The history of the famous Edict of Nantes containing an account of all the persecutions that have been in France from its first publication to this present time : faithfully extracted from all the publick and private memoirs, that could possibly be procured / printed first in French, by the authority of the states of Holland and West-Friezland, and now translated into English.

A COLLECTION OF EDICTS, CONFERENCES, AND Other PIECES; To serve in order to prove the FIRST PART of the History of the EDICT of NANTES.

EDICT of Charles IX. about the most effectual means to ap∣pease the Troubles and Seditions in point of Religion, of the Month of January, 1561. Published in the Parliament of Pa∣ris, on the 6th. of March of the said Year.

CHarles, by the Grace of God, King of France, to all those who these Pre∣sents shall see, Greeting. It is sufficiently known what Trou∣bles and Seditions have been, and are daily kindled, multiplied and aug∣mented in this Kingdom, by the Malice of the Times, and the diver∣sity of Opinions which reign in Re∣ligion; and that whatever Remedies our Predecessors have try'd to put a stop thereunto, either by the Rigor and severity of Punishments, or by Mildness, according to their usual and natural Benignity and Clemen∣cy; the thing has penetrated so far into our said Kingdom, and in the minds of our Subjects of all Sexes, Estates, Qualities and Conditions, that we have found our selves in a great perplexity at our new coming

to this Crown, to advise and resolve what means we should use to apply good and wholsome Remedies there∣unto. After long and mature con∣sultation about the same, with the Queen our most honour'd, and most beloved Lady and Mother, our most dear and most beloved. Unkle, the King of Navar, our Lieutenant Ge∣neral, representing our Person throughout all our Kingdoms and Territories, and other Princes of our Blood, together with our Privy-Council: We caus'd our said Uncle to assemble in our Court of Parlia∣ment, together with the Princes▪ of our Blood, the Peers of France, and other Princes and Lords of our said Privy-Council.

All which, with the Members of our said Court, after several Confe∣rences and deliberations, did resolve on the Edict of the Month of July last past; whereby we did forbid, a∣mong other things, on pain of con∣fiscation of Body and Goods, all Publick Conventicles and Assemblies with Arms: As well as all Private ones, in which any body should preach, or administer the Sacrament in any form contrary to the Practice observ'd in the Catholick Church, from the first begining, and ever since the propagation of the Christian Faith, receiv'd by the Kings of France our Predecessors, by the Bishops, and Prelates, Curates their Vicars and Deputies: Being persuaded at that time, that the prohibition of the said Assemblies was the best way, until we could have the determination of a General Council, to put a stop to the diversity of the said Opinions: And by keeping our Subjects by that means in union and concord, to put an end to the Troubles and Sediti∣ons. The which on the contrary, through the disobedience, obstinacy, and evil Intentions of the People, the execution of the said Edict pro∣ving difficult and dangerous, have been much more increas'd, and Cru∣elly practic'd, to our great grief and trouble, than they had been before. Therefore in order to remedy the same, and in consideration that our said Edict was only provisional: We have been advis'd to summon a∣nother Assembly in this Place, com∣pos'd of our said Uncle, the Princes of our Blood, and the Members of our Privy-Council; there to advise with a considerable number of our Presidents, and chief Counsellors of our Sovereign Courts by Us sum∣mon'd to that end, who are able to give us a faithful account of the State and Necessities of their Provinces, in relation to the said Religion, Tu∣mults and Seditions; about such means as may be most proper, use∣ful and convenient, to appease and put an end to the said Seditions:

Which has been done: And all things having been duly and mature∣ly digested and deliberated in our Presence, and in that of our said La∣dy and Mother, by so great and so notable an Assembly, We have by their advice and mature deliberation said and ordain'd, do say and ordain what followeth.

I. That all those of the New Reli∣gion, or others that have taken posses∣sion of Temples, shall be oblig'd after the Publication of these Presents, to quit and depart from the same; as

well as from all Houses, Estates and Revenues belonging to Ecclesiasticks, where ever they are cituated or seated; leaving them the full and entire pos∣session and enjoyment of the same, to enjoy them with the same liberty and safety they did before their being dispossess'd thereof. That they shall return and restore what they have ta∣ken of the Shrines and Ornaments of the said Temples and Churches; and that it shall not be lawful for those of the said New Religion to take or build any other Temples either with∣in or without the Cities, Towns, &c. nor to occasion the least Trouble, Let, or Molestation to the said Eccle∣siasticks, in the enjoyment or gather∣ing of their Tythes and Revenues, and other Rights and Estates whate∣ver, at present, or for the future. Which we have inhibited and forbid∣den them to do, and do by these Presents inhibit and forbid; as also to beat down and demolish Crosses, Images, or the committing other seandalous and seditious acts: On pain of death, and without the least hope of pardon or remission.

II. Likewise not to assemble in the said Cities, there to preach either publickly or privately, either by Day or Night.

III. However, in order to keep our Subjects in peace and quietness, un∣til it be God Almighty's pleasure to enable us to reunite them, and put them all into the same Fold again, which is our earnest desire, and chief intention: We have by Provision, until the Determination of the said General Council, or New Orders from us; Surceas'd, suspended, and superceded; do surcease, suspend, and supercede the Inhibitions and Punishments appointed, both in the Edict of July, and others that have preceded it, in relation to the Assem∣blys that shall be made in the day-time without the said Cities, in order to their Preaching, Praying, and per∣forming other Exercises of their Re∣ligion.

IV. Forbidding on the same Pe∣nalties and Punishments, all Judges, Magistrates, and other persons, how∣ever qualifi'd or distinguish'd, to hin∣der, disturb, molest, or fall upon those of the said New Religion, in a∣ny wise, whenever they shall go, come and assemble without the said Cities, to exercise their said Religi∣on. But on the contrary, in case a∣ny persons should attempt to abuse them, We do command our said Ma∣gistrates and Officers in order to pre∣vent all Troubles and Seditions, to hinder the same, and summarily, and severely to punish all the Sediti∣ous, whatever Religion profess'd by them, according to the Contents of our said precedent Edicts and Ordi∣nances, even in that which is made against the said seditious Persons, and for the bearing of Arms; which we will and expect to have fulfill'd in all Points, and to remain in full force and vertue.

V. Enjoyning a new, according to the same, all our said Subjects, of what Religion, Estate, Quality and Condition soever, not to make any Assemblies whatever in Arms, or to a∣buse, reproach, or provoke each

other upon the account of Religion, or to make, stir, procure, or favour the least Sedition; but on the con∣trary to live and behave themselves one towards another, gently and quietly, without making use of Pi∣stols great or small, or other Fire-Arms, either in going to the said As∣semblies, or elsewhere; or any other prohibited or forbidden Weapons, excepting only Swords and Daggers for▪ Gentlemen, which are the Arms they commonly wear.

VI. Moreover, forbidding the Mi∣nisters and Chiefs of those of the said Religion, to receive any Persons in their said Assemblies, without being first inform'd of their Qualities, Lives and Conversations; to the end that in case they should be condemn'd for non-appearance, or Contempt upon the account of Crimes deser∣ving punishment, they should deliver them into the hands of our Offi∣cers, to receive a condign Punish∣ment.

¶ That whenever our said Offi∣cers shall be willing to go into the said Assemblies to assist at their Pre∣dications, and to hear what Doct∣rines they teach there, they shall be receiv'd and respected according to the dignity of their Places and Offi∣ces. And in case it be to take or ap∣prehend any Malefactor, that they shall obey, favour and assist them in the same, as need shall re∣quire.

VII. That they shall make no Sy∣nods or Consistories, unless with leave, and in presence of one of our said Officers; nor likewise any creation of Magistrates among themselves, Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, that belonging to us only. But that in case they shall think it necessary to constitute some Regulations among them, for the exercise of their said Religion, they shall show them to our said Officers, to have their ap∣probation, provided they be things they ought and can reasonably do; otherwise to give us notice of the same, to obtain our leave, or to know our Intentions therein.

VIII. That they shall list no men, either to fortifie and assist one ano∣ther, or to offend others; nor make any Impositions, Gatherings, and Raisings of Money among themselves. ¶ And that as to their Charities and Alms, they shall neither be made by Assesments or Impositions, but vo∣luntarily.

IX. Those of the said New Reli∣gion shall be oblig'd to keep our Poli∣tical Laws, even those that are re∣ceiv'd in our Catholick Church, as to Holydays, Days of rest, and Marriage; for degrees of Consanguinity and Affinity; in order to avoid all De∣bates and Law-Suits that might insue to the ruin of several of the best Fa∣milies of our Kingdom, and the dis∣solving of the Bonds of Friendship, which are acquir'd by Marriage and Alliances among our Subjects.

X. The Ministers shall be oblig'd to repair before our Officers to swear the observance of these Presents, and to promise to preach no Doctrine contrary to the pure Word of God, according as it is contain'd in the

Nicene Creed, and in the Canonical Books of the Old and New-Testament, lest they should fill our Subjects with new Heresies. Forbidding them most expresly, and on the Penalties above mention'd, not to use reproach∣ful or scoffing Expressions in their Sermons against the Mass, and Cere∣monies receiv'd and kept in our said Catholick Church; or to go from place to place, there to preach by force, against the will and consent of the Lords, Curates, Vicars and Church-Wardens of Parishes.

XI. In the same manner forbid∣ding all Preachers to use in their Ser∣mons or Predications, injurious or reproachful Expressions against the said Ministers, or their Sectators; by reason that such proceedings have hi∣therto contributed much more to ex∣cite the people to Sedition, than to provoke them to Devotion.

XII. And all Persons, of what Estate, Quality and Condition soever, from receiving, concealing, or harbouring in their Houses, any person accus'd, prosecuted, or con∣demned for Sedition: under the penalty of 1000 Crowns applicable to the Poor: And in case of not being solvable, on pain of being wipt and banish'd.

XIII. Furthermore it is our Will and Pleasure, that all Printers, Di∣spersers. and such as sell Defamatory Libels and Satyrs, shall be Whipt for the first fault of that kind, and lose their lives for the second.

XIV. And whereas all the effect and observance of this present Ordi∣nance, which is made for the preser∣vation of the general and universal quiet of our Kingdom, and to pre∣vent all Troubles and Seditions, de∣pends on the duty, care and dili∣gence of our Officers. We have or∣dain'd, and do ordain, that the Edicts by us made about Residence, shall be inviolably observ'd, and the Offi∣ces of such as shall be wanting there∣in, vacant and forfeited; and that they shall neither be restor'd or kept in the same, either by Letters Pa∣tents, or otherwise.

XV. That all Bayliffs, Seneschals, Provosts, and other our Magistrates and Officers shall be oblig'd, with∣out bidding or requiring, to repair forthwith to the Place where they shall be inform'd that any Misdemea∣nor has been committed; in order to inform, or cause to be inform'd against Delinquents and Malefactors, and to secure their persons in order to their Tryal, on pain of forfeiting their Places, without hopes of restitution, and of all cost and dama∣ges towards the Parties. And in the case of Sedition shall punish the Sedi∣tious, without deferring to an Ap∣peal according (calling to their assi∣stance such a number of our other Of∣ficers, or famous Advocats) as it is order'd by our Edict of July, and in the same manner, as if it were by a Decree from one of our Sovereign Courts.

XVI. Forbidding our dearly be∣lov'd and trusty Chancellor, and our belov'd and trusty the Masters of Re∣quest.

quest in Ordinary of our Palace, keep∣ing the Seals of our Chanceries, to grant any Relief of Appeal; and our Courts of Parliament to relieve them, or otherwise to hinder our said Infe∣rior Officers from taking cognizance of the same, in case of Sedition: By reason of the dangerous consequence thereof, and that it is necessary to proceed with speed against the same by exemplary Punishment.

Therefore we will and require by these Presents, our Beloved and Trusty, the Persons holding our said Courts of Parliament, Bailiffs, Seneschals, Pro∣vosts, or their Lieutenants, and all our other Justicers and Officers, and every one of them, as unto them shall appertain; To cause our pre∣sent Ordinances, Will and Intention, to be read, publish'd and register'd, kept, preserv'd, and inviolably ob∣serv'd, without any infringement; and to constrain, and cause to be constrain'd; this to do and suffer, all such to whom it shall belong, and shall want to be constrain'd for the same: And to proceed against the Transgressors in the manner afore∣said. And that the said Bailiffs, Se∣neschals, Provosts, and other our Officers, shall give us notice within a Month after the Publication of these Presents, of their proceeding in the execution and observation thereof. For such is our Pleasure. All Edicts, Ordinances, Commands, or Prohi∣bitions thereunto contrary notwith∣standing. To which we have in respect to the Contents of these Presents, and without prejudice to them in others, derogated, and do derogate. In witness whereof, we have caus'd our Seal to be affix'd to these Presents.

Given at St. Germain en Layc, the 17th Day of January, in the Year of our Lord, 1561: and of our Reign the Second.

Thus sign'd by the King, being in his Council,

Bourdin,

and seal'd upon a double Label with Yel∣low Wax.

The King's Declaration and Interpretation upon some Words and Ar∣ticles, 6 and 7 contain'd in the present Edict of the 17th of Janu∣ary, 1561.

CHarles, by the Grace of God King of France, to our Trusty and well beloved the Persons holding our Courts of Parliament, Bailiffs, Senechals, Provosts, or their Lieu∣tenants, and to all our other Justices and Officers, and to every one of them, according as it may concern them, Greeting.

By our Ordinance of the 17th of January last past, join'd hereunto under the Counter Seal of our Chan∣cery, made for the repose and Pacification of our Subjects, and to appease and put an end to the Troubles and Seditions occasion'd in this our Kingdom, by the diversity of Opinions that reign in our Religion:

It is said among other things, [Arti∣cle 6.] That whenever our Officers shall be desirous to go into the Assemblys of those of the New Religion, to assist at their Sermons, and to hear what Doctrine is taught there, they shall be receiv'd in the same, and respected according to the Dignity of their Places and Offices: And in case it be to take and apprehend some Malefactors, they shall be obeyed, and assisted; according as it is contain'd more at large, in the Article of the said Ordinance, which mentions it.

And whereas some difficulty might arise about the Interpretation of this Word Officers, thus couch'd in general, in the said Article, to know whether all our Officers of Judicature are in∣differently meant and included under the same, we in order to make our said Ordinance as clear and intelligi∣ble as can be, and to leave nothing dubious or difficult, have said and declar'd for the interpretation thereof, do say and declare, that by the said Word Officers, and the permission we have granted them to go into the said Assemblies, for the Reasons contain'd in our said Or∣dinance, we only intend, as we do still intend to give the said Power to our Ordinary Officers, to whom the cognizance of the Policy of Civil Go∣vernment belongs; as Bailiffs, Senes∣chals, Provosts, or their Lieutenants, and not to those of our Sovereign Courts, nor to our other Officers of Judicature, which we expect to live in the Faith of us, and of our Predecessors. And the said Power shall extend no farther than when occasion shall offer it self to inspect and remedy what is men∣tion'd in the said Ordinance.

¶ Moreover, We have ordain'd, and do ordain, in relation to what is said afterwards [Article 7.] in the said Ordinance, That those of the New Religion shall hold neither Synods, nor Consistories, unless by leave, or in pre∣sence of one of our said Officers. That if their said Assemblies which they call Synods and Consistories, are General of the whole Government and Pro∣vince, they shall not be allow'd to hold them, unless by leave, or in presence of the Governor, or our Lieutenant General of the Province, of his Lieutenant General, or others by them appointed: And in case the said Assembly is Particular, by leave, or in presence of one of our Magi∣strate Officers, who shall be elected and deputed by the said Governor, or his said Lieutenant General. ¶ Provided always that the said As∣semblys which they call Synods and Consistories, shall only be held for the regulation of Religion, and upon no other account. ¶ And all this by way of Provision, until the determi∣nation of the General Council, or till new Orders from us. Neither have we by our said Ordinance, and the present Declaration, design'd, or do design, to approve two Religions in our Kingdom, but only one, which is that of our Holy Church, in which the Kings our Predecessors have liv'd.

Therefore we will and require you, that in proceeding to the reading, publishing, and registring of our said Ordinance, you shall at the same time, and in like manner cause this our present Declaration and Interpretation to be read, published, and registred, and the same inviolably

to maintain, keep and observe, without the least Infraction: For such is our Pleasure, the Contents of our said Ordinance, and all other Edicts, Mandats, or Prohibitions thereunto contrary notwithstanding.

Given at St. Germain en Laye, on the 14th of February, in the Year of our Lord 1561. and of our Reign the Second.

Thus Sign'd by the King, being in his Council; with the Queen his Mother, the Duke of Orleans, the King of Navar, the Cardinal of Bourbon, and the Prince De la Roche Sur-Yon; the Cardinals of Tournon, and Chatillon, You the Sieurs de St. Andre, and de Montmorency Mar∣shals, and de Chastillon, Admiral of France, du Mortier, and the Bishop of Orleans, d' Avanson, and the Bishop of Valence, de Selve, de Gonnor, and Dandelot, and several others were pre∣sent.

Bourdin.

First Mandamus from the King to the Court of Parliament at Paris, for the publishing of the Edict of the Month of Ja∣nuary.

CHarles, by the Grace of God, King of France, to our Trusty and well-beloved the persons holding our Court of Parliament at Paris Greet∣ing. We have seen the Remonstrances you have sent us by our Trusty and well beloved Christopher de Thou, President, and William Violle, Councellor in our said Court, your Brethren, about the Ordinance we have given on the 17th. of January last past, for the peace and tranquili∣ty of our Subjects, and to put a stop to the Troubles and Seditions occasi∣on'd in this Kingdom by the diversity of the Opinions that reign in Religi∣on. And after having caus'd the said Remonstrances to be read, Arti∣cle after Article, and word for word, in presence of us, and of the Queen our most dear, and most beloved La∣dy and Mother, of our most dear and most beloved Brother, the Duke of Orleans, of our most dearly beloved Uncle, the King of N. our Lieute∣nant General, representing our Per∣son throughout all our Kingdoms and Territories, of the other Princes of our Blood, and our Privy Coun∣cil: We by their Advice, and in con∣sideration of the great, reasonable and necessary Causes and Occasions which have been our Motives for making the said Ordinance, do here∣by desire, command, and expresly enjoin you to proceed to the reading, publishing, and registring of the said Ordinance, and the Declaration by Us made, affix'd to the same. And that you shall cause both the one and the other to be receiv'd, kept, and inviolably observ'd, without the least infringement: The whole by way of Provision, until the determi∣nation of the General Council, or New Orders from us: And according as it is more at large directed by the said Ordinance and Declaration,

without any farther delay or difficul∣ty, not to oblige us to send you any other. or more express Command than these Presents, which you shall take for second, third; and all other Mandates, which you might require from us in this case; for such is our Pleasure. What is above said, all Edicts, Ordinances, Mandates, and Prohibitions thereunto contrary, Notwithstanding.

Given at St. Germain en Laye, the 14th Day of February, in the Year of our Lord, 1561. and of our Reign the Second.

Thus sign'd by the King being in his Council.

Bourdin.

The Second MANDAMƲS.

CHarles, by the Grace of God, King of France, To our Tru∣sty and well beloved the Persons holding our Court of Parliament at Paris, Greeting. Whereas we did heretofore send you, our Ordinance of the 17th. of Jannary last past, upon which several good Remon∣strances have been made to us by you, which we have imparted to our Privy Council, we being there in Person: and whereas several great and urgent Occasions have anew occurr'd since, and daily do occur concerning the Tranquility of the State of our Kingdom, which induce us more and more to desire the read∣ing, publishing and registring of the said Ordinance: We have again re∣ferr'd the deliberation of the said Affair to our Privy-Council; in pre∣sence of our most dear and most be∣loved Lady and Mother, our most dear and most beloved Uncle, the King of Navar, our Lieutenant-Ge∣neral, representing our Person in all our Kingdoms and Territories, and several other Princes of our Blood, and Members of our said Council, by the common advice of which, it has been thought fit, and resolv'd, that it is more than necessary for our service, and for the peace and quiet∣ness of our Subjects, that the reading, publishing and registring of the said Ordinance should be perform'd in our said Court.

Therefore in pursuance of the said Advice, and in consideration of the necessity of the Time, and the conse∣quenee of the Affair, We require, command, and expresly enjoin you, that laying aside all Delays and Diffi∣culties, you should cause the said Ordi∣nance and Declaration to be read, pub∣lish'd register'd from Point to Point, ac∣cording to their Form and Tenor and the same to receive, keep and observe: The whole provisionally until the determination of the General-Council, and new Orders from Us. All Ordinances, Mandates, or Pro∣hibitions thereunto contrary, Not∣withstanding.

Given at St. Germain en Laye, the 1st of March, in the Year of the

Lord 1561. and of our Reign the Se∣cond.

Thus sign'd by the King being in his Council, with the Queen Mother, and the King of Navar his Lieutenant-General, representing his Person in all Kingdoms▪ and Territories, the Cardinal of Bourbon, the Prince of Conde, and the Prince de la Roche-sur-Yon, the Cardi∣nals of Tournon, and de Chatillon. You le sieur, de St. André Mar∣shal of France, le sieur du Mor∣tier, and the Bishop of Orleans, le Sieur d' Avanson, and the Bishop of Valence, and les Sieurs de Selve, de Gonnor, and de Cypi∣erre, all Counsellors in the said Council, and several others were present.

Bourdin.

Publication of the Edict of January, and of the Declaration, and Interpretation of the same.

LEcta, Publicata & Registrata, au∣dito, Procuratore Generali Regis, respectu habito literis patentibus Rgis, primae diei hujus mensis, urgenti neces∣sitati temporis, & obtemperando volun∣tati dicti Domini Regis, absque tamen approbatione novae Religionis: & id to∣tum per modum provisionis, & donec ali∣ter per dictum Dominum Regem fuerit or∣dinatum.

Parisis in Parlamento Sexta die Martii Anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo primo.

Sic signatum, Du Tillēt.

The Edict of King Chares the IX. of the Year 1570. about the pacification of the Troubles of this Kingdom.

CHarles, by the Grace of God, King of France, to all those present and hereafter to come, Greet∣ing. Considering the great Evils and Calamities occasion'd by the Troubles and Wars wherewith our Kingdom has been long, and is still afflicted; and soreseeing the desola∣tion that might ensue, unless by the grace and mercy of God the said Troubles were speedily pacifi'd. We in order to put an end to the same, to remedy the Afflictions that proceed from thence, to restore and make our Subjects live in Peace, Union, Quiet and Tranquility, as it has al∣ways been our intention. Let it be known, that after having taken the good and prudent Advice of the Queen our most dear and most ho∣nour'd

Lady and Mother, of our most dear and most beloved the Duke of Anjou, our Lieutenant General, and the Duke d' Alencon, Princes of car Blood, and other great and no∣table Persons of our Privy-Council; We have by their good Counsel and Advice, and for the Causes and Rea∣sons abovesaid, and other good and great Considerations Us thereunto moving, by this our present Edict, perpetual, and irrevocable, said, de∣clar'd, enacted, and do ordain, will and resolve what followeth.

I. That the remembrance of all things past on both sides, from the ve∣ry beginning of, and since the Troubles happen'd in our said Kingdom, and on the account of the same, shall be extinguish'd and laid aside, as of mat∣ters happen'd that had never; and that it shall not be lawful for our Ator∣ney-General, neither for any Publick or Private Persons, whatever at any time, nor on any occasion soever to men∣tion the same, or to commence any Pro∣cess, or suit thereof in any Court or Jurisdiction.

II. We forbid all our Subjects of what Estate or Quality soever, to revive the remembrance thereof; to in∣jure or provoke each other by Re∣proaches for what is past. To di∣spute, contest, quarrel, wrong or offend one another in Word or Deed, but to forbear, and live peaceably together like Brethren, Friends, and Fellow-Citizens; on pain, for the Delinquents, of being punish'd as In∣fractors of the Peace, and Perturba∣tors of the Publick quiet.

III. It is our Will and Pleasure that the Roman Catholick Religion shall be restor'd in all parts and pla∣ces of this our Kingdom and Coun∣trys under our Obedience, where the exercise of the same has in∣terrupted, there to be freely and peace∣ably exercis'd, without the least trouble or hindrance, on the Penal∣ties above mention'd. And that all those who during the present War have seis'd on Houses, Goods or Re∣venues belonging to Ecclesiasticks, or other Catholicks, who detain and possess the same, shall surrender them the intire possession, and peaceable enjoyment thereof, with the same freedom and safety they enjoy'd them before their being dispossess'd of the same.

IV. And that there may remain no occasion of difference and contention among our Subjects, We have and do allow those of the said Pretended Reform'd Religion, To live and inhabit in all the Cities and parts of this our Kingdom, and Territories under our Obedience, without being urg'd, vex'd, or molested, or constrain'd to do any thing against their Conscience, in point of Religion: Nor examin'd in their Houses, or places where they shall inhabit upon the said account, provided they behave themselves according to what is contain'd in the present Edict.

V. We have also given leave to all Gentlemen, and other persons, actual Inhabitants, and others possessing in our Kingdom and Territories under our Obedience, High Jurisdiction, or Full * Fief d' Haubert, as in* 1.1 Normandy, whether in Proper, or Ʋse-Frint, in the whole, or in a part, to have in such their Houses of the said High-Jurisdiction, or

Fief which they shall nominate for their Principal abode to our Bailiffs and Seneschals, every one in his Precinct the Exercis of the Religion they call Reform'd, as long as they reside there; and in their absence their Wives or Children, whom they shall answer for; and they shall be oblig'd to name the said Houses to our Bailiffs and Senes∣chals, before they shall enjoy the be∣nefit thereof: They shall also enjoy the same in their other Houses of High Jurisdiction, or of the said Fief de Haubert, as long as they shall be actually there, and no otherwise, the whole as well for themselves as their Families, Subjects and others, who shall be willing to go there.

VI. In Houses of Fief, where the said Reform'd shall have no High Ju∣risdiction, and Fief de Haubert, they shall only be allow'd the said Exercise of Religion for their Families: Yet in case any of their Friends should chance to come there to the number of Ten, or some Christning happen in haste, the Company not exceeding the said Number of Ten, they shall not be prosecuted or troubled for the same.

VII. And to gratifie our most dear and most beloved Aunt the Queen of Navar, we have allow'd her, besides what has been above granted to the said Lord's High Justicers, over and above in every one of her Dutchys d' Albert, County's d' Armagnac Foix & Biggore, in a House belonging to her, in which she shall have High-Jurisdi∣ction, which House shall be by us chosen and nominated, there to have the said Exercise perform'd for all such as shall desire to assist thereat, even in her absence.

VIII. Those of the said Religion shall also be allow'd the Exercise thereof in the following Places, viz. For the Government of the Isle of France, in the Subburbs of Clermont and Beauvois••s, and in those of Cr••spi in Laonnois. For the Government of Champagne and Brie, besides Vezelai which they possess at this time, in the Subburbs of Villenece. For the Go∣vernment of Burgundy, in the Sub∣burbs of Arnai-le-Due, and in those of Mailli la ville. For the Government of Picardy, in the Subburbs of Mondi∣dier, and in those of Riblemont. For the Government of Normandy, in the Subburbs of Ponteau de Mer, and in those of Carentan. For the Govern∣ment of Lyonnois, in the Subburbs of Charlieu, and in those of St. Geni de Laval. For the Government of Bretagne, in the Subburbs of Becherel, and in those of Kerhez. For the Go∣vernment of Dauphine, in the Sub∣burbs of Crest, and in those of Chor∣ges. For the Government of Provence, in the Subburbs of Merindol, and in those of Forcalquier. For the Go∣vernment of Languedoc, besides Au∣benas, which they are in possession of, in the Subburbs of Montaignac, for the Government of Guienne, at Berge∣rac, besides S. Sever which they are also in possession of. And for that of Orleans, Le Maine, and the Coun∣try of Chartrain, besides Sencerre which they have, in the Town of Ma∣illi.

IX. Moreover, We have also grant∣ed them to continue the exercise of the said Religion in all the Cities in which it shall be publickly perform'd on the first Day of this present Month of August.

X. Forbidding them most express∣ly to make any Exercise of the said Religion, either as to the Ministry, Regulation, Discipline, or publick intiitution of Children or others, in any Places besides those above grant∣ed and allow'd.

XI. Neither shall any exercise of the said Pretended Reform'd Religion be perform'd, in our Court, or with∣in two Leagues round about it.

XII. Neither do we allow the Ex∣ercise of the said Religion, within the City, Provostship and Vice∣comty of Paris, nor within Ten Leagues of the said City, which ten Leagues we have and do limit to the following Places, viz. Senlis and the Suburbs; Meaux and the Suburbs; Melun and the Subburbs, a League beyond Chartres, under Mount-le-He∣ri, Dourdan and the Suburbs; Rem∣bouillet Houdan and the Suburbs; a long League beyond Melun, Vigni, Meru, S. Leu de Serens; in all which abovesaid places we do not allow any exercise of the said Religion: Ne∣vertheless those of the said Religion shall not be disturb'd in their Houses, provided they behave themselves as abovesaid.

XIII. We do enjoin our Bailiffs, Seneschals or ordinary Judges, each in their Precincts, to appoint Places for them of their own, either such as they have heretofore acquir'd, or such as they shall purchase, there to bury their Dead; and that at the time of their decease, one of the House or Family shall go to acquaint the Captain of the Watch therewith, who shall send for the Grave-Digger of the Parish; and order him to go with such a number of Serjeants of the Watch as he shall think fit to al∣low to accompany him, and to pre∣vent Scandal, to remove the Corps in the Night, and so carry it to the place appointed for that pur∣pose, only allowing Ten persons to accompany it: And in such Towns as have no Captain of the Watch, the Judges of the Place shall appoint some other Ministers of Ju∣stice.

XIV. Those of the said Religion shall not be allow'd to marry, in such degrees of Consanguinity or Af∣finity as are prohibited by the Laws receiv'd in this Kingdom.

XV. All Scholars, the sick and Poor shall be receiv'd in the Ʋniversi∣ties, Schools, Hospitals, &c, without difference or distinction upon the ac∣count of Religion.

XVI And to the end that no que∣stion may be made of the good Inten∣tion of our said Aunt, the Queen of Navar, of our most dear and most be∣loved Brother and Cousins, the Prin∣ces of Navar and of Conde, Father and Son, we have said and declar'd, do say and declare, That we hold and repute them our good Relati∣ons, faithful Subjects and Servants.

XVII. As also all Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, Officers and other Inha∣bitants of the Cities, Corporations, Villages and Hamlets, and other Places of our said Kingdom and Ter∣ritories under our Obedience, who have follow'd and assisted them in any part whatever, for our good loyal Subjects and Servants.

XVIII. And likewise the Duke of Deux-Ponts, and his Children, the P. of Orange, Count Ludovic and his Brothers, Count Wolrat of Mansfeld,

and other Foreign Lords, who have aided and assisted them, for our good Neighbours, Relations, and Friends.

XIX. And our said Aunt, as well as our said Brother and Cousin, Lords, Gentlemen, Officers, Cor∣porations of Cities, Communities, and others who have aided and as∣sisted them, their Heirs and Succes∣sors, shall remain acquitted and dis∣charged, as we do acquit and dis∣charge them by these presents for all Sums of Money by them or their Order taken and rais'd out of our Offices of Receit and Treasures, whatever Sums they may amount to, as well as out of Cities, Com∣munities, or from particular persons, Rents, Revenues, Plate, Sale of Goods, both Ecclesiastical and others, Forests belonging to us or others; Fines, Booties, Ransoms, or other kind of Sums taken by them, upon the account of the present as well as precedent Wars: Neither shall they, or those by them appointed for the raising of the said Sums, or those that have given and furnish'd the same, be any ways troubled or cal∣led to an account for the same either now or hereafter; and both they and the said Clarks shall be discharg'd for all the Management and Admi∣nistration thereof, only producing for a full discharge, Acquittances from our said Aunt, or from our said Bro∣ther and Cousin, or from those that shall have been appointed by them, for the examination and passing of the same. They shall also be acquit∣ted and discharged for all Acts of Hostility, Levies, Marching of Sol∣diers, Coining, Casting and Ta∣king of Artilleries and Ammuniti∣ons, either out of our Magazines, or from particular persons; making of Powder and Saltpeter; Taking, For∣tifying, Dismantling, and Demolish∣ing of Cities and Towns; Enter∣prizes upon the same; Burning and Demolishing of Temples and Hou∣ses; Establishing of Courts of Ju∣stice, Judgments and Executions by them; Voyages, Intelligences, Trea∣ties, Negotiations, and Contracts made with all Foreign Princes and Communities; introducing of the said Strangers into the Cities and other parts of our Kingdom. And generally, For all that has been done, manag'd, and negotiated during and since the present, first, and second Troubles, tho neither particularly express'd nor specified.

