Bordier who is now sent unto them that so the Church of Chasteauneuf may not be left destitute And in case this be granted Monsieur de St. Fariol shall reimburse their Expences in procuring of him to be their Minister LIV. Whereas the Church of Die in Dolphiny have requested that Monsieur Figon might be sent unto them in case he were at liberty and for that our Brethren the Sieurs Tempeste and Moranges have yeilded to it the Assembly dismisseth this Affair unto the Consistory of Lions which shall do in it as they see good LV. Monsieur Matthew D'Anche offering himself voluntarily to be Professor of Divinity was refused till such time as he produced his Attestations and Testimonials from those Churches in which he hath lived and particularly from Geneva where he saith he hath lived a very long time and in case he refuse to do this the Ministers are bound to hinder him LVI Monsieur Vaisse reported how that he was sent to serve the Church of Ville Franche which is now dissipated by the Enemies of the Gospel and in the time of Perfection he withdrew himself unto the Lord of Pieure waiting for the Restauration of his Church which is not yet returned what shall he do Some were of opinion that he should continue with the said Lord of Pieure and that the Church of Ville Franche should be provided of another Minister But the major part of the Deputies judged that he ought upon the first Invitations given him by his Church to return unto them in case he could live among them in safety and that in the mean while he should continue the exercise of his Ministry in the House of the said Lord of Pieure who shall by the Classis or Colloquy be supplied with another Pastor whenever the said Vaissé shall be called back unto Ville Franche LVII Master Damian Joubert complaining that his Church of Domles neglected to maintain him The Church of Issoyre upon examination of this matter and finding it true is ordered to set and declare him free from their Service LVIII The Church and Brethren of Aubusson yeilded that Monsieur Du Pont their Minister should be Pastor in the Church of Creuen but with this Condition That whenas the said Church of Aubusson should be restored that they help them to another This their mutual Agreemant was approved LIX The Province of Berry hath the priviledge granted it by this Assembly to call the next National Synod within one Year and to give notice thereof unto all the Provinces three Months before the time and Place of meeting CHAP. XVII Memorials drawn up in the present Synod for the Service of the CHVRCH ARTICLE I. THe Churches shall be admonished to make a faithful Collection of all notable and remarkable Passages of Divine Providence which have happened in their Precincts and to send those Narratives unto our Reverend Brethren the Pastors of Geneva with all possible speed and diligence ARTICLE II. Monsieur Beza shall be intreated to draw up in Writing the Causes and Protestations of Nullity against the Council of Trent both in the Latine and French Tongues and he shall send them unto the Ministers at Court that they may present them unto his Majesty ARTICLE III. A most Humble Petition shall be presented unto his Majesty that we be not hindred nor debarred of our Synodical Assemblies which yet shall not be delivered without the express Consent of the chiefest Lords who are at Court and professing the Reformed Religion ARTICLE IV. The Articles of the three former National Synods shall be compiled into a Body unto which these of this present Synod shall be added and the Church of Lions shall give forth Copies of them ARTICLE V. Our Brethren the Pastors of Geneva shall be intreated to write us their Judgment about some principal Points of Church-Discipline as about Elections of Church-Officers and the Sentence of Excommunication and to send Copies of this their Judgment unto the Church of Lions which is ordered to distribute them among the Provinces of this Kingdom that so the Deputies may come prepared with well-digested Thoughts about those Articles unto the next National Synod and in the mean while all the Churches are required to conform themselves unanimously unto those Canons of Church-Discipline which have been already composed for them by the Decrees of our three former National Synods ARTICLE VI. The Provinces shall be advised to send their respective Proctors unto Court who may be charged to solicite the Affairs of their Provinces and they shall not act any thing but according to the Instructions put into their hands by their Principals nor shall they undertake any matter of great importance without having first communicated it unto their Province and they shall conclude on such courses as shall be joyntly concerted between them and the Ministers who may be then about the Court. CHAP. XVIII The Provinces if they themselves approve of it shall be thus divided Distinction of the Provinces of France 1. THE Isle of France Picardy Brie and Champagne 2. Burgundy Lyonnois Forest and Auvergne 3. Dolphiny Languedoc and Provence 4. Poictou and Xaintongs 5. Gascony Limousin and Agenois 6. Britain Turenne Anjou and Le Maine 7. Normandy 8. Berry Orleance and the County of Chartres VIII The Canons decreed in this Assembly shall be communicated unto our Brethren the Pastors of Geneva who having perused them shall return them back again unto the Church of Lions and by them sent unto our three first Provincial Synods and from them to be distributed among the other Provinces of this Kingdom CHAP. XIX BOOKS Censured IX THe Churches shall be advised of a Book lately published with this Title Conseil a la Pauvre France whereof Castalio is the reputed Author 'T is a wicked Piece and therefore they must be aware of it X. And they shall also reject a little Pamphlet added unto a Catechise stiled Les Demandes que font les Ministres de Geneve a ceux quil veulent recevoir la Cene. CHAP. XX. The Vagrants and Deposed Ministers 1. MArmande who was in the Ministry near Chartres 2. James de Vernueil or Berneil employed in Normandy 3. Beaujean Beraud or Bergard for he goeth by all these Names he was an Augustinian Fryar and Prior of their Convent at Poictiers 4. Christopher de la Place 5. Louis Tudett 6. A great lubberly Franciscan Fryer who quitted his Frock in the House of the Lord de la Martiniere he is called La Motte 7. William Tortereau de Foussay 8. William Coistereau or Bretereau du Bois 9. Peter Vrede or Boulay of Niort an Apostate 10. Maâ—turin Pennin or Pelling or Pilin for he goes by all these Names 11. Simeon Regent of the Colledge at Surgeres 12. John de la Tourniere 13. John Guerin 14. James Pinus 15. Lewes Matthew or Maton 16. Peter le Brun. 17. Calix Baptiste formerly a Carrier of Rogations he was a Monk at Thoulouse and Secretary to the Cardinal of
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
knowledge might be had of their Call who sate and voted in this Assembly Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars was chosen Moderator Monsieur John Chauve Assessor Pastor of the Church of Sommieres Monsieur John Jammet Pastor of the Church of St. Amand in Bourbonnois and Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Court of Parliament of Paris and Elder of that Church were chosen Scribes 2. The Synod examining the Letters of Commission Impowering the Deputies of the Provinces to sit and act in it began with those of the Isle of France Picardy c. for which appeared Monsieur John Baptist Bugnet Pastor of the Church of Compiegne Samuel Quinson Pastor of the Church de la Ferté au Vidame together with Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church there and Philip de Cormieres Esq Lord of Fromentieres and of La Haye Elder in the Church of Chaltray 3. For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Obadiah de Mondenys Pastor of the Church of Fescamp Peter Paris Pastor of the Church of Pontoison together with Samuel le Cal Esq Lord of Beurevil Elder in the Church of Gisors and Michael le Petit Lord of la Joisiere Elder in the Church of St. Lo. 4. For the Province of Brittaine Monsieur Peter de la Place Pastor of the Church of Sion Guy le Noir Lord of Crevain Pastor of the Church of Roche Bernard and Croisis together with Elias de Goulaine Esq Lord of Laudouiniere Elder of the Church of Viellevigne and John Ravenell Lord of Boistillenil Elder in the Church of Rennes 5. For the Province of Berry Orleans c. Monsieur Daniel Jammet Pastor of the Church of St. Amand John Guerin Pastor of the Church of Baugeney together with John de Bussieres Controller of his Majesties Salt-Granary at Sancerre and Elder of the same Church and John du Plessis General-Assessor of his Majesties Subsidies at Pithinieres Elder of the Church of Chilleure 6. For the Province of Anjou Tourain c. Monsieur John Vigneu Pastor of the Church of Mans Renatus Conseil Pastor of the Church of Lassay together with Giles Bouchereau Lord of la Mothe Advocate at Saumur and Elder of the same Church and Hannibal de Farsy Lord of St. Laurence Attorney in the Exchequer of the Lordship and County of Laval Elder of the Church there 7. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars Paul Geslin Lord of la Pilletiere Pastor of the Church at Chastelheraut together with Giles Begaud Esq Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Mountague and Samuel Maucler Esq Lord of Marconnay Elder in the Church of la Ganache 8. For the Province of Xaintonge and Aulnix c. Monsieur Samuel L' ommeau Pastor of the Church of Rochel William Rivet Lord of Chanvernon Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg together with John Preverant Lord of Piterne Judge of Montignac and Elder of the Church there and Monsieur Elijah Dieu the Lord High Justice his Attorney in the Lordship of Soubize and Elder of the Church in the same place 9. For the Province of Lower Guyenne Monsieur Peter de la Musse Pastor of the Church of Nerac Peter Hefperian Pastor of the Church of Ste Foy together with John de Geneste Lord of La Tour Advocate in the Court of the Edict at Nerac and Elder of the Church of Sauvetat and Peter de Pichard Captain of Gironde and Castelmoran Elder of the Church of Gironde 10. For the Province of the Principality of Bearn Monsieur John de Capdeville Pastor of the Church of Navarrins together with John de Angerre Advocate in the Parliament of Pau and Elder of the Church in the same place 11. For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommieres James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Nismes together with William de Girard Lord of Moussac Elder of the Church in the same place and Peter de Calviere Lord of St. Cesaire Elder in the Church of Nismes 12. For the Province of Dolphiny Monsieur John Felix Pastor in the Church of Romans Denys Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Grenoble together with Peter Guyon Lord of Salbetter Elder in the Church of Manars and Salomon Vulson Lord of Villette Elder in the Church of Mené 13. For the Province of Vivaretz Forest c. Monsieur Peter * * * He after revolted and prov'd a True Turn-Turk Marchat Pastor of the Church of St. Stephens John Mozé Pastor of the Church of Annonay together with James de Serres Doctor of the Civil Law Elder in the Church of Aubenas and whereas the Lord of Cussons Elder of the Church of Annonay was also chosen and named in the Letters of Commission but did not appear his absence was not approved by the Assembly Yet afterwards on the third of June the said Lord of Cussons returning from his Depuration unto the Assembly at Rochel was received into this Assembly 14. For the Province of Sevennes and Gevaudan Monsieur Lewes Courant Pastor of the Church of Anduze and Andrew de la Faye Pastor of the Church of St. German together with John de Barjac Lord of Villeneufre Elder in the Church of Vigan and John de Barjac Lord of Gasques Elder in the Church of St. Martyn 15. For the Province of Burgundy Lionnois Charlois and Gex Monsieur Lewes de la Coste Pastor of the Church of Dijon Peter Boulenat Pastor of the Church of Avalon instead of Monsieur Eliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Duke whose excuses were admitted and in case he should afterward come unto this Assembly the said Boulenat might if he please return together with Albert du Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church * * * Another Copy reads of Maringues of Vesle and Monsieur John Gravier Advocate in the Parliament of Dijon and Elder of the Church there 16. For the Province of Provence Monsieur Peter Maurice Pastor of the Church of Lormarin together with Charles de Bachy Esq Lord of St. Stephens Elder in the Church of Thouars And whereas Monsieur Samuel Toussain Pastor of the Church of Luke and Monsieur John Clement called Captain Cadet Elder of the Church there appeared also with Letters of Commission from the Synod held at Cabrieres the fifteenth of April last This Assembly having heard the said Deputies declared the Deputation of Monsieur Maurice and St. Stephens to be lawful and that of Monsieur Toussain and Clement illegal as being done contrary to the Canons and Forms of our Church-Discipline Yet nevertheless for divers important Causes and for the service of the said Province the said Toussain and Clement were both admitted as Members of it only the said Toussain was censured for accepting of the said Deputation and the rather because it appeared by the acts of St. Maixant that he is relapst into the same fault for
Answer to it the 27th of May 1617. THE National Synod held at Vitré in the Province of Brittain having deputed unto his Majesty Messieurs Peter Hesperian Pastor of the Church of St. Foy in the Lower Guienne Denis de Bouteroue Pastor of the Church at Grenoble in Dolphiny Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Balene Elder of the Church at Maringues in the Vpper Auvergne and William Gerard Esq Lord of Moussac Elder in the Church of Moussac and Province of Lower Languedoc they were admitted into his Majesty's presence the 27th day of the same Month and the said Mr. Hesperian did express himself in these words unto the King SIRE THere be now prostrate at your Majesty's Feet in our Persons all your Subjects professing the Reformed Religion represented by the National Synod Assembled by your gracious Permission and under your Royal Authority in your City of Vitré who have deputed us unto your Majesty to testify unto your Majesty the extraordinary joys and thankfullness of your said Subjects both to our God and your Majesty for that the Kingdom is in Peace your Authority in great Splendour and your Sacred Person at full Liberty and this by that wise and generous resolution which you have undertook and executed by a just punishment of the grand Disturber of your Kingdom and Oppressor of your Authority and which was worst of all of one who had exposed your Sacred Person to the most imminent and apparent dangers This Action of your Majesty was altogether extraordinary it was an Enterprise purely divine and miraculous for it turned in a moment the storm into a calm Wars into Peace our frights into assurance our perils into security and tyranny into a most rightful and righteous Government At this instant as if your Sacred Majesty were now come unto the Crown France knoweth that it hath a King and the whole World That the King of France is most worthy to reign and govern At this instant that your Majesty holds the Reins of Government in your own hands all your Subjects do render that most humble obedience and subjection which is due unto you and particularly those of the Reformed Religion who are most ready and willing to hazard and adventure their Estates their Honours and their very Lives for your Majesty's Service And in truth Sire this Assembly which hath deputed us unto your Majesty was no sooner formed but that it did most solemnly protest and swear as we also are charged in the name and behalf of all the Churches Reformed in your Kingdom now to protest and swear that we will never depart from that most humble obedience and most faithful service which as your true liege and natural born Subjects is our bounden duty unto your Majesty And we feel and know that we are indispensably obliged to it by those numberless favours and benefits which we received from Henry the Great our late King and your Majesties Father of most glorious Memory and by those continued to us by your Majesty and which we hope shall be still vouchsafed us because we believe that the maintenance of your Authority is our Security and the firmness of your Crown that of our repose and safety But yet there is another Bond and Obligation stronger than all these upon us even that of our Conscience and Religion which from the divinely inspired Scriptures are taught and instructed to subject our selves unto the higher Powers and that to resist them is to resist the Ordinance of God who we know hath exalted your Majesty unto the Throne put the Crown upon your Head the Scepter into your Hand and all Heroick Vertues into your Royal Heart And therefore Sire next and after our God we do acknowledge your Majesty to be our only Soveraign And 't is an Article of our Creed that there is no middle Power between God and the Kings 'T is with us reputed a most damnable Heresy to call this truth in question and to turn it into disputation is a capital Crime to be punished by the Judges This Lesson Sire we learnt of our Predecessors this we believe and publish in all places and this Doctrine we preach from our Pulpits in our Churches and teach from the Press unto the World and we will live in it Sire that our Posterity after us may learn and practise it by our Example Therefore is it that we hope your Majesty crediting and considing in our immoveable Loyalty will be pleased to continue to us the benefits of your Edicts and that your Royal Ears will be open to our Complaints and Grievances and that holding the Ballance steady and right you will do us upon all occasions right and justice By which your Majesty will the more confirm us in our unchangeable purpose and resolution to live and die in the quality of your most humble most faithful and most obedient Subjects and Servants Monsieur Hesperian having finished his Speech his Majesty returned this Answer Do you continue to serve me faithfully and you may be well assured that I will be a good and kind King unto you and that I will preserve you according to my Edicts And taking from him the Letter which the Synod had written him he gave it to Monsieur de Pontchartrain commanding him to read it and return an Answer to it Printed by Abraham Saugrain living in St. James his Street over against the three Sawcers according to the Licence given the 16th of June 1617. and Signed by H. de Mesmes CHAP. VIII General Matters 1. THE Motion of Lower Languedoc 1 Paris 38. for certain new Canons about Divorces was not accepted 2. This Assembly Ordained at the request of the same Province Figeac 8. that such Parents who chuse for their Childrens Baptism Sureties of the Romish Religion though they appear not in Person but by their Proxies of the Reformed Religion shall be prosecuted both Parents and Proxies with all Church-Censures 3. Notice shall be given in all our Churches to take special heed Saumur Obs 11. that they give no Attestation unto the Moors banished out of Spain and who wander from one Church to another till they be very well satisfied of their Religion and religious Conversation and such as have been already received and make their abode in any of our Churches shall be once more examined with all possible care as to their Faith and Knowledge and Life and in all Attestations that shall be given them express mention shall be made of their having been baptized and of the number of their Children 4. The Deputies of Xaintonge moved Liâ—â—s p. ni 30. whether Moors and other Infidels that were brought away by pure force out of their Native Country into Christendom and baptized by Popish Priests without any previous Instructions in the Doctrines of Christian Religion ought to be Rebaptized they having been since duly Catechized by our Protestant Ministers This Assembly though it acknowledgeth abundance of defaults in their Baptism doth yet notwithstanding
of Orleans Elijah du Bois Esq Lord of Senelieres Elder of the Church of Chasteaudun and John du Four Counsellor to the King and his Judge in the Sessions of Blois and Elder of the Church there For the Province of Anjou Mr. John Vigneux Pastor of the Church of Mans Isaac le Pelletier Pastor of the Church of Vandome George Rabboteau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Pruilly and Samuel Pruchieur Lord de la Mesnerie and of the Waters and Forests in the Sheriffdom of Anjou Elder of the Church of Bange For the Province of the Higher and Lower Poictou Mr. Isaac Caville Pastor of the Church of Cove James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poitiers Claudius Gourjault Esq Lord of Venoars Elder in the Church of â—usignun and Michael des Roulins Esq Lord of Bois St. Martyn Elder in the Church of Mouschamp For the Province of Xaintonge Mr. William Rivett Lord of Chauvernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg Theodore de â—ignon Judge Assistant in the Town of Rochefoucaut and Elder of the Church there and John Thomas Judge of Mirambeau Elder of the Church there as for Michael le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Rochell and deputed at the same time together with the said Lord of Chauvernown he fell sick just as he came to Paris and departed this Life on Wednesday the Thirteenth of this instant September and was buried the next day in the Church-yard of Charenton aforesaid For the Province of the Lower Guyenne Mr. John Alba Pastor of the Church of Tonneins James Berdolin Pastor of the Church of Duras Seigneron Buffoon formerly Lieutenant in the Seneschally of Castlejaloux Elder of the Church there and Mathias Capduroy Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder of that Church For the Province of Lower Languedoc Solomon Crubelier Pastor of the Church of Vauvert and John Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Nismes and Professor of Divinity in that University James â—esquet Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Montpellier and du Mas Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Lunel absent never came unto the Synod For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne Mr. Peter Beraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Montauban Peter Savoys Pastor of the Church of Castres John Mauzy the Kings Attorney in the Judicature of Ville â—ongue Elder in the Church of Puylaurens and James Herauldy Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Figeac For the Province of Burgundy Mr. Isaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of â—ions James Clerk Pastor of the Church of Sessy Peter de L' Oriol Esq Lord of Zarlac Elder in the Church of Bourg and Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church of Maringues absent and did not come unto this Synod For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Orange Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimart Moses du Port Esq Captain and Constable of the Castle of Lamure Elder of the Church there and Daniel Bois Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble and Elder of the Church in that City For the Province of Sevennes Mr. James Berlie Pastor of the Church of Quissac Paul Paulett Pastor of the Church at Vazenobre Andrew du Crois Esq Lord of Vazenobre and Elder of the Church of St. German and Calbergue and Anthony Despeces Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Alez For the Province of the Isle of France Mr. Samuel Durant and Mr. John Mestrezat Pastors of the Church of Paris Peter de Launay Counsellor and Secretary to the King Elder of the said Church and James de Herouard Esq Lord of â—osseuse Elder in the Church of Baillolett The Lord of Montmartyn Deputy General for the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom to His Majesty took his Place and sate personally in this Synod according to the Canon of our Churches in this case provided Eight Dayes after the opening of the Synod there came and craved admission into it The Sieurs Bertrand d' Avignon Lord of Souvigne Pastor of the Church of Rennes and John de Gennes Lord of la Baste Elder in the Church of Vitre Deputies for the Province of Britain and being demanded the reasons of their delay and late coming they answered that it arose hence that their Provincial Synod could not be held early enough because that His Majesty having given Order to some particular Persons to send an Officer who might assist in Person in it they put off his Nomination and Commission so long that they have lost all this time which Excuses of theirs were accepted by the Assembly Twelve dayes after the Synod had sate there came into it Mr. John D' Isserotte Pastor of the Church of Moneings Deputy for the Principality of Bearn who declared that the Letters of Convocation unto this present Synod came not into their Province but very lately so that they could not assemble their own Synod timely enough for the Deputies to meet at the opening of this Assembly and that Mr. Samuel Campaigne Elder in the Church of Olleroon who was deputed together with him fell sick just as they were beginning their Journey so that he had not time to acquaint the other Person with it who was ordered in case of such an Accident to succeed him in this Office and therefore he humbly requested this Synod to accept of these his Excuses which it also did and gave him his priviledge of sitting and voteing in it But forasmuch as in his Letters of Commission the clause of submission was couched in those very self-same terms and under those conditions wherewith the Deputies of the said Principality had been hitherto admitted into these Assemblies and that the Synod of Alez had suffered those Conditions because of the juncture of Affairs then and by provision only until this present Synod therefore this Assembly doth ordain in pursuance of the limitations and restrictions made in the foregoing National Synods the Provinces shall have full liberty to require that the said Sieur D' Isserotte may not in some cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom not be permitted either his deliberative or decisive Vote and that before the breaking up of this Synod he do produce the reasons why the Churches in the Principality of Bearne have so long deferred their full and intire subjection to the Discipline of the Churches in France and of which this Assembly will consider and give judgment The Sixteenth day after the Synod had sate there came unto it for the Province of Vivaretz Mr. Joseph Villou Pastor of the Church of Chambon Solomon Faure Pastor of the Church of Privas Anthony Perrottin Advocate Elder in the Church of Villeneusve de Berg and John Faure Lord of Champlas Elder in the Church of Tournon near Privas who related that through the delays and difficulties caused by the Governours and
it necessary to make a Deputation unto His Majesty and voted the Sieurs de Bouteroue and de Baleines to carry their most Humble Petitions unto His Majesty who were charged with Letters and Instructions unto His Majesty and to the Chief Ministers of State CHAP. VII A Copy of the Councils Letter sent unto the King SIR The Synods Letter sent unto the King THE Sence and Experience we have of Your Majesties Royal Bounty unto our Churches and of their great Sufferings notwithstanding this your goodness through the Non-Execution of your Edicts in the Provinces of your Kingdom do compell us to depute unto Your Majesty the Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines to lay at Your Majesties feet together with the sincere protestations of our inviolable fidelity unto Your Majesties Service our most humble acknowledgments and thanks for your gracious favours and our just and necessary requests for the relief and comforting of our poor Churches We humbly trust that Your Majesty will be pleased to give them a favourable audience and to grant us our most Humble Petitions and to accept of the Devout and most hearty Prayers of many Thousands of Godly Persons for Your Majesties Prosperity who whilst they lie groaning under the most insupportable pressures in the World do notwithstanding live in a profound Obedience unto Your Majesties Authority And from the bottom of our Souls and with the greatest ardency imaginable we supplicate the Throne of Grace to bless and preserve Your Majesties Most Sacred Person and to augment and continue the happyness of Your Majesties Reign and Government being alwayes Most Dread Soveraign From Castres Septemb. 1626. Your most Humble most Faithful and most Obedient Subjects and Servants The Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in their National Synod at Castres and for them all Chauve Moderator Bouteroue Assessor Blondel and Petit Scribes CHAP. VIII THE Eight and Twentieth day of October The Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines Deputies unto the King returned with Letters from His Majesty and the Lord d' Herbaut Secretary of State and reported that they had a very favourable Reception from His Majesty and Ministers of State and that having presented their Address unto the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council they had obtained a Command unto the Parliament of Thoulouse to take away the Modifications put by the said Parliament upon the last Edict of Peace and were promised that Commissioners should be sent into the Provinces of Xaintonge the Higher and Lower Languedoc Rochell and the Land of Aunix to see that the Edict be duely executed They were also assured that the Assignations formerly given unto the Lord of Candal should be made good and valid and that they had an order for twelve hundred Livres to defray the Charges of their Journey besides the Summ of Ten Thousand Livres granted by His Majesty unto this Council to pay their Charges But as for the restoring of Monsieur du Moulin to the Church of Paris and a License for holding of a General Assembly His Majesty was utterly averse unto it and would in no wise yield thereunto and we should know more of his mind upon this Article and of his good intentions as to the nomination of our General Deputies by his Commissioner the Lord Galland Thanks were given unto our good God that he had granted us to find favour with the King and the Deputies also which were sent unto His Majesty had the thanks of the Council and were commended for their Conduct and Dexterity which was so acceptable unto the King and Lords of His Majesties Council and approved by this Assembly A Copy of the Kings Letter unto this National Synod DEAR and Well-beloved we received the Letters by the Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines your Deputies and understood from their Mouths and your Address presented to us what they were ordered by you to declare unto us Whereunto we have by word of Mouth and Writing given those favourable Answers which shall be related to you by those your Deputies to which we shall add with a willing mind the Effects or our Grace and Royal favour upon all occasions that may occur for the Weal and General happyness of Our Subjects of your Religion and of you all joyutly and severally as we also promise our selves that you will keep you within those bounds of Fidelity and Obedience which good and Loyal Subjects owe unto their King and that you will verifie by your actions the words of your aforesaid Deputies as we exhort you so to do and moreover to give credence unto the Lord Galland our Counsellor in our Council of State in all things whatsoever that he shall offer to you as from us Given at St. German in Laye this Fourteenth of October 1626. Signed Louis and a little lower Philippeaux And the Superscription was thus directed To Our Dear and Well-Beloved the Deputies of the P. Reformed Religion Assembled by our License in a National Synod in our City of Castres CHAP. IX A Copy of the Lord Herbaut's Letter unto this Council SIRS YOUR Deputies were favourably received by His Majesty and His Majesty heard with very great satisfaction those Assurances from their Mouths of your Fidelity and sincere intentions to the Publick Peace and Tranquillity When His Majesty granted it unto you it was with a full purpose inviolably to keep it with you and farther to give you with the injoyment thereof all other matters accorded to you by his Edicts What remains but that on your part you contribute whatever His Majesty might expect from your Prudence and Conduct and to measure by what is past that the duration and firm settlement of your Repose doth principally depend on your Obedience yielding unto his Majesty what is due unto him and is necessary for your well-being And you may believe that in so doing his Gracious Favours will be multiplyed upon you dayly and that I shall be ready to serve you in all good Offices with His Majesty that you may resent the comfortable Effects thereof according as you have deserved them In the mean while I rest Sirs Your most Humble and Affectionate Servant Philippeaux The Superscription was To my Lords My Lords the Deputies Assembled by His Majesties permission in a National Synod at Castres CHAP. X. Amore ample Declaration of the Kings Will upon several points demanded by the Deputies WHEN as the Letter of His Majesty but now recited was read My Lord Galland the Kings Commissioner declared that for the reasons given by His Majesty unto the Deputies and according to the import of the Articles answered by the Council he could not consent unto the return of Monsieur du Moulin nor for divers Considerations noted in those Articles now read could he at present give way for the meeting of a General Politick Assembly His Majesty reserving the grant thereof when as there shall be need of it and his Affairs of State may
the Lords William Rivet Lord of Champrernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg and Peter Richer Lord of Vaudelincourt Pastor of the Church of Marennes accompanied with the Lords Denys Pasquett Esq Lord of Large Baston Elder in the Church of Angoulesme and Charles Constant Comptroller for his Majesty in the Election of St. John d'Angely and Elder of the Church in that City 8. For the Province of Brittain the Sieurs Josua de la Place Pastor of the Church of Nantes assembling for Religious Worship at Suffé without an Elder for the Lords Daniel de la Tousche Lord of la Ravardiere Elder in the Church of Ploer and Daniel Chastaigner Lord of la Grolliere Elder in the Church of Vielle vigne who was substituted in his Place did both send their Letters of Request that they might be dispensed with for their non-Attendance at the Synod and their Excuses were admitted and accepted 9. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs James de Berdoline Pastor of the Church of Duras and Charles d'Aubus Pastor of the Church of Nerac accompanied with the Lords John de Mazilieres Advocate in the High Court of Parliament of Bourdeaux Lord of Grave and Elder in the Church of Nerac the Lord John Aymé de Friginet Advocate also in the same Parliament and Elder of the Church of Bergerac was chosen but fell sick and therefore was excused and in his stead there appeared Isaac de Geneste Lord of la Tour Advocate in the same Parliament and Elder in the Church of la Sauvetat who was substituted by the Suffrages of the Provincial Synod in his stead 10. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieur Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar and Louis Santel Advocate and Elder of the same Church The Province excused it self for sending but two Deputies and their Excuses were admitted for this time and they were injoined for the future never to omit the Clause of Submission which was not sound in their Letters of Deputation tendred by them unto the Council 11. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs Moses Blasehon Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne and Antony Vincent Pastor of the Church of Merneys together with Stephen de Billanges Lord of Blanqfort and Elder in the Church of Vigan and Claudius d'Airebeldoze Esq Lord of Clairan Elder in the Church of Canoblet 12. For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Matthew Cottiere Pastor of the Church of Tours and Moses Amyraud Pastor of the Church of Sanmur and Professor of Divinity in that University together with the Sieurs Philip Niett Counsellor of the King and Warden of his Majesty's Salt-garners in the said City of Saumur and Elder of the Church there and Josiah Poize Advocate in Parliament Elder of the Church at Previlly 13. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieur Peter Pittard Pastor of the Church of Alben with the Sieur Francis de Montauban de Rambault Esq Lord of Villars Elder in the Church of Gap and the Sieur Stephen Gilbert Advocate Elder in the Church of Die the Sieur Denis de Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Greenoble though chosen â—id not appear because of his Majesty's Prohibition yet afterwards he obtained leave to assist in this Council as will appear by its Acts and Records 14. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Cuurch of Montpellier and John de Croy Pastor of the Church of Bezieres together with the Sieurs Peter Cheyron Advocate and Elder in the Church of Nismes and Andrew Bruneau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Bagnols 15. For the Province of Higher Languedoc the Sieur Timothy Delon Pastor of the Church of Montauban with the Sieurs Peter de Villette Lord de la Jongniere Elder in the Church of St. Antonine and Paul Constans Counsellor for the King and Elder in the Church of Montaubon Master Peter Beraud Pastor of the aforesaid Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University did not appear at first because of his Majesty's Prohibition but afterward when it was taken off he did accordingly take his Place in this Council 16. For the Province and Principality of Bearn there appeared the Sieurs Peter Labadie Pastor of the Church of Pau and John de Pommerade Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder of the Church in Morlas 17. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Abdias de Mondenis Pastor in the Church of Dieppe together with Laurence le Fevre Advocate in the Parliament of Normandy and Elder in the Church of Rouan and John Cardell Lord of Marettes Counsellor of the King and his Comptroller in the Election of Alencon and Elder of the Church in the same Place and the Sieur Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Quarentin though chosen yet did not at first appear because of his Majesty's Prohibition but as soon as it was taken off he came and took his Place in the Synod as will appear in the following Acts. 18. For the Province of the Isle of France the Sieurs John Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris and David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Roussy together with the Sieurs John de Gravelles Esq Lord of Banterne Elder in the Church of Houdan and Charles Mayland Advocate Elder in the Church of Montdidier 19. The fifteenth Day of September the Lord Marquess of Clermont General Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom unto his Majesty came according to the usual Order of these National Synods and took his Place in it having Precedency given him according to his Degree and Quality and as it was afterward decreed in the eleventh Article of General Matters 20. Prayers having been offered up unto God Monsieur Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris was by Plurality of Votes chosen Moderator and Monsieur Jamet Assessor and Monsieur Blondel Pastor and Monsieur Armet an Elder Scribes of the Synod CHAP. II. The King's Letters Patents 21. AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were chosen his Majesty's Letters Patents were read a true Copy whereof is here inserted 22. Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our beloved and trusty Counsellor in our Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for our House of Navarre the Lord Galland Greeting We having given leave unto our Subjects professing the pret Reformed Religion to hold a National Synod at Charenton near our City of Paris the first Day of September next in which the Deputies of all the Provinces in this our Kingdom shall meet and consult about Matters concerning their Religion and we being to choose a Person sufficiently qualified and of approved Loyalty who may be present in the said Council as our Representative and Commissioner and calling to Mind the many Services you have done us in sundry and very weighty Imployments with which we have intrusted you both at home and abroad within and without the Kingdom all which
of humanity and Consanguinity CAN. XVI Neither Ministers nor other Members of the Church may print any Books composed by themselves or others concerning Religion nor may they at all publish them until they have first Communicated them unto the Colloquy or if need be unto the Provincial Synod And in case the matter be urgent requiring speedy dispatch unto the Universities or to two Pastors appointed by the Synod who shall attest under their own hands that they have perused and examined the said Writings CAN. XVII They that handle the Histories of holy Scripture in Poems are admonished not to blend or intermingle Poetick Fables with them nor to give unto God the names of a false God nor to add unto nor take any thing from the Sacred Scriptures but they shall confine themselves as near as they can unto the words of it CAN. XVIII Neither the Canonical nor other Books of the Bible shall be transformed into Comedies or Tragedies CAN. XIX Churches which have Printers belonging to them shall advise them not to print any Books concerning Religion or the Discipline of the Church without having first Communicated them unto the Consistory because of those manifold Inconveniencies which have formerly happened upon this account And neither Printers nor Booksellers nor Hawkers shall sell any Books of Idolatry or that be Scandalous stuffed with Ribauldry or Impiety which tend to the corrupting of good Manners CAN. XX. Although Priests cannot lay any just claim or title unto Tyths in regard of their Ministry yet nevertheless they must be paid because of the King's Command and for the avoidance of Scandal and Sedition CAN. XXI According to his Majesties Edict the Faithful shall be exhorted to give none offence by working upon Holy-Days CAN. XXII All Usuries shall be most strictly forbidden and suppressed and matters of Loan shall be regulated according to the Kings Ordinance and the Rule of Charity CAN. XXIII All violence and injurious words against the Members of the Church of Rome as also against Priests and Monks shall not only be forborn but also as much as may be shall be totally suppressed CAN. XXIV Swearers who in passion or levity do take God's holy Name in vain and others who blaspheme the Divine Majesty shall be most severely censured and if after the second admonition they be not reclaimed they shall be then suspended from the Lord's Table And all Outragious Blasphemers Forswearers and such like Persons shall in no wise be tolerated in Church-Communion But immediately for their first offence shall be suspended the Lord's Supper and if they continue in their Ungodliness they shall be publickly Excommunicated CAN. XXV The Churches shall admonish the Faithful of both Sexes to retain Modesty and that most especially in their Habits and shall take care that all Superfluities heretofore committed in them may be retrenched But yet our Churches shall not make any Decree about it because it is an affair properly belonging unto the Civil Magistrate yet may they endeavour by their Remonstrances that his Majesties Edict concerning these matters be more diligently observed CAN. XXVI No Person shall be deprived of Communion at the Lord's Table for wearing any fashion of Apparel which is ordinarily and usually worn in this Kingdom But under this head those ought not to be comprised which carry with them a notorious Badge of Lasciviousness dissolution or over-curious novelty such as naked Breasts Painting and the like with which Men and Women cloath and abuse themselves And Consistories shall do their utmost to suppress these Impieties and shall proceed against the Refractory by Suspension from the Lord's Table N. B. That Clause in the middle of this Canon Printed in another Letter is found in my Parisian and Quevilly Editions of the Discipline yet injoined by the National Synods held at St. Foy 1578. Canon 21. of General Matters The second of Rochel 1581. Art 41. Explaining the 26 Canon in the last Chapter of the Discipline and the Synod of Montauban 1594. Canon 45. of General Matters CAN. XXVII All Dances shall be supprest and such as make a Trade of Dancing or make Custom of being present at Dances having been sundry times admonished in case they prove contumacious and Rebellious they shall be Excommunicated and all Consistories are charged to see that this Canon be most heedfully kept and observed and in the name of God and by the Authority of this Synod that it be read publickly in their Churches And Colloquies and Provincial Synods are exhorted to have an observing eye on those Consistories which shall not perform their duty in this particular that they may be censured N.B. Provincial Synods is left out by pure omission from my other Editions but those of Paris and Quevilly CAN. XXVIII Mummings and Juglings shall not be suffered nor Wassail-days nor keeping of Shrovetide nor Players at Heypass nor Tumblers nor Tricks of Goblets nor Puppet-Plays and Christian Magistrates are exhorted not to permit them because they do feed curiosity and cause a great deal of waste and loss of time Moreover it shall not be lawful for the Faithful to go to Comedies Tragedies Interludes Farces or other Stage-Plays acted in publick or private because in all Ages these have been forbidden among Christians as bringing in a corruption of good Manners but then most of all when as the Sacred Scriptures come to be profaned Yet nevertheless when as in a Colledge it shall be found profitable for Youth to represent any History it may be tolerated provided always that the subject matter thereof be not comprised in the holy Scripture which was never given us for matter of sport but purely to be Preached for our Instruction and Comfort And this also shall be done very rarely and with advice of the Colloquy which shall first have the sight and perusal of the Composition CAN. XXIX All Plays forbidden by the Kings Edicts as Cards Dice and other Games of hazard avarice lasciviousness notorious loss of time or scandal shall be suppressed and the Persons reproved and admonished in the Consistories and censured according to Circumstances No Lotteries can be approved although they were or were not allowed by the Civil Magistrate and the godly Magistrates professing the Reformed Religion are exhorted to restrain them N. B. This last Clause of the Canon is only in my two Editions of Paris and Quevilly CAN. XXX It is a thing purely indifferent to be present at those Feasts and Banquets which are made by those of the Popish Religion when as they are Espoused Married or their Children are born However the Faithful are admonished to use them for edification and seriously to ponder with themselves whether they be Masters of so much strength as to resist the dissolutions and other evils committed at them and especially whether they can reprove them And under these Feasts those are not to be comprised which Priests make at the Celebration of their first Mass for it is utterly unlawful for any one who
thereof at Pimpoul and for Diepe in the Suburbs of Paulet and the said places of Pimpoul and Paulet shall be ordained to be places of Bailywicks As for Sancerre the said exercise shall be continued as it is at present saving that it shall not be set up again in the said Town the Inhabitants there making it appear that the Lord of the place consenteth to it and care shall be taken herein by those Commissioners which his Majesty shall depute for the executing of the said Edict And also the said exercise shall be established free and publick in the Town of Montagnac in Languedoc ARTICLE VI. Upon that Article which maketh mention of Bailywicks it was declared and granted as followeth First For the establishing the exercise of the said Religion in two places granted in every Bailywick Seneschalsy and Government Those of the said Religion shall name two Towns in the Suburbs of which the said Exercise shall be established by those Commissioners whom his Majesty shall depute for executing the said Edict And in case they should not judge it to be meet for them those of the said Religion shall name two or three Boroughs or Villages near unto the said Towns and for every one of them the said Commissioners shall chuse one And if by reason of Hostility Contagion or other lawful impediment it may not be continued in those said places others shall be given them for that time that the said Impediment shall last Secondly as to the Government of Picardy there shall be but two Towns provided for in whose Suburbs those of the said Religion may have the exercise thereof for all the Bailywicks Seneschalsies and Governments which depend upon it And in case it shall not be judged meet to establish it in those said Towns there shall be given them two commodious Boroughs or Villages Thirdly because of the great extent of the Seneschalsy of Provence and Bailywick of Viennois his Majesty granteth That in every one of the said Bailywicks and Seneschalsies a third place which shall be chosen and named as above in which the said exercise of the said Religion shall be established over and besides those other places in which it is already established ARTICLE VII That which is accorded by the said Article for exercise of the said Religion shall have place for those Lands which belonged unto the late Queen Mother-in-Law of his Majesty and for the Bailywick of Beaujolois ARTICLE VIII Over and above the two places accorded for the exercise of the said Religion by the secret Articles in the year 1577. in the Islands of Marennes and of Olleron there shall be given them two others which may be most commodious for the said Inhabitants to wit one for all the Islands of Marennes and another for the Isle of Olleron ARTICLE IX The Provisions granted by his Majesty for the exercise of the said Religion in the City of Mets shall obtain their full and intire effect ARTICLE X. 'T is his Majesties will and intention that the 27. Article of his Edict concerning the admission of them of the said pretended Reformed Religion unto Offices and Dignities shall be observed and maintained according to its form and tenour notwithstanding the Edicts and Grants formerly made for the Reduction of some Princes Lords Gentlemen and Catholick Cities unto his Obedience which shall have no place to the prejudice of those of the said Religion as to their exercise of it And the said exercise shall be regulated according to what is imported in the ensuing Articles according to which shall the Instructions be prepared for those Commissioners whom his Majesty shall depute for execution of his Edict according to its import ARTICLE XI According to the Edict made by his Majesty for reduction of the Lord Duke of Guise the exercise of the said pretended Reformed Religion shâ—â—â— not be nor set up in the Cities and Suburbs of Rheims Rocroy Saint Disier Guise Joinville Fismes and Moncornet in the Ardennes ARTICLE XII Nor may it be exercised in other plates near adjoining to those Towns and Places forbidden by the Edict in the year 1577. ARTICLE XIII And to remove all ambiguity which may arise out of these words near adjoining his Majesty declareth that he would be understood to speak of those places within a league of the Precincts of those said Towns in which places the exercise of the said Religion may not be established unless it were permitted by the Edict of 1577. ARTICLE XIV And forasmuch as by that Article the Exercise of the said Religion was permitted generally in all Fiefs possessed by those of the said Religion without exceptions made of the Banlieue before-mentioned the space of a League beyond the Precincts of those Towns his said Majesty declareth that the same Permission shall hold good as to those Fiefs which shall be held within the said Banlieue by those of the said Religion even according to the sense and import of the Edict given at Nantes ARTICLE XV. And in pursuance of the Edict made for Reduction of the Lord Mareschal de la Chastre in every one of the Bailywicks of Orleans and Bourges there shall be but one place of Bailywick ordained for exercise of the said Religion which yet nevertheless may be continued in those places in which it is permitted to be continued by the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XVI That grant of Preaching in Fiefs shall likewise take place in the said Bailywicks according to the form prescribed by the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XVII That Edict likewise for reducing the Lord Mareschal of Boisdauphin shall be observed and the said Exercise may not be made in the Towns Suburbs and places brought by him unto his Majesties Service and as for those Lands near adjoining to their Bandlieue the Edict of 1577. shall be observed yea and in the Houses of Fiefs according to the sense and import of the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XVIII The said Religion shall not be exercised in the Towns Suburbs and Castles of Morlais according to the Edict made for the Reduction of the said Town and the Edict of 77. shall be observed throughout its whole Jurisdiction yea and as to the Fiefs according to the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XIX In consequence of that Edict for the Reduction of Quinper-Corantin there shall be no exercise at all of the said Religion in the whole Bishoprick of Corâ—wall ARTICLE XX. In pursuance also of the Edict for Reduction of Beauvais there shall be no exercise of the said Religion in the said City of Beauvais nor within three Leagues thereof round Yet nevertheless it may be exercised and esâ—ablished beyond the bounds of the Bailywick in those places permitted by the Edict of 1577. yea and in the Houses of Fiefs even as it was intended and imported by the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XXI And whereas the Edict made for reducing the Lord Admiral of Villars is only provisional and till such time as his Majesty should give some further
order now his Majesty willeth and intendeth that notwithstanding it his said Edict of Nantes shall take place in all the Towns and Jurisdictions brought under his obedience by the said Lord Admiral as for all other places of his Kingdom ARTICLE XXII In pursuance of the Edict for reducing the Lord Duke of Joyeuse the said Religion may not be at all exercised in the City of Tholouse nor in the Suburbs thereof nor within four Leagues round nor nearer to it than the Towns of Villemur Carmain and the Isle of Jordain ARTICLE XXIII Nor may it be restored and set up again in the Towns of Alet Fiac Auriac and Montesquiou but yet and if any of the said Religion should petition for a place where it might be exercised the Commissioners which shall be deputed by his Majesty to execute his Edict or other Officers shall out of the places assigned for every one of those Towns assign a commodious place and of safe access to them and which shall not be in distance removed from the said Towns above one League ARTICLE XXIV The Exercise of the said Religion may be restored even as it was granted by the Edict of Nantes within the Jurisdiction of the Court of Parliament of Tholouse excepting always in the Bailywicks Seneschalsies and their Precincts whose principal Seat was reduced under his Majesty's obedience by the said Lord Duke of Joyeuse for which the Edict of 1577. shall stand good and be observed Yet notwithstanding 't is his Majesty's intention and purpose that the said Exercise shall be continued in the borders of the said Bailywicks and Seneschalsies where it was in the time of the said reduction and that the priviledge of Fiefs shall take place in the said Bailywicks and Seneschalsies according to the intendment and import of the said Edict ARTICLE XXV The Edict made for the Reduction of Dijon shall be observed and according to it there shall be no other Exercise of Religion than that of the Catholick Apostolick and Roman Church in the City and Suburbs thereof nor in four Leagues round ARTICLE XXVI The Edict likewise for Reduction of the Lord Duke of Mayenne shall be observed according unto which the said pretended Reformed Religion may be exercised in the Towns of Chaalon Seure and Soissons in the Bailywick of the said Chaalons and in two Leagues of the borders of Soissons for the term of six Years to begin from the first day of January 1596 which being expired the Edict of Nantes shall be observed as in all other parts of the Kingdom ARTICLE XXVII Those of the said Religion of whatsoever quality shall be permitted to come and go freely unto and from the City of Lions and unto the other Cities and places of the Government of Lyonnois notwithstanding any Prohibitions to the contrary made by the Syndicks and Sheriffs of the said City of Lion and confirmed by his Majesty ARTICLE XXVIII There shall be but one place of Bailywick ordained for the Exercise of the said Religion in the whole Seneschalsie of Poictiers over and besides those which are at present established and as for the Fiefs the Edict of Nantes shall be followed The said Exercise also shall be continued in the Town of Chauvigny But the said Exercise may not be restored in the Towns of Agen and Perigueux although that by the Edict of 1577. it might have been ARTICLE XXIX There shall be but two places of Bailywicks for the Exercise of the said Religion in the whole Government of Picardy as it hath been before declared and the said two places may not be given within the Bailywicks and Governments reserved by the Edicts made for the Reduction of Amiens Peronne and Abbeville Yet notwithstanding the said Religion may be exercised in the Houses of Fiefs throughout the whole Government of Picardy according as it was decreed in and by the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XXX There shall be no Exercise at all of the said Religion in the City and Suburbs of Sens and there shall be ordained but one place of Bailywick for the said Exercise in the whole Circuit of the said Bailywick however this shall not in the least prejudice the priviledge of Houses of Fiefs which shall hold good according to the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XXXI In like manner the said Exercise may not be in the City nor Suburbs of Nantes nor shall there be any one place of Bailywick ordained for the exercise of the said Religion within three Leagues round of the said City yet notwithstanding it may be done in the Houses of Fiefs according to the Edict of Nantes ARTICLE XXXII 'T is his Majesty's Will and Pleasure that his said Edict of Nantes shall be observed from this very instant as to what concerns the Exercise of the said Religion in those places where by the Edicts and Grants made for the reduction of some Princes Lords Gentlemen and Catholick Cities it was prohibited only for a time and till further order And as for those places where the said Prohibition was limited to a fixed certain time the said time being passed the Prohibition shall cease and be of no force ARTICLE XXXIII There shall be given unto those of the said Religion a place for the City Provostship and Viscounty of Paris within five Leagues at farthest of the said City in which they may enjoy the publick exercise thereof ARTICLE XXXIV In all those places where the said Religion shall be exercised publickly the People may be assembled and called together even by found of Bells and they may do all Acts and Duties of the said Religion as the exercise of Discipline the holding of Consistories Colloquies National and Provincial Synods by his Majesty's permission ARTICLE XXXV Ministers Elders and Deacons of the said Religion shall not be constrained to answer before a Court of Justice in quality of Witnesses about matters which were revealed to them in their Consistories when as Censures were to be inflicted unless it were for any matter concerning the King's Person or the preservation of the State and Government ARTICLE XXXVI The Professors of the said Religion who live in the Country may lawfully go unto the exercise thereof in the Cities and Suburbs and other places where it shall be publickly established ARTICLE XXXVII Those of the said Religion may not keep any Publick Schools unless in those Cities and places in which the publick exercise thereof is permitted them and those provisions which were formerly granted them for the erection and maintaining of Colleges shall if need so require be verified and obtain their full and entire effect ARTICLE XXXVIII It shall be lawful for Parents professing the said Religion to provide for their Childrens Education in such a manner as best pleaseth them and to substitute one or more Tutors and Guardians to them by their last Will and Testament or by a Codicil or any other Declaration passed before a Notary or written and signed with their own Hands the Laws Ordinances and Customs
that they are of the said Religion and honest Men. ARTICLE L. That Act of Indempnity granted unto those of the said pretended Reformed Religion by the 74. Article of this said Edict shall be of force as to all taking away of Royal Moneys whether by breaking up of Coffers or otherwise yea and as for those which were levied upon the River of Charante although they had been affected and applied unto private uses ARTICLE LI. The 49. Article in the secret Articles made in the year 1577. touching the City and Archbishoprick of Avinion and County of Venise as also the Treaty made at Nismes shall be observed according to their form and tenour and there shall be no Letters of Mark given by vertue of those Articles and Treaties but only by the Kings Letters Patents Sealed with his Great Seal Yet nevertheless such as would obtain them may get them by vertue of this present Article and without any other Commission from the Royal Judges who shall take informations of the contrary actings denial of Justice and iniquity of Judgments propounded by those who shall desire to obtain the said Letters and shall send them together with their advice closed and sealed up unto his Majesty that he may Ordain therein according as he shall see reason ARTICLE LII His Majesty accordeth and willeth that Master Nicholas Grimoul be restored and maintained in his Title and Possession of the Offices of ancient Lieutenant-General Civil and of Lieutenant-General Criminal in the Bailywick of Alanson notwithstanding that Resignation by him made unto Mr. John Marguerit and his admission into it and the Provision obtained by Mr. William Bernard of the Office of Lieutenant-General Civil and Criminal in the Court of Eximes and the Decrees given against the said Marguerit resigning it during the Troubles unto the Privy-Council in the years 1586 1587 and 1588. by which Mr. Nicholas Barbier is maintained in the Rights and Prerogatives of the ancient Lieutenant-General in the said Bailywick and the said Bernard in the said Office of Lieutenant at Eximes whom his Majesty hath cashiered and all others contrary to this Article of the Edict Moreover his said Majesty for certain and good Considerations hath granted and Ordained that the Grimoult shall reimburse within the space of three Months the said Barbier of that Revenue which he paid in unto the Casual Parties for the Office of Lieutenant-General Civil and Criminal in the Viscounty of Alanson and of fifty Crowns for charges and he shall order the Bailiff of Perche or his Lieutenant Mortaigne to do it And the money being reimburst or if the said Barbier shall refuse or delay to receive it his Majesty hath forbidden the said Barbier as also the said Bernard after the signification of this present Article to intrude themselves into the exercise of the said Offices upon pain of being guilty of Cheating and he the said Grimoult is put into the possession of his Offices and Rights unto them appertaining and thus doing those Suits which were depending in his Majesty's Privy-Council betwixt the said Grimoult Barbier and Bernard shall be terminated and suppressed his Majesty forbiding the Parliaments and all others from taking Cognisance and the said Parties from all Prosecutions for them Moreover his said Majesty hath undertook himself to reimburse the said Bernard of a thousand Crowns furnished unto the Casual Parties for his Office and of the sixty Crowns for the mark of gold and costs having to this purpose now ordained a good and sufficient assignment which the said Grimoult shall diligently get in and at his sole Charges ARTICLE LIII His said Majesty shall write unto his Ambassadours that they do importunately desire on behalf of all his Subjects yea and for those of the said pretended Reformed Religion that they be not prosecuted for their Consciences nor subjected unto the Inquisition going coming sojourning trading and trafficking in all Foreign Countries Allies and Confederates of this Crown provided that they commit no offence against the Government of those Countreys in which they shall be ARTICLE LIV. It is his Majesties Pleasure that there shall be no inquiry made after the receipt of those Impositions which were levied at Royan by vertue of the Contract made with the Sieur de Candelay and others who succeeded him and he confirmeth and approveth of the said Contract for that time in which it took place in the whole Contents thereof until the 18th day of May now coming ARTICLE LV. Those Riots which were occasioned about Armand Courtines in the Town of Millaud in the year 1587. and of John Reines and Peter Seigneuret together with the proceedings against them by the Consuls of the said Millaud shall by vertue of this Edict be abolished and supprest nor shall it be lawful for their Widows and Heirs nor for the Attorneys-General of his Majesty their Substitutes or other Persons whatsoever to make any mention Inquiry or Prosecution notwithstanding and without any respect had unto the Decree given in the Chamber of Castres the tenth day of March last which shall be null and without effect as also shall be all Informations and Proceedings both of the one and other side ARTICLE LVI All Prosecutions Proceedings Sentences Judgments and Decrees given as well against the late Lord of La Noue and against the Lord Odet of La Noue his Son since their detention and Imprisonment in Flanders which happened in May 1580. and in November 1584. and during their continual imployment in the Wars and for the service of his Majesty shall be void null and of none effect and whatsoever hath ensued in consequence thereof And both the said Lords De la Noue shall be admitted to defend themselves and be restored unto that Condition and State in which they were before the said Judgments and Decrees they not being obliged to refund the expences nor to pay the Fines if they had incurred any nor shall there be alledged against them any non-suit or prescription during the said time Done by the King in his Council at Nantes the second day of May 1598. Signed HENRY And a little lower Forget Sealed with the Great Seal upon yellow Wax HEnry by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre To our Beloved and Faithful Officers holding our Court of Parliament at Paris Greeting We did the last April cause to be expedited our Letters of Edict for the establishment of a good order and peace between our Catholick Subjects and those of the said pretended Reformed Religion Moreover we have granted unto those of the said Religion certain secret and particular Articles which we will to be of the self-same force and vertue and to be observed and accomplished in like manner as our Edict For these Causes We Will We Command and do most expresly injoin you by these presents That the said Articles Signed with our Hand and attacked unto this under the Counter-Seal of our Chancery you do cause to be Recorded in the Register of our
said Court and that in every point and particular you keep maintain and observe their Contents even as this our said Edict Ceasing and causing to cease all troubles and impediments to the contrary For such is our Pleasure Given at Nantes this second day of May in the Year of Grace 1598. And of our Reign the Ninth Signed by the King Forget And Sealed on a single Label of yellow Wax SECT XVI N. B. A Learned Advocate of Nismes relates from the Press how that Monsieur de Thou President in the Parliament of Taris and the Lord de Calignon a most Zealous Protestant Chancellour of Navarre drew up this Edict and spent three years about it If De Calignon would but have followed his Master Henry the Fourth in his Apostacy from the Reformed Religion unto Popery he had been made Lord High Chancellour of France But that most Pious Lord refused the Greatest Honour that a Person of the Long-Robe was capable of in France that he might not lose the Eternal Glories of the Kingdom of Heaven SECT XVII This Edict was kept tolerably well for twelve years during the Life of Henry the Great as they called him after his Death And yet there were many infractions of it of which the National Synods held at Gap 1603. and at Rochell 1607. Complained in their Bills of Grievances But no sooner was he sent out of the World by the Parricidal Hand of a Disciple of the Jesuits but the Reformed immediately found their want of him And though they had some sprinklings of Court Holy-water now and then yet the old implacable Malice of the Popish Clergy against them brake out upon all occasions and Louis the Thirteenth who succeeded his Father as another Antiochus at their instigation made War with God's Saints in his Kingdom seized upon their Cautionary Towns took away from them their Franchises deprived their Ministers of those Sallaries for which the Churches parting with their Tithes in lieu of that Money which was to be paid by Tallies out of the Exchequer unto their Pastors had compounded with his Father He devoured brake in pieces and stamped the residue of them with his feet so that their strength was quite gone and they lay at his mercy He could do with them as he pleased But the time of their total ruin was not yet come And God giveth the Churches some mercy in the midst of judgment Hence the French King having other designs in his head and looking beyond the bounds of his native Kingdom he leaves persecuting his Reformed Subjects and that there might be a Calm at home and these oppressed lull'd asleep he issueth out his Edict of Grace and Pardon to them from Nismes in the Lower Languedoc dated July 1629. Which is offered to the Reader 's eye SECT XVIII The King's Edict of Grace and Pardon granted by his Majesty unto the Duke of Rohan and the Lord of Soubize and to all other his Rebellious Subjects of the Towns Champain Countrey Castles and places in the Provinces of Higher and Lower Languedoc Sevennes Gevaudan Guienne Foix and elsewhere together with the Articles Done at Nismes in July 1629. and verified in the Parliament of Tholouse the 27th of August the same Year LOUIS by the grace of God King of France and Navarre to all present and to come greeting That Love we bear unto our Subjects and that Compassion we have for the Miserie 's brought upon them by the Wars and Divisions with which this poor Kingdom hath been a long time afflicted have touched us so sensibly that laying by all Considerations of our Health and the Inconveniences of the Seasons of the Year we have used all means possible to reduce under our obedience those who had departed from it and had been the cause of all these Calamities We hoped that the example of those Cities which returned under our Authority in the Years 1620 1621 and 1622 would have affected them with a sence of gratitude but seeing they were hindred from so doing by their obstinacy or by the violence and artifice of those Factions in which they were ingaged We have invited them by our Declarations to return unto their Duty and by all the most favourable Perswasions that our Subjects could receive We have also prepared great and puissant Armies that by force we might reduce them who being obstinate in their Rebellions were become deaf and blind and not moved with any Arguments and Occasions offered them for their Duty And God hath been pleased to bless us with success and to let us reap and enjoy the fruit of our Arms which the City of Rochel hath first of all experienced as is evident by the Edict that We caused to be made and published upon its reduction The City of Privas in Vivaretz which consided in its situation difficult and as they believed inaccessible in its Fortifications and in the abundance of its Provisions and Ammunitions with which it was replenished priding it self in a long continued Prosperity was so bold as to resist Us and to attend the Battery of our Cannons and the Effort of our Arms and despising the sweet Summons of our Goodness the hatred of the Inhabitants was so great that losing all hopes of maintaining themselves in their Rebellion they had rather abandon their Houses and Estates than seek their preservation in our Mercy of which they might have been assured so that they have lost the very hopes of ever enjoying it and could in no wise avoid their destruction by Fire and Sword which the Divine Vengeance hath excited against them for which reason we have provided by our Letters of Declaration separately expedited that they should not be comprised in this present Edict But this Chastisement having rendred others wiser hath caused that not only the High and Lower Vivaretz but also divers other Towns and Forts have returned unto their Duty and have sworn Fidelity unto Us for which cause We have pardoned them their Rebellion and granted them an Act of Oblivion causing their Fortifications and Walls to be demolished which feeding the foolish confidence of others had occasioned all those Miseries they have since suffered Divers Gentlemen also being touched with the Felicity which they had found in our Favour have had recourse unto it and received it and have quitted the Rebels Party The City of Alez extreamly strong in its situation fortified with Ramparts and Bulworks and of all that the Wit of Man could invent for troubling the Land made semblance as if it would resist and stop the Course and Progress of our Victories but when it saw it self incompassed with our Army our Cannons of Battery ready to make a breach it durst not stand out the first shot lest it should be forced to submission as is ever practised in such like cases by the Laws of War so that the Inhabitants came and prostrated themselves at Our feet and implored Our Favour and Pardon which We graciously bestowed upon them And when as
Allâ—giance and Obedience to the King their Soveraign This was all his offence but his Function was the greatest For this he must die But he suffers death triumphantly Died Abner as a Fool Monsieur Hommel liv'd a Saint died a Martyr Some Passages of his Martyrdom are fallen into my hands written by an eye and ear Witness of them which for the Reader 's satisfaction are here communicated without addition or alteration I count my self happy said this dying Saint that I can die in my Master's quarrel What! would my gracious Redeemer descend from Heaven unto Earth that I might be lilted up from Earth to Heaven would he undergo an ignominious Death that I might be possessed of a most blessed Life Verily if after all this to prolong a frail and miserable life I should lose that which is everlasting should I not be a most ungrateful wretch unto my God and a most cruel Enemy to my own Happiness No! no! the Dye is cast I am immoveable in my resolution I breath after that Hour O! when will that good Hour come which will period my present miserable life and give me the injoyment of one which is infinitely more blessed Farewel my dear Wife I know your Tears your continual Sighs hinder your bidding me Adieu Don't be troubled at this Gibbet upon which I must expire 't is to me a triumphal Chariot which will carry me into Heaven I see Heaven open'd â—â—d my sweet Jesus with his out-stretched Arms ready to receive me yea he will receive me who is the Divine Spouse of my Soul I am leaving the World in which is nothing but adversity that I may get to Heaven and enjoy everlasting felicity You shall come unto me I shall never any more come back to you All that I recommend unto you is Educate our dear Children in the fear of God and be careful that they swerve not from that way prescribed them in the Holy Scriptures I have bequeathed them a little Formulary for their Instruction that if ever they be brought into the like condition with my self they may undergo it couragiously And be confident in the goodness of our God who will send them the Divine Comforter to strengthen them in all their Straits and Distresses Prepare them for Suffering betimes that so in that great day when we shall appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ we may be able to bespeak him Lord Here we are and the Children which thou hast graciously given us Ah! I shall never have done Ah! why am I hindred from my departure why am I kept so long in this my earthly Tabernacle Farewel my dear People 't is the last Farewel I shall ever give you Be ye stedfast be ye fixed And know that I never preached to you any thing but the pure Truth of the Gospel the true way which leads unto Heaven Some one then told him He spake too much How said he do I speak too much I speak nothing but the very truth I have neither spoken nor done any thing that was in the least offensive to the Sacred Majesty of our August Monarch But on the contrary I have always exhorted the People committed by the Lord unto my charge to render those Honors which are due unto our King and have inform'd them that our Lives and Fortunes are at his disposal and that we are bound to employ them in the defence of his Estate and Crown But as for our Consciences we hold them of our God and must keep them for him Then his Judges leaving him ordered the Executioner to do his office which he did breaking his Arms and his Legs And being then demanded whether he would die a Roman Catholick He answer'd How my Lords Had it been my design to have changed my Religion I would have done it before my Bones had been thus broken to pieces I wait only for the hour of my dissolution Courage Courage O my Soul Thou shalt presently injoy the delights of Heaven And as for thee O my poor Body thou shalt be reduc'd to dust but 't is that thou may'st be raised again a Spiritual Body Thou shalt see things that never enter'd into the heart of man and which are in this life impossible to be conceived He again addressed himself unto his Wife Farewel once more my well-beloved Spouse I am waiting for you But know though you see my Bones broken to shivers yet my Soul is replenished with unexpressible Joys He utter'd many excellent Matters which are now slipt my memory Only I shall not omit that he kiss'd his very Judges who poured out a shower of Tears being astonished at so great a constancy His eyes were always lifted up to Heaven He never gave one Cry for all the Blows that were laid upon him after the first His Life was had in singular veneration and as long as this Earth shall continue his Death will be in admiration Let 's imitate this Great Man of God and persevere unto the end tho' with the loss of our Lives in the true Religion which is that only that will conduct us to the Heavenly Paradise Amen I intended â—â—od willing to write his Life at large and to publish it shortly in my Icones N. B. Every Limb every Member and every Bone in his Body were broken with the Iron Bar forty Hours before the Executioner was permitted to strike him upon the Breast which gave him as they call it Le Coup de Grace the Blow of Mercy that Death-stroke which put an end unto all his Miseries Before we proceed any farther I shall desire the Reader to remark SECT XLVI 1. That in the Head of these booted and armed Apostles besides their own Military Officers and Commanders there marched the Intendants of every Province and District together with the Bishops of the Diocess accompanied with a Troop of fiery Zealots Missionaries Monks and other Romish Churchmen The Intendants gave out such Orders as they conceived would most effectually promote and facilitate the conversion of the Hereticks and suppress natural Bowels and Pity in case any such arise and move in the Dragoons or their Officers The Prelates kept open House to receive Abjurations and to have a strict and careful eye that nothing might be done contrary to the Intentions of the Clergy 2. When the Dragoons had made some to relent and yield by their inhumane Cruelties they presently change their Quarters and are sent to plague those of the Reformed who do yet persevere in their fidelity to Christ and the Gospel So that often times these had at once all the Dragoons quartered upon them which were before dispersed among all the Inhabitants of that place This was a burden insupportable 3. That in the most eminent Cities and Towns of the Province they were careful by the Intendants or some other means to procure some persons to change their Religion before they sent their Troops thither and these new Converts must be aiding and assisting in perverting others So
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
Monsieur de Beza acquainted the Assembly of those Heresies disperst abroad in Poland and Transylvania by divers Persons against the Unity Divinity and humane Nature of our Lord Jesus Christ receiving the Errors of ancient Hereticks particularly of Samosatenus Arrius Photinus Nestorius Eutyches and many others yea and of Mahomet himself also Whereupon the Synod unanimously voted their Detestation of all those abominable Errors and Heresies and adviseth all Pastors Elders and Deacons and generally all the Faithful vigourosly to oppose their Admission into the Churches of France IV. Information was also given concerning the Errors of Cozain by the Minister of Normandy and Monsieur de Chandieu and Monsieur de L'estang were ordered to examine the Table of the said Cozain and to bring in a Report of it and finally it was condemned rejected and detested And the English Bishops shall be desired to suppress the Books of the said Hereticks which began to be in vogue among them V. The Nine and twenty Articles of the Confession of our Faith and the others concerning Church-discipline being read and propounded by the Minister of Bourdeaux notice was given concerning a certain Physitian who maintained the Supremacy of the Magistrate as Head of the Church and had published certain Writings under his own Hand and Name containing the Reasons of his Opinion Whereupon the whole Assembly ratified the said Articles of it's Confession and rejected the Error of the said Physitian and of all others who would abolish Church-discipline confounding it with the Civil Government of the Magistrate It condemns also those Errors proceeding from the afore-mentioned Tenent VI. Moreover the Synod ordered Monsieur de Beza to answer them who impugned the aforesaid Articles of our Faith and the Discipline of our Church and in special the above-mentioned Physitian and our Brother the Minister of Bourdeaux shall deliver unto Monsieur de Beza the Points Collected by him that must be answer'd and the whole shall be communicated to the Brethren of Geneva Union must be placed instead of Unity in the Art concerning these two words in the 26. Art see Synod of Nismes g. m. Art 20. And the 3d. Synod of Rochel Art 8. concerning divers Obsenric in the Confession of Faith VII Instead of Vnity there shall be replaced the Word Vnion in the six and thirtieth Article of our Confession of Faith And whereas the Deputies of the Isle of France and Brie do conceive it needful that the said Article be explain'd in that Clause of it which treats of the Participation of Christ's Substance in the Sacrament of his Supper After a long Conference it was at last resolved That the Synod approving the said Article rejecteth their Opinion who will not receive the Word Substance By which word the Synod doth not understand any Confusion Commixture or Conjunction after a carnal Manner nor in any wise Natural but a most true and intimate Conjunction after a spiritual Manner by which Jesus Christ is so far made ours and we his that there is no Conjunction of Bodies either Natural or Artificial which can be so close and intimate nor is this our fence and meaning as if by the Conjunction of Christ's Person and Substance with ours there did result a kind of third Person and Substance No but this only That by his Vertue all that is in him needful for our Salvation is hereby most freely and intimately given and communicated to us Nor do we consent with them who say that we communicate in his Merits Gifts and Spirit without his being at all made ours But with the Apostle in his Epistle to the Ephesians admiring this Supernatural and to our reason incomprehensible Mystery we do believe that we are made Partakers of his Body delivered to the death for us and of his Blood shed for us so that we are Bone of his bones and Flesh of his flesh and that we receive him together with all his Gifts by faith wrought in us through the incomprehensible Vertue and Efficacy of his Holy Spirit and thus do we in this Sence understand these Words of our Lord speaking Who so eateth the Flesh and drinketh the Blood of the Son of Man hath everlasting Life Item I am the Vine you art the Branches and we must abide in him that we may bring forth much Fruit and that we are Members of his Body and of his Flesh and of his Bones And as we derive our death from the first Adam because we participate of his Substance so must we as truly partake of the second Adam Christ Jesus that we may derive life from him And therefore all Pastors and the Faithful in general are required not to yield unto the contrary Opinions because what is now asseretd by us hath firm footing in the express Word of God Three Original Copies of the Confess 〈◊〉 of Faith the 〈◊〉 at Rochel 〈◊〉 2d 〈…〉 and the 〈…〉 VIII Finally when as the Confession of Faith was read and ended the whole Synod decreed that without any Additions there should be three Copies fairly written in Parchmin whereof one should be kept in this City of Rochel another in Bearn and the third at Geneva and all three should be subscribed by the Ministers and Elders Deputies of the Provinces of this Kingdom in the Name of all the Churches Moreover her Majesty the Queen of Navarre and my Lords the Princes of Navarre and Conde and the other Lords here present in this Synod are also requested to subscribe it with their own hands CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-discipline Tuesday the Third of the same Month. I. THE Discipline being read it was judged needful that under the Head of Ministers there should be made this following Addition viz. The most diligently that may be II. Under the fourth Head to these words It shall be granted because of our present Circumstances shall be added the Ninth Article of the Synod of Vertueil III. Under the Eight shall be added Although the Vsage of Imposition of Hands be good and holy yet it shall not be reputed necessary as if it were of the Substance of Ordination The Form of Ordination IV. The Form of Ordination was drawn up by Monsieur de Chandieu in these following Words The Minister who presenteth to the People the Person to be Ordained shall briefly treat of the Institution and Excellency of the Ministery alledging for this purpose these or the like Texts of Holy Scripture viz. 4. Eph. 11. Luke 10.16 John 20.22 2 Cor. 5.19 120. 1 Cor. 4.1 Exhorting every one to take special heed that both Minister and People discharge their proper Duties The Minister shall acquit himself with the greater care and diligence in his Calling because he knows of what high price and excellent account it is with God And the People shall with all Reverence receive the Message of God brought unto them by this his Embassador The Form of Prayer at Ordination was first framed in the Synod
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
to several Goldsmiths in the City of Sedan for which the Civil Magistrate inflicted corporal Punishment upon him in the said City all which he could not but acknowledge and confess to be true before this Assembly For these Causes the said Bonniot or Bouquier is deposed from the Sacred Ministery as a Person uncapable and utterly unworthy of it and shall be continued on the Roll of Vagrants and shall do publick Penance in the said Church of San Bouchard However because of his deep Poverty and great and numerous Family of Children we do License him to keep School and to instruct Youth but with this Proviso that the Ministers of the Places where he shall live do watch over him and his Deportments with a very strict and careful Eye VI. An Appeal was brought by Monsieur De la Jaille and the Church of Saujon who complained of the Wrongs done them by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held at Saujon which had adjudged him Pastor unto the said Church of Saujon without obliging it to defray his Expences in coming to it This Assembly ordereth that the Colloquy or Synod of that Province shall censure the said Church and Monsieur Royan the Minister for their pragmatical intermeddling in a Business not appertaining to them VII Monsieur Boucquet shall write unto the Colloquy of Aunix that Monsieur Baron may be returned unto the Church of La Guerche in the Province of Anjon there to exercise his Ministery in Obedience to the Call given him VIII The Synod of the Isle of France shall make an exact Enquiry into the Life Writings and Conversation of Monsieur Gibbon sometime Minister of Deippe that Judgment may pass upon him accordingly IX Forasmuch as Mr. Bernard Giraud hath been divers times recalled by his Church of Marceoill in Poictou and by the Synod of Poictou he shall be censured for his disobedience to this Summons and also for that he quitted his Church at first and this according to the Canons of our Discipline And the Colloquy of Annix shall in like manner be censured for admitting him among them without any testimonial Letters of Dismission For which cause this Assembly will remove the said Giraud elsewhere X. This Assembly will take special care of Monsieur Christian for his Subsistance But in the mean while the Church of Poictiers shall be severely censured for their default of Duty baseness and ingratitude to this Reverend Man of God who was one of their first and most ancient Pastors and who laid the very Foundations of their flourshing Church And the said Church shall be summon'd to the next Synod and injoyned to give him full Contentment and Satisfaction and to pay him all Arrerages owing to him for time past and to relieve him now in his old Age. XI The Province of Anjou shall be obliged to provide for the Safety of Monsieur Daniel a Minister of the Gospel who was formerly sent unto them and is now remanded back unto them by this present Assembly and that Church which shall call him unto their Service shall reimburse him those Expences he was at during the last Persecution XII Monsieur Daniel shall exercise his Ministery in the House and Court of his Excellency the Prince of Conde but only for some Months in the Year which being expired he may be redemanded by his own Church and Province And the Church of Bergerac shall likewise lend Monsieur de Borda their Minister unto the said Prince for four Months more of the same Year And this shall hold till such time as some other course be taken And Monsieur Martin shall be the ordinary Minister of his Excellency's House and Family XIII Monsieur de Malescot who was the first Minister of the Church of Montagu in the County of Perche shall be summoned by the Province of Poictou unto which he doth belong to return unto the said Province according to the Canons of our Discipline however without any prejudice unto the said Church of Montagu and the said Province of Poictou is ordered to receive those Informations of the Province of the Isle of France concerning the Deportments of the said Malescot his Writing and his Way and Manner of Preaching XIV The Brethren of the French Church of London in the Kingdom of England sent Letters unto this Assembly petitioning that Messieurs de Villiers Minister of the Church of Rouan and de la Fontayne Ministers of the Church of Orleans might be given to them for their Pastors Their Request was granted and these worthy Ministers of the Gospel were lent unto the said Church till such time as their own dissipated Flocks might be recollected and then they should return and be restored unto their former Churches respectively XV. On sight and perusal of the Writings of Mr. Anthony Fregeville of the Town Realmont this Assembly judgeth them utterly unworthy of any Answer because they are stufft with Errors Lyes and Calumnies and farther the Sentence past upon him by the Provincial Synod was ratified and whereas he was only suspended from the Lord's Table it is now ordered that his said Suspension shall be publickly notified unto the whole Church And in case he continue to sow and spread abroad his Errors and Follies either by Word or Writing he shall be cut off from the Body of the Church by the Sword of Excommunication as a notorious Disturber of the Repose and Union of the Church XVI Monsieur Giraud is sent unto the Town of Mas in Agenois to exercise his Ministery in the Church of Calonges which is now annexed to that of Mas according to the Letters and Request of my Lady of Calonges and of the said Church of Mas in Agenois CHAP. IX The Roll of MINISTERS provided for and disposed by this present SYNOD I. MOnsieur Christian is sent unto the Town of Sancerre in the Viscounty of Turenne 2. Monsieur Quesnel unto Lectoure 3. Monsieur Chaffepied to St Foy yet his Church may recall him at the Years end 4. Monsieur de la Valle at Abbeville in Agenois 5. Monsieur Giraud to the Town of Mas in Agenois 6. Monsieur Du Puy to Le Laigne and Bas de Fon with their Annexes 7. Monsieur Anisse to St. Aulaye ¶ This present National Synod was finished the fourteenth Day of February in the Year of our Lord 1578. Thus Signed in the Original Peter Merlin Moderator Francis L'Oyseau Scribe William de la Jaille Scribe Mr. Merlin the Moderator of this Synod was Minister in the Family of that famous Nobleman the Lord De Coligni High Admiral of France who miraculously escaped with his Life in that horrible Massacre at Paris on St. Bartholomew's Day 1572. He leapt out of a Window and hid himself in an Haylofft where an Hen came and lay an Egg by him three days successively with which he was sustained till the Lord opened a Door for him to get out of this bloody City He was afterward Minister of the Church of Vitre He
Monsieur de Lestang-Godion Minister of Coue in Poictou and Monsieur de Chauveton Lord of Beauvois and Minister of the Church of St. Martins in the Isle of Re were also voted to be Scribes CHAP. II. General MATTERS I. ALL the Deputies protested in the Name of the Churches of their respective Provinces that they would persevere in the Union of that Doctrine and Confession of Faith which was formerly subscribed in the National Synod held in this City in the Year 1571. and now exhibited read and recognized in this Assembly Moreover the said Deputies certifyed and declared that they had not the least notice given them of any manner of opposition to it but a general Acquiescency in the said Doctrine and Confession of Faith in all their Churches For which they did unanimously praise God One Minister enough to ordain another II. The Book of Discipline being read It was ordained that the fourth Article in the Chapter of Ministers should remain entire as it was excepting that instead of three or four Ministers required to present the new elected Minister unto the Ministery one only should be sufficient III. In the Margent of the 5th Article this shall be inserted That the said Article was only appointed for such a time when as a Province had no Churches constituted in it and not for the present Day when as blessed be God every Province in the Kingdom hath divers of them IV. These were declared Apostates by the Isle of France and their Declaration approved of by this National Synod Toussainct le Gibou in Normandy Launay in Brie And Panctier in Picardy a Deserter Grenet a Minister of La Garnache in Lower Poictou a Vagrant and Quenet in the Colloquy of Vsez and Monsieur Beazer was ordered to make inquiry about one called du Plessis V. The 22d Article of the Synod of St. Foy concerning Ministers who Practice Physick having been read was Approved as being consonant to the Word of God And this Assembly being informed that divers Ministers do more employ themselves in Physick than in the Duties of their Ministery The Deputies of the Province in which they live were ordered to exhort them to intend and mind their Ministery and to yield plenary Obedience unto God's Word in this Article or otherwise the Colloquies and Synods shall proceed against them according to the Rules of our Discipline VI. Princes and great Lords shall be advised to observe the Articles of our Discipline and to send their Ministers to our National and Provincial Synods and Colloquies VII The 12th Article of our Discipline and the 21th and 33d of the Synod of Figeac were thus confirmed 'T is the Judgment of this Assembly that a Pastor being duely discharged from his Church if the Colloquy or Provincial Synod in which he served do not within a Month provide him another Congregation he may accept of the first Call given him by any other Province and this according to the Canons of our Discipline VIII The 15th Article of our Discipline concerning Ministers was confirmed but with this Proviso That these words Composed of six at the least shall be left out IX And that the said Article may be the better understood After these words Who shall have intruded into a Church this shall be added Altho' he had been afterwards chosen by the People X. And whereas in the 16th Article it was thus written The Reasons it shall be added And the Reasons being well examin'd XI And to that of Professors shall be added Regents and School-masters XII Elders in the Pastor's absence may warrantably perform that Duty of publick Common-Prayer especially if they have been thereunto appoint-by the Consistory XIII Whereas in the 6th Article concerning Elders and Deacons it is said that no Elders shall pretend to Primacy Let this be added neither in Election nor Precedency nor in order of Suffrages nor in any other thing belonging to their Office of Elders XIV The 7th Article concerning Elders and Deacons shall be most diligently observed XV. Ministers and Elders are required to use their utmost Endeavour that the Twelfth Article in the Chapter of Consistories be punctually observed XVI Advise was taken on the Third Article of Consistories which treats of Certificates given unto Passengers That for time coming good and vallid Causes moving us hereunto The first Certificates shall neither be kept nor broken until such time as they be come unto their journies end mentioned in them and then and there the said Certificates shall be detain'd and cancelled and Certificates shall be given very rarely unto any Persons XVII The Tenth Article of Figeac shall be closed up with this Addition If it be not with Consent of the Consistories no Offences shall be discovered to the Civil Magistrate The 5th Penny of all Charities shall be applied towards the Maintenance of Proposans XVIII His Majesty the King of Navar and his Higness the Prince of Conde and other Lords professing our Holy Reformed Religion shall be most humbly desired to contribute liberally towards the Maintenance of poor Scholars and Proposans designed for the Ministery And all Churches are exhorted to press this Duty vigorously upon their richer and more substantial Members that so every Colloquy may be able at least to give Subsistance unto one Proposan and if it can be conveniently the fifth Penny of all Charity-monies shall be allotted to this very purpose XIX That the 13th Article of Consistories may be executed concerning a Collection of all memorable Acts relating to the Church's Sufferings it is thought meet that every Colloquy do depute a Minister to whom all the Churches shall send their Memoirs that they may be brought unto the Provincial Synod and thence unto the National XX. Such Professors as range abroad to hear the Word in one Church and receive the Sacrament in another shall be admonished of their Duty to fix themselves to some particular Church of Christ and in case of neglect they shall be censured XXI In the first Article concerning Delinquents next after these words Nor the Cause of it shall be added this nor in like manner the Restitution and these words shall be razed out Lest they be defamed CHAP. III. XXII IT being desired that the 3d Article of the Synod of Figeac might be explained the Assembly voted that towards the close of it there should be this Addition viz. That it was left wholly to the Prudence of the Consistory whether they would mention by name or not those who had a long time since revolted but as for them who were but of late Apostates Censures shall be pronounc'd against them according to the Tenor of that Canon unless that by such a Personal Denunciation of those Sinners the Consistory might foresee some great and notable Danger like to betide the Church In which case nothing shall be done without the Advice of the Provincial Synod XXIII If the Members of one Church fallen into Idolatry happen to take up their abode in
Earl of Laval and Vitré and M. Mathurin L' Hommeau Lord of Gravier Minister in the Church of Rennes and William le Moine Elder in the Church of Vitré For Orleans and Berry M. William Sauvage Minister of the Church of Mer upon the Loire and Christopher Elder of the Church at Chastelnaudun 6. For Anjou Tourain Le Main Vandomois Loudunois and the lower Perche John Malesousse and De la Durelleric Ministers of Chasteau-Gontier René Pineau Minister in the Church of Craon in Anjou and Mathurin Peju Elder of the Church at Augers 7. For the upper and neither Poictou M. Nicholas Gorré Minister of Flontenay le Conte and Peter Guittaud Elder in the Church of Chastel-heraud 8. For Xaintonge Aunix the City and Government of Rochel Andrew de Mazieres called also Peter de la Place Minister at Thoire in Aunix aforesaid and Hierom Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel 9. For Augoumois M. Guy du Pou Minister of Vertueil without an Elder 10. The Deputies of Gascogny Perigort and Limousin were absent but excused themselves by Letters because they wanted timely Notice of the sitting of the Synod and there was no Money gathered to defray the charge of their Journey 11. The higher and lower Vivaretz and Vellay were absent without excuse 12. For the lower Languedoc Nismes Montpellier Vsez Basques Beziars and Givaudan inclusively M. John de Grores Minister of Nismes and Andrew D'Alguillonnet Elder of the same Church 13. For the higher Languedoc And Guienne M. John Gardesi Minister of St. Antonin ill Quercy and M. Amand le Gros Elder in the Church of Castres M. Gardesi was a severe Nathan to Henry the Fourth 14. For Bourbonnois and lower Auvergne Lyonnois Forest La Marche and and Beaujolois there were no Deputies they being absent nor did they send any excuse 15. The Deputies of Provence were indeed absent but sent their Reasons for it which were not accepted 16. The Deputies of Burgundy were absent and inexcusable 17. The Deputies of Dolphiny and Orange were absent but excused themselves by their Letters 18. There appeared also and sate and voted in this Synod the Deputies of the Churches in the Low Countries who brought with them their Letters of Commission viz. Michael Forest Minister of the French Church at Machlin and Doctor Joannes Boulins Minister of the Church of Gant and John Charan Minister of the Church of Bruges 19. After Invocation of the Name of God M. Peter Merlin Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church at Vitré and Laval was chosen Moderator and Master Matthew Virel Minister in the Church of Marchais in Beauvoisis Assessor and M. Renatus Pineau Minister in the Church of Craon and Mr. Jerome Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel were appointed Scribes unto the Synod to Collect and Register all its Acts. CHAP. II. Canons made and decreed in the National Synod held at Vitré in Brittany at the Castle of the Lord De la Vall on Monday the 16th Day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred eighty and three Monsieur Merlin being President and Monsieur Pineau Scribe General MATTERS The means of uniting our Churches with those of the Nitherlands I. OUR Brethren of the Low Countries having requested that some good course might be taken and means used that the Deputies of their Churches might for time to come be present at our National Synods and ours at theirs This Assembly doth now ordain That as often as the Synods of the said Low Countries shall be convened two Provinces of this Kingdom shall be obliged to send their Deputies to wit two Ministers and one Elder who shall be expresly named by those two Provinces in every National Synod and their Charges born by all the Provinces of this Kingdom and for this present approaching Synod of the Low Countries the Provinces of the Isle of France and Normandy are appointed to send the Deputies II. And whereas the Brethren their Deputies have tendred unto this Synod the Confession of Faith and Body of Church-Discipline owned and embraced by the said Churches of the Low Countries this Assembly having humbly and heartily blessed God for that sweet Union and Agreement both in Doctrine and Discipline between the Churches of this Kingdom and of that Republick did judge meet to subscribe them both and it did also request those our Brethren their Deputies reciprocally to subscribe our Confession of Faith and Body of Church-Discipline which in obedience to the Commission given them by their Principals they did accordingly thereby testifying that mutual harmony and concord in the Doctrine and Discipline of all the Churches in both Nations III. Moreover this Assembly having to its great grief understood the miserable Condition of the greater part of the Churches in the Low Countries how that they be exceedingly pester'd with divers Sects and Heresies as of David George Anabaptists Libertines and other Errors contrary to the purity of God's Word and against which they cannot use those Remedies that are most desired And yet on the other hand this Synod did exceedingly rejoyce at the glad Tidings of their care and diligence in opposing and refuting those Anti-scriptural Heresies subversive of Divine Doctrine Order and Discipline and it did most earnestly intreat them to persevere in the confutation and condemnation of them as it would also on its part cordially joyn with them in so doing and would give as it doth now give an unquestionable proof thereof by subscribing unto their Confession of Faith and Church-Dilcipline As a Pledge of their Union the Churches of both Nation shall communicate to one another their Ministers IV. And forasmuch as this holy Union and Concord established between the Churches of France and those of the Low Countries seems necessarily to demand their mutual Loves and Assistance This Assembly doth judge meet that the Churches of both the Nations shall lend and borrow their Ministers reciprocally according as their respective Necessities shall require V. That all Contentions may be avoided this Assembly doth ordain That every one shall be assessed in that Church of which he is a Member towards all Charges ordinary and extraordinary without any respect had to the distinction of Provinces A Man may not marry another Woman his Wife being yet alive thô leprous VI. A Case was propounded Whether a Man might lawfully marry another Woman his Wife being alive but infected with Leprosie This Synod judgeth according to the Rule given us by our Lord Jesus That no Man may marry another Woman his Wife as yet living unless she were an Adulteress And therefore he that demands this License to re-marry must give himself to Prayer and Fasting and contain himself during his Wife's Life and he must conscientiously give all possible assistance and relief unto her necessities VII The observation of the 33d Article of the 5th Chapter of the Discipline shall be carefully recommended to all the Churches in every Province That Article begins
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.
as there is none that doth oppose Letters from the King and High-Constable of the Kingdom unto the Synod XVIII Letters written by the King unto this Assembly and sent by Monsieur de Serres the 14th of May last were read wherein His Majesty giveth us assurance of his good Affection to us and to maintain his Edict of the Year 1577 and that we should give credence unto the said Monsieur de Serres as also Letters from the Lord High-Constable unto this Assembly dated the 18th of May last assuring us of the like kindnesses and demanding the like Credence from us to what should be declared by the said de Serres It was decreed That Answers should be returned unto His Majesty with the profoundest Reverence and Thankfulness and His Majesty should be most humbly and earnestly intreated to grant us the Gracious Effects of his Royal Favour And in like manner shall there be Answer returned in Writing unto the Constable XIX Monsieur D' Orival shall write from this Assembly unto the Church of Geneva to acquaint them with the Frauds committed by their Book-sellers who vend in these parts a number of Psalm-Books and New Testaments of the old Translation only prefixing a new Title as if it were a new Impression and Translation as also to return our Thanks unto Monsieur de Beza for Printing and Dedicating his Sermons upon the Passion unto the Pastors and Elders of the Churches in this Kingdom XX. Monsieur D' Orival propounded Whether it were convenient that our Ministers should be dispatch'd as Deputies unto those Assemblies where Matters relating to the preservation of our Churches are debated It was resolved That because the present Juncture of Affairs did necessarily require it they might be sent unto them XXI The Deputies of Orleans craved Advice Whether it were needful that the Contracts of Marriage should be seen before the Banes are published because in their Province the Contracts are not published till the Eve of the Marriage This Assembly determines That it shall be sufficient to see the Articles subscribed by the Principals concern'd or attested by the Publick Notary XXII The Province of Gascogny demanded farther Whether such as made publick profession of our Religion before their admission into Church-Fellowship with us ought particularly in the face of the whole Congregation to abjure the Mass The Synod declared That it was a matter of indispensable necessity XXIII The same Province demanded farther Whether Consuls and Magistrates professing the Reformed Religion and living in those places where Colloquies and Provincial Synods are held ought to be admitted into them It was answered They have no Right to be there but in case they be Persons of eminent Piety and such as may be useful unto the Assembly Synods have full Power if they desire it to call them in unto them XXIV It was again demanded by the Deputy of the same Province Whether a Judge or Magistrate of the Reformed Religion might take a Papists Oath upon the Crucifix Relicks Altar Pixes and such-like Appurtenances of Idolatry they demanding it This Assembly adviseth That no Protestant Judges do give them their Oaths in such a manner but that he exhort those Persons to swear only by the true God but if they will not do it and are obstinately resolv'd to swear after their own way the Judge may admit them provided that they contain themselves within the bounds of His Majesties Laws XXV The Province of Xaintonge craving leave for Monsieur Hautyn of Rochel to print our French Bibles he engaging his Word to do it better for Paper and fairer for Character and at a cheaper Rate than those of Geneva which are now become very rare and dear This Synod doth permit the said Hautyn to print the Bible and adviseth him to have a singular care that it be done most accurately and correctly XXVI The Deputies of the Isle of France demanded What course should be taken with those Persons who having contracted Marriage within the Degrees forbidden by the Word of God without any Dispensation and being married according to the Romish Mass-Book did notwithstanding earnestly desire to be admitted by doing Publick Penance into Communion with our Churches It was resolved That such should not be received to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church till they were first separated one from the other XXVII The Province of Lower Languedoc moving That no Minister might expound the Apocalypse without the Advice of his Colloquy it was granted that no such Exposition should be undertook without the Counsel and Consent of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod XXVIII The same Province demanding What Censure ought to be inflicted on them who marry their Children unto Papists It was resolved That both they and their Children should be deprived of the Lord's Supper and do publick Penance for this their Offence XXIX The desire of the Province of Higher Languedoc is very well approved of That Churches blessed by God with ability should be and they be now exhorted to erect publick Libraries for the Service of the Ministers and Proposans of their Churches XXX The Churches are exhorted most carefully to observe in every point that Union which was made at Mantes by the Deputies of the Churches of this Kingdom for their mutual help and benefit and they shall be informed by their Deputies of its necessity and those Churches which will not conform unto the rest shall be most grievously censured XXXI The Church of Paris is intreated to note and collect the passages in the Sacred Canonical Scriptures and Writings of the Fathers which have been falsified and maimed by them of the Romish Church And the Provinces are charged to send their Observations also to it that so this desirable Work may be printed and published without any delay XXXII The Deputy of Berry demanding Whether it be lawful for Cousin Germans to marry whenas the King hath given his License it was resolved affirmatively XXXIII The Lord du Plessis moving how expedient it would be that in the King's Army there should be ordinarily some Ministers towards whose subsistence the Governours Commissaries and other Officers professing the Reformed Religion should be exhorted liberally to contribute This Assembly decreeth That the Provinces beginning with the Isle of France and Normandy and following the Order prescribed by the 15th Canon of the Eighth Chapter of our Discipline shall make choice of two of their Pastors to be sent into the Army who shall each of them serve six Months which term expired the two next Provinces in order shall send two others to succeed them and so consequently all the rest And all Governours and Officers professing our Reformed Religion are intreated to take particular care of their Maintenance and Encouragement XXXIV Letters were presented unto this Synod by Monsieur Vulson from the Gentlemen assembled at Loudun which being read and after hearing what he was charged to deliver us by word of mouth viz. The Order established among the Churches for
Higher Guyenne Master Michael Beraut Minister of Montauban Master John Baptist Botan Minister of Castres Master Gabriel Turonier Doctor of the Civil Law and Master John Lisandre Doctor of the Civil Law both Elders For the Lower Languedoc Master Christopher Barjac Lord of Gasquetz Minister of Vigan Master John Gigord Minister of Montpellier together with Daniel Darnand Lord de la Cassagne and John de Boyere Lord of Camion Elders For Vivaretz Master Anthony Mercier Minister of Chasteuneuf and of Chalencon and Master John Valeton without Elders For the Lower Guyenne Master Moyses de Ricotier Minister of Clerac Master Signeron du Fon His Majesties Advocate in the Court of Casteljaloux For Xaintonge Aunix and Augoumois Master Fresnon du Vigier alias du Vergier Lord of Moustier Minister of St. John d' Angely and Master Michael Texier Elder For Poictou Master Jonas Chesneau Minister of St. Maixant and John Renoy Esq Lord of Braconnier Elder in the Church of Poiré and Belleville For Anjou Tourain and Maine Master Francis Grelier Lord of Macefer Minister of Saumur without an Elder For Provence Balthazar de Villeneuve Esq Lord of Tortonne Syndick of the Churches in the said Province No person appeared at this Synod for Burgundy Lyonnois and Forrest The Synod being opened by solemn Invocation of the Name of God Monsieur Berault was chosen President and Monsieur de Montigny Assessor and Monsieur Macifer and Monsieur Cartaub Scribes Monsieur Du Moulin Deputy for Orleans being sick divers Churches of that Province together with the Deputies of Normandy and the Isle of France substituted in his stead Monsieur le Noir which was well approved by the Synod and a Decree passed in it that the Provinces should nominate three or four Persons for the future to represent them in these National Assemblies that in case of sickness or any other accident which might hinder their attendance there might be some others to supply that default The Provinces of Normandy Anjou and Vivaretz were censured for not sending Elders together with their Ministers Because of the great Desolations and Dispersions of the Churches in Provence the Synod granteth unto their Deputy his Vote in all Debates controverted Cases between the Provinces only excepted and this for that he wanted his Letters of Deputation CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith OUR Confession of Faith being read was universally approved in all its Articles by the whole Assembly Printers are admonished to prefix no other Title than what is usual unto this Confession and for time to come they shall not add these words Revised and Approved in such and such a Synod CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-Discipline I. THE Second Article in the First Chapter concerning Ministers being read That instead of these words In a Provincial Synod these shall be inserted By and with Advice of the Provincial or National Synods II. The Churches shall be exhorted to observe exactly the 4 5 11 and 13 Articles of this First Chapter together with that Ceremony of Imposing Hands in Ordination and the Refractory shall be censured III. The last clause of the Article concerning Printers shall be struck out because it is comprised in the fifteenth Article of Particular Orders IV. The Churches of the Isle of France desiring an Explanation of the 38th Article of the first Chapter of the Discipline the Synod adviseth That difference be made between Ingratitude and Inability and that where the Ingratitude on the Churches part is visible the Article shall be observed but not otherwise V. And that the 45th Article of the first Chapter and the eleventh Article in that of Provincial Synods may be more carefully observed this Assembly injoyneth the Provincial Synods to bring with them unto the National an Attestation of their Duty performed unto their Pastors who through Sickness are disabled from Exercising their Ministry as also of what hath been done by them for the Widows and Orphans of such as are deceased that in case a Church-Colloquy or Province have not wherewithal to relieve them Provision may be made for them by the National Synod VI. After these words in the * * * It is now the 44th 43d Article Great and small there shall be these subjoyned Of whatsoever Condition or Quality they may be VII For the better keeping of the fourth Article in the second Chapter and that all Obstructions may be removed the Synod enjoyneth all Deacons to bring unto their Colloquy or Provincial Synod the Accounts given by them of the Poors Money that we may know whether the Fifth Penny hath been defaulked and laid by for tho maintenance of our Proposans VIII Instead of these words in the fourth Article of the second Chapter It were good shall be inserted It is necessary IX To prevent those Disorders which daily happen from Attestations given unto the Poor the Synod decreeth That all Churches do their endeavour to maintain their own Poor and in case any one through necessity be obliged to travel from home the Ministers shall carefully examine the grounds thereof whether just and valid and so shall give them Letters Recommendatory unto the next Church leading directly unto that place whether their Affairs call them specifying the Name Age Stature and Hair of the Dearer and the Place whereunto they be going and the Cause of their Travel and the Relief that hath been given them which said Certificate the Ministers to whom they apply themselves shall keep by them and give them another directed also unto the next Church and whatever Attestations have been given formerly or may be in time to come any otherwise than as now prescribed shall be null and torn in pieces X. To those words in the 16th Article of the fifth Chapter And which giveth great scandal to the whole Church there shall be subjoyned And those also who contrary to the godly Counsels given them do marry according to the Popish manner and Parents who consent unto such Marriages of their Children and they likewise who carry their Children unto Popish Priests to be baptized by them or become Sureties for those Children so baptized XI The Church of Castres moved this Case Whether an Extract of some few or more Articles of our Discipline might lawfully be communicated unto the Magistrates of both Religions for their better Conduct in the Exercise of Justice This Synod resolveth affirmatively yea and that the whole Body of our Discipline may be presented them there being nothing in it but what ministreth unto edifying XII Because of the present Distress and Poverty of bur Churches and till such times as the Lord shall have blessed us with greater abilities it is ordained by this present Synod That the National Synods shall be convened only once in three Years unless it be in case of very great necessity as of Heresie and Schism whereof the Province charged to convene it shall take special Cognisance and on this Condition that every Province do send their full number of
him who hath the Grant and in case the said Assembly shall meet it shall give Notice thereof unto the Colloquy wherein the Vacancy is and also inform the said Colloquy of the vacant place and place of abode of him that hath the said Grant And when they give their Attestation they shall cause the Union of Mantes to be signed by him who brings the King's Grant for the vacant Government according as it hath been ordained in all such Cases The Form of Attestation agreed upon in the General Assembly to be given by Colloquies or Synods unto them whom His Majesty shall recommend unto vacant Governments in our Cautionary Towns WE Ministers and Elders met together in Colloquy in the Province of N. do certifie unto His Majesty That Monsieur N. de N. applied himself unto us desiring our Attestation of his sincere Profession of the Reformed Religion he being chosen by His Majesty unto the Command of such a Place N. lately vacant by the Death of N. We therefore do attest and certifie That the said Monsieur N. doth actually profess the Reformed Religion communicates with us in the Sacraments living Religiously as a Man fearing God and discharging the Duties of his said Profession with a good Conscience For which reasons we give him this our Certificate by these Presents which we hope will be of use and advantage to him according to his desire Dated c. The Province of Normandy is graced with the Priviledge of calling the next National Synod which shall be held within Three Years in the beginning of June And the succeeding National Synod shall be held in the Province of Dolphiny These Acts and Articles were thus subscribed De Montigny Assessor Moyses Cartaut Scribe The End of the Synod of Montpellier THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XVI National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Gergeau the 9th Day of May in the Year of our Lord 1601. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. The Deputies of the Provinces We Officers of the Synod Chap. II. 3. Observations on the Confession of Faith Chap. III. Observations on the Discipline The fifth Penny of the Poors Money to be laid by for our Proposans 18. Rules for Disputes with our Adversaries 23. The Churches of Sedan incorporated with the Synod of the Isle of France 31. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. Appeals Affairs of Monsieur D'amours a very eminent Minister 1 2 3. Severity of Discipline upon Monsieur Gerard a Minister 22. A censured Minister restored 24. The Case of Farmers of Tythes 29. Chap. V. General Matters No recompence to them who write without the Authority of the National Synod 1. Attestation from their Churches when they remove their Law-suit s into the Courts of the Edict 2. Vnordained Preachers not allowed 4. The Sacramental Elements to be given by the Pastor only 7. The Court of Madarn to be supplied with able Ministers 10. Letters to the Professors of Leyden 14. Four Books to be perused Elenchus Novae Doctrinae Apparatus ad Fidem Catholicum Avis pour la paix de L'Eglise and Veu par le Roy. Chap. VI. Particular Matters A Case of Conscience Whether Lords of Benefices may repair the Fabricks of the Popish Temples in which Mass is said 11. The Names of Romish Ecclesiasticks who were inverted to be conserved 12. Advice given unto the Consuls of Montpellier 20. An answer to Monsieur Casaubon 21. A Letter to the Lord du Plessis 23. Care taken of a worthy Minister 25. An Answer to the Dukes of Bouillon and Tremouille 27. A Case about an Incestuous Marriage 28. Passages between the King and the Synod 31 32. The Synod ordereth Letters to the King about Geneva 36. Schools and Colledges to be erected 37. A Dividend of Moneys 40. Palot Receiver-General of the Churches Money dodgeth with them 42. Chap. VII The Roll of Vagrants and Deposed Ministers An Act for calling the next National Synod Palot sends 3000 Crowns to the Synod 1601. Synod XVI THE Synod of Gergeau SYNOD XVI Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Gergeau the Ninth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand six hundred and one CHAP. I. Of the DEPVTIES Monsieur Pacard was chosen Moderator Monsieur Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Assessor Monsieur Chamier and Scribes Monsieur Mercier Scribes There assembled in it the Pastors and Elders hereafter named FOR the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Antony de la Fay Minister and Pastor of the Church of Paris Monsieur John Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Minister of the Church of Auverne in Vexin le Francois and Monsieur Josia Mercier Lord of Bordes Elder of the Church of Paris and Peter de * * * Alias De Naudet Neuelet Lord of Doscher Elder in the Church of Vitry For the Province of Orleans Berry Blefoiis and Nivernois Monsieur Adam D'Orival Minister of the Church of Sancerre and Joachim Du Moulin Minister of Orleans together with Monsieur Samuel de Chambaran Elder of the Church of Romorantin and Claudius Mesland Elder of the Church at Orleans For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Rene Bouchard Pastor of the Church of Rouau and John Eude Pastor of Bayeux together with Monsieur James du Hamel Lord of Parke Elder of Alencon and William de Maintu Elder of Boislebecque For the Province of Brittany at present united with that of Normandy there came the Tenth of May Monsieur John Parent Pastor of the Church of Vitre For the Province of Dolphiny and Principality of Orange Monsieur Daniel Chamier Pastor of Mountlimart and John Perryn Pastor of St. Bonnet with Monsieur Mark D'Vre Elder of Courtaison and Francis de la Combe Elder of St. Marcelin For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur John Gigard Pastor of Montpellier and Simeon Codur Pastor of Vsez together with Monsieur Isaac Chairon Elder of Nismes For Lower Guyenne Monsieur John Nodon Lord of Montbaron Pastor of Issejac and Jeremiah Bauconis Pastor of Tonius with Monsieur Christopher Forton Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux For Poictou Monsieur James Clemeneau Pastor of Poictiers and Andrew Rivet Pastor of Touars with Monsieur Isaac Vettors Elder of the Church of Poictiers For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of Privas and Daniel Mison Elder of Salenac For Xaintonge Augoumois and Aunix Master George Pacard Pastor of Rochefoucald and Monsieur Laurence Polette Pastor of Ironsac with Monsieur Peter Bernard Lord of Janserac Elder of the Church of Cognac For Anjou Touraine and Mayne c. Master Francis Greliere Lord of Macifer Pastor of Saumur and M. Abel Bede Pastor of Loudun together with Monsieur John Doucher Elder of the Church of Anger 's For Provence Master Peter Chalier Pastor of Seines and Monsieur Honore Brignoles Elder of Brignoles For Burgundy Forest Beaujolois c. Master Peter Colinet Pastor of Paray le Moyneau and Anthony
Censure shall be given among themselves by the Pastors and Elders in the * * * Breaking shutting up of every Colloquy XXV These following words shall be added to the second Article of the Eighth Chapter Churches having several Ministers shall send them by turns XXVI These words shall be inserted into the fourth Article Shall be deprived of the Ministry XXVII To the sixth there shall be this inserted The Days Hours and Places as also he shall gather the Votes of every Member And to the close of that Article these words shall be added And after this self-same manner the Moderators of Colloquies shall be governed XXVIII This shall be inserted into the seventh They shall have like Votes as the Pastors XXIX The eighth Article shall be struck out and transferr'd unto the following Chapter where also the word Provincial shall be razed and That of Confession of Faith inserted XXX This shall be put into the tenth Article The change of Pastors from one Province unto another and of one Church unto another and of the Churches of one Colloquy unto another XXXI In reading the Division of the Provinces and after hearing Monsieur Gantois Minister in the Church of Sedan who was seconded in his Discourse by his Elder it was decreed That the Churches of the Principality of Sedan and Rancourt for time coming shall be united to the Synod of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne and be reputed Members of the Colloquy of Champagne XXXII The Province of Orleans and Berry demanding That Bourbonnois might be incorporated with their Province and the Deputies of Burgundy and Lyonnois opposing this their motion it was decreed That the said contending Provinces should bring with them the Memoirs and Opinion of those of Bourbonnois unto the next National Synod that there it may be regulated XXXIII This addition shall close up the third Article of the Ninth Chapter And that there may be no default three or four Pastors and as many Elders shall be nominated that in case the first named Pastors should be hindred from their Journey there may be others to supply their places XXXIV This Article shall follow next in order unto the fourth The first Act in the first Sessions of our National Synods shall be the reading our Confession of Faith and the Book of Discipline XXXV Towards the close of the fourth Article of the tenth Chapter in stead of Abolished there shall be read Removed XXXVI These words shall be added to the ninth Article of the eleventh Chapter Provided that the Sureties undertake for its maintenance and also that there be no presumption XXXVII The third Article of the 12th Chapter shall be couch'd in these words Priests Monks and other Ecclesiasticks of the Romish Religion shall not be admitted to the Lord's Supper till they have first in the face of the whole Church acknowledged and repented of their former Life and Profession XXXVIII The fourth Article shall be thus worded Incumbents bearing the Stile and Title of their Benefices and others intermedling with Idolatry directly or indirectly whether they receive the Profits thereof with their own or by the hands of others shall in to wise be admittted to communicate with us at the Lord's Table And the rest shall be razed out XXXIX The fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter shall be put into these words It 's left to the discretion of the Churches either to use the words de praesenti or de futuro in Marriage-Promises However such Promises be they de praesenti or de suturo are in themselves indissolvable unless in case of some lawful Impediment And the Article next in order unto this shall be that which begins thus As concerning Consanguinities XL. The eighth Article shall be conceived in these words Spiritual Kindreds as they be termed are not comprised under the Titles of Consanguinity and Assinity in the King's Edict nor upon these Accounts may the Parties be hindred from contracting Marriage XLI This clause shall be inserted into the twelfth Article Promises of Marriage shall neither be receiv'd nor published in the Church c. Item He shall renounce all Idolatry Superstition and particularly the Mass XLII This shall be the first Article of the fourteenth Chapter in these words No one shall be received into the Communion of our Churches till he have first renounced all the Superstitions and Idolatries of the Church of Rome and particularly the Mass XLIII These words shall be razed out of the close of the fifth Article Vnless in case of abolishing the Preaching of God's Word and setting up of Mass XLIV To the fourteenth Article this shall be subjoyned And such as send their Children to the Schools of Priests Monks Jesuits or Nuns shall be prosecuteâ—â—ith all Censures of the Church XLV These words shall be struck out of the 26th Article Poinecons de Houpe and Fardingals as hath been decreed in former Synods XLVI These words shall be razed out of the 28th Article Or the setting up of Maypoles XLVII Because of the great Inconveniences of Lotteries set up in divers places of this Kingdom the 30th Article shall be finished with this clause Lotteries also ought in no wise to be approved whether they be appointed by the Magistrate or not and Godly Magistrates are intreated by their Authority to suppress them After these words Notorious Avarice these following shall be inserted into the same Article Obsceneness or loss of time XLVIII Such as challenge or put others upon challenging to fight a Duel and they also who accept the challenge c. These words shall be put into the 33d Article XLIX 'T is left to the liberty and prudence of Consistories after what manner to proceed against the ungrateful Members of their Churches whether by those compulsory ways allowed us by his Majesty or by particular Obligations or by Church-Censures even by suspension from the Lord's Table after grave and solemn Admonitions and Summons have been given these Delinquents by their Consistories or any other course they shall judge advisable L. The Pastors and Elders deputed from their Provinces unto this Assembly have sworn and protested in the Name of their Provinces to cause the Discipline ordained by this Synod to be used and observed to the utmost of their power CHAP. IV. Of APPEALS I. AN Appeal being brought by the Town and Consistory of St. John d' Angely from the Synod of Xaintonge who had appointed Monsieur D'amours he in no wise belonging unto the said Church of St. John to serve the Church of Chastleheraut until the meeting of the National this Assembly declareth That the Appeal was ill laid and the Ordinance of that Synod good and valid And whereas the said D'amours complaineth of the Terms couched in that Ordinance and of the Letters written in the Name of the said Synod this Assembly judgeth That the said Monsieur D' Amours was the true and lawful Pastor of the said Church of St. John for the time in which he
Churches are admonished to Register the Names of those Romish Church-men which have been converted since the last National Synod and are daily brought over to the Reformed Religion and to give in an Account of them unto the Church of Montauban XIII The Church of Jansac is admonished to conform itself unto the rest of our Churches about the wearing of Garlands at Espousals XIV To the Petition of the Faithful of Auvergne this Answer was given That the Lower Auvergne should be assisted by the Lower Languedoc and the Higher Auvergne by the Higher Languedoc both as to Pastors and in the share of His Majesty's Moneys XV. The Church of Villevigne re-demanded by the Province of Brittany shall remain united to the Synod of Poictou until the next National Synod XVI Monsieur Jarry is left in full liberty either to fix at the Church of Mesuez where he now is or to go unto that of Mauvezin XVII The Petition of Monsieur Lazarus de Robert Minister of Gaureé and Briqueville is remanded back unto the Synod of Normandy XVIII Monsieur * * * He hath four Copies but five Names viz. Eude Andre Hinde Inde and Dades Eude shall abide where he is at present in the Church of Bayeux XIX The Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny are exhorted to in continue their assisting of the poor Churches of Provence with the Loan of Pastors XX. Letters shall be written to the Consuls of Montpellier entreating them that those Outrages offered the Spanish Families which for this last hundred Years have took up their fixed Habitation in their City may cease as also unless there be express Laws to the contrary to receive them into the honourable Offices of the City that so the Peace and Union of the Church and its Members with them may be conserved And this self-same Exhortation was given them by the last Synod of Montpellier XXI The Letters of Monsieur Causabon being read in this Assembly an Answer was ordered to be sent him expressing our Joy for his constancy in the true Religion and exhorting him unto perseverance in it XXII Monsieur Colinet Deputy of Burgundy informing this Assembly of the great diligence used by Monsieur Cassegrain in discharging the Duties of his Ministry to the singular advantage of his Church and that he hath wonderfully profited by the Admonitions of the Synod of Montpellier this Assembly declares themselves very well satisfied with the said Monsieur Cassegrain and adviseth him to continue labouriously in his Calling unto the end XXIII In our Answer to the Letter of the Lord du Plessis this clause shall be inserted That we advise him to send his Book unto Geneva because of the advantage of Libraries and Letters shall be sent unto our Brethren the Pastors there recommending to them the Examination and Verifying of all the Quitations in it XXIV Letters shall be sent to the Church of Metz intreating them to joyn themselves unto the Province of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne XXV In consideration of the great Services done for the Church of God by Monsieur Berger Minister of the Church of Chasteaudun and because of his great Afflictions worthy of the deepest Compassions the Synod of that Province is ordered to provide a Pastor for that Church of Chasteaudun and then the said Monsieur Berger shall be discharged from it yet nevertheless he shall be maintained by the Contribution of the Provinces and that of Orleans is to bear one third of the Charges XXVI This Synod does not count the demand of the Church of Bourdeaux reasonable which requires Monsieur Primrose to be given them for their Pastor because he cannot be taken from the Church of Mirambeau whereunto he is appropriated XXVII Whereas the Lords Mareschal de Bouillon and Duke de la Tremouille and those of the Assembly of Saumur have written in favour of Monsieur Pallot answer shall be return'd them that we cannot supply him out of the Moneys belonging to the Churches and which were assigned for the maintenance of the Ministers and that therefore we humbly intreat them to take some other course for his subsistance See the Synod of Montpellier Observation upon the Discipline art 20 XXVIII The Brethren in the Colloquy of Becausse having by their Letters propounded the Case of an Incestuous Marriage which had been decided in the Synod of Montpellier This Assembly for divers Reasons doth ratifie the Judgment of that Synod provided that it be made appear that when the Marriage was first solemnized the Woman had not then attained her Five and twentieth Year and that she was under the power of her Father and Mother all which shall be verified in the next Synod of the Isle of France whereunto the said Parties are ordered to for this purpose to make their personal appearance and those our Brethren are reproved for speaking so slightly and irreverently which did not in the least become them of that Synodical decision XXIX The demand of Monsieur Vaisse to be removed into the Province of Higher Languedoc because of his Wife's Indisposition is dismissed over to the Synod of Lower Languedoc who shall order therein as is most agreeable to the Rules of Christian Charity XXX Letters shall be written unto Monsieur Couet desiring his presence in this Assembly before its dissolution XXXI The Deputies of the Assembly of Saumur informing us that they had his Majesty's Command to break up this Assembly after mature deliberation had about it ordains that Monsieur Chamier and de Maravat shall be sent in our Names unto his Majesty humbly to intreat his Majesty That the said Assembly may with his good pleasure be yet continued for some time longer XXXII And these Deputies being return'd and relating his Majesty's Intention who declared That he would be peremptorily obeyed in that his Command for the breaking up of their Assembly but he would however permit them one or two Deputies near his Majesty's Person who should upon all occasions tender him their Complaints and Requests and that they might nominate and appoint them he granted them another Assembly Whereupon it was resolved That his Majesty should be most humbly petitioned That the said Assembly might be held at St. Foy the fifth Day of October next whereunto the Provinces were charged to send their Deputies furnished with the Memoirs of their respective Churches and Divisions And every Province shall send thither one Deputy at least that they may be nominated the said Provinces are authorized to anticipate the time of keeping their Synods and Colloquies and the Gentry and Corporations shall be all summon'd to them The Church of Paris is appointed to use all diligence in getting the Writ of Summons promised by his Majesty from the Court and to expedite with all speed the Calling of the said Assembly together with the Letters Mandatory unto the Lord Mareschal d' Ornano to allow of their sitting XXXIII This Assembly receiving no Answer from Monsieur Couet he not being
a Colledge meet for their Academical Exercises 36. That the differences betwixt those of Provence and Dolphiny may be finally composed this Assembly ordaineth that those of Dolphiny do bring in their Accounts and pay unto the Provencals the seventh part of all those Moneys which the said Province of Dolphiny hath received for the years 98 99 1600. and the seventh part of the Assignations remaining as yet unpayed for those years deducting only from the said Moneys the Sum of two hundred Livers remaining in their Hands and to be allowed them upon pretence of Charges An Order for the Church in the Court of Madame 37. A motion was made for providing the Church in the Court of Her Royal Highness His Majesties Sister with an able Pastor and Monsieur du Moulin Minister in the Church of Paris informing this Assembly that the Church of Metz hath assisted the said Church with two Ministers who have each of them serv'd his Quarter and that he the said du Moulin is to serve the third and next Quarter beginning the first of May according as the Church of Paris had been injoined therefore the Church of Rouan having three Ministers and well able with much ease to undergo this task it is Ordained that the said Monsieur du Moulin and Monsieur de la Riviere Minister in the Church of Rouen shall in their turn serve the said Church and that Monsieur de la Riviere shall begin with the next year 1604. and Monsieur du Moulin the year ensuing 38. Our Brethren of Anjou demanded that Monsieur Renaud might be constituted Professor of Divinity in the University of Saumur This Assembly grants it provided that he and his Church of Bourdeaux do consent thereunto 39. Differences having risen betwixt the Provinces of Dolphiny and Provence about Accounts of Moneys employed by the Deputies who had met at the Synod of Saumur from both these Provinces this Assembly most earnestly intreats them before their departure hence to compound the matter among themselves and that it may be effected Monsieur de Lhomeau and Monsieur de Grenoville are appointed to hear the differences and to make report of the whole unto this Assembly which being done by them and heard by the whole Synod that so a final period might be put unto these unhappy differences which had been of too long a continuance It was ordained that those of Dolphiny should be accountable unto them of Provence for the seventh part of those Sums actually received by them in the years 1598 1599 and 1600. and for the seventh part of the Assignations which are yet unpaid only deducting from the whole the Sum of two Hundred Crowns remaining in their Hands and to be allowed them in lieu of charges and all other pretensions whatsoever 40. Considering the Importance of the University of Sedan and the great Service it hath done and still does unto a great part of our Churches this Assembly ordaineth that in the Dividend of our Moneys granted us from â—is Majesty's Bounty there shall be an Addition of three Hundred Crowns more to those five Hundred assigned to it by the Synod of Gergeau 41. The Provinces are desired to consider against the next National Synod whether the Word Damnation attributed unto our Lord in the tenth Section of our Catechism may be retained or changed 42. Monsieur des Fontaines left the Original Accounts of Monsieur Palot in the Hands of our General Deputies who are charged to get them Copied out and sent unto Rochell together with other Papers to be preserved in the Archivès there 43. The Province of Xaintonge is ordered to Convene the next National Synod in the City of Rochell in the Month of May and in the year 1605. unless there should fall out some other General Assembly in the mean while 44. The Assembly proceeding to a new Election of General Deputies for the Churches according to the regulation made in the Assembly of St. Foy among all that were recommended by the Deputies of the Provinces It chose only these two the Lord of St. Germain and the Lord of Bordes ordering that they be continued in this their Office because of their good report and general satisfaction given by them unto the Provinces and Churches in their former administration who having accepted this Office did Swear the Union prescribed at Mantes and solemnly promise to employ themselves with all faithfulness to the utmost of their power in the discharge of the Duties thereof according to their Commission given them at Saint Foy. 45. The Sum of five and forty Thousand Crowns coming in unto us this year from the Moneys of His Majesty's Bounty after mature consideration had of the State of our Universities and Churches they were distributed in manner following CHAP. VIII A Dividend of the Sum of 45000 Crowns both for our Vniversities and Churches For the Universities  Crowns Sols Denier Of Saumur 1111 05 8 Of Montauban 1111 05 8 Of Montpellier 700 06 8 Of Nismes 700 06 8 Of Sedan 800 00 0 All the Provinces shall have for their respective Churches according to the Number of Ministers in actual Service and of the Proposans they were obliged to maintain For the Provinces  Cro. S. D. The Isle of France for 62 portions to wit for six and forty Ministers in actual service comprising in it four Pastors in the Principality of Sedan and ten Churches to be provided for with six Proposans 3748 11 6 Normandy for 45 portions out of which they provide for their vacant Churches and maintenance of Proposans according to the number of their Colloquies 2720 24 10 Orleans and Berry for six and thirty portions for seven and twenty Ministers six Churches unprovided to be supplied with Ministers and three Proposans 2176 19 06 Brittany for 15 portions for seven Pastors four Churches to be provided for and four Proposans 906 19 6 Anjou and Tourain for 27 portions for twenty Ministers four Churches to be provided for and three Proposans 1632 14 9 The Higher and Lower Poictou for fifty portions for nine and thirty Ministers eight Churches to be provided for and three Proposans 3022 38 4 Xaintonge and Aunix for sixty portions for forty eighty Ministers six Churches to be provided for and six Proposans 3627 13 0 The Lower Guyenne for sixty portions for nine and forty Ministers and seven Churches to be provided and five Proposans 3627 13 0 The Higher and Lower Vivaretz and Vellay for eight and twenty portions for nineteen Ministers including what was ordained for the Church of Aubenas six Churches to be provided for and three Proposans 1692 42 1 The Lower Languedoc hath one hundred portions for fourscore and four Ministers in actual service six Churches to be provided for four Pastors for the Lower Avergne and six Proposans 6045 21 11 The Higher Languedoc eighty portions for sixty and four Ministers in actual service six Churches to be provided for four Pastors for the Higher Auvergne and six
Proposans 4836 17 11 Burgundy hath six and twenty portions for thirteen Ministers casting in Lyons into the number four Pastors for the Colloquy of Gex six Churches to be provided for and three Proposans 1571 47 8 Provence hath sixteen portions for seven Pastors seven vacant Churches to be provided for and two Proposans 967 15 6 Dolphiny and Orange have seventy and one portions for nine and fifty Pastors whereof three for the City of Orange four Churches to be provided for and eight Proposans 4292 12 9 46. All the said Provinces shall bring unto the next National Synod the Accounts of their Administring of these Moneys divided among them for the use of their Pastors and Unprovided Churches and of the Proposans whom they stand obliged to maintain that so the sums granted but not imployed by them may be restored unto the Synod 47. Thanks shall be returned and are now rendred unto the Lords de St. Germain des Bordes our General Deputies at Court for their singular fidelity and diligence in the discharge of their Trust as also unto Monsieur des Fontaines for his great pains in bringing Monsieur Palot to Audit his Accounts according to the Commission given him by the Assembly of St. Foy CHAP. IX Here follows the Account of what was granted to Monsieur Palot and to Monsieur du Candal 1. THIS Assembly grants unto Monsieur Palot that he shall first choose his Assignations out of the years 1598 1599 and 1600 that so he may be reimburst of the Moneys advanced by him in the years aforesaid without advancing one upon the other according as was ordained by the Commissioners 2. This Assembly counts it unreasonable to give unto the said Palot any Interest for the Moneys said to be advanced by him nor does it think fit to grant him that preference demanded by him for his confused and general advances that so he should be reimbursed out of the first and best Moneys remaining due for the years 98 99 1600 1601 1602. 3. This Assembly restoreth unto the said Palot the sum of 1599 Crowns payed by him in the year 99 by vertue of an Order from the Assembly of Samur upon condition that he reimburse himself out of the remaining Moneys of the years 98 99 1600 belonging to the Ministers and our Cautionary Towns he deducting from it the portions of the Higher and Lower Guyenne unless he would rather choose to recover it from the Parties themselves as it was ordered by the Commissioners 4. This Assembly cannot allow of nor part with the 2000 Crowns paid unto the Deputies of the Assembly at Saumur in the year 1601 for that half year in which they did no Survice nor can they allow upon the years 1601 and 1602 and 1603 the sum of 1800 Crowns unto Monsieur de Parabelle which had been ordered him out of the remainders of the years 98 99 and 1600. 5. Nor can it grant at present unto the said Palot out of the clear Incomes of the years 1601 and 1602 a restitution of those dividends which have been razed out of his Accounts because he keeps the last quarter still in his own hands to reimburse himself nor in particular for those portions whereof he once had the first payment granted him by this Assembly 6. Yet notwithstanding that Order of Counsel regulating the Taxations of the said Palot at 1200 Crowns for the years 1601 1602 and 1603. this Assembly doth think fit to give him for the years 1601 and 1602 a penny in the Liver for Moneys already and actually paid provided that within six days after his being at Lyons he do pay the Arrears due unto our Churches from the two first Quarters of the years 98 99 1600 1601 and 1602 and to every one of the Provinces their particular shares of the 4847 Crowns owing by him upon the third Quarter of the year 1601 and of the 5528 Crowns which he ought to pay upon the third Quarter of the year 1602 as also what he oweth us for reimbursing him a penny farthing in the Liver for the bad Moneys of former years according as the Accounts shall be stated immediately betwixt all the Provinces and Him the said Palot in the presence of Monsieur des Fontaines with this express condition that if the said Palot do not at the time mentioned pay in at Lyons the sums aforesaid that then the Churches shall not be bound to allow him the penny in a Liver but onely two deniers and an half which is not a full farthing in the Liver according to the Order before-mentioned And as for the remaining sums of the third and fourth Quarters of the years 1601 and 1602 the said Palot shall make payment of them according to the Covenants past betwixt him and this Assembly not including in this Resolution either Provinces of the Higher Languedoc or Lower Guyenne CHAP. X. An Account of the Dividend of One hundred and five and thirty thousand Crowns given by His Majesty every year unto the Reformed Churches of France according to which the Lord Isaac du Candall and Monsieur de Visouze shall make payment of each particular sum at the time hereafter appointed for the year next coming 1604 and this in pursuance of that Agreement made with the said Lord of Candall and the Deputies Assembled in this present National Synod held at Gap in Dolphiny before Monsieur Rostrain His Majesty's Publick Notary  L. S. D. THERE must be paid in the first placed to the Province of Provence for sixteen Churches the sum of 2091 05 6 To the Province of Brittany for fifteen Churches 2720 03 4 To the Province of Burgundy for twenty and six Churches 4715 07 8 To the Province of Vivaretz for twenty and eight Churches 5728 02 0 To the Lower Guienne for Churches 10881 13 0 To the Lower Languedoc for 108 Churches 18136 0 0 To the Province of Poictou for fifty Churches 09068 0 0 To the Isle of France Picardy c. for 62 Churches 07969 15 2 To the Province of Champagne 03252 12 4 To the Province of Xaintonge for 60 Churches 01881 13 2 To the Province of Anjou for 27 Churches 04886 14 0 To the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne 14528 11 0 To the Province of Orleans and Berry for six and thirty Churches 06520 19 8 To the Province of Dolphiny for seventy one Churches 12876 12 8 To the Province of Normandy for 45 Churches 08261 4 10 A Dividend among our Universities  L. S. D. There shall be payed to our University of Montauban 03333 06 8 To the University of Saumur 03333 06 8 To the Academy of Montpellier 01500 00 0 To the Academy of Nismes 01833 00 0 To that of Sedan 02400 00 0 And all these Sums shall be paid by the said Lord of Candall unto those Universities at the Terms prefixed before any other payments whatsoever And what remains of the overplus of three quarters shall be equally paid in to each of the
Provinces according to the Accompt before-appointed by three equal portions at the Terms prefixed allowing him a Sous in the Liver What shall become due unto the Provinces of the Isle of France Normandy Orleans Anjou Poitou Higher and Lower Guienne shall be paid into the Consistories of Paris Rouen Orleans and Poitiers and for the Higher Languedoc and Guienne unto Mr. J. Bardon and what shall be due unto the Province of Burgundy unto Mr. J. Le Gras Merchant in the City of Lions And in case it should so fall out that our Lords the General Deputies should not receive either the whole or part of their Assigned Stipend from the Lesser Accompt according to agreement It is now resolved that what may be wanting to make it good one half of it shall be taken out of the Total Sum of 135000. Livers which were to be paid in unto the Provinces in the three Quarters and shall be deducted from every one of the Provinces with the allowance of a Sous in the Liver unto the Lord of Candal and the other half shall be deducted out of the Moneys appointed by His Majesty for payment of the Garrisons and to this purpose an Order shall be given unto the said Lord of Candal and our General Deputies shall be paid before all other persons And this same course shall be taken for all payâ—ents in the year 1605. And this Rule shall be in force till the Meeting of the next National Synod CHAP. XI A Roll and Catalogue of all the Reformed Churches of France as well those which are actually supplied with Pastors as of those which shall be before the Meeting of the next National Synod to be held at Rochell in the Year 1607. otherwise the Provinces will be enforced to make Restitution of those Moneys ordained for them out of the Stock given us by His Majesties Royal Bounty There was tackt unto this Roll the Names of those Pastors and Proposans who are to be maintained by the Provinces The First Roll of Pastors and Proposans in the Isle of France Picardy Beausse and Champagne Isle of France Churches Ministers Paris Monsieur de Montigni Francois de Lauberan Mr. de la Faye Mr. du Moulin the eldest Son Mr. Couett Mr. Durand 2. Le Plessis Mr. du Bois the elder 3. Claye Mr. d'Aronde 4. Mantes Mr. Chaurim 5. St. Averne Mr. de Beaulieu 6. Fontainbleau Mr. Voulas 7. Tequin Mr. du Val. 8. Meaux Mr. Choquett 9. Peju Mr. Conouailles 10. La Fere Artenay Mr. Marlette 11. Senlis Mr. Beaulieu Lord of le Blanc Picardy Churches Ministers Clermont Mr. de Losses the younger Lord of La Touche Le Villy Mr. Richard Laon. Mr. Morell Guise Mr. de Vaines Compiegne Mr. de Losses the elder Lord of La Touche St. Quentin Mr. Richier Oistimont Mr. Blanchard Estaples Mr. le Baulne junior Boulognes Mr. Calais Mr. Teslier La Ferte au Vidame Mr. du Bois La Beausse Churches Ministers Houdan Mr. Biolott Blainville Mr. Gravelle Ampon au Perche Mr. Couronne Moulons Mr. Rougihaut Ay. Mr. Brisbard Colloquy of Champagne Churches Ministers Von Mr. de Gastine Chaalons Mr. Viriot Virtry le Francois Mr. Yoland Helmauric Mr. Cousin Vassy Mr. Chevilette Nefancour Mr. Candemiere Espances Mr. de Beauvois senior St. Marc. Mr. Carre Sedan Mr. Fornelle Mr. du Tilly. Mr. Gantois Mr. Mr. Canelle There were threescore and two Portions ordered unto all these Pastors being six and forty in actual service and ten Churches destitute of Ministers three of which belong to the Colloquy of Champagne and six Proposans one of which shall be appropriated to the said Colloquy The whole Sum for those sixty and two Portions amounted to 3748 Livers seven Sous and six Deniers The Second Roll of the Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Brittany Churches Ministers Viellevigne Mr. Ferguson Nantes Mr. Oyseau Croisie Mr. le la Prote Sion Mr. de la Place Blain Mr. David Richier and Mr. René de Losses Lord of La Touche Arche-bernard Mr. Andrew le Noir Ld. of Beauchamps Rennes Mr. Fautrat Vitré Mr. Merlin senior and Mr. Pazault Dinan Mr. Pallori Yet when the Synod of Gap sate there were no more than seven Pastors in actual service and four Churches and four Proposans to be provided for and maintained ad fifteen Portions were allotted them out of the Kings Moneys but since God increased the number of their Ministers and this Province had assigned it 906 Crowns 48 Sous 4 d. The Third Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Orleans Berry Blaisois and Nivernois Orleans and Berry Churches Ministers Orleans Mr. du Moulin the Father Sancerre Mr. Dorival Gian Mr. Fontaines Gian Mr. Pinette Blois Mr. Vignier Chastillon sur Loin Mr. Melett Chastillon sur Loire Mr. Le Noir Boisgency Lorges Marchenoit Mr. Samuel de Chambaran Espenille Mr. Giraud Aubusson Mr. Vermer Argenton Mr. de Rieux Mer Mr. Bourguignon Chasteausdun Mr. Simpson Gergeau Mr. Boucher Pisons Seneu Mr. Charretier Romorantiâ— Mr. Brun La Chustre Mr. Granier Ginvelles Luneau Mr. de la Roche disione St. Leonard Mr. de Monsanglar Chirac Mr. Jurieu St. Amont Mr. Jamet Issondun Mr. de Beauval Mr. Berger was Emeritus and had four Portions assigned for his subsistence Mr. Granier liveth at Sancerre There be six Churches and six Proposans to be provided for The Fourth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Anjou Tourain and Maine Tourain Churches Ministers Tours Mr. des Aigues Mr. Coupe Loches Chastillon Mr. Grevon Previlly Mr. Rogier Chinon l'Islebouchard Mr. Pevillaud Vandôme Mr. Salomeau Montoire Mr. Didier Anjou Churches Ministers Saumur Mr. Bouchereau Anger 's Mr. de Blois Beaugé Mr. John Fleury Loudun Mr. de Clairville he died in the year 1608. Loudun Mr. Bede died 1607. Choupes Mr. Goudry Gaon Vandelles Mr. Besnard Le Mans Mr. Vigneu Belesme Mr. Notman La Haye Mr. de la Combe Chasteau du Loir Mr. du Fresne Mont Gobert Mr. de la Noue Monsieur de Lessard is Emeritus In all twenty Pastors four Churches destitute and three Proposans so there was assigned to this Province of Tourain and Anjou twenty seven Portions which amounted to 1632 Crowns fourteen Sous and nine Deniers The Fifth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of the Upper and Nether Poictou Colloquy of the Vpper Poictou Churches Ministers Poictiers Mr. Clemenceau Chastetheraud Mr. d'Amours he died lately Mr. Picard suspended Touars Mr. Andrew Rivett senior Parteney Mr. Ricourt lately deceased Mr. Manceau Lusignan Mr. Mazieres he died at Talmond Mr. Mestayer succeeded him Sansay Mr. Monnestier Cové Mr. L'Estang Mr. Cuville Civray Mr. de la Roche Croizé Le Vigan Mr. Favre La Trimoville Mr. Brun Chauvigny Mr. Florand Roche Choart Mr. Roche and since Mr. Forgeau Le Boucheron Mr. Joubert Colloquy of Niort and St. Maixant Churches Ministers Niort Mr. de la Blaschiere senior Mr. Chauffepied St. Maixant Mr. Chesneau
Chamdenis Mr. Guillermett Mougon Mr. la Blascheire old Son St. Gelais Mr. la Blascheire the youngest Son Melle Mr. Manceau who died at Partenay and since him Mr. René Forest Aulnay Mr. de L'Estang Issoudun Mr. de la Valleé Chefboutonneé Mr. Olliver he lately revolted since Mr. John Chalmot of Niort Colloquy of the Nether Poictou Churches Ministers Fontenay Mr. de la Vallade Luson Mr. Bomaud St. Benoist Mr. Textor who died lately Mr. Daniel Guermeau a Rocheller Mr. de la Place who is since dead Talmont upon the Jard Mr. Masseres deposed Mr. James Prunier was received in the mixt Assembly held at Fontenay before St. Johns Fair. 1614. Monne Mr. Vatablé St. Giles upon Vic Mr. Prascisault Le Poiré Mr. de Bonvouloir since sent unto St. d'Angely Mouschamps Mr. de Losses Lord of la Tousche the elder but since dead Chantonneé Mr. Tirenu Marevil Mr. Marchand St. Ermine Mr. Papin a Rocheller Mouilleron Mr. Berny Pausanges Mr. Moreau Vaudoré Mr. Champanois La Chastagneraye Mr. Texier and since Mr. George Tompson a Scotch-man Colonges les Reau Mr. Dantonnet In all thirty nine Pastors eight Churches to be provided for and three Proposans which made up fifty Portions for the whole Province of Poitou amounting to 3022 Crowns 40 Sous and 10 Deniers The Sixth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Propasans in the Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoulmois 1 Colloquy of St. John d'Angely Churches Ministers St. John d'Angely Mr. Fremond de Vigier Lord of Moustier now dead to him succeeded Mr. Japhet de Vigier Lord of Bessay his Son Mr. du Bon Vouloir Taillebourg Mr. William Rivett the younger Brother Lord of Chanvernon St. Savinian Mr. Alix Tonna Charante Mr. Jouanneau and since Mr. Ferry Tonnay Boutonneé Mr. de la Viennerie Matta Mr. Rousseau 2 Colloquy of the Islands Churches Ministers St. Peters of Olleron Mr. de la Croix he died in the year 1610 since St. Peters of Olleron Mr. Guilielmi Castell of Olleron Mr. Petit the younger Royan Mr. Deschareves dead but since Mr. Heraud Mornac Mr. le Coq Aruert la Tremblade Jonin is since separated from them Monsieur Rossignol La Tremblade Mr. Papin Marennes Mr. Jeremy Boisseul he died 1609. since Mr. Zachary Crispin Lord of Chabosselay an Anjouin and Mr. Richier Lord of Vandelin Cour a Britton Saujon Mr. Paul Bonnet junior St. John Dangles Mr. Berger deceased since Mr. de la Forest Soubize Mr. Chevalier Moize Mr. Beauja sent to St. Mesmes since Mr. Thomas Guyot Lord of Chappeauvert St. Just Mr. Tolouse a Rocheller Third Colloquy of Aunix Churches Ministers Rochel Mr. Du Mont. deceased Mr. James Merlin Mr. Samuel L' hommeau Mr. Jerome Coulommies Born in Bearn Mr. Louis Le Ceueler Lord of la Chappeliere an Angevin Mr. Daniel Goiré a Rocheller Mr. Gideon de Montmartyn Lord of La Turpiniere he died 1609. Mr. John Peter Salebert a Rocheller received into the Ministery in the Colloquy of Aulnix held at Nieul on Thursday the 6th of Feb. 1613. but he was Ordained at Rochell by Mr. James Merlin on the Lord's Day in the Afternoon March 3. 1613. in the Great Temple with most solemn and extraordinary Prayers St. Martins in the Istle of Rhé Mr. German Chauveton Lord of Beauvois he died in the latter end of year 1604. Mr. Fautrard and Englishman I suppose he was Born in the Island of Guernzey for one of his Name was Minister there in the year 1647. but he died of the Plague a Fortnight after Mr. de Beauvois Since Mr. Lewes Aubyneau a Rocheller Ars in the Isle of Ré Mr. Daniel Chanett La Flotte in the Isle of Ré Mr. Daniel Gorré who was after sent unto Rochell La Flotte in the Isle of Ré Mr. John le Chatre a Rocheller Marans Mr. Pillard Marans Mr. La Violette Bourneuf and Dampierre Mr. Febrve Surgeres Mr. Tagaut Nieul Mr. James Guibert a Rocheller sent to Archiac and Jonsac he afterward turn'd Apostate Nieul Mr. Peter Menanceau a Rocheller Mauzé Mr. Andrew de Mazieres Lord of La Cave Laleu l'Ommeau and Lozieres Mr. Samuel Veupillet a German Sales Toré and Mortagne Mr. Toussainet a German The Fourth Colloquy of Xaintes Churches Ministers Xainctes Mr. Bonnet senior dead since Mr. Petit senior Pons Mr. Londe removed to Mortagne Mr. Heraud of Rochell sent to Royan Mr. Peris Archiac and Jonsac Mr. Menanceau sent to Nieul in Aulnix Plassac and Clan Mr. Calbert and since Mr. Choquet Mortagne Mr. Chastaigner dead since Mr. Londe Gemouzat Mr. Gabart Rieax Mr. Marcon Mr. du Perche and since Cozes Mr. James Chalmot of Rochell The Fifth Colloquy of Augoalmois Churches Ministers Stelaud de Lindoire Mr. George Pacard the Elder sent unto Rochefoucald he died in the year 1610. La Rochefoucaud Mr. Hog sent to Angoulesme and since Mr. Pacard senior La Rochebeaucourt Mr. Pitard Jarnac Mr. Pacard the Eldest Son Cognac Mr. Barjemont removed Mr. Bizett removed Mr. John Perreau of Rochell Vertueil Mr. Colladon since deceased Mr. Trochereg a Baron of Scotland but removed to Saumur Mr. Peres sent to Pons Vertueil Mr. Comareg The Sixth Colloquy of Jonzac Churches Ministers Jonzac Mr. Pollot dead since James Guibert who revolted after him holy Mr. Welch a Scotch Minister who spent eight hours every day in Prayer Barbezieux Mr. Petit the Elder sent to Xaintes Mr. Theophilus Rossell of Nantes St. Mesmes Mr. Beaujan Baigné and Chaux Mr. Boyannat La Roche Chalais Mr. Bellot There be forty eight Pastors in the whole Province of Xaintonge six Churches destitute and six Proposans without including Mr. Herauld lent unto the Church of Marsillac so that it had sixty Portions amounting to 3627 Crowns and 13 Sous The Seventh Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Lower Guienne The First Colloquy of Higher Agenois Churches Ministers Tonneins Mr. de Monjone Mr. de Beaucons Clerac Mr. Ricotier the Father Mr. Ricotier the Son the Grandson was I think Minister also in the Church of Tonneins and exiled with the other Ministers 1685. Castelmoron Mr. Bausty Pathe Mr. Mermet the Son Monflanquin Mr. Freron the Father Tournon Mr. Freron the Son Monheur Mr. Scillade Leyrac Mr. Sylvius the Son La Parade Mr. Fevran Grateloup Mr. Vidouse an Apostate Puymirol Mr. de La Fayole The Second Colloquy of Lower Agenois Churches Ministers Bordeaux Mr. Renaud he died 1610. Mr. Primrose a Scotchman Libourne Mr. de la Vallade Castillon Mr. Baduell Ste. Foy Mr. Hesperian Ste. Foy Mr. de Bessoly Aniche Mr. D'Anglade Jouzac Mr. Majence Parole Mr. Lamy Morancour Mr. Zamett Bazas Mr. Goudon Velines Mr. Vassar Duras Mr. Peniot The Third Colloquy of Condomois Churches Ministers Nerac Mr. Mermet the Father Mr. Masparrault Mr. de La Nusse Mozin Mr. Luillier Casteljaloux Mr. du Luc Caumont Mr. Villebon La Bastide Mr. Sylvius the Father Le Mont de Moisin Mr. de Palloque Gouse Mr. Melet Bifesensac Mr. Guynier Tartas Mr. Pourrat Sos Mr. du Mier The Fourth
Civil Magistrate and in case any refuse obedience hereunto they shall be prosecuted by all Church-censures 45. Some moved how expedient it would be that our Academies were regulated according to the number of our Provinces and that the summs now demanded for augmentation of the Regents and Professors Sallaries was too great and particularly for that of Saumur But this Synod not having time enough at present to debate this matter doth require all the Provinces to consider of it against the meeting of the next National Synod And that our weaker and poorer Churches may be more comfortably relieved and supplied Those Churches who are better able to maintain a Colledge without any assistance from others or the publick are desired to bring in an Account of what can be done by them That so we may make the best estimate we can how to compleat and perfect our Universities And the Provinces next adjoining to our Universities are requested to have a most careful eye over them and to be responsable for them unto the next National Synod and of the diligence or neglects of duty by its Officers and Professors And till that time we do not judge meet to grant any augmentation to that of Saumur 46. The Deputies of divers Provinces moving that there might be particular Colledges erected in their respective Provinces for the educating of Youth in Humanity before they were sent unto our Universities This Assembly granteth them their request and that the eleven Provinces which have no Academy shall have each of them the summ of 100 Crowns for this very purpose And these Provinces are charged to bring in an Account unto the next National Synod how they have employed the said Moneys 47. Monsieur Vignier is intreated to study well that controversie about the great Antichrist and to bring in his work unto the next National Synod CHAP. VI. An Account of the Dividend of one hundred five and thirty thousand Livers given by his Majesty every year unto the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom Out of which great summ the Lord of Candal and his Commissary Monsieur de Visouze shall make payment of these lesser summs here under mentioned in manner and form following and at the times appointed and this according to those Articles of Agreement made betwixt him and the Lords General Deputies of our Churches in the National Synod of Gap 1603. To the Universities  L. S. D. To the University of Montauban 3333 6 8 To that of Saumur 3333 6 8 To that of Montpellier 1500 0 0 To that of Nismes 1833 0 0 To that of Sedan 2400 0 0 To the L. L. General Deputies To the Lords General Deputies officiating at Court for us 1650 Livers being one half of 3300 Livers which added to 10200 Livers taken out of the lesser Accompt do make up 13500 Livers which is their allotted yearly Sallery The remaining moitay of the said 3300 Livers the Lord of Candal is to receive out of the Moneys ordered for the payment of our Garisons and by him to be paid into the said L. L General Deputies To Ministers To the Province of Provence there shall be paid in the summ of 2181 l. 12 s for 17 Churches including in it 300 l. overpluss assigned to them To the Province of Brittany the summ of 2403 l. for 19 Churches including in it 300 l. overpluss assigned to them To the Province of Burgundy the summ of 4727 l. 4. s for 40 Churches including in it the sum of 300 l. overpluss To the Province of Vivaretz the summ of 3399 l. 2 s for 28 Churches including in it also 300 l. overplus To the Lower Guienne the summ of 8269 l. 4 s for 72 Churches including in it the like summ of 300 l. To the Lower Languedock the summ of 11842 l. 10 s for 107 Churches To the Province of Poictou the summ of 5613 l. for 48 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss To the Isle of France Picardy Champagne and Beausse the summ of 7827 l. 10 s for 68 Churches including the 300 overpluss To the Province of Xaintonge the summ of 7937 l. 6 s for 69 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss To the Province of Anjou for 29 Churches the summ of 3209 l. 16. s To the province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guienne for 94 Churches the summ of 10404 l. 10 s To the Province of Orleans and Berry for 36 Churches the summ of 4284 l. 10 s including the 300 l. over pluss To the Province of Dolphiny the summ of 8933 l. 10 s for 78 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss To the Province of Normandy the summ of 6166 l. 6 s for 53 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss And this whole summ shall be paid in by three equal portions unto the Universities the Lords General Deputies and to the Receivers of the Provinces at the time and manner following Viz. The portions of the Isle of France Picardy Brie Champagne Beausse Normandy Anjou Orleans Poitiers Lower Guyenne Higher Languedoc and Higher Guienne the Universities in the said Provinces being included into the hands of their Receivers who shall be appointed by them The first payment to be made the first of July next coming the second on the second day of October following and the third on the last of January in the year 1608. And for the Isle of France Picardy Brie and Champagne in the City of Paris For Normandy in the City of Rouan For Orleans and Berry at Orleans for Poictou at Poictiers for the Lower Guienne at Bourdeaux for Higher Guienne and Higher Languedoc at Montauban and for Anjou in the City of Tours including in it the University of Saumur And the portions due unto the Provinces of Provence Lower Languedoc Brittany and Xaintonge into the hands of the Receivers who shall be appointed by them at three equal payments the first at the end of July the second at the end of October and the third at the end of February in the year 1608. viz. for Lower Languedoc and the Universities of Montpellier and Nismes in the City of Montpellier for Brittain at Nants for Xaintonge at Rochel for the Provinces of Burgundy and Dolphiny and Vivaretz in the City of Lions The two first payments shall be maid at the Fairs in August and Allhollantide of this present year and the last upon twelfth day immediately after And the said Provinces shall be obliged to appoint and name in every one of those before mentioned Cities a particular House whereunto the said Lord of Candal may come and make payment of the said Moneys October Quarter for Ministers shall be paid out of the Moneys of the said Quarter by the said Lord of Candal  L. S. D. To the Province of Provence for 17 Churches 0756 18 6 To the Province of Brittany for 19 Churches 0846 00 0 To the Province of Burgundy for 40 Churches 1781 00 0 To the Province of Vivaretz for 28 Churches 1246 14 0 To Lower Guienne
for 63 Churches 3205 16 5 To the Lower Languedoc for 73 Churches 4764 5 6 To Poictou for 48 Churches 2137 4 0 To the Isle of France c. for 68 Churches 3027 14 0 To Xaintonge for 169 Churches 3071 4 6 To the Province of Anjou for 29 Churches 1291 4 6 To the Higher Languedoc and Higher Guienne for 94 Churches 4185 7 0 To Orleans and Berry for 36 Churches 1602 18 0 To Dolphiny for 78 Churches 3472 19 0 To Normandy for 53 Churches 2359 17 0 And whereas there will be wanting 33750 Livers to compleat the last Quarter of the said summ of 135000 Livers or whatsoever part of it he may receive shall be actually paid in by him the fifteenth day of August the next year unto every one of the Provinces defalking only one Sous in the Liver and unto such persons as shall be constituted by the said Provinces to receive it for them And if any more Moneys shall be recovered after the said fifteenth day of August the next year he shall pay it in by Bills unto every one of the Provinces according to the Dividend which shall be made by our General Deputies residing with his Majesty provided they will accept of it And this order for the Dividend shall hold good not only for this present year 1607. but also for the year ensuing 1608. yea and till the holding of the next National Synod Dividend There shall be sixty and nine portions paid into the Province of Xaintonge for 54â— Pastors in actual service six Proposans and nine Churches destitute of Ministers There shall be 107 portions paid into the Province of Lower Languedoc for 90 Pastors 5. Churches vacant six Proposans and one Minister Emeritus by reason of his age only five of these portions must go to the Lower Auvergâ—e There shall be 36 portions paid into the Province of Orleans and Berry for 21 Pastors 9 vacant Churches and six Proposans There shall be 68 portions paid into the Province of the Isle of France for 48 Pastors seven vacant Churches two Ministers Emeriti by reason of age and five of those portions are supernumerary There shall 72 portions be paid into the Province or Lower Guienne the Churches of Soullais and Bigorre for 62 Pastors in actual service four vacant Churches five Proposans and one portion granted as an Honorarium to Monsieur Baduel There shall be 29 portions paid into the Province of Anjou for 19 Pastors in actual service for six vacant Churches three Proposans and one Minister Emeritus by reason of his age There shall be paid ninety and four portions into the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guienne for seventy Pastors in actual service six vacant Churches seven Proposans four Pastors Emeriti thirteen of these portions were super-numerary and four of them for the Higher Auvergne There shall be paid in fourty eight portions to the Province of Poictou for thirty nine Pastors in actual service for five Churches vacant three Proposans and one Pastor Emeritus There shall be paid in thirty eight portions to the Province of Vivaretz for eighteen Pastors in actual service five Churches vacant three Proposans and two portions added as an Honorarium to Monsieur de la Faye Pastor of the Church of Aubenas There shall be paid in seventeen portions to the Province of Provence for seven Pastors in actual service seven Churches vacant and three Proposans There shall be paid in seventy eight portions to the Province of Dolphiny for sixty one Pastors in actual service seven Churches vacant eight Proposans and two Ministers Emeriti There shall be paid in fourty portions to the Province of Burgundy Gex and Lionnois for twenty nine Pastors in actual service seven vacant Churches and four Proposans There shall be paid in fifty three portions to the Province of Normandy for thirty eight Pastors in actual service seven Churches to be provided for six Proposans and two Ministers Emeriti There shall be paid in nineteen portions to the Province of Brittany for seven Pastors in actual service seven vacant Churches four Proposans and one Pastor Emeritus CHAP. VII An Account of those summs which the National Synod hath Decreed to be paid out by the Lord of Candal Receiver General of the Moneys given by his Majesty unto the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom IMprimis He shall reimburse the Sieurs de la Noue and du Cross the sum of fourscore and twelve Livers payed down by them for verifying of those Letters Patents discharging all the Ministers of the Reformed Churches in France from payment of any Taxes whatsoever and for the Seal afâ—ixed to those Letters of our Bill of Grievances presented to his Majesty He shall pay unto Mr. Reynault Minister of the Church of Bourdeaâ—x the sum of two hundred and ten Livers for those Reasons expressed in the Synodical Decree He shall pay unto Messieurs du Bois Cargrois and Gigord Professors in the University of Montpellier the sum of 400 l. which were given them by the Synod He shall pay to Mr. Theophilus Bleuet Lord of La Combe the sum of 120 l. for those causes expressed in the Synodical Order He shall pay unto Corneille the Printer in this City six Livers for printing the general Laws of our Universities composed by this Synod There is the sum of eight hundred twenty eight Livers which the said Lord of Candall is to keep in his hands deducting but of it for himself one Sous in the Liver and to pay it in by equal portions unto the Provinces for the first Quarter of this present year 1607. and the said sum shall be allowed him in his Account of Disbursments he producing the fore-mentioned Orders and the Acquittances from the parties to whom he payed it CHAP. VIII Memorials and Instructions given to the Lords of Villarnoul and de Mirande the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom attending upon His Majesty how to bring Monsieur Palot to Account for the Moneys dispensed by by him which His Gracious Majesty was pleased so bestow upon our Reformed Churches FIRST You must take the Oaths of Messieurs de la Nouve and du Cros and then prosecute the said Palot before the Lords of Pontcarre and of Beaumarchais who are the Judges constituted by his Majesty to hear and determine the said Accounts And whereas the said Palot may persist in what he hath formerly urged to avoid all Accounting that the Receivers General upon whom he hath Moneys assigned have not as yet brought in their Accounts or Copies of them that they might be examined and verified and it might be known whether the Moneys of their Accounts have been diverted to other uses to there prejudice of those Assignments you must then inform our Lords the Judges that this is a meer fiction and evasion For if the said Palot had a desire to see those Accounts he might with a wet finger be satisfied Let him but present his Petition unto the Court of Exchequer in
other houses whose principal Inhabitants or those who manage the affairs of the said Cities do Profess the Reformed Religion who shall be intreated by the Provincial Synods to do the Church this right as to assign the Rents out of the clearest Common Income and this by good Contracts passed between them and the Deputy of that Church to which the said Legacies had been bequeathed and the Mayors Sheriffs Consuls and principal Burgesses of the said Cities and other persons of note residing in them And the Consistories of those places shall be present at those Contracts to see that no Article or condition which may contribute to the Ratification and security of the premisses be omitted and the Consistory of that Church to whom the Legacy is bequeathed or its Deputies shall be vigilant and carefull that the payment of those Rents be well made and constant and that it be given in either by Bills of Exchange or any other ways with the least charges that may be in the Provinces and that the dividend be made in such a proportion unto every Church as of right belongeth to them And Provincial Synods are injoyned to look to it that the Intentions of the Donors be not diverted but punctually and most exactly observed and followed To this purpose there shall be annually tendred by every Church unto their Colloquy and by the Colloquies unto their Provincial Synod a just and true Account of what has been given by whom and to what uses with an Exhibition of the Contracts that they may be registred And in case there be any considerable sum of Moneys in Stock they shall be carried unto some one of the aforesaid Cities as shall be thought most advisable there to be laid up in Bank for the benefit of the Churches to which the said Moneys were bequeathed 4. And forasmuch as we who live in France are under divers Laws and Customs and that the style and form of contract is very different in several Provinces It 's therefore decreed that in every Province there shall be one and the same form used for Legacies and Gifts which shall be transmitted unto all the Consistories and by them communicated unto the Notaries professing Reformed Religion and unto such others as may be thought expedient The form shall be conceived in these insuing words excepting always a power of changing it in case of necessity I give and bequeath to the maintenance of the Ministry of the Gospel in the Church of N. the sum of N. which my will is that it be laid out in purchasing of a settled Rent or Estate in Land in the Cities of Rochel Montauban or Monpelier c. and this by the advice of the Consistory of the said Cities which Rent or Revenue shall be annually paid in and delivered unto the Consistory of the said place for the better maintenance of the sacred Ministry without ever being diverted to any other use And in case it should so fall out which God of his great mercy prevent that the Ministry of the word there in that Church should be suppressed either by war or any other publicly calamity it is my will that during the said Intermission and until the re-establishing of the said exercise of the Ministry that the said Rent be imployed towards the maintenance of the nearest Church unto that said place or otherwise as shall be judged most fitting by the Consistory Colloquy Provincial or National Synod of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom And I humbly and earnestly intreat the said Synods to have a strict and watchful eye that this Moneys be not diverted unto any other usage than what is now designed and intended by me CHAP. XIV Political Acts of matters treated in the National Synod held at Rochell in the month of March 1607. by His Majesties Writ THE Lords de la Noue and du Crois Deputed by the Assembly of Chastelleraud to reside near his Majesty being present in this Synod delivered us the Kings writ the Tenor whereof is as followeth This 29th day of December in the year of our Lord 1606. His Majesty being at St. Germain in Laye He then granted and permitted that in the National Synod which shall be celebrated by his subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion in the City of Rochell this next ensuing March they may proceed to the Nomination of their Deputies whom his Majesty permits to reside near his Royal Person on condition that the said Deputies shall be Nominated out of six persons who are Members of the same Synod to be presented unto his Majesty out of whom he may and will chuse two to whom that Office shall be given and which shall be continued to them for three full years as also that in the said Synod the Deputies aforesaid shall debate of none other business excepting the aforementioned Nomination and matters purely Disciplinary relating to the well-governing of their Churches as is expresly declared in the Edicts and Grants of his said Majesty on pain of forfeiting those Grants and Priviledges in case they act contrary to this his will and pleasure His said Majesty having commanded me to dispatch the said Writ which he would sign with his own hand and enjoyned me also to countersign it being a Member of his most Honourable Council of State and Secretary of his Commands Signed thus Henry And below Forgett 2. It being moved Whether the Deputies of the City of Rochel be called in to the Debate about the King 's Writ The Assembly considering that they were only summoned as a National Synod under which Quality the Answer given to the 17th Article of the Memoirs last presented unto his Majesty expresly forbids the admission of any other persons Ministers and Elders only excepted into our Synodical Meetings on pain of forfeiting them for the future It was resolved that a Committee of Pastors and Elders should be delegated unto the Mayor Aldermen and Council of the City and represent unto them this difficulty craving their Advice upon it and give them to understand upon what grounds their Deputies sent unto us have not been hitherto received by us Whereunto they gave this Answer That it was their sole Intention to be present only at those Debates which related to the Writ sent by his Majesty down unto this Assembly as being matters purely civil according to that exception made in his Majesties Answer to the 17th Article of the Memoirs last presented him and as by the same Answer they were allowed to be present at Political Assemblies whereupon the Synod having pondered their Arguments and considering their Importunity gave leave unto them to be present with us upon the Debates about his Majesties Writ and accordingly Monsieur de Romagne and de Mirande the two Sheriffs of the City and de Beaupreau and the Bayliff of Aunis Burgesses of the said City were admitted into the Synod 3. The said Writ having been read The Assembly well weighing the Conditions inserted in it judged that
they had no powers to proceed to the Election of any new General Deputies because they found themselves not in the least authorized by the said Writ to give them Commissions and Instructions nor could they discharge those who were here present Whereupon they found it expedient to send unto his Majesty some Deputies from the whole Body of this Synod to get information and direction upon these difficulties and with all humility to represent unto his Majesty the manifold defects in the said Writ and to demand more ample Liberty to treat of all Affairs relating to the execution of his Edicts and the preservation of our Churches and particularly about the nominating of Deputies and matters depending on it as of their number and time of continuance in that Office And to this purpose Monsieur Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier and du Bois de Cargrois an Elder were named and commissioned as Deputies with Letters unto his Majesty and to my Lords the Dukes of Buillon and de Sully and to my Lords de Sillery and du Plessis 4. Monsieur Gigord and Monsieur du Bois de Cargrois returned from Court and presented unto this Synod his Majesties Letters which were couched in these following Lines By the King TRusty and well-beloved we are well pleased with the Deputation you fent unto us by Monsieur Gigord and du Cargrois who are the present bearers of this our Answer to you whom also we have willingly heard upon the matters represented us on your behalf and in special we are exceedingly contented since we understood by them your thankful acknowledgment of that particular Favour and Good-will we so lately testified unto you not only in Granting you our License for your National Synod to be held in our City of Rochel but also by the same means permitting you to Nominate those Deputies who shall succeed those who resided in our Court the last year as also the reasons which we had for our so doing to-wit the Comforting of our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion and to ease them of that burden and extraordinary charge with which had that Election been made in any other form they must needs have been grievously oppressed As to the difficulty raised by your said Deputies and declared by them to have been first raised by your selves about the right understanding of our Writ expedited by us for the licensing of your Synodical Assembly and your desires of being better informed about our will and intentions in it that you might not in the least act contrary thereunto if you had but consulted our Deputies sent by us unto your Assembly they both could and should have delivered you from that uncertainty For we expresly declared to them at their departure and gave them in charge to declare unto you all passages that had been here transacted during the time of their Residence at our Court which we do now confirm unto you as also that if after you have heard them you shall have occasion of representing to us any matters about the observation of our Edict which is a Law by which we our selves will be governed and resolve that it shall be in every point and tittle of it so exactly observed that nothing shall be added to it nor taken from it it is our pleasure that you commit it unto them and that they also accept of that Commission from you unto us As touching the form of the said Election both for the number of your Deputies and the time of their Residence near our Person being matters considered and judged by us very profitable and needful our Will is that nothing contained in our said Writ be changed And if in case one of the said Deputies retained by us in our Court should during the time of his Service depart this Life we shall then order one of those six recommended by you to us to succeed him for the remaining time of his Office And having intrusted your said Deputies to give you a more ample discovery of the special Motives of our said Will and Pleasure we will at present trouble you no farther than to assure you that you shall ever find us propitious and favourable to your just Petitions and Demands as we also expect from you the continuance of your Fidelity and ready Obedience to us whereby you will merit from us new occasions and testimonials of our Antient Love and good Affection to you Dated at Paris this 25th day of March in the year of our Lord 1607. Signed thus Henry And a little lower Forgett And subscribed To our Trusty and Well-beloved The Deputies of the National Synod held by our Royal License in our City of Rochel by our Subjects of the Pretended Reformed Religion 5. Before any consultation or debate was held about the nomination of new Deputies the Assembly heard Messieurs de la Noue and du Crois discoursing of all that had passed during the time of their Deputation and approved of their service praising and thanking them for their great care and pains in it and being discharged from this their Imployment at Court they promised to deposit into the hands of the Deputies that should be nominated to succeed them all the Acts Memoirs and Papers of importance whatsoever that were in their Custody 6. Monsieur du Crois one of our General Deputies tendered in unto this Assembly his Account of 18000 Livers received by him of the Moneys Given and granted by the King to defray the charges of our Deputies at the last Assembly held at Chastel-heraud in the year 1605. and together with the Papers evidencing and justifying his said Account which were rendred unto the Deputies of every Province To wit for the Isle of France unto Monsieur de Montigny for Normandy an Acquittance signed by Monsieur de Courtomer to Monsieur le Fevre for Xaintonge to Monsieur Pacard for the Higher Languedoc to Monsieur Raffin for the Lower Languedoc to Monsieur Gasquers for the Body of the City of Rochel to Mr. de Romagne For Poictou to Monsieur Clemenceau For Provence to Monsieur Chanforan For Brittany to Monsieur du Bois de Cargrois For Anjou to Monsieur Bede For the Lower Guyenne to Monsieur de Primrose For Dolphiny to Monsieur Perrin an Acquittance of 600. Livers the said Monsieur du Crois retaining the sum of 600 Livers more by him as having the Quality of Deputy from the said Province unto the aforesaid Assembly And for Burgundy to Monsieur Bayly And die said Sieur du Crois was acquitted and discharged of the whole sum aforesaid of 18000 Livers 7. Upon the Question moved about the number of Deputies which ought to be sent unto his Majesty and the Commission to be given them the Assembly judged That forasmuch as all Commissions for the greatest part do never exceed the number of two and that there can be no swerving from the Commission given by their Provinces therefore there should be but only two nominated who
shall be charged to represent unto his Majesty that it will be needful to have a General Political Assembly to precede the Provincial ones of the same nature wherein the condition and number of the Six and the three years term of their Charge may be debated and resolved on and till such time as it shall please his Majesty to grant us this our Petition we do most humbly beseech him to accept of the said two Deputies to negotiate our Affairs as the former who within one month after their Arrival shall inform the Provinces of his Majesties pleasure herein And because it 's needful the Deputies should depart immediately without delay they shall be taken from among those who be here upon the place and not chosen by the Deliberative Votes of this Assembly 8. The Deputies which are now going unto Court shall be intreated to assist the Forreign Ministers imployed in the Pastoral Office of our French Churches to get them Letters of Naturalization And Monsieur du Caudal shall be obliged to bring in unto the General Deputies against the 15th of August next a Breviate of his Account together with his Acquittances 9. Forasmuch as divers persons to trouble and vex their adverse Parties do plunge them in infinite Charges and Expences drawing their Processes both Civil and Criminal before other Courts than the Chambers of the Edict Our Deputies are charged to make report of it unto his Majesty and in this particular to be favourable not only to the Bodies of Churches but even unto particular Persons when as necessity shall so require 10. The Lords of Villarnou and de Mirande were nominated by this Assembly to repair to Court and to inform his Majesty with the above-mentioned Causes for which this Assembly could not conform themselves to the terms of his Majesties Writ And in case his Majesty shall accept of them till such time as the General Assembly do meet they shall then attend his Majesty in the Quality of General Deputies of the Churches But and if his Majesty shall not be pleased to grant us speedily a General Assembly they shall continue in that Office a full year during which time they shall in the general name of all the Churches conjoyntly act and prosecute whatever may concern their universal good and welfare as also the particular benefit of every Church and Province and shall make a faithful report of all matters unto his Majesty from the Memoirs delivered to them by this Assembly and shall sollicit an answer to them and govern themselves in all things conformably to the Orders enacted and established for the said Deputies in the Assembly of St. Foy and the Instructions which shall now be given them And the Provinces are advised to have recourse unto them in all Affairs both general and special relating unto the Churches without making any private prosecution by any other persons besides the said Deputies And the said Deputies were sworn and entred upon their Office the 14th day of this present month CHAP. XV. The Account of the Lord du Candall for the Moneys given us by His Majesty 1. THE Sieurs de Genouille Bergier des Fontaines de Burges le Fevre de la Combe and Texier were Commissionated to examine the Account of the Lord of Candall and they made report of the many difficulties in it because he did not produce any Acquittances nor other Evidences proving his Accounts Whereupon the said Lord du Candal pleaded for himself that the true reason why he had not brought with him those Acquittances was because he never imagined that the Provinces would have scrupled the truth of those payments he had made them This Assembly ordained that for this time only the Account should be cleared and finished but it should never be made a President of for hereafter which was done accordingly And the said Commissioners reported that the said Lord of Candal was indebted 55639 Livers 19 Sous and 3 Deniers Allowances being made for summs accounted for but not received which the said Lord du Candall shall endeavour to get in and having recovered them shall pay unto those particular Churches to whom they are owing and become due against the fifteenth day of August next coming and this in ready Money or good Bills of Exchange according to the Contracts made with him at the Synod of Gap and he shall bring with him the Acquittances of those who received the Moneys from him unto the Lords General Deputies residing at Court within fifteen days after And our General Deputies shall bring them a Copy fairly written and collationed of those Acquittances unto the next National Synod unless a Political Assembly should chance to be held before it And the Original of that Account shall be reserved in the Archives of the Consistory of Rochell 2. The said Lords General Deputies shall cause the said Lord of Candall to bring unto them the Acquittances and other Evidences of his Account cleared and finished in this Assembly for 55639 Livers 19 Sous and 3 Deniers which he was indebted for upon the closing up of the said account And to this purpose there was delivered to them the said Deputies a Copy of the whole that so they might be inabled so prosecute if need were the Execution of that Account with all its Apostils and additions as it had been concluded and finished 3. That Obligation of the said Lord of Candall unto the Churches was put into Monsieur Merlin's hands to be reserved in the Archives of the Consistory of the Church of Rochel And a collationed Copy of this Original shall be produced in the next National Synod by the Deputies of that Province 4. Our Deputies at Court shall assist the Pastors of our Churches who are Forreigners by Birth to get out Letters of Naturalization from his Majesty 5. The Lord of Candall Receiver General for the Churches shall deliver in to our Lords General Deputies before the 15th day of August next coming a Breviate of his Accounts together with all Acquittances Evidences and Proofs of it 6. There having been several Writings and Memoirs prepared at Chastelheraud to be tendered unto his Majesty wherewith Monsieur de Crois had been intrusted he surrendred unto this Assembly the Writings concerning Religion Justice the Treasury and our Cautionary Towns in seven dictinct Pieces as also all the Evidences belonging to the said Writings and their Acquittances which were either given or offered by him unto the Deputies of the Provinces to whom they did properly belong Moreover he put into the Archives of the Guildhall of the City of Rochel the Writs concerning the Continuation of the Cautionary Towns As also he delivered into the hands of this Assembly the last Warrant granted for discharge of the Deputies and the nomination of those who were now called into Office And over and above all this he yielded up the Letters Patents for exemption of our Ministers with the Decree of their Verification in the Court of Aids at
hundred and fifty Livers and three Sous By the Province of Normandy one thousand Livers By the Province of Xaintonge one thousand thirty six Livers All which said sums of Money shall be delivered into the Consistory of the Church of Grenoble and distributed according to the advice of those Colloquies named in the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny and the Accounts of the said distribution shall be brought in to that Synod and by it tender'd unto the next National Synod and the other Moneys already received or hereafter to be received from the Provinces not mentioned in this Act shall de disposed of in the same manner 2. The Lords Governors of our Cautionary Towns are intreated by this Assembly and shall be exhorted by the Pastors of those Churches whereunto they do belong to bear their part and share in all charges and expences for the common publick concernments of our Churches and to bepaid out of the Moneys which are assigned them and particularly to allow a Sous in the Liver of those Moneys which have been formerly given to our Lords the General Deputies who be discharged from that defalcation As also to bear part in the losses of the years 1604 1605 and 1606 their whole part amounting but to two thousand four hundred twenty seven Livers and six Sous 4. Report being made of what was offered by the Lords du Pradel Rocheblave and Ricard about the Commission for Receiving our Moneys granted by his Majesty to the Churches of this Kingdom This Assembly having well pondered all those matters and circumstances and heard the Lord du Candal speaking of the said Commission which was grounded on the Contract of Gap which he hath most faithfully discharged judgeth that they cannot in the least remove the said Lord du Candal from his Office and Trust but confirm and continue him in it yet nevertheless thanks were returned unto the said Lords du Pardel Rocheblanc and Ricard for their singular affection and respect to the well-being of our poor Churches 4. It is decreed that the former Order in the distribution of Moneys according to the number of Pastors in each Province shall be observed excepting only when as the poorer Provinces are to be gratified by reason of the number of their Churches the portions assigned to them not being sufficient for them Henceforward in all Rolls brought from the Provinces unto these National Synods for their portions of Money to be distributed among them no other names shall be allowed of Pastors but such as are in actual service or that be disabled by age or infirmities together with those of our Students in Divinity without mentioning the Churches unprovided for And it 's left unto Synods to take care of the poorer Provinces to order for them according as they shall see needful These Original Acts and Decrees of the National Synod of St. Maixant begun the 25th of May and ended the 19th of June 1609. were thus signed by Merlin Moderator Ferrier Assessor Scribes Rivet and Pradel CHAP. XII A Catalogue of the Churches from whom there it Allowance given out of the King's Moneys till the next National Synod 1. THE Province of Xaintonge hath sixty four Pastors in actuals service one portion for Monsieur Picard six Proposans in all 71. 71. 2. Anjou hath 21 Pastors in actual service three Churches vacant and three Proposans in all 27. 27. 3. The Higher Languedoc hath 74 Pastors in actual service five Churches to be supplied two portions for Foix one portion for Jouarre seven Proposans in all 84. 84. 4. Orleans hath 25 Pastors in actual service five vacant Churches and six Proposans in all 36. 36. 5. Dolphiny hath sixty four Pastors in actual service three Emeriti eight vacant Churches eight Proposans in all 83. 83. 6. Normandy hath thirty Pastors in actual service two Emeriti six vacant Churches six Proposans and one portion supernumerary in all 51. 51. 7. Provence hath seven Pastors in actual service seven vacant Churches three proposans and three supernumerary portions in all 20. 20. 8. Brittany hath 8 Pastors in actual service six vacant Churches four Proposans two supernumerary portions in all 20. 20 9. Burgundy hath 29 Pastors in actual service six vacant Churches three Proposans three supernumerary portions and four portions for Maringues and Paillac in all 46. 46. 10. Vivaretz hath twenty three Pastors in actual service five vacant Churches three Proposans one portion for the Church of Vaurdy two supernumerary for the Church of Aubenas in all 34. 034. 11. Lower Guyenne hath 65 Pastors in actual service two portions for Mr. Baduel one vacant Church and five Proposans in all 73. 073. 12. The Lower Languedoc hath 95 Pastors in actual service six Proposans three portions for Issoire one supernumerary for Maruegues in all 105. 105. 13. Poictou hath one and forty Pastors in actual service four vacant Churches three Proposans in all 48. 048. 14. The Isle of France c. hath 47 Pastors in actual service two Emeriti two vacant Churches seven portions for Mantes and Fountainbleau six Proposans in all 64. 064. In all 762. CHAP. XIII An Account of the Dividend in the three first Quarters For our Universities Montauban 2450. Saumur 4190. Montpellier 1250. Nismes 1250. Sedan 1500. nbsp 10640. To our General Deputies at Court 01650. To the Pastors of Churches  l. s. d. In Provence 2508 18 6 In Brittany 2508 18 6 In Burgundy 5380 10 6 In Vivaretz 4055 03 6 In Lower Guyenne 8302 10 6 In Lower Languedoc 11526 16 0 In Poictou 5601 08 6 In Xaintonge 8141 14 6 In Anjou 2982 01 6 In Higher Languedoc 9277 09 6 In Orleans and Berry 4276 01 6 For the Colledge of Gergeau 1508 00 0 In Dolphiny 9467 01 0 In Normandy 5932 15 0 In the Isle of France 7368 11 6 The total sum is 88960 10 0 In these sums are included the hundred Crowns given to every one of the Provinces for their respective Schools and Colledges to wit to Provence Brittany Burgundy Vivaretz Lower Guyenne Poictou Xaintonge Berry Dolphiny Normandy and the Isle of France The Quarter of October for our Pastors  l. s. d. Provence 0885 16 06 Brittany 0885 16 06 Burgundy 2037 08 00 Vivaretz 1505 18 00 Lower Guyenne 3233 05 04 Lower Languedoc 4650 11 09 Poictou 2126 00 00 Xaintonge 3144 14 00 Anjou 1195 17 04 Higher Guyenne 3720 09 04 Orleans 1594 09 04 Dolphiny 3676 03 06 Normandy 2258 17 00 The Isle of France 2834 13 00 The total sum is 33750 00 00 The Assembly having long waited for news of the Sieurs Ferrier Fiefbrun and de Malleret whom they had Deputed unto his Majesty about that affair before mentioned and committed to their management but finding that they passed the time limited them and being now resolved to conclude this meeting did give order unto the Lords our General deputies to prosecute that business at Court and to present his Majesty with our most humble petition about
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
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
our Churches And this Assembly ordered the said Lord de Rouvray to return for us and for all the Churches our most humble thanks unto their Majesties who have by this their extraordinary Bounty laid new obligations upon us to call upon our God with the greatest Ardency in our Prayers that he would bless and prosper their Majesties Persons Crown and Government And the said Grant was deposited in the hands of the Sieur Bonnet Pastor and Deputy of Xaintonge who was to lodge it safely in the Archives of Rochel whereof he shall give advice by Letters under his own hand unto the said Lord de Rouvray The Copy of that Warrant This first day of October One thousand six hundred and eleven the King being at Paris assisted by the Queen Regent his Mother in Council having been well informed for what considerations the late King of glorious memory had by a Warrant of the third of April One thousand five hundred ninety and eight granted unto his Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion the yearly sum of five and forty thousand Crowns to be employed in some secret Concerns of theirs And although His present Majesty be not obliged by those secret Articles Warrants and Answers unto Memoirs made in favour of those his said Subjects to increase or augment the said sum yet nevertheless desiring as much as in him lieth to gratifie and favour his laid Subjects and that he may-give them a sense of his good will and love to them His Majesty by the advice of the aforesaid Lady the Queen Regent and of his meer grace and liberality doth grant unto those of the said P. Reformed Religion the above-mentioned sum of five and forty thousand Crowns and over and above the same another yearly sum five and forty thousand Livers as an Act of Bounty which said Moneys he wills and o future it be issued out of the General Fonds of his Treasury by vertue of this present Warrant which to this purpose he hath signed with his own hand and is counter-signed by me his Councillor in his Council of State and Secretary of his Commandments Signed Louis and Lower Philippeaux 12. This Assembly giveth full power to the Lords our General Deputies to pass a contract with the Lord du Candal about the Receipt and management of the five and fourty thousand Livers Augmentation Money and if possible they shall make but one only Contract of the two sum to wit of that first granted and of the aforesaid Augmentation and of their Receipt always reserving the right of our Churches 13. The sâ—me General Deputies are charged to oppose themselves formally against all persons whatsoever that shall endeavour at Court to obtain any Relief to the detriment of the body of the Churches in this Kingdom and contrary to the Union sworn by us and advice shall be given hereof unto the Churches that so the Pastors more especially and the Consistories may do their duty in suppressing such like motions and Enterprises as being scandalous and menacing the Churches with great confusions 14. This Assembly injoyneth all the Consistories of those places where the Courts of Parliament and Chambers of the Edict are established to remonstrate unto the Counsellors professing our holy Reformed Religion their timorous luke-warmness in not opposing and resisting the Verification and Recording of those Letters of Abolition it being their special duty to have opposed them and to have demanded that their Act of Opposal might be recorded Moreover the Consistories of those self-same Towns are exhorted to present unto the said Parliaments and Chambers of the Edict the General Declaration of this National Synod concerning those Letters of Abolition 15. This Assembly ordaineth that for the future the Provinces shall send unto the National Synods a Catalogue of their Pastors in actual service and of the Proposans maintained by them attested by the Manual Subscription of the Moderators and Scribes of their Synods Otherwise there shall be no reckoning made of the Rolls brought in when as the Moneys given us by his Majesty shall come to be distributed 16. This Assembly yielding to the necessity of the times and observing that whatsoever Petitions and Addresses have been made unto their Majesties by our extraordinary Deputations are always ill resented and misconstrued and became so very unpleasing and distastful to their Majesties that they would never vouchsafe a kind or acceptable answer to them therefore it doth at present conceive it best for us to keep our selves unto the ordinary ways of humble Petitions and Remonstrances by the mouths of our General Deputies Hoping that the goodness and clemency of the King and of the Queen Regent his Mother and that the Justice of our Lords in the Privy Council will by this means the former having been disliked by them grant that we shall at last reap and receive the fruit and benefit of them And to this purpose the said General Deputies shaving rendred our most humble thanks unto their Majesties for their gracious favours conferred upon their most Loyal and most Humble and most Dutiful Subjects of the Reformed Religion and particularly for the Augmentation of fifteen thousand Crowns a year granted to our Ministers are charged most humbly to Petition their Majesties that they would be pleased to exempt them from that necessity which is imposed upon them and now with greater severity than ever and contrary to that Liberty of Conscience promised us of stiling our selves of the pretended Reformed Religion Because we had rather and more willingly suffer the greatest torments than stand obliged to condemn with our own mouths our most holy Religion And their Majesties also shall be requested to grant leave unto us in all Cities and Towns where there be a number of families of our Religion to keep lesser Schools for the Education of our Children and that those Restrictions and Modifications annexed unto the answer given to that article in our last complaint and Bill of Grievances may be taken off the file This being a matter which can never be dismembred nor severed from our Liberty of Conscience And whereas contrary to the hopes conceived at first by the Churches when they sent their Commissioners from every Province this Assembly is fully assured from all quarters that the far greater part of our demands and remonstrances have been rejected and that they have been all turned over to the Privy Council and that it may be truly said that after all the great coyl and noise made nothing hath been yielded us except a few Burying places and those also in divers places to the detriment and disadvantage of our Religion the said Deputies are charged to complain thereof unto their Majesties and most humbly to petition that it may be remedied and redressed and to this purpose the Memoirs of the Provinces and Churches groaning under these oppressions shall be put into their hands that so some effectual course may be taken for their relief and by such methods as they shall
judge most fit to effect and compass it and they shall farther insist on the Revocation of the Letters of Abolition verified in the Courts of Parliament And whereas it is a matter of great importance and concernment to all the Provinces that they be duely acquainted with the issue and success of our Renewed and Repeated Supplications unto their Majesties the aforesaid Deputies are injoyned that as soon as they shall have received an answer to them they do immediately transmit it unto the Provinces 17. The Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe were Deputed by this Assembly to prosecute at Law Monsieur Palot that so the Churches Moneys remaining in his hands and with which he was intrusted and which he oweth unto us and would never render an account of them may be recovered And to this purpose it giveth Letters of Attorney unto the said Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe with full power to receive all offers from Monsieur Palots Partners and to treat with them in the Name of all the Provinces and authorizeth them to accquit the said Partners of any summs which may be due by the said Palot even to the one third of the whole provided the said Partners will make good the other two thirds if they cannot compound with them upon better terms that so the two thirds may come free info the Churches hands But and if they cannot obtain better terms and that they may be enabled to defray the Costs of this suit they shall receive an yearly allowance of fifteen Hundred Livers to be paid them quarterly by the Lord of Gandal out of those Moneys which are to be paid into the Churches for the october quarter of the year one thousand six hundred and Eleven and this to be done proportionably every year quarter and day as long as the suit continues and we farther promise that if it shall please God to succeed their care and diligence with his Blessing to give them a considerable gratuity for their pains And the said Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe are ordered to advise and consult with the Lords General Deputies without whose Approbation they may not receive any offers from the Partners nor act any thing in the said process And the said Lords Deputies shall deliver unto the said Bigot and de la Combe all Papers concerning this matter and notify unto them at what time they may be in Paris and the said de la Combe is allowed for his journey thither the sum of one hundred and fifty Livers which shall be paid him by the Lord du Candal out of the fore-mentioned quarter of the sum of fifteen hundred Livers CHAP. XIII Of Particular Matters Monsieur Archimaud came unto this Assembly with Letters from several persons living in the County of Venisse and Archbishoprick of Avignon and with Letters also from the Lord of Saint Aâ—ban requesting that according to a Decree made in their Synod at Montdragon held by his Majesties authority they might be admitted to sit and vote among us as another Province and farther that they might be assisted with some Moneys at least to help forward the meeting of their Arbitrators as it had been agreed by them This Assembly accepting of their Agreement with us in the Confession of faith owned in all the Churches of this Kingdom doth profess to embrace them in this Union as dear Brethren to whom they are ready to impart all Christian Love and are sorry that they cannot in this Assembly which is purely Ecclesiastical give them the priviledge of being a distinct Province that belonging properly to a Political Assembly unto which for this purpose they must apply themselves and farther we cannot at present assist them with any Relief Suitable to their necessity by which this Assembly might give them a solid and substantial token of that good will it bears them However the effects and fruits thereof according to our ability shall be manifested upon all occasions And their Affair at Court was most affectionately recommended to our Lords General Deputies residing near their Majesties 2. Monsieur de Vialle Lieutenant Criminal of Montauban tendred Letters unto this Assembly humbly petitioning that the Sieur Chamier Pastor of Montlimard might be bestowed upon the University of Montauban to read and Profess Divinity in it And the Lord du Plessis also at the same time did by the Sieur Perillau demand him for the University of Saumur to be Professor there But upon hearing the Deputies of the Church of Montlimard and the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny who produced Letters from Monsieur de Gouvernett by the hands of Monsieur de Chambaud and presented them unto this Assembly they declared against the Interests both of Montauban and Saumur because of their particular right and title unto Monsieur Chamier and they urged farther that by the Decrees of three National Synods he could not be removed from his Church And having heard the protestation of Monsieur Chamier declaring that he had no inclination to remove and that he would leave himself wholly to the disposal of this Assembly for divers Considerable reasons notwithstanding all these oppositions it was resolved that the Sieur Chamier should be put into the distribution of Pastors and Professors And the Church of Montlimard should be provided of another Pastor 3. There being a very great difference between the Churches of Nismes and Vallence about Monsieur Murdt recalled by the Church of Vallence to be their Pastor as the Assembly was composing and determining it the Sieur Mallamont Elder of the Church of Nismes came in and accused that Act of the Colloquy of Nismes presented by the Sieur Bansillon as false and forged who yet avouched the contrary and tendred for proof thereof the whole Act of the said Colloquy but not signed This Assembly not being able to Judge of the pretended forgery remanded back the said Bansillon and Mallamont unto the next meeting of the Colloquy of Nismes there to end the difference betwixt them and the said Colloquy is enjoyned on pain of Censure always for the future to see their Acts Subscribed and Attested 4. Monsieur Richaud Pastor of Mazac presented unto this Assembly Letters from his Father broken with age and poverty requesting that his portion of Moneys from the Kings bounty might be sent unto him into the Lower Languedoc where he desires to retire and end his days This his request was granted And the Province of Lower Languedoc is injoyned to pay in the first place before any other Pastor without the least diminution the said Monsieur Richaud his portion assigned him as Pastor and as every other pastor hath or shall have according to what may be hereafter decreed in this Assembly 5. Information was given in to this Assembly that in the Province of Higher Languedoc there were divers Pastors who did not reside in their Churches Whereupon that Province was expresly injoyned to see to it that every Pastor might have a dwelling house and
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
that they shall engage their people to contribute according to their ability towards their maintenance and of this they shall bring in Evidence and good Proof unto the next National Synod or otherwise they shall be deprived of all manner of Assistance and Relief from us 31. The Province of Burgundy is enjoyned to provide two Pastors for the Churches of Maringues and Paillac and to give them both two free portions out of those two and thirty assigned in the dividend unto their Province and they shall give an account hereof unto the next National Synod 31. The two portions formerly conferred upon the Church of Aubenas by the foregoing Synods are now left to the free Disposal of the Province of Vivaretz which shall receive in full seven and thirty portions in which are included the three portions assigned unto the Church of St. Stephen's in Forrest 33. Provence was ordered to provide a Pastor for the Church of Aix of Laux and Marseille and two free portions for him taken out of the portions assigned in the Dividend unto that Province as also one portion unto the Sieur Maurice a Minister Emeritus and furthermore one portion unto the Church of Manosques and to get it speedily a Pastor and of all this they shall render an Account unto the next National Synod 34. There shall be deducted for the Lord du Candal what remains of the thirds taken by the Sieur de Visouze out of the Sous upon the Liver the said Visouze not liking to do by his portion of the said thirds of the University Moneys as the Lord du Candal hath done by his who freely and generously bestowed it on our Universities Therefore he shall draw forth four Deniers out of the Liver of the Moneys belonging to the said University 35. The sum of one hundred Livers over and above the two hundred Livers assigned by the Synod of St. Maixant shall be paid in unto Monsieur * * * Or Tâ—â—ant Renault Pastor of Montauban and Professor of the Hebrew tongue in that University 36. The next National Synod God willing shall be held in the Province of Lower Guyenne within the space of two years and in the Month of May saving that it may be either hastned or delayed as the Lords General Deputies or either that or the neighbour Provinces shall advise of And the Provinces of Brittany and Provence are left to their Liberty to send more than two Deputies viz. one Pastor and Elder each which is only granted them for this next National Synod CHAP. XV. The Roll of Apostates 1. JOSHUA Guibert a man of a mean stature the hair of whose head and beard is very black his eyes black long visaged and staring out his skin tawny shaking his head and spitting at his first approaches stammering in his ordinary discourses black teeth and very Slovenly in his Apparrel hath quitted Xaintonge where he was Minister in the Church of Archiac and renounced the truth of Christs holy Gospel 2. James Cyespe born at Puy in Velley twenty six years old or there-about low of stature black hair'd and of a lowring countenance having been accused of an enormous crime by a Popish schoolmaster when he was at Carpentras in the Jesuites Colledge he returned again with the dog unto his vomit of Popery and publisheth himself at present Chaplain and Almoner unto the Bishop of Vallence He was sometimes Minister at Crest in Dolphiny CHAP. XVI The Accounts and Disbursments of our Moneys by the Lord du Candal THE Deputies out of every Province appointed to examin the Accounts of the Lord du Candal and to make a Dividend of the Moneys given us by his Majesty have reported that they were personally present at the auditing and finishing the Accounts brought in by the Lord du Candal unto the Synod of St. Maixant in the year one thousand six hundred and nine that he was in Arrears for the years 1604. 1605. and 1606. the sum of fourty thousand three hundred and twenty Livers nineteen Sous and one Denier for the payment whereof he presented a Breviate of the sums paid by him according to the ordinance of the said Synod amounting to the sum of Ten thousand six hundred and fourscore Livers and five Sous and that he hath yet remaining in his hands to â—e distributed among the Churches according to the Dividend of the said Synod the sum of four thousand seven hundred sixty and six Livers seven Sous He declared farther that he could never be paid the sum of two thousand two hundred fourscore and seven Livers ten Sous razed out of the said Account and charged upon the Garrisons nor the sum of two and twenty thousand five hundred and seventy five Livers seven Sous and one Denier which yet remaineth due to wit from the Receiver General of the Revenue at Poictiers for the year 1604. the sum of six hundred and one and twenty Livers nineteen Sous and one Denier and for the year 1605. Three thousand six hundred Livers and from the Receivers of Limoges for the years 1604 1605 1606. the sum of eighteen thousand three hundred fifty three Livers eight Sous of which sums he made Reprisal in his Account and saith that he hath given evident proof of his diligence used to recover those sums aforesaid unto the Commissioners appointed by his Majesty for the clearing of his Accounts which not appearing unto us the Lords du Rouvray and de la Milletiere our General Deputies are intreated to see those Accounts cleared and the said Lord du Candal is desired to continue his endeavors for the recovering of those Moneys which are yet due unto us They made farther report that for the years one thousand six hundred and seven six hundred and eight he was in Arrears the sum of eight and thirty thousand three hundred and twenty Livers fifteen Sous for the payment of which he brought in an Account attested by the Lord de la Milletierre amounting to thirty three thousand seven hundred fourty and eight Livers fifteen Sous and five Deniers and declareth that he hath remaining by him the sum of four thousand four hundred seventy and seven Livers two Sous and seven Deniers to be distributed among the Churches as was before ordered Moreover they acquainted the Assembly that they had seen and examined the account tendred them by Monsieur Sulpitius Cuper Deputy of the said Lord du Candal for the years 1609 1610 and 1611. Whose Receipt amounts to four hundred and five thousand Livers and his disbursment for the years 1609 and 1610 and for three quarters of the year 1611 to the sum of three hundred seventy and one thousand two hundred twenty nine Livers nineteen Sous and four Deniers and there was time given for payment for the years 1610 and 1611. For four and twenty thousand nine hundred fifty and five Livers nineteen Sous and eleven Deniers because he could not produce his Acquittances And therefore their remaineth due
for those years the sum of ten thousand Livers and eight Deniers and for the last Quarter of the year 1611 three and thirty thousand seven hundred and fifty Livers which he must pay according to the order before setled by the Synod of St. Maixant Out of which Moneys this Assembly appointed that there should be distributed the sum of three thousand Livers formerly given unto the Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe according to that Article inserted into their Deputation and three hundred sixty and six Livers to defray their expences at this present Synod so that there remaineth of the said sum three and thirty thousand four hundred Livers and eight Deniers CHAP. XVII Here follows the Dividend of four thousand seven hundred sixty and six Livers arising from the Arrears of the years 1604 1605 and 1606. according to the Accompt of St. Maixant In which the Provinces of Higher Languedoc and Lower Guyenne are not contained they having received the portions befallen them in ready Money or by Warrants under the hand of the said Lord du Candal  L. S. D. FOR the Province of Dolphiny 0653 12 06 For the Province of Vivaâ—etz 0267 15 00 For Provence 0157 10 00 For Lower Languedoc 0826 17 06 For Burgundy 0362 00 00 For the Isle of France 0504 00 00 For Berry 0283 10 00 For Poictou 0378 00 00 For Xaintonge 0559 12 06 For Normandy 0401 12 06 For Brittany 0157 10 00 For Anjou 0212 12 06 Another Dividend after the same manner of the summ of four thousand four hundred seventy and seven Livers two Sous and one Denier arising from the Arrears of the years 1607 and 1608.  L. S. D. For Dolphiny 0614 04 00 Vivaretz 0251 12 00 Provence 0148 00 00 Lower Languedoc 0777 00 00 Burgundy 0340 08 00 The Isle of France 0473 12 00 Berry 0266 08 00 Poictou 0355 04 00 Xaintonge 0525 08 00 Normâ—ndy 0377 08 00 Brittany 0148 00 00 Anjou 0199 16 00 Another Dividend among all the Provinces of the summ of thirty thousand three hundred and ninety Livers of the remaining Moneys for the last Quarter of the year 1611. according to the Regulation made in the Synod of St. Maixant and divers other orders  L. S. D. For Normandy 2034 00 06 Dolphiny 3310 05 08 Berry 1435 05 09 Higher Languedoc 3350 13 04 Anjou 1076 16 10 Xaintonge 2831 14 02 The Isle of France 2552 10 04 Poictou 1914 08 00 Lower Languedoc and Sevennes 4187 14 03 Lower Guyenne 2911 09 02 Vivaretz 1356 00 04 Burgundy 1834 12 04 Brittany 0797 13 02 Provence 0797 13 02 There remaineth for the years 1609 and 1610. ten Livers and eight Deniers for which the Lord du Candal is to be accomptable Another Dividend among all the Provinces of one hundred and fourscore thousand Livers given by his Majesty unto the Churches for this present year and for the years following according to the Decree of this National Synod of Privas and to be observed untill the next National Synod according to which the Lord du Candal and the Lord de Visouze shall make payments of those summs at the terms which shall be hereafter appointed Deductions which must be made from the said summ of one hundred and fourscore thousand Livers In the first place there shall be allowed by the Warrant before-mentioned  L. S. D. To the University of Sedan 4000 00 00 To the Churches in the Baylywick of Gex 3600 00 00 To the Colledge of Bergerac 0600 00 00 CHAP. XVIII A Dividend for the Vniversities  L. S. D. FOR the University of Montauban 3000 00 00 Viz. For the two Professors in Theology 1400 00 00 For one Professor in Hebrew being a Pastor 0300 00 00 For a Greek Professor 0300 00 00 For two Professors in Philosophy 0800 00 00 For the first Regent 0100 00 00 For the University of Saumur 4299 00 00 Viz. To two Professors in Divinity 1400 00 00 For a Professor in Hebrew 0400 00 00 For one in Greek 0400 00 00 To two Professors in Philosophy 0800 00 00 To the first Regent 0460 00 00 To the second 0300 00 00 To the third 0200 00 00 To the fourth 0180 00 00 To the fifth 0150 00 00 For the Universities of Nismes and Montpellier 2600 00 00 To wit to the two Professors in Theology 1400 00 00 For two Professors in Hebrew 0800 00 00 For the Colledge of Beziers 0400 00 00 To the General Deputies 1650 00 00 This is but one half of the summ of three thousand three hundred Livers ordained for them by the preceding Sypods besides the summ of two thousand two hundred Livers upon the lesser Accompt The other moyety of the said three thousand three hundred Livers was cast upon the Account of the Garrisons to make up the summ of thirty thousand five hundred Livers tho it had been ordered to be paid in yearly unto the said General Deputies Wherefore there remaineth to be distributed to the service of the said Churches the summ of one hundred and sixty thousand two hundred and sixty Livers which were divided in manner following  L. S. D. To the Isle of France for 64 portions and the Colledge 13457 17 4 Normandy for 51 portions and the Colledge 10805 9 9 Brittany for 20 portions and the Colledge 4480 11 8 Anjou for 38 portions 5712 16 4 Poictou for 50 portions and a Colledge 10601 1 2 Xaintonge for 71 portions and the Colledge 14886 1 5 Berry for 36 portions and the Colledge 7745 1 0 Burgundy and its Colledge and Gex for 32 portions and 600 Livers granted to those of Gex with their Colledge 7528 18 8 Dolphiny for 84 portions with their Colledge 17638 9 0 Vivaretz for 36 portions and a Colledge 7745 1 0 Provence for 20 portions and a Colledge 4684 12 3 Lower Languedoc for 52 portions 10609 10 2 Sevennes and Gevaudan for 53 portions and a Colledge 11213 10 11 Higher Languedoc for 81 portions 16526 7 3 Lower Guyenne for 80 portions and a Colledge 16722 6 7 And all these several summs the said Lord du Candal shall pay in quarterly unto the Universities Deputies Commissioners and Provinces at the terms appointed and in manner following What cometh into the Provinces of the Isle of France Berry Normandy Anjou Poictou Lower Guyenne Higher Languedoc taking in the Universities within the said Provinces shall be paid in to such Commissioners as shall be hereafter named The first payment shall be made on the first of July The second the fifteenth of the next October The third on the last of January following when we date the year 1613. And for the Isle of France the payment shall be made at Paris for Normandy at Rouan for Berry at Orleans for Poictou at Poictiers for the Lower Guyenne at Bourdeaux for the Higher Languedoc at Montauban for Anjou at Tours For the Lower Languedoc Sevennes Provence Brittany and Xaintonge The first payment shall be before the last day
persevere in our Faith and Discipline and to adventure their Estates their Lives and Fortunes for the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ expressing also their great desire that all the Members of our Churches might be preserved in a sweet and perfect Concord After thanks given them in the person of their Messengers Letters were ordained to be written unto each of them applauding their Zeal and Religious Affection and exhorting them to perseverance in this their godly Resolution and farther to assure them that this Assembly will do its utmost endeavour that their pious desires of uniting all the Members of the Church may be accomplished 4. This Assembly being informed that Mr. David Hume formerly Pastor in the Church of Duras in the Lower Guyenne was lately returned from his native Country of Scotland and as he passed through England his Majesty of Great Britain had charged him with a Letter to be delivered to us concerning differences sprung up in our Churches on several points of Doctrine The Assembly ordained that before it was read unto us a Copy thereof should be transcribed and sent unto the Lord de Rouvray our Deputy General at Court that so in case we should be suspected there he might immediately discover that it was nothing of State-Affairs but only a Point of Doctrine which concerned all the Reformed Churches gathered in divers Kingdoms and Republicks To Communicate in which Matters we had all freedom ever promised us and as for those of another nature we would never intermeddle with them unless we had an express and new permission from the King 5. Monsieur Hume being called in did by word of mouth relate what was given him in charge by his Majesty of great Britain who advised this Assembly as from him to procure and maintain a firm Union in points of Doctrine among the Pastors Professors and others the Members of our Churches without quarrelling with the Divines of Germany or any persons teaching otherwise who handled the point of Justification in a different manner from us and particularly that we would silence that controversy risen up between the Sieurs du Moulin and Tilenus and yet to prize and value those Gifts which the great God hath so plenteously bestowed upon them for his Churches Edifying Assuring us farther of his Majesties good will affection and purpose to defend the Churches of God and particularly ours Which also was the substance of his Letter See afterwards the 18th observ on the Synod of Privas This Assembly returned their most humble thanks unto the King of Great Britain speaking by the said Mr. Hume the bearer of his Letters and put off their consideration and resolutions about this affair unto its proper place viz. then to be debated when as the Acts of the Synod of Privas shall be reviewed 6. The Deputies of the Council for the Province of Lower Guyenne craving leave to be heard in this Assembly about matters of great importance which they were ordered to declare unto us being introduced they began to vindicate and justify the means used by them in their prosecution of the violations of the Edict by which their Churches had exceedingly suffered whereof they gave many and particular instances in divers Articles and concluded with an earnest suit unto this Assembly that we would by all lawful means prevent divisions among our selves and so obviate the Plots and practices of the enemies of our Religion in the present State of affairs which are now upon the wheel Whereupon the Assembly did assure them of that favourable construction it put upon their good intentions and on their proceedings as reported by them and of the ways and means they had used and it farther promised that every one of the Deputies of this Synod should remonstrate the same unto their respective Provinces that so none ill opinion might be taken up or entertained to their prejudice And as for those remedies craved by them for hereafter against our common publick evils and their particular sufferings the Assembly knoweth none more proper and fit than what is offered us viz. the next General Assembly granted us by their Majesties who therefore shall be most humbly thanked for it and yet most earnestly and humbly intreated to change the place of their meeting and to defer the time thereof unto the twentieth day of August next that so the Provincial Assemblies may sit the longer and have the more time and leisure to intend and perfect our desired Union And this Assembly seeth it self obliged to procure it because of what has been already Proposed and advanced which also it will do by all lawful and possible means And as for the Modifications and restrictions of the Writ it Judgeth that they ought to be sent over to the mixt Provincial and General Politick Assemblies which the Deputies unto this Synod shall every one of them at their return represent unto their respective Provinces and Monsieur de Rouvray our General Deputy shall be written unto out of hand to present our most humble thanks as also our before-mentioned Requests unto their Majesties that so this Assembly may receive an answer before its dissolution CHAP. IV. Observations made on Reading the Confession of Faith Article 1. THERE being found some difference about the 6th Article of the Confession in the Latin and French Copies the first restraining that approbation which had been determined in the Mystery of the Trinity unto the four first ancient Councils but the others extending it indefinitely unto the ancient Councils This Assembly decreed that nothing should be altered in the French Edition of it Art 2. On the 8th Article Because that in divers Copies there was a Typographical Error which altered the very sence of the Article Exprimant que Dieu fait Convertir au lieu de dire qui'l Scait Convertir this Assembly exhorts the Pastors of those Churches which have Printers to admonish them that they get some Judicious Person to oversee and correct the press that we may not be troubled any more with complaints of this nature and that once for all our Confession be Printed with the greatest exactness according to the Copies revised in the last National Synods and the like notice shall be given to the Pastors and Professors in the Church of Geneva Art 3. On the 9th Article instead of these words qui'l y ait there must be read qui'l ait Art 4. Montaubaâ— obs 6. Saumur obs 1.3 Rochel obs 13. On the 39th Article towards the close of it the words of Institution shall be added according to the Decree of former National Synods in the express terms of St. Matthews Gospel Take eat c. Art 5. The Confession of Faith of the Churches in this Kingdom having been read word by word was approved in all its Articles by the Deputies not only for themselves personally but generally for all the Provinces represented by them and by whom they were commissionated and all of them swore for themselves and for
rest they may write their thoughts about it unto that Province which is impowered to call the next National Synod and in case the matter be urgent it shall be couched in the Letters of Summons that so they may come prepared for it 9. The Province of Dolphiny moved whether if two or three Witnesses were brought by an Informer to give in evidence against a Pastor or Elder they might be admitted so that their testimony should be of sufficient force and vertue to condemn the accused altho there be none other crime objected against them This Assembly seeth no difficulty at all in the case 10. The Province of Anjou requesting it 1. Paris 27. this Synod injoineth all Consistories in their choice of Elders to cause such persons to be elected as are irreprehensible according to our Discipline and carefully to observe that Canon about the qualities necessarily required in them who are called unto those Offices And all Colloquies and Provincial Synods are charged to put to their helping hand that this Ordinance be duely kept and observed 11. The Province of Xaintonge moving it this Assembly ordained that such Persons who get themselves preferred unto the Government of our cautionary Towns or unto the office of Counsellors in the mixt Courts or shall obtain any other places granted unto Gentlemen professing our Religion without taking the necessary attestations according to the Letter and import of the Kings Writ for Governours and the particular Articles for Counsellors in Sovereign Courts they shall be declared Desertors of the Union of our Churches and prosecuted with all Church-censures And those of our Religion which are in possession shall be exhorted to keep still possession of those places and not to resign them but on this condition nor consent to their admission and reception who offer themselves without such a Testimonal And as for those other ways of complaints and remonstrances to be made unto their Majesties of the notorious violations of our Priviledges they shall be carried unto the next approaching Political Assemblies granted us by the Writ of their said Majesties But for the present our Lords the General Deputies are charged to require that some other person duely qualified according to the above mentioned orders may be substituted in the place of the Sieur Berger who is of late revolted from the truth And if that particular Government now become vacant by his Apostacy be not supplied before the next meeting of the general Assembly notice shall be given unto them of it that so they may prosecute it in the name of all the Provinces 12. At the request of the same Province of Xaintonge all Consistories be injoined to take special heed that Commanders in our Cautionary Towns do not admit into their familiar converse any debauched persons who be guilty of crimes deserving corporal punishment 13. And whereas the same Province hath desired that we would frame another form of excommunication besides that which is inserted in our Discipline we concur with them in their motion and shall take care that it be done accordingly 14. The Province of the Isle of France requested that an order might pass for our Readers to publish the Banes of Marriages out of their desks 3. Rochel observ 23. and not for Pastors to do it from the Pulpit But this matter was left to the prudence and liberty of Consistories 15. The aforesaid Province of the Isle of France demanding it this Assembly ordained that the Canons of former National Synods concerning Attestations should be most strictly observed and whatsoever Consistory presumeth to give one in any other form shall be most severely censured And therefore all Officers into whose hands such Attestations may fall are intreated to detain them and to present them unto the Provincial Synods or Colloquies upon whom the Churches which have given them are dependant 16. The Provinces of Xaintonge the Higher and Lower Longuedoc Privas of Colledges 23.2 Vitré of Colledges 1. and of the Isle of France all moving that it would be expedients lessen the number of our Universities in this Kingdom and to reduce them unto two only that so they might be rendered more compleat This Assembly doth not judge meet to diminish their number but adviseth that the Professors there employed do discharge their duty carefully and acquit themselves of their Offices faithfully and most conscientiously 17. Provincial Synods 2. Paris 3. Colloquies and Consistories are expresly forbidden to admit any Persons unto the Lords Table who directly maintain Idolatry or breed up their Children in it or have recourse unto the Pope for Dispensations that they may enjoy Benefices or others under their name And all such are judged utterly unworthy of obtaining Testimonials from our Churches whereby they may be advanced unto those important Charges in our Cautionary Towns 18. The Lord's General Deputies are ordered to give their Majesties the most humble Thanks of this Assembly for that they have been pleased to discharge our Churches of the Sous in the Liver which was formerly taken for paying the Salaries of our General Deputies out of the Moneys granted us by their Liberality Privas p. m. 20. and they are with all humility earnestly to request them to ease us of paying three thousand six hundred Livers which have been extraordinarily given unto the Inhabitants of the Baylywick of Gex by way of recompence for the loss of their Churches Stock whereof they were formerly in possession and that it may be paid them out of some other Fund than ours 19. Relation being made that divers Persons of eminent Note and Quality 2. Synod of Vitré g. m. 34. both within and without the Kingdom are designing how to bring the Orthodox Churches of France England Germany Switzerland the Low-Countreys and Geneva to a nearer Communication in some convenient place by Deputies sent from them all that so there may be a more strict and familiar Correspondence in Doctrine effected and kept up among them whereunto His Majesty of Great Britain expresseth a very great inclination It was resolved that those excellent persons who travail in this most pious Undertaking should have the Thanks of this Assembly and be intreated to persist in their laudable prosecutions of it And in the mean while this Design shall be imparted by the Provinces unto such as understand these matters that so this Proposal may be more seriously advised on in the next National Synod 20. For as much as the pernicious Doctrine of the Jesuits against the Lives Estates and Authority of Soveraign Princes is propagated and most impudently published to the World by the chiefest of that Sect Suarez having within a few months gone beyond all the Fellows of his Order in a Book newly published by him This Assembly detesting that abominable Doctrine together with its Authors exhorts all the faithful of our Communion to abhor and execrate it and all our Ministers and Professors are to Teach and Preach against it powerfully and
to the Decree of the National Synod of Privas the Province of Normandy have payed their debt unto Monsieur Vatablé and the Moneys were deposited for him into the hands of the Deputies of Poictou See the 5th Article after the Roll of names 2 Vitré obs 7. upon the Synod 36. The Letters of the King of great Britain received at the opening of this Assembly and those from the Church of Geneva and those which were since its Session sent from his Highness the Prince Elector Palatine and from the Lord Mareschal Duke of Bouillon to it being read as also the Letters of Monsieur Moulin and Tilenus treating of the difference between them The Assembly deputed certain Pastors to peruse the Inventory transmitted us from the Professor Tilenus and Monsieur du Moulin's Confession of Faith about the effects of the Personal Union who made report that the said Inventory contained certain terms and modes of speech that were uncouth and improper yet imputed unto the said Monsieur du Moulin as his and extracted out of a Conference held with him at Paris whereof they could not make any Judgment unless they had sight of the Original or at least of a Copy of its Acts exactly and well collationed And as for the confession of the said Monsieur du Moulin sent unto this Assembly they do find it for its substance orthodox and wide enough from all suspicion of Eutychianism Nestorianism Samosatenianism and Ubiquitism Wherefore that this difference may be totally extinguished and a most sincere reconciliation effected between the divided Parties this Assembly ordained that all the Printed Copies of the Professor Tilenus his Book and that Manuscript before mention Styled the Inventory as also the Latin and French Books written by the said Monsieur du Moulin relating unto this Question shall be sent to Saumur and deposited with the Lord du Plessis Marly that so the remembrance of this contention may be for ever buried in oblivion And Monsieur du Moulin and the Professor Tilenus are exhorted by this Assembly to meet together on the same day and at the same place in Saumur where the Pastors of the neighbouring Churches together with the Pastors of that Church and the Professors of that University may be summoned in together who with the said Lord du Plessis shall endeavour a firm Union in Doctrine between these two persons and a sincere forgetfulness of all Matters past betwixt them And in the mean while Monsieur du Moulin is exhorted to continue his labors in his Church with that same zeal and greatness of Spirit as heretofore and to take courage and comfort unto himself from that Approbation and Testimonial which hath been and is still given him for the orthodoxy of his Faith and soundness of his Doctrin And report shall be made of these methods and means used by us unto His Majesty the King of great Britain to his Highness the Prince Elector Palatin to the Lord Duke of Bouillon in our Letters of answer to them particularly together with our humble requests unto his Majesty of great Britain to his Electoral Highness the Prince Palatin and to the Lord Mareschal Duke of Bouillon that they would be pleased by their Authority to oblige the said Monsieur Tilenus personally to ingage in this Interview and conference and to command that the before-mentioned Printed Books and Manuscripts which may have past out of this Kingdom into their Dominions may be all called in and suppressed And this also shall be inserted in our answer unto the Church of Geneva 37. This Assembly ordaineth that the portion of the Sieur du Moulin Pastor of the Church at Orleans shall be discharged of all Taxes and Costs upon the Provinces See the 4th Article after the names of the Deputies and paid in unto him full and free 38. Master Hume formerly Pastor of the Church of Duras having found on his return home from Scotland and England his said Church provided of another Pastor and the Province not calling him unto another Church he is declared free by this Assembly to serve in any other place where God shall call him either in the same or in any other Province of this Kingdom 39. This Assembly having been read and heard the Letters and arguments of Achilles Bonhout which prevailed with him not to remove his son from the Jesuites school and that the consistory of the Church of Lions cannot in the least compel him to it doth Judge them null and commands the said Consistory to inflict upon him and all others that shall be guilty of the like scandal the severest Censures of the Church according to our Discipline 40. The Church of Metz by their Letter bearing date the tenth of May and received the second of June petitioned this Assembly to send them such a Pastor out of the Churches of this Kingdom as It Judged would most contribute to their Edification and if It thought good either Monsieur Chevillette Minister of Vitry or Monsieur de la Cloche Minister of the Church of Moysi both of them in the Isle of France This Assembly left the consideration of this matter unto the said Province and prayed them in their next Synod to gratifie the Church of Metz CHAP. X. Of Colledges and Vniversities 1. MOnsieur Joly one of the Pastors of the Church of Montauban made report in this Assembly that for divers months last past he hath took upon him the profession of the Hebrew Language and for the benefit of the University and the assistance of Moniseur Tenant he desires to continue in it requesting that the hundred Livers remaining of the four hundred assigned unto Professors of the holy Language might be granted him Monsieur Tenant receiving only three hundred of those four The Council of the University having joyned with the said Joly in his Petition this Assembly granted them their demand and exhorted the said Monsieur Joly to acquit himself worthily of this his new Employment which he also promised See above 12. obs upon thè former Syn. 2. Monsieur Elias Alba Mayor of Bergerac having on behalf of the Corporation of the said Town performed the Condition proposed to them by this Synod and brought an Act of the Town-house dated the twelfth day of this month by which the whole Bench and Common-Council of that Town assembled together do give him full power to declare that upon our Order for payment of the sum of 1500 Livers out of the Moneys granted by His Majesty unto the Churches of this Kingdom they would yield up their whole Right in the King 's Writ of Grant of the said sum unto the disposal of this holy Synod which also is most humbly petitioned by them to give them the Grant thereof for the maintenance of their Colledge This Assembly commending their submission unto the Ordinance of our Churches and in consideration of their Importunity and for the benefit of their Colledge doth grant unto them the sum of twelve
was before declared Out of which summ deducting the Sous in the Liver which amounted to 141 l. 19 s there remained 2697 l. which was divided among the Provinces in manner following  L. S. D. To the Province of Lower Guyenne 299 10 00 To the Province of Higher Languedoc 303 00 00 To the Province of Sevennes 194 08 00 To the Lower Languedoc 194 09 00 To Provence 78 14 00 To Vivaretz 134 15 00 To Dolphiny 314 8 00 To Burgundy 199 16 00 To the Isle of France 237 15 00 To Normandy 190 18 00 To Brittany 74 18 00 To Anjou 105 9 00 To Poictou 197 00 00 To Xaintonge 265 14 00 To Berry 134 14 00 Another Dividend of the summ of 11109 Livers out of one part and of 5245 Livers of another which the said Lord du Candal oweth and ought to have kept in his hands by Order of the Synod of Privas from the Dividends allotted unto the Provinces of Lower Languedoc Sevennes and the Higher Languedoc out of the years 1612 1613 and 1614. amounting to the summ of 16354 l. Out of which there must be deducted the payments made by him in obedience to the Orders of the Synod of Privas and which he is to pay by Order of this present Synod First unto the University of Die 3000 l. To Monsieur Chamier 2000 l. to the Sieur Perrin 300 l. besides what hath been remitted unto Monsieur Gigord 3775 l. And to re-imburse Monsieur le Gras for the expences of the Colloquies of Lionnois 389 l. 6 s And for what the said Lord du Candal hath paid more than he received for the years 1604 1605 and 1606. and for the Sous in the Liver out of the summ paid unto the said Sieur Gras 57 l. 15 s And the remaining summ is 6831 l. 19 s which shall be divided among the Provinces in manner following  L. S. D. To the Isle of France 576 1 0 To Provence 189 0 0 To Berry 324 1 0 To Brittany 180 1 0 To Sevennes 477 1 0 To Vivaretz 324 1 0 To Poictou 450 1 0 To the Lower Guyenne 720 2 0 To Xaintonge 639 1 6 To Normandy 459 1 0 To the Lower Languedoc 468 1 6 To Burgundy 288 1 0 To Anjou 252 1 0 To Higher Languedoc 729 1 0 To Dolphiny 766 2 0 Another Dividend among the Provinces of the summ of 18000 l. granted by his Majesty unto the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and this shall serve not only for this present year but as a standard for the following years untill the next National Synod whereby the Lord du Candal and the Sieur de Vissouze shall make their payments out of the said summ at the terms as shall be hereafter fixed and conformably to the Articles of Agreement formerly drawn up and signed between him and the Deputies of the National Synod of Gap in the year 1603. when he first entred into Office and according to that Order given to our Lords the General Deputies at the last National Synod of Privas Out of which summ before any Dividend be made unto the Churches there shall be drawn forth these following summs for the service of our Universities Colledges and Proposans The Dividend of the Universities  L. S. D. For the University of Sedan by an express Order 4000 00 00 For the Churches of Gex 3600 00 00 For the Sieur Constantine Regent at Bergerac 100 00 00 For the Colledge of Bergerac 1200 00 00 For three Proposans sent unto Montauban at the charge of 120 l. each 360 00 00 To the University of Montauban 100 l. ordered unto Monsieur Joly for his Professing Hebrew 100 00 00 And to Monsieur de Vissouze his right 51 13 00 For two Professors in Divinity 1400 00 00 To the Professors of Hebrew 400 00 00 To the Greek Professor 400 00 00 To the two Professors in Divinity 800 00 00 To the first Regent 100 00 00 For the University of Saumur 600 00 00 More to the same only deducting out of it four Deniers in the Liver 4771 10 00 For what was granted them by the present Synod and employed by them according to their Decree 600 l. including in it 81 l. 10 s for the 4 d. in the Liver 600 00 00 Thus disbursed to the two Professors of Philosophy 1400 00 00 To the Professor of Hebrew 400 00 00 To the Greek Professor 400 00 00 To two Philosophy Professors 800 00 00 To the first Regent 460 00 00 To the second Regent 300 00 00 To the third Regent 200 00 00 To the fourth Regent 180 00 00 To the fifth Regent 150 00 00 For the Universities of Nismes and Montpellier including the four Deniers in the Liver of the said Sieur de Vissouze the summ of 4236 13 04 For the University of Die including the aforesaid four Deniers the summ of 0406 13 04 There remaineth to be divided among all the Provinces the sum of 159973 11 0 Thus 1. To the Province of the Isle of France for 48 Pastors 14 Proposans and 12 supernumerary portions in all 64 portions for their Colledge 400 l. the sum of 12970 02 8 2. L. 10416 S. 16 D. 8 For Normandy for 40 Pastors six Proposans and five supernumerary portions in all 57 portions and for the Colledge 400 l. the sum of 10318 12 4 3. Brittany for eleven Pastors two another Copy saith three Proposans six another Copy saith seven supernumerary portions in all 20 portions the sum of 04328 03 4 4. Anjou for 24 Pastors 3 Proposans one supernumerary portion in all 28 portions the sum of 05499 09 0 5. Poictou 47 Pastors three Proposans and an half portion for Chauvigni in all fifty portions and an half and for the Colledge 10318 12 4 6. Xaintonge 68 Pastors five Proposans and a half supernumerary portion in all 73 portions and a half and the Colledge the sum of 14836 00 0 7. Berry for 29 Pastors 3 Proposans 4 portions supernumerary including those of Moulins in all 36 portions and the Colledge 07470 14 0 8. Burgundy for 19 Pastors 14 Proposans 2 portions for Mariagues and 7 supernumerary in all 32 portions 600 l. for those of Gex and 400 l. for the Colledge the sum of 07285 02 8 9. 15719 17 0 Dolphiny for 66 Pastors 8 Proposans 4 portions supernumerary in all 78 the Colledge the sum of 19719 17 0 10. Vivaretz for 26 Pastors taking in the portion of the Sieur Murat Pastor of Valence 3 Proposans and six supernumerary portions 7264 06 0 including two portions for Forest in all 35 and the Colledge the sum of 07274 06 0 11. Provence for 11 Pastors 3 Proposans 1 portion for the Sieur Maurice the Elder a Pastor Emeritus and six supernumerary in all twenty one portions and the Colledge the sum of 04524 11 0 12. 131666 11 0 Lower Languedoc for 62 Pastors 3 Proposans and the Colledge of Beziers the sum of 13666 11 0 13. Sevennes for
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
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
which he was threatned that if he once more offended in the like manner he should be proceeded against with greater severity The Synod also that commissionated them was censured for assembling themselves irregularly and not observing the Rules and Orders which are usually and necessary to be observed in such Synodical Meetings And sith it appears there be very many and great Divisions in that Province the Province of Lower Languedoc is charged to Commissionate some certain Pastors and Elders who by the Authority of this Assembly shall assemble the Synod of the said Province and meeting with them shall use their utmost power and indeavour to appease their troubles and to reunite those that be divided and to restore and settle Order in those Ecclesiastical Assemblies 17. The twenty second day of May there came into this Assembly for the Province of Higher Languedoc Monsieur John Josion Pastor of the Church of Castres and James * * * Joly afterward turned Apostate Joly Pastor of the Church of Milland together with James de Laureney Baron of Mombrun Provost of Figeac Elder in the Church of Cajars and John de la Viale Counsellor for the King and Lieutenant Criminal in the Seneschalsey of Quercy and Montauban The excuses urged by them for their delays were rejected and their Letters of Commission judged defective And all these four Deputies did take and swear and subscribed for themselves and those who Commissionated them the Oath of Union the Confession of Faith and our Church-Discipline 18. All and every one of these Deputies swore and protested before God Privas Art 1. after the Election of the Moderator Alez Art 3. ibidem that they did not use any indirect nor underhand-dealing nor did any other for them procure as they knew their Deputation nor did they know that any of their Collegues had brigued his or their Election unto this Assembly CHAP. II. Rules and Orders about By-standers and Spectators in the Synod 1. WHereas the Letters of Commission brought by the greater part of the Provincial Deputies do exceedingly differ in that Clause of Submission due and owing by the Churches unto the Decrees of our National Synods And for that very much of our time is spent and wasted in examining and debating of them It is now decreed that for the future All the Provinces should confine themselves unto the words and substance of this ensuing form We promise before God to submit our selves unto all that shall be concluded and determined in your Holy Assembly to obey and execute it to the utmost of our power being perswaded that God will preside among you and lead you by his holy Spirit into all truth and equity by the Rule of his Word Tonneins Art 1. after the Roll of the Deputies for the good and edification of his Church to the glory of his great name which we most humbly beg of his Divine Majesty in our daily Prayers 2. Whereas divers Pastors and Elders chosen by the Provinces have not appeared in their own Persons but by their Surrogates in this Synod the Provinces shall be advertised to take Cognizance of their Excuses and to pass Judgment on them by the Authority of this Assembly 3. The Provincial Deputies of Brittain Tonneins at the â—nd and underneath g. m. 36. did give an Account of their Calling the National Synod unto this place because the Province of Bearn had resigned their priviledge unto them which the last National Synod held at Tonneins had conferred upon them This Assembly approved of what was done by them but yet told them it had been requisite on their part to have been more diligent and careful in acquainting the Provinces more early of the time and place of meeting by their Letters of Advice and Summons And this Advertisement shall serve for all the Provinces that when as any one of them shall have the charge and priviledge of Indicting our National Synods they may so order matters as to free and acquit themselves of all blame and complaint in this particular 4. Monsieur Petré Pastor of the Church of Vitré Petitioned for his Church and Consistory that he together with the Elders of the said Church might be permitted to sit in this Assembly whilst the Confession of Faith and the Ecclesiastical Discipline were reading The Synod granted it for himself and for two Elders chosen and named by the Consistory and unto those other Pastors who having leave from their Churches to attend the Synod about the concerns of their Churches 3. of Râ—chel Art 3. after the Elect. of the Moder St. Maixant the same Alez ibid. or their own private business as also unto Proposans But as for others who would intrude themselves that Canon of the National Synod of Rochell in the year sixteen hundred and seven shall be strictly observed 5. As soon as the Assembly was form'd and setled the first thing they Voted was an Address unto his Majesty to testify the Joy of all our Churches Below g.m. 29. for those many and wonderful Blessings which God hath graciously vouchsafed Him and to protest unto his Majesty from all the Deputies of the Provinces here Assembled and from all the Churches of this Kingdom that we are and ever will be his most humble most loyal most affectionate and most obedient Subjects and Servants And to this purpose there were deputed from among the Pastors Messieurs Hesperien and Bouteroue and from the Eldership Messieurs de Balene and de Moussac who had Letters given them to present unto his Majesty together with a particular Message which they were to deliver him in the name of this Assembly Of which the Lords Deputies who are now sitting in the Town of Rochel shall have notice given them and Letters shall be sent to the Lord du Candall to furnish these our Deputies with a supply of Monies to defray the Charges of their Journey 6. The Oath of Union of all the Churches of this Kingdom Priâ—as Art 4. after the Elect. of the Moderat under our most humble obedience due unto the King was renewed sworn and subscribed by all the Deputies in this Assembly both for themselves and the respective Provinces from whom they were Commissionated CHAP. III. The Confession of Faith THE Confession of Faith of these reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France was read word by word from the beginning to the end and approved in all its Articles by all the Deputies as well for themselves as for their Provinces that sent them and all of them sware for themselves and Provinces that they would teach and preach it because they believ'd that it did perfectly agree with the Word of God and they would use their best endeavour that as it had been hitherto so it should be ever more received and taught in their Churches and Provinces CHAP. IV. Observations on reading of the Church-Discipline Containing matter of advice given unto certain Provinces 1. THE Deputies of Anjou
next Easter at the farthest that he shall print them on fair and large Paper which will hold ink without washing such as that on which the Lord du Plessis his Book of the Eucharist was Printed with as large a Margent and weighing fifteen pounds a Ream or there away that the Character shall be such as that Little Cicero Printed by Colomiés that the Letters shall be new founded with which he begins the work and to be renewed in the progress thereof in case occasion do require it and that the Consistory contracting with him do judge it needful that the stamps for the Latine Greek and Hebrew Quotations shall be all new and proportionable to the Work that the Books which according to the beforementioned Articles and Conditions he is to render unto the Churches shall be kept at Saumar there to be sold and a part of them shall be sent by the said Portau to Lions and Rochell and all of them delivered unto the respective Consistories of those Churches who shall take care for their being distributed abroad among our Ministers And in case Monsieur Chamier shall not deliver his Copy unto the said Fortau then the Consistory of Paris is ordered to divide equally the three thousand Livers remaining in the hands of the Lord du Candal and to send the respective dividend thereof unto the Provinces to whom it doth belong 25. This Synod received Letters from the Gentlemen deputed by the Provinces unto the Assembly at Rochell and Monsieur Preau Pastor of the Church of Vitré Commissionated by them reported their unanimous intentions and resolutions to live and die in the Union sworn by all the Churches for which he was ordered to render them the hearty thanks of this Synod and to assure them that we never had nor will ever have any other end or aim than firmly and inviolably to secure and promote this holy Union And as touching that particular reported by the said Du Preau unto this Synod by word of mouth and by Letters from the said Assembly how that the necessities of the day obliging them to send several Deputations unto Court and elsewhere whilst the six Provinces met and since all the others have joined them they were forc'd to borrow in one place five hundred Livers and in another place two thousand Livers more to defray their charges and there will be a want of five hundred Livers more to make another and their last Deputation unto Court which they shall be constrained also to take up at Interest For the payment of which sums the Deputies aforesaid have by an Act which was here presented us bound and obliged the moneys given us by the Kings Liberality for the maintenance of our Ministers This Assembly gives those Deputies to understand that the disposal of this money is wholly and solely in the power of our National Synods and of this in particular and that not a penny of it can be disposed of by any Political Assembly whatsoever yet notwithstanding for some special reasons in this juncture and not intending hereby to make a precedent of it for the future the Lord du Candal is ordered to pay unto the said Deputies the sum of three thousand Livers and this only by way of Loan that so their expences may be cleared of And whereas the six Provinces have borrowed five hundred Livers this Synod can do nothing in it because it was imployed on a private concern of the City of Rochell and by parity of reason the other Provinces might as well demand a reimbursement of their charges also expended by them on the like occasions And our Lords the General Deputies are intreated most humbly to Petition his Majesty that the said three thousand Livers may be returned us again and distributed among our Churches Since this the said Deputies assembled at Rochell have writ unto this Synod by the Lord of Cusonnel Deputy for Vivaretz that now they had no need of the said sum of four thousand Livers demanded by them before Whereupon advice was given to the Lord of Candal to furnish them only with two thousand one hundred Livers 26. Monsieur du Preau did also represent the distressed estate of the City and Church of Sancerre See below g.m. 37. who by reason of their past sufferings and to secure the possession of this Cautionary Town were well-near undone having borrowed so much moneys and Mortgaged their Estates for the payment thereof that without considerable assistance and relief from the Churches they shall never be able to pay their Debts nor to free their Estates from those great Incumbrances The same also was attested by Letters from the Lord Baron of Belette and by the Deputies of Berry This Assembly considering that all the Churches are concerned in the preservation of this important place exhorteth those Provinces which have not as yet charitably contributed towards their relief to do it out of hand and to remit the moneys Collected by them unto the Consistory of the said Church And our General Deputies are requested to have an extraordinary care of that City for the future 27. The same Monsieur du Preau complained to us from the Deputies in the Assembly at Rochell that Monsieur du Crest Pastor of the Church of Manosques in Provence did together with his Church and Consistory oppose the Election of the Lord Baron of Semis and of Monsieur Huron a Pastor to be Deputies unto the said Assembly Whereupon an Order past that those Pastors and Elders which were authorized by this Synod viz. the Deputies of Lower Languedoc to take cognisance of those many and great differences which are fallen out in the Province of Provence should also examine this matter and inflict such Censures as the Authors and Partners in these Divisions have incurred and deserved 28. Moreover Monsieur de Preau informed us of the deplorable Estate of the Churches in Auvergne which Information was confirmed by Monsieur Babat Pastor in the Church of Issoyre who came from them This Synod having heard them both and perused the Letters sent from the Assembly at Rochell and those from the Consistory of Issoyre and from the Lord Viscount of La Roche Courtan all advising us or the most miserable Condition of those poor and persecuted Churches It doth ordain that whereas the Deputies of the Provinces assembled at Rochell have recommended this affair unto our Lords the General Deputies the Synod will in a more special manner take care of this and be more concerned for it than for any other and will Petition his Majesty that Commissioners may be dispatched thither out of hand to cause the persecutions to cease and that satisfaction may be given unto our poor Brethren who have been so barbarously and cruelly tormented and that his Majesty's Edicts may be vigorously and faithfully put in execution And forasmuch as the Deputies of Sevennes and the said Babat have urged the necessity of setling two Pastors in those Churches aforesaid this
Synod ordaineth that the Province of Sevennes shall provide two Pastors for them to be sent unto them immediately one of which shall reside in the Town of Issoyre and the other shall serve the Churches of the Mountain according as it shall be prescribed them by the said Province And that those two Pastors may have a comfortable maintenance this Synod continuing the Decree of the former National Synods which had appointed four Portions free of all charges for those Churches of the Vpper Auvergne doth add a fifth for their Incouragement Which five Portions shall be received by the said Province and paid into the very hands of those Pastors to each of them the sum of five hundred Livers And the remaining Portions shall be distributed by those Provinces towards the necessities of those said Churches and all this to be duly and continually performed untill the meeting of the next National Synod Below p. m. 25. Alez p. m. 20. And in the mean while the respective Members of those Churches shall be pressed to contribute towards the maintenance of their Pastors and they shall give an account of their duty herein unto the next National Synod And whereas the said Monsieur Babat requests that he may be discharged from the service of those Churches he was ordered to continue the exercise of his Ministry among them until the meeting of the approaching Synod of Sevennes by which in case he then desire it he may be set at liberty and another substituted in his place However till the sitting of that Provincial Synod the said Babat shall wholly serve the Town Issoyre as its proper Pastor and the Colloquy of St. Germain shall give another Pastor to supply the Churches of the Mountain And forasmuch as the said Babat hath been at great expences in travelling unto this Synod and to the Assembly of Rochell the Lord of Candal is ordered to pay him an hundred Livers out of the mass of moneys belonging to all our Churches And as for that demand of the Deputies that a Fund might be given them for the raising and fixing of a Colledge at Issoyre This Assembly cannot do it because that having eased many persons among them of the charge in maintaining their Ministers they may very well as in Conscience they are bound and we also exhort them to do take care of this matter themselves CHAP. IX The King's Letter to the Synod Above Art 5. after the Catalogue of Deputies THE third of June Messieurs Hesperien and Bouteroue Pastors and Balene and Moussac Elders deputed by this Assembly unto the King returned hither and notified unto us with how much kindness and favour they were received by his Majesty and having declared to him their Commission and delivered their Memoirs and Instructions he heard and answer'd them very graciously as appears by his Majesty's Letter brought with them unto this Assembly and they had the thanks and applause of all the Deputies in it for their most affectionate care faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of their Commission And because it very much imported our Churches to be particularly informed of that good will and love his Majesty bears them that so they may be in an extraordinary manner stirred up to praise and bless the Lord for it and own and acknowledge themselves to be more strictly obliged to fidelity and perseverance in their obedience and subjection due unto his Majesty and to pray more heartily for the augmentation of his Majesty's Prosperity and Grandeur This Assembly ordained that the Letter which it pleated his Majesty to write us should be transcribed and Copies thereof sent abroad among the Churches which is here inserted word for word in this present Article By the KING To our Dear and Well-beloved the Deputies of our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion assembled in their Synod at Vitré DEar and Well-beloved we received your Letters of the one and twentieth day of this Month by which we have sensible experience of your Zeal and Affection for our Service and for that of the Common-weal participating as you have done in the common joy of all our Subjects for the Peace and Settlement of the Kingdom which we have so happily procured for them whereof we were also more particularly informed by your Deputies sent unto us for this same purpose from whom we have gladly received the fresh assurances and protestations made by you of persevering in your Loyalty and Obedience to us as you have done heretofore and you may be very well assured that we will be always careful to maintain and preserve you in all your priviledges formerly granted to you And we will give you all in general and every one of you in particular new tokens of our Love and good will upon all occasions which shall occur unto us Given at Paris the 29 th of May 1617. LOUYS Phelippeaux 2. The Deputies of Xaintonge demanded a Decree Nymes 11. that no Colloquy might hence forward separate any particular Congregation which was annexed to conjoin it unto another without the previous advice and authority of a Provincial Synod This Assembly finding their demand very Equitable did Ordain that this should be an Universal Canon binding all Colloquies and Churches 3. Divers Persons of Quality having moved it that inasmuch as our Mechanicks are obliged by the Kings Edict to forbear working on the Festivals of the Romish Church over and besides the Lord's day It is left unto the prudence of Consistories to Congregate the People on such Holy-Days either to hear the word Preached or to join in common publick Prayers as they shall find to be most expedient See Synod of Saumur Art 13. of g. m. And whereas Complaints are made us that in some Churches before Sermon they sing part of the Psalm and reserve the last Verse for conclusion of the Exercise This Assembly injoins all the Churches to sing * * * This last Clause was rased out in the seventh Obs of this Synod by that of Alez out the whole pause and to conform themselves as much as may be to the ancient Order 4. Monsieur de Bertreville our General Deputy came unto this Synod the sixth day of June and took his place in it according to the Canons of our National Synods and had his Vote of deliberation and decision and sware and subscribed the Oath of Union of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom 5. The Lord of Bertreville our General Deputy declared to us Tonneins g. m. 6. that the King's Letters Patents though granted for exempting our Ministers from payment of Taxes were not as yet verified nor delivered into his hands nor unto his Colleague the Lord of Maniald This Assembly doth earnestly intreat them to use all needful means to get them dispatcht as soon as possible 6. Whereas the National Synod of Tonneins had injoined all the Provinces to consider of a Proposal made by several great Persons both at home and abroad Tonneins g.
m. 19. Alez Obs 6. upon this Synod touching the most proper means of entertaining a good Correspondence with all Orthodox Churches and to procure a good Union in Doctrine betwixt us and them and to invite over unto the same Communication even those that are of a different perswasion from us All the Provinces declared what had been done by them as to this matter This Assembly did thereupon judge expedient that we should make a little halt till such time as those who had first made these Overtures did prosecute this affair with more vigour And in the mean while Monsieur Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars Chauves Pastor of the Church in Sommieres Chamier Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Montalban and du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris are nominated a Committee and to consult of such a project as will best conduce to the accomplishing of this design After which in case they be summon'd and called forth unto this work they shall all meet together at Saumur and conjointly with the Lord du Plessis and the Pastors and Professors of Divinity in that Church and University deliberate about it and shall draw put a Plot of it which shall be sent into every Province there to be perused and debated by their Synods that so their Deputies may come prepared for it unto the next National Synod 7. Whereas divers Provinces had charged their Deputies to demand of this Assembly a National Fast to be celebrated in all the Churches of this Kingdom Gergeau g. m. 13. Now for that it hath pleased God to turn away his wrath from us and to give us manifest tokens of his goodness it was not judged expedient at this time to proclaim a General Fast but according to the Canons of our National Synods that Province whose right it is to Convene the next National Synod is ordered to consult with our Lords the General Deputies about it who are intreated that in case any emergent Providence doth summon the Churches to sanctify an extraordinary Fast to confer with the Consistory of Paris about it and to acquaint the said Province therewith whose Synod being assembled and resolving on it they shall give notice of the time for its Celebration unto all the other Provinces 3 Rochel g. m. 9. and in the Roll. See at the Conclus of Tonneins above Art 3. after the Roll. 8. The Deputies of the Churches in the Principality of Bearn gave in their reasons wherefore they had not accepted that priviledge of calling this present National Synod which was at their request granted them by the last held at Tonneins and on those terms and condition mentioned in the Article of the said Synod This Assembly did not now â—â—dge it reasonable that those Churches should be subject to the Discipline of our Churches in this Kingdom or that for the present they should immedâ—â—â—â—y depend on our National Synods Privas p. m. 14. See the second Synod of Charenton 2 Obs upon the Acts of the former National Synod But nevertheless they shall give in their final resolutions what they intend to do unto the next National Synod and in case they be of the same mind then as they are now this Assembly declareth that their Deputies may have the priviledge of sitting and voting in our National Synods upon this Condition that they shall first ask leave of the Provinces to give in their Suffrages in such Cases as concern the Churches of this Kingdom 9. It was told in this Assembly how much the Church of Sancerre was oppressed by the Earl of Marans one of whose men had but a few days since assassinated a very Eminent Member of that Church It was immediately judged necessary to write unto his Majesty about it and that the Lord of Bertreville our General Deputy should deliver with his own hands unto the King this our Letter and most humbly Petition his Majesty that Sancerre may be kept up as one of our Cautionary Towns by his supream Authority and that the Inhabitants thereof may injoy peace and quietness since it hath pleased God to give it unto the rest of his Majesty's Subjects and our General Deputies shall be very urgent for it 10. That Canon of our Church-Discipline binding Ministers to a personal residence on their Churches shall be most exactly observed by all the Provinces 1 Paris 12. Montauban g. m. 10. Alez Obs 8. on the Synod And whereas this hath been broken by too many and principally in the Higher Languedoc divers of their Pastors living at Montauban and not with their flocks every one of these are injoined to depart from thence with their Families unto those places where their Churches are gathered and this at the farthest within three months after that this Canon of the present Synod shall have been signified to them and the Consistory of the Church of Montauban is ordered to give notice thereof unto all these Non-Residents inhabiting their City And in case they refuse to yield obedience unto it we declare them from this very instant suspended the holy Ministry And Colloquies and Synods shall immediately upon such suspension provide a supply of Pastors for those vacant Churches who shall oblige themselves personally to reside among them And the said Consistory of Montauban shall notify unto the Churches the suspension of their Pastors and that they have full power to chuse and call in any other according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline And the next National Synod shall be informed by the Provinces of their duty in this particular 11. To obviate the Complaint made by several Provinces how that their Commissioners having received their moneys from the Lord of Candal do keep it in their own hands longer than they ought denying many times that they have received any from him The said Lord du Candal is desired that either himself or his Commissioners would be pleased to send a Copy of their Receipts as soon as they be given him or them unto such persons in every Province as shall be named to him for this purpose That so the Province may be certainly informed at what time and to whom he paid in their moneys and the poorer Churches may not be left unpaid and unprovided for divers Months together as they have been by the wickedness of those Receivers Commissionated by the Provinces upon the pretexts but now mentioned 12. Forasmuch as divers Deputies in this Assembly declared that they brought not with them moneys enough to defray their Charges during this Session The Deputy of the Lord du Candal being how in Town was ordered to supply them and that out of the Dividend belonging to their Provinces for which sums so received by them they shall be accountable unto their respective Provinces 13. Whereas we are at present necessitated to be at unusual expences in dispatches deputations and extraordinary businesses for the Churches this Assembly requireth the Lord of Candal to pay in unto our
4. that it would please this Assembly to make a Decree that the Churches of Vic Figenseac Eutre and Leyran now lying in the Province of lower Guyenne and joyned to it might be separated from it and incorporated with the Colloquy of Armagnac lying in the Province of higher Languedoc It was ordered That the two Provinces should confer about it and hear the Opinion of those Churches upon the case and afterward they should determine that which they conceived would be most expedient for them Tâ—â—neins Appeal 34. 12. Monsieur Grand Pastor in the Church of Cajarc in the Province of higher Languedoc did by Letters humbly petition this Assembly to take off the Censure filed against him by the National Synod of Tonneins which had forbidden him any more to Preach in the Church of Caussade The Consuls and Elders also of the said Church and Town joyned with him in the same Petition This Assembly having considered the Testimonials given of him by the Colloquy of upper Quercy and also by the Synod of higher Languedoc do give power unto the said Province to license Monsieur Grand to return and exercise his Ministry as formerly in the Church of Caussade but in the first place they shall most diligently consider whether his Presence and Preaching there will be for its edification and that the Church of Cajarc be duly supplied by another Minister 13. The Church of Saumur contested with the Province of Brittain about a Pension and Maintenance exhibited by them unto Julian Fournier who had quitted the Convent of Capuchins in the City of Blois The Deputies of Anjou and Brittain having been both heard this Assembly moderated the said Charges and reduced them to the Sum of fifty Livers to wit twenty Livers for his Diet and thirty for his Cloths which said Sum shall be paid unto the Church of Saumur by the Province of Brittain out of the Monies granted us by his Majesty's liberality 14. The Lord Baron of Tournebu writ unto this Assembly by an Elder of the Church of Falaise that his late deceased Lady hath bequeathed as a Legacy some considerable Sums of Money which are in the Province of Zealand to be employed in the educating of a Scholar either of Zealand Basil or Geneva that may hereafter serve the Church of Essars in the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments And whereas the Sum bequeathed will not suffice for that purpose the said Lord promiseth on his Honour to make up the rest After the Deputies of Normandy had been heard the Assembly applauding the Design and Zeal of this noble Lord orders the Province of Normandy to intreat the said Lord not to chuse any Scholar out of this Kingdom and that he would be pleas'd to advise with his Colloquy and Synod about him and in case he should not grant unto us our desire he shall be at his full liberty to chuse him whence and where he will but with this Proviso That as soon as he shall be sit for service he be presented unto the Province and admitted by it according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline 15. The Colloquy of Foix in the Province of Higher Languedoc writ and sent their Complaints unto this Assembly of those grievous Oppressions the Churches in those parts have undergone for these last six Years and the great Sums they have been necessitated to expend in keeping possession of our Cautionary Towns there and to support themselves in the Courts of Parliament Chambers of the Edict and the Council of State This Assembly advised the said Colloquy first of all to apply themselves unto their own Province For we could not divert the Monies given for our Minister's subsistence unto any other uses 16. The Colloquy of Gex petitioned this Assembly to compassionate the deep Poverty of their Ministers and to add something by way of augmentation to what was given them in the Synod of Tonneins for their better maintenance Whereupon a Decree past that the Lord of Candal should be desired to pay those Ministers in the first place before any others and that the sixty Livers heretofore allotted towards the maintenance of their Colledge and taken out of the Common Stock of the Churches should not any longer be allowed because there is provision made for the said Colledge another way 17. Monsieur Codur Professor of Hebrew in the University of Montpellier complained that he was never paid his Salery since he exercised his Ministry in the Province of Provence This Assembly dismissed his Affair over to the Pastors and Elders of Lower Languedoc who are ordered by this Assembly to visit the Synod of Provence and to see that those Churches which have been served by the said Monsieur Codur do account with him and give him full satisfaction 18. The Province of Berry declaring that the last National Synod of Tonneins had by a special Order appointed the Lord of Candal to detain by him one portion under the Name of Monsieur Hume and to be paid into that Province in which he should be imployed as a Pastor and he being called to the Cure of Souls in the said Province yet they could never receive a Penny of the said portion as was evident from the Accompts of the said Lord Du Candal Whereupon this Assembly did expresly injoyn him immediately to accompt with the said Province and to pay them out of hand what is owing to them 19. David Chauveton a Scholar Alez Obs 10. upon this Syn. maintained by the Province of the Isle of France and since received into the Ministry and ordained Pastor to the Church of Claye from which having first obtained licence for three Months he departed to visit his aged and diseased Father Pastor in the Church of Limeueill in the Province of lower Guyenne but returned not according to his promise for which cause the said Province hath censured him and condemned him to make a full restitution of all their Charges they were at in his preparatory Studies to the Sacred Ministry Which he not having done they complained of him unto this Assembly who considering that the said Chauveton had served full three Years in the Ministry among them and that he came back unto the Consistory of Paris and offered himself to minister as formerly in the Church of Claye or in any other they would be pleased to provide for him did nevertheless reprove him for not being punctual to his promise in returning at the time prefixed nor sending some lawful excuse for his absence and the Province of Lower Guyenne could not receive the said Chauveton without the consent and dismission of the Isle of France whose he was and therefore ordaineth that the said Chauveton shall pay within one Year the Sum of three hundred Livers unto the said Province in lieu of all their Demands from him for Charges they were at in his Education at School and University And in case he be not able to do it the Province of Lower Guyenne shall disburse the
him once for all the sum of sixty Livers that so he may return home unto his own Province of Provence and be put upon Employment according to his abilities and the Decree of the National Synod of Tonneins 35. Monsieur Suffran a Pastor in the Province of Lower Languedoc Tonneins Appeal 43. Petitioned by Letters this Assembly that the Order of the Colloquy of Lyonnois and ratified by the National Synod of Tonneins forbidding him the exercise of his Ministry within the Colloquy of Nismes might be repealed This Assembly having received a very good account of the said Suffran from faithful Witnesses doth grant him his request and injoineth the Province of Lower Langùedoc to provide him a Church in any Colloquy as they shall judge expedient 36. Nicolas * * * In another Copy he is called Joucune in another Jouannâ— Jane having lately abjur'd in this Church of Vitré the Errors and Idolatries of the Papacy was recommended to the Province of Normandy to take care that he might be employed in some way of living as he is best qualified and the Lord of Candal is ordered to give him thirty Livers to help carry him into the said Province whereof he is a Native And forasmuch as the Deputies of Normandy have informed us that it will be a full year e'r their Provincial Synod do meet the Colloquy of Caen is intreated to take care of him till that time and that some provision be made for him 37. Monsieur du Bois Alez p. m. 61. a Minister having been discharged from the Church of Laval by reason of its poverty by the Synod of Anjou was put into the Catalogue of Ministers who were to be disposed by this Assembly and in case that it should break up without presenting him to some vacant Congregation he hath full liberty given him to dispose of himself in any one Province as the Lord shall be pleased to direct him and there shall be one Portion out of the moneys of his Majesty's bounty retained by the Lord of Candall to be given unto that Province in which he shall be imployed and those moneys of his Majesty's bounty shall be paid in to the said Monsieur du Bois until the first of July as if he were an actual Pastor in the Church of Lavall and this in pursuance of that agreement made by that Church with him but with this Proviso that he be always employed in a Church whereunto this Assembly shall have adjudged a Portion of those moneys And the Province shall give advice hereof unto the Lord of Candal who shall be accountable for it unto the next National Synod 38. Monsieur Mahaut having been put into the Catalogue of Pastors who are to be disposed by this Assembly Above Appeal 4. Alez Appeal 54. was presented by it this day unto the Church of Gisors in Normandy and the said Church was exhorted to receive him and to entertain him lovingly and the Lord of Candal shall reserve his portion in his own hands because the said Mahaut will receive that which is allotted unto the Church of Gisors wherewith he was well satisfied 39. The Lord of Vieville requested this Assembly to intreat the Pastors of the Church of Vitre to visit the Church gathered in his House as often as conveniently they can whereunto the said Pastors did voluntarily consent and promised that they would go once a Month but could not quit their own Church upon the Lord's days The Assembly acknowledging that this affair did properly belong to the cognisance of the Provincial Synod of Brittain yet because it would be a very long time before they met together intreats the aforesaid Ministers to give that Church in the Lord of Vieville's House six Sermons on so many Sundays yearly and six more on such Days as they shall consider and agree on 40. The Province of Lower Guyenne complained unto this Assembly Tâ—nnâ—â—â—s p. m. â— that the three hundred Livers which were granted to Monsieur Bustonoby by the Synod of Tonneins are not yet paid by the Lord du Candal but were paid by the said Province out of its own Purse Order was now given unto the Lord du Candal to reimburse the said Province out of the moneys remaining in his hands on his last Accompt CHAP. XI The Dividend made according to the Catalogue of Pastors brought in by the Deputies of every Province Montpellier Obs 5. upon the Discipl g. m. 16. 3. of Rochel g. m. 4. Privas g.m. 16. 1. ACcording to the Canons of former National Synods there was brought into this Assembly the Catalogue of Pastors actually serving our Churches And forasmuch as the greater part of the Deputies of our Provinces do declare that divers Churches are unprovided being destitute of Pastors some being removed by Death and others by some other Accident very lately This Assembly having weighed all circumstances do now in their distribution of his Majesty's liberality ordain That there shall be put upon the Catalogue in every Province such Churches as are immediately to be supplied that so a Portion may be drawn out for every Church but on this condition that the Provinces shall make proof unto the next National Synod by Acts of their Provincial Synods duly attested that the said Churches have been provided for and at what times And in case of failure herein the Moneys so received by them on this occasion shall be detained for the future from them Moreover this Assembly considering the great Necessities of all the Provinces hath added to each of them some Other Portions 2. The Roll of Pastors in actual service in the Province of Lower Guyenne was perused and whereas the Deputies remonstrated that heretofore the Church of Sommieres had never less than two Pastors at once a Portion was granted them for a second Minister and another for the Church of Villefort and a third Portion for the Church of Pecquay unto which Churches the said Province shall out of hand send them Pastors and give in full proof of their obedience unto this Order at the next National Synod And over and above all this there was granted it a supernumerary Portion to be appropriated according to the designation of the Deputies of this Province unto the Church of St. Cesarca and its annexed Congregations 3. The Deputies of Poictou reported that they had six Churches to provide for being lately destitute of Pastors to wit that of Rochefoucault Lusignan Sivray La Chastaigneraye Chantonnay Puisbeliart and Poiré for which six Portions were ordained but on this condition that they be accountable for these Sums unto that next National Synod and by way of augmentation they had given them one Portion supernumerary 4. Two Portions were appointed the Province of Berry one for the Church of Bourges and another for that of Suilly and its annexed Congregations on this condition that they be carefully supplied and that an account hereof be given in unto the next National Synod And
for the Money unto the Receiver of the said Province and this to be continued until the next National Synod CHAP. XII Of Universities and Colleges 1. THE Province of Lower Guyenne demanding Privas of Coll. Art 25. Tonneins p. m. 16. that our Universities might be lessen'd in their number and reduced unto two and those well maintained This Assembly did not think fit to diminish their number 2. The Deputies of Sevennes requesting that one part of the University in the Lover Languedoc might be wholly assigned to them This Assembly did not think it expedient to grant them their request 3. The Province of Lower Languedoc reported that it were expedient to reunite the two parts of their University whereof one is at Nismes and the other at Montpellier and that the effecting of it might be left unto their Synod they calling in the Deputies of the adjoining Provinces to consult about it This Assembly owneth the needfulness of their Proposal and for divers good considerations it doth at present decree this union ordaining that the whole University shall be established at Nismes and that the University-Council shall be assembled as soon as may be they calling in the Deputies of the next adjoining Provinces which are now mentioned by name to wit for Dolphiny Monsieur Felix for Vivaretz Monsieur Moze for Sevennes Monsieur Courant for Provence Monsieur Morrice all of them Deputies unto this present National Synod and they being all assembled shall furnish that University with able Professors according to the Canons enacted in our former National Synods and the above-mention'd University-Council is injoined to take special care that the Youth in it be duly instructed and incouraged in Learning and Godliness under the Discipline of their Regents and that the Professors be faithful in the discharge of their Place and Office 4. The Deputies of Sevenes demanded that out of the Moneys given by his Majesty's liberality unto their Province there might be an addition made of some other Sums to the four hundred Livers assigned for maintenance of a College and this to be done in every Province This Assembly answered that no augmentation could be granted on this account And the said Province of Sevennes was advised to consider well of the demand made by the Church of Anduze and to take care that the College there setled be well maintained Tonneins of Univers 12. 5. The Consistory and Common Council of the Town and Church of Gex writ unto this Assembly how that they had and did acquiesce in the Decree of the National Synod of Tonneins concerning their College and humbly petition'd this Assembly to bestow upon them out of that stock of Moneys given our Churches by his Majesty's liberality a certain Sum towards its maintenance It was decreed that the Lord of Candal should give them to this purpose yearly an hundred Livers 6. Forasmuch as the Houses upon which the College of Saumur is built were purchased with Moneys belonging unto all the Churches Gap p. m. 46. as it hath been related in this Assembly order is given unto Monsieur Rivett Pastor of the Church of Thouars to make inquiry in whose Name that Contract and Purchace was signed and sealed and to declare it unto the Consistory of the Church of Saumur who shall make report thereof unto the next National Synod 7. Complaint being made unto this Assembly on behalf of the Professors in our Universities it is ordained 〈◊〉 p. m. 37. that for time to time our Universities shall be paid quarterly at the four Quarters of the Year out of the three first Quarters of the Moneys granted by the King to our Churches 8. The University-Councils be injoined to chuse out the eldest Proposans and command them to read the Scriptures in the Church before Sermons and to censure such of them as refuse obedience unto this Canon 9. In like manner those University-Councils be expresly charged to see the Laws and Statutes made in our former National Synods for the well-governing of these our Universities to be most carefully and exactly observed and obeyed that so we may hear no more any ill reports of them but that the Scholars do carry themselves with all modesty as becometh their profession and that they do give diligent attendance on the Greek and Hebrew Lectures and that they be personally present at Divinity-Disputations and that the said Statutes may be better observed the Provincial Synods in which those Universities be erected are charged to depute yearly two Pastors taken out of those Churches whereunto the Universities do belong who shall at some certain times but most especially before the sitting of their Synod visit the said Universities and make inquiry whether the Professors and Scholars both of them do faithfully and diligently intend and mind their Duties And the Deputies of those Provinces shall bring into the next National Synod the Laws and Statutes of our Universities which were formerly enacted in our National Synods and report impartially what they have observed of every ones obedience to them 10. The University of Montauban requested that the Salaries of their Professors might be augmented Tonneins of Univers 7. because his Majesty's liberality unto our Churches is augmented But it was not judged meet to make any farther additions than what had been before ordained for them 11. Monsieur Joly Tonneins of Univers 1. Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Montalban Petitioned that he might have some small augmentation unto the hundred Livers ordered him by the Synod of Tonneins for his better incouragement in the profession of the Hebrew Language This Assembly not being in a capacity to augment his wages doth exhort Monsieur Tenans the other Hebrew Professor to allow his Collegue Monsieur Joly one hundred Livers out of the three hundred assigned to him because though he is in office yet the main burden thereof lieth upon Monsieur Joly 12. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc demanded a sum of moneys for the erecting of two Colleges the one at Millaud the other at Pamiers Ibidem 3. remonstrating on the one hand the great distance of their Churches from the University of Montauban and on the other hand the lamentable Poverty of the Church of Pamiers and those adjoining to it as also that the Church of Milhaud hath a College of Jesuits planted in the very bowels of it This Assembly being disabled from increasing the number of our Colleges cannot gratify those Deputies in their desires And yet exhorteth the said Province to have a special regard unto the necessities of the Church of Pamiers and to provide for it according to their abilities 13. The Deputies of Anjou joined in a Petition from the University of Saumur which was presented by Monsieur Benoist Gap g. m. 19. Professor of the Greek Tongue Upon which this Decree past that in as much as 't is needful that our Universities should be supplied with Professors in Theology in case of their death
thirty and nine Livers fourteen Sous and seven Deniers besides the sum of sixty thousand and five hundred and five Livers fourteen Sous and one Denier owing by him by forbearance for not bringing his Acquittances which he shall produce before our General Deputies and bring with him their Certificate for his so doing unto the next National Synod Which said Debt Monsieur Sulpitius Cuper rendring account for the said Lord du Candal declared to have risen out of the sum of three hundred and five Livers fourteen Sous remaining due unto the Province of Xaintonge for the Year 1614. and for that nothing had been paid for the first half quarter of October in the Year 1615. to the University of Sedan and College of Bergerac as also it arose out of a far greater sum taken by reprisal out of the Account aforesaid which hath been raised and given to the said Lord of Candal to be recover'd by him that so if it were once recover'd it might be distributed among all the Provinces according to the Dividend made by the National Synod of Tonneins where the Accounts of the distribution were then as now the Decree of this present Synod shall be given him to this very purpose 10. Over and above the Debt before mentioned the said Lord of Candal oweth for October Quarter of the Year 1616. the sum of forty five thousand Livers which he shall distribute unto the Churches according to the Dividend made in the Synod of Tonneins 11. Moreover he oweth for the said Quarter the sum of nine thousand six hundred Livers being an Augmentation granted unto the Churches by the Treaty of Londun which began the first of July 1616. and the said Lord of Candal hath accounted for the first July-Quarter which shall be distributed according to the aforesaid Dividend And it must be â—oted here that the said Quarter should have amounted unto eleven thousand six hundred and fifty Livers for the said Augmentation but there had been substracted from it by an Order of Council the sum of sixteen hundred and fifty Livers to make up the Pension promised unto our Lords the General Deputies 12. Upon the Debet of the same Account for the three first Quarters of the Year 1616. there shall be taken the sums hereafter specified one part of which the said Lord of Candal is ordered to make good payment of and another part to detain in his own hands till further orders 13. And first of all the said Lord of Candal is ordered to reserve by him the sum of three thousand Livers which he shall deliver unto that person who undertakes to print the Works of the most Reverend Chamier and shall take up an Acquittance from him 14. More the sum of two thousand one hundred Livers granted to the Deputies in the Assembly of Rochel for defraying the Charges of their Deputies at Court which sum the said Lord of Candal shall deliver unto Monsieur Gaultron a Citizen of Rochel 15. More the sum of seven hundred Livers for defraying the Expences of the Deputies from this present Synod to his Majesty 16. More four hundred Livers ordered to be paid unto our Lords General Deputies at Court for the like Journeys unto Court 17. More the sum of three hundred Livers payed by the Province of Lower Guyenne unto Monsieur Bustonoby according to a Decree of the National Synod of Tonneins 18. For Monsieur Piloty's Journey three hundred Livers 19. A Gratuity to Monsieur Cuper three hundred Livers 20. To Samuel du Fresne two hundred Livers 21. To the Sons of Monsieur Huberas Pastor of Berne two hundred Livers 22. To Monsieur Babat Pastor of Issoyre an hundred Livers 23. To the Son of Monsieur Bernardin Molleur one of the Refugees from the Marquisate of Salluces the sum of sixty Livers paid by the Lord of Candal unto Monsieur Chambrun Pastor of Nismes 24. To Monsieur de St. Matthieu sent by the Lords General Deputies to the Assembly at Rochel by his Majesty's Order the sum of an hundred and fifty Livers 25. To Nicolas Jane formerly a Monk thirty Livers 26. To Ascanius Allion thirty Livers 27. For three Portions granted to the Churches of Auvergne by the National Synod of Privas and put upon the Account of the Province of Sevennes whose Deputies made report that they had paid them into these Churches altho' they never had received the Moneys those Portions amounting to the sum of sixteen hundred and seventy seven Livers which this Assembly ordered to be kept by the Lord du Candal in his own hands until the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc have finally decided that Affair 28. To the Soldiers and Porter of the Castle and Garrison of Vitré the sum of six and thirty Livers 29. All these Parcels summ'd up together do amount to nine thousand five hundred fourscore and three Livers which shall be paid by the Lord of Candal who shall reimburse himself on the Debt of his Account arising from the three first Quarters of the Year 1616. 30. Whereas by a particular Act delivered unto Monsieur Cuper Deputy of the Lord du Candal Mr. Rivett and Mr. Chauve Pastors were charged as debtors for the sum of twelve hundred sixty and two Livers which they had distributed according to the Order of this present Synod unto some certain poor Churches and had given an Acquittance for it as if it had been received for their own use This Assembly acknowledged that it was done upon none other ground than to facilitate the Accompt of the said Lord du Candal and that the said sum was paid in by them unto those particular Churches according to that Order and Instructions they had from this Synod and that therefore we do discharge those Reverend Ministers Rivet and Chauve and acquit them fully of the said Moneys CHAP. XV. A Dividend of Moneys among the Provinces 1. A Dividend made among all the Provinces of the sum of two hundred twenty five thousand Livers granted by his Majesty unto our Churches and this for the present Year and the Years following until the next National Synod according to which the said Lord du Candal shall make payment of the said sum as it was agreed between him at the National Synod of Gap and the Lords General Deputies who treated with him by its Authority 2. Out of which sum of 225000 li. before any dividend be made unto the Provinces there must be deducted these sums following which are allotted for the yearly maintenance of our Universities and Colleges 3. For the University of Die six hundred Livers 4. For the College of Bergerac twelve hundred Livers 5. For the University of Sedan four thousand Livers 6. For the University of Saumur five thousand one hundred and ninety Livers 7. For the University of Montauban three thousand seven hundred and eleven Livers 8. For the University of Nismes two thousand two hundred and thirty six Livers 9. For the Pension of Samuel du Fresne one hundred fifty seven Livers
Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar John de Blache Lord of Blesset Elder of the Church in Bouffres and John de Roure Advocate Elder of the Church of Aubenas 20. For the lower Languedoc Mr. Laurence Brunier Pastor of the Church of Vsez Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier Charles de Bouques Lord of Pons Doctor of the Civil Law and Elder of the Church of Montpellier and Antony de Roques Lord of Clausonne Elder in the Church of Montfrin 11. For the higher Languedoc and Guyenne Monsieur John de Voysin Pastor of the Church of Realmont and Antony Garissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent Paul de Luffee Lord of Maraval Governour of Mavesin and Elder of the Church there James du Puy Deputy-Lieutenant in the Seneschalsy of Montauban and Elder of that Church 12. For â—urgundy Mr. Peter Helliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Due Francis Pereault Pastor of the Church of Mascon and Noel du Noyer Elder of the Church of Bussy Monsieur Salmasius was nominated Deputy unto this Assembly but excused himself by Letters as also did Monsieur Guichard and Forest who beigg Elders were both substituted in his place whose excuses were remanded back unto their Province that it might judge of their validity 13. For the Province or Provence Mr. Peter Huron Pastor in the Church of Reis Elias de Glandeviâ— Lord of Anjou Elder in the Church of Puymichel 14. For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of Dieu le sit Peter de la Croze Pastor of the Church in Courtezon James Bernard Advocate Elder of the Church in Montlimart and Moses du Port Elder of the Church de la Meure the Lord of Champoleon was also nominated in the Letters of Commission but excused himself by Letters unto this Assembly 15. For the Province of Sevennes Monsieur Peter Guillamin Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan John de Vignoles Lord of Bonnet Elder in the Church of Colegnac and John Baldwin Doctor of Laws Elder in the Church of la Salle 16. There came also for the Churches in the Principality of Bearne Monsieur Peter L' abbadye Pastor of the Church of Paw and John de la Coste Lord of Padet Elder of the Church of Moneing In whose Letters of Commission there being wanting the clause of Submission that Article of the Synod of Vitre was read unto them relating to it Whereupon they offering their reasons why they could not intirely subject themselves unto the Discipline of our Churches in France principally because of the present juncture of Affairs They were admitted to a consultive Vote under the limitations expressed in that Act of the Synod of Vitre that it should be left to the Will of the Provinces Whether they should have a decisive Vote in certain Cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom and this by provision only until the next National Synod 17. The Sieur Chalas one of the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom near His Majesty was present also in this Assembly according to the Charge given the said Lords General Deputies in the last general Assembly held at Loudun and Order of our Church After Invocation of the Name of God the Reverend Monsieur Peter du Moulin was chosen Moderator Mr. Brunier Assessor and Messieurs Vignier and Papillon Scribes CHAP. II. Remarks and Passages of the First Session LEtters were presented from the Lord Duke of Rohan unto this Assembly whereby he assured them of the continuance of his Zeal and Affection to the Glory of God and to the weal and happiness of our Churches for which he had the thanks of the Assembly returned him in their Letters 2. Messieurs des Maretz and Ollyer Pastors of the Church of Alez petitioning to be admitted into this Assembly and to assist at the reading of our Confession of Faith and Church Discipline it was granted them as also unto two Elders whom the Consistory should appoint but as for such Ministers as were not commissionated hither by their Churches and all other Persons the Canons of the Third Synod of Rochel and that last of Vitre should be punctually observed Vitre Act 4. after the List of the Deputyes 3. Every one of the Deputies in this Assembly took the Oath according to the Decree made in the Synod of Privas that they had not brigued their Deputation unto this place neither directly nor indirectly Privas Act. 1. after the Names of the Deputyes neither for themselves nor for any others And this shall be observed in like manner for the future in all our National Synods 4. Monsieur â—uretin Pastor and Professor in Divinity in the Church and University of Geneva having brought Letters from the Pastors and Professors there fully testifying and expressing their Holy Affection to the Churches of this Kingdom and of their most near and intimate communion with us was intreated by this Assembly to give us his presence during his abode in this City and to take place among us and to communicate his Counsels and Votes in matters that should be proposed which he also did And after mature and exact consideration of the several clauses in those Letters tender'd by him an Answer was made unto them 5. The Letters of the Lord * * * But he somtime after revolted Duke of Desdiguieres were also presented unto this Assembly expressing his desire for the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Letters of Thanks were ordered to be sent unto His Excellency 6. Monsieur Bansillon Pastor in the Church of Aiguemortes having brought Letters from the Lord of Chastillon and by word of mouth given this Assembly the Protestations of the said Lord after the Heroick Example of his Famous Ancestors to spend himself and Estate in the advancement of Christ's Kingdom was desired to carry back Letters of Thanks from this Synod unto that Noble Lord. CHAP. III. An Act of the Oath of Union subscribed by all the Deputyes both Pastors and Elders The same Oath was Enacted at Tenneins 1014. WEE whose Names are hereunder written Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France assembled in our National Synod in the City of Alez in the Province of Sevennes knowing by experience of what is past that there is nothing more necessary to preserve the peace and wellfare of the said Churches than an holy Union and inviolable consent both in Doctrine and Discipline and their dependencies and that the said Churches cannot long subsist without a good strict and mutual Union and Conjunction of one with another and this better kept and maintained than heretofore Therefore being desirous 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 which divers Persons ill-affected to our Religion do indeavour its ruine and destruction for
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
the great losses it sustained in the Troubles of Privas as also to help defray the Expences they shall be at in a Suit at Court about the Consulship of their Town This Assembly judging that the Moneys granted us by His Majesty ought not to be diverted unto such uses doth notwithstanding recommend their Affair unto our Lords the General Deputies that they might get right due to them by the Lords of the Privy Council and because of the Necessities of the said Church there shall be a supernumerary portion assigned to them when we make the publick Dividend 6. Monsieur Massez Notary Publick and Secretary to the Consul of Montauban in the Higher Languedoc requesting to be reimburst by the Churches the great Expences he was at in prosecuting the wrongs done him by the Parliament of Tolouse It being a business of General Concern because of the Notorious Violations of the Edicts granted us by our Kings This Assembly exhorted the Province of Higher Languedoc to take care that the said Monsieur Massez have satisfaction given him for his past Losses and that he be indemnified for the future and that they extend their Charity to him in a most ample and exemplary manner sith they themselves have judged his case to be of very great Importance to all the Churches 7. The Magistrates Consuls and Consistory of the Town of Privas having represented both by Letters and Word of Mouth by Monsieur Tavernier one of their Elders deputed to us the great Losses Dammages and Afflictions sustained by them since the Death of Monsieur Chambaud whereby they be now reduced to a most lamentable condition and worthy of our most tender compassions which also was confirmed by Letters from the Synod and Political Assembly of Vivaretz and praying some Charitable Relief to be Exhibited to them that so this considerable and populous Church might not be totally desolated and dissolved This Assembly ordained That the Summ of Six Hundred Livres should be given the said Church of Privas for a present supply And all the Churches of this Kingdom shall by their Deputies here in this Assembly as soon as they return unto their respective Provinces be exhorted to open the Bowels of their compassion to the said afflicted Church of Privas and to relieve them by a General Collection upon the Lords Day in their respective Temples The Moneys of which Collection shall be sent unto the Churches of Lions and Nismes to be distributed by them unto that of Privas And Letters also shall be writ to the Lord Governour of Montauban to the Marquesses of La Charse of Montbrun and other the Parents and Kindred of the late Deceased Monsieur de Chambaud desiring them to take special care of the Religious Education of his Children that they may not be diverted from the True Religion and trained up in Popish Idolatry but that they would be pleased to undertake for them and become their Tutors and Guardians according to the known Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom 8. The Heads of Families professing the Reformed Religion in the Baylywick of Orillac in the Mountains of Upper Auvergne petitioned that the Portions granted them by the National Synods of Gap and Rochel might be contined to them This Assembly ordained that the Portion belonging unto the said Church in the Baylywyck of Orillac shall be given it free and discharged of all Taxes by the Province of Higher Languedoc Gap p. m. 18 3. Rochell 9. Monsieur Casaud Pastor of the Church of Lectoure petitioned on its behalf for some charitable Relief to raise it up from that woful Ruin and Misery into which it is now plunged and to sustain it against its Enemies for the future This Assembly compassionating the said Church did order and assign a free Portion out of the Dividend of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne unto it and one part of the Collection which shall be made in the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for the Church of Privas shall be given unto the said Church of Lectoure 10. The Church of Tulette belonging to the Province of Dolphiny but inclosed on all parts with the County of Venisse humbly requested some relief for its subsistence Because this is a Church of great importance very poor exceeding feeble and unable to resist the many Enemies which do surround it This Assembly ordained that besides the free Portion which it should receive as well as others out of the Dividend for the said Province of Dolphiny It shall have also an half portion free out of the Common Stock of all the Churches until the sitting of the next National Synod 11. Hierome Quevedo a Spaniard escaped out of the Prison of the Inquisition demanded some relief that he might live in the profession of the Gospel This Assembly ordered him an Hundred Livres out of the common Moneys of the Churches which shall be put into the hands of the Consistory of Montpellier to pay him Quarterly a Portion that so he may learn some honest Trade whereby to gain a livelyhood Which Summ shall be continued to him or taken from him as the Consistory of the Church of Montpellier shall judge of his Deportments 12. Lawrence Joly one of the Exiled Protestants of the Marquisate of Salluces having brought Letters from the Church of Guillestre which is composed of the poor Refugees of the said Marquisate unto this Assembly did most humbly petition that they might have a Portion of the Moneys granted us by the King for the maintenance of a Pastor because they are in hopes that it may allure and attract a great many others who are groaning under that sore and heavy persecution in the Marquisate and doe hunger after the Bread of Life and ardently desire the Inlargement of Christ's Kingdom to quit and forsake it This Assembly in the Dividend of its Moneys will ordain a supernumerary Portion for the said Church of Guillestre 13. Monsieur Guingonis shall be assisted with Ten Crown out of the common Moneys belonging to the Province of Province And as for Mr. John Dury Student in Divinity the Province of Lower Languedoc is ordered to provide for him according to the Canons of our National Synods and in the mean while he shall receive Twenty Crowns out of the Moneys appropriated to the said Province of Lower Languedoc that so he may quit this Town and remove to Montauban 14. Anthony Verdier formerly a Priest in the County of Avignon had Six Livres given him that he might depart hence unto Grenoble 15. The Church of St. Paul Trois Chasteaux demanding some Relief to set up a School among them and to help build their Temple were dismissed over to the Province of Dolphiny which is exhorted to have a special care of that Church 16. Monsieur John Perier Pastor of the Church of Paillac in Auvergne did on behalf of his Church complain against the Provincial Synod of Burgundy for not giving him the Portions granted by the National Synod of Privas and requested that
University may choose him again and prolong his time in the Rectoral Chair if they see good reason for it 6. All the Members of the Ordinary Council not one of them excepted shall be subject yea and the Rector also and his Colleagues unto the Censures which be generally given four times in the Year before the Celebration of the Lords Supper as in the Consistories and the Regents being assembled together with the Principal who shall then be president they shall all be subject unto this Canon 7. These are called by us our Publick Professors the Professors of Divinity of the Hebrew and Greek Tongues of Philosophy the Mathematicks Eloquence and all others 8. We shall need Two Professors at least in Divinity one of which shall Expound the Holy Scripture without expatiating into Common Places The other shall read Common Places If God do bless us with Ability we will have a Third and then one of them shall Expound the Old Testament and the other the New And the Third shall handle Common Places which he shall have finished at least in Three years time with that brevity and solidity as becomes a Scholar And that the Students may be the more profited our Professors in Divinity shall dictate to them the general heads of their Lectures 9. Doctors and Professors of Divinity shall be chosen by the Extraordinary Council of the University and presented to the Provincial Synods there to be Examined Admitted and Confirmed according to the Third Canon in the Second Chapter of our Church-Discipline 10. Every one of them shall read Four Lectures a Week and shall exercise their Scholars in Propositions every Week both in Latin and French according to that Order and upon those days appointed by the Council of the University 11. There shall be private Disputations in Divinity every Week and publick ones once a Moneth under every Professor 12. All Students in Divinity shall be registred by the Rector they having been first of all examined by the Ordinary University-Council and bringing with them good and valid Testimonials of their Life and Conversation and of their proficiency in Humanity and Philosophy that so they may be turned back in case they have made no progress nor advancement in that preliminary Learning 13. And all those aforesaid Students shall be bound to be personally present at all Theological Lectures Propositions and Disputations as also to propose and maintain Thesis and every one of them shall dispute successively in his and their respective turns and according to the Course and Order of their Matriculation Excepting alwayes the Fresh-men or new Comers who may be excused from Propositions and Publick Disputations for Six Moneths time or one year at the Discretion and Judgment of the Professors 14. The Divinity Theses for Publick Disputation shall be very brief yet comprehending if possible a full common place However without loading them with Objections which may be offered in Dispute nor with a long Scrol of Arguments to confirm the Truth for this would turn the Theses into Volumes 15. The Student in Divinity that is to maintain a Thesis before Disputation shall make a brief Supposition in Latin discovering the Design and Tendency of the Thesis thereby to exercise his Style and render himself the more useful and accomplished 16. The Scholars shall pass a free and modest Censure upon every Proposition in that self same Language in which it was delivered and in the absence of the Proposan first by the Students in Divinity next by the Professors and Pastors and the Pastors and Divinity Professors each of them in their turn shall be Moderators of this Censure 17. These said Students in Divinity may choose from among themselves a Pretor and Six Assessors who shall keep the Catalogue of their Colleagues Names and every one in order give Notice of the time of his Exercises and they may make by-Laws among themselves which shall be ratified and approved by the University-Council who also shall see to it that every one of them do according to this present Order exercise themselves in Disputations and Propositions and neglect no means for their growth and increase in Wisdom and Learning for their after-serviceableness 18. All Students in Divinity shall be examined once a year those at least who receive Pensions from the Provinces or particular Churches that so we may have a more faithful and just account of them and thereby to quicken them the more unto their Studies and to a better improvement of their time and parts CHAP. XVIII A Dividend made among all the Provinces of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Livres given by His Majesty to the Reformed Churches of France and to be received this Ensuing Year 1621. And the Years following until the sitting of the next National Synod according unto which the Lord of Candal shall make Payment of the said Summs as was covenanted with him at the National Synod of GAP OUT of the Three first Quarters of the said Summ of Two Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Pound there must be distributed One Hundred Sixty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Livres in manner following  l. s. d. To the University of Sedan 4000 00 00 To the Colledge of Gex taking in the 3600 l. granted the King 4300 00 00 To the University of Saumur 5190 00 00 To the University of Nismes 2236 00 00 To the University of Montauban 3151 00 00 To the Colledge of Bergerac 1200 00 00 To the University of Die 0600 00 00 A Supply of Maintenance to our Lords the Geneneral Deputies 3300 00 00 1. To the Province of the Isle of France Picardy Champagne Seventy One Portions for Fifty Pastors in Actual Service One Church another Copy reads Eleven Churches to be provided for Twelve Supernumerary Portions Four Proposans Two Pastors discharged Two Supernumerary Portions for the Church of Langres and Four Hundred Livres for the Colledge in all Eleven Thousand Three Hundred Thirty and Four Livres Two Sous and Two Deniers 11334 02 02 2. To the Province of Poictou for Sixty Portions to wit for Forty Nine Pastors in Actual Service Two Pastors discharged Two Pastors to be provided of Churches Three Proposans Two Supernumerary Portions and Four Hundred for the Colledge in all Nine Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Livres and Two Deniers 09640 00 02 3. To the Province of Lower Languedoc Seventy One Portions viz. for Sixty Two Pastors in Actual Service Two Pastors professing the Greek and Hebrew Tongues in the University of Nismes an half supernumerary Portion for Mr. Brunier Pastor of the Church of Vsez an half Portion for the Church of Montfrin an half Portion for Gignac one Emeritus Three Proposans and One and half supernumerary Portion and Four Hundred Livres for the Colledge in all Eleven Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty Three Livres and Eight Sous 11333 08 00 4. To the Province of Orleans and Berry Forty Seven Portions for Thirty Two Pastors in Actual Service three Churches to be provided
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
Officers of His Majesty their Provincial Synod could not meet but towards the end of August which had exceedingly retarded and put back their Journey so that they could not possibly come any sooner unto this Assembly Their Excuses were admitted and they were admonished for the future to keep exactly to the forme prescribed by the former National Synods in their Letters of Deputation and to bring in Writing the Names of those Persons who being Commissionated could not come hither unto this Synod The One and Twentieth day after the Synod had first met and sate there were Letters brought and read in full Assembly from the Province of Provence assembled in their Synod at Cabrieres on the Eight and Twentieth day of August last By which they excuse themselves and crave that they may be excused for not having sent any Deputies unto this Assembly But all their Excuses were rejected and the said Province was censur'd for their neglect of this their Duty they being able if they had been willing to have Commissionated some from out of their Body unto this Synod and they were farther censured for that their Letters were full of blots and razures and that the clause of submission unto the Votes and Canons thereof was not couched in such full and Emphatical terms as the former National Synods had prescribed Prayers having been offered up unto God and all the Letters of Deputation read and examined The Reverend Mr. Durant Pastor of the Church of Paris was nominated and chosen Moderator Mr. Bayly Assessor and Mr. Faucheur a Pastor and Mr. Launay an Elder to be Scribes CHAP. II. The Kings Commissson to the Lord GALLAND AS soon as the Synodical Officers were chosen the Lord Galland declared that by vertue of and in Obedience to his Majesties Letters Patents bearing Date the Seventeenth of April last and verified in his Court of Parliament the Second of May following by which His Majesty had ordained that in all Assemblies of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion whether Coloquies or Synods one of His Majesties Officers being of the same Religion should assist in Person and see that nothing should be propounded or handled but only such Affairs as were permitted by his Edicts and that he should make report thereof unto His Majesty He came now and sate in this Assembly for that His Majesty had Commissionated him as his Deputy unto this present Assembly as was evident by the Letters Pattents of His said Majesty subscribed by the Kings own Hand Lewis and a little Lower by His Majesties Order De L' Omeny and Sealed with the Great Seal in yellow Wax and Dated the Twenty Ninth of July last which were produced and read The Tenour whereof is as followeth Lewis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our well-beloved and faithful Counsellor in our Council of State and Privy Council our Attorney General in our Realm of Navarre Monsieur Augustus Galland Greeting We having Willed and Ordained by our Letters Patents bearing Date in the Moneth of April last that our Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion might hold their Synodical Assemblies as formerly and meet and treat about Matters of their Discipline and that we would Commissionate one of our Officers of the same Religion to be present in those Assemblies and to see that none other Matter should be Debated in them but what is according to our Edicts Now forasmuch as in the Moneth of September next there will be conven'd at Charenton an Assembly of the Deputies of the said Religion from out of all the Provinces of this our Kingdom For these Causes we being well assured of your good affection unto our Service and to the Repose and Peace of our Estate we have Commissionated and do by these presents Commissionate you to meet and be present with them in the said General Assembly whether it sit at Charenton or be removed elsewhere by our permission during the whole time of their Sessions and carefully to take heed that nothing he Treated or Debated in it contrary to our Service or prejudicial to the Publick Peace And in case any other thing shall be proposed or Debated than what concerns the Order and Discipline of the said P. Reformed Religion you shall oppose and suppress it and make those Remonstrances against it as be in such cases needful and give us full and timely notice of the whole and of all and singular passages transacted in it And because of that confidence we have of your Loyalty and Affection we have Commissionated and Deputed and do Commissionate and Depute you for this very end and purpose to be present in all those Assemblies held by our Subjects of the said P. Reformed Religion by our Licence at the said Town of Charenton without your having need of any other powers than what are now given you by these present Letters Pattents which you may communicate unto such Persons as you shall think fit so that none of those our aforesaid Subjects may pretend ignorance you having received full power from us For such is our will and pleasure Given at St. Germain in I aye this Nine and Twentieth day of July and in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three and in the Fourteenth Year of Our Reign Signed Lewes and a little lower By His Majesties Order D' LOMENY CHAP. III. A great Debate about this Commission THE Letters Pattents being read The Lord of Montmartyn Deputy General of the Churches unto His Majesty reported that when as He and his Colleague the Lord Maniald were inform'd of His Majesties Will as aforesaid they did what lay in their power by reason and argument to disswade His Majesty from passing this Declaration But notwithstanding all that they did or could urge His Majesty was not pleased in the least to heed or regard them but caused this Declaration to be verified in his Court of Parliament So that neither himself nor the Lord Maniald being able to do any thing more they left it unto this present Assembly to reiterate their Complaints unto His Majesty and if they thought good to tender their Petitions unto His Majesty about it The Synod deliberating in presence of the Lord Augustus Galland about this Affair and cousidering that by this Declaration of His Majesty our Colloquies and Synods were most unjustly charged and condemned for having past beyond the Bounds and Limits of their most humble Duty which they have alwayes deferred and payd unto His Majesty in all their Consultations and Debates and moreover that the benefit of his Edicts was greatly retrenched and those favourable Concessions which His Majesty had granted us were now as good as totally revoked it is resolved that a most solemn humble address should be presented to His Majesty that he would be pleased to maintain our Churches in all their Liberties which had been accorded to them and which they had ever heretofore enjoyed and two Pastors with two Elders were ordained to
draw up the Form of the said Petition and Address and the Deputies of the Provinces who have any Memoirs on this Subject are commanded to communicate them However this Synod being willing and desirous to give clear full and unquestionable Evidence or their Duty Obedience and Loyalty unto His Majesty they admitted the said Lord Augustus Galland among them that he might be an Eye and Ear-Witness of the Integrity and Uprightness of their Proceedings and Deportments assuring themselves that His Majesty having perused their most humble Petition and Address and seeing and acknowledging the Sincerity and Loyalty of these Assemblies he would be graciously pleased out of His Royal Goodness to reinstate us into our former Liberties and Priviledges Every one of the Deputies in this Assembly according to the Decrees of former Synods did Swear and make Oath that he had not brigued his Deputation to it neither directly nor indirectly neither for himself nor for any other And this Oath shall for the future he taken by all the Members of our National Synods CHAP. IV. Approbation of the Confession of Faith THE Confession of our Faith being read word by word and most carefully attended to and consider'd in all its Points and Articles was unanimously approved by all the Deputies present in the Synod who did all promise and swear that by the Grace of God they would live and die in this Faith and that they vvould cause the said Oath to be taken in every one of their Provinces and that to the utmost of their povver they vvould procure and endeavour its Observation The Confession of Faith being finished This Assembly that they might testifie as they vvere bound their most sincere Respects and Duty unto His Majesty did Depute the Sieur de Chambrun and Mestrezat Pastors and de Jurlatt and Rabbotteau together vvith the Lords our General Deputies unto His Majesty to tender their most humble and thankful Acknowledgments Submissions and Duties unto His Majesty and in the Name of all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom to make protestation of their most unviolable Fidelity and perpetual Obedience and unvvearied faithful Service unto His Majesty CHAP. V. Observation on reading of the Discipline 1 WHEN as the Fourth Canon of the Fourth Chapter was read several of the Provinces requested that some certain and proper means might be found out vvhereby to prevent those Frauds vvhich are usually committed in Attestations The Synod judging it needless to make any Additions unto the said Canon doth enjoyn all Consistories and Pastors carefully to examine both those Attestations and the Persons that bring them that they may receive from their ovvn Mouths a Testimony and Confession of their Religion and an Evidence of their Knovvledge and Understanding in it 2. On the Sixteenth Canon of the Fifth Chapter the Deputies of Poictou demanded Whether such as having been Married after the Popish manner or having so Married their Children and being aftervvards convinced of their Sin and testifying their Repentance for it might be discharged from their Publick Suspension This Synod judging that this Censure is become almost indispensably necessary to retain them vvithin the bounds of Duty vvho are othervvise but too prone to lavish out into such like or vvorse Offences doth ordain that the Canon be most strictly and exactly observed And the rather because that vvithout such a suspension the Scandal given unto the Church of God cannot be sufficiently repaired 3. On the Twelfth Canon of the Ninth Chapter instead of those words After which shall be celebrated the Lords Supper these only shall be inserted and the Lords Supper shall be celebrated That so the time of its administration may be left wholly to the power of Synods 4. In reading the Eleventh Canon of the Thirteenth Chapter of the Discipline the Province of Xaintonge moved whether a Man who had married his Wifes Neece might be admitted to Publick Penance and to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church The Synod judging such a Conjunction incestuous declares That as long as they continue to cohabit together as Man and Wife the Man shall not be received neither to the one nor other 5. On the Sixteenth Canon of the Thirteenth Chapter the Province of the Isle of France requested that hereafter in all Certificates to be given by our Consistories that the Banes of Marriage had been published in their Churches it might be expresly inserted that the said Banes were published in those Churches where the Parties contracted are either well-known or else held their personal residence for the greatest part of their time The Synod enjoyneth all Pastors to express in such Certificates that the Parties contracted do usually reside in those Churches where their Banes aforesaid were published 6. On the Fourteenth Canon of the Fourteenth Chapter the Province of Dolphiny requesting that after these words In the Colledges of Priests Monks Jesuits and Nuns there might be added and other Popish School-Masters The Synod ordains that nothing shall be added unto the said Canon yet notwithstanding doth it forbid all Parents to take any Person into their Houses of a contrary Religion to instruct their Children Moreover it leaveth it to the prudence of Consistories Colloquies and Provincial Synods to make such Canons as they judge will best suit with the Condition of the Churches under their Conduct and Direction 7. The Canons of our Discipline having been read and seriously considered All the Pastors and Elders Deputed unto this Assembly did for themselves and for their respective Provinces with their hands lifted up to Heaven swear that they would keep and observe it and see to the best of their power that it should be kept and observed by all their Principals who had sent them 8. Letters from the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva were read in Answer unto those of the last National Synod by which they assure us of their Unanimous consent and agreement with us not only in the Essentials of Religion but also in outward Circumstantials and Ceremonies and as an Evidence hereof they have imbraced that advice given them by the aforesaid Synod ever at the Lords Supper after the words of Institution and Distribution of the Sacred Elements to add a word of Exhortation and that whereas heretofore they had only used unleavened Bread in conformity to their Neighbour-Churches in the Canton of Bearne now out of Love and Conformity to us and ours they did and would for the future use Common Bread at this Holy Sacrament And whereas their Elders had formerly assisted their Pastors in the Delivery and Distribution of the Calice they had resolved that it should be done by the Pastors only Adding over and above very many other kind expressions of their endearing Love and fraternal Union with the Churches of this Kingdom Upon which this Assembly resolved that an Answer should be returned them fully testifying our mutual Affection and high and reciprocal Esteem and Honour for them CHAP. VI.
the grant of the half supernumerary Portion for the future which was allowed them by the Synod of Alez The Letters of the said Elders having been perused and the Deputies of the Province heard This Assembly confirms the past Payments and ordains that for the future the supernumerary Portions granted unto the said Province shall be wholly at their own disposal 37. Monsieur Le Pin Elder in the Church of Issurtille appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy held at Gex in this present year but his Appeal was declared null and desert 38. That Appeal of the Elders of Aubenas and Annonay from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Vivaretz which had reunited the Colledge parted before betwixt those Two Cities and resettled it at Privas was declared null and void CHAP. XIV Of GENERAL MATTERS 1 THE Sieurs de Chambrun and Mestrezat Ministers of the Gospel de Jarlan and Rabboteau Elders who together with our General Deputies had been commanded by this Synod to wait upon His Majesty being now returned made report that they delivered unto the Lord Chancellor unto the Lord de la Vieuville and to the Lords Principal Secretaries of State the Letters of this Assembly of whom they had a very gracious and kind Reception and every one of those Lords assured them of the Kings sincere intentions to conserve the peace of the Kingdom and particularly for His Subjects of the Reformed Religion provided that they persisted in their Duty and Obedience and farther they advised the Pastors and Elders of this Synod upon their return unto their respective Provinces who had sent them that they would deal effectually with them to continue in their due Obedience After this they were introduced into His Majesties Presence who was then attended with My Lord Chancellor and the other Lords of the Privy Council to whom they delivered the Letter of this Assembly and assured His Majesty in the Name of this Assembly and of all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom whom they represented of their Loyalty Submission and Obedience whereunto they were obliged by their Birth Religion and Benefits conferred upon them by His Majesty And farther they returned their most humble thanks unto His Majesty for that Peace he was pleased to vouchsafe unto his Subjects of the Reformed Religion and did with a most profound Humility petition His Majesty that they might through his Royal Goodness and Justice evermore enjoy and possess it Whereupon His Majesty did with his own Mouth give us this Answer That if his Subjects of the Reformed Religion did carry themselves well and lived in that Duty and Obedience which God and Nature required of them he would continue to them the Priviledges of his Edicts and that My Lord Chancellor should tell us his mind more amply and at large After which My Lord Chancellor bespake them in these words That His Majesty having been well informed of the Actions and Deportments of the Synod till now was exceedingly satisfied But that His Majesty would discover unto them his mind upon two points the first whereof concerned Foreign Pastors That it was His Majesties Will That the Churches should not serve themselves in the Ministry of any other Persons than such as were born in the Kingdom and were his Natural Subjects for some private reasons which he needed not to tell them but one of them was very evident because his Natural Subjects who are such by their Birth would be more tied unto his Service than any Foreigners The other related to the last Synod held at Alez yet was it not in the least intended by His Majesty to impair or alter the Liberty of the Churches with reference to their Faith or the Exercises of their Religion either in Doctrine or Discipline but it was very displeasing unto His Majesty that the National Council of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom held at Alez should oblige all Pastors by their Corporal Oath to approve a Doctrine defined in a Foreign State And that though His Majesty giveth protection to the Religion yet you must not mistake him he intends it not for a Novel and Exotick Faith When as his Lordship had finished his Discourse The said Deputies did most humbly petition His Majesty graciously to hear them upon those two points which His Majesty having favourably granted They declared as to the first That it was true That now as for a long time ago the Churches of this Kingdom had made use of some Foreign Ministers but that they ever had this honour to have kept themselves within the limits of all Duty and Service to His Majesty and that during the War His Majesty had left unto the Churches their Pastors without informing himself of their Country or Nation But since His Majesty did us the favour as to acquaint us with his Will and Pleasure in a time or Peace that we must have no Strangers to officiate in our Churches it would be so far from preserving our Churches that it would leave some of them destitute and some others desolate and allay very much of the tast and sweets of that ê™eace we now enjoyed Moreover that among those of the Church of Rome in this Kingdom there were a multitude of Ecclesiasticks of other Nations which enjoyed the most honourable and profitable Benefices and Dignities of the Gallican Church wherefore His Majesty was most humbly petitioned that he would be pleated not to make this severe distinction between his Subjects so as to permit those of one Religion to use Strangers and to deny it unto the other And as for the Second Point It was a truth that the Synod of Dort made up of the Deputies of divers Reformed Churches had decided some certain points of Doctrine whereby to oppose the Errors which troubled the Churches of the Netherlands But that this Decision did most harmoniously agree with the Confession of Faith in the Churches of this Kingdom and which had been presented to His Majesties Predecessors So that the substance of the Doctrine asserted arid maintained by that Synod was not new and that there was nothing novel in it excepting its Formality and Application as a Fence and Boundary to keep out divers Errors that were then rising and breaking in upon us So that His Most Excellent Majesty was most humbly intreated not to believe that his Subjects had any such design as to make him the Patron and Protector of a Novel and Foreign Doctrine After that the Deputies had finished their Discourse they were commanded to withdraw that His Majesty might consider and deliberate about what had been said by them and being a while after called in again My Lord Chancellor told them as to the first head that His Majesty having heard the Matters that were propounded by them would not remove the Foreign Pastors from their Flocks in this Kingdom who were now in Office and at present actually imployed But it was his pleasure that for the future no more should be
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
Church-History wherein we may have the rise growth and progress of all Controversies and their confutation by the Sacred Scriptures for the greater Edification of Gods Church 10. The same Province demanded Whether Consistories might compel an Advocate by Ecclesiastical Censures to depose against his Client such matters as had been secretly communicated to him This Assembly considering that Advocates are intrusted with many Secrets and obliged by the Duties of their Office and Calling to conceal Matters confided to them by their Clients judgeth that no Consistories ought to urge them to it unless in cases of High Treason or things of such great importance 11. The Provincial Deputies Commissionated to our National Synods shall not be suffered to plead for any Church or private Person who appeals from the Judgment of their Province But it shall be lawful for them to bring with them the Memoirs and Instructions of the said Churches and particular Appellants and tender them unto the National Synods who may leave them in the hands of Commissioners to make report of them 12. This Synod ratifying the Decrees of former Synods forbiddeth all Colloquies and Provincial Synods to divert the Moneys given us by the King in any manner whatsoever from their primary use and intendment whereunto they were appointed and ordaineth that they shall be only employed towards the maintenance of our Ministers and the upholding of the Sacred Ministry of the maintenance of our Universities Colledges Proposans the Widows of Pastors and they shall be expended in defraying the necessary Charges of our National Synods according to the Will and Pleasure of His Majesty 13. Monsieur d' Huisseau appearing in this Assembly as he and Monsieur Guydon had been ordered to give an account of their prosecuting Monsieur Palot for the recovery of those great Summs of Money he was indebted unto the Churches He declared that both himself and the said Monsieur Guidon now absent since the last National Synod held at Alez which they had acquainted with the process commenc't by them against the said Palot could not make any great progress therein because of the Wars which a little while after brake out and for that the Commissioners appointed by the King to audit the said Palots Accounts were all out of the way But yet notwithstanding they had not been altogether idle nor lost their time For though this Affair were exceedingly imbroyl'd yet had they got such light into it as would be very beneficial unto the Churches and not only to some of them which were more particularly concern'd above other but would be very useful to the Exchequer it self and to the said Monsieur Palot That the difficulty formerly experienc't in getting Commissioners who might examin the Accompts of the said Palot had made them conclude that to bring this Affair to an happy period it were best to carry and leave it with the Sedentary Judges as those are in the Sovereign Courts And since the opening of this Synod the Lord Malat Secretary to His Majesty a Man of great Probity Capacity and Intelligence and very well known did by a third Person make this offer That in case he would give him a quarter of what Moneys might be gotten in from this Affair he would undertake the prosecution of it without ever demanding any thing else from the Churches for defraying his Costs and Expences If therefore it would please this Synod to continue and prorogue for Six Moneths longer unto the said Lords Guidon and d' Huysseau the faculties and powers granted and confirmed to them by the last Synod of Alez and give them leave to associate with them the said Lord of Mallat and to prosecute this Affair in such Courts and Jurisdictions as they should think good on condition that one quarter of what might be recovered should be given them in lieu of all their Charges and Recompence they hoped that within the term of Six Moneths the Churches should be well contented with their pains and undertakings and reap the fruit and injoy the benefit of them And that an estimate might be made of their progress in this Law-Suit within that time This Assembly is desired to Authorize the Synod of the Isle of France to take cognisance thereof that so according to the success and profit had and obtained they may either order it to be continued or surceased Moreover this Assembly is requested to charge the Lords our General Deputies to come in and assist the said Lords Guidon Mallat and d' Huisseau upon such occasions as do occur and when as they shall be desired by them But the Synod thought it more convenient before they proceeded any farther to conferr in the first place with the Sieur Palot because we had now an easie opportunity for so doing and therefore voted that the Seur Palot should be intreated to come unto this Assembly which accordingly he did and upon discourse he offered that if this Assembly would be pleased to nominate a Committee of their own Members he would very willingly confer with them about this Affair Whereupon the Lords of Montmartyn one of our General Deputies Basnage a Pastor Du Port du Four and de Launay Elders together with Monsieur d' Huisseau were appointed to confer with the said Palot and see if they could bring him to put a fair and amicable end unto it Who having discoursed with him informed this Assembly that he was so far from compounding with the Churches and refunding any thing unto them of the great Summs demanded by us that on the contrary he avowed they were very much indebted to him The Synod hereupon Commissionated the Lords Durant and Mestrezat Pastors Marbau Massoners Biggot and de L' Aunay Elders of the Church of Paris to act joyntly together with the Lords of Montmartyn and Manialt our General Deputies or with any one of them in the absence of the other and to resolve and conclude in the Name and behalf of our Churches whatsoever they should conceive meet in this Affair and to treat and agree with one or more Sollicitors and to give full Powers unto him or them to prosecute it on such Articles and Conditions as in their Wisdoms would most contribute to the Weal Benefit and Advantage of our Churches And to this purpose a special Letter of Attorney was Sealed to them and Delivered by all the Provincial Deputies of the Churches in this Synod but on this Condition that he or they with whom they agreed should not demand nor pretend unto any Moneys of right from the said Churches for their Pains Costs Losses or Sallaries in the pursuit and sollicitation of this Affair 14. The Lord of Candal came into this Assembly and assured it of the continuance of his sincere Affections and Service unto the Churches and did farther declare and notifie with how much diligence and importunity he and the Lords General Deputies for Five Moneths together in this present year had sollicited both His Majesty and the Lords of his
Council that the Moneys granted by his Bounty unto the Churches might be assigned on some particular Tally for this year That a long time was spent before he could find any success of his endeavours But at last they would give him Orders and Assignations which in truth he refused to accept because he knew them to be naught and worth nothing And that finally about the end of the last April they had given him others which he was constrained to take because he saw the Lords of the Council fixed in their resolutions of giving him none other That indeed these latter Assignations were a little better than the former but it would be a very great while before any payment were made that it would be at least Six or Eight Moneths before the first Summ would become due that the whole Assembly knew they would not grant him any Order or Tally for the last year 1622 yea and His Majesty had revoked his former grant of Moneys to the Churches for the year 1621 and employed them elsewhere to some other purposes And as for the Arrears due unto us in the foregoing years he had took all care possible and used the utmost diligence to recover them but with very little or no success that he had brought in his Accompts and prayed the Assembly to constitute a Committee to audit and close them The Assembly having most heartily thanked the said Lord of Candal for his singular care respects and kindnesses upon all occasions expressed unto the Churches and desired the continuance of his Love did nominate Messieurs de Basnage and Le Clark Pastors du Port and du Four Elders to peruse and examine his Accompts And whereas a world of inconveniencies will befal our Churches by so long delay of paying in the Moneys granted us by His Majesty for this year now current the Synod deputed the Sieurs de L' Angle a Pastor and du Port an Elder and the Lords of Montmartyn and Candal to wait upon His Majesty and on the behalf of this Assembly most humbly to beseech him to grant some other Assignations and Orders for the more speedy paying in of His Majesties Great Bounty unto our Churches and that as a Token of His Royal Goodness and Liberality he would be pleased to add some other Summs to us instead of those which have been taken from us in the last foregoing years we having received not so much as one farthing or doibt for them 15. A few dayes after the said Deputies being returned from the King they made Report in this Assembly how Graciously they had been received by His Majesty who assured them that in case his said Subjects of the Reformed Religion continued in their Duty and Obedience he would alwayes give them all possible content And the same Expressions of kindness they received also from the Lords of His most Honourable Privy Council who ordered out of hand Forty Thousand Livres to be payed in unto them they yielding up unto their Lordships the old Warrants for the like Summ but as for what was requested about reimbursing us the years past by fixing those Summs due unto us on some other Tallies and Assignations their Honours were pleased to say There was no reason why they should promise it 16. The Province of Anjou requested that the University of Saumur might not any longer be left destitute of Professors in Divinity but that some speedy care and course might be taken to send Monsieur Cameron to be Professor of that faculty in it The Lord Commissioner and Deputy for His Majesty unto this Synod declared that it was the Will and Pleasure of His Majesty that those two Gentlemen Mr. Gilbert Primrose and Mr. John Cameron should not be preferred neither of them to any Publick Office either of Pastors in the Churches or of Pastors and Professors in the Churches and Universities of this Kingdom not because of their Birth as being Foreigners but for some private Reasons of State relating to his Service And the said Lord of Galland presented us His Majesties Letters Written and Signed with His Own Hand Lewes and a little lower de L' Omeny Dated the Twenty Fifth day of this present Moneth The Assembly understanding this to be His Majesties pleasure would not put it to the Vote Whether they should be continued or not in their Ministry but deputed the Sieurs Cottiby Minister of the Gospel and du Bois and St. Martyn Elders together with the Lord of Montmartyn General Deputy to carry unto His Majesty a Petition from this Assembly wherein this Assembly did most humbly beseech His Majesty that as he had lately with his own Mouth most graciously promised so His Majesty would be pleased to give Order that all our Ministers might as fully injoy the fruit and benefit of his promise CHAP. XV. N. B. What picque the King of France had against Monsieur Cameron as I cannot tell so I shall not write my guesses and conjectures about it because they may be and may not be true Mr. Cameron if he had designed what afterwards some others attempted a coalition of both the Religions Protestant and Popish yet certainly was no Papist yea far enough from their Doctrine and Worship But he had angred the Jesuits not so much as his Reverend Colleague and Countreyman And this was the true reason why Monsieur Primrose was necessitated to quit Bourdeaux and France when as Cameron was permitted to tarry and return to Bourdeaux and was preferred unto the Professors Chair in Divinity afterwards at Montauban On Whitsunday in the year 1619. Father Arnoux the Jesuit preaching before the King Queen and Court of France in the Castle of Amboise attempted a Task impossible to whiten Blackamores to wash or wipe his Church clean and especially his own Order from an indelible blot viz. That they held it lawful to kill Kings This the Jesuit with a boldness and audaciousness which is the proper Talent of their Society would have some how or other evaded He assures that Royal Auditory with the greatest confidence that it was never the Doctrine of their Catholick Church never believed by these good Fathers that Subjects might lawfully rebel against their Sovereigns yea that it doth anathematize all those who teach and preach that the Sacred Persons of Princes may be lawfully made away and murdered yea that the whole Society of Jesuits doth condemn detest and as much as hi them lieth doth anathematize all Advisers Abettors and Aiders of Rebels against their King upon any pretext vvhatsoever His Majesty and that vvhole illustrious Auditory vvere overjoyed at this free and liberal Declaration of the Jesuit and quitted the Sermon as they said very much edified And His Majesty told it publickly that he had great reason to be pleased with the Fathers of the Society and that Father Arnoux had in the Name and stead of them all plainly and fully enough condemned the Book of Mariana Monsieur Primrose vvas present at this Sermon and
fretted at the heart to hear an Impudent Jesuit abuse the good Nature of his King vvith such odious Equivocations and to laugh in his Sleeve at the simplicity of his over credulous Auditors Whereupon he intreated Monsieur de Modene at that time a Person utterly unknown to him to ask of Father Arnoux Whether Fryer James Clement that stab'd Henry the Third in the Bovvels vvith a poysoned Knife being a Prince Excommunicated by the Pope had killed his King And suppose the Pope should Excommunicate His Majesty novv reigning and declare his Throne and Kingdom vacant vvhether he vvould then ovvn Lewes XIII for his King And if at that time an Assassinate as John Chastel Peter Barriere or Francis Ravaillac all Disciples of the Jesuits should attempt upon His Majesties Life he would accurse and anathematize him as guilty of Treason in the last and highest degree for daring to lift up his bloody hands against the Sacred Person of his King The By-standers immediately comprehended the cheat and imposture of the Jesuit and how they had been gull'd by him for he could not make any Reply to the demand of this Protestant Minister Monsieur Primrose But though he could not ansvver his Arguments the Jesuit found out means and opportunity to cry him quitts and to be reveng'd upon him For ' t vvas be that sollicited the Parliament of Bordeaux and by his Interest got that Decree to pass in it That no Stranger not born in the Kingdom should be a Minister in France Monsieur Gilbert Primrose hereupon being outed of his Church passed into England and was chosen Pastor of the French Church of London in whose Service he continued till his Death And where now succeeds him though at some distance in the same Pastoral Office his Reverend and Worthy Grandson See this Relation in page 75 and 76 of his Panegyrique a tres grand tres puissant Prince Charles Prince de Galles 1624. CHAP. XVI 17 THE Lord of Galland required that for the future no Pastors might be deputed unto Political Assemblies declaring it to be His Majesties Pleasure expresly notified in his Letters written unto this Synod Whereupon it was unanimously voted that His Majesties Command should be absolutely obeyed and as it was injoyned so His Majesties Letter should be inserted into the Acts of this Synod the tenour whereof is as followeth By the KING Trusty and well-beloved we have heretofore made known unto you what was our intention concerning Foreigners being Ministers in the Reformed Churches of this our Kingdom and in particular about those Two Scotchmen the Sieurs Primrose and Cameron lately Ministers in our City of Bourdeaux And whereas in your last sent unto us you started some difficulties about it we do now once again declare it to you that it is our Will and Purpose that the said Primrose and Cameron shall neither of them in any wise he imployed in the Publick Offices of Ministers in the Churches or of Ministers and Professors in the Churches and Universities of the Reformed Religion in France not so much because of their Birth as Foreigners but for reasons concerning our Service Moreover you shall again move them That in obedience to our Command formerly notified to you no Ministers shall b e deputed unto Political Assemblies and they should of themselves have made a Canon against it because their Ministerial Calling is quite of another Nature and such Deputations must needs distract and hinder them if they do not wholly take them off from the Occupations and Duties of their Spiritual Function And in ca e they should make any difficulty to comply with our Will herein you shall give them to understand that they will enforce us to take some other course with them either by a Publick Declaration against them or else by those very Warrants which shall be issued forth in Our Name and Authority for the holding of those Assemblies However it s not our mind to exclude the Ministers of those places where those Assemblies do meet from sitting in them And let this our intention be inserted into the Register of your Assembly that so none may pretend ignorance in case of their failure and transgression For such is our Will and Pleasure Given at St Germans in Laye this 25th of September One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three Signed Lewes and below L' Omenie And on the Superscription thus To Our Trusty and Beloved Counsellor in Our Council of State and Privy Council and Attorney General for our Dominion of Navarre The Lord Galland Our Commissioner unto the Synod of Charenton 18. The Synod being informed that the Publick Notary who received the Letters of Attorney given unto the Sieurs Durant Mestrezat Massocos Biggot and de L' Aunay had through inadvertency omitted the1 Revocation of the Letters of Attorney formerly granted by the preceding National Synods for the recovery of the Arrears owing to our Churches by Monsieur Palott it hath declared as it now doth and will again declare if need be that all former Letters of Attorney granted unto any Persons whatsoever by the former National Synods are revoked and we do will that they be esteemed null invalid and of none effect 19. The Assembly being desirous that the succeeding National Synods may have a particular knowledge of the number of Pastors imployed in the Churches of this Kingdom it doth ordain that there shall be now written a Roll and Catalogue of the Names end Sirnames both of Ministers in Actual Service in every Province and of their Churches as also of Ministers discharged and Emeriti and of all vacant Churches which Catalogue shall be attached to the Original Acts of this Synod and kept by that Province whose Priviledge it vvill be to convocate the next National Synod And this shall alvvay be continued in all subsequent National Synods And all the Provinces are injoyned to bring vvith them the Names and Surnames of every Minister in actual Service to vvhom a Dividend is allotted and that this may be done the more carefully and effectually they shall bring vvith them the Acts of their Provincial Synods subscribed and attested by the respective Moderators 20. The Sieurs Cottiby Pastor and du Bois St. Martyn an Elder vvho vvere deputed unto His Majesty from this Assembly most humbly to petition His Majesty that Monsieur du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris might have His Majesties Gracious Leave to return into this Kingdom and be restored unto his Flock and to the Exercise of his Ministry and that the Sieurs Primrose und Cameron might also be restored unto the Church of Bourdeaux and Church and University of Saumur vvhereof they vvere Pastors and Professors Those being novv returned from Court they reported that His Majesty received them vvith His vvonted Candor and Goodness and having given them Audience he did by the Lord Chancellor tell them that His Majesty had Graciously received their Message but commanded him to acquaint them that for divers
in their Accompt for the Colledge of Gex for the years 1617 1618 1619 1620 and 1621 which was allowed and approved and there was granted an Augmentation of an Hundred Livres more unto the said Colledge 29 There was no Accompt brought in by the Province of Provence though they had been expresly obliged to it by the last National Synod of Alez Wherefore they be injoyned to produce it unto the next National Synod on pain of forfeiting their Right unto a Colledge And the Deputies of Dolphiny and Lower Languedoc as they have been by a former Decree of this present National Assembly injoyned shall go in Person unto the Synod of that Province and particularly inform themselves of the State of the said Colledge and whether that Province hath discharged their Duty with reference to it or no. CHAP. XXIII The Accompts of the Lord of CANDAL 1 THE Seurs Basnage and le Clerk Pastors du Port and du Four Elders having been constituted a Committee to audit the Lord of Candals Accompts do report that examining and perusing of them he makes himself Debtor for the Summ of Four hundred fourscore and eighteen thousand eight hundred twenty five Livres Received for the last Quarter of the year 1619 and for the years 1620 and 1621. And out of the said Moneys he hath disbursed the Summ of Four hundred fourscore and eighteen thousand eight hundred and fifty Livres ten Sous and four Deniers So that there would be owing the said Lord of Candal the Summ of five and twenty Livres ten Sous and four Deniers But it must be observed that in the said disbursement there is included the Summ of one hundred threescore and nine thousand eight hundred forty and two Livres two Sous and two Deniers whereof there was made reprisal in ready Money in the said Accompt and not received from the Quarters of October in the years 1619 1620 and 1621 on these terms that he continued his diligence care and labour for the recovery thereof that so it being got a Dividend might be made thereof among the Churches And the said Lord of Candal shall bring in Evidence unto the next National Synod of his care and diligence for the recovery of the said Moneys and how he shall have disposed of them 2. Moreover in the said disbursement there is included the Summ of Six thousand five hundred and eighteen Livres one Sous and four Deniers which was forborn him in four Ar icles of the said disbursement for want of Acquittances from the Receivers of the Provinces of Provence Britain and Colledge of Bergerac which he is ordered to produce before the next National Synod 3. Moreover the said Lord of Candal produced the Acquittances of those Parties which had been forborne him on the former Accompts rendred by him unto the National Synod of Alez by reason whereof the said Parties are now discharged CHAP. XXIV A Dividend made among all the Provinces of the Summ of Two hundred twenty and five thousand Livres granted by His Majesty unto the Reformed Churches of France for the next Year 1624 and in the Years following until the sitting of the next National Synod according whereunto the said Lord of Candal is to make these following Payments as it was formerly agreed with him in the National Synod of GAP OUT of the Three first Quarters of the said Summ of Two Hundred twenty and five thousand Livres which amount to Eight Score and eight thousand seven hundred and fifty Livres there must be distributed these Summs following  l. s. d. To the University of Sedan 4000 00 00 To the Colloquy of Gex taking in the Three thousand six hundred Livres ordered them by His Majesty and an hundred Livres Augmentation given them by this present Synod for the Colledge of Gex the Summ of 4500 00 00 To the Colledge of Bergerac 1200 00 00 To the University of Saumur 4100 00 00 To the University of Nismes 1800 00 00 To the University of Montauban 3450 00 00 To the University of Die 0600 00 00 An Additional Gratuity to our Lords General Deputies for their good Service unto the Churches 3300 00 00 To the Province of Normandy for Four and fifty Portions viz. for Four and forty Pastors in actual Service two Churches vacant that must be supplied for six Proposans two supernumerary Portions and four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 8230 17 00 To the Province of Berry for Four and Forty Portions viz. For Six and twenty Pastors in actual Service two Pastors Emeriti three Proposans and three supernumerary Portions and Four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 2600 10 00 To the Province of Anjou for two and thirty Portions viz. Seven and twenty Pastors in actual Service three Proposans and two supernumerary Portions the Summ of 4640 08 00 To the Province of Poictou for Sixty three Portions viz. for Six and forty Pastors in actual Service six vacant Churches to be supplied three Pastors Emeriti taking in Monsieur L' Oyseau three Proposans and five Portions supernumerary and four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 9535 17 05 To the Province of Xaintonge for Fourscore and five Portions to witt for Sixty and three Pastors in actual Service One Pastor to be provided for three Pastors Emeriti five Proposans and thirteen Portions supernumerary whereof one shall be setled on Monsieur Thevenot and another on Monsieur Tholouse and four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 12726 01 03 To the Province of Lower Guyenne for One hundred and six Portions viz. threescore and four Pastors in actual Service One Pastor discharged Sixteen vacant Churches to be supplyed Five Proposans and Twenty Portions supernumerary for poor Ministers undone by the Wars and for Impoverished Churches and three hundred Livres for the Churches of Labour the Summ of 15371 06 06 To the Province of Lower Languedoc for Fourscore and Nineteen Portions viz. for two and fifty Pastors in actual Service three Pastors Emeriti one of which is Monsieur Tourtelon three vacant Churches to be supplyed three Professors three Proposans and Five and twenty Portions supernumerary Four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 14756 04 09 To the Province of Higher Languedoc for Sixscore and Eight Portions viz. for threescore and eight Pastors in actual Service eight Pastors discharged twenty vacant Churches to be provided for seven Proposans and one and twenty Portions supernumerary taking in the Portion for Mr. Joly the Summ of 18561 12 00 To the Province of Burgundy for six and thirty Portions Another Gopy 15600 l. viz. for two and twenty Pastors in actual Service two vacant Churches to be provided for to Monsieur de la Planche a Pastor Emeritus three Proposans and eight Portions sepernumerary whereof Bourg Moulins Paillac and Maringues must have their part and four hundred Livres for the Colledge the Summ of 06910 10 00 To the Province of Dolphiny for an hundred and three Portions viz. for
pur-blind about eight and thirty years of Age Deposed by the aforesaid Synod held at Nay for his un-natural and un-dutiful Carriage unto his Aged Parents for very great and shrewd suspicions of Adultery from which he could never clear himself and because in his common Deportments and Conversation he acted as one altogether unworthy the Sacred Ministry 12. John Perrier formerly Pastor in the Church of Paillac in Auvergne low of Stature red Hair copper-Nos'd about fifty years old Deposed by the Synod of Burgundy for deserting his Church and a great many other Crimes All these afore-mentioned Acts Decsiions and Canons were past in the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France and Principality of Bearne assembled at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris from the First of September to the First of October in the year 1623. As also was sworn the Oath of Union in Doctrine and Discipline and of fidelity to His Majesty as was practised heretofore in these National Synods and in the very words of that Oath framed by the Synod of Alez Thus Subscribed by Durant Moderator Bailly Assessor Faucheur Scribes and de Launay Scribes And there was this Appendix written by the hand of the Lord de Launay at the close of this Synod A True Copy sent unto the Colloquy in the Land of Chartres attested by the Manual Subscription of De L' Aunay one of the Scribes of the said Synod and one of the Deputies for the Province of the Isle of France and by these Deputies whose Names follow William Rivett Berlie Pastor of the Church in Quissac J. Clerc De Chambrun Chamier Pastor of the Church at Montlimart St. Amblier Jurieu Pastor of Chastillion on the Loir Villon Havres M. de Langle Pastor in the Church of Rouen P. Paulett Pastor of Vezenobre D' Avignon Pastor at Rennes P. Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban Savoye Pastor in the Church of Castres Isle Pelletier Pastor in the Church of Vandome Cottiby Pastor at Poictiers CHAP. XXVI CANONS and DECREES Made and Establish'd in the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Charenton near Paris September l623 inviolably to be observed by all the Churches and Vniversities in that Kingdom CHAP. I. Of Predestination Election and Reprobation CANON I. FOrasmuch as all Mankind sinned in Adam and are thereby become liable unto the Curse and Eternal Death God had done them no wrong in case he had left Men in their Estate of Sin and under the Curse and Damn'd them for evermore Thus speaketh the Holy Apostle Rom. 3.19 22. All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God And Rom. 6.23 The Wages of Sin is Death CANON II. But in this hath God manifested his Love that he sent his onely Son into the World that whosoever believeth in him may not perish but obtain everlasting Life 1 John 4.9 John 3.16 CANON III. And that Men may be brought to believe God sendeth the glad tydings of Salvation in the Gospel to whom he pleaseth by the Ministration whereof Men are called unto Repentance and Faith in Jesus Christ crucified For how shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard And how shall they hear without a Preacher And how shall they preach unless they be sent Rom. 10.14 15. CANON IV. Such as believe not the Gospel the Wrath of God abideth on them but such as receive and embrace Christ Jesus the Saviour with a true and lively Faith they be delivered by him from the wrath of God and Damnation and are made partakers of Everlasting life CANON V. God is in no wise the Cause nor guilty of Mens unbelief they themselves are as of all other their Sins But Faith in Jesus Christ and Salvation by him is the free gift of God according as it is written Ephes 2.8 You are saved by Grace through Faith and this not of your selves but the gift of God and also Philip. 1.29 To you it is given freely and graciously to believe in Christ Jesus CANON VI. That God giveth Faith in his time unto some and not unto others this proceeds from his Everlasting Decree for known unto God from the beginning are all his works Acts. 15.18 And he doth all things according to the Council of his own Will Ephes 1.11 And in the Execution of this Decree he doth by his grace soften the hearts of the Elect though they be never so hard and stony and maketh them to believe but he doth in his Righteous Judgment leave the Non-Elect in their Wickedness and Obduracy And from this do we principally discover the profound depths of his Mercy and also that just distinction among the Children of Men who were all equally forlorne lost and undone Sinners And as the Decrees of Election and Reprobation revealed by Gods Holy Word doth administer unspeakable Consolation to Pious and Devout Persons so as the Ungodly and Unbelievers take it it must needs be wrested and perverted to their destruction CANON VII Now Election is the unchangeable purpose of God by which according to the most free and good pleasure of his Will out of mere Grace he hath chosen in Jesus Christ unto Salvation before the foundation of the World out of Mankind fallen by their own fault from their first Integrity into Sin and Destruction a certain number of Men who were in themselves not better than others for they were all alike plung'd into the same gulph of Misery And this Jesus Christ God hath also constituted from all Eternity the Head and Mediator of his Elect and the Foundation-stone of their Salvation and so decreed to give them unto Christ that he might save them and call and draw them effectually by his Word and Spirit into Communion with himself and to give them true saving Faith in him to justifie and sanctifie them and having kept them by his Mighty Power in Communion with his Son to shew forth the Sovereignty of his Mercy and the praise of the Riches of the Glory of his Grace he will at last glorifie them as it is written Ephes 1.4 5 6. God hath chosen us in Christ before the Foundation of the World that we might be Holy and unblameable before him in love having predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his Will to the praise of the Glory of his Grace wherein he hath made us accepted in his Well-Beloved And Rom. 8.29 Whom he predestinated them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified CANON VIII This Election is not divers for kind but one and the same only as to all that shall be saved in the Old and New Testament For the Scriptures doth teach and preach but one only good Pleasure Purpose Decrees and Counsel of Gods Will by which he hath chosen us from Eternity both to Grace and Glory to Salvation the End and to the way and means
born again not of corruptible Seed but of that which is incorruptible CANON IX Who teach That our Lord Jesus Christ did no where pray for the infallible perseverance of Believers in the Faith for they contradict our Lord himself Luke 22.32 I have prayed Simon Peter that thy Faith may not fail And the very Letter of St. John's Gospel chap. 17.11 where Christ saith that he did not pray for his Apostles only but also for all them who should believe by their Word Holy Father keep them in thy Name and ver 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the World but that thou shouldest keep them from evil CANON X. We Pastors and Elders whose Names are hereunder-written Deputies for the Reformed Churches of France unto the National Synod of Charenton St. Maurice near Paris in the Moneth of September 1623. do declare with all possible sincerity the Articles and Canons above-mentioned to be grounded on the Word of God and agreeable to the Confession of Faith owned and received in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom from which in the presence of God we do protest that through his Grace we will never depart In confirmation whereof we have hereunto affixt our Names at Charenton aforesaid this 30th day of September 1623. Signed by the Pastors and Elders of the said Synod Durand Moderator De Baille Assessor Faucheur and Scribes De Launay Scribes Berbie Pastor of the Church of Quaissac J. Clerc de Chambrun Chamier Pastor of Montlimart J. le Pelletier Pastor in the Church of Vandome Savoys Pastor in the Church of Castres Sir John Embelier Jurieu Pastor of Chastillon on the Loir Villon Faures J. M. de Langle Pastor of Rouen P. Paulet Pastor of Vezenobre Avignon Pastor of Rennes P. Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban Lottiby Pastor at Poitiers William Rivett Pastor of Taillebourg in Xaintonge CHAP. XXVII Remarks upon some of the Deputies Commissionated unto this Synod 1 MOnsieur Durant the Moderator was first Minister to the Landgrave of Hesse and after to that Excellent Princess Katharine Dutchess of Barr only Sister of Henry the Fourth and at last Pastor of the Church of Paris He was a very Holy Man of God a most Eloquent and Zealous Preacher he was like Lightning and Thunder in the Pulpit There be Three Excellent Sermons of his in print upon the Nineteenth Verse of the Fifth Chapter and First Epistle to the Thessalonians He grew sickly after his return from this Synod and dyed in the Year 1626. 2. Peter de Launay who was the Lay-Scribe in this Synod was a very Learned Gentleman and of great Reputation in the Churches of France He hath written Commentaries upon all the Epistles of Paul in French which are printed in Two Volumes in Quarto He Commented also but under another Name upon the Prophesie of Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John 3. Adrian Chamier was the Worthy Son of the Great Chamier the Third Minister successively from his Grandfather a Pious Minister in Dolphiny I knew five of his Grandsons all Learned and Godly Ministers and Exiles for Christ The Ministry hath been in this Family for Six Generations Monsieur Leger that was a Pastor in the Churches of the Valleys of Piedmont writes that the Ministry had been in his Family for above Four Hundred years and that his Grandfather preached when he was above an Hundred Years Old See Legers Histoire General des Vaudols Livre 2. pag. 360. Adrian Chamier was for his great Prudence and Ability to manage Synodical businesses chosen Deputy to several of their National Synods He succeeded his Father in the Pastoral Office in the Church of Montlimart Of whom God lending me Life I shall say more in my Icones 4. Jurieu he was the Father of Monsieur Jurieu the Learned Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the French Church and Illustrious School of Rotterdam 5. Beraud he succeeded his Father in both Functions as Pastor of the Church and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban 6. Monsieur William Rivet he was Brother to Andrew Rivet Professor of Divinity at Leyden distinguisht from him by the Title of Lord of Champvernon He would never remove from his Church of Taillebourg He was very dear unto the House of Tremouille Deputy to several National Synods a Man of singular prudence and dexterity in the management and dispatch of the Synodical Affairs insomuch that when he died there was a great lamentation for him because of that great loss the whole Province sustained in his Death But God made it up in Two years time by raising up Twenty Ministers capable of doing all Services in their Provincial Synod as I have been credibly informed by some Ancient and Eminent Pastors of Poictou He was a Man of great Learning He hath writt de Justificatione and another Book de Invocatione Adoratione Sanctorum defunctorum I have seen another piece of his in French of the Authority of the Scriptures in Quarto and there is a Fourth in Octavo Des droicts de Dieu Sir Augustus Galland was the first Commissioner for the King in any of their National Synods He represented the King in this I suppose he was born in Bearn or Navar. He was a great Lawyer and Antiquary his Works are printed in one Folio viz. Memoirs pour L' Histoire de Navarre de Flandre par Guillemot Paris 1648. 8. Monsieur de Baux Lord of L' Angle Pastor of the Church of Caen The Reverend Dr. L' Angle Prebend of Westminster is his Son 9. Monsieur Mestrezat Of him see the Second Synod of Charenton in which he presided THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIV NATIONAL SYNOD OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE AND BEARNE Assembled in The City of Castres in the Country of Albigeois In the Year of Our Lord 1626. The CONTENTS of the Synod of CASTRES 1 Chap. THE Lord Galland produced his Commission from the King to sit and represent His Majesty in this Synod The Commission it self Deputies to the Synod Election of the Synodical Officers Chap. II. The Kings writ for calling of the Synod and ordering of Matters in it Chap. III. The Commissioners Speech to the Synod Chap. IV. The Synods Answer to it Chap. V. The Kings Writ for Election of a new General Deputy upon the Death of the former Chap. VI. The Debate about that Writt Chap. VII The Synods Letter to the King about this Election Chap. VIII Their Deputies return with His Majesties Answer verbal and written The Kings Letter Monsieur Herbaut Miwister of State his Letter to the Synod Chap. IX The Lord Commissioners more ample Declaration of His Majesties Will and several points demanded by their Deputies Chap. X. The Kings Warrant and Order unto the Synod for the Nomination of their General Deputies without any Previous Political Assembly Chap. XI A Conference between the Synod and the Lord Commissioner Chap. XII A Remonstrance of the Lord of Angoulins on
of one and the same Faith and Acts of Love and Charity because they are part of the same Mystical Body whose Members have none other aim or end than with one heart to serve God and the King in peaceable Lives and Liberty of Conscience so as for the Churches in other Nations they never had nor ever will have any Intelligence Alliance or Correspondency with them than what shall be approved by God and His Majesty desiring always to live in peace under the Wings of His protection Farther the Council protesterh that our Churches had never the least intimation or knowledge that any of their Members professing the Reformed Religion have tamper'd in any Plots or Treasons with the Spaniard or other Enemies of this Crown and if it could be proved to them that there be such as were ingaged in those pernicious designs and practises we would be the very first with heart and hand to subscribe unto their Condemnation and to abhor both them their Complices and Adherents as we now do from our very Souls profess our Abhorrency and Detestation both of them their Doctrine and practise who having divers times attempted to Assassinate the Sacred Persons of Kings do to this very day uphold and mantain Intelligencies and Correspondencies both at home and abroad within and without the Kingdom against their pretious Lives and Imperial Crowns Dignities and Regal Authority As for that Canon past in the Synod of Realmont and read now unto us This Council cannot conceal its grief for the great wrong done unto that Synod because it was enforced by His Majesties Commissioner then personally assisting in it to frame an Act which seems to take for granted that there were some Ministers accused of holding Intelligence with the Spaniard the most implacable Enemy of France and of our Churches though in truth there was not so much as one found guilty of that Crime and the Churches cannot but adore the goodness of God unto them that after the most diligent and rigorous Inquiries made to this purpose not one of our Pastors could be impeached and that the malitious and shameless Calumnies of our most invenim'd and inveterate Adversaries could never fasten or prove their Accusation upon any one particular Person of one Communion The Event having at last demonstrated that our Churches were condemned most unjustly and cleared and proclaimed innocent of all those Accusations before the whole World And as for the two following points This Assembly is resolved to give full contentment unto His Majesty And whereas our former National Synods have made a Canon about the first so will this also be as careful to enact another And the Acts of this Assembly shall answer for the second so that His Majesty shall ever have Universal Obedience Subjection Fidelity and most Faithful Service from our Churches whereunto we are obliged by our Natural Duty the Motions of our Conscience and the Ordinance of our God CHAP. V. The Kings Warrant for Choice of a New General Deputy THE Lord Commissioner Galland having been informed of the Death of the Lord Maniald one of the General Deputies of our Churches unto His Majesty did on the Five and Twentieth day of September present unto this National Synod this following Warrant dispatched by Express Order from His Majesty This day the Three and Twentieth of August One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Six His Majesty being at Nants and considering that the term of Three vears was now expired in which the Lords of Montmartyn and Maniald who had been chosen General Deputies for His Subjects professing the P. Reformed Religion and in that Quality and Office to reside and serve at Court and to attend upon His Majesty in all his Progress and Motions and that there must be a new Election of some other Deputies to succeed them in their Office and considering farther that this Election could not be more conveniently done than in a National Assembly and Council which His Majesty hath permitted His said Subjects of the Reformed Religion to hold in the City of Castres this September next ensuing that so they may not be put to unnecessary Expence and Trouble as they would otherwise be if they should be forced to call another Assembly on this occasion His Majesty for these considerations and divers other good and important reasons relating unto his Service the Repose and Tranquillity of his Government and Kingdom hath granted License unto the Deputies which shall be present at the said National Council to treat and choose new Deputies who may reside and serve in that Quality near his Royal Person instead of the said Lords of Montmartyn and Maniald and this in the presence of the Lord Galland one of the Lords of our Council of State and Commissioner unto the said National Assembly and to propose unto him Six Persons capable faithful and most affectionately inclin'd unto His Majesties Service and the Publick Peace that out of them His Majesty may prick two unto the said Office of General Deputies by means whereof those aforesaid Lords of Montmartyn and Manyald shall be discharged of their Imployment observing the forms in such cases accustomed provided alwayes that in the Assembly aforesaid there shall not be any other Matters debated or handled excepting what concern the Discipline of their Religion as has been determined by His Majesties Edicts and Declarations In testimony whereof His Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writt Signed by His Own Royal Hand and Countersigned by me one of His Most Honourable Privy Council and Secretary of State and of his Commands Signed Louis and a little lower Philippeaux CHAP. VI. The Synods deliberation upon the Writt THE Assembly consulting upon His Majesties Writt and considering that it does not contain an Express Command but only a simple permission to nominate General Deputies and that it doth in such a manner restrain the said permission as that it leaveth unto this Assembly no liberty nor power at all of calling the said Lord of Montmartyn to an Accompt who hath from the first time of his Election unto this present day exercised the said General Deputation much less to give Instructions unto such as may be Elected unto the said Office Besides that this Assembly durst not adventure upon the said Election without an open violation of His Majesties Edicts Letters Patents and Sealed Letters and of our usual and accustomed Order and the Solemn Protestation of former Synods who have expresly declared that they desired and intended utterly to forbear all cognisance of Affairs of this Nature And farther that the Churches had been for a very long time together deprived of the Assistance of His Majesties Bounty and that it would be needful most humbly to petition him to order his Royal Promises to be observed and entirely accomplished and fulfilled For these Causes and Reasons and particularly that we might keep within the bounds of Order and to the Ancient practice of the Churches The Council judged
well suffer it And as to the Election of Deputies His Majesty being not willing that the Affairs of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion should be without Conduct and Order had immediately upon the Death of the Lord Maniald one of the General Deputies and from September last Commissionated a Person of Honour and qualified for the discharge of that Office to act concurrently with the Surviving Deputy the Lord of Montmartyn until such time as it may be otherwise determined And since by his Writt of the Tenth of October he had given Licence unto this Synod to proceed unto the Election of Six Persons well inclined unto his Service and to the Publick and having no dependance on any one but himself out of which His Majesty will prick two for the discharge of that Office therefore he exhorts the Synod to proceed unto the Nomination and to choose out Persons qualified as before and hath been usually practised in such cases and this should be the rather done now because the present juncture of Affairs will not permit the calling of a Politick Assembly Declaring that in case we neglect the said Nomination The Lord of Montmartyn and the other Lord nominated by the King will lay down the management of those Offices It being unreasonable that for want of General Deputies the common Affairs of His Majesties Subjects professing the Reformed Religion should be abandoned and neglected And the said Lord Commissioner presented His Majesties Writt the tenour whereof is as followeth This Tenth day of October 1626 the King being at St. Germains in Laye considering that the term of Three years for which the Lord of Montmartyn and the Deceased Lord Maniald had been nominated to reside and serve at Court and to attend His Majesty in the quality of General Deputies for His Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion is some while since expired and that it so falls out that there must be a new Election of some other Deputies to succeed them in their Offices and considering that this Election cannot be done more conveniently than in the Assembly and National Synod which His Majesty hath granted to be held by His said Subjects in His City of Castres this last September that so they might not be put to those great Expences and Incommodities which might betide them in case another Assembly should be called for this purpose as also for that the Weal and Safety of the Kingdom will not at present comport with a Politick Assembly His Majesty upon these considerations and for many other divers and good reasons of great importance to his Service and the Repose and Tranquillity of His Government doth grant that the Deputies in the National Synod in the presence of the Lord Galland Counsellor to His Majesty in his Council of State and Commissioner unto the said Synod shall consult about the Election of Deputies to reside and serve near His Majesty instead of the Lords Montmartyn and Hardy one of His Secretaries nominated by His Majesty in his Writt of the Thirtieth of September last and to offer unto him Six Persons meet and qualified for the said Imployment whether they be Members of the said Synod or not provided they be such as are Loyal and well affected unto his Service and to the publick Peace and that have no dependance on any Person in the World besides him that so his Majesty may prick two out of them who may hold and discharge the said Office of General Deputies And in so doing the said Lords of Montmartyn and Hardy our Secretary shall be devested of the said Employment they observing the forms as in such cases are usual and accustomed Provided alwayes that in the said Assembly there be nothing else debated but the said Election and Matters relating to the Discipline of their Religion aforesaid according to the import of his Majesties Edicts and Declarations However this shall not be made a Precedent his Majesty reserving to himself the power of permitting unto his said Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion to hold a Politick Assembly when as in his wisdom he shall judge it needful and his Affairs of State can well comport with it In testimony whereof I am commanded by his Majesty to expedite this present Writt which he was pleased to Sign with his own Hand and is Countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State and of his Commands and Exchequer Signed in the Original Louis and a little lower Philippeaux CHAP. XI THE Writt having been read the Council voted a Conference to be held about its Contents at my Lord Commissioners Lodgings and Twelve Persons Deputies of the Council were constituted a Committee to this purpose Who having made Reports of the whole The Council considering the change hapned in Affairs by the unexpected and sudden Death of the Lord Maniald and the importunities of the Lord Montmartyn his Colleague to be discharged of such a Borden as he saith is impossible to be born by himself alone and the pressing necessities of our Churches requiring that some Persons should take upon them the care and management of their Affairs who might sollicite them with renewed vigour but principally His Majesties Writt animated by the Exhortations of his Commissioner the Lord Gallanbd who declared according to that Answer made unto the Address presented by the Deputies that the state of His Majesties Affairs would not permit His Majesty to grant us at present a General Assembly And that in case this Council would not nominate the Deputies his Majesty himself would do it even as he had already took course to do it having by his Writt and Warrant of the Thirtieth of September expresly joyned the Lord Hardy in the Commission of the General Deputies with the Lord Montmartyn For all these reasons and to avoid an infinite number of visible inconveniencies The Council proceeded to Elect those Six Persons which were to be presented to his Majesty and by plurality of Suffrages were chosen the Lords Claudius Baron of Gabrias and Beaufort Lewes de Champagne Earl of Suze Henry de Clermont d' Amboise Marquess of Gallerande for the Nobility and the Lords Basin Advocate in Parliament living at Blois Texier the Kings Advocate in the Seneschalsy of Armagnac and Lazaras du Puy Counsellor in the Presidial Court of Bourg in Bresse for the Commons that so his Majesty may out of them choose two whom he best liketh to exercise the Office of General Deputies But forasmuch as that Canon established in our Churches under the good pleasure of His Majesty for the nomination of the said General Deputies requireth that every third year by an express Warrant from his Majesty there should be called a General Assembly and that before it there should be particular Assemblies held in all the Provinces to prepare their Cahiers Memoirs and all other Jurisdictions of the Provinces and to deliver them unto their hands who shall be deputed unto the General Assembly which after wards culleth out those Cahiers
which most concern the Churches and are to be presented unto his Majesty for the Advancement of His Service and the Peace and Repose of His Subjects And whereas 't is full Six years ago since the last Politick Assembly was graciously permitted us by His Majesty and that the former National Synods held at Alez and Charenton and this also of Castres conformable to them have peremptorily decreed that none of our Pastors shall henceforward intermeddle with State-Affairs or assist personally in Politick Assemblies which also His Majesty hath approved The Council because it would not transgress His Majesties Declarations nor the Canons of the Synods before-mentioned nor cause any prejudice to that Government which the goodness of our Kings have approved in the Churches of this Realm and which His Majesty hath given us to understand that he will not abolish declareth that 't is none of its design nor desire by this Election whereunto the Churches are necessitated and the Kings Will obligeth them to prejudice in the least the Rights and Priviledges of General Assemblies to whom the care of State-Affairs doth properly belong nor shall it bind the succeeding National Synods to act after this manner Wherefore it chargeth the General Deputies who shall be accepted by His Majesty to demand at the end of Eighteen Moneths with the profoundest submissions and importunities imaginable his Majesties Writt of the Summons for the General Assembly even as it hath pleased His Majesty to give unto our Churches the firm hopes thereof by His Royal and inviolable promises expressed in plain and formal words in his Writt before-mentioned And whereas the intendment of this Office is in the name of our Churches to represent unto His Majesty all those Matters which concern the Weal and Service of His Majesty and the Repose and Subsistance of His Subjects and that to this purpose it is absolutely needful that there should be Assemblies held in the Provinces unto which there may be brought all the Complaints Remonstrances and Propositions of all and every one of our Churches that from them they may be brought unto the General Assembly and the whole might be there examined and deposited into the hands of the General Deputies and this present Council being an Assembly of another Nature and having no Commission from the Provinces it could not furnish the Deputies now Elected with those necessary Memoirs and Instructions They therefore who shall be retained by His Majesty to discharge and execute this Office shall most humbly petition His said Majesty that he would permit in every Province such an Assembly as soon as possible in which all Complaints and Remonstrances meet for His Majesties perusal may be collected and layd at His Majesties feet by those Lords aforesaid our General Deputies to whom they shall be sent that so by this means His Majesty may be duely and truely informed of the Deportments and Grievances of all his Protestant Subjects because there is not any thing of greater importance to his Weal and Service than this is The Council hoping much from His Majesties great goodness is emboldned to pass beyond its accustomed Bounds and Order and to dispense with it self in this particular Otherwise it would have persisted in its most humble supplications that it might not be obliged unto the said Election The said Lords General Deputies shall confer with the Ministers of State it being a thing of indispensable necessity how they may hold a correspondency with the Provinces and the Provinces with them because without such a correspondency all their actings yea and their Office it self would be utterly useless and unserviceable unto the Churches Every Province shall draw up a Cahier of the grievances of their Churches and of particular Persons professing our Religion which shall be transmitted unto the Church of Paris which shall compile them into one general Cahier to be deposited into the hands of the General Deputies CHAP. XII A Remonstrance of the Lord of Angoulins on behalf of the Mayor Sheriffs and City of Rochell WHEN as the Council had thus decreed in pursuance of His Majesties Pleasure that they would proceed unto an Election of General Deputies to reside near His Majesty the Lord of Angoulins one of the Sheriffs of the City of Rochell Elder of the Church there and Deputy for the Province of Xaintonge remonstrated that in all such Actions the Lords Mayor Sheriffs and free Burgesses of the said City had in all times the Priviledge of a Province and their Deputies did ever appear in Person in all general Politick Assemblies and in National Synods also when as the General Deputies were to be chosen and he petitioned the Council that he might be granted his Vote in the said Election not only in his Quality as Deputy of the Province of Xaintonge but also in that his particular quality as Deputy of the said Lords the Mayor Sheriffs and free Burgesses of the said City according as he was commissionated with full powers so to do by the said Lords which he produced and were Signed by Gachot Secretary of their Council the Fourteenth day of the last October The Deputies of the Province of Xaintonge were heard hereupon who declared that the said Lord of Angoulins being one of their Colleagues and Deputy together with them might as such have his voice in the said Election or otherwise their Province would sustain a very considerable prejudice if one of its Deputies should be excluded from giving his suffrage in the said Election The Synod doing right unto the said Petitioner the Lord of Angoulins and not judging it reasonable that a single Person should have a double Vote in such an Occurrence as this decreed that the said Lord of Angoulins should only have one single Voice in the said Election but however it should be left unto his own choice to take what quality he pleased whether of Deputy for the Province of Xaintonge or of the City of Rochell only And the said Lord of Angoulins did at that instant though it should not be drawn in consequence nor made a precedent for the future nor prejudice the Rights and Priviledges of the said Town and Province declare that he choose to give his Vote in quality of Deputy for the said City of Rochell And this present Act was granted him that he had made the said Declaration Forasmuch as there be divers defaults in the Letters of Commission brought by the Deputies of some Provinces They shall be all exhorted by their Deputies to see that Canon of the Synod of Tonneins executed which had ordered that the Names and Surnames of all Deputies should be expresly inserted into them As also to take special heed that all Letters of Commission and Memoirs be in no wise Signed by the Persons Deputed unto the National Synods nor by those who are substituted in their stead in case of Sickness or Death or any the like accident but by the Officers of the Provincial Synods as Moderators Assessors and
the Deputies of the Provinces promised both for themselves their Churches and those who had Commissionated them to observe it in their own Persons and to see it most Religiously observed in their Respective Provinces CHAP. XVI Observations on reading the Acts of the National Synod of Charenton 1 THIS Council treading in the Steps of the last National Synod held at Charenton and yielding to the request of divers Provinces voted a most humble Petition should be presented unto His Majesty that all our Ecclesiastical Assemblies might enjoy the self-same liberty as they ever had till the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three 2. On reading the Third Article of Observations by the said Synod and of our Church-Discipline it was voted that the Ancient Custom should be retained for Celebrating the Lords Supper in the close and issue of the National Synods 3. The Third Article in the first Chapter of our Church-Discipline made in that Synod shall hereafter be exprest in these terms Ministers and their Families shall actually reside c. And in obedience to this Canon all Ministers within the Province of the Higher Languedoc who are already or may hereafter reside in the City of Montauban shall immediately and without delay conform themselves to that Order of their last Provincial Synod on pain of being deposed from their Ministry and the next Provincial Synods shall yield Accompt unto the next National Synod of their duty in dealing with and censuring of such Delinquents See of this Cedur in the Roll of Apostates in the Third National Synod of Charenton 4. When as the Acts of the National Synod of Charenton were read This Assembly was informed that a Decree of theirs concerning Monsieur Codurs his departure into Dolphiny who was there to be provided of a Church by that Province had never been executed A Vote passed that he should personally appear within eighteen dayes after his reception of this present Summons before this Assembly and bring in the reasons of his disobedience And in case of his refusal we do declare him suspended from the Sacred Ministry and farther that notwithstanding his absence we will proceed to a final Judicial Sentence against him 5. The Province of the Isle of France is order'd to write unto the Church and University of Sedan that they would be pleased to resign the Manuscript Works left by Monsieur du Tilloy deceased that they may be printed and the worthy labours of that most Excellent Servant of God being published may become the more useful 6. The Council condescending to the Petitions of Monsieur Perreaud Pastor of the Church of Mascon and to the desires of the Provincial Deputies of Burgundy decreed that the Censure voted against him in the last National Synod should be razed out of its Acts. 7. At the request of the Province of Lower Guyenne and for that Honourable Report and Testimonials they have given of Monsieur Huron and in hopes that the Church of Bessa whereof he is Minister will be more advantagiously edified by him it was granted that the Act of Censure denounc't against him by the National Synod of Charenton should be razed out also 8. The Writings delivered by Monsieur Perrin Pastor of the Church of Nyons and by Monsieur de Mirebell deceased unto the Province of Burgundy and by their Deputies unto this Synod were all order'd to be supprest 9. The Observation of the third Article of General Matters past in the aforesaid Synod of Charenton is recommended unto all the Churches 10. There were read the Acts and Letters of certain Elders and Heads of Families in the Church of Montlimart Letters from the Church of Sauve and from his Highness the Lord Duke of Rohan and Audience was given unto the Lords Caron and Mouschamp Deputies of Montlimart and to the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny and Sevennes as also to Monsieur Guerin Commissioned by the aforesaid Lord Duke and to Monsieur Rossel Pastor of the Church of Montlimart lent by the last National Synod unto the Church of Sauve till the meeting of this Assembly Whereupon a Decree passed that Monsieur Rossel should be lent for Three years unto the Church in the Lord Duke of Roan's House but with this Condition that the said Mr. Rossel shall not abandon the Church of Sauve before it be provided of another Pastor by the Colloquy of Sauve or by the Province of Sevennes which is required to get them a supply out of hand and when as those three years of Loane be expired both the said Monsieur Rossel and the Church of Montlimart shall apply themselves unto the Province of Dolphiny which is impowered by this Assembly to provide for the said Monsieur Rossel and the Church of Montlimart to their mutual comfort and advantage CHAP. XVII ON reading the Seventeenth Article of General Matters of the last National Synod divers Deputies related how that it was generally believed in their Provinces that the said Synod contrary to the Custom of our Churches had Treated and Debated of State-Matters Whereupon this Assembly informed them that it was never the intention of that National Synod to have meddled with an Affair of that Nature the Cognisance and Decision of which had been alwayes left unto Political Assemblies which were called by His Majesties Writt expresly to that end and farther that the Synod in doing what it did was wholly to testifie its Obedience unto His Majesties Will notified to them by the Lord Commissioner Galland and confirm'd by the very Letters of His Majesty declaring absolutely and precisely His Command and Pleasure therein Moreover should not our Pastors have yielded that Obedience they might all of them have been branded for pragmaticalness and taking upon them the cognisance of Matters Foreign to their profession which they never once desired every one of the Pastors protesting for himself that they wished from their Souls never for the future to be called unto such Assemblies whatever Advantages might thereby accrew unto them for His Majesty And the Judgment past in this case by the Synod of Alez in the first Article of General Matters is an Ample Testimony that they were prejudged against it long before 12. Whereas the Sieurs Guidon and d' Huysseau had received Letters of Attorney to prosecute Monsieur Palot and they were not revoked but upon condition that the Lord Malat should be associated with them which the said Lord Malat would not yield unto now that the said Act of Revocation may not be construed in a sinister Sence as if the aforesaid Sieurs Guydon and d' Huysseau had been deficient either in diligence or faithfulness who contrariwise for those self-same Vertues have deserved exceeding well of our Churches This Synod declareth that it would have been a singular satisfaction to it in case the said Sieur Malat might have been induc'd to undertake the prosecution of that Affair which was joyntly committed to him and the aforementioned Sieurs Guydon and d' Huysseau who were
not only alwayes exempted from all Defaults but also from the very Suspicion thereof and that all kind of Testimonials and Thankfulness is due and owing them for their Capacity Carefulness Diligence Integrity and Singular Love and Zeal unto the Weal and Happyness of our Churches nor cannot in the least be refused them Wherefore this present Order passed for their discharge shall be inserted into the Acts of this Synod that it may be carried into all the Provinces that so none may plead or pretend his Ignorance and Unacquaintedness with the intentions of this present and of the last immediately preceding Synod Monsieur Palot of St Antonine presented a Petition unto this Assembly on behalf of his Brother Palot that it would be pleased to cause all processes commenc't against him by the Lord Malat to cease and that Arbitrators might be chosen on both sides with full power to determine the differences betwixt him and the Churches of this Kingdom Letters also from the Lord Malat were read informing it of the great progress he had made in the Suit against him Whereupon the Synod finding the Complaints and Requests of the said Palot to be unreasonable and that from their former Experience they could only conclude them done on purpose to gain and spin out time and to elude if possible the Prosecutions already begun it voted Thanks to be given unto the Lord Malat for his care and pains and that he be intreated to continue his Travel and Diligence in this Affair and the like thanks were ordered unto Monsieur Arnault for his singular Affection to the Weal of our Churches and the Lord Commissioner Galland was also earnestly desired to befriend our Churches with his kind Assistance at Court and to speak for us unto the Kings Majesty that His Gracious Majesty would be pleased to ordain that Justice might be done us Letters were read from the Lords Marbaut de Massanes Bigot and de Launay Commissioners named by the last National Synod to treat on behalf of all our Churches with Persons capable of bringing the Sieur Palot to give us some reasonable satisfaction And also Monsieur Mestrezat another of those Commissioners made report of what had been done herein as weâ—l by himself as by those others joyned in Commission with him Whereupon all their Actions were ratified and approved In reading that Act of the Synod of Charenton containing His Majesties Answer unto the Sieurs Cottiby and du Bois Saint Martyn Deputed by the said Synod unto His Majesty in which hope was given unto the Churches that the Prohibition issued out against Monsieur du Moulin should be taken away and that he should be restored unto his Ministry in this Kingdom And a Letter to this self-same purpose from the Church of Paris also requesting our Intercession with His Majesty that he would be Graciously pleased to grant unto the Churches the injoyment of their hopes The Deputies of the Isle of France joyned with them in this their request Whereupon it was resolved that His Majesty should be most humbly petitioned to grant leave unto the said Monsieur du Moulin to return into France and to the Exercise of his Pastoral Office in his aforesaid Church and the said Monsieur du Moulin shall be required by Letters from this Synod to joyn vvith the Churches in their Petition for his return and re-settlement in France and that he shall address himself also by a particular Petition of his ovvn unto His Majesty that he may be restored unto his Charge vvherein by the Blessing of God he had such eminent success that so if it may be His Majesty by so many importunate Petitioners may be prevailed vvith to grant us our desires The Provincial Deputies of Lower Guyenne and Poictou being heard it was voted that the Churches of Rochechouart and Limoges should continue joyned unto the Province of Lower Guyenne as they have been heretofore notwithstanding that they were separated from it by a Decree of the last National Synod because they cannot subsist if they be divided nor can the Church of Limoges be united unto Poictou without too much enfeebling the Colloquy of Limousin Maister Peter Guillemin Pastor in the Church of La Bour presented his Petition unto this Assembly that the Summ of Three Hundred Livres granted the said Church by the former National Synods may be continued and that the Summ of Threescore Livres more might be bestowed upon them for the breeding of a young Scholar who may be hereafter capable of serving the said Church and to preach in their Language and that His Majesty may be petitioned that He would grant according to His Edicts Two Places more for Religious Worship unto the Faithful of the said Countrey of Labour It was voted that this Petition in all its Parts and Members should be fulfilled on this Condition that the Scholar to be maintained by them be presented unto the next Synod of Lower Guyenne and that the said Province of the Lower Guyenne do yield an accompt of the said Summ of Sixty Livres unto the next National Synod as also of the Three Hundred Livres granted unto the said Church of La Bour and the Pastor there shall be obliged for the future to assist in Person at the Provincial Synods of Lower Guyenne After the last Canon was voted This Assembly recollected that heretofore the National Synod of Tonneins had granted unto Monsieur Busthonoby Pastor of the Churches in Soules the Summ of Three Hundred Livres to defray the Charges of Printing some certain Books in the Biscayan Language and that since by a Decree of the Synod of Vitre the Province of Lower Guyenne was reimburst the said Summ which they had beforehand advanced to that purpose Whereupon Order was given unto the said Province to call in its next Synod the aforesaid Monsieur Busthonoby to an accompt how he did imploy and dispose of the said Moneys and to bring in that Accompt unto the next National Synod CHAP. XVIII No Minister to Depart the Kingdom without the Kings Leave THE Lord Commissioner declaring that it was His Majesties Will and Pleasure according to Law that none of our Pastors should depart the Kingdom without his Royal License and that in case any Foreign Princes or States desired that any of our Ministers might be either lent them for a time or given to them absolutely during Life that then the said Minister should according to our Laws first obtain His Majesties Licence for his departure The Council resigned it self and all the Ministers of our Churches most fully and freely as they have ever done unto the Laws of the Land This Synod inquiring into the causes obstructing the Execution of those particular Canons that the last National Synod had made for the better Government of the Province of Provence judged that the said Province did justly deserve a Censure in case it cannot vindicate and acquit it self from all impeachments of neglect herein And whereas the Sieurs Crubellier
of no moment confirmed Monsieur Horle in the Pastoral Office of that Church and gives it leave to provide themselves of a second Pastor either within or without the Province as the Lord shall offer them an opportunity and farther it decreeth that the said Church shall attend their next Provincial Synod and gain an Order from it for re-uniting the Church of Tornas now joyned unto that of Lezan unto themselves and the said Synod shall comply with them in this their request and use some other means for the maintenance of that Church of Lezan when as that of Tornas shall be again incorporated with that of Anduze as it was heretofore 25 The Decree of the last Synod of the Isle of France notwithstanding the Letters and Complaints of Monsieur Richard Pastor and and of some certain Elders of the Church of Vandieres to the contrary was confirmed and the said Richard was injoyned by the Synod to exercise his Ministry in those Churches unto which he was assigned on pain of being suspended from his Office and that Province is requested to compassionate his great wants and to extend unto him their wonted Charities 26. Whereas Monsieur Razes appealed from a Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc This Council rejected his Appeal and to put a period unto the contentions of the said Razes about the precedency of Monsieur Martyn an Attorney at Bezieres it decreed that for the future no businesses of this Nature should ever be presented unto these Assemblies 27. The Appeal of the Church of Mazamet was also rejected because it was not of the Nature of those businesses which ought to be decided in these Councils and because the Provincial Deputies of Higher Languedoc offered to take care that both the Appealers and their Partners should have full satisfaction given them 28. The Appeal of Monsieur Rossel Pastor in the Church of Issoire about pecuniary matters is according to the Canons in that case provided dismissed over to the Judgment of the Province of Lower Languedoc 29. The Several Appeals of Monsieur Genoyer Pastor of the Church of Riez in Provence are devolved on the Colloquy of Ambrun who shall call upon the Church of Luc to produce what they have to say for themselves and to threaten them that notwithstanding their Appeal in case of their absence or refusal to obey this Order and to bring forth the Book of their Consistory whereby the justice or unreasonableness of what is demanded of them may be discovered Judgment shall pass upon them 30. Report was made in full Council of the Contents of Monsieur Sauceux his Memoirs who appealed from the Judicial Sentences of the Synod of the Isle of France and of their Commissioners sent on their behalf unto the Church of Bayolett and the Deputies of that Province were heard also Whereupon without invalidating the Judicial Sentences of that Synod or of its Commissioners They were told that the form of their proceedings was wrong that the said Synod should have cited Monsieur Sauceux to have appear'd before them and have omitted in that Act concerning him the mentioning of His Majesties Edict and that the bottom of the business may be found out the Council decreed that the Provincial Deputies of Normandy shall in their return homewards pass over unto the Church of Bayolet and shall examin the said Mr. Sauceux and his Consistory and after hearing both Parties they shall pronounce a final Judgment on them 31. Whereas Monsieur des Maretz Elder of the Church of Oysemont hath sent neither Letters nor Memoirs to defend his Appeal from the Judgment of the Province of the Isle of France his Appeal was therefore declared null 32. That Appeal from the Judgment of the Province of Burgundy brought by the L. L. Renaut and Fronevill in the Name of the Sieur L' Advise touching a certain Declaration delivered unto the Sieur de Villemenat to be kept by him is declared null 33. The Lord of Fournivall Elder in the Church of Beaune appealed in behalf of its Consistory from a Decree past in the last Synod of Burgundy held at Issurtilles which had censur'd the said Consistory for not observing all requisite Formalities in receiving a Person of the contrary Religion into Fellowship and Communion with us but his Appeal was declared null and the said Consistory was censured for appealing unto this Council upon the score of a single Censure CHAP. XXI Discipline Exercised on a Scandalous Minister This Peris did afterwards by flight save himself from being prosecuted by the Lord Commissioners for a Libel which was found upon him and for which he was condemned to the Gallows 34 PEter Peris formerly Pastor in the Church of Estray in the Colloquy of Aunix complained personally unto the Synod against the Province of Xaintonge for that having discharged him the Service of his Church they refused him an Attestation of his Life and Doctrine The Deputies of that Province immediately assigned the reasons of their refusal grounded upon the scandalous Conversation of the said Peris and his Method of teaching which was exceeding offensive unto divers Churches And the said Peris Apologizing for himself The Council took thence occasion to interrogate him on divers Articles of which he was accused and convicted as 1. For desertion of his Ministry 2. Of haunting and over-much familiar and scandalous Acquaintance and Communion with our Adversaries particularly with Apostates revolted from the True Religion unto Romish Idolatry and with Persons cast by the dreadful Sentence of Excommunication for Errors and Blasphemies out of these our Reformed Churches 3. Of Prophaneness Insolency and Vanity 4. Of Lyings Slanderings and Plottings against our Churches and several of their Members And forasmuch as he had about him even now whilst he was under examination a most execrable Libel against His Majesties Honour and the Tranquillity of the State compos'd by some mutinous Spirits disturbers of the Publick Peace which was delivered into the hands of His Majesties Commissioner the Lord Galland to dispose of it as his Lordship in his Wisdom should think fit The Council Deposed the said Peris from the Sacred Ministry and debarring him all hopes of ever being again restored to it decreeth that he shall be suspended all Communion in the Sacraments until such time as he giving Glory unto God and confessing his Offences shall have manifested to the World the Gracious Fruits of a serious and sound Repentance And this Act shall be notified unto all the Churches 35. Mr. Peju a Pastor Baignouâ—â—n Elder and Rousseau all deputed by the Heads of Families in the Church of Mer declared the grievances for which they appealed and on the contrary the Provincial Deputies of Berry vindicated the Sentence of their Synod The Letters and Acts also of both Parties were produced and read both by Monsieur Peju and by the Province Upon the whole the Council judged that the Province ought not to have brought before this Assembly Acts and Memoirs
new against this unworthy Fellow CHAP. XXIV Discipline Exercised upon a Vitious Minister 53. WHereas James Jolly sometimes Pastor of the Church of Milhaud appealed from a Sentence past against him by the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had deposed him from the Holy Ministry Upon hearing the Deputies of that Province and the said Jolly himself who having been divers times summon'd to clear himself of the Crimes laid unto his charge though to no purpose for he could never do it The Synod ratified the Sentence past against him in every article and particular and because the qualities of his Crimes proved upon him are very hainous and atrocious as tempting and solliciting of Women to Adultery abominable and profane Speeches professed resolves and purposes to Apostatize from the True Religion and Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus perswading and enticing like the Devils other Ministers of Christ to joyn with him in his Revolt and Apostacy from all which horrible and scandalous Accusations he was bound in Honour and Conscience to purge himself and had he been innocent or had he but the least spark of Grace or one grain of the fear of God been lest in him he would have done it Moreover the said Jolly having discoursed with a great deal of impudence hardness and ungodliness in the very presence of the Synod and betook himself unto business utterly inconsistent with the Sacred Calling of a Minister for which had he none other guilt upon him he would have merited a Deposal from that Honourable Office The Synod seized with a just horror at his impenitency and aggravating the Sentence of his Provincial Synod denounceth the said Jolly utterly unworthy and altogether uncapable of any imployment in the Sacred Ministry of the Gospel deposeth him and doth now from this Instant declare him to be deposed from the Ministerial Function and for ever uncapable of being restored to it and depriveth him of all Communion in the Sacraments unto which he shall not be admitted 'till we have had a very long proof and some years Tryal and Experience of his Repentance and Reformation and that he have publickly and penitently acknowledged those great and hainous scandals he hath given unto the Church of God and in case he persist in his Rebellions then the Consistories and Colloquies being assembled together shall deliver him over unto the Devil by that dreadful Sentence of Excommunication 54. The Overseers of the Poor in the Church of Anduze appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and the Lord Aldebert Judge of Sauve complained against the Sieur John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John of Cardonengue Master Cailou was heard speak in behalf of the Church of Anduze and Mr. Aldebert the younger opened the reasons of their Appeal and Mr. Bony together with the Provincial Deputies Apologized for themselves against thorn The Council having accurately considered all the Accusations and Matters of Offence included in those proceedings judgeth that Mr. Bony deserveth a very heavy Censure for notorious Avarice and dishonest Gain the guilt of which is apparent and visible upon him for that he disposed of the Goods of Pernette Andouyne to his own and his Childrens profit contrary to the Will and Testament she had once made in favour of the poor Members of the Church of Anduze Moreover the Council declareth that the said Master Bony cannot with a good Conscience detain and appropriate unto his own use the Goods aforesaid but ought immediately to restore them and to this purpose he was exhorted to choose Arbitrators as the said Overseers of the Poor would also to compose the differences between them and to agree upon the terms of restitution And it was farther intimated to him that in case the Execution of this Decree were in the least hindred or delayed by him the said Bony that the next Colloquy of Nismes was Authorized to proceed against him and to Depose him from the Ministry And forasmuch as he hath exprest his Repentance with grief and shame for his Sin and promised the Synod to give full satisfaction as before and for that he hath patiently and penitently borne the Suspension from his Office inflicted on him some Moneths ago The Synod doth restore him to the Exercise of his Ministry And whereas Monsieur Aldebert before-mentioned had been suspended from the Lords Table that Censure together with his being taxed for a Calumniator are both ordered to be taken off from him but he shall be first publickly reproved in the Person of his Son for that excessive Passion manifested by him in his Accusations Prosecutions and bitter Expressions in his Letters all which exasperated the Province of Higher Languedoc against him and were the true meritorious causes why he was so severely judged by them And both of those Gentlemen Bony and Aldebert are exhorted to a mutual reconciliation and forgetfulness of what is past and particularly the said Aldebert is advised to demean himself for the future with more Candor and Charity towards the said Bony And in case there should happen any new matter of Accusation against him that he do prosecute him according to the Forms and Canons of our Church Discipline Moreover Master Melucis and Berle Pastors and Witnesses to the aforesaid Testament shall be examined by their next Provincial Synod about their hand in this matter that so they may be dealt withal according to their demerits And whereas Monsieur de Surville another Minister could have given in a material Evidence against the said Bony but was sworn to Secrecy he also shall be called to an account and Justice shall be done upon him CHAP. XXV GENERAL MATTERS These poor Churches prayed for and rejoyced at the birth of the greatest Scourge and Plague that ever was upon them 1 WHereas all Pastors and Heads of Families and Members of our Churches ought dayly to implore the Throne of Grace for all Spiritual and Temporal Benedictions to be poured down upon the Person of His Majesty Our Dread Soveraign and for the Glory of His Crown the Peace and Prosperity of His Kingdom and Government they be all Exhorted in their Publick and Private Prayers importunately to beg of God that he would be graciously pleased to bless the Kings Majesty with Children of his own Body and to this purpose all the faithful shall with one accord joyn together in Common Prayers and Supplications that the Lord would hear and Answer the Requests of his poor Children who live under the Sh dow of his Anointed that the Scepter may be strengthned in his hand his House established from Generation to Generation and that over and above those Divine Graces and Favours which he hath already vouchsafed to him he may after a long and happy Life be honoured in succeeding Ages with the Glorious Title of Father of Kings as he is now with that of Father of his People 2. The Synod considering that through the Soveraign Mercy of God inclining His Majesties heart by
to yield all due Obedience and Service unto his Majesty 15. The Province of Dolphiny craved Advice what should be done with those who violated that Canon of Tonneins which had obliged Pastors to administer Baptism only at such Church-Meetings in which the Word of God was preached either immediately before or after Sermon because that divers Churches do it when as only they come together unto their accustomed Morning common publick Prayers without any Sermons at all After a long and smart Debate about this Matter the Council owning that the formal necessary Words for Consecration and Celebration of that Sacrament were fully comprized in the Liturgy of our Churches and judging it for the present utterly unfit to urge the Observation of that Canon of Tonneins decreeth that the Provinces having examined the Reasons alledged by both Parties pro and con shall give unto their Deputies commissionated unto the next National Synod the strongest Arguments to this purpose that so that Council may proceed to a final Resolution in the Case CHAP. XXVI An Act for a publick National Fast 16. THE Wrath of God having been kindled against his People and broken out upon them in divers Places for many Years last past so that he hath visited their Iniquities with sundry and very terrible Judgments such as the Plague unseasonable Weather the devouring Sword the Desolations of War all which have brought upon us and upon the Provinces deep Poverty woful Miseries and Calamities which should have quickned us and them unto a most serious Repentance and Reformation of Life Yet notwithstanding the Generality of Men do persist in their Sins and abound in their Transgressions so that the great Law-giver who alone can save and destroy hath not called in his Wrath but his Hand is stretched out still and a Multitude of our poor Churches in divers Places are sorely afflicted by the Enemies of the Gospel who turn every Stone and use all sort of means be they never so unjust and violent to deprive us of his Majesties Protection and the Benefits of that Peace which his Majesty was graciously pleased to grant equally and indifferently unto all his Subjects And forasmuch as the common sense of the most stupid Persons might have learn'd them that those many dreadful Judgments with which the Lord hath scourged his Churches have been drawn down upon them by their great Impenitency Stubbornness and Hardness of Heart and that God hath called upon them to lie low at to his Footstool in deep Abasement Humiliation and Contrition of Spirit and by their Patience and Christian Moderation to have used and improved these Chastisements as divine Remedies against those dismal and eternal Torments he had threatned them and which they have most justly deserved and that in their deplorable Condition they should with Tears and Prayers with a most sincere Conversion and thorough Reformation have fled for Sanctuary unto the Arms of Soveraign Mercy that so that great God who createth Good and formeth Evil who giveth Peace and sendeth Adversity at his sole Will and Pleasure might have found them seeking those Blessings at his Hands only and not depended as they have done too frequently rashly and inconsiderately upon an Arm of Flesh Wherefore this National Synod representing the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom injoineth all Pastors to press home vigorously and zealously upon the Consciences of their People true Piety and Devotion towards God due Obedience unto the higher Powers sound and perpetual Repentance from dead Works the Want and Neglect of which have caused ignorant Persons to blaspheme the holy and fearful Name of God and to despise and vilify the good Ways of his Truth and Reformation And it doth further decree that a solemn Day of Fasting and Supplications shall be kept and observed in all the Churches of this Kingdom the first Thursday in March next coming because the Necessity of humbling our selves before God is absolute and indispensable there being none other way left us to turn away his Wrath from us and to hasten the time of our Deliverance than by a Reformation of our former Sinfulness and a better and exacter ordering of our Actions and Conversations for the future 17. The Council exhorteth all the Provinces and the richer Churches in them to erect publick Libraries for the Ease and Benefit of their Pastors and the Deputies of Burgundy as they return home-ward through the Lower Languedoc are charged to give particular Notice hereof unto the Consistory of Montpellier and the Church of Paris and Universities of Montauban and Nismes shall be acquainted also with this our Request 18. The Council enjoined all Persons who may hereafter audit their Accompts in the National Synods to bring with them their last Accompt and all Commissioners deputed to examine and close up such Accompts shall not proceed about the said Audit till such time as they have duly and accurately perused the Acts of the last Synod concerning both these and their last tendred Accompts because there be Remarks in them which look forward and backward both to the Years by-gone and past and those that are to come 19. His Majesty having graciously permitted a general Collection to be made throughout all the Churches of this Kingdom for the impoverished Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres their Deputies came into the Council and petitioned that there might be a Dividend made of the said collected Charities protesting withal that they would chearfully acquiesce in its judicious Assignation of them Whereupon the Council decreed that one quarter of those Moneys should be given unto this Town of Castres and the three other Parts should be equally divided between the Cities of Rochel and Montauban CHAP. XXVII Differences between the Cities of Rochel Montauban and Castres 1626. The 25th Synod composed 20. THE Council composing the Differences which had fallen out between the Cities and Communalties of Rochel Montauban and Castres in dividing the Collection-Money before-mentioned they being at Variance among themselves about it And having heard the Reasons and Pretensions of the said Cities and Communalties both from the Mouth of their Deputies and the Report of the Commissioners appointed for the managing of this Affair and having maturely Considered the whole decreed That the fourth Part of those Moneys so collected shall be delivered into the City of Castres and the other three Parts shall be equally divided betwixt the Cities of Rochel and Montauban And that the said Cities and Communalties may reap and enjoy the Benefit and Comfort of the said collected Charities their Deputies here present are enjoined to nominate one certain Person from among them to receive those Moneys who is a Person of sufficient Honesty and Ability to be responsible for them together with three or four other Persons of known Integrity and Fidelity who may be present and actually imployed in the Distribution of them which shall be made by the Command and Authority of the Mayors and Consuls of the said Cities and
of their Province did directly and openly set themselves against the Observation of that Canon of our Discipline which enjoined Consistories to censure those Parents who sent their Children unto Colledges governed by Popish Priests and Jesuits The Synod ordered that his Majesty should be most humbly petitioned by the Lord Mont-Martyn our General Deputy That he would be pleased to leave unto the Churches the free use and exercise of our Discipline which hath been granted us by his Majesty's Edicts And the Pastors of Bearn should be exhorted to exercise the Discipline more strictly and carefully than ever because it is founded upon the Word of God and the Canons and Practice of God's ancient Church 6. The Sieur Pontier formerly Pastor of the Church of St. Giles in the Province of Poictou reported the many and great Damages he had sustained since he was discharged the Service of that Church and that he was totally deprived of his Portion which would have otherwise accrued to him from the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality The Synod 〈◊〉 That out of the Arrears due unto the Province of Poictou the saâ—â—â—â—eur Pontier shall receive what would have appertained to him of the Monies settled on the Church of St. Giles until such time as they be provided of another Pastor And some further care shall be taken for him in the Dividend of our Monies 7. The Synod taking notice that the Defects in the Call of Monsieur de Rié proceeded not from himself but from the Synod of Provence and having severely censured that Synod for their Contempt of the Canons of our Discipline in the Election and Ordination of Ministers decreed That the said Monsieur de Rié shall be recommended unto that Synod to provide a Church for him and that a free Portion shall be allotted him out of the Dividend of the Churches of Provence and that thirty Livers shall be paid him in ready Money by Monsieur Cooper out of the Mass of Monies belonging unto the Churches of that Province and the Receiver of that Province shall allow it on accompt unto the Lord of Candal 8. Whereas the Acts and Memoirs produced by Monsieur Courroy Pastor of the Church of St. Ambroise and by his adverse Party have been by the Committee that reported them brought into the Synod and are all tackt and bundled together and that through incogitancy the said Papers were delivered by Monsieur Blondell one of our Scribes unto the Deputies of the Town of St. Ambroise The Synod ordaineth That the Provincial Deputies of Burgundy when-as they execute the Commission given them shall take cave that the Papers belonging unto the said Monsieur Courroy be faithfully restored to him and in case those who now possess them shall refuse so to do they shall be inforced to it by the rigour of Church-Censures 9. Whereas the Parties are now agreed that Clause in the Censure pronounced against the Province of Vivaretz by the Colloquy of Valentinois shall be razed out of the Act of the said Colloquy 10. Upon that Complaint of Monsieur de la Garie Pastor of the Church of Barbezieux the Synod decreed That the Province of Higher Languedoc should pay him out of their best and clearest Monies they shall receive from the Lord Candall an hundred Livers whereunto the Charges of his Journey were limited upon condition that he do accompt in the first place for what he hath already received from the said Province 11. The Synod inclining to grant the Church of Rochel their Request who demanded That Monsieur Vincent Pastor of the Church de L'Isle Bouchard might be settled among them decreed That notwithstanding the Remonstrances of the Provincial Deputies of Anjou and their insisting on their and that Church's Interest in him the said Monsieur Vincent shall from this present day be reputed and owned as the peculiar Pastor of Rochel but with this Condition that he shall continue the exercise of his Ministry for six Months longer in the Isle of Bouchard During which time the Province of Anjou shall do their best endeavour to get them supplied and on the other hand the said Church shall compound with that of Rochel to reimburse them of their Expence and Damages by removal of their Minister from them 12. The Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge petitioning That the Church of Saveilles might he joined unto that of Villefaignan and incorporated with the Colloquy of Augoulmois because of the present and pressing Necessities of that Church The Council remanded them back unto the Province of Poictou which is intreated out of Charity to comply with this Request of the Province of Xaintonge that so by that conjunction the Subsistence of the Church of Villefaignan may be the better strengthned 13. Monsieur d' Anglade Pastor of the Churches of Mouzie and Pomport having writ Letters unto this Synod in which he prayed paiment of some certain Charges due unto him as he pretends from the University of Nismes his Request was rejected 14. The Church of Auvergne do express their Approbation and Consent unto the next Synod of the Higher Languedoc that the said Synod may reunite all those Churches into one Colloquy and conjoin with them some of the nearest Churches of St. Germain in which case the Colloquy of Anvergne shall be annexed unto the Synod of Sevennes 15. The Sieur d' Huyisseau requesting both for himself and the Sieur Guydon who was commissionated together with him by the Synod of Vitrè to prosecute the Sieur Palot that the Synod would be pleased to take some care about the paiment of their Expences and of the Sum of two thousand Livers which were granted them by the Synod of Alez The Synod having not as yet been able to recover one Penny from the said Palot of those vast Sums he owes the Churches and there being not a Farthing paid of the twenty four thousand Livers out of which their two thousand Livers were to have been given them those two Gentlemen Mr. d' Huysseau and Guydon were desired to have a little patience and to rest satisfied with this that they were in the same Condition with all the Churches and that if it should please God at any time hereafter as we trust he will to give us some Fruits of their Prosecutions we would then make good our Promises And they were farther assured that in case before the sitting of the next National Synod nothing was recovered of our Debts from the aforesaid Palot that yet notwithstanding the said Gentlemen should have full Contentment given them out of the first Monies which the Lord of Candall payeth in unto the Churches And whereas there is only two thousand Livers demanded by them this Council doth for their patient Forbearance engage to pay them the said Sum and Five hundred Livers more Which the said Sieur d' Huysseau did very kindly accept both for himself and his absent Colleague Monsieur Guydon And he also promised to yield up that Accompt cleared and framed by
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
before their Deposal And the Proceedings against the Sieur Beraut was put into the Hands of Monsieur Baux 93. The Council being informed of those excellent Gifts which the Lord hath liberally bestowed on Monsieur Godefrey Doctor of the Civil Laws and Professor of that Faculty in the University of Geneva ordered Letters should be written to intreat him because of his singular Knowledg in Antiquity that he would discover and publish to the World those Artifices and Disguises used by Cardinal Baronius and other Doctors of the Church of Rome to corrupt and alter the true History of the Ancient Church 94. The Lord Commissioner was intreated to write unto the Lord President of Tholouse in Behalf of Monsieur Bidac imprisoned at Sommieres for abjuring the Errors and Idolatry of the Romish Church and Mr. Petit was charged to carry unto that Parliament his Majesties Letters and Command and to join themselves with the young Mr. Galland the Lord Commissioner's Son who will be sent thither for this very End by his Father 95. The Lord of Candall is desired to pay unto Monsieur Mercurin the Sum of sixty Livers which were given him by the National Synod of Vitré and it shall be allowed him in his Accompt for the Moneys appertaining to our Churches 96. Mr. Mestrezat and d'Huysseau presented Letters from the Church of Paris most humbly petitioning that Monsieur Chauve whom they had so often and earnestly requested for their Minister might now at length be bestowed upon them The Deputies also of the Isle of France joined with them in their Petition But Mr. Chauve as earnestly intreated the Council that he might be continued in his Ministry unto the Church of Sommieres because of its great Afflictions and present Necessities And the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc did with as much Importunity request that the Rights of that Church and of the Province might be preserved and he in no wise removed from his Pastoral Charge This weighty Affair having been maturely deliberated the Council considering the Desire of the Reverend Mr. Chauve and the singular Importance of the Church of Paris and the present Condition of that of Sommieres decreed That the Church of Paris should carry their Demand unto the next Synod of Lower Languedoc which is injoined to pay all just Deference unto this Request of the Church of Paris and to gratify them fully in it provided that it be not a Case of Conscience with that Reverend Minister and determined by him positively that 't is his Duty to live and die with his said Church of Sommieres 97. A Letter was read from the Church of Vigan and the Lord of Villencufve their Messenger and the Deputies of the Province of Sevennes were heard speak as to its Contents After which the Council gave leave unto that Church to seek a Pastor for it self without the Province of Sevennes and injoineth the Colloquy of Sauve to assist the said Church until such time as they be provided of a Minister to their Contentment 98. Mr. Constans and Mr. Belot represented unto the Council the great and pressing Necessities they labour under through their Inability of paying those Moneys they borrowed during their Imprisonment at Bourdeaux Whereupon the Receiver of the Province of Xaintonge was ordered to pay them thirteen Portions and an half which were given them for the Years 1627 1628 and 1629. out of the Arrears due in the Year 1621. And that the said Receiver may come to no Trouble about it he shall join the said thirteen Portions and an half unto those other Portions which were given them that so they may divide them equally between them as has been accustomed 99. If any Church in the Colloquy of Nismes should desire Monsieur Baux for their Minister who is at present Pastor of the Church in Cucque This Assembly decreed That he might have his Liberty and accept of such a Call without any Obstruction or Molestation 100. The Deputies of Sevennes are charged as they return homeward to pass through the City of Beziers and to recommend to the Judges and Counsellors of that Court the Affairs of the Church of Alez and of those Reverend Ministers Mr. Paulet and Banzillon 101. For as much as in the Dividend to the Province of Higher Languedoc there were two Portions couched for two Professors of Divinity in the University of Montauban although it had been before determined by this Synod that the said Professors should receive but an half Portion and give Acquittance unto their Church for it now the Lord of Candall is ordered to detain in his Hands one of those Portions and to accompt for it unto the next National Synod 102. The Relation of Mr. Banzillon's Troubles was read as also Letters written by the Lord Marquess of Varennes Governour of Aguemortes unto his Lordship his Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly Whereupon the Lord Commissioner was most importunately intreated to intercede for Mr. Banzillon with the Lords Judges in the Court of Bezieres and with the said Lord of Varennes and it was unanimously voted that a most humble Petition should be presented unto his Majesty that his Majesty would be graciously pleased to permit our Churches and Ministers officiating in them their injoyment of that Peace and Liberty and their comfortable Effects which by his Edicts are accorded to us and that his Majesty would order the said Lord Marquess and all other Governours of Places to follow and imitate his Majesty in his favourable Inclinations and Disposition towards us and to cause his Subjects of the Reformed Religion both Ministers and People who live within their Governments and Jurisdiction to reap the refreshing Fruits of his Majesty's most gracious Favour and Protection Moreover this Council ordained that till such time as Mr. Banzillon may be restored unto the Exercise of his Ministry in the Church of Aiguesmortes that Church shall be supplied by the Neighbour Pastors to whose Christian Charity the said Church is in a most special manner recommended and that they would upon all Occasions assist it in its great and pressing Necessities 103. Mr. Petit made report of what had been done by him and Mr. Galland junior in their Conference with the Lord President in the Parliament of Tholouse and they presented his Lordship's Letters unto this Synod And they received the Thanks of this Synod for the Pains taken by them And an Answer was voted unto the Letters of the said Lord President and the Consuls of Montauban and Castres were desired to pass over to Tholouse immediately after Martin-mass and to sollicit the Enrollment of his Majesty's Letters of Command unto that Court of Parliament and to see that the Restrictions opposed by that Court unto his Majesty's Declaration be removed 104. The Deputies of Dolphiny giving an honourable Character of Monsieur Agard who had lately quitted the Convent of the Jacobins at Avignion a Vote passed in the Council That Report hereof should be made in the next National Synod
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
of the Years 1625 and 1626 without any diminution and for the Years One thousand six hundred and twenty one and twenty two a certain Sum out of that Stock and Fund which is in the disposal of the Synod and that such of them as are Pastors and have no Sallery from their Churches shall be paid that Portion which was allotted and settled on them as upon the other Pastors but with this difference that there shall be nothing deducted for Costs or Taxes out of it 3. This Synod having maturely considered the Reasons inducing the last National Synod of Charenton to supress the Profession of the Greek Tongue in those Universities which are maintained by our Churches hath thought good once again to restore It but with this Condition that the Professors shall explain unto their Scholars the most elegant Treatises of the Fathers And whereas Mr. Weems Principal at Montauban hath craved leave that at the same time he teacheth the Greek Tongue he may also teach the Mathematicks and Metaphysicks unto the Colledg his Petition was dismissed over to the Council of that University who should do therein as their Prudence should direct them 4. As for those Demands made by Monsieur Petit Professor of Divinity at Nismes on behalf of that University the Synod ordains 1. That for the Years 1621 and 1622 the Professors there must rest satisfied with what they have already received and patiently bear their part in the common Incommodities suffer'd by the Churches And for the Years 1625 and 1626 they shall receive their full Sallaries out of the first and clearest Monies of his Majesty's Liberality 2. That those of the aforesaid Professors who have the grant of a free Portion as the Sieurs Petit and Codour shall receive it from the Hands of the Lord of Candall's Deputy in the Province of Lower Languedoc 3. That the Sieur Codour Professor of the Hebrew Tongue shall come down unto the same Terms with the Professors of the said Language in our other Universities and he may not demand a greater Sallary than hath been granted and paid them until now 5. All the Provinces are exhorted to examine in their Synods Whether our Universities may not be removed from one place unto another or whether they may not be reduced to a lesser Number than they are at present that so the next National Synod may decree therein what will be most expedient for the whole Body of our Churches 6. Such Pastors as are employed in the Profession of the Hebrew Tongue shall over and above their ordinary Stipend as Pastors receive also their Wages as Professors And as for Professors of Divinity who serve the Churches of our Universities and receive some kind of Maintenance from them because of their ordinary Ministry among them there shall be an half Portion granted to them which they shall receive also but with deduction of their Pension promised them by their respective Churches 7. Two hundred and ten Livers shall be the yearly Sallary of the Regents in the fifth and sixth Glasses of the Colledg of Saumur 8. The Synod gave leave unto the Province of Sevennes to settle their Colledg in that Corporation which would contribute most towards its Maintenance 9. That the Right of our Churches may be preserved and our Universities in this Kingdom may be provided for Letters were ordered to be written unto Dr. Andrew Rivet to dispose and perswade him to serve as Professor in one of our Universities and the like Letters shall be written to the Lords Curators of the University of Leyden to acquaint their Lordships with the Desires of this Council and intreat them to set Dr. Rivet at liberty And the Church of Paris is charged to see those Letters delivered into their Hands to whom they be directed and to receive their Answer and make Replies unto them as they judg meet 10. That the Colledg in this City of Castres may be preserved the Council ordained that the said Colledg shall until the next National Synod enjoy the Sum of four hundred Livers yearly which Monies were detained in the Hands of the Lord of Candall out of the Monies given unto the Colledg of Bergeras without any the least prejudice unto the Grant formerly made unto the Province of Lower Guyenne in favour of the Towns of Bergerac and Nerac 11. The University of Nismes having not brought in their Accompt of the Monies they had received and employed since the last National Synod shall carry it unto the next Synod of Sevennes which is ordered to audit and finish it up by the Authority of this Assembly 12. The Province of Higher Languedoc brought in their Accompts by the Hands of Monsieur Bardon who was constituted Receiver for the said Province and Paymaster of the University of Montauban for the Years 1619 1620 1623 and 1624 but gave no Accompt for the Years 1621 and 1622 nor of the Years 1625 and 1626 because he had not received any thing in those Years by reason of the Troubles and Wars that were then in being and it appears upon the closing up of his Accompt that there is due unto him the Sum of two thousand one hundred and fifty nine Livers nineteen Sous and eight Deniers proceeding in part from eight hundred and eleven Livers paid by him unto the Professors for their Wages in the Year 1621 and for another Disbursement paid unto the said Professors for their Wages in the Year 1625 and for seven hundred Livers paid in to Madamoyselle Chamier for the Year of her Widowhood for which Sum of two thousand one hundred and fifty nine Livers nineteen Sous eight Deniers there was a Fund ordered for his Reimbursment viz. the very first Moneys that are to be distributed among the Churches And the said Accomptant and all others also were injoined for the future not to make the Expences in their Accompts greater than their Receipt appointed them by the National Synods on pain of Radiation 13. The Province of Anjou having in Obedience to the Decree of the Synod of Charenton given in unto the Colloquy of Higher Poictou the Accompts of Moneys received for the Maintenance of their University at Saumur three quarters of the Year 1620 and for the compleat Years 1621 1623 and 1624 and for the first quarter of the Year 1625 it appeared by that Accompt that they had paid five and twenty Livers four Sous and six Deniers more than they had received and it appeared by the said Accompt that they had received nothing for the whole Year 1622 and yet nevertheless they had disbursed for three quarters of the said Year as the Acquittances of that Disbursment did evidently prove there being also no Moneys received for the Profession of Divinity which was then vacant Wherefore the said Accompt was allowed and approved and the Censure against them in the Acts of the Synod of Charenton taken off and the Sums detained from them by the Decree of that Synod were now again rendred
to take upon him the Profession of Divinity immediately after the sitting of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc who shall provide his Church of Puy-Laurens with an able Minister to their full Content and the said Mr. Garissoles shall from this Instant receive the Wages of a Professor and the Church of Puy-Laurens is intreated to ease him of his Labours in constant preaching to them and to contribute as much as in them lieth unto his comfortable Subsistence CHAP. XXXII The Accompts of the Lord of Candall 1. THE Sieurs Constans and Bollenat Pastors d'Angoulins Ranchin du Puy and d'Hysseau Elders being commissionated by the Council to audit the Lord of Candall's Accompts which were presented by his Deputy Mr. Cooper they made Report that in examining and hearing of them they found the said Lord of Candall to charge himself Debtor on Account brought in to the National Synod of Charenton by Acquittances for October-Quarter in the Year 1619 and for the Years 1620 and 1624 the Sum of six thousand five hundred and seventy eight Livers one Sous four Deniers which said Acquittances he produced in good and due Form for which he was acquitted and discharged 2. The said Lord of Candall stands charged on the said Accompt 1626. The 25th Synod with the Sum of one hundred sixty nine thousand eight hundred forty and two Livers two Sous and two Deniers of which he hath made reprisal in ready Monies and Monies not received for the October-Quarter of the Years 1619 and of the compleat Years 1620 and 1621 above-mentioned Which Sum should have past in his Accompt upon condition that he were more diligent to reckon with the present Synod and therefore to give us satisfaction he tender'd an Accompt whose Receipt amounted to an hundred sixty and nine thousand eight hundred forty and two Livers two Sous and two Deniers Moreover there was one Article of eight hundred twenty and five Livers for the compleat paiment of October-Quarter in the Year 1619 there having been through inadvertency no Receipt made for the aforesaid Accompt when it was brought into the last Synod of Charenton And those Sums altogether amounted to an hundred and seventy thousand six hundred sixty and seven Livers two Sous and two Deniers And the disbursment on the said Accompt amounted to an hundred seventy and one thousand one hundred and sixty Livers two Sous and five Deniers Wherefore there remains due unto this Accomptant the Sum of four hundred fourscore and thirteen Livers and three Deniers Of which Sum he shall reimburse himself on the Reprisals of the said Accompt or from the first Monies of the Years ensuing And the Accomptant is charged to continue his Care and Diligence in the recovery of one hundred ten thousand eight hundred and thirteen Livers six Sous eight Deniers employed in reprisal on the aforesaid Disbursment that so he may give account thereof unto the next National Synod and there passed also in the Disbursment thirteen thousand nine hundred Livers under the Names of the Receivers of Xaintonge and Vivaretz whose Acquittances he is ordered to produce in the next National Synod 3. Mr. Cooper presented an Accompt for the Lord of Candall for the Years 1623 and 1624 whose Receipt amounted to four hundred and forty three thousand four hundred Livers three Sous and three Deniers and the Disbursment to four hundred fifty seven thousand four hundred seventy four Livers three Sous and three Deniers so that there is due unto this Accomptant fourteen thousand seventy and four Livers three Sous and three Deniers of which Debt he shall be reimbursed on the first and clearest Monies of his Reprisal Moreover the said Accomptant is charged to use all possible diligence for recovering the Sum of one hundred and fourscore thousand five hundred thirty and six Livers seven Sous included in the said Reprisals and shall give an accompt thereof unto the next National Synod And he is again charged by the same Accompt to bring the Acquittances for two thousand six hundred and sixteen Livers which are in three Parties defective under the Names of the Sieurs de la Coste and of the Syndicks Administrators of the Colledg of Bergerac 4. Mr. Cooper having remonstrated that by his Accompt brought in for the Lord of Candall to this Assembly for the Years 1623 and 1624 he hath made received for the Year 1624 one part of fifty thousand six hundred and thirty nine Livers fourteen Sous and six Deniers there having been an Assignment of them under the Hand of the Lord Phillippeaux Treasurer of the Exchequer upon the Monies coming in from the Offices of Lieutenants and Comptrollers of the Measures of Salt in Burgundy of which Sum he hath made Reprisal in ready Monies and Monies not as yet received the Sum of fifty thousand threescore and nine Livers fourteen Sous six Deniers And not being able to recover any thing and yet desirous to secure the paiment of the rest with the Creditors of Mr. Payen deceased who had a Share in those Offices and upon which he was assigned he took up from those Offices as if they had been ready Money for the Churches of Profit even to the like Sum because of the eminent danger of losing that part which he proved by an authentick Act passed before a Publick Notary at Paris the third of July One thousand six hundred and twenty six of which Offices now belonging to the Churches and which lie in composition betwixt Debtor and Creditor he cannot make any disposal nor of himself sell it though the Synod desired him to get a Purchaser for them The Council very much approving and applauding the Prudence Faithfulness and Diligence of the Lord of Candall doth give Orders to him and the Sieur d' Huysseau deputed to this purpose to act conjointly together and to treat or compound for the whole or part of those Offices either with one or more Persons at such a Price and Terms as they shall judg best for the common Profit of the Churches promising and engaging our Words that we will approve and accept whatever shall be done by them in this Affair provided the said Lord of Candall do yield Accompt of the said Composition unto the next National Synod 5. The Council having heard the Report of the Sieurs Bouterove and de Baleines whom they had deputed unto his Majesty that there were two hundred thousand Livers given by his Majesty unto his Subjects of the Reformed Religion towards the maintenance of their Pastors Which said Sum of 200000 Livers his Majesty and the Lords of his Council promised should be paid very speedily Thereupon a Decree past That if the said Sum or any part of it were received the Lord of Candall should pay it in unto the Churches and Universities for the Years 1625 and 1626 according as it came in and according to the Portions given and the Dividend made in the last National Synod held at Charenton in
the Year 1623 deducting only out of it those particular Sums which have been employed on the Service of this present Synod and which he was desired to advance before-hand out of such Monies as might be lying by him by virtue of his Office as Treasurer of our Churches 6. Mr. Cooper representing that some Receivers of the Provinces might scruple the taking as ready Mony the Promises of the Deputies unto this Synod for those Sums he had paid in unto them This Synod being very well satisfied that the said Monies were paid in by way of Advance by the said Mr. Cooper for the Lord of Candall decreed That every Receiver of the Provinces should be accountable unto the said Mr. Cooper of all and every particular Sum and Sums which have been furnished and given unto the said Deputies for the Charges of their Journey and to give him all necessary Acquittances and Discharges without making any the least Difficulty or Scruple upon any account score or reason whatsoever 7. There were chosen by plurality of Suffrages the Sieurs Blondell and Banterne to tender unto his Majesty the Names of those Persons whom the Synod had pitch'd upon to be their General Deputies that so out of their Number his Majesty might chuse whom in his great Wisdom he best approved And these two-mentioned Pastors had Letters also from the Synod unto the King 's most excellent Majesty and to the Right Honourable the Lord Keeper and to the Lord of Herbaut CHAP. XXXIII 1626. The 25th Synod The Copy of that written Letter by the Synod unto the King concerning the Nomination of our General Deputies N.B. IN all the Councils and Synods their Letters and Acts are written and drawn up by their Officers either the Moderators or Scribes but in my best Copy out of which I have this ensuing Letter it is said to be writ by Monsieur le Faucheur Pastor of Montpellier 'T is true he was Con-deputy for the Province of Lower Languedoc with the Moderator in this Council SIRE BEing informed by your Majesty's Writs and by Word of Mouth from the Lord Galland your Majesty's Commissioner unto our Synod of your Majesty's Pleasure about the Nomination of General Deputies for our Churches to reside at Court Although this be a Matter no ways belonging to our Vocations and that hereby to our very great grief we are disappointed of those Hopes which your Majesty's Declarations and former Writs had given us that we should shortly enjoy a General Assembly Yet nevertheless that we might in this as in all other our Actions express that profound Deference and perfect Obedience we yield unto your Majesty's Commandments we have proceeded unto this Election confiding in your Majesty's Royal Promise That whenas your weighty Affairs of State will bear it you will then accordingly issue out your Royal Warrant and Order for the summoning a General Politick Assembly Wherefore we have nominated the Lords de la Suze de Clermont and de Beaufort and the Lords Bazin Texier and du Puy Persons well known to us for their singular and unstained Loyalty Fidelity and Affection to your Majesty's Government and Service and to the Publick Peace of your Kingdoms And we have ordered the Sieurs Blondel and de Banterne to wait upon your Majesty and to give your Majesty a most faithful account hereof that so your Majesty having prick'd out two of them whom your Majesty best liketh our Churches may have notice of it and make their Applications to them and by their Mouths declare unto your Majesty our just and real Grievances which shall ever be attended with Protestations of our most loyal and cordial Obedience unto your Majesty And we most humbly supplicate your Sacred Majesty to grant them a favourable Audience and to extend your Royal Compassions unto the best and most innocent of all your People who though they serve your Majesty with greater ardor and chearfulness than any other of your Majesty's Subjects yet notwithstanding shall never enjoy the Sweets and Happiness of your Government in case those bitter Pressures and Calamities under which they be now labouring and groaning should be but of a little longer duration and continuance And as for our selves Sire we do in the most solemn manner profess unto your Majesty that let our Condition be what it will Happy or Miserable yet are we through Grace resolv'd to live and die in a most inviolable Fidelity to your Majesty's Person and Government But we hope that whenas your Majesty shall be truly informed of the sincerity and willingness of our Obedience and of those unworthy Treatments we have received from the Malice of our Enemies your Majesty will not only remunerate us here or there but in all the Provinces of your Kingdom and you will judg us rather worthy of your Protection and to be shielded by your Royal Justice and Goodness than to be exposed any longer unto our sore Oppressions and exceeding great Miseries In confidence of this Great Sir we address our selves unto our God to whose Throne of Grace Night and Day the Sighs of our Souls under our deep Afflictions are ascending that he would be pleased to preserve your Majesty's most Sacred Person and to establish the Glory of your Scepter and to inspire your Royal Heart with motions of Pity and Compassions for us which may afford us farther occasion of blessing his great and glorious Name and give us ever to live under so just and merciful a Monarch and that he would pour upon your Crown the richest and choicest of his Heavenly Benedictions From the City of Castres Nov. 5. 1626. These SIRE Are the Vows and Prayers of your Majesty's most humble most faithful and most obedient Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches in France assembled in their National Synod and for them all Chauve Moderator Bouterove Assessor Scribes Blundel Petit CHAP. XXXIV A Dividend made between the Provinces of the Sum of two hundred five and twenty thousand Livers granted by his Majesty to the Reformed Churches of France for the Year 1627 and the following Years until the next National Synod According to which Dividend the Lord of Candall shall make paiment of the said Sum of 225000.l. in pursuance of that Agreement tranasacted betwixt him and the National Synod of Gap OUT of the three first Quarters of the said Sum amounting to one hundred sixty eight thousand seven hundred and fifty Livers these Sums following in their respective order are thus to be distributed First To Universities and Colledges Secondly To the Lords General-Deputies compleating their Pension Thirdly To our Pastors and Churches in the fifteen Provinces Fourthly To the Pastors extraordinarily assisting in this Synod First To Universities and Colledges there shall be paid  l. s. d. 1. To the University of Sedan 4000 00 00 To the Colloquies of Gex for their Colledg including the 3600. l. ordered them by the King and an hundred Livers for the Colledg in
Beneville is Peloguin 62. At Baillolet and Oux is Braud 63. At Houdan is David Blondell 64. At La-Ferte and Laons is â—â—anett 65. At Plessis Norville is Delevereau 66. At Chartres Favieras is Aubertin 67. At Mante Averne is Chorin 68. At Auson is Couronne The Third Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Brittain having but one Colloquy ten Churches and eleven Pastors 69. Vielle Vigne wherein is Pastor Mr. Ferguson 70. At Sion is de la Plate the Elder 71. At Rennes is de Souvigny 72. At Plouer Richelieu 73. At Blain is Andrew le Noir 74. At Roche Bernard is Guido le Noir Lord of Crain and Brother of Andrew Pastor at Blain 75. At Trignier is Lowis Prichel Lord of la Haye 76. At la Moussaye is de la Place the Second * * * Trâ—â—e were three or sour de la Places at this time in the Ministry and I think all of them Sons of â—â—e Minister 77. At Vitre are Depestre and Peter Ortin a Rocheller 78. At Nantes is de la Place the Younger The Fourth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Touraine Anjou le Maine Vaudomois and Great Perche and is divided into three Colloquies having one and twenty Churches and twenty five Pastors 1. The Colloquy of Touraine 79. Tours in which officiates Matthew Cottier 80. At Chasâ—illon upon Eindre and at Lorsat and Busanois is Peter de la Combe 81. At Preuilly is John Rogier 82. At L'Isle Bouchard is Philip Vincent 83. At Montoire is eter de la Combe 81. At Preuilly is John Rogier 82. At L'Isle Bouchard is Philip Vincent 83. At Montoire is Paul Salomear 84. At Vandosme is Isaac le Pelletier 2. The Colloquy of Anjou 85. At Mirebeau is John Gourdry 86. At Lowdun is Daniel Conpé Lord of Desloges 87. At Saumur are Samuel Bouchereau Moyses Amyrand and Lewis Cappel Hebrew Professor 88. At Angiers Stephen le Bloy the Youngest 89. At Chasteau Gontier Cracu and les Landelles is Stephen Besnard 90. At Bauge is John Pyneau 91. At Bourgueil is Francis de la Galere 3. The Colloquy of Moine 92. At La Barre is Daniel Petit. 93. At Laval is Stephen Lâ—bloy the Younger 94. At Lassay is René Conscil 95. At Belâ—sme is René Alain 96. At Minhay and St. Aignan is Abel Amiraud 97. At Le Muns and Ardenay is John Vigneux 98. At Pringé is Abel Charles 99. At Chasteau du Loir is Tricot In this Colloquy liveth Mr. Anthony du Mont a Minister without a Church and unimployed The Fifth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Poictou divided into three Colloquies having forty seven Churches and fifty one Pastors 100. At Poyré and Belleville is Anthony Brail 101. At St. Hillary and Foussey is Peter Mallett 102. At Basanges and Manvilleron is Anne Savonnet 103. At Montague is Samuel Fleury 104. At Brevil Bamett and Lezay is Thomas Johnson 105. At Vandoré is Francis Savonnett 106. At Chantannay and Puybeliard is Jozian Ollivier 107. At la Chastaigneray is Lewes la Varmiere 108. At Mouschamp is René de Losses Lord of la Tousche 109. At la Chaise and Bournezeaux is Abraham des Portes 110. At St. Fulgent and les Herbrieres is Gabriel Boucquet 111. At Poupere and Ponzange is John de la Place 112. At la Garnuche is Daniel Taillard Lord of Rosefleur 113. At St. Giles Survie is Charles Malet 114. At Talmond upon Jard is James Prunier 115. At St. Benoist and le Giare is Daniel Guerman a Rocheller 116. At Marevil is James Ranconnett 117. At St. Hermine and la Chappelle is James Papin a Rocheller 118. At Coulonges les Royaux is John Vatablé 119. At Fontenay le Conte is Peter de la Vallade 2d Colloquy of Middle Poictou 120. At Chandeniers is Peter Pasquier 121. At St. Gelais and Cherveuy is Benjamin de Launay Lord of Gravier 122. At Mougon is John de la Blachiere 123. At Chef Boutonné is John Chalmott 124. At Melle is Mark Fossa 125. At Murcillac and Aigre is Theophilus Lesnier 126. At Niort are John Chauffepied and James de Longnac 127. At St. Maixant is Samuel le Blanc 128. At la Motte St. Heraye is Isaac de la Fourcade 129. At Exoudun is Nathaniel Monastier 130. At Chisay and Aulnay is James Chagneau 3d Colloquy of Higher Poictou 131. At Chauvigny is John Forand 132. At le Vigean is Vincent Paure 133. At Cuiray is John Masson 134. At Lusignan is Isaac du Soul 135. At Coré is Isaac de Cuville 136. At Montreuil Bonnin is Josua de Artois 137. At Partenay is Nicolas Belin. 138. At Touars is Paul Geslin Lord of la Pillaticre 139. At Poitiers are James Clemenceau and James Cottiby a Rocheller 140. At Chastel-Heraud are John Carre and Daniel Pain 141. At Aulbaine and Saubse is Isaac Vergnon 142. At Champagne Mouton is Ferrand Churches destitute of Pastors in Poictou which must be supplied 143. Les Sable d' Olonne and la Chaulme in Lower Poictou 144. Bennet in the Middle Poictou 145. Rochechouard in the Higher Poictou Churches interdicted Cardinal Richelieu was Bishop of Luson 146. Lusson in the Lower Poictou Pastors destitute of Churches in Poictou John Bomaud Pastor in the Church of Lusson interdicted in Lower Poictou James Artuys Lord of Villesaison formerly Pastor of Bennet in the Middle Poictou Pastors * * * i. e. Emeriti discharged in Poictou Gourdery alias de I'stang herofore Pastor of Chisey and Aulnay in the Middle Poictou Emeritus because of Sickness John Brun. The Sixth Province and Provincial Synod is that of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois divided into five Collequies having fifty four Churches and fifty seven Pastors 1. Colloquy of St. John d' Angely 147. St. John d' Angely hath for Pastors John Guillelmy and Japhet du Vigier Lord of Montier 148. Talleburg William Rivet Lord of Chamvernoun 149. St. Savenian William Lundy a Scots-man 150. Tors Fresneau and Mutas Philip Pascard junior 151. Soubize René Chesneau a Rocheller 152. Thomas Guyot a Rocheller 153. Tonnay-Boutonnay Peter Charron 154. Mauzé Samuel de la Forest 152. Fontenay-Labatu Sebastian Baudouin 156. Tonnay Charante Abraham Joyeux 2. Colloquy of the Islands 157. Marennes hath Zacharias Crispin Chabassolaye Peter Richier and Vandelincourt for Pastors 158. St. Just James Toulouze of Rochel 159. St. Denis in Meron Isaac de la Jaille 160. Le Chasteau D'olleron Peter Moyses 161. St. Peters in Olleron is deprived of the Ministry of Mr. John Guillelmy who is sent to St. John d' Angely 162. Meschiers John Gruell 163. Saujon John Perreau a Rocheller 164. Mornac Peter Pouliniés 165. St. John d' Angle Leonard Thevenot 166. Aruert Olliver le Cercler Lord of Lamonnerie 167. Cozat Claudius Heraud a Rocheller 168. Royan James Fountayne a Rocheller 169. La Tremblade James Papin 3. Colloquy of Aunix 170. Surgeres John Tagaud 171. Rochel hath for Pastors Samuel L'hommeau and Hierome Colomies of Bearn Lewes
very much confided yet he hath supported and doth still support by his own Almighty Arm the People of his Covenant confounding their Hopes who promised themselves no less than the utter Ruin of all our flourishing Churches upon the Change of their temporal Estate they not considering that the true Religion is kept up in the Hearts of God's Elect by the Efficacy of that Spirit of Life which having raised Jesus Christ from the Dead doth give Power and Virtue to the Faithful to triumph over all the Forces and Assaults of the World yea and of Death it self To this Occasion of Thanksgiving we will add another which is more particular viz. That since the Peace was ratified God hath filled our Hearts with Gladness by saving his Majesty to whose Clemency we owe our Peace from a great and horrid Conspiracy plotted against him by his perfidious Enemies and ours also The Lord grant that the lively Sense of his Benefits may make us groan for having sinned against him and inflame us with his Love and that we to whom he hath committed the Government of his House may be Pattners of Zeal and of every Christian Vertue and by the Light of sound Doctrine and of an Holy Life we may dissipate and drive away those black and dark Vices wherewith our Flocks have provoked his Anger for certainly we have very great Cause of Humiliation being as yet under the Cross and his Majesty's Edict in divers Points and Articles being not as yet executed observed or performed and the Malice of our Enemies increasing the Number of those Infractions and thereby the Measure of our Sufferings all which is ordered by the most holy wise Providence of our God for our Correction For as of old when he extended Mercy unto Jacob wrestling with him yet with a Blow from his own Hand he made him lame and halt ever after even so also now in these Deliverances from our past Miseries and Confusions which it hath pleased his Divine Grace to vouchsafe us yet hath he left divers Wounds on the Body of our Churches whereby to provoke us unto Repentance and to quicken us unto more Intenseness and Fervour in our Prayers and Supplications for the exciting of his Bowels of Compassion towards us We do acknowledg the free Grace of our God to be our truest Refuge and Sanctuary and that a Christian Patience and submissive Waiting for the Effects of his wise Providence will be our most assured Remedy against all the Evils that can befal us And we have this Consolation got by long Experience of the Vanity of all human Means and Aids that 't is in our Days as it was in ancient Times when God saved and restored his People it was not done by Might nor Power not by Arms nor by Swords and Bows but by his Spirit This self-same Spirit which levelled the great Mountains before Zorobabel and brought them into Plains worketh as powerfully now as heretofore so that we often see those very Mountains of Dangers and Difficulties which were raised up against his People reduced unto nothing giving us therefore a clear and full Knowledg of his great Name that he is wonderful in Counsel and excellent in Working Moreover we do give you farther assurance that it is our Intention That those who are called of God to serve and Minister before him in his House shall wholly and absolutely attend thereunto We well knowing that whilst with Moses in the Mount they give themselves to Prayer and apply themselves wholly to their Ministerial Work and Duty they will attract upon their People the Blessing of the Lord and they will be mighty with God for the throwing down of strong Holds and of every high thing that exalts it self against the Knowledg of God And whereas you remind us of that great Contentment you received at the sight of that Universal Harmony of our former Synods in Points of Doctrine and rejection of Errors which had troubled divers Churches we conceive our selves bound to promote the continuance of your holy Joys and Thankfulness unto God forasmuch as in this Assembly there was found but one Heart and one Soul to maintain the Confession of Faith and the Discipline of our Churches by which we know that the Lord will preserve his Heritage in this Kingdom he himself keeping up this Sacred Mound and Hedg by his own special Benediction whilst he hath broke to pieces that which was Terrene and Carnal in sundry places Yea 't is our hope that as heretofore he made his Ark triumph in Captivity and Dagon to fall down prostrate before it even then whenas Israel was most despicable so also in the midst of the Churches Sufferings shall his Gospel triumph over Superstition And as the Cross of his Son the Lord Jesus got the Victory over the World so shall the Cross of his Children which is also that of Christ be the Confusion of their Enemies This is most honoured Lords and Brethren our Consolation amidst the Ruins and Desolations of the Church of God in divers Regions of Europe which is intimated to us in your Letters Let us therefore lift up our Hands and Hearts unto our God that he would be pleased to take pity on the great and sore Afflictions of Joseph and that he would make Jerusalem a Praise and Renown in the whole Earth for his own Name 's sake Of which we have the more and greater Hopes because those great and violent Attempts of Satan do learn us that the time of his Confusion draweth near and we know that the Lord never humbleth nor casteth down his poor Church but with a design of exalting it and he layeth his Children as it were dead in their Graves that he may confound the World by raising them again from the Dead And inasmuch as amidst such horrible Afflictions God hath made your Church and Common-wealth a glorious Example of his Protection and of the Miracles of his Providence we render to his Divine Majesty from the bottom of our Hearts all possible Thanks and Praises and particularly for this that as your Golden Candlestick hath never wanted burning and shining Lights so also your University ceaseth not to educate and prepare for the Service of many Churches many fit and well-furnish'd Instruments for the Work of the Ministry In which we own and acknowledg the Zeal and Piety of our Lords your Magistrates to whom we do wish from the Lord of Lords all sorts of Benedictions And we praise God that through the goodness of our King we enjoy our ancient Priviledges of serving and building up the Churches in this Realm by their Ministry who owe their Education to your worthy Labours and Instructions and all our Provinces shall be as to their Profit so to your Contentment fully and sufficiently informed hereof at the return of their respective Deputies And in the mean while we most affectionately thank you for your singular care in cultivating and improving those many young and tender
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
that the said Bastide was at present a Prisoner resolved That his Majesty should be most humbly petitioned to grant unto him as well as to all other his Subjects of the Reformed Religion the Enjoyment of the Benefit of his Edicts and to send him before his proper Judges and in the mean while it decreeth that he shall be removed from the Province of Higher Languedoc and that from this very Instant the Exercise of his Ministry shall cease and be at an end in the said Church of St. Africk and the said Province is commanded to provide out of hand another Pastor for it CHAP. V. Deputies and a Letter sent from the Synod unto the King 34. MOnsieur Amyraud a Pastor and de Villars an Elder were chosen by plurality of Suffrages to lay at his Majesty's Feet the most humble and thankful Acknowledgments and Petitions of the Churches and they had their Instructions given them and Letters unto his Majesty and to our Lords the Principal Ministers of State 35. A Copy of the Letter written by the Synod unto the King SIRE Mr. L'abadie was ordered and did accordingly draw up this Letter YOVR Majesty having graciously permitted us to assemble in this Place as soon as we had lifted up our Hands to God in Thanksgivings for giving us to find Favour in your Majesty's sight our next Care was to render unto your Majesty as to the most lively Portraiture of God in Earth our most humble and thankful Acknowledgments and we hope that as God whom your Majesty represents doth hear the Prayers of his Children and compassionateth them in their Afflictions and Complaints and mitigateth their Dolours so your Majesty will be pleased to receive together with the most humble Acknowledgments of our Duty the Petitions of your poor afflicted Subjects afflicted in very many and sundry Ways and who using none other than these innocent Means of Petition do betake themselves for Sanctuary unto your Majesty's Royal Goodness and confide wholly in your Majesty's most Royal Clemency May it therefore please your Majesty to suffer the Sieurs Amyraud and de Villars to throw themselves at your Feet and to repeat in your Majesty's hearing the sincere Protestations of our most humble Fidelity and Subjection to your Service and to acquaint your Majesty with the manifold Violations of your Edicts almost in all the Provinces of your Kingdom whilst we in our own Names and of many thousands of devout Souls professing our holy Religion and on whose behalf through the Favour of your Majesty's Paternal Bounty we are now assembled in this National Synod do continue our Vows and Prayers unto God for the Prosperity of your Sacred Person the Stablishment of your Scepter the upholding of your State the Triumph of your Armies and his Benediction upon your Royal Bed as being From Charenton September 13 1631. SIRE Of your Majesty The most humble the most obedient and most faithful Subjects and Servants The Deputies of the National Synod assembled by your Permission at Charenton and in the Name of them all Mestrezat Moderator of the Synod Jamett Assessor Blondell Scribe and Armet Scribe CHAP. VI. A Copy of the Cahier of our Complaints and of the Infractions of his Majesty's Edicts presented to his Majesty from the Synod by the Sieurs Amyraud and de Villars To the King SIRE YOUR most humble and most obedient Subjects of the Reformed Religion assembled by your Majesty's Permission in the National Synod at Charenton do freely acknowledg that we want both Conceptions and Expressions by which we may sufficiently and worthily express our just sense and feeling of those many and illustrious Testimonies of your Majesty's Paternal Affection to us and therefore we do pour out incessantly our most fervent and devoutest Prayers unto the Throne of Grace that the Lord our good God would be graciously pleased to preserve your Majesty's most Sacred Person and the Tranquillity of your Dominions And we do absolutely consecrate our Lives and Fortunes unto your Majesty's Service according to the Duty taught us by our most holy Religion and our Birth which is to expose them for the Honour of our Soveraign upon all Occasions 2. And forasmuch as it hath pleased your Majesty to confirm by divers Declarations those Edicts made in our Favour yea and to place them in the Rank and Classis of Fundamental Laws of your Kingdom we most humbly supplicate your Majesty to ordain that they may be as exactly observed and punctually executed 3. Particularly for what concerns the Establishment of our Churches in those Places where hitherto we could never obtain that Benefit notwithstanding all our Care and Diligence to get it executed and that those which are desolated through the Infelicities of the late Troubles and the Rigors of that Decree made in your Majesty's Council the last May out of favour to the Lord Bishop of Valence and his Complices may be once again re-edified For the Execution of such Decrees causeth many thousands of devout Souls deprived of the Exercise of their Religion to mourn and groan before God continually 4. This Desolation Sire is therefore the more worthy of your Royal Compassions because it is extream for in Vivaretz there be nine and twenty Churches wholly destitute of all Religious Worship and in Sevennes nineteen and in the Land and Isles of Ré and Olleron there be twenty four besides those which decay through the many cunning Obstructions brought against the rebuilding of the demolished Temples in Xaintonge Burgundy Brittain Berry Normandy Poitou and the Lower Guyenne whose Number indeed is not so great but however their Damage is inestimable And Sire all the Provinces demand no new Favour of your Majesty but only what hath been formerly granted them by your Edicts 5. Therefore is it that your Majesty is most humbly requested to revoke those Decrees aforesaid and to ordain that nothing may be innovated against ancient Practice and Possession and that our Ministers may preach in all Places where they shall be called according to the Duties of their Office and that they may serve in divers Churches at the same time which shall be all established or re-established conformably to the Edicts and Declarations of your Majesty 6. And forasmuch as very many Ministers in divers Provinces particularly in that of Languedoc are troubled not for uttering any undutiful or disrespectful Words but for Preaching though with the greatest Moderation and according to that Liberty of Conscience which is our Priviledg and Property conformable to our Confession of Faith and the Discipline of our Churches your Majesty is therefore most humbly intreated that all Prosecutions commenc'd against them may cease as having none other Foundation than the groundless Passions of the Commissioners and Officers and that upon this account your Attorney General may be silenced and a Prohibition may be granted out against them from ever troubling any of our aforesaid Ministers in discharging the Duties of their Calling and Exercise
of our Discipline 7. And forasmuch as the Order and Discipline of our Churches cannot subsist without the being and sitting of Colloquies and Synods your Majesty is most humbly requested to give leave that our Colloquies and Provincial Synods may be assembled in the presence of your Majesty's Commissioners and Deputies according to the ancient Order because the Governours of the Provinces do very much oppose the holding of them and defer their Sessions for a long time together and have hindred divers Provinces from Synodical Assemblies three or four Years together 8. Your Majesty having formerly declared with your own Mouth whenas the National Synod was held last at Charenton in the Year 1623 That it was your Pleasure that those Pastors who were born in other Countries not under your Majesties Jurisdiction should continue in the Exercise of their Office in their respective Churches without ever being disquietted or molested We most humbly beseech your Majesty on their behalf that you would be graciously pleased to grant them your Declaration to this Purpose and also to gratify with the same Favour such as have been received into the Sacred Ministry since the Year 1623 in the presence of your Majesty's Commissioners and Deputies 9. And the Lord Galland having informed this Synod that for the future your Majesty intended to restrain this Favour and only to vouchsafe it to your Majesty's natural born Subjects none others being to be received into the Ministry among us We most humbly beseech your Majesty that this Restriction may be taken off and that your Majesty's wonted Favour may be continued to us in this Particular 10. May it please your Majesty also to repeal those Prohibitions issued out against those very worthy Ministers of the Gospel Mr. Bouterove Banage and Beraud forbidding their personal Presence and Attendance in this Synod and that with your Majesty's License they may having been duly chosen thereunto come into it and take their Place and Vote in it according to their Deputations from their respective Provinces 11. And whereas such as make profession of our Religion are for the most part excluded and deprived of all Offices Charges and Publick Dignities of being Doctors and incorporated into the Colledges of Physicians and of all Employments yea and are not so much as suffered to be Masters in those very Mechanical Arts and Trades in which they had been educated and in which they had served their Apprentiships May it therefore please your Majesty graciously to ordain that they may be indifferently admitted unto those aforesaid Charges and Employments with your other Subjects of the Romish Communion 12. And whereas the Triumphs of your Victorious Arms do proclaim your Majesty's Glory We most humbly beseech your Majesty to augment your own Glory yet a great deal more by extending your Clemency and Pardon unto those many miserable Persons who have been detained for a long time together upon no other score than that of the past Troubles in Chains and Slavery aboard your Gallies and to give forth your Royal Order and Command that they may be delivered and enlarged 13. It hath pleased your Majesty in all those Declarations made by you in favour of your Subjects of the Reformed Religion to promise the Continuance of that Bounty granted us by the late King Henry the Great of glorious Memory and divers times since confirmed by your Majesty to contribute towards the Maintenance of our Pastors and Universities as a Compensation for the Tithes paid by them unto the Curates Yet nevertheless for several Years together we have been totally deprived of this Gratuity and whereas divers Sums of Money had been assigned us for the former Years there yet remains due and unpaid a very considerable Sum amounting to six hundred twenty one thousand eight hundred and twelve Livers And although we have been again and again promised this Grace and Favour and particularly upon the Reduction of the Towns of Lower Languedoc in the Year 1628 and afterward confiâ—med by your Majesty's Answer to our Bill of Grievances at Montauban Yet notwithstanding those very Assignations given us in the Year 1627 have been revoked and those of the three next following Years 1628 1629 and 1630 and for this present Year 1631 are not at all paid in unto us Wherefore we most humbly beseech your Majesty that according to your Royal Promises they may be effectually continued to us and that your poor Subjects of the Reformed Religion may enjoy these Gratuities and be fully satisfied for all the Arrears 14. And whereas your Majesty was pleased upon the restoring the Church-Lands in the Principality of Bearn out of which our Ministers received their Sallaries to assign them a continual Stipend out of the Exchequer and Treasury there and this by the Edict of Restitution which was followed by the Declaration made at Montpellier when you gave Peace unto your Subjects yet nevertheless in prejudice of your Royal Words without any Edict revoking that Assignation past in the making up the Accompts and local Charges of the said Principality the Ministers of the Gospel there have been retrench'd from four hundred and fourscore Livers which they did each of them receive yearly to two hundred and thirty four Livers only yea and this very last Year four thousand Livers more have been taken from them Wherefore may it please your Majesty conformable to your Will declared in your Royal Edicts to stop the course of such Diminutions and to reestablish the aforesaid four thousand Livers which have been retrenched and to continue the paiment of their Sallaries unto the Ministers without ever suffering them to be diverted to any other Uses besides those to which they were designed and appointed in that first Institution made by your Royal Bounty 15. The Deputies who are now sent unto the King are expresly charged most humbly to petition his Majesty that Silence may be imposed on his Lieutenant General in the Parliament of Bourdeaux who hath commenc'd a Suit against the Lord of Vandelincourt Minister in the Church of Marennes and his eldest Son for that their Cause is depending in the Court of the Edict sitting at Agen. CHAP. VII The Deputies return from Court with the King's Answer and Letter to the Synod 16 THE two and twentieth day of this Month those aforementioned Deputies unto his Majesty Monsieur Amyraud and de Villars returned with Letters from his Majesty unto the Synod the Tenour of which followed A Copy of his Majesty's Letter unto the Synod By the KING Dear and Well-beloved WE have seen by your Letter of the 13th Instant and farther understand by word of Mouth from your Deputies and by the Memoirs presented to us the Demands which you have to make us on those Matters debated in your Synodical Assembly and now called by our Writ of Licence to sit at Charenton And forasmuch as we have informed the said Deputies of our Intentions on the greater part of your Demands and that we have given a
more particular notice of them unto the Lord Galland we will not therefore detain you any longer than to acquaint you that you may give an intire Credit to whatsoever the Lord Galland shall in out Name declare unto you Moreover we do assure you that as we are very well satisfied with the Carriage and Conduct of your Synod and of your Deputies to us you shall upon all Occasions that occur receive the sensible Pledges of our Good-will Given at Monceaux this 21 st of September 1631. Signed in the Original Louis and a little lower Philippeaux and subscribed To our Dear and Well-beloved the Deputies of the National Synod of our Subjects professing the pret Reformed Religion assembled by our Permission at Charenton 18. His Majesty's Letters being read the said Deputies made report That when they were called into his Majesty's Council and the King having heard them he answered them in these words I have heard and understood all that you have said and you may rest assured that I will preserve you according to my Edicts Give me the Cahier and I will peruse it with my Council After which his Eminency the Lord Cardinal told them That his Majesty was exceedingly satisfied with the Conduct of the Synod and particularly with them their Deputies And it was his Majesty's Intention to maintain his Subjects of the Religion in their Liberty granted by his Edicts and to give them the enjoyment of his Favours and the Fruits of his Royal Good-will and his Majesty had prevented the Petitions of the Churches having already ordered a certain Sum of Money to be delivered unto the Lord of Candall to be distributed among them And his Majesty in token of his accepting the Synod's Petition had taken off the Prohibition laid upon those two Ministers the Sieurs Banage and Beraud and hath permitted them to assist according to the Trust reposed in them by their Provinces in the Synod And as for the Sieur Bouteroue his Majesty hath not been as yet informed of the Contents of the Book written by him nor of the Contents of the Decree denounc'd against him by the Parliament of Grenoble but as soon as he shall have the knowledg thereof he will write unto the Lord Galland his Commissioner and by advising with him will take some effectual course to answer the Request of this Assembly about admitting the said Lord of Bouteroue And as for the rest of their Petitions mentioned in the Cahier presented by them the Deputies unto the King his Majesty was resolved to deal with his Subjects in a manner suitable to his Soveraign Dignity and the Sacred Authority of his Royal Word and would give them most favourable Answers after the breaking up of the Synod and not otherwise 19. Whereupon the Assembly approving the Conduct of their Deputies did give them its hearty Thanks for their Care Faithfulness and Dexterity manifested in the discharge of that Trust committed to them And afterwards his Majesty's Commissioner the Lord Galland acquainted the Synod That by the Letters which he had received from his Majesty and the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal and the Lord de la Vrilliere Secretary of State that his Majesty was very well pleased yea highly satisfied with the Conduct and Moderation of this Assembly and with those Testimonials and Expressions rendred by them of their Affection and Obedience to his Majesty and that within a few days this Synod should receive the Effects of this his Good-will in a very considerable Sum of Monies his Majesty resolving to gratify them so far as to defray the Charges the Assembly must needs be at out of his own Treasury and to bear the Expences of all the Deputies in their Travel and Sojourning here And he farther exhorted the Synod and all the Churches in general to continue in their Duty upon which depended their Preservation and that it would give them a most solid ground to expect and hope for his Majesty's most speedy and favourable Answer unto their Cahier which they had sent unto him and which would be dispatch'd as soon as the Synod was broke up and he desired that they would not be over-long nor tedious in their Sessions for many Reasons that he could give And whereas his Majesty for divers very great and weighty Considerations and Motives had by his Writ the eleventh of August last interdicted the Sieurs Beraud Banage and Bouteroue from being Members of this National Synod and by his express Injunction had ordered their removal out of their respective Provinces and that they should in no wise exercise their Ministry either in Languedoc Normandy or Dolphiny Now out of his meer Grace and Respect had to the most humble Petition of this Synod presented him by their Deputies it hath seem'd good unto him to restore those Reverend Persons Mr. Banage Beraud and Bouteroue unto their respective Churches and given them leave to sit according to that Trust reposed in them as Deputies in this very Synod but chargeth them withal to use for time coming more and greater Moderation in their Writings and Sermons in which it is his Majesty's Pleasure that they should be more circumspect and reserv'd and to keep themselves within the Bounds prescribed them by the Discipline And as for the Sieur de Bouteroue before his Majesty will ordain his Restoration his Majesty desireth to be informed of the Sentence past against him in the Parliament of Grenoble because it relates unto a certain Book written by the said Bouteroue 20. Upon this Declaration made by the Lord Commissioner of his Majesty's Good-will and of his favourable Inclinations unto the Churches it was unanimously voted and decreed That most humble Thanks should be returned unto his Majesty for the Grant of his Gracious Favours and that a new Address should be made him by this Assembly with an humble Petition for the restoration of the Sieur de Bouteroue and that the Synod might have Licence given it to sit without a Dissolution till such time as the Monies destin'd by his Majesty's Liberality for the defraying of its Expences be paid in and distributed according to he Intention of his Majesty by the Synod it self conformably to that Order which hath been always observed in the Dividend of Monies granted us by his Majesty CHAP. VIII Election of General Deputies 21. SEveral Provinces requesting that his Majesty should be pleased to grant out his Royal Writ of Licence for the Election and Nomination of General Deputies the Lord Commissioner declared That it was his Majesty's Pleasure that this Assembly should agree with him in the choice of two Persons acceptable unto his Majesty who might exercise the Office of General Deputies and reside near his Person and attend the Court in all its Progress and Motions The Synod having conferr'd in private by its Commissioners with the forementioned Lord did nominate the Lord Marquess of Clermont and the Lord Galland Lieutenant General in the Bailiwick of the Artillery and of
the Louvre hoping that his Majesty will so far condescend as to approve of the Obedience of our Churches and hereafter to resertle them in the practice of their ancient and accustomed Order CHAP. IX Monsieur Beraud admitted as Deputy to sit and act in the Synod 22. THE three and twentieth day of September the Sieur Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University came unto the Synod petitioning that he might be restored and take his place in it according to his Majesty's Intention expressed in his Letters written to the Lord Commissioner who directing his Speech unto the said Dr. Beraud told him That his Actions and Writings had formerly given unto his Majesty very many and just Reasons of being dissatisfied with him and great occasion of Scandal and Complaint against those of the Reformed Religion For which cause his Majesty by his Writ of the sixteenth of August last had excluded him out of the Synod and destin'd his Abode and Ministry somewhere else than at Montauban But his Majesty having a favourable Respect unto the Petition of the Synod had of his special Grace restored him unto his Church and permitted him to assist the remainder of its Sessions as a Member of it in this Synod because he hoped that he would as he now commanded him to govern himself in all his Actions and Writings with a Moderation well-befitting his Profession Whereupon the said Dr. Beraud took his place in quality of Deputy for the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne according to that Commission he had received from his Province 23. The Lords Clermont and Galland who were nominated unto the Office of General Deputies for the time coming were intreated to carry unto his Majesty the Act of their Election by this Assembly and it s most humble Petition both for the restoration of the Sieur de Bouteroue and the paiment of the Monies designed to defray the Expences of this Synod and to procure an Answer unto that Branch of our Cahier concerning the Monies granted us by his Majesty's Liberality that so the Dividend may be made before our departure And the Lord Commissioner was also intreated to accompany the Petitions of the Synod with his Lordship's Letters and by his Mediation to facilitate their Acceptance and the getting of a Decree upon them CHAP. X. A Copy of the second Letter written by the Synod unto his Majesty To the KING SIRE WE had no sooner knowledg of your Majesty's Intentions about the Election of our General Deputies who are to reside near your Majesty's Person but we immediately concurr'd with the Lord Galland your Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly and we nominated to the exercise of this Office the Lord Marquess of Clermont and the Lord Galland eldest Son of the Lord Commissioner who were no sooner chosen than we commissionated them to wait upon your Majesty and to present and tender together with the sincerest Protestations of our most inviolable Fidelities and immoveable Resolutions to live and die in that Devotion which we all owe unto your Majesty's Service our most humble and thankful acknowledgments for the favourable Promise vouchsafed us to defray the Charges of this Assembly as also our most humble Petitions That it would please your Royal Goodness in which only next unto and after our God lieth all our Consolation And 't is our hope that you will continue your Royal Benefits unto us as to your dutiful and most faithful Subjects and that you will always under this Quality shroud us with the Sacred Covert of your Majesty's Protection Wherefore with all reverence we beseech your Majesty to give them a favourable Audience as well for the present in this our Request that you would daign to shower down upon our Churches the Streams of your Majesty's Liberality and Bounty which we have formerly enjoyed as also that hereafter in all those Remonstrances and Petitions which our urgent and extraordinary Necessities shall oblige us to make unto you we may experience the natural Inclination of your Majesty to cherish and comfort your People and we shall always study and zealously endeavour to render our selves worthy of the Fruits and Effects thereof by all Acts of Duty Obedience and imaginable Submissions Which give us Sire to hope that you will not refuse to cast the Eyes of your Compassions upon our Miseries and to open your Ears to the groanings of thousands of Souls who under all their Grievances and Oppressions suffered by them do yet notwithstanding breath nothing else but a most profound Obedience and unshaken Loyalty unto your Majesty And this makes us the more devout and zealous in our Addresses unto the Throne of the King of Kings ardently and most importunately beseeching him for the preservation of your Majesty's most Sacred Person for his Benediction on all your Designs and Vndertakings for the Glory of your Crown for the Fidelity of your People and for the long Continuance of your Reign because Sire we are From Charenton Sept. 23. 1631. Your Majesty's most humble and most obedient and most faithful Subjects and Servants The Deputies of the National Synod assembled by your Permission at Charenton and for them all Mestrezat Moderator Jamett Assessor D. Blondell Scribe Armett Scribe of the Synod CHAP. XI The General Deputies make Report of their Audience and the King's Answer to that Letter 1. THE fourth Day of October the Lords General Deputies being returned and making Report of their kind Reception from the Ministers of State who also informed them that his Majesty had granted sixteen thousand Livers for defraying the Expences of this Synod and that he permitted Monsieur Bouteroue to take his Place with the other Deputies in the Synod and that his Majesty did judg meet that this Synod should break up of its own Accord as soon as possible it could and that after their Departure the Cahier presented by the Sieurs Amyraud and de Villars should have a favourable Answer and that without Delay And the Lord Commissioner added that his Majesty expressed in his Letters written to him his singular Satisfaction in the Synod to which he granted three Days more for the perfecting and strengthning of their remaining Affairs and that they should be no sooner separated but he would answer their Cahiers and that in the most favourable manner particularly in what relates unto the Maintenance of the Ministers that the Choice of Deputiâ—â— was very acceptable to him though they could not enter upon their Office till after the Separation and Departure of this Synod Upon which the Assembly having returned their most hearty Thanks unto the Lords Deputies aforesaid for their singular Affection and Diligence in promoting the Weal of our Churches They intreated the Lord Commissioner to continue his wonted good Offices unto the Churches and by his daily Intercession for them with his Majesty to be more and more useful and beneficial to them And inasmuch as he was near his Majesty and
one of his Privy Council he was earnestly intreated most humbly to petition his Majesty to add unto those Favours which he hath already vouchsafed us the Grant also of those which we expect and wait for from his Royal Clemency and Goodness CHAP. XII The Sieurs Bouteroue and Basnage admitted as Deputies to sit and act in the Synod 2. THE same Day the Sieur Benjamin Banage Pastor of the Church of Quarentin and one of the Deputies for the Province of Normandy presented himself unto the Synod craving leave that he might be admitted as a Member into it The Lord Commissioner bespake him that the King for divers Considerations had thought good to debar him Entrance into this Synod and to remove him from his Church and Province of Normandy But having a particular Respect unto the most humble Petitions of this Assembly he gave him leave to take his Place and Vote in it during the remaining Sessions thereof and permitted him to continue the Exercise of his Ministry in his own Church upon condition that he ordered his Words and Actions with that Moderation and Reservedness which became his Calling and Profession 3. Monsieur Denys Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Grenoble and Deputy for the Province of Dolphiny coming also in like manner and desiring to be admitted into the Synod according to his Majesty's Permission the Lord Commissioner told him That he had given the King occasion to be displeased with him because of a Book which he had printed in June 1628 and was condemned by Decree of the Parliament of Greenoble but that the Prosecution which was against him for being the Author of it and for which he deserved to be put out of the Synod and Province of Dolphiny was remitted by his Majesty's great Goodness in Confidence that for the future he would comport himself with all Moderation and keep within the due and proper Bounds of the Discipline as appeared from the Charge and Letter Missive of his Majesty unto the said Lord Commissioner the Tenor whereof is as followeth CHAP. XIII A Copy of the King's Letter unto the Lord Galland for restoring the Lord of Bouteroue unto his Place in the National Synod My Lord Galland HAving seen by your Letter written unto the Lord de la Urilliere what you report concerning the Minister de Bouteroue whose Restitution I desired might be respited till such time as I was informed of the Decree given against him in my Court of Parliament of Grenoble for a certain Book made by him containing very many injurious and slanderous Discourses I have since reflected on the Reasons alledged by you and those Assurances you have given me that for the future he will carry himself better therefore I now send you this Letter to acquaint you that I have thought good to extend the same Favour to him which I have unto those two other Ministers Banage and Beraud and to restore him unto his Function permitting him as I have also done those now mentioned Ministers to assist in that Synod the Remainder of its Sessions upon condition that hereafter he contain himself within the Bounds of their Discipline which you shall notify unto all the Members of that Assembly that thereby they may be convinced of my Goodness to them and that I shall always be glad to extend the Fruits thereof unto the whole Body and every particular Member of that pret Reformed Religion provided they render themselves worthy of it by an intire Obedience to my Royal Authority And I beseech God to take you my Lord Galland into his holy keeping Written from Vandosme the 20th of September 1631. Signed in the Original Louis and a little lower Phelippeaux And superscribed To my Lord Galland one of his Majesty's most honourable Council of State 5. After that those Remonstrances had been made unto them those aforesaid Ministers Banage and Bouteroue took their respective Places in the Synod according to the Commission given them by their respective Provinces 6. The Lord Commissioner having declared that it was his Majesty's Pleasure that for the future no Strangers but only the proper Members of the Consistories in each particular Church should assist at all their Church-Sessions and Consistorial Actings The Assembly represented unto his Lordship the many Difficulties which did daily occur in the Management of Church-Affairs and which did necessarily require the Assistance Advice and mutual Communication of other Churches Whereupon his Lordship promised to write unto his Majesty about it and to petition his Majesty that he would be pleased in Cases of Necessity to grant that three other Pastors and as many Elders from the neighbouring Churches might be allowed to meet and consult together in the Consistory CHAP. XIV Approbation of the Confession of Faith THE Confession of Faith was read word by word and every Article posedly and in its proper Order approved and signed by all the Deputies who were sent and commissionated by the Provinces and they did all of them in their own personal and relative Capacities both for themselves and for their Principals who had intrusted them and whom they represented and who had given them express Charge so to do protest that they would live and die in the Confession of that Faith that they would teach it unto their Churches and put to their helping Hand that it might be inviolably kept and preserved to Posterity CHAP. XV. Observations on Reading the Church-Discipline 1. THE Provinces of Anjou Xaintonge and Lower Guyenne requesting that the 4th Article of the 1st Chapter might be explained This Assembly decreed that the said Article should be thus expressed A Minister of the Gospel unless in times of Difficulty and cases of very great Necessity in which he may be chosen by three Pastors together with the Consistory of that Place shall not be admitted into this Holy Office c So that those Lines from the Verb are unto the Adjective national must be taken away And Consistories are required not to forsake the wonted Order particularly that of calling in divers Pastors from one and the same Church to ordain their Ministers unless they should be enforced by an extream Necessity to do otherwise of which as of all other extraordinary Occurrences they shall render an Account unto the Provincial and the Provincial unto the National Synods And as to what hath been done in the Province of Anjou this Assembly doth confirm it without allowing of it as a Precedent for the future 2. In case of Difficulties that a Church be constrained to have Recourse unto an University or Neighbour Province to be provided of a Pastor it shall not for the future serve it self of this Expedient nor may the Neighbour-Province or University grant that Church its Demand unless there be an unanimous Consent of all the Churches of the same Colloquy which they shall notify by their Letters approving the Choice of the elected Pastor 3. On the 33d Article of the 1st Chapter and 8th Observation of
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
be pleased to enact such Laws about it as will be most agreeable to him And the Synod wanting this Sanction of Royal Authority the Union now desired is null nor can the said Lord Deputies gather from any one act of his Majesty that he approveth of the Union of the said Churches since the submission of Bearn And if in any Cahiers presented by the Churches of France since the Union of that Country the Petitions of those of Bearn have been made use of against the reservation set down in the Cahier of 1615. This Error must not be drawn into practice because the Churches have not to this very day made any absolute Declaration of Union and such important Actions require Concessions and solemn Declarations and Preliminaries animated by Verifications in the Parliaments of Paris and of Pau. Nor ought the presence of the Deputies of Bearn in the political Assemblies of this Kingdom where they laid the first Foundations of their Attempt against his Majesty's Authority and which hath been since most exemplarily chastised be made a Precedent nor ought the appearance of the Ministers of Bearn in the National Synods of France before and since the establishment of Commissioners who were imposed in the Year 1623 be took as an advantage to them in any-wise because they appeared upon doubtful and uncertain Conditions not as to the Point of Submission to the Discipline of the Reformed Churches of France or unto the National Synods or for the drawing of Appeals without the Limits of that Principality all which were contrary to the Laws made by Jane Queen of Navarre but only to testily their Union in Doctrine which is evident by perusing the Acts of those Synods The first Synod unto which the Deputies of Bearn presented themselves was that of Rochel in the Year 1607 and the Quality of the Times gave an occasion for it And as that Introduction was a meer Novelty there being but one Minister sent so they were enjoined for the future to commissionate together with him an Elder In the Year 1612 four Deputies assisted in that of Privas but this their Presence was floating and wavering nor had it any other end than to testify their Consent and Union in Doctrine as his Majesty had willed them so to do in the Year 1602 and 1604. They came also unto that of Tonneins in the Year 1614 under the same Conditions and they then had granted to them the priviledg of calling the next National Synod which was a great expression of Love unto that Principality and an oblique Means to bind them more strictly to the Discipline of France And because the Churches of Bearn would not submit themselves thereunto they resigned their right of Convocating the National Synod unto the Church of Vitré in Brittain where also it conven'd accordingly in the Year 1617. And in the six and thirtieth Article of General Matters there passed this Decree This Assembly doth not conceive it meet considering their present Circumstances that the Churches of Bearn should subject themselves to the Church-Discipline of this Kingdom nor that they should depend upon these National Synods But nevertheless they shall give in their final Resolutions what they intend to do unto the next National Synod and in case they be of the same Mind then as they are now this Assembly declared That their Deputies may have the priviledg of sitting and voting in the National Synods of this Kingdom upon this condition that they shall first have leave given them by the Provinces to give in their Suffrages in such Cases as concern the Churches of this Kingdom which Terms are totally contrary to the Pretensions of the said Deputies and evidently prove that their admission into the Synod was wholly precarious and only to testify their mutual Church-fellowship And in the Synod of Alez called in the Year 1620 whenas the Deputies of Bearn had remonstrated that they could not wholly subject themselves to the Discipline of the Churches of France because of the present juncture of Affairs they were admitted under that restriction of the Synod of Vitre That they shall first have leave from the Provinces to vote in certain Cases concerning the Churches of France and this too with this Proviso that it should only be till the next National Synod An Argument unanswerable of the Difference between the Church-Discipline of Bearn and that of this Kingdom although the Deputies to ingratiate themselves with this Synod do urge that they be both alike one and the same Thus I have given you the true History of this Union till the Conquest and Submission of Bearn at which time by special Letters-Patents his Majesty granted unto the said Principality that they should be maintained and live under their own particular Laws Which Laws are partly made up of the Constitutions of the Lady Joan Queen of Navarre who had enacted That all Differences in Church-Matters should be finally determined within the Province Since the Submission of Bearn the Churches have lived under the same form and never pretended to be united to those of France but by virtue of his Majesty's Answer to the Cahier of the Year 1615 or some others of a later date For in the Synod of Charenton September the 2d in the Year 1623 upon the appearance of the Deputy of Bearn an Ordinance passed as formerly That according to the Restrictions of former Synods the Provinces have liberty to demand that the Deputy of Bearn shall not have power of voting in some certain Cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom and that before the Separation of this Synod he shall produce the Reasons for which they defer their plenary Submission to the Church-Discipline of France And this is another certain Mark of the Difference between the Discipline of France and that of Bearn In the last National Synod held at Castres in the Year 1626 which was four Years after that of Charenton because in their Letters of Commission there was wanting the Clause of Submission required by the foregoing Synods the Deputies of Bearn were told in open Synod that for this time they were admitted but for the Conditions expressed in the Acts of the last National Synod they should not for the future have a consultive Vote in the National Synods of this Kingdom excepting only at the reading of the Confession of Faith in which they were united with the Churches of France Until that time the Churches of Bearn neither pretended nor demanded Union with the Churches of France nor till then did his Majesty's Commissioners contend with them about it but now whenas against so many preceding Instances to the contrary they demand without his Majesty's permission to be admitted it cannot it ought not to be granted to them CHAP. XVIII The Reply made by the Deputies of Bearn unto this Opposition of the Lord Commissioner 3. BUT the Deputies of the Province of Bearn return'd this Answer That the Union of the Churches with those of this Kingdom in
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
all humility submitting to his Majesty's good Pleasure and hoping that he will be graciously pleased to permit our ancient establish'd Order to take place doth earnestly intreat the Lord Commissioner to present our most humble Petitions unto his Majesty that he would be pleased to grant that our next National Synod may be held at the end of three Years in the Town of Aâ—anson in the Province of Normandy 8. Hereafter no Monies belonging unto the Churches shall be diverted to the printing of any Books unless such as shall be written by express Order of our National Synods 9. The Deputies unto this Synod having been on their Journey hither put unto extraordinary Expences by reason of the Contagion which reigneth universally in all parts of the Kingdom this Assembly exhorts all the Provinces to have respect unto it and therefore have rated the Charges of every day's Travel going and coming at an hundred Sous which is eight Shillings and eight Pence per diem 10. The Province of Burgundy having made report of the deplorable Necessities whereunto the Ministers and Pastors of Churches in the Colloquy of Gex are reduced for want of the Monies granted heretofore by his Majesty's Bounty for their Maintenance not one of their People contributing any thing towards their Subsistence This Assembly touched with a just Resentment of such base Ingratitude doth injoin all the Churches of that Colloquy to return unto their Duty and maintain their own Pastors or else they shall be deprived of the Ministry of the Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus and this according to the 34th Canon in the first Chapter of our Discipline 11. Whenas the Lords General-Deputies shall assist in Person in these National Synods they shall take place above all the Deputies of the Provinces 12. The Synod enjoineth all the Provinces to distribute with their wonted Charity those supernumerary Portions attributed to them that they may redound unto the Benefit of the poorer Churches and of the more necessitous Ministers 13. The Consistory of the Church of Paris is ordered to administer the accustomed Oaths unto the Lords General-Deputies immediately upon their being accepted by his Majesty and to keep by them a Copy of their Warrant 14. The Lord Commissioner remonstrated that through the Prerogatives of Precedency claimed in the Churches of Noblemens Houses divers Quarrels had arisen and several Murders had been committed therefore his Majesty hath ordained That in such Places where the Publick Worship of God according to our Religion is exercised the Proprietors of those Houses may not under colour of that Propriety pretend to any Place of sitting than is otherwise due unto them by reason of the Dignity of their Birth or the Honour of their Offices and forbids all Ministers to pray for them in Publick by their particular Names or Qualities Whereupon his Lordship the Commissioner being intreated that after we had prayed for his Majesty it might be lawful for us in general terms to pray for those Lords under whose Justice the Church of that Place was gathered He replied that he would in no wise hinder it 15. The Deputies for the Province of Sevennes may receive their part of the Monies granted us by his Majesty's great Liberality for the defraying of our necessary Expences in this Synod without their having recourse unto the Lord of Candall's Deputy for it provided that they be accountable for that Sum so received unto their Province And all the other Provincial Deputies may likewise do the same if they please 16. After many and divers Delays and Shiftings this Assembly being at last come to a Treaty with Sir John Palot Counsellor and Secretary to the King about the Monies claimed by the Pastors of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom from him the said Palot for which a Suit was brought against him before his Majesty's most honourable Privy-Council and divers preparatory Decrees had out against him This Assembly hath commissionated and deputed the Lords Marquess of Clermont and Galland General-Deputies of our Churches the Lord of Candall Receiver-General of the Monies granted by his Majesty's great Bounty unto these Churches the Lords Banage and de Champvernon Pastors De Maschelieres Dupuy Gilbert and Beraud Elders and have given them full Power to treat with the said Sir J. Palot about the Monies so claimed by our Pastors on such Conditions and Clauses as they shall judg most advantagious unto our Pastors aforesaid and to sign Contracts and Articles of Agreement before Publick Notaries this Assembly promising that they will stand to approve and ratify whatever shall be so determined by the said Lords Commissioners 17. This tenth day of October in the presence of the said Lords Commissioners before-named by this Assembly to treat with the before-named Sieur Palot upon the Suit commenc'd against him for Monies claimed by our Churches from him After that the Contract pass'd by the said Lords was read in the Assembly it was agreed to approved and signed by the Moderator Assessor and Scribes thereof And there having been a thousand Livers promised unto the Lord Malat by a separate Act and with which he remained fully satisfied he was duly discharged of those Powers formerly given him for prosecution of the said Palot and lie shall deliver into the Hands of the Lords General-Deputies all the Papers Decrees and Memoirs in his custody concerning this Affair 18. The Lord of Candall having received from the said Sir John Palot the Sum of eight thousand Livers in pursuance of the Agreement made with him the said Sum shall be paid out in that manner as hath been ordered by this Assembly Nor may the Deputies of the Provinces lay any Claim or Pretence whatsoever of Right to the receiving of the said Monies 19. This Assembly authorized the Consistory of the Church of Paris to treat with the Lord Mallet and to discharge him from all Prosecutions of the Sieur Palot and to satisfy him for his past Travel and Pains to the Sum of thousand Livers which shall be paid him by the Lord of Candall and this in full of all Demands Debts Dues or Pretensions whatsoever either for himself or his late deceased Uncle the Lord Mallet the said Mallet bringing in an Inventory unto the Lords General-Deputies and depositing it with them of all Papers Decrees and Memoirs in his keeping concerning this Affair CHAP. XXIII Particular Matters Article 1. MR. * * * He is called in another Copy Lavent in a third Lavand Laurence heretofore Pastor in the Province of Bearn presenting himself in this Assembly with an Attestation of his Life Carriage and Conversation for these two Years now last past and most humbly and importunately petitioning to be restored unto the Holy Ministry This Assembly did not judg his Request meet to be granted but advised him to apply himself to some other Calling than the Ministry of the Gospel and to use such means for a Livelihood as the Providence of God may trace out and direct
the University of Die nine hundred eighty one Livers five Sous of which Dolphiny shall furnish six hundred sixty two Livers and ten Sous Burgundy one hundred thirty and one Livers seventeen Sous Sevennes one hundred eighty seven Livers ten Sous 5. And lest our Universities should fall into an utter Desolation thrô the Provinces neglect of the before-ordained Contribution their Deputies now being in this present Synod are expresly charged to see this very Canon punctually executed and all Provincial Synods to censure the delinquent Consistories and to quicken every particular Church within their Division to a revival of their ancient Zeal and to an augmentation of their Alms which are to be imployed to so sacred and necessary a Business 6. This Assembly being informed how carefully the University-Council of Saumur have performed their Duty in maintaining the Profession of Divinity in their University especially since the last National Synod held at Castres applaudeth the Zeal of their Professors which being intrusted with so holy and laborious a Calling do discharge it with singular Fidedelity and Diligence in which they shall be confirmed after they have undergone their Examen according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline 7. The Council of the University of Saumur remonstrating their great want of another Professor in Divinity and that they had pitched upon Mr. Blondel a Man endowed with Gifts every way fit for such an important Charge but the said Mr. Blondel excusing himself upon many and divers accounts from accepting of it and principally for that he hath been requested to write the History of the Church for the first five hundred Years The Provincial Deputies of the Isle of France being heard and Letters from the Earl of Roussi and the Church gathered in his House having been perused who did all unanimously petition that the said Mr. Blondel might be continued to them because of the great Success of his Ministry and their Edification by it Hereupon the Assembly declared That for sundry and weighty Reasons the said Mr. Blondel could not be granted unto that University altho he might be very beneficial to it and that therefore the Council of the said University must seek after some other Person from whose Labours they might reap the Advantages desired by them for their University 8. The Assembly yielding to the Importunities of the University of Saumur doth from this instant accord that Monsieur de la Place Pastor of the Church of Nantes notwithstanding all his Excuses and Arguments urged by him to the contrary shall take upon him the Professorship of Divinity after that he hath undergone the Examination prescribed by our Canons And the Lord Commissioner is intreated to procure leave for the Province of Brittain to meet in a Synod within six Months that so the University of Saumur may present their Request as soon as possible unto the said Synod which is ordered to give their Consent and to provide the Church of Nantes of another Pastor who may as successfully serve and edify it as the said Mr. de la Place hath done And the Province of Anjou is seriously to consider the Necessities of that Church that in case through the Advice of the Synod of Brittain it should seek for a Pastor from among them they may obtain full Satisfaction and Consolation And in case the said Synod of Brittain cannot be held within the space of six Months yet the said Mr. de la Place shall remove by virtue of this Act unto the said University CHAP. XXIX Accompts brought in by the Provinces about the Maintenance and Subsistence of their Colledges and Universities 9. THE Province of Anjou tendring in two Accompts one brought unto the Synod of Saumur in the Year 1629 and the other unto the Synod held at Loudun in the Year 1631 for the Years 1625 1626 1627 1628 1629 1630 and 1631 until the last September they were allowed and approved 10. The Province of Lower Languedoc brought in no Accompt for their University of Nismes nor for the Colledg of Beziers because they had received nothing neither for the one nor other since the last National Synod of Castres held towards the End of the Year 1626. 11. Nor hath the Province of Higher Languedoc brought in any Accompt for their University of Moutauban nor for the Colledg of Castres they not having received one Farthing since the sitting of the last Synod 12. There were five Accompts exhibited by the Province of Dolphiny of their Receipt and Disbursment for the University of Die beginning in July 1626 and ending the 1sf of July 1630 all which were allowed and approved 13. The Province of Berry brought in three Accompts for the Colledg of Chastillon upon Loir two whereof were tendred to the Synod held at Chastillon the first on the 22d of February 1629 the other the 22d of March next immediately following the third and last was to tho Consistory of Gien authorized to examine it by the Synod held at Mer the 18th of June 1631 for the Year 1628 1629 1630 and 1631 and the said Accompts were allowed and approved 14. The Province of Xaintonge brought in the Accompt of the Colledg of Rochefoucauld rendred by them the Year 1630 on the 11th of June unto the Synod held in the same Place and the said Accompt was allowed and approved 15. The Province of Brittain exhibited also an Accompt of the Colledg of Vitré the 21st of June 1628 concluded and determined by two Elders of the Consistory of that Church which was allowed and approved 16. The rest of the Provinces brought in no Accompts about the Maintenance of their Colledges they not having received any thing for them since the 25th National Synod held at Castres in the Months of September October and November 1626. CHAP. XXX The Accompts of the Lord of Candall Receiver General of the Monies given by his Majesty's Liberality unto the Reformed Churches of France 1. THE Assembly having taken notice of those great and notable Sums brought in by Reprizal in the Accompt of the Lord of Candall ordained That the Lords General Deputies of our Churches unto his Majesty shall be charged most humbly to petition his Majesty that he would vouchsafe some better Assignations in lieu of those Sums so reprized by the Lord of Candall and particularly for those Assignations given for the Year 1627. And whereas in the Reprizals of the foregoing Years there be divers Offices took as Payments of some of those aforesaid Assignations which it's needful they should be sold at any Rate or Price whatsoever that out of the Monies arising from their Sale there may be some Relief afforded to our poor Pastors This Assembly commissionated the Sieur Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris the Sieurs Marbaud and Rambouillet Elders of the said Church together with the said Lords General Deputies conjointly with the Lord of Candall to treat compound and agree about the Sale of the said Offices either in whole or in
part to one or more Persons at such a Price and on such Conditions as they should judg most advantagious for the Churches Moreover in case they should meet with any one or more who would deal with them for all those Sums or any part of them which are imployed in Reprizal by the said Lord of Candall this Assembly doth impower and authorize the said Sieurs Mestrezat Marbaud and Rambouillet together with the Lords General Deputies and the Lord of Candall to compound and agree with them for such a Sum or Sums of Money as they shall judg most conducing to the Benefit and Profit of our Churches 2. The Sieurs L'amy and de Croy Pastors together with the Lords de Balterne and Large Baston Gilbert Mazilieres and Cheyron Elders having been deputed and commissionated by this Synod to audit the Accompts of the Lord du Candall they made Report That in their examining and Perusal of them they found the said Lord of Candall to charge himself with the Receipt of four hundred forty one thousand three hundred forty one Livers and with the Disbursment of four hundred thirty four thousand two hundred fifty nine Livers for the Years 1625 1626 and 1627. And therefore the said Accomptant is indebted the Sum of seven thousand fourscore and one Livers six Sous and six Deniers which will be distributed by and according to the Order of the present Synod Upon which there is this remarkable That the said Accomptant oweth an Acquittance of Mr. Grass and Mouschamp of eight hundred fifty and one Livers sixteen Sous and three Deniers which he shall be obliged to produce and that under the Article of Monies accompted for but not received he must give a Receipt in his next Accompt which he shall make of the parts of seventy seven thousand seven hundred forty three Livers twelve Sous and six Deniers of one part and of four thousand three hundred Livers of another for the Offices of Commissioners Receivers of the real Possessions or of the Products of the Sale of those Offices 3. And as for that part of two hundred twenty one thousand three hundred forty and one Livers out of the Assignations given for the Year sixteen hundred twenty and seven the said Accomptant is discharged from giving any more Receipt in those Accompts he shall bring in for the future unless his Majesty shall be graciously pleased in Answer to our most humble Petitions presented to him by the Lords General Deputies to make the said Sum of two hundred twenty and one thousand three hundred forty and one Livers contained in the Tallies of the Exchequer to be of good Value and to re-assign them else-where and then these Tallies which are now in the Hands of the said Lord of Candall the present Accomptant shall be produced yeilded up and resigned by him unto such Person or Persons as he shall be appointed so to do by this present Synod or by any other that shall be held hereafter 4. The said Lord of Candall tendred an Accompt of the Parts imployed by him in Reprizal in the Accompts rendred by Mr. Cooper his Deputy unto the National Synod of Castres held in the Year 1626 the Receipt of which Accompt amounts unto three hundred and one thousand three hundred and fifty Livers two Sous and eight Deniers and the Disbursment unto two hundred fourscore and eight thousand four hundred twenty and three Livers fifteen Sous four Deniers so that the said Accomptant oweth the Sum of twelve thousand nine hundred twenty and six Livers seven Sous and four Deniers which Sum he will distribute according to the Order of the Synod 5. Upon which it must be observed that for part of the aforesaid Disbursment the said Accomptant oweth one Acquittance of Mr. Gras and Mouschamp of two hundred forty two Livers sixteen Sous which he shall be bound to bring forth and that from the Contents in the Reprizals of the present Accompt he is to make Receipt in his next Accompt of part of thirteen thousand two hundred forty seven Livers sixteen Sous and nine Deniers which was imployed under the Name of Monsieur Morineau Receiver General of Bourdeaux and of eleven thousand seven hundred Livers of Mr. Aubert who was Security in bailing of René Brunet and of twenty four thousand two hundred fifty and nine Livers and twelve Sous for the Offices in La Beausse because the said Accomptant is charged to use all possible Diligence in recovering of those parts aforesaid 6. And as for those going under the Name of Farmers of the Convoy and Constableship of Bourdeaux and of Mr. Claudius de Ragois Receiver General of Limoges of de Bascles Farmer of the Bargains of Anjon of de Malbranche Treasurer of the Farms and Loriol Receiver General of the Exchequer of Languedoc amounting in the whole unto the Sum of two hundred and seventeen thousand two hundred fourscore and seven Livers seven Sous seven Deniers the said Accomptant is discharged from making any more Receipt in his Accompts which he shall render for the future unless through some extraordinary Occasion he should receive any thing but he shall remain charged with the Tallies of the Exchequer and the Certificates of the Receivers and Farmers who are Debtors of the said Sum of two hundred and seventeen thousand two hundred fourscore and seven Livers seven Sous and seven Deniers to tender yield up and deliver him to such Persons and in such manner as he shall be appointed either by this present Synod or by any other which may be held hereafter A Dividend of the Sum of Sixteen thousand Livers granted by his Majesty for defraying the necessary Charges of this Synod and to the easing of our Provinces  l. s. d. To the Province of Burgundy for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Provence for two Deputies 570 18 02 To the Province of Berry for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Poictou for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Xaintonge for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Brittain for one Deputy 280 09 01 To the Lower Guyenne for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Vivaretz for two Deputies 570 18 02 To the Province of Sevennes for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Anjou for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Dolphiny for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Lower Languedoc for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of Higher Languedoc for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To that of Bearn for two Deputies 570 18 02 To the Province of Normandy for four Deputies 1141 16 04 To the Province of the Isle of France for four Deputies 1141 16 04 For the Charges of Deputies sent unto the Court 300 00 00 The Sum should be 16000 l. but the negligence of the Copyists of these Acts hath been unexcusable None of them agree in several which I have perused and compared in
their particular Sums set down by them so that I beg the Reader 's pardon for these Mistakes which are none of mine nor can I tell how to rectify CHAP. XXXII A Blank Dividend A Dividend made among the Churches of the Sum of granted by the King unto the Reformed Churches of France for the support of them of their Universities and Colledges and this for the Year now current l631 and for the ensuing Years until the sitting of the next National Synod According to which Dividend the Lord of Candall shall make paiment of the said Sum as it was agreed betwixt him and the National Synod of Gap in the Year 1603. Article 1. OUT of the three first Quarters of which Sum of for the said Year 1631 which amounts to the Sum of there must be distributed these Sums following Article 2. To the Universities as was before ordained the Sum of nine thousand nine hundred and eleven Livers for one whole Year To the University of Montauban three thousand to that of Saumur four thousand one hundred and twenty Livers to that of Nismes eighteen hundred Livers to the Universities of Die nine hundred eighty and one Article 3. To the Colloquy of Gex taking in the 3600 Livers ordered them by the King and 100 Livers for the Colledg 44000000 Article 4. To the Inhabitants of Bergerac for their Colledg the Sum Article 5. For Supply of the Lords General-Deputies 33000000 Article 6. To the Province of Burgundy for forty one Portions viz. nineteen Pastors in actual Service five Churches to be provided three Proposans fourteen supernumerary Portions four hundred for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 7. To the Province of Provence for twenty Portions to wit eleven Pastors in actual Service five Churches to be provided for two Proposans and two Portions supernumerary and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 8. To the Province of Berry for 41 Portions viz. 26 Pastors in actual Service two Pastors discharged one Pastor to be provided for five Churches to be supplied four supernumerary Portions whereof one shall be delivered free of all Taxes and Charges unto Monsieur Falquet and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 9. To the Province of Poitou 63 Portions to wit 38 Pastors in actual Service five Pastors destitute of Churches eighteen Churches to be provided for four Proposans and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 10. To the Province of Xaintonge 86 Portions to wit 56 Pastors in actual Service one Pastor discharged eighteen Churches to be provided for five Proposans sixteen supernumery Portions and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 11. To the Province of Brittain eighteen Portions to wit ten Pastors in actual Service three Churches to be provided for two Proposans and three Portions supernumerary and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 12. To the Province of Lower Guyenne 110 Portions to wit 69 Pastors in actual Service one Pastor discharged and one to be provided for five Proposans 28 Portions supernumerary and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 13. To the Province of Vivaretz 57 Portions to wit 18 Pastors in actual Service three Proposans fifteen Churches to be provided for Portions supernumerary one of which shall be for Mr. Bois and another for Mr. Chambaud and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 14. To the Province of Sevennes 57 Portions to wit 56 Pastors in actual Service one Pastor to be provided for three Churches to be provided for three Proposans fifteen supernumerary Portions five of which shall go free of all Charges unto the Churches of Auvergne and another free to Monsieur de Surville and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 15. To the Province of Anjou 36 Portions to wit twenty Pastors in actual Service one Pastor * * * Emeritus discharged 3 Churches to be provided for three Proposans and eight Portions supernumerray in all the Sum of Article 16. To the Province of Dolphiny 110 Portions to wit for 62 Pastors in actual Service one Pastor discharged another resugied thirteen vacant Churches to be supplied eight Proposans 25 Portions supernumerary and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 17. To the Province of Lower Languedoc 90 Portions viz 53 Pastors in actual Service four Pastors discharged seven vacant Churches to be supplied three Proposans 23 supernumerary Portions and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 18. To the Province of Higher Languedoc 132 Portions viz. 60 Pastors in actual Service five Pastors discharged thirteen Churches to be provided for which arc vacant six Proposans 58 Portions supernumerary for ruinated Pastors and Churches in the late Troubles in all the Sum of Article 19. To the Province of Normandy 59 Portions viz. 46 Pastors in actual Service six Churches to be provided for six Proposans one Portion supernumerary and 400 l. for the Colledg is in all the Sum of Article 20. To the Province of the Isle of France 62 Portions viz. 41 Pastors in actual Service two Pastors discharged three Churches to be provided for six Proposans nine Portions supernumerary whereof one for Mr. Richard and 400 l. for the Colledg in all the Sum of Article 21. To Mr. Guillemin for the Church of Labour a Scholar 210 00 00 A Dividend if October-Quarter for this present Year 1631 and for the Years ensuing of the Monies granted by bis Majesty unto the â—â—â—â—ches Article 22 1. To the Province of Burgundy 2. To the Province of Provence 3. To the Province of Berry 4. To the Province of Poictou 5. To the Province of Xaintonge 6. To the Province of Brittain 7. To the Province of Lower Guyenne 8. To the Province of Vivaretz 9. To the Province of Sevennes 10. To the Province of Anjou 11. To the Province of Dolphiny 12. To that of Lower Languedoc 13. To that of Higher Languedoc 14. To that of Normandy 15. To the Province of the Isle of France Article 23. The Committee which was ordered to close up the Accompts of the Colledges and Universities having made their Report and the Synod having took notice of them to whom any thing was owing gave in a List of their Names and Sum unto the Lord of Candall which including several Sums ordered unto several particular Persons amounted to the Sum of Which said Sum he was ordered to make paiment of out of the residue of the Money in his Accompts according as he shall receive them deducting for himself a Sous in the Liver as it is more amply and particularly expressed in the fore-mentioned List of Names and Accompt of Monies affixed to them Article 24. The Provincial Deputies of Sevennes shall receive their part of the Monies granted by his Majesty for defraying the Charges of this Assembly before it comes through the hands of the Lord of Candall's Deputy
but with this Proviso that they be accountable for it unto their own Province and this may be done also by the other Deputies Article 25. The Sum of eight thousand Livers paid in by Mr. Palot unto the Lord of Candall shall be delivered out in that manner as this Assembly hath appointed without any Diversion or Diminution of it or Rights for receiving it by him or his Deputy Article 26. This Assembly impowereth the Consistory of the Church of Paris to treat with Mr. Malat and to discharge him from all further prosecuting of Mr. Palot and to content him for his past labour by paying him the Sum of one thousand Livers which said Sum shall be paid him down by the Lord of Candall in full of all Demands either for himself or his deceased Uncle Mr. Malat and the said Malat shall yield up into the Hands of the Lords General-Deputies an Inventory of all Papers Decrees and Memoirs relating to this Affair and which are now lying by him CHAP. XXXIII The Roll of Deposed and Apostate Ministers Article 1. JOseph Aubury formerly Pastor in the Church of Coulonges in the Colloquy of Gex a Fellow of low Stature long Visage his Eyes deep sunk into his Head of fierce Look great Nose Chesnut-colour'd Hair his Legs and Feet crooked turn'd in halting on both sides deposed by the Province of Burgundy for Forgeries Perjuries and other Scandals aged about thirty eight Years Article 2. Anthony Dumont formerly an Augustinian Friar but since Minister at St. Aignan and Myntré in the Land of Mayn deposed for divers Crimes by the Synod of Anjou in the Year 1629 and is since turned Apostate he is low of Stature his Hair almost white roving Eyes high Eagle nos'd short Neck shrub shoulder'd haggardly froward and unsociable in his Discourses Article 3. Andrew Peloquin formerly Pastor of the Churches of Houdan and Fontaines in the County of Chartres but now an Apostate a short Fellow Chesnut-colour'd Hair little Eyes and sunk into his Head flat Nose and a great fat Tongue about eight and thirty Years of Age. Article 4. Tussan formerly Minister at Manduel in the Colloquy of Nismes about fifty Years old a Fellow low of Stature Chesnut-colour'd Hair deposed from the Ministry for his Contempt and total Desertion of it and for abandoning himself to base and most unworthy Occupations Article 5. Pompey de Romerville formerly a Monk but since Pastor in the Church or Gontault in the Colloquy of Agenois but now an Apostate a middle-siz'd Olive-colour'd Fellow disfigur'd with the small Pox having a Pearl in one of his Eyes his Hair and Beard exceeding black he hath lost his Voice after his Revolt he betook himself to sell Wine by Retail in a Tavern but not thriving at that Trade he is now at present the third Regent in the Colledg of Bourdeaux Article 6. Jacob Chaslier formerly Pastor in the Church of Queivas a Fellow not only infected with Arminianism but with divers other monstruous Errors which he hath indeavoured to diffuse abroad clandestinely and being upon the Point of Deposal from the sacred Ministry by the Colloquy of Ambrunois he prevented the Sentence of the said Colloquy by telling them that he quitted both his Robe and Religion he is short of Stature but well compacted Chesnut-colour'd Hair and staring up like Hogs Bristles great Nose and Eye-brows his Eyes deep sunk in and looking down-ward high Fore-head large Shoulders hasty in his Gate as if he were running very rude in his Discourse Article 7. David Bourgade aged about fifty five Years low of Stature gray-hair'd great Eyes a pur-blind squinting Fellow great Nose and somewhat high very violent covetous voluptuous and undisciplinable formerly Pastor in the Church of Carlat in the Colloquy of Foix but since an Apostate Article 8. John Durant alias D'avant heretofore Minister of Araiqûson in Bearn being accused of the Crimes of Adultery he turned Apostate a middle-siz'd Fellow having a plain long bald Head pale of Colour a staggering trembling Voice rotten Teeth ready to laugh upon any occasion looking downward black Hair waxing gray disorderly in his Carriage Article 9. Francis Langelot sometimes Minister of Audaulx in Bearn but now an Apostate low of Stature flat and bald-headed high Fore-head great flat Nose a little Beard and that mixt white Teeth Voice and Hands trembling roaving wandring Eyes and high look'd great Neck and hunch-back'd on one side precipitant in his going Article 10. Theophilus Casamajor Minister of St. Gladie in the aforesaid Province of Bearn mean of Stature little Head few Teeth hoarse Voice and effeminate his Beard red and mingled sad of Countenance and ready on any occasion to laugh he is now an Apostate CHAP. XXXIV An Act for calling the next National Synod 11. THE next National Synod is assigned to the Town of Alanson in the Province of Normandy three Years hence as was before appointed in the 7th Article of general Matters 12. All these Acts above-mentioned were done and decreed at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris by the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn in the twenty sixth National Synod of the said Churches assembled by his Majesty's Permission at Charenton aforesaid the second time and their first Session was on New-year's-day in the Year of our Lord one thousand six hundred thirty one Signed in the Original Mestrezat Moderator Jamet Assessor D. Blondel Scribe Armet Scribe Also by the Lord Galland Commissioner for his Majesty and by all the Pastors and Elders Deputies for the Provinces unto the said Synod CHAP. XXXV Remarks upon the Deputies 1. MR. John Mestrezat Moderator in this Synod was born of an eminent Family in Geneva which were originally seated at Verona a great and ancient City in Italy but forsaken by them for Religion This famous Divine came young as a Traveller into France about twenty two Years of Age in the Quality of a Proposan or Student of Divinity to visit the Protestant Universities which having done he came to Paris and the Reformed Church there having heard him make a Proposition immediately demanded him for their Minister unto which he consented with this Proviso that they would let him reside two Years at Saumur to compleat his Studies And that term being expired he returned back to Paris and served the Church of God there with a great deal of Pains and Fidelity forty two Years and departed this Life in the Year 1657 being sixty six Years old He had a Conference with a Jusuit of great Reputation call'd Regourd by express Order of the Court and in its Presence to the Confusion of the Jesuit and the great Advantage and Honour of our Holy Reformed Religion I have seen a piece of his concerning the Church what other Works were published by him I am sorry that I cannot inform my Reader of them 2. Monsieur Michael le Faucheur was also born of godly Parents in the same City of Geneva and recieved into the Holy Ministry in the
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
following the date hereof in the Town of Alanson but on this condition that there be none other Matters debated in it excepting those only which are allowed by the Edicts and that the Lord of St. Mars Counsellor to his Majesty in his Council of State be Personally present in the said Synod in Quality of his Majesty's Commissioner as hath been usual and customary in such Assemblies In Testimony whereof his Majesty bath commanded me to expedite this his present Writ which he hath seen and signed with his own Hand and caused to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State and of his Commandments Signed LOVIS And a little lower Phelippeaux Article 2. There came unto the said Assembly on behalf of the Provinces and Churches these Pastors and Elders deputed by them whose Names follow Article 3. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Ste Mere and John Maximilian de l'Angle Pastor of the Church of Rouen together with the Lords John Richer Lord of Cerisy Elder of the Church of Gaulé and Lawrence le Febure Advocate in the Parliament of Normandy and Elder in the Church of Rouen Article 4. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of Dieu le fit and Stephen Blanc Pastor and Professor in the Church of Die together with the Sieurs James de Beaucastell Esq Lord of Auges Elder in the Church of Courtezon and Gaspard du Baeuf Advocate in the Parliament of Dolphiny and Elder in the Church of Grenoble Article 5. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Aymedeé de Bons Pastor of the Church at Chaloons and Heliodorus du Noyer Pastor of the Church at Bussy together with the Sieurs John Roy Advocate in the Parliament of Burgundy Elder in the Church of Arnay le Duc and Charles Perreau Advocate in the said Parliament Elder in the Church of Autun and Couches Article 6. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs Samuel Petit Pastor and Professor in the Church of Nismes and John Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier together with the Sieurs Francis de Fonfrede Counsellor to the King in the Presidial Court of Nismes and Deacon of the said Church and John Browns Lord of Roussares Elder in the Church of St. Ambroise Article 7. For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs Daniel Chesnel Pastor of the Church of Marans and * * * There be two of his Sons Ministers and Exites here in England John Commarc Pastor of tie Church of Vertueil together with the Lords René de Saint Leger Esq Lord of Boiscond Elder in the Church of Clan and Mr. George Reveau Counsellor to the King and his Advocate at Rochel Elder of the Church in that City Article 8. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church of Aigueres and John Monestier Elder in the Church of Lormarin Article 9. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John de Gardonengue and John Surville Pastor of the Church at Vigan together with the Sieurs Peter de Fons Lord of des Sabbatieres Elder in the Church of Quissac and Thomas Serre Esq Elder in the Church of Sauve Article 10. For the Province of Higher Languedoc the Sieurs Peter Charles Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Matthew Tissier Pastor of the Church of Mauvoisin together with the Sieur Sebastian de St. Fauste Elder in the Church of Mauvoisin and the Sieur David Fournes Advocate and Elder in the Church of Montauban who was absent having fallen sick on the way Article 11. For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Daniel Couppé Pastor of the Church of Loudun and John Vigneux Pastor of the Church du Mans together with the Sieurs George Rabbotteau Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Pruille and Peter de Ceriziers Counsellor of the King in the Borough of Loudun and Elder of the Church in the same Town Article 12. For the Province of the Isle of France the Sieurs David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Roussy and John Daillé Pastor of the Church of Paris together with the Sieurs Peter de L'aunay Lord of La Mote and Peter Marbault Counsellor and Secretary to the King Elder in the Church of Paris Article 13. For the Province of Brittain the Sieurs Daniel Sauvé Pastor of the Church of Villevigne and Giles Lovyer Esq Lord of la Grestiere Elder of the same Church Article 14. For the Province of Orleans the Sieurs Jacob le Brun Pastor of the Church at Romorantin and John Taby Pastor of the Church at la Charité together with the Sieurs Claudius Bernard Bailiff of Chastillon upon the Loir and Elder of the Church there and Timothy Baignoux Elder in the Church of Mer. Article 15. For the Province of Poitou the Sieurs Samuel le Blanc Pastor of the Church at St. Maixant and Daniel Pain Pastor of the Church of Chastelheraut together with the Sieurs Charles de Gourgeaud Esq Lord of Pannieure Elder of the Church of Mougon and Francis Mauclere Esq Lord of la Mezanchere Elder in the Church of la Jandouiniere Article 16. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay and Simeon de Hosty Pastor of the Church in St. Fortunate togethe◠with the Sieurs Andrew Paget Elder of the Church of Couxnear Privas and Anthony Regnet Doctor of the Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Aubenas Article 17. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs John d' Alba Pastor of the Church at Agen and Daniel Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux together with Daniel Descayrac Lieutenant in the Court of Justice at Pugeols Elder of the Church in the same place and James Charron Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder in the Church of Bergerac Article 18. For the Province of Bearn the Sieurs Simon Fuget Pastor of the Church of Carresse and Peter Margendie Doctor of Physick and Elder in the Church of Orthez Article 19. After Invocation of the Name of God the Reverend Mr. Benjamin Basnage was by plurality of Votes chosen Moderator and Mr. Couppé Assessor Mr. Blondel and Mr. Launay Scribes CHAP. II. The King's Commission to the Lord of St. Mars AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were chosen his Majesty's Letters Patents were read giving a Commission to Monsieur de St. Mars Counsellor in his Council of State to represent his Person in it the Form and Tenour of which was inserted into the Acts of this Synod A Copy of his Majesty's Letters Patents Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre To our beloved and trusty Counsellor in our Council of State the Lord of St. Mars Greeting WE having permitted our Subjects of the pretend Reformed Religion to hold in our Town of Alanson the 27th of May
next ensuing the Date hereof a National Synod composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of our Kingdom to treat of Matters concerning their Religion And being to chuse a Person of sufficient and requisite Abilities and of approved Loyalty to Us to be present in our stead and to act in quality of our Commissioner in the said Assembly Now we being well acquainted with those Services you have done us in sundry and honourable Employments wherewith you have been intrusted by Us and of which you have acquitted your self most worthily we judged that we could not make a better choice than of your Person being well assured of the continuance of your Affection to our Service For these Causes we have Commissionated and deputed and do commissionate and depute by these Presents signed with our own Hand you my Lord of St. Mars for Us and in our stead to go and sit in Person on our behalf in the said Synod convocated in the said Town of Alanson there to propose and resolve whatsoever shall be commanded you by us according to the Memoirs and Instructions we have to this purpose put into your Hands taking heed that none other Matters be there proposed but such as ought to be treated in such Assemblies and are permitted by our Edicts And in case they should attempt any thing to the contrary you shall hinder them by the interposal of our Authority and you shall speedily give us advice thereof that we may apply those Remedies which are convenient in â—â—uch cases And for the doing hereof we give you Power Commission and special Command by these presents for such is our Pleasure Given at Paris the sixth Day of January in the Year of Grace One thousand six hundred thirty and seven and of our Reign the seven and twentieth Signed Louis and a little lower Phelippeaux And sealed with the Great Seal of yellow Wax CHAP. III. The Commissioner's Speech THE said Letters Patents being read the Lord Commissioner acquainted the Synod with what his Majesty had given him in charge to them in these very words SIRS I Am come into your Synod to declare unto you his Majesty's Pleasure you all know it and have preach'd and taught Obedience unto the Higher Powers All Authority is of God and therefore by consequence on this immoveable Foundation you must needs be infallibly obedient besides you are obliged to it by his Majesty's Bounty and by that Care he takes of you the favourable Effects whereof you shall always experience whilst you be obedient His Clemency and Power are your two firmest Supporters And as touching the former his Majesty hath charged me to assure you of the perpetual continuance of his Affection to you and of his maintaining his Edicts as long as you continue faithful Subjects And as for his Power Strangers themselves have felt it and do every day more and more feel and experience it We have with our Eyes seen those Successes of his which are more than Human by which God publisheth to the World that he upholdeth our King with his own Hand and maketh him a Terror to all about him I shall not remember those many Fortresses and Places of Surety which once you had and where you reposed too much Confidence all which are now reduc'd to nothing whereas since you depended on the sole Favour of his Majesty your Condition is much more happy and your Security much more fix'd and stable I doubt not in the least but that you have often reflected upon that admirable Providence of God in making his Majesty's Royal Authority to be your Preservation You be destitute of all Support yea you have in the midst of you against you a World of People subject as the Sea unto various Troubles and Commotions and yet notwithstanding the King upholds you in the Liberty of your Consciences and in the peaceable exercise of your Religion The fixedness and stability of the Earth ballanced in the Air is as great a Miracle as the Creation and Subsistence of the Universe God sustains it by the self-same Power with which he did at first create it and you also in like manner are preserved by the Word of his Majesty's Power Therefore Sirs you that are Ministers should shine in Wisdom and good Conduct in your respective Stations and Churches Among many signal Effects of his Majesty's Goodness received by you this is not the least yea it is a most remarkable one that you can meet in this Assembly and that too in a time of War All the Provinces of the Kingdom like so many Lines drawn from the Circumference can center in this Synod in Peace Could you ever demand a greater Testimony of his Majesty's Goodness than this Confidence he reposeth in your Loyalty and Fidelity This should engage you to submit your selves with greater reverence than ever unto his Royal Pleasure And I in no wise doubt but you will so govern your Words and Actions and chiefly your Affections that his Majesty shall have a most entire and perfect and dutiful Obedience from you 2. And that you may depend on the Protection and soveraign Authority of the King and may be wholly and solely fixed to his Service his Majesty doth in the first place forbid you all Intelligence and Correspondence whether Foreign or Domestick And his Majesty being informed that the Synod of Nismes and Mr. Rousselet a Minister have received Letters from the Canton of Bearn they are admonished not to commit the like Offence for the future For the Statutes positively forbid the King's Subjects to receive Letters from Foreign States yea they are not so much as to see any Foreign Embassadors though residing near his Majesty much less should our Synods or private Ministers receive Letters or hold Correspondence with Foreign Synods or Provinces The Lords of Bearn are Allies of the Crown and are of the same Religion with you united in Religion with you but there must not be any Union betwixt you and that Common-wealth for the least Correspondence even in Ecclesiastical Affairs with Foreigners though Confederates of the King doth raise a Suspicion and beget a Jealousy of Designs against the State The said Synod nor the said Minister Rousselet ought not to have received those Letters or if they had before they had opened them they should have communicated them to the Governour of the Place or the said Synod should have delivered them to his Majesty's Commissioner who was then present in it 3. And as for Domestick Correspondence within the Kingdom you must know that inasmuch as Provincial Councils are forbidden you therefore consequentially all sort of Communication by which such a Council might be promoted is expresly forbidden also His Majesty forbiddeth you to nominate any Ministers or other extraordinary Deputies whereby one Province may communicate with another about Political Affairs because you be no Body Politick no nor at this time whilst you are assembled in a National Synod may you communicate with another about
but one Word more and having added that shall conclude The Synod of Nismes decreed That Baptism administred by one who had neither Call nor Commission was null and injoined Pastors not in the least to scruple the baptizing such Children who had Water poured upon them by Women or any other such Persons without Call or Commission to baptize 'T is his Majesty's Pleasure that this Article be amended for such reasons as I shall recite unto you in their very Words from the Original Order Because from hence springeth the Opinion of Re-baptizing for from the Doubt which they make about a Call they oblige themselves to re-baptize all those who were baptized by such Persons whose Call they cannot approve of and of whose Call they make themselves the sole Judges and Arbitrators although the Catholick Church not approving their Call yea not in the least hesitating to declare they have none doth yet notwithstanding approve of their Baptism because it is a Sacrament whose Virtue and Efficacy is ex opere operato and not ex opere operantis so that the Synod did that which did not belong unto them when they invalidated this Sacrament by whom-soever it was administred since the Catholick Church in which they cannot say there hath been a Want or Failure of any Call hath decided this Point and in Case of Necessity hath judged probably of the Infants Disposition therefore all Persons are called and the Word and Water intervening the Church will not have this Act to be any more repeated CHAP. IV. How follow the Synod's Replies and Answers unto the King's Propositions Article 13. THE Commissioner having finished his Discourse which was patiently and attentively heard by the Synod The Synod by the Mouth of its Moderator did praise and bless God with their most hearty and humble Thanksgivings for his infinite Goodness and Mercy in hearing the Prayers of his poor Servants and inclining the King's Heart to grant us this Meeting and to promise us the Continuance of his Favours and Thanks also were returned unto his Majesty for that according to his usual and wonted Kindness he hath vouchsafed us new Expressions of his paternal Affection in his Letters and Writ for our Assembly and in choosing and sending and honouring us with such a Person for his Commissioner as is universally famed for his singular Integrity Prudence and Piety And the said Lord Commissioner was most humbly intreated to assure his Majesty that as the Churches did never in Thought or Deed depart from that Obedience Fidelity and Subjection unto which by the Word of God they stood obliged so for the future they will never aim at any other Mark than their Continuance in it and daily give in new Evidences unto his Majesty and our Lords of his most honourable Privy-Council of the Innocency of our Conversation 15. And whereas divers Reports and Informations have been brought in against some Provincial Synods and sundry particular Persons have been taxed for violating of his Majesty's Ordinances his Majesty is most humbly intreated to consider that the Synod of Nismes is in no wise blame-worthy for it never received any Letters from the Lords of Bearn and as for our Reverend Brother Monsieur Rousselet who is a Native of New-Castle a City belonging to that Canton and subject to those Lords he was invited by their Letters to return unto his own Country and to exercise his Ministry there and to accept of the Professor's Place in Theology then vacant in their University of Lausanna yet did he of his own Accord as soon as he had received those Letters of Call produce and tender them unto his Majesty's Commissioner then present in that Synod of Nismes and also unto several other Officers of his Majesty who all unanimously declared that he did not in the least Tittle or Punctilio decline from his Duty 16. And although his Majesty's Subjects in this Kingdom may resolve what they please as to their own personal Forbearance of Communications and Correspondence with Foreigners yet sith they cannot tie up their Hands who live abroad out of his Majesty's Dominions and Authority from writing what they please and sending it where they please into this Kingdom Yet that it may appear to the whole World that our Churches do not court nor are ambitious of their Familiarity we promise before God for the future that whatsoever Letters are addressed unto the Colloquies and Synods of this Kingdom from any foreign Prince State City or Churches or ever they be opened shall be first of all delivered into the Hands of his Majesty's Commissioners that so by them and from their own Mouths his Majesty may be fully informed of their Contents that so all and every individual Person professing the Reformed Religion and in Communion with us here at home may be discharged and acquitted from all imputation of Faction and Disobedience whatsoever 17. Moreover whereas by our Discipline Colloquies and Provincial Synods are obliged to take care that particular Churches destitute of Pastors be provided for and Causes of this nature are never transmitted to our National Synods unless upon extraordinary Occasions and by way of Appeal And whereas particular Churches are sometimes necessitated to seek abroad out of their Provinces for a Supply of Pastors whenas they cannot be furnished at home yet are these their Researches regulated by the Canons of our Discipline And therefore it was in Obedience and conformity to them that the Synods of Dolphiny and Sevennes did bring their Demands for the Churches of Montlimart and Anduze unto that of Nismes requesting that the Sieurs Cregut and Arnaud might be conferr'd upon them for their Ministers Wherefore his Majesty is most humbly petitioned to take it into his Royal Consideration that they have not in the least swerved from nor transgressed the Orders authoritatively imposed by his Edicts In the mean time forasmuch as the Churches cannot without violating their own Discipline and opening a large Gap unto infinite Disorders and Confusion suffer that Colloquies and Provincial Synods should attempt to prescribe Laws unto one another this Synod doth therefore forbid and interdict all such Assemblies the making of any General Orders whether for Days of Fasting Humiliation and Prayer or for any other Consideration or Account whatsoever excepting what shall be of concern and relating to their own District and Division 18. Moreover we do likewise acknowledg that that Reverence and Obedience which is in all well-governed States the proper Duty of its Subjects can never be too carefully recommended to the People and on the other hand that impious Licence of blaming the Publick Government and Supream Authority cannot be too severely reproved and decried This Synod doth in join all Pastors in their Sermons and Exhortations to press it home upon the Consciences of their Auditories and particular Flocks that they do not in any manner of wise directly nor indirectly depart from that Obedience Fidelity and Respect which are inviolably due unto his
Majesty and to our Lords his Ministers but that they repose themselves firmly on his Royal Word trusting always in his Majesty's Goodness that he will hinder and prevent the Designs and Attempts of ill-minded Men who would contrary to the Tenour of his Edicts persecute his poor Subjects because they be of the Reformed Religion 19. And to the intent that our Churches may never be impeached of contributing unto any Alterations and Changes whereby the Publick Peace should be broken This Assembly recommends unto all Pastors an exacter Observation of our Ecclesiastical Discipline and of the Stile of God's holy Word and of our Confession of Faith than heretofore and doth according to our Canons in all these Articles expresly interdict and forbid them the utterance of any bitter Words or Expressions whenever they declare their Faith and Hope against any Person or Opinion whatsoever And it doth also most humbly supplicate his Majesty to interpose his Royal Authority that those of the Romish Religion who do licentiously depart from their Duty may be reduced to the Obedience of his Edicts and that his poor Subjects of the Reformed Religion may not for the future as they have been upon all Occasions hitherto be loaden with the most outragious and atrocious Abuses and Reproaches And we do farther recommend unto all our Churches and their respective Members the observation of our Discipline and particularly that no one do publish any Book till it have been first perused and examined and approved by them who are commissionated thereunto and that none take upon them to violate the Judicial Sentences of the Civil Magistrate concerning Divorces And the Province of Sevennes hath and doth protest that it had never any such Design or Purpose for so doing 20. And whereas there is a Crime imputed unto our Churches about the Residence of their Pastors and the Exercise of their Ministry as if some of them had acted contrary to the tenth Article of January 1561 which yet is very false for not one of them hath ever attempted to preach forcibly in any Place Yea and secondly that Edict of January was only provisional made for that time and hath been since abrogated by the subsequent Edicts particularly by the one and fortieth Article of that Edict made in the Year 1570 and by that of Nants made in the Year 1598 and which by his then Majesty was declared to be a clear plain general and absolute Law by which it was his Will and Pleasure that all his Subjects should be governed And thirdly The Pastors do not exercise the Duties of their Calling in any other Places besides those which are allowed them by the 78th 79th 80th and 81st Articles of the Edict last mentioned And fourthly Our Lords of the Council and the Parliaments and the several Commissioners for the Execution of that Edict have from the beginning made out Orders where and in what Places the publick Exercise of our Religion should be established and performed and did always consider that the most part of those Places were but so many Quarters and Members of one and the same Church served by one and the same Pastor And fifthly That the Pastors never preach out of those Quarters unless in the case of Absence or Sickness or of some other lawful hindrance of their Brethren And lastly By the sixth Article of the Edict of Nants explained by the first of the secret and particular Articles it is granted that our Ministers may reside in any Places of the Kingdom indifferently Wherefore we most humbly petition that his Majesty would maintain them in that Liberty granted them by his Edicts and revoke all Orders and Decrees of his Privy-Council which are derogatory to them 21. Moreover forasmuch as our Pastors do not receive their Maintenance in a way of begging nor from the Poors Box nor from Legacies bequeathed to pious Uses and destinated for the Relief of the Poor but only from a voluntary Contribution of their Flocks or by an Assessment made upon them according to the forty fourth Article of Particular Matters conformably to those Agreements past between them and their Pastors at their first coming And that according to the Discipline the fifth Penny of all Alms is particularly assigned to the maintenance of our Professors Regents Scholars and other such like Persons whole Poverty renders them meet and proper Objects of those Charities without ever diverting the Monies of this natu them but according to the Order of Provincial or National Synods His Majesty is most humbly beseeched to keep up in our Churches the Observation of this ancient Order established by the Discipline and authorized by his Edicts and whereof there was never any Complaint yet formed and that he would be pleased to interdict his Officers the disannulling or changing of Agreements past and made between the Pastors and their Churches about their Salaries when they first took upon them the Cure and Charge of their Souls 22. And sith what hath been done in the case of Mr. Petit relateth to the Execution of this Order and to the Canons of former National Synods his Majesty is most humbly requested to approve thereof 23. Finally forasmuch as the Declaration made by the Synod of Nismes is neither as to its Substance nor Terms in which it is framed and expressed any other Matter than the first Article of the eleventh Chapter of our Discipline bottom'd upon our Confession of Faith Catechism and other Expositions of the Belief of our Churches and for that the Arguments produced on behalf of the Opus operatum and the Decision made by the Church of Rome which is directly opposite unto our Faith aforesaid do formally condemn it his Majesty having by his Edicts allowed of it is most humbly intreated to grant that his Subjects of the Reformed Religion may still enjoy and be always secured in the full enjoyment of the Liberty of their Consciences according to his Sacred and Royal Promises that so they may all unanimously with one and the same Heart and the self-same Vows and Prayers unanimously imploy themselves in the Service of God and of his Majesty CHAP. V. Deputies sent with a Letter unto the King 24. THere were chosen by Plurality of Voices in the Assembly the Sieurs Ferrand Gigord and Cerizy to carry unto his Majesty the most humble Thanks and Petitions of the Churches who were furnished with their Instructions and Letters unto his Majesty and to our Lords the Ministers of State 25. A Copy of the first Letter written by the Synod unto the King SIRE THE Great God whose lively Image you are accepting indifferently and irrespectively the Prayers and Homages of all his Creatures we believed that your Majesty would not he displeased with our Boldness in laying ours at your Feet your Majesty having granted us the Priviledge of assembling our selves in this Place And 't is to acquit our selves of this necessary Duty Sire that we have sent the Sieurs Ferrand Gigord
and Cerizy unto your Majesty most humbly petitioning that your Majesty would daign to behold them with the Eye of your Favour and to hear with your wonted Benignity from their Mouths the Protestations of our Fidelity and our just Supplications and Requests for the continuance and confirmation of that Liberty granted us by your Majesty's Edicts That being delivered from all Fear we may live quietly under the Shadow of your Goodness and Power having none other Care than continually to call upon God our Maker for the Health of your Majesty's Sacred Person and his Divine Benediction upon your Royal Family the Prosperity of your Estate and the Glory of your Crown yielding joyfully and unweariedly unto your Majesty that most humble Obedience and Subjection which is the bounden Duty From Alanson this fourth of June 1637. SIRE Of your most humble and most obedient and most faithful Subjects and Servants The Ministers and Elders assembled by your Permission in the National Synod at Alanson and in the Name of them all by Basnage Moderator of the Synod D. Coupe Assessor D. Blondel Scribe De Launay Scribe 26. The Provinces having intrusted their Deputies with divers Memoirs concerning the Violations of the Edict to be tendred unto his Majesty as they began to read them the Lord Commissioner remonstrated That it was his Majesty's Will and Pleasure that in his Presence none other Matters saying what related unto the Exercise of the Church-Discipline should be debated and that the Title of the said Cahier or Memoirs should be thus qualified The Cahier and Memoirs of the Pretended Reformed Religion Whereupon the Assembly requested his Lordship to consider that it was never in their Minds or Intentions to treat of Political Affairs or any State-matters but only to make a plain and naked Report and Presentment of our Complaints none of which need to fall under Deliberation all and every of them being most apparently and undeniably true just and expresly grounded on his Majesty's Edict Besides his Majesty never took it in any sort ill that we should address unto him our most humble Remonstrances for repairing the Violations of his Edicts nor that his Subjects speaking according to their Consciences should contrary thereunto stile and qualify themselves of the pretended Reformed Religion 27. The Lord Commissioner making report that by his Instructions he was charged to acquaint the Synod That in case they would agree with him about two Persons meet and fit to exercise the general Deputation for the Weal and Service of the Churches his Majesty would approve of them but if not that then the Lord Marquess of Clermont should be continued in the Functions of the said Office and another from out of the third Estate should be chosen and joined with him The Assembly nominated out of every Province one Deputy to confer with the said Lord Commissioner about this Matter and these Deputies accorded with his Lordship that the said Lord Marquess of Clermont and the Lord Marbaut should be the Persons whose Names should be immediately presented unto his Majesty most humbly also requesting his Majesty to allow and approve of this their Election And to this purpose there was this following Letter written unto the King CHAP. VI. A Copy of the second Letter written by the Synod unto th King concerning the General Deputies SIRE AS soon as your Majesty's Intentions were notified unto us about our choice of General-Deputies to reside near your Majesty's Person at Court we immediately and unanimously agreed with the Lord of St. Mars your Majesty's Commissioner unto this Assembly and have elected into that Office the Lords Marquess of Clermont and Marbaud And we most humbly beseech your Majesty to allow and accept of them and to give your favourable Ear unto all our Supplications which by their Mouth our urgent and extraordinary Necessities shall oblige us to tender to you That Inclination which is natural unto your Majesty to ease and comfort your People doth raise our Hopes that you will vouchsafe to cast the Eyes of your Compassion upon the Miseries of a vast multitude of Souls who are breathing and will never breath any thing else but a most profound Obedience Subjection and Service unto your Majesty and that you will cause graciously to dart down upon our Churches the Beams of your Royal Favour and Benificence the Effects whereof they have comfortably resented And which makes us the more ardent and zealous in our Prayers and Devotions to Almighty God for the Preservation of your Majesty's Sacred Person for the Glory of your Crown and for the long Continuance of your Majesty's Reign As being Great Sir of your Majesty From Alanson June 1637. The most humble the most obedient and most faithful Servants and Subjects The Ministers and Elders assembled by your Majesty's Permission in the National Synod of Alanson and in the Name of all Banage Moderator of the Synod D. Coupé Assessor D. Blondel Scribe De Launay Scribe CHAP. VII Observations upon and Confirmation of the Confession of Faith received in the Churches of this Kingdom THE Confession of Faith was read word by word one Article after another approved and subscribed by all the Deputies of the Provinces who did as well for themselves and in their own Names as in the Names and on behalf of their several and respective Synods that had commissionated and sent them and given them express and particular Charge for so doing protest t hat they would live and die in the Profession of this Faith that they would teach it unto their Churches and put to their helping Hands that it should be inviolably maintained and conserved CHAP. VIII Observations on reading of our Church-Discipline Article 1. THose Churches which have exhibited unto Scholars a Pension and Maintenance for their Studies in order to fit and prepare them for the Sacred Ministry shall have a Right and Preference above all others to use and employ them And all the Churches are exhorted to be mutually helpful and assisting unto each other in Love Article 2. Sinners publikly suspended from the Lord's Supper shall make Publick Acknowledgment of their Offences for which they had been censured And the Church of Alanson is admonished to see this Canon put in execution Article 3. The better practice and stricter observation of the 12th Canon in the 8th Chapter is recommended unto all the Provinces and that of Brittain in particular is advised not to omit it for the future See this Article in the Book of Discipline Article 4. This Assembly doth once again enjoin the Church of Nismes to submit and conform themselves unto the 9th Canon in the 12th Chapter of our Discipline according to the Intention of former Synods The Article is this The Churches shall be informed that it belongeth unto Ministers only to administer the Cup and this for the avoiding many evil Consequences Article 5. Without suffering any new Customs to be introduc'd at Funeral-Solemnities and that the Parents of the Deceased
slandering and calumniating us and by divers Pamphlets and Libels fraught with lying Stories do their utmost Endeavour to make the Loyalty and Fidelity of our Churches to be suspected and called in question and that there is an absolute Necessity we should justify our selves not only by Sermons preached in the Pulpit and by Books composed and published from the Press unto the whole World to this very End and Purpose but also by our most humble Remonstrances unto his Majesty that he would be pleased graciously to account all the Members of our Churches as his most obedient and loyal Subjects and to have an intire Confidence in their Fidelity unto his Service the Welfare of his Estate and the Augmentation of the Glory of his Crown The Assembly imbraced this Remonstrance as a sacred thing consonant to Reason and Justice and perfectly correponding with those Propositions tendred us from his Majesty by the Lord Commissioner and ordained That all Pastors in the Churches of this Kingdom should give all religious and conscientious Satisfaction herein according to the Word of God and the Confession of our Faith which are punctual and most express on this Subject Article 7. Whereas for divers Years last past War and Mortality have overspread with a Deluge of Woes the far greatest part of Europe and made the unrepenting Nations sensible what a dreadful thing it is to fall into the Hands of the Living God justly incensed against those hard-hearted Sinners who despise the Riches of his Grace the Abundance of his Goodness and Long-suffering The National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France assembled by the King's Permission in the Town of Alanson beholding in the continual Plagues with which all the Provinces of this Kingdom are scourged evident Threatnings of new impendent Judgments Wherefore that those affrightful and approaching Storms may be averted and the Bowels of God's fatherly Compassions may be moved and that we may obtain from his infinite Mercies and Goodness the Preservation of his Majesty's sacred Person a Blessing upon his Armies the Return and Re-establishment of Peace and Prosperity in the State and a quiet Settlement for his poor afflicted Church tossed with Tempests and not comforted We do exhort all the Faithful by a deep Humiliation of Soul and a sincere and serious Conversion of Heart to seek after the Help Grace and Favour of God And to this Purpose the Synod decreeth That a publick Fast shall be kept and solemnly observed in all the Churches of this Kingdom on Thursday the nineteenth Day of November next coâ—â—ing which shall be notified unto them by reading of this present Act. Article 8. That the Purity of Doctrine may be intirely preserved and all Misunderstandings between Pastors Professors and Churches may be avoided and to prevent those many Inconveniences which would thereupon happen and to tie and maintain more strictly and strongly the spiritual Bonds of brotherly Charity and Union among the Faithful This Synod doth most rigorously forbid on Pain of all Church-Censures yea and of Deposal from their Ministry all Pastors of Churches and Professors in our Universities to treat of in their Sermons Lectures or Writings those curious Questions which may occasion the Fall or Stumbling either of Students in Divinity or private Christians it being most necessary that both they their Scholars and Flocks should keep themselves to the Simplicity and Plainness of the Holy Scriptures and to the common Expedition of the Orthodox Creed grounded thereupon and approved by the National Synods particularly by that of Charenton held in the Year 1623. They be also forbidden the using of any new Expressions subject to ill Constructions and Misinterpretations or contentiously to dispute one with the other upon such Questions or Interpretations or to draw reciprocally the Saw of Controversy betwixt them in Polemical Writings nor shall they violate directly or indirectly the Canons made either in this or former Synods about printing of Books for whose Contents the Licensers of the Press shall be responsible as much as the Authors unto the Provinces And those Provinces within whose District and Jurisdiction our Universities lie shall take a most especial Care of them and see them visited from time to time by Persons chosen to that Purpose and to oblige all Professors both in Philosophy and Divinity to send every six Months unto the Examiners of Books in the Neighbour-Provinces one or two Copies of the Theses disputed and defended in the publick Schools And the Neighbour-Provinces are impowered with full Authority together with those in which our Universities are erected to take a particular Knowledg of their Estate And in case any Pastor or Professor or any Member of our Churches in reading or perusing the Books printed with Licence of our Examiners shall find any matter of Importance which they shall count worthy of Reprehension we order that they apply themselves to the Authors of the said printed Discourses or to the Examiners and Licensers of them and to demand Satisfaction from them and in case they refuse to give it then they shall address themselves unto their Colloquies and Synods And that Church and Province out of which the said Complaint cometh forth is forbidden as are also all other Persons whatsoever from intermeddling with this Affair or to take upon them to judg and decide it or to inflame this Controversy or to spread it farther but according to the Canons of our Discipline they shall leave and resign it intirely unto those Assemblies to whose Jurisdiction the Authors of these Disturbances do belong and against whom the Opposition is formed Article 9. The Lord Marquess of Clermont our General Deputy and the Sieurs Ferrand Gigord and Cerisy who were particularly delegated to lay at his Majesty's Feet the most humble Supplications and Complaints of our Churches having immediately after their Return from Court delivered his Majesty's Letters and given an Account of that gracious Audience and most kind and favourable Reception they had from his Majesty and our Lords his principal Ministers of State and how well they approved of the Conduct of this present Synod and had promised that as soon as it was concluded and separated an Answer agreeable to our Desires expressed in the Cahier presented to them should be given us and that they would assign for the defraying the Charges and Expences of this Synod the same Sum of Monies as was granted unto the last National Synod which was also confirmed by my Lord Commissioner who had received Letters concerning it and required that this Assembly would dissolve it self speedily The Synod having testified their great Satisfaction in the Wisdom Faithfulness and Affection manifested by these their Deputies in their whole Negotiation and finding that they had Hopes given them by his Majesty that his poor oppressed Subjects of the Reformed Religion should sense and experience the comfortable Effects of his Sacred Royal Promises and that according to his wonted Goodness he would take care that they
should not be compelled contrary to the Tenour of his Edicts the Liberty of their Consciences and the Canons of their Discipline to adorn the fore-part of their Houses on those Days which are called the Festival of the Holy or Corpus Christi Day nor on any other Holy Days nor that they should be forced to yield up their Infants to be baptized after the Popish Manner or by Midwives or by any other Persons uncalled who be not Ministers of the Gospel and that his Majesty would ordain a Revocation of that Declaration and of those Decrees which forbad our Ministers to preach in Places where they did not inhabit because those Decrees were granted on the single Requests of our most imbittered Enemies and without ever hearing of us the injur'd Parties and for that they were derogatory to the Royal Grace contained in his Edicts of Pacification and by means of those Decrees a very great Multitude of People were utterly deprived of all the Ordinances and free Exercise of their Religion and of the Peace and Comfort of their Consciences Wherefore the Synod resolved once again and that without delay to have recourse unto his Majesty's Royal Grace and Favour and joined extraordinarily in Commission with the Lords General Deputies some select Persons out of its own Body who immediately after their Separation should in conjunction with them use such Means for the obtaining and perfecting those Grants and Promises as they thought needful Article 10. But the Lord Commissioner relating how that at the first opening of this Assembly his Majesty had by his Mouth made a clear express and absolute Declaration of his Intentions and had charged him to interdict as he did once more now interdict all Deliberations contrary thereunto the Synod did also again insist upon that Answer which they had given to those Matters propounded by him the said Lord Commissioner and did beseech him that according to it he would suffer our poor distressed Churches to present their humble and innocent Petition unto his Majesty which needed not any Deliberation nor had any other Design or Tendency than to preserve the Priviledges of his Majesty's Edicts and the Liberties of our Consciences to us whereof we were in danger of being devested and deprived and therefore did in pursuance thereof nominate and appoint the Sieurs de l' Angle and Gigord together with the Lords General Deputies to reiterate the most humble Supplications and Requests of our Churches unto his Majesty and to the Lords of his most Honourable Privy-Council and all of them jointly to sollicit for the fulfilling of his gracious Promises and that they might pass the Seals and be confirmed in due Form of Law A Copy of his Majesty's Letter unto the Synod By the KING Dear and Welbeloved WE have received by the Hands of your Deputies the Letters which yon sent its the 4th and the 6th of this Month and we heard delightfully from their Mouths what they had to offer us on your Part and now they be returning to you will report unto you those Assurances which we have given them of our good and sincere Intentions towards our Subjects of the pret Reformed Religion for their enjoyment of the Priviledg and Benefit of our Edicts and we perswade our self that you will by your after-Deportments render your selves worthy of our Grace and Favour And as for what concerns the Cahier of your Complaints and Remonstrances which was presented to us and your Election of Deputies to reside at Court and attend upon us in our Progress as soon as your Synod shall be dissolved we shall as hath been ever practised by us consider of the most favourable Answer that may be given you In the mean while 't is your Interest to break up as soon as possible lest your longer sitting in our Town of Alanson should be imputed to you as a failure of your Duty to us and a Transgression of our Edicts and Declarations We shall not detain you any longer but leave you to the Lord of St. Mars our Commissioner deputed by us unto your Assembly from whom you may understand what is our Intendment and Pleasure Given at Fontainbleau this 24 th Day of June 1637. Signed in the Original Louis and a little lower Phelippeaux And superscribed above For our dear and welbeloved the Deputies of our Subjects of the pr. Reformed Religion assembled by our Permission in our City of Alanson 11. A Copy of the Synod's third Letter unto the King SIRE FOrasmuch as your Majesty hath condescended both by your Letters with which we are honoured and by the Mouth of our Deputies to assure us of your Majesty's gracious and sincere Intentions to maintain those Edicts by favour of which we subsist and live in this your Kingdom and that you have vouchsafed us your Royal Word that you will speedily consider the Cahier of our Complaints and Remonstrances and grant us a favourable Answer as also to gratify us with a Sum of Money for defraying our Synodical Charges we believed Sire that our Boldness in presenting our selves once more before your Majesty would not be unacceptable because we design in all Humility by the Mouth of the Sieurs de l'Angle and Gigord whom we have for this very purpose sent unto your Court to testify the profound Resentments we have have of your Majesty s Goodness And we have also given them in charge Sire to report unto your Majestly the promptitude of our Obedience unto your Commands in quitting this Place and by our Deputies near your Majesty to sollicit and petition for the Fruits of your Justice Clemency and Royal Bounty And we presume to request your Majesty to grant them a gracious Audience and to issue out your Royal Commandment that those comfortable Effects we have so justly hoped from the inviolable Firmness of your Sacred Word may be as favourably and suddenly as is possible expedited into your Provinces And we shall continue our devoutest and most ardent Prayers unto the Divine Majesty for your Majesty's Health and Prosperity and that it may please God Sire to crown your Armies with Victory to replenish your House and State with Blessings and â—o enrich you with this Grace that you may always live the Father of your People and Terrour of your Enemies the Arbiter of Christendom the Love Favourite and Darling of the whole World These Sire are our continual Vows our most fervent Prayers unto the Throne of Grace for your Majesty Nor have we in this Life any other or greater Desire and Duty than to be always From your City of Alanson July 9. 1637. SIRE Your Majesty's most humble and most obedient and most faithful Subjects and Servants The Ministers and Elders assembled by your Permission in a National Synod in your City of Alanson and in the Name of them all Basnage Moderator of the Synod D. Coupe Assessor D. Blondel Scribe De Launay Scribe Article 12. The Determination and Decision of that Affair concerning the
Charenton until now Article 4. Although it be as clear as the Sun at Noon-day that the Instruction of Youth and the upholding of Schools in those Places where they have been erected be absolutely necessary for the Churches Subsistence the maintaining of Godliness and the propagating of the Doctrine of eternal Life in it and that all the Faithful are obliged by that great Concern they should have for God's Glory the Love of his Truth and their common Edification to use their best and utmost Skill and Endeavours to find out the most proper and convenient means for the promoting and furthering a Design so evidently just and profitable yet nevertheless forasmuch as divers Persons have been discouraged either through the Difficulties of the Times or from their inordinate Affections to the World preferring their own private Interest to the publick and thereby have cooled in their Zeal and neglected the Execution of the Canons before enacted for this Purpose Now that this very great and prejudicial Defect may be remedied and that the Ministry of the Gospel may be perpetuated in the Church of God and that this most important Trust of Divine Verity may be religiously conserved among us The National Synod assembled by his Majesty's Permission in the Town of Alanson doth exhort all the Churches all Lords Gentlemen and all Persons in particular to prefer the Service of God the Glory of his Holy Name and the re-established Order of his House before all other humane Considerations whatsoever and every one of them according to their Abilities to consecrate unto his Divine Majesty their Free-Will-Offerings and to levy among themselves those Charges necessary for the Subsistence of our Universities and Colledges and to use and exercise therein their Christian Charity and Piety in supporting those which are more feeble And all Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories be in joined to take among themselves the most proper Expedients for gathering in those Sums assessed upon them respectively and actually in their own Persons to sollicit the Payment of them and to put to their helping Hand that all Professors and Regents who serve in the said Universities and Colledges may annually receive their appointed Sallaries and so discharge the Duties of their Place and Calling with Chearfulness and this shall be notified unto all the Churches by reading of this present Act. Article 5. In the Accompt of the University of Saumur there was the Sum of one hundred Livers owing by the Province of Xaintonge who shall make actual Payment thereof unless they can produce an Acquittance Article 6. The Province of Berry having brought in three Accompts of their Colledg rendred by them unto their Provincial Synods assembled the 22d of April 1632 at Chastillon upon Loir the 30th of April 1634 at Mer and the 26th of May 1636 at Chastillon aforesaid and by the close of the Accompt it appearing that the Sum of four hundred and forty Livers is owing unto the said Colledg This Assembly injoineth that Province to put carefully in Execution the Canons made in the last National Synod for the Maintenance of our Universities and Colledges as well for the time past as for what is to come CHAP. XVIII An Account of Arrearages due unto the University which shall be paid by the Provinces within the space of one year Article 7. THe Province of Higher Languedoc stands indebted to the University of Montauban over and above what it owes for this present year the Sum of Seven Hundred Ninety and Eight Livres Ten Sous Eight Deniers and that of Normandy besides the Deduction of Sixteen Hundred Thirty and Nine Livres and Three Sous re-demanded by the University of Nismes as well for this year now current as for the years past stands indebted One Thousand Four Hundred Twenty and Seven Livres Nineteen Sous All Errors in the Accompt excepted Article 8.  l. s. d. There is due from the Province of Normandy to the University of Saumur 1149 05 03 From the Province of Xaintonge 265 02 10 From the Province of Poictou 1624 11 00 From that of Berry 335 14 00 From that of Anjou 531 15 00 From that of Brittain 041 05 00 Article 9.  l. s. d. There is due from the Province of Sevennes unto the University of Die for the years past besides what is due for this now Current the Sum of 0887 10 00 And from that of Burgundy taking in the year now Current 0262 10 00 Article 10.  l. s. d. There is due from the Province of Lower Languedoc both for the year now Current and those past unto the University of Nismes the Sum of 4950 But whereas they have paid to Monsieur Petit the Sum of 300 l. and to some other Persons whenas the said Petit and those Persons shall bring in their Accompts the said 300 l. shall be deducted and allowed them in Accompt  l. s. d. The Province of Sevennes oweth 0300 00 00 The Province of Lower Guyenne deducting the Sum of 1639 l. 3 s. paid by them unto the University of Montauban the Sum of 3610 17 00 Article 11. Now this is the true Accompt of the Payments that are to be made unto the said University of Nismes out of the Sum of 1800 l. Decreed unto that University by the Six and Twentieth National Synod held at Charenton in the year 1631 for six years ending the first day of this next October  l. s. d. Monsieur Petit Professor of Divinity shall receive for six years expiring at the said Term viz. the last of September 4200 00 000 Monsieur Cadur for having exercised the Profession of Theology to the first of April 1634. 1750 00 00 The Heirs of Monsieur Peyrol who exercised the Profession of the Hebrew Tongue till he Deceased April 1st 1634. 1000 00 00 The whole is 6950 Livres three Sous whereof Sixteen Hundred Thirty and nine Livres three Sous shall be reprised out of the Sum of Two Thousand One Hundred and Seventy Seven Livres and Two Sous owing by the Province of Normandy to the University of Montauban the said University having employ'd the like Sum unto its own usage which the Province of Lower Guyenne ought to have payed in to the University of Nismes And the remaining Sum of Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Livres shall be laid up in Bank for the benefit of the University of Die and to help to maintain it but with this express Condition that they do their endeavour to disengage the Stock of Three Thousand Livres which had been granted them by the National Synod of Alez And therefore the said University of Die shall receive from the Provinces of Lower Guyenne and Sevennes the said Sum of 3850 l. proportionably to their Debts for the Subsistence of the University of Nismes to wit from the Lower Guyenne 3610 l. 10 s. and from that of Sevennes Two Hundred Thirty and Nine Livres three Sous And what is more owing by the Lower Languedoc and
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
that by his means they may as soon as possible have the Honour of waiting upon and Saluting His Majesty and Present Him with the Letters of this Assembly and shall follow His Orders when and after what manner they ought and may speak unto the King and to the Lord Cardinal and to the Lord Chancellor And having paid their Duties to the King the Lord Cardinal and to our Lord the Principal Ministers of State they shall give them to understand with what Respect and Thankful Acknowledgments we have received from the mouth of the Lord de St. Marc His Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly those assurances given us in His Majesty's Name for preserving us the Privilege of His Edicts and to continue to us His Royal Favours But they shall not conceal that all the Members of this Assembly were exceedingly surprized and astonished that immediately after those aforesaid Assurances given us by the Lord Commissioner he made such Proposals to them as had no agreement at all with these Promises of His Majesty's good Will unto us as when He declared That he was charged by the King to forbid all Ministers to serve their annexed Congregations which tends to the utter Ruine of the far greatest part of our Churches and depriveth a vast multitude of the Professors of our Religion of their Spiritual Consolation As also when he propounded as from the King That it was his Majesty's desire That we should ratisie Baptism Administred by Midwifes and others who have no Call so to do which is formally contrary to our Belief They shall also insist on this That His Majesty be acquainted and from their own Mouths with that Rigorous Decree of the Council concerning the hanging forth of Tapistry and Adorning of our Houses on that Festival which they call by the Name of The Holy This being a matter directly contrary to the Edicts made in our Favour They shall take care also to Petition our Lord the Cardinal and the Lords of the Council and especially the Lord de Buillon That they would be pleased to supply this Assembly with Moneys for the defraying of our Charges and Expences during the Sessions thereof as hath been always accustomed to be done by His Majesty And the rather because for a very long time notwithstanding His Majesty's Promise we have not received one Farthing of His Bounteous Liberality The Assembly leaveth it to the Prudence of these our said Deputies either to prolong or shorten their abode at Court according to the Success of their Negotiation and they be ordered to acquaint us upon all occasions of what is necessary to be done by us CHAP. XXVI 3. Monsieur Ferrand's Speech made unto my Lord the Cardinal Duke of Richelieu My Lord SIth that in our days and under the Incomparable Wisdom of Your Government Peace and Justice are so Gloriously preserved that the Greatest Monarch of the Vniverse is not only known to be the Just King but also the King of the Just by the strict Observation of His Edicts and Sacred Orders The Ministers and Elders Assembled in a National Synod under the Favourable Authority of His Majesty and the Good Counsels of Your Eminency have took the Boldness to send us unto His Majesty as to the Common Father of His Subjects to render to Him Their most unfeigned Thanks and to Present Him Their most Humble Requests and in all Humility to demand His Royal Protection against those Violences which do every day Rob and Spoil us of His Favours and have most expresly charged us to Implore on this Account the Succours and Assistance of Your Eminency And that Experience we have formerly had hereof filleth our Hearts with Hopes for the future Because the Stedfastness of God and the King's Word are visible in the Face of Your Eminency You being Their most lively Protraiture We cannot be ignorant My Lord That Your Eminency is that Intelligence who moves this admirable Monarchy with the greatest Regularity That Assistant Spirit of this Great Body which heretofore was like one of the Floating Islands but now Your most Admired Conduct hath bound it so fast with the Chains of the Royal Authority that in the Greatest and most Astonishing Tempests it abideth firm and immovable And it will be with France as with the Land of Licia which tho' subject unto Storms and dreadful Earthquakes yet no sooner are those Tempestuous Winds which caused them dissipated but that the Inhabitants thereof do enjoy for Forty Days together 〈◊〉 most Wonderful Calm and Tranquility but these days of our Tranquility shall be Prophetical a Year for a Day and may Your Eminency's Life be prolonged to a full Century of those Years And we do protest in the Presence of God that we own our selves bound Eternally to Obey His Majesty by the Laws of our Birth and Conscience and for His Majesty's Favours continually accumulated upon us And therefore we do Address our Prayers without intermission unto the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth that he would be pleased to keep his Anointed as the Apple of his Eye His Majesty being the very Heart and Life of His Kingdom and that he would take from our days to add unto His and to add unto Yours also My Lord whom we reckon next to God and the King our surest Sanctuary hoping for some Rays and Beams of Your Eminency's good Will to be imparted to us that may quicken us under those disconsolating Troubles with which we are menaced and be a most meet and proper Remedy for those Afflicting Evils which press in sore upon us from every part and quarter of the Land And Your Eminency's Reward for this signal goodness of Yours extended to us will be the continuance of that Glory You have most justly acquired in all Christendom and we shall beg of God in our Prayers and may the Divine Majesty actually fullfil them to pour down upon Your Eminency an abundant Confluence of his best Blessings and that we may obtain this Consolation to be believed by Your Eminency that with all sincerity of Heart and Soul we are My Lord Your Eminency's most Humble and most Obedient Servants Banage Moderator of the Synod Coupe Assessor Blondel and de Launay Scribes CHAP. XXVII A Copy of the Bill of Grievances presented unto His Majesty by the Sieurs Ferr and Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier and De Cerisy an Elder Deputed by the National Synod of Alanson May the 7th 1637. unto the King SIRE THe Deputies of Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion Assembled by Your Majesty's Permission in a National Synod at Alanson do most Humbly Petition That according to Your wonted Goodness and Justice continued to them You would be pleased to vouchsafe us the enjoyment of Your Edicts and Declarations of Peace which have to their very great prejudice been broken and violated in every Article and particularly in divers places of Your Kingdom nor can we get our Damages repaired
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
their free and full Consent which also was confirmed by a Decree of Your Majesty's Privy-Council December the 13th 1612. yet nevertheless the Lord Machant Intendant of Justice in the Province of Burgundy without once hearing any of the Parties concerned hath by his own private Orders of the 15th of March 1636. and by some others of another Date not only Deprived them of the Burying-place but also will not so much as allow those of the Reformed Religion in that Bailywick to share in any of the Common Moneys or Hospitals thereof Wherefore we most Humbly beseech Your Majesty to cause those Orders of the said Lord Machant to surcease and to be disannull'd and to Ordain that Your aforesaid Subjects in the Bailywick of Gex may be supported in the Possession of their Burying-place and in the Ancient enjoyment of their Common Moneys and Common Hospitals and of all other Privileges contained in the Edict 7. In divers places of Your Kingdom Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion are forced and compelled to act many things contrary to the Liberty of their Consciences granted them by Your Edicts particularly to hang out Tapistry before their Houses or to adorn them with some kind of Ornaments on some peculiar Holy Days although the Third Article of the particular ones in the Edict of Nantes doth only oblige them to suffer that it be done by others and that too by the Authority of the Local Officers nor are they bound to contribute any thing thereunto However your poor Subjects for refusing to do thus against their Consciences are condemned in very great Fines at Rennes and Vitre by a Decree of the Parliament of Brittaine and the same was lately Ordered in a Judicial Sentence given by the Privy-Council and signified to the Attorney of the Exchequer at Claye Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly beseeched to Maintain and Preserve Your Subjects of our Religion in the Liberty of their Consciences as to these matters according to your Edicts and to discharge them of all Fines and Sums of Money to the payment whereof they have been condemned on this account 8. By the Second Article of particular matters of the Edict of Nantes and by Your Majesty's Answer to the Fourth Article of the Bill of Grievances Presented to You by Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion in July 1625. it was expresly declared That none of them should be compelled to contribute towards the Repair or Building of Churches Chappels or Priests Houses nor to the buying of Coapes and Surplices Ornaments of Mass-Priests Lights Founding of Bells Holy Bread Rights of Fraternities nor to the Rent of Houses for Priests or Religious persons to dwell in or such like matters yet notwithstanding John Ozier of Harsleur hath been Condemned by a Decree of the Parliament of Normandy to pay unto a Fraternity As also by another such Decree of the Parliament of Bourdeaux contrary to that of the Court of Agen the Heirs of Charles Motty inhabiting in the City of Bourdeaux have been compelled to pay yearly Contributions unto the Fraternity of the Trade of the Deceased And those of the Church of St. Ambroise to pay for the Rent of that House where the Divine Service after the Mode of the Romish Catholick Church is Solemnized and those of Souve and Peyrols in the Sevennes by an Order only of the Praesidial Court of Nismes and those of Séynes in Provence to the Building of the Vicaridge Houses and Churches there Your Majesty is therefore most Humbly Petitioned to Maintain and Preserve Your Petitioners in the Liberty of their Consciences and to Abrogate and Disannul according to the Edicts those Condemnatory Decrees issued out against them on this account 9. By the 18th Article of the Edict of Nantes all persons of whatsoever Quality they be are forbidden to entice or to take away by force Children from their Parents professing our Religion that they may be Baptized or Confirmed in the Romish Catholick Church on pain of being punished exemplarily And yet notwithstanding in divers quarters of your Kingdom Children are violently and by main force ravish'd and taken away from their poor afflicted Parents to be Baptized and Educated against their Wills in the Religion of the Romish Church and particularly the Daughter of one Redon an Apothecary living at Mayniers and the Child of Giles Connan being but two years and eight months old was by the Nuns of Antrigues enticed away from her Mother and by downright violence detained in their Nunnery notwithstanding all her cries and importunities to recover her Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to cause that Your Subjects of the said Reformed Religion may enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences with security according as it hath been granted them even in this point by Your Edicts and to cause the Violaters of them to be punished according to Law 10. By the 13th Article of the Edict of Nantes and by the 38 of particular Matters the Professors of our Religion are permitted to have publick Schools in those Towns and Places where the Exercise of our Religion is allowed Yet notwithstanding in divers places where their Schools and Colleges be established according to these very Articles of the Edict of Nantes they be disturbed in their Possession of them yea notwithstanding that Explication given of them by Your Majesty in Your Answer to our Bill of Complaint Presented to You by our Deputies Approved and Accepted by Your Self July the 13th 1621 wherein Your Majesty did expresly declare That by the Edict it is permitted to those of the said Religion to establish Colleges in those Towns and Places where they enjoy the Exercise of their Religion and Your Majesty did Grant the very self-same Privileges unto these our Colleges which are enjoyed by the Colleges Erected Received and Approved in this Kingdom Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to forbid all persons whatsoever the interrupting or disturbing those of our Religion in the Possession and Enjoyment of those Schools Colleges and Universities aforesaid which Your Majesty had formerly Granted by Your Letters Patents and Decrees of Council unto the Towns of Nerac and Coignac and other places notwithstanding all Judgments Orders and Decrees and other matters contrary thereunto And Your Majesty is most Humbly beseeched that they may be all Abrogated and Disannull'd 11. The Lords Carlincas and de Lagett Commissioners Deputed by Your Majesty to divide the Colleges of Languedoc which are of Royal Foundation not being contented to have satisfied the Tenor of their Commission they would also take Cognizance of the Theological University of Nismes maintained by those of the Reformed Religion And it so happened that the Lord of Carlincas a Roman Catholick hath by a Decree of his own interdicted it without so much as hearing any of the Parties concerned and on the contrary the Lord of Lagett hath Judged and Decreed That it ought to subsist according to the Edicts All which Orders and Decrees having been
sent unto Your Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council although we had not the least notice nor intimation of it there is a Decree issued forth simply without any Restriction confirming the Decree of the Lord Carlincas to the Prejudice of that Liberty granted us by Your Edicts Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to cause the said Decree to be Vacated and Repealed and in Favour of Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion at Nismes to Ordain That their Theological University may stand upon the same Grounds with that of Montauban both being of the same nature and this according to a Decree of Your Council pass'd on their behalf 12. By Your Majesty's Edicts and as it is always practised in the Execution of them yea and by Your Answer to the Third Article of our Bill of Grievances presented to Your Majesty in July 1625. all Professors of our Religion yea and our Ministers themselves were allowed to dwell and inhabit in any part of your Kingdom Yet notwithstanding now-a-days our Ministers cannot be permitted to dwell in divers places as in Aubenas Mezin Saux Villefranque Corbigny and other places from which our said Ministers have been driven away which is contrary to your Edicts Your Majesty therefore is most Humbly Petitioned to ordain according to your Edicts that our Ministers aforesaid and all others of our Religion may be suffered to dwell and inhabit freely and quietly in all places of Your Majesty's Dominion 13. And divers others tho' not Ministers are meerly out of hatred to their Religion every day vexed and afflicted as in Your Towns of Bourg Aubenas La Voute Chaalons in Burgundy and in sundry other places from whence poor Tradesmen are partly by Threats and partly by actual Violence offered to them driven away directly contrary to the Authority and the very Letter and plain words of Your Edicts And Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested to Order That they may enjoy the benefit of them and to enjoyn Magistrates and all other persons to observe on their behalf the first of the Particular Articles of the Edict of Nantes 14. By the 45. Article of Particular Matters in the Edict of Nantes and by a Decree of your Council Dated July the 17th 1624. and by Your Majesty's Answer to the Bill of Complaints of Your said Subjects July the 23d 1621. and April the 12th 1622. the Ministers of our Religion were exempted from Watching Warding Rounds Lodging of Souldiers Assessing and Collecting of Taxes and from payment of their Quota to them or any other Impositions whatsoever on the account of their Houshold Goods Pensions or Salaries Yet notwithstanding in divers places of Your Kingdom they be Assessed to Watch and Ward to the Billetting of Souldiers to pay Forest Money for their Lands there although they have none at all in their hands but Lett them out to Farmers who pay those very Taxes for them yea also in very many places they do compel them and extort from them round Sums for the Payment of Taxes due by the Parishes and in case of Failure or Omission their Houshold Goods are Distrain'd and their Persons Seized and Imprisoned and amerced in great Fines as particularly the Minister of Previlly hath been thus misused Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to grant them the enjoyment of those Immunities and Exemptions which have been accorded them by your Edicts Declarations and Answers to out Bills of Grievances and to forbid all Persons to trouble them and that the Assessors Collectors and Receivers of Taxes may not extort from them any Payments the Taxes only excepted for those Immovables enjoyed by them 15. And whereas there be yet detained many Captives in Your Galleys who have been there many years and for none other account than the past troubles Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested to cause them to be set at Liberty and to extend unto them the same Clemency Your Majesty vouchsafed unto others in the year 1613 by Your Answer to the 5th Article of our Bill of Grievances which was then presented by Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion unto Your Majesty 16. By the 34. and 51. Articles of the said Edict it was Ordained that the Courts of the Edict should Judge Soveraignly and without Appeal from them unto any other Court whatsoever of all Processes then in being or that might be moved in time to come and in which those of our Religion are Parties yea and in what concerns the Execution or Inexecution or Infraction of the Edicts yet notwithstanding sundry Praesidial Courts as that of Bourg in Bresse and the Intendant of Justice there do every day attempt and actually do give Judgment without admitting of any Appeal from them as also the Parliaments of Aix and Rennes do Issue out their Decrees directly contrary to the Letter of the Edict and in such matters as the Cognizance whereof is interdicted them and reserved only to Your Mix'd Courts Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested to Abrogate and Revoke all those Judgments and Decrees so incompetently given forth by those aforesaid Praesidial Courts Intendants and Parliaments to the prejudice of Your Edicts and particularly that Decree of the Parliament of Aix against the Book written by Monsieur Gaillard Intituled Le Proselite Evangelique and against his Person and to remand back the matters of Fact contained in them to the Courts of the Edict who ought of right only to take Cognizance and Judge of them with a Prohibition unto all other Judges nor to intermeddle with any matters properly belonging to your Majesty's Courts of the Edicts 17. Although that by the 17th Article of the Edict of Nantes Confirmed by all subsequent Edicts of your Majesty those who do or shall make Profession of our Reformed Religion are declared to be capable of Exercising all Trades of Holding and Enjoying all Dignities Offices and Publick Employments whatsoever yet nevertheless they be Excluded in divers parts of your Kingdom from all publick Charges Offices and Dignities they cannot be received unto the Degree of Doctors nor Incorporated into the Colleges of the Faculty of Physick nor admitted to the Practice thereof nor to be Masters of those Trades wherein they have served their Apprenticeship nor may they perform the Functions of those very Offices whereunto they were Privileged by their Patents Our Publick Notaries and Attorneys of Bailywicks having been interdicted the Exercise of their Callings by a Decree of your Council April 28. 1637. Wherefore your Majesty is most Humbly Requested that their Profession of the Protestant Religion may not be made a Crime and that whilst they adventure their Lives and Fortunes in your Majesty's Service equally with your other Subjects they may not be deprived of the benefit of your Edicts And we Humbly beseech your Majesty to Ordain that they may be for the future indifferently admitted unto all Charges Dignities and Masterships of Trades and that such as have a Patent for them may be maintained in the full and free
fears that it will ever take with or go down in your Churches or Spirits and makes us believe that all these little Projects will be resolved into their first Principles of wind and smoak to the sole prejudice of the Vanity of the Undertakers Accept most Reverend and Honoured Brethren in good part these thoughts so freely Communicated to you from your Loyal Sister which owes you her All and can pay you but Little excepting the deep sorrows of her heart for the general Calamities of the Church and her continual Sighs and Cries unto Almighty God for the Peace thereof and that he would be pleased to return with his Majesty and Glory unto the many thousands of Israel and re-edifie his ruinated Zion and above all to continue his Grace Protection and Benediction upon you All with whom she is most intimately united and perfectly conjoin'd in the firmest and most antient bonds of an Holy Love which together with her most earnest Cares and devoutest Prayers she doth continually offer up unto the Divine Majesty for the Health and long Life of your Sovereign Lord the King for the prosperous success of his Affairs for the re-establishing of Peace and Tranquillity in his Kingdom in which both ye and we are so very much concerned and by means whereof we cannot but hope that our poor afflicted Brethren in Foreign Provinces may also through the Grace of God meet with Peace and Settlement May the good hand of the Almighty make your Assembly a blessed Instrument of your Peace Union and Perseverance in the Truth and fullfil all our Desires and Prayers for the Consolation of all his Churches and that you may be the first who shall enjoy the Fruit of your Labours by the Witness of God's Holy Spirit in your Hearts and the happy effects of your Holy and Prudent Debates and Counsels We conclude all with the tender of our most Humble Faithful and Cordial Services and Affections and of our most intire Union with you in Spirit which we most humbly beg of the Lord to Sanctifie and Consummate in its full and total Perfection in the Kingdom of his Glory Your most Humble and most Affectionate Brethren and Servants in the Lord the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva and for them all From Geneva April 26. 1637. Diodati Tronchin Chabray Prevost and Pauleint CHAP. XXIX The Testimonials of divers Doctors and Universities unto the Treatise of Monsieur Rivett against the Books of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard To the most Honoured and our most Excellent Colleague Andrew Rivett Professor of Divinity WE did read with singular delight your Remarks on the Writings of Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor at Saumur which we had seen sometimes before and we have found them exactly agreeing both with the Holy Scripture in all Articles of Faith and in those wherein our National Synod of Dort had declared its Judgment and therefore we approve of your Writing as being very Learned and Moderate and count it Worthy of Praise from all Orthodox Divines and we doubt not in the least but that this your Labour will be most acceptable unto the now approaching National Synod of France and will be useful and serviceable for the suppressing and putting a period by due and proper ways unto these late Controversies which some certain Pastors affected and addicted unto Novelties have to their shame raised in the French Churches to the great Offence of very many Godly Persons From Leyden March 14. 1637. Your Reverences most Affectionate Colleagues Johannes Polyander Antonius Wallaeus Antonius Thysius and Jacobus Triglandius Extracts out of a Letter sent by Mr. John Bogerman to Mr. Andrew Rivett from Franequer Feb. 7. 1637. HAving thus concerted that Affair among our selves we now Write you our present Judgment which in this Paper is Transmitted to you begging of God with all our heart That he would bless your Holy Labours and behold in the Son of his Love your distressed Churches of France which have been hitherto as a Pure and Chaste Virgin and have kept inviolably their Oath of Fidelity unto the Truth but now-a-days begin to be troubled with impure Errors and of a very dangerous Heterodoxy My Colleagues could not read that French Book of the Professor Amyraud because they don't understand the French Tongue therefore did I most Faithfully make those Extracts which you see out of his Writings Our ears could not suffer with any Patience those Novelties of a double Predestination unto Salvation and of a certain general knowledge by the light of Nature of the Mercy of God to all Men and of another particular knowledge of the same Mercy unto particular persons of a double Decree of God without any knowledge of Christ The good Lord be merciful unto these Brethren and according to his infinite goodness grant that they may have but one and the same Mind and the same Language with all the Churches of Christ and may he ever watch over you to keep and preserve you for many long years yet to come to the Glory of his Great Name and the Edification of his Church To that most Excellent Person our most Dear Brother in Jesus Christ Master Rivett Greeting SIR HAving received your Writing together with the Books of this 21. of January we perused them very diligently and were grieved in our hearts that the Seeds of new troubles were sowen in your Churches of France Thus Satan who is always the same and like himself endeavours by vile Errours to obscure the Lustre of the Truth and continually discovers himself a most mortal Enemy of the Grace of God And Oh that our most Gracious God whose great Benignity towards us deserveth our everlasting Praises would deign to preserve your poor Churches of France from all their Enemies and from those woful troubles attending on them These Attacks of the Adversary are ill-boding signs of some sad Events which may betide them unless they be resisted with singular Prudence and an immovable Resolution in their first beginnings and that they be stifled in the Birth For what is it that Men are hammering out of this multitude of Errors but a certain new Arminianism Pelagianism and Socinianism That odd and ridiculous Opinion of Vorstius concerning the changeable Decrees is once again digged out of its Grave and brought upon the publick Theatre yea and that spurious Doctrine of the Jesuits condemned by the School-men themselves appears bare-faced before the World Alas How many points incompatible one with another are there to be found in Monsieur Testard his Book For his latter Theses subvert the former and so far are these Pamphlets from conciliating Peace that to the contrary we believe the Adversaries are more exasperated by them animated and strengthened to Combat with us and that Saying of Monsieur Beza may be justly applied to this Script He would have forged a Peace but he hath forged out Dissention Sir You are very well acquainted with the Man and therefore
long lines of Invectives Calumnies and false groundless Suspicions which they will never be able to extract from its publication By which means I doubt not but with my Candor to demulce their humours and by the representing of the lively Light of God in his Holy Word to illuminate them and by the Celestial sweetness thereof to allure even some of the fiercest Spirits amongst them to the good ways of God for however they may contradict men 't is difficult for them to contradict the Heavenly Sweets of God's Word Which I speak by experience of my Italian Translation for having where I could with a safe Conscience followed St. Jerom it was not unsuccessful If this happiness might now befal me which is not to be hoped for from our Vulgar French Translation judged by them over partial there is no Fear nor Worldly Respect that should weigh down with me Some tell me the time is unseasonable but I answer 'T is never out of season to do good and to be too intent upon the times is the right and ready way to lose all and these times of ours which do stupifie our Souls with the horrors of those woful events happened in them do contrariwise seem the most proper for the slipping of this Labour into the World which feareth no assault but what may be given it in the birth Besides my declining years do call upon me to consider the small time that is left me to give life unto this Fruit unless I would have it buried together with me in my Grave or I must let it come forth into the World all maimed and disfigured after my Decease For all these Reasons and Considerations most Reverend and most Honoured Brethren I shall conclude with two most humble and earnest Petitions to you One is That you would not in this Affair make any Reflection upon those Sentiments which are now disputed in this Church for tho' at the bottom it cannot but have other movements than you have yet nevertheless it cannot subsist but under your Shadow which if removed it must needs fall to the ground My other Request to you is That you would be pleased freely to vouchsafe me what lieth in your power to do for me which is not an Approbation of a Work never seen by you and to demand it of you would be a very unjust thing in me much less that you should give it with the privilege of a publick usage which would be an exorbitant Temerity but this only not to condemn me nor to hinder this first Edition which I desire only to publish unto the World for discovery of Mens Opinions of it and to be farther sifted and examined by them By this Equanimity of yours you will consolate me under my Travails and sore Pains you will renew my Vigour and raise my Spirits and incourage me also to publish my Latin Translation at the many instances and ardent desires which are made me But in case you should be so pre-occupied as to deny me this small favour I do now beg your pardon if I say with an extreme grief that I shall lock up my self in the Cloister of my own Conscience and rest quietly in this confidence that this work will at last be more accepted and approved than at first and I shall imitate St. Jerome who out of meer respect to the Union and Charity of St. Augustine with the African Synods resolved to displease himself for a short time that he might afterward more happily give content unto Posterity and according to the example of all good Servants who even in some remarkable act of their Duty and Service do often digest with patience the disdain of their Superiors and exceed in obedience that they may give them a more certain and better accompt of their Fidelity in the upshot of their Work I pray God that if it be his gracious Will I may receive from your fraternal hands this Fruit of Peace and Consolation and that from his Fatherly hands you may receive his abundant and most powerful Blessing upon all your Holy Deliberations and Actions I beseech you grant me that Honour of being avowed by you Geneva May 1st 1637. Messieurs and most Honoured Brethren Your most Humble and most Faithful Brother and Servant in the Lord DIODATI THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty eighth Synod OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held the Third time AT CHARENTON St. MAVRICE NEAR PARIS On Monday the Six and Twentieth Day of December and ended Thursday the Six and Twentieth Day of January following In the Years of our Lord 1644. and 1645. The CONTENTS of the Third Synod of CHARENTON Chap. I. THe Synod opened with Prayer The General Deputy presenteth the King 's Writ for calling the Synod The Deputies unto the Synod Manner of choosing the Synodical Officers 16.3 Chap. II. Letters Patents for the Lord if Boisgrollier to be His Majesty's Commissioner in the Synod 4. The Commissioner's Speech unto the Synod Chap. III. The Moderator's Answer to it very smart close and pertinent Chap. IV. The Synod's Letters unto the King and Lords of the Council Chap. V. The Return of the Deputies with the King's Answer The Deputies Address to the Prince of Conde His Answer Letters from Foreign Churches Vniversities and Divines not suffered to be Answered 11. The Old General Deputy lays down his Office another imposed upon the Churches by the King 12. The Bill of Grievances must be drawn up privately by a Select Committee 13. Thanks returned by the Synod unto the last General Deputy 15. Chap. VI. A Second Letter to the King and the Queen Chap. VII Confession of Faith approved Chap. VIII Observations upon the Discipline An Appellant shall abstain from the Lord's Table 2. No Mm shall Marry the Mother of his Deceased Spouse without a Dispensation from the Civil Magistrate 3. The Widow of a Deceased Brother may be Married with the Magistrates Dispensation 4. No Proposans shall get into the Pulpit 5. The Deputies Letters of Commission unto the National-Synod shall be Signed by the Synodcal Officers of their respective Provinces 7. Cousin Germans shall not Marry without the King's Dispensation 8. Chap. IX Form of Baptizing Pagans Jews Mahometans Anabaptists and Adult Infidels now embraceing the Christian Religion Ministers to give the Cup at the Lord's Table 11. Order about Catechising 12. The Memoirs sent by the Provinces must be Signed by the Moderatiors in their Synods or they will be thrown out of the National 15. The Moderator to Vote last 16. Chap. X. Observations upon the Synod of Alanson The last Will of a Deceased Minister not fullfilled 4. The Business of Monsieur Amyraud revived and immediately stifled by the National Synod 6.7 Chap. XI Of Appeals A Minister made Emeritus 3. Discipline Exercised upon one who had Married his Wifes Neece and other Delinquents 13. Monsieur Codur an Ancient Minister and Professor of Divinity Censured for attempting to Reconcile the Reformed Churches of France with
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
any Excommunication against Ministers and others who shall change their Religion for that of the Roman Catholicks nor to treat them reproachfully either by Word of Mouth or Writing or any other manner of way whatsoever Nor shall you admit for the future any Foreigner into the Ministery among you And therefore you be commanded to insert into the Attestations of Proposans who are to be Ordained and of Ministers who are to be received into any Church the Names of the Place of their Birth And farther Provincial Synods are inhibited to Call or Proclaim any General Fasts And that the Publick Peace and Tranquillity may be Secured his Majesty injoyneth Ministers according to the Command of God to Preach unto his Subjects that Obedience which they owe unto him and that it is not lawful for them to take up Arms against their Sovereign upon any Cause or Account whatsoever Moreover they be forbidden to make use of in their Sermons or Writings the Words Scourgings Martyrdoms and Persecution of their Religion or as if their Churches were the only True Church of God and are thus Misused Moreover whenever they speak of the Pope they shall not call him Antichrist nor treat him disrespectfully nor shall they Tax the Roma Catholick Apostolick Church with Idolatry nor the Sacraments and Ceremonies thereof as Human Inventions and Idolatries upon pain of Interdiction to themselves and others for so doing Furthermore they be forbidden to make any Private Collections from House to House nor to take a Farthing out of the Poor's Box or from Legacies bequeathed to them or the Fifth Peny of those Moneys nor to Cite any One before the Justice for Non-payment of their Sallaries and Wages nor for their Charge in Riding unto Colloquies and Synods nor for Repairing and upholding of their Temples In these Matters 't is his Majesties Will and Pleasure that Forty Fourth Article in the Edict of Nantes be punctually Observed and Performed And whereas their Majesties be informed that you send your Children to Study and to be Educated in Learning at Geneva in Switzerland Holland and England which are Nations and Republicks averse to Monarchy and who may imbue them with Corrupt Principles about Secular and Political Affairs the Consequence whereof is very great and the Effects flowing from them very dangerous That these may be in time prevented their Majesties desire of you that this Article may be Inserted into your Discipline concerning Proposans and that it be most strictly for the future observed in all your Provinces That no Proposans nor Divines shall be Ordained Ministers nor admitted Pastors into any of the Churches if they have Studied in any of those Countries or in any of their Universities And they have commanded me to assure you that your Conformity to their Intentions in such an Important Affair will be a thing most acceptable unto them and very advantagious to all the Professors of your Religion I am also charged to let you understand that their Majesties are much displeased that contrary to that Amnesty so much recommended by the Edicts in the Calendars of Psalms imprinted at Geneva 1635 these very Words are Inserted That on the Fifteenth Day of March 1545 was Assembled that detestable Council of Trent And there be also in them other such like Offensive Matters and that in the Twenty Fourth Article of your Confession of Faith the Roman Catholick and Apostolick Religion is styled An Abuse and Deceit of Satan and that Purgatory is a meer Cheat and the Shop out of which are sprung Monastick Vows Pilgrimages and other such Corruptions And in the Twenty Eighth Article you use these Words We Condemn those Assemblies in the Papacy where all these Superstitions and Idolatries are in Vogue Their Majesties cannot suffer that such Words should be Sworn in a National Synod they accounting them scandalous and injurious to their Religion and to that Church whereof his Majesty hath the Honour to be the Eldest Son and injurious to the Pope whom his Majesty believeth to be the Head of the Church calling him Holy Father and with whom he is in a strict Alliance and Amity Their Majesties Desire that in a matter so near their Heart as this is you would yield them that Respect and Observance which shall be Injoyned you and is now more particularly from their Majesties propounded to you Let me add One thing more which their Majesties commanded me to acquaint you with that they very just cause to Complain of you that since his Majesty began his Reign those of your Religion have took upon them to set up Preaching and the Exercise of your Worship in Languedoc and elsewhere in an Open Violent Manner contrary to the Publick Peace and the general Laws of the Kingdom which do equally forbid the Subjects both of the one and the other Religion to be their own Judges and to carve out Right unto themselves although they had been Wrong'd and Justice was on their Side And for that they durst make Acts and Pass them Resolutely after they had once Debated them in their Colloquies and Provinces and Confirmed them at a Meeting in the Consistory of Anduza and had returned Thanks to them who Executed that Riot and began to Revolt that so it might be done with more and greater Authority And those of Vsez also have placed Bells in their Temple without any leave first had or Obtained and contrary to the Articles upon which they Capitulated and Surrendred Their Majesties also are yet farther displeased that those who Profess your Religion in Languedoc have enterprized the Reviving of Deputations unto the Court of Monpellier Nismes and Vsez which had been Supprest ever sine the Year 1622 even when the Capitulation of the City of Monpellier was made and that the Sieur Peyrol Vestrie and Fournier did get themselves to be Deputed when there was no Synod and are become Partisans contrary to his Majesties Prohibitions And that Preaching and the Exercises of your Religion are set up in divers Parts by a meer Private Authority and beyond those Bounds appointed by his Majesties Commissioners to execute the Edict of Nantes yea and contrary to the Words of that self same Edict they continue Preaching in those Places where the Church-men are Lords of the Soil and of this his Majesty hath been fully informed And besides all this certain Ministers have taken unto themselves that Unbounded Liberty as to vent in their Pulpits Seditious Discourses and have cut off from Communion with them those Parents who send their Children to the Colledges of Regents who are of the Roman Catholick and Apostolick Religion And they have given me in Charge to tell you that these be Notorious Infractions of the Edicts contrary to your Duty to the Prejudice of the King and of the Publick Tranquillity the which his Majesty hath been so careful to conserve on his Part that he neither can nor ought as the Common Father of his People to suffer such Actings when as
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
about an Hundred Years agoe before any Edict was granted in favour of our Religion and was presented by them unto Francis the Second who then Reigned to give his Majesty a reason of their Hope and account of those Corruptions which they firmly believed to be in that Faith professed and Retained by the Church of Rome and that therefore it needed Reformation Insomuch as none of out French Protestants did at first nor can they now without being guilty of gross Prevarication change that form of Expression which hath from its very beginning been inserted into our Confession whereby to declare sincerely and in truth their common Belief authorised in the Year 1561 by the Edict of January and since by that of Nantes granted us by Henry the Great and Confirmed by the Late King and his Majesty now reigning Thirdly The whole Roman Catholick Creed was never nor can ever be truly qualified an Abuse and Deceit of Satan seeing that both the Church of Rome and the Protestants have no difference about the Doctrin of the Trinity and of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus which are the principal points of Christianity yet together with these Fundamental Verities and own'd by all Christians in France Germany and elsewhere there have been divers other Articles of Faith brought into the Romish Creed to which we cannot yield any Assent or Consent such are those of the Intercession of Saints of Purgatory of the Pope and sundry others which though they have been in Vogue in that Church for many Ages have notwithstanding been constantly opposed and contradicted by all Protestants both in France and other Countries So that should we abandon the Profession of our Faith permitted us by the Edict and that Confession we have made and declared of it with all Imaginable Sincerity and Truth in the Presence of God who searcheth our Hearts and cannot endure Hypocrisie nor an Evil Conscience we should render our Selves Guilty of a most inexcusable Imposture we should dissemble and Counterfeit in Religion and utterly ruin all our Hopes of Heaven and Everlasting Life by means of a Sacrilegious Profession not in the least believed by us Wherefore it is the hope of our pour Churches that his Majesty imitating the Examples of his Predecessors who granted to their Faithful Subjects the Liberty of their Consciences will the rather favour us with his Royal Support and Protection for that open Profession we do make of our Faith than if we had dissembled it or kept it secretly and close in our own Bosoms or uttered it in Ambiguous and Equivocating Expressions which would have turn'd our Religion into a Cheat and through a Fallacious Compliance full of Fraud and Imposture would have perfidiously Betray'd the Holy Faith of our Fellow protestants and be the Bane of our own Consciences Fourthly As to the Printer of Geneva he does not depend on the National Synods of this Kingdom nor hath he any Orders from us nor received any Command from his Superiors to use those Terms which he did and we wish he had forborn them though yet he Speaks and Prints nothing but what is the common Sense and Opinion of all Protestants in Europe who have all unanimously from the very first with One Consent impugned that Council of Trent as to the form of its Convocation the Proceedings Decrees and Anathema's thereof which also sundry Roman Catholick Princes have done who by their Ambassadors made and entred their Solemn Protests against it and its Decrees So did the Emperor Charles the Fifth from whom our King is Descended by his Mother's Side by the Lord of Mendoza So did Henry the Second by the then Lord Abbot of Bellozonne who was afterward Bishop of Auxerre And so did Charles the Ninth by Monsieur Ferrier who describing this Famous Assembly resembled it to a Scorpion pricking the French Church and used an Expression every way at Emphatical as that of the Geneva Printer whose Liberty is yet so displeasing unto their Majesty Fifthly Nor have our Churches been ever so unmindful of their Duty and Subjection as audaciously to assume unto themselves a power of being Judges in their own Cause and doing themselves right But the naked truth of the matter is this that being favoured with his Majesties Declaration which ratified the Edict of Nantes and those secret Articles and Concessions included in it which had been granted by our former Kings several particular Churches being restored unto their Ancient Right fully and compleatly they believed that it was no Crime on their part to make use of them according to the Intention of his Majesty Sixthly And it was upon this Innocent Supposition and which had not in it any the least tendency unto Disobedience against the Publick Government that the Exercise of our Religion accustomarily performed at Ribaute for Seventy Years together without any Interruption being violently hindred by the Lady of that Place and Monsieur Arnaud Pastor of Anduze who was invited by the People offering himself to Minister to them for their Edification according to the ancient Practice was driven away by meer Force by a Company of Soldiers commanded thither by the said Lady and he thereupon was imprisoned by Order from the Lord Lieutenant of Languedoc and notwithstanding his Appeal unto the Court of the Edict yet he was actually Condemned for which Grievance he is now prostrate at his Majesties Feet humbly imploring his Majesties Clemency and Justice according to the Edict Seventhly The Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc for the acquitting and discharge of their Churches which hath sent them do maintain that those Three Cities of Nismes Vsez and Montpellier having deputed the Sieurs Peyrol Vestrie and Fournier to tender in their Names with all possible speed their First and Bounden Duties unto his Majesty and their most Humble and Unfeigned Thanks for the grant of his Declaration They did also Petition for his Majesties Protection and Justice and with the lowliest Submission and Respect they demanded also a Reparation of the Infractions of the Edict according to the constant practice of our Churches so that they cannot be perswaded that those said Cities are fallen from the Duty which becomes good Subjects and whereunto they are obliged by their Consciences Nor are they at all to be blamed for Addressing themselves unto his Majesty against the Prohibition of the Lord Intendant though he used his Majesties Name directly contrary to his Majesties Intention notified to us and to the World by his publick Declaration Eighthly Nor is the City of Vsez guilty of violating the Edict no not in that particular Capitulation with his Majesty nor doth it need a new Grant for an ancient Usage which was never taken from them by any Previous Inhibition That Bell of which there is so much Noise and so loud Complaints made unto his Majesty was ever placed in the Steeple of the Temple from its first Foundation and continued there till a little before the Capitulation when the
Tower being likely to fall it was removed to one of the Corners of the Temple and no sooner was the Steeple Repaired but that the Bell was returned into its ancient Place And in all that Province the Word of God is Preached in none other Places but what are allowed by the Edict which Confirmed our Churches in their Possessions injoyed by them for above Fourscore Years and it were better for them to suffer Death than to loose this their Right Tenthly Nor have there been in the Churches of that Province any Parents for sending their Children to the Colledges of Jesuits suspended from the Sacraments but according to the Discipline which is allowed us by the Edicts Nor may the Professors of our Religion for observing this Canon which contributes so much to the Peace of their own Consciences and the Morals of their Children with any the least shew of Reason be Impeached or Condemned because they be bound to Train and Educate them by all fitting Means and Instructions in the Fear of God and Obedience to the King and an Abhorrency and detestation of those Cursed Principles which having been once instilled into the tender Minds of young Scholars by the Regents of the Jesuits Colledges have plunged this Kingdom once and again into a Sea of Tears and Sorrows Nor are we guilty of Violating the Edict as before because not only the Sorbonne but the whole University of Paris which is the most ancient in the Kingdom and of Europe it self hath now this very day commenced a Suit at Law against the Jesuits for Debauching our Youth and poysoning them in their Morals A thing never to be endured by Church or State because contrary both to sound Policy and true Theology And whereas we are prohibited to send our Scholars designed for the Ministry to study Divinity either in Geneva Switzerland the Confederate Netherlands or England we most humbly beseech his Majesty that our Churches may injoy their Liberty granted us by the former Kings his Royal Predecessors as unto all other his Subjects without any distinction of Religion Because Geneva hath been for these Fifty Years and more under the immediate Protection of this Crown and that it hath always imbraced the Interests of France and all those other Estates are allied unto this Kingdom and conserve themselves much more inviolably in their Alliance with his Majesty than any other Princes of Christendom whatsoever Besides these very Nations from whose Universities we are debarred Studying in do send their own Youth into France to Polish and Refine their Manners to be instructed in good Learning and thereby do give a most Valid Testimony that they are so far from being Enemies to France that they be very much in Love with the Order and Government thereof Besides many who are now Pastors in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and have studied in some or all of those Foreign Universities did never withdraw themselves nor others from that Obedience owed by them unto his Majesty nor have hinted any the least shew or dislike or aversion for Monarchy under which the French Nation have subsisted and by which they have been ruled Successively from Father to Son for above 1200 Years And forasmuch as his Majesty doth not think good to forbid the Youth of this Kingdom who are Students in Philosophy Law or Medicine to travel into Foreign Parts no nor into Commonwealths as Venice c. where there is and at Padua also a very great Confluence of our Nation diligently following their Studies in all those Faculties we do once more Repeat our most Humble Request that our Churches may injoy their Former and Ancient Liberty in these Matters CHAP. IV. A Deputation from the Synod unto their Majesties and the Lords of the Privy Council 7. THe Assembly Nominated the Sieurs Vincent and Chabrol Pastors and the Sieurs de Panieure and de Clesles Elders to wait immediately upon their Majesties and to lay at their Majesties Feet our most humble Submissions and Thanks and to deliver our Letters to the King Queen Regent the Duke of Orleans to the Prince of Conde to the Lord Cardinal Mazarin to the Lord Chancellor to the Lord Treasurer to Monsieur D'Emery Comptroller General and to Monsieur de Vrilliere Secretary of State to whose Division the Professors of the Reformed Religion appertained A Copy of a Letter Written by the Synod unto the King Sire THis our Assembly was no sooner formed but we applied our Selves unto the Divine Majesty for his Blessing upon it and the First Thought that came into our Souls was to acquit our Selves conscientiously of our Duty to your Majesty who are the most Lively Portraiture of our God and to this purpose we immediately dispatched the Sieurs Vincent and Chabrol Pastors de Panieure and de Clesles Elders to lay at your Majesties Feet our Homage and Submissions as likewise to render to you our most Humble Thanks for that singular favour we have received from your Majesty in granting us this Priviledge of Meeting together in this Synod in which we labour Zealously to Serve our God to Confirm and Strengthen our Selves in his Service and in all Duty and Obedience to your Majesty And being so near your most Excellent Majesty and those Glorious Intelligences which do inviron you and well knowing that your Majesties Eyes are upon us and that we be equally under your Majesties Inspection and Power we are incouraged to discharge our Selves worthily of our Duty and to persist in that Fidelity which is Natural and Hereditary to us and shall be Entailed by us upon our Posterity But Sire the principal end of our Deputing these Gentlemen unto your Majesty is to testify the Triumphant Joy of all our Churches and that unspeakable Satisfaction we feel in our Souls to see your Majesty advanced unto the Throne a King whom with Multitudes of Prayers reiterated with the greatest Ardor and Importunity we had demanded of our God for many and many a Year together We believe Sire that God hath given you out of the Treasures of his Mercy out of the Riches of his Grace unto your France to bring back unto us the Golden Age and to be the Glorious Instrument of his Choicest and most Exquisite Favours because that he Crowneth your first Entrance upon the Government with wonderful Success and unexpected Victories which render your Majesty formidable to your Enemies and make your People to consider you as a precious Bud of Infinite Prosperities which the Providence of God hath kept in store for poor France under your Government We believe Sire that it will be very pleasing to you that we should share and participate with your other Subjects in those Blessings which God dispenseth through your Hands sith that we labour and shall by the most Signal Characters of Fidelity always labour to render cur Selves worthy of them and for that our Lives Fortunes and Honours shall be all Sacrificed with the greatest Chearfulness in
your Majesties Service as often as we shall have the Honour of your Commands and Summons 'T is in this posture Sire that we desire to Live and Die being not only by our Birth and Obligations but by our most Ardent Affections From Charenton December 28th 1644. Sire Your Majesties most Humble most Obedient and most Faithful Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders Assembled by Permission of your Majesty in the National Synod at Charenton and in the Name of them all Garrissoles Moderator Banage Assessor Blondel Scribe and Le Coq Scribe A Copy of the Letter Written by the Synod unto the Queen Regent Madam WE cannot but esteem this Day in which we lie prostrate at your Feet in the Persons of our Deputies as one of the most Happy Days of our Life No sooner had God intrusted your Majesty with the Government of this Kingdom but you may well remember how very diligent our Churches were to obtain this Honour whereof we stand now Possessed to signify in your Majesties Presence that exceeding Joy with which we were transported to see how the Providence of God was particularly concerned for the Weal of France and that when we had so sad an Occasion of Weeping and Mourning at the Death of our late King of Glorious Memory yet even then our Sorrows were Converted into Joys for your Majesties most Happy Exaltation unto the Regency which hath made us almost forgetful of our Loss the Sun now shining forth with greater Brightness than ever Only some cross Accidents interposed and deprived us of this Honour at that time and it was Madam the Will of God that before we appeared in your Majesties Presence we should joyn our then Hopes and Prejudices to those Experiences we all now have of the Blessings of God upon your most prudent and prosperous Government that so the Testimonies of our Joy might be the more Stately and Expressed in Terms far more Magnificent And that our Thankfulness might be Combined with our most Loyal most Humble and Dutiful Submissions Therefore Madam have we deputed unto your Majesty the Sieurs Vincent and Chabrol Pastors and de Panieure and de Clesles Elders to assure your Majesty on behalf of all the Churches of our deep Sense and Gratitude for all your Majesties Favours to us You have Madam continued to us his Majesty's Favours and those of his Royal Predecessors you have confirmed the Edicts granted us by your own Royal Declaration and which is more Madam 't is from your great Bounty that we now have the Liberty and Priviledge of this Assembly which we beseech your Majesty to repute as the most Vniform Meeting and most Harmonious Concourse of all the Hearts of your Subjects professing The Reformed Religion for the Service of your Majesties We Madam shall Love and Obey your Majesty Eternally nor shall any one be your Rival or Competitor with you for our Affections and we shall transmit this our Loyalty unto our Posterity after us as a most Essential part of our Religion And we beseech the Great God by whom Kings Reign and who hath hitherto caused the Lilies of your Crown to flourish so Gloriously that he would Madam be pleased to preserve you for the King our common Master and the King for your Majesty and both of you a long time for France and our Churches that so in the meeting and perpetual Conjunction of both those Luminaries this Kingdom may injoy the most Auspicious and most Beneficial Influences And that Madam your Regency may raise an Emulation in the most Accomplish'd and Consummate Monarchie's and that hereafter it may he a Domestick Pattern unto our King whereunto he may conform his Glorious Actions These Madam are the Vows and most ardent Prayers of your Majest's From Charenton December 28th 1644. Most Humble most Obedient and most Faithful Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders Assembled by your Majesties Permission in the National Synod at Charenton and for them all Garrissoles Moderator Banage Assessor Blondel and Le Coq Scribes CHAP. V. The Return of the Deputies with the Kings Answer 8. ON Thursday the Fifth of January the Sieurs Vincent Chabrol de Panieure and de Clesses returned unto the Synod with Letters from his Majesty and acquainted us with that favourable Audience and Reception they had from the King the Queen Regent his Royal Highness the Duke of Orleans the Lord Cardinal the Lord Chancellor the Lord Treasurer the Comptroller and from the Secretary de la Vrilliere Which obliged all the Churches to bless God for the good Success of their Deputation and seemeth to promise us a speedy Redress of our Grievances yet nevertheless according to our Bounden Duty all the Churches are enjoyned to offer up their most Ardent Prayers unto God for their Majesties Preservation in Health and Life for his Royal Highness the Duke of Orleans and for our Lords the Ministers of State And whereas the said Deputies had not the Honour of Waiting upon the Prince he being then out of Town the Synod ordred them immediately to return to Paris as soon as they had News of his Arrival and to deliver him his Letters and to assure his Highness that our Churches were his most Humble Servants A Copy of the King's Letter unto the Synod By the King Dear and Well-beloved 9. WE have Received your Letters of the Eight and Twentieth Day of the last Month and understand by them to our great Contentment and by your Deputies the Good and Sincere Intentions of your Assembly held by our Permission at Charenton to continue in that inviolable Fidelity and Obedience to us which is your indispensable Duty the which hath given all desirable Satisfaction both to us and to our most Honoured Lady and Mother the Queen Regent Wherefore we were willing you should be informed by this our Letter and we exhort you to persist in this your Resolution and that you would upon all Occasions render us the undeniable Tokens of it by your good Conduct and by your strict Observance of those Orders we have prescribed you about the holding if your National Synod and on all other occurrences whatsoever which may offer themselves for upholding the publicly Tranquillity of this Kingdom And thus performing your Duty to us as we trust you will you may be assured that you shall receive from our Bounty and from that of our most Honoured Lady and Mother the Queen Regent all sort of Protection and favourable Entertainment and shall be supported and preserved under the benefit of our Edicts your Enjoyment of which in all Liberty and Safety under our Reign as during that of our most Honoured Lord and Father the late King will be a singular Pleasure and Delight unto us Of which your Deputies who are now returning to you from us will give you a more full and particular Knowledge Given at Paris this Fourth Day of January 1645. Signed in the Original Louis And a little lower Phelippeaux The Superscription
was To our Dear and Well-beloved the Pastor's and Elders Deputies of the pretended Reformed Religion Assembled by our Permission in a National Synod at Charenton 10. On Tuesday the Tenth Day of January the Assembly being informed that his Highness the Prince was arrived immediately dispatched the Sieurs Vincent Chabrol Panieure and de Clesle unto Paris and to pay their Reverence unto his Highness who returning the next day made Report how Kindly they were received by his Highness who graciously Offered his best Services for the Maintenance of the Edict made in favour of the Churches which was a most particular Joy unto the whole Assembly and obliging us to Hope well from the Favour of that great Lord. 11. The Letters written by the Pastors and Professors of Geneva from their Church and University to Congratulate the good effects of the last National Synod and the Convocation of this now Sitting as also another particular one from Monsieur Diodati about the Edition of his French Translation of the Holy Bible and one from Dr. Andrew Rivet Pastor and Professor of Divinity at Leyden then residing at the Hague in the Court of his Highness the Prince of Orange and from the Three Professors of Divinity in the aforesaid University of Leyden concerning the Conformity of Doctrin Taught and Professed in the Churches of the Low Countries to and with that Preached and Confessed in the Churches of this Kingdom were all delivered unto the Lord Commissioner Sealed who having first Opened and Perused them permitted the Reading of them but then immediately retained the Originals to be sent unto the King and in his Name declared that it was his Majesties Will and Pleasure that no Answer should be returned unto them by the Synod which was Obeyed accordingly 12. The Lord Marquess of Clermont having exercised the Office of General Deputy for the Churches ever since the Year 1627 did now Petition his Majesty to be Discharged by reason of his Indisposition and his Majesty having granted him his Request and appointed the Lord Baron of Argiliers to Succeed him and Ordered the Lord Commissioner to acquaint the Synod with it and with his gracious Intentions for the Weal of the Churches The Synod was filled with great Joy for that his Majesty had Committed this Important Trust of our General Deputy unto so well an accomplish'd Person whose Noble Birth Vertue and Piety did every way qualify him for it But it having been ever since the Year 1631. customary for the Churches to present Six Persons unto the Ring Three out of the Nobility and Three others of the Commonalty out of which number his Majesty might prick and chuse any Two who were best pleasing to him and that now this Office of Solliciting at Court the Affairs of our poor Churches is devolved upon one Person only who may be disabled from attending it by Sicknest or some other Accidents which may intervene and hinder it the Assembly yielding a profound Deference a most entire Submission and Obedience unto his Majesty's declared Will and Pleasure did yet notwithstanding most humbly Petition his Majesty to grant us the Restitution of our ancient Practice approved by the Kings his Predecessors that another Person from among the Commons might be constituted in case of the Lord Baron of Argilier's Sickness or of any other Impediment that might happen on his Part to take the care of and sollicit the Affairs of our Churches 13. As the Synod was drawing up a Bill of the Churches Grievances and particularly of the Infractions of the Edict in all the Provinces both before and since its Convocation the Lord Commissioner informed them That though it was his Majesty's Pleasure this Assembly should not in the least deliberate of any State-matters publickly yet he would not hinder them from drawing up such a Bill by a select Committee chosen thereunto who might do it in private out of the Memoirs with which the respective Deputies were charged by their Provincial Synods at their Departure or that since their Arrival at this Town they might have received either from the Churches or from particular Persons who were concerned and had notified those Wrongs that were done them by Letters Whereupon the Synod did plenarily submit unto this Order prescribed them by the Lord Commissioner 14. The Lord Commissioner acquainting the Synod how that the Lord de la Vrilliere Principal Secretary of State had assured him that the Decree for remanding all Causes concerning the Professors of our Religion unto the Courts of the Edict was dispatched and that a Fund of 16000 Livres for defraying the Expences of this Assembly was also assigned he had the most humble and hearty Thanks of the Assembly rendred to him and he was farther intreated to continue more and more to do all good Offices unto the Churches and to get expedited a Decree of Supersedeas which may stop the Violence of our Ill-Wishers and may secure us some Repose till such time as his Lordship the General Deputy do take into his Hands the management of our Affairs which was readily granted by the Lord Commissioner 15. The Sieurs de L' Angle and Cottiby Pastors were joyned in Commission with the Sieurs de Morande and Pellue to present unto their Majesties the Bills of our Churches Grievances and they had Letters also to the King and the Queen Regent to my Lord the Duke of Orleans to my Lord Chancellor to my Lord High Treasurer and to my Lord Emery Comptroller General and to the Lord de la Vrilliere Secretary of State And this Committee are ordered to give the most hearty Thanks of all the Churches unto the Lord Marquiss of Clemont and to assure him of our perpetual Gratitude arid that we shall always remember the great Care and Pains he took for us during his Office of General Deputy and that we will never be wanting in our Prayers unto God for him and his best Blessings upon him And the said Committee were ordered to receive the Sum of 1600 Livres assigned by his Majesty for the defraying our Synodical Charges After that this Committee shall have paid their Duties in the Name of this whole Assembly to both their Majesties and their most Honourable Privy Council the Sieurs of Morande and Pellue shall remain at Paris waiting the coming of the Lord General Deputy and Salute his Lordship from the Assembly and consign unto him the Conduct of our Affairs and in the mean while they shall employ themselves wholly in solliciting the speedy Dispatch of those which are most urgent and admit of no Delay And in case his Lordship our General Deputy do not come to Paris within a Fortnight they shall tarry there till he do And it being in no wise just or equitable that they should lie there upon their own Charges the Assembly granteth that out of the Sum of 1600 Livres assigned by his Majesty for defraying of out Expences they shall draw out for their own Service the Sum
injurious he was unto the Protestants in oppugning as erroneous their common Confession that so to their prejudice he might advantage the Romish Church which doth notoriously confound Two of the greatest Blessings of God and inseparable one from the other though yet always distinct in themselves to wit The Sinners Absolution before the Tribunal of God upon the account of the Merits of Christ Jesus his Obedience imputed to him and Regeneration wrought in the Heart of Man by the Sanctifying Operation of the Holy Ghost And Lastly how much an Enemy he was unto himself in Forsaking his Ministry and the Cure of Souls to become an Advocate of such a Vile and Ungodly Cause as is this of the Papacy which is altogether unreasonable in him for that he undertakes things impossible But he still protesting that he never intended to and never would depart from the Orthodox Creed professed in our Churches and offered to purge and acquit himself from all Suspicions that might be had of him by his Voluntary Subscribing the principal Articles of the Doctrin of Truth from which he was supposed to have swerved and declined They were thereupon offered to him which when he had as freely and in general Signed and Subscribed as he had offered to do it yet it being done with hesitation for some time and this also attended with ambiguous Expressions the Assembly was constrained to doubt of his Sincerity and it was the rather feared for that after the Subscription required he resolutely refused to follow his Vocation and the Counsel of his Brethren discovering an unworthy Disdain and Scorn of that Holy and Honourable Employment in the Ministry of the Gospel whereunto in his Younger Days he was called by God All which considered the Synod interdicted him all the Offices of the Sacred Ministry and of the Profession of Theology and injoyned both the Province and that particular Church where he constantly Resideth to Watch over his Deportments and to give an accompt of him and his Conversation unto the next National Synod which may according to what Testimonials they shall receive of him and his future Carriage proceed unto his Restauration 18. The Sieur Roux coming with Letters and Memoirs written by Twelve Persons or thereabout in the Name of the Consistory of Aymargues to sustain their Appeal which he and others who had Deputed him had made from the Judgment past against them in the Synod of Lower Languedoc and on the other side an Appeal of Monsieur Sigillory Pastor of the Church of Aymargues being read and the Deputies of that Province heard giving an Account of the Reasons of their Judgment this Assembly Declared that those Appeals ought not to have been brought unto it nor should the Provincial Synod have suffered it and doth therefore dismiss the Cognizance of their Affair to the Provincial Synod of Sevennes And whereas divers matters have been alledged but not proved against Monsieur Sigillory concerning violent Actions pretended to have been done by him bitter and injurious Words uttered in his ordinary Talk and Discourses Sermons fraught with Invectives Perverse and Unworthy Wrestings of the Word of God the Consistory of Sauva is Commissionated to send Deputies unto his Church and to inquire and inform themselves of these things upon the Places where they have been said to be uttered and acted and to make report of the whole unto the said Synod which shall have full power to dispose of the Ministry of the said Sigillory according as will most contribute to the Edification of God's Church 19. The Church of Duras having demanded of the Province of Lower Guyenne that Monsieur Thoroud might be bestowed upon them for their Pastor and being denied their Request they brought in an Appeal from them unto this Assembly but sent no Memoirs at all for the upholding of it The Church of Leyras also opposed their Petition and requested of that Provincial and of this National Synod that it might not be deprived of the Ministry of their Pastor the said Monsieur Thoroud Upon the whole the Judgment of the Provincial Synod was Confirmed and the Sieur Thorold fixed in the Pastoral Office of the Church of Leyras and the Appeal of the Church of Duras declared null and void 20. Whereas the Lord de la Baume complained by Word of Mouth and produced Letters and Memoirs from Four Elders and a great many Heads of Families living at Saint Foy and who were Appellants with him opposing the Settlement of Monsieur Privat in the Pastoral Office of their Church and petitioning that Monsieur Alba who was set at Liberty by the last Synod of Lower Guyenne to officiate in his Majesties Army in Germany under the Conduct of his Excellency the Lord Mareschal de Turenne as his Chaplain might be given to them as their Pastor And the Sieur Guyon Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux being heard speak on behalf of his Province and the Sieurs Privat and Alba for what particularly concerned themselves And the Assembly being well assured of the Consent of Mademoiselle de Bouillon who remitted in her Brothers Name the Lord Mareschal of Turenne whatever right he could lay claim unto in the Ministry of the said Alba and condescending to the desire of the Plaintiffs and to put a final end to all their Complaints did Ordain that those Ministers aforesaid the Sieurs Privat and Alba should serve joyntly the said Church of St. Foy and that the said Church may be fully settled and its divided Members mutually and perfectly reconciled among themselves in a cordial Peace and Union the Sieurs Garrissoles and Darashus are Commissionated and Expresly ordered as they return unto their own Province to ride over unto St. Foy and to use all possible means for the Peace and Repose of the said Church and in case they be not able to remove all the Obstructions and to surmount all the Difficulties which may occur the Synod of higher Languedoc is nominated and appointed to hear all Parties and to put a final Period to their Contentions by his last Judicial Sentence from which there shall be no Appealing 21. The Sieur Pejus Appealed from divers Judgments past upon him by Synod of Berry in pursuance of an Act made on his Account in the last National Synod of Alanson This Assembly declareth his Appeal not admittable and ordaineth that the next Synod of Berry shall exert their Authority and see that all his Arrerages due from the Church of Argenton be paid him Honestly and without delay at the rate of Three Hundred and Twenty Livers a Year and that for the future they do constantly furnish him with Three Hundred and Fifty Livers Yearly And in case of any default herein that then the said Pejus shall be set at Liberty to provide for himself in any other Church either within or without the Province 22. The Lady Dutchess of Trimouille having desired Audience of this Assembly which was granted her she proposed that it was very
be none other Affairs debated in it than such as are warranted by the Edicts and that a Commissioner whom his Majesty shall be pleased to appoint do assist in Person in the said Synod as hath always been practised In testimony hereof his Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writ which he was pleased to sign with his own Hand and caused to be conntersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of his Commandments and of his Treasury Signed LOVIS And a little Lower PHELIPPEAVX There appeared in the said Assembly with Letters of Commission from the Provinces which were read by the Sieur Des Loges and the Sieur de Fresnay Elder of the Church of Loudun and the Sieur de Mâ—â—sonâ—als these Persons following 1. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs John Manimilian de L' Angle Pastor of the Church of Rouan and Samuel Boschart Pastor of the Church of Caen accompanied with the Sieurs Daniel Guesdon Elder of the Church of Rouan and Peter de la Musse Esq Lord des Roquettes Elder of the Church of Caen. 2. For the Province of Higher Guienne and Higher Languedoc the Sieurs John Louis Joussauld Pastor of the Church of Castres and Theophilus Arbussy Pastor of the Church of Milhaut accompanied with the Sieurs John de Besnes Esq Lord of Laseron Elder of the Church de Beraux and Master John Brassart Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Montauban 3. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Amedeus de Chandieu Pastor of the Church at Pont de Velles and Peter Mussard Pastor of the Church of Lyon accompanied with Master Samuel Gentis D'anthial Advocate in Parliament Elder in the Church of Chaalons and Master Phillebert de Sage Advocate also in Parliament Elder in the Church of Autan 4. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs David Eustache and Isaac de Bourdieu Pastor in the Church of Montpellier accompanied with the Noble Francis de Toulonge Lord of Foissac Elder in the Church of Vsez and Master Philip Besse Doctor of the Civil Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Beziers 5. For the Province of Orleans and Berry the Sieurs John Perâ—â—ult Pastor of the Church of Orleans and John Taby Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church de la Charite accompanied with the Noble Denis Papin Counsellor to his Majesty and Receiver General for the Demeans of the County of Blois and Master Paul Tonnois Lord of Champs Advocate in Parliament Elders in the Church of Orleans 6. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs Henry Bâ—udan Pastor of the Church de la Salle and Stephen Broche Lord of Mejannes Pastor of the Church of St. Hippolite accompanied with Edward de Charlot Esq Lord and Baron of S. John de Gardonenque Elder in the Church of the same Place and Peter de Gallieres Esq Lord of Pont d' Arti Elder in the Church of Merveil 7. For the Province of Brittain the Sieur Isaac Guitton Pastor of the Church of Sion accompanied with Monsieur John de la Rochelle Lord of Mornay Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard 8. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs Stephen le Blois Pastor of the Church of Fontenay le Compte and John Chabrol Pastor of the Church of Thouars accompanied with Sir Peter Prevost Knight Lord of La Javeliere Elder in the Church of Chantonnay and Puybelliard and Charles Prevost Esq Lord of La Simonie Elder in the Church of Champagne and Mouton 9. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs John Bernard Pastor of the Church de Velots and Marvelle and John Morius Esq Lord of Espasson and of La Bastide Elder in the Church of Manosque 10. For the Province of Anjou Touraine Le Maine Loudunois Vandosme and the Greater Perche the Sieurs Moyses Amyraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Saumur and James de Brissac Lord des Loges Pastor of the Church of Loudun accompanied with the Sieurs Daniel de Goyett Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Angiers and Master Stephen des Landes President in the Extraordinary Assizes of Vaudomois and Elder in the Church of Vandome 11. For the Province of the Isle of France Brie Picardy Champagne and the County of Chartres the Sieurs John Daille Pastor of the Church of Paris and Benjamin Tricotell Pastor of the Church of Calais accompanied with Master Thierry de Marolles Advocate in Parliament and Judg in the Praesidial Court of Vitry Elder of the Church in that Town and Peter Loride Lord of Galiniers Advocate in his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council and Elder in the Church of Paris 12. For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois the Sieurs John Gommarc Pastor in the Church of Vertueil and Isaac Marchand Pastor in the Church of St. John d' Angely accompanied with John de Morell Esq Lord of Thiac of Vigier and of Salle and Francis Lacons Esq Lord of Courelles and Elder in the Church of Cognac 13. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimard and Alexander Dize Pastor of the Church of Grenoble accompanied with Master Francis Goudran Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble and Elder in the Church of Grenoble 14. For the Province of Lower Guienne the Sieurs John Riccotier Minister of Bourdeaux and Jeremiah Viguier Pastor of the Church of Nerac accompanied with Master Jacob Maysonnais Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Bourdeax and with Sir James de Laumont Knight Marquess of Baisse Caumont Elder in the Church of Nerac 15. For the Province of Bearn the Sieur Arnald de Cazamajore Pastor of the Church of Olleron 16. For the Province of Vivaretz Velay and Forrest the Sieurs Isaac Homel he Died a most constant Faithful Martyr Pastor of the Church of Sajon and Valance and Peter January Pastor of the Church at La Gorse accompanied with Sir James D' Arlande Kt. Lord of Mirabel and Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Bergues and with Master Timothy Baruil Doctor of the Civil Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Privas The Provinces of Bearn and Dolphiny shall inquire into the Causes why the Sieurs de Labadie Elder in the Church of Luibeite and Deputy for the Province of Bearn and de Montelar Elder in the Church of Beaufort Deputy for the Province of Dolphiny have absented themselves from this Assembly and shall give an Account thereof unto the next National Synod The said Sieurs des Loges and du Fresnay Elder of the Church in Loudun did together with the Lord Marquess of Rouvigny General Deputy gather the Suffrages of all the Deputies in this Assembly in Two Bills in Writing each of them having One for the Election of the Moderator Assessor and Scribes and there were chosen by plurality of Votes the Sieur Daille for Moderator the Sieur de L' Angle Assessor and the Sieurs Des Loges Pastor and de
Loride an Elder for Scribes of the Synod who being Chosen did all of them take their Places accordingly CHAP. II. AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were nominated and seated the Lord de Magdelaine Counsellor to his Majesty in his Court of Parliament at Paris and Deputed by his Majesty to sit as his Commissioner in this Assembly deliver'd the King's Letters patents for his Commission which being Read they were Transcribed and Inserted into the Body of the Acts of this Synod whose Form and Tenor was as followeth Copy of his Majesties Letters Patents given to the Lord Commissioner LOVIS by the Grace of God King of France and of Navar To our Trusty and Beloved Consellor in our Courts of Parliament of Paris the Lord of Magdelaine Greeting We have permitted our Subjects of the Protestant Religion to hold in our Town of Loudun on the Tenth Day of November next a National Synod composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of our Kingdom for to treat of matters concerning their Religion and being to choose a Person fitly qualified and of known Loyalty and Fidelity to us to assist in it and as our Commissioner to represent our Person in the said Assembly we well knowing those Services which you have rendered us in sundry Honourable Imployments wherein we had Commissionated you and which you have most worthily Discharged We have therefore judged that we could not make a better choice than of your self being well assured that you will continue to us the Proofs and Evidences of your Affection to our Service For these causes we have Commissionated and Deputed and we do now Commissionate and Depute you the said Lord of Magdelaine by these Presents signed with our Hand to pass over unto our Town of Loudun and in our place and stead to assist in the Synod there Convocated that you may then and there propound and answer all those things which we have given you in Commandment according to those Memoirs and Instructions we have delivered to you And you are to take special care that no other matters be there proposed nor debated but such as ought of right to be treated of in those Assemblies and which are permitted by our Edicts and in case they should enterprise any thing to the contrary you shall hinder it and by Interposing of out Authority suppress it or you shall speedily advise us of it that we may by such courses as in our Wisdom we shall judge most fit obviate and prevent it And for so doing we give you power commission and special command by these Presents for such is our Pleasure Given at Bourdeaux this Sixth day of September in the Year One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Nine and of our Reign the Seventeenth Signed LOVIS And a little Lower PHELIPPEAVX And Sealed at the lower end with the Great Seal and Yellow Wax CHAP. III. AFter reading his Majesty's Letters Patents the Lord Commissioner made this ensuing Speech unto the Assembly A Copy of the Lord Commissioners Speech Sirs ALthough my many Defects of which I am very conscious and my great Age might have well deterr'd me from accepting of this Commission with which it hath pleased his Majesty to grace and honour me and from coming hither and declaring his Will and Pleasure unto this eminent Assembly made up of the most able and considerable Persons of the Kingdom chosen out of the Body of the Professors of our Religion yet nevertheless I can boldly speak it that according to that Inclination which God hath given me for serving the King and the Publick unto which I have applied my self along time I did not in the least hesitate on this Occasion but did over-look all other Considerations hoping for Supplies from the Supreme Goodness to enable me to the performance of my Duty and from yours also that you will be readily disposed to facilitate what is desired of you And hence it is that I conceive with Joy a good issue of our Affairs even now when as I begin to speak unto you from his Majesty and you also have already took notice of it in that Grant vouchsafed you for your Assembling in this place according to your request which is a most remarkable effect of his Majesty's especial Favour to you which the good Providence of God hath now inspired into him for you after so many other signal Acts of his Royal Bounty you have formerly received from him for which I do not in the least suspect or question your Gratitude and Duty nor the sense of that Obligation which lieth upon you on many Accounts of yielding to him all Obedience according to the revealed Will of God who is the Sole and Sovereign Lord of all Men and of all things whatsoever And when I thus speak of his Majesty you know very well that we must understand all Persons acting by Authority from him according to the same revealed Will of Almighty God and the matter being so notorious we cannot but observe it in this place even that kindness and Justice you have upon many and sundry occasions had proof and sensible experience of from the Hands of his Majesty's first and Principal Minister of State his Eminency the Lord Cardinal Mazarin Nor need I enlarge on this Subject only let me add but one Reflection of my own about this last Favour the Convocation of this Synod which you believed to be at this time so needful for you you stand highly indebted unto his Eminency for it and the best and chiefest Fruit you can gather from its Consultations and Resolutions will be this to be more united among your selves and to maintain in Peace and Concord the whole Body of those of our Religion who are represented by you and to terminate and pacifie those Differences and Dissentions which are among you For sith they are produced through the Vice and Weakness of our Humane Nature and State and begin in the noblest Parts where the whole Body receiveth an alteration we may very much fear a Dissipation if only topiual Remedies be applied for these alone do seldom operate or contribute but a little to the Union and Conservation of the whole And whereas all Assemblies of whit kind soever do depend upon his Majesty who as supreme Lord hath a Right and Jurisdiction over all Persons and Actions and to ordain even in and about matters concerning the Church which was always consider'd as a Part of the State His Majesty was therefore pleased to vouchsafe you this Synod so earnestly desired by you that you might regulate past matters and re-establish among you that Order which you ought to keep for the future and the rather because there be many years lapsed since you had an Assembly of this nature Sirs It is most certain that your Enemies who design your diminution and ruin could never meet with a more favourable means and opportunity to attempt it than by maintaining and fomenting your Divisions and Dissentions for these will
bring you into Confusion So that you have good reason to admire the Benignity and Justice of his Majesty assisted with his Eminency's Counsel in giving you his Protection that by means of his Royal Power so much needed by you you may be maintained in all Liberty and enabled to deliberate and decree in those Points of Doctrin and Disciplin relating to your Religion altho his Majesty do not in the least wise approve of it because of its great difference from that of which he makes Profession as also doth not the far greatest part of his People who are his Subjects So that in case they should take that advantage they have to abuse you any way you have not in these circumstances under which you are now fallen through past Disorders any other means for your Subsistence but his Sovereign Authority which only since you have lost those Forces and Fortresses in which you formerly confided can keep you safe and if you will be contented happy Besides you know it by good experience that there is nothing more expedient or advantagious to you than an entire Submission unto his Majesty's Commands and next and immediately after God that you should depend upon the King's Sovereignty nor is any thing more just and reasonable when you put them both together for on the one hand you have his Majesty's Power and Good Will and on the other you have your Duty and Profit inseparably joyned together And there is yet something more cogent in the present Juncture of Affairs for sith the Divine Grace hath Crowned both King and Kingdom with so many Victories God sheweth you the beginnings of that Peace which above all other things you have so very much desired and so ardently prayed for and from which you may hope to participate in those abundant Blessings that are likely to flow in upon the Nation And his Majesty also on his part may hope that all his Subjects in thankfulness for this great Benefit will be the more Affectionately engaged unto bis Service and yield more chearful Obedience to him as they be all obliged by their Birth but you Sirs more than all of them because of those particular Priviledges which have been granted to you on this Occurrence I am expresly charged in the first Article of my Instructions from his Majesty to assure you that he will preserve you in the full enjoyment of those Priviledges which have been conferred upon you he declaring this to be his Intention that he will carry a Fatherly Affection towards his Subjects of the Reformed Religion and continue unto them the effects of his wonted kindnesses and that he will maintain and cause inviolably to be maintained his Edicts of Pacification believeth that you will persevere in that respect and Duty whereunto you are obliged And that you may obtain those Favours which his Majesty hath promised you his Majesty commanded me to tell you that immediately upon the Death of the Lord D' Arzillieres who exercised the Office of General Deputy he appointed the Lord of Ruvigny to succeed him and to take care of your Concerns at Court having an entire Confidence in him that he will serve him well and believing also that you will as you ought confide in him it being for your own good Yet his Majesty would not constrain you by mere necessity to have recourse unto him always if you have any Arguments of sufficient strength to exempt you and which his Majesty may accept and approve of And father his Majesty charged me to acquaint you that it was his Will that you should not in any of your National Synods make a Demand of a Political Assembly for the Election of a Deputy Commissioner On which Head I am particularly charged that in case any such Motion should offer to be made by the Deputies immediately to suppress it and not suffer it to be debated nor resolved And although his Majesty hath good Grounds to believe that you are well content with his Nomination of the Lord Ruvigny because of those Good Offices he hath already done you as his Majesty is with all his other Employments until now yet am I ordered to declare unto you that you be left at your Liberty to deliberate about the Confirmation of him in this Office of General Deputy that so after your Debate upon it his Majesty may provide at he shall think good And if you should allow of him and desire his Confirmation in this Office his Majesty will be very well pleased hoping that he will continue to acquit himself worthily in it that so being approved by you he may owe his establishment purely to your Consent And whereas in the last National Synod his Majesty had declared it to be his Will that no Deputy General should assist in it because no Person can be admitted a Member of it unless he be first chosen and deputed by a Provincial Synod and if he was admitted in quality of General Depute he must be there to debate of â—ecular Affâ—airs none of which kind and nature are or ought to be handled in such an Assembly Besides there be not now a days any Political or mixt Assemblies yet nevertheless his Majesty our of mere respect to the Lord of Ruvigny doth allow him to use that Priviledge which hath been ever enjoyed by his Predecessors in this Office and that he may come unto and vote in it at his Pleasure Moreover that such matters as have in these Assemblies been heretofore represented by his Majesty may be better executed according to his Majesty's Intentions and also whatever he may order hereafter I am according to his Orders given me in the first place to forbid you that you do not on any account whatsoever treat in this Synod of any Secular or State-matters or of Justice directly or indirectly but only of Church Discipline and of Reformation of Manners And to this purpose that no Assembly be hold Little or Great by Day or by Night but in my Presence and that no Persons be appointed as a Council in the Provinces in prejudice to those Prohibitions made by the Edict in the Month of November 1622. and that no General Fasts shall be proclaimed by the Provincial Synods Moreover It being his Majesty's desire that all his Subjects should live in Peace a Blessing so very needful for them and recommended to them by his Edicts of Pacification which he will have most strictly observed all Ministers are enjoyned to keep themselves in all their publick Discourses within the bounds of Moderation and to give no just cause of complaint of their Conduct and they be all expresly forbidden in their Sermons or Books to mention the Word Antichrist when as they speak of the Pope nor to style the Catholicks Idolaterâ— nor to treat the Catholick Religion with any scandalous or injurious Termâ— such as the Abuse and Deceits of Satan and other such like which are to be found in your Confession of Faith His Majesty
great importance which is fitting you should be acquainted with now at the beginning of this Synod that so it may be the better ordered and ended the sooner I received in my Letters very lately an Express and particular Order concerning some certain Articles and Orders of which I before spake viz. That there is an Abuse committed by the Provinces in sending and communicating by their Deputies Letters from Strangers This his Majesty declareth to be contrary to his Edicts and prejudicial to the publick Peace and his own Service Wherefore I am commanded to be very careful and to provide herein that among your deliberations none other matters be debated but such as ought of right to be so by all the Deputies of the Provinces of this Kingdom and those Matters only which concern the Provinces and that you neither receive any Letters from nor hold any Correspondency with Strangers in any way or manner or for any cause or business whatsoever and you be most strictly forbidden to receive any Writings of what quality soever coming from Foreign Countries and not under his Majesties Jurisdiction nor may any one dare during the sitting of this Synod to publish or spread them abroad in this Town of Loudun And in case such a thing should happen and that such Papers are found I am injoyned immediately to suppress them and to proceed rigorously against such as vend or distribute them as is meet I should and to inflict such Penalties as I shall judge fit And farther I am most expresly and directly commanded to do what in me lieth for the shortning and speedy ending of this Synod Which Order I received in the last Dispatch that came unto this Town CHAP. IV. The Answer of Monsieur Daille the Moderator of the Synod unto the Speech of the Lord Commissioner AS soon as my Lord Commissioner had ended his Speech Monsieur Daille who was Moderator of the Synod made this Answer following in the Name of the whole Assembly unto his Lordship My Lord THE long interruption of these Holy Assemblies have made us but too sensible of their singular usefulness and how needful they be unto our Churches And this hath augmented our Joys to see that God hath at last touched the Heart of his Majesty our Sovereign Lord with that goodness as to grant us this present Synod And without doubt My Lord you observed Yesterday upon Reading the Letters of Commission from the respective Provincial Synods how deeply they were affected with the Mercy for they could not refrain the Expressions of their Sense and Resentment of it even in their Dispatches We therefore having received this singular favour from his Majesty do own and acknowledge it to be a mere and pure Act of his Grace and Clemency and take it as a Pledge and Earnest of his Majesties Good Will unto us and sincere purposes of keeping inviolate his Edicts Unto this his Majesty hath added another and more especial favour in pitching upon your Lordship to represent his Person in this Assembly even you my Lord who for Piety and Integrity for Faith and Vertue are renowned not only in our Churches but in the World it self In so much that the worst and greatest Adversaries of our Religion being won with the luster of that Justice and Uprightness which have ever shined forth in your Administration of that high Dignity and Office possessed by you these many Years in the first and chiefest Parliament of France do desire and continually demand that your Lordship may be their Judge and Reporter of their Causes and do account themselves happy in case they can obtain it Certainly my Lord his Majesty could never have made a more advantagious Choice for us and we render your Lordships our most humble Thanks that overlooking your great Age your many and weighty Affairs the tedious incommodities of Travel and of the Season of the Year your Lordship hath accepted of this Commission and closed with this opportunity which the good Providence of God hath put into your Hands for the Service of his Majesty and for doing all good Offices to our poor Churches which God knoweth have great need of so Fast and Faithful a Friend as your Lordship near his Majesty We need you my Lord and we intreat your Lordship that you would be pleased to testifie it with all Efficacy imaginable unto his Majesty and to his Ministers the Innocency the Simplicity of our Conduct that the Jealousies which our Ill-Wishers do suggest unto him against these our Assemblies may be abated and removed Our National Synods are in no wise prejudicial to his Majesties Service yea the very contrary is true for their first and principal use is to confirm us the more stedfastly in our Religion the First and most Illustrious Article whereof you know my Lord for you have been educated in it from your Infancy is the belief of the Sovereign Authority of Kings over all Persons whatsoever without Exception in their Dominions and of that indispensable Obligation lying upon all their Subjects to yield them in all things all Honour Service and Obedience not only out of Fear but for Conscience sake and such an intire and profound Submission that their respects are extended and performed unto all Officers acting by and under them and their Order and in whose Employments and Ministry there shineth forth any Beam of Royal Authority This Doctrin the Holy Apostles learnt us to be subject unto Kings and those who be Commissionated by them This Doctrin we received from the Primitive Christians that the King is next and under God and that there is no middle power intervening between God's and hiâ— and after that Service we owe unto our God there is none more Sacred or inviolable than his In the very first Sessions of this Synod your Lordship shall see every one of us subscribe this Holy Creed just as we have expounded it in our common and publick Confession and we trust that God will so enable us by his Grace that we shall more and more justifie the Confession we now make of it by a most constant and inviolable Fidelity in his Majesties Service And in the mean while we shall offer up our most ardent Prayers unto our God for the Health of his Majesty's most Sacred Person for the Prosperity of his Family for the happy Success of his Designs and for the Peace and Glory of the Kingdom But my Lord forasmuch as by the Orders of your Commission your Lordship hath presented to us divers points and of very great importance we beseech your Lordship to give way unto this Assembly to consider of them distinctly that our Answers may be returned with that Humility and Reverence which is owing by us unto the Will and Pleasure of his Majesty our Dread Sovereign And afterwards the Deputies did by the Mouth of their said Moderator add as followeth My Lord WE do acknowledge in the First place that it was a most signal effect of his Majesty's
Goodness that when the Office of General Deputy became void by the Death of the Lord Marquess of Arâ—illiers that his Majesty was pleased to fill it up with the Person of my Lord Marquess of Ruvigny a Noble-man endowed with all Qualities requisite for it and who will undoubtedly discharge it faithfully And if our Churches had chosen for themselves as was accustomed they could never have made an Election more advantagious And we also have cause enough to be thankful unto his Majesty for granting us the Liberty of Deliberating about his Confirmation in this Office without imposing on us in this juncture any Force or Necessity And for as much as our Churches are intirely satisfied with the care and pains which the said Lord Marquess of Ruvigny hath taken in our Affairs and that they believe he will always continue to acquit himself most worthily in this Imployment and because his Majesty hath given us to understand that it would be very pleasing to him that he should be Confirmed this Assembly not knowing how or where to make a better Choice do continue him in this Office and resign into his own Hands the Writ by which he was Establish'd and after that Solemn Protestation which he hath made unto this Assembly of discharging his Deputation with all possible care and faithfulness we gave him his Priviledge of Sitting and his deliberative and decisive Votes among us as all General Deputies his Predecessors have had according to his Majesty's desire And the Act hereof shall be inserted afterward into the Body of the Acts of this Synod As for the rest This Assembly being purely Ecclesiastical we know very well that none other matters but such as are Ecclesiastical and which concern the Religion and Discipline of our Churches ought to be treated in it and we are absolutely resolved that we will not in any wise swerve or depart from the Rules of our Duty and Callings nor will we suffer any other Assembly whatsoever to be held wherein any of our affairs shall be debated or any Election made of Deputies And we believe that there is not so much as One Man among us who is one of our Members that hath the least inclination thereunto And as for the Proclaiming of General Fasts by the Provincial Synods it being expresly Ordained by our Canons that the Province whose right it is to call the National Synod may publish a General Fast if there be a necessity for it and the King having permitted us the Exercise of our Discipline and the putting of our Canons in Execution This Assembly hopeth that his Majesty's Equity and Goodness will not deprive us of the Power and Liberty to reduce them into act and practice And the rather because our extraordinary humbling of our selves before God is not design'd only for this end that we may obtain from his Sovereign Mercy a peculiar Blessing on those of our Communion but also we do then wrestle with our God for the prosperity of the whole Nation and for the Preservation of his Majesty's own Person And as for that Discreet Carriage required from our Ministers in the Exercise of their Pastoral Office in their Books and Sermons printed or preached in Defence of our Religion our Fathers before ever the Exercise of our Religion was permitted by the Edicts and in the very midst of Fire and Faggot had Christian Charity in that great Esteem and Commendation that they by a most plain and Express Article of our Discipline did prohibit the Usage of any injurious reproachful Terms which might in the least exasperate Men's Spirits so that the Times in which we now live being more calm and peaceable through the Grace of God and the Goodness of our King his Majesty may be fully assured that on this Account he shall always find us yielding a most perfect Obedience a most exemplary Moderation And it were to be wished that the Preachers in the Romish Communion were as circumspect then should we not be so much torn in pieces as we are continually by them both in Print and Pulpit But as for those Words Antichrist in our Liturgy and Idolatry and Deceits of Satan which are found in our Confession they be Words declaring the Grounds and Reasons of our Separation from the Romish Church and Doctrins which our Fathers maintained in the worst of Times and which we are fully resolved as they through the Aids of Divine Grace never to abandon but to keep faithfully and inviolably to the last Gasp Whilst his Majesty's Predecessors were pleased to permit our Churches the choice of Foreigners for their Pastors we made use of that Priviledge and none of our Synods either Provincial or National ever knew one of them to deport himself otherwise than a Native of this Kingdom all of them when invested with the Ministry in our Churches have lived and acted and preached as natural born French-men But since that Interdiction made us by the late King of Glorious and Immortal Memory we never received any but have utterly forborn it and we have most humbly petitioned his Majesty now reigning that he would be pleased to put a distinction between those who are wholly Strangers and others who tho the Sons of Strangers are yet born in the Kingdom and are under the Protection and Government of his Crown and whom our Parliaments in all Questions about Inheritances and Successions to them and other Priviledges of this Nature have equalized with all other his Majesties Subjects And although some of them have been Educated in Commonwealths yet their Religion learns them to subject themselves with all Reverence to the Superior Powers under all Forms of Government whatsoever and that Protection which they have from this Kingdom doth incline their Affections upon Principles of Gratitude and Interest unto a Monarchical Government And in case his Majesty should be pleased to allow them the Exercise of their Ministry among us in this Kingdom as we most humbly petition his Majesty so to do he would have full and clear and sufficient Proof of their Loyalty in his Service As for Letters which may be sent by Strangers unto this Assembly although there is none of our Religion in any Nation that doth sollicit us unto Actions contrary to our Duty and in case they should go about to do it all and every Individual Member of this Assembly at the first sight of such a Letter would reject the Motion with Horror and Execration And we cannot but acknowledge that in some respects as for publick Orders sake the Lords Commissioners deputed to us and set over us by his Majesty are to receive and dispose of them according to his Majesty's Will But yet as to matters concerning our Religion we hope that his Majesty will suffer us to hold Communion and Correspondence with our Brethren For other Letters coming from his Majesty's Subjects to this Assembly and relating to Ecclesiastical matters wherein they be concerned his Majesty having graciously permitted us
to debate of these very matters we doubt not in the least but that he will allow us to receive those Letters and Memoirs which contain their Informations and Instructions to us In short our whole Religion being grounded upon the Word of God and this Word teaching us to fear God and honour the King we never perform any Act of Religious Worship to that Great God who created us in which we do not offer up a Prayer with our most ardent Vows for the Supreme Power here on Earth and particularly for all that are in Authority over us and upon all occasions that occur unto us we do leave Impressions hereof upon the Souls of the Faithful who are Members of our Churches in our Sermons And we are well assured that before the breaking up of this Synod your Lordship my Lord Commissioner shall see not in one single Exhortation only but in many those inviolable Inclinations we have unto the Weal and Happiness of the Government and that Obedience which we are all unanimously resolved to render unto the Will and Laws of our Prince when as they be not contrary to that of the Law of God who is the King of Kings And as his Majesty hath hitherto been pleased to favour us with our Liberty of serving God according to that Light we have received and in the Purity of the Gospel and whereas my Lord Commissioner hath now declared to us his Majesty's good Pleasure to uphold us favourably in this Liberty under the Protection of his Edicts and to exert that Authority which God hath put into his Hands to secure us from their Attempts who would deprive us of it and as we have no ground nor cause to complain of Oppression and Persecution so also we shall not make use of any such Terms as are expressive of them and we shall upon all Occasions give clear and ample Evidence of that respect we bear unto our Sovereign and we shall take a most especial care for keeping the Publick Peace of which our Actions Words and Writings and these Last shall never be published but according as we are allowed by the Edicts and regulated by the Canons of our Discipline and by the Decrees of our National Synods shall by the Grace of God be most valid and authentick Sureties for us as they have been in times past so for the future And as we shall never render our selves unworthy of his Majesty's favour so we hope that he will continue to extend unto us the Honour of his Love and good Will and that he will ordain all Governors of his Provinces Places and Fortresses and all Officers in Parliament and all other Courts of Judicature where Justice is administred to see that his Edicts be carefully executed that so there being no violation of them on their parts we also on ours may never have any occasion for the future of complaining to his Majesty who next and after God is our only Sanctuary to whom we may betake our selves for Refuge against all Injustices and Oppressions And as for what is past there being very many Places in this Kingdom where the good Intentions of his Majesty have not been followed and where those of our Religion have been disturbed in the Exercises of it and have suffered very great Violences in their Families in their Children in their own Persons and in their Estates in sundry and divers ways contrary to what is granted us by the Edict And the inferiour Judges have been so far from doing us right that even they have been the very Persons who have encouraged the Animosity of many others against us Our King being the Image and Vicegerent of God and who will undoubtedly endeavour to resemble him as in the Independency of his Power and Glory of his Majesty so also in his Justice and Clemency He therefore cannot but approve that afflicted persons do make their Addresses to Heaven to be supported under their Sufferings and comforted in their Afflictions so we also should have recourse unto his Royal Throne for Support under our Burthens and Redress of our Grievances and the Conservation of our Invaded Liberties and Properties And whereas his Lordship my Lord Commissioner was pleased to say That his Majesty hath greater reason to complain by far of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion for their Infractions and Transgressions of the Edict as if they had either in Languedoc or any where else attempted to restore the Preaching of Gods Word by overt Actions by mere Force and Violence contrary to the publick Peace and the General Laws of the Kingdom we profess that the hearing of this Relation was a most sensible Grief and Sorrow to us We do not complain in the least of your Lordship my Lord Commissioner for you did but follow those very Orders and Instructions which were given you We receive with all possible respect and humility whatever comes from his Majesty because we reverence his Authority and because we have many Pledges and Tokens of his Kindness and Love unto us But we are exceedingly grieved and concerned that those who are near his Majesty do us very ill Offices and slander us unto him representing our Actions in very odious colours so that in stead of informing him that the Exercise of our Religion hath been violently abolish'd and removed from very many places where it was permitted by the Edicts and that our Temples have been demolished by main Force and in an Hostile manner they have dispersed wicked false Stories of us at Court as if we had some new and unlawful Enterprizes and Designs in our Heads Besides we have another thing of very hard digestion that whereas the Canons of our Discipline do expresly forbid those of our Communion to send their Children unto Jesuits and to other professed and avowed Enemies of our Religion because that through their fiery and inconsiderate Zeal for their own they turn every Stone and use all sort of means to prevent them from that Duty they owe unto God and to their Parents yea and to his Majesty himself and we being allowed the Exercise of our Discipline as well as of our Religion why should we be counted blame-worthy for our care in the Religious Education of our Children and for our just Severity in censuring their sinful negligent Parents And whereas some of ours are accused for reproaching and other injurious Carriage towards such Persons as have quitted our Communion for that of the Church of Rome we are so far from approving of those Actions towards them that 't is well known we require all our Members to pray for them and to labour by all pious means to reduce them into the good way of Eternal Salvation But we profess our utter Ignorance of any such Abuses offered unto our Revolters And in stead hereof this we know that there be open Violences done unto those godly Persons who do forsake the Communion of the Romish Church and joyn themselves unto ours And we hope
that his Majesty will not be offended if we produce Instances and Proofs hereof in that Bill of Grievances we intend to present unto him And as for the Poor's Monies which they suggest unto his Majesty to have been diverted from those uses whereunto they were destinated We most humbly beseech my Lord Commissioner to do us that Favour as to acquaint his Majesty that we take so great care of our Poor that rather than they should want things needful for them and wander up and down the Streets and make a Trade of begging our Ministers are of that generous Spirit they would first suffer their own Wages to be defalked and that Abatements should be made of their slender Stipends So that his Majesty in stead of being displeased at our Conduct and the pretended Infractions on our part of his Edicts being better and more truly informed by your Lordship my Lord Commissioner and by my Lord General Deputy his Protection will be continued to us and that he will be pleased to shrowd us from those Violences done us by those who delight in breaking of those Edicts and Spoiling us of those Priviledges which were granted us by his Majesty's Predecessors We do acknowledge that our National Synods cannot be held without a great deal of Labour and Expence but their meeting from time to time being absolutely necessary for us we undergo the Travail and Burden with a great deal of chearfulness And his Majesty having hitherto enabled us by his Bounty to bear in some measure the charge of it we cannot but promise our selves from his Royal Goodness the continuance thereof and that he will not deprive us of his Liberality when as we shall be obliged to come from all parts of the Kingdom unto these General Assemblies And could those Affairs which are brought unto these Synods be terminated any where else we would most willingly spare our selves the pains and trouble of travelling from one end of France unto another and to sit down about other Mens business for some Weeks at so great a distance from our own Habitations and Families as the most of us do But it being absolutely impossible that our Religion should subsist without these Assemblies and there having been a very long Interval of Years elapsed since the last held at Charenton unto this present we having found by sad Experience that Delays and Time do multiply Affairs and cause them to be dispatched with the more and greater difficulty we perswade our selves and ground our Perswasions and Confidence upon that unparallel'd Goodness of our Sovereign that it will be acceptable to him that my Lord our Deputy General should demand and press his Majesty to suffer it to be called when as the Necessities of our Churches do require it for the composing of our Affairs according to the Canons of our Discipline and as hath been customarily practised every three Years And as for that Expedient of ending matters in our Provincial Synods there is so great a quantity of Affairs of another Nature that without a total Subversion of our Discipline they can never be determined but in our Triennial National Synods And whereas his Lordship my Lord Commissioner was pleased to touch at our holding Correspondency with Foreigners over and besides what hath been said and is recorded in the Acts of former National Synods In answer to this there be yet several Persons now present who can very well remember that the Kings his Majesty's Predecessors did permit our Churches to hold up a Correspondence with our Neighbours in matters concerning our Religion and Discipline yea and as occasions offered that we should send our Deputies to them And however the People of Geneva Switzerland Germany and of other Countries do live under a Form of Civil Government quite different from ours yet because those Nations be Friends and in League with France and principally because our Religion is animated universally by the same Spirit and that it inspireth all its Professors with an inviolable Respect and Obedience for the Higher Powers of what kind or nature soever they be in any State the Kings his Majesty's Predecessors had never any reason to complain that this Correspondency was in any wise prejudicial to their Authority So that if it should please his Majesty our Sovereign Lord to give us once again the same Liberty he might be fully assured as ever of our inviolable Fidelity And as for our Students when as ever it shall please his Majesty as we most Humbly request him so to do to give them License of Visiting Foreign Universities there shall be no cause to fear that their good Inclinations should be corrupted or that they should return Home disaffected to the Person and Government of their Prince And as for Letters or Writings from Foreign Parts we shall not receive nor peruse any of them unless his Majesty's Commissioner do approve of it There is yet one Word more to be spoken about the duration of this Synod which my Lord Commissioner saith must be very short because it is his Majesties Pleasure it should be so To which we reply with all imaginable Duty and Reverence unto his Lordship that the length of these Assemblies doth depend upon the multitude of Business which cannot be dispatch'd in a trice but require time for so doing It is now Fifteen Years since we had a National Synod so that 't is an easie matter to judge that as Businesses are multiplied extraordinarily so are their Difficulties together with them And as it lay not in our Power to prevent their out-breaking at first so now is it not in our power so to shorten the time of the Sessions of this Synod as we would but it must of necessity exceed the ordinary term of former National Synods for otherwise we must leave many Affairs undecided or else their Decision must be precipitated But in case his Majesty had not declared his Pleasure to us herein yet it is the general Interest of our Churches and of every one of us in particular to hasten as much as possibly we can our return to our respective stations and therefore consequently we shall avoid all Delays and Protractings of Businesses which if unnecessary cannot but be very prejudical to us But whereas over and besides this Consideration his Majesty hath been pleased to notifie his Intentions to us we do most humbly beseech your Lordship my Lord Commissioner to believe that we will not lose one Moments time but shall intend our Synodical Affairs with all assiduity and diligence imaginable But our principal Request unto your Lordship is that your Lordship would be pleased to assure his Majesty that as we be Natural born French-men so have we the Interests and Glory of France lying at our Hearts and as we are Christians so we know our selves inviolably obliged to the Observation of that Apostolical Precept To Fear God and Honour the King We have already said it and we do once again repeat it that
as by the Grace of God we do make profession of Christianity and of a purer Reformed Religion so also do we hope that God will enable us by his Grace to excel all other his Majesties Subjects in a most perfect Loyalty and Obedience To which let me but add one word more that as we have formerly besieged Heaven with the importunate battery of our Vows and Prayers for his Majesty who now reigneth over us and as we upon God's gracious Answering of us did render to his Divine Majesty most solemn and abundant Praises and Thanksgivings so also shall we continue as long as we live to beg of the King of Kings that he would be pleased to preserve our King and that to the many Victories with which he hath favour'd his Arms he would superadd this ' vantage-Mercy to give him to establish his Kingdom in a long and profound Peace to bless his intended Marriage and that he may see the happy Fruits and Pledges thereof And having Reigned many long Years in all Prosperity and Felicity he may transmit the Scepter received from his Fathers unto the Issue of his own Body who may weild it in all Righteousness as long as the Sun and Moon endure CHAP. V. The Marquess of Ruvigny Sworn General Deputy 1. THIS Assembly acknowleding the Kindness of his Majesty in choosing the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny to succeed in the place of the Marquess of Arzilliers Deceased and to discharge the Office of General Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom 'till such time as his Majesty should be pleased to grant Liberty for the Calling and Meeting of this Assembly unto which his Majesty permitteth the Nomination of such Persons as are to be presented unto this important Charge and the Lord Commissioner having told us from the King that this Assembly had full Liberty to deliberate about what concern'd the Office of the said Lord of Ruvigny who presented his Majesties Writ for his Election and designation to it offering to resign up his Office unto this Assembly Now after that he had received the Thanks of this Assembly for his great care and pains taken by him for the weal of the affairs of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom this Assembly believed that they could not make a more advantagious Choice than of the Person of the said Lord of Ruvigny who hath been already so very useful and helpful to them Wherefore by a most unanimous Consent of all the Deputies of this Synod he was appointed and they do appoint him to exercise the Office of General Deputy in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom near his Majesty And this Assembly being well assured by the Lord Commissioner that it would be acceptable to his Majesty if he were confirmed in the said Office they administred unto him the Oath which is requisite and accustomed to be taken and then granted him both his deliberative and decisive Votes as all his Predecessors before him ever had in the said Office and his Writ was again returned to him whose Tenour was as followeth 2. THis Third Day of August in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Three the King residing then in Paris and being to provide a General Deputy for his Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion that Office being lately void through the Death of the Lord Marquess of Arzilliers after that his Majesty had cast his Eyes upon many of his Subjects he judged that he could not better fill it up than with the Person of the Marquess of Ruvigny Lieutenant General of his Armies who is a Professor of the said Protestant Reformed Religion and endowed with many good and laudable Qualities and who hath given signal Testimonies of his Fidelity and Affection on divers Occasions and of his Abilities and Capacity for his Majesties Service and his Majesty condescending to the most Humble Petition of his said Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion he hath chosen and appointed the said Lord of Ruvigny to be the General Deputy of those of the said Protestant Reformed Religion and is well pleased that he reside near his Person and follow his Court in the said Quality and to present unto his Majesty their Petitions Narrations and most Humble Complaints that so he may take such course in it as he shall judge convenient for the Benefit of his Service and the Relief and Satisfaction of his said Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion In testimony whereof his said Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writ unto the said Lord of Ruvigny which he was pleased to sign with his own Hands and caused to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State and of his Commandments Signed LOVIS And a little Lower by the King PHELIPPEAVX 3. The Assembly expounding the Act by which the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny was constituted General Deputy declareth that their Intention is that his Lordship shall give his Judgment in all Affairs whatsoever that shall be treated and debated in it excepting those in which he shall be personally and particularly concerned or do relate unto his Office of General Deputy 4. The Sieurs Eustache Pastor and de Mirabel were ordered by this Assembly to go immediately to Court and to prostrate at his Majesty's Feet our most Humble Duties Submissions and Thanks and they were intrusted with Letters unto his Majesty to the Queen to his Eminency to the Lord High Treasurer to the Lord of Vrillieres Secretary of State in whose Division are those of the Reformed Religion and to my Lord of Herual Controller General 5. A Copy of the Synods Letter sent unto the King Sire THE Wisest of Kings to his Command of Fearing God joyned that of Honouring the King they be Two Duties inseparably linked together For Kings in this World do in some Sense hold the very place of God and are his most lively Portraitures in Earth and the steps and degrees of their Thrones do not raise them above the Generality of Mankind but to draw them nearer Heaven These Sire be the Fundamental Maxims of our Creed which we learnt in our Infancy and endeavour to practise during our whole Life and to devolve as an Inheritance unto our Flocks and those Favours which your Majesty vouchsafeth to pour down upon us every Day do more abundantly augment our Obligations to you among which we count this the first and chiefest that your Majesty assureth us by the Mouth of the Lord Commissioner of your Paternal Affection to your Subjects of the Reformed Religion and that you design to continue the effects of your wonted kindness to us as also this priviledge which you have granted us of Meeting together in this place which being a most singular mark of your Goodness we want Words great and emphatical enough whereby to express our resentments and gratitude and how deeply we stand ingaged by this new Favour to devote and consecrate unto your Majesties Service our Lives and Fortunes And the
rather because your Majesty hath superadded another favour to your former which is indeed inlinked with it to wit your gracious permission of us to proceed to the Election of a General Deputy according to the priviledg granted us by the Kings your Predecessors But Sire you having with your own Royal Hand conferr'd upon us the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny we were so well provided for that we most humbly beseech your Majesty to continue him unto us in this Office This is Sire what the Sieurs Eustache and de Mirabel are charged to deliver unto your Majesty and whom pre have nominated to lay at your Feet our Homages Submissions and most sincere protestations of our inviolable Fidelity together with our continual Prayers unto the Throne of Grace for the Preservation of your Majesties most Sacred Person for the Prosperity of this Kingdom for the Establishing of Peace and for the happy accomplishment of your Marriage as being Sire Of your Majesty The most Humble the most Obedient and most Faithful Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders Assembled by your Majesties Permission in a National Synod at Loudun and for all of them Moderator Daille Assessor J. M. de Langle Scribes John de Brissac Loride des Galinieres A Copy of the Letter written unto the Queen Madam WHen as during the King's Minority the Supream Government of this Kingdom was put into your Hands those of our Religion who live dispersed in all parts of the Kingdom have received so many marks and Evidences of your Majesties Goodness and Protection that the Remembrance thereof will be perpetually engraven upon our Hearts in the deepest sense of gratitude and acknowledgments And since his Majesty our Sovereign Lord was declared Major of Years to Govern and his Vertues have out-run his Years your Majesty Madam hath so assisted him with your good Counsels that we all know and confess that you contributed most of all to maintain us in our Repose and in the injoyment of those Priviledges which were given us by the Edicts of our Princes And now the late Grant of our Assembling in this National Synod is in part the fruit of those good Inclinations your Majesty hath for us wherewith we are so deeply affected that we cannot forbear the Expressions of our Thankfulness And therefore Madam we have given in charge unto our Deputies whom we have sent unto the King to wait also upon your Majesty and to assure you not only of your sincere Dutifulness unto your Majesty wit are here assembled but also of all those Persons who have deputed us and are represented by us and that the remembrance of your Benefits shall never be blotted out of our Souls And we most humbly Petition your Majesty that you will be pleased always to ingage us unto Thankfulness by continuing to us the Fruits of your Royal Goodness and that you would daign to inrich us with the occasions of our incessant publishing your Praises that as we now do so we may always wrestle with our God for the showring down of his best Blessings from Heaven upon your Majesty and he will hear us Madam for we cry unto him daily that you may have length of Days an uninterrupted Prosperity that your Glorious Designs of settling Peace in France and a perpetual Peace between the Two Crowns which have been so long at variance may be at last atchieved The great God Madam will bless your Care and Labours in getting a Spouse for our King which may briâ—◠〈◊〉 a Posteâ—â—â— like unto that your Majesty hath given unto the late King his Father and which may be the genuine and worthy Offspring of so many Royal Monarchs from whose Blood they be descended and to whom the Empire of France and Spain may be subjected And to say no more Madam our God will give your Majesty to see that by our inviolable Fidelity and Obedience unto your Commands there are none among the Subjects of this most populous Kingdom who are more than our selves Madam Of your Majesty The most Humble and the most Obedient Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders assembled in a National Synod of Loudun and in the Name of all Moderator Daille Assessor J. M. de L'Angle Scribes John de Brissac Lorile des Galinieres A Copy of the Letter written unto his Eminency My Lord ALthough that next and after God it is of his Majesty's Grace and Favour that we enjoy this Priviledg of meeting together in a National Synod yet also are we principally obliged unto the Goodness of your Eminency and to the Wisdom of your Counsels For besides that this great Kingdom is governed by them and that 't is by the Cares of this important Ministry committed by his Majesty unto your Eminency that our Churches do enjoy the Protection of his Edicts as we have been informed by my Lord de Magdelaine his Majesty's Commissioner in our Assembly and by your Letters written to the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny our General Deputy of your Eminency's most favourable Inclinations for us in this Occurrenc Therefore my Lord no sooner were we met together but we poured out our Souls in the presence of the Lord Jesus our Saviour and rendred him our most Solemn Sacrifice of Thanksgiving that he had at length inclined his Majesty's Heart to grant us what we had so ardently desired and our very next Thought was to depute some of our Body unto his Majesty with the most humble Thanks of our Hearts and then also unto your Eminency to testifie our Gratitude unto you We have therefore my Lord given in charge to the Sieurs Eustache and Mirabel sent by us unto Court to throw themselves in our stead at his Majesty's Feet to wait also upon your Eminency as from its and to assure your Eminency that all the Churches of this Kingdom who have deputed us unto this Synod will retain an everlasting remembrance of this your Favour together with in inviolable resolution of giving you the undoubted Evidences of our Sense and Resentment of it by our uncorruptible Fidelity in his Majesty's Service and in a most respectful Obedience unto those Orders we shall receive from him by the Mediation of your most excellent Ministry Moreover we do hope my Lord that your Eminency will give a favourable Audience unto our Deputies in those most humble Requests they have to tender to you for us and that you would be pleased to obtain of his Majesty that we may sensibly feel the benign Influences of his Goodness and Royal Protection and that you would daign always to accept those Requests which shall be presented to you by the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny whom his Majesty hath permitted and his commendable Qualities and Services have obliged us to confirm in his Office of General Deputy and that we may not be denied those Gratifications which these our National Assemblies have always received from our Kings and which even your Eminency its self hath procured for us All our Churches my
Lord do expect and wait for this Fruit of your Eminency's great Goodness and whatever shall be received by us it shall be as a most refreshing Shower that shall cause our Hearts to fructifie more abundantly yea and the Hearts of all those of our Religion in that Love and Affection which they have ever had and which our Religion and our Interest inspireth us to have above all other his Majesty's Subjects for his Service and to have the Praise of being true Frenchmen firmly devoted to the Advancement of the State and to that respect which all France oweth unto your Eminency But whatever may be my Lord we invocate incessantly our common Redeemer that he would preserve your Eminency's Person in all Prosperity and bless your Counsels given unto his Majesty and cause them for the future as they have in times past to succeed to the Advantage of the State the Glory of his Majesty and the immortal Honour of your Eminency These are their Vows and Prayers who will conserve inviolably the Quality which they have ever had to be my Lord of your Eminency The most Humble and most Obedient Servants the Pastors and Elders Assembled in a National Synod at Loudun and for them all Daille Moderator c. 6. The Sieurs Eustache and Mirabel who were Deputed from this Assembly unto his Majesty being returned from their Journey gave an Account of their Deputation and delivered Letters from the King his Eminency and the Lord de la Vrilliere unto this Assembly and they received the Praise and Thanks of it for their Care and Labour A Copy of His Majesty's Letter DEar and Well Beloved We were very glad at the Receipt of your Letters dated the 18th Instant and to hear from the Mouths of your Deputies the Sieurs Eustache and de Mirabel the Thanks you have rendred us for our permitting you to hold this National Synod in our Town of Loudun and the Protestations of your inviolable Fidelity and Obedience to us and being well satisfied therewith we were willing to give you the knowledge of it by this our Letter and to exhort you to persist in your Godly Purposes and Duties and to afford us upon all occasions which may offer themselves for our Service the Evidences of your good Conduct And we farther assure you that whilst you continue your selves within the Bounds we require from your Synod and upon all other Occurrences which you may meet withal to maintain as much as in you lieth the publick Peace and Tranquility you shall also receive from us all good and favourable Usage and we shall be delighted to protect you under the benefit of our Edicts and of those of our most Honoured Lord and Father the late King as we have done until now and as we shall yet again once more assure you more particularly by your Deputies whom we return unto you very much satisfied In the mean while we do the more willingly allow the Continuation of the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny in the Office of General Deputy for your Churches near our selves because we are fully perswaded that he will always acquit himself with Care and Faithfulness of that Employ Given at Tholouse the Tirteenth Day of November One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Nine Signed LOVIS And a little Lower PHELIPPEAVX The Superscription was To our dear and well-beloved the Pastors and Elders Deputed unto the Assembly of the National Synod of our Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion held at Loudun Copy of his Eminency's Letter Sirs YOur Deputies delivered me the Letter which you took the pains to write me I owe you Thanks for your Civilities and the more because his Majesty being perswaded as he is of your inviolable Fidelity and of your Zeal for his Service 't is but needless and superfluous to mention any good Offices for you with his Majesty I pray you to believe that I have a very great Esteem for you as you do deserve it being such good Servants and Subjects of the King I have nothing more but to leave my self to what shall be related of me by your own Deputies and by the Dispatches of the Lord de la Vrilliere I remain Sirs Your most Affectionate to do you Service The Cardinal Mazarin The Sieur de la Morinaye was Deputed by this Assembly with Letters to my Lord Chancellor and to my Lord de Bertueil Comptroler General of the Exchequer and ordered to ride unto Paris and there to take up the Sixteen Thousand Livres Gratuity which his Majesty hath been pleased to bestow upon this Assembly for defraying the Expences of it's Deputies to which purpose the Orders of the Accomptants and the Assignment of my Lord High Treasurer was delivered into his Hands which was under Signed by the Sieur Eustache 7. The Assembly considering that since the Death of the Sieur Bazin General Deputy of our Churches for the Third Estate unto the King that there is no one to supply his Place so that my Lord Marquess of Ruvigny our General Deputy is even born down with the Duties of his Office at Court which is a very great Inconveniency to our Churches it was decreed That a most humble Petition should be tender'd unto his Majesty that he would be pleased to put us again into the Possession of this Priviledge And the Assembly hoping that this their Petition would not be unacceptable unto his Majesty and my Lord Commissioner not in the least opposing it was resolved that we should proceed immediately unto the Election of such Persons as should be presented unto his Majesty according to the usual Forms Which being done it was found that the Sieurs Loride des Galinieres Advocate in the King's Council and in Parliament Jassaud Advocate in the mixt Court of Castres and des Forges Le Coq Counsellor and Secretary to the King had the Plurality of Votes Whereupon it was decreed that my Lord Marquess of Ruvigny shall be intreated to notifie it unto the King as soon as possible together with the most humble Petition of this Assembly that his Majesty would be pleased to chuse one out of these Three according to Custom and to assign him the Salary which his Majesty and the Kings his Predecessors have given unto those who have exercised the said Office of General Deputy 8. Letters being Addressed to this Assembly by the Pastors and Professors of Divinity in the Church and University of Geneva and other Letters from the Pastors and Professors of Divinity in the Churches and Universities of the Cantons of Zurich Berne Basil and Schapheusen joyntly Signed by them they were delivered unto my Lord Commissioner who having first perused them did afterwards order them to be communicated unto the Assembly and to be read in it The Contents of which were large Expressions of their Affections to the Peace of the Churches of this Kingdom and their Joy at the Liberty which it hath pleased the King to give us and the Priviledge of Assembling
in this Place their Prayers for the Glory of his Majesty Prosperity of his Government and the Blessings of God upon his Marriage And my Lord Commissioner declaring that he could not permit us to return any Answer to them the whole Assembly submitted its self unto his Majesty's Orders 9. A Copy of another Letter written unto the King Sire HAving happily concluded the Synod which your Majesty was pleased by your Gracious License to permit us convocate in this Town we have deputed the Sieure Dize a Pastor and de Foissac an Elder to lay at your Majesty's Feet our most humble Thanks 〈◊〉 from us unto your Majesty and our sincerest Protestations for continuance of our Obedience and Fidelity in your Service who being the Pourtraiture of God our Religion which commands us to fear him doth also enjoyn us entirely to submit our selves unto your Sovereign Authority But over and above these Sentiments which Nature and our Religion have inspired into us those Favours Sire which we daily receive from your Majesty are so mighty that we are sensibly obliged and engaged with the greatest Ardour and Pleasure to devote unto your Service our Lives and Fortunes It is true Sire that those Edicts which the Kings your Predecessors were pleased to grant us and your Royal Goodness to confirm unto us are broken in all your Provinces But Sire as we are fully assured of your Majesty's good Intentions so we ascribe those Infractions unto their particular Passion who do hate us And we most humbly petition your Majesty to hear our Complaints presented to you in this Bill of Grievances which we presume by our Deputies to tender to you and hope your Majesty will favour us with a gracious Answer we knowing very well that as your I hrone is glorious with an infinite number of Triumphs so is it invironed with Justice and Equity And these Verities Sire are the fairest Flowers in your Crown and render you the Father of that People over whom you are the Sovereign and give you a Nobler Dominion and far more absolute Empire in your Subjects Hearts than that which you exercise over your Armies and Provinces and these oblige all true Frenchmen to bless God for so just and good and glorious a Reign and we more than others do bless his holy Name for it beseeching God in a more especial manner with all the powers of our Souls to preserve your Sacred Majesty to grant a happy Success to all your Designs and Enterprises and to maintain your Government in all Peace and Prosperity These Sire are the most ardent Vows of those who he in very Truth and Deed Of your Majesty Sire The most Humble the most Obedient â—nd most Faithful Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders assemble by your Majesties Permission in a National Synod and for them all Daille Moderator J. M. de Langle Assessor Scribes Loride des Galinieres And De Brissac A Copy of another Letter unto his Eminency My Lord WE acknowledg our great Debt unto your Eminency for 't is to your Counsels that we stand obliged for our assembling and holding of this Synod and for the time allotted us for the regulating of our Affairs We send the Sieurs Dize Pastor and de Foissac an Elder unto his Majesty to present him our Bill of Grievances and to render unto your Eminency my Lord our most Humble Thanks for your Favours And we most humbly beseech your Eminency to accept of our profound Respects and those Assurances we give you of our Thankfulness We hope that your Eminency will continue unto us the effects of your Justice and Protection and that we shall always have occasion of publishing to the World your Goodness and to beg of God in all our Prayers that he would accumulate upon your Eminency his most precious Benedictions We are My Lord Of your Eminency The most Humble and the most Obedient Servants the Pastors and Elders assembled by his Majesty's Permission in the National Synod of Loudun and for them all Moderator Daille Assessor J. M. de L'Angle Scribes De Brissac Loride des Galiâ—â—â—es CHAP. VI. Notes on the Confession THE Confession of Faith being Read was signed by all the Deputies who did for themselves and their Provinces unanimously and solemnly protest that they would persevere in the inviolable Profession of it till Death CHAP. VII Observations on Reading of the Discipline THE Deputies of the Province of Xaintonge demanded that a longer time than Two Years of Probation might be allotted unto Priests and Monks who have renounced their Superstitions and Idolatries and joyned themselves unto our Communion before they were admitted into the Holy Ministry because of the many Scandals arising from their ill Conduct The Assembly was of Opinion that there needed no longer time of Probation than those Two years determined by the Second Canon in the First Chapter of our Discipline But that all Churches and Colloquies should be advised not to be precipitant nor over hasty in their seeking and receiving of such Persons but yet to get as full and evident Proofs of their Sincerity as they shall judge necessary till the time prescribed by our Discipline be expired which is the least that in Reason or Prudence can be demanded 2. The Provinces of Xaintonge and Poictou demanding that this Assembly would take some order to prevent those Inconveniences which may fall out in the examination of Proposans in Fortified Consistories A Decree was made that the Canons in the Second Article of the First Chapter of our Discipline and the Acts of the National Synods held at Charenton in the Year 1631 shall be exactly observed and that our Proposans as long as God giveth us means and opportunity shall be examined in Colloquies and Synods and no where else unless it be upon very great and considerable Grounds and Reasons and in case of urgent and indispensable Necessity for which the Churches shall be accountable unto the Provincial Synods and these unto the National and what hath been done in this matter by the Consistories of Paris and Saumur is approved of as being conformable unto those aforementioned Canons 3. The Deputies of Provinces of Sevennes and Lower Lauguedoc proposed op the Fifth Article of the First Chapter of our Discipline that the Age of Students in Divinity might be certainly fixed before they be by Ordination received into the Holy Ministry that so the many inconveniencies which have been observed in divers Places through the heats and inexperience of their Youth may be prevented This Assembly did not judge meet to make any change in the Canon of our Discipline But doth seriously advise all the Provinces to admit none unto examination unless such Persons of whose Piety Gravity and Prudence they have good and sufficient Testimonials which shall not be given them by Pastors and Professors but with very great Circumspection 4. That Order in the Seventh Article of the First Chapter of our Discipline about the manner of
another or that the Pastor of one Church shall be removed to another or that he shall be separated no matter how it be from his Flock in case an Appeal be made from this Judgment that Province which hath pronounced it shall nominate two of the Neighbouring Provinces and whose Synods are nearest to be held and shall give unto the Appellant his Choice pf either of them to bring his Appeal before it which shall judge of the Case till further Order But if the Party appealing do not chuse it that very Province from whose Judgment the Appeal is made shall chuse one of the two before which the Appellant shall be bound to appear and subject himself unto its Judgment which shall be of force till the meeting of the National Synod And in case of non-appearance that Province which hath passed Judgment may proceed to pronounce its Execution notwithstanding the Appeal Nor shall this be in any wise prejudicial unto Provincial Synods for in all other matters left undetermined by our Discipline the Judgments of those Synods shall be of full and absolute Authority nor shall there be any Appeal admitted from them within their Precincts And this present Canon shall be universally practised in all the Provinces those only excepted upon whose Account some special Decrees have been formerly enacted 26. Blasphemies being some of the most crying and daring Sins enflaming the Wrath of God against the Children of Men this Assembly being seized with an Holy Horror to see so great a number of profane Wretches involved in this Hellish Crime decreeth That the Four and Twentieth Canon of the Fourteenth Chapter of our Discipline shall be read publickly in all Churches and re-inforced with most lively pungent Exhortations that the Judgments of God may be prevented by a serious and sincere Repentance and this horrible Vice may be banished the Society of Christians and all Consistories are authorized to take the best Course they can for putting this present Act in Execution 27. The Assembly being informed that in divers parts of this Kingdom contrary to his Majesty's Will the Exercise of our Religion is prohibited in those places which are called Annexed tho by the Edicts in these it was always permitted and established and it unanimously judging and with one common consent that this is an Affair of the highest Importance and strikes at the very Root and Being of our Churches and in which the Consciences of all those of our Profession are Sovereignly concerned it doth enjoyn all Pastors and Churches exposed unto this afflicting and most vexatious Tryal to maintain themselves constantly in the possession of their Exercises notwithstanding any Prohibitions to the contrary And in case Pastors shall neglect this their Duty they shall be deposed from the Ministry as Deserters of their Flock committed to their Trust and if any of those Annexed Churches or Members shall neglect their Attendance on them they also shall be deprived of Communion with us at the Lords Table And all Churches within the Precincts of that Province whereunto these Annexes do belong are enjoyned to assist them with Counsel and Comfort and with all other things needful to help defray the Charges of Travel and Prosecutions in Courts of Justice unto which they may be necessitated and obliged And all Provincial Synods in case the ordinary Pastors of those places should be hindred by any Violence from performing their Duties shall take care that they be supplied by other Pastors in such a manner as they shall judge most convenient till some other and more beneficial course can be taken Moreover this Assembly commandeth all the next adjoyning Churches to testifie their Zeal unto the Glory of God and the Communion of Charity which ought to be among Christians by sending and lending their Pastors to them that so the Possession of the Gospel preached and the Dispensation of the Gospel Ordinances may be conserved in those Annexed Congregations As soon as ever this Proposition was made and before the Judgment of the Deputies in this Synod was demanded my Lord Commissioner declared and offered sundry Reasons and Arguments why an Affair of this nature ought not to be debated in it but that according to his Majesty's Permission this Article was to be inserted with others of the like quality into our Bill of Grievances which after the breaking up of this Assembly was to be presented unto his Majesty In answer whereunto this Synod receiving in the most respectful manner whatever came from his Majesty and from the Mouth of my Lord his Commissioner ordained that this Affair should be set in the Head of those which shall be carried unto the King in the Name of this Assembly and which shall be sollicited with all possible respect care diligence and importunity by my Lord the General Deputy and we hope in the mean while that his Majesty will maintain us in those matters which are granted us by his Edict nor that he will be displeased with us for debating about Ecclesiastical Affairs which are brought hither unto this National Assembly and which directly concern our Religion and the Exercise of our Discipline in the nature and number of which are all Ministerial Offices and the respective Duties of private Christians 28. It being judged needful that some certain Person should be nominated who did ordinarily attend his Majesty's Privy Council and Council of State to whom the Churches might apply themselves to take care of their Business and to salve them from those vast Expences which of necessity must be defrayed in the frequent Deputations of particular persons employed in the management of their Law Suits and Differences that our Churches have with their Adverse Parties The Assembly cast their Eyes upon the Sieur Loride des Galinieres Advocate in his Majesty's Privy Council and Council of State and Parliament of Paris dwelling a la Rue des Anglois in the English Street to take upon him this Trust which being motion'd to him the said Sieur Loride assured the Assembly he accepted of it as of a great Honour and that he did most readily and willingly undertake it nor would he demand a Denier of Costs Salaries and Vacations not only for those Affairs wherewith he should be intrusted in his Majesty's Privy Council and Council of State but also for those which he should dispatch as Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Court of Aids nor would he claim any thing but for what he should himself disburse in the management of these Affairs for our distressed Churches The Assembly kindly embraced his generous Offers and that he may be indemnified they voted presently that the Provincial Deputies should each of them make report unto their Provincial Synod the Contents of this present Act that so in case the said Provincial Synods shall judge meet there shall be given the Sum of Three Thousand Livres a Year by the Provinces according to the Dividend hereafter mentioned And this that the said Sieur Loride may
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
pleased to discharge them of their Yearly Contribution to the Universities of Die and Nismes or to make some other Provision for the Subsistence of the said Colledge of Anduze The Letters and Memoirs of the Consistory of Anduze were Read and the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc were heard Upon the whole this Assembly dismissed their Demand of Four Hundred Livres from the Synod of Lower Languedoc to the consideration of the Province of Higher Languedoc which shall judge finally thereof without Appeal by th' Authority of this Assembly And as for their other Requests it was not thought meet to discharge that Province of Sevennes of those Contributions to which they stand obliged by the foregoing Synods unto our Universities and leaveth the care of providing Maintenance for their Colledge of Anduze to their own and Neigbours Prudence 7. This Assembly censureth as they have too justly deserved it the Council of the University of Montauban for not having brought in their Account of Monies paid in by the Provinces unto that University and Ordaineth that they do bring them every Year unto their Provincial Synod there to be audited and concluded and from thence to be presented unto the National Synod according to Rule And whereas the Provinces of Lower Guyenne and Bearn are indebted considerable Sums unto the said University of Montauban they be in like manner Censured and are most expresly injoyned to take that care and to settle that good order among them for the future that the publick Professors in our Universities may be statedly and regularly payed and they shall inflict the severest Censures upon such as shall refuse or disobey this Canon 8. And the like Judgment was past upon the Province of Normandy which was found indebted in very considerable Sums unto the Universities of Saumur Die and Montauban which this Assembly could not reflect on without a most sensible Displeasure And therefore doth injoyn it to use all Expedients necessary for the discharging of this debt on pain of the greatest Censures 9. Mademoiselle Charles Widow of the Deceased Monsieur Charles late Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban Petitioned this Assembly that it would cause her to be paid the Arrears of Sallaries due unto her Husband as also that Pension which had been ordered him by the Synod held at Saint Antonine in the Year 1650 for the Maintenance of his Son till such time as he should be called unto the Sacred Ministry as also that Sum of Mony which was adjudged him by the Synod of Pont du Camares in the Year 1654. The Sieurs Jassaud Pastor of the Church of Castres and Brassart Elder in the Church of Montauban and Syndic of that University having promised to use their best endeavours that the said Gentlewoman might be satisfied the Assembly Decreed That both the Church and University of Montauban and the Church of Castres should pay in unto the said Gentlewoman all those Arrearages owing unto her Deceased Husband as also whatever Sums besides has been ordered by the Synods of St. Antonine and Pont de Camares which Decrees of theirs are now ratified and reinforced by this present Ordinance 10. There shall be paid unto Mademoiselle Bicheteau the Widow of the Deceased Mr. Bicheteau Professor of the Greek Tongue the Sum of One Hundred Livres which had been appointed to him by the Synod of Pont de Camarez 11. The University of Montauban presented no Account for which it was severely Censured and it was ordered to liquidate their Accounts in the Synods of Higher Languedoc who shall bring them in unto the next National 12. The University of Nismes having brought in no Accounts is ordered to carry them unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc 13. There is due unto the University of Saumur whose Accounts were brought in accepted and approved  l. s. d. From the Province of Xaintonge 030 00 00 From the Province of Brittaine 300 00 00 From the Province of Normandy 1680 18 09 Here must be excepted an Account brought in by Monsieur de L'Erpiniere which was never seen by the Province of Anjou nor approved by this Assembly 14. There is due unto the University of Die  l. s. d. From the Province of Normandy 2448 16 00 From the Province of Berry 2224 09 00 Always to be excepted Four Hundred Livres paid by them the 19th Day of June 1642. and Four Hundred Livres more paid unto this University the 27th of May 1642.  l. s. d. From the Province of Sevennes 3018 07 00 Here must be excepted those Sums of Mony in the Hand of Monsieur Eustache  l. s. d. From the Province of Xaintonge 0839 06 10 Excepting always an Account sent to the Consistory of Rochel by the said Province  l. s. d. From the Province of Burgundy 0995 07 00 This said Province of Die shall give an Account unto the Synod of Dolphiny and that to the next National Synod of their Receipt and Employment of the Monies given them by the National Synods CHAP. XIII The Accompts of the Lord du Candal THE Lord of Candal Counsellor to his Majesty in his most Honourable Privy Council and Council of State having presented unto this Assembly the Account of Receipts and Disbursments done by the late Lord of Candal his deceased Father and by himself since that given in unto the Deputies of the National Synod held by his Majesty's permission at Charenton which was there closed and setled the 16th Day of February 1645. And a Committee having been appointed to examin the said Accounts and brought in their Report unto this Assembly it was observed that the said Lord of Candal gave in no Account of the Arrears of Rent upon the Chamber of the City of Paris from the Quarter of April 1651. unto this present Day and that there is placed to Account of Receipt the bare Sum only of Three Hundred Fourscore and Twelve Livres of Emoluments accrewing from the Commission of Real Seisures in the Sheriffs Court of Soissons since the last foregoing Account Nor also is there any thing charged to Account as received from the Emoluments of another such Office in the Presidial Court of Chasteau Thierry Noyon Beauvais and Calais altho it was evident by the former Accounts that the said Offices did yield yearly Profits Nor is there any thing set down as received for those of La Ferte Milon Mouchi Le Castel Pierrefonds Coussy Chastillon upon Marne Neuilly St. Frond Surene Estapes Vertus Bulloigne Magny Montmiral Chaumont and the Provostship of Augny Chaalons Epernay and Fismes all which joyned to the former make up the full Number of One and Twenty Offices whose Revenue amounted to Threescore and Four Thousand Six Hundred Livres And the Mark of Gold Provisions and Seals to Fifteen Hundred Seventy and Seven Livres two Sous and Six Deniers which yield no Product nor Profit unto the Churches insomuch that it were far better to sell and dispose of them at any rate
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
their bold and presumptuous Vngodliness even brave dâ—â—e and provoke the Justice of God and kindle against themselves the Fire of his most dreadful Wrath and Vengeance so that we have too much cause of Fear lest the Benignity of God yielding unto his just Indignation by reason of the Impenitency of Sinners he should at last pour out the Vials of his Fury upon the Land without sparing of his poor Church which tho separated from the World by the Purity of its Profession is too often plunged in the Vices and Corruptions of that Age in which it liveth Wherefore the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France assembled by his Majesty's permission in the Town of Loudun knowing that there is none other way nor means to avert the Judgments of God than by giving speedy and evident Tokens of a most serious Repentance of a most sincere and extraordinary Humiliation doth ordain a Solemn Fast to be kept and observed in all the Churches of this Kingdom on Thursday the 28th of March next coming that Thanks may be rendred to Almighty God for the Peace which himself the God of Peace hath vouchsafed us and to obtain from his Divine Goodness that it may be attended and followed with all kind of Benedictions and that ardent Prayers may be offer'd up to God for the Health and Prosperity of his Majesty's Sacred Person who gave him in as a Return of Prayers unto his praying people that the Lord would be pleased to crown his Enterprizes with Success to fulfil his Desires to augment the Glory of his Crown and the Weal of his State and Government and to wrestle with God for the yearning Bowels of his Compassions upon us which we have forfeited by the multitude and aggravations of our sins and importunately to beseech him that he would extinguish the Fire of his Indignation which menaceth his poor Churches with the severest Chastisements hoping and believing that upon our sincere Conversion to him and deep Abasement and Humiliation in Sackcloth and Ashes before his most terrible Majesty he will return to us with his infinite Mercies and for the sake of his Dear Son by whose Name we are called to cause the Light of his Loving Countenance to shine upon his Church and to receive us graciously which will be our Salvation And this Act shall be read and published in all the Churches that all persons in Communion with us may take notice of it CHAP. XV. A Dividend of the Sum of Sixteen Thousand Livres granted by the King to the Deputies of the National Synod of which every one shall receive Two Hundred Sixty and Two Livres  l. s. d. TO the Province of Normandy for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To the Higher Languedoc for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Burgundy for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Lower Languedoc for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Berry for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Sevennes for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Provence for Two Deputies 0536 00 00 To Poictou for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Brittaine for Two Deputies 0536 00 00 To Anjou for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To the Isle of France for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Xaintonge for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To Dolphinâ— for Three Deputies 0804 00 00 To the Lower Guiennâ— for Three Deputies 0804 00 00 To Bearn for One Deputy 0262 00 00 To Vivaretz for Four Deputies 1072 00 00 To the First Deputies sent to Court 560 00 00 To the Second Deputies sent to Court 245 00 00 To the Post who brought the Bill of Exchange 250 00 00 To Monsieur de la Morinay for his needless Expences 100 00 00 To those who rode to Richlieu about the Mony 28 00 00 To Chinon for getting out the Mony 28 00 00 For loss of Mony 17 00 00 To the Porters of Loudun 48 00 00 CHAP. XVI Tho Roll of Deposed and Apostat Pastors who have changed their Religion 1. JOhn Cordeil formerly Minister in the Church of Vertueil in Dolphiny a Fellow low of Stature great Head and Bald before his Hair mix'd with gray great uplifted Eyes high red-colour'd Visage a great short Neck Grave in his Going but inclining to Stupidity a loud and clear Voice and dull Laughter 2. Sebastian D'aubus heretofore Minister of Commonde and Professor of Philosophy at Montauban about Six or Seven and Forty Years old his Face is marked with little black Spots his Hair black and curled even to the Crown of his Head a Fellow of mean Judgment 3. Philip Codure formerly Minister and Professor at Nismes about Seventy Years old or somewhat more his Hair gray tawny colour'd Face high raised Eye-brows his Eyes sunk into his Head a frowning ill-look'd Fellow slow of Speech dull and heavy in his Gate gross and tall of Stature 4. John de la Porte Pastor of St. Andrews de Val borgne in the Province of Sevennes deposed by the last Provincial Synod held at Alez for Desertion of his Church and Calling Aged about Five and Twenty Years or thereabout a middle size Fellow pale white Face and Chestnut-colour'd Hair 5. Bordat formerly Pastor of the Church in the Island of Barrieres and Province of Lower Guyenne about Seventy Years of Age the Moustaches of his Beard thick and trussed up low of Stature and somewhat fat a very red-favour'd Fellow 6. Balde alias Bellecourt Sixty Years old or more a great and fat Fellow born in the Province of Dolphiny he was bred a Monk renounced Popery and his Monastick Profession but is since returned with the Dog unto his Vomit he is Grave in his Deportment a Man of little Sense or Reason 7. William Martin some time since Minister at Montoire in the Province of Anjou Aged about Forty his Hair Flaxen wide Mouth a middle Stature Fellow This Wretch like Judas sold his Christ and Gospel for a sorry Sum of Silver and turn'd Papist at Tours being bought out of his Religion for Eight Hundred Livres and it is very much questioned whether he had half the Mony There was a very Serious Letter written him immediately upon his Revolt by an Unknown Person and which he himself Published and I have here below subjoyned it for the Readers Information CHAP. XVII An Act for Taxing the Expences of the Deputies and for their Payment BY reason of the dear Rates and high Prices of Victuals the Journeys of the Deputies are at the Request of divers Provinces Taxed at Six Livres a Day for each of them which Sum shall be payed them respectively by the Churches out of the Tax for our Vniversities within Two Months after their Return And in default of Payment the Deputies of the Churches who shall not have gotten their part and portion shall be deprived of their Consultive Vote in the Provincial Synod and Deduction shall be made of his Majesties Liberality out of this Sum. CHAP. XVIII An Act for calling the next National Synod THE Right and Priviledge of calling the next
themselves 5. To the 28th Article as it is in some other so in all Copies for the future the word Vertue shall be added to that of Efficacy for the better explaining of the sence and in imitation of the Apostle who joyneth both those words together in the close of the first Chapter to the Ephesians 6. The Printers shall be informed for the future never to forget or omit those words in the 38th Article they being the express words of Institution by our Lord himself Take and eat and drink ye all of it 7. That their Insolency may be restrained who reject this word Substance both in our Confession of Faith and Form of Celebrating the Lord's Supper the Churches shall be informed that this present Synod doth ratifie the Resolutions formerly decreed on this Point in the Synods of Rochel and Nismes The aforesaid Confession of Faith having been read in its several Articles orderly and distinctly was confirmed and approved by all the Deputies of France in the Name and behalf of all the Churches CHAP. III. Observartions made in reading of our Church-Discipline 1. THis following addition shall conclude the 2d Article of the Chapter of Ministers And Imposition of Hands shall not be given them no more than unto Persons of whom we have not the least knowledge unless it were in a Provincial Synod 2. The 18th Article shall be closed up with this addition As against them also whoso much employ themselves in the teaching of Youth that they are thereby hindred from performing the principal Duties of their Office 3. After the 21st Article there shall be this ensuing addition made Consistories erected in the Palaces of Princes and other great Lords shall be distinct from the Consistories of the Churches of those places where for a time they make their abode unless it be in a matter of common concern unto both the Consistories or in case of some very great and notorious scandal given unto the whole Church by a Domestick relating to the said Prince or Lord or in any other Affair in which the two Consistories shall see meet that there should be a mutual concurrence and conjunction 4. After those words with special Prayers in the first Article of the third Chapter there shall be this added And their Names shall be by an audible clear Voice mentioned in the Consistory And after these words If there be no opposition you must add They shall be publickly received on the third Sunday standing before the Pulpit with solemn Prayers 5. There shall be added to the end of the first Article of the fifth Chapter these words As also in all other Church-Meetings 6. This following addition shall be made to the end of the 16th Article And in case of an Appeal the said Appeal shall be notified without naming of the Person or declaring the Censure inflicted by the Consistory 7. Instead of those words publickly known in the 21st Article shall be inserted Notoriously 8. Towards the close of the 27th Article these words shall be added However 't is left unto the prudence of the Consistories to use otherwise if they shall judge it more expedient for the Churches edification 9. This shall be added to the 28th Article If any Persons professing the Reformed Religion shall Appeal their Pastors Elders or the whole Body of the Consistory before the Civil Magistrates to force them to give in evidence against those Delinquents who have confessed their sins to them they shall be proceeded against by all Church-Censures yea even to excommunication itself 10. There shall be this ensuing clause added to the end of the 4th Article of the 6th Chapter And if any particular Church or Churches refuse Payment of their Contributions to the defraying of those Expences which are unavoidably contracted by Journies and Attendance in Synodical and other Ecclesiastical Assemblies kept and held up for the common good and service of all the Churches they shall be deprived of the Ministry of the Gospel and be reputed and accounted Deserters of that holy Vnion which ought to be maintain'd among us for our general preservation Only Notice shall be given them hereof some competent space of time before that they may not complain of being not warned nor duly admonished of their Duty and that they are surprized And all Ministers in such Churches are interdicted the Exercise of their Ministry upon pain of being denounced Schismaticks 11. After the word Memoire in the second Article of the ninth Chapter you must add these signed by one Pastor and one Elder 12. Alter these words And the removing of Ministers from one place unto another in the 10th Article of the 8th Chap. these shall be added And from one Church unto another 13. After these words in the 3d Article of the 9th Chapter With a sufficient Testimonial these shall be added Signed by the Moderator and Scribe of the Provincial Synod 14. After these words Both Ministers and Elders in the third Line of the 11th and last Article of the same Chapter you must add these Of Matters onely which have happened during that Action 15. After those last words in the 2d Article of the 10th Chapter Who shall cease to have shall be censured add these following As those also who do not uncover their Heads during the time of singing from the beginning of that Ordinance to the end 16. After these words Instructed in the true Religion the 4th Article of the 11th Chapter shall be thus concluded The Children also of Gypsies the French call them Bohemians and Saracens may be baptized in our Reformed Churches upon the Terms before-mentioned and provided there be no ground to believe they have been already baptized and after that the Sureties have been previously and seriously admonished to bethink themselves how they may discharge that Obligation and Promise which they make unto the Church 17. This ensuing Article shall be the 8th in the 11th Chapter of our Discipline No Member of another Church shall be admitted a Surety for any Child at Baptism unless he bring with him an Attestation from his own Church 18. After those words in the 15th Article Being signed by the Child's Godfather and by the Minister who baptized him these shall be added And whenever Children shall be presented unto Baptism the Parents or Sureties shall bring with them a Paper in which are writ down the Names of those Children and of their Fathers and Mothers and of their Godfathers and Godmothers and of the day of their Birth 19. The 20th Article of the 13th Chapter of Marriages shall be thus concluded And the Marriage shall be publickly solemnized and blessed in the Congregation of the Faithful by the Ministry of the Pastors and not of any Elder or Deacon 20. The 31st Article of the 14th Chapter shall be placed in order before the 21st and thus couched All Swearers who in passion or hastiness do take the Name of God in vain and others who affront the Divine Majesty shall
be most sharply reproved and if after one or two Admonitions they do not refrain they shall be suspended the Lord's Table And all outragious Blasphemers Forswearers and suck-like Persons shall in no wise be tolerated in the Church but upon the first Offence shall be punished with Suspension from the Lord's Supper and if they continue in this their Vngodliness they shall be publickly excommunicated And this Assembly voted unanimously That when the Deputies of the Provinces shall be returned to their several respective homes they shall cause this Article to be read in all the Churches in the Audience of all the People 21. The Articles of our Discipline having been all read over one by one they were all approved and ratified by the joynt and common Consent and Suffrages of all the Provincial Deputies in the Name of all our Churches and in this self same Form in which they are couched by the former and this present National Synod And this Synod declareth farther That the Copies of it corrected and amended by the Commissioners authorized thereunto shall be hereafter followed and observed both as to Number of Articles and Terms and Words by which they be expressed that so such as shall take the pains to transcribe it may conform themselves exactly to those said Copies of our Discipline CHAP. IV. Of General MATTERS 1594. Synod XIII I. IN every Province there shall be chosen some sit Person to answer the Writings of our Adversaries not that by this Canon we intend to abridge any other of our Brethren of their liberty to use those Gifts and Abilities which God hath given them for his Churches Service And this shall be done at the sole Charges of that Province in which the Answer is made And if any Person shall presume to print his Book before he hath first communicated it unto his Colloquy or Synod according to our Discipline he shall be most severely censured and his Work shall be suppressed II. The Colloquies shall be exceeding careful that that Article of our Discipline concerning the Maintenance of poor Schollars designed for the Ministry be diligently observed and that they make Report of it unto their Provincial Synods and the Provincial Synods shall give account thereof unto the National that so it may be manifested how they have performed their Duty in this particular But forasmuch as the Expedients contained in that Article arc not sufficient for this end and the Churches Stock is very mean and low the farther Consideration hereof is referr'd unto the General Assembly at St. Foy The last Translation of the Holy Bible by the Pastors and Doctors in the Church of Geneva is to be received in ours III. Reserving liberty unto the Church for a more exact Translation of the Holy Bible our Churches imitating the Primitive Church are exhorted to receive and use in their Publick Assemblies the last Translation revised by the Pastors and Professors of the Church of Geneva And Thanks shall be presently given unto Monsieur Rotan and by Letters unto our Brethren of Geneva who have at the desire of our Churches so happily undertook and accomplished this great and good Work and they be further intreated to amplifie their Notes for the clearer and better understanding of the remaining dark places in the Sacred Text and Ministers in the respective Provinces are ordered to collect those difficult passages and to make Report of them unto the next National Synod who shall consider which most needs explication Mr. Calvin's Catechism to be used in our Churches IV. A Resolution being took in the last National Synod of Vitré at the desire of the Deputies of Xaintonge that they should consider whether Mr. Calvin's Catechism ought to be changed it is now decreed that it shall be retained and Ministers shall not be permitted to expound any other yet this Explication shall be done by familiar Questions and Answers And as for general Catechisings which are usually done before the Lord's Supper all People without exception shall be catechised in such a manner as every Church judgeth best sitting for their instruction V. To the Case propounded by the Deputies of Anjou and Tourain this Assembly replies That there is no need of an express particular Form of Prayer at the Ordination of Ministers However that Article concerning their Ordination shall abide in its full force and be carefully observed VI. There shall be nothing changed in the 4th Article of the 10th Chapter of our Discipline Nevertheless that all Abuses may be prevented either by Pastors or Churches the Colloquies may appoint two or three Ministers No regard is to be had unto the reciprocal Complaints of Pastors and People one against the other unless in such Cases as merit Suspension and Deposition who shall transport themselves upon the place to remedy and redress them and in case of failure by the Colloquies the Provincial Synods shall provide against such neglects and omissions 7. Whenas a Minister complains of his Churches Ingratitude and the Church on the other hand shall lay the blame on its Pastor there shall be no Notice taken of either of them unless it be in a case of very great and enormous wickedness for which the Pastor meriteth Suspension or Deposition from his Office and that Sentence shall be pronounced by the Provincial Synod And then also some effectual course shall be taken to provide against the afore-mentioned Ingratitude And the Churches shall be censured for concealing so long a time what ought to be more early discovered Ungrateful refractory Persons shall be deprived of the Lord's Supper VIII Forasmuch as the Ingratitude of divers Persons in not contributing to their Minister's Subsistance is more notorious than ever and that this crying sin threatens the Churches with a total dissipation after mature deliberation we do decree That in case these ungrateful Wretches having been several times admonished by their Consistory do persist obstinately in this their sin their Consistory shall deprive them of Communion with the Church in the Sacraments IX Colloquies shall be exhorted to observe carefully the 38th Article in the first Chapter of our Discipline Pastors must be resident The Apocryph◠not to be read in the Churches X. Colloquies and Synods shall take special heed that Pastors reside as much as possible on their Churches XI The Churches are advised to see to it that their Deacons or Readers do not read publickly the Apocrypha but the Canonical Books of Holy Scripture This Article was repealed by the Synod of Saumur art 5. Gen. Mat. XII Whenas there shall be any considerable Sum of the Churches Money given to their Poor lying by in Stock and there be no present urgent occasion for its distribution the Deacons may put it out to Interest upon good security and receive such profit for its Loan as is allowed by his Majestie Laws and those of Charity but with this Proviso that both the Deacons and Consistory do immediately call it
that aforesaid Decree in the said Church This Assembly having heard Monsieur Merlin speak in behalf of the Synod and Monsieur Bonnet for the Colloquy judged that the Church of Soubize failed in their Letter of Summons inserting a clause that the Colloquy had exceeded their power by an over-rigorous censure inflicted on the said Church and Minister and it approveth the Decree of the Synod against the said Colloquy But for as much as publication hath not been made of it we do ordain that it shall be forborn only Monsieur Petit shall read in the Consistory of the Church of St. Just this present Article that so the honour of the said Minister maybe repaired 39. Bertrand Faugier formerly Minister of the Church of Viners in Dolphiny appealed from the Decree of the Synod of that Province whereby he was Deposed from the Sacred Ministry but his Appeal was declared null and void for non-appearance in person at this Assembly 40. The Appeal of the Church of Lamure in Dolphiny from a Decree of their Provincial Synod being only about Money matters shall according to the Canon made at Rochel be determined by the next adjoining Province CHAP. VI. Of General Matters 1. NO Church shall seek a Minister for it self out of the Province unless it have first consulted with the Colloquies or Synod of the Province 2. The Provinces shall be admonished carefully to observe the tenth Article of the eighth Chapter of our discipline wherein are declared the proper causes which may be brought by Appeals unto our National Synods and if any shall hereafter bring those matters before us which are determinable in Provincial Synods they shall not be heard And Provincial Synods shall give notice hereof unto such persons as Appeal without just cause 3. The Deputies of those Provinces in which are erected the Mixt Courts consisting of half Protestants and half Papists are ordered in the name of this Assembly to wait upon the Lords Presidents and Counsellors of those Mixed Courts professing the Reformed Religion and to exhort them to persevere in their zeal and good affection to the general welfare of the Churches and of their poor oppressed Members who have recourse to them for justice against their oppressors and Letters shall be written to them to this purpose 4. The Consistory of Nerac shall in the Name of this Assembly exhort the Lords Presidents and Counsellors professing the Reformed Religion in the mixt-Court of Guyenne to take special care that nothing do pass in their Court to the prejudice of the Edicts and Articles granted to the Professors of our Religion and that private persons may not be unjustly oppressed And in case of their neglect and connivency at such injustice the Consistory of the said Church shall proceed against them by all Church Censures 5. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Question what course should be taken with those persons against whom the Consistories having proceeded by Church Censures for their delinquencies according to the Discipline were yet abetted by their Friends and Kinred who combining together with them against the Consistories do forbear hearing of Sermons neglect Sacraments and refuse their ordinary contributions towards the maintenance of the Ministry It was decreed that they be prosecuted both abettors and abetted with all Church-Censures and Colloquies and Provincial Synods ordered are to take special care that these Censures be duly executed 6. The Deputies of the Isle of France and Picardy propounding it the Provinces are charged to proceed against such as do by underhand dealings canvass for deputations unto Politcal Assemblies by all Church Censures And they who Represent the Provinces shall make oath that they never obtained to be Deputies by any of those unfair practices and in all Elections of members unto such Assemblies in whatsoever place Burrough City or Province that they neither have nor shall in any wise give their Votes for them who by such undue courses have demanded Craftily contrived or Ambitiously affected and sought after those Deputations nor have they nor will they seek or demand the same for themselves by such or the like ways and means And in case his Majesty out of his Royal Bounty should defray their charges at those General Assemblies It is ordained that the Moneys so given by him shall be received by the Treasurer of the Churches for their benefit and the Churches shall pay the respective Deputies all the expences of their Journy Professors are exempted from all Deputations unto Political Assemblies 7. the Provinces are injoyned never to depute unto our General National Assemblies whether Political or Ecclesiastical the Professors of Theology nor shall they be imployed in any Deputations unto Court And whether they shall be sent or not unto our National Synods it 's left wholly to the prudence of the Provinces 8. Theophilus Bleuitt otherwise called de la Combe having been deposed from the Ministry by the Province of Anjou and his deposition ratified by an act of the last National Synod held at Rochel presented himself unto this Assembly craving the favour of re-admission into the Ministry The Assembly having heard the causes for which he was deposed and those enormous Crimes whereof he stood convicted declareth him utterly unworthy of that Sacred Office yea that he shall not be so much as suffered to teach School in any of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and forbids him for the future ever to put his foot within any of our Synodical Assemblies more 9. The Deputies of the Isle of France moving it this Assembly decreed that in those Provinces where that Custom was established of bringing the fifth Penny of all Charities to the Colloquies or Provincial Synods to be employed in the maintenance of our Proposans shall continue it as long as they see it expedient And in case any Churches of the Provinces should oppose themselves against it they be enjoyned to conform unto the practice of the major party on pain of being deprived of the Ministry In consequence hereof the Deputy of Burgundy complaining of the great inconveniencies befallen them by the Exemption of the Church of Lion from this Ordinance it was again decreed that the said Church should be subjected to it as well as the other Churches of that Province 10. It 's left to the prudence of Consistories to judge what Poor are fit to be relieved by every particular Church and who are to be sent back unto the places of their Nativity or of their former Residence And herein to carry it with all Charity both towards the Poor and those Churches whereunto they do return them An Order for maimed Souldiers bearing the Cross on their Cloaks 11. The Deputies of the Lower Guyenne moving it this Assembly resolved That Protestant Souldiers to receive the Relief granted by His Majesty unto those who had been maimed in His Service might wear the Cross on their Cloaks not as a Badge of Superstition but as the Mark and Cognisance of their
Afflicted Condition and they should not therefore be excluded Communion at the Lord's Table But withall they be advised to take special care that in Church-Meetings they do avoid all occasions of giving offence unto the weak Members Advice for Pastors about Attestations to be granted unto Officers in Garrisons or Courts of the Edict 12. Ministers in giving their Attestations unto them who would be provided of Offices as Governours and Lieutenants of places in our Cautionary Towns the places of Surety granted us by the King or of Offices in the Courts of the Edict shall be exceeding careful that the 23th Article of General Matters in the National Synod of Rochel be fully observed and those who do act otherwise shall be suspended from their Ministry for one whole year 13. Divers Provinces complaining of the general contempt of the blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus of the Blasphemies Debauches and Prophaneness universally abounding among us of the woful decays of Faith and Charity threatning us with a deluge of Divine Wrath ready to break in upon us for the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men and that therefore it 's most needful to appoint a day of solemn publick Prayer and Fasting to be kept in all the Churches of this Kingdom for their extraordinary humiliation before God and the averting of his Judgments from us This Assembly ordaineth that it shall be celebrated in all our Churches the first Tuesday of November next ensuing which will be the fifth day of the same month 14. That hereafter there may be a General Uniformity in the Churches of this Kingdom in the Administration of the Lord's Supper and all scruples by reason of difference and singularity arising in weak but honest hearts uncapable of distinguishing between the Substance and Circumstance of the Sacred Action may be prevented all Pastors are enjoyned to abstain from any new or private Methods of their own as of reading the words of Institution between the ordinary long Prayer and that appointed particularly for this Sacrament which ought indeed to be read after nor shall they whilst reading the words of Institution uncover the Bread and Wine nor shall they bring the people up in ranks unto the Table there to sit or stand whereas they should cause the faithful to pass one after another up unto it nor shall the Exhortations or Thansgivings be made till that the Elements have been distributed among the Communicants of every Table nor shall the Cup be given by the faithful one unto another it being contrary to the express Letter of a Canon of our Discipline which ordaineth Pastors if possible or if they cannot the Elders to assist the Pastor tired by the multitude of Communicants in populous Churches to deliver it And Colloquies and Synods shall have their Eyes over those who act contrary to this Order and reduce them to their duty by all befitting Censures 15. Colloquies and Synods shall use their best discretion in the exercise of Discipline upon those persons who that they may inflame our Churches raise and foment Divisions in them do get into Offices of Judicature do plead for those Incendiaries and procure them Monopolies and secret Subscriptions under Hand and Seal 16. The province of the Isle of France demanding that the poorer Churches might be relieved out of our common Stock The inconveniencies having been well considered in case a General Order about this matter should be enacted This Assembly doth as that of Rochel did before it leave it wholly to the prudence and charity of the several Provinces to see that what is done herein do make for Edification 17. The Deputies of Xaintonge propounding this Question Whether a Baptism administred by a deposed Minister at the request and in the presence of the whole Church were valid This Synod judgeth that in case the deposed Minister had presented his Appeal unto a National Synod the Baptism were valid and ought not to be reiterated But nevertheless if any such Deposed Minister shall hereafter presume to Administer any publick Ordinances he shall be denounced Excommunicate immediately 18. The Deputies of Poictou demanding how they should act where the Banes of Marriage were forbidden before the last time of Publishing This Assembly judged that in case the opposition were made without Authority from the Civil Magistrates the Consistories might continue their Publication but otherwise not unless the Magistrate should only forbid the Celebration of that Marriage and not the Publishing of the Banes 19. The Deputies of Xaintonge informed this Assembly that the Printer of Rochel designed with our approbation a new Impression of the Bible in a Lesser Volume more Commodious and that might be easily carried any where in the pocket and forasmuch as divers Godly persons desired there might be an Index added to it of those Texts which were most proper and pertinent for confirming the Truth and confuting Error This Synod approved the undertaking because of its singular usefulness and intreated Monsieur Merlin to see it accomplished which also he promised to perform 20. The Deputies of Poictou craved remedy against that evil custom in divers Churches of sending their Pastors without Elders unto Colloquies and Provincial Synods This Assembly replied that no general Order could be well decreed in this Case and therefore left the whole unto the prudence of the provinces A Minister may not press any to discover a secret Crime unto the Civil Magistrate 21. A Case was proposed How a Minister might govern himself when injoyned by the Magistrate to press those who were privy to any notorious Crime to reveal it It was answered that he was under no obligation of obedience unto such commands no more than he was to discover the secret passages and transactions of the Consistory Wherefore all Pastors are admonished to take no notice of any such injunctions and the Churches are ordered to stand by them in case for this their refusal their Ministers should be prosecuted by the Superiour Civil Powers 22. The Province of Anjou made this Proposal that it were expedient the Provinces should nominate some worthy Ministers particularly to Study controversies and in every Province some one to be most prepared for the defence of one particular Truth opposed by our Adversaries The Assembly approved and embraced the motion and divided the controversies among the Provinces in this ensuing Order To wit 1. To Poictou de verbo Dei Scripto non Scripto 2. To Anjou de Christo Pontifice Antichristo 3. To Xaintonge de Ecclesiâ Conciliis 4. To Orleans and Berry de Ministrorum vocatione gradibus potestate Clavium 5. To the Isle of France de Monachis Clericis Laiciss 6. To Provence de Limbo Patrum Infantium Purgatorio 7. To Normandy de sanctorum beatitudine Invocatione reliquis Angelorum Hierarchiis cultu Ministerio 8. To the Higher Languedoc de Sacramentis in genere de veris in specie 9. To the Lower Guyenne de sacrificio
it and the Lord of Mirande was immediately upon his coming to Paris to acquaint those fore-mentioned Deputies that as soon as they had spoken with his Majesty their commission was expired and that the very next day after they should all of them return to their several homes and give an account unto the General Deputies of their long tarrying at Court and what retarded their answering of this Synods Expectation from them and our General Deputies shall inform the Provinces of what these Gentlemen have done as to their Deputation Moreover the Lords General Deputies shall acquaint the Provinces with all occurrences necessary to be known by us especially if it be of Common concernment for the Churches CHAP. XIV An Account of those Sums of Money which were given upon particular occasions by the Synod of St. Maixant 1. To the Sieurs Ferrier de Fief-brun and Malleret Deputed by the Synod unto the King to defray the charges of their journey the summ of 500 l. 2. In Charity to the Wife of Theophilus Bluett 60 l. 3. To Monsieur Perrin Minister of the Church of Nyons 150 l. Total Summ 700 l. All which moneys amounting to 700 l. allowing the Lord of Candal his Sous in the Liver the Assembly ordered to be deducted from the october Quarter which is to be paid in to the Provinces the last year 1608. 5. The Lord of Candal is desired to put 250 l. of the 500 l. first mâ—ntioned upon the account of the Governours who are to bear one half of our charges in deputations unto Court 4. Mr. Rivet Pastor of the Church of Touars was ordered to bring in this Ensuing account of the Universities appertaining to the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom unto the next National Synod in Case they should call for it 1. To the University of Montauban the summ of 3000 l. for two Professors in Divinity at 700 l. Sallary by the year each 1400 l and for two professors of Philosophy at 400. Sallary by the year each the summ of 800 l. For one Professor in Greek 408 l. a year and for one Professor in Hebrew 400 Livers a year which is in all 3000 l. 2. To the University of Saumur The sum of 4190 l. For two Professors in Theology at 700 l. Salary by the year each 1400 l. For two Professors in Philosophy at 400 l. Salary by the year each is 300 l. For one Professor in Greek 400 l. For one Professor in Hebrew 400 l. More for the Colledg Erected at Saumur to the first Regent yearly the summ of 360 l. to the second 300 l. to the third 200 l. to the fourth 180 l. to the fifth 150 l. All which summs amount as before to 4190 l. 3. To the Academy of Nismes and Montpellier Equally the summ of 2500 l. viz. For two Professors in Theology at 700 l. Salary by the year each is 1400 l. For two Professors in Hebrew at 400 l. each a year is 800 l. More for other necessary occasions of the said Academies 300 l. For which they must be accountable The whole summ put together amounts unto 2500 Livers Tournois 4. To the University of Sedan the summ of 1500 l. for one Professor in Divinity his yearly Salary 700 l. For one Professor in Greek 400 l. Yearly For one Professor in Hebrew the like summ All which amounts to 1500 l. 5. To the Colledg of Gergeau 1500 Livers Signed thus in the Original June 18. 1609. Merlin Moderator End of the Synod of St. Maixant THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in the Town of PRIVAS the fourteenth day of May In the Year of our Lord 1612. The Contents of this National Synod 1612. The 23th Synod Cap. 1. DEputies of the Synod Synodical Officers Cap. 2. Orders about Election of Moderator and Deputies Censures upon a Delinquent Deputy unduly Elected 3. Cap. 3. The Oath of Union sworn by all the Deputies Cap. 4. Observations upon the Confession Means for the preservation of Union 2. A Prohibition unto Printers 3. Confession approved and sworn Cap. 5. Observations upon the Discipline Canon amended about Novices 1. Proposans to be examined in the Synod of Burgundy 3. Modest Habits of Ministers and their Families 4. A Canon for the Poor 5. A Case about Suspension and an Appeal 8. A Case about an Appeal from a Pastor 11. Whether Condemned Malefactors may Communicate at the Lords Table 12. A Case about Marriage-promises 14. There be sixteen Provinces 15. The Discipline approved and sworn Cap. 6. Observations on the Synod of St. Maixant A Canon about Ministers Sermons c. 1. Two thousand Livers given Mr. Chamier to encourage him in the study of his Panstratia Catholica 2. Two hundred Livers given Mr. Perrin for his History of the Albingenses 3. A Canon about Monks Abjuration of Popery 5. Children may be baptiâ—â—d before Sermon in case they be very sick 7. Professors not to assist at Political Assemblies 8. The Synods of Languedoc censured 9. Cap. 7. Of Appeals Method for healing the Divisions in the Church of Montauban 5. A Minister imposed upon a Church against his and the Churches will 6. A penitent Minister suspended 10. An Appeal of the D. of Lesdiguieres with its Effects 11. A negligent Minister censured 15. Ferrier a Pastor censured 16. Ferrier a covetous pragmatical Minister severely censured 16. An Appeal of a private person from a whole Synod slighted 19. Elders and Deacons may distribute the Cup at the Lord's Table but silently 22. Divisions in the Church of Orleans how composed 23. A Minister cited and not appearing unto a Synod shall be deposed 24. Intercession for Ferrier and the Synod affronted by those his Intercessors 25 26. A Church Minister Colloquy and Synod censured 27. An Accused Minister suspended 28. A Book against the Mass suppressed 34. An unqualified Elder 34. Cap. 8. The King's Proclamation of Pardon Cap. 9. The Synods Declaration against this Proclamation Cap. 10. General matters Inspection of Presses 1. Of Proposans 2. A Canon about calling of Converts unto Church-Offices 4. An Act for the National Fast 5. Cap. 11. The Act of Re-union Cap. 12. A Warrant for 45000 l. for the Churches Councillors in the Courts of the Edict censured 14. A Catalogue of all Pastors and Proposans must be sent from the Provinces to the National Synods 15. The patience and courage of the Synod 16. Palot sued 17. Cap. 13. Particular matters A Petition from the Protestants in the Arch-Bishoprick of Avignon 1. Monsieur Chamier desired by two or three Universities at one time to be their Professor in Divinity 2. Difference between the Churches of Nismes and Valence 3. Non-residents 5. A Riot in a Church examined 16. The misery of the Churches of Gex 19. The Church of Bergerac censured 21. Mr. du Moulin hath the thanks of the Synod for his Book of Justification against Tilenus 26. Pastors removed 31 32 33. Cap. 14. Of Colledges
prayers and supplications to the Lord of Glory for your Majesties long Life and Prosperous Reign and Preservation The Churches of France in whose name we be here Assembled have the deepest sence of this obligation because they have most frequently and to their great advantage received the comfortable influences of this bright shining star in the Heaven of God 's Church for which we render unto our God the glory and to your most Serene Majesty our humblest thanksgivings and shall ever reserve in our Memories the perpetual character of an inviolable gratitude We have received with all reverence and submission those good and wholsome Counsels which your most Serene Majesty was pleased to send us which as flowing from the Holy Spirit of God have confirmed us in those pious resolutions that were before lodged up in all our hearts and since reduced into act with unanimous consent in our Synodical Decrees We are enforced to our great regret to acknowledg there was an evil thing flung in among us but also we can assure your Majesty that hitherto it hath met with very small incouragement and we trust it shall never be able to make any breach in the peace of our Churches because we are resolved through grace vigorously to oppose it and to Conserve that Order and Union which hath been until now kept up among us We had grubbed it up by the very roots if it had been found among us as it is elsewhere and out of this Kingdom And as for that difference between the Sieurs Tilenus and du Moulin we believe that your Majesties helpful hand will exceedingly advantage us and we promise your Majesty for our selves that we shall give all reasonable satisfaction unto those that trouble us provided they do not attempt to break us in pieces The way of Arbiters hath been ever desired by us and that silence which we ordered and imposed might have been successful if the divided parties had but a little yielded on their side and strove who should have made the first advances we believe so much of the good intention both of the one and other that they had joyned hands and each had quitted his particular Interest for the peace repose and comfort of their Consciences which desired it We will be responsible for one of them according to the power which God hath given us over him and we are in good hopes of the other especially if your most Serene Majesty shall be pleased to employ your powerful Counsels in the furtherance of so good a work In the mean while we have Judged it necessary to suppress those writings which might any ways feed and nourish this bitter controversy between these two servants of God leaving the total suppression thereof unto an interview of both parties which we have appointed at Saumur upon very equitable and most reasonable terms It is the desire of our Souls that those self same Writings disperst abroad without this Kingdom might be suppressed and we most humbly supplicate your most Serene Majesty to order their suppression in your Kingdoms of great Britain As for that Heroick design of your Majesties communicated to us by Mr. Hume for re-uniting the Churches of divers Nations into one and the self same Confession and Doctrine we look upon it as an Undertakement worthy so great a King and well becoming that Divine Zeal with which the Celestial Majesty hath inflamed your Royal Soul and we also shall bring in our poor offerings and tribute Penny thereunto in due time and place and with our whole Heart and Soul we ardently pray that the same may be hastned and brought unto perfection to the great Glory of our God and confusion of the Adversaries of his Truth in hatred of whom we have condemned and detested that Execrable Doctrine of Regicides which violates the sacred Majesty of Kings and asserteth that whole Realms may be interdicted by the Pope And farther we earnestly desire to maintain a good correspondence with the Churches of your Kingdoms whereof we give your most Serene Majesty all possible assurance and do most humbly beseech you to accept of our devoutest Prayers and Services which with submission to his Majesty our Natural King and Soveraign we do lay at your Majesties Feet ever remaining as we are of your Sacred Majesty c. From Tonneins May 1614. The most humbly devoted Servants the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches in France Assembled by the permission of our most Gracious Soveraign Lewis the thirteenth in a National Synod and in the name of all Gigord Moderator Gardesy Assessor Scribes Andrew Rivet and Denys Maltrett A Letter from the Church of Geneva To the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France assembled at Tonneins Messieurs and our most Honoured Brethren YOUR Charity and that Communion which we ever had with you in our Lord Jesus and the word of his Grace hath on all occasions made us joynt partners with you in those singular benedictions the great God hath poured down upon your Churches as also at all times and upon all occasions to sympathize with you in your afflictions by a most sensible and cordial fellow-feeling of them Yea 't is this very self-same passion that doth at present give us access to you and inviteth us not to let slip this opportunity of your National Synod for the consolating our own Souls by imparting to you our thoughts and purposes combined with yours in one and the same faith common to us all If our Wishes could have been granted we would not have put off our communion as now we do unto these dumb Letters but we had satiated our Souls by a personal presence interview and converse with you But for as much as the hard Laws of necessity do restrain us we believe it will not be unpleasing to you tho we be absent from you in body that by our Letters we testifie our presence with you in Spirit rejoycing in your Order and in the stedfastness of your Faith in Christ and that with Vows and Hearts most intimately united with your devoutest Prayers we first of all adore the infinite goodness of the Lord for inspiring their Majesties with that great benignity and singular clemency so as to continue you your Liberty and Priviledge of holding your National Synods in peace and security These Assemblies representing all your Churches are a divine Bulwark against the assaults and invasions of your Enemies and a most firm Cement of your Sacred Union a soveraign remedy against all your Maladies and in one word the very basis of that excellent building which God Almighty by his own wonder-working hand hath miraculously raised up in your Nation This is so rich and singular a Mercy that we cannot sufficiently admire the Providence and Wisdom of God which did at first suggest the usage and establishment of it and his special assistance support and bounty in continuing it And we doubt not of Satans machinations to unhinge it We must tell
stead such Members of the Consistory of the Church of Paris as they shall conceive best able to Manage the Affair CHAP. XXI A Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres given by the King for Defraying the Charges of the Synod Article 1. THis Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres granted by the King for the Defraying our Synodical Expences was for Easing and Discharging of the Provinces and whereas there had been paid 450 Livres by the Lord of Candall upon his Debt unto Mr. Ferrand Gigord and de Cerisy who were first deputed unto his Majesty there was only distribution made of 360 Livres of that Sum because the Assembly had given unto the said Deputies the Sum of Thirty Livres for their particular Expences they were necessitated to be at over and above the said Hundred Sous allowed them for every day Article 2. To the Provinces of Dolphiny Burgundy Xaintonge Sevennes Anjou the Isle of France Berry Poictou Vivarets for four Deputies each the Sum of Eleven Hundred Forty and Three Livres Seventeen Sous the whole amounting to the Sum of Ten Thousand Two Hundred Ninety and Four Livres Thirteen Sous Article 3. To the Provinces of Normandy Lower Languedoc and Lower Guyenne the like Sum of Eleven Hundred Forty and Three Livres Seventeen Sous out of which there is deducted the Sum of Six Score Livres received by each of those Deputies from the Lord of Candall therefore there is no more due unto each of those Provinces than One Thousand and Three and Twenty Livres Seventeen Sous all which put together amounts to Three Thousand Threescore and Eleven Livres Eleven Sous Article 4. To the Province of Higher Languedoc for three Deputies and Sixty Livres ordered to a Fourth who lay Sick upon the way Nine Hundred and Seventeen Livres Sixteen Sous and Nine Deniers Article 5. To the Provinces of Brittain Provence and Bearn for two Deputies each the Sum of Five Hundred Threescore and Eleven Livres Thirteen Sous in all amounting to One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifteen Livres and Eight Sous Article 6 All which Sums taking in the 360 Livres received of the Lord of Candall by Mr. Ferrand Gigord and Cerisy do make up the aforesaid Sum of Sixteen Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Livres Tournois CHAP. XXII The Roll of Deposed and Revolted Ministers 1. Salomon Pijeaut formerly Pastor in the Church of Douchamps Deposed by the Provincial Synod of Berry for Adultery a Fellow of mean Stature Black Hair a Tauny Meagre Face great Eyes Eagle Nose a trembling broken Voice and about silty years of Age. 2. William Cacherat formerly Pastor of the Church at Pontean de Mer in the Province of Normandy about Two and Fifty years of Age a small Taper Fellow Chesnut colored Hair speaking very fluently he was Suspended by his Provincial Synod he abandoned first the Exercise of his Calling and since the Profession of his Religion turning Papist immediately upon his Suspension by the Synod at St. Loo He was Deposed for Desertion of his Ministry and sundry other Crimes 3. Leonard Thevenot formerly a Priest that quitted his Frock and Monastry of Poictiers he was afterwards Pastor of the Church at Mallezais in Poictou and of St. John d' Angely and of Bois Clan and Plassac in Xaintonge aged between 56 and 58 years he is a Short Fat Crook-back Fellow Black Hair beginning to wax Gray a Fair Beard great Mouth Lips turn'd in large Red Eyes Ruddy Face an Effeminate Tone in Speaking he turn'd Apostate from the Truth in the Month of July 1634. 4. Paul Falquerolles formerly Minister in the Church of St. Hippolyte near Monoblet in the Province of Sevennes who being Deposed by the Provincial Synod for his Vicious Conversation and Desertion of his Charge did finally Revolt from the True Religion This Fellow is about Threescore and Five years old Tall of Stature and Gray Headed All these Acts were Passed and Decreed in the National Synod Assembled by the King's Permission at Alanson from the 28th of May until the 9th of July 1637. And Signed by Basnage Moderator of the Synod D. Couspe Assessor D. Blondel Scribe D. Launay Scribe CHAP. XXIII An Account and Catalogue of the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn together with the Names of their Pastors hung up in the National Synod held at Alanson in the Months of May June and July 1637. Extracted and Copied out of the Original 1. Province IN the Province of Berry Orleans Blesois Nivernois and the Higher Marche there be these Pastors and Churches hereafter mentioned 1. In the Colloquy of Sancerre Pastors Churches 1 Stephen de Monsanglard in the Church of Corbigny 2. Daniel Jamet Pastor in the Church of Gien upon the Loir 3. John Guerin Pastor in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loin 4. Paul Allard a Rocheller in the Ch. of Sancerre 5. John Taby at La Charité 6. Ayme Pyat Chastillion on the Loir 7. Elijah Semele Grinon and Esparville 8. Paul Guez Suilly and Aubiguy 9. Isaac Babaud without a Church La Selle 10.  Dolot Destitute of Past 2. In the Colloquy of Blesois Pastors Churches 10. Nicholas Vignier Minister of Blois 11. 11. Paul Testard Orleans 12. 12. James Imbert Durand Romorantin 13. 13. Jacob Brun Dangeau 14. 14. John Alix Marchenoir 15. 15. Isaac Garnier Basoches 16. 16. Jerom Belon Chameroll 17. 17. Louis Tuisard Bouderoy 17. 18. Daniel Jurieu Mer 18. 19. Cyrus du Moulin Chasteaudun 19. 20. Phillip de la Pierre  21. Abel d'Argent both destitute of Churches  3. In the Colloquy of Berry and Bourbonnois Pastors Churches 22. Louis Scoffier Belet 20. 23. Renatus Bedé Issoudun 21. 24. Elijah Pejus Argenton 22. 25. John Bonneau Aubusson 23. 2. The Province of Brittain Pastors Churches 26. Bertrant Avignon Lord of Souvigny Pastor of the Church of Christ at Hennes 24. 27. Daniel Sauve Viellevigne 25. 28. Peter de la Place Sion 26. 29. Peter Bouchereau Lord of La Manesse Nants 27. 30. David de la Place Lamussare 28. 31. Andrew Levier Lord of Beauchamps Blain 29. 32. Pruil Minister of Rochebernard 30. 33. 34. Presteré Pet. Jostain Rochellers of Vitré 31. 35 Routel Minister of Ploër 32. 36. Delahay or Delaye without any Church Triguier destitute of a Pastor 33. 3. The Province of Xaintonge Augoumois Aunix and the Islands 1. Colloquy of Aunix Pastors Churches 37. Jerome Colomnies and Ministers of Rochel 34. 38. Phillip Vincent 39. John Flane a Rocheller Minister of Surgere Cire 35. 40. John Jagaut Minister of Augoulins Pont de la Pierre Aytré 36 41. John Salberâ— Lord of Viliers a Rocheler Minister of Rochefort St. Laurence Florrus 37. 42. Daniel Chavet a Rocheller Marais 38. 43. Samuel de la Forest Maze 37. 44. Samuel de Ferre Minister of Bournivet Daump 40. 45. Isaac Coutaut Pastor of Sâ—les Taray la Jarrye 2. The Colloquy of St. John D'Angely Pastors Churches 46. Japhet du Vigier Lord of Montier both Ministers of St.
John D' Angely 45. 47. John du Croy 48. Abraham Joyer Tonnay Charante 46. 49. Peter Charron Tonnay Boutonnay 47. 50. René Chesheau a Rocheller Soubize 48. 51. William Rivet Lord of Chamvernoun Taillebourg 49. 52. Thomas Guyott a Rocheller Pastor of Moise 40. 53. Sebastian Baldwyn Pastor of St. Savinian 51. 54. Peter Menauean a Rocheller of Fontenay Labatu 52. 55. James Morin Pastor of Tors Fresneau c. Mata 52. 3. Colloquy of the Islands Pastors Churches 56. Peter Richier Lord of Vandelincour Marents 54. 57. And Anthony Chardavoyn of 58. Claudius Herault a Rocheller of Cozes 55. 59. John Perreau a Rocheller of Saujon 56. 60. John du Menil of St. Just 57. 61 Anthony Bugnon a Rocheller Minister of St. John D' Angel 58. 62. John Papin At La Tremblade 59. 63. Oliver le Cercler Lord of La Monnerie of Arnot 60. 64. James de la Fontayn a Rocheller of Royan 61. 65. John Gruell Minister of Meschors 62. 66. Elijah Coustans the Younger of Mornoe 63. There be in this Colloquy these Churches interdicted Saujon St. Lierre 64. St. Denis 65. and the Castle of Olleroon 66. 4. The Colloquy of Xaintonge Pastors Churches 67. Theophilus Rossel and Ministers of Xaintes 67. 68. Charles â—â—uet 69. John Costans the Elder of Lons 68. 70. Elijah Prioleau Lord of La Viennerie Jonzael 69. 71. John Hamilton the Father and Ministers of Montendere Fontaynes Ozillae 70. 72. John Hamilton the Son 73. James Gaultier of Archiac 71. 74. Peter Bonyot of Fou St. German 72. 75. John Marcon of Baigne 73. 76. John Baduel of Mizabeau 74. 77. Peter Chaze of St. Severin 75. 78. Louis Aubouieneau a Rocheller of Moulieu and Monhuyon 76. 79. David Bellot of Chalais la Roche 77. 80. Francois Majou of Clanbois Classac 78. 81. Lazarus Cazaux of Barbezieux 79. 5. Colloquy of Augoumois Pastors Churches 82. John Ferran Minister of St. Claude Champagnemauton 80. 83. Isaac Clave Minister of La Rechefoucaud Lindois 81. 84. Isaac Patui Minister of St. Mesme Jarnac Charante 82. 85. Abraham Hivert of Angoulesme Montignac 83. 86. Samuel Lagarie of Cognac 84. 87. Stephen Tixueil of Villefaignan 85. 88. John Comarc of Vertuell Russet Castell Renaud 86. Elijah Constans at Numb 66. now of Bourg Charante 87. 89. Anthony Carrier of Legonzac Ligneres 88 90. Isaac Merchant of La Rochebeaucourt Sales 89. John Pascard without a Church Churches interdicted Mortaigne Lonzac 92. Churches Destitute of Pastors Gemouzac 73. Rieux 94. Niel,95 Hevert au Beterie 96. St. Aulay 97. The 4th Province of Burgundy 1. Colloquy of Gex Pastors Churches 92. John Tapé Minister of Chalais Sarconnay 98. 93. James Clerk the Father of Cessy 99 94. James Clerk the Son Colonges 100. 95. James Gaultier of Gex 101. 96. Dupré Minister of Vivonne 102. 97. Francois Perreaud Minister of St. Hoiry Fargues 103 98. Peter Despreaux of Crosset 104. 99. Joseph Prevost of Ornez 105. 100. David Paget Minister of Versoy 106. 2. Colloquy of Dijon Pastors Churches 101. Joseph Mauvin Minister of Arnay le Duc 107. 102. Isaac Durand of Issurtille 108. 103. Gideon Guyonnet Minister of Chastillon upon Seyn 109 St. John de Laune 110. Dijon 111. 104. Peter Bolenat Minister of Avalon Vaux 112. 105. John Comperat of Neyons 113. 106. Peter Heliot of Baulne 114. 3. Colloquy of Chalons Pastors Churches 107. Amed de Bons Minister of Chalons 115. 108. John Viridet Minister of Paray 116. 109. Noël Angeley Minister of Martingues 117. 110. Peter Jaimot Minister of Pont des Vaux Belle Ville 118. Moulins 119. Bourbon 120. 111. Heliodorus de Noyer Minister of Bussy Clugny 121. 112. Jeffery Bruny Minister of Antun Conches 122. 4. Colloquy of Lyon Pastors Churches 113. Esaiah Bailly and Ministers of the Church of Lions 123. 114. Alexander Rous 115. Senebriet 116. Francois Renaud L. of Mispillac Minist of Mascon 124. 117. Jacob Textor Minister of Bouage 125. 118. John Marcombes Minister of Pons de Voyles 126. Puillac 127. The 5th Province of Lower Languedoc 1. The Colloquy of Nismes Pastors Churches 119. John Bansillon Minister of Aigues Mortes 128. 120. John Chauvet Pastors of Nismes 129. 121. Phillip Codur 122 Samuel Petit 123. Claudius Rosselet and 124. Josiah Darnieu Pastors of 125. _____ Justamen Minister of Masillargues 130. 126. Francois Durand Minister of Galargues 131. 127. Quintin Rennoy and Ministers of Clavisson 132. 128. Abraham de Lare 129. Tobias Roux Minister of St. Laurens 133. 130. Silligorry Minister of Aimargues 134. 131. Andrew Basagne Minister of Bernis 135. 132. Tibaud Minister of Aubars 136. 133. Allegre Minister of Nayett 137. 134. Fourmer Minister of Cleronsae 138. 135. Brun Minister of Vauvert 139. 136. Gaultier Minister of Sommiere 140. 137. Savrin Minister of Aymargues 141. 138. Lichicres Minister of Vergescet 142. 139. Davin Minister of Beauvoisin 143. 140. Bertrand Minister of Bussinarques 144. 2. The Colloquy of Vsez Pastors Churches 141. Rally the Elder Minister of Barjac 145. 142. Arnaud Minister of Fons 146. 143. Nogueyer and in the Church of Vez 147. 144. Manuel Pastors 145. Du Cros Minister of Blansac 148. 146. Ravanel Minister of St. Ginicis 149. 147. Bonnier Minister of Lussan 150. 148. Chabaud Minister of BonCoiran 151. 149. Meinier Castanier Minister of Navacelles 152. 150. Paul Cheyron Minister of Genouillac 153. 151. Ponnier Minister of Les Vaus 154. 152. Desmarets Minister of Chambourrigaud 155. 153. Rally the Younger Minister of Mouteran 156. 154. La Saye Minister of Ambroise 157. 155. Thomas Minister of John de Marneiola 158. 156. Peter Serres Minister of St. Bagnols 159. 157. Ancet Minister of St. Monfond St. Quantin 160. 158. John Sobier Emeritus  3. Colloquy of Montpellier Pastors Churches 159. Vedrines Ministers of Montpellier 162. 160. Moses Baux 161. John Gigord 162. Carsenal 163. John de Croy Minister of Beziers 163. 164. Pucis Minister of Pinan 164. 165. Begon Minister of Clermont 165. 166. Atgé of Lunel 166. 167. Preudhomma Minister of Courvon 167. 168. Lavit of Bezarieux 168. 169. Second of Montagnac 169. 170. Rouze of Malquel 170. Lelache Vendamman 171. Gignac 172. Poussan 173. Forensac 174. 171. Moses Russel a Pastor Emeritus 6. Province of Poictou 1. Colloquy of the Vpper Poictou Pastors Churches 172. John Foran Pastor of Chavigny 175. 173. James Clemanseau Jun. of Courteilles 176. 174. John Masson a Rocheller of Civray 177. 175. Isaac du Soul Minister of Lusignan 178. 176. Isaac de Civille Minister of Couké 179. 177. Nicolas Bellin Minister of Parthenay 180. 178. James Clemanseau Sen of Poictiers 181. 179. James Cottiby a Rocheller 180. Isaac Chabrol Minister of Touars 182. 181. Daniel Pui and Ministers of Chastelheraud 183. 182. John Carre 183. Daniel Jaillard L. of Rosefleur of Aubanie Sause 184. 184. Peter Vinard a Rocheller of Montfermier 185. 185. Andrew Gourdery Minister of Montrevil Bonnin 186. 2. The Colloquy of Middle Poictou Pastors
of Two Hundred Livres but with this Proviso That in case the Lord General Deputy shall come to Town within the Fortnight that then they pay in the said Two Hundred Livres to the Consistory of the Church of Paris who are to dispose of it towards the Redemption of our poor Captives in Barbary and in case they should be necessitated to sojourn there any longer time than the Fortnight the Remainder of the Monies allowed them for their Expences in their Hands shall be conscientiously restored by them 16. The Lord Marquis of Clermont who was intrusted with those Assignations made unto our Churches out of certain Offices belonging to the Commissioners of real Seisures having brought them by Mr. Cooper unto this Assembly an Order passed that the Sieurs de L' Angle and Cottiby Joynt Deputies with the Sieurs Morande and Pellue or any of them who should remain at Paris to receive the Lord General Deputy should remit them into his Hands and intreat his Lordship to deal in them and compound on such Terms as he together with the Consistory of Paris shall judge to be least disadvantagious unto the Churches Moreover the foresaid Committee are empowred by this Synod to give whatever Acquittances or Discharges may be meet and necessary on those Accompts which were formerly brought in by the Lord of Candall whether arising from the Debets of Acquittances which may or shall be produced or from those of Commissioners for real Seisures which were used in Reprisal and left in the Hands of the Lord Marquis of Clermont And as for what is clearly owing unto the said Lord of Candall upon his last Accompt in case Satisfaction may be given him out of any other part of Reprisal the said Committee are ordered and empowred to see it done The Lord General Deputy upon his Arrival shall according to Order and Custom take the usual Oath which shall be administred to him by the Consistory of the Church of Paris CHAP. VI. A Copy of the Second Letter writ unto the King Sire 17. WE have deputed the Sieurs de L' Angle and Cottiby Pastors and de Morande and Pellue Elders to lay at your Majesty's Feet our most humble Thanks for your great Goodness we having opened and finished our Synod under your Royal Authority and to petition your Majesty as we do from the very bottom of our Souls that you would hear graciously the most humble Requests of your most faithful and most obedient Subjects of our Religion who in divers parts of this Kingdom are mourning and groaning for being deprived of the means of serving God according to the Dictates of their Consciences and that Liberty which hath been granted by the Kings your Majesty's Predecessors of most glorious Memory and confirmed by your Majesty at your first coming to the Crown unto them They do also sorrowfully complain that through the Rigour of some of your Officers they be excluded all Employments and cannot though they have served Apprenticeships be admitted to set up as Masters for themselves in any one kind of Trade whatsoever Such injurious Actions as these quite contrary to the intention of your Edicts depriving them of all honest ways of gaining their Livelyhoods as your Majesties other Subjects do These things Sire shall be more particularly reported in our Bill of Grievances which we presume to present unto you and to which we hope your Majesty will vouchsafe us a favourable Answer That so your Throne being supported by Piety and Justice during your Majesty's most happy Reign Mercy and Truth may meet together Righteousness and Peace may kiss and embrace each other and all sorts of Vertues may abound and flourish and Heaven may pour down its most precious Benedictions upon your Sacred Person and People And after you have lived many a long Year enjoyed the Glorious Victories and magnificent Triumphs of David the continunl Peace Felicity and Riches of Solomon we may end our days praising God and blessing your Majesty and leave unto our Posterity after us this Title in which Sire we do most and principally glory of being for ever From Charenton January 26th 1645. Sire Your Majesties most Humble most Faithful and most Obedient Subjects and Servants the Pastors and Elders assembled in our National Synod by your Majesties Permission at Charenton and in the Name of all Garrissoles Moderator Basnage Assessor Scribes Blondel and Le Coq A Copy of the Second Letter written by the Synod unto the Queen Madam AS we began this Assembly with most sincere Professions and Protestations of our inviolable Loyalties so do we now conclude it with our most humble Thanks and Acknowledgment for your Majesty's Bounty and Clemency extended to us We should Madam be taxed with Ingratitude if we had not a deep Sense of the King 's and your Favours because it was through your Majesties gracious Permission that we obtained the Priviledg of Convening in this Synod Incomparable is the Wisdom of your Regency who now sit at the Helm of the French Empire and govern it with such Happiness that whilst the Neighbour Kingdoms are shattered to pieces with the dreadful Stems of War France only enjoyeth a most happy Calm a most blessed and peaceful Tranquility We have had the Happiness to follow our Business quietly and to meet with no disturbance during the whole Session under the Covert of your Royal Protection And your Majesty hath deigned another Addition to your former Favours in granting us a General Deputy by whose mouth our most humble Petitions may come into your Sacred Presence and you have from the Fountain of your Liberality poured out so many Illustrious Tokens of your Grace and Bounty upon us that our Hearts are most sensibly affected with Gratitude unto your Majesty And therefore have we once more presumed to send the Sieurs de L'Angle and Cottiby Pastors together with the Sieurs de Morande and Pellue Elders to tender unto your Majesty our most humble and repeated Thanksgivings and to implore the Protection of your Sovereign Justice for all those who living in Communion with us under the benefit of your Edicts confirmed by his Majesty at his first coming unto the Crown do yet suffer contrary to your Intention and to your Royal Clemency very many and sore Troubles in all the Provinces of the Kingdom If Madam an assurance of having numberless Hearts at your Devotion Hearts burning with Zeal and Love for the Service of our lawful Prince and who be rooted through an inviolable Fidelity in this Generous Design never in the least to yield to any of your People in any Points of Duty in the most absolute and most entire Obedience and who are immovably resolved to live and die in your and his Majesty's Service be capable of exciting our just Hopes We Madam will live in this Persuasion that we shall gain and merit the continuance of your Favour which will be an universal Remedy for all our Maladies that so to the