Blanchard 614. Falaise Peter Baycux David de Caux a Pastor without a Church 5th Colloquy of Constantin 615. Ste mere Eglife Benjamin Banage and Antony de Lassleur 616. Dulé Mark Maurice 617. St. Lo Vincent Soler 618. Groussy Jeremy Charitier 619. Gaure Jehoiachin le Moyne 620. Cheffresne Isaac de Vennes 621. Chassagne Luke Boquet 622. La haye dupuy destitute 623. Serizi destitute There is in this Province a sixth Colloquy viz. the Colloquy of Alencon but it and its Churches are both omitted in this Catalogue Sixteenth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Bearn Which Province being in the Principality of Bearn did always appear by two Deputies chosen by their Synod in the National Synods of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and were in this of Castres represented by the Lords Peter de Rivall Pastor in the Church of Nay and John de Pommerede Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder in the Church of Morlas but the said Deputies did not bring with them the Roll of the Churches and Pastors in their Province so that they could not be registred CHAP. XXXVIII A Letter of the Church of Geneva to the National Synod of Castres Most Reverend Honoured and Dear Brethren THere has not been a National Synod of the Churches for these many Years last past held in France but that we have made tenders of our Duties to them because of that strict and intimate Communion we have with them all in our common Lord. We have also new Ingagements unto Thankfulness and to abound in Thanksgivings for the infinite Mercies of our God which are Day by Day and from one Year unto another accumulated upon and continued to his Churches the Lord renewing his tender Compassions so miraculously in their Preservations But if ever we had any cause for so doing 't is now that we are in a most extraordinary manner obliged to it for his gracious Providence shines forth with a most admirable Lustre in the defence of your Churches and particularly in the free enjoyment of your Religious Assemblies so that at the many strange Accidents which have befallen you for divers Years together and the Tempests with which the Kingdom of France hath been assaulted and battered the sore and grievous Afflictions of many of our Brethren having astonished our Souls and overwhelmed our Hearts with Sorrows had made us almost despair of ever seeing the comfortable returns of Peace unto your Realm and of Repose and Settlement for your poor afflicted Churches and the Exercise of your most excellent Discipline than which a better was never practised in the Christian World And now in this Calm the Divine Wisdom gathers his Children as the Hen doth her Chickens under his Wings and reneweth the Face of his Church in your Congregations as the Eagle doth his Youth And this Mercy should be the more prized and esteemed by us because it is not in this Day a common Favour and Benefit vouchsafed of God unto all those whom he had once honoured with the knowledg of himself in the Gospel For besides that the subversion of so many Provinces the dismal Desolations or those sometimes flourishing Churches in Germany Bohemia Moravia and the Valtoline are yet continued and the Dissipations and Dispersions are still growing and augmenting and the Judgments of God from Heaven are following one upon the neck of another one dreadful Ravage calling upon another to make haste Therefore we lie prostrate night and day at the Feet of our Heavenly Father adoring his rich Grace in Christ Jesus for setting bounds unto the Fire of his Wrath so that all his Churches are not totally devoured by it And we most ardently beseech his Divine Majesty that as he keeps the Hearts of Kings in his own Hands so he would be pleased to inspire your King with Counsels of Favour and Peace for his People and tender Love unto your Churches that under his Government and Authority the Name of God may be celebrated with Liberty of Conscience and Truth may bring forth Faith in the World and Righteousness from Heaven may yield the Fruit of True and Saving Peace Moreover we do also carry upon our Hearts unto the Throne
obedient Brethren the Pastors and Elders in the Reformed Church of Paris and for all Drelincourt Pastor Bigot Tardif Dinets Massanes Millet Raillard and Mandat Elders And in the Margin We most earnestly beseech you to give Audience to Monsieur Mestrezat who is ordered more particularly to report this Affair unto you The End of the Synod of Castres SYNODICON IN Galliâ Reformatâ OF THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Four Last National Synods OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE The Second Part of the Second Volume By JOHN QVICK Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed by J. D. for Thomas Parkhurst and Jonathan Robinson 1691. THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty sixth Synod HELD BY The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE and BEARN The second Time at CHARENTON Under the Authority and Permission of LOUIS XIII King of FRANCE and NAVARRE In the twenty second Year of his Reign begun September the 1st and ended Friday the 10th of October In the Year of our Lord 1631. The General CONTENTS of these Synodical Acts in several Chapters Chap. I. THE Lord Galland the King's Commissioner The King 's Writ for calling the Synod Deputies Names Election of Synodical Officers Chap. II. The King's Letters Patents and Commission to the Lord Galland Chap. III. The Lord Galland's Speech to the Synod Chap. IV. The Moderator's Reply to this Harangue Chap. V. Deputies and a Letter sent from the Synod unto the King Chap. VI. The Cahier or Bill of Grievances sent by the Synod to the King Chap. VII The Deputies Return from Court with the King's Answer and Letter to the Synod Chap. VIII Election of General Deputies Chap. IX Monsieur Beraud admitted at Deputy to sit and vote in the Synod Chap. X. A second Letter from the Synod unto the King Chap. XI The General Deputies make Report of their Audience and the King's Answer to that Letter Chap. XII The Sieurs Bouteroue and Basnage admitted as Deputies to sit and act in the Synod Chap. XIII The King's Letter unto the Lord Galland about it Chap. XIV Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. XV. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. XVI Observations upon the National Synod of Castres Chap. XVII A great Debate about incorporating the Churches of Bearn with those of France opposed by the Lord Commissioner Chap. XVIII The Synod's Reply unto his Lordship Chap. XIX The Synod's Protestation upon this Conjunction of the Churches of Bearn with those of France Chap. XX. General Matters Chap. XXI An Act for a publick National Fast Chap. XXII An Act in favour of the Lutheran Brethren Chap. XXIII Particular Matters Chap. XXIV Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXV An Act for an Assessment upon the Provinces for maintaining the Vniversities Chap. XXVI A Dividend of our borrowed Charities to maintain the Vniversities Chap. XXVII The Provinces Accompts about their Maintenance exhibited to the Colledges and Vniversities Chap. XXVIII The Lord of Candall's Accompts Chap. XXIX A Dividend of sixteen thousand Livers among the Provinces Chap. XXX A blank Dividend Chap. XXXI Roll of Apostate and deposed Ministers Chap. XXXII An Act for calling the next National Synod at Alanson Chap. XXXIII Remarks upon three of the Deputies The Second Synod of CHARENTON 1631. the 26th Synod SYNOD XXVI 1631. In the Name of God Amen Acts and Decrees of the twenty sixth National Synod held by the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn the second time at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris in the Province of the Isle of France under the Authority and Permission of Lewes the Thirteenth King of France and Navarre in the twenty second Year of his Reign begun September the 1st and ended Friday the 10th Day of October in the Year 1631. CHAP. I. The Lord Galland the King's Commissioner The King 's Writ for calling the Synod Deputies Names Election of Synodical Officers Article 1. AT the opening of this Assembly the Lord Galland Counsellor to his Majesty in his most honourable Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his Dominion of Navarre appeared in Person as Commissioner deputed by his Majesty unto it and presented his Majesty's Warrant signed with his Sign Manual for the convocating of it 2. This 29th Day of January in the Year of our Lord 1631. The King being at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the pret Reformed Religion that they might be permitted to meet and assemble in a National Synod there not having been one held since that of Castres in the Year 1626. His Majesty being very willing to gratify those his Subjects aforesaid and to give them some Marks of his Royal Favour hath granted and permitted and doth grant and permit unto those his aforesaid Subjects the Power and Priviledg of holding a National Synod the first Day of September next at Charenton near Paris but with this Condition that none other Matters shall be debated in it but such as are allowed them by his Majesty's Edicts and that the Lord Galland Counsellor to his Majesty in his Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his House of Navarre shall assist personally in the said Synod as his Majesty's Commissioner as hath been accustomed and practised heretofore In Testimony whereof his Majesty hath commanded me to issue out this present Writ which he was pleased to sign with his own Hand and commanded it to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of Estate and of his Commandments and of his Treasury Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower Phillippeaux 3. There appeared on Behalf of the Churches in the several Provinces of this Kingdom the Pastors and Elders whose Names are hereafter mentioned For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Peter Boullenat Pastor of the Church of Vaux and Alexander Rouph Pastor of the Church of Lyons together with the Lords Timothy Armet Advocate in the Privy Council Elder in the Church of Conches and Lazarus du Puy Counsellor for the King in the Presidial Court of Bourg and Elder of the Church gathered in that Town 4. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church at Aiguires and Peter de Peyre Lord of Retardet Elder in the same Church 5. For the Province of Orleans and Berry the Sieurs Daniel Jamett Pastor the Church of Gien upon the Loir and James L'amy Pastor of the Church of Chasteaudun accompanied with Master Claudius Bernard Elder in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loir and Bailiff of the said Town and Henry du Four Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Blois 6. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs Isaac de Cuville Pastor of the Church in Couhé and John le Masson Pastor of the Church of Civray together with the Lords René de Lauvrignac Esq Lord of Miauvray Elder of the Church of St. Maixant and Giles Begaut Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Montague 7. For the Province of Xaintonge
you have most worthily discharged yea and in those very National Synods which we have permitted to be convocated by our Subjects of the said Reformed Religion at Charenton aforesaid in the Year 1623 and in our City of Castres in the Province of Albigeois in the Year 1626. We therefore conceived we could not make a better choice than of your self being well satisfied that you will continue to give us the Proofs and Testimonies of your Affection to our Service For these Causes we have commissionated and deputed and we do commissionate and depute you the said Lord Galland by these our present Letters Patents signed with our own Hand unto the said Synod and order you forthwith to transport your self unto the said Synod in the Town of Charenton and therein to assist in Person as our Representative and to propose and resolve on such Matters as have been commanded you according to the Memoirs and Instructions we have delivered into your Hands taking special Care that none other Businesses be then or there treated and debated but such as of right ought to be consulted and determined on in those Assemblies and which are permitted by our Edicts and in case they should attempt any thing contrary thereunto you shall hinder it and by Interposal of our Authority suppress and stifle it and speedily give us Notice and Advice thereof that we may immediately apply such Remedies as will be most needful And for doing hereof we do now impower you by this our Commission and special Commandment in these our present Letters Patents For such is our Will and Pleasure Given at Monceaux the sixteenth Day of August in the Year of Grace one thousand six hundred thirty one and of our Reign the two and twentieth Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower by the King Phelippeaux And sealed with the great Seal in yellow Wax CHAP. III. The Lord Galland's Speech to the Synod 23. THE aforesaid Letters Patents having been read by the Lord Galland his Majesty's Commissioner he made this Speech unto the Synod That the King having buried in the Grave of Oblivion all former Actions which had fallen out in the last Troubles to the great Affliction of the Kingdom his Majesty gave him in charge to assure his Subjects of the Religion of his Royal Affection and good Will towards them and that whilst they continued within the Bounds of Duty and abstained from all bitter Reflections against the Government and Repose of the Publick and from all Intelligences and Correspondencies either with Natives or Foreigners and were sorely addicted to the Service of his Majesty they should experience the Kindnesses of a good Father and of a good King in his Majesty and injoy the free Exercise of their Religion and the Liberty of calling and holding their Synods Provincial and National But whereas in divers Years last past the Orders given by him and accepted of by his said Subjects have been differently interpreted His Majesty desireth by reviving them to take away for the future all Grounds of Misconstruction and Misunderstanding 24. Therefore in the first Place His Majesty requireth that whereas Commissioners were established in all Synodical Assemblies both National and Provincial by his Letters Patents in the Year 1623 founded upon the Practice observed in the Primitive Church and the Government of the best-ordered Kingdoms there shall be an intire and absolute Obedience yielded hereunto by his said Subjects of the Reformed Religion and that they do refrain and forbear all Protestations and Remonstrances to the contrary 25. In the second Place By those aforesaid Orders and agreeable to the Laws of the Kingdom it was decreed and enacted That no Strangers should be admitted into the Pastoral Office in any of the Churches which are reserved for natural French-men and Ancients of the Kingdom in bar of whom and to whose Prejudice divers Strangers have been received Wherefore his said Majesty renewing his Ordinance aforesaid doth inhibit his said Subjects to admit into the Ministry any one except a French-man born and as for others who have been admitted since the Year 1623 contrary to it his Majesty promiseth to dispense with them provided Application be made unto him for that Grace And whereas some have made Exceptions against this his general Resolution on behalf of those Ministers who are born in those Kingdoms and Common-wealths or Cities which are the Allies of his Majesty or under his Royal Protection the said Lord Commissioner declared That by Strangers we were to understand all sorts of Persons without Exception who were not born in the Kingdom or out of his Majesty's Dominions and Government although they were Natives of such Kingdoms Common-wealths and Cities as were his Majesty's Allies or under his Protection 26. In the third Place All Ministers are forbidden to depart the Kingdom without his Majesty's Licence and particularly Monsieur Salbert Minister in the Church of Rochel hath not only gone out of the Kingdom without his Majesty's Permission but in Contempt of his Royal Authority Wherefore the said Prohibitions are once more reiterated and reimposed and the said Salbert is injoined by his Majesty to reside in that Place appointed him and he is expresly forbidden all Exercise of his Ministry either in publick or private nor may this National Synod put him upon the Roll of Ministers to be presented by it unto vacant Churches 27. In the fourth Place By the National Synods of Charenton and Castres all Ministers were expresly forbidding to intermeddle with State-Matters yet notwithstanding Monsieur Beraud Minister of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University did not only intermeddle with State but military Affairs and was so bold as to maintain by a Book which he read unto his Auditory That Ministers have a Call to bear Arms and to shed Blood which is a Doctrine quite contrary to the Word of God the Decrees of Councils and the Laws of the Kingdom and the more dangerous in this Doctor because he instils these his wicked Notions into the tender Minds of Youth committed to his Charge and Education and 't is much to be feared that he will continue to poison them by such or the like Instructions which are foreign and contrary to the publick Peace and Tranquillity And therefore the said Manuscript is judged unworthy of publick View as being cross to the Word of God And his Majesty hath ordered its Suppression forbidding all Printers and Booksellers either to print or sell it and commandeth all the Members of this present National Synod to censure and condemn both it and its Author CHAP. IV. The Moderator's Reply to this Speech 28. THE Lord Commissioner having finished his Speech Prayers were offered up to God for the Preservation of his Majesty's Sacred Person for the Prosperity of his Government for the Settlement of the publick Peace of the Nation and for the Glory of his Crown And most humble Thanks were rendred unto his Majesty for the Continuance of his
Favour and Royal Benignity towards the Churches who have none nor desire to hold any Intelligence or Correspondence with Strangers but do protest unanimously that they will next and immediately under God depend wholly and solely on his Majesty's Protection and Soveraign Authority And it was resolved that as to the first Particular propounded by the Lord Galland his Majesty's Commissioner that although the Cause of sending those Royal Commissioners into our Ecclesiastical Synods was from divers false Reports spread abroad and taken up against those Synods most unjustly and to their great prejudice and damage and that it had occasioned the former National Synods most humbly to petition his Majesty that he would be pleased to leave the Churches in their ancient State of Liberty yet forasmuch as his Majesty hath ordained that no more Petitions should be presented him to this purpose the Churches do acquiesce in his Majesty's Pleasure sith he will have this his Ordinance inviolably observ'd and this Synod doth yield an intire Obedience to the King's Will and the Order prescribed by his Majesty whereof the Churches hope to reap the Fruits promised them in their Establishment and better Subsistence for the future and approbation of their Innocency and the rather because the last National Synods of Charenton and Castres have already tasted of them and been in a more especial manner aided by the Prudence Equanimity and good Conduct of his Lordship the Lord Galland Therefore a Decree past That conformably to his Majesty's Intention our Synodical Assemblies should subject themselves to a precise observation of his Majesty's Declaration made in the Year 1623 about sending Commissioners unto Synods and Colloquies And his Majesty shall be most humbly petitioned to enjoin those his Commissioners whom he shall be pleased to send into the Provinces not to abuse his Majesty's Name or Authority to the raising of new Difficulties which may deprive the Churches of the Effects of his Royal Bounty 29. And whereas his Majesty by his Declaration of the Year 1623 hath forbidden our Churches to receive into the Pastoral Office such Persons as are born in foreign Countries out of his Jurisdiction and divers Provincial Synods conceived that those Persons were excepted who were born in those States allied unto his Majesty and under the Covert of his Royal Protection wherein also they were confirmed by the Commissioners in whose Presence and no where else some few of those Ministers had been received Now our said Lord Commissioner having at this instant assured us that as it was his Majesty's Intention to comprehend under the name of Strangers all Persons born out of the Kingdom without exception so also that he is pleased to deal favourably with all those who have been admitted since the Year 1623 and to repute them as his natural born Subjects this Assembly intreateth the said Lord Commissioner to continue his good Offices unto our Churches and chargeth the Deputies which shall be sent unto his Majesty to present him our most humble Requests that those aforesaid Pastors may be comprized in that his Act of Grace and that for the future all others so born may be instituted and inducted into the Pastoral Cure of our Churches in the Presence of his Commissioners as if they had been natural born Frenchmen 30. And as for the third and fourth Articles in his Lordship's Speech the Synod hath upon very just Grounds intreated his Lordship to assure his Majesty that the Churches sixing themselves more and more in the observation of those Reglements taken up in the two last National Synods and with which his Majesty is fully satisfied will take all possible care that no Complaints upon those Accounts may be ever hereafter brought unto his Majesty And as for that particular Business of Monsieur Salbert this Assembly deferring all Obedience to his Majesty's Pleasure and leaving the said Salbert in that Estate wherein he is at present doth yet notwithstanding judg themselves bound by the Laws of Charity to have recourse unto his Majesty's Goodness on his behalf And therefore we most humbly beseech his Majesty out of his innate Clemency to remove the Tokens of his just Indignation against him and to let him share and participate in that same Royal Favour which he has vouchsafed and extended unto others involv'd with himself in the Miseries of the late Troubles 31. And whereas a certain Book hath been seen by us bearing Monsieur Beraud's Name whose Preface is already condemned by the Lords of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council and that we are required to examine and censure both it and him After hearing of the said Professor Beraud he did ingenuously acknowledg himself the Author of it but also that it was extorted from him by mere Force and through the Malignity of the Times in the late Confusions and that it was never in his Thoughts or Intention to grant a License unto Ecclesiastical Persons to shed Blood and those Words of which he is accused having occasioned an Exposition quite contrary to his Judgment he declareth with all possible Sincerity and as in the Presence of God that he disapproveth of the Ambiguity in which those Expressions are there couched and detesteth from his very Soul the Consequences which are thence deduced protesting that his Belief is intirely conformable to that of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom which have according to the holy Scriptures decided in our former National Synods that Pastors should in no wise intrude themselves into the Administration of State-matters because they he wholly alien and foreign to their Profession and therefore the Argument is more valid that they cannot without contradiction to God's holy Word and the Confession of our Churches founded upon it stretch out their Hands to draw Blood from any one or engage in any military Factions This Assembly therefore confirming the Decrees of former National Synods and grievously censuring the said Beraud for having rashly and to ill purpose used those scandalous Expressions tending to establish an erroneous Doctrine declared once again That it doth reject and condemn that Proposition extracted out of the Book of the said Beraud and forbiddeth him and all other Professors in our Universities and Ministers in our Churches to teach or write any such Doctrine for time to come upon pain of incurring all Ecclesiastical Censures 32. And as for those sharp Words mentioned by his Lordship the Commissioner the Churches are utter Strangers to them having declared the Word of God with all Modesty and Meekness however they have been ill handled in divers Places and tho oftentimes our Adversaries have most licentiously perverted the most innocent Expressions of our Faith to render us more odious and criminal 33. The Lord Galland his Majesty's Commissioner requiring that Monsieur Bastide may be removed from the Church of St. Africk in the Province of Higher Languedoc because his Deportments in the said Church have been destructive to the Publick Peace and Tranquillity The Assembly being informed
respect of Doctrine and Discipline was not only granted to them by his Majesty's Goodness but also by his own express Consent done and executed with his actual Approbation For although by the Answers set in the Margin of the Cahiers in the Years 1602 1604 and 1611 his Majesty hath thought good to suspend and put off the filing of it till after the uniting and incorporating of Bearn with the Crown of France yet nevertheless through the most humble Petitions of his Subjects his Majesty anticipated this Matter and granted that for Doctrine Confession of Faith and Church-Discipline they should be joined and united with the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom yea and his Majesty permitted them to send their Deputies unto those Ecclesiastical Assemblies convocated in it according to his Edicts And this is undeniably proved by that Answer given unto the Cahier at the Intercession of the Assembly of Loudun and pursuant to that Grant the said Province hath from time to time sent their Deputies unto the National Synods and particularly to that of Tonneins Vitré Alez the first of Charenton Castres and unto this present Synod who had priviledg of sitting and voting in them and were therein supported even by his Lordship the Commissioner And in execution of the said Union their Remonstrances concerning the well-being of their Churches were presented unto his Majesty by the General-Deputies inserted by them into their Cahiers jointly with the Demands and Petitions of the Churches of this Kingdom and through the Clemency of his Majesty received a gracious Answer As for Instance Those relating to the Restoration of the Pastors Wages and the Maintenance of the Colledg of Ortez which will be justified by the Cahier presented in the Year 1625 after that Bearn was united with France yea and after his Majesty's Journey into that Country from which it will be manifested that his Majesty was pleased with and granted that we should be united and he favoured in the execution of it his poor Subjects inhabiting the said Province with his Royal Promises Nor should the incorporating of our Churches with those of this Kingdom be envied to us nor be reputed a general or particular Grievance for the Censures which some private Persons may deserve will be issued forth against them by the Consistories and Colloquies and in Cases of Appeal they will be confirmed and executed in the Province by the Sentence of the Provincial Synods only And as for our Pastors their Appeals cannot be received out of the Province but in some particular Case as of Suspension and Deposition from the Ministry and their removal from one Church unto another or from one Colloquy unto another In which case 't is but just and reasonable that they be subjected to and judged by the Synod of that whole Nation into which Bearn is now incorporated by his Majesty's Edict and that the Ministers residing in it should be governed in the same manner as those of France And therefore the said Union having been promised by his Majesty approved by his Grants and executed in the Presence of his Commissioners as not derogating in the least from his Authority nor to the Publick Weal it could not but be reputed sufficiently authorized and therefore we do once again most humbly petition his Majesty that he would be pleased to allow of it and this National Synod is most importunately desired to espouse and uphold it and the rather because that the Province of Bearn and their Churches do submit themselves to the Discipline of the Churches of this Kingdom acknowledging that it doth most intirely accord and agred with theirs and that both of them are extracted out of God's Holy Word But whatever the Result and Issue of this Affair may be they resolved to make a faithful Report of the whole unto their Province as well for their own Discharge as for the great Importance of the matter CHAP. XIX The Protestation of the National Synod upon the Conjunction of the Churches of Bearn with those of France in Church-Discipline and their Submission to the Authority of our National Synods 4. IN like manner the Synod did solemnly protest that they never had any such Intention or Design as to withdraw his Majesty's Subjects from their Obedience either to the Laws of his Majesty or of his Royal Predecessors nor to ordain any new Judges or Degrees of Appeals nor to make any Innovations in the least Jot or Tittle to their Prejudice much less was it in our Thoughts to conjoin the Churches of Bearn to these of France without his Majesty's Permission but we did as in Duty bound believe it a thing already granted by his Majesty His Majesty having expresly declared in his Answer to the Cahier from the Assembly of Grenoble and renewed in the Conference at Loudun that he would allow and be well-pleased with the said Conjunction as soon as Bearn should be reunited unto the Crown of France which was actually effected in the Year 1620. 5. Upon Report made by the Deputies of the Isle of France of their Care and Pains taken to recover the manuscript Works of Monsieur du Tilloy deceased from them into whose Hands they are now fallen and the Unlikelihood of their ever being published The Assembly was well satisfied with the Indeavours and Inquiries of the said Province 6. Upon the Remonstrance of the Province of Anjou the Printers of Geneva Sedan and Saumur are advised to print most correctly the Catechisms Confession of Faith and Liturgy of our Churches and to see that all the Editions of them do intirely agree one with another that so we may have no more Complaints against them for the future about their Omissions and Negligence herein 7. Although the Church of Rochechouard doth of right belong unto the Province of Poictou yet because of the Weakness of the Colloquy of Limouzin which requireth that the said Church be joined to it This Assembly ordaineth that the Decree made in the 25th National Synod held at Castres shall be observed and that the Deputies of Bearn as they return homeward by the Way of Limoges and Rochechouard shall take Cognizance of the Differences which have hapned between Monsieur Barthe and the Consistory of Limoges of which they shall give an Account unto the next National Synod 8. Whereas by reason of the late Troubles and the Difficulties of the present Day the Sieurs Chauve and Bouteroue who were commissionated by the National Synod of Castres to pass over unto the Provincial Synod of Provence have not been called to it This Assembly ordaineth that that particular Pastor of Provence who is charged with the Power of summoning the next Synod in that Province shall give seasonable Notice of the Time and Place of its Meeting that so they may assist at it and execute the Commission which was given them 9. The Synod of Sevennes shall give account unto the next National Synod of the Conduct of Mr. Repasseau and of his Carriage and