XX. And those of the said pretend∣ed Reform'd Religion, shall depart and desist from all Associations they have made either at home or abroad; and henceforward shall raise no Money without our Leave, or list any Men; neither shall they hold Congregati∣ons or Assemblies, otherwise than a∣bovesaid, and without Arms; all which we prohibit and forbid them, on pain of being rigorously punish'd, as Contemners and Infractors of our Commands and Ordinances.

XXI. All Places, Cities, and Pro∣vinces, shall remain and enjoy the same Privileges, Immunities, Liberties, Franchises, Jurisdictions, and Seats of Justice, they had before the Troubles.

XXII. And to remove all Cause of Complaint for the future, we have declar'd and do declare, Those of the said Religion capable to hold and exercise all Estates, Dignities, and Publick Employments, both Seignorial,

and of the Cities belonging to this Kingdom; and to be admitted and receiv'd without distinction into all Councils, Deliberations, Assemblies, Estates, and Functions, depending on the things abovesaid, without be∣ing any ways rejected or hindred from enjoying the same immediately after the Publication of this present Edict.

XXIII. Neither shall the said of the Pretended Reform'd Religion be overcharg'd or burthen'd with any or∣dinary or extraordinary Taxes, more than the Catholicks, and according to their Estates and Substance. More∣over, in consideration of the great Charges those of the said Religion take upon themselves, they shall be free from all other Taxations the Cities shall impose for the Expences past; but they shall contribute to all such as shall be impos'd by us; as also for the future to all those of Cities, like the Catholicks.

XXIV. All Prisoners that are de∣tain'd either by the Authority of Ju∣stice or otherwise, even in the Gal∣lies, on the account of the present Troubles, shall be released and put at liberty on both sides, without pay∣ing any Ransom: But yet the Ran∣soms that have been paid already, shall not be re-demanded or recover∣ed of those that have receiv'd them.

XXV. And as to the Differences that might arise upon the account of the foresaid Sales of Lands, or other Immo∣vables: Bonds or Mortgages given on the account of the said Ransoms; as also, for all other Disputes belonging to the case of Arms that might occur, the Par∣ties concern'd shall repair to our said most Dear and most Beloved Brother the Duke of Anjou, to summon the Marshals of France, and he shall de∣cide and determine the same.

XXVI. We Order, and it is our Will and Pleasure, that all those of the said Religion, as well in general as in particular, shall be restor'd, pre∣serv'd, maintain'd, and kept under our Protection and Authority, into all and every their Estates, Rights, and Actions, Honours, estates, Pla∣ces, Pensions, and Dignities, of what quality soever they be, except the Bayliffs and Seneschals of the long Gown, and their Lieutenant-Generals; in the room of which o∣thers have been plac'd by us during the present War; to whom, Assig∣nations shall be given to reimburse them of the true value of their said Offices, out of the clearest Money of our Revenue; unless they had rather be Counsellors in our Courts of Par∣liament, within their Precinct, or of the Great Council, at our Choice; in which case, they shall only be reim∣burs'd of the Overplus of the Value thereof, in case it fall out so; as they shall also pay the Surplus, if their Offices were of less Value.

XXVII. The Moveables that shall be found in being, not having been taken by way of Hostility, shall be restor'd to the Owners, however re∣turning the Purchasers the Price they have been sold at by Authority of Justice, or by other Commission, or publick Order, as well belonging to Catholicks, as to those of the said Religion. And for the Performance of the same, the Detainers of the said Moveables shall be constrained to make immediate restitution there∣of without delay, all oppositions or exceptions notwithstanding; and to

return and restore them to the Own∣ers for the Price they have cost them.

XXVIII. And as for the Fruits or Revenues of the Immoveables, every one shall re-enter into his house, and shall reciprocally enjoy the Income of the gathering of the present year. All Seizures or oppositions made to the contrary during the Troubles notwithstanding. As also every one shall enjoy the Arrears of Rent that shall not have been taken by us, or our Order, Permission, or Ordinance from us or our Justice.

XXIX. Also the Forces and Gari∣sons that are or shall be in Houses, Places, Cities, and Castles, belong∣ing to our said Subjects of whatever Religion, shall immediately retire out of the same, after the Publicati∣on of the present Edict, to leave them the free and intire Possession thereof, as they enjoy'd it before their being dispossess'd.

XXX. It is also our Will and Plea∣sure, That our Dear and Well-belo∣ved Cousins the Prince of Orange, and Count Ludowic of Nassau his Brother, shall be actually restor'd and re-establish'd into all the Lands, Lord∣ships, and Jurisdictions they have in our said Kingdoms and Territories under our Obedience; as also to the Principality of Orange, the Rights, Titles, Papers, Informations, and Dependancies of the same, taken by our Lieutenant-Generals, and other Ministers by us employed to that end; the which shall be to said Prince of Orange, and the Count his Bro∣ther, restor'd in the same condi∣tion they enjoyed them before the Troubles; and shall enjoy the same henceforward, accord∣ing to the Letters Patent, Decrees, and Declarations granted by the late King Henry of most laudable Memo∣ry, our most Honoured Lord and Fa∣ther, whom God absolve, and other Kings our Predecessors, as they did before the Troubles.

XXXI. We also Will and Require, That all Titles, Papers, Instructions, and Informations, that have been ta∣ken, shall be restored and returned on both sides to the true owners.

XXXII. And in order to extin∣guish and lay aside as much as can be the Remembrance of all Trou∣bles and Divisions past; we have de∣clar'd and do declare, All Sentences, Judgments, Decrees, and Proceedings, Seisures, Sales, and Statutes, made and given against the said of the pretended Reform'd Religion, as well dead as alive, since the Death of our said most honoured Lord and Father, King Henry, on the account of the said Religion, Tumults, and Trou∣bles happen'd since, together with the Execution of the said Judgments and Orders, from this moment Void, Revok'd, and Annull'd; and there∣fore order the same to be raz'd and taken out of the Registers of our Courts both Sovereign and Inferior, as also all Marks, Tracts, and Monu∣ments of the said Executions, defa∣matory Books and Acts against their Persons, Memories, and Posterities; and order the whole to be raz'd out. And the Places that have been de∣molish'd and raz'd on that account, restor'd to the owners thereof, to be us'd and dispos'd of according to their pleasure.

XXXIII. And as for the Procedures made, Judgments and Decrees given,

against those of the said Religion up∣on other accounts than the said Reli∣gion and Troubles; together with Prescriptions, and Feodal Seizures ac∣cruing during the present, last, and precedent Troubles, beginning the Year 1567. they shall be void, as never having been made, given, nor happen'd; neither shall the Parties derive any advantages by them, but shall be put again into the same con∣dition in which they were before the same.

XXXIV. We also ordain, That those of the said Religion shall keep to the Political Laws of our King∣dom, in observing Festivals; neither shall they labour, or sell in open Shops on the said days; nor yet open their Shambles to sell meat on such days in which the use of meat is pro∣hibited by the Roman-Catholick Church.

XXXV. And to the end that Ju∣stice may be render'd and ministred to all our Subjects, without Partiali∣ty, Hatred, or Favour, we have and do Ordain, Will, and it is our Plea∣sure, That Suits and Differences mov'd or to be commenc'd among Parties being of contrary Religion, as well in being Plaintiffs as Defen∣dants in any Civil or Criminal Cau∣ses whatever, shall be heard in the first place before the Bailiffs, Senes∣chals, and other our ordinary Judges, according to our Ordinances: And where Appeals shall lye in any of our Courts of Parliament, in relati∣on to that of Paris, which is com∣pos'd of Seven Chambers, The great Chamber, La Tournelle, and five Chambers of the Inquests, it shall be lawful for those of the pretended Reform'd Religion, if they please, in the Causes they shall have depend∣ing in each of the said Chambers, to demand that four, either Presidents or Counsellors, may abstain from the Judgment of their Processes, who without alledging any Cause, shall be bound in this case to abstain, not∣withstanding the Ordinance by which the Presidents and Counsellors cannot be excepted against without just Cause. And besides that, all Refusals of Right shall be allowed them against all others Presidents and Counsellors according to the Ordinances or Statutes.

XXXVI. As for the Suits they shall have depending in the Parliament of Thoulouse, if the Parties cannot agree about another Parliament, they shall be return'd before the Masters of Re∣quest of our Hostel, in their Court in the Palace at Paris; who shall judg their Suits Impartially and Sove∣reignly, without Appeal, as if they had been judg'd in our said Parlia∣ments

XXXVII. And as to what relates to those of Roan, Dijon, Provence, Bretagne, and Grenoble, they shall be allowed to challenge Six Presidents or Counsellors to abstain from the Judgment of their Suits, that is three out of each Chamber. And in that of Bourdeaux four out of every Chamber.

XXXVIII. The Catholicks shall also be allow'd to challenge, if they think fit, all such Members of the said Courts as have been discharg'd of their Offices upon the account of Religion by the said Parliaments, ••o abstain from the Judgment of their Suits; also peremptorily; and they

shall be oblig'd to abstain from the same. They shall also be allow'd all usual Recusations against all other Presidents and Counsellors, accord∣ing as they are of Right allow'd by the Statutes.

XXX••X. And whereas several per∣sons have receiv'd and suffer such In∣juries and Damages in their Estates and Persons, that it will be difficult for them to lose the remembrance thereof, so soon as it should be requi∣site for the execution of our Inten∣tion, being desirous to avoid all In∣conveniences that might arise from peoples being disturb'd in their Houses, until all Grudges and Ani∣mosities are allay'd, we have given in keeping to those of the said Reli∣gion, the Cities of Rochel, Montau∣ban, Coignac, and La Charité, in which all such as shall be unwilling to repair so soon to their own Houses, shall be free to retire, and to inhabit. And for the surety of the same, our said Brother and Cousin the Princes of Navar and Condé, together with Twenty Gentlemen of the said Re∣ligion, who shall be by us nominated, shall swear and promise one and for the whole, for themselves, and for those of their said Religion, to pre∣serve the said Cities for us; and at the end of two years to deliver them again into the hands of such a one as we shall think fit to depute, in the same condition they now are in, without innovating or altering any thing in the same; and that without any delay or difficulty, upon any ac∣count or occasion whatever: At the expiration of which term, the exer∣cise of the said Religion shall be con∣tinued there, as while they held them. It being nevertheless our Will and Pleasure, that in the same, all Ecclesiasticks shall freely re-enter and perform Divine Service in all Liberty, and enjoy their Estates as well as all the Catholick Inhabitants of the said Cities; which said Ecclesiasticks and other Inhabitants, shall be taken into the Protection and Safeguard of our said Brother and Cousin, and o∣ther Lords, to the end that they may not be hindred from performing the said Divine Service, molested nor disturb'd in their Persons, or in the enjoyment of their Estates; but on the contrary restored and reintegrated into the full possession of the same. Willing moreover, that in the said four Cities our Judges shall be re∣establish'd, and the exercise of Ju∣stice restor'd, as it us'd to be before the Troubles.

XL. It is also our Will and Plea∣sure, That immediately after the Publication of this Edict made in the Two Camps, Arms shall strait be laid down every where; the which shall only remain in our hands, and those of our most Dear and most Beloved Brother the Duke of An∣jou.

XLI. A Free Commerce and Pas∣sage shall be re-established through all Cities, Towns, Villages, Bridges, and Passages of our said Kingdom, in the same condition as they were before the present and last Trou∣bles.

XLII. And in order to avoid the Violences and Transgressions that might be committed in several of our Cities, those who shall be by us ap∣pointed for the Execution of the pre∣sent Edict, in the absence of one ano∣ther,

shall make the chief Inhabi∣tants of the said Cities of both Re∣ligions, whom they shall chuse, swear to keep and observe our said Edict; shall make them guard each other, charging them respectively and by publick Act, to answer for the Transgressions that shall be made to the said Edict in the said City, by the Inhabitants thereof respectively, or else to secure and deliver up the said Transgressors into the hands of Justice.

XLIII. And to the end that our Justices and Officers, as well as all other our Subjects, may be clearly and with all certainty inform'd of our Will and Intention, and to re∣move all Doubts and Ambiguities and Cavillings that might be made in relation to the precedent Edicts, We have and do declare all other Edicts, Letters, Declarations, Modifications, Restrictions, and Interpretations, De∣crees, and Registers, as well secret as all other Deliberations heretofore made in our Courts of Parliament, and others that might hereafter be made to the prejudice of our said pre∣sent Edict, concerning the case of Religion, and the Troubles occa∣sion'd in this our Kingdom, to be void and of no effect. To all which and the Derogatories therein con∣tained, we have by this our Edict de∣rogated, and do derogate, and from this very time as for then, do cancel, revoke, and annul them: Declaring expresly, That it is our Pleasure, that this our said Edict should be sure, firm, and inviolable, kept, and observed by our said Justices, Offi∣cers, and Subjects, without respect∣ing or having the least regard to whatever might be contrary and de∣rogating to this.

XLIV. And for the greater assu∣rance of the maintenance and ob∣servation we desire of this, it is our Will, Command, and Pleasure, That all Governors of our Provin∣ces, our Lieutenant-Generals, Bai∣liffs, Seneschals, and other ordinary Judges of the Cities of this our Kingdom, immediately upon receit of this our said Edict, shall swear, The same to keep and observe, cause to be kept, and observ'd, and main∣tain'd, every one in their Precinct; as also the Mayors. Sheriffs, Capi∣touls, and other Officers Annual or Temporal, as well the present, after the reception of the said Edict, as their Successors, in taking the Oath they are used to take when they are admitted into the said Places and Of∣fices; of which Oaths, publick Acts shall be expedited to all such as shall require it.

We also require our Trusty and Well-beloved, the Persons holding our Courts of Parliament, imme∣diately upon receit of this present Edict, to cease all their Proceedings; and on pain of Nullity of the Acts they should pass otherwise, to take the like Oath, and to cause our said Edict to be Published and Registred in our said Courts, according to the Form and Tenor thereof, purely and plainly, without any Modifications, Restrictions, Declaration, or secret Register; and without expecting any Mandamus or Order from us: And our Attornies-General to re∣quire and pursue the immediate Pub∣lication thereof, without any delay; the which we will have perform'd

in the Two Camps and Armies, within six Days after the said Publi∣cation made in our Court of Parlia∣ment of Paris, in order to send back the Strangers forthwith. Injoyn∣ing likewise our Lieutenants-Gene∣ral, and Governors, speedily to Publish, and to cause this our said Edict to be published by the Bai∣liffs, Seneschals, Mayors, Sheriffs, Capitouls, and other ordinary Judges of the Cities of their said Govern∣ment where-ever it will be necessary: As also the same to keep, observe, and maintain every one in his Precinct, in order to put a speedy stop to all Acts of Hostility, and to all Imposi∣tions made, or to be made upon the account of the said Troubles after the Publication of our present Edict. Which from the Moment of the said Publication we declare liable to Pu∣nishment and Reparation; viz. a∣gainst such as shall use Arms, Force, and Violence, in the Transgression and Infraction of this our present Edict, hindering the Effect, Execu∣tion, or Injoyment thereof, with Death without hope of Pardon or Remission. And as for the other In∣fractions that shall not be made by way of Arms, Force, or Violence, they shall be punish'd by other Cor∣poral Inflictions, as Banishments, Amende Honourable, and other Pe∣cuniary Punishments, according to the Nature and Exigency of the Of∣fences, at the Will and Pleasure of the Judges to whom we have assign'd the Cognizance thereof: Ingaging their Honours and Consciences to pro∣ceed therein with all the Justice and Equality the Cause shall require, with∣out respect or exception of Persons or Religion.

Therefore we command the said Persons holding our Courts of Par∣liament, Chambers of our Accounts, Courts of Aids, Bailifs, Seneschals, Provosts, and other our Justices and Officers whom it may concern, or their Lieutenants, this our present Edict and Ordinance to cause to be Read, Publish'd, and Register'd in their Courts and Jurisdictions, and the same to maintain, keep, and ob∣serve in all Points, and all whom it may concern, the same fully and peaceably to use, and to enjoy; ceasing, and causing all Troubles and Hinder∣ances thereunto contrary to cease For such is our pleasure. In witness where∣of we have sign'd these presents with our own hand; and to the same, to the end that it may be firm and last∣ing for ever, we have caus'd our Seal to be affix'd.

Given at St. Germain en Lays, in the Month of August, in the Year of our Lord, 1570. and of our Reign the Tenth.

Sign'd▪ Charles.

And beneath it, by the King being in his Council.

Sign'd De Neufville.

And on the side, Visa, and Seal'd with the great Seal with green Wax, upon Knots of red and green Silk.

Read, Publish'd, and Registred, at the request and desire of the King's Attorney-General, at Paris in Parlia∣ment on the 11th of August 1570.

Sign'd▪ Tu Tillet.

Edict of Pacification made by King Henry the 3d, in order to put an end to the Troubles of his Kingdom, and to make all his Subjects thenceforward live in Peace and Quietness, Ʋnion, and Concord, under his Obedience; Read and Publish'd in the Court of Parlia∣ment, the 8th of October, 1577.

HEnry by the Grace of God, King of France and Poland, to all present and to come, Greeting. God. who is the Searcher of the hearts of Men, and sees the bottom of their thoughts, shall always be Judge for us, that our Intention has never been other than to Reign according to his Holy Commandments, and to govern our Subjects in all up∣rightness and Justice; approving our self a Common Father to all, who has no other end but their welfare and quiet. In order thereunto, we have always us'd our utmost endea∣vours to do whatever we judg'd most proper according to the occasi∣ons and times; even with a design to establish a certain Peace in this our Kingdom, and to provide against the Disorders and Abuses that have crept in to the same through the Li∣cense of such long Troubles; and to restore it to its Pristine Dignity and Splendor. To which end we did convene our Estates General in our City of Blois, where several things were treated of, and particularly upon matter of Religion; it being propos'd by some, that one of the best Remedies was, to forbid the Exercise of all Religion besides the Catholick. However, it has not been God Al∣mighty's Pleasure to let us reap the fruit we desir'd thereby; but as it is sometimes his pleasure to visit Kingdoms and Princes, with his Rod of Rigor for the Offences and Sins of Men, the Troubles were kindled a new in our Kingdom more than ever, to our great Grief and Sorrow. And that which troubled us more, was that the Innocent, that is, our poor People endur'd the greatest Hardships, Oppression, and Injuries. All which things having consider'd day and night; and expe∣rience in our majority of twenty five years, having convinc'd us that the Continuation of Arms and War could not afford us the advantage we have so much desir'd and endeavour'd; and being fully perswaded that God Almighty will finally convert his Rigor into Mercy; and that his said Visitations are salutary Admonish∣ments to acknowledg him, and to return into the right way of our Du∣ty: After having implor'd his Aid and Assistance, to inspire us with means to find the most necessary and most proper Remedies for the good of our State: And thereupon taken the Advice of the Queen, our most Honour'd Lady and Mother, of our most dearly Beloved Brother, the Duke of Anjou, of the Princes of our Blood, and others; of the Officers of our Crown, and other Lords and Notable Persons of our Council: We have, until it please God, by means of a good, free, and lawful

General Council, to reunite all our Subjects to our Catholick Church, by this our present Edict perpetual and irrevocable, said, declared, en∣acted, and ordain'd: Say, declare, enact, and ordain what followeth,

I. First, That the Remembrance of all things past on either side, from the beginning of the Troubles happen'd in our Kingdom to this present time, and upon the account of the same, shall be extinguish'd and laid aside, as of things that had never been. Neither shall it be lawful for our Attornies-Ge∣neral, or any other Persons, publick or private, at any time, or on any occasion whatever to mention, or make any Prosecution of the same, in any Court or Jurisdiction what∣ever.

II. We forbid all our Subjects of what Condition or Quality soever, to renew the Remembrance thereof, to affront or provoke each other by Reproaches of what is past, upon any account or pretence whatever: To dispute, contend, quarrel, abuse, or offend one another by Word or Deed, but to forbear and live peace∣ably together as Brethren, Friends, and Fellow-Citizens, on pain for the Delinquents of being punish'd as In∣fractors of the Peace, and Disturbers of the Publick Good.

III. It is our Will and Pleasure, that the Catholick Religion shall be restor'd and re-establish'd in all Places and Parts of this our Kingdom, and Territories under our Obedience, where the Exercise thereof has been interrupted, there to be freely and peaceably perform'd without the least Trouble and Molestation. Forbid∣ing most expresly all Persons of what State, Quality, or Condition soe∣ver, on the pains abovemention'd, to trouble, molest, or disturb the Ecclesiasticks in the Celebration of Divine Service, injoyment and ga∣thering of their Tythes, Fruits, and Revenues of their Benefices, and all other Rights and Immunities to them appertaining. And that all such, who during the present and precedent Troubles have taken Possession of Churches, Houses, E∣states, and Revenues belonging to the said Ecclesiasticks; and who de∣tain and occupy the same, shall yield them the entire Possession, and peace∣able Injoyment thereof, with such Rights, Liberties, and Immunities, as they injoy'd before their being dispos∣sess'd of the same.

IV. And to remove all occasion of Contentions and Differences among our Subjects, We have allow'd and do permit those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, to live and inha∣bit in all the Cities and Places of this our Kingdom and Territories un∣der our Obedience, without being troubl'd, vex'd, molested, or con∣strain'd to do any thing against their Conscience, or disturb'd in the Houses and Places where they shall think ••it to inhabit, they behaving themselves according to the Contents of this our present Edict.

V. We have also given leave to all Lords, Gentlemen, and others, as well actual Inhabitants, as others professing the pretended Reform'd Re∣ligion, possessing in our said King∣dom, high Jurisdiction, or full Fief de Haubert, as in Normandy, either in pro∣per, or * 1.2 Ʋse-Fruit, in the whole,

or half, or third part, to have in such their Houses of the said High Jurisdiction, or abovesaid Fiefs, which they shall be oblig'd to name to our Bailifs and Seneschals, every one in his Precinct, for their chief Abode, the Exercise of the said Re∣ligion, as long as they shall be resi∣dent there; and in their absence their Wives or Families which they shall answer for. We also allow them the said Exercise in their other Houses of High Jurisdiction, or abovesaid Fiefs of Haubert, as long as they shall be present there; the whole as well for themselves, their Families, Sub∣jects, as others, who shall be desirous to go to it.

VI. In such Houses of Fief, where those of the said Religion shall not possess the said High-Jurisdiction of Fief de Haubert; they shall only be al∣low'd the said Exercise for their Fa∣milies. Yet, in case any of their Friends should chance to come there to the number of Ten, or any Bap∣tism happen in haste, the Company not exceeding the said number of Ten, they shall not be disquieted or pro∣secuted for the same. Provided also, That the said Houses are neither sci∣tuated within Cities, Towns, or Vil∣lages belonging to Catholick Lords, High-Justicers▪ other than us, in which the said Catholick Lords have their Houses. In which case those of the said Religion shall not be allow'd to perform the said Exercise in the said Cities, Towns, and Villages, with∣out leave and permission of the said Lords High-Justicers, and no other∣wise.

VII. We also allow those of the said Religion to perform and conti∣nue the Exercise thereof in all the Ci∣ties and Towns, where it shall be publickly perform'd on the 17th day of the present Month of September. However, excepting such Towns as belong to Catholicks, possess'd at present by those of the said Religion, in which those Exercises were not perform'd before the last taking up of Arms, even in the time of the former Peace.

VIII. Moreover, in every one of the Ancient Bailiwicks, Seneschal∣ships and Governments, holding the Place of a Bailiwick, referring di∣rectly, and without mediation to the Courts of Parliament; we ordain, That in the Suburbs of one City, there being several Cities in the Bailiwick, or for want of Cities, in a Town or Village, the Exercise of the said Religion shall be allow'd for all comers.

IX. Forbidding all those of the said Religion, most expresly to per∣form any Exercise thereof, either as to Ministry, Regulation, Discipline, or publick Institution of Children, and others, in this our said Kingdom and Territories under our Obedience, in whatever relates to Religion, ex∣cepting in the places above granted and allow'd.

X As also to perform any Exer∣cise of the said Religion in our Court and Attendance, nor within Ten Leagues about it, nor in our Lands and Countries beyond the Mounts, nor also in our City, Provostship, and Vice-County of Paris, nor with∣in Ten Leagues round about the same; the which Ten Leagues we have limited, and do limit to the following Places, Meaux, and the

Suburbs; Meulun, and the Suburbs; a League beyond Charters, under Mont-le-hery; Dourdan, and the Suburbs; Rambouillet, Houdan, and the Suburbs; a long League be∣yond Meulun, Vigni, Meru, and S. Leu de Saraus. In all which places we do not allow any exercise of the said Religion. Nevertheless those of the said Religion, living in the said Lands and Countries beyond the Mounts, and in our said City, Provostship, and Vice-County of Paris, extended as abovesaid, shall neither be di∣sturb'd in their Houses, nor con∣strain'd to do any thing on the ac∣count of Religion contrary to their Consciences, provided always they behave themselves according to the Rules prescrib'd in our present E∣dict.

XI. We do injoyn all Preachers, Readers, and others, who speak in Publick, not to use any Words, Dis∣courses, and Expressions, tending to excite the People to Sedition; but on the contrary to content and be∣have themselves modestly, saying nothing but what may tend to the Instruction and Edification of the Hearers, and to maintain the Peace and Tranquility by us establish'd in our said Kingdom, on the pains mention'd in our precedent Edicts. Commanding our Attornies General, and other our Officers most expresly to see the same perform'd.

XII. Those of the said Religion shall no wise be constrain'd, neither shall they remain bound upon the ac∣count of the Abjurations, Promises, and Oaths, heretofore made or taken by them or security by them given upon the account of the said Reli∣gion; and shall never be molested or troubled for the same in any kind whatever.

XIII. They shall be oblig'd to keep and observe the Festivals established in the Catholick Apostolick, and Ro∣man Church: Neither shall they be allow'd on such days to Labour, Work, Sell, or expose Goods to sale in open Shop: Neither shall the Shambles be open'd on such days, in which the use of Flesh is forbid∣den.

XIV. No Books shall be allow'd to be sold in our Kingdom, Coun∣tries, Territories, and Lordship un∣der our Obedience, without being first examin'd by our Officers resid∣ing there; and such as are written in Relation to the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion, by the Chambers hereafter by us ordain'd in every Parliament, to judge of the Causes and Differences of those of the said Religion. Prohibiting most expresly the Impression, Publication, and Sale of all Defamatory Books, Libels, and Writings, on the pains contain'd in our Ordinances: ••njoyning all our Judes and Officers to have an eye up∣on the same.

XV. We also order, That no Dif∣ference or Distinction shall be made upon the account of Religion: To receive Scholars to be instructed in the Universities, Colleges, and Schools: And the Sick and Poor into the Hospitals, &c. and publick Alms.

XVI. Those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, shall be obliged to observe the Laws of the Catho∣lick, Apostolick, Roman Church, re∣ceiv'd in this our Kingdom, in re∣spect

to Marriages contracted, or to be contracted, as to the Degrees of Consanguinity and Affinity, to avoid the Debates and Suits that might be thereby occasion'd, to the ruin of most of the best Families of the same, and the dissolution of the Bonds of Friendship that are acquir'd by Marriage, and alliance among our Subjects.

XVII. Those of the said Religion shall be oblig'd to pay the Rights of Entrance, as is usual for the Places and Offices they shall be admitted into, without being oblig'd to assist at any Ceremonies contrary to their said Religion. And being called to their Oath, they shall only be oblig'd to hold up their Hand to swear, and promise to God that they will speak the Truth, without being bound to take a dispensation of the Oath by them taken, in passing the Contracts and Bonds.

XIX. It is also our Will and Plea∣sure, that all those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, of what Degree, Quality or Conditi∣on soever, shall be bound and con∣strain'd by all due and reasonable Ways, and under the Penalties con∣tain'd in our precedent Edicts made upon this Subject, to pay and acquit the Tithes due to Curates and other Ecclesiasticks, and to all others to whom they may belong, ac∣cording to the Use and Custom of Places.

XIX. And in order the better to re∣unite the Wills of our Subjects, which is our Intention, and to remove all cause of complaint for the future, we do declare all those of the said preten∣ded Reform'd Religion, and others our aforesaid Subjects that have been in∣gag'd in their Party, Capable to hold and exercise all Estates, Dignities, Offi∣ces, and Publick Employments whatever, Royalties and Lordships, and such as belong to the Cities of our said King∣doms, Countries, Territories and Lord∣ships under our Obedience, and to be admitted and receiv'd into the same without distinction, and without being oblig'd to take any Oath, or lie under a∣ny Obligation, but well and faithfully to discharge their Employments, Digni∣ties, Places and Offices, and to observe the Ordinances. And when any vacan∣cie of the Employments, Places, and Of∣fices within our disposal shall happen, they shall be by us reimplac'd without distinction of Religion, by able per∣sons, as we shall think proper for the good of our Service. We also allow those of the said Religion to be ad∣mitted and received in all Councils, Deliberations, Assemblies and Fun∣ctions depending on the abovesaid things, and that they shall neither be rejected, or debar'd the enjoyment thereof on the account of the said Re∣ligion.

XX. We also order, that for the interring of the Dead of those of the said Religion, within all the Cities and places of this Realm, our Officers and Magistrates shall speedily pro∣vide a convenient Place in every place for that end. The which we enjoin our said Officers to do; and to take care that no Scandals may be committed at the said Buri∣als.

XXI. And to the end that Justice may be done and ministred to all our Subjects, without partiality, ha∣tred

or favour, which is one of the principal means to maintain them in peace and concord; We have and do ordain, that in every one of our Courts of Parliament of Paris, Roan, Dijon and Rennes, there shall be a Chamber establish'd, compos'd for that of the Parliament of Paris, of a President and 16 Councellors: For that of Roan of a President and twelve Councellors, and for those of Dijon, and Rennes, of one President, and ten Councellors: Which said Presidents and Councellors shall be selected and taken by us out of the number of those of the said Courts.

XXII. And as for the Courts of Parliament of Bourdeaux, Grenoble and Aix, a Chamber shall also be esta∣blish'd in every one of them, com∣pos'd of two Presidents, the one a Catholick, and the other of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, and 12 Councellors, of which eight shall be Catholicks, and the other four of the said Religion. Which Catho∣lick Presidents and Councellors shall be by us selected, and nominated out of the number of the Presidents and Councellors of the said Courts. And as to those of the said Religion, such shall be employ'd, as shall be found at this very time in possession of the said Offices in the said Courts. And in such places where their number shall not be sufficient, we shall erect other Offices, as much as shall be ne∣cessary to accomplish the aforesaid number, with the same Salleries, Ho∣nours, Authorities and Prerogatives as the others of our said Courts, for persons of the said Religi∣on.

XXIII. A Chamber shall also be establish'd for the Jurisdiction of our Court of Parliament of Thoulouse, compos'd as the others of two Presi∣dents, the one a Catholick, and the other of the said Religion; and of twelve Councellors, eight Catho∣licks, and the other four of the said Religion. Which Catholicks shall be by us chosen out of our other Courts of Parliament, and out of the Great Council: And as for those of the said Religion, such shall be em∣ploy'd there as shall be found still at this present time provided with Offi∣ces in the said Parliament of Thou∣louse, besides which a sufficient num∣ber shall be created to supply the said Chamber, as is above said, for the others. Which Chamber being thus compos'd, shall by us be sent into the City of—And as for that of Dauphine, it shall sit six Months in our City of Grenoble, and the other six Months in such another City as we shall hereafter order.

XXIV. The said Chambers com∣pos'd as abovesaid, and establish'd in all our said Parliaments, shall take cognisance, and judge sovereignly, and definitively, by Decree, exclu∣sively to all others, of Suits and Diffe∣rences mov'd or to be mov'd: In which Suits those of the said preten∣ded Reform'd Religion, and others that have been ingag'd in their Party, shall be Principals, or Warrantees, ei∣ther Plaintiffs or Defendants in all Causes, Civil or Criminal, whether the said Processes be by Writ, or Ver∣bal Appeals, in case the said Parties like it so, and one of them requires it before any Plea in the Cause, in re∣spect to Suits to be commenc'd.

XXV. It is also our Pleasure by way of Care and Circumspection, until we have otherwise ordain'd it, that in all Processes mov'd, or to be mov'd, in which those of the said Reli∣gion shall stand as Plaintiffs or Defen∣dants, Principals or Warrantees in Civil Causes, in which our Officers of Presidial Seats have power to judge Sovereignly and definitively; they shall be allow'd to demand that two of those of the Chamber, where the said Cause is to be try'd, shall abstain from the Judgment of the same: Who without alledging any cause, shall be oblig'd to abstain in this case: Notwithstanding the Or∣dinance by which the Judges cannot be excepted against without a just cause, besides their still retaining the Refusals of Right against the others. And in Criminal matters in which they also judge Sovereignly, the ac∣cus'd of the said Religion shall be al∣low'd to demand, that three of the Judges may abstain from the Judg∣ment of their process, without shew∣ing cause. And the Provosts of the Marshals of France, Vice-Bailiffs, Vice-Seneschals, Lieutenants of the Short Robe, and other Officers of the like Quality shall judge according to the Ordinances and Rules hereto∣fore given in respect to Vagabonds. And as for Housholders charg'd and accus'd of Provostal or Criminal cases, if they be of the said Religion, they shall be allow'd to demand that three of the Presidial Judges, before whom the said Cases are to be try'd by the Statutes, may abstain from the Judgment of their Process: And they shall be oblig'd to abstain from the same without shewing cause; except when in the Chamber of the said Presidial Seats, where the said Processes are to be judg'd, there be to the number of Two in Civil Cases, and Three in Criminal matters of the said Religion: In which Case it shall not be allow'd to refuse without shew∣ing cause. But yet we do not mean that the said Presidial Tribunals, Pro∣vosts Marshals, Vice-Bailiffs, and Vice-Seneschals, by vertue hereof should take cognisance of the Trou∣bles past.

XXVI. It is farther our Will and Pleasure, that our most Dearly Belo∣ved Brother the King of Navar, our most Dearly Beloved Cousin the Prince of Conde, as well as all other Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and others, of what Quality and Condi∣tion soever of the said Religion, and others that have been ingag'd in their Party, shall be restor'd, and effectu∣ally preserv'd in the possession of their Governments, Places, Estates, and Royal Offices, which they enjoy'd before the 24th of August, 1572. the said to hold and to use in the said form and manner, as other Gover∣nors and Officers of this our same Kingdom, without being oblig'd to take new Letters Patents; all Decrees and Judgments given against them, and Letters Patent obtain'd by others for the said Employments notwithstand∣ing. As also that they shall re-enter in∣possession of all and singular their E∣states, Rights, Names, Dues and Actions, all Judgments and Senten∣ces given upon the account of the said Troubles notwithstanding. The which Decrees, Judgments, Letters Patent, and all that may have fol∣low'd, we have to that end declar'd,

and do declare null, and of no effect and value.

XXVII. Not intending however that those of the said Religion, and others that have been ingag'd in their Party, who have resign'd their Employ∣ments and Offices by vertue of our Let∣ters Patent, or of the Late King our most honour'd Lord and Brother, whom God absolve, should recover the same, and re-enter into the pos∣session thereof; reserving to them how∣ever, all Actions against the Possessors and Titularies of the said Offices, for the payment of the price agreed on between them, upon the account of the said Resignations. And as for those who have been constrain'd by parti∣cular persons by Fact and Force to re∣sign their said Employments and Offi∣ces, we do permit them and their Heirs to sue for the same by Law, in a civil manner, both against those that have us'd the said Force, and against their Heirs and Successors.

XXVIII. And as for those of the said Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, and had the grant of the said Offices before the 24th of August, 1572. and were not yet receiv'd into the same: It is our will and pleasure that they be re∣ceiv'd into the said Employments, and that all necessary Patents be expedited them to that End.

XXIX. It is also our will and plea∣sure, That in case any Commander∣ships of the Order of St. John of Jerusa∣lem, belonging to those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, shall be found seiz'd by Au∣thority of Justice, or otherwise, bare∣ly upon the account and pretence of the Troubles, and they any wise dis∣possess'd of the same, they shall be immediately restor'd to the said Com∣manders, and they again put into the same possessions of the said Comman∣derships, as they were before the 24th of August, 1572.

XXX. The Outcries, and Publick Sales of Inheritances, against which a Decree is prosecuted, shall be perform'd in, and at the usual hours and places, if possible, according to our Ordinan∣ces, or in the Publick Market-places, in case there be a Market in the place where the said Heritages lie: And in case there be none, it shall be done in the next Market-place belonging to the Jurisdiction of the Court, where the Judgment is to be pass'd. And the Paper of Notice shall be affix'd to the Post of the said Market∣places, and at the Entrance of the Auditory of the said place. And in so doing the said Publications shall be good and valuable, and they shall proceed to the Interposition of a Decree, without regard to the Nulli∣ties that might be alledg'd in that respect.

XXXI. The Acquisitions of Church∣lands made by those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Par∣ty, without our Authority, shall be void, and of no effect: And there∣fore we ordain, and it is our will and pleasure, that the said Ecclesiasticks shall be restor'd without delay, and confirm'd into the real and actual possession and enjoyment of the E∣states thus alienated, without being oblig'd to pay back the Price of the said Sales: The said Contracts of Sale notwithstanding. The which to that

end we have cancell'd and revok'd as null, saving a Redress to the Pur∣chasers, against such as it may concern. And in order to the Reimbursement of the Purchasers of the said Lands, for the Mony by them really and truly disburs'd, we will grant our Letters Patent for leave to those of the said Religion, to impose and equal upon themselves the Sums to which the said Sales may amount, without the Purchasers being allow'd to pretend any Action of Damage or Interest, for want of enjoyment, but shall rest satisfi'd with the reimbursement of the Money laid out by them, for the price of the said Acquisitions, abating upon the said price, the Fruits gather'd and receiv'd by them, in case the said Sale be adjudg'd to have been made at an unreasonable and too low Rate.

XXXII. All Disinheritations, or Privations, either by way of disposing among Living Persons, or by Wills, barely out of hatred, or upon the account of Religion, shall not be al∣low'd, neither for the time past, nor for the future, among our Subjects. Yet notwithstanding all Military Wills made during the said present and precedent Troubles on either side, shall be valid, and shall hold according to the Disposition of Right.

XXXIII. The Disorders and Exces∣ses committed on the 24th of August. and the following Days in conse∣quence of the said Day, in our good City of Paris, and other Cities and parts of our said Kingdom, were done to our great regret and displea∣sure. And therefore as a singular Demonstration of out goodness and kindness towards our Subjects, we do declare the Widows and Children of those that were kill'd on the said Days, in any part of our said King∣dom, free from contributing towards the Impositions that shall be laid for the Ban and Arriereban, if their Hus∣bands or Fathers were Nobles: Or if their said Husbands or Fathers were not Gentlemen, and consequently liable to pay the * 1.3 Taille; We for the same Considerations discharge the said Widows and Children of all Tailles and Impositions, the whole, for and during the term of six Years next coming: Forbidding all our Officers, every one in his Precinct, to comprehend them in the same, contrary to our present Will and In∣tention.

XXXIV. We likewise declare all Sentences, Judgments, Decrees, Pro∣ceedings, Seizures, Sales and Orders made and given against those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, whether alive or dead, since the Death of the late King Henry, our most honour'd Lord and Father, up∣on the account of the said Religion; Tumults, and Troubles happen'd since, together with the execution of the said Judgments and Sentences from this very time to be raz'd, void and null, as we do hereby raze, re∣voke and annul the same. And order the same to be raz'd and taken out of the Registers of the Registries of the Courts, as well Sove∣reign as Inferior: As also our plea∣sure is, that all Marks, Signs and Monuments of the said Executions, Books and Acts, defamatory to their Persons, Memories and Posterities, should be remov'd and defac'd. And

that all Places where Demolishments or Raisings have been made on that account, shall be restor'd, such as they are, to the true owners thereof, to enjoy the same, and dispose of them as they shall think fit. And we have generally cancell'd, revok'd and an∣null'd all Proceedings and Informa∣tions made for any Enterprizes, pre∣tended Crimes of Leze Majesty, or others; the said Proceedings, De∣crees and Judgments containing Re∣union, Incorporation, and Confisca∣tion notwithstanding, willing that those of the said Religion, and others who have been engag'd in their Par∣ty, should be restor'd to the real and actual possession of all and every their Estates.

XXXV. And whereas by vertue of our aforesaid Deciaration, all De∣crees and Judgments given against the late Sieur de Chatillon, Admiral of France, and the execution of the same, remain void and of no effect, as things never done nor happen'd: We in consequence of the said Decla∣ration, Order that all the said De∣crees, Judgments, Proceedings, and Acts made against the said Sieur de Chatillon, be rac'd, and taken out of the Register of the Registries as well of our Courts of Parliament, as of all other Jurisdictions: And that the memory of the said Admiral shall be untainted; and that his Children shall remain in full possession of their Honours and Estates, in that respect, notwithstanding the said Decrees, importing reunion and incorporati∣on of the said Estates, to the demean of our Crown, of which we will cause a larger and more particular Declaration to be given to the said Children, if necessary.

XXXVI. We will have the same done in relation to the Sieurs de Montgommery, Montbrun, Briquemaut, and Cavaignes.

XXXVII. We forbid the making of any Processions, either for the Death of our late Cousin the Prince of Conde, or for what happen'd on St. Bartholomew's Day, 1572. and all other Acts that might refresh the me∣mory of the Troubles.

XXXVIII. All Proceedings made, Judgments and Decrees given against those of the said Religion bearing Arms, either absent from our said Kingdom, or retir'd into any Cities and Countries of the same, held by them, but not upon the account of Religion and the Troubles; together with all Nonsuits, Prescriptions as well Legal, Conventional, as Custo∣mary; all Feodal Seisures accrued during the present or precedent Troubles, shall be esteem'd as not perform'd, happen'd, nor granted, and as such we have and do declare them to be; have and do annihilate them, without any redress to the Parties, but they shall be restor'd to the same condition in which they were before, notwithstanding the said Decrees, and the execution thereof; and the possession of the same, shall be re∣stor'd to them as they had it on the said 24th of August, 1572. What is above written shall also hold good for others who have been ingag'd in the Party of those of the said Re∣ligion, since the last taking up of Arms, or that have absented from our said Kingdom upon the account of the Troubles, and for the Minor Children of those of the Quality abovesaid, who died during the said

Troubles. Restoring the Parties to the same Condition in which they were before, without paying Char∣ges, or being oblig'd to consign the Fines.

XXXIX. All Prisoners that are detain'd, whether by Authority of Justice, or otherwise, even upon the Gallies, on the account of the pre∣sent or precedent Troubles, shall be freed and set at liberty on both sides, without paying any Ransom. Can∣celling and anulling all past Obligati∣ons on that subject, discharging the securities thereof; inhibiting and for∣biding most expresly all such, in whose keeping the said Prisoners are, to use any force or violence against them, to abuse or misuse them any wise in their Persons, on pain of be∣ing severely punish'd and chastis'd. However not meaning that the Ran∣soms that have already been disburs'd and paid by those who were Priso∣ners of War only, should be rede∣manded of those that have receiv'd them. And as to what relates to the Differences concerning the said Ran∣soms of those that have been made Prisoners on both sides during the said Troubles, the Cognizance and Judgment thereof is reserv'd, as we do reserve it to us, and to our Per∣son, forbidding the Parties to sue for the same any where but before us: And all our Officers and Magistrates to take the least cognizance there∣of.

XL. And as to what has been done or taken, without hostility, or in an hostile manner, contrary to the publick or particular Regulations of the Chiefs, and of the Communalties and Provinces that had a Command; it shall be lawful to fue for it, accor∣ding to the common Practice of the Law.

XLI. It is also our Will and Plea∣sure, that all Crimes and Offences com∣mitted between persons of the same Party in times of Troubles, Truces and Suspensions of Arms, shall be punish'd, unless in Actions comman∣ded by the Chiefs of either part, ac∣cording to the Necessity, Law, and Order of War: And as for all Rai∣sings and Exactions of Money, bear∣ing of Arms, and other Warlike Ex∣ploits, done by private Authority, and without being warranted so to do; the persons having so done, shall be prosecuted according to Law.

XLII. The Goods that shall be found in being, and that shall have been taken by way of hostility, shall be restor'd to the Right Owners, in case they be, and are found to be at the time of the publication of the present Edict, in the possession of those that have taken them, or of their Heirs, without paying any thing for the Restitution thereof. And where the said Goods shall have been sold or alienated by Authority of Ju∣stice, or by Commission or Publick Order, belonging either to Catho∣licks, or to those of the said Religi∣on, they shall have leave to redeem them, returning the price thereof to the purchasers; declaring that what was committed at Paris and else∣where, on the 24th of August, 1572. and the following Days in consequence of that, was no Act of Hostility.

XLIII. As to what relates to the Fruits of the Immoveables, every one

shall retake possession of his Houses and Estates, and shall reciprocally enjoy the fruits or products of the present Year, that shall not have been taken or gather'd on the 17th Day of this present Month of Septem∣ber. Even the Ecclesiasticks. All Sei∣zures and hinderances made to the contrary, during the said present and precedent Troubles notwithstand∣ing: As also every one shall enjoy the Arrears of the Rents that shall not have been taken by us, or by our Orders and permissions, or by order of Justice, or by command of our said Brother and Cousin, the King of Navar, and Prince of Conde, or by others authoris'd by them.

XLIV. All Titles, Papers, Listructi∣ons, and Informations that have been taken, shall be return'd on both sides, to the right owners, altho the said Papers, or the Castles and Houses in which they were kept, have been ta∣ken and seiz'd, either by our special Commissions, or by order of the Governors, and Lieutenants-General of our Provinces, or by the authority of the Chiefs of the other Party, or under any pretence whate∣ver.

XLV. Those of the said Religion shall not be overcharg'd for the fu∣ture, nor oppress'd with any ordinary or extraordinary Charges, more than the Ca∣tholicks, and according to the propor∣tion of their Estates and Substance; and it shall be lawful for such as shall think themselves overburthen'd, to seek for a Redress before the Judges to whom those Matters shall be re∣ferr'd. And all our Subjects of what Religion or Quality soever, shall be indifferently discharg'd of the Char∣ges that have been impos'd on both sides, on those who were absent, and did not enjoy their Estates by reason of the Troubles, but still without restitution of the Fruits that shall have been imploy'd for the pay∣ment of the said Charges.

XLVI. Neither shall those of the said Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, nor the Catholicks, who inhabited in the Cities and places by them detain'd and oc∣cupy'd, and who have paid Contri∣tributions to them, be liable to be sued for the payment of the Taxes, Subsidies, Grants, Increases, Asses∣ments, Wastes, Reparations, and other Impositions and Subsidies ac∣cruing and impos'd since the 24th of August, 1572. until now, either by our Orders, or by the advice and deli∣berations of the Governors and Estates of the Provinces, Courts of Parlia∣ment, and others, which we have and do discharge them of, command∣ing the Treasurers of France, Gene∣rals of our Revenues, Receivers Ge∣neral and Particular, their Clerks and Deputies, and other Intendants and Commissioners of our said Revenues, neither to sue, molest or disquiet them for the same, directly or indi∣rectly, in any wise whatever.

XLVII. The Forces and Garisons that are or shall be in Houses, Places, Cities and Castles belonging to our Subjects, shall march out of them immediately after the publication of the present Edict, and leave the free and absolute enjoyment thereof to the true owners, as they enjoy'd them formerly; notwithstanding all the pretensions of right that might be alledg'd by those that detain

them; which pretensions they shall be free to prosecute according to the Common Course of Law, after ha∣ving quitted the said possession, which we will have effected, espe∣cially in respect to the Benefices the Titularies shall have been dispossess'd of.

XLVIII. Free Commerce and Passage shall be restor'd through all the Cities, Towns, Villages, Bridges and Passages of our Kingdom, Coun∣tries, Lands and Lordships under our command and protection, both by Sea and Land, Rivers and Fresh-wa∣ters, as they were before the present and precedent Troubles; and all new Tolls and Subsidies impos'd by any Authority but our own, du∣ring the said Troubles, shall be re∣mov'd.

XLIX. All Places, Cities and Pro∣vinces of our said Kingdom, Terri∣tories, Lands and Lordships under our Obedience, shall use and enjoy the same Priviledges, Immunities, Liberties, Franchises, Fairs, Markets, Jurisdictions and Seats of Justice, as they did before the present and precedent Troubles, all Letters to the contrary, and the removing of any of the said Tribunals notwith∣standing; provided those things have only been done upon the account of the Troubles, the which Tribunals shall be restor'd and re establish'd into the Cities and Places where they were before.

L. In such Cities as have been dis∣mantled, during the pass'd and pre∣sent Troubles, it shall be lawful for the Inhabitants to rebuild and repair the Ruins and Dismantlings of the same with our leave, at their own cost and charges.

LI. Such of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, which had taken to Farm before the present Troubles, any Registries, or other Demean and Rights to us be∣longing, which they have not been able to enjoy, by reason of the said Troubles, shall remain discharg'd, as we do hereby discharge them of what they have not receiv'd of the said Farms, since the 24th of August 1572. as also of what they have paid with∣out fraud in places not belonging to the Receipt of our Revenues; all Ob∣ligations pass'd by them upon the same notwithstanding.

LII. And to the end that no body may doubt of the good Intention of our said Brother the King of Navar, and of our said Cousin, the Prince of Conde; We have said and declar'd, do say and declare, that we hold and repute them our good Kinsmen, faithful Subjects and Servants.

LIII. As also all the Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, Officers, and other In∣habitants of Cities, Corporations, Villages and other places of our said Kingdom and Countries under our command, who have follow'd, suc∣cour'd and favour'd them in any part whatever for our good and loy∣al Subjects, declaring all Decrees, Informations, and proceedings made and given against them upon the ac∣count of the said Troubles, void and of no effect, as things never done nor happen'd; willing the same to be raz'd out of the Registers of the Chief Clerk's Offices, both of our Courts of Parliament, and other Jurisdicti∣ons, where they have been recor∣ded.

LIV. We also declare, that we hold and repute our Cousin Duke John Cazimir for our good Neighbour, Kinsman and Friend.

LV. We do also acquit and dis∣charge our said Brother and Cousin the King of Navar, and Prince of Conde, as well as all the Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, Officers, Corporations of Cities and Communities, and all others that have abetted and succour'd them, their Heirs and Successors, for all Sums taken and rais'd by them or their Orders, out of our Offices of Receipt and Revenues, to whatever sum or sums they may amount, as well as out of Cities, Corporations, and from particular persons, Rents, Revenues, Plate, Sales of Estates, Goods, both Ecclesiastical and others: Forests belonging to us or others: Fines, Booties, Ransoms, or other Sums taken by them, upon the ac∣count of the present and precedent Troubles; and that neither they, nor any that have been employ'd by them for the raising of the said Sums, or that have given and furnish'd them by their Ordinances, shall any wise be liable to be call'd to an ac∣count for the same, either at present, or for the future: And that both they and their Clerks shall remain acquitted for all the management and Administration of the said Sums, only producing for a full Discharge within four Months after the publica∣tion of our present Edict, given in our Court of Parliament at Paris, acquittances duly expedited by our said Brother and Cousin the King of Navar, and Prince of Conde, or by such as shall have been by them com∣mitted for the audit and closing of their Accounts, or from the Corpo∣rations of the Cities that have been employ'd and intrusted during the said Troubles. They shall also re∣main acquitted and discharg'd for all Acts of Hostility, Levies, and march∣ing of Soldiers, Coining and Rating of Species made according to the or∣der of the said Chiefs, Casting and taking of Artillery and Stores, both out of our Magazine, and from par∣ticular persons; making of Powder and Saltpeter; taking, fortifying, dis∣mantling and demolishing of Cities, Castles, Towns; Enterprises upon the same, Burning and demolishing of Churches and Houses, establishing of Courts of Justice, Judgments and Executions of the same, either in Ci∣vil or Criminal Causes, Civil Go∣vernment and Regulations made a∣mong themselves, Voyages, Intelli∣gences, Negotiations, Treaties and Contracts made with all Foreign Princes and Communities, introdu∣cing of the said Strangers into the Cities and other parts of this our Kingdom, and generally for all that has been done, manag'd and nego∣tiated during the present or past trou∣bles, since the Death of our late Lord and Father, by those of the pretended Reform'd Religion, and o∣thers that have been engag'd in their Party, although it be not particular∣ly express'd and specifi'd.

LVI. And those of the said Reli∣gion, and others that have adhered to them, shall give over, and desist from this time forward, from all Practices, Leagues and Intelligences they hold out of our said Kingdom; as also all other our Subjects that might have held any. And all Leagues,

Associations, Fellowships con∣tracted, or to be contracted, under any pretence whatever, to the prejudice of our present Edict, shall be cancell'd and annul'd, as we do cancel and annul them, forbidding our Subjects most expresly to make any Assessments, or raise Money without our leave, Fortifications, listing of men, Congregations, and Assemblies, other than such as are allow'd them by our said present Edict, and without Arms: Which we do prohibit and forbid them on pain of severe punishment, as con∣temners and infracters of our Com∣mands and Orders.

LVII. All Prizes taken both by Sea and Land, by vertue of the Li∣censes and Warrants given, which have been judg'd by the Judges of the Admiralty, and other Commissi∣oners deputed to that end by those of the said Religion, shall remain dor∣mant under the benefit of our pre∣sent Edict, for which no prosecution shall be made, neither shall the Cap∣tains, their Securities, and the said Judges, Officers and others, be call'd to an account for the same, nor mole∣sted in any kind whatever: All Letters of Mark and Seisures depending, and not judg'd, notwithstanding; of which we will have them absolutely dis∣charg'd and releas'd.

LVIII. It is also our will and plea∣sure, That the Children of such as have retir'd out of our said Kingdom, since the Death of the late King Henry, our most honour'd Lord and Father, upon the account of Religion and the Troubles altho the said Children are born out of our said Kingdom, shall be acknowledg'd as true Natives of France, and actual Inhabitants there∣of; and such we have and do declare them to be, without their being ob∣lig'd to take any Letters of Natura∣lization, or other provisions from us besides the present Edict: All Ordi∣nances thereunto contrary notwith∣standing, the which we have and do derogate from.

LIX. We also order, that immedi∣ately after the publication of this our Edict, all Forces and Armies both by Sea and Land, shall disband and retire. Those of the said Religion, and such as have been ingag'd in their Party, shall be oblig'd to remove all Garisons out of the Cities, Places, Castles and Houses they are possess'd of, belonging either to us, to the Clergy, or other private persons; to quit, restore, and surrender them in full liberty, as they were in full peace before the present and precedent Troubles. ¶ Nevertheless, where∣as several private persons have re∣ceiv'd and suffer'd during the Trou∣bles, so many Injuries and Dama∣ges in their Estates and Persons, that it will be difficult for them to lose the remembrance thereof so soon as it should be requisite for the executi∣on of our Intentions; we being de∣sirous to avoid all inconveniencies that might arise from thence, until the Heart-burnings and Animosities are allay'd, have thought fit to give in keeping to those of the said preten∣ded Reform'd Religion, for the time and Term of six years, the Cities following, viz. In Languedoc, those of Montpelier and Aiguesmortes: In Dauphine, Nyons and Serre, City and Castle: In Provence, Seine, La Grand∣tour, and the Circuit thereof: In Gu∣lenne,

Perigueux, La Reolle, and the Mas of Verdun; which Cities our said Brother and Cousin the King of Na∣var, and Prince of Conde, and twenty Gentlemen of the said Religion, or others that have been engag'd in their Party, who shall be by us nomina∣ted; Besides such as shall be com∣mitted for the Guard of the said Cities and Castles, shall swear and promise, one and for the whole, for themselves, and for those of the said Religion, and others of their Party, well and faithfully for us to keep them; and at the expiration of the aforesaid Term of Six Years, to reckon from the day and date of the present Edict, to redeliver them into the hands of such as shall be by us deputed, in the same condition they now are in, without the least Inno∣vation or Alteration, and without the least delay or difficulty, upon any pretence whatever; at the end of which Term, the exercise of the said Religion shall be continu'd there, as while in their Possession: Never∣theless it is our Will and Pleasure, That in them all Clergy-men shall freely return, perform Divine Ser∣vice in all Liberty, and enjoy their Estates; and likewise all the Catho∣lick Inhabitants of the said Cities. The which Clergy-men and other Inhabitants, our said Brother and Cousin, and other Lords, together with the Governors of the said Ci∣ties and Garisons, shall take into their Protection and Safeguard, to the end that they may not be distur∣bed in the said Divine Service, molest∣ed nor disquieted in their Persons, and in the enjoyment of their E∣states; but on the contrary, restor'd and re-established into the full Posses∣sion of the same: Willing moreover, that our Judges shall be also re-esta∣blish'd into the said Cities, and the exercise of Justice restor'd, as it us'd to be before.

LX. Forbidding strictly all our Subjects, of what Quality or Con∣dition soever, to form any Enterpri∣zes or private Conspiracies to sur∣prize the said Cities given in keeping to those of the said Religion, or to take or seize any other Cities, Castles, and Places of our said Kingdom, and Territories thereunto belonging, on pain of being punish'd and chastis'd as Infractors of the Peace, and Di∣sturbers of the Publick Quiet.

LXI. No Governors or Garisons shall be put by us into the Cities at present in Possession of those of the said Religion, which are to be quitted by them, un∣less they have always had such, and even in the Reign of the late King Henry our said Lord and Father. Likewise, desiring to ease our Subjects in all our Cities, as much as in us lies, it is our Will and Pleasure, That the Go∣vernors, Captains, and Soldiers, that have been put in Garison there, shall be remov'd out of the same, except∣ing out of such as are Frontiers of our said Kingdom, which are fit to be kept there for the Defence and Safety thereof. Neither shall any other Garisons be kept in the Cities, Castles, Houses, and Estates, belong∣ing particularly to our Subjects, than such as us'd to be kept there in time of Peace.

LXII. And to the end that our Ju∣stices, Officers, and other our Sub∣jects, may be clearly, and with all certainty, inform'd of our Will and

Intention; and to remove all Ambi∣guities and Doubts that might arise on the account of the precedent E∣dicts, by reason of the diversity of the same, we have and do hereby de∣clare all other Precedent Edicts, secret Articles, Letters, Declarations, Modi∣fications, Requisitions, Restrictions, Interpretations, Decrees, Registers, as well such as are secret, as other Deliberations by us made in our Courts of Parliament, and elsewhere, concerning the Case of Religion, and the Troubles happen'd in our said Kingdom, to be void, and of no effect and value: To which, and to the derogatories therein contain'd, we have by this our Edict derogated, and do derogate, and from this time as well as then, cancel, revoke, and annual the same; declaring expresly, That this our Edict shall be firm and inviolable, kept and observed by our said Justicers and Officers, as well as by our other Subjects, without minding or regarding whatever may be contrary or derogating to the same.

LXIII. And for the better Assu∣rance of the maintaining and obser∣vation we desire to have of the same, it is our Will and Pleasure, That all our Governours, and Lieutenant-Generals of our Provinces, Bailiffs, Seneschals, and other common Judges of the Cities of this our said Kingdom, immediately upon receit of this our said Edict, shall swear to cause it to be observed in their several Precincts; as also the Mayors, Sheriffs, Capitouls, Con∣suls, and Jurats of Cities, Annual or Perpetual. Enjoining also our said Bailiffs, Seneschals, or their Lieu∣tenants, or other Judges, to swear the chief Inhabitants of the said Ci∣ties, of either Religion, to the keep∣ing and maintaining of the present Edict, immediately after the Publi∣cation of the same, putting all the Inhabitants of the said Cities under our Protection and Safeguard, to guard each other; charging them re∣spectively and by Publick Acts, to be responsible for the opposition that shall be made to our said Edict in the said Cities by the Inhabitants there∣of, or to represent and deliver the said Opposers into the hands of Ju∣stice.

LXIV. We also charge our Trusty and Well-beloved the Members of our Courts of Parliament, immediate∣ly upon receit of the present Edict, to forbear all manner of Proceedings, on pain of Nullity of the Acts they should otherwise pass, and to take the Oath above-mention'd; to cause our said Edict to be Publish'd and Recorded in our said Courts, accord∣ing to the Form and Tenor thereof, purely and barely, without using any other Modifications, Restricti∣ons, Declarations, or secret Regi∣sters, and without staying for any other Order or Command from us; and our Attorneys-General from them to require and prosecute forth∣with, without the least delay, the said Proclamation. Likewise enjoin∣ing the said Governours and Lieute∣nants-General of our said Provinces, to cause it immediately to be pub∣lished in their several Districts, through all the places in which it is usual in those cases: To cause it to be kept and observed, without tar∣rying for the publication of out

said Courts of Parliament, to the end that no persons may plead igno∣rance. And that all Acts of Hostili∣ty, Raisings of Money, Payments and Contributions due, and drawing on, Takings, Demolishings, Forti∣fying of Cities, Places, and Castles, may the sooner cease on both sides. Declaring all such raisings of Money, Fortifications, Demolishings, Con∣tributions, Takings, and Forcing of Goods, and other Acts of Hostility, that shall be made or done after the said Publication and Verification, made by the said Governors and Lieutenants-General of our said Pro∣vinces, liable to Restitution, Punish∣ment, and Reparation. To wit, a∣gainst such as shall make use of Arms, Force, and Violence, to oppose our said Edict, hindering the Effect and Execution thereof, with Death, with∣out hopes of Pardon or Remission. And as for other Oppositions, that shall be made without Arms, Force, or Violence, they shall be punished with other Corporal Inflictions, as Banishments, and the like; accord∣ing to the Nature and Exigency of the Offence, which shall be left to the Arbitration and Moderation of the Judges, to which we refer the taking the Cognizance thereof. In this place, charging their Honours and Consciences to proceed therein with the Justice and Equality that is requisite, without any regard to the difference of Persons or Reli∣gion.

Therefore we charge and require the said Persons holding our said Courts of Parliament, Chambers of Accounts, or Exchequers, Courts of Aids, Bailiffs, Seneschals, Provosts, and others our Justices and Officers whom it may concern, or their De∣puties to cause our present Edict and Ordinance to be Read, Publish'd, and Recorded in their Courts and Jurisdictions, and the same to main∣tain, keep, and observe in every par∣ticular, to the end that all those that are concern may fully and peaceably enjoy and use the Contents thereof; ceasing, and causing all Troubles and Hinderances to the contrary to cease. For such is our Will and Pleasure. In witness whereof we have sign'd these Presents with our own hand; and to the end that it may be firm and lasting for ever, we have caus'd our Seal to be affix'd to the same.

Given at Poictiers in the Month of Sep∣tember, in the Year of our Lord, 1577. and of our Reign the Fourth.

Sign'd Henry.

And Lower, by the King be being in his Council.

Sign'd De Neufville.

And on the side,

Visa.

And Seal'd upon Knots of red and green Silk, with green Wax, with the Broad Seal.

Read, Publish'd, and Recorded, Heard, the same being requir'd and approv'd of by the King's Attorney-General, at Paris in Parliament on the 8th of October, in the year 1577.

Sign'd De Hivez.

Read likewise, Publish'd and Record∣ed in the Chamber of Accounts, or Ex∣chequer, heard, the same being requir'd and approv'd by the King's Attorney-Ge∣neral in the same, on the 11th of Octo∣ber, 1577.

Sign'd, Danes.

Read and Publish'd by Sound of Trumpet, and Publick Cry through the Streets of the City of Paris, Places, and Parts appointed for Cries and Publicati∣on, by me Paquier Rossignol, his Ma∣jesty's Crier in the City, Provostship, and Vice County of Paris; accompanied by Michel Noiret, Sworn Trumpeter to the said Lord in the said Places, and four other Trumpeters, on the 8th of October, 1577.

Sign'd, Rossignol.

Secret Articles of the 17th of September, 1577.

I. HIS Majesty to gratify the King of Navar, shall allow him, besides what is granted by the General Articles to the Sieurs high Justicers of the said Religion, to cause Divine Service to be perform'd for all such as shall be willing to assist at it, altho he be absent himself, in the Houses belonging to him in the following places; viz. in the Dutchy of Vende∣mois, in the City of M••ntoire.

II. His said Majesty shall likewise allow the Prince of Conde to have the said exercise perform'd in his house of la Ferte, upon the River Loire and An∣guien, tho absent from thence himself.

III. Upon the Article which men∣tions Baliwicks, has been declar'd and granted what follows. First, That under the Denomination of Ancient Bailiwicks, his Majesty means such as were held under the Reign of the late King Henry, for Bailiwicks, Senes∣chalships, and Governments, refer∣ring directly, and without Mediati∣on to the Courts of Parliament.

Secondly, That in Bailiwicks, and Seneschalships, in which those of the said Religion possess at this present two Cities or Towns, belonging to his said Majesty, or to Catholick Lords, High Justicers, in which they are allowed to continue the Exercise, of their Religion, no other Place shall be provided for them to per∣form the said Exercise in, as in the other Bailiwicks of this Kingdom.

Thirdly, That his Majesty shall on∣ly provide two Cities in the Govern∣ment of Piccardy, in the Suburbs of which, those of the said Religion shall be allow'd the exercise of their said Religion, for all the Bailiwicks, Seneschalships, and Governments belonging thereunto; and in default of Cities, they shall be allow'd two convenient Towns or Villages.

Fourthly, In consideration of the large Extent of the Seneschalships of Provence and Poictou, those of the said Religion are allow'd another Ci∣ty in every one of them, in the Sub∣urbs of which, or in default of a City, a convenient Town or Vil∣lage, they shall have the exercise of the said Religion, besides those that

shall be allow'd them by the said Article.

IV. It has also been agreed, That no place shall be allow'd by virtue of the said Article, on the Territo∣ries belonging in proper to the Queen Mother to his Majesty, for the publick Exercise of the said Re∣ligion: Nevertheless, such Gentle∣men as have high Judicatures, or Fiefs de Haubert in the said Territo∣ries, shall be free to enjoy and make use of the permission that shall be al∣low'd them by the Edict, as elsewhere.

V. Neither shall any place be pro∣vided in the Bailiwick of Beaujolois, belonging to the Duke of Montpen∣cier; but the said High Justicers shall enjoy the Privilege of the Edict there as elsewhere.

VI. A place shall be appointed for all the Isles of Marennes, and another for the Isle of Oleron, in which two places those of the said Religion shall be allow'd the exercise thereof, for all such Inhabitants of the two Isles, as shall desire to assist at it.

VII. Provision shall also be made for the County of Messin, and others that are under the King's Protecti∣on, as it was done by the secret Ar∣ticles made with the Edict of the Year 1570.

VIII. As for the Marriage of Priests and Religious Persons that have been contracted heretofore, his Majesty for divers good Reasons and Consi∣derations him thereunto moving, will not allow them to be prosecu∣ted or troubled for the same; upon which subject silence shall be impos'd to his said Attorney-Generals and o∣ther Officers. His Majesty declaring however, that the Children proceed∣ing from the said Marriages, shall only succeed to the Movables, Acqui∣sitions, and Purchas'd Estates of their Fathers and Mothers; not wil∣ling that the said Profess'd Religious Persons should be capable of a direct or collateral Succession. Neither will his Majesty allow, that those of the said Religion having heretofore contracted Marriages in the third or fourth degree, should be molested for the same, or the Validity thereof call'd to question, nor likewise the Succession taken from, or disputed against the Children born or to be born, descending from the said Mar∣riages: And in order to judge of the Validity of the said Marriages made and contracted by those of the said Religion, and to decide whether they are lawful or not, if the person of the said Religion is Defendant, in that case the Judges Royal shall take cognizance of the Fact of the said Marriage; and he being Plaintiff, and the Defendant a Catholick, the Cognizance thereof shall belong to the Official and Ecclesiastical Judge; for which Letters-Patent shall be granted by his said Majesty, to be ve∣rified in his Courts of Parliament.

IX. And as to Marriages already treated of, either of second or others, among those of the said Religion, those that shall have contracted Mar∣riages in such a degree, in that kind applying themselves to his Majesty, such Letters-Patent shall be granted them, as shall be necessary to hinder them or their Children from being prosecuted or molested for the same.

X. Upon what has been granted by the General Articles, That in each of the Parliaments of Paris, Roa••,

Dijon, and Rennes, a Chamber shall be e∣stablish'd, compos'd of a President and a certain number of Counsellors, taken and chosen out of the said Courts; it has been thought fit and agreed up∣on, in order to remove all cause of Jealousy from those of the said Religion, and therein to gratifie the most humble Petition they have made to his Majesty about it; That the Presidents and Counsellors shall be chosen by his said Majesty upon the Register of the Officers of the said Parliaments, among the most equi∣table, most peaceable, and most mo∣derate; the List whereof shall be communicated to the Deputies of the said King of Navarre, and to those of the said Religion who shall be near his Majesty, before their being or∣dain'd to serve in the said Chambers; and that in case they shall suspect any of them, it shall be lawful for them to acquaint his Majesty therewith, who shall chuse others in their stead.

XI. The same shall be observ'd in the Election of the Catholick Offi∣cers that are to serve in the Cham∣bers, that shall be establish'd in the Countries of Guienne, Languedoc, Dauphine, and Provence.

XII. As to what relates to the Ele∣ction of those of the said Religion, for the Offices of Presidents, and Coun∣sellors that shall be erected by the said Edict to serve in the said Chambers, it has been agreed, That it shall be made by his Majesty upon the Atte∣station of the said King of Navarre, for the first time, and without taking any Money for the same; and that upon any Vacation, his said Majesty shall provide other capable persons in their room, being of the said Religi∣on.

XIII. And whereas those of the said Religion have alledg'd several reasons for which they suspect those of the Court of Parliament of Roan, which made them very solicitous to have a Chamber establish'd there, as in the Parliaments of Bourdeaux, Thoulouse, and Dauphine; in order not to make that Parliament differ from those of Paris, Dijon, and Rennes, it has been granted to those of the said Religion, having any Suits depend∣ing in the said Parliament, in case they will not receive those of the Chamber that shall be erected there for Judges, to apply themselves to his said Majesty, and Letters of Transferation shall be allow'd them by him, in the Chamber of the Par∣liament of Paris, ordain'd for the Administration of Justice to those of the said Religion, or to the Great Council, for Processes mov'd, or to be mov'd, before any Plea in the Cause; bringing good and due At∣testations along with them, of their being of the said pretended Reform'd Religion.

XIV. His said Majesty also wills and means, That the said Chambers, compos'd and establish'd in the said Parliaments, for the distribution of Justice to those of the said Religion, shall be reunited and incorporated in the said Parliaments, when need shall require; and when the Causes which have mov'd his said Majesty to establish them shall cease, and shall no longer subsist among his sub∣jects.

XV. To those ends, the Presi∣dents and Counsellors who shall be invested with the Offices newly crea∣ted into the said Chambers, shall be

nam'd Presidents and Counsellors of the Courts of Parliament, each in that into which they shall be esta∣blish'd, and reckon'd in the number of the Presidents and Counsellors of the said Courts; and shall enjoy the same Salaries, Authorities, Preroga∣tives as the Presidents and Coun∣sellors of the other Courts.

XVI. The Examination of which Presidents and Counsellors newly chosen, shall be made by his Maje∣sty's Privy Council or by the said Chambers, each one within its Pre∣cinct, when there shall be a sufficient Number of them; and yet the ac∣custom'd Oath shall be taken by them in the Courts where the said Cham∣bers shall be establish'd; except those of the said Chamber of Languedoc, who shall take it before the Lord Chancellor, or in the said Chamber when it shall be establish'd.

XVII. In the said Chamber of Languedoc, there shall be two Substi∣tutes of his Majesties Attorny and Advocate. The Attorney's shall be a Catholick, and the other of the aforesaid Religion, who shall have sufficient Salaries from his said Ma∣jesty.

XVIII. There shall also be two Committees of the Parliament of Thoulouse; the one Civil, the other Criminal, which the Registers shall be responsible for.

XIX. Moreover some Messengers shall be appointed, who shall be taken out of the said Court, or else∣where, according to the King's plea∣sure, as many as shall be necessary for the Service of the said Chamber.

XX. The Session of which shall be appointed by his Majesty, and re∣mov'd to such Cities and Parts of the said Country of Languedoc, as his said Majesty shall think fit, for the convenience of his Subjects.

XXI. Whereas those of the said Religion have made complaints, that from the Publication of the Edict made in the year 1572. to the day of the Publication of this that shall be now, there have been several Pre∣scriptions, Nonsuits, or Judgments, given against those of the said Reli∣gion, in places where the Suits have neither been heard, nor defended; and that tho they have desired a remo∣val to the Party-Chambers, it has been denied them: It is granted them, that in case they can give suf∣ficient proof of the same, they shall be receiv'd in their first Condition a∣gain.

XXII. Likewise upon the Remon∣strances that have been made by the King of Navar, and the Prince of Conde, that they are sued by several of those, who during the Troubles, have bought Temporal Estates be∣longing to the Church, requesting that no Actions may be allow'd the Purchasers against them, or any of those, who by their Command have made the Contracts of the said Sales. It is granted to them in his said Majesties Name, that all neces∣sary Letters Patent, to discharge and indemnify them for the said Sales, shall be particularly expedited for them; on condition that the money shall be reimburs'd, as it is specifi'd in the General Articles of the E∣dict.

XXIII. His Majesty shall promise and swear to observe and maintain the Edict that shall be made upon

the said General Articles, and to let those of the said Religion, and o∣thers that have been ingag'd in their Party, injoy the benefit of the same: He shall also oblige the Queen his Mother, and the Duke of Anjou his Brother, to promise and swear to keep and observe the said Edict.

XXIV. The same shall be done by the King of Navar, and the Prince of Conde.

XXV. All which Promises and Oaths shall be made in writing, sign'd by the Hands, and seal'd with the Arms of those that shall make them, the which shall be reciprocally put and deliver'd into the hands of his Majesty, and of the said King of Navar, or such as shall be by them deputed to receive them.

XXVI. The said King of Navar shall be allow'd, after the Conclu∣sion of the Peace, to send to the Queen of England, and to Duke John Casimir, to acquaint them therewith, and Passes and Convoys shall be gi∣ven by his Majesty to those that shall be sent thither by the King of Navar.

XXVII. All such of the said Re∣ligion as are still in possession of Be∣nifices, shall be oblig'd to resign them within the space of Six Months to Catholicks; and those who have promises of Pensions upon the said Benefices, dated before the 24th of August, 1572. shall be henceforward paid for the same, and the payment of the said Pensions continued; and those who owe the said Pensions, shall be oblig'd to pay the Arrears, in case any are due, provided they have actually injoy'd the Fruits of the said Benefices, excepting the Arrears due in the time of the Trou∣bles.

XXVIII. And as for those who are not of the said Religion, yet have follow'd them during the time of the Troubles, they shall re-enter in∣to the same Possession and Injoy∣ment of their Benefices, as they had before the 24th of August, 1572. And those who by private Authori∣ty, without order, or gift from his Majesty, have enjoy'd and receiv'd the Fruits of the said Benefices be∣longing to the abovemention'd, shall be oblig'd to return it to them, and to resettle them into the same.

XXIX. Upon the Request of those of the said Religion, and others, who have been ingag'd in their Par∣ty, to annihilate all the Bonds, Notes, and Promises made by them, together with all Judgments given upon the same against them, upon the account of the Imployments, Places, and Offices resign'd unto them be∣fore the last Troubles, or since; for which they have not been able to ob∣tain Letters Patents, by reason of the said Troubles, the which said Imploy∣ments and Offices have in the mean while been granted to others; they also requesting the reimbursement of the Money paid by them for the same, either into his Majesty's Ex∣chequer, or to the Resigners. It has been declar'd, That upon their gi∣ving his Majesty an account of the particulars of the Cases in question, his said Majesty will remedy the same, and cause Justice to be done unto them.

XXX. The Officers of Justice shall also decide the particular Debate and Request of the Parties, about the

Annihilation desir'd by those of the said Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party of the Leases, made by them of their Estates and Inheritances, since the said 24th of August, in order to re-enter into the Premises, returning the Fines by them receiv'd.

XXXI. His Majesty's Officers in the City of Rochel, the Mayor, She∣riffs, Consuls, Common-Council, and other Inhabitants of the said Ci∣ty shall be continu'd and maintain'd in their Ancient Rights and Privi∣ledges; and shall neither be prose∣cuted, molested, or troubled for their Orders, Decrees, Imprison∣ments, both within and without the City, the Execution of their Judgments afterwards, as well up∣on the account of some pretended Enterprizes attempted against the said City, in December 1573. as by a Ship, call'd the Swallow, and the Execution of the Judgments given against those that were on Board of her, or for any other Acts what∣ever, of all which they shall be ab∣solutely discharg'd. They shall have no other Governor but the Senes∣chal, neither shall any Garison be put into the said City and Govern∣ment.

Neither shall any be put into the Cities and Places belonging to the Government of Languedoc, except such as had Garisons in the time of the late King Henry.

XXXII. His Majesty shall confirm the Declaration granted by the late King to the Inhabitants of Pamiers, professing the said Religion, for the Annihilation of the Decrees given for some Excesses committed in the said City, in the Month of June, 1566. and the said Declaration shall be presented to that end to his said Ma∣jesty.

XXXIII. The keeping of Eight hundred men, to be paid by his said Majesty, has been granted to the said King of Navar, and others of the said Religion, to put into the Cities that are allow'd them for their safe∣ty; in which his said Majesty shall not be allow'd to put any Governor, or other Garison. And he shall al∣so Charge the Governors and Lieu∣tenant-Generals of his Provinces, that whenever they shall pass through the same to visit them, they shall avoid all occasion of dispute with those of the said Religion.

XXXIV. The said King of Navarre shall present unto his said Majesty, those he shall design to employ for the guarding of the said Cities, the which shall be employ'd there accord∣ingly by him: And in case any of the said persons so employ'd, should behave themselves insolently there, and abuse their said Office, not ob∣serving the said Edict of Pacification, the said King of Navarre shall be obli∣ged to turn them out, and to present others to his said Majesty, to be put in their place.

XXXV. The City of St. John d' Angeli shall be left to the Prince of Condé for his Abode, during the Time and Term of Six Years, until he may effectually enjoy his Govern∣ment of Picardy, in which his Majesty will have him continued.

XXXVI. The said Prince shall promise unto his said Majesty, well and faithfully to keep the said City of St. John; and at the end of the

time abovesaid, the same to redeli∣ver, together with the Castle, into the hands of the person deputed by his Majesty to that end, in the same condition it now is, without any in∣novation or alteration, and without the least delay or difficulty, upon any account whatever. Moreover, it is his Majesty's Will and Pleasure, That all the Ecclesiasticks shall freely return into the said City, perform Divine Service freely, and enjoy their E∣states, together with all the Catho∣lick Inhabitants; and the said Prince shall take all the said Ecclesiasticks and other Inhabitants under his Pro∣tection and Safeguard, to the end that they may not be hindred from performing the said Divine Service, molested or troubled in their Persons, or in the enjoyment of their Estates, but on the contrary, restor'd to the full possession of the same.

XXXVII. The said Prince of Con∣dé shall present and nominate unto his said Majesty, the Person to whom he shall trust the keeping of the said City, to the end that Letters-Patent may be granted him for the same by his said Majesty, as it has been done heretofore.

XXXVIII. For the Guard and Safety of the said City, shall be al∣low'd to the said Prince 50 men, maintain'd at his Majesty's Charge, besides the Dividend the said King of Navarre shall allow him out of the 800 men that are left to him for the Guard of the other Cities; his said Majesty willing that the 850 men al∣low'd as aforesaid to the said King of Navarre, and Prince of Condé, shall be employed for the Garison of the said Cities, as it has been agreed; and that they shall be employ'd no where else, without express Com∣mand from his said Majesty, to avoid oppressing of his people, and to re∣move all cause of Jealousie from a∣mong his Subjects: His said Majesty also meaning, that the said 850 men shall be disbanded at the expiration of the Term allow'd, and the time of the Restitution of the said Ci∣ties.

XXXIX. By the General Articles, the City of Montpellier is left in keep∣ing to those of the said Religion, for the Retreat and Safety of those of the County of Languedoc; but his said Majesty means it, in case the said City be still in the hands and in the power of those of the said Reli∣gion, on the day these Articles shall be granted and sign'd in this City of Bergerac, and not otherwise; in which case, instead of the said City, his Majesty shall allow them another, of those that are at present within their Power in the said Countrey of Lan∣guedoc, at their Choice.

XL. His said Majesty shall write to his Ambassadors, to require and de∣sire for all his Subjects of whatever Religion they be, That they may not be troubled as to their Constience, nor be liable to the Inquisition, in going and coming, Negotiating and Trading throughout all Spain, Italy, and other Foreign Countries, Allies, and Confederates of this Crown, provided they do not offend the Ci∣vil Government.

XLI. All Pieces of Ordinance be∣longing to his said Majesty, that have been taken during the present or pre∣cedent Troubles, shall be immediate∣ly restor'd, and put into his said Ma∣jesty's

Magazines; except such as are in the Cities given for Surety, which shall remain in them; an Inventory being made of the same, in order to their being restor'd at the Expira∣tion of the aforesaid Term of Six Years.

XLII. Whereas, if all that has been done against the Regulations on both sides, were indifferently except∣ed out of the General Pardon, there is no man in the Army but might be prosecuted and troubled, which might occasion new Troubles; it has been thought fit to grant, that none but execrable Crimes shall be except∣ed out of the said General Pardon; viz. Ravishments of Women, Incen∣diaries, Murthers, Robberies com∣mitted treacherously, and out of pri∣vate Revenge, against the Laws of War, Infraction of Passports and Safeguards, together with Murthers and Plunders without Command; out of consideration to those of the said Religion, and others who have been engag'd in the Party of the King of Navarre, or the Prince of Condé, grounded upon particular occasions that have oblig'd them to command and order it.

XLIII. It shall be ordain'd, That whatever shall be taken on either side by way of Hostility or otherwise, up∣on any acconnt whatever, proceeding from the present Troubles, from and upon the 17th. of the present month, on which the Articles have been granted, agreed upon, and sign'd, in this City of Bergerac, shall be lia∣ble to Restitution and Civil Repara∣tion.

XLIV. As for the City of Avignon, and Venaissin County, his Majesty de∣siring that the Inhabitants thereof may share and enjoy the fruit of the Peace he hopes to settle in his King∣dom by the assistance of God, both out of consideration to our Holy Fa∣ther the Pope, and because the said City and County have always been under the Protection of the Kings his Predecessors, and that it is a thing very material towards the establish∣ing of the said Peace in the adjacent Provinces; his said Majesty will in∣treat his said Holiness to allow the Subjects of this Kingdom, who have Estates in the said City of Avignon, and County, as also to the Subjects of the said City and County, who are of the said Religion, to be re∣stor'd and reestablish'd into the entire and peaceable Injoyments of their Estates, which they have been de∣priv'd of upon the account of the Troubles past, and of the said Reli∣gion, without their being liable to be troubled in the said Possession up∣on the said account. Which being done, those who occupy and detain at present in the said Country, Cities, and Places, belonging either to his Holiness, or his Subjects, shall be oblig'd to deliver them forthwith, and without delay, into the hands of such as shall be nominated by his said Holiniess for that purpose: For the effecting of which the King of Navar, and the Prince of Conde shall dispatch a Gentleman on purpose to those that are detainers of the said places, to signify the same unto them, and to require and order them to obey; which in case they refuse to do, the said King of Navar, and Prince of Conde, do promise both in their Names, and in the Names of

those of the said Religion, and o∣thers, who have been ingag'd in their Party, neither to Aid, Com∣fort, or Assist them. His Majesty al∣so promises, That in case after the Restitution and delivery of the said Places in the hands of such as shall be ordered by his said Holiness, any of his Majesty's Subjects having Estates in the said Cities and County, or of his Holiness's Subjects professing the said Religion, should be disturb'd in the injoyment of their said Estates upon the account of the said Religi∣on, he will grant them Letters of Mart and Reprisal upon the Estates that are possess'd by the Subjects of the said City and County of Avig∣n••n, in the Countries under his Obe∣dience, which Letters shall be direct∣ed to that end to the Judges to whom of Right the Cognizance of such things appertains.

XLV. The Sums that are necessary to be rais'd for the payment of what is due to the * Reisters, both for the present and precedent Troubles, shall be impos'd equally upon all his Majesty's Subjects. And whereas those of the said Religion pretend that the main part of the Money de∣stin'd for the payment of the said Reisters for the precedent Troubles was rais'd before the 24th of August, 1572. and was taken from them and remitted, and that his Majesty might by surprize have made a Gift of the said Money to some particular Persons; It is his Majesty's Pleasure, that those who have had the said Money on any account, and under any pretence, shall be oblig'd by lawful and rea∣sonable means to restore the same: And that whatever Receivers, and others, who have still Money of that kind in their hands, shall also be oblig'd to deliver it forthwith into the hands of his Majesty's Receivers-General, and that by Imprisoning of them if necessary: Upon the ac∣count of which his said Majesty has, and does discharge those of the said Religion, of all Obligations and Promises made and given by them upon that account, both to his said Majesty, the Reisters, and all others.

XLVI. The said King of Navar, and those of the said Religion having made Application to his said Majesty for the payment of the Reisters due to the said John Casimir, his Colonels and Rent-masters: His said Majesty has declar'd, That he will en∣deavour to do it as soon as ever the necessity of his Affairs will permit him.

XLVII. And as to the Six hundred thousand Livers which those of the said Religion say were allow'd them* 1.4 by the last Peace, to impose upon, and raise among themselves, in or∣der to pay some Sum due by them; It has been granted them, That in case they can produce the said per∣mission, and make it appear, that nothing has been rais'd by them by Virtue thereof, and that the Sums for which it had been granted are still due, the said permission shall be confirm'd by his said Majesty.

XLVIII. The Prince of Orange shall be restor'd to all the Lands, Jurisdi∣ctions, and Lordships he has in this said Kingdom and Territories, under his said Majesty's Obedience. In like manner shall be restor'd to him all Titles, Instructions, and other

Papers concerning his Principality of Orange; in case any have been taken and remov'd by the Governors, and Lieutenants-General, and others his said Majesty's Officers, if what is a∣abovesaid has not been done al∣ready.

The present Articles have been made and granted by express Com∣mand from the King, in his Majesty's Name, and by his pleasure, by the Duke of Montpensier, and the Sieurs de Biron, Descars, S. Sulpice, de la Mothe-Fenelon, by vertue of the power given unto them by his said Majesty, to conclude and agree about the pacifi∣cation of the Troubles of this King∣dom on the one part. And by the King of Navar, the Prince of Conde, and the Deputies of those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, the said King of Navar, Prince of Conde, and Deputies answering for all those of the Provinces of this Kingdom, Countries, Territories and Lordships under the obedience of his said Majesty, who profess the said Religi∣on, and others who have been en∣gag'd in their Party on the other Part.

In Witness whereof the said Articles have been sign'd with their own hands, in the City of Ber∣gerac, the 17th Day of September, 1577.

Thus sign'd in the Original, Henry de Bourbon, Lewis de Bourbon, Biron, Descars, S. Sulpiae, de la Mothe-Fenelon, La Noue, L. Dufaur, Chancelor to the King of Navar; S. Genis Chauvin, Dufaur, Clausone Deputy of Languedoc, Morin Deputy of Guyenne, Scorbion Deputy of Montauban, Payan De∣puty of Languedoc, and ac∣cording to his power Thore for the Isle of France, De Signo Deputy of Dauphine, Durand Depu∣ty of Guienne, Guyet and St. Beignon for Rochel, Courtois, Deputy of Ven∣domois, Roux, Deputy of Provence, T. Davaux for La Rovergue. Thus sign'd, compar'd de Neufville, and is written, extracted from the Registers of Parliament.

Sign'd. De Pontac.

Compar'd with the Manuscript which is in the King's Library by Me. Coun∣sellor and Secretary of the King, House and Crown of France, and of its Exchequer, of the Ancient College.

Sign'd. Gon.

The Articles of the Conference made at Nerac by the Queen Mother, with the King of Navar, and the Deputies of the Pretended Re∣form'd Religion.

IN order to facilitate the last Edict of pacification made in the month of September, 1577. and to clear and resolve the Difficulties that have in∣terpos'd, and that might still retard the good Effect of the said Edict; It has been resolv'd at the Request, Supplication and Articles presented by those of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion, and agreed upon as

followeth, in the Conference held at Nerac, in this present Month of Fe∣bruary, 1579. between the Queen Mother, assisted by some Princes and Lords of the King's Privy-Council, and the King of Na∣var, also assisted by the Deputy of the Prince of Conde, Lords and Gentle∣men, and the Deputies of those of the pretended Reform'd Religi∣on.

I. That the High Justicers, or those that hold full Fief d' Haubert, either in Proper, or Ʋse-Fruit, in the whole, Moietie, or third, shall be allow'd to continue the Exercise of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, in the pla∣ces by them nam'd for their principal abode, although they and their Wives are absent from the same, pro∣vided part of their Families remain in the said places, and though the Right of Justice, or full Fief d' Hau∣bert, be in Controversie, yet the Ex∣ercise of the said Religion shall be continu'd there, provided the above▪ said persons are still in actual possessi∣on of the said Justice. And as for the Publick Exercise of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, in the pla∣ces ordain'd by the King, in case any of ihe said places prove inconvenient, they petitioning the King to have it remov'd elsewhere, his Majesty shall provide them another that shall be convenient for them.

II. That according to certain Letters-Patent granted by the King, given at Paris on the 13th of Nov. 1677. confor∣mably to the eleventh Article of what was agreed on at Bergerac on the 16th of September of the said year, 1577. which through inadvertency had been omit∣ted in the last Edict of pacification: those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion are allow'd to buy, build, or construct places to perform the said Exercise of Religion, in the Suburbs of Cities, or in Towns and Villages that are or shall be allow'd them in every Baliwick and Seneschalship, or Government, and in the places where the Exercise of the said Religion is allow'd them by the Edict. And such as shall be found in the said places, that have been built by them, shall be restor'd to them in the same condition they now are.

III. Those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion are allow'd to as∣semble before the Judge Royal, and by his Authority to equal and raise a∣mong themselves such sums as shall be thought necessary to be employ'd for the maintenance of those who are employ'd to perform the Exercises of their said Religion, of which an ac∣count shall be given to the said Judge-Royal for him to keep.

IV. That according to the 20th Article of the Edict of pacification, the Judges and Magistrates of Cities shall forthwith provide convenient places for the interment of the Dead, of those of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion. And the said Offi∣cers and others are forbidden to ask any thing for the Transportation of the said Corps, on pain of Extor∣tion.

V. And to prevent all Differences that might arise between the Courts of Parliament, and the Chambers of the said Courts ordain'd by the said Edict, the King shall speedily make a good and large Regulation between

the said Courts of Parliament, and the said Chambers: Insomuch that those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion shall fully enjoy the benefit of the said Edict: The establishment of the Chamber of Languedoc shall al∣so speedily be perform'd in pursuance of the said Edict. And in case at any time hereafter the Number of Judges should not be sufficient in the same, by reason of the afflu••ncy of Causes, those of the said Religion shall apply themselves to his said Majesty, who will make sufficient provision for it. As to what relates to the King's Council, the secret Articles of the Year 1577, shall be observ'd, both as to what relates to the Chamber of Languedoc, and that of Guienne. Ne∣vertheless, the said King's Council shall be continu'd in their Places, without being liable to revocation, unless in the cases of the Ordinance, although they bear the Title of Sub∣stitutes, of Advocates and Attorneys-General in the said Courts of Parlia∣ment. The Committes of the Re∣gisters Civil and Criminal in the said Chamber, shall exercise their places by the King's Commission, and shall be call'd Committes of the * Registry* 1.5 Civil and Criminal, and therefore shall not be liable to be turn'd out, or to be revok'd by the said Registers of Parliament, and that they shall be bound to yield the emolument or profit of the said Registries to the said Registers; and the said Commit∣ties shall receive Salaries from the said Registers, according as it shall be thought fit, and agreed upon by the said Chambers. And as for the Mes∣sengers, besides those that shall be taken out of the said Parliament, who shall be Catholicks, two more shall be erected in every Chamber, who shall be of the said Religion. And the said Messengers shall be directed by the said Chambers, both as to the execution of their Places, their District, and the Fees they shall take. In the Cities where the said Cham∣bers shall be erected, there shall also be two Offices of Serjeants, to be kept by those of the said Religion. And as to Attorneys, the Attorneys of the said Parliament shall be allow'd to plead in the said Chambers. And in case their number should not be sufficient, the King shall create some without paying of Fees, who shall be nominated by the said Chambers, in such a number as they shall think fit, provided it does not exceed ten; of which they shall send a Roll, ac∣cording to which their Patents shall be made and seal'd. The Expediti∣ons of the Chanceries, or Seal-Offi∣ces shall be made in presence of two Counsellers of the said Chambers, of which the one shall be a Catholick, and the other one of the aforesaid Religion: In the absence of one of the Masters of Requests belonging to the King's Hostel, one of the No∣taries and Secretaries of the said Courts of Parliament shall reside in the places where the said Chambers shall be establish'd, or one of the Se∣cretaries in ordinary of the Chance∣ry, to sign the Expeditions of the said Chancery. And it has been a∣greed that the Chamber of Languedoc shall be setled in the City of L'Isle in Albigeois.

VI. As to the Decrees given in the Court of Parliaments since the said Edict, in which Courts the Parties

have not proceeded voluntarily, that is, have alledg'd and propounded ends declinatory; or that have been denounc'd through default, both in matters civil and criminal, notwith∣standing which the said Parties have been constrain'd to go forward, they shall be deem'd and reputed as those that have been given before the Edict, and revok'd by the same. The same is ordain'd for the presidial Judg∣ments given since the Edict, and for the Cases abolish'd by the said Edict, and by the present Conference. And as for the Decrees given against those of the said pretended Reform'd Reli∣gion, who have proceeded voluntari∣ly, without proposing ends Declina∣tory, the said Decrees shall remain in force. Yet nevertheless without pre∣judice to the execution of the same, they shall be allow'd, if they think fit, to take some course by way of Civil Request before the said Cham∣bers. And until the said Chambers and their Chanceries are establish'd, Verbal Appeals, and those in Writing interpos'd by those of the said Reli∣gion, before Judges, Registers or Committees, Executors of Judgments and Decrees, shall have the same ef∣fect as if they had been sued out by Letters-Patent. And as for Pro∣cesses not yet determin'd, depending in the said Courts of Parliament, of the Quality▪ abovesaid, they shall be return'd, whatever condition they are in, into the said Chambers to which they have their reference, if requir'd by one of the Parties, and according to the Edict, within four Months, in such Provinces where the Chambers are establish'd, after the Registring of these present Articles: And as for the other Provinces in which they are not yet establish'd, four Months after the establishment thereof, before the Registers of the said Courts of Parliament, and that for Suits that are ready for tryal. And as for such as shall be discontinu'd, and are not in a state to be judg'd, the above-mention'd of the pretended Reform'd Religion shall be oblig'd to make the said Declaration, at the first intimation and signification that shall be made unto them of the pur∣suit; and the said term being expir'd, they shall no more be admitted to demand the said Returns. And as for the Suits remov'd either in the Courts of Parliament, Great Coun∣cil, or elsewhere, those of the said Religion giving a particular account of the said Suits, provision shall be made for the same.

VII. All Sovereign Courts, and others within this Kingdom, are prohibited and forbidden, (before the installati∣on or seting of the said Chambers) to take cognisance of, and to judge the Processes either Civil or Criminal of those of the said Religion, and others who have been engaged in their Party, the cognisance whereof by the last Edict of Peace is referr'd to the said Chambers. The Prohibiti∣ons contain'd in the 26th Article of the said Edict of pacification about the cognizance of matters relating to the Troubles until now, shall also be reiterated: And generally all Judg∣ments and Decrees given contrary, and to the prejudice of the Edict, shall be annihilated and revok'd, to∣gether with all that has follow'd thereupon.

VIII. That henceforward in all Instructions other than Informations of criminal processes in the Seneschal∣ships of Thoulouse, Carcassonne, Rover∣gue, Lauragais, Beziers, Montpellier and Nimes, the Magistrate, or Commis∣sary deputed for the said Instruction, if he be a Catholick, shall be oblig'd to take an Associate of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, which the Parties shall approve of: And in case they cannot agree about it, the above∣nam'd Magistrate or Commissary, shak take one of the said Religion out of the Office; as in like manner if the said Magistrate or Commissary be of the said Religion, he shall be oblig'd in the form abovesaid, to take a Catholick Assistant. And when any occasion of Criminal Tryal shall occur before tbe Provost Marshals, or their Lieutenants∣against any one of the said Religion, being an Housholder, who shall be charg'd and accus'd of any publick Crime, the said Provosts, or their Lieutenants, if they be Catholicks, shall be bound, to call to the hearing of such a matter an Assistant of the said Religion: The which Associate shall assist also at the Judgment of the Competency, or Validity of the Indictment, as well as at the Definitive Judgment of the process. The Validity of which Indictment, shall only be judg'd at the nearest presidial Seat or Tribunal, in an Assembly, before the principal Officers of the said Tribunal, who shall be found there, on pain of Nul∣lity.

IX. In puting the said Edict of pacification in execution, the Seats of Justice shall be re-establish'd at Mon∣tauban, Montpellier, Nimes, and in all other places where they us'd to be before the Troubles.

X. The Mint shall be re-esta∣blish'd in the City of Mont∣pellier, as it us'd to be before the Troubles.

XI. The King in order to remove all occasion of Dissentions that might create the least Division among his Subjects, ordains that whatever has happen'd since the publication of the said last Edict, until now, against, and to the prejudice of the said E∣dict, on either side, shall remain ex∣tinguish'd and be forgotten as if no such thing had been. And that no body shall be prosecuted upon the ac∣count of the Assembly of Soldiers, made in Cities, or in the open Fields, establishment and maintaining of Ga∣risons, Enterprizes and Seizures of Cities, Places, Castles and Houses, Murthers, Imprisonments, Ransoms, or any other Excess; neither for de∣stroying of Churches, Houses, and Buildings belonging to Ecclesiasticks and others; of all which, the said Subjects on both sides shall be and re∣main acquitted and discharg'd: Nei∣ther shall his Majesty's Attorney-Gene∣ral, or any other persons publick or private, at any time, or on any oc∣casion, be allow'd to make any pro∣secutions of the same in any Court of Jurisdiction, nor in any wise whate∣ver. The whole in the same form and manner as it is express'd by the 55th Article of the last Edict of Paci∣fication; excepting Ravishments of Women, &c. Incendiaries, Robbe∣ries, Murthers committed treache∣rously, and with premeditation, and not by way of Hostility, upon the account of private revenge, and o∣ther

Crimes and Misdemeanours re∣serv'd by the last Edict of pacificati∣on, which shall be prosecuted accor∣ding to Law, and punish'd according to the nature of the same. And as to what relates to the Money that has been taken, either out of his Maje∣sty's Exchequers, or out of Cities and Commonalties, and from other pri∣vate persons; and the Sums that have been impos'd and rais'd of any kind whatever, and howsoever rais'd by those of the said Religion, and other who have been engag'd in their Par∣ty since the said Edict of pacificati∣on, they are and shall remain absolute∣ly discharg'd for the same, without their being any wise liable to be pro∣secuted upon the said account; nor those who shall have order'd it, Corporations of Cities and Commu∣nalties, nor yet their Clerks. Ne∣vertheless those of the said Religion shall be oblig'd to assemble with the Corporations of those Cities; to make a true estimate among them, on the last Day of April next at farthest, both of their Receits and Expences: The which Estimate they shall be oblig'd to sign, and jointly to affirm, and to deliver the same within the said time of two Months, into the hands of those that are appointed to execute the said Edict of Pacification in Lan∣guedoc, to the end that upon the said Estimate the Chamber of accounts may pass into receipt, and allow in ex∣pence what shall be contain'd in the said Estimate, and no more. And in order to check the insolence of se∣veral, and to prevent those Evils for the future, the King declares that hereafter he will no more grant any Pardons for the abovesaid, or the like Transgressions of the Edict: And forbids his Chancellor or Lord Keep∣er to seal any such, and his Judges to have the least regard for the same. And in case any of those to whom this Pardon is granted, should relapse into the same Fault, they shall not only be punish'd for the new Fault, but shall also be depriv'd of the fruit and benefit which is granted them by this Article.

XII. That all the processes and causes concerning the case of the said Troubles that have been return'd by the Commissioners, Executors of the preceding Edict of pacification, before the presidial Judges, or other Judges, shall be return'd in the State they now stand to the said Chambers of the Edict. The King not intending that any of his Subjects should be prosecuted for what has been done since the last Troubles, according to the 55th Ar∣ticle of the said last Edict: And in case any of the said processes should already be judg'd, the Parties shall be allow'd to apply themselves for re∣dress, by the ways of Right to the said Chambers of the Edict.

XIII. Whereas at the beginning of the 42d Article of the said last Edict of pacification, in several Common Impressions that have been made of the same, these Words are found: And that shall have been taken by way of hostility, by way of affirmation; altho it should be conceiv'd negatively, and in this manner: And that shall not have been taken by way of hostility: As it is written in the Original agreed on, and sign'd at Bergerac on the 17th of September, 1577. It is ordain'd, that it shall be corrected by the said Ori∣ginal; And all Judges are enjoin'd to

judge conformably to this present Correction.

XIV. That all Assesments, Impo∣sitions, Gatherings, raising of Mo∣ney and new Subsidies, by whom∣soever, and on any account what∣ever, unless by the King's express Commission, shall cease, and that none shall be made otherwise here∣after, on the Penalties mentioned in the Ordinances.

XV. The General Assemblies of Cities and Corporations, shall be made according to the Ancient Cu∣stoms, and such Inhabitants as us'd to come to the same, shall be sum∣mon'd thither, without distinction of Religion, according to the last Edict of pacification, Article 19.

XVI. That the Edict of pacificati∣on, and what has been resolv'd in this Conference, shall be executed in every Article, according to its Form and Tenor, and that the said Execu∣tion thereof shall begin on the 1st Day of March next coming at farthest, and shall be continu'd in Guyenne without interruption on either side. And as for Languedoc, the said Execution or Performance shall begin on the 1st Day of April next coming at farthest: But that in the mean time all Prisoners of War shall be put at liberty without paying any Ransom: And all Acts of Hostility, and other Transgressions of the Edict in general shall cease, accor∣ding to the Commissions that have been issu'd out to that end, which shall be sent every where in the Go∣vernments of Guyenne, Languedoc, and other Provinces when it shall be necessary.

XVII. It has also been agreed by the said Lady Queen, Mother to his Majesty, the King of Navar, and all the above-mentiond, that all the Cities and Places kept by those of the said Religion, shall be restor'd in the Go∣vernments of Guyenne, and Languedoc, at the time declar'd by the preceding Article: And the Edict of pacificati∣on shall be put entirely in execution in the same, as also, and by the same means, in the other Cities where the Catholicks are more numerous, neither Parties being allow'd to put Garisons into them: And thus the Inhabitants of the same, of both Religions shall remain under the special safeguard of the King our Sovereign Lord, it be∣ing forbidden on pain of Death, to wrong them, or to undertake any thing against the Liberty and Safety of the said Cities. Nevertheless, for surety of what is above written, and for an assurance of the execution of the said Edict, the King leaves and gives in keeping to the said King of Navar the following Cities; In the Government of Guyenne, Bazas, Puy∣merol and Figeac, until the last Day of August next ensuing, and no longer: And in the Government of Langue∣doc, Ravel, Briateste, Aleth, Santei, Agreve, Baiz sur Baiz, Baignols, Alletz, Lunel, Sommieres, Aymargues and Gignac, until the first Day of October also next ensu∣ing, and no longer: On condition, and no otherwise, that they shall make no Fortifications there, nor de∣molish Churches and other places, nor act any thing else contrary to the Edict.

XVIII. That the Ecclesiasticks, and other Catholick Inhabitants shall be receiv'd again into the said Cities without any difficulty, and shall ful∣ly injoy all their Estates, and the

Fruits, or the Revenues of the same: That they shall perform Divine Ser∣vice in the same, according to the use of the Catholick Church: That Justice shall also be freely admini∣stred there; That the King's Money as well ordinary as extraordinary, shall be rais'd and receiv'd there: And that the Edict shall be intirely kept and observ'd there. And the same shall be done, according to the said Edict, in relation to those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, in the other Cities where the Catholicks are more in number. It is also re∣solv'd, That the Magistrates and Of∣ficers of the Cities, shall take care to see it perform'd, on pain of being suspended of their Officers for the first times, and on forfeit of them for the second.

XIX. That the said Cities during the time heretofore declar'd, shall be govern'd by Persons of Integrity, Lovers of the Peace and Publick Good, who shall be nominated by the King of Navar, and approv'd by the said Lady, Queen Mother to the King; who shall engage, and be bound with Six in the chief, and Four in the other of the said Towns, the same well to preserve in their Obedience to the King, and to cause the Edict to be well main∣tain'd, and what has been now re∣solv'd between the said Lady Queen Mother to the King, and the said King of Navar, to maintain all the Inhabi∣tants thereof in Safety, according to the said Edict, and namely to restore the said Cities, viz. those of the Government of Guyenne on the First day of September next coming; and those of the Government of Langue∣doc, on the First day of October also next coming, into the Hands of the Person the King shall be pleas'd to Depute to go to the said Cities, to see them forthwith-restor'd in the Condition set down in the said Edict of Pacification, without putting any Governor, or Garison into the same, and without removing the Ammu∣nitions and Artillery that is in the said Cities, belonging either to the King, or to the Communalties of the said Cities.

XX. The said King of Navar has also remitted the Mur de Barais, to the said Lady Queen, who upon his Nomination has agreed to Trust the keeping thereof to Monsieur d'Arpa∣jon, to have it in Charge until the said First day of August next. At which time the said Monsieur d'Arpagon shall be oblig'd to Surrender it into the hands of the Commissary, who shall repair to the other Cities, to leave them in the Condition mention'd by the Edict, as the other Fourteen Ci∣ties aforemention'd.

XXI. And to avoid all manner of Burthening and Oppressing of the Inhabitants of the said Cities, and Adjacent Parts, the said Lady has and does promise to the said King of Navar, and to the said of the pre∣tended Reform'd Religion to furnish Thirty six thousand Livers Tournois, which shall be deliver'd into the hands of those the sail King of Na∣var shall nominate at the beginning of every one of the said Months, pro Rata, and by equal Portions, accord∣ing to the Division they shall make of it.

XXII. And therefore it has been expresly resolv'd, That the said of

the pretended Reform'd Religion; those who shall Command in the said Cities, and those who shall be com∣mitted for the Guard thereof, shall not be allow'd to Quarter in the Houses of Catholicks, as least as few as possible can be, neither shall they raise, or exact any thing from the Inhabitants thereof, or others, nor from the Adjacent Places, under any colour and pretence whatsoever, without the Kings leave. The Con∣suls of the said Cities shall be oblig'd during the said Term of Six Months to furnish the Candles for the Guard, and the Wood for Corps de Guard; which cannot amount to much, con∣sidering the Summer season: Allow∣ing them however ••at the first Sessi∣ons to impose and raise upon the Diocesses and Seneschalships, the Sums to which the said Candles and Wood shall amount, without consequence. And as for the Gari∣sons lying at present in the Cities of the said Country of Languedoc, held by those of the said Religion, they are allow'd to raise, if it has not been done already, what is bare∣ly necessary for their Maintenance until the last day of March next, and no more. In order to which, they shall give the Commissaries who are now going to put an end to all Acts of Hostility, the true estimate of what the Payment of the said Garisons will amount to. And the said Esti∣mate shall be drawn without Fraud, upon the old Roles: In which shall not be included in the upper Coun∣try of Languedoc, Dornhe, S. Germa, Pechaudie, Pierreficte, Carlus, Frigerolles, Myeules, and Postrims, which shall be speedily dismantled and quitted. And to that end, those who detain them, shall forthwith deliver them into the hands of those who are sent to cause the Acts of Hostility to cease, if they design to injoy the be∣nefit of the General Pardon, grant∣ed to those who have been Infractors of the Edict of Pacification, since the Publication thereof. And in case they do not obey what is abovesaid, they shall be depriv'd of the benefit of the said Pardon, and punish'd like Disturbers of the Common Peace, without hope of any Favour. And a Nomination shall also be made to the Executors of the Edict, both in Guienne, and in Lower Languedoc, of the Cities, Towns, and Castles, it will be fit to dismantle, according to the Advice of the Inhabitants of the Country of both Religions; and what the King shall afterwards be pleas'd to order upon the said Ad∣vice, without including the Places belonging to private Lords. And as for the Ʋpper Languedoc, accord∣ing as abovesaid, the said Executors shall consult, whether there are any Places of those that are possess'd by the Catholicks, requisite, and fit to be dismantled, according as above∣said, to the Advice of those of the Country of both Religions; and al∣so according to what the King shall be pleas'd to order about it.

XXIII. And for a good, firm, true, and sincere Assurance of what is abovemention'd, the said King of Navar, together with the Prince of Conde, and Twenty of the Principal Gentlemen of the said Pretended Re∣form'd Religion, such as the Queen Mother shall be pleas'd to nominate, together with the Deputies that are

here, in the Name of the Provinces that have sent them; besides those who are to Command in the said Cities, that are left in their hands for the said Six Months, shall promise and swear upon their Faith and Ho∣nour, and ingage their Estates, to cause all the Garisons to march out of the said Fourteen Cities, and Citadels thereof, and to deliver the said Cities and Citadels, without delay, excuse, evasion, or any other pretence whatever, on the above∣said 1st days of September and October next coming, into the hands of the abovesaid Commissary, to leave them in the Condition specifi'd by the said Edict of Pacification, as is afore∣said.

XXIV. It has been resolv'd, That in case any Attempt should be made on either side, to the prejudice of the last Edict of Pacification, and of all that is abovesaid, The Complaint and Prosecution thereof shall be made before the King's Governours and Lieutenants-General, and by way of Justice in the Courts of Par∣liament, or Chambers Establish'd, in regard of both, according to the Edict. And what shall be ordain'd by them, shall forthwith be put in execution, at farthest, within a Month after it, by the diligence of the King's Council, in relation to the Judgements that shall intervene, without using any Connivence or Dissimulation. And the said Go∣vernors and Lieutenants-General are expresly order'd, together with the Bailiffs and Seneschals, to further, give Aid and Comfort, and to em∣ploy all the King's Forces for the execution of what shall have been ad∣vis'd and order'd for the reparation of the said Attempt. Thus the At∣tempts on either side shall neither be taken, or reputed as Infractions of the Edict in respect to the King, and the King of Navar, the General of the Catholicks, and the Gene∣ral of those of the said Religion. It being his Majesty's true and firm Intention, at the request of the said King of Navar▪ to have them immediately redress'd, and the Guilty severely and exemplarily pu∣nish'd.

XXV. And to that end, the Gen∣tlemen and Inhabitants of the Towns, of both Religions, shall be obliged to accompany the Governors, and the King's Lieutenants-General, to aid them with their Persons and Means, if necessary and requir'd so to do, in order forthwith to repair the said Attempts. The said Governors and Lieutenants-General, together with the Bailiffs and Seneschals, shall be oblig'd to apply themselves about it, without delay or excuse, and to use their utmost Endeavours and Dili∣gence for the Reparation of the said Attempts, and to punish the Guilty according to the Pains specifi'd in the Edict. Moreover, it has been resolv'd, That such as shall make any Attempts upon Cities, Places, or Castles, or that shall Abet, Assist, or Favour them, or give them Coun∣sel, or that shall commit any At∣tempt against, and to the prejudice of the Edict, and all that is above∣said: Also such as shall refuse to obey, or shall oppose themselves, or by others, directly or indirectly, the Effect and Execution of the said E∣dict of Pacification, and of all that

is abovesaid, are from this moment declar'd guilty of High-Treason, both they and their Posterity, Infa∣mous, and for ever incapable of in∣joying any Honours, Imployments, Dignities, and Successions; and lia∣ble to all the Punishments inflicted by the Law against those that are guilty of High-Treason in the high∣est degree: His Majesty declaring moreover, That he will grant no Pardon for it; forbidding his Se∣cretaries to sign them, and his Chancellor, or Lord-Keeper to pass them: And the Courts of Parlia∣ment to respect them for the fu∣ture, whatever express or reitera∣ted Commands they might receive a∣bout it.

XXVI. It has also been resolv'd, That the Lords deputed for the Execution of the said Edict of Pa∣cification, together with the Secret Articles made at the time of the said last Edict of Pacification, and of all that is abovesaid, proceeding to the said Execution, shall restore the Houses and Castles of the said King of Navar, as they pass along the Seneschalships, where the said Castles and Houses of the said King of Navar are Situate; which shall be left without Garisons on either part, and put into the Condition men∣tion'd by the Edict of Pacification, and according to the Ancient Privi∣ledges.

XXVII. That all that is above specifi'd, and what is contain'd in the last Edict of Pacification, shall be inviolably kept and observ'd on both sides, under the Penalties set down in the said Edict. That the Courts of Parliament, and Cham∣bers ordain'd for Justice, according to this said Edict; the Chambers of Accounts, Courts of Aids, Bailiffs, Seneschals, Provosts, and all other Officers, to whom it may concern, shall cause to Register the Letters-Patent, that shall be issued out for all that is abovesaid, and the Con∣tents thereof to follow, keep, and observe in every particular, accord∣ing to their Form and Tenor. And the Governours and Lietenants-Ge∣neral of all the Provinces of this Kingdom shall be injoyn'd, in the mean time, forthwith to publish, every one within his District, the said Letters-Patent, to the end that no body may pretend to plead ignorance, and the Contents of the same also inviolably to keep and observe, under the Penal∣ties specifi'd by the said last Edict of Pacification, and others here above declar'd.

Done at Nerac on the last day of Fe∣bruary, 1579.

Thus Sign'd

Katherine. Henry.

Bouchart, Deputy from the Prince of Conde, Biron, Joyeuse, Jansac, Py∣brac, de la Mothe Fenelon, Clair∣mont, Duranti, Turrenne, Guitry, Du Faur, Chancellor to the King of Navar; Scorbiac, deputed by the Generality of Bourdeaux; Yolet, and de Vaux, Deputies for Ro∣vergue.

The King having seen, and maturely consider'd word by word, the intire Con∣tents of these present Articles, agree on in the Conference which the Queen his Mo∣ther has held at Nerac▪ with the King of

Navar, and the Deputies of those of the pretended Reform'd Religion, who were assembled there, to facilitate the Executi∣on of the last Edict of Pacification: The said Articles agreed on, and sign'd on both sides at the said place of Nerac, on the last day of the Month of February last past: His Majesty has approv'd, confirm'd and ratify'd the same; wills and requires that they shall be put in execution according to their Form and Tenor, and to that end that the Letters-Patent, and all necessary Dispatches of the same shall be forthwith made and sent.

Done at Paris on the 14th Day of March, 1519.

Sign'd, Henry.

And lower,

De Neufville.

The King's Edict about the Pacification of the Troubles, containing a Confirmation, Amplification, and Declaration, as well of the pre∣cedent Edicts made upon the same Subjecct, even in the Year 1577. as of the Articles agreed on at the Conference held at Nerac, pub∣lish'd at Paris in Parliament, on the 26th of January, 1577.

HEnry by the Grace of God King of France and Poland, to all those present, and hereafter to come, Greeting.

Notwithstanding that since the Agreement and publication of our E∣dict of pacification, made in the year 1577. we have us'd our utmost en∣deavours for the putting of the same in execution, and to oblige our Sub∣jects to follow and observe it, even so far as to put the Queen our most honour'd Lady and Mother, to the trouble of repairing to the principal Provinces of our Kingdom, to reme∣dy and provide against, according to her usual prudence, the Difficulties and Obstacles which depriv'd our said Subjects of the benefit of our said Edict, whereupon follow'd the Ar∣ticles of the Conferance at Nerac, be∣tween the said Lady accompany'd with some of the principal Princes of our Blood, and Lords of our Privy-Council; and our most Dear and most Beloved Brother the King of Navar, assisted by the Deputies of our Subjects, who profess the pretended Reform'd Religion. Yet not having been able, to our great regret, to avoid the Troubles, being renew'd in our Kingdom, we have endeavour'd and us'd all the most proper and most agreeable means we have been able to devise, to extinguish them, and to deliver our said Subjects from the e∣vils of War; having to that end by our Letters Patent impow'd our most Dear and most Beloved only Brother, the Duke of Anjou, to cause our said Edict of pacification to be entirely executed, together with the Articles of the said Conference of Nerac: Who being since, according to our Intention, gone into our Country and Dutchy of Guyenne, and there

having, upon the said Subject, con∣ferr'd at large with our said Brother the King of Navar, and the Deputies of our said Subjects of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion there con∣ven'd and assembled▪ The Articles annex'd to these Presents under the Counter Seal of our Chancery, were there propos'd: Which said Articles being sent to us by our said Brother, we having examin'd and consider'd the same, out of a singular desire to banish out of our Kingdom, the Im∣pieties, Extortions, and other Acci∣dents occasion'd by the said Troubles; to re-establish the Honour and Ser∣vice of God, make way for Justice, and to relieve our poor people: Have out of our own Inclination, full Power and Authority Royal, ap∣prov'd and ratify'd the said Articles: The same do approve and ratifie by these Presents sign'd by our own Hand: And it is our will and plea∣sure that the same shall be follow'd, kept, executed, and inviolably ob∣serv'd, according to their Form and Tenor in the same manner as our said Edict of pacification.

Therefore we command and re∣quire our Trusty and well-beloved the Persons holding our Courts of Parliament, Chambers of our Ac∣counts, Courts of our Aids, Bailiffs, Seneschals, Provosts, and other our Justices and Officers to whom it may concern, or their Lieutenants, to cause the said Articles hereunto, as aforesaid, annex'd, to be read, pub∣lish'd, register'd, kept, executed, and inviolably observ'd in the same manner as our said Edict of Pacifica∣tion, and the Articles granted in the said Conference of Nerac, making all those that are concern'd, fully and peaceably enjoy and receive the bene∣fit of what is contain'd therein, put∣ting a stop to all Troubles and Impe∣diments to the contrary. For such is our pleasure; and to the end that it may be firm and lasting for ever, we have caus'd our Seal to be affix'd to these Presents.

Given at Blois in the Month of Decem∣ber, in the Year of our Lord, 1580. and of our Reign the 7th.

Sign'd. Henry.

And upon the Fold, by the King,

Pinart.

And seal'd upon Knots of Red and Green Silk, with the Great Seal, and Green Wax. And it is also written upon the Fold of the said Letters,

Visa.

Articles propounded, and set forth in the Assembly and Conference held at Flex, near the City of Sainte-Foy, between the Duke of Anjou the King's only Brother, by vertue of the power given unto him by his Majesty, and the King of Navar, assisted by the Deputies of those of the pretended Reform'd Religion, he answering for all the King's Subjects of the said Religion, to be presented to his Majesty, to be by him, if such be his pleasure, granted and approv'd. And in so doing to put an end to the Troubles and Disorders happen'd in this Kindom since the last Edict of Pacification made in the Month of September, 1577. and the Conference held at Nerac on the last day of February, 1579. and to restore the King's Subjects in Peace and Ʋnion under his Obedience, and so to provide by a good and speedy execution, that henceforward nothing may happen among them to the prejudice of the said Pacification.

Article I. THAT the said last Edict of Pacification, and se∣cret and particular Articles granted with the same; together with the Articles of the aforesaid Conference held at Nerac, shall be really, and in effect, observ'd and put in execution▪ in all and every particular; which shall hold and stand good, not only for the things happen'd during the preceding Troubles, but also for such as shall or have happen'd from the time of the said Conference, until now; and that all the King's Subjects of both Religions, shall enjoy the benefit of the Declarations, Grants, Discharges, and General Par∣dons contain'd in the said Articles, Edicts and Conferences, for what has been done and committed, taken and rais'd on either side, during the present Troubles, and upon the ac∣count thereof, as they should have done for what had happen'd du∣ring the precedent Troubles, ex∣cepting what is expresly derogated by the present Articles.

II. The Articles of the said Edict concerning the re▪establishment of the Catholick Apostolick and Roman Re∣ligion, for the celebration of Divine Service, in such places where it has been discontinu'd, together with the enjoyment and gathering of the Tythes, Fruits, and Ecclesiastical Re∣venues, shall be entirely executed, follow'd and observ'd, and those who shall transgress the same, shall be rigorously punish'd.

III. In putting the 1st, 2d, and 11th Articles of the Edict in execution, the King's Attorneys General shall be enjoin'd, as well as their Substitutes in Bayliwicks, Seneschalships, and other Royal Jurisdictions, to inform against, and make prosecution in the King's Name against all such who

shall move Seditions, &c. and in pub∣lick shall utter Scandalous Expressi∣ons or any wise transgress the said Edicts, Articles and Conferences, in order to have them punish'd accor∣ding to the Penalties inflicted by the same: The which being omitted, the said Attorneys and Substitutes shall be responsible for the said In∣fractions, in their own particular Names, and depriv'd of their Places, without ever being restor'd or re-e∣stablish'd to the same. And the Bi∣shops and other Ecclesiasticks, shall be requir'd to keep and to oblige the Preachers instituted by them, to keep and observe the Contents of the said Articles; and his Majesty commands the same most expresly to all others who speak in publick, on the Penal∣ties contain'd in the Edict.

IV. In consequence of the 4th, 9th, and 13th Articles of the said Edict, all those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion of what condition or quality soeverare allow'd to be and safely to inhabit in all the Cities and pars of this Kingdom, without be∣ing disturb'd or prosecuted upon the ac∣count of the said Religion, under any pretence whatever, they behaving themselves according as it is order'd by the aforesaid Articles of the said Edict. They shall not be oblig'd to hang and adorn the Front of their Houses on the Festival Days on which it is order'd; but only shall suffer them to be hung and adorn'd by the Autho∣rity of the Officers who belong to those places. Neither shall they be oblig'd to contribute towards the Charges for the Reparations of Churches, or to admit Exhortati∣ons when sick, or at the point of Death, either by Condemnation of Justice, or otherwise, from any but those of the said Religion.

V. The 1st Article of the Confe∣rence shall hold and remain in force, altho the King's Atorny-General be a Party against the High-Justicers, who were in actual possession of the said Justice, at the time of the publicati∣on of the said Edict.

VI. In executing the 8 Article of the said Edict, those of the said Re∣ligion shall nominate unto the King four or five places in every Bayliwick or Seneschalship of the Quality men∣tion'd by the Edict, to the end that being inform'd of the convenience or inconvenience thereof, his Majesty may chuse one of them there to esta∣blish the Exercise of their said Reli∣gion, or they not proving conveni∣ent, to provide another for them within a month after the said Nomi∣nation, which shall be as convenient for them as can be, and according to the Tenor of the Edict.

VII. And as to the Burying places of those of the said Religion, the Of∣ficers belonging to those parts, shall be oblig'd within a Fortnight after their being requir'd so to do, to pro∣vide them convenient places for the said Interments, without delays, on the penalty of Five Hundred Crowns, in their proper and private Names.

VIII. Letters Patent shall be pass'd, directed to the Courts of Parliament for the registring and observing of the secret and particular Articles made with the said Edict. And as for Marriages, and the Differences that shall arise upon the same, the Judges Ecclesiastical and Royal, to∣gether with the aforesaid Chambers, shall take cognizance of the same re∣spectively,

according to the said Ar∣ticles.

IX. The Taxes and Impositions that shall be laid upon those of the said Religion, according as it is ex∣press'd in the 3d Article of the said Conference, shall be executed, all Oppositions or Appeals whatever, notwithstanding.

X. Those of the said Religion shall be allow'd the Exercise thereof, in the Cities and places in which it was perform'd on the 17th of Sep∣tember, 1577. according to the 7th Ar∣ticle of the said Edict.

XI. The King shall send a Cham∣ber of Justice in the County and Dutchy of Guyenne, consisting of two Presidents, 14 Councellors, a King's Attorney and Advocate, persons of worth, lovers of peace, of Integrity and proper Abilities, which shall be chosen by his Majesty, and taken out of the Parliaments of this King∣dom and Great Council, the List of which shall be communicated to the King of Navar, to the end that any of them being suspected Persons, it may be lawful to acquaint his Maje∣sty therewith, who shall elect others in their room. The said Presidents and Counsellors thus ordain'd, shall take cognizance of, and judge all Causes, Processes, Differences and Transgressions of the Edict of Pacifi∣cation, the Cognizance and Jurisdi∣ction of which, has been by the said Edict referr'd to the Chamber com∣pos'd by the same: They shall serve two whole Years in the said Coun∣try, and shall remove their place and Sessions through the Seneschalships of the same every six Months, in order to purge the Provinces, and to admi∣nister Justice to every one upon the spot. Nevertheless it has been a∣greed, that by the establishment of the said Chamber, those of the said pretended reform'd Religion shall not be depriv'd of the priviledge and be∣nefit which is granted them by the said Edict, by the establishment of the Tripartite Chamber, ordain'd by the same. The Presidents and Coun∣cellors of which being of the said Re∣ligion, shall remain united and incor∣porate in the Court of the Parlia∣ment of Bourdeaux, according to their erection, there to serve, to hold a Rank, and sit from the very day they have been receiv'd there, and shall enjoy all the Honours, Authori∣ties, Preheminences, Rights, Profits and Prerogatives, as the other Presi∣dents and Counsellors of the said Court. And as for the Provinces of Languedoc and Dauphine, the Cham∣bers that have been appointed for them by the Edict, shall be establish'd and constituted there according, as it is specifi'd in the same, and by the Articles of the said Conference of Nerac. And the next sitting of that of Languedoc shall be in the City of———And that of Dauphine shall be establish'd, accor∣ding to what has been heretofore or∣dain'd.

XII. The said Presidents, Counsel∣lors and Officers of the said Chamber shall be oblig'd to repair forthwith to the places appointed for their Ses∣sions, there to exercise their Office, on pain of losing their said Offices, and to serve actually, and reside in the said Chambers, without departing or absenting from thence without leave, registred

from the said Chambers, which shall be judge in the Assembly, upon the Causes of the Ordinance. And the said Catholick Presidents, Counsel∣lors and Officers shall be continu'd there as long as can be, and as the King shall judge it necessary for his Service, and for the Publick Good: And in licensing the one, others shall be put in their places before their de∣parture.

XIII. All Sovereign and other Courts of this Kingdom are forbid∣den to take cognizance, and judge Processes, either civil or criminal, in which those of the said Religion are concern'd, until the Day on which the said Chambers shall sit, or after∣wards, on pain of nullity, Charges, Damages, and interest of the Parties, unless they shall proceed voluntarily in the said Courts, according to the 26 Article of the said Edict, and the 6th and 7th of the said Confe∣rence.

XIV. The King shall provide va∣luable assignations to furnish towards the charges of Justice of the said Chambers, and shall reimburse him∣self upon the Estates of the Con∣demn'd.

XV. The King shall as soon as possible can be, make a Regulation between the said Courts of Parlia∣ment, and the said Chambers, accor∣ding to the Edict, and the 5th Arti∣cle of the said Conference, and con∣sult some Presidents and Counsellors of the said Parliaments and Cham∣bers about it. Which said Regulati∣on shall be kept and observ'd, with∣out regard to those that have prece∣ded it.

XVI. Neither shall the said Courts of Parliament, or other Sovereign and Inferior Courts, take cognizance of what shall be depending and intro∣duc'd into the said Chambers, which they ought to determine according to the Edict, on pain of nullity of the Proceedings.

XVII. In such Chambers where there shall be Judges of both Religi∣ons, the proportion of Judges and Judgments shall be observ'd accor∣ding to their establishment, unless the Parties consent to the contrary.

XVIII. The Recusations or Re∣fusals propos'd against the Presidents and Counsellors of the said Chambers of Guyenne, and Languedoc, and Dauphi∣ne, shall be allow'd to the number of six, to which number the Parties shall be restrain'd, otherwise they shall go forward without any regard to the said Refusals.

XIX. The Presidents and Counsel∣lors of the said Chambers shall hold no private Councils out of their As∣sembly; in which also the Propositi∣ons, Deliberations and Resolutions relating to the Publick Good shall be made, as well as those relating to the particular State and Policy of the said Cities where the said Cham∣bers shall be.

XX. All the Judges to whom the Execution of Decrees and other Commissions of the said Chambers shall be directed, together with all Messengers and Serjeants, shall be oblig'd to put them in execution. And the said Messengers and Serje∣ants shall serve all Warrants through∣out the Kingdom, without requiring Placet, Visa, nor Pareatis, on pain of being suspended, and of paying the

lost Damages and Interests of the Parties, of which the Cognisance shall appertain to the said Cham∣bers.

21. No Evocation or removal of Causes, the tryal of which is refer'd to the said Chambers, shall be allow'd, unless in the case of the Ordinances, the return whereof shall be made to the nearest Chamber establish'd ac∣cording to the Edict. And upon the Revocation of the Removal, and the annihilation of the Proceedings made upon the same, Justice shall be done by the King, at the request of the Parties: and the issues of Suits of the said Chambers shall be try'd in the next Chamber, observing the proportion and form of the said Chambers whence the Processes pro∣ceed.

XXII. The Subaltern Officers of the Provinces of Guyenne, Languedoc and Dauphine, the reception of which belongs to the Courts of Parliament, if they be of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion, may be examin'd and receiv'd in the Chamber of the Edict, and none but the King's At∣torneys General, and those plac'd in the said Offices, shall be allow'd to oppose and make themselves Parties against their reception: And upon the refusal of the said Parliaments, the Officers shall take the said Oaths in the said Chambers.

XXIII. Such of the said Religion as have resign'd their Places and Of∣fices out of fear of the Troubles, since the 24th of August, 1572. to whom by reason thereof, some Promises have been made: The said Promises being verified by them, Provision shall be made for them by Law accor∣ding to reason.

XXIV. The 46th Article of the said Edict shall be intirely executed, and shall be of force for the discharge of Arrears and Contributions, and all other Sums impos'd during the Troubles.

XXV. All Deliberations made in the Courts of Parliament, Letters, Remonstrances, and other things contrary to the said Edict of Pacifi∣cation and Conference, shall be raz'd out of the Registers.

XXVI. The Processes of Vaga∣bonds shall be tried by Presidial Judges, Provost, Marshal, and Vice-Seneschals, according to the 25d Article of the said Edict, and the 8th of the said Conference. And as for the Housholders in the Pro∣vinces of Guienne, Languedoc and Dau∣phine, the Substitutes of the King's Attorneys General in the said Cham∣bers shall at the request of the said Housholders, cause the Inditements and Informrtions made against them, to be brought into the same, to know and determine whether the Cases are liable to Provost Courts, or not, that afterwards according to the na∣ture of the Crimes, they may be re∣turn'd by the said Chambers, to be try'd by the ordinary Judges, or by the Provostal Judges, as they shall find it reasonable. And the said Pre∣sidial Judges, Provosts Marshal, and Vice-Seneschals shall be oblig'd to respect▪ obey and fulfil the Com∣mands they shall receive from the said Chambers, as they use to do those of the said Parliaments, on pain of forfeiture of their Places.

XXVII. The Ruins and dismant∣lings of all Cities that have been de∣molish'd during the Troubles, may

be by the King's leave rebuilt ••nd re∣pair'd by the Inhabitants, at their own charge and expence, according to the Fiftieth Article of the E∣dict.

XXVIII. The like Discharges and Pardons shall be granted in respect to the things done and happen'd on both sides since the said Conference until now, as are contain'd in the said Edict, in the 55th Article, all Proceedings, Sentences and Decrees, and whatever has follow'd thereupon notwithstanding, which shall be de∣clar'd null, and os no effect, as things never happen'd, derogating in respect to that to what is contain'd in the 25th Article of the said Conference; the which notwithstanding shall re∣main in full force and vertue for the future. In which Pardons shall be included the taking of Bazaz and Lan∣gon: The first taken during the War in the Year 1576, and the other after the said Conference of Nerac, and what has insued thereupon, all Judg∣ments and Decrees to the contrary notwithstanding.

XXIX. After the publications of the said Edict, in that part where the said Duke of Anjou shall be, all Forces and Armies on both sides shall separate and retire; and after their being retir'd, that is, after the French Forces are disbanded and dismissed, and the Foreigners gone out of the Government of Gui∣enne in order to march out of the Kingdom: ¶ After the Cities hereaf∣ter mention'd shall be deliver'd into the hands of the said Duke of Anjou, the said King of Navar, and those of the said Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, shall be oblig'd to deliver into the hands of the said Duke of Anjou the Cities of Mande, Cahors, Monsegus, S. Million, and Mont aigu: Which Mont-aigu shall be dismantled as soon as it is de∣livered to the said Duke of Anjou.

XXX. Immediately after the deli∣very of the said Cities, the said Duke of Anjou shall cause to be deliver'd unto the said King of Navar, the Houses, Cities and Castles belonging unto him, which he shall leave in the condition ordain'd by the Edict, and the Articles of the said Confe∣rence.

XXXI. And the King shall at the same time order the City and Castle de la Reolle to be deliver'd into the hands of the said Duke of Anjou, who shall be responsible to his said Maje∣sty for the same, and shall give it in keeping to the Vice-com••e of Turenne who shall enter into such Obliga∣tions, and make such promises as the said Duke of Anjou shall require to return, and re-deliver it into his hands in order to his restoring it to his Majesty, in case within two months after the said publication, the Cities yielded in the said Conference, seated in Guyenne, should not be deli∣ver'd by those of the said Religion, in the condition mention'd by the Articles of the said Conference: In respect to which Cities at present, still in possession of those of the said Religion, and left to them by the said Conference, the said King of Navar, and those of the said Religion, shall promise the said Duke of Anjou, who will ingage his word to the King for it, to march the Garisons out of them, and to restore them in the condition they ought to be by the said Edict and Conference, viz. Those of the

Country of Guienne within the said Two Months after the publication of the said present Articles made in those parts where the said Duke of Anjou shall be, and those of Langue∣doc, within three Months after the said publication made by the Gover∣nor, or Lieutenant-General of the Province, without any Delays, Put∣offs, or Difficulties, upon any account or pretence whatever. And as to the Liberty and Guard of the said Cities, they shall observe what is en∣join'd them by the said Article of the said Conference. And they shall do the same for those that have been given them in keeping for their sure∣ty by the said Edict, and they shall nominate unto his Majesty persons whose Manners, Qualifications, and Conditions are answerable to what is requir'd by the Edict, to command in the same, and they shall be oblig'd and bound to leave and to restore them in the condition mention'd by the said Edict, immediately after the expiration of the remainder of the term of time that was granted them by the same, according to the form, and under the Penalties therein con∣tain'd.

XXXII. All other Cities, Places, Castles and Houses belonging to the King, and to Ecclesiasticks, Lords, and Gentlemen, and other his Maje∣sty's Subjects of both Religions; to∣gether with their Titles, Papers, Instructions, and other things what∣ever, shall be restor'd in the conditi∣on ordain'd by the Edict and Articles of the Conference, into the hands of the owners thereof, immediately af∣ter the said publication of the said present Articles, to leave them the free enjoyment and possession thereof, as they had it before their being dis∣possess'd, on the penalties contain'd in the said Edict and Articles, not∣withstanding the right of propriety were disputed. And shall clear the said Cities, Places and Castles of all Garisons, to which end the Articles of the Edict and Conference concerning the Governments and Garisons of the Forts and Castles of the Provinces, Cities and Castles shall be executed according to their Form and Te∣nor.

XXXIII. For the effecting of which, the said Duke of Anjou has promis'd to remain into the said Country of Guyenne, during the said time of two months, to execute and cause the said Edict and Articles to be put in execution, according to the power given unto him by his said Majesty, the which shall be publish'd to that end, and a Council of capable and fit persons establish'd about his person.

XXXIV. The 48th Article of the said Edict concerning the liberty of Commerce, and the abolishing of all New Tolls and Subsidies impos'd by any Authority but the King's, shall be ob∣serv'd and effected: And in conside∣ration of the Abuses and Infractions made to the Edict since the publicati∣on thereof, in relation to the Salt of Pecquaiz, Prohibitions shall be made to all persons, of what quality or condition soever, directly to hinder the Draggage of Salt of Pecquaiz, to impose, exact, or raise any Subsidies, either upon Marches, upon the River Rone, or elsewhere, in any place or kind soever, without express leave from his Majesty, on pain of Death.

XXXV. All pieces of Ordnance belonging to his Majesty, that have been taken during the present and precedent Troubles, shall be restor'd immediately, according to the 43d of the secret Articles.

XXXVI. The 30th Article of the said Edict, concerning Prisoners and Ransoms, shall be follow'd and ob∣serv'd in relation to those who have been made Prisoners since the renew∣ing of the War, and have not been yet deliver'd.

XXXVII. The King of Navar and Prince of Conde shall effectually enjoy their Governments, according to what is specifi'd by the said Edict, and secret Articles.

XXXVIII. The raising of 600000 Livers, which was granted and al∣low'd by the said Articles, shall be continu'd, according to the Com∣missions that have been issu'd out since by vertue thereof, to which his Maje∣sty shall be intreated to add the Sums of 45000 Livers, furnish'd and ad∣vanc'd by the Sieur de la Noue.

XXXIX. The 22d, 23d, and 24th of the Secret Articles agreed on at Bergerac, concerning the Oaths and Promises to be made by the King, the Queen his Mother, the Duke of An∣jou his Brother, the King of Navar, and the Prince of Conde, shall be reite∣rated and accomplish'd.

XL. The Princes of the Blood, Of∣ficers of the Crown, Governors and Lieutenants General, Bayliffs, Senes∣chals of the Provinces, and principal Magistrates of this Kingdom, shall swear and promise to cause the said Edicts, and present Articles, to be kept and observ'd, to employ them∣selves, and use their endeavours, eve∣ry one in their Station, for the pu∣nishing of the Infractors.

XLI. The Courts of Parliament in bodies shall take the same Oath, which shall be reiterated at every new entry, which shall be made once a year on the Festival of St. Martin, at which they shall cause the said Edict to be read and republish'd.

XLII. The Seneschals and Officers of the Seneschalships and presidial Tribunals, shall also take the same Oath in a body, and shall reiterate it, and cause the said Edict to be read and publish'd again on every First Day of Jurisdiction after Epiphany or Twelfth Day.

XLIII. The Provosts, Majors, Ju∣rors, Consuls, Capitouls and She∣riffs of Cities, shall take the like Oath in a publick place, to which they shall summon the principal Inhabi∣tants of both Religions, and shall rei∣terate the same at every new Election of the said Offices.

XLIV. All the above mention'd, and all other Subjects whatever of this Kingdom, of what Quality soe∣ver, shall depart from, and renounce all Leagues, Associations, Fraterni∣ties and Intelligences, both within and without the Kingdom: And shall swear to make none hereafter, or ad∣here to any▪ nor otherwise to trans∣gress, directly, or indirectly, the said Edict, Articles and Conferences, on the Penalties therein mention'd.

XLV. All Officers Royal, and o∣thers, Majors, Jurats, Capitouls, Consuls and Sheriffs, shall answer in their own and private Names, for all the Infractions that shall be made of the said Edict, for want of punishing of the Infractors, both in a Civil and

Corporal manner, according to the nature of the Offence.

XLVI. And for the remainder of what is contain'd and ordain'd by the said Edicts, Conferences, and Articles, it shall be executed and ob∣serv'd in every particular, according to its Form and Tenor.

Done at Flex, near Sancte Foy, the 26th Day of November, 1580.

Thus sign'd by the Duke of Anjou the King's Brother, with his own hand,

Francis.

And by the King of Navar's own hand,

Henry.

XLVII. Since the signing of the Articles at Flex, on the 26th of the last Month, it has been agreed be∣tween the said Duke of Anjou, and the King of Navar, and those of the pretended Reform'd Religion, that in∣stead of the City and Castle of La Reolle, mention'd in the 31st of the said Articles, the Cities of Figeac, in Quercy, and Monsegur in Bazadois, shall be left to the King of Navar, and those of the said Religion, for the surety of their Persons; and shall keep them during the time that is remain∣ing of six years granted by the Edict of Peace, on the same account as the other Cities have been left to them. And for the surety of the said Cities, the King shall maintain for the said King of Navar, two Companies of Foot, each consisting of fifty men, over and above the number of the o∣ther Garisons, granted by the Secret Articles. And good and valuable as∣signations shall be given for the main∣tenance of the said Garisons, and the said City and Castles of La Reolle re∣stor'd in the same condition as the o∣ther Cities not given in guard. The whole according to the King's plea∣sure.

Dene at Coutras on the 16th Day of December, 1580.

Thus sign'd with the own hand of the Duke of Anjou, Brother to the King.

Francis.

And the said own hand of the King of Navar.

Henry.

The King having seen, and ma∣turely consider'd word by word the intire Contents in these present Arti∣cles, propos'd in the Conference held between the Duke of Anjou his only Brother, at Flex and Coutrax, the King of Navar, and the Deputies of those of the said pretended Reform'd Reli∣gion, who were assembled there to facilitate the execution of the last E∣dict of Pacification, the said Articles agreed on and sign'd on both sides in the said places of Flex and Courtras, his Majesty has approv'd, confirm'd, and ratifi'd them, wills and requires them to be observ'd and executed ac∣cording to their Form and Tenor, and that the Patents and Dispatches that are necessary be immediately made and sent.

Done at Blois the 25th Day of Decem∣ber, 1580.

Thus Sign'd,

Henry.

And underneath,

Pinart.

Read, Publish'd, and Registred, Heard by, and thereunto Consenting, the King's Attorny-General in consequence of the other Letters concerning the Case of the Pacification of the Troubles of this King∣dom, heretofore Publish'd and Registred at Paris in Parliament, the 26th day of January, in the year 1581.

Thus Sign'd,

Du Tillet.

The King's Edict about the Pacification of the Troubles of this Kingdom. Given at Nantes, in the Month of April, 1598. and Published in Parliament the 15th of February, 1599. To∣gether with the Particular Articles interven'd upon the same, also verifi'd in Parliament.

HENRY by the Grace of God, King of France and Navar, to all those present, and others to come, Greeting. Among those in∣finite Graces, it has pleas'd Almigh∣ty God to impart unto us, the great∣est and most remarkable is, To have given us the Constancy, Virtue, and Force, not to sink under the hor∣rible Troubles, Confusions, and Dis∣orders, which were on foot at our coming to the Crown of this King∣dom, which was divided into so many Parts and Factions, that that which was the most lawful, was almost the least; and yet, neverthe∣less, to have born up so stifly against that Storm, as in the end to have overcome it, and to be now entred into the Haven of Safety and Repose of this State. The absolute Glory whereof be ascribed to him▪ alone, and to us the Favour and Obligati∣on, in that he was pleas'd to make use of our Labour for the perfor∣mance of so good a Work, in which it has been visible to the whole World, that we have over and a∣bove the discharge of our Duty and Power, done something further, which perhaps at another time would not have been so agreeable to our Dignity, which we have not been scrupulous to expose to that end, since we have so often and so freely expos'd our own Life for the same. And in this great Concurrency of such Weighty, and such Perilous Af∣fairs, which could not be compos'd at one and the same time, We have been oblig'd to follow this order, first, to undertake such as could not be determin'd otherwise than by Force, and to defer and suspend for a time such as were, and could be treated by Reason and Justice. Such as the General Differences among our good Subjects, and the Particu∣lar Grievances of the soundest part of the State, which in our Opinion will be more easily cur'd after ha∣ving remov'd the principal Cause thereof, which was the Continua∣tion of the Civil War. Which ha∣ving, by the Grace of God, succes∣fully ended, and Arms, and Hosti∣lities being quite laid aside through∣out our Kingdom; We hope for as

favourable a Success in the other Affairs that still remain uncompos'd, and that thereby we shall obtain the Establishment of a good Peace, and quiet Repose, which has ever been the aim of all our Wishes and Inten∣tions, and the only Prize we look for, after so many Toils and Hardships wherein we have pass'd the course of our Life. Among those Affairs we were oblig'd to delay, one of the chief has been the Complaints we have receiv'd from several of our Catholick Provinces and Cities, in that the Exercise of the Catholick Religion was not universally re-esta∣blish'd there, according to the Edicts heretofore made for the Pacification of the Troubles upon the account of Religion. As also the Supplications and Remonstraces that have been made to us by our Subjects of the Pretended Reform'd Religion, both upon the unperformance of what is granted them by the said Edicts, and their desire of having some Additi∣ons made thereunto for the Exercise of their said Religion, the Liberty of their Consciences, and the Surety of their Persons and Fortunes; pre∣tending just Causes of new and grea∣ter Apprehensions, by reason of the last Troubles and Commotions, the chief Pretence and Foundation of which was their Ruin. All which, not to overcharge our selves with too much business at one instant; as also because the Terror of Arms does not suit with establishing of Laws, tho never so good, we have still defer'd from time to time to make provision for, and take care of. But now, since it has pleas'd God to give a beginning to our injoying of some Repose and Tranquility, We esteem that we cannot imploy it better, than in applying our selves to what may concern the Glory of his Holy Name and Service, and in procuring his being ador'd and pray'd unto by all our Subjects: And that since it is not his pleasure as yet, to grant that it may be done in one and the same Form of Religion, it may be done at least with one and the same In∣tention, and with such Rules, that it may occasion no Troubles or Tumults among them: And that both we, and all this Kingdom, may always deserve the Glorious Title of Most Christian, which has been so long, and so deservedly ac∣quir'd: And by the same means to remove the Cause of the Grievances and Troubles which might arise hereafter upon the point of Religi∣on, which has always been the most prevailing and most dangerous of all others; Therefore observing, that this Affair is of very great Importance, and worthy of weighty Considera∣tion, after a resolving of all the Pe∣titions and Complaints of our Ca∣tholick Subjects; and having also permitted our said Subjects of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, to As∣semble by Deputies to draw theirs, and to put all their Remonstrances together, and having conferr'd seve∣ral times with them upon this Sub∣ject, and review'd the precedent Edicts; We have thought fit at this time, upon the whole, to give our said Subjects a Universal, Clear, In∣telligible, and Absolute Law, by which they shall be limited and go∣vern'd in all differences that have heretofore happen'd▪ among them

upon that Subject, or that may hereafter happen, whereby both Parties may remain satisfi'd, accord∣ing as the nature of the time can al∣low it. We being entred into this Deliberation for no other end, but the Zeal we have for the Service of God, in order that henceforward it may be perform'd by all our said Subjects, and to establish a firm and perpetual Peace among them. Wherein we implore, and expect from his Divine Goodness the same Protection and Favour, which he has ever visibly conferr'd upon this Kingdom, from the first Erection thereof, and during the many Ages it has continued; and that he would bestow the Grace upon our said Sub∣jects, truly to apprehend, that in the Observation of this our Ordi∣nance (next to their Duty towards God, and towards all Men) consists the main foundation of their Uni∣on, Concord, Tranquility, and Quiet, and the Restauration of this State to its Pristine Splendor, Wealth, and Power. As we on our part do promise to have it exactly per∣form'd without permitting it to be any wise transgress'd. For these rea∣sons having by the Advice of the Princes of our Blood, other Princes and Officers of our Crown, and other Great and Notable Persons of our Council of State about us, ma∣turely and diligently weigh'd and consider'd the whole business; We have by this Edict perpetual and ir∣revocable, denounc'd, declar'd, and ordain'd, and do denounce, declare, and ordain,

I. First, That the Remembrance of all things pass'd on both sides, from the beginning of March 1585. until our coming to the Crown, and during the other precedent Troubles, or upon the account thereof, shall remain extinguish'd and ras'd out, as matters that never had happen'd. And it shall not be lawful for our Attorneys-General, or other Persons whatever, publick or private, at any time, or upon any occasion soever, to make mention of, or to Commence any Process or Suit thereupon in a∣ny Courts or Jurisdictions whatso∣ever.

II. We forbid all our Subjects of what Estate or Quality soever theybe, To renew the Remembrance thereof; To assail, urge, injure, or provoke one another by way of Reproach of what is past, upon any cause or pre∣tence whatever; To Dispute, Con∣test, Quarrel, or Outrage, or Of∣fend each other about it by Word or Deed; but to contain themselves, and live peaceably together as Bre∣thren, Friends, and Fellow-Citi∣zens; on pain for the Delinquents, of being punish'd as Infractors of the Peace, and Disturbers of the publick Quiet.

III. We ordain, That the Catho∣lick Apostolick Roman Religion shall be re-establish'd and restor'd in all Places and Parts of this our King∣dom and Countries under our Obe∣dience, where the Exercise thereof has been interrupted, there to be peaceably and freely put in practice without any hinderance or distur∣bance. Forbidding most expresly all Persons of what Estate, Quality, or Condition soever, on the Penal∣ties abovemention'd, To trouble,

molest, or disturb the Ecclesiasticks in the Celebration of Divine Service, the injoying and taking of Tythes, the Fruits and Revenues of their Be∣nefices, with all other Rights and Immunities appertaining unto them; and that all those, who during the Troubles, have seiz'd the Churches, Houses, Goods, and Revenues be∣longing to the said Ecclesiasticks, de∣tain and possess them, shall surren∣der unto them the intire Possession, and peaceable Injoyment thereof, with such Titles, Liberties, and Se∣curity, as they injoy'd before their being dispossess'd of the same. Also expresly forbidding those of the said Pretended Reform'd Religion, to Preach or perform any other Ex∣ercise of the said Religion in the Churches▪ Houses, and Habitations of the said Ecclesiasticks.

IV. It shall remain at the choice of the said Ecclesiasticks to buy the Houses and Buildings erected in pro∣phane Places, whereof they were dispossess'd during the Troubles, or else to constrain the Possessors of the said Buildings to buy the Ground, the whole according to the Estima∣tion that shall be made thereof by experienc'd Men, agreed upon by the Parties; and in case they should not agree, the Judges of the Place shall appoint some, reserving ever to the said Possessors their recourse against whomsoever it shall belong. And where the said Ecclesiasticks shall constrain the Possessors to pur∣chase the Ground, the Money it shall be valued at, shall not be put into their hands, but shall remain in the hands of the said Possessors, to be improv'd at the rate of 5 per Cent. until it be employ'd for the benefit of the Church, which shall be done within the space of a year. And the said Term being pass'd, in case the Purchaser will no longer continue the said Rent, he shall be discharg'd thereof, consigning the said Money into the hands of salva∣ble Persons, by Authority and Or∣der of Justice. And as for Sacred Places, Information thereof shall be given by the Commissaries, who shall be ordain'd for the Execution of the present Edict, in order to our taking a course for the same.

V. Nevertheless, no Grounds and Places imploy'd for the Reparations and Fortifications of Cities, and o∣ther Places within our Kingdom, or the materials therein us'd, shall be claim'd, or recover'd by the said Ec∣clesiasticks, or other Persons, pub∣lick or private, until the said Repa∣rations and Fortifications are demo∣lish'd by our Ordinances.

VI. And to remove all occasions of Contention and Trouble from a∣mong our Subjects, we have and do permit those of the said Pretend∣ed Reform'd Religion, to live and re∣side in all the Cities and Places with∣in this our Kingdom and Countries under our Obedience, without be∣ing examin'd, molested, troubled, or constrain'd to do any thing in mat∣ter of Religion against their Consci∣ence; or examin'd in their Houses, or Places where they shall Inhabit; in all other things behaving them∣selves according to what is specifi'd in our present Edict.

VII. We have also permitted all Lords, Gentlemen, and other Per∣sons, as well Inhabitants as others,

who make Profession of the Pretend∣ed Reform'd Religion, enjoying within our Kingdom and Countries under our Obedience, High Jurisdi∣ction, or full Fief d'Haubert, (as* 1.6 in Normandy) either in Proper, in the Ʋse-fruit thereof, in the whole, or Moiety, or for a third Part, To have in such their Houses of the said High Jurisdiction, or Fiefs a∣bovesaid, which they shall be oblig'd to nominate before to our Bailiffs and Seneschals, every one within his Limits, for their principal Abode, the Exercise of the said Religion, while they reside there; and in their Absence their Wives or Families, or part thereof. And tho the Right of Jurisdiction, or full Fief d'Hau∣bert be in Controversy; nevertheless the Exercise of the said Religion shall be allow'd there, provided the abovesaid be in actual Possession of the said High Jurisdiction, altho our Attorney-General be a Party. We also allow them to perform the said Exercise in their other Houses of High Jurisdiction, or abovesaid Fief d'Haubert, while they are there pre∣sent, and no otherwise; both for themselves, their Families, Subjects, and others, who shall desire to repair thither.

VIII. In Houses of Fiefs, where those of the said Religion shall not have the said High Jurisdiction or Fief d'Haubert, they shall only be al∣low'd the said Exercise for their Fa∣milies. Nevertheless, we do not mean, that in case other Persons should chance to come in, to the number of Thirty, besides their Fa∣mily, either upon the account of Baptism, Visitation of their Friends, or otherwise, they should be trou∣bled for the same: Provided also the said Houses are neither within Cities, Towns or Villages, belong∣ing to Catholick Lords, High-Ju∣sticers, besides our self, wherein the said Catholick Lords have their Mansions. In which case those of the said Religion shall not be allow'd to perform their said Exercise in the said Cities, Towns or Villages, ex∣cept by permission and leave of the said Lords High-Justicers, and no otherwise.

IX. We also permit those of the said Religion, to perform and conti∣nue the Exercise thereof in all the Cities and Places under our Obedi∣ence, where it was establish'd, and by them publickly perform'd at sun∣dry and divers times in the Year 1596. and in the Year 1597. until the end of August, all Decrees and Judgments to the contrary notwith∣standing.

X. The said Exercise in like man∣ner shall be establish'd and Restor'd in all Cities and Places where it has or should have been establish'd by the Edict of Pacification, made in the Year Seventy Seven, Particular Arti∣cles and Conferences of Nerac and Flex: Neither shall the said Esta∣blishment be obstructed in the Parts and Places within the Demean grant∣ed by the said Edict, Articles and Conferences, for Places of Bayli∣wikes, or that shall be granted here∣after, though they have been since alienated to Catholick Persons, or hereafter shall be. And yet we do not intend that the said Exercise shall be Re-establish'd in the Parts and Places of the said Demean, which

have been heretofore possess'd by those of the the said pretended Reform'd Religion, in which it had been allow'd out of respect to their persons, or upon the account of the Privileges of the Fiefs, in case the said Fiefs be at present possess'd by persons of the said Catholick, Apostolick Religion.

XI. Moreover, in every one of the Ancient Bayliwikes, Seneschalships and Governments, holding the Place of a Bayliwike, having direct refe∣rence, without mediation to the Courts of Parliament, We ordain, That in the Suburbs of a City, be∣sides those that have been granted them by the said Edict, Particular Articles and Conferences: And where there are no Cities, in a Bo∣rough or Village, the Exercise of the said pretended Reform'd Religi∣on shall be publickly perform'd for all such as will repair thither; altho the said Exercise were already esta∣blish'd in divers places of the said Bayliwikes, Seneschalships and Go∣vernments; excepting out of the said place of Bayliwike newly grant∣ed by the present Edict, the Cities in which there are Archbishops or Bi∣shops; in which case those of the said Pretended Reform'd Religion shall be allow'd to demand, and to no∣minate for the said Place of the said Exercise, the Boroughs and Villages near the said Cities. Excepted also Places and Lordships belonging to Ecclesiasticks, in which we do not allow the said second Place of Bayli∣wike to be establish'd, we having by special grace and favour excepted them. Under the name of Ancient Bayliwikes, we mean such as were in the Times of the late King Henry our most honour'd Lord and Father∣in-law, held for Bayliwikes, Senes∣chalships and Governments, having immediate reference to our said Courts.

XII. We do not mean by this pre∣sent Edict to derogate from the E∣dicts and Agreements heretofore made for the reducing of some Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, and Catholick Cities under our Obedi∣ence, in what relates to the Exercise of the said Religion; the which Edicts and Agreements shall be maintain'd and observ'd for this respect, according as shall be speci∣fy'd by the Instructions of the Com∣missioners that shall be appointed for the execution of this present Edict.

XIII. We expresly forbid all those of the said Religion to perform any Exercise thereof, either as to the Ministry, Government, Discipline, or Publick Instruction of Children, and others, in this our Kingdom and Countries under our Obedience, in what relates to Religion, in any places, but those that are allow'd and granted by the Edict.

XIV. As also to perform any Ex∣ercise of the said Religion in our Court or Attendance, nor likewise in our Lands and Territories be∣yond the Mounts, nor yet in our City of Paris, nor within five Leagues of the said City. Nevertheless, those of the said Religion who live in the said Lands and Territories beyond the Mounts, and in our said City, and within five Leagues round about it, shall not be examin'd in their Houses, nor constrain'd to do any thing in respect of their Religion against their Conscience, behaving

themselves, in other matters, ac∣cording as it is specify'd in our pre∣sent Edict.

XV. Neither shall the Publick Ex∣ercise of the said Religion be per∣formed in the Armies, unless in the Quarters of the Chief Officers who profess the same; nevertheless it shall not be done in the Quarter where we lodge.

XVI. According to the Second Article of the Conference at Nerac, We give leave to those of the same Religion to build Places for the ex∣ercise thereof, in the Cities and Places where it is allow'd them; and those they have built heretofore, shall be restor'd to them, or the Ground thereof, in the Condition it is at present, even in those places where the said Exercise is not allow'd them, unless they have been converted in∣to other Buildings. In which case the Possessors of the said Buildings shall give them other places of the same Price and Value they were of, before their building upon them, or the true estimation of them by the judgment of experienc'd men; al∣ways reserving to the said Own∣ers and Possessors a remedy a∣gainst whomsoever it shall con∣cern.

XVII. We forbid all Preachers, and Lecturers, and others who speak in publick, to use any Words, Speeches, or Discourse, that may tend to excite the People to Sedi∣tion; but on the contrary we have, and do injoin them, to contain and behave themselves modestly, and to utter nothing but what may tend to the instruction and edification of the Auditors; and to maintain the Peace and Tranquility by us esta∣blish'd in our said Kingdom, on the Penalties specify'd in the precedent Edicts. Injoining most expresly our Attornies General▪ and their Substi∣tutes, to inform out of their Office against such as shall transgress the same, on pain of answering for it in their proper and peculiar Persons, and Forfeitures of their Offices.

XVIII. We also forbid all our Subjects, of what Quality and Con∣dition soever, to take away by force or induction, against the Will of their Parents, the Children of those of the said Religion, to Baptise, or confirm them in the Catholick, Apostolick Roman Church: The same Prohibitions are made to those of the said pretended Reform'd Re∣ligion, the whole on pain of exem∣plary Punishment.

XIX. Those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, shall be no wise constrain'd, nor remain bound by reason of the Abjurations, Promises and Oaths they have heretofore made, or Cautions by them given, upon the account of the said Religi∣on, neither shall they be any-wise troubl'd or molested for the same.

XX. They shall also be bound to observe all Festivals ordain'd in the Catholick, Apostolick and Roman Church; neither shall they work, or sell, in open Shops, on the said days; neither shall Handi∣crafts▪ men work out of their Shops, or in close Houses, or Chambers, on the said Festival days, and other pro∣hibited days, in any Profession, the noise whereof may be heard with∣out by Neighbours, or persons pas∣sing along: which nevertheless shall

only be sought after by Officers of Justice.

XXI. The Books touching the said pretended Reform'd Religion, shall neither be printed nor sold pub∣lickly, unless in such Cities and Places in which the Publick Exercise of the said Religion is allow'd. And as for other Books which shall be printed in other places, they shall be seen and examin'd, both by our Of∣ficers and Divines, as it is specefy'd by our Ordinances. We forbid most expresly the Impression, publication, and sale of all Defamatory Books, Libels and Pamphlets, under the Pe∣nalties contain'd in our Ordinances: Injoining all our Judges and Officers to keep a strict hand over it.

XXII. We ordain that no diffe∣rence or distinction shall be made on the account of the said Religion, for the receiving of Scholars to be instru∣cted in Universities, Colledges and Schools, and the Sick and Poor in Hospitals and Publick Alms.

XXIII. Those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion shall be oblig'd to keep the Laws of the Ca∣tholick, Apostolick and Roman Church, receiv'd in this our King∣dom, in respect to Marriages con∣tracted, or to be contracted as to the degrees of Consanguinity and Affinity.

XXIV. Those of the said Religi∣on shall also pay the Fees of En∣trance, as is customary, for the Places and Offices they shall be pro∣vided with, without being oblig'd to assist at any Ceremonies contrary to their said Religion: And being call'd to their Oath, they shall only be oblig'd to hold up their hand, swear, and promise to God, that they will speak the truth: Neither shall they be oblig'd to take a di∣spensation for the Oath by them ta∣ken, at the passing of the Contracts and Obligations.

XXV. It is our Will and Pleasure, that all those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, of what State, Quality, or Condition soever, shall be oblig'd and con∣strain'd by fair and reasonable means, and under the Penalties contain'd in the Edicts upon that subject, to pay and acquit the Tythes of Curates, and other Eccle∣siasticks, and to all other to whom they shall belong, according to the use and custom of the places.

XXVI. The Disinheritations, or Privations, either by disposing a∣mong the Living, or by way of Testament, made only out of ha∣tred, or upon the account of Religi∣on, shall neither be valable for the time past, or time to come, among our Subjects.

XXVII. In order the better to reunite the Wills of our Subjects, according to our Intention, and to remove all Complaints for the fu∣ture. We do declare all those who do, or shall profess the said pretend∣ed Reform'd Religion, capable of holding or performing all Estates, Dignities, Offices, and publick Places whatever, either Royal, Sig∣norial, or of the Cities of our King∣dom, Countries, Territories and Lordships, under our Obedience, all Oaths to the contrary notwith∣standing, and to be indifferently received into the same; and our

Courts of Parliament and other Judges shall only make inquiry, and inform themselves about the Life and Conversation, Religion and ho∣nest Conversation of those who are, or shall be provided with Offices, as well of the one, as of the other Religion, without exacting any o∣ther Oath from them, but well and faithfully to serve the King in the discharge of their Offices, and to observe the Ordinances, as it has been observ'd at all times. And in case any Vacancy shall happen of the said Estates, Places and Offices, as for those that shall be in our gift, they shall be dispos'd of indifferent∣ly, and without distinction, to ca∣pable Persons, as things that con∣cern the union of our subjects. We intend also that those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion shall be admitted and receiv'd into all Coun∣cils, Deliberations, Assemblies and Functions depending on the above∣said Matters; and that they shall not be ejected or hinder'd from enjoying them upon the account of the said Religion.

XXVIII. We order for interring of the Dead of those of the said Re∣ligion, within all the Cities and parts of our Kingdom, that in each place, a convenient place shall be provided for them forthwith by our Officers and Magistrates, and by the Commissioners who shall be by us deputed for the putting of this present Edict in execution. And such Church-yards as they had here∣tofore, which they have been de∣priv'd of by reason of the Troubles, shall be restor'd to them, except they be at present built upon, in which case others shall be provided for them at free cost.

XXIX. We most expresly enjoin our Officers to take care that no Scandal be committed at the said Interments; and they shall be bound within a Fortnight after request made, to provide commodious places for the said Burials of those of the said Re∣ligion, without the least protracti∣on, or delays, under penalty of 500 Crowns, to be sess'd on their proper Names and Persons. The said Officers and others are also forbidden to exact any thing for the conveyance of the said Dead Bodies on pain of Extortion.

XXX. To the end that Justice may be done and ministred to our Sub∣jects without partiality, hatred, or favour, which is one of the principal means to keep peace and concord a∣mong them, we have and do ordain that a Chamber shall be establish'd in our Court of Parliament of Paris, con∣sisting of a President and 16 Coun∣cellors of the said Parliament, the which shall be called and entitled, The Chamber of the Edict, which shall not only judge the Causes and Processes of those of the said preten∣ded Reform'd Religion, within the Jurisdiction of the said Court, but also those of the Jurisdiction of the Parliaments of Normandy and Britany, according to the Jurisdiction hereaf∣ter conferr'd upon it by this present Edict, and that until a Chamber be establish'd in each of the said Parlia∣ments, to minister Justice upon the place. We also ordain that the four Offices of Councellors in our said Parliament of Paris, remaining of the last election by us made, shall be

forthwith bestowed on four of those of the said pretended Reform'd Reli∣gion, fitly qualify'd, and capable to serve in the said Parliament, who shall be distributed, viz. The first shall be receiv'd into the Chamber of the Edict, and the other three in order as they shall be receiv'd into three of the Chambers of the Inquests. Moreover the two first Offices of * Laiz Councellors, that shall become vacant by Death, shall also be given to two of those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion; and the persons thus receiv'd, shall be distributed in∣to the two other Chambers of In∣quests.

XXXI. Besides the Chamber here∣tofore establish'd at Castres, for the Jurisdiction of our Court of Parlia∣ment of Thoulouse, which shall be continu'd in the state it now stands; we have for the same considerations ordain'd, and do ordain, that in each of our Courts of Parliament of Gre∣noble and Bourdeaux, shall also be esta∣blish'd a Chamber, consisting of two Presidents, the one Catholick, and the other of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion; and of twelve Councellors, six of which shall be Catholicks, and the other six of the said Religion; which Catholick Pre∣sidents and Councellors shall be by us selected and chosen out of the body of our said Courts. And as to those of the said Religion, a new Creation shall be made of a President and six Councellors for the Parliament of Bourdeaux, and of a President and three Councellors for that of Grenoble, the which with the three Councellors of the said Religion, that are at pre∣sent of the said Parliament, shall be employ'd in the said Chamber of Dauphine. And the said Offices of new creation, shall be allow'd the same Salleries, Honours, Authorities, and Preheminencies as the others of the said Courts. And the said Sessi∣ons of the said Chamber of Bourdeaux shall be held at Bourdeaux, or at Nerac, and that of Dauphine at Greno∣ble.

XXXII. The said Chamber of* 1.7 Dauphine shall determine the Causes of those of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion, of the Jurisdiction of our Parliament of Provence, without being oblig'd to take Letters of Summons, or other Citations, any where but in our Chancery of Dau∣phine: Neither shall those of the said Religion of Normandy or Britany be ob∣lig'd to take out Summons, or other Citations any where but in our Chancery of Paris.

XXXIII. Our Subjects of the said Religion of the Parliament of Bur∣gundy, shall have the choice and electi∣on to plead in the Chamber ordain'd in the Parliament of Paris, or in that of Dauphine, neither shall they be oblig'd to take out Letters of Sum∣mons, or any other Citations, but in the said Chanceries of Paris, and of Dauphine, according to their own choice.

XXXIV. All the said Chambers compos'd as abovesaid, shall deter∣mine and judge in sovereignty by Sentence Definitive, by Decrees ex∣cluding all others of Suits and Differences mov'd and to be mov'd; in which those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion are concern'd as Principals, or Warranties, either as Plaintiffs, or Defendants, in all mat∣ters,

as well Civil as Criminal, whe∣ther the said Processes be by Writ, or Verbal Appeal, if the said Parties like it so, and one of them requires it, before any Plea in the Cause, in relation to Suits to be mov'd: al∣ways excepting all matters of Bene∣fices, and the Possessors of Tythes not enfeoff'd, Ecclesiastical Patro∣nages, and Causes wherein the De∣mean of the Church shall be con∣cern'd, which shall all be try'd and judg'd in the Courts of Parlia∣ment; and the said Chambers of the Edict shall not be allow'd to take cognizance of the same. It is also our Will and Pleasure, that in order to judge and decide Criminal Causes, that shall happen among the said Ec∣clesiasticks, and those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, if the Ec∣clesistick is Defendant, the Judgment of the Criminal Cause shall belong to our Sovereign Courts, exclusively to the said Chambers; and the Ec∣clesiastick being Plaintiff, and he of the said Religion Defendant, the Cognizance and Judgment of the Criminal Cause shall belong by Ap∣peal, and in last reference, to the said Establish'd Chambers. The said Chambers also in Vacation-times shall determine of Matters referr'd by the Edicts and Ordinances to the Chambers establish'd in times of Va∣cation, each one in their Jurisdi∣ction.

XXXV. The Chambers of Greno∣ble shall from this present be united and incorporated to the Body of the said Court of Parliament, and the Presidents and Councillors of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, entitled Presidents and Councellors of the said Court, and held in the number and rank of them. To this end they shall be first dispos'd of in the other Chambers, and then call'd and drawn out of them, to be em∣ploy'd, and to serve in that which we institute a-new; yet they shall assist, and have a Voice and Session in all the Deliberations that shall be made when the Chambers are assem∣bled, and shall enjoy the same Salla∣ries, Authorities and Preheminencies, as the othe Presidents and Councel∣lors do.

XXXVI. It is also our Will and Pleasure, that the said Chambers of Castres and Bourdeaux shall be reuni∣ted, and incorporated into the said Parliaments, in the same manner as the others, when it shall be needful, and the Causes that have mov'd us to establish them shall cease, and sub∣sist no longer among our Subjects: And therefore the Presidents and Councellors of the said Chambers, being of the same Religion, shall be call'd and held for Presidents and Counsellors of the said Courts.

XXXVII. There shall be also new∣ly created and erected in the Cham∣ber ordain'd for the Parliament of Bourdeaux, two Substitutes of our Attorney and Advocate General, of which the Attorney's Substitutes shall be a Catholick, and the other of the said Religion, who shall be invested with the said Offices, with competent Pensions.

XXXVIII. All the said Substitutes shall take no other quality than that of Substitutes; and when the Cham∣bers ordain'd for the Parliaments of Bourdeaux and Thoulouse shall be uni∣ted and incorporated into the said

Parliaments, the said Substitutes shall be provided with Councellors Places in the same.

XXXIX. The Expeditions of the Chancery of the Chamber of Bourde∣aux shall be perform'd in the presence of two Councellors of the said Cham∣ber, of which the one shall be a Ca∣tholick, and the other of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, in the absence of one of the Masters of Re∣quest of our Hôtell, or Houshold; And one of the Notaries and Secre∣taries of the said Court of Parliament of Bourdeaux, shall reside in the place where the said Chamber shall be esta∣blish'd, or else one of the Secretaries in ordinary of the Chancery, to sign the Expeditions of the said Chan∣cery.

XL. We will and command, That in the said Chamber of Bourdeaux there be two Committees of the Re∣gister of the said Parliament, the one Civil, the other Criminal, who shall officiate by our Commissions, and shall be call'd Committees of the Re∣gistry Civil and Criminal; and there∣fore shall neither be displac'd nor re∣vok'd by the said Registers, or chief Clerks of Parliament: yet they shall be oblig'd to yield the Profit of the said Registries to the said Register; the wh••h Committees shall receive Salaries from the said Registers, ac∣cording as it shall be thought ••t, and order'd by the said Chamber. Moreover, Catholick Messengers shall be appointed there, who shall be taken out of the said Court, or elsewhere, according to our Plea∣sure; besides which, two new ones shall be erected, being of the said Religion, without their paying any Fees: All the said Messengers shall be govern'd by the said Chamber both as to the execution, and pre∣cinct of their Office, as well as the Fees they shall receive. A Commis∣sion shall also be dispatch'd for a Pay∣master of Salaries, and a Receiver of the Fines levy'd by the Chamber, who shall be chosen by us, in case the said Chamber be establish'd in any place but the said City; and the Commission heretofore granted to the Pay-master of the Salaries of the Chamber of Castres, shall re∣main in full force, and the Com∣mission of Receiver of the Fines le∣vy'd by the said Chamber shall be annex'd to the said Office.

XLI. Sufficient Assignations shall be provided for the Pensions or Sal∣laries of the Officers of the Chambers ordain'd by this Edict.

XLII. The Presidents, Counsel∣lors, and other Catholick Officers of the said Chambers, shall be conti∣nu'd as long as possible may be, and as we shall find it most expedient for our Service, and the good of our Subjects: And in dismissing some, others shall be appointed in their room, before their departure; and they shall not, during the time of their waiting, absent themselves, or depart from the said Chambers, without their leave, which shall be judg'd by the Proceedings of the Ordinance.

XLIII. The said Chambers shall be establish'd within six Months, during which, (if the Establishment continue so long a setling) the Suits mov'd, or to be mov'd, in which those of the said Religion shall be Parties, within the Jurisdiction of our Parliaments of Paris, Roan, Di∣jon,

and Rennes, shall be remov'd, or summon'd to the Chamber at pre∣sent establish'd at Paris, by vertue of the Edict of the Year 1577. or else to the great Council, at the Election and Choice of those of the said Reli∣gion, if they require it: Those that are of the Parliament of Bourdeaux, into the Chamber of Castres, or to the said Great Council, at their choice: And those that are of Pro∣vence, to the Parliament of Grenoble. And in case the said Chambers be not establish'd within three months after the Presentation there made of this our present Edict, such of our Parliaments as shall have made refu∣sal thereof, shall be prohibited to take cognizance, or judge the Causes of those of the said Religion.

XLIV. Suits not yet determin'd, depending in the said Courts of Par∣liament, and Grand Council, of the nature abovesaid, shall be return'd, in what state soever they stand, into the said Chambers, each Cause to its Court of Reference, in case one of the Parties of the said Religion requires it, within four months after the establishment thereof; and as for such as shall be discontinu'd, and are not in a state to come to trial, the abovemention'd of the said Religi∣on shall be oblig'd to make a Decla∣ration at the first intimation and sig∣nification they shall receive of the pursuit; and the said Term being expir'd, they shall no longer be receiv'd to demand the said Re∣turns.

XLV. The said Chambers of Gre∣noble and Bourdeaux, as well as that of Chartres, shall observe the Stile and Forms of the Parliaments, with∣in the Jurisdictions of which they shall be establish'd, and shall judge in equal numbers both of the one, and other Religion, unless the Par∣ties agree to the contrary.

XLVI. All the Judges, to whom the Executions, Decrees, Commis∣sions of the said Chambers, and Let∣ters, obtain'd out of their Chanceries, shall be directed; as also all Mes∣sengers and Serjeants shall be bound to put them in execution; and the Messengers and Serjeants shall also be oblig'd to serve all their Warrants in all parts of the Kingdom, with∣out demanding Placet, Visa, nor Pa∣reatis, on pein of suspension of their Places, and paying the Damages, Charges and Interests of the Parties: the Censure whereof shall belong to the said Chambers.

XLVII. No removal of Causes shall be allow'd, the tryal of which is referr'd to the said Chambers, un∣less in the case of the Ordinances, the return whereof shall be made to the nearest Chamber establish'd ac∣cording to our Edict: And the Issues of Suits of the said Chambers shall be try'd in the next Chamber, ob∣serving the proportion and Forms of the said Chamber, from whence the Processes shall proceed, except for the Chambers of the Edict in our Parliament of Paris; where the said Party Suits shall be dispos'd of in the said Chamber, by Judges that shall be by us nominated by our par∣ticular Letters to this end, unless the Parties had rather attend the Reno∣vation of the said Chamber. And if it should happen that one and the same Suit should pass through all the Party Chambers, the issue thereof

shall be return'd to the said Cham∣ber of Paris.

XLVIII. Refusals propos'd against the Presidents and Counsellors of the Party-Chambers shall be allow'd to the number of six, to which num∣ber the Parties shall be restrain'd, otherwise they shall go forward without any regard to the said Re∣fusals.

XLIX. The Examination of Presi∣dents and Counsellors newly erected in the said Party Cambers shall be perform'd by our Privy Council, or by the said Chambers, each one within its Precinct, when their num∣ber shall be sufficient: Nevertheless, the usual Oath shall by them be ta∣ken in the Courts where the said Chamber shall be establish'd, and upon their refusal, in our Privy Council; except those of the Cham∣ber of Languedoc, who shall take their Oath before our Chancellor, or in the said Chamber.

L. We will and ordain, That the reception of our Officers of the said Religion, shall be judg'd in the said Party Chambers by the plurality of Voices; as it is usual in other Judg∣ments, it not being requisite that the Voices should surpass two thirds, according to the Ordinance, the which in this respect is abrogated.

LI. All Propositions, Deliberati∣ons and Resolutions, relating to the Publick Peace, and for the particu∣lar Estate and Policy of the Cities, where the Party-Chambers shall re∣side, shall be made in the said Chambers.

LII. The Article of the Jurisdi∣ction of the said Chambers, ordain'd by the present Edict, shall be fol∣low'd and observ'd according to its Form and Tenor, even in what re∣lates to the Execution, Omission, or Infraction of our Edicts, when those of the said Religion shall be Par∣ties.

LIII. The Subaltern Officers Roy∣al, or others, the reception of which belongs to our Courts of Parliament, if they be of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion may be examin'd and receiv'd in the said Chambers: viz. Those of the Jurisdiction of the Parliaments of Paris, Normandy and Britany, in the said Chambers of Pa∣ris; those of Dauphine and Provence, in the Chamber of Grenoble; those of Bur∣gundy, in the said Chamber of Paris, or of Dauphine, at their choice; those of the Jurisdiction of Thoulouse, in the Chamber of Castres; and those of the Parliament of Bourdeaux, in the Chamber of Guienne; and no other to oppose their receptions, or make themselves Parties, but our Attor∣neys. General, and their Substitutes, and those placed in the said Offices. Nevertheless the accustomed Oath shall by them be taken in the Courts of Parliament, which shall not be al∣low'd to take cognizance of their re∣ception; and upon the refusal of the said Parliament, the said Officers shall take the Oath in the said Chambers; which being thus taken, they shall be oblig'd to present the Act of their re∣ception, by a Messenger or Notary to the Registers of the said Courts of Parliament, and to leave a compar'd Copy thereof, with the said Regi∣sters; who are enjoin'd to register the said Acts, on pain of paying all the Charges, Damages and Interests of the Parties; and in case the Regi∣sters

should refuse to do it; it shall be sufficient for the said Officers to bring back the Act of the said Sum∣mons, drawn by the said Messengers, or Notaries, and to cause the same to be recorded in the Registers of their said Jurisdictions, there to be view'd when need shall require, on pain of nullity of their Proceedings and Judgments. And as for those Officers, whose reception is not to be made in our said Parliaments; in case those by whom it ought to be made, should refuse to proceed to the said Examination and Reception, the said Officers shall repair to the said Cham∣bers, where care shall be taken for their said reception.

LIV. The Officers of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion, who shall be chosen hereafter, to serve in the Body of our said Court of Parliament, Grand Council, Chambers of Accounts, Courts of Aids, and in the Offices of the Treasurer-General of France, and other Officers of the Exchequers, shall be examin'd and receiv'd in the places where it was usually perform'd; and in case of re∣fusal, or denial of Justice, they shall be constituted in our Privy Coun∣cil.

LV. The reception of our Officers made in the Chamber establish'd heretofore at Castres, shall remain in force, all Decrees and Ordinances thereunto contrary notwithstanding. The reception of our Judges, Coun∣cellors, and other Officers of the said Religion, made in our Privy-Coun∣cel, or by Commissioners by us no∣minated upon the refusal of our Courts of Parliament, of Aids, and Chambers of Account, shall also be as valid, as if they had been made in the said Courts and Chambers, and by other Judges, to whom those Re∣ceptions appertain. And their Salle∣ries shall be allow'd by the Chambers of Accounts, without difficulty: and if any have been dismiss'd, they shall be re-establish'd without any farther Mandamus than this present Edict; and the said Officers shall not be oblig'd to show any other reception; all Decrees given to the contrary notwithstanding; the which shall remain void, and of no effect.

LVI. Until means be procur'd to defray the Expences of Justice of our said Chambers out of the Moneys of Fines and Con••iscations, we will assign a valuable and sufficient Fund to discharge the said Expences, which Money shall be return'd out of the Estates of the persons condemned.

LVII. The Presidents and Coun∣cellors of the said Pretended Reform'd Religion, heretofore receiv'd into our Courts of Parliament of Dauphine, and in the Chamber of the Edict in∣corporated into the same shall continue and hold their Place and Order there, Viz. The Presidents as they did and do enjoy them at present; and the Councellors according to the Decrees and Patents they have obtain'd about it in our Privy Council.

LVIII. We declare all Sentences, Judgments, Decrees, Proceedings, Seizures, Sales, and Orders made and given against those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, whe∣ther dead, or alive, since the Death of the late King Heury the 2d. our most honour'd Lord and Father-in-Law, by reason of the said Religion, Tumults and Troubles happen'd

since, together with the execution of the said Judgments and Decrees from this present, cancelled, revoked, and nullified, and the same do can∣cel, revoke and nullifie. We order the same to be raz'd and wip'd out of the Records of the Registers of Courts as well Sovereign as Inferior. As it is likewise our pleasure, that all Marks. Tracts and Monuments of the said Executions, Books and Acts de∣famatory to their Persons, Memory and Posterity, shall be remov'd and defac'd: And that the places in which have been made upon that account, Demolishments or Razings, shall be restor'd to the Owners in such a con∣dition as they are, the same to enjoy and to dispose of as they shall think fit. And we have generally revok'd, cancell'd and nullifi'd all Proceedings and Informations made for any En∣terprises whatever, Pretended Crimes of Leze-Majesty and others. Not∣withstanding which Proceedings, Decrees and Judgments, compre∣hending reunion, incorporation, and confiscation, it is our pleasure that those of the said Religion, and others who have been ingag'd in their Party, and their Heirs, shall re-enter into the real and actual possession of all and every their Estates.

LIX. All Proceedings made, Judg∣ments and Decrees given during the Troubles, against those of the said Religion, who have born Arms, or withdrawn themselves out of our Realm or within the same, into Ci∣ties and Countries held by them upon another account than that of Re∣ligion and the Troubles, together with all Nonsuits, Prescriptions, either Legal, Conventional, or Customary, and Feodal Seizures, befallen during the Troubles, or by lawful Impedi∣ments proceeding from them, the cognizance whereof shall remain in our Judges, shall be este••m'd as not perform'd, granted, or happen'd; and such we have and do declare them to be, and have and do annihi∣late them; for all which the said Parties shall have no redress: but they shall be restor'd to the same state in which they were be∣fore, the said Decrees and Execution thereof notwithstanding; and the possession they had formerly, shall be restor'd to them in this respect. What is above mention'd shall also take place, in relation to others who have been ingag'd in the Party of those of the said Religion, or that have absented themselves out of our Kingdom, by reason of the Trou∣bles. And as for the Children un∣der Age of those of the Quality a∣bovesaid, who dyed during the Troubles, we restore the Parties to the same Estate in which they were before, without refunding the Charges, or being bound to con∣sign the Fines or Amerciaments; but yet we do not mean that Judg∣ments given by Presidial or other Inferior Judges, against those of the said Religion, or those who have been ingag'd in their Party, should remain void, if given by Judges, holding Sessions in Cities held by them, to which they had a free ac∣cess.

LX. The Decrees given in our Courts of Parliament, in matters, the Cognizance whereof belongs to the Chambers ordain'd by the Edict in the year 1577. and the Ar∣ticles

of Nerac and Flex, in which Courts the Parties have not proceed∣ed voluntarily, that is, they have alledg'd and propos'd ends declina∣tory, or that have been given by de∣fault or Exclusion, either in matters Civil or Criminal, notwithstanding which ends, the said Parties have been constrain'd to go forward, shall likewise be annihilated, and of no value. And as for the Decrees gi∣ven against those of the said Reli∣gion, who have proceeded volunta∣rily, without proposing declinatory Ends, the said Decrees shall remain in force; yet nevertheless without prejudice to the Execution thereof, they shall be allow'd, if they think good, to take some course by Civil Request, before the Chambers or∣dain'd by the present Edict; and the time run on, mention'd by the Ordinances, shall be no prejudice to them; and until the said Chambers, and their Chanceries are establish'd, the Verbal Appeals, or those by Writ brought in by those of the said Reli∣gion, before the Judges, Registers, or Committees, Executors of De∣crees and Judgments, shall take the same Effect, as if they had been sued out by Letters Patent.

LXI. In all Inquiries that shall be made upon any occasion whatsoever, in Civil Matters, if the Inquisitor or Commissary is a Catholick, the Parties shall be oblig'd to agree about an Associate; and in case they can∣not agree about one, the said Inqui∣sitor or Commissary shall take one out of the Office, being of the said pretended Reform'd Religion; and the same shall be practis'd when the Commissary or Inquisitor shall be of the said Religion, for a Catholick Adjunct.

LXII. We Will and Ordain, That our Judges shall determine the Va∣lidity of Testaments, in which those of the said Religion shall be con∣cern'd, if they require it; and the Appeals of the said Judgments may be sued out by those of the said Religion, notwithstanding all Cu∣stoms contrary thereunto, even those of Brittany.

LXIII. To prevent all differences that might happen between our Courts of Parliament, and the Cham∣bers of the said Courts, ordain'd by our present Edict; We will set down an ample and plain Order be∣tween the said Courts and Cham∣bers, by which those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion shall fully injoy the benefit of the said Edict: Which Order shall be verified in our Courts of Parliament, which shall be kept and observ'd, without having a respect to those that have been made before.

LXIV. We prohibit and forbid all our Soveraign Courts, and others of this Kingdom, to take Cogni∣zance, and judge the Processes, Ci∣vil and Criminal, of those of the said Religion, the Tryal whereof, by our Edict, is referr'd to the said Chambers, provided the return be demanded, as it is specifi'd by the 40 Articles abovewriten.

LXV. Our Will also is by way of Provision, until we have otherwise ordain'd it, that in all Suits mov'd, or to be mov'd, in which those of the said Religion shall stand as Plain∣tiffs, or Defendants, principal Par∣ties, or Warrantees in Civil Causes,

in which our Officers and Presidial Tribunals, have power to Judge de∣finitively, they be permitted to de∣mand that two of the Chamber, where the Cause is to be try'd, abstain from the Judgment of them, who without alledging any cause, shall be bound in this case to abstain, notwithstanding the Ordinance by which the Judges cannot be except∣ed against without just cause; there remaining to them besides refusals of Right against the others. And in Criminal Cases in which the said Presidial Judges, and other Subal∣tern or Inferior Judges Royal, judge definitively, the Persons im∣peach'd being of the said Religion, shall also be allow'd to challenge three of the Judges peremptorily. The Provosts of the Marshals of France, Vice-Bailiffs, Vice-Seneschals, Lieutenants of the Short Robe, and other Officers of the like Qua∣lity, shall also judge according to the Ordinance and Rules heretofore given in relation to Vagabonds. And as for Housholders charg'd and im∣peach'd with any Provostal or Pub∣lick Crime, if they be of the said Religion, they shall also be allow'd to demand that three of the said Judges, who may take Cognizance thereof, abstain from the Judgment of their Causes, which the said Judges shall be oblig'd to do, without any ex∣pression of Cause, except when in the Assembly where the said Causes shall be judg'd, there happen to be to the number of two in Civil mat∣ters, and three in Criminal Cases of those of the said Religion, in which Case they shall not be allow'd to challenge peremptorily, without showing cause; the which shall be common and reciprocal to Catho∣licks in manner and form abovemen∣tion'd in respect to the Refusal of Judges, where those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion shall ex∣ceed the others in number Neverthe∣less, we do not mean that the said Presidial Tribunals, Provosts-Mar∣shals, Vice-Bailiffs, Vice-Seneschals, and others, who judge definitively, should by virtue of what is above∣said, take Cognizance of the Trou∣bles past. And as for Crimes and Excesses committed upon other oc∣casions, than that of the Troubles past, from the beginning of March 1585. to the end of the year 1597. in case they do take Cognizance of them: It is our Will that Appeals may be had from their Judgments before the Chambers ordain'd by the present Edict; as shall in the like manner be practis'd for Catholick Accomplices, where some of those of the pretended Reform'd Religion shall be Parties.

LXVI. We also will and ordain, That henceforward in all Instru∣ctions, except Informations of Cri∣minal Causes, in the Seneschalships of Thoulouse, Carcassonne, Rovergue, Lo∣ragais, Beziers, Montpelier, and Nimes, the Magistrate, or Commissary, de∣puted for the said Instruction, if he be a Catholick, shall be bound to take an Associate of the pretended Reform'd Religion, which the Par∣ties shall agree about; and in case they cannot agree, one of the said Religion shall be taken out of the Office, by the aforesaid Magistrate, or Commissary: As in like manner, If the Magistrate, or Commissary,

be of the said Religion, he shall be oblig'd in the manner and form aforesaid to take a Catholick Assi∣stant.

LXVII. When any Housholder of the said Religion, being charg'd and accus'd of any publick Crime, shall be try'd before the Provosts Marshals, or their Lieutenants, the said Pro∣vosts, or their Lieutenants, being Catholicks shall be oblig'd to call to the Proceedings of such a matter an Assistant of the said Religion; who shall also assist at the Tryal of the competency of the Indictment, and at the Judgment definitive of the matter; which Competency shall only be try'd at the next Presidial Tribunal, in open Assembly, by the chief Officers of the said Court, be∣ing actually there on pain of Nullity, unless the Persons accus'd, desire to have the said Competency try'd in the Chambers ordain'd by the pre∣sent Edict. In which case in respect to the Housholders of the Provinces of Guyenne, Languedoc, Provence, and Dauphine, the Substitutes of our At∣tornys-General in the said Cham∣bers, shall at the request of the said Housholders, cause the said Charges and Informations against them, to be brought before them, to know, and determine, whether the Causes are liable to Provosts-Courts or not, in order, according to the nature of the Crimes, to be return'd by the said Chambers to the Ordinary Judge, or else to be try'd by the Provo∣stal Judges, according as they shall judge it reasonable, and suitable to the Contents of this our present Edict: And all the said Presidial-Judges, Provosts-Marshals, Vice-Bailiffs, Vice-Seneschals, and others, who judge definitively, shall be oblig'd respe∣ctively to obey and observe the Commands they shall receive from the said Chambers, as they use to respect the Orders of the said Par∣liaments, on forfeiture of their Places.

LXVIII. The Publications of Sale, and Seizures, Outcries, and Vendi∣tion of Inheritances by the * Spear, in pursuance of a Decree, shall be perform'd at the usual Places and Houses, if possible, according to our Ordinances, or else in publick Market-places, in case there be any Market-places in the Place where the said Inheritances are seated; and where there are none, it shall be done in the next Market-place with∣in the Precinct of the Session where the Adjudication is to be made, and the Paper of notice shall be fasten'd on a Post in the said Market; and at the entrance of the Auditories, or Ses∣sions-house of the said Place, and in so doing, the said Publications shall be good and valid, and they shall proceed to the passing of the Order for the Sale of the Goods, without minding the Nulities that might be alledg'd in that respect.

LXIX. All Titles, Papers, Instru∣ments, and Informations, that have been taken, shall be restor'd on both sides to the owners, altho the said Papers, or the Castles, or Houses, in which they were kept, were taken and seiz'd, either by Special Com∣missions from the late King, our most honour'd Lord and Father-in-Law; or from Us, or by the Com∣mand of the Governors and Lieute∣nants-General of our Provinces, or

by the Authority of the Chiefs of the other side, or under any other pre∣tence whatever.

LXX. The Children of such as have withdrawn themselves out of our Kingdom, since the Death of the late King Henry II. our most ho∣nour'd Lord and Father-in-Law, on the account of Religion, and the Troubles, tho the said Children be born out of this Kingdom, shall be held for true French-men and Natives, and as such we have, and do declare them to be, without their being oblig'd to take Letters of Naturaliza∣tion, or other Warrants from us, but the present Edicts: All Ordinances thereunto contrary notwithstanding; to which we have and do derogate, upon condition, that the said Chil∣dren born in Foreign Countrys, shall be oblig'd within Ten Years after the said Publication of these presents, to come and Reside in this King∣dom.

LXXI. Those of the said pretend∣ed Reform'd Religion, and others, who have been ingag'd in their Par∣ty, who shall have taken to Farm before the Troubles any Offices, or other Demeans, Customs, Foreign Impositions, or other Duties to us belonging, the which they have not been able to injoy, by reason of the Troubles, shall remain discharg'd, as we do hereby discharge them of what they have not receiv'd of the said Farms, or what they have paid without fraud, any where out of our Exchequer. All Obligations enter'd into by them upon this account, not∣withstanding.

LXXII. All Places, Cities, and Provinces of our Kingdom, Coun∣tries, Lands, and Lordships under our Obedience, shall have and injoy the same Priviledges, Immunities, Liberties, Franchises, Fairs, Markets, Jurisdictions, and Seats of Justice, as they did before the Troubles, begun in the Month of March 1585. And others preceding, all Letters Patents thereunto contrary, and the Translati∣on of some of the said Seats notwith∣standing; provided it was only done upon the account of the Troubles; which Seats shall be re-establish'd in the Cities and Places where they were before.

LXXIII. In case there be yet any Prisoners detain'd by Authority of Justice, or otherwise, even in the Gallies, by reason of the Troubles, or of the said Religion, they shall be set at Liberty.

LXXIV. Those of the said Reli∣gion shall not hereafter be surcharg'd or oppress'd with any ordinary or extraodinary Imposition, more than the Catholicks, and according to the proportion of their Estates and Sub∣stance; and the Parties that think themselves overburthen'd, may have recourse, and shall be redressed by the Judges appointed for that Subject: And all our Subjects, whether Ca∣tholicks, or of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, shall be equally discharg'd of all Charges that have been impos'd on both sides during the Troubles, on those that were of a contrary Party, and not consent∣ing; as also of Debts created and not paid, Expences made without their Approbation; but yet there shall be no returns made of the Fruits that shall have been imploy'd for the pay∣ment of the said Charges.

LXXV. Neither do we allow that those of the said Religion, and others, who have been ingag'd in their Par∣ty; nor the Catholicks, who dwell in the Cities, Towns, and Places, held and detain'd by them, and who have contributed to them, should be prosecuted for the payment of Taxes, Aids, Grants, Increase, Assesments, Wasts▪ and Reparations, and other Impositions and Subsidies due, and impos'd during the Troubles hap∣pen'd before, and since our coming to the Crown, either by Edicts, Or∣ders from the late Kings our Prede∣cessors, or by Advice and Delibera∣tion of the Governors and Estates of the Provinces, Courts of Parliament, and others, whereof we have and do discharge them; forbiding our Trea∣surers-General of France, and of our Exchequers, Receivers-General and Particular, their Clerks, Intermed∣lers, and other Intendants and Com∣missaries of our Exchequer, to prose∣cute, molest, or trouble them for the same directly or indirectly, in any way whatever.

LXXVI. All Commanders, Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, Officers, Cor∣porations of Cities, Towns, and Commonalties, and all others, who have aided and assisted them, their Widows, Heirs, and Successors, shall be acquitted and discharg'd of all Sums that have been taken and rais'd by them, or their Orders, as well belonging to the Crown, to what∣ever Sums they may amount, as out of Cities, Towns, and Commonalties, and from particular Persons, Rents, Revenues, Plate, Sale of Moveables belonging to Ecclesiasticks, and o∣thers, High Forests belonging to the Demeasne, or to other Persons, Fines, Booties, Ransoms, or Sums of other natures by them taken, by reason of the Troubles begun in March 1585. and other precedent Troubles, until our coming to the Crown; for which neither they, nor those by them im∣ploy'd for the raising of the said Sums, or such as have given or fur∣nish'd them by their Order, shall be any wise prosecuted either for the time being, or to come; and both they and their Committees, or Clarks shall remain acquitted and discharg'd for all the Management and Admi∣nistration of the said Money, bring∣ing in for a full discharge, within four Months after the Publication of the present Edict made in our Court of Parliament of Paris, Acquittances duly expedited by the Chiefs of the said Religion, or from those who were imploy'd by them for the Au∣dit and clearing of Accounts, or from the Commonalties of Cities, which had Authority and Command during the said Troubles. They shall in like manner remain acquitted and discharg'd of all Acts of Hostility, Levies, and Conduct of Soldiers, Coining and Rating of Money, done by order of the said Chiefs; Casting and Taking of Artillery and Muni∣tions, Making of Powder and Salt∣peter; the Taking, Fortifying, Dif∣mantling, and Demolishing of Ci∣ties, Castles, Towns, and Villages, Enterprizes upon the same; the Burn∣ing and Demolishing of Churches and Houses, Establishing of Courts of Justice, Judgments and Execu∣tions from the same, whether in matters Civil or Criminal, of any Policy or Government establish'd

among them, of Voyages and In∣telligences, Negotiations, Treaties, and Contracts made with all Fo∣reign Princes, and Commonalties, and the Introduction of the said Fo∣reigners into the Cities, and other Places of our Kingdom, and gene∣rally of all that has been done, or negotiated during the said Troubles, since the Death of the late King Hen∣ry II. our most honour'd Lord and Brother-in-Law, by those of the said Religion, and others, who have been ingag'd in their Party, tho it be not particularly specifi'd nor ex∣press'd.

LXXVII. Those of the said Re∣ligion shall also be discharg'd for all General and Provincial Assemblies, made and held by them, both at Nantes, and elsewhere since, until this present time; likewise for the Councils by them Establish'd and Ordain'd in the Provinces, Delibe∣rations, Ordinances, and Regulati∣ons made by the said Assemblies, and Councils, Establishment and Aug∣mentation of Garisons, Assembling of Soldiers, Raising and Taking of Money either from the Receivers-General, or from particular Per∣sons, Collectors of Parishes, or o∣thers, in any kind whatever; seizing of Salt, Continuation or new Ere∣ction of Impositions, and Tolls, and Receipts of the same, even at Royan, and upon the Rivers Charante, Garonne, Rone, and Dordogne, equiping of Ships and Sea-Fights, and all Accidents and Excesses occasion'd by obliging People to pay the said Impositions, Tolls, and other Monies, Fortifications of Cities, Castles, and Places, Imposi∣tions of Money, and Labour, Re∣ceipts of the said Money, turning out of our Receivers and Farmers, and other Officers, establishing of others in their Room, and for all Unions, Dispatches, and Negotia∣tions, made either within or with∣out the Kingdom: And generally for all that has been done delibera∣ted, written, and ordain'd by the said Assemblies and Councils, for which neither those who have given their Advice, Sign'd, Executed, and caus'd the said Ordinances, Regulati∣ons, and Deliberations to be sign'd and executed, shall neither be prosecuted or troubled, nor their Widows, Heirs, or Successors, either at present, or for the future, altho the Particulars are not specifi'd here. And upon the whole, perpetual silence shall be im∣pos'd to our Attorneys-General and their Substitutes, and to all such as could have any pretence to it in any kind, or manner whatever; all Sen∣tences, Judgments, Informations, and Proceedings to the contrary not∣withstanding.

LXXVIII. Moreover we Approve, Confirm, and Authorize the Ac∣counts that have been heard, al∣low'd, and examin'd by the Depu∣ties of the said Assembly. And order the same, together with the Acquit∣tances and Fragments that have been return'd by the Accountants, to be carried into our Chamber of Accounts at Paris, within three Months after the Publication of the present Edict, and deliver'd into the hands of our Attorney-General, to be deliver'd to the Keeper of the Books and Registers of our Cham∣ber, there to be view'd as often as shall be necessary; neither shall the

said Accounts be examin'd anew, or the Accountants be oblig'd to ap∣pear, or to correct any thing, un∣less in the case of Omissions of Re∣ceipts, or false Acquittances: Im∣posing silence to our Attorney-Ge∣neral, to whatever else might be thought defective, or the Formali∣ties omitted. Forbidding those that keep our Courts of Accounts, either at Paris, or in other Provinces where they are establish'd, to take any cogni∣zance thereof in any kind whatever.

LXXIX. As for the Accounts that have not been deliver'd yet, they shall be heard, pass'd, and exa∣mind' by Commissioners appointed by us, who shall without difficulty pass, and allow all the Accounts paid by the said Accountants, by virtue of the Ordinances of the said Assembly, or others, who were in Power.

LXXX. All Collectors, Receivers, Farmers, and others, shall be well and duly discharg'd for all the Sums by them paid to the Commit∣tees of the said Assembly, whatever nature they were of, until the last day of this Month. We order the whole to be pass'd and allow'd in the Accounts that shall be given there∣of in our Chambers of Accounts, meerly by virtue of the Acquittances they shall bring along with them; and in case any should be expedited or deliver'd hereafter, they shall be void; and those who shall accept or diliver them, shall be Fin'd as Falsificators. And in case any of the Accounts already deliver'd should be blotted, or raz'd, and excepted against, we do in that respect re∣move the said Scruples, and allow the said Accounts to be good, by virtue of these Presents, and there shall be no need for all that is above∣said of any particular Letters, nor any thing else, for all which the Ex∣tract of the present Article will suffice.

LXXXI. The Governors, Cap∣tains, Consuls, and other Persons imploy'd for the Collection of the Money to pay the Garisons of the Places held by those of the said Re∣ligion, to whom our Receivers and Collectors of Parishes shall have fur∣nish'd by way of Loan upon their Notes and Bonds, either by force, or to obey the Commands made to them by the Treasurers-General, such Sums of Money as were neces∣sary to pay off the said Garisons to the value of what was specifi'd in the settlement we caus'd to be made in the beginning of the Year 1596; and the Additions that have been since by us granted, are hereby acquitted and discharg'd of what has been paid for the abovesaid use, altho it is not ex∣presly mention'd in the said Notes and Bonds, the which shall be restor'd to them as annihilated. And in order thereunto, the Treasurers-General in every Generality, shall order the particular Receivers of our * 1.8 Tailles to give the said Collectors their Ac∣quittances, and the Receivers Gene∣ral their Acquittances to the said par∣ticular Receivers: For the discharge of which Receivers General, the Sums they shall have accounted for, as above said, shall be endors'd upon the Orders given to the Treasurer of the Exchequer, sign'd by the Treasu∣rers General of the extraordinary ex∣pences of our Wars, for the pay∣ment of the said Garisons. And in

case the said Orders do not amount to as much as is specifi'd by our said settlement of the Year 1596. and the Additions, it is our pleasure in order to supply the same, that new orders shall be given for as much as may be wanting for the discharge of our Ac∣comptants, and the restitution of the said Promises and Bonds, to the end that nothing may be requir'd hereaf∣ter from those that have given them; and that all necessary Letters of In∣forcement and Ratification for the discharge of the said Accomptants be issued out by vertue of this present Article.

LXXXII. And therefore those of the said Religion shall give over and desist, from this very time, all Practi∣ces, Negotiations and Intelligences, both at home and abroad; and the said Assemblies and Councils esta∣blish'd in the Provinces shall straight break up; and all Leagues and Asso∣ciations made or to be made, under any pretence whatever, to the preju∣dice of our present Edict, shall be cancell'd and annull'd, as we do here∣by cancel and annul them; forbid∣ding all our Subjects most expresly henceforward to make any Asses∣ments and raisings of Money, without our leave, Fortifications, Listings of Men, Congregations and Assemblies, besides those that are allow'd them by the present Edicts, and without Arms; which we do prohibit and forbid them on pain of rigorous punishments, and as contemners and infracters of our Commands and Ordinances.

LXXXIII. All Prizes taken at Sea, during the Troubles, by vertue of the permissions given, and all such as have been taken by Land, upon those of the contrary Party, which have been judg'd by the Judges and Com∣missioners of the Admiralty, or by the Chiefs of those of the said Religion, or their Council, shall lye dormant under the benefit of our present E∣dicts, and no manner of prosecution shall be made for the same; neither shall the Captains and others who have taken the said Prises, and the said Judges, Officers, their Widows and Heirs be any wise prosecuted or molested upon that account; not∣withstanding all Decrees of our Pri∣vy-Council and Parliaments, and all Letters of Marque, and Seizures de∣pending and ingag'd, for all which we do release and discharge them.

LXXXIV. Neither shall those of the said Religion be call'd to an account for their having heretofore, and even since the troubles, oppos'd and hinder'd the execution of the Decrees and Judgments given for the re-establishment of the Catholick, Apostolick and Roman Religion, in divers places of this Kingdom.

LXXXV. As for what has been taken or done during the Troubles, otherwise than by way of Hostility, or by Hostility contrary to the Pub∣lick or particular Regulations of the Chiefs, or of the Commonalties of the Provinces who were impower'd, they shall be prosecuted according to Law.

LXXXVI. Nevertheless, whereas if what has been done against the Regulations on both sides were indif∣ferently excepted from the General Pardon granted by this our present Edict, and liable to be prosecuted, there are few men in the Armies, who might not be put to trouble,

which might occasion a renovation of Troubles; it is our will and pleasure that none but execrable Crimes should be excepted out of the said Ge∣neral Pardon: Viz. Ravishments, Incendiaries, Murthers and Robbe∣ries committed with a design and pre∣meditation, not in the way of Hosti∣lity, but out of private ends and re∣venge against the Law of Arms; in∣fraction of Passports and Safeguards, together with Murthers and Plunder∣ings without Orders, in relation to those of the said Religion, and others who have followed the Party of the Chiefs that had Authority over them, grounded upon particular occasions that may have mov'd them to com∣mand or order it.

LXXXVII. We also order, That the Crimes and Offences against persons of the same Party shall be punish'd, unless in Acts commanded by the Chiefs of either side, according to the Necessity, Law and Orders of War. And as for the raisings and exactions of Mony, Bearing of Arms, and other Exploits of War committed by Pri∣vate Authority, and without com∣mand, they shall be prosecuted accor∣ding to Law.

LXXXVIII. The Ruins and De∣molishments that have been made in Cities and Towns during the Trou∣bles, may be rebuilt and repair'd, with our leave, by the Inhabitants at their proper cost and charges, and the Letters Patents allow'd hereto∣fore to that end shall remain in force.

LXXXIX. It is our will and plea∣sure, and positive Command, That all the Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and others, of what Quality soever, of the said pretended Reform'd Reli∣gion, and others who have been in∣gag'd in their Party, shall re-enter, and be effectually restor'd to the en∣joyment of all and every their Estates, Titles, Names, Reasons and Actions, notwithstanding the Judgments gi∣ven against them during the Trou∣bles, and by reason thereof; which Decrees, Seizures, Judgments, and all that follow'd thereupon, we have declar'd to that end, and do declare null, and of no effect and value.

XC. The Acquisitions which those of the said pretended Reform'd Religi∣on, and others who have been in∣gag'd in their Party, have made by other Authority than that of the late Kings our Predecessors, about the Im∣moveables belonging to the Church, shall be void and of no effect; and therefore we order, and it is our will and pleasure that the Ecclesiasticks shall be restor'd immediately, and without delay, and shall be preserv'd in the possession, and real and actual enjoyments of the Estates thus alie∣nated, and without being oblig'd to return the price of the said Sales; the said Contracts of Sale notwithstand∣ing, the which therefore we have and do revoke: Nevertheless, allowing the Purchasers their recourse at Law against the Chiefs, by whose Autho∣rity the said Estates should have been sold. However for the reimburs∣ment of the Sums by them really and without fraud disburs'd, we will grant our Letters Patent to those of the said Religion, to impose and equal upon themselves the Sums to which the said Sales will amount; and the said Purchasers shall have no Actions against them for Damages and Interests for want of enjoyment,

but shall rest satisfied with the resti∣tution of the Money by them dis∣burs'd for the said Acquisitions; in∣cluding upon the said Price the Fruits by them receiv'd, in case the said sales are found to be made at a low unjust Price.

XCI. And to the end that our Ju∣sticers, Officers and other Subjects, may be clearly and with certainty acquainted with our Intentions; and to remove all ambiguities and doubts that might arise upon the account of the precedent Edicts, by reason of the diversity thereof; we have and do declare all other preceding Edicts, secret Articles, Letters, Declarations, Modifications, Ratifications, Inter∣pretations, Decrees and Registers, as well secret, as other Deliberations heretofore by us, or by the Kings our Predecessors made in our Courts of Parliament, or elsewhere, relating to the case of the said Religion, and the troubles happen'd in our said Kingdom, to be null and of no effect; to all which, and the Derogatories therein contain'd, we have by this our Edict derogated and do derogate from this time forward, as well as for that time, do cancel, revoke and annul them: Declaring expresly, that we will have this our Edict to be firm and inviolable, kept and observ'd as well by our said Justicers, Officers, as by other Subjects, without any regard to any thing that might be contrary, or derogating to it.

XCII. And for the better assurance of the maintenance and observance we desire to have thereof, we will and ordain, and it is our pleasure, that all the Governors and Lieutenants General of our Provinces, Bayliffs, Seneschals, and other Judges in ordinary of the Cities of this our Kingdom, immediately after the re∣ceipts of this our Edict, shall swear to have it kept and observ'd, every one in their several Precincts; as also the Mayors, Sheriffs, Capitouls, Consuls, and Jurats of Cities, annual and perpetual: enjoining also our said Bayliffs, Seneschals, or their Lieute∣nants and other Judges, to make the principal Inhabitants of the said Cities of both Religions swear to observe and maintain the same, immediately after the publication thereof. Putting all those of the Cities under our protection, and under the guard of one another; charging them respe∣ctively, and by publick Acts, to answer at the Civil Law for the transgressions that shall be made of this our said Edicts in the said Cities by the Inha∣bitants thereof, or to represent and deliver the said Infractors into the hands of Justice.

We command our Trusty and Well Be∣loved the Persons holding our Courts of Parliament, Chambers of Accounts, and Courts of Aids, immediately upon receipt of the present Edict, to put a stop to all their proceedings, on pain of nullity of all the Acts they should pass, and to take the Oath abovemention'd; and this our Edict to publish and register in our said Courts, according to the form and tenor thereof, exactly as it is, without any Mo∣dification, Restrictions, secret Registers, or Declarations, and without expecting any farther order or command from us; and our Attorneys General to require and prosecute the said immediate Publication thereof.

We also order our said persons holding our said Courts of Parliament, Chambers of our Accounts, and Courts of Aids, Bayliffs, Seneschals, Provosts, and others our Justicers and Officers to whom it may belong, and to their Lieutenants, to cause this our present Edict and Ordinance to be read, publish'd and register'd in their Courts and Jurisdictions, and the same to maintain, keep and observe in every par∣ticular; and to make all such whom it may concern, enjoy and use the benefit thereof; putting a stop to all Troubles and Hinderances thereunto contrary. For such is our pleasure. For witness where∣of we have sign'd these Presents with our own hand; and to the same, in order to its being firm and lasting for ever, we have caus'd our Seal to be affix'd.

Given at Nantes in the Month of A∣pril, in the Year of our Lord 1598. and of our Reign the Ninth.

Sign'd, Henry.

And underneath, By the King being in his Council,

Forget.

And on the side,

Visa.

And seal'd with the Great Seal of Green Wax, upon Knots of Red and Green Silk.

Read, publish'd and regi∣ster'd, heard, with the approbation of the King's Attorney General at Paris in Parliament, on the 25th of February, 1599.

Sign'd, Voysin.

Read, publish'd and register'd in the Chamber of Accounts, hear'd and approv'd by the King's-Attorney General, on the last day of March, 1599.

Sign'd, De la Fontaine.

Read, publish'd and registred, heard and approv'd by the King's Attorny Ge∣neral at Paris, in the Court of Aids, the 30th of April, 1599.

Sign'd, Bernard.

Particular Articles, extracted from the General ones, that have been granted by the King to those of the Pretended Reform'd Religion the which His Majesty would not have comprehended into the said General Articles, nor in the Edict that has been made and drawn upon the same given at Nantes in the Month of April last; and yet nevertherless His Majesty has granted that they shall be fully ac∣complish'd and observ'd, in the same manner as the Contents of the said Edict. To which end they shall be Registred in his Courts of Parliament, and elsewhere, where it shall be necessary; and all ne∣cessary Declarations and Letters Patent to that end shall be forth∣with expedited.

I. THe 6th Article of the said Edict, about Liberty of Conscience, and leave for all his Majesties Sub∣jects to live and inhabit in this King∣dom, and Countries under his Obe∣dience, shall remain in force, and shall be observ'd according to the Form and Tenor thereof: Even for Ministers and Teachers, and all o∣thers that are, or shall turn of the said Religion, whether actual Inha∣bitants or others, behaving them∣selves in all other things conforma∣bly to what is specifi'd by the said E∣dict.

II. Those of the said Religion shall not be oblig'd to contribute towards the Reparations, and Building of Churches, Chappels, Parsonages, nor towards the buying of Sacerdotal Ornaments, Lights, Casting of Bells, Holy Bread, Rights of Fraternity, and other like things, unless oblig'd thereunto by Foundations, Gifts, or other Dispositions made by them or their Predecessors.

3. Neither shall they be oblig'd to hang and adorn the Front of their Houses on Festival-days, on which it is order'd; but only to suf∣fer them to be hung and adorn'd by the Authority of the Magistrates, without contributing any thing to∣wards it.

IV. Neither shall those of the said Religion be oblig'd to receive Ex∣hortations, being Sick, or near Death, either by Condemnation of Justice, or otherwise, from any but those of the said Religion; and their Ministers shall be allow'd to Visit and Comfort them without any di∣sturbance: And as for such as shall be condemn'd by Justice, it shall also be lawful for the said Ministers to vi∣sit and prepare them for Death, with∣out making Publick Prayers, unless in such Places as are allow'd by the said Edict for the said Publick Exer∣cise.

V. It shall be lawful for those of the said Religion, to perform the Publick Exercise thereof at Pimpoul; and for Diepe in the Suburb du Pau∣let; and the said Places of Pimpoul and du Paulet, shall be ordain'd for Places of Baliwicks. The said Exer∣cise shall be continued at Sancerre, as

it is at present. The said free and publick Exercise shall also be re-esta∣blish'd in the City of Montagnac in Languedoc.

VI. In respect to the Article which relates to Bailiwicks, it has been de∣clar'd and granted, as followeth. First, For the Establishing of the Ex∣ercise of the said Religion, in the two Places granted in every Baliwick, Seneschalship, and Government, those of the said Religion shall nominate Two Cities, in the Suburbs of which the said Exercise shall be establish'd by the Commissioners that shall be deputed by his Majesty for the Exe∣cution of the Edict. And in case the said Commissioners should not ap∣prove of them, those of the said Re∣ligion shall nominate two or three Towns or Villages in the Neighbour∣hood of the said Cities, for every one of them, out of which the said Commissioners shall chuse one. And if through Hostility, Contagion, or any other lawful Impediment, it can∣not be continued in the said Places, others shall be allow'd while the said Impediment shall continue. Second∣ly, That only two Cities shall be pro∣vided in the Government of Piccardy, into the Suburbs of which, those of the said Religion shall be allow'd the Exercise thereof for all the Baili∣wicks, Seneschalships, and Govern∣ments depending of the same; and where it shall not be thought fit to establish it in the said Cities, they shall be allow'd two convenient Towns or Villages. Thirdly, By rea∣son of the great Extent of the Se∣neschalship of Provence, and Baili∣wicks of Viennois, his Majesty does grant a third Place in each of the said Bailiwicks and Seneschalships, the Choice and Nomination of which shall be made as abovesaid, there to establish the Exercise of the said Re∣ligion, besides the other Places in which it is already establish'd.

VII. What has been granted by the said Article for the Exercise of the said Religion in Bailiwicks, shall also serve for the Territories which did belong to the Late Queen Mo∣ther-in-Law to his Majesty, and for the Bailiwick of Beaujolois.

VIII. Besides the Two Places granted for the Exercise of the said Religion, by the Particular Articles of the year 1577. in the Isles of Mar∣rennes and Oleron, two more shall be allow'd them, for the convenience of the said Inhabitants; viz. one for all the Isles of Marennes, and another for the Isle of Oleron.

IX. The Letters Patent granted by his Majesty, for the Exercise of the said Religion in the City of Mentz shall remain in full Force and Virtue.

X. It is his Majesty's Will and Pleasure, That the 27th Article of his Edict, relating to the Admission of those of the said pretended Re∣form'd Religion into Offices and Dig∣nities, shall be observ'd and main∣tain'd according to its Form and Tenor, the Edicts and Agreements heretofore made for the Reduction of some Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, and Catholick Cities notwithstand∣ing; the which shall not be in force to the prejudice of those of the said Religion, only in what relates to the Exercise thereof. And the said Ex∣ercise shall be regulated according as it is specified by the following Ar∣ticles,

according to which shall be drawn the Instructions of the Com∣missioners that shall be deputed by his Majesty for the Execution of his Edict, according as it is ordain'd by the same.

XI. According to the Edict made by his Majesty for the Reduction of the Duke of Guise, the Exercise of the said pretended Reform'd Religion shall neither be allow'd, nor esta∣blish'd in the Cities and Suburbs of Rheims, Rocroy, St Disier, Guise, Join∣ville, Fimes, and Moncornet in the Ar∣dennes.

XII. Neither shall it be allow'd in the other Placs adjacent to the said Cities, and Places forbidden by the Edict of the year 1577.

XIII. And to remove the Ambi∣guity that might arise upon the word Adjacent, his Majesty declares, that he means the Places that are within the Circuit of a League of the said Cities, being the Precinct, or Liber∣ties thereof, in which places the Ex∣ercise of the said Religion shall not be allow'd, unless it were permitted by the Edict of 1577.

XIV. And forasmuch as by the same, the said Exercise was allow'd generally in the Fiefs possess'd by those of the said Religion, without any exception of the said Leagues Circuit; his Majesty declares, That the said allowance shall remain in force, even for Fiefs within the said Circuit, possessed by those of the said Religion, as it is specify'd by his Edict, given at Nantes.

XV. Likewise according to the Edict made for the Reduction of the Marshal de la Chartres, in each of the Bailiwicks of Orleans and Bourges, shall only be ordain'd one Place of Bailiwick for the Exercise of the said Religion, the which however may be continu'd in such places where the Continuation thereof is allow'd by the said Edict of Nantes.

XVI. The Concession of Preaching in Fiefs, shall also extend to the said Bailiwicks, in the manner specifi'd by the said Edict of Nantes.

XVII. The Edict made for the Reduction of the Marshal of Bois-Dauphin shall also be observ'd; and the said Exercise shall not be allow'd in the Cities, Suburbs, and Places brought over by him to his Maje∣sty's Service; and as for the Circuit, or Liberties thereof, the Edict of 77. shall be observ'd there, even in the Houses of Fiefs, according as it is spe∣cify'd by the Edict of Nantes.

XVIII. No Exercise of the said Re∣ligion shall be allow'd in the City, Suburbs, and Castle of Morlais, ac∣cording to the Edicts made for the Reduction of the said City, and the Edict of 77. shall be observ'd for the Precinct thereof according to the E∣dict of Nantes.

XIX. In Consequence of the E∣dict for the Reduction of Quinperco∣rantin, no Exercise of the said Reli∣gion shall be allow'd in all the Bi∣shoprick of Cornouaille.

XX. Also according to the Edict made for the Reduction of Beauvais, the Exercise of the said Religion shall not be allow'd in the said City of Beauvais, nor within three Leagues round about it. Nevertheless the establishing thereof shall be allow'd in the remainder of the Extent of the Bailiwick, in the Places allow'd of by the Edict of 77. Even in Houses

of Fiefs, according to the Edict of Nantes.

XXI. And whereas the Edict made for the Reduction of the late Admi∣ral de Villars, is only Provisional, and until the King's farther Pleasure, It is his Majesty's Will and Pleasure, the said Edict notwithstanding, that his Edict of Nantes shall remain in force for the Cities and Jurisdictions re∣duced to his Majesty's Obedience by the said Admiral, as well as for the other parts of his Kingdom.

XXII. By the Edict made for the Reduction of the Duke of Joyeuse, the Exercise of the said Religion shall not be allowed in the City or Sub∣urbs of Thoulouse, nor within four Leagues about it, nor nearer than the Cities of Villemur, Carmain, and the Isle of Jourdan.

XXIII. Neither shall it be restored into the Cities of Alet, Fiat, Auriac, and Mont••squiou: Nevertheless, in case any of the said Religion in the said City should be desirous to have a place for the Exercise thereof, the Commissioners that shall be deputed by his Majesty for the Execution of his Edict, shall assign them for every one of the said Cities a conve∣nient Place and of easie Access, with∣in a League of the said Cities.

XXIV. It shall be lawful to esta∣blish the said Exercise, according as it is specified by the said Edict of Nantes, within the Jurisdiction of the Court of Parliament of Thoulouse, excepted always in such Bayliwicks, Seneschalships, and other Precincts, of which the principal Seats shall have been restored to his Majesty's Obedience by the said Duke of Joy∣cuse, in which the Edict of 77 shall take place. Nevertheless his Majesty means that the said Exercise shall be continued in such places of the said Bayliwicks and Seneschalships, where it was performed at the time of the said Reduction; and that the Con∣cession thereof in Houses of Fiefs shall remain in Force in the said Bay∣liwicks and Seneschalships, according as it is specified by the said Edict.

XXV. The Edict made for the Reduction of the City of Dijon shall be observed, according to which no other Exercise of Religion shall be allowed in the said City than that of the Roman Catholick Apostolick Church, nor yet within the Suburbs thereof, nor within four Leagues round about it.

XXVI. The Edict made for the Reduction of the Duke of Mayenne, shall in like manner be observed; ac∣cording to which the Exercise of the Pretended Reformed Religion shall not be allowed in the City of Châ∣lons, nor within two Leagues round about Soissons during the term of six Years, to begin from the month of January 1596. after which the Edict of Nantes shall be observed there, as in the other parts of the Kingdom.

XXVII. It shall be lawful for those of the said Religion, of what Quality soever, to inhabit, and to have free Egress and Regress into the City of Lyons, and other Towns and Places of the Government of Lyonnois, all Prohibitions made to the contrary by the Syndics, and Sheriffs of the said City of Lyons, tho confirm'd by his Majesty, notwithstanding.

XXVIII. Only one place of Bayli∣wick shall be allow'd for the Exer∣cise of the said Religion in the whole

Seneschalship of Poitiers, besides those where it is already establish'd; and as to the Fiefs, the Edict of Nantes shall be observed. The said Exercise shall also be continued in the City of Chau∣vigny: But it shall not be restored in the Cities of Agen and Perigueux, altho it was allowed by the Edict of 77.

XXIX. Only two places of Bayli∣wicks shall be allow'd for the Exer∣cise of the said Religion in all the Government of Picardy, as abovesaid, neither shall the said two places be allow'd within the Precincts of the Bayliwicks and Governments reser∣ved by the Edicts made for the Re∣duction of Amiens, P••ronne and Abbe∣ville. Nevertheless the said Exercise shall be allowed in Houses of Fiefs throughout the whole Government of Picardy, according to what is spe∣cified by the said Edict of Nantes.

XXX. The Exercise of the said Religion shall not be allowed in the Cities and Suburbs of Sens; and on∣ly one place of Bayliwick shall be granted in the whole Precinct of the Bayliwick, but still without prejudice to the Permission granted for Houses of Fiefs, which shall re∣main in Force according to the Edict of Nantes.

XXXI. Neither shall the said Ex∣ercise be allowed in the City nor Suburbs of Nantes, nor any place of Bayliwicks be granted for the said Exercise within three Leagues round about the said City: Nevertheless it shall be allowed in Houses of Fiefs, according to the said Edict of Nantes.

XXXII. It is his said Majesty's Will and Pleasure, that his said Edict of Nantes shall be observed from this very time, in what relates to the Ex∣ercise of the said Religion, in such places where by the Edicts and Agree∣ments made for the Reduction of some Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, and Catholick Cities, it was prohibited only provisionally, and until it was otherwise ordained. And as for such where the said Prohibition is li∣mitted to a certain time, that time being expired it shall be no longer in Force.

XXXIII. A Place shall be allowed to those of the said Religion for the City, Provostship, and Vice-Comty of Paris, within five Leagues at far∣thest from the said City, in which they shall be allowed the Exercise of the said Religion.

XXXIV. In all such places where the Exercise of the said Religion shall be performed publickly, it shall be lawful to assemble the People, even by the sound of Bells, and to per∣form all Acts and Functions belong∣ing either to the Exercise of the said Religion, or to the Regulation of their Discipline, as to hold Consisto∣ries, Conferences, and Provincial and National Synods by his Majesty's leave.

XXXV. The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons of the said Religion, shall not be obliged to appear as Witnesses, and to answer in Justice, for things that shall have been revealed in their Consistories, in the case of Censures, unless it were about Matters relating to the King's Person, or towards the Preservation of the State.

XXXVI. Such of the said Religion as live in the Country shall be allow'd to assist at the Exercise thereof in the

Cities and Suburbs, and other places where it shall be publickly esta∣blish'd.

XXXVII. Those of the said Reli∣gion shall not be allowed to keep pu∣blick Schools, unless in such Towns and Places where the publick Exer∣cise thereof is allowed: And the Pa∣tents that have been granted them heretofore for the erecting and main∣taining of Colleges, shall be Verified if necessary, and shall remain in full Force and Vigor.

XXXVIII. It shall be lawful for Fathers professing the said Religion, to provide such Educators for their Children as they shall think fit, and to substitute one, or several by Will, or other Declaration pass'd be∣fore a Notary, or written or sign'd by their own Hands, the Laws re∣ceived in this Kingdom, Ordinances and Customs of Places remaining in full Force and Vertue, as to the Gifts and Provisions of Tutors and Guardians.

XXXIX. As for the Marriage of Priests, and other Religious Persons, that have been heretofore contracted, his Majesty, for divers good Consi∣derations, will not allow their being prosecuted or molested for the same; upon which Subject silence shall be imposed to his Attornies General and other Officers. Nevertheless his Ma∣jesty declares, That the Children pro∣ceeding from the said Marriages shall only succeed to the Personal Estates, and Acquisitions made by their Fa∣thers and Mothers, and in default of the said Children, the nearest Rela∣tions at Law: And the Wills, Gifts, and other Dispositions made, or to be made, by Persons of the said Quality, of the said Personal Estates and Acquisitions by them made, are hereby declared Good and Lawful. Nevertheless his said Majesty will not allow that the said Persons having been admitted into Religious Orders, should be capable of any direct or colateral Succession; but only shall be allowed to take such Estates as shall be left them by Will, or Gift, or other Dispositions, still excepting those of the said Direct and Colateral Successions: And as to those who shall have taken Religious Orders before the Age mentioned by the Ordinances of Orleans or Blois, shall be followed and observed, in what relates to the said Succession, the Tenor of the said Ordinances, every one for the time they have been in Force.

XL. Neither will his said Majesty allow those of the said Religion, who have heretofore, or shall hereafter contract Marriages in the third or fourth Degree, to be prosecuted or molested for the same; neither shall the Validity of the said Marriages be questioned, nor the Succession taken from, or disputed against the Children, born, or to be born of the same: And as to the Marriages that might already be contracted in the second Degree, or from the se∣cond to the third, between those of the said Religion, the said Persons applying themselves to his said Ma∣jesty, such Letters Patent as shall be necessary shall be granted them, to the end that they may neither be pro∣secuted nor molested for the same, nor the Succession disputed with their Children.

XLI. The Validity and Lawful∣ness of the said Marriages thus made and contracted, shall be Judg'd, the Defendant being of the said Religion, before the Judge Royal; but in case of his being Plaintiff, and the De∣fendant a Catholick, the Cognizance thereof shall belong to the Official and Ecclesiastical Judge; and both Parties being of the said Religion, the Case shall be try'd before the Judges Royal: His Majesty willing that the said Marriages, and the Dif∣ferences arising from the same, should be judg'd respectively by the Judges Ecclesiastical and Royal, and by the Chambers establish'd by his E∣dicts.

XLII. The Gifts and Legacies made, or to be made, whether by Will, in case of death, or among the living, for the maintenance of Ministers, Doctors, Scholars, and Poor of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, and upon other pious Ac∣counts, shall be of full force and power, all Judgments and Decrees to the contraty notwithstanding; but yet without prejudice to his Ma∣jesty's Rights, and others, in case the said Legacies and gifts should fall into ••ortmain: And all necessary Actions and Prosecutions for the recovery of the said Legacies. Pious Gifts, and other Rights of all kinds, shall be allow'd to be made by At∣torny in the name of the Body and Community of those of the said Re∣ligion who shall be concern'd; and in case it happens that any of the said Gifts and Legacies have been heretofore dispos'd of, otherwise than is specifi'd by the said Article, no other restitution shall be demand∣ed, but what shall be found in be∣ing.

XLIII. His said Majesty permits those of the said Religion to assem∣ble before the Judge Royal, and by his Authority to equal and raise a∣mong themselves such Sums as shall be judg'd necessary to be imploy'd towards the Charges of their Sy∣nods, and for the maintenance of those who are imploy'd for the exer∣cise of their said Religion, of which the true estimate shall be given to the said Judge Royal, to be kept by him: The Copy of which shall be sent every six months by the said Judges Royal to his Majesty, or to his Chancellor, and the said Taxes and Impositions shall be liable to ex∣ecution, all Oppositions or Appeals to the contrary notwithstanding.

XLIV. The Ministers of the said Religion shall be exempted from Watching, and from Quartering of Soldiers; assessing and collecting of Tailles, or Subsidies; as also from Wardships and Guardianships, and Commissions for the keeping of Estates seiz'd by Authority of Ju∣stice.

XLV. Those of the said Religion shall be neither prosecuted nor di∣sturbed for the Burials heretofore made by them in the Church-yards of the said Catholicks, in any place or City whatever, and his Majesty shall order his Officers to take care of the same. As to the City of Paris, over and above the two Church∣yards, those of the same Religion possess there already, viz. