THE HISTORY OF THE Edict of NANTS. BOOK VIII.

WHile the Execution of the Edict was a foot, the King* made his Expedition into Savoy; and in the Progress of this Journey did many things that were very obliging to the Reformed, but very ungrateful to Rome. The Ministers of G•nema came to pay him their Respects near to St. Cathe∣rines Fort, which the Duke of Savoy had caus'd to be Built Page  415 to annoy the Town, who made open War upon it un∣der the Protection of France. Beza being then above four∣score years Old, made him a Speech; and the King receiv'd him so Graciously, that the Catholics were Jealous. The King call'd him his Father: A Title rarely us'd among the Reformed and their Pastors; but of which the Monks are ve∣ry Proud, and which they have in a manner appropriated to themselves among the Catholics. It was therefore a great Offence to them, to give the same Appellation to a Minister of the Heretics; and to him too, who of all the Ministers since Calvin, had done most hurt to the Roman Religion, by his Reputation, by his Counsels, and by his Works.

On the other side the Garrison having deliver'd up this Fort* to the King, he restor'd it to those of Geneva, who ras'd it to the Ground with all imaginable Expedition. The Legat which the Pope had sent to Trear of a Peace between the King and the Duke, was enrag'd at this business. He complain'd, and threatn'd, as if the Roman Religion had been thereby brought to the Brink of certain Ruin. The Edicts which were made for Heretics, were never worse receiv'd at Rome, then this lit∣tle Accident. One might have said, that Geneva had been a New Carthage, the preservation of which bereav'd Rome of the hopes of being the Mistress of the World. However it behov'd to be pacify'd after a fruitless Clamour; because 'twas to be wish'd, that the King were remov'd farther from Italy, where the Neighbourhood of the French always causes some suspicion. He was brought to consent to an Exchange of the Marquisat of Saluces for Bresse, the Country of Gex, Bugey and Val-romey, which the Duke of Savoy not withoutsome re∣gret surrender'd to him. Those of Berne had made themselves Ma∣sters* of this Country, where the Neighbourhood of this Can∣ton had introduc'd betimes the knowledge of the Reformed Re∣ligion. The Dukes of Savoy had tolerated it there, with a Proviso for a time so long as they were Masters there, in expectation that a Council would have determin'd the Controversies: But some years after the End of the Council of Trent, they com∣manded all their Subjects to submit to the Doctrine that had prevail'd in that Assembly. This rigour did not extinguish Page  416 the Reformation in that little Country; And those of Berne having made themselves Masters by Force of Arms, it was there so well Establish'd, that there were fewer Parishes in the Country of Gex, then places where the Exercise of the Reformed Religion was Publick. The Roman Religion was only tolerated; and those few people that profess'd it, no longer Exercis'd it with that Pomp that attends it where it is Mi∣stress. The Reformed enjoy'd all the places, and apply'd the Ec∣clesiastical Revenues to their Use. They were in possession of Houses and Church-yards. There was no Town but only that of Gex, within whose Walls had not yet one Church.

This was the condition of this Country when it fell under the Dominions of Henry the Fourth, who, as soon as he had taken Possession, gave the Government of the Citadel of Bourg, Ca∣pital of Bresse, and the only place of Defence that there was in those parts, to a Gentleman of the Reformed Religion. The Reason of this Choice was, that he believ'd these places better secur'd to him by the Reformed, then those he had given to the Catholics; in regard he did not look upon the latter to be resolute enough to hold out against the Spanish Faction: When as he was perfectly assur'd of the Fidelity of the other▪ and this was a third thing that displeas'd Rome, which could no digest that a Man inaccessible to all the Intrigues that are hatch'd beyond the Mountains, should be Master of a Place so near Italy; chiefly because his Relgion was the Cause that he was prefer'd before the Catholics. There was yet ano∣ther, that the Pope could not endure; to remove whom he was long very Importunate with the King: This was the Governour of Chateau Dauphin; an inconsiderable Castle on the very extremity of Dauphine, which a Reformed held, not only as Governour for the King, but also by a Deed of Engage∣ment. He had establish'd his own Religion there, and a Re∣formed Garrison. The Duke of Savoy exasperated the Pope upon this occasion; for that this Castle incommoded him, and that he would fain have remov'd a Man thence, that would not easily engage in his broils. Insomuch that this Trifle made a great Noise at Rome, so that they appear'd there Page  417 sufficiently troubled to see all Dauphine intirely, and a 11 or 12 strong places in particular, at the Command of Lesdiguieres.

The Creation of New Employments in all the Jurisdictions of* the Kingdom, ev'n in the Parlaments which was one of the Expedients that Roni propos'd to Raise Mony, may be look'd upon as one Business of the Edict. These New Creations ever Vex those who are in Possession of Old Employments, whose Fees are made less considerable in retail, when the Num∣ber of Persons that should share 'em, is Augmented. This is the Reason, that the Parlament of Paris would have confound∣ed these New Offices, with those out of which the King was to gratify the Reformed, according to the Edict; one part of which was of a Preceding Creation; and t'other of the first Offices of Ancient Erection which would become va∣cant by Death. The Parlament was desirous by that to lessen the Number of New Offices. But that did not accommodate the Reformed, who were to have the Places that were design'd 'em given 'em Gratis, whereas the others were to be Purchas'd Besides this confusion had been of no Advantage to the King, who had partly lost by that the Fruit he expected from these New Creations; which was the cause that he rea∣dily promis'd the Reformed, that their Offices should not be comprehended in the Number of New Employments.

But the most important Assair of this Year, was the Exe∣cution of the Edict, to which End Commissioners were sent into many Provinces. But the measures they took were not alike▪ For there were some places where they did acquit themselves, with the same exactness that was done in others. There were some Provinces where they went from Town to Town, from Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction, and where they Visited the Places, which ought to be deliver'd for their Exercise therein, in Order to settle all things as close to their Commissions as possibly they could. Others only went to the Capital Ci∣ties, contenting themselves to receive the Petitions, the Pretensions and Objections of Parties, without coming near the particular places where the Disputes arose to which nevertheless they commonly sent Subdele∣gates. There were likewise some Provinces to which Page  418 they never went at at all. There were Places where the Catholics were more scrupulous; others where they were more Moderate and Tractable. There were some where the Re∣formed were Exact and Diligent, and others where they did their business with a great deal of Negligence. Which was grounded upon divers considerations. They waited an approach∣ing* decadency of the Roman Religion, as if they had had express Revelations: And they doubted not that their Doctrine would make great Progresses in a little time; for that they might Embrace it without exposing their Goods, their Lives or their Hopes: As if there had been nothing to surmount but the Prejudices of Interest and of Fortune, to the End that the Truths, of which they were convinc'd, might become evident to all the World. This was the Reason that they did not think it necessary to take their measures in many things, in which this Happy Juncture might have been much more securely pro∣vided for. This thought inspir'd 'em with another of vexing the Catholics a little, in placing themselves, as far as the Edict would permit it, in those Places where the Cler∣gy were troubled to see 'em. This was one little Mortifica∣tion which they would have put upon 'em, in return of those many acts of Injustice and Cruelties with which they had Treated them. This was the Cause that in some places they had less regard to their own profit, that they might have the pleasure of putting their Enemis to more Pain. A third consideration serv'd as a Foundation for their Negligence. They rely'd too much on the Integrity of these who made 'em believe, that no in∣terruption should be given to the establishments once made; and as they were resolv'd to make no Attempt on the Catho∣lics, they were apt to believe that the Catholics would never consult to disturb their Possession with Wranglings. In fine they imagin'd, that as these settlements were made in the sight of the Catholics, and that the Grounds of that Right which they had acquir'd were publick and manifest to all the World, the Children would never come to dispute what had been so Evident and Notorious in their Fathers time. One or other of these Considerations cast the Reformed in many places into a Negligence, common to those who believe Page  419 that what they once possess shall never be taken from 'em. Many were contented with the notoriousness of the things as sufficient proof of their Possession, never minding to have it attested by the Commissioners. Many were satis∣fy'd with the Verbal or tacit consent of the Catholics, in the places where it was necessary for the Establishment of their Rights. There were Bailliages where they had forgotten to demand the deliverance of a convenient place, wherein to hold their Publick Exercises: Others where the demand having been made, it was not pursu'd: Others where the demand appear'd made for one place, and the Order given for ano∣ther: Somewhere the Rights were confounded, and that of the Bailliage, for Example annexed to a Gentleman's Demesnes: O∣thers that were taken in places where there were so few of the Reformed, that they never did 'em any good: Others so inconvenient, that they were oblig'd to forsake 'em▪ These little inadvertencies have given great Opportunities to the In∣justice of our time, where the Treachery of the Bigoted Ca∣bal has given us to understand, how necessary it was that our Fathers should have taken more exact Precautions to have prevented 'em.

During this, the Commissioners behav'd themselves on their part, with as much Application as was expected from 'em.* To Preserve or Establish a Right of Exercise, they made Inqui∣ries and took Informations; they took the Depositions of Catholic or Reformed Witnesses impartially; they Examin'd all the Ti∣tles and Acts that could be produc'd; either they or their Dele∣gates came down to the places, when their presence them∣selves was requir'd by any one of the Parties; they sum∣mon'd the Officers of the places; they heard the Clergy them∣selves in their Pretensions and Defences. Of whom they had as many things to demand at least in many Places as of the Reformed, and these Judges frequently receiv'd from one and •'other part large Papers: Upon which they were oblig'd to give several different Judgments. The General Rules they fol∣low'd, was to Examin the reciprocal demands upon the Grand Maxim of the Edict; and which might well be call'd the Soul of all these Concessions; to Wit, to Confirm or Establish Page  420 As and altogether as they were, in the Terms specify'd in the Articles of the Edict. They kept themselves so exactly* within the bounds of this Rule, that they gave the Reformed a great deal of trouble upon the Exercises whose Right was founded on the Edict of 1577. The Expression of which be∣ing a little Equivocal seem'd to bound that Concession to pla∣ces where the Exercises had actually been made the 17th of September; a day that happen'd on a Tuesday, on which were found but few Examples of Assemblies for Acts of Pie∣ty. The Commissioners took no notice of the Proofs of the Exercises made the Sunday before; they inquir'd precisely of this day, without minding the other. Tho to judge of Terms by the Ordinary Style of Edicts, 'twas only meant that the Exercise was Granted to the Reformed, in the places where they had not begun it since that day; but which they had in some sort Peaceably enjoy'd before and till that day. There was the same strictness in the Regulations which were* made for the Places, the Buildings, the Bells, the acquists of Places and all the Dependances of the right of Exercise. There were therefore places where they Establish'd limited Ex∣ercises, as well for the Number of persons, as for the Qua∣lity of the Acts of Devotion that might there be exercis'd. In some, they suffer'd none but the Inhabitants of the Town and Jurisdiction to go to the Assemblies. In other places the Number of Strangers was limited who were permitted to be present. In others they were only allow'd to meet to pray and to sing Psalms without calling the Minister thither. In some 'twas permitted, that a Minister should come and give the Lord's Supper four times a year. But setting aside these little Diversities, which did not extend it self to many places, their Orders agreed in General Liberties, conformable to the Articles which spoke of the Nature of the Ezercise which was in hand to be Establish'd. These differences then were but an effect of the exactness of the Commissioners, who would not extend the Rights beyond that which the Possession had gain'd, nor abolish 'em under pretence that the possession did not give 'em extent enough. Nevertheless they have serv'd for opportunities in these latter years, to condemn these imper∣fect Page  421 Exercises, as if they had been ill grounded: So that it had been happier for those of the Reformed Religion, if the Com∣missioners had sometimes been pleas'd to transgress the Limits of their Power:

One of the most remarkable parts of their Commission, was the delivery of places call'd Places of Bailliage, 'Twas ne∣cessary* they should be taken in those where another Right could not be presum'd, for the multiplying the places of Ex∣ercise as much as was possible. Besides it was convenient to have 'em in the most considerable places of the Bailliage, where there was some concourse of people, for the common benefit. To Mortify the Clergy a little, they demanded of 'em, when they could, the nearest to the Episcopal Cities, since they could not have 'em in those very Cities. They of Nimes demanded the next place to Pont St. Esprit, or at V•lle N•uve d'Avignon, that was no farther distant from Avignon then the breadth of the Rhone, thereby to give the same Cause of discontent to see the Religion of his Enemies exercis'd, at the very Gate of a City, of which he is the Sovereign, and where some of his Predecessors have held their Sees▪ These different prospects were the Cause why they did not obtain throughout the whole the most important places, in as ample a manner as might have been desir'd.

The Dispute of Burying places occasion'd more trouble, then* the settlement of the places of exercise. The Clergy oppos'd almost through the whole, the Liberty of burying in the Ca∣tholics Church-yards: And when the Reformed took it of their own accord, they complain'd against 'em to the Kings Justi∣ces or to the Parlaments, where they were always favour'd. A Gentleman of the Reformation having caus'd one of his Chil∣dren to be Bury'd in a Parish-Church of the Bailliage of Chartres, the Parlament of Paris made a Decree, which Order'd that those should be inform'd against who were Nam'd in the Complaint which had been deliver'd, that prohibited Bury∣ing in the Churches and Church-yards of the Catholics: But the Decree did not Order the Bodies of such as were already bury'd to be taken up. The severity of the Canons perplex'd the Curates, because it would not permit that Service should Page  422 be Celebrated in the Churches where the Bodies of Heretics* were interr'd, unless they had first been reconcil'd. But the difficulty had not been hard to remove, if the Spirit of con∣tradiction would have given way to the Spirit of Peace: Since that the Reformed accord to the Edict, being no more to be Treated as Heretics, they ought to have been as well dis∣pens'd with, as to the Rigour of the Canons, which depriv'd 'em of Sepulture in the Ordinary places, as those which de∣clar'd 'em incapable of all Employments, or which condemn'd 'em to the loss of Goods and Life. By these means a great ma∣ny people had not been depriv'd of their Rights which they had acquir'd by Ancient Foundations, nor had good People wanted the satisfaction of being bury'd in the Sepulchres of their Fathers. But in regard this business every where oc∣casion'd Suits; almost all the Difficulties were remov'd by Orders that match'd the Decree of Parlament. Nevertheless, when places were to be deliver'd to the Reformed at the com∣mon expence, the reparations were not so uneasie as the Clergy. As they had been ruin'd by the long Wars, they chose rather to partake the Ancient Church-yards with the Reformed, then to be at the Charge of buying New; which was the Cause that the Commissioners divided the Church-yards, between the Catholics and the Reformed; and the part most remote from the Church, was assign'd to these for their Place; of Burial. There were places where these Portions were not separated but by single Divisions. Others where they were contented to dig a little Ditch: Others where they built some Wall, to the end that they might give the less occasion of Scandal or Tumult, when the Bieres of both sides met at the same time, or lest there should happen any disturbance on one side or other, in performing the Ceremony. Nor was it not only in the Places where the Reformed were in great Numbers, that these distributions were made: 'Twas the same thing in the Pro∣vinces where there were but few: And in Paris it self there was one part of a Church-yard, which was call'd Of the Tri∣nity; the other part of which was the common burying Place of the Poor that dy'd in the Hospital. Insomuch, that the Commissioners could not be charg'd with having done any Page  423 thing contrary to their Instructions, whether it were in main∣taining the Reformed in their Portions of their Churc-yards which they had already, or allotting 'em New by their Or∣ders; since, that in the Face of the Court, of a Bishop and of a Parlament, there were seen dividends as equal as those they had made in the Provinces. By this procedure, conformable to the forty fifth Article of the particulars, such as it had been drawn up at Nintes, this Article was tacitly re-establish'd in its first form; and there was no scruple made to Publish it in this manner in the Printed Copies of the Edict, because it was so put in practice.

It was impossible, that the Commissioners being to pass* their Judgments in so many places, and upon so many things, should have the good Fortune always to please all par∣ties. 'Twas therefore, that there were Appeals from each part, on which the King was to determine: But the Reformed had almost every day the better in those Decrees; and there will be found but very few Examples, where the Orders of the Commissioners have been corrected to their prejudice; tho there are a great Number that redound to their advantage. From whence two things may plainly be inferr'd: One, that the Commissioners had rather have Executed the Edict in fa∣vour of the Catholics, then of the Reformed: The other, that the King's Intention was, that the Articles of the Edict should not be eluded by rigorous constructions, since that every time occasion presented, he expounded 'em himself to the advan∣tage of the Reformed, by favourable extensions of what the Com∣missioners had too much contracted. But tho the Commis∣sioners had labour'd in the Execution of the Edict, during part of this year and the following, there remain'd a great many things to be executed. More especially there wanted many things in the principal part of the Commission of those whose business it was to attend this Affair. That is to say, to make all the Officers in the Provinces Swear to observe the Edict; which could not be done in the places where the Commissioners had not yet been. Wherefore the Reformed being Assembled again* at Saumur, and fearing lest the Execution of the Edict should re∣main imperfect in so important an Article, as also least there Page  424 being no other Assembly on Foot, to send about in order to its uniform Memoirs, they might lose many of their Rights, by the unequal manner in which they would proceed in every place, they were willing to continue this usual Re∣medy of all their Fears, and Translate themselves to Lo•dun. But the King would never permit it; and sent Orders to the Deputies, that were there, to seperate themselves. At the same time a National Synod was held at Gergeau, who sent an Express to the King, beseeching him to permit the continuation of this Assembly: But nothing prevail'd; they must Obey and Dismiss themselves. Ever since the Month of March they had receiv'd Order to do it; but they ex∣cus'd themselves as much as they could. The Orders were renew'd at the beginning of May; and were not fulfill'd till the last day of the same Month. 'Tis true, the King per∣mitted another Assembly at Sainte Foy, for the 15th of October following, to the end, that they might Name Depu∣ties to reside near him, and to present him the Petitions and Complaints which should be sent 'em from the Provinces. There were two Interests so opposite upon the Subject of this Assembly, that it seem'd impossible to reconcile 'em. One was that of the King's, to whom they were become suspic∣ous, because of the Authority of the Lords, who were in a capacity of acting something against his Service. T'other was that of the Reformed, to whom they were necessary; for that in the Present State of Affairs there were an Infinite Number of things, to be regulated by any other Method. The Colloquies and the Synods not having Power to meddle with any but the Affairs of Church Discipline, with the Inferiour Policy of the Churches, with the distribution of the Money which the King gave for their Ministers; another Council was requisite to advise in matters of another Nature; for the execution or observation of the Edict; for Reparation of the Breach of Articles; for the Sollicitation of the Suits which might arise on each side; for the Preservation of Places, and a hundred other things, without which, the E∣dict might be dayly eluded by a Thousand Cavils. This Cor∣respondence was mainly endeavour'd; for as they desir'd to Page  425 preserve it, that so they might be more secure from the At∣tempts of their Enemies by their Union; so likewise their E∣nemies labour'd to deprive 'em of means of effecting their mu∣tual Defence. But there was an inconvenience on both sides, to permit these Assemblies, because of the Consequences; or to hinder 'em, because of the many businesses, which brought the Deputies from all parts to Court, and expos'd the Council to great importunities, and have thrown the Re∣formed into injurious perplexities, and insupportable ex∣pences.

But the permission of having Deputies near the King in the* Name of the Provinces, which was Granted 'em to take from 'em the pretence of continuing the Assembly at Saumur, seem'd to make amends for all. The Reformed from all parts could send 'em Memoirs, on the Affairs that should happen. The •xpence of their Maintenance was not great, because the King, who was not troubl'd at their attendance upon him, took upon him to allow 'em a certain Sum, which should be laid yearly on the Privy Purse. But because the Reformed would bind 'em as well to their Cause by some Interest, they resolv'd at the National Synod of Gap, that if the Deputies were not absolutely assur'd of their allowances, what was want∣ing, should be rais'd, half on the Money that the King gave to the Churches, and half on what he gave to the Garrisons. But by little and little, that which was not Order'd, but by way of Succour, in Case the Allowances were not sufficient, became Ordinary, and was converted into an Augmentation of the Salaries of Deputies General. This Institution was no burthen to the Council, that could not be troubled with so few persons, with whom all Affairs might be ended with∣out Noise and Bustle; and who had nothing to fear from their Intrigues. But this Innovation had almost absolutely ruin'd the Assemblies, which had now no more pretence to Meet, since the Deputies could supply the use of them, in all things which requir'd their sitting. This is the Reason why they were suffer'd no more but for the Nomination of Deputies, which done they were Order'd to seperate; and to oblige 'em to it: Their Messengers were neither heard, nor their Papers Page  426 ever Answer'd, till they had separated themselves. Howe∣ver they kept up their Credit as long as they could; and maintain'd themselves powerful enough, till the taking of Rochelle.

The first that undertook this Employment, were St. Ger∣main and des Bordes, Nam'd by the Assembly of St. Foy for* one year: But they were continu'd by the Synod of Gap, and kept this Commission long enough. They would have joyn'd to these Deputies, one of which was chosen out of the Nobi∣lity, and the other of the Third Estate, a third who was to be a Minister. But the Court that lov'd none of the Consisto∣ry, hinder'd 'em from sending any of those people, whom it esteem'd untractable. Nor was that difficult to be done, because 'twas judg'd that a Residence at Court was not suitable to a Minister, who ought actually to abide near his Flock. The Reformed would have limited the duration of their Commis∣sion to a Year; but the King would have it to be longer. Both had their Reasons: The Reformed, under colour that the dis∣charging them, whom they had kept at a distance from their own Affairs, to attend the prosecution of the public business, would prevent their Deputies from accustoming themselves too easily to the Court Air, if they should stay there long. And the King who knew well, that the Charms of the Court tam'd the most fierce, would avoid frequent changes, as not will∣ing to see Affairs pass out of the Hands of a Deputy already taught and familiariz'd, into those of a New Comer; whose first Movements would always be Brisk and Severe. On the other hand, the short Service of Deputies was one Reason of renewing the Meeting of Assemblies, as often as New ones were to be Nam'd; which was the Reason that the Reformed would change 'em so often; and that the Council for the same conside∣ration would have 'em serve longer. The Reformed desir'd a∣gain, that the King would stand to their Nomination, and that he would agree to those Deputies that they should appoint; be∣cause as they only were concern'd in the Affairs, which their De∣puties were Order'd to Treat on, so it was but just that they alone should be left to choose their own Procurators. The matter pass'd thus at present: But not long after, the King Page  427 would have 'em name to him six persons, of which he would take two that best pleas'd him; whether it were that he would have part in the Obligation of the choice, or that he would be sure not to have in his Retinue, persons that dis∣pleas'd him. He obtain'd likewise with a little difficulty and time, that the duration of their Commission should be for three years. It seem'd that this Institution should have ceas'd as soon as the Edict was Executed. But because it was ne∣ver fully done, and that when good Provision was made on the one side, there was presently some New breach of pro∣mise on the other to be repair'd, this Commission became ordinary, and lasted as long as the Edict. This was at the time of the Assembly which was held four years after at Chatelle∣raud, that the King to take off the Reformed from concern∣ing themselves with Marshal de Bouillon, permitted 'em to have frequent Deputies at the Court; and that the time of their Service should be regulated, as well as the manner of naming 'em. 'Tis certain, that this Deputation has been chang'd several times since the Institution of it, to the time it was put down; and Leuis the thirteenth was the Author of these changes. The first was, that having forbid∣den the Politic Assemblies, to whom the Nomination of De∣puties belong'd, he Transfer'd the Right to the National Sy∣nod,* by a Brevet on purpose. This was in Truth no Novel∣ty, because as much had happen'd in the Reign of Henry the 4th, at the Synods of Gap and Rochelle. But there was at least thus much of Novelty, that under Henry the 4th the Synods did not meddle in this Affair but by way of Pro∣viso, in expectation of a Politic Assembly; whereas Levis the thirteenth made it the Synods business, and would no longer hear of other Assemblies. The second Change was, that he charg'd himself with the full Pension of the Deputies, when he had taken from the Reformed all the Sums which his Father had Granted 'em, The Third was, that he substituted a New Deputy by his own Authority, in the room of one of the other two that dy'd in the Interval of the Assemblies. 'Tis true, he writ to the Provinces to con∣sent to this Substitution: But they understood well enough, Page  428 that his entreaties were those of a King, that were as good as Commands. A little after it became a Custom. The Fourth was, that the number of the Deputies was reduc'd to one, because the vacancy of one of the two that was Dead, was not supply'd. The Fifth was, that the Commission be∣came perpetual: And the last was, that in the end, the Churches lost all the part that they had had in the Nomina∣tion; the Right of which the King reserv'd wholly to him∣self. So that, for near fourty years the Reformed have had no other General Deputies, but those whom the King has appointed 'em. This Abridgment is sufficient here: But the sequel will give occasion of speaking more at large.

Few matters of Importance pass'd in the Synod of Gergeau,* where they only examin'd some Books of Reunion, which were Publish'd under all manner of Titles. They writ once again to Lesdiguiers for 17000 Crowns which he kept back; but they receiv'd no more satisfaction then before. They Writ to Casaubon to congratulate his Constancy in Religion, of which they had very much doubted; but of which he had given assurances to the Synod. They forbad Ministers to be the first Aggressors in Disputes of Controversie. It seem'd by the Mea∣sures that were taken in this Assembly, to hinder the Abuse of removing Causes to the Chambres Miparties, or Chambers half Protestant, half Catholics, that Litigious Cavils had made their advantage of their Institution. But what was most remarkable of all that there pass'd, is that the Brevet for 45000 Crowns for the Payment of Ministers having been given to the Churches but three years before, Roni was so little •zact in paying his brethren, that there was due to 'em the Arrears of this Sum for three years.

Some Months after the seperation of the Synod, the King* Answer'd some Papers, sufficiently Large, that had been presented to him, of which principal Articles were, that the Reformed in Dauphine were Tax'd for the places of their Churches and of their Church-yards; that in many places they depriv'd their poor of the General Alms, and thrust their Sick out of the Hospitals; that at Bourdeaux and Xaintes, the Ju•ats and Judges would have seiz'd upon the Money that Page  429 was gathered for the poor at the Church-Doors; that at Rouen they refus'd the Petitions presented in the Name of a Reformed Church, Body, or Community; that at Orleans and elsewhere, they tendred to the Officers at their Admissi∣on, Oaths, to live in the Roman Religion: That at G•rgeau the King's Proctor had Depos'd his substitute for the Sole Cause of Religion: That at Lions the Chevalier du Guet would by Force accompany the Attendants at Funerals, an• exacted excessive Fees; and those who kept the Hospital of the Bridge of Rhone, disturb'd these Funeral Attendants as much as they were able. Upon all which, they had all they could desire Granted 'em; to Wit, most severe Prohibiti∣ons against continuing to do 'em the same Injuries. Nor were their two last Articles less favourably Answer'd: By one of which the King was oblig'd to preserve the Churches of the Country of Gex in the same State in which he found 'em, when he United it to the Crown; and the other, that the Reformed might Traffick in all the Duke of Savoys Domi∣nions, without fear of being disturb'd for their Consciences. The King promis'd to the Inhabitants of the Country of Gex Liberty of Conscience, and the exercise of their Religion as to the Rest of his Subjects. This was as much as to say, that he Granted 'em the Protection of his Edicts, according to which the Roman Religion ought to be Re establish'd there, and that for the rest things should remain there, in the same condition in which they were found: Because that was properly the General Rule for Executing Edicts. In Effect he re-establish'd the Mass there in some time after, and he sent the Baron of Lux on purpose to make this Re-establishment: But he left the Reformed Churches in Possession of those Priviledges which they enjoy'd when the Country was yielded to him. He refer'd the Reformed for the other Article to the Fifty third of the particulars of the Edict, where what they desir'd was intirely Granted 'em.

At that time there was a Great business a Foot at Rome, in which they would fain have engag'd the* King. It concern'd the Succession of England, which the Pope labour'd to have settl'd in the Hands of a Ca∣tholie. There was in prospect a Prince of the House of Page  430 Parma; and a Church man was sent over into that Island with the Title of Arch-Priest, to incline the Catholics of the Coun∣try to it. The King of Spain would have gotten this Crown for himself, or for a Prince of his House; and there were Writings dispers'd wherein the Jesuits did Impudently main∣tain that it was devolv'd to him. The Motive of this In∣trigue was Queen Elizabeths Age, who in all probability 'twas thought could not live long. It wasnot known how she would dispose of the Suucession: But it was well known, that she would never leave it to a Catholic Prince. And 'twas fear'd, that the King of Scotland her next Heir com∣ing to the Crown, might be capable of doing a great deal of hurt to the Roman Religion, if he had an Affection and Zeal for the Reformed. He was yet but young, and as he had hitherto liv'd under a kind of Guardianship, his Genius and his Inclinations were not yet known. But they alter'd their measures, when they knew how to hit his Humour; and they carried things so far, that they made use of him himself to en∣deavour the reducing of England to its former Obedience to the Pope: But while they expected that things should come to that, the King did not Rellish the Intrigue. He gave his hand to the project of reducing this Kingdom to the Catholic Religion; and during the rest of his Life, he was the Mediator and con∣fident of this design: But he was not willing to aggrandize his Enemies by this change. The other designs which he had in his Head did not require that there should be no more Pro∣testants in Europe.

Cha•illon the Admiral's Grandson, was taken off this year* by a Cannon shot in Ostend, besieged by Arch-Duke Al∣bert. Never did a young Lord give greater hopes. He was born for War; and among the good Qualities that are necessary to a Commander, he had the knack to make himself belov'd by his Souldiers, whose Hearts and Confi∣dence he had gain'd. 'Tis said, that he had so great a Credit in th• Army of the Stat•s, that Prince Maurice could not forbear being Jealous. Nor was he of less Authority amongst the Reformed of France, who lov'd in him Vir∣tues equal to his Fathers and Grandfathers. He was con∣tinually talking of their Actions, and aspir'd to no more Page  431 then to imitate 'em. The most Ardent of his desires, was that of being like his Grandfather at the Head of the Refor∣med, and to fight one Battle for their Interest. His Merit made him lamented by the King, when he heard the News of his Death. But when Courtiers, who always speak of the Dead or Absent, what they durst not of people in a capaci∣ty of revenging themselves, had drawn to the King what Pi∣cture they pleas'd of the Ambition and the Designs of this young Lord, he took for a Sign of Prosperity what immediately before he look'd upon as a Subject of Grief. It was in this* year too, that the Dauphin came into the World. His Birth gave great Joy to all true French Men, who by that saw all the Seeds of War suppress'd, which the several pretensions to the Succession might have produc'd. But that did not hinder the Spaniards from preparing all occasions of disturbance; nor prevented from time to time the spreading of a Rumour, that the King having promis'd Marriage to the Marchioness of Verneuil, there was a doubt whither the Succession belong'd to the Children of Mary de Medicis. There were some Spanish Ca∣suists that made it a Question whether the Dispensation was fairly obtain'd. In the Low-Countries some Preacher or o∣ther had the boldness to Preach in favour of the Negative: And at divers times Libels were dispers'd about concerning this matter. A Capucin who was suspected to have learn'd his Lesson at the Court of Savoy, put off a thousand extrava∣gancies on this Subject in Italy and in Rome it self: But there was a stop put to the course of these mischievous Intentions by the Authority of the Superiour. In the mean time, as the Birth of the Dauphin made all the World talk, La Riviere one of* the King's Physicians, a great Astrologer and much possess'd with Predictions, Erected a Scheme of his Nativity; the King that gave a little too much heed to these Vanities, either through his own Inclination, or by the Example of Roni his Fa∣vourite, who gave much way to it, or by the Inducement of the Queen, who was prepossess'd, as almost all the Italians are; the King, I say, having oblig'd him, notwithstanding several denials, to tell him his Judgment of this Child according to the Rules of his Art, answer'd him half in Choler, that he Page  432 should Reign; that he should destroy what his Father had Establish'd, that he should scatter all that he had husbanded; that he should leave Posterity, under▪ which all should grow worse and worse. The State which at this day the Religion and the Kingdom are in, may make this Prediction to be Rank'd among those which make most for the Honour of A∣strology.

But there were very dangerous Motions in the State, which were stirr'd up by Forreign Intrigues. The Court was full of Male Contents which were there engag'd under divers pre∣tences. Biron a Man of a Presumptuous Spirit and without Judgment, was so deeply involv'd in 'em, that it cost him his Life. But 'twas believ'd, that the King was yet strong enough to quash this Conspiracy, as long as he had the Reformed at his Devotion; this is the Reason that nothing was wanting to engage 'em in the Party. They were admonish'd as by way* of Friendship, that the Peace of the State was the way to their Ruin; that there was a powerful League concluded against 'em; seeing that the Peace of Savoy was negotiated; that there was a Project laid for a kind of Croisade; that the Catholic Prin∣ces had sworn it by their Deputies; that the Oath was gi∣ven upon the Eucharist by the Legat; that every one was Tax'd at a certain Sum, and a▪ certain number of Souldi∣ers; that the League was to last till the Protestant Religion was exterminated; that there were two Originals of this Treaty Sign'd by the Pope, the King of Spain, and the Duke of Savoy; and that that Duke had one in his Hands, which he offer'd to Communicate to the Reformed. To this were ad∣ded the greatest promises of security that could be thought on, provided they enter'd into the League that was propos'd to 'em.

This Advice was confirm'd by that which one Brochard Baron gave to Marshal Bo•illon, touching the Leagues Sworn against the Reformation. This▪ Baron▪ who call'd himself the Nephew of Cardinal Baronius, boasted that he was sent by the Pope to the Catholic Princes, to make 'em Sign the Project of New Cro•sade; and before all things to have presented the Book of this Institution to the King of Spain. Page  433 He said, that the Instructions of those that were entrusted to engage the Princes to a Protection of this League, recom∣mended chiefly three means to succeed in the Conversion of Heretics. The first was to institute Missions to instruct those that were gone astray by good Sermons and Examples. The second was to tolerate the Enterprises of Magistrates against the Liberties of Heretics; and to make use of Politic Artifi∣ces and Pious Frauds, to take away their Priviledges. The Third was to use Force and Arms to reduce 'em. The Jesuits business was to sow great Divisions between the Great ones and in the Provinces: And great Liberality was to be shewn to the first Converted, to serve for a Bait to others. He a∣ver'd, that there were five and twenty thousand gain'd in England, that were able to bear Arms; and Ministers enow, to hope, that the Reformation would be Condemn'd by the the Mouth of the very Ministers themselves. He discover'd great Designs that were laid against all the Protestant States; and he pretended that a great part of the Nobility in Ger∣many were corrupted. I know not whence he had got the Mysteries he laid open in his Discourses; but in the sequel the things he spoke, have been so exactly practic'd, and with so great success, that if his Relation may be judg'd by the Event, rather then by the Picture he made of the Design, he must be look'd upon as one that spake positive Truth.

This Baron not being rewarded as he expected, went into Germany and Holland to put the same Ware off there; and if he did not perswade those who had a share in the Governmente he found the people more apt to believe him. There were, Preachers, who during the Siege of Rochelle, remember'd his Discourse, and apply'd it to the State to which the Reformation was reduc'd at that time in France and Germany. To elude his Testimony, they would have had him pass for an Incendiary, who had invented one part of what he said. Nevertheless, there was not in all his parts, one story made at random. There was Erected a little while since, at Th•non a Town be∣longing to the Duke of Savoy, a Friary for Conversion of He∣retics; and to render it more Venerable to the people, it was call'd by the pitiful Name of The Congregation of our Lady of Page  434 Compassion of Seven Griefs. This New Society was no sooner set up, but they Writ to the Catholic Princes, to invite 'em to enter into this League. D'Ossat did not deny to the King, that they writ to the Pope. But he assur'd him, that the Pope rejected this vain proposition, as capable of Uniting the Protestants for their mutual Defence; which could not but endamage the Catholic Religion; and give a fair Opportuni∣ty to the Turk to extend his Conquests over Christendom, during the Divisions of Europe. This Prelate likewise accus'd the Duke of Savoy for having abus'd the Commissions and Procurations of this Fraternity; on which the Work of this imaginary League was built to serve him in his Designs to im∣broyl France. For the rest, he describes this Baron as a Man the most fickle and inconstant that ever was. He had been a Priest, and during that time had committed a Murther; he turn'd Pro∣testant, it may be to avoid the punishment he had deserv'd. He marry'd; but being soon weary of a Marty'd Life, he re∣turn'd to the Roman Religion, which in the sequel he forsook a second time. This is according to the Picture the Car∣dinal makes of him.

But tho there had been nothing to have been said against Ba∣ron, the Duke of Savoy was too much suspected in point of Reli∣gion, to gain Credit among the Reformed. He had not the Re∣putation of having too much Honesty; and if they judg'd by what d'Ossat says of him, he was a Prince of a strange Character;* and who had always some contrivance in his Head against the Peace of Europe. In the mean time the Reformed were Assembled at Sainte Foye, where they were not satisfy'd with naming Deputies General; but where they Treated on many things that regarded the General, and the particular of Churches. A little while after there was a Paper presented to the King, the first Article of which, after having Congra∣tulated him upon the Peace of the Kingdom, and upon the Birth of the Dauphin, demanded a Re-establishment of the E∣dict, in the state it had been Granted at Nantes; and this de∣mand was supported with a pretence that the King had pro∣mis'd this Re-establishment as soon as the Affairs of the King∣dom could permit it. The Chief of the other Articles de∣manded Page  435 that the Parlaments, which had not verify'd the E∣dict, but under certain Modifications should be oblig'd to take 'em off: That some Immunities should be Granted to Colleges, that the Reformed should found, in pursuance of the Liberty which the Edict gave 'em. That the Counsellors which were plac'd there, should be oblig'd to serve in the Chambers of the Edict many years; and that but half of 'em should be chang'd every time some Change was desir'd. They were not An∣swer'd upon this Paper, till in the Month of March, in the year following, and the Answers were first resolv'd on with the Deputies, and about three Weeks after reported to the King, who approv'd of 'em. The first Article was abso∣lutely deny'd 'em, under pretence that there was no great mat∣ter in it; that these little Changes were made for the com∣mon good, and to facilitate the Execution of the Edict; that the Advice of the Principal of the Reformed had been had as being call'd to the Deliberations that had been made up∣on these matters; that they could not be revok'd; and that there was no promise given to do it. It may be judg'd by this, either that those promises were not made but by people whom the King was not afraid to disown, as there are al∣ways at Court, Managers of business, by whom she puts peo∣ple in hopes of an event, for which she has no mind to be answerable; or that the Reformed had taken for serious promises, certain windy Words which were giv'n 'em to put 'em in Heart, that things might Change, and that then they would cause Restoration to be made 'em of what the present Juncture constrain'd 'em, to suffer 'em to be depriv'd of 'em: Or that in fine the Reformed at the Court had invented these promises as a secret, to keep off the Reproach of ha∣ving so easily consented to these Changes. Upon the other Articles they had all the satisfaction given that they could desire: But because they ask'd the Liberty of continuing their Assembly, under the pretence of the Difficulties the Parlament made of Executing the Edict, the King declar'd in his Answers, that he had given such Orders for the re∣dress of 'em, that this continuation of the Assembly was needless.

Page  436But they set forth much larger Papers at Sainte Foy; and without stopping long at the repeated denial that the King had made to resettle the Edict in the same State that it was settled in at Nantes; they did not forbear to demand again a little after the same things by Retail which they cou'd not obtain in Gross. This is the reason that in demanding the Execution of the Edict throughout the whole Kingdom, such as it had been verify'd at Paris; they had hopes, one day, to repair those breaches which the Council had made therein: Insomuch, that they seem'd not to accept it but on con∣dition. Many Provinces were Nam'd in these Articles, to which the Court had sent no Commissioners; others where they had not been but in the Capital Cities; many particular Pla∣ces, where the Exercise was not granted but under certain Re∣strictions, as I have already observ'd. They complain'd, that in judging the Right of Possession acquir'd by the Edict of 1577. they limited themselves strictly to the 17th of September, having no regard to the Proofs of the Exercise that was had in the same month before and after that day; if it had not been likewise prov'd that it was had precisely upon that day. This almost reduc'd the Reformed to a Non-plus, and made an illusion of this Right, because that the 17th of September fell that Year on a Tuesday, a day wherein the Reformed cou'd not have had their Public Exercises but in a kind of Hazard. It was demanded, that in the places where the Commissioners Nam'd the Kings Judges for their Sub-Delegates, those Judges should be oblig'd to take an adjoyn'd Partner of the Reformed, whom the Reformed themselves shou'd appoint to labour diligently together, and Scot free in the Execution of the Commissioners Orders. They complain'd, that in many places the Catholics wou'd not suffer the Reformed to Inhabit: That they drove the Tradesmen out of certain Towns: That they wou'd not allow 'em as Journey-men in their Shops: That they spoke Injurious things to 'em unpunish'd, when they went to their Exercises: That the Preachers in their Ser∣mons, The Advocates in their Pleadings, took the same Li∣berty, without being repress'd. That the Royal Judges in many places did not do Justice, in the Abuses com∣mitted Page  437 their Persons. That in many Diocesses they caus'd 'em to be Inroll'd, and put certain marks on their Houses, to distinguish 'em from those of the Catholics: That wherever there were yet any Colleges of Jesuits in the Kingdom, that is to say, in the Jurisdiction of the Parlament of Tholouse and Bourdeaux, they had found out another manner of distinction, causing the Houses of the Catholics to be mark'd with the Cross, or Garlands of Flowers, to the end that those might be bet∣ter taken notice of that wanted such Ornaments: That at Ver∣vins they put a Minister out of the Town, who travelling that Road arriv'd there upon Easter-day; and that they refus'd so much as to give his Horse Stable-Room. 'Twas a Complaint that in several places the Judges hinder'd 'em from Building Churches, tho the Exercise were there permitted: That in many others, that were Nam'd, the Exercise likewise was hinder'd, either through the opposition of the Lords of the Places, or by the Orders of the Commissioners. It was re∣ported upon this occasion, that at Aubenas, where the Marquis of Montlaur committed a Thousand Violences, tho the Commissio∣ners had caus'd the Steeple, the Bell and the Church-yard to be Surrender'd to the Catholics, and left the Town-house to the Reformed for their Exercises, the Jesuits had built a Chappel against the Wall, through which they had made a hole, that they might see all over the place; that they caus'd a Bell to Ring during the Exercise; and that they had set up a Cross over the Entry. It was demanded, That the Lords might enjoy the Right of their Precincts and Jurisdictions, and have their Exercise free therein, although they were inclos'd in Episcopal Towns; and that the King shou'd forbid any farther searching in Booksellers Houses for Books of Religion, at Rou∣en, Bourdeaux, and elsewhere, and seizing upon 'em, tho not expos'd to Sale. 'Twas Remonstrated that in many Col∣leges they had refus'd to admit the Regents and the Scholars, for the sake of their Religion only: That in many places the Reform∣ed had no Church-yards: That to avoid the Inconveni∣encies of Funeral Attendance in the Night, and which ex∣pos'd the Reformed to a Thousand Affronts, from which they Page  438 cou'd not Guard themselves, they ought to be permitted to Bury in the Day. To this were added Complaints against se∣veral Curates, who had caus'd divers Bodies to be digg'd up again, in the very places which had been assign'd to the Reformed for their Burial-places before the Civil Wars; of which they demanded leave to inform. But above all, they aggravated the Outrage done to the Body of a Lady by Cardinal de Sourdis, Archbishop of Bourdeaux, a Man the most Passionate and most Rash of his time, and who per∣plex'd himself in all sorts of Affairs with the least considera∣tion. He order'd the Body to be taken up Eighteen Years af∣ter it had been Bury'd, and made the Bones to be thrown into the High-way.

There was a long Train of Articles that concern'd the Chambers of the Edict or Miparties; and by their diversity it may be observ'd that the Catholics wou'd have subjected these Chambers to the Parlaments, and have made 'em a kind of an Inferiour Jurisdiction, whereas they ought properly to have been Little Parlaments, which having nothing to do with those of which they were Members, but that they were compos'd in part of Judges taken out of those greater Bo∣dies, had the same extent of Jurisdiction and Privileges. These Articles then requir'd, that the Six Counsellors of the Parla∣ment of Paris, and the Three of the Parlament of Rouen, might be admitted all together into the Chambers of the Edict, because of those Acts of Injustice that one alone cou'd not hin∣der: That the Invasions of the Parlament of Tholouse upon the Jurisdiction of the Chamber Establish'd at Castres, of which Examples wholly new were produc'd, might be repress'd. That the Reformed Counsellers that serv'd at Rouen in the Cham∣bers of Inquests, might judge of Clerical Priviledges, and of Crimes of which the Ecclesiastics were accus'd; That the Chambers of the Edict might take Cognizance of all Causes where the Reformed should be Parties; as also of Causes re∣lating to Benefices in Possession, of Tithes, of Ecclesiastical Rights and Demains; of Criminal Causes where the Ecclesiastics were Defendants: That there shou'd be an Expedient found to Protect the Reformed from the severity Page  439 of the Parlaments of Tholouse, of Bourdeaux and Grenoble, from which no Justice was to be expected, in Affairs the Cog∣nizance of which was taken away from the Chambers: That in Causes relating to a pretended Ecclesiastical Fund, the Cham∣bers might have power to examine the Nature of the Fund, to retain the Cause, if the Fund was not of the Quality pretended: That the Affairs of the Reformed against the Ecclesiastics, in some Parlaments where the Judges had their Children possess'd of Benefices and Church-Employments, shou'd be brought before the Parlament of Paris, or the Grand Council: That the Chambers shou'd take Cognizance of the Affairs of the Reformed concerning Hospitals: That they shou'd be allow'd the Cognizance of Affairs of Subsidies and Accounts given to the Parlaments of Rouen and Provence, in Causes where the King was not to Intervene, and where only his Farmers were to be dealt with: That Matters of Corporation-Govern∣ment, where the Reformed were Parties, shou'd be sent back to the Chambers of the Edict, when they demanded it: That the Chamber of Grenoble might give Audience with open Doors; and that the Parlament shou'd admit Advocates of the Reformed Religion: That the Orders of this Chamber might be executed in Provence without demanding Pareatis:* That in each Bailliage an Office shou'd be Erected, for which the Patents should be given at the Nomination of the Reform¦ed, empowring 'em to do whatever concern'd the Edict, and the Execution of it, because that in Normandy, and other parts, the Parlament refus'd Pareatis's for the Execution of Decrees of Council, Letters Patents, and other Acts of the same Nature: That at Paris shou'd be Created a Substitute to the Advocate-General, who shou'd be of the Reformed Religion: That remo∣ving of Causes to the Grand Council shou'd not be granted to the prejudice of the Chambers: That the Causes of Presidents and Counsellors shou'd be kept in the Chambers where they serv'd, without being constrain'd to go Plead at the nearest Chamber: That Causes shou'd not be remov'd under pretence of Kindred which the Parties shou'd have in the Chambers: That the Ex∣ceptions shou'd be Judg'd there, before the King gave his Letters of Removal: That there shou'd be a Fund rais'd for the Maintenance of the Sessions of Vacations in the Cham∣bers, Page  440 as for those of Parlaments: That the Commissioners of Registers in the Chambers of Castres and Nerac shou'd be half Papists, half Protestants: That the Parlaments shou'd not oblige the Counsellors which they sent to serve in those Chambers, to Judge according to certain Rules, that should too much limit the Jurisdiction: That in the Criminal Instru∣ctions to Parlaments, Reformed Assistants should taken in, such as the Parties should agree upon, or who should be Nam'd ex Officio, if the Inquisitors were Catholics.

There were other Articles which spoke of Employments. There was a Complaint that the Catholics held Contests with the most Ancient Counsellors upon the point of Precedency; and that at Paris, upon the Request of the Attorney-General, those of the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Religion had inform'd a∣gainst Mol•, Possess'd of Presidents place. There was a General Regulation demanded, conformable to the Declaration which the King had Verbally made on many particular Affairs touch∣ing the Right of admitting indifferently to Consulships, and other Elective places, without distinction of Religion, those who shou'd be call'd thereto by ordinary means, Ancient and Accustom'd. The Reason of this demand was, That the Re∣formed being the strongest in almost all the good Towns of Guyenne and Languedoc, and persons capable of these em∣ploys being no where to be found but amongst them, it hap∣pen'd that they always fill'd the most Honourable places, if they were given according to the Ordinary Forms, to those who should be judg'd worthy by the plurality of Voices: On the contrary the Catholics would deprive the Reformed of this advantage; and obstinately persisted almost every where, that there might be an equal Division of these Places between Pa∣pists and Protestants. In which they buoy'd themselves up by the Example of certain Treaties, which had been made in some places before the last Edict, that equally divided the Consul∣ships between the Reformed and the Catholics. But there a∣rose daily Law-Suits upon these opposite pretensions, which being carry'd to the Council either directly, or upon the Par∣titions that happen'd in the Chambers call'd Miparties, engag'd the Commonalty in long Disputes and Ruinous Expences.

Page  441There were yet other Articles that concern'd the places which the Reformed had in possession; in which it was de∣manded that the Catholic Inhabitants should be oblig'd to contribute to the reparation of the Walls, and to the charge of the Court of Guard. 'Twas likewise demanded, that cer∣tain Fraternities of Penitents that swarm'd in the Kingdom, and who turn'd the Austerities of Mortification into a Pious Masquerade should not be re-establish'd in the Towns of Sure∣ty; as it had happen'd in some places, where the Fraternity* des Battus was restor'd, by Virtue of an Order made upon a Petition. There was a Complaint of some Castle which a Ca∣tholic had begun to Fortify, to incommode some Neighbour∣ing place; and it was demanded that the Fortifications might be demolish'd.

There were others again that concern'd particular Cases. There was a complaint that in many places, when the Re∣formed had been Fin'd, the Judges to vex 'em, declar'd the Fines applicable to the support of Covents, or of Catholic Churches: And the States of Languedoc made 'em contribute to Gratuities that were rais'd upon the Province for the Ecclesi∣astics, or for the Mendicant Monks: That at Bourdeaux and other places they would not receive the Petitions, or the complaints of the Reformed, under the Name of an Agent, or an Advocate of their Corporation: That they had deny'd the Assistance of Ministers to the Condemn'd; and that they have been forcid to be accompany'd to the place of punishment by the Monks: That they have rated the Ministers for the King's Taxes, as also for their Salaries. The King was Pe∣tition'd to permit the Inhabitants of the County of Marle, that had no place of Exercise within eight Leagues of 'em, to meet in the Jurisdiction of a Reformed Gentleman, tho he was not resident there: And they begg'd of him to obtain for his Subjects that Traded in Spain, the same Liberty of Conscience that was allow'd there to the English, to the Scotch, to the Danes and to the Germans. The occasion of this Address was, that a certain Man call'd Pradilles of Montpelier going to Spain, to recover a Sum that was due to him, the Inquisition caus'd him to be Arrested; con∣demn'd Page  442 him to the Amende Honourable; to be kept in Prison a year and a day, and to the Confiscation of all his Goods.

All these Articles remain'd a long time in the Hands of the* Council, who kept 'em till the Month of August 1602. They were variously Answer'd: Some purely and simply Granted, others Extended and Amplify'd: Others absolutely refus'd; others Granted in Part, and partly refus'd. There were a great many on which the Council took time to consult the King's Advocates, to give Orders according to their Advice: Others where the King sent back the Parties concern'd to re∣dress themselves before him by way of Petition: Others where he demanded to see the Decrees of Court, and Acts wherein they were mention'd: Many wherein he reserv'd himself the Power to order what he thought good. But in General there was in all the Answers, a temper of Favour and Equity, which made the Intentions of the King appear openly, and that plainly shew'd, that without Disguise or Equivocation, his meaning was that the Edict should be observ'd, and that the Difficulties that arose upon the Execution of it, should be fa∣vorably expounded. This favorable and equitable Mind of his appear'd above all, in the Orders he gave for the Execution of the Edict, in places where it was not yet done: In those which he sent to the Judges and Officers, to enjoyn 'em to let the Reformed live in all places, without being molested: In the explication of the Privilege of the Edict of 1577. which he thought fit should be apply'd to all the places where the exercise had been held during the Month of September, with∣out stopping precisely at the seventeenth of the Month: In the prohibition of the Inrollments, and the seditious Marks that were put on their Houses: In that of speaking injuri∣ously of the Reformed in their Sermons or Pleadings: In that of searching the Booksellers Houses: In many Articles that con∣cern'd the Jurisdiction, the Dignity or the Privileges of the Re∣formed Counsellors at the Parliament of Paris, of Rouen and Gre∣noble; or the Jurisdiction of the Chambers call'd Miparties, and the execution of their Judgments. In the Declaration of his Will upon the indifferent admission of the Reformed and Catho∣lics to Consulary Employments, according to the customary Page  443 Forms, without distinction of Religion, or limitation of num∣ber: In the extension he gave to the Right of Exercise, that the Commissioners had agreed to certain places with Inconvenient Restrictions. In like manner there were many othes, where the Reformed as in the preceding obtain'd all they could reasonably demand, pursuant to the Terms of the Edict, which was to be the common Rule of their pretensi∣ons and their Rights. Those that were refus'd 'em were only either the same in particular, which they could not obtain in the whole, or such as Treated of things, for which there were specious Reasons not to grant 'em. This observation discover'd the King's Integrity and Exactness; who, that his Edict might be the better observ'd, Solemnly decided the difficulties that concern'd execution of it, as soon as they arose: And it appear'd by the same consideration, that it was unjust to Renew and Inlarge these difficulties in our days, since that in the time when they were first invented and rais'd, they had all been decided. These same decisions ought to be so much the more respected, in that they were given by a King who knew what he meant by each Article of his Edict: In a time when he saw things near at hand, and could judge of 'em with knowledge of the Cause.

It is evident, That since they were as antient as the exe∣cution of the Edict it self, and pronounc'd upon the difficul∣ties which rose from the Execution it self, they ought to be ta∣ken for the Rule of well understanding it, and the true Inter∣pretations of the intentions of the Author. All the World knows, that when there are any difficulties in any Law, there is no body can better resolve 'em than he that made 'em.

But these good Intentions of the King did not hinder, but that* there were several Rumours rais'd, to fill the Reformed with fears and jealousies, on purpose to dispose 'em to an Insurrection. 'Twas spread abroad, that the King was going to retrench two thirds of their allowances; that they should have no more particular Pensions of him; that he would no longer continue 'em in places of Trust; that he would give 'em no more employ∣ments, without inserting in the Pattents the Clause of be∣ing Catholics. But these Artifices took with no Body. They Page  444 beheld likewise without any concern the Flight of Marshal the Duke of Bouillon, who was thought to be involv'd in the Conspiracy of Marshal du Biron. And indeed the Duke Trans∣ported by his Discontents, was engag'd a little too forward in those Intrigues. Tho his design was not to give the King any di∣sturbance but he would have remov'd Roni from the management* of Affairs where he had got too great an Authority. This Favo∣rite finding himself held up by his Master, abus'd and injur'd all the World without Fear and Wit; under pretence of his Hus∣bandry, which flatter'd the inclinations of the King, he made all those uneasie who would fain have had to do with a more liberal Prince. The Duke had let the King know, that Roni's Credit was the pretence of the Male-contents: Neither had Roni fail'd to do the like by the Duke, which forc'd him to fly the Kingdom, after the Death of Biron, left like him, he might have lost his Head upon a Scaffold. The King would fain have had him left himself to his Discretion; and he gave great assurances of shewing him favour, provided he would freely confess his Fault. But the Duke would never trust him: Whether his Conscience made him fearful of his safety; or that he fear'd Roni, whom he knew able to do any thing, when he could conceal a Crime under pretence of serving the State, or that both these Reasons together augmented his distrust. But that his Innocence might be clear'd of the Accusations that were form'd against him, he presented himself voluntarily before the Chamber of Castres, under whose Jurisdiction he pretended to be, because of his Territo∣ry of Turenne: And he writ to the Court to demand his dis∣mission: In which he derogated from the Privilege of Dukes and Peers, whose Causes are of Course referr'd to the Parla∣ment of Paris. The Chamber gave him an Authentic Act of his Submission; but because the King's Counsel took no Notice of it, he found himself no longer safe in the Kingdom; and therefore passing through Geneva, he retir'd into Germany, where he staid some years before his Peace was made.

During his absence, almost all the Protestants Writ in his behalf. He gave 'em to understand, that Religion was the principal occasion of his Persecution; and he alledg'd Reasons Page  445 which might perswade it. There were many others, said he, that had a greater share in the Conspiracies then they pretended he had: Nevertheless they chose to draw up an Im∣peachment against him, tho he strongly deny'd to have been concern'd in it, and that they had no charge against him. Which could not proceed but from the difference that Religion put be∣tween him and the rest, to whom they said nothing. But neither his Reasons, nor all the Credit he had in France, could make his Case pass there for a Case of Religion: And the Reformed kept themselves within the bounds of Intercession only. Foreigners that wrote in his behalf, did the same; and only pray'd that their Zeal for Religion might not over-rule their Justice in this Case. Queen Elizabeth, who had a great esteem for this Lord, was the only person that pleaded for him in another Tone. She excus'd him by her Letters as much as she could, and cast all the accusations that were rais'd against him up∣on the hatred of his Religion. The King dissembl'd the discon∣tent that these Letters gave him: But he appear'd incens'd at the Synod and the Polic Assemblies for concerning themselves in the Affairs of the Duke: And he shew'd openly, that he took in ill part the Protection, which it seem'd, The Chamber Mipar∣ti had given him, receiving his Petitions and retaining his Cause. At the end he continu'd inflexible to all the Entrea∣ties that were made him at home, or from abroad.

But if this Affair occasion'd no more Tumult, the King's se∣verity to the City of Rochelle produc'd no Effect, that much more extraordinary. An Assembly held at Rochelle like a kind of Petty State, had establish'd a certain Right, which was call'd the* Pancarte. This Right was to be suppress'd at the term of some years: But the King's Farmers continuing to raise it after the time expir'd, it caus'd divers disturbances in the Provinces. Many great Towns oppos'd this exacti∣on by open force; and Rochelle among the rest committed some violences; but was forc'd, like the rest to submit it self* to the King's pleasure. She receiv'd Roni himself, accom∣pany'd with twelve hundred Horse within her Walls, and all the Interest she had in the party could not hinder, but that the rest of the Reformed remain'd in their Obedience. There Page  446 was nevertheless among 'em particular persons, full of sus∣picion and mistrust, who fear'd that the King had some hid∣den designs against 'em: And others that foresaw by the At∣tempts that were made, that the Public Liberty was in dan∣ger of being oppress'd. La Trimouille, Free and Bold, spoke on this occasion in such a manner, as made him be look'd upon as very obnoxious at Court: Marshal de Bouillon was formidable by means of his Intrigues, altho he was absent; and du Plessia incens'd by the Injury which he pretended to have receiv'd from the King at Fontainbleau, was as much suspected as the rest. They were afraid so much the more, in that, 'twas well known that their distrusts were not without some Grounds. There was at the Court, and in the Council it self, a Cabal* intirely Spanish, who were enliven'd by the Intrigues of the Council of Spain, and by those of the Court of Rome. This Cabal mov'd all sorts of Engines to engage the King to de∣stroy the Reformed: And after having us'd the direct means, they took indirect and remote, to bring the King to it, of which he was not aware. For that Reason it was, that they vigorously press'd the Repeal of the Jesuits; that they had already form'd Projects of an Alliance between France and Spain; that they caus'd it to be loudly spread abroad, that at the same time that there was a Dauphin born in France, there was an Infanta born to the Catholic King; as if this occasion had been a stroke of Provi∣dence, to oblige these two Crowns to Unite themselves by the Marriage of these two Children, for the Destruction of Heresie▪ Taxis, Embassador of Spain, press'd the King incessantly to extir∣pate the Heretics of this Kingdom, and to give that as an evi∣dent Sign of the sincerity of his Conversion to the Church of Rome. They say likewise, that this Embassador having spoken to him one day, in Terms that offended him, this Prince An∣swer'd him, that he wonder'd that they should go about to force him to destroy a people, who had done him good Ser∣vice, and who, tho they held Errors which the Church Con∣demn'd, yet at least Ador'd Jesus Christ, and believ'd him the Son of God, while His Catholic Majesty tolerated in his Territories the Mahometan Sects, whose Religion was nothing but a Complication of Blasphemies against Christianity. The Page  447 King made this Answer in such Terms, as by his pronouncing 'em seem'd to imply a necessity of doing that in France against the Re∣formed, which the King of Spain had done at home against the Moors: Insomuch, that Taxis taking him in that sense, only re∣ply'd to the King, that he beseech'd him to be mindful of his word. 'Twas thought that this was the first motive for the Banish∣ment of those unhappy people: And that Taxis having given an account of his Discourse with the King upon this Subject, the Council of Spain had as soon form'd the design of Perse∣cuting those miserable Creatures. But it may likewise be believ'd, that this design was form'd a long time since. That Taxis who well enough knew it, laid hold on the occasion, and would have made that pass for an effect of the Zeal of the King his Master, which was but an effect of his Policy. Discretion advis'd to rid himself of these people, whose incon∣stancy and Infidelity caus'd every day great troubles.

Not but that Spain had really a design to destroy the Refor∣med in France. It was necessary for the Projects that he had laid, and that they should be strong enough to render themselves formidable. But it was also necessary, that they should not be* at peace, to the end, that they might give a diversion to the King's Forces, which might hinder him from giving succour to Foreign Protestants; because the House of Austria hop'd easily to destroy 'em, if they could deprive 'em of the Protection of France. The Council of that House, which at that time contain'd the most profound and most refin'd Politics of Europe, and which at that time had the Jesuits on their side, had already mov'd a long time towards the same Mark, without losing sight of it: And they kept themselves fix'd to the same design about thirty years, with hope of approaching success. But the divisions of the Reformed, the good Fortune of Louis the thirteenth, the Prosperity of Gustavus, and the Intrigues of Cardinal Rich∣lieu overthrew all his Projects, and subrogated, if I may so say, France to the pretensions that this Powerful House had to the Universal Monarchy. It was then the only drist of the Council of Spain, to set the King to handy blows with the Reformed, while they labour'd to set up a Catholic King in England, to subjugate the United Provinces, and to Ruin Page  448 the German Protestants. 'Twas believ'd, that it would require so much time to destroy the Reformed, that Spain would have Leisure to execute her Grand Projects: Nor would she be wanting to employ her Money and her Intrigues, to prevent that Parties being too soon oppress'd; which may be judg'd by what she did in the Reign of Lewis the thirteenth. At least this Civil War would embroil the King with the Fo∣reign Protestants; which was one of the prospects of Spain, because without their Alliance she believ'd France could not hurt her, nor the Protestants resist her. This is the Reason why all the other Projects having fail'd, and the Death of Biron having dissipated the most dangerous Conspiracies, there remain'd no other Wheel to be set a going to trouble the Kingdom, then to make the Reformed take up Arms, if it were possible. To succeed in it, Taxis on one side endea∣vour'd to render 'em suspected to the King, in representing 'em as become his Enemies, since they believ'd him a Catho∣lic in good earnest: And he added as boldly as if it had been true, that they had often desir'd the assistance of Spain to be∣gin the War. On the other side, he spread among the Re∣formed* a thousand Rumours of Leagues that were making a∣gainst 'em; and he made 'em always believe, that the King had gone a great way in these Combinations, to the end that he might alienate the Reformed from him, by a distrust.

He said too much to be believ'd. The King knew well e∣nough how he ought to take the Counsels that came from Spain; and the Reformed well knew, that the true Interest of their King was, to preserve 'em. Every one knew, that as he had Prospects altogether opposite to those of the House of Austria, so it was as necessary that he should maintain the Pro∣testants at home and abroad, as it was necessary for that House to suppress 'em or destroy 'em. Nevertheless, as Men are subject to deceive themselves, when they pretend to judge of the Interests of Princes, who having their Passions, or their Weak∣nesses like other Men, are often ignorant of, or quit their true Advantages, for other imaginary designs, they who amongst the Reformed were in reputation of great Prudence, were of Opinion that they should provide against▪ uncer∣tain Page  449 accidents. They believ'd, that 'twas better warding off a Thrust with what force soever made, when a Man is on his Guard to receive it, then when he does not expect it: And that it is but a Weak excuse in Politics, and which can never repair the mischief of a too great security, to say, I never believ'd it. This is the Reason that there were some who propos'd to put themselves under the Protection of King James the first Queen Elizabeths Successor: But the Weakness of this Prince which soon discover'd it self; the Love of the Reform∣ed for their King, and the firmness he shew'd in his Design to preserve 'em, dissipated these useless propositions.

He talk'd freely of the Affection he had for the Protestant Party: And it may be, he talk'd too freely for a King who had great Designs, who ought to have said nothing which might discover 'em to those whose Interest it was to oppose him. He call'd those of this Profession his intimate and approv'd Friends; he confess'd that it was not safe for him to renounce their Alliance; that that would but too well Fortify the party of his Enemies, in weakning his own; that he and the Protestant Party had mutually occasion for one another. He testify'd likewise, that his Heart could not en∣dure the thought of Per•ecnting the Reformed, when he call'd to mind, that they had assisted him with all their Power, when he was Attack'd on all sides. It was not only to the Reformed of the Court that he spoke thus: But he said like∣wise, yet more to the Catholics; and one time among the rest in the presence of many Lords, among which there was none but Roquelaure that was not Bigotted; he made a long Dis∣course of the Services that the Reformed had done him. He testify'd, that he had ever found 'em Constant and Faithful; that they had often hazarded their Lives for his; that for this cause he would give 'em an equal share of his Love and Boun∣ty; that Rochelle, Bergerac and Montauban had always been places of Refuge to him, where none ever dar'd to Attack him; that apparently God made use of 'em in the time of the League to save his Life; that he lov'd 'em for this Reason, altho sometimes they were somewhat faulty; and that he gra∣tify'd 'em every year with something, for their Fortifications and for their Colleges.

Page  450When these Words were related to the Reformed, they fetch'd Tears into their Eyes; they gave a new Vigour to the ten∣derness* which they ever had for their Protector; and they ex∣pected from him yet greater Actions, then the expressions were obliging. 'Tis the greatest Privilege of a King who holds his Subjects by the Heart, that he is assur'd of 'em when he pleases, and that to disperse all the Jealousies they could have of him, he is oblig'd to no greater expence then a few flattering Words. He never loses the Fruit of the ten∣der expressions that he makes use of, and the Hearts prepos∣sess'd with the Love of him, believe yet more then is told 'em. But as the King fear'd la Trimouille, who besides the General Credit he had in the whole Party, and the share he had in the Foreign Intrigues, as Brother-in-Law to the Prince of Orange and Marshal de Bouillon, was also very powerful in Poitou, by the places he held, by the great Number of Nobility that paid him Homage, by the Neighbourhood of Du Plessis, who was become formidable since he had been in∣jur'd, because he was a Man of Brains, and Governour of a good Place, and in fine, by the great Number of Reformed that were in that Province. The King therefore to Counter∣poise this Power, gave the Government to Roni, who having* the mony and the Authority, could easily break the mea∣sures of those, with whom the Court was dissatisfy'd. He did, it may be, more then was hop'd; and la Trimouille did not live long after this Favourite was Establish'd in the Pro∣vince.

But that did not happen till toward the latter end of the* year; and before the King had lost his good Sister Elizabeth Queen of England; and the Prince that succeeded her, being by that the most Powerful of all the Protestants, it was of great Consequence to know him, and to prevent him, and to see how far his Alliance might be depended on. Roni was Employ'd in this Commission, and went over to England, to see what might be hop'd for from him. He found this Court quite chang'd. They durst not there speak of Elizabeth, whose Memory the people Ador'd: And King James the first would not suffer 'em there, to mourn for that Princess. Roni had Page  451 Orders not to Communicate the King's designs to him, if he found not his Temper inclin'd to assist him, or capable of great things. He only Renew'd a Treaty of Alliance, which hinder'd not the English from presently making another like it with Spain. But upon the whole he came back with a bad Opinion of the Affairs of England; and time made it appear, that this new King would be no great help to the other Princes of Europe. For he was Fearful, Irresolute, a Dissembler, Occitant and Scrupulous. He lov'd not to talk of Business; and he suffer'd himself to be Govern'd by two or three of his Council. His Wife was Imperious and Bold; and he had not Courage to Command her. He was more delight∣ed with Contemplation then Action; and he lov'd Theolo∣gical Disputes better then War. Hunting was his only Pas∣sion; and after he had taken the pleasure of it in the Morn∣ing, with a Violence that tir'd all his people, he slept all the Afternoon. It was a great complaint during his Life, that instead of endeavouring to break the Bonds that the House of Austria prepar'd for all Europe, he lost his time in studying Theology, and that he almost never remembred that he was a King. He thought to undo the United Provinces, by the disturbances he Created there: And tho he had gi∣ven occasion by that, to Assemble the Synod of Dordredcht a∣gainst the Remonstrants, he mingl'd so many politic Intrigues with those matters of Doctrine, that we are but imperfectly oblig'd to him for the Sage Decisions of that Assembly. The Heat of Disputes, and the Animosity of Parties did more Hurt, then the Judgment of the Synod produc'd good Fruit and Schism remain'd after the Decision. This Prince Writ a Book concerning the Power of Kings, upon the occasion of an Oath which he had exacted of his Catholic Subjects: But this Work serv'd for no more, then to shew the little Account the Catholics made of the Author. It was not look'd upon in Spain; 'twas burnt in Florence. The Inqui∣sition at Rome put in the Number of Prohibited Books; 'twas ill receiv'd in France by the Catholics, and the King forbad it should be Translated or Printed. 'Twas only at Venice where the Reading it was not prohibited. These Page  452 Qualities acquir'd him the Title of Captain of Arts, and Clerk of Arms: And the Spaniards to make him out of Con∣ceit with France, endeavour'd to perswade him, that it was Henry the 4th who had given it him. Charles his Son had no Inclination to the Spaniards, but he was Weak and Uncon∣stant: Whereas the Queen was a Spaniard in Affection, and inclin'd her self to the Roman Religion; so that she wanted but a little of draying her Husband and all England after her.*

In the mean while, the Edict was not carry'd on in France, in a manner so Uniform and Sincere, but that there was oc∣casion every day to make new Complaints. This is the Rea∣son why the Deputies General presented a Paper to the King, wherein were contain'd some that were important enough. They took notice of an Attempt of the Governours, and the King's Lieutenants in Provinces, who upon a bare Petition of the Catholics, commanded the discontinuance of the exercise of* the Reformed Religion, without taking Cognisance of the Cause. The Count of St. Paul had done it in some places of Picardy. Marshal de Biron, who had no Religion, but was resolv'd to play the Bigot, so far as to come out of his Coach, or to light from his Horse, that he might kneel every time he met a cross, during the course of his Conspiracies, had done the same thing in Burgundy, before his practices were disco∣ver'd: And Matignon had very lately provok'd 'em in Nor∣mandy. The Inferiour Officers by their Example took the the same Liberty: As among others the Lieutenant General de Mortagne, in the Province of P•rches, who in spite of ma∣ny Orders of Council, which gave the second place of that Bailliage in one Suburb of the City, without heeding the oppositions of the Catholics, forbore not to hinder 'em from holding their Exercise peaceably. The Bishop of Eureux a little while after did the same thing at Aigle, which was in his Diocess. He caus'd the Catholics to oppose the establish∣ment of a place of Bailliage in their Town; and tho the Lady of the place had said she would not be backward in consent∣ing to it, he forc'd her to disown this consent which the Re∣formed pretended to have had of her. In this Paper was Page  453 likewise to be seen, that the contest for the Precedency had not bin determin'd, notwithstanding all the Regulations possible which had bin made to that purpose. To these and some other Articles the King made 'em as favourable Answers as they could desire.*

This was the Year that the Duke of Rohan saw the Foun∣dation of his Fortune laid, and of the Credit he had under another Reign among the Reformed Party. The King own'd him for his Kinsman by the Mothers side; and 'tis certain, that if he had Dy'd without Children, he had not had a nearer Heir to the Kingdom of Navarre. This made the King without any scruple call the Mother of this Lord Aunt. His Merit had already a great deal of Lustre; and the King who desir'd strict∣ly to unite himself with the Protestants, had a design to Marry him to the Daughter of Charles de Sudermania, Father to the Fa∣mous Gustavus. This Charles was a declar'd Protestant, and wrested the Crown of Sweden and Poland from Sigismund his Ne∣phew, a strong Catholic Prince, and who had a design to extin∣guish the Reformation in his Northern Territorys. This Marriage did not succeed: But seeing this Young Lord had a design to Ally himself in such a manner as did not please the King, and to that end cast his Eyes about on all sides •pon Foreigners, the King some Years after Marry'd him to the Daughter of his Favorite. This Woman was as Bold and as Zealous for Religion, as her Father was Cold and Indifferent. She got a little the Ascendent over the Genius of her Husband, and as she was as∣sisted by her Mother-in-Law, who was no less Zealous nor less Couragious, they had no great trouble to lead the Duke to all that they desir'd; a Person who of himself had a great Heart, a perspicacious Wit, and capable of the highest Undertakings. The King therefore, who had a mind to advance him, and who believ'd him a proper Subject for some Foreign Alliance, made him Duke and Peer this Year, and he took the Oath the 7th of August.

But it was also about the same time that the Jesuits at last* obtain'd leave to return into France. Father Magio had vi∣sited the King at Lions in the Popes Name, during the War of Savoy, where he had obtain'd nothing but Words in general, and Assurances of Good Will. But the King having made a Page  454 Journey this Year towards Mets, of which he resolv'd to make sure of, the Jesuits of Pont a Mousson waited on him at Verdun, and obtain'd positive Promises for their Re-establish∣ment. The Jesuits Armand and Cotton were order'd to come to Paris, in which they took care not to fail: And Cotton, by his Flattering Conversation, by Preachments to the Palate of the Court, by a profligate Hypocrisie, of which he knew the Art better then any one of his Robe, so possess'd himself of the Kings affection, that he got immediately into the highest de∣gree of his Favor. That which is remarkable in it, is, That this Jesuit was not known to the King but by the Recommen∣dation of Lesdiguieres, who never did so great a piece of Ser∣vice (it may be) to the Honest People of his Religion, as he did by this means to the Jesuits. Their principal Prop at Court was La Varenne, who rais'd himself by his Compliances with the Kings Amorous Intreag•es, and who had a greater share in Affairs then a great many more worthy men. Nor did the Spanish Cabal spare any pains on their side: But every good French-man had so great an aversion to this Re-establish∣ment, that the King met with great difficulties in it. This Affair linger'd on till the Month of September, e'r the Jesuits obtain'd any Edict: But when it was propos'd to Register it at Paris, the difficulties were renew'd, and the Parlament had much ado to consent to the return of a So∣ciety which they had cast out for such good Reasons. The King took occasion to make a Journey to Rouen, to make this Edict pass in the Parlament of Normandy; and he found but little Resistance. But that of Paris did not follow the Exam∣ple; insomuch that the rest of the Year was spent before the Edict was verify'd. They wou'd likewise have made it be be∣liev'd, that what happen'd at Gap, where the Reformed held a Synod, had forwarded the matter, which had it not bin for that, might have yet Spun out a longer time. But the affront that there had been given to the Pope, in making it pass for an Article of Faith that he was The Antichrist, had laid a Necessity on the King to break through all obstacles that were rais'd to the Re∣establishment of the Jesuits, to the end, that by this he might make Reparation to the Pope for the injury that was done him. The Business was this:

Page  455The Reformed had got leave to call a National Synod in the Month of October at Gap, a Town in the Dauphinate. It was one of the most Celebrated that ever they held, and they there* Treated of great Matters. But the most Important of all was the Question about The Antichrist, which was there consider'd. The Reformed Taught frequently, that this Title belong'd to the Pope; and in their Sermons and Writings, apply'd to him all the Characters, by which the HOLY GHOST gives a descrip∣tion of him to whom it belong'd. The wrong that was done to du Plessis, and which stuck to the Hearts of all good Men, inflam'd their Spirits more then ever in that respect, because that was the pretence laid hold on, that he had given the Name of Antichrist to the Pope; insomuch, that they set themselves to speak upon this Subject more then ever; and more then ever to foretel the approaching Downfal of Babylon, and the overthrow of the Man of Sin, by the Light of the appearance of JESUS CHRIST. The Pulpits resounded nothing but this Name of Antichrist; and there were likewise some Churches which the Judges disturb'd, because that this Doctrine was Preach'd there. But nothing made more noise then the bold∣ness of de Ferrier, Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Royal College of Nimes. He set up Propositions on Posts which he publickly defended, and where this Thesis, That the Pope is the Antichrist, was maintain'd. Nor did he spare Cle∣ment VIII. whose Name was clapt in all along. The Par∣lament of Tholouse brought him to his Trial upon this mat∣ter, and sought to have Arrested his Person; but Ferrier, who wou'd not expose himself to the Judgment of that Merciless Court, provided for himself at the Chamber of Castres.

This was enough to stop the Proceedings of Parlament, but to have yet a stronger Protection, Ferrier wou'd make ap∣pear by some Proof that his Doctrine was that of the whole Party: And as there were but few Ministers who did not be∣lieve, and Preach, and Write the same thing; and for that it was evident that there were more Churches besides that of-Nimes, that were Persecuted for this Doctrine, he ob∣tain'd that the matter shou'd be Debated by the Synod, and his Doctrine approv'd by it. The Genius of Fer∣rier Page  456 was Compounded of Good and Bad Qualities; but the Bad were most predominant, which was the reason why they drew him into a precipice; and never was the end of a Man so unlike the beginning. He suffer'd himself to be Corrupted by the Artifi∣ces of the Court; and the Jesuits boasted themselves, that in the Year 1600 their Father Cotton being at Nimes, where he had a Conference with Chamier, wherein they attributed to him all the advantage, he contracted some Acquaintance with Ferrier, whom he inspir'd from that very time with an Inclination to betray his Brethren. However it was, he em∣broil'd every thing in the Politic Assemblies wherever he came, which made the Synods forbid him to meddle any more. He Acted such things in his Church and his Province, that caus'd him be turn'd out thence: And growing weary of being a Minister, he got to be a Counsellor in a Presidial Court at Nimes, tho he had promis'd at Paris to continue the Ex∣ercise of the Ministry in some other place. At length he was depos'd as a Deserter. In fine, he Revolted, and Dy'd a few years after, as much hated by the People as at the beginning he* was belov'd. He was Self-ended, Knavish, Ambitious, In∣constant, a Boutefeu, without Judgment, and but little capa∣ble of the Intrigues wherein he had the Imprudence to trouble himself. But he had Courage enough, a quick Wit, an Ima∣gination all Fire, a great facility of Speech, the tone of a Commanding Voice, a vehemence in Action and Discourse which drew his Hearers along, and which hardly gave 'em the liberty of Contradicting him. This was the reason that the Multitude, who are easily dazled by these Qualities, was ever of his Party, and that he often prevail'd, even in the* Synods, against Chauve his Competitor. This Chauve had much more Uprightness and Judgment, and above all a Charming Gravity, which made him very considerable in the Assemblies; but the Fire of one prevail'd over the Phlegm of the other, and the Vivacity of Ferrier obscur'd the Solidity of Chauve.

In the Synod then of which Chamier was President, Ferrier held the second place, and was join'd with the Moderator; insomuch that it was no hard matter to obtain, that what there was Personal Page  457 in his Affair should be favourably Judg'd. The Synod order'd the General Deputies to Entreat the King, not to suffer these Churches, or particular Persons, to be put to trouble for this Business, or that the Liberty of Confessing shou'd be taken away from 'em, or of Teaching what they held for Truths. They writ to the Chambers Miparti, that they wou'd take into their Protection such as were molested upon this occasion. But they did yet more. And to the end that it might not be doubted that it was the Doctrine of all the Reformed, the Synod order'd that it shou'd be inserted among the Articles of Faith, and that an Article shou'd be made, which shou'd be plac'd immediately af∣ter the 30th, where the equality of all the Pastors, and all the Churches in Power and in Authority is spoken of. This Article, which for the time to come was to be the 31th in the Confession of Faith, was to have run in this form.

The King who had his Spies in the Assembly, had notice in good time that this Decree was framing; but he cou'd by no means hinder it, and the Article was receiv'd almost with Page  458 a General Approbation. The Catholics were offended in the highest degree. The Nuncio made bitter Complaints. The* Pope was in a Rage when he heard the News. The King himself express'd a great resentment of it; and after the De∣puties General, which had assisted at the Synod, had given an Account in Court of what had pass'd there, they had Orders to write how much the King was Incens'd at this Affront. He complain'd that the Reformed, whom he had put in a Ca∣pacity of maintaining themselves, had started such a thing under his Reign, which no body ever Dreamt of since the Confession of Faith was made; that they had never thought of this Decree, in the time when the Crown had reason to be dissatisfy'd with the Popes; but that they had set it on foot; now that the King and the Pope were strictly recon∣cil'd together; and that they had quarrell'd with a Pope who was esteem'd the most moderate in Affairs of Religion that had Sate since the Doctrine of Luther. To this he added* Threats, That he would neither suffer the Printing of this Article, nor the Sale of the Books wherein it should be inserted; and to punish those who endeavour'd to trouble the State with Propositions so offensive and unsea∣sonable. The Catholics inflam'd his Anger by remonstra∣ting to him, That the Injury wou'd fall upon him himself, and that he was scandaliz'd in an odious manner by this means; that in re-entring into the Roman Church, he was become a Favourer and a Disciple of Antichrist; whence they drew ter∣rible consequences against the Affection and the Fidelity of Sub∣jects, who had such thoughts concerning the Religion of their Soveraign.

The Authors of this Article defended themselves, by the ne∣cessity* of loudly maintaining what they were perswaded in their Consciences. They pretended this Article cou'd not pass for new, because it was presuppos'd by all their Do∣ctrine concerning the Church; that it was necessarily deduc'd from what they believ'd touching her Corruption, her Desola∣tion and Ruin; That this was the reason that most clearly evinc'd the Necessity of their Separation from the Church of Rome; That all the rest, which made it appear, that it behov'd 'em in∣dispensably to break with her, and which drew 'em from the Page  459 depravations of her Doctrine, of her Worship, of her Govern∣ment, and of her Morals, were at the bottom but a deducti∣on, and a manifest display of this same, which comprehended 'em all; That in saying That the Pope was the Antichrist they said all; that since a full Liberty of Conscience was granted 'em, they cou'd not take from 'em the Right of joining a Decree to the other Articles of Faith, which was naturally comprehended therein; the subsistance of which was found in the Terms of the other Articles, in all the Writings of their Doctors, in all the Ser∣mons of their Ministers, in all the Complaints that are made of the Popes, even many Ages before the Reformation; that the same Name had been given many times to the Roman See, by those very People who were never suspected to be bad Catholics; that they ought therefore to be less surpriz'd to see this Truth be∣liev'd and confess'd by the Reformed, who saw more clearly into the matter, which they had study'd more, and of which they were convinc'd by Invincible Reasons.

The Article then pass'd in spite of all Obstacles, and the* Kings Threats hinder'd not but that there were new Editions of the Confession of Faith in a short time, in which it was In∣serted. The People furnish'd themselves with these New Edi∣tions, very well pleas'd to see their aversion to the Roman See encourag'd by so Authentick a Decision; and almost perswa∣ded that it was enough that the Pope was publickly call'd Antichrist, to give 'em grounds of hoping thence that his fall was near. But the Court having not been able to hinder things from coming to this pass, wou'd have eluded the Decision by some Artifice; and to satisfie the Pope, they made him be∣lieve that they had succeeded therein, and that they had ren∣dred this troublesome Decree unprofitable. They endeavour'd therefore to make some considerable persons of the Party disown it, whether without or within the Kingdom, to the end that this disowning it might make it pass for a particular Doctrine. Now was it a difficult matter to get Roni, and such as himself, to disclaim it, who treated the Pope with His Holiness. But he had been already so often reproach'd with his coldness for Religion, and the little Care he had of advancing the concerns of his Bre∣thren, that his Name stood 'em in little stead upon this oc∣casion. Page  460 There were a great many found, who without dis∣owning the Doctrine, judg'd only that the Doctrine was a little out of Season, and that in the beginning of a Peace which had been so much desir'd, it wou'd have bin better to have left the Articles of the Confession of Faith, such as they had been, till that time, then to have added such a one which might re-kindle the hardly extinguish'd hatred of the Catholics. Some for fear, some in complaisance, favour'd the designs of the Court, tho they had no reluctancy to the thing decided. They buoy'd themselves up more especially with the Opinion of Scaliger, who had condemn'd the Article: But the Reformed had as little respect for him, when he treated of Theology, as they had a veneration for his knowledge in other things. Mean while, by thus disowning it, they di∣stracted those who wou'd have maintain'd the Doctrine of the Assembly.

But because Ferrier was look'd upon as the Promoter of this Affair, by reason that he was vex'd to have been pro∣ceeded against for the Propositions which he had publish'd, it was believ'd that all wou'd be suppress'd if he cou'd be appeas'd. The Endeavours were so fortunate, that more was gain'd then was hop'd for. They corrupted both his Under∣standing and his Heart. They attack'd him with Pensions, and hopes of Interests at Court. He made no more use of his vehemence and heat but to trouble his Brethren. And in fine, she precipitated himself, as I have said, into Deser∣tion and Revolt. It was of great advantage, to have for a* ground to cry down the Synod, the Moderation of Clement VIII. of whom they did not then stick to say, That he had made no noise of the Edicts granted to the Reformed, but out of a decent Formality: And that in effect, he had given as formal a Consent to those Edicts as cou'd be expected from a Pope. 'Tis true likewise, that he did not seem like his Pre∣decessors, to Advise Massacres and Punishments. Experience had taught him that the Reformation advanc'd it self amidst oppositions, and that in every place where they wou'd have destroy'd it by War, it had encreas'd to the danger of the Catholic Religion: That in Germany the War did the business Page  461 of the Protestants; That it strengthen'd them in the United Provinces: That it was favorable to 'em in many other pla∣ces; and that in France it might have had yet the same effect. In other places he fear'd that War would reunite the Pro∣testants, who when they undertook to help one another had very formidable Forces. But at the bottom it was the Pope, fully desirous to re-establish his Authority every where, where the people had shaken off the Yoke: And it was under his Ponti∣ficat that the first knots of these pernicious Intrigues were knit, which cost Henry the 4th his Life, and which had like to have destroy'd all Europe. He was desirous to play a sure Game, and procure between all the Princes of his Communion a League so secret and so strong, that it might overwhelm the Protestants all at one blow, who could not foresee this Tempest.

The same Synod had likewise done some other things, which* had anger'd the King. They had admitted Foreign Mini∣sters. They had receiv'd Letters from the Palatine, and had Answer'd 'em. They likewise Writ to the Duke of Savoy, on the Account of the Reformed of Saluces whom he Persecuted. They receiv'd the Duke of Bouillon's Letters, which they answer'd without any Hesitation, and the Synod themselves took upon 'em to sollicit for him. This did not please the King, who express'd some resentment of it: Tho he did not complain but in Pardoning it, because he believ'd, said he, that they had done it, rather out of Indiscretion then Malice. He added nevertheless, that if these Ecclesiastical Assemblies did not behave themselves with more Moderation, he would deprive 'em of their Liberty; which hinder'd not, but that they us'd it as formerly, till a great while in the Reign of Lewis the Thirteenth. The Deputies General also were Order'd to repre∣sent to the King many things which they drew up in Wri∣ting. The most Remarkable Article was that where the Reformed desir'd, that they might not be oblig'd to give themselves the Name of Pretended Reformed in the Public Acts, or in the pleadings of their Advocates: And the Synod exhorted 'em to abstain from those Terms. An expedi∣ent was found out to content 'em, which chang'd the Page  462 Words and left the thing: And 'twas allow'd 'em to call their Religion, Reformed in the Terms of the Edict. But the Judges, the Advocates and Notaries preserv'd yet a long time the custom of abstaining from the New expression, and from the Word Pretended: And continu'd to give their Reli∣gion simply the Name of The Reformed Religion.

During this the Jesuits follow'd their business, and solli∣cited* the Parlament, for the Verification of the Edict by which they were Recall'd. It was founded on the conditions that the King had propos'd a long time before, and they were discuss'd at Rome. There were five or six which the Jesuits found very hard: Not because they were in them∣selves Unjust or Inhuman; but because they put too strict Limits to the desires of this Covetous and Ambitious Soci∣ety. The first that displeas'd 'em, was that they were com∣manded, not to receive into their Order in France, any but Natural French-Men. This was very opposite to their Politics at that time, whose main drift it was to subjugate-France to a Foreign Power. The second was, that they were to take the Oath of Fidelity; which was extreamly contrary to the Intenti∣ons of a Society naturally unfaithful. But it was not any Respect of the Oath that troubl'd 'em so much: It was because they were Mark'd with Infamy, in taking a security from them which was not demanded of the others. The Third was, that they were forbidden to purchase Lands, without the King's leave. They had well recover'd themselves of the Error into which Laiuez their General had fall'n, during the Council of Trent, when he would have had his Society excepted out of the permission of possessing Estates, which the Council Granted to the Mendicants: And they had made so good use of the Advice which the Jacobin La Torre gave this General, to make him desist from his Modest demand, that they could no more likewise suffer, that the Liberty of Inriching themselves by all manner of means, should be taken from 'em. The Fourth was, that those who had once taken the Habit, should not be per∣mitted to return to the Possession of their Estates, when it should please their Superiors to turn 'em out of their Order; Page  463 which they have retain'd the power of doing, before the fourth Vow is taken, when they cannot accommodate themselves with the Genius of those who put themselves under their Discipline. This Article griev'd 'em sorely, because they drew a thou∣sand advantages from this Power, of sending back into a secular Life, those who were imbu'd with the Maxims of their Order. But there were such good Reasons not to leave 'em this means of troubling the peace of Families, that the imposing of this troublesome condition could not be avoided. The Fifth and the Sixth subjected 'em intirely to the Jurisdi∣ction and Correction of Bishops; and likewise to take from them permission to confess those of their Order. This was Hard, that a Society which sought to trample under Feet all that was remaining of Dignity to Bishops, should be constrain'd to pend upon their good Pleasure.

But by the Interest of Father Cotton, some things of these Articles were moderated; and when they have once gotten Possession, they well enough know how to make themselves free of the Rest. Nevertheless, the Parlament oppos'd their return as much as they could. They made re-iterated Re∣monstrances; they would have qualify'd the Edict which they had obtain'd: But the Edict was to be Obey'd and Ve∣rify'd just as it was. Indeed this was not brought about without* the Quipps and Ferks of a thousand Satyrs, a thousand Pasquins, thousand Bloody Railleries. All was let loose against 'em; and the Negotiation of their return was likewise made into a kind of a Farce, where they were Treated after a very Comi∣cal manner. But they comforted themselves for all that, with the Pleasure of their Success, and that which astonish'd all the World, was if it may be so said, from the very next day of their Re-establishment, that the Interest which they had in France appear'd so great, that there was not any person who had ever so much. Their Joys nevertheless, were interrupted by an accident, which had like to have forc'd 'em to begin again.

Cotton the Jesuit, who seem'd to have Enchanted the King,* whom he manag'd as he pleas'd, thought one Night, that he Page  464 had been kill'd in a Coach: But the Wound that he receiv'd was not Mortal. They would have charg'd this Assassination on the Reformed, tho there were many Catholics, to whom the Interest of this Man, who by his Insolency abus'd it, gave more Abhorrence then to them. He was one of those, who pursuant to the Conditions of their return were to remain at* Court, to serve as Hostages for the Fidelity of the others. The King made him his Confessor, and ever since that, the Kings have had no other Confessors but Jesuits.

'Tis not known for what Reason this Man was set so high in the King's Favour. Never Man had so perfectly the Spirit of* a Jesuit. Deceit was so natural and familiar to him, that he had one piece of Knavery or other a foot; and when that succeeded ill, he had another just ready. Tho he was countenanc'd by Roni, he did not forbear to do him a thousand ill turns: And after having more then once Solemnly receiv'd the Lye, for what he had prefer'd against him, and against many others, he carry'd himself loftily, because he had not Modesty enough to make him blush. Nevertheless, the King either fear'd him, or lov'd him so much, that these Accidents never made him lose any of his Favor. That which happen'd to him on the occasion of a Woman pretended to be possess'd, whom he had Order to exercise, had like absolutely to have Ruin'd him: But the King conniv'd at it, and no other harm came to the Jesuit, then to wipe off the Cruel Railleries upon it. He had* prepar'd Seventy one Questions, upon which it was said, he was to Answer the Spirit whatsoever it was, that had seiz'd this unhappy Woman. There were many of 'em, that in good Politics render'd him Criminal against the State; since they concern'd the Life of the King, and the Succession of his Children: And as it is easie to make these pretended Devils, that are concern'd in these Comedies, play what Part is de∣sir'd, it may be fear'd, that all these Questions were prepar'd, to obtain Seditious Answers. There were Sixteen or Seven∣teen, that had regard to the Reformed or their Affairs. One spoke of the Count de Laval, Grandson to d'Andelot, who chang'd his Religion a little after, and who dy'd the year fol∣lowing Page  465 in Hungary. Another spoke of War; and inquir'd if the King would make it on the Spaniards, or the Heretics. Another spoke of Chamier and Ferrier, Men whom the Jesuits had in their Eye, because of their Credit with the Reformed; and very likely the Jesuits would have known the means to destroy, or to gain 'em. Another concern'd the King and Roni: And apparently it ought to have Instructed the means of destroying the one in the opinion of the other▪ One that follow'd it, demanded, as by way of imposition, what would happen concerning the Change of this Favorite. Immediate∣ly after it gave Notice, who were the Heretics of the Court the most easie to be brought over to the Roman Faith. In the sequel, he would know what was the most profitable to the Conversion of the Heretics; That is to say, whether it were more to the purpose to come to open force with 'em, or to keep 'em in a Fraudulent Toleration. He would take likewise Lessons of Divinity from the Doemon, and force it to tell him which passage in the Scripture was the most clear to prove Purgatory, and to shew the equality of the Pope's Power to that of St. Peter. He demanded of it also, in what time the Heresie of Calvin would be extinct. He question'd it concern∣ing the Depravation of Passages in the Scripture by the He∣retics: And he had Reason to ask the Lights of the Prince of Darkness concerning that, because he had prepar'd a Work wherein he accus'd the version of Geneva, of a great number of Falsifications. He pass'd to Foreign Affairs; to know what measures might be taken to Convert the King and Queen of Eng∣land, and all the Kingdom, and which way to succeed therein with most Ease: How the Turk might be Defeated, and the Infidels Converted: Whence it came to pass, that Geneva had been so often preserv'd? Then returning to the Affairs of the King∣dom, he demanded something concerning the places of sure∣ty; concerning Lesdiguieres and his Conversion; and of the Duration of Heresie.

The Question about the preservation of Geneva (no doubt)* was very Curious. The Duke of Savoy made continual At∣tempts on this City, and towards▪ the end of the foregoing Page  466 year, he miss'd very narrowly of becoming Master of it. He held intelligence with Blondel, one of the Syndics of the Ci∣ty, whose Treason was neither found out, nor punish'd till many years. But his Men already Masters of the Wall, al∣ready enter'd the City, and ready to force the Court of Guards that kept the Gates, were nevertheless Defeated. Those who were not kill'd were taken Prisoners, and in the sequel were Executed as Robbers. The Duke being desirous to gain that by force, which he had been so near obtaining by surprise, the King interven'd, and told the Duke, that he must expect him to be his Enemy, if he push'd on the matter any farther: Insomuch, that the Duke was oblig'd to defer his designs till another time. Geneva had implor'd succours of the Churches of France in this business, and had written to their Deputies General, to pray 'em to make a good Colle∣ction, to assist 'em in the War which they thought to have against this formidable Neighbour; and St. Germain did not fail to write concerning it throughout the whole Kingdom. But the Interposition of the King deliver'd Geneva of this Dread, and the Reformed of this Expence. Cotton the Jesuit not being able to comprehend, how Providence so openly had favour'd this Heretic City, against the Pretensions of so Catho∣lic a Prince, was desirous that the Doemon should unfold to him the Mysteries of the Council of God; and ask'd it, whence it came that this City did never fall under the Attempts of a Neighbour much more Powerful then she.

All, or most part of these Questions were set down in half Words: But it was not hard to understand the meaning of every one of 'em, did a Man but never so little understand what was the State of the Court and Religion in that time; and that they were the Prospects and Intrigues of the Jesuits. The Je∣suit was so indiscreet, as to Write all these Questions with his own hand upon a loose Leaf, and to put 'em in a Book which Gillot Counsellor of the Parlament of Paris had lent him in 1603. Some years after, returning the Book he forgot the Leaf, which the President de Thou found there in Reading. The thing seem'd too extraordinary to this Wise Magistrate, Page  467 not to endeavour to discover the Author of this curious Interro∣gatory. It was plain enough; that the Jesuit had a part in it, be∣cause this Writing was found in a Book that came out of his Clo∣set, but the suspition turn'd into certainty, when this Paper was compar'd with his Writing, which it was not difficult to find. The King did not Rellish this Piece of Curiosity but the Jesuit Reign'd; there was no Noise to be made of it; and the King call'd for the Paper to suppress it. No Body could forbear Won∣dring at it, Murmuring at it, and fretting at it: Many diver∣ted themselves with it, and found something very Comical in the design of questioning the Doemon, not only upon Af∣fairs of State, but upon Religion, upon the State and Con∣version of Hearts, and to take the Lights of this Doctor for Guides in understanding the Scripture. Others expected, that this Jesuit should have been Mortify'd at least by this Adventure: But he did not much trouble himself about it, because he was never the Worse for it at Court. The Tractableness of his Temper, his Complaisance, his Flattering and insinuating be∣haviour, maintain'd him in a Degree of Favor, whose Cheats and Rashness ought to have thrown him down, if the good Will of Kings were bestow'd on Merit.

They who have Written the Life of Cotton the Jesuit,* not knowing, how to Reconcile this Adventure with all the Falsities which they put off in Honour of this Profligate Man, bethought themselves of altering the Recital by all •orts of Disguises. Principally the Last of these Authors has gone beyond the Impudence of the other: And as he has well judg'd that those who should compare the manner by which he Writes the History of him, to that by which the President of Thou relates it, would admire at this difference, and would make no difficulty to believe this Venerable Magistrate be∣fore the Jesuit; he endeavour'd to render him suspected of Passion and Infidelity upon this occasion. But the Integrity and Exactness of this Wise Historian is so well Establish'd, that his Testimony in things that have pass'd under his Eyes, and through his Hands, will always carry it in the Judgment of ho∣nest Men, upon that, from the whole Order of Jesuits. That which Page  468 these Authors say then, that the Jesuit had not set down in this Writing, but that which was permitted him by the Ca∣nons to demand of a Doemon, is altogether a pure invention to Disguise the Truth. There are also great variety of Co∣pies of it, which appear'd in Publick. 'Tis true, the Jesuits themselves might sow among the people Memoirs made at pleasure, to perswade those that will not ascend back again to the very source, that it was a piece of Malice that was inten∣ded against their Society; that every one mingling therein what came into his mind, thereupon arose this multitude of Writ∣ings differing from one another. But it was impossible, that the President de Thou, and the Counsellor Gillot, Roni, and the King himself, who had seen the Original Piece, before the thing became Publick, should suffer themselves to be Cheated by this Artifice.

The Verification of the Writing which the Jesuit caus'd to be made by these who were most immediately at his Devoti∣on, without Form of Justice, without having any party that took Notice of it, and upon such a Writing, that he pleas'd to produce to 'em, because the Original could no be found, by what his Historian says, is a Trick that ought not to prevail against the Testimony of those Magistrates, who had had the Original in their Hands, ond who before they spoke of it were assur'd by their Eyes, that it was the Jesuits Writing. It is Remarkable, that the last Author of his Life, forgetting the Apology which he had made for the Conduct of his Heroe up∣on this occasion, relates, in the Order of his History, the An∣swers which the Woman possess'd had made him, upon some Questions contain'd in the Memoir. This accident belongs to the year 1605. But I have plac'd it here, as serving to make known the Character of Cotton the Jesuit, and upon what Qualities his Favour was founded. I return now to the Order that I had quitted.

The Duchess of Bar dy'd the beginning of this year, of a* Distemper which she thought proceeded from being with Child, and which her Physicians understood not. She was Perse∣cuted with Conferences to her Death. Du Perron had ac∣quir'd Page  469 so much Reputation among the Catholics, by the suc∣cess of Fontainbleau, that they believ'd he would succeed eve∣ry where accordingly. But he had not so good an Opinion of himself as others; and he would not hazard an Honour so well establish'd, upon uncertain hopes. When therefore there was any Conference ready, they never fail'd to break it off upon the Preliminary Conditions. They were propos'd to the Re∣formed so unjust or so impossible, that they were oblig'd to refuse 'em: And the Bishop took an occasion from thence to give out that the Ministers were afraid of him, and fled from him every time he was ready to enter the List with 'em. They defended themselves against this Reproach, by the exact Relarions of what had pass'd at those Meetings; and the fruit of those A∣pologies was always, that the Catholics referr'd themselves to the Bishop, and that the Reformed believ'd, that their Ministers were in the Right. But these Relations were not Read at Rome, where the Bishops Letters were receiv'd, as Testimo∣nies of a perfect Victory. This was the Reason the King was at* no trouble, after the Death of Cardinal d'Ossat, to procure the Hat for him: And sometime after, he made him Grand Almoner, and Arch-Bishop of Sens. Roni countenanc'd as much as he could the Fortune of this Prelate. But the Heart of du Perron was not to be gain'd or oblig'd by Gratitude, or by Friendship. His Fortune was his Idol. He crept before Roni while he was in Authority: But he did nothing to serve him, when the face of his Affairs was chang'd.

The Spanish Cabal receiv'd this year a severe Check, and Villeroi, who was suspected to have been one of the Number, had* much ado to get off. The Council of Spain had Confidents in France, and in all the Provinces, in all the Orders of the State at Court among the King's intimates, in the Council it self. The Queen who was push'd forward by the Councils of Italy, and by the Italians which were in her Service, aspir'd to nothing but an Alliance with Spain; because she believ'd it necessary to assure the Succession of her Children. The Agents of Spain knew well how to scare her with the Disputes, that might one day a∣rise on this Subject, and the Attempts that the Marchioness Page  470 of Verneuil was capable of making against her Person. On the other side, the same Agents heighten'd the Courage of the Marchioness, who took for current Money the private assuran∣ces that were given her of protecting her against the Queens Pre∣tentions. She enter'd into several Conspiracies to strengthen her self; and she made her self unsupportable to the King, by a thou∣sand Malicious Tricks, and to the Queen, by a thousand stinging Reparties. Insomuch, that the King, that to mortifie her, was constrain'd to bring both Her, her Father, and the Count Au∣vergne her Brother to Justice. They had had so many Intrigues against the good of the State, that 'twas no hard matter to con∣vict 'em; and that he had then enough to destroy 'em, if the King had not had a Soul too tender to suffer the Death of a Mistress. That of the Count de Soissons may be reckon'd a Third Party; an unquiet Spirit, and who lov'd Change. He thought he was the nearest to the Crown of all the Legitimate Princes. In the times of Confusion, he would not (it may be) have given place, either to the Queens Children, or to the Marchionesses, or to the Prince of Conde. He would have had the places held in Dauphine, to have been taken away from Lesdiguieres, that he might have had 'em himself. He did not like, that that Cap∣tain who was but his Subordinate in the Province, should be stronger there then he who was a Prince of the Blood, and had the Government of it. This Enterprise came to the Ears of Les∣diguieres, and put him in fear, that a Journey which the King talk'd of making into Provence, was intended to dispossess him. But tho the design of this Journey was broken off, to remove the Jealousies he had entertain'd, his mind however was not perfectly heal'd, he began to close again with the Reform∣ed for his security, whose Affairs had not much touch'd him till then. His suspicions however, were not apparently well founded. Since it is not credible, that the King would ruin him in Dauphine, to put a Man in his place, who if he be∣came powerful there, might do him more mischief then he could.

All the Council was divided amongst these several Cabals, and by consepuence the greater part engag'd in the Intrigues of Spain, which had an influence in all these Factions. Ville∣roi Page  471 took the Queen's side, and as he had a strict intelligence with Rome, by the means of Cardinal d'Ossat his Creature, it was impossible that he should not have likewise a little with the Italians Domestics of that Princess, and by their means with Spain which was their first mover. 'Twas hardly questi∣on'd, after the b•siness of an Inn-keeper, one of his Officers.* This rascally fellow sent Advice to Spain, of all that pass'd in the Council of France. Insomuch, That the King's Embassa∣dor at the Court of Spain, always found the Spaniards in∣form'd of all that he had to say to 'em, by the Orders of his Master. A French-man call'd Rasis, who was weary of Spain, where he had been ill rewarded for his past Services, because that the Ruin of the League hinder'd him from continuing 'em, promis'd the Embassador to unfold this Mystery to him, if he might be pardon'd what was past, and be permitted to return in safety, to end his days in his own Country. His good designs had like to have prov'd abortive, be∣cause the dispatches which were Granted him on this occa∣sion, pass'd through the hands of Villeroy and his Officer: But he happily escap'd after he had told the Embassador the Treachery of the Inn-keeper: and being arriv'd in France, he discover'd himself to Villeroy, whom he found at a Coun∣try-House, ready to joyn in the King's Retinue at Fontaine∣bleau. Villeroy, instead of securing his Officer, forbore to speak to the King of the matter, when he was with him. This gave time to a Courier who left Spain a few Hours after Ra∣sis, to arrive in times, and Caution the Inn-keeper to have a care of himself. So this miserable Wretch escap'd, and he was found Drowned 20 or 30 Leagues from Paris, upon the Bank of the Marne, which he would have foarded, in his way to Flanders. His Death seem'd no less suspicious then his escape; and many be∣liev'd, that Villeroy conniv'd at the one, and procur'd the other. I was not rational to think, that a Man who had been above five and thirty years in the Ministry of State, should not know, that the first thing he ought to have done, was to have seiz'd on the Officer: And the Neglect of so necessary a Precaution, gave occasion to suspect, that the Master had Page  472 some Reason to desire, that the Servant should escape. But the King was willing to take the sorrow that Villeroy express'd, for a Proof of his Innocency: And he accepted of the bad Excuses of this Minister, as if they had been better. Inso∣much, that he continu'd in the Ministry as before; and if (perhaps) he lost something of the King's Esteem and Con∣dence, at least he lost nothing of his Dignity.