to any Retraction and for that the Church of Geneva doth not renew its Suit against the said Mainuelle and seemeth thereby to have buried the Memory of that Fact of which he was accused in Oblivion The Synod leaving the said Mainuelle to the Judgment of his own Conscience doth injoin him for the future so to order his Conversation that there may be no just Occasions given of new Complaints against him 26. All the Provinces are injoined carefully to observe and practise the 6th Canon in the Observations of the 24th National Synod held at Charenton in the Year 1623 upon our Discipline and that 5th Canon in the Chapter of Particular Matters in the Synod of Castres and by all lawful and possible means to reduce them unto their Duty who cause their Children to be instructed by the Priests of the Romish Church or send them to the Colledges of Jesuits 27. In case his Majesty shall be pleased to continue the Grant of his wonted Liberality unto the Churches out of the Dividend of the Province of Provence there shall be first taken out the Monies granted unto Monsieur Durie by the National Synod of Castres and the said Province shall be accomptable to him for it from the very first day of his Establishment in the Church of Beauvoysin 28. The Difference between the Provinces of Xaintonge and Poitou shall be referred unto the next Colloquy of the Synod of Anjou which is also impowered to conjoin the Church of Saveilles with that of Villefaignan in case they shall judg that of Chefboutonné whereunto the said Church of Saveille is now joined may subsist of it self 29. Forasmuch as since the Decree of the National Synod of Castres concerning Monsieur Casaux five Years are now lapsed and the Province of Higher Languedoc hath not in all this time re-demanded him this Assembly bestoweth the said Casaux upon the Province of Lower Guyenne and he shall continue his Ministry in that Church in which he hath hitherto served as their own appropriated Pastor 30. According to that Decree of the National Synod of Castres the Churches of Auvergne shall carry their Declaration unto the next Synod of Higher Languedoc who shall determine whether they be able to compose a new Colloquy And in the mean while the Province of Burgundy shall continue their Care and Charity to the Church of Paillas in like manner as it hath done in Times past 31. The Colloquy of Albigeois shall exert all their Power that the Decree of the National Synod of Castres be executed against those Ministers in the Province of Higher Languedoc who reside not in their Churches and shall apply meet Censures to the Transgressors of the 13th Canon in the first Chapter of our Discipline and that by the Authority of this Assembly 32. The Monies promised unto Monsieur Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimard by the National Synod of Castres towards the printing of those excellent Works of his most learned Father now with God shall be effectually paid in unto him but I fear it was never done 33. The Provinces are exhorted to revise their Collections who have compiled the Articles of our National Synods into a Body that so there may be out of them made an Extract of such important Matters as explain the Canons of our Church-Discipline and they shall make Report hereof unto the next National Synod 34. Letters shall be written to Monsieur de Sommaise Salmasius to intreat him that he would devote his Studies and Pains to the Service of God's Church and that he would travel in the Examination and Confutation of the Annals of Cardinal Baronius 35. That Act promoting Monsieur de Garissoles to the Profession of Divinity in the University of Montauban having been presented by the Deputies of Higher Languedoc was confirmed And this Assembly confirmeth the said Mr. Garissoles in his Professorate and intirely approved of what was done in this Matter by the Commissioners who did examine him 36. This Assembly ratifying the Judgment passed by the Consistory of Alez in the Cause of Monsieur Desmarais which was dismissed to them by the National Synod of Castres decreeth That out of the first Monies belonging to the Province of Vivaretz shall be retained part of the Sum due by the said Province unto the said Desmarais that so he may be so far satisfied 37. According to the Decree of the National Synod of Castres out of the first Monies to be received by the Churched for three Years there shall be reprised by the Province of Xaintonge the thirteen Portions and an half granted to Mr. Bellot and Constans and the Acquittances of those two Ministers shall be brought in and delivered unto the Lord of Candall 38. Complaint being made of the non-Execution of the 13th Canon enacted in the 23d National Synod held at Alez in the Year 1620 about delivering the Cup at the Lord's Table by Pastors only This Assembly judgeth the Province of Lower Languedoc to have incurr'd a Censure for their over-much Indulgence unto the Churches of Montpellier and Nismes who have not to this very day conformed to it And it doth grievously censure the Consistories of those Churches and enjoineth them for the future not to quit the Practice of the other Churches of this Kingdom on pain of being prosecuted with all Ecclesiastical Censures 39. Monsieur d'Huysseau craving the Execution of that Decree made by the National Synod of Castres which had given him the Sum of two thousand five hundred Livers in compensation of his great Expences disburs'd in the Suit against Monsieur Palot The Assembly ordereth the Lord of Candall to pay him in the said Sum out of the first Monies which shall be divided among the Churches who shall be accomptable to him for it and deliver up unto him the Acquittance of the said Sieur d'Huysseau 40. Forasmuch as Mr. Roques hath not presented himself before this Assembly to render accompt of the Monies received by him out of the Collection permitted by his Majesty for the Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres the Province of Lower Guyenne is charged to cite him unto their next Synod and to examine and finish his Accompts by the Authority of this Assembly 41. The Memoirs sent by the Sieurs Mizauban and Grenouilleau Commissioners appointed by the National Synod of Castres to visit the Churches of Soulés and Labour being read and Mr. Guillemin Minister in the said Church of Labour and the Provincial Deputies of Lower Guyenne and Bearn being heard The Assembly ordains That till such time as it shall please his Majesty to grant a settled Place for Religious Worship unto the Faithful dwelling in the Land of Labour that the said Church shall continue joined to the Province of Bearn that so it may be regularly visited and till such time as it can subsist of it self instead of three hundred Livers which were granted by the former National Synods unto the said Mr. Guillemin he shall receive the yearly Sum
of an hundred and fifty Livers and the Scholar named Martill having been examined in the last Synod of Bearn and found meet and qualified to serve the Church of God in the Sacred Ministry shall receive for his yearly Portion sixty Livers and the Sum of seventy five Livers shall be paid in to the said Mr. Guillemin in Consideration of his Sickness only by the Lord of Candall this Synod not being able to charge it self with the reimbursment of his Expences because it judgeth it an unreasonable thing that Pastors should take long Journies upon none other Errand than to present their Petitions unto the National Synods which might as well if not been better done by inserting them into the Memoirs of the Deputies of those Provinces of which they be Members 42. The Complaint of Stephen du Mas against Mr. Scoffier Pastor in the Church of Lunell is dismissed over to the Consistory of Montpellier which having heard both Parties shall within one Month after the signification of this present Act by that Consistory judg of the pretended Right of the said du Mas by Authority from this Assembly 43. This Assembly ratifying the Decree of the National Synod of Castres concerning Mr. Bicheteau Pastor in the Church of Vrillac and Prosessor of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Montauban judgeth concerning his Demands notified by his Letters as also by his Son declaring them by word of Mouth that they are not of their nature which ought to be tendred unto the National Synods yet in Consideration of his great Necessities and Losses it was resolved that he should have a Token of this Assembly's Affection and Charity which should be given him whenas the Monies appertaining to the Churches came to be divided 44. The Letters of Dr. Andrew Rivet Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the famous University of Leyden being read a Decree past That in the Answer which should be returned unto him he should be intreated to continue his Care and Kindness to the Weal of our Churches And whereas the laid Reverend Professor is upon the point of being settled in the House of his Excellency the Prince of Orange and his Lordship the Lord Commissioner having remonstrated that he could not be there established without his Majesty's Licence the Lord of Champvernon his Brother is intreated to give him notice thereof 45. The Reverend Pastors of Xaintonge and the Lower Guyenne who were appointed to examine the Works of Monsieur Blondell having made an honourable Report of them this Assembly commended the said Monsieur Blondell for his great Labour Care and Exactness in so painful and important a Subject and exhorts him continually to employ those excellent Gifts and Talents which God hath so abundantly bestowed upon him in clearing up the History of the five first Centuries And whereas the last Synod of Castres had promised to bear the Charges of the Impression this Synod doth now assure him that he shall be fully satisfied in this Particular And that the after-Writings of the said Mr. Blondell may be strictly perused and examined the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France is commissionated to do it and to give their Licence and Approbation that so they may be printed 46. Upon hearing the Report of those Commissioners who were appointed to audit the Receivers Accompts of the Monies collected by his Majesty's Permission the 7th of February 1626 for relieving the Necessities of the Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres they declared that they had seen and examined that of Monsieur d'Huysseau for the Provinces of the Isle of France Normandy Berry Anjou Poitou Brittain and Xaintonge and his Receipt amounted to the Sum of sixty nine thousand seven hundred and thirteen Livers nineteen Sous and six Deniers and the Disbursment to sixty eight thousand six hundred and thirteen Livers five Sous and eight Deniers so that there remains in the hands of the said Monsieur d' Huysseau eleven hundred and forty Livers thirteen Sous and nine Deniers The Assembly approving the said Audit orders that Monsieur d' Huysseau do pay in the said Debt unto the Lord of Candall who shall divide it between the Churches of Montauban Castres and Rochel proportionably to what they have already received and may hereafter receive according as it was regulated in the National Synod of Castres in doing of which he shall be sufficiently acquitted and discharged of the Monies so received and disbursed by him as he also is now thanked for his great Care Pains and Diligence in his management and execution of the said Office of Receiver And it was farther voted that all his Acquittances sent unto the Churches shall be restored to him if possible it can be done but if it cannot be they are then declared Null and Void 47. Report being made unto this Assembly by those Reverend Divines who were commanded to peruse divers parts of that Treatise upon the Eucharist made by Mr. Faucheur and how exceeding profitable this most Elaborate Work would be unto the Publick by reason of its deep and curious Learning the most worthy Author received the Thanks of the Synod for his singular Diligence and Zeal for God's Glory and Affection to the edifying of God's Church And Messieurs de Croy and Gigord Pastors of the Churches of Beziers and Montpellier are ordered to revise it that as soon as it hath past their Examination and Approbation it may be immediately printed at the Costs of the Churches according to the Intention of the National Synod of Castres 48. Mr. Charron Deputy from the Church of Bergerac related the Causes which obstructed the restitution of their Colledg Whereupon this Synod voted a Continuance of that same Supply which had been formerly granted them for its Support by the last National Synod of Castres and exhorted them to use their best and utmost Endeavours that it may be restored betwixt this and the next National Synod And in case they can effect it sooner the Provincial Synod of Lower Guyenne is ordered to acquaint the Lord of Candall with it who shall pay in unto them the Monies granted by the Churches for the Maintenance of the said Colledg proportionably to what he shall receive from the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality The Synod likewise ordaineth that till the said Colledg be restored the four hundred Livers attributed to the Province of Lower Guyenne for its Colledg and applied by the last National Synod to that of Nerac shall be paid out of the same Fund according to the Intention of the said Synod 49. The Synod of Burgundy is ordered to examine the Accompts of Mr. Gros who was commissionated to receive the Collection granted by his Majesty for the Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres that so upon the closing of them they may send the residue of the Monies in his Hands unto the Lord of Candall who according to the Sum shall divide it among those Churches in the same manner as he did that of
Vivaretz making Report that the said Province was indebted to him the Sum of two thousand one hundred Livers paid by him before-hand unto the Churches for the Relief of their Pastors as is manifest from the Finito of his Account rendred unto the Synod held at Mirabel in the Year 1625. This Assembly to do him Justice upon his Complaint decreed That if he will be pleased to quit his Expences Damages and Interest for Forbearance claimed by him and the Province of Vivaretz restoring him to his Office of Receiver upon the same Conditions that were accorded unto the present Possessor of it that then he shall pay himself the whole Principal in the two next ensuing Years and as for the Arrearages due unto him provided he do make them appear to be real Debts and that he hath not been satisfied for them out of the Obligation given him by the said Province upon the Lands of Toulant and Baffre they also shall be put upon Account in Order to his Satisfaction Article 14. The Province of Higher Languedoc and Monsieur Berauld one of its Deputies were censured for violating the Canons which had taken Care that the Pastors of particular Churches should be deputed unto Synods alternatively and that none should be received into Provincial Synods without Letters of Commission and that no Professors of Divinity should appear in Synods although they were Pastors without being sent thither by their Churches or called by the Synods whenas Matters relating to their Universities or important Points of Doctrine were handled and debated Article 15. The Lords General Deputies are ordered to assist the Churches of Bearn in their Petition presented unto his Majesty for the re-establishing of their Colledg Article 16. Mr. Robertson Principal of the Colledg of Rochefoucauld reporting the considerable Sums he had advanced out of his own Pocket towards the Maintenance of the said Colledg This Assembly ordained That out of the Monies belonging to the Province of Xaintonge upon the Account of that Colledg the Lord of Candall shall keep in his own Hands so much as shall be found due unto the said Mr. Robertson who was praised for his Angular Affection unto the publick Weal of the Churches and is intreated to continue his Affection good Service and Faithfulness therein as formerly Article 17. This Assembly ratifying what was done by the Consistory of Montpellier in the Cause of Monsieur Ginmoux which had been turned over to them by the Synod of Castres in the Year 1626 judgeth that the Complaints of the said Ginmoux were groundless and this shall be signified to him by Letters Article 18. The Deputies of Normandy and Xaintonge petitioning that some certain Sum of Monies taken out of the Churches Stock might be imployed towards the Redemption of many poor Protestants kept in hard Captivity by the Turks This Assembly having no Power to grant them their Request because of that small Stock which is at its Disposal doth advise them to petition all the Churches in those and the Neighbour-Provinces to contribute their Alms liberally for the Comfort and Deliverance of those poor afflicted Christians whole Misery is extream and cries aloud for the Bowels of our Compassion Article 19. The Lady Dutchess of Tremouille having by Letters recommended Mr. Jouars unto the Care of this Assembly and demanded that the Call she had given him to be her Pastor might be ratified by our Authority A Vote passed that the said Lady should be commended for her Piety and exhorted by Letters more and more to continue her Zeal for the Glory of God and the Advancement of his Kingdom Article 20. Mr. Godfroy the Civilian Professor of the Laws in the University of Geneva having writ unto this Assembly that he would compose a Body of Church-History which would discover the Untruths in the five first Volumes of Cardinal Baronius and this in Compliance with that Motion made him by the National Synod of Castres in the Year 1626. A Vote passed that the Thanks of this Assembly should be returned him by Letters and that he should be intreated to bless the Churches with the Fruits of his Promises as soon as possible Article 21. Report being made in this Assembly of the grievous Persecutions undergone by Monsieur de Surville Pastor of the Church of Vigan the Sum of three hundred Livers was immediately voted him for his present Subsistence and to be paid in to him by the Lord of Candall out of the best and clearest Monies in his Hands and out of the rest which we hope to recover another Sum of three hundred Livers more and that one supernumerary Portion out of the Dividend for the Province of Sevennes shall be offered to him free of all Taxes and Charges Article 22. This Assembly considering the Expences that Mr. Chambauld hath been necessitated unto by means of the Accusation brought against Mr. Louis du Bois Order was given unto the Province of Vivaretz to inquire into the Truth of his Complaints that in case they be made good and verified the said Province shall betwixt this and the next National Synod give him one free Portion more to be added unto those supernumerary ones already assigned to him Article 23. The Lord of Candall having freely remitted the Sum of eight hundred Livers which were his proper Right and due unto him from the Sous in a Liver out of the Sum of sixteen thousand Livers granted by his Majesty unto the Churches for defraying the Expences of this Assembly and he having also quitted out of the Reprisals which he might have taken in his Accompt the Sum of fifteen hundred Livers This Assembly did unanimously render his Lordship their most hearty Thanks for his generous and Christian Charities to our poor Churches And there was voted out of the said Sum of fifteen hundred Livers three hundred Livers to be given unto Monsieur de Tremblay Pastor in the Church of Paulin and three hundred Livers more were to be delivered unto Monsieur de la Fon Pastor of the Church of Glenat and Calvinat in Consideration of their pressing Wants and fifty Livers to Daniel Chabord for his Assistance who came on purpose to this Synod to implore our Help towards the Redemption of his Son who hath been ever since the last Troubles kept in Slavery aboard the Gallies and the other eight hundred Livers remaining of the said fifteen hundred shall be paid in to the Lord Ramboullet Elder of the Church of Paris to be imployed by his Agent at Marseilles for the Comfort and Deliverance of the Faithful who for Religion and a good Conscience Kept by them have been there detained in Chains ever since the last Commotions Article 24. Forasmuch as Mr. Duncan hath served in the Profession of the Greek Tongue in the University of Saumur by Order of the Provincial Synod of Anjou which had divided the said Profession betwixt him and Mr. Benoist who did formerly enjoy it This Assembly ordainineth that one half of the Wages
Provincial Synod of Vivaretz and presented by that grave Assembly to the Pastoral Office in the Church of Annonay though he was then but eighteen Years of Age and Annonay was a Church of no mean Consideration but what he wanted in Years he made up in Merit In the Year 1612 he was removed to the Church of Montpellier in which he served full twenty Years He was one of the Scribes in the National Synod held the first time at Charenton 1623. The Parliament of Tholouse having made a Decree that no Foreigner should be a Minister or preach within their Jurisdiction in the Year 1632. he came to Paris and sollicited the Court for his Restoration He had in that City a Brother very rich and one who followed the Law Whilst he resided here the University of Lansanna in Switzerland earnestly invited him to be Professor of Theology in it but he very civilly declined that Motion though he was a most accomplish'd Scholar and Divine In the Year 1636 a Franciscan Friar who was the great Favourite of Cardinal Richelieu and of his Cabinet-Council meeting him in an Apothecary's Shop in St. James's Street demanded his Name and he telling him who he was and the Reason for which he was driven away from Montpellier he bespoke him Monsieur Faucheur do you tarry here and preach at Charenton and I will ingage my Word for it that the King shall never trouble you He communicating this Relation to his Brother his Brother communicated it unto the Elders of that Church who discoursing with him intreated him to preach the next Lord's Day in their Temple which he did to their and the Churches very great Satisfaction And here he continued in their Service preaching and dispensing the Word and Sacraments among them unto the Day of his Death 3. Monsieur Amyraut of him I shall speak in the Catalogue of the Churches and Ministers hung upon the File in the last National Synod where my Reader will meet with a Multitude of Remarks upon the Pastors that were then actually imployed in the Service of those-once flourishing Churches The End of the Second Synod of Charenton THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty seventh Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Assembled under his Majesty's Authority and Permission AT ALANSON IN THE PROVINCE of NORMANDY On Wednesday the twenty seventh of May and ended Thursday the ninth of July In the Year of our Lord God 1637. Being the twenty eighth Year of the Reign of LOUIS XIII King of FRANCE and NAVARRE The CONTENTS of the Synodical Acts in several Chapters Chap. I. THE King 's Writ for calling the Synod presented by the Marquess of Clermont General Deputy Monsieur St. Mars Commissioner for the King Names of the Deputies Election of the Synodical Officers Chap. II. The King's Commission to Monsieur St. Mars to represent hit Royal Person in the Synod Chap. III. The Lord Commissioner's Speech and a very long one unto the Synod Chap. IV. The Synod's Replies and Answers unto the Contents of it Chap. V. Three Deputies sent with a Letter from the Synod unto the King Chap. VI. A second Letter to the King Chap. VII Approbation and Confirmation of the Confession of Faith Chap. VIII Observations upon the Discipline Chap. IX Observations on the last Natiâ—â—â—â— Synod Chap. X. A peniâ—â—n◠〈◊〉 after tâ—â— Yoâ—â—s Deposition and Penaâ—â—â— iâ— at last restored to the Exercise of his Ministerial Office Chap. XI The Snappishness of the Commissioner the Prudence and Patience of the Synod Chap. XII A penitent Minister petitioning for Restoration unto his Ministerial Office refused and why Chap. XIII The Churches of â—earn incorporated with the Reformed Churches of France Chap. XIV Appeals 3. A Lady appealeth 4. Des Champs a factious Minister 11. An Appeal about a Legacy Chap. XV. General Matters 1. An Action indifferent so left by the Synod 4. Whether Slaves may be purchased 5. No Minister to be ordained without a Title 7. An Act for a National Fast 8. An Expedient to preserve Peace among the Ministers Professors and Churches 9. A Petition to the King opposed by the Commissioner 10. A Letter from the King unto the Synod The Synod's Letter to the King 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30. A Determination of the Controversies moved by Amyrald and Testard 31. The Deputies in the Synod to receive an hundred Sous par diem Sallary from their Provinces 32. Professors of Divinity designed Chap. XVI 4 5. Two poor Ministers in great Wants 7. An Expedient to compose Differences in a Church and Province 9. The Case of La Milletierâ— the Reconciler 11. Complaints of two Books L'Antidote and Les Ombres d'Arminius Chap. XVII Of Vniversities Order taken for upholding and maintaining the Vniversities Chap. XVIII Arrears of Monies due unto the Vniversities Chap. XIX Accompts of the Vniversities Chap. XX. Lord of Candall's Accompts Chap. XXI A Dividend of 16000 Livers Chap. XXII Roll of deposed and revolted Ministers Chap. XXIII Catalogue of the Churches and Ministers Chap. XXIV Monsieur Ferrand's Speech unto his Majesty Chap. XXV Instructions given unto Monsieur Ferrand c. deputed to the King Chap. XXVI Monsieur Ferrand's Speech to Cardinal Richelieu Chap. XXVII The Bill of Grievances A Book stiled Le Proselyte Evangelique Chap. XXVIII Letters from the Pastors and Professors of Geneva Chap. XXIX Testimonials unto Dr. Rivet's Treatise against the Books of the Sieurs Amyraut and Testard Chap. XXX Two Letters one from Mr. du Moulin another from Monsieur Diodati to the Synod The Synod of Alanson 1637. The 27th Synod SYNOD XXVII 1637. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the twenty seventh National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held in the Town of Alanson in the Province of Normandy It was opened by his Majesty's Permission Wednesday the 27th of May and ended Thursday the 9th of July in the Year of our Lord God 1637 and the 18th Year of the Reign of our Dread Sovereign Louis the Thirteenth King of France and Navarre CHAP. I. The King 's Writ presented by the Marquess of Clermont for calling the Synod Mr. de St. Mars Commissioner Deputies Officers chosen Article 1. THE Lord Marquess of Clermont General Deputy of the Reformed Churches of France at the opening of the Synod presented his Majesty's Warrant expresly given by him under his own Hand for the calling of it the Tenour of which is as followeth This sixth Day of Jannary in the Year Sixteen hundred thirty and seven the King being at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion who craved his Royal Permission for the calling and assembling of a National Synod there not having been one held since that of Charâ—nton in the Year 1631. His Majesty being desirous to gratify those his Subjects and to deal favourably with them hath permitted and doth permit the Convocation of a National Synod the 27th day of May next
Maeil Elder in the Church of Dieppe being chosen by the common Votes of the Pastors Elders and Heads of Families there and sent unto the Deputies of the Province of Normandy to move and intreat them to request that Mr. Texier who was freed from the Church of Mauvesin in the Province of Higher Languedoc might be given to them absolutely and the said Lords Deputies having introduced him into the Assembly to make his Demand in which also they joined with him After that Mr. Texier had been heard on the one part declaring how that for the Ingratitude of his Church he accepted of the Call given him by the Church of Dieppe upon Condition that his Province should judg it reasonable to set him at Liberty and with Design to oblige his Church by the Authority of the National Church to give him a full Satisfaction and on the other part the Deputies of Higher Languedoc complained that they were not in due time and place acquainted with his Intention and requesting that the Right of their Province might be intirely secured it having many Churches to be supplied which were destitute of Pastors and particularly the Church of Mauvesin which had sufficiently assured the said Texier that he should be paid the Arrears of his Wages The Assembly decreed that he should apply himself unto his Synod which is exhorted to see that he be fully satisfied and in case he be set free from his Church and that he cannot be commodiously provided for within his Province that then leave shall be given him to depart where he best liketh 3. The Assembly conserving to the Province of Berry the Right they have hitherto had over the Church of la Selle ordaineth that as long as it shall be supplied by the Pastors of the Isle of France it shall be under the Jurisdiction of the said Province which shall continue their Contributions towards the Subsistence of the Colledg of Chastillon 4. Forasmuch as the Assembly is not now in Possession of any Fund out of which those who have Recourse unto it might be relieved by its Charities Monsieur Falquet whose Necessities are very great is recommended unto the Province of Berry to be assisted and comforted by them either by allowing him some certain Portion out of their Alms or by recommending his afflicted Condition to be relieved by the more rich and populous Churches 5. The Deputies of the Province of Vivaretz relating the extream Poverty whereunto Monsieur Zuccond a Pastor emeritus hath been for several Years last past reduced by reason of his great Sicknesses Losses Expences and Imprisonments suffered from the Lord of Chanal and la Motte and that the precedent National Synods had in Consideration of his great Afflictions granted him a free Portion out of the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality and requested this Assembly that they would be pleased to vouchsafe him some sensible Tokens of their Charity and Compassion Answer was made them that forasmuch as the Churches had no Monies at all of their own nor now to be disposed by them the said Province was exhorted to take care of him for his comfortable Subsistence and Relief from among themselves 6. Whereas the Province of Sevennes had formed a Complaint against Monsieur James Pasquier Pastor in the Church of St. John de Breuil this Affair was turned over to the Judgment of the Province of Higher Languedoc 7. The Deputies of Bearn requesting that the Divisions which have been judged and condemned in the Church of Morlas maybe totally and effectually remedied and that there may be an End put unto the Complaints brought in by Monsieur Fabas against his Province and sundry particular Persons on the one hand and of divers others against him on the other that therefore some Deputies may be sent with an express Charge to take Knowledg of and give a final Judgment on all those Articles which could not possibly be examined or clearly inspected into in this Place and at so great a Distance The Assembly accepting the Offer of the Deputies of the Province of Bearn promising to bear their Charges who should to this Purpose be sent unto them did nominate the Sieurs Ferrand and Charles Pastors and Charron an Elder to receive the Information drawn up at the Request of Monsieur Rival by the Lord D'abbadie the Decrees past in Parliament against the Lords D'abbadie Rival and others who by Order of their Colloquy had admitted unto Communion at the Lord's Table some particular Persons of Morlas and generally all Papers whatsoever which have given Birth and Fewel unto this Fewd and Contention that so they may proceed to a final Judgment on the remaining Matters yet under Debate and Controversy And they shall bring in their Accompt hereof unto the next National Synod 8. To regulate the Pretensions of the Churches of Alanson St. Aignan and Mans about the Donative given for their Benefit by the Lady de la Harangere and destined to the Maintenance of some poor Scholars This Assembly ordaineth that according to the Tenor of the said Legacy the Administration of the Monies arising from it ought to be left in the Hands of the Church of Alanson and those two other Churches shall agree with it about the choice of him to whom the Pension shall be exhibited and that the first of these three Churches which shall be unprovided may proceed to receive and imploy him and that the Son of Monsieur Vignier Pastor of the Church of Mans who hath already received some Fruits of the aforesaid Pension shall injoy it and be preferred before all others in the Injoyment of it 9. Forasmuch as the Sieur de la Milletiere hath sent unto the Pastors deputed by the Provinces the first Part of a Book written by him intituled Les Moyens de la Paix Chrestienne en la Reunion des Catholiques Evangeliques sur les differends de la Religion divisé en quatre parties and the Title of the first Volume La Refutation de la procedure de Monsieur Daillé en son Examen and Letters also in which he asserts that he is moved hereunto by the sole Spirit of God for to reconcile the Differences in Religion He takes for granted that what he hath offered or may hereafter offer will be received without any Contradiction by all the Churches and presupposeth that all our first Reformers and their Successors were abused and do abuse themselves through a Misunderstanding which cannot be discovered but by them who shall admit his new conceited Lights And whereas he hath been too long even for the space of three Years tolerated and that the Church of Paris hath used all Endeavours to reduce him unto his Duty and that in the Articles contained in his first Script he hath designedly concealed his Opinions though under the very Phrases used by the Doctors of the Romish Religion and with which they are accustomed to express their own Sentiments and that in the second which he hath sent abroad
Sevennes shall be paid unto those Professors who have served in the University of Nismes aforesaid CHAP. XIX The Accompts of our Universities Article 12. THe Province of Anjou brought in two Accompts for the University of Saumur which were past in the Synods held at Chastillon upon the Lindre in June 1635. and at Saumur in April 1637. for the years 1632. 33. 34. 35. and for one qùarter of the year 1636. which having been Examined were verified and approved Article 13. The Province of Dolphiny exhibited for the University of Die five Accompts passed in the Assembly held at Cort Montlimart Vinsobres Ambrun and Orpiert for the years 1632. 33. 34. 35. 36. which having been Examined were verified and approved Article 14. Whereas the Province of Higher Languedoc hath not brought in the Proofs of their Accompts tendered by them since the year 1631. they shall do it in the next National Synod that so they may be verified and approved A Dividend of those Moneys which shall be hereafter borrowed from the fifth Penny of the Alms gathered in our Churches and to be Employed in the Maintenance of our Universities and Colleges Article 15. That our Universities may be kept up and Maintained it was Advised and Resolved on by the Unanimous Consent of all the Provinces that the Province of Normandy should Contribute yearly the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Livres and the first Payment to be made the first of October now next ensuing 2. and Dolphiny the Sum of 1500 l. 3. Burgundy 161. 4. Xaintonge 960. 5. Lower Languedoc 975. 6. Higher Languedoc 1000 l. 7 Anjou 850 l. 8. Brittain 130 l. 9. The Isle of France 1600 l. 10. Berry 345 l. Poictou 975 l. 11. Lower Guyenne 900 l. 12. Seventies 250 l. 13. Bearn 50 l. All which Sums amounting to Eleven Thousand one Hundred Sixty and Six Livres Five Sous shall be paid in and distributed in manner following Article 16. To the University of Montauban for two Professors in Divinity one in Hebrew and two in Philosophy and for the College 3000 l. of which Sum the Province of Higher Languedoc shall furnish 1000 l. Lower Guyenne 900 l. Bearn 50 l. Xaintonge 385 l. And Normandy 665 l. Article 17. To the University of Saumur for two Professors in Divinity one in Hebrew and two in Philosophy 2606 l. for the Principal of the College 100 l. For the First Regent 400 l. For the Second 300 l. For the Third 250 l. For the Fourth 210 l. For the Regent of the Fifth and Sixth Classis 210 l. For the Door-keeper and Beadle 60 l. In all 4130 l. of which Sum the Province of Anjou shall furnish 850 l. Brittain 130 l. Poictou 975 l. Xaintonge 575 l. and the Isle of France 1600 l. Article 18. To the University of Nismes for two Professors in Divinity whereof one shall receive 700 l. and another but 400 l. because he hath a Stipend also as Pastor of which Sum the Province of Lower Languedoc shall furnish 975 l. and Sevennes 125 l. The whole being Eleven Hundred Livres Article 19. To the University of Die as well for the Professors as the College the Sum of 2936 l. 5 s. whereof the Province of Dolphiny shall furnish 1500 l. Sevennes 125 l. Burgundy 131 l. 4 s. Berry 345. and Normandy 835 l. CHAP. XX The Accompts of the Lord du Candall MR. Cooper Agent of the Lord du Candall having brought in his Accompt the Assembly nominated Mr. John de Survile Pastor of the Church of Vigan and Peter Marbaut Councellor and Secretary for the King and Elder of the Church of Paris Claudius Bernard Bayliff of Chastillon and Elder of the Church of the said Chastillon on the. Loin Lawrence de Febur Advocate and Elder in the Church of Rouen Gaspard du Beuf Advocate and Elder in the Church of Grenoble John Brun Lord of Roussais Elder in the Church of St. Ambrose Daniel Descairae Lieutenant in the Judicature of Pujols and Elder of the Church of Gatherde that Town and Charles Perreau Advocate Elder in the Church of Couches to be a Committee to Inspect and Examine the said Accompt which being done by them they Reported unto the Assembly That it could not be well Audited as it was now Stated without a Personal Conference with the said Lord du Candall because it was not in the ordinary form of Accompts which used to be tendered unto our National Synods The Assembly Discoursing with Mr. Cooper about it ordered the aforesaid Committee or any four of them should go unto Paris and visit the said Lord du Candall and thank him for that good Affection he hath always born and expressed by unquestionable proofs unto the Churches and to intreat him to continue and persevere in it and that he would be pleased to discharge the Churches of the Sum of 25125 Livres 12 Sous of the remaining Accompts rendered by him unto his Majesty on February the third 1633. and of all Interest for Moneys advanced by him or at least that he would be pleased to make some easy and favourable Composition And in case he shall so do that then the said Committee shall by Virtue and Authority of this Assembly give unto the said Lord du Candall an Acquittance and discharge him of all those Sums which he shall make appear to have been paid by him according to the Accompt Stated and Expedited in the last National Synod held at Charenton Afterward they shall proceed to the auditing and finishing of his present Accompt and allow all such Sums as they shall Judge reasonable And farther they shall treat with him or with any other Person that shall offer himself to Deal with them about the Rents Offices and other Rights and Reprisals belonging unto our Churches for such a Price and at such Conditions as they shall Judge meet And also if an opporty should present it self and they conceive it expedient they shall assist at the clearing of the Accompt of the said Lord du Candall with the Lords Commissioners appointed thereunto by His Majesty or else shall substitute in their stead some other Persons whom they shall think proper for it upon the place And they shall demand also of the said Lord of Candall to deliver unto them all the Offices of the Commissioners for Seisures which are yet in his hands that so they may be disposed of to the benefit of the Churches in such a manner as they shall advise on And this Assembly doth promise to allow and approve of whatsoever shall be done or performed by the said Committee in these aforesaid matters or by any four of them for which purpose they give unto them their full Power and Authority but nevertheless without allowing them their Expences And in case they should be obliged to return unto their own homes before they can have dispatched and finished all that is as before intrusted with them this Assembly doth then Impower and Authorise them to sub-delegate in their place and
nor Your Edicts or Declarations executed although Your Majesty had granted it for the greater part of them in those Answers made by Your Gracious Majesty unto our most Humble Bill of Grievances which we tender'd to Your Majesty in the year One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Five 1. And although that by the Edicts of Peace and the Answers made by Your Majesty unto our Bills of Grievances in the year 1625. You were pleased to Grant Your Petitioners That the Exercise of our Religion should be restored in all those places in which it had been settled by the Edict of Nantes and was in actual being in the year 1620. and that to this purpose Commissioners had been appointed to see unto its performance yet nevertheless we could never get their Commission executed no not in those places hereafter mentioned in our Bill of Grievances tho' they were expressed by name in it viz. Gergeau Bourgueil Surgeres Le Poire Luâ—on Beret Coulorges Les Reaux St. Malxier Belleville Argenton Beaumont Letoure Figeac Cadenac Cressol Foix Belestat Lassegue Lombais Arligat Senerat Bousse Villefort Moulaur Vandemian Villeman Poussan Gignac St. Paragoire St. Gilles Geneirac Bagnals Digne Forqualquier Monfort Bourbon L'auriac and Autun In all which places Your Majesty is most humbly Petitioned to cause that Your Will be punctually performed according to Your Answer made and declared upon our Bill of Grievances and as it is also most expresly and plainly Promised us by the 5th and 6th Articles of Your Edict at Nismes in the Month of July 1629. Your Majesty then Enacting a Speedy and Real Restitution of the Exercise of our Religion in those places before-mentioned 2. And whereas the Exercise of our Religion hath been removed by the Wickedness and Violence of those Troublesome times which have interven'd ever since the year 1626 from divers other places where it was formerly Established and that according to the Edicts as at Virtuell Teré La Jarrie Lalea L'hommeau Nievil Marsilly Rieux Le Chasteau St. Pié St. Denis Le Chasteau D'Oleron La Flotte St. Martin Ards Loie and other places of the Isles of Oleron and Ré Les Herbiers Mountagu La Chaume Louzac Mortaigne Saujon L'Isle Bouchard Le Croisil Mazin Mont de Marsan Saux in Condomois Gavandan Millanén Albret St. Leger St. Bazille Coutras Florensac Pamiers Puymirol Ribauté Combas Aubenas Valz Mirabel Véllenefue of Berg Dijon Burg in Bresse Paray le Moineau Corbigny Navarreins Benejat and Ossins Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to give Order That the Exercise of our Religion may be restored immediately without delay and that You would be pleased to prohibit all disturbing of us Your Subjects who do profess it for the future 3. And forasmuch as it hath been a perpetual practice in our Churches for divers Pastors of this Your Kingdom to Exercise their Ministry as still they do in several Neighbour places where the free Exercise of our Religion hath been Established by Your Edicts and this by the Authority of Colloquies and Synods and for some times of late even in the very presence of Commissioners nominated by Your Majesty to assist personally at them who never made any Opposition against it We do most Humbly Petition Your Majesty That we may be left in the free Possession of this our Practice which was never forbidden by any Edicts of Your Majesty's Royal Predecessors nor of Your Own and that all Prohibitions to the contrary may be revoked whether made unto us by those Commissioners who have of late assisted in our Provincial and National Synods or Decreed in the late Extraordinary Sessions by the new Judges or by Your Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council where none of our Religion could ever be admitted to Declare and Defend our Right 4. And whereas Your Majesty was pleased in consideration of our Bill of Grievances presented to Your Majesty in the year 1625 to ordain that the Churches and the Yards wherein we bury our Dead which have been taken away from those of our Religion in these following places Lunel Sommieres Florensac Le Vigan Mazillargues Villemur St. Antonia and Puymirol should be restored and that they should be permitted to re-build their Temples in the same places which had been accorded us by the Edict none of which Ordinances of Your Majesty have been in the least Executed yea since this it hath so fallen out that the Churches and Church-yards of Vitte Goudon of Castres St. Affrick St. Gelais Valz Vallon Aubenas St. Estienne in Forest Senes and divers other places in Aunix the Isle of Ré and Province of Burgundy have been forcibly taken away and detained from us and the Building of our Temples at La Motte of Argues and Caumont is quite obstructed we therefore do most humbly beseech Your Majesty to continue unto us that Royal Favour You had before Granted us by Your Edicts and by Your Gracious Promise upon the Reading of our aforesaid Bill of Grievances and that You would according to it Ordain that the aforesaid Churches and Church-yards may be rendered and restored in all those places before-mentioned and that Your Majesty would be pleased to forbid all Troubling of us in the Re-buildng and Re-establishing of them and particularly at Aubenas where the Inhabitants are constrained to bury their Dead in the wide Fields and they will not suffer any more than three persons to accompany the poor Corps unto that uncouth Grave neither 5. Your most Humble Subjects of the Religion in the Town of Alanson according to the 9th and 10th Articles of the Edict and the Ordinance of your Commissioners Deputed for its Execution ratified by Decree of the Council July the 4th 1603 having Built their Temple in the said Town above Thirty years ago are yet notwithstanding troubled and disturbed partly by the Clergy and partly by the Roman Catholick Inhabitants there who have caused them to be cited before the Lord Tiersaux who forbids them to continue the Preaching of God's Holy Word in that Town and the Suburbs thereof as also that they shall not bury their Dead in the Church-yard of St. Blazy nor in the Suburbs of the said Town and although Your Majesty was pleased at their earnest Petition to cause the said Prosecution to cease by a Decree of Your Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council Dated the 13th of May last yet notwithstanding they are again Prosecuted by a new Summons to appear before Your Privy-Council from which appearance Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to discharge them and to forbid all persons for the future to trouble or disquiet them in the Possession of their said Temple or place of Burying 6. And whereas the Lords Millette and de Brosses Commissioners appointed by Your Majesty for Executing the said Edict in the Bailywick of Gex had ordained places of Burial for those of the said Religion in that Bailywick unto which Ordinance the Lord Bishop of the Diocess and the Roman Catholick Inhabitants there did give
Church of Beaulieu and Abraham Homel Elder of the Church of Soyon Article 10. For the Province of Berry the Sieurs John Taby Pastor of the Church of la Charité Daniel Jurieu Pastor of the Church of Mer Henry de Chartres Esq Lord of Clebes Elder in the Church of Marchenoir and Simon Milhommeau Lord of Barandieres Bayliff of Chastillon upon the Loin and Elder of the Church in that Town Article 11. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poictiers John Chabrol Pastor of the Church of Touars Sir Charies Gourjaut Knight Lord of Panieure Elder in the Church of Mougon and Peter Pesseurs Attorney Fiscal of the Dutchy of Touars and Elder of the Church in that City Article 12. For the Province of Bretaign the Sieurs John Boucherean Lord of La Masche Pastor of the Church in Nantes and Samuel de Goullaines Esq Lord of the Landoviniere Elder in the Church of Viellevigne Article 13. For the Province of Higher Guyenne and Higher Languedoc the Sieurs Anthony Garrissoles Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University Peter Ollier Pastor of the said Church Substituted in the place of Monsieur John Grasset Pastor of the Church of Viane who was hindered by reason of Sickness Anthony Ligonuiere Councellor and Secretary to the King Elder in the Church of Castres and John Darassus Councellor for the King in the presidial Court of Montauban and Elder of the said Church Article 14. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs John de Croy Pastor of the Church of Beziers Abraham de Lare Pastor of the Church of Cauvisson the Noble Mark Dardouin Lord of la Caumette Elder of the Church of Nismes and the Noble James de Brueis Lord of Bourdie Elder in the Church of Blanzac Article 15. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Peter Bollenat Pastor of the Church Assembling at Vau Salomon Roy Advocate in the Parliament of Dijon and Elder of the Church of Bussy and Francis Armet Advocate in Parliament and Elder of the Church of Loches the Sieur John Viridet was hindered by a very sore Sickness from coming unto the Synod Article 16. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Francis Vallanson Pastor of the Church de la Coste and the Noble John de Castellane Lord of Caillez and Rigan Elder in the Church of Manosques 3. The Sieurs Drelincourt Pastor and le Coq Elder of the Church of Paris were chosen together with the Sieur Caillard Elder of the Church of Alanson and the Lord Deputy-General to gather the Suffrages of the Deputies in this Assembly which were taken in written Billets by each of them for Electing the Moderator Assessor and Scribes which was done Successively those Officers being Chosen one after another and by plurality of Billets Monsieur Garrissoles was chosen Moderator Monsieur Basnage Assessor and Monsieur Blondel and Monsieur le Coq Scribes and took their Seats in Order as they were Chosen CHAP. II. As soon as these Officers of the Synod were chosen the Lord of Cumont Councellor for the King in His Council of State and Parliament of Paris Deputed by His Majesty presented Letters Patents which did Commissionate him to Represent His Majesty in this Synod These being read were inserted into the Register of the Acts of this Synod The Tenor and Form of which is as followeth 4. A Copy of the King's Letters Patents containing His Majesty's Commission to Monsieur de Cúmont Lord of Boisgrollier LOUIS BY the Grace of God King of France and Navarré To Our Beloved and Trusty Councellor in Our Councel of State and Court of Parliament at Paris the Lord of Cúmont Greeting We having Granted our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion to hold a National Synod in the Town of Charenton near Paris on the Six and Twentieth day of December next coming Composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of Our Kingdom to Treat of Affairs concerning their Religion and being to make choice of a meet Person and of approved Fidelity to Vs who may preside in the said Assembly as Our Commissioner and Represent Vs in it We knowing the Services you have rendered Vs in sundry Honourable Imployments with which We had intrusted you which you have most Worthily and Faithfully discharged We thought We could not choose a fitter Person than your self being well assured that you will continue the Testimonies of your Affection unto Vs and Our Service as aforesaid Wherefore by Advice of the Queen-Regent Our most Honoured Lady and Mother We have Commissionated and Deputed you and We do Commissionate and Depute you by these Presents Signed with Our Hand to go unto the Town of Charenton and to sit in the said Synod there Assembled and to Represent Our Royal Person in it and to Propose and Determine whatever matters We shall give you in Command according to those Memoirs and Instructions We have now delivered unto you and you are to take heed that none other Affairs be there debated but such as ought to be in those Assemblies and which are permitted by Our Edicts And in case the Members of the said Synod should attempt to do any thing contrary thereunto you shall hinder them and interpose therein with Our Authority and give Vs speedy and timely notice of it that such course may be taken to prevent those inconveniencies which would arise as We shall Judge to be most convenient For the doing whereof We give you Power Commission and special Commandment by these presents Given at Paris the 28th of November in the year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Four and of Our Reign the Second Signed in the Original LOUIS And a little lower Phelippeaux The Speech of the Lord Commissioner unto the Synod together with his Propositions and Complaints made in Their Majesties Name against divers Churches Messieurs AS it is a very great Honour to me to be Commissionated by His Majesty to assist in your Synod and to acquaint you with His Will and Pleasure so also have I a great deal of Joy and Satisfaction to behold this Illustrious Assembly chosen out of all the Provinces of this Kingdom and that I can tell you by word of Mouth what was expresly Charged and Commanded me by the King and the Queen His Mother which is to assure you of Their Good Will unto you and Protection of you and of all your Churches and of the intire Execution of the Edicts of Pacification so long as you continue your selves within those bounds of Duty Subjection and Fidelity which you owe unto Their Majesties they being the Higher Powers set over you by God intrusted with the Supream Authority and your Lot and Portion being the Honour of Obedience to Them whereunto you stand Obliged by your Birth the Dictates of your own Conscience and the Favours you continually receive from Their Majesties and by all kinds of Considerations both General and
Particular After that doleful Providence which deprived us of our late King Louis the Just of most glorious Memory there was no Man but did believe that the end of his Life would have been the end of our Happiness but God who loveth France and hath so often raised it from Falling hath not permitted this Loss to issue in such Mournful Consequences The Sun never Sets but to Rise again and to make us see a Shining Day of the Kingdom of Grace we saw it as the dawning of our Happiness His Majesty keeping his Court of Justice attended by the Princes of his Blood and of all the Grandees of the Realm and the Queen declared Regent of this Kingdom by the Joint Suffrages and Solemn Decrees of Parliament Immediately hereupon their Majesties open'd their Treasures of Mercy and Clemency and gave Satisfaction to all sorts of Interests and Reconciled a Multitude of Malecontents unto the Government They inlarged Prisoners they Licensed the Absent to return unto their Houses they gave leave unto the Accused to endeavour their own Justification they restored the Innocent unto their Offices and to Places of Trust in the State they confirmed the Conduct and Generalship of the Armies unto his Royal Highness the Duke of Orleans who caused his Orders and Commands at the Siege of Gravelin to be admired and in sight of the Enemy's Troops took that most Important Place which will serve unto Posterity as a lasting Monument of his Valour and Generosity We may add unto this propitious Success the Victory of Rocroy the taking of Thionville Spires Wormes Mentz Phillipsbourg and the Defeat of the Bavarian Army even in their very Trenches These great and Signal Advantages followed with sundry others have rendred the Name of our King August and Venerable among the Nations and his Power Terrible unto his Enemies who are constrained to confess it to be Unparallel'd and that God doth from Heaven visibly Bless and Favour his Armies and Undertakings We have also another very Comfortable Sight that whilst all the Neighbour Nations round about us are in the Flames of War France enjoyeth a profound Peace reposing it self upon the continual Travels of the Queen Regent who may be most justly stiled the Mother of our Country and the Mother of our Armies and upon the Wise and Prudent Counsels of his Royal Highness the Duke of Orleans and of his Highness the Prince and of his Eminency my Lord Cardinal Mazarin and that perfect Union and good Understanding which is between them and the Fidelity and Experience of my Lords the Ministers of State which raise our Hopes that we shall see in these our days a general Peace the very Crown and Perfection of our Happiness Besides these Considerations which are common to you and to all French-men there be some others which be special and peculiar to those of your Profession and Religion You may very well remember that no sooner did the King begin his Reign than that their Majesties were pleased to Issue forth a Royal Declaration wherein they Confirm'd all former Edicts and permitted you the Exercise of your Religion the Liberty of your Consciences the safety of your Persons the secure injoyment of your Goods and Churches which subsist most Happily under the Wings of their Royal Goodness and Authority And observe it I beseech you as a Singular Mark of their Majesties Favour to you that there be of your Religion in the Kingdom Persons of the Highest Quality there be among you most Noble and Illustrious Dukes and Peers Mareschals of France Generals of Armies Governours and Magistrates Judges in Sovereign Courts and their Majesties now this very day out of that great Confidence they have in your Loyalty and Fidelity have granted you this Assembly at the very Gates of the Metropolis of the Kingdom in the very Face and View of all France and of this infinite People of Paris a People vastly different from you in Manners and Humours in Inclination and Religion who will be Severe Witnesses and Judges of all your Actions For these Considerations I cannot Sirs but perswade my self that you will all Unanimously and with one Consent aim chiefly and principally at the Glory of God the Service of the King the Weal and Welfare of your Churches and the Comfort of your own Consciences and that all your Debates and Actions shall be managed with that Moderation Prudence and Humility as becometh such Faithful Subjects as you are Which will be a most powerful and effectual means to derive down upon you and the Provinces which have Deputed you the Gracious Favours of their Majesties especially when as the thinking World shall observe that you breathe nothing more than that profound Respect and Duty which you owe them And that all things may be done in that Order prescribed me by their Majesties I am in their Name commanded to acquaint you that all Ministers who are not their Natural Born Subjects but Strangers are to be excluded your Synod and that none may assist to Vote in it who hath not Letters of Deputation from his Provincial Synod and that during the time it is holden you may not have any Communication with Foreigners or other Suspected Persons but you are to abide here intending those Affairs for which you were sent And for as much as your Assemblies are not by any Legal Constitution a Body Politick their Majesties have forbidden you to intermeddle in your Synodical Sessions with State Affairs or Matters of Justice nor to speak any thing about the Restoration of Foreign Ministers who have been ejected out of their Churches by Decrees of Parliaments or by Letters Signed by his Majesty in consequence of them nor to bring in any Complaints about pretended Infractions of the Edicts seeing you have the Mixed Courts and other Courts of Justice established by the Edicts to do you Right and Justice and to repair those Violations of the Edicts if any there be for which you may get a Remedy by applying your selves unto his Majesties Council unto which you may present your Petitions in the usual Form because your Synod hath no Power to judge of such Matters but only to treat of Points of Doctrin and Articles of Church-Discipline You are forbidden also to nominate any Pastors or other Extraordinary Deputies to receive Letters or return Answers to those which shall be directed unto their Provinces or to consult of such Affairs in the Intervals betwixt one Synod and another because such Counsellors and their Consultations are expresly forbidden by that Edict of the Month of December One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and Two and by the Declarations that followed after it Moreover their Majesties do forbid you to Print any Books in any Place whatsoever concerning your Religion which are not attested by the Manual Certificates of Two Ministers at least and those in actual Office in some of the Churches of this Kingdom under pain of Confiscation of the whole Impression Nor may you denounce
made in this Ensuing Order Quest 5. Do not you believe that this great God who hath Created Heaven and Earth is one in Essence though distinguished into Three Persons Equal and Coeternal The Father the Son begotten of the Father from all Eternity and the Holy Ghost proceeding Everlasting from the Father and the Son Answ Yes Quest 6. Do not you believe that this Great God who never left himself without Witness hath manifested himself unto Men not only by his Works which ever since their first Production do uncessantly declare his Praise and Glory but also by the Revelation of his Counsel for the Salvation of Mankind contained in the Holy Scriptures called the Old and New Testament Answ Yes Quest 7. Do not you believe that all those Holy Scriptures are of Divine Inspiration and contain the perfect Rule of our Faith and Life Answ Yes Quest Do not you profess that you will even to the last Moment of your Life resist the Devil whom you have hitherto adored serving Idols made with hands or the Host of Heaven or those which by Nature are no Gods Answ Yes If the Catechumen be a Jew these Five following Questions shall be propounded to him omitting those Four above mentioned as properly belonging to the Heathen Quest 1. Do you not detest the Rebellion and Obdurateness of the Jews and do you not most humbly beg Pardon of God that you have been so long a time detained under it Answ Yes Quest 2. Do not you believe that the whole of God's Will which it hath pleased him graciously to reveal unto us is not only contained in the Books of the Old Testament but also in those of the new Answ Yes Quest 3. Do not you believe that Jesus the Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was Conceived in her by the uneffable Power of the Holy Ghost and afterward Condemned to the Death of the Cross upon the malicious Accusation of the Jews by the Vnrighteous Sentence of Pontius Pilate and Raised from the Dead the Third Day and now exalted in Glory is God manifested in the Flesh the Eternal word of the Father by whom he Created and Sustaineth the whole World that blessed Seed promised unto Adam immediately upon his Fall by whose Power and Vertue the Head of that Old Serpent was Bruised whose coming in the Flesh all the Patriarchs believed and hoped for that great Prophet and true Messiah foretold by Moses and all the Prophets that lived after him Answ Yes Quest 4. Do not you believe that the Lord Jesus is the end of the Law for Righteousness unto all Believers the Truth and Substance of all his Types and Shadows the true Lamb of God who taketh away the Sins of the whole World and in whom all the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth bodily Answ Yes Quest 5. Do not you believe that the Observation of the Ceremonial Law is now not only needless and Superfluous but also every way pernicious unto Conscience Ans Yes If the Catechumen be a Mahometan the Minister shall propound unto him these Six following Questions omitting those above mentioned which properly belong unto the Jews and Pagans Quest 1. Do you not believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament be inspired of God and contain his whole Counsel for the Salvation of Men and are the only perfect Rule of Faith and Life Answ Yes Quest 2. Do not you believe that Jesus the Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary who was Conceived in her by the Vertue of the Holy Ghost and Formed as to the Flesh out of her own Substance is God and Man Blessed for evermore perfect God and perfect Man Man born of a Woman in due fulness of time and God begotten of the Father from Everlasting Answ Yes Quest 3. Do not you believe that the Lord Jesus from his first Conception after the Flesh was Holy Innocent without Blemish and separate from Sinners and that he did not suffer Death for his own Sins but for ours only Answ Yes Quest 4. Do not you believe that his Death is the Propitiation for our Sins yea and for the Sins of the whole World and that this Propitiation is infinitely Meritorious through which Everlasting Glory and Salvation were purchased for us Answ Yes Quest 5. Do not you believe that Mahomet was an Impostor and that his Alcoran is a Sacrilegious Heap of Idle Fancies full of Absurdities broach'd on design to set up a False and Abominable Religion Answ Yes Quest 6. Do not you believe that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth and that in the Christian Religion only God the Father hath revealed his good Will and Pleasure for the Salvation of Men until the End of the World and that since its Revelation there is not any new Religion to be expired for that the Lord Christ is the only great Prophet promised unto the Faithful of the Old Testament and that God having formerly spoken at sundry times and in divers manners unto Men before the Law and under the Law hath spoken to the Church of the New Testament by the Mouth of his only Son the Lord Jesus Answ Yes Quest Give an Account of your Creed Answ I believe in God the Father Almighty Creator of c. In case the Catechumen be an Anabaptist the Minister having made all those Demands Printed in the Roman Character and omitted those in the Italian which more particularly belong either to Pagans Jews or Mahometans he shall thus proceed Quest 1. Do not you believe that the Lord Jesus is and shall be true God and true Man in those Two Natures everlastingly that he was according to his Human Nature like in all thing unto other Men Sin only excepted insomuch that he was the true Son of Abraham of David and of the Blessed Virgin descended from their Seed and Blood and that the Substance of his Body was not only formed in the Virgin but also out of the very Substance of the Virgin conformably to that Saying of the Apostle that he was of the Seed of David according to the Scriptures that he was born of a Woman and partaker of Flesh and Blood as all other Children Answ Yes Quest 2. Do you not believe that Infant-Baptism is grounded on the Scriptures and the perpetual Practice of the Christian Church Answ Yes Quest 3. Do not you renounce with your whole Heart their Error who reject Baptism And are you not penitent for your so long refusal of it Answ Yes Quest 4. Do not you believe the Authority of Magistrates to be an Ordinance of God unto which whoso will not yield Subjection do bring upon themselves Condemnation and that all kind of Obedience is due unto them Answ Yes Quest Do not you believe that this good God who calleth all of us by the Ministry of his Word unto Life and Salvation hath appointed certain Signs and Sacraments in his Church which do Seal and
should be united as it hath been for divers Years last past with it this Assembly doth approve both of their Reunion with the said Province of Vivaretz and of its being incorporated with that of Bonlieu 2. In Confirmation of the promises made by the National Synods of Charenton held in the Year 1631 the Second time at that Place and of Alenson in the Year 1637 unto Monsieur Chamier this Assembly resolveth stedfastly as soon as God shall have inabled the Churches that they shall be punctually performed 3. A Decree past that the Sieurs Constant and Bellot should be effectually paid what had been promised them by the foregoing Synods as soon as ever the Churches may recover a Fund for it and it shall be returned unto the Province of Xaintonge who had advanced before-hands the said Monies 4. For as much as the whole written Will and Testament of Monsieur Scoffier the Father produced in this Assembly hath not been in the least fulfilled although the National Synod of Alanson had strictly injoyned his Executors to perform it the Consistory of the Church of Nismes is ordered once again to call before them the Widow of Mr. John Scoffier Deceased who had applied to his own private uses the Monies belonging to Jaquemine his Sister tho she was by their own Father made Joint-heir with him that so she may make Restitution of what she had unjustly taken to her self and that by a false Information brought in by her unto the National Synod of Castres And in case she refuse to Discharge her Conscience in this particular then shall the said Consistory prosecute her with all the Censures of the Church according to the Discipline 5. Monsieur du Fresne producing Testimonials from the Province of Higher Languedoc of his Godly Life and most exemplary Conversation ever since the last National Synod and out of respect to his most Humble and Importunate Petition this Assembly granteth him his Desire and restoreth him to the Honour and Exercise of his Ministry of which he had been deprived these Fourteen Years And it was farther Decreed that the Act of the National Synod of Alanson relating to him shall be Rased and whereas his Name was enrolled among the Deposed it shall be now taken off the File and he shall be sent unto the Churches of Issoire Paillac Chazelle and Gazelle to serve them as their Ordinary Pastor All which shall be signified unto him by Letters 6. Complaints being brought in against Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor in Theology at Saumur for Violating the Canons of the National Synod of Alanson by Printing his Book of Reprobation and some other of his Works and the Province of Anjou and the said Monsieur Amyraud who was deputed by the said Church and University of Saumur and charged with the Delivery of their Letters having remonstrated unto this Synod many and sundry Transgressions of those very Canons by several Provinces And the Provincial Deputies of Poictou being heard and also the said Amyraud both as to the Publishing of his Books and the Doctrin contained in them this Assembly being very well satisfied with his Explications and Sense given of his Doctrin agreeable to that of the Synod of Alanson and judging it best to bury in the Grave of Oblivion all those reciprocal Complaints brought in from all Parties hath as formerly dismissed the said Sieur Amyraud with honour to the Exercise of his Professorship wherein he is exhorted to employ himself with Courage and Chearfulness Moreover this Synod desirous for the future to settle a good arid lasting Peace in all the Churches and to satisfy the Requests of all the Provinces which have unanimously demanded the strict and punctual Confirmation and Observation of the Canons of the National Synod of Alanson doth most expressly forbid on pain of all Church Censures yea and of being deposed from their Offices all Pastors and Professors to go beyond those bounds in Writing Preaching or Disputing one against another upon those points declared and explained in the said Synod of Alanson or to publish any Books on those Subjects Moreover the said Professors shall be responsible for all their Lectures Theses and Disputations and their Provincial Synods shall be accomptable for them onto the National And all Students in Divinity are most expresly injoyned upon pain of being declared unworthy of ever serving in the Sacred Ministry to raise any Stirs or Debates about unnecessary Questions as concerning the Order of God's Decrees of Universal Grace by the Preaching of Nature which may lead and bring Men unto Salvation Points only propounded and advanced by pure Curiosity and for the Exercise of Mens Wits And all Examiners of our Proposans in order to the Ministry shall proceed in that business with very much Charity exacting from them nothing but what is demanded by the Canons of our Discipline and provided they give that Satisfaction which is requisite by signing the Confession of Faith the Liturgy of our Churches and the Canons of Alez Charenton and Alenson and this present Act they shall be approved and admitted 7. After Reading of this Canon which Monsieur Amyraud promised to observe and obey he petitioned the Synod that in case his Works might be opposed by Books printed in Foreign Parts without the Kingdom to the blasting of his Reputation License might be given him to defend his own Innocency and to make use of his Natural right in repelling injury and purging himself from all Blame and Reproach An Order passed that if any such thing fell out he should demand leave to vindicate himself from the Provincial Synod of Anjou who shall consider whether it will be expedient for his Consolation and the Churches Edification 8. Monsieur Grace producing his Accompts of Monies received and distributed to the Churches of Rochel Montauban and Castres shall carry them to the next Provincial Synod of Burgundy where upon his Bringing forth of the Acquittances this Accompt shall be concluded and past by the Authority of this Assembly CHAP. XI APPEALS 1. THE Churches of Divonne and Grilby in the Land of Gex appealing from a Judgment in pecuniary matters their Appeal is according to the Discipline sent unto the Province of Burgundy And the Deputies of that Province are Ordered to take into their Custody all Papers of both Sides relating to it 2. That right may be done the Church de la Fite upon their Appeal this Assembly judgeth that the Province of Lower Guyenne hath exceeded the stated Rules First In removing Monsieur de Bourdieu from the Church in that Town unto which he was by a particular Covenant obliged and without hearing the Church as is evident from the Acts of the said Provincial Synod 2. For fixing the said Monsieur de Bourdieu absolutely in the Church of Bergerac notwithstanding the Appeal of that of La Fite 3. That when the said Church of La Fite re-demanded their ancient Pastor they provided for them Monsieur Belon a Person never
needful for the Peace and Welfare of the Church of Vitre in Brittain that the Sieurs Petre and Jortain its Pastors should be removed from it because of the Misunderstandings and Divisions which have been between them for many Years together Moreover the Province of Anjou requested that the Church gathered at Terchant which was only joyned for some time to that of Vitre by the National Synod held there in the Year 1583 might be reincorporated with that of Laval because the said Church of Terchant lieth and is situated in the County of Laval and was from its first Foundation United to and a Member of that of Laval The Deputies of the Province of Brittain were also heard speak on behalf of their Synod who reported how opposite the Intentions of the Lady of Montmartin were unto this Separation because the Discords between the Pastors had divided the Body of the Church of Vitre which being at length tired with their Contentions and Debates in which they have been unavoidably ingaged through their Means did entreat by Letters the Lady Dutchess of Trimouille to get them discharged from their Ministry in it This Synod Decreeth that according to the desire of the said Lady Dutchess those Two Pastors who have hitherto served in the said Church of Vitre shall be transferred elsewhere And that Monsieur Jortan shall be sent unto the Church in the Isle of Gast and Lassay provided the said Monsieur Jortane and the Church do Consent unto it and the Church of Vitre shall be provided of a Pastor adorned with Gifts and Graces meet for their Edification And as for that of Terchant and Vieuville the Sieurs Basnage and de L'Angle together with the Sieurs Guesdon and Caillard or in case of their Lawful Hindrance then two other Pastors and Two Elders Members of the Colloquy of Constantin taking with them the Memoirs and Acts brought hither unto this Synod from the Church of Vitre shall pass over to it at the Charges of the said Church and shall proceed to Censure those Persons whom they find guilty of these Divisions And they shall send Monsieur Petre to the Church of Terchant and la Vieuville and that they may effectually compose the Discords which do trouble the Church of Vitre they shall endeavour to gain the Consent of the Lady of Montmartyn for the settling of Monsieur Petre in the said Church of Terchant and to yield unto the Dismembring of the said Church from that of Vitre and dispose the said Lady to follow the Intention of this Assembly And they shall give an Accompt hereof unto the next National Synod 23. Monsieur Huron Pastor of the Church of Barbigneres sent Letters with his Appeal from the Synod of Lower Guyenne which had interdicted him the publishing of some certain Discourses of his about State Affairs because they did not conceive them to be any wise Edifying unto the Church of God This Assembly Declareth that the said Appeal ought not to be admitted nor can it be of right brought before it and farther the said Huron is injoyned to acquiesce in the judgment of his Province 24. Monsieur Charron Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder of the Church of Bergerac Complained and Appealed from the Synod of Lower Guyenne by the Mouth of the Lord of Pyrarede with whom he had deposited his Memoirs This Assembly reversing the Judgment of that Provincial Synod taketh off the Censure which was inflicted on him by the Colloquy of Perigord there being an Error in it and declareth that the Consistory of Bergerac hath acted very ill in their Proceedings and that the Sieur Jacob Tourneau having carried himself so unnaturally and unhumanly to his own Father as is publickly and notoriously known to the whole World ought not to have been chosen unto the Office of an Elder in that Church of Christ 25. The Synod of Higher Languedoc shall judge finally of that Appeal brought by the Church of Saint Foy which was condemned by the Synod of Lower Guyenne to pay the Arrerages due unto the Heirs of the Sieurs Hesparian and Mizaubin their Deceased Pastors for their Work and Service in the Ministery among them 26. The Appeal of Monsieur Crane shall be signified unto the Consistory of St. Maixant and by them carried unto the Synod of Xaintonge who shall by the Authority of this Synod pass a final Judgment on it 27. Mr. Giles Marchand Advocate in the Parliament of Rouen presented a Petition unto this Assembly requesting that there might be some Alteration made in the Government of the more Populous Churches of this Kingdom and he Complained that because he had insisted on such like Proposals he was Suspended from the Lord's Supper by the Consistory of the Church of Rouen and this Sentence of Suspension was Ratified by the Authority of the Provincial Synod of Normandy Answer was return'd him in these Words that the National Synod injoyned him to abandon these his Designs and Fancies which could never be effected according to his Intentions And inasmuch as he hath promised to acquiesce in what shall be here Ordained if he do let him be again admitted to Communion with the Church at the Lord's Table 28. The Sieur de Coutures Appealing from a Judgment given by the Isle of France and not sending any Memoirs to abet and maintain it his Appeal is declared null and void 29. Le Sieur Toussaints de Roussannes Appealing from the Synod of Lower Guyenne for giving leave to the Sieur de Blancard to sit ordinarily among the Elders in the Church of la Fite which they did out of respect to his Old Age and many Infirmities and because of those considerable Services he had done the Church of la Fite and not sending any Memoirs to sustain his Appeal it was declared null 30. Those Appeals of the Churches of Navarrins and Ortez from the Judicial Sentence pronounced in the Synod of Bearn held at Lambeze are declared null 31. Monsieur Rondel who had been Deposed from his Office of Elder by Sentence of the Consistory of Vitre which also was Confirmed by another of the Provincial Synod of Brittain having Appealed from them shall declare his Grievances unto the Sieurs Basnage and de L'Angle who are Commissionated by this Assembly to remedy those disorders in the Church of Vitre and to judge finally of those matters without any Appeal from them 32. The Sieur Aymin at present Pastor in the Church of Manosques Appealed from the Synod of Dolphiny held in the Year 1642 at Nyons which had by their Decree removed him from his Ministry in the Church of Die and given him liberty to provide himself elsewhere either within or without the Province according as the good Providence of God should direct him The Assembly having heard him open particularly his Grievances and the Answers made unto them by the Deputies of that Province doth Confirm the Decree of the said Synod of Nyons and at the request of those
the Neighbouring Pastors 'till such time as the Synod shall be agreed and approve thereof ARTICLE 6. The Province of Lower Guynne moved that all the Churches might be injoyned to conform unto their Custom who as soon as they come into the Temple humbling themselves upon their Knees do each of them privately by themselves offer up a short Prayer unto God craving in it his gracious assistance in hearing of the Word Preached But it was the Judgment of this Assembly that no Canon should be made about a matter in itself indifferent and that the Churches should be left at liberty to use their own ancient Customs and they be all exhorted respectively to seek after those things which will make for their Edification and to avoid and shun all kind of Ostentation Affectation and Superstition ARTICLE 7. The Maritime Provinces making great Complaints of the vast number of Captives detained in Algier Tunis Salle and other Places of Barbary and Morocco and of their sad and woful Condition and that they do indispensably need the Charitable Assistance of all the Faithful to redeem them out of Misery This Synod adjureth by the Bowels of Compassion of the Living God and by that Fellow-feeling which all Members of our Lord Jesus ought to have of one anothers Straits and Necessities all the provinces and all the Churches and every particular Individual Professor of our Religion to yearn with Bowels of Pity over the Affliction of these our poor Brethren and to contribute liberally towards their Redemption and the Alms which shall be Collected to this purpose from the Provinces of Xaintonge Poictou Lower Guyenne Bearn Higher Languedoc shall be paid into the Consistory of Rochell and those Alms which shall be Collected from the Provinces of Lower Languedoc Sevennes Vivaretz Dolphiny and Burgundy shall be paid into the Consistory of Lions and those Alms which shall be Collected from the Provinces of Normandy Brittain Anjou Berry and the Isle of France shall be paid into the Consistory of Paris and every Province shall send unto the Consistory of Paris a List of their Captives and an Account of their Alms that so these Monies may be employed in the Redemption of those Captives who are Natives of Provinces before any others and after them as a Supplement of Charity for others also That so this whole work of Love may redound to the Glory of God the common Edification and particular Consolation of these our Poor Afflicted Brethren ARTICLE 8. The Provinces of the Isle of France and Anjou moving it All those Churches who injoy the priviledge of a Printing Press are strictly charged that they do not suffer any Alteration to be made either in the Translation of the Bible or Book of Psalms or in the Text of the Confession of Faith Liturgy and Catechism without an express Order from that Consistory which is authorised thereunto by the Provincial Synod ARTICLE 9. Upon report made by certain Deputies of the Maritime Provinces that there do arrive unto them from other Countries some Persons going by the Name of Independents and so called for that they teach every particular Church should of right be governed by its own Laws without any Dependency or Subordination unto any Person whatsoever in Ecclesiastical Matters and without being obliged to own or acknowledge the authority of Colloquies or Synods in matters of Discipline and Order and that they settle their Dwellings in this Kingdom A thing of great and dangerous consequence if not in time carefully prevented Now this Assembly fearing lest the Contagion of this Poyson should diffuse it self insensibly and bring in with it a World of Disorders and Confusions upon us and judging the said Sect of Independentism not only prejudicial to the Church of God because as much as in it lieth it doth usher in Confusion and openeth a Door to all kinds of Singularities Irregularities and Extravagancies and barreth the use of those means which would most effectually prevent them but also is very dangerous unto the Civil State for in case it should prevail and gain Ground among us it would form as many Religions as there be Parishes and distinct particular Assemblies among us All the Provinces are therefore enjoyned but more especially those which border upon the Sea to be exceeding careful that this Evil do not get footing in the Churches of this Kingdom that so Peace and Uniformity in Religion and Discipline may be preserv'd Inviolably and nothing may be innovated or changed among us which may in any wise derogate from that Duty and Service we owe unto God and the King N. B. whether the Persons thus qualified by this Reverend Assembly came from the Old or New England I cannot tell at this time 't is certain the Divisions about Church Discipline flew very high here at Home to the great hinderance of Reformation and the letting in upon us a Deluge of Sects and Pestilential Heresies the sight of which grieved the Hearts of all that truly feared God and exasperated very many Eminent Divines and Ministers against the Congregational Brethren which terminated in a most lamentable Schism and of above Forty Years continuance But it pleased God at last to have Compassion upon us and to touch the Hearts of the Godly Ministers of the Presbyterian and Independent Persuasion with a deep sense of this great Evil in separating so long one from the other Whereupon several Learned and Pious Pastors of Churches in the City of London of both ways met together divers times and Conferred each with other about the healing of this Breach and having frequent Consultations about it and poured out many Mighty and Fervent Prayers unto the God of Grace and Peace to assist direct and prosper them in it upon Fryday the Sixth Day of March 1690 according to our Computation most of the Dissenting N.C. Ministers in the City and many others from the Adjacent parts of it met together and there was then read unto them the Heads of Agreement prepared by the Committee and which had been seen and perused by many of them before and their Assent unto them being demanded it was readily accorded and afterwards near an Hundred gave in their Names unto this Union This Example was taking and leading to all other the N. C. Ministers of England who in many of their respective Counties had their Meetings to compose this Difference and by the Blessing of God upon those their Endeavours it was also upon the sight and consideration of the Printed Heads of Agreement among the United Ministers in London effected whereof Notice was sent up unto the Brethren here in London When the London Ministers first signed this Union they agreed unanimously to bury in the Grave of Oblivion those Two Names of Distinction viz. Presbyterian and Independent and to communicate these Articles of Union unto all Members in Communion with them in their particular Churches the Lords day come Seven-night after and that they would at the next Meeting
acquaint the United Brethren what Entertainment and Acceptance the Reading of it had with their respective Assemblies which was done accordingly and to general satisfaction And because the Reader of the Acts of this Third National Synod of the Reformed Churches in France held at Charenton may not have seen and may be desirous to see what this Syncretism was between those Brethren in England I have here inserted them from my own Manuscript and printed Copies CHAP. XIII Heads of Agreement Assented to by the United Ministers in and about London formerly called Presbyterian and Congregational Preface to the Reader ENdeavours for an Agreement among Christians will be grievous to none who desire the flourishing State of Christianity it self the success of these Attempts among us must be ascribed to a presence of God so signal as not to be concealed and seems a hopeful pledge of further Blessings The favour of our Rulers in the present established Liberty we most thankfully acknowledge and to them we are studious to approve our selves in the whole of this Affair therefore we declare against any intermedling with the National Church-Form Imposing these Terms of Agreement on others is disclaimed All pretence to Coercive Power is as unsuitable to our Principles as to our Circumstances Excommunication it self in our respective Churches being no other than a declaring such Scandalous Members as are irreclaimable to be incapable of Communion with us in things peculiar to visible Believers And in all we expressly determine our purpose to the maintaining of Harmony and Love among our Selves and preventing the inconveniences which Human Weakness may expose to in our use of this Liberty The General Concurrence of Ministers and People in this City and the great Disposition thereto in other Places persuade us this happy work is undertaken in a Season designed for such divine Influence as will overcome all Impediments to Peace and convince of that Agreement which has been always among us in a good degree though neither to our Selves nor others so evident as hereby it is now acknowledged Need there any Arguments to recommend this Vnion Is not this what we all have Prayed for and Providence by the directest Indications hath been long Calling and Disposing us to Can either Zeal for God or Prudent Regards to our Selves remisly suggest it seeing the Blessings thereof are so important and when it s become in so many respects even absolutely necessary especially as it may conduce to the Preservation of the Protestant Religion and the Kingdoms Weal a Subserviency whereto shall always govern our Vnited abilities with the same disposition to a concurrence with all others who are duly concerned for those National Blessings As these considerations render this Agreement desirable so they equally urge a watchful care against all Attempts of Satan to dissolve it or frustrate the good effects thereof so manifestly destructive to his Kingdom Therefore it's incumbent on us to forbear Condemning and Disputing those different Sentiments and Practices we have expresly allowed for to reduce all distinguishing Names to that of United Brethren to admit no Vncharitable Jealousies or Censorious Speeches much less any Debates whether Party seems most favoured by this Agreement Such Carnal regards are of small moment with us who herein have used Words less accurate that neither side might in their various Conceptions about lesser matters be contradicted when in all substantials we are fully of one Mind and from this time hope more perfectly to rejoyce in the Honour Gifts and Success of each other as our common good That we as Vnited may contribute our utmost to the great Concernments of our Redeemer it 's mutually resolved we will assist each other with our Labours and meet and consult without the least shadow of separate or distinct Parties Whence we joyfully expect great Improvements in Light and Love through the more abundant supplies of the Spirit being well assured we herein serve that Prince of Peace of the increase of whole Government and Peace there shall be no end HEADS of AGREEMENT These following Heads of Agreement have been resolved upon by the United Ministers in and about London formerly called Presbyterian and Congregational not as a Measure for any National Constitution but for the Preservation of Order in our Congregations that cannot come up to the common Rule by Law Established 1. Of Churches and Church-Members 1. We acknowledg our Lord Jesus Christ to have one Catholick Church or Kingdom comprehending all that are united to him whether in Heaven or Earth And do conceive the whole Multitude of Visible Belieers and their Infant Seed commonly called the Catholick Visible Church to belong to Christ's Spiritual Kingdom in this World But for the notion of a Catholick Visible Church here as it signifies its having been collected into any formed Society under a visible human Head on Earth whether one Person singly or many collectively we with the rest of Protestants unanimously disclaim it 2. We agree that particular Societies of Visible Saints who under Christ their Head are statedly joyned together for ordinary Communion with one another in all the Ordinances of Christ are particular Churches and are to be owned by each other as Instituted Churches of Christ tho differing in apprehensions and practice in some lesser things 3. That none shall be admitted as Members in Order to Communion in all the special Ordinances of the Gospel but such Persons as are knowing and sound in the Fundamental Doctrins of the Christian Religion without scandal in their Lives and have a Judgment regulated by the Word of God and are Persons of visible Godliness and Honesty credibly professing cordial Subjection to Jesus Christ 4. A competent number of such visible Saints as before described do become the capable Subjects of stated Communion in all the special Ordinances of Christ upon their mutual declared Consent and Agreement to walk together therein according to Gospel Rule In which Declaration different degrees of Explicitness shall no way hinder such Churches from owning each other as Instituted Churches 5. Tho parochial bounds be not of Divine Right yet for common Edification the Members of a particular Church ought as much as conveniently may be to live near one another 6. That each particular Church hath right to chuse their own Officers and being furnished with such as are duly qualified and ordained according to the Gospel Rule hath authority from Christ for exercising Government and of enjoying all the Ordinances of Worship within it self 7. In the Administration of Church Power it belongs to the Pastors and other Elders of every particular Church if such there be to rule and govern and to the Brotherhood to consent according to the Rule of the Gospel 8. That all Professors as before described are bound in duty as they have opportunity to joyn themselves as fixed Members of some particular Church their thus joyning being part of their professed Subjection to the Gospel of Christ and are instituted means of
to them which is a most mischievous trick and abuse put upon those who see and converse with them Yea lastly this is contrary to those glorious Patterns and Examples of the Primitive and Ancient Christians who being in no wise able to brook such Disguises did repute and esteem them most Sacrilegious Impieties and would rather expose themselves to many Deaths than to swerve from the least Tittle of that Fidelity and Allegiance they had sworn unto God in their Baptism Wherefore this Synod ordaineth that such Offenders be strictly and carefully admonished not to persist in this their Hypocrisie for with whatsoever glosses and fine pretexts they may colour it over it is an open Mockage and Scorn both of God and Man a grievous Scandal unto their Brethren and a Mortal Wound unto their own Consciences And in case they shall obstinately abide in their Impious Resolution then all Consistories are injoyned to pursue and prosecute them with all Church-Censures as being Persons utterly unworthy of Communion with the Saints of God And that none may pretend Ignorance of this Act let it be Read and Notified publickly in all Places and Congregations where it may be judged needful An Act for the National Past 12. Forasmuch as the Patience and Long-suffering of God which leadeth Men unto Repentance hath been horribly despised by them so that his just Wrath and Indignation hath burnt like Fire against them for their great Ungodliness in every Nation and Country of Christendom and yet this fierce Anger of God is not turned away but his Almighty Arm is stretched out still and that Devouring Wars by reason of the Obdurateness and Impenitency of Sinful Men do menace them with utter Ruins and Desolations The National Synod assembled by his Majesties Permission at Charenton considering that the only means for removing so great and sore Judgments is the Conversion of Sinners and the humbling and abasing of their Haughty Hearts before the glorious Tribunal of that great God whom they have so much provoked unto Jealousie And whereas it is the indispensable duty and should be the perpetual practice of all Christians to become new Creatures to purge themselves from Dead Works and to serve the most holy God in all Holiness Righteousness and true Godliness The National Synod exhorts all the Faithful in general and particular to offer unto the Lord of Glory whom they have exceedingly dishonoured the reasonable Sacrifice of a contrite and a broken Heart and to lie prostrate in all Humility and Sincere Repentance at the Feet of his Divine Majesty And Provincial Synods are all of them required to proclaim publick and solemn Fasts in their respective Divisions according as their publick or private Necessities may demand And now that the Grace and Mercy of our Infinite and Almighty God may be implored and his Blessing and favour obtained for the establishing of an Universal Peace for the setting of the Kingdom for the conservation of his Majesties Sacred Person for his Divine Benedictions upon his Youth for the glory of his Crown and the happy Success of his Armies under the lawful Government of the Queen Regent and for the prosperity of the whole Royal Family it is decreed that a solemn Day of Fasting and Prayers shall be Observ'd and Celebrated in all the Churches of this Kingdom upon the Fourth Day of May now next ensuing and that the Faithful may be prepared for the Religious Observation of it publick Notice shall be given to them by all Pastors from their Pulpits by reading of this present Act. CHAP. XV. Particular Matters ARTICLE 1. ON the First Day of January being the Seventh after the opening of the Synod the Sieur de la Milletiere having distributed some certain Copies of a small Script of his just then Published in which he acquainted the World with the Reasons moving him to print another of greater bulk whereof he presented Two Copies unto this Assembly Intituled Instruction a la Foy Catholique and farther demanded that the Letters written by him unto this Assembly and left in the Hands of the Scribes might be read but they were not read the Lord Commissioner having desired the Tuesday following that they might be deposited with him to be sent unto his Majesty And the said Sieur de la Milletiere having on Monday the Eighteenth Instant obtained his Majesties leave to be present at this Assembly he was admitted into it when and where he discoursed of his Design and of the Subject of his Book and demanded that Commissioners might be appointed by the Synod for its examination which was absolutely refused him The Synod remembred the Judgment past against him by that of Alanson which had Seven Years agoe expresly ordred the Consistory of Paris to threaten him that unless he abandon'd his Opinions and Designs so very contrary to the Peace of our Churches to his own Conscience and to God's Truth he should not be owned as a Member of these our Reformed Churches Besides the Synod conceived that it was not reasonable to take off any of the Deputies from their Service and to imploy them in such an unprofitable Occupation or that they should contest with a Fellow who would not submit himself unto their Judgment and Authority and who hath told the World that for these Two last Years he had no other Intention than to incorporate himself into the Communion of the Church of Rome and to form a Party against all the Reformed Churches impugning with might and main the common Confessions of all Protestants perpetually accusing them of contemning the Catholick that is his Romish Church and of Schism from it and propounding to them for the Rule of their Faith the Acts and Canons of the Council of Trent against which they have all unanimously protested and do to this very Day protest against both them and it But the said de la Milletiere having given it under his own Hand in Writing that he would submit himself unto the Judgment of this Synod when as the Commissioners whom he himself had nominated brought in their report and the result of all their Conferences and Discourse had been read he changed the form of his Petition and varying from what he promised of receiving a Charitable Instruction he fell into a Contentious Dispute full of Wranglings upon the points in Controversie particularly upon that of Justification and would needs have two whole Days allowed him for this Debate with them However the Synod pittying his Weaknesses and desirous by all means possible to reclaim him back unto his Duty yeilded to his desires and ordered the Sieurs de Croy and de Langle Pastors of the Churches of Beziers and Rouan to confer with him And whereas the said de la Milletiere had begun to debate the point of Justification with Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity at Saumur the Synod thought meet that their Conference should be continued in presence of those Two forementioned Commissioners the remaining
Chillieure D'Angeau and Mer who shall take care of its Coâ—â—â—â— and Edification ARTICLE 18. Monsieur Drelincourt one of the Pastors of the Church of Paris and Deputy for the Isle of France having presented to this Assembly the books written by him upon that great Question about the Religious Worship paid by the Church of Rome unto the Blessed Virgin and maintained by the Bishop of Bellay received the Thanks of the whole Asâ—â—mbly for his Deference and Respect given to it his Zeal also in dâ—â—â—nce of God's Truth was praised and applauded by all the Members and he was entreated to consecrate the residue of his Labours and Studies to the common Edification of God's Church and the Confutation of its Adversaries ARTICLE 19. The Sieur de Morande Deputy for the Province of Burgundy petitioned on behalf of the Church of Bussy that this Assembly would be pleased to direct them what Course they should take to recover divers Legacies bequathed to it and to cause several Persons which owe the Monies to make payment of those Sums assessed on them for the Maintenance of the Holy Ministry among them A Decree passed That he should carry his Petition unto the next Synod of his Province who shall advise them to use their best Prudence in choice of those Means which will be most effectual and expedient for them in their present Circumstances ARTICLE 20. The Complaint of Monsieur Ramet Pastor of the Church of Pontigny about certain Letters very injurious to him and written by an unknown Person under the feigned Name of Philarque is dismissed over to the Cognisance of the Sieurs Basnage and de L'Angle and of the Commissiones their Colleagues nominated by this Assembly to pass over unto Vitre and there to labour conjunctly in the setling and restoration of Peace and good Order in the Church of Chirst gathered in that Town ARTICLE 21. The Provincial Deputies of Poictou having presented the first Tome of reconciling those Texts of Scripture which seemingly differed and disagreed written by the Sieur D'Artois Pastor of the Church of St. Hillary and Dedicated by him unto this Assembly and the Letters of the said Sieur D'Artois being read in which he requested that by Order of this Assembly his Book might be examined and approved and then in consequence thereof printed and published it was resolved that Letters should be written him in commendation of his Zeal and good Affection towards the clearing up of God's Truth But inasmuch as he had been already prejudiced by the Sieurs de Persy and D'Aubus who had offered to communicate their Labours on this Subject to him and that the Straits of Time and multitude of Business could not permit this Assembly to examin and revise his Book the Province of Poictou was charged to deliver the Message of this Assembly to him and praising him for his great Pains and Undertaking to assure him that when they had examined and approved of this Work of his they would take care for its Impression and Publication ARTICLE 22. The Sieur Bernardin Pastor of the Church of Cartays petitioned this Assembly by his Letters to assist him in the purchase of Books needed by him in prosecution of his great Design of refuting the Annals of Cardinal Baronius a Work which he hath undertook from that Evidence and Knowledge God hath given him of the many Weaknesses and Failures in the Adversary An Answer was Voted to be sent him That forasmuch as the Churches had no Fund at their Disposal this Assembly was not in any condition to satisfie his Demand And touching his Work if he pleased to go on with it he should render an account of it unto the Province of Lower Guyenne who are to judge how useful and serviceable it may be unto the Churches ARTICLE 23. The Sieur Richard was upon his Petition admitted to be heard give the Reasons why he had varied from that Act made on his Occasion in the last National Synod of Alanson and the Assembly allowing his Plea of Bodily Indisposition which did not suffer him to perform any Duties of his Ministerial Calling hath absolutely discharged him from it and freeing him from that necessity of returning to the County of Vaux doth again recommend him to that Charity which hath been usually extended to him by the Isle of France and that he might be enabled to return unto his own House there were some Effects of their Bounty imparted to him by this Assembly with an express Injunction laid upon him that he should never for the future trouble these Synodical Meetings with Complaints of his Poverty and Necessities ARTICLE 24. The Sieur Arnaud came in Person unto this Assembly and demanded its assistance and advice in his perplexed condition and he was directed to steer this course that if he intended to have his Majesty's Interdiction removed from him he should solely address himself unto his Majesty's Courts of Justice and in case the King should be pleased to release and acquit him and restore him once again unto his Ministry that then he should go unto the Consistory of Nisms who having sent their Deputies upon the Place to take cognizance of the Carriage of the Church of Andusa towards him and of the Sieur Bouit who was since inducted into it and calling in to their assistance for the confirmation and strengthening of their Act four of their Neighbour Pastors they shall by Authority of this present Synod proceed unto the Restoration of the said Sieur Arnaud and to censure those Persons who have so basely and unworthily forsook him in his Troubles and they shall censure the Sieur Bouit who is since gotten into his place And if upon a strict Examination they find him to have intruded himself into the Church of Andusa they shall deal with him according to the Rigour of the Discipline And the Expence and Charges of those Deputies from the Consistory of Nisms shall be defrayed both by the Church of Andusa and by the Sieur Bouit ARTICLE 25. The Expences which the Sieurs Arnaud Bland and others have been necessitated to make through the Wiles and crafty Practices of their Adversaries shall according to the Order passed in this Assembly be repayed them by the Churches of Sevennes and those Churches which had called them shall every one of them bear their proportions of one Third and the Colloquies in whose Division they are another third and the Province the last third ARTICLE 26. Mr. Blondel who when he was chosen Deputy for the Isle of France stood related as Pastor to the Church of Houdan and hath been since removed by the last Synod of the Province who permitted him to reside in Paris that he might with the more conveniency intend his Studies as appeareth by the Act of that Synod which was now read did petition the Synod to determin the Nature and Quality of his Function by some particular Act made by it and to be inserted into the Body of the Acts of
gracious and favourable their Majesties have been unto them ever since they incorporated the Principalites of Sedan and Raucourt with the Crown of France and that this Assembly would be pleased to give forth their Order that our Scholars might study in their University as well as in others of this Kingdom A Decree passed that an Answer should be return'd them expressing the Joy of all our Churches at their Prosperity and to assure them that there shall be an equal respect had unto their University as unto the Four others erected in this Kingdom ARTICLE 31. That Complaint made by Monsieur de la Fonds formerly a Minister but now a Schoolmaster at Cajare against his Sister and Monsiâ—â—e de la Roche Pastor of the Church of Cardâ—illac shall be carried by him unto the Consistory of Montauban which shall summon the Parties before them and judge finally of the difference between them by the Authority of this Assembly CHAP. XVI Of Universities ARTICLE 1. IT being evident that through the ill-Will of divers Churches in the Lower Guyenne the said Province is indebted in very great Sums unto the University of Montauban which hath been exceeding prejudicial to it this Synod Ordaineth that the Arrearages owing by the said Province and by all others indebted to the said University shall be paid by equal Proportions without any the least abatement within the space of Six Years and that in every Colloquy there shall be constituted a Receiver to whose Hands the Quota assessed upon every particular Church shall be directed and from them unto the General Receiver for the Province who shall deliver in the full and compleat Contribution of that Province unto that University to which it was appointed And all Pastors and Elders shall put to their helping Hand that the Canons and Decrees made on this occasion be punctually and faithfully executed in their Provinces And the Contribution of particular Churches for our Universities shall be raised with as much exactness care and Fidelity as for the Pastors And the Provincial Synods are charged to call every Church within their District unto an Account how they have performed their Duty in this particular and to punish all Pastors and Elders who shall be found to have been remiss negligent and careless herein and to censure them even with suspension from their Charges ARTICLE 2. The University of Montauban having remonstrated that the Province of Bearn hath been so far from paying the poor Sum of Fifty Livres of Annual Contribution which they freely offered by their Deputies in the National Synod of Alanson for the Subsistence of the said University that they have in divers of their Synods since positively resolved not to contribute so much as one Denier The Sieur de la Fite was heard what he had to say in excuse for his Province it being a most notorious default because the Contribution which was offered by their Provincial Deputies is so very inconsiderable and easie to be paid and that the refusal of its payment will give an open Scandal to all the Churches So that the Assembly judged that Province to have incurred the most grievous Censures and that the said Sieur de la Fite was consequentially ill-grounded in his Excuses And farther Decreeth that the Sum of Fifty Livres due for this present Year without prejudicing of the time running on shall be immediately paid down by the said Sieur de la Fite according to his Promise and as for the Arrears owing by them they shall be paid in by equal proportions within the prefixed term of Six Years And in case that or any other Province should make default oâ— Payment they shall be dealt withal as Desertors of the Churches Union and shall lose their Priviledge of sitting and voteing by their Deputies in our National Synods And whereas the said Sieur de la Fite did offer to lay down an Hundred Livres for the Two last Years provided his Province might be fully discharged of all Arrears it was utterly rejected ARTICLE 3. The Council of the University of Montauban is it powered to take what they can conveniently spare out of the Minerval the Entrance Mony paid by Scholars unto their Regents and to pay it in to the common Purse for defraying the Charges they must be necessarily at in recovering the Contributions due from the Neighbour Provinces And 't is recommended to the Care of the said Council that upon this Pretext they do not surcharge the poor Scholars nor absolutely discharge the Provinces ARTICLE 4. Whereas the Province of higher Languedoc hath chosen Monsieur Crumel a Pastor in actual Service of the Church of Reniers and Courbaniers to be Professor of Philosophy in the University of Montauban and given in to this Assembly the Reasons and Motives inducing their Synod unto that Choice what they had done was Authorized and Approved ARTICLE 5. At the request of the Province of Higher Languedoc Monsieur Verdier is exhorted to fit and qualifie himself together with those other Ministers nominated by the Synod of Alanson for the profession of Theology ARTICLE 6. The Canon made in the Synod of Alanson concerning the Maintenance of our Universities and beginning with those Words Although it be notorious c. shall be again read in all the Churches ARTICLE 7. To sacilitate the payment of Arrerages due unto our Universities by the Province of Normandy This Assembly Ordaineth according to the Expedient propounded by them that in the Lower Normandy there shall be established One common Receiver and Four particular Ones for its Four Colloquies who shall deliver into the Hands of the common Receiver their respective Contributions and he shall after send it to the Receiver General residing at Rouen to whom shall be sent the State of the Quota as it is assessed in every Provincial Synod which shall serve for the regulating and clearing of his Accompts and the Churches depending on them That so all of them may in case of failure be reduced with more ease and commodiousness unto their duty ARTICLE 8. This Assembly ratifying that injunction formerly laid upon our Professors of Philosophy to lay by many needless questions of Natural Philosophy in their handling of Meraphysicks doth also over and besides it Ordain that they shall leave also those Questions in Logick which are Superfluous and instead of them subjoyn unto it a short Compend of Ethicks that so their Scholars may be acquainted with the first Rudiments of Moral Philosophy ARTICLE 9. Whereas there is the Sum of Three Thousand Livres Ordained for the Yearly Maintenance of the University of Montauban and when the Professors have been paid their respective Sallaries there will remain Four Hundred Livres in stock This Assembly Ordaineth that hereafter in all Dividends of the said Monies out of those Four Hundred Livres remaining in stock there shall be equally distributed among the Three Regents who Instruct and Teach the Scholars of the Reformed Religion in the Colledge of Montauban One Hundred and
Foreign Parts without the Kingdom and that he should not suffer them to be divulged or sold in this City of Loudun and this he did that neither the Parties concerned nor the Synod it self should complain that without those Paperâ— Pieces and Writings they could not come to a perfect knowledge of the bottom of this Affair and to judge aright of it In pursuance hereof and for these Considerations before mentioned the said Lord Commissioner declared that he did now also give full Liberty to all the Deputies who were in this Synod Judges of this matter to peruse those aforesaid Papers and Evidences as they should think meet and according to the Priviledges granted by his Majesty to his Subjects of the Reformed Religion by the Edicts and according to the Discipline received in our Churches and approved in France by the Laws and Customs of the Kingdom but without allowing them to subject themselves to any Foreign Authority Jurisdictioâ—◠〈◊〉 Judgments or to send Monsieur Morus unto any other Judges than â—â—ose of his said Kingdom to be tried by them and to undergo their Judicial Sentence this being contrary and prejudicial to his Majesty's Authority to his Ordinances and Edicts as also to the Weal and Rights and Priviledges of his Subjects All which it was his Lordships Pleasure should be inserted into the Act containing the Judgment of this National Synod upon this affair The Sieur Papillon Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Paris being admitted to produce his Arguments in defence of those Appeals brought both in his own Name and in that of Monsieur Beauchamp an Advocate and Elder also in the same Church from the Judgments given in the Synod of the Isle of France held at Ay in May last of this Year now current 1659 by which Monsieur Morus was conferr'd upon the Church of Paris to be their Minister and from those Members of the Consistory of that Church who had Ordered the said Mr. Morus to be confirmed in it notwithstanding their Appeal and for refusing to give him leave which he had demanded to pass into Holland according to his promise there to justifie himself from those Imputations laid upon him and for that they censured him the said Papillon for Appealing from them He was heard in this Assembly and the Assembly took notice of what he urg'd on behalf of his Appeal and heard him patiently in whatever he had to offer against those Judgments aforesaid And also Monsieur Morus was heard defend himself and explaining matters relating to him as were the Deputies of the Province of the Isle of France and those of the Consistory of the Church of Paris in defense of their Judgment and in their demand of the Ministry of the said Monsieur Morus And there was heard the Report made by the Committee appointed for a more exact Reading and Verification of all Papers and Writings and what Judgment had been past on the Excuses and Denials of both sides the Examination of this important business ate up several Days This Assembly having rightful Authority to judge herein and the rather for that the Synod of Nimeguen whose Act was now Read had remitted the whole unto the Prudence Discretion and Charity of this Assembly to do in it what it should conceive would most contribute to the Glory of God the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ and the upholding of that Holy Correspondence which hath always been betwixt the Reformed Churches of France and those of the United Provinces did take and retain the cognizance of this affair unto it self and declared that it found no cause obliging it to condemn the said Sieur Morus nor to blast the Reputation of his Person or Ministry but on the contrary that it had sufficient Reasons to dismiss him justified from all those grievous Slanders and Accusations which were brought into this Assembly against him Wherefore it declareth him innocent of those crimes which were imposed on him and having perused those advantagious Testimonials given him by the Magistrate Pastors and Professors of Divinity in the City of Geneva by the Pastors and Professors of Divinity in the City of Middleburg by the Burgomasters and Curators of the City and Illustrious School of Amsterdam and by divers Pastors and sundry other private Persons whose Names and Probity are celebrious and well known to this Assembly and considering the great Edification which the Church of Paris receiveth from his Ministry and their vehement desires urged with the greatest importunity that he may be continued to them this Assembly doth Establish and Confirm him in the said Church to discharge the Office and perform the Duties of an ordinary Pastor in it And making Reflections upon what hath been transacted in the Synods of La Ferte au Col and D'Ay and in the Consistory of the Church of Paris on occasion of the said Monsieur Morus it censureth that Synod of La Ferte for having judged the said Monsieur Morus when he belonged not unto them nor was under their Jurisdiction and only because an Impeachment against him had been brought before them and for that they never exacted of him in order to his Induction into the Church of Paris but a simple License of departure from the Curators of the Illustrious School of Amsterdam without making mention of his Testimonial from the Church And the Synod of Ay is censured for assuming to themselves a power of judging the competency or incompetency of the Synod of Tergou over which they had none Authority and that in speaking of that Synod they used very unbecoming Expressions and reflected unhandsomly upon their Judgment and confirming the Censures issued out by the said Synod of La Ferte against the Consistory of the Church of Paris it doth ordain that the Canons of our Discipline about the Election and Confirmation of Pastors shall be observed with greater exactness than hath been done in this Call given unto and Reception of Monsieur Morus by the Church of Paris And as for the Sieur Papillon the Assembly hath taken off the Censures inflicted on him by the Consistory of the Church of Paris and doth fully acquit him from it and declareth that there was no reason for denouncing any Censure against Monsieur Beauchamp And after grave and serious Counsels and Admonitions given unto Monsieur Morus about his Conversation which was not managed with that circumspection as was requisite and advice unto him to be more careful for the future that the mouth of Calumny which hath been wide and loud open against him may be stopped he was injoyned more particularly to look to it that he offended no Man by his Words or Writings and that he labour to the utmost of his Power to preserve Peace and to calm and reconcile the Spirits of Men of all Perswasions to himself and to regain their Love and Amity from whom he is departed 19. It being represented unto this Assembly that their Act made about Morus Mr.
Castell Thierry and Sarrau Pastor of the Church of Meaux are appointed to visit the said Church of Senlis accompanied each of them with an Elder of their respective Consistories and the said Church is to defray their Expences These things being thus ordered and dispatched Monsieur Fauquembergue craved leave of this Assembly to retire himself unto such a Place as the good Providence of God should direct him which was freely granted him and he was commended to the Grace of God 32. John Grillemet came unto this Assembly to maintain his Appeal from a Judgment of the Consistory of Montauban and from another given in the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc After that the said Guillemet and the Deputies of that Province had been both heard the Assembly judged that this affair should not have been brought before it and therefore doth send it back again to the Synod of that Province and to the Consistory of Montauban whose Judgments are now confirmed by the authority of this present National Synod but withal intreateth them both to extend their Charity unto this Appellant 33. The Church of Eyssigeac having appealed from the Judgment of the Colloquy of Perigord and from the Synod of Lower Guyenne assembled at St. Foy 1645 about the Titles put into the Bands of Matrimony of the Sieur de Bequay Attorney in the Praesidial Court of Agen and from the Complaints brought against Monsieur Eymer at present Pastor of the Church of Mount St. Proy which said Complaints were mentioned in a Memorial sent by the Consistory of the said Church of Eyssigeac This Appeal of theirs was declared null And as for their Complaints they were ordered to be carried unto the next Synod of Lower Guyenne who are to take Cognizance of them And the said Memorial was to this end put into the Hands of the Provincial Deputies of Lower Guienne being attested by the Signatures of Monsieur Beraud a Pastor and of Four Elders CHAP. X. General Matters 1. THE Assembly being informed by the Province of Lower Languedoc that some Pastors do read the Texts of their Sermons in other Translations differing from that which is commonly used in our Churches this Assembly decreeth that no Person shall dare use any other Version than that which is ordinarily used whether in Reading the Scriptures or taking their Texts out of it 2. As to that Proposal made by the Deputy of the Province of Burgundy concerning the administration of the Poor's Mony and the rendring of Accompts by those who have had the Management thereof This Assembly judgeth that the cognizance and direction of this matter belongeth unto the Consistory according to the Order established by our Discipline and that whosoever doth violate those Canons by remâ—â—ing this Affair from our Ecclesiastick Assemblies ought to be prosecuted with all kind of Censures as Contemners of our Canons and Rebels to the Consistories 3. The Provincial Deputies of Burgundy demanding upon the Sixteenth Article of the Thirteenth Chapter of our Discipline how they should judge of their place of Abode who contract Marriage that so they may warrantably publish their Banes This Assembly was of Opinion that there could not be a General Canon made which should oblige all the Churches because that the Customs of particular places though different one from another are to be followed Therefore the cognizance of this matter is remitted to the prudence of Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories which shall observe and follow the Customs in every particular District 4. The Deputies of the same Province made report of the little care that was observed in several parts of their Province to sanctifie the Lord's Day and that by very many Persons it was imployed in Worldly Businesses Sports and Pastimes depriving themselves of Religious Exercises and Ordinances and suffering themselves to be led aside by Sinful Examples unto Plays and Dissolutions This Assembly touched to the quick with a most sensible grief for so great a Profanation provoking God to pour down his most dreadful Vengeance upon the Sons of Men doth exhort all the Faithful to spend this Sacred Day of Rest in the performances of Holy Duties and to those divine ends whereunto it is appointed by exercising themselves in all publick and private Duties of Religion particularly in the Reading Hearing and Meditation of God's Holy Word and Prayer and that they do not only Religiously abstain from their ordinary Week-days labour but also from all Companies Meetings Sports and Recreations which will estrange their Hearts and Affections from the Worship of God and from that Devotion which we are most especially obliged to upon these Holy Sabbaths of Christs own Institution And our Provincial Synods are injoyned upon this occasion to make such Canons as they shall judge needful and every individual Member of our Churches are most strictly commanded conscientiously to observe and obey them 5. The Province of Bearn desired that they might be impowered with authority to practise those Canons which they had already established and which they might hereafter also as to the times and places of Celebrating Marriages This Assembly granted them their Request and gave also the same Authority unto all other Provincial Synods and forbiddeth all Ministers to Marry any Persons in their Churches excepting at the Hours accustomed for such Solemnities 6. The Two and Thirtieth Article in the last Chapter of our Discipline which forbiddeth Duels under the severest Censures even of Excommunication it self shall be read in all the Churches and reinforced with most close and vehement Exhortations that so this Hellish Sin may be banished from out the Hearts and Societies of the Faithful as being expresly forbidden by the word of God and declared by his Majesty's Edicts to have merited the deepest brand of Infamy and all Consistories are injoyned to put forth their Power in prosecuting the Refractory with all kind of Censures 7. Whereas diverts Provinces have complained of that great difference which is observed in the Printed Copies of our Discipline this Assembly Ordaineth that there shall be drawn up another most exact and correct according to the Decisions of our National Synods in whose Margin shall be inserted the Canons and Observations extracted out of those Synods which shall be judged most needful And Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Saumur is charged with this Task and he shall use the labours of Monsieur Blondel Gaultier and Catelau and shall communicate his Work unto the Consistories of Saumur Paris and Rochel and with then Approbation it shall be Printed 8. In executing that Article of the National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1631 when as any Members of the Augustane Confession commonly called Lutherans shall offer Children into Baptism not having before-time communicated with us this Assembly decreeth that the Consistories shall take a particular notice of their Inclinations whether they joyn themselves unto our Church-Assemblies with a true peaceable Spirit of Charity as is required by
Monsieur Pinet Pastor of the Church of Amiens are ordered to take with them an Elder out of their respective Churches and as soon as possible to pass over to the Town of Calais the Church of that Place bearing their Charges and to do their utmost endeavours for the removal of those disorders in it and for the sweetning and reuniting of their disturbed and divided Spirits and to censure those that are unruly among them and have incurred Censure according to our Discipline And all and every particular Member of the said Church are injoyned to render unto the Sieurs Tricotell and de Montigny and to their Consistory that Respect and Obedience which is due unto them 6. The Assembly having heard the Sieur Baruel Elder in the Church of Privas speaking for Monsieur Accaurat Pastor of the said Church about those Differences betwixt him and the Province of Vivaretz for payment of the Sallary owing to him for his Service done in the Churches of Valz and Albenas in the said Province and the Deputies of that Province being heard speak in its behalf the Differences betwixt both those Parties were sent unto the Synod of Dolphiny as being the next adjoyning Province which shall put a full and final Period to them by th' Authority of this Assembly 7. The Provincial Deputies of Vivaretz demanding that the Church of La Bastide de Virac which was ever annexed unto that of La Gorce and a Member of their Synod but hath for some time since separated from them and incorporated it self with the Province of Lower Languedoc might be obliged to rejoyn it self unto the Province of Vivaretz and to the said Church of la Gorce The Assembly decreed that the Province of Vivaretz should address it self unto that of Lower Languedoc and demand it of that Synod and in case there be any Contestation about it the Synod of Sevennes shall by the Authority of this Assembly determine and put a final period unto those Differences 8. Although the Church of Valence be situated in the Province of Dolphiny yet shall it remain united with that of Soyon according to that Decree of the National Synod of Alanson and to regulate their Contributions for Maintenance of the Ministry and other Charges of that Church they shall apply themselves unto the Synod of Vivaretz and shall be discharged of all Contributions imposed on them by the Province of Dolphiny that only excepted to the University of Die unto which they have voluntarily and of their own accord yielded 9. The Churches of Issoire Paillac Sirac La Gazelle and Joinctes shall continue united to the Province of Burgundy And whereas the Deputies of that Province and those of Sevennes have represented that those Churches are not of ability to maintain a Minister and that this Assembly would express a noble act of Charity to make some kind of Provision for them a Vote passed that there should be Yearly given to them for the Incouragement of their Minister the Sum of Three Hundred Livres which shall be thus payed 50 l. by the Church or Paris 40 l. by that of Rouen 35 l. by that of Lion 30 l. by that of Monepellier 25 l. by that of Bourdeaux 25 l. by that of Rochel 20 l. by that of Caen 20 l. by that of Castres 20 l. by that of Grenoble 15 l. by that of Nismes 15 l. by that of Dieppe and 10 l. by that of Montlimer And these Churches are all ordered to send their respective Quotâ—'s at Easter unto the Church of Lion who shall see it paid in unto the Pastor in actual Service of those aforesaid Churches of Issoire Paillac c. and the Church of Lion shall give an account of their Receipt and Disbursment of the said Monies unto the Synod of Burgundy And this Ordinance shall be in force till the Sitting of the next National Synod 10. The Deputies of the Church of Rochell having been refused in their Demand of Monsieur Gilbert for their Pastor informed this Assembly that they had received new Orders to petition for another Minister And the Assembly having nominated Two Pastors of their own Body to confer with them and to find out some means for their satisfaction and to provide for them according their desires but there occurring insuperable Difficulties in the way of supplying them from another Province and the Committee ordered to confer with them making their Report that they did freely leave it unto the Judgment of this Assembly to bestow upon them any one of the Pastors in the Province of Xaintonge who might be detach'd with the greatest ease from their Churches and Travel most profitably in the Edifying of that of Rochell which now declared that they would wholly acquiesce in such a Person as should be chosen and recommended by this Assembly they being not inclined to one more than unto another The National Synod receiving this their Proposition with great joy doth now present unto the Church of Rochel Monsieur Mesnil formerly Minister in the Church of St. Just to be the ordinary and peculiar Pastor of the Church of Rochell he being now freed from his former care by the Judgment of this Colloquy And this Assembly hopeth that he will be a very acceptable useful Minister unto them And till such time as that Church of St. Just can be provided of another Pastor the Colloquy or Synod of the Province shall take special care for their Supply according to the Order established by the last provincial Synod 11. The Assembly having heard Monsieur de Vaussoudan Pastor of the Church at Saint Aignan complaining on behalf of that and the Church of Mans of a Judgment past in the Provincial Synod of Normandy held at Rouan the Fifteenth of May 1658 and the Days ensuing which upon Letters written to him by the Synod of Anjou and by the Church of Mans had declared that Election void which the Churches of Saint Aignan and Mans had made of Monsieur de L'arpents Son to receive the Pension given by the Deceased Lady of La Haerangere for maintaining of a Proposan They also heard the Sieur de la Croix du Val Deputy from the Church of Alanson together with the Provincial Deputies of Normandy and Anjou on all those Differences about that Legacy and about the pretensions which the said Sieur de L'arpent and the Sieurs du Val and Alix had unto it The Contract also of this Gift passed by the said La Harangere the Twentieth Day of June 1598 together with the Decree of the National Synod of Alanson held in the Year 1637 and the Judgments of the Synod of Normandy in the Years 1656 and 1658 were all read and perused Upon the whole the Assembly ordained that the Decree of the National Synod of Alanson in the Year 1637 shall be duly executed according to its form intendment and tenour And when as there shall be any vacancy and a Proposan is to be chosen who is to receive the Pension given
by the said Lady then the Deputies of the Churches of St. Aignan and Mans shall go unto the City of Alanson to agree with that Church about the Proposan on whom the said Pension is to be conferred And in case of Disagreement between those Churches aforesaid about this Election in which those of St. Aignan and Mans shall have but one Vote the Election shall be done alternatively to wit the first time by the Church of Alanson which shall have the preheminency but the time the Churches of St. Aignan and Mans conjoyntly shall take place before that of Alanson and thus consecutively one after another And in this choice and nomination those aforesaid Churches shall see that the Will of the said Lady of La Harangere be faithfully observed who expresly ordered that the Children born in lawful Marriage of the Sieurs Bourdieu de Bloic de Portevize and du Hamel being Proposans and destinated to the Holy Ministry should be preferr'd before all others whether those Children born or to be born were descended from their Sons or Daughters Nor may any Proposan chosen to receive the said Pension injoy it any longer than the term of Four Years And when as the said Proposan shall be found fit and qualified for the Ministry and be admitted thereinto the Church of Alanson shall have the first choice to retain him in their Service and next the Church of St. Aignan and lastly the Church of Mans and in case neither of these Three should pitch upon him for their Minister he shall then be assigned unto one of the nearest Churches Moreover this Assembly doth for certain Reasons Ordain that the said Sieur L'arpent shall receive the said Pension for Four Years commencing from the Day of his Election which Term being expired they shall proceed unto a new Election according to the Canon aforesaid And this Assembly hath discharged and doth now discharge the said Church of Mans of all Demands Claims and Pretensions whatsoever that might be brought against it upon the account of those Sums which either Mr. Vignier the Father or his Son have received for that Pension during several Years excepting only what the said Churches may demand of the Heirs of the said Mr. Vignier And in case there should be any difference between the Churches of St. Aignan and Mans about those Elections which they are bound to make they shall be composed and terminated by the Synod of Anjou And the said Sieur de L'Arpent and all other Proposans receiving the said Pension shall be bound to give Security that in case through their default or neglect they do not attain to be Ministers of the Gospel or that they change their purpose and divert to some other Studies and Employment they make Restitution of the Monies they have thus received and this agreeable to the Canons of our National Synods 12. This Assembly having heard Mr. Le Croix du Val Deputy from the Heads of Families in the Church of Alanson who declared that he was sent by them to oppose a Proposition set on foot by some particular Members of the said Church and to be tendred unto this Assembly about changing of their Consistory and its ancient Order and that being come unto this City he met with the like Proposition made to their Provincial Synod of Normandy held in the Year 1655 and the Assembly having perused the Memoirs of the Deputies of that Province had remitted the whole affair unto the Synod of that Province Yet nevertheless having waited to see if any one should move about this matter and observing that none had done it he that he might discharge the Trust committed to him did tender unto this Assembly according to his Duty the Letters and Memoirs with which he was charged and opened before this Assembly the cause of his Deputation and the Arguments they had against any such Alteration and he did in behalf of those Heads of Families Petition and doth now again Petition that the Deputies of the said Province may declare whether they be ordered to set on Foot that new Proposition and whether they intend to speak of it who answered that they had no such design because that Affair had been remanded back unto their Provincial Synod The Assembly hath dismissed over the Letters Memoirs and the Act now presented by the said Sieur de la Croix du Val Deputed by the Heads of Families in the Church of Alanson together with the Cognizance and Judgment of this Affair unto the Provincial Synod of Normandy according as was before decreed 13. The Assembly being informed of the great Disorders in the Church of Sauvetat by reason of the difference between the Sieur de Carbon and the Inhabitants of that Town who compose the Church in that place Letters were voted to be written unto the Lord Duke of La Force to intreat his Grace that he would be pleased by his Prudence and Authority to terminate those unhappy Dissentions which menace that poor Church with no less than its utter Ruin and Destruction 14. The Assembly having received honourable Testimonials from divers parts of the singular worth of Monsieur Charles Pastor of the Church of Gap and taking into consideration his numerous Family great Deserts and low Estate in the World and the Inabilities of his Church doth highly applaud his Zeal Pains Care Diligence and Perseverance in his Masters Service having served the Lord and his Churches most faithfully for many years and eminently in this Church wherefore that he may have a competent Maintenance to supply his Necessities this Assembly judgeth him every way worthy of the Cares and Respects of his Province and of his own Congregation which is commended for the Tokens of their Love and Affection to him for his own and his Subsistence And whereas the said Church did agree and bargain at first with him to pay him during his Life the yearly Sum of Three Hundred Livres only they are now most earnestly intreated to extend their Charity and Thankfulness unto him and to augment his Maintenance by raising it up unto Four Hundred Livres a Year for his Life 15. The Province of Vivaretz received the praise of this Assembly for their fervent kindness to Monsieur Chenat formerly Pastor of the Church at La Gorce but now employed in the Service of that of Charenton and it is most earnestly exhorted to continue the yearly Sum of 150 Livres to him for the comfortable Subsistence of this good Servant of Jesus Christ whose Labours and Travels have been very great in the Work of the Lord. 16. The Memoirs and Letters of Monsieur Gabet Pastor of the Church at Osselon having been read and examined in this Assembly his Affair was dismissed over to the Province of Dolphiny which was commended for their Charity and Support extended to him and the said Province was intreated to continue their Cares for the Comfort and Repose of this poor Minister and to hear him in those matters which he shall
the said Province for their Remissness in paying so just a Debt and to a person whose Zeal Sincerity and Diligence have deserved a far more grateful Acknowledgment And every one of those particular Churches which have not satisfied the Orders of their Province are enjoyned to pay in to the said Mr. Thourond their particular Assessments before the meeting of their next Synod upon pain of the greatest Censures And in case they should neglect it the next Synod is commanded to take the most certain and expeditious course for re-imbursing of the said Mr. Thourond within three Months after the expiring of that Synod and to make an Addition of other Monies besides what they had agreed with him as shall be found needful to indemnifie him from all Interests which he was forced to pay by borrowing of Monies for the Service of the said Province 24. Letters were read from the Church of Lanez gathered within the District of Hastingues and the Provincial Deputies of Bearn and the Lower Guyenne were heard speak about the matters contained in them This Assembly having debated the matter did decree that for the future the said Church of Lanez should be joyned unto the Province of Bearn which shall take an especial care of it And the like Judgment was given for the Churches of Mauleon and Moulay And whereas the Church of Lanez hath petitioned for a share in the Legacies bequeathed by the Lady Rouly unto the Church of Orthez this their Petition is remanded back unto the next Synod of Bearn And in case the Church of Geaune should desire to be incorporated with the Synod of Bearn they shall present this their Petition unto the Province of Lower Guyenne which is intreated to consider seriously of the matter and to grant them what will be most subservient to their edifying 25. The Sieurs de L'Angle Pastor and de Guesdon Elder in the Church of Rouen moved that there might be some Change made in the Distribution of Offices in their Province of Normandy and the said Sieurs Bochart Pastor and de la Roquette an Elder seconded them in their Motion because they found themselves overcharged as to Rates and Taxes And that the Distinction of the Higher and Lower Normandy might be suppressed especially as to these matters The Assembly having maturely debated this Affair judged that it was no ways fit at present to make any change herein and ordered that the Canons of the National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1644. should be of Force as to all past matters and that all Offices shall be born till the next Synod of that Province by the Colloquies of Rouen and Caux for one Moiety and for the other Moity by the other Classes who shall chuse a particular Receiver to receive all their Contributions and to send them unto the Receiver General residing at Rouen And in case those Difficulties brought unto this Assembly between the Higher and Lower Normandy about their being over-rated on both sides should continue then are they for the future to address themselves unto the Consistory of the Church of Paris which shall judge thereof by the Authority of this Assembly the said Consistory having first well-considered the Ability and Inability of both Parties 26. The Sieurs de L'Angle Pastor and Guesdon an Elder in the Church of Rouen requested this Assembly to re-inforce by its Authority the Counsels of their Provincial Synod unto the Churches of their Province for contributing to the Subsistence of their Colledge at Quevilly Whereupon a Decree past that all the other Churches in the said Province of Normandy should furnish the Sum of Three Hundred Livres towards the maintenance of that Colledge 27. At the Request of the Synod of Higer Languedoc and Guyenne which had given a very Honourable Testimony to the Piety and great Learning of Monsieur Balthuzar who was formerly his Majesty's Counsellor and Advocate in the Presidial Court of Auxerne and which hath already raised and setled a Fund of Three Hundred Livres for his Maintenance and the Assembly having heard that very advantagious Report which the Committee of Ministers appointed to examin those Four Diatrebes presented by the said Mr. Balthazar had made of them it applauded the Zeal of that Province of Higher Languedoc And that the said Mr. Balthazar may be enabled to follow his Studies without Distraction and prosecute his great Work undertaken against Cardinal Baronius it decreeth that the yearly Stipend of Seven Hundred and Fifty Livres shall be setled upon him and paid in unto him by these Churches of this Kingdom to wit by those of the Higher Languedoc Three Hundred Livres by those of the Isle of France One Hundred Livres by those of Lower Languedoc One Hundred Livres by those of Normandy Fifty Livres by those of Xaintonge Thirty Livres by those of Dolphiny Thirty Livres by those of Lower Guyenne Thirty Livres by those of Poictou Thirty Livres by those of Berry Twenty Livres by those of Burgundy Twenty Livres and by those of Anjou Fifteen Livres 28. My Lord Commissioner having received Letters from Monsiur de la Vrilliere notifying his Majesty's Pleasure that the Sieur Gaillard Pastor of the Church of Montauban who is now prosecuted for Criminal matters might by the authority of this Assembly be removed from his Church The Assembly requested the Lord Commissioner to take it into his consideration that because the said Gaillard was absent and for that this Assembly hath little or no knowledge of his Deportments it is not at present capable oâ— Judging his Case and that he would be pleased that order might be given our Deputies unto his Majesty to inforâ—â—heâ—selves punctually of all matters relating to him and that they together with the Church of Montauban do deliberate and resolve on the best means for his Majesty'â—s satisfaction and in case he be innocâ—â—â— to 〈◊〉 his Majesty with it and to demand his Royal Protesting 〈…〉 but if through Levity or Inadvertency â—e may hâ—â—â— sâ—erâ—ed from his Duty that then they do with the profoundest Subâ—â—issions implore his Majesty's Clemency for him as being 〈◊〉 Person â—oâ— altogether unworthy of his Majesty's Grace and Favour 29 The Sieurs Chamier and * Homel Monsieur Homel did afterward suffer Martyrdom Pastors together with the Sieurs de Pâ—â—peâ—â—â— and Mâ—â—sonnâ—â— Elders shall ride unto the City of Castres to compose the differences between Monsieur de Brugeres Counsellor in the Court of the Edict and the other Presidents and Counsellors in the same Court of that City who are of our Communion And the Expences of the said Deputies from Montauban unto Castres and during their Abode in it shall be defrayed by their respective Provinces 30. The Assembly remembring that the last National Synod had proâ—â—sed Monsieur Chamier Four Hundred Livres being the Remainders of a greater Sum granted him by some of the former National Synodâ— as also that there had been a like grant of Three Hundred Livrâ—â— unto Monsieur de
lâ— Fitte Solon It was now decreed that in case there be any Mâ—â—ies in the Hands of the Lord du Candal that then the said Ministerâ— Chamier and de la Fitte Solon shall be payed the Sums before any other Person whatsoever 31. This Assembly having an intire confidence in the Consistory of the Church of Paris that they will appoint Persons well qualified to receive and manage the Monies which were formerly intrusted with them and for which they have a new Commission given them and that they will use herein as great circumspection as might be required from Persons of their Reputation for Candor Prudence and Godliness and that they will be as careful in this affair as if it were their own particular concern declareth that it s none of its intentionâ— that the said Consistory should be Sureties and responsible for their solvability who are or shall be appointed by them to this effect And this Declaration shall hold good for all other Consistories that have the like Commissions CHAP. XII Of Universities 1. THE Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge moved that in every Province there might be Two Persons ordred to prepare and fit themselves for the Profession of Divinity and that our University Councils might be obliged to pitch upon one of them to fill up the vacant Chairs of Divinity But this Assembly did not judge meet to make any Alteration in the former Canons which left the extraordinary Councils of our Universities at liberty to chuse the Professors of Divinity without restraining them to this or that designed Minister and therefore they should procure and settle in such important Charges such Persons as they were directed to by the Canons of our National Synods and in particular by those of Alez Charenion and Alâ—â—son 2. All the Deputies of our Provinces with one common consent complaining of the great Corruptions crept in among the Scholars in our Universities especially among the Students in Divinity of their wearing long Hair Cloaths after the new fangled Fashions of the World with wide floating Sleeves Gloves stuft with Silk and Ribbans that they frequented Taverns haunted the Company of Women walk'd abroad with their Swords that their Style savour'd more of the Romance than of God's Holy Word and many other Vanities and Excesses of this Nature The Assembly touched with a most sensible grief for these great Disorders and zealously concerned for the House of God doth most earnestly exhort the Professors and all other Governors in our Universities as also the Consistories of those Churches in which they are to exert all their care power and authority for the suppression of these Abuses which redound to the disgrace of our Religion and give great Scandal unto Persons fearing God and open the Flood Gates to a deluge of Prophaness to break in upon the Sanctuary And farther it injoyneth them to suspend the Refractory from the Lord's Table and to blot their Names out of the Matricular Book of Students and to deprive Proposans of all hopes of ever being admitted to the Ministerial Office And all Scholars are most straitly injoyned and most especially Students in Divinity to refrain from all those Abuses before-mentioned and to keep themselves at the greatest distance from those things which are contrary to Modesty and true Sanctity which Vertues should shine forth conspicuously in their Lives whom God calleth to be Pastors in the Church of Christ And that there may be no sinister Opinions conceived of them they be commanded to perfume the House of God betimes with the sweet Odours of an early Religious Conversation every way becoming that Sacred Employment whereunto they be designed upon pain of Exemplary Punishments for their Rebellion Moreover this Assembly Ordaineth that those Provincial Synods to whose care and charge our Universities are intrusted and in which they be erected shall depute every Year some Pastors to inspect and visit them and to take notice what progress is made by our Scholars in their Studies of Philosophy and Divinity and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ and of this Assembly to redress whaâ—ever Disorders shall be particularly notified to or observed by them And to this end those Visitors Commissionated by this Assembly shall as soon as possible they can go and visit them to wit the Sieurs Gitton and de Bourdieu Pastors and des Champs an Elder shall visit that of Saumur the Sieurs Chamier and Vegnier Pastors de Pontperdu and Maisonnet Elders shall visit that of Montauban the Sieurs de Boudan and de Messannes Pastors and the Sieurs de St. John Gardonongues and de Pontperdu Elders shall visit that of Nismes and the Sieurs Homel and January Pastors with the Sieurs de Mirabel and Baruel Elders shall visit that of Die And these Visitors shall give notice unto all Students in Divinity that they read the Scriptures publickly in the Desk before Sermons in all our Church-Meetings 3. The Deputies of several Provinces complained of the great Rates that Scholars paid for their Diet Lodging and Washing in the Towns of our Universities and that Professors and Regents did demand of them over and above their Sallaries for Lectures and Tuition This Assembly Ordained that the Commissioners appointed about the affairs of the Church of Saumur should carefully confer with the Directors of that University and the Consistory there concerning this matter and to take the most convenient course they could for the moderating of Expences And all the Provinces are advised to send unto those Directors of that University their Opinions about it that so the grievances complained of may be redressed And the Directors of that University are herein to use their utmost care and diligence 4. That custom practised in the University of Die of inspecting the Manners and Education of their Scholars in the true Religion and of examining their proficiency in Human Learning and of giving them a publick Prize is highly applauded and this Assembly exhorteth all other Colledges and Universities of our Communion to imitate and follow this their most commendable Example 5. The Sieurs Damiere Cregut Verdier and Martel Pastors having been Elected by the University Councils of Nismes Die and Montauban and afterward established in the Professors Office of Divinity in those Universities this Assembly ratifieth those Acts and confirmeth them in their respective Chairs And ordereth that the Canons of our Discipline and National Synods shall be most Religiously observed about the Examining of them who shall be chosen to the Profession of Divinity 6. The Provincial Deputies of Sevennes moved that the Province of Lower Languedoc might be obliged to pay Four Hundred Livers a Year towards the Maintenance of the Colledge of Anduse from the time of that Treaty held with them in the Conference at Quissac in the Year One Thousand Six Hundred Forty and Five and they offered in case they should so do that they would deduct from what they had already paid in Moreover that this Assembly would be
tho much less than their yearly Value than to keep them as now they are For we have no account in whose Hands they are nor who doth manage them and receive the Profits of them in any of those Presidial Courts Besides there was one thing more observable in the Accounts of the late Lord of Candal that the Churches were indebted to him the Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen Livres Four Deniers comprizing therein Two Thousand Five Hundred Seventy and Four Livres Ten Sous for Interest Moreover in that former Account it was said that the late Lord of Candal stood obliged to bring in unto this Synod the Acquittances for the Colledges of Nerac of Berry of Rochefoucault amounting to Three Thousand Four Hundred Nine and Six Livres which the said Lord of Candal having not done there must be deducted this Sum together with its Interest from that Day in which the said Lord of Candal Deceased was said to have paid it And this was allowed in Disbursment Nor may this be omitted that the said Deceased Lord of Candal had placed to the last account of Disbursments and would have it allowed him several Sums of which there was no clear Proof nor Evidences Moreover it was made appeat that the said Deceased Lord had deposited in his Hands that Order granted by his Majesty for Sixteen Thousand Livres to defray the Charges of the National Synod held at Alanson in the Year 1637. of which he gave in no account unto the National Synod of Charenton 1644. nor is there a tittle hereof mentioned in this present Account now brought in by the Lord of Candal his Son The Assembly not having that Information which of necessity it must have for the clearing up of these Articles and so consequentially not being able at present to examin and finish the said Account which is now presented by the said Lord of Candal it doth commissionate and authorize the Sieur Loride des Galinieres Advocate in his Majesty's Privy Council and Council of State and in the Parliament of Paris for and in its Name and under the Orders of my Lord General Deputy of the Reformed Churches of France near his Majesty and with the Advice of the Consistory of the Church of Paris and of those Pastors of other Churches which may then be in the City of Paris in case any one shall happen to be there whenas this Affair shall be negotiated to examin the Account presented by the said Lord of Candal or any other Account which he shall bring in hereafter and to debate and allow the Articles of the said Account and to give Acquittances for the Receits Disbursments and Reprizals in it And to cause the said Lord of Candal to resign unto them the One and Twenty Letters of Provision for the Office of Commissioners of real Seizures in those Courts before-mentioned and to dispose of them at any rate whether in the Total or in Parcels and this to the use and profit of the Churches The Monies of which Sale shall be received by him who shall be appointed thereunto by my Lord the General Deputy with the Advice and Consent of the Consistory of the Church of Paris that so an Account may be given thereof unto the Churches And until such time as the said Offices shall be sold off this Assembly doth authorize the said Sieur Loride des Galinieres under the Orders of the said Lord General Deputy by and with the Advice of the said Consistory of Paris to constitute such Persons at they shall find able to manage the said Offices in those Courts aforesaid that so the yearly Profit of them may be received for the benefit of our Churches And they shall make diligent Enquiry into the said Courts who hath last had the Management of those Offices and if there be in the Hands of the said Officer any Emoluments accrewing from them they shall be demanded from him And whenas the Account brought in by the said Lord of Candal shall have been examined and closed up according to the Order before appointed in case the said Lord of Candal shall be found in Arrearages of Debt unto the Churches the said Sieur Loride is commissionated and empowred by Authority from this Assembly according to the Orders and Advice before-mentioned to prosecute the Lord of Candal for the payment of the said Debt on account and to take up from him into his own Hands that Contract of Rent-Charge upon the Chamber of Paris and to receive all Arrears that are now due or may hereafter happen to be due and to give account thereof unto the Churches And in case it should be requisite that the said Lord of Candal should make a Declaration in the Name of any particular Person for the Churches Profit because of the said Rent the said Loride under the Orders of my Lord General Deputy shall consult with the Consistory of Paris and put the said Rent under his Name if they think meet But and if any thing should become due unto the said Lord of Candal he shall be payed out of Monies coming in from the Sale of the Offices for Commissions of Fines and Seizures and from the Rent issuing out of the Chamber of Paris and this according to the value of Monies now current And if upon review of those accounts aforesaid there should happen to be any Contestation that it may be composed and quietly transacted the said Loride is commissionated and fully empowred by this Assembly to give large and valid Acquittances and Releases and in case of necessity to prosecute the matter before the Judges in any Civil Court of Judicature and to sell and alienate the said Offices or to put in any one to execute them as also to dispose of the said Rent-Charge on the Chamber of Paris with all its Circumstances and Dependencies or to Mortgage the said Rent and the annual Income of the said Sales Always provided and not otherwise that he follow the Orders before prescribed And the said Loride shall give advice hereof unto all the Provincial Synods by Letters which he shall send from time to time to one of the Principal Churches of the Province that so they may be acquainted with the Success and Issue of this Affair CHAP. XIV An ACT for the Publick National Fast which is to be Celebrated the 25th Day of March in the Year 16â—0 ALthough it hath pleased God to grace his Majesty our Sovereign Lord with that Blessing as to terminate a long and bloody War by a most glorious Peace which hath been always his design and purpose and that thereby is offered unto all his good Subjects an ample and general Occasion of Joy and Thankfulness Yet nevertheless we cannot but see with Grief and Horror how that Atheism Impiety Blasphemy Vnrighteousness Debauchery Vncleanness and all other Sins both against the First and Second Table of the Divine Law are daily multiplied and march bare-fac'd as if the Sons of Men would by
National Synod belongeth according to the Canons of our Discipline unto the Province of Power Languedoc And this Assembly Ordaineth that with the good Pleasure of his Majesty it shall he convoked about Three Years hence in that Order prescribed by our Discipline and the Deputies shall meet from all the Provinces of this Kingdom at the City of Nismes CHAP. XIX An Act for the validity of all Acts which shall be Delivered and Signed IT is Decreed That as great Credit shall be given to those Acts which are signed either by the Moderator or Assessor or one of the Scribes of this Assembly as if they had been Signed and Subscribed by the Moderator Assessor both the Scribes and all the Deputies conjoyntly The Sieurs Dize Pastor of the Church at Grenoble and De Foissac Elder in the Church of Usez are nominated to wait upon his Majesty and to deliver the most humble Thanks of this Assembly to him together with the Bill of our just Grievances and Petitions and to assure his Majesty that we shall continue in his Majesty's Service with an untainted and inviolable Fidelity Done and Decreed at Loudun this Tenth Day of January One Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Signed in the Original by Daille Moderator J. M. D'Angle Assessor Scribes J. De Brissac Pastor Loride des Galinieres CHAP. XX. Commissions Executed WHen as the National Synod held at Loudun November 10 1659 was broken up the Sieurs Guitton and du Bourdieu went unto Sanmur according as they were ordered add Monsieur Guitton made this Speech in the University Messieurs THE National Synod which is now ended at Loudun being Informed by the Complaints of divers Provinces that for a long time together very many and great Disorders have crowded in among our Students of Divinity and that to the great scandal of all Godly Persons there is a visible defect of Modesty and Christian Integrity in their Deportments that Venerable Assembly judged that in prudence it was bound to exert its Authority for the retrenching and removal of them And having made a Canon which we shall read unto you immediately it did straitly charge us to assemble your whole Body before the Senate of this University that we might re-inforce it upon your Consciences by our oral Exhortations and Remonstrances Give Sirs your Attention unto the Synodical Decree The Deputies of all our Provinces complaining with one common Voice of the great Corruptions crept in among Scholars in our Universities especially among Students in Divinity of their wearing Long Hair of their Cloaths after the new fangled Fashions of the World of their wide Floating Sleeves Gloves stuft with Silk and Ribbans that they frequented Taverns haunted the Company of Women walk'd Abroad with their Swords that their Style savour'd more of the Romance than of God's Holy Word and many other Vanities and Excesses of this Nature The Assembly touched with a most sensible grief for these great Disorders and being zealously concerned for the House of God doth most earnestly exhort the Professors and all other Governors in our Universities as also the Consistories of those Churches in which they are to exert all their Care Power and Authority for the suppression of these Abuses which redound to the disgrace of our Religion and give great Scandal unto Persons truly fearing God and open the Flood-Gates to a deluge of Prophaneness to break in upon the Sanctuary And farther it enjoyneth them to suspend the Refractory from the Lords Table and to blot their Names out of the Matricular Book of Students and to deprive Proposans of all hopes of ever being admitted into the Ministerial Office And all Scholars are most straitly enjoyned and most especially Students in Divinity to refrain all those Abuses before-mentioned and to keep themselves at the greatest distance from such things as are contrary to Christian Modesty and true Sanctity which Vertues should shine forth most conspicuously in their Lives whom God is calling to be Pastors in the Church of Christ And that there may be no sinister Opinions conceived of them they be commanded to perfume the House of God betimes with the sweet Odours of an Early Religious Conversation every way becoming that Sacred Employment whereunto they be designed on pain of Exemplary Punishment in case of Rebellion Moreover this Assembly Ordaineth that those Provincial Synods to whose care and charge our Universities are intrusted and in which they be erected shall depute every Year some Pastors to inspect and visit them and take notice of the Progress made by our Scholars in their Studies of Philosophy and Divinity and by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ and of this Assembly to redress whatever Disorders shall be particularly notified to or observed by them And to this end those Visitors commissionated by this Assembly shall as soon as possible go and visit them to wit the Sieurs Guitton and de Bourdieu Pastors and Monsieur Des Champs an Elder shall visit the University of Saumur The Sieurs Chamier and Vignier Pastors de Pontperdu and Maisonnet Elders shall visit that of Montauban the Sieurs de Boudan and de Mesjannes Pastors and the Sieurs de St. John de Gardonnengues and de Pontperdu Elders shall visit that of Nismes and the Sieurs Homel and January Pastors with the Sieurs de Mirabel and Baruel Elders shall visit that of Die And these Visitors shall give notice unto all Students in Divinity that they read the Scriptures publickly in the Desk before Sermons in all our Church-meetings You have heard Sirs the true and just cause of all those Complaints which are form'd against you in the several Provinces of this Kingdom You have heard what the Synod hath declared on this occasion and the Punishments it hath decreed against the Transgressors I beseech you to make good use of this important Admonition sent you by an Assembly whose Canons and Orders should be had in singular Veneration by you Reflect seriously upon your Selves and consider a while unto how great a work you be destinated and weigh well those means by which you may accomplish as well as desire it and I am confident you will then have no need of any Teachers and you your selves will judge what is best befitting your Profession and overlooking the punishments threatned which belongs unto Servile Spirits and wholly inslav'd to their own Vanity you will devote your Selves to the Love and Practice of Vertue for those very Reasons upon which it is recommended to you You have consecrated your Labours your Time your whole Man unto the Service of the Sovereign Monarch of the whole World of that Lord who is adored by all the Angels Your own Consciences Sirs as well as mine must needs tell you you cannot bring with you too much Humility nor too much Self-abasement nor too much Self-annihilation nor too much Symplicity and Syncerity when you come into his Presence whose Eyes are as a Flaming Fire and who searcheth your Hearts and
the Church of Segonsac do give him full satisfaction for all his Arrerages within the prefixed Term of Six Months from the first of July next And if the Church of Coignac refuse their Consent unto this Condition then the said De Bargemont shall appertain solely to the Church of Segonsac And if it so fall out that the said Church of Segonsac be wanting unto their Duty and which is now re-inforced upon them 1594. Synod XIII the said de Bargemont shall be at liberty to be conferr'd on any other Church excepting that of Cognac IV. An Appeal being brought by Monsieur Cazaux and the Consistory of Mauvoisin from an Order made in the Provincial Synod of the Higher Guyenne After that Monsieur de Fontenailles and the Church of Castillon were heard this National Synod did confirm that Order of the Provincial Synod hold this present Year at Lectoure and in case the said Church of Castillon cannot throughly effect the purport of that Order then the said Sieur de Cazaux shall be at liberty to serve the Church of Mauvoisin V. Appeals being brought by Monsieur Beraut Minister of God's Holy Word of the one part and by Messieurs the Consuls and Elders of the Church of Montauban on the other part from an Order of the Synod of Higher Languedoc about the space of time granted unto the said Berault for attending his private domestick Concerns and the looking after his Estate lying at a distance from the City of Montauban This National Synod confirmeth that Order of the aforesaid Provincial Synod for the full term of One Year to be granted the said Monsieur Beraut for attending his necessary private Businesses which shall begin from the Day of his Departure And he is desired as a Testimony of his Respect and Love unto his Church to leave his Family in the said City or at least within the Province as also his Church is admonished to pay in unto him during his absence his Salary as a Token and Pledge of their great and unfeigned Respects unto their Pastor the said Monsieur Beraut and both the said Monsieur Beraut his Church and the Colloquy shall carefully and unanimously endeavour that his place be supplied and all the requisite Duties of his Pastoral Office be acceptably discharged by some other worthy Minister in his Church during that Year of his absence VI. An Appeal being brought by the Churches of Montauban and Venez for that by the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Montauban and Lectoure Monsieur de Castlefranc Minister of the Gospel was consigned to the Church of Realmont and yet the Isle of France doth pretend a Right unto the said Monsieur de Chastlefranc This Synod declares That the Province of the Isle of France had nothing to do with the said Monsieur De Chastlefranc and whereas Monsieur de Chastlefranc doth also make his Appeal unto this Synod we decree That the Churches of Montredon and Venez have a Right to claim him as their own peculiar Minister nevertheless the said de Chastlefranc shall officiate in the Churches of Montredon Venez and Realmont conjointly at each of them six Months together during which time this Synod doth order that the Church of Realmont shall provide themselves of an able Pastor otherwise they shall be proceeded against by the sharpest Censures as is usually done in such Cases by their Colloquy And if it so fall out that the said Church of Realmont do need the Labours of the said Monsieur de Chastlefranc he is intreated to assist them as far as his strength will suffer him VII The Church of Monpellier having brought an Appeal from the Provincial Synods of Lower Languedoc who had dispos'd of Monsieur de Villette to the Church of Valleragne This Assembly doth confirm the Judgment of the said Provincial Synod and declareth That the said Church of Monpellier cannot of Right lay any Claim to the said Monsieur de Villette CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS 1594. Synod XIII I. THE Deputies of the Province of Gascony Perigord and Limousin desiring that the Churches of Coudonnois and Landers might be joyned to the Provincial Synod of Agenois Perigord and Limousin and being opposed herein by the Remonstrances of the Deputies from the Province of Higher Guyenne and most especially by the Pastor of the Church of Lectoure Mr. Bernard Ennis in the name and behalf of the Colloquy of Armagnac After mature consultation it was resolved That the Synods of the Higher Guyenne and Gascogny should remain as they are in their present establishment not but that in time coming and in case necessity so require it there may be made an alteration and the Churches of Armagnac which are now divided from their Colloquy shall reader an Account unto the next National Synod of their separation from it till which they shall remain incorporated with it II. The Churches of Augoumois shall be joyned to the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge and Aunix for the perfecting a sixth Colloquy according to the equal division of those said Churches III. The Church of Bergerac shall be sharply censured by Letters from this Assembly for that by theirs to us they professed a Resolution not to subject themselves to the fourth Article of the tenth Chapter pf our Discipline IV. Those of the Isle of France shall be severely censured for proposing to this Assembly a politick Union with those of the Romish Gallican Church in defence of the Liberties of the Gallican Church against the Pope And Letters shall be dispatch'd unto those fore-mentioned Persons to acquaint them that their Proposition was judged utterly unworthy our consultation and they shall be farther censured for demanding competent Judges both of the one and other Religion to decide the Points in controversie between us as also for demanding that neither National nor Provincial Synods be conven'd unless on very great and weighty occasions and that very rarely 5. The Church of Aymet complaining That Monsieur Balarand their Pastor absented himself from them and was setled in the Church of Castres without any lawful dismission from them After that the Provincial Deputies of Gascony had been heard as also the said Monsieur Balarand and the Petition of the ancient Deputy from the City and Church of Castres and after reading the Act of Dismission given unto the said Balarand by those of the Church of Aymet subscribed by those self-same Persons who have now written to those of the City of Castres and yet some of them have since signed a Revocation of that Grant this Synod doth assign the said Monsieur Balarand unto the Church of Castres to be their ordinary Pastor but on these conditions First That the Church of Aymet be provided of an able Pastor within six Months or sooner it may be by the Colloquy of Perigord or Synod of Gascony at the sole Charges of the aforesaid Church of Castres according to the offers made by Monsieur Bassol their Deputy Secondly That the Judge of Castres do cause all
Prosecutions to cease against Monsieur de la Garime and Monsieur de la Grange for having deposed Master Gaspar Olaxa who was ejected by Authority of the Colloquy of Albigeois and the Provincial Synod held at Montaban And in case our Advice concerning the said de la Garime and la Grange be not entirely observed this National Synod doth declare That those of the Church of Castres on whom it was incumbent to effect it shall be censured even with suspension from the Lord's Table and farther that they be utterly unworthy of ever enjoying the Ministry of their Pastor Monsieur Balarand and the Colloquy of Albigeois are ordered from us to meet in any other place than the City of Castres and to see to it that this our present Decree be effectually observed and that the said Monsieur Balarand be transferr'd from the City of Castres and to see to it that this our present Decree be effectually observed and that the said Monsieur Balarand be transferr'd from the City of Castres to serve in some other Church elsewhere VI. The Province of Higher Guyenne having complained of the wicked Conversations and scandalous Lives of Master Gravel and Vieux Banque it was decreed That the Ministers of Upper Quercy shall summon the said Graver and Vieuxbanque to appear without delay in two Months time personally in this City of Montauban where the Minister of the Upper Quercy producing sufficient Evidence that they had summon'd the said Graver and Vieuxbanque to appear together with the Information of the Crimes charged on them which if clearly proved on them the Ministers of this City and Colloquy by the Authority of this National Synod shall suspend or depose them as they see cause from the Ministry and in case of their non-appearance they shall be immediately suspended and this their Suspension published in the Churches VII The Province of Tourain Anjou and Main craving Advice how to dispose of Monsieur Le Bloy Minister of St. Aignan this Synod doth ordain That the said Le Bloy shall continue in the said Church provided that within six Months the said Church do give him full satisfaction in paying him the Salary they had promised him and in cause of failure therein he shall be consigned unto the Church of Preuilly according to the Order of the Provincial Synod of Touraine VIII Whereas the Church of * * * Two other Copies read Bracquâ—t Bourinquet doth inform us That their Pastor Monsieur De la Finer is removed from them by the Pastors of the Province commissionated by this present Synod to inspect that Affair who have thereby left them totally destitute without a Minister this Assembly doth ordain That the said Sieur de la Finer shall abide with his Church exercising all the Duties of his Office until such time as they be provided of another and the Colloquy of Lower Quercy shall take that Task upon them and the said Sieur de la Finer shall be presently paid all his Arrears and that said Church of Bourinquet shall supply all his Wants for the future and in case of non-performance on their part then the said Sieur de la Finer shall be free and fully discharged from them IX This Assembly at the Request of the Deputies of Lower Languedoc doth think meet That our Brother Monsieur Boulet do stand related unto Condoignac and Vergessers but with this Condition that he exercise his Ministry in his former Church until such time as they be provided of another X. At the desire of the Magistrates of the City and Church of Rochel as also of the whole Province of Xaintonge this Assembly ordaineth That Letters be sent forthwith to the Syndics and Church of Geneva earnestly intreating that the Seignory and Consistory of that famous Church and City would be pleased to give up their Right in our honoured Brother Monsieur Rotan for the Service of the Church of Rochel because of his singular usefulness and fruitful Labours in that Church and his great serviceableness in that Province yea and to all the Reformed Churches of France Yet Rotan was afterward deeply suspected for prevaricating in Religion XI Complaints being made by the Province of Xaintonge against Master Esperient and Cahier this Assembly orders That the Province of Xaintonge do inform the Synod of Bearn about the said Esperient because he belongs to it that he may give satisfaction to them and that the Sieur Cahier shall be written to in the Name of this Assembly that he personally appear before the Synod of Xaintonge which is impower'd with full Authority by this present Synod to hear and judge of the whole Fact XII The Province of Lower Languedoc demanding Advice about Mr. John Corneille it is decreed That the Province shall be sharply reproved for their so long suffering and sparing the said Corneille in his Errors and wicked Actions and in particular the Magistrates and other Persons in the Church of Orange who prosecuted so vigorously his Restoration unto the Ministry For which cause this Synod confirmeth the Deposition of the said Corneille and ordains that he be silenced for ever and that the Magistrate and Consistory of Orange be reproved for permitting him to pray publickly during his Suspension as also we give warning that it is dangerous to employ him in the teaching of Youth XIII Sharp and Comminatory Letters shall be written unto the Colloquy of Auvergne and to Monsieur De Montcassin that if they do not satisfie and reimburse Monsieur Lambert his Expences in getting the King's Orders for the maintenance of the afore-mentioned Ministers this Synod on their refusal will proceed against them as Delinquents and particularly against Monsieur Montcassin because he became bound for the Payment of that Money as appears by the very Act of the Provincial Synod held in this City of Montauban in the Year 1593 And in case they do not give satisfaction before the breaking up of this Assembly Process shall be issued out against them as we have written them XIV Forasmuch as in the conclusion of this Synod the Colloquy of Higher Rouargue have returned no Answer to it theâ—efore in pursuance of the Resolution before taken it is decreed That Monsieur de Villette and Chalais when they return into their Province of Lower Languedoc shall interdict the Exercise of the Ministry in all the Churches of that Colloquy and particularly Monsieur de Montcassin shall be suspended and silenced for not performing his Promise XV. Mr. William Benet acquainting this Assembly That he had discharged his Duty in educating his Son Mark Antony in good Learning in order to his being employed in the Ministry of the Gospel to his great comfort and yet without his privity and consent his said Son had accepted of a Call unto the Church of Marvejoles in the Province of Lower Languedoc After hearing what could be alledged for themselves by the Deputies of that Province as also the Plea of the said Mark Antony for himself
personally reside with his Flock and that they Censure the disobedient excepting the Sieurs Bichetteau and Richaud according to the report made in this Assembly by Monsieur Malleret Deputy of the National Synod of St. Maixant who was Commissionated to go unto the very places and to take notice of all the difficulties pretended or real on this Subject 6. The Sieur du Puy Pastor of the Church of St. Stephen and St. Marcellin in Forrest demanding in the Name of his Church to be separated from the Province of Burgundy and joyned to that of Vivaretz and also to be assisted with portions and some other sums of Money for the better support of his Church which is threatned with utter ruine This Assembly doth readily grant them their desire and that they shall be separated from the Province of Burgundy and be joyned to that of Vivaretz and ordereth that three annual portions be given them for their Relief in cafe of necessity which shall be paid them without abatements until the next National Synod 7. The Sieur Mozé Minister of the Gospel having complained in this Assembly that he was suspected in the Assembly of Saumur to have driven on some secret designs at Montellimard against Monsieur Chamier tho without any ground or occasion on his part and the said Monsieur Chamier having declared that at his return from the said Assembly he could not meet with any evidence whereby to convict the said Mozé This Assembly doth assent unto the truth of what is declared by the said Mozé and it shall be improved as is Meet and Equitable for his service but withal it cannot but take in ill part the actings of the Synod of Dolphiny which discharged him from one Church without giving him another 8. The Colloquy of Usez is charged to pass over unto Nismes and to demand of that Consistory the Original Letters of Captain Gautier which Monsieur Ferrier avoucheth to be among the Papers of that Consistory And to this purpose the Copy which the Sieur Faye deliver'd into this Assembly was put into the hands of Monsieur Chamier who promised that he would tear in pieces both that Copy and its Original according to the desire of this Assembly 9. The Sum of two hundred Livers was ordered unto Andrew Chanforan Son of Monsieur Chanforan Pastor of the Church of Pouzain and to be paid by the Province of Provence in lieu of an exhibition which the said Province was obliged to allow the said Andrew as a Proposan since the last Synod of Rochell until that of St. Maixant and whereas Monsieur Chanforan the Father demands of the same Province certain Arrears of Moneys granted by the King and received by the Sieur Callian upon the portion assigned to the Church of la Coste whereof he was a member in the year one thousand six hundred and eight this Assembly ordaineth that the aforesaid Province shall pay in unto the said Monsieur Chanforan the sum of two and forty Livers claimed by him both for his Arrears and from the Church of Muil which was annexed unto that of la Coste saving always to the said Church of la Coste their power of producing an Acquittance under the hand of the said Chanforan and to the Province thereof redemanding six Crowns upon the portion of the Church of Muil as annexed to that of la Coste and the aforesaid sums amounting to two hundred and fourty two Livers shall be taken out of the first Moneys which become due unto the Province of Provence 10. Monsieur Perrin is desired to review his History of the Albingenses which hath been perused by our Commissioners and to present it finished unto the Synod or Dolphiny that according to the desire of this Assembly it may be printed 11. The demand of Gilbert Vernoix Printer at Bergerac about a recompense for his having Printed some certain books is remanded back unto the Synod of Lower Guyenne that he may be satisfied as the said Synod shall think meet 12. The Deputies of Poictou requesting that the Province of Normandy might fulfil that Promise made by them in the National Synod held at Gergeau for the relief of Monsieur de Vatable who is overwhelmed with extream poverty and to whom there is due the sum of an hundred Livers by the Church of Luneray This present Synod ordaineth that the said Province of Normandy do fully content and satisfy the said Vatable and pay one half of what is due unto him out of their own purses and take up the other half from the Church of Luneray in which he was Minister 13. The Deputies of Xaintonge redemanding from the Province of Poictou two Churches said by them to have been severed from their Province are remanded back again unto the said Province of Poictou before whom they shall open their complaints and in case they cannot agree among themselves they shall refer the difference unto a neighbour Colloquy or Synod with full power to compose it 14. The Deputies from the Churches in the Principality of Bearn having presented their desires according to the Instructions given them by their own Synod in Writing This Assembly replies unto their first Article that they cannot approve of the actions of such Provinces as hinder their Students in Theology from Studying in the University of Bearn and it accepts also of the Recommendations given by those Deputies of the Church of Bigorre of Souilles and of Astaingues And as to their second and third demands they were advised to observe the Canons of our Church-Discipline and as to the last Article in their Instructions this Assembly can give them none other answer than this that it highly applauds of their Zeal and good affection and leaveth them to their liberty of sending to our National Synods either one or more Pastors and Elders 15. The Sieur Beauvay complaining by Letters of the Province of Higher Languedoc for not fulfilling that decree of the National Synod of St. Maixant which enjoyned the said Province to pay him the sum of one hundred Livers owing him by the Sieur Durdes a Minister in the said Province This Assembly ordaineth that the said hundred Livers shall be detained in the hands of the Lord du Candall or of his Deputy to be given unto the Sieur Carthaud Pastor of Diep in Normandy that he may pay them unto the said Sieur de Beauvais 16. The Sieur Champoleon demanding by Letters from this Assembly to be reimburst of his expences of his Journey from Saumur to Dolphiny and from Dolphiny back again to Saumur where he found the Assembly broke up and which Journey he undertook at the command of the said Assembly This Synod orders him to have recourse unto another Political General Assembly for his answer 17. Relation being made in this Assembly of those unheard of Riots committed by the Sieur de Tremoulet in the Church of Servest in Vivaretz the Colloquy of Annonay is ordered to meet as soon as possible they can and to
Normandy in this case decreed that the said Monsieur du Bois shall be received and fixed in the Pastoral Office of the said Church of â—ontaines and Crocy until the next meeting of the Provincial Synod of Normandy 16. Monsieur Joly petitioning this Assembly for some Relief for himself and poor Family until the sitting of the next National Synod and that leave might be given him to aspire unto the Profession of the Hebrew Language in case there should be a vacancy This Assembly granted him the letter and because of his wants and the distressed Condition of his Family they do give him an Hundred and Fifty Livres and for the future do continue unto him one free Portion under the same Name as it was granted him by the National Synod of Alez CHAP. XX. N. B. This Curcelles was after fixed Pastor in the Church of Vitre le Francois in Champagne where having begot his Servant Maid with Child he forsook his Church and fled into Holland that the might escape the punishment due unto his crime which of his free will he had committed where he returned with the Dog unto his former Vomit and licke up his once Abpured â—rrorâ— and lived and dyed an implacable line my of the Truth and and of all its Professors When he was dead there was found among his Books a Manuscript written with his own hand against the Godhead of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the profession of the Truth 17 MOnsieur de Courcelles formerly Pastor in the Church of Amiens having refused to subscribe the Doctrine received in the Synod of Alez did freely and of his own accord resign his Pastoral Charge into the hands of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France but now protesting in this Assembly that he had quite rejected those Arminian Dogmes and that he did own and acquiesce intirely in the Doctrine received of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and humbly petitioned this Synod that they would be pleased to restore him again unto his Charge upon the promises he did now make of retaining the form of sound words After that the Deputy of the Isle of France had related the proceedings of their last Synod upon the fact of Courcelles his quitting of his Place and Calling he was again called in and did plainly and clearly and with great earnestness avow and confess his consent unto the whole Doctrine taught and contained in those Canons decreed at the Synod of Alez and in this also holding and believing it to be the truth and agreeing with the Word of God and that he renounceth all Errors condemned in those aforesaid Canons and that he believeth those said Canons in every Branch and Article of them and was resolv'd to sign and defend them for the future to the utmost of his power during Life The Assembly having received this his Declaration and Protestation restored him again unto his Ministerial Office and remanded him back unto the Isle of France to be presented unto a Church and in case he could not meet with one in that Province then he might accept of a Call in any other And for his Comfort he had License given him in the interim to preach in any Church for its Edisication yea and in the Church of Paris also provided the Reverend Pastors of that Congregation did invite him to it Moreover this Assembly approved of all those former proceedings of the Province aforesaid in and about this business of Courcelles as having been done and managed with singular prudence Candor and Charity And it gives also unto the said Courcelles one Portion for his subsistence until such time as he be provided of a Church 18. Letters were tendred and read in this Assembly from the Lords Curators and Professors in the famous University of Leyden requesting that Monsieur Rivett who had been lent unto the said University by a former National Synod for their Divinity Professor might be confirmed and continued to them during Life by the Authority of this also The Letters of Monsieur Rivett writ unto this Assembly were in like manner perused and his Brother the Lord of Chamvernown declared that Doctor Rivett testified and expressed a continual Love and sincere Affection as in Duty he was bound unto his Native Countrey and that Cordial desire he had alwayes to serve it but that he could not at present be removed from the University of Leyden but to it s very great dammage and his own in particular for which cause he intreated this Assembly to continue him for some few years more in the aforesaid University of Leyden The Synod did hereupon grant him his request and ordered his continuance there until the next National Synod and that an answer should be written unto the Lords Curators and Professors there accordingly He lived there to his Death which fell out in the year 1651. His Works are Printed in Three Folio's 19. The Church of Alez petitioned that the Reverend Monsieur Chauve Minister of the Church of Sommieres might be coâ—ferred upon them for their Pastor After perusal of these Letters those of Monsieur Chauve were also considered who complained that his burthen was too heavy for his Shoulders and that he could not without assistance go through the necessary Duties of his Charge in either of those Churches The Deputies also of Sevennes and the Lower Languedoc and Monsieur L' Espeisses for the Church of Alez were all heard whereupon this Synod confirmed Monsieur Chauve in his Ministry of the Church of Sommiers and enjoyneth the said Province to take care that he have help and comfort given him in his great labours 20. The Church of Bourdeaux petitioned that Monsieur Alba Minister of the Church of Tonneins and Ferrand Minister of La Parade in the Province of Lower Guyenne might be bestowed on them for their Pastors Another Petition also was presented from the Lords President and Counsellors in the Court of Agen that they might be favour'd with the Ministry of the same Monsieur Alba. After perusal of several Letters from the Churches of Tonneins La Parade Bourdeaux and Agen and those of the Lords President and Counsellors there and hearing of Monsieur Coderois Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux and of Monsieur Alba and of the Provincial Deputies of Guyenne This Assembly presented Monsieur Ferrand unto the Church of Bourdeaux and Monsieur Alba unto that of Agen until the next National Synod And it does enjoyn the Colloquy and on their default the Synod of that Province to make some speedy provision for the Church of La Parade that they may be without delay supplied with a Pastor 21. Relation was made by the Province of Vivaretz concerning some Miscarriages of Monsieur des Maretz heretofore Pastor in the Church of Valet This Assembly not being able to judge of this Matter because of his absence hath dismissed the business unto the next Session of the Colloquy of Valentinois in Dolphiny to take cognisance of it and to
Mercurin and that by Authority from this Council 54. There is given an hundred Livers unto Mr. Repasseau for the Supply of his present Wants and to help transport his Houshold-Goods unto Paillac and the said Sum shall be paid him out of the common Mass of Moneys belonging to all our Churches 55. Whereas Monsieur Barre Doctor of Civil Law and Advocate at Montlimard hath composed a Treatise concerning Antichrist and which hath been perused by several Divines commissionated thereunto and they giving a very laudable and good Account thereof it was approved also by this Synod 56. Monsieur Sarazin Pastor of the Church of Campagne had leave given him to quit the Province of Higher Languedoc and to accept of a Call from any Church in the Province of Burgundy but always upon this Condition That he do not leave the Church of Campagne before the Sessions of the Colloquy of Lower Quercy who are impowered fully to discharge the said Sarazin and to take care that that Church be not left destitute 57. The Lord Commissioner Galland was humbly intreated to write unto the Lord President of the Parliament of Tholouse on behalf of divers Inhabitants of Briteste because Warrants were issued out to apprehend them and make them Prisoners although the Matter for which they are in Trouble hath been pardoned by his Majesties Act of Grace and Indemnity 58. The Memoirs of Monsieur Rennoy Pastor of the Church of Coluisson were presented unto this Assembly by Monsieur Petit and were delivered unto the Deputies of Lower Languedoc who were to carry them unto their next Provincial Synod which was charged in an especial manner to consider of them 59. Thirty Livers were ordered unto Nicolas Severin out of the common stock of our Churches but on this Condition that he never trouble us with his Petitions more and the Provinces shall take care to detain their Poor at home that these National Synods may be no more urged with their Importunities 60. There was given as a Gratuity out of the best Moneys belonging to the Churches four hundred and fifty Livers unto Monsieur Cooper Deputy to the Lord of Candall 61. An hundred Livers were ordered unto Sir Augustus Galland his Majesties Commissioner in this Council out of the clearest Moneys of our Churches to defray the Charges he was at in the Business of the Church of Froqualquier 62. Out of its supernumerary Portions the Province of Lower Languedoc shall pay the Sum of thirty Livers unto Monsieur Noguier at which the Charges of his Journey hither have been assessed by the Council 63. Over and besides what he may else need to get off the Writ of Imprisonment issued forth against him by the Privy Council and which had turned over his Cause to be heard in the Court of Beziers there was granted the Sum of one hundred Livers unto Monsieur Pontel which he shall receive out of the common Stock of the Churches Moneys 64. Twenty Livers out of the same Fund was given unto the common Crier of the City of Castres 65. Sixty Livers were given to the Door-keeper of the Council out of the same Stock and he is recommended unto the Lords Consuls and Magistrates of this City of Castres that they would be pleased to restore him unto his Office of Regent which he hath formerly exercised in their Colledg 66. The Lord of Candall is intreated to advance out of the half Portion granted unto Monsieur Mercurin Pastor of the Church of Grasse as much as will be requisite to take off the Writ of Arrest against him in the King 's Privy Council that so the Parliament of Provence may be deprived of the Knowledg of those Matters for which he is in Trouble and do so very much hinder him in the Discharge of his ministerial Duties and Calling 67. The next Synod of Higher Languedoc are charged to present Monsieur Grasset Pastor of the Church in the Isle of Jourdain unto the Ministery and pastoral Care of the Church of Mazamet and to provide the Church in the aforesaid Island of another Minister 68. The Matters concerning the Church of Sarverettes were particularly recommended unto the Lord of Montmartyn our General Deputy 69. The Province of Higher Languedoc is intreated to consider the Losses sustained by Monsieur Daneau Pastor of the Church of Castres in the former and latter Wars that so out of their Charity he may receive some Relief and Comfort 70. Seven hundred Livers were given unto the Children of Monsieur Cameron deceased as a Testimony of that Honour we have for his Name and Memory and they shall also receive a yearly Portion from the Lord of Candall until the next National Synod Moreover Monsieur Olier who pleaded for the Church of Montauban was told by the Council that in case the said Church did not pay the eight hundred Livers in unto his Children which they owed unto Monsieur Cameron their Father and who was sometime Pastor and Professor in their City and University the like Sum should be detained from them by the Lord of Candall out of the Moneys settled upon their University that so their just Debts might that way be pay'd unto these poor Orphans and the Moneys now given them and those others due from Montauban shall be deposited with their Guardian for their Use 71. An hundred Livers were ordered to be paid unto Monsieur Bansillon a worthy Minister in Consideration of the many Damages he hath sustained and they shall be paid him out of the general Stock of our Churches nor shall this occasion the lessening of his Relief from the Province who shall assist and help him in the Prosecution of his Suit the Accompt whereof shall be brought in to the next National Synod to be perused and considered by them 72. The Church of Vezenobre is recommended to the Charity of the Province of Sevennes 73. Monsieur | | | Another Copy calls him Merlat Mercat petitioning the Council to consider the Charges the Church of Pons have been at in getting the Inlargement of their Pastor Monsieur Constans their Petition was remanded back unto the next Provincial Synod of Xaintonge which is exhorted to assist that poor Church out of the supernumerary Portions couched in their Dividend 74. In like manner the poor Churches of Masedazill le's Bordes Savarat and Camarades are recommended to the Charity of the same Province as is also Monsieur Marsillon who hath been a very great Sufferer that they would consider him more than ordinary 75. Monsieur Baux informed this Synod that if he should go to Nismes and exercise his Ministry there he had no certain Stipend promised him and the Lords Petit and Duranty their Deputies did tell him as much that they had no Order from that Church to make any Agreement with him about it and the said Petit did confirm the same in open Council Whereupon the Church of Nismes was exhorted fully to content and satisfy the said Mr. Baux and in case
Fifty Livres and to the Door-Keeper of the said Colledge professing the Reformed Religion Fifty Livres And as for the other Two Hundred Livres the Sieurs Garrissoles and Charles Professors in Divinity shall receive them Yearly by equal Portions over and above their Wages assigned to them as the Contributions of the Churches and Provinces shall come into their Hands It being but just and reasonable that their continual Labours and Cares for the publick should be recognised by this slender gratuity nor will this in the least prejudice the Regents or Door-Keepers whose Vails and Emoluments will come in unto them from the Minerval Monies by the Scholars paid at their Matriculation as was before granted in another Article ARTICLE 10. Out of an old Sum of One Thousand and Twenty Seven Livres of Arrears owing by the Province of Normandy to the University of Montauban the Sieur Harrissoles Professor in Divinity shall receive by way of Advance and without any prejudice to his Portion owing to him out of the Sum of Three Thousand Livers in consideration of his great Pains and Services performed by him for these Eighteen Months ever since the Decease of his Reverend Colleague Monsieur Beraud until the Settlement of his Successor Monsieur Charles the Sum of Three Hundred Livres And whereas that Province is indebted for those Arrears aforesaid until the setling of the succeeding Professor it is obliged to make good payment of it in the manner before appointed and particularly to see that the said Monsieur Garrissoles be fully content and satisfied who only when all others for want of their Sallaries quitted their Employments continued diligent in his station and followed hard the Duties of his Calling and Profession ARTICLE 11. That all Complaints may be prevented about the Non-Execution of the Canons concerning the Promotion of Scholars this Assembly leaveth it to the prudence of the Rectors and Councils of our Universities to judge of the proficiency made by them in their several Classes and so either to advance them from the Lower to an Higher Degree or to promote them unto the publick Lectures Nor shall they ever use any Indulgence herein but on special grounds and for very good reason and consideration ARTICLE 12. The Judgment of the Province of Anjou in preferring the Professors of Philosophy before the Professors of Eloquence is ratified and confirmed and until such time as the Provinces can make a Fund for the Maintenance of a Greek Professor this Assembly doth greatly approve and joyfully embrace the offer of that Gentleman who promiseth to exercise that Profession freely and without any Charge unto the Churches ARTICLE 13. The Pastors of those Towns and Cities in which our Universities are Erected having been Incorporated by the Canons of the National Synod of Alez in the Year 1620 into the Councils of those Universities shall be ordinarily and in their own persons present at them unless there be some lawful cause impeding them ARTICLE 14. According to the Received Custom for divers Years in the Church of Saumur our Proposans shall come up unto the Lord's Table immediately after the Professors and shall precede all the Regents of the Classes ARTICLE 15. According to that Canon made at Alez those Pastors in whose Churches our Universities are situated shall in their turns preside with the Professors of Theology at all Propositions both French and Latin ARTICLE 16. At the Request of the University of Saumur the Province of Normandy shall bring before September next unto the Consistory at Paris the Acquittances of those Payments which they pretend to have made unto the said University of the Sum of Six Hundred and Five and Twenty Livres which the said Province stood indebted to it for the Year 1637. on default whereof they shall be condemned to pay the said Sum as also the Sum of Nine and Forty Livres which are owing by them upon another Account And the Consistory aforesaid is fully empowered by this Assembly to judge finally without any Appeal in this Case ARTICLE 17. His Excellency the Lord Mareschal of Chastillon having writ unto this Assembly and by his Letters given us to understand that he designed to set up again the Colledge of Chastillon in the same Estate in which it was in his Fathers Life and the Sieur des Baraudieres Deputy for the Province of Berry having offered for the Lady Mareschal of Chastillon according to that express Order he had received from her to contribute yearly the Sum of Five Hundred Livres towards maintenance of a Professor in it The Assembly Voted That the said Lord and Lady should be most humbly thanked for their charitable Offers and entreated to continue always their Kindnesses unto the Churches and in compliance with their laudable Designs the Sieurs Drelincourt and Le Coq Deputies of the Isle of France have assured this Assembly that the Church of Paris will add Annually the Sum of Four Hundred Livres more which they had not given hitherto because they waited for the sitting of this Synod And the Sieur de L'Angle and the other Deputies of Normandy did voluntarily offer in the Name of their Province to contribute yearly the Sum of sixty Livres The Sieur de Croy and the other Deputies of Lower Languedoc have consented to pay the like Sum of sixty Livres The Sieur Bollenat and his Colleague Deputies for the Province of Burgundy consented also to make paying yearly the Sum of Fifty and Nine Livres over and above the Sum of Four Hundred Livres assessed upon them in the foregoing Synods And forasmuch as these Contributions are not sufficient the Synod ordaineth That the Churches of Rochel and Lions shall be intreated to contribute unto so good a Work according to their Piety and Zeal for the Glory of God ARTICLE 18. The Church of Loudan petitioning this Assembly to be assisted and enabled with some Supplies for the better Maintenance of their Colledge and that they might be forgiven their Contribution which they have hitherto payed into the University of Saumur and that the said Sum might be levied elsewhere It was Decreed That their Contribution should be paid in as formerly unto the University of Saumur and the Church of Loudan should receive Yearly the Sum of Threescore and Ten Livres to be paid in unto it by the Province of Brittaine which is exhorted and intreated to enlarge their Charity as much as possible unto the said Colledge of Loudan and that they would not hereupon abate or defalk any thing of their wonted Contribution to the University of Saumur ARTICLE 19. The Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc having represented that since the Death of Monsieur Petit Pastor and Professor of Theology in the University of Nisms that the Four Pastors of that Church have read Lectures unto the Students and kept up the other Exercises of Propositions and publick Disputations and that the Synod held at Montpellier in December last had charged them to continue these Academical Exercises until such
time as this present National Synod should by its Authority make other and farther Provision and they did now petition that some Persons might be nominated and appointed to the Profession of Theology and the Hebrew Tongue or else to Authorise the Synod of that Province so to do This Assembly confirming the said University of Nismes and accepting the Offers of the Provinces of the Lower Languedoc and Sevennes who have took upon them to bear the greatest and principal part of its Charges and Maintenance doth exhort the Sieur de Croy on whom the whole Province of Lower Languedoc have cast their Eyes to fit and betake himself to the Exercise of the Profession of Divinity when-ever he shall be called to it by the Authority of that Provincial Synod they strictly observing all the Forms prescribed by our Discipline ARTICLE 20. Approving that just Petition of the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Sevennes for the re-establishment of their common Colledge in such a place as they should agree unto and conserving to the University of Die its yearly Contribution from the Churches of Sevennes This Assembly exhorteth the Provinces of Provence and Vivaretz that because the Neighbourhood of the Colledge of Sevennes must needs be exceeding profitable unto them that they would be pleased to contribute according as God shall have enabled them towards its establishment and maintenance and the rather for that they never did contribute any thing unto our Universities Moreover it is ordained that Letters shall be written unto the Consistory of Marseilles intreating them to afford all the Fruits of their Charity that possibly they can unto this Colledge and those Offers made by the Sieur de Caille who promised to contribute liberally unto it were accepted and he was entreated to get the Lord Marques of Senars and the other Noblemen and Gentlemen of that Province to express also on their parts then Kindness and Liberality ARTICLE 21. When as the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny shall have examined the Works of Mr. Rhodon Professor of Philosophy at Orange and shall have considered of their Usefulness they may be licensed for the Press and published to the World ARTICLE 22. The Deputies of Dolphiny petitioned on behalf of the University of Die that this Assembly would be pleased to ordain that the Province of Guyenne do pay in unto the said University the Sum of Three Thousand Six Hundred and Ten Livres Seven Sous which they owed to it and which the Synod of Alanson had given as a Fund unto the said University The Deputies of Lower Guyenne were heard who very much questioned the Truth of the said Debt This Synod dismissed them both unto the Consistory of Paris who shall inspect and revise those Accompts within six Months and that term being passed they shall proceed to a final Judgment on those Accompts and Papers brought in by the Deputies of Dolphiny and till that final Sentence be given the Province of Lower Guyenne shall pay what shall be found due on their part according to that general Canon before established for payment of Arrearages owing by the Province unto our Universities that so these Sums thus payed in may be disposed to the best advantage according to the Intention of the National Synod of Alanson ARTICLE 23. To finish that great Work of Monsieur Chamier Deceased upon the Controversies of Religion the Sieurs Garrissoles and Charles were chosen and appointed to write De Reali Prasentia Transubstantiatione to handle the Questions De Ecclesia Consiliis Monsieur Amyraut to treat De Manducationo Spirituali de Sacrificio Missa Monsieur de la Place and the aforesaid Sieur de Garrissoles is entreated and exhorted to publish his Work de Christo Redemptore And the Sieurs de Chanvernoun Mestrezâ—â— da Câ—â—y Aubertin and Daille are also desired to print their Works which they have undertook and performed for the common Edification of the Churches ARTICLE 24. The Province of Normandy shall produce within six Months before the Consistory of Paris those Acquittances which they received from the University of Saumur for the Sum of Six Hundred and Five and Twenty Livers and in case they omit the doing hereof the said Province shall be condemned as it is from this very instant to make payment of it l. s. d. 25. From henceforward the University of Montauban shall receive Contribution from the Isle of France the yearly Sum of 800 Livres from the Higher Languedoc 1000 Livres from the Lower Guyenne 900 Livres from the Contribution of Normandy besides what that Province is to pay into the University of Die 250 Livres and from Bearn 250 Livres in all 3000 Livres 3000 00 00 26. The University of Saumur shall receive of the Contribution from the Isle of France 800 Livres and from that of Normandy 800 Livres and from that of Poictou 975 Livres and from Anjou 850 Livres and from Brittain 130 Livres and from Zantonge 575 Livres In all 4130 Livres 4130 00 00 27. The University of Die over and besides the Contribution brought in by the Province of Dolphiny amounting to 1560 Livres it shall receive from that of Berry 345 Livres from that of Burgundy 131 Livres from the Sevennes 125 Livres from that of Xaintonge 385 Livres from Normandy 450 Livres The whole 2996 Livres 2996 00 00 28. The University of Nisms shall receive the Contribution of the Lower Languedoc which amounts to the Sum of 975 Livres and out of that of Sevennes 120 Livres In all 1100 Livres 1100 00 00 29. The Total Sum of what is Levied for the Four Universities of Montauban Saumur Die and Nisms amounts to 15800 Livres 15800 00 00 ARTICLE 30. A Dividend of the Sum of 15800 Livres being the remainders of the Sum of 1600 Livres granted by his Majesty unto this Synod for defraying the Expences of Four and Fifty Deputies who received each of them 292 l. 11 s. 6 d. Â l. s. d. 1. To Anjou for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 2. To the Isle of France for 3 Deputies 0877 15 04 3. To Normandy for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 4. To Dolphiny for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 5. To Sevennes for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 6. To Bearn for 2 Deputies 585 03 06 7. To the Lower Guienne for 2 Deputies 585 03 06 8. To Xaintonge for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 9. To Vivaretz for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 10. To Berry for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 11. To Poictou for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 12. To Brittaine for 2 Deputies 585 03 06 13. To Higher Guienne for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 14. To Lower Languedoc for 4 Deputies 1170 07 06 15. To Burgundy for 3 Deputies 877 15 04 16. To Provence for 2 Deputies 585 03 06 ARTICLE 31. The Two Hundred Livres which remained to compleat the Sum of Sixteen Hundred were employed in defraying the Charges of two Deputies who were sent unto Paris about the Business of the Churches and to attend some time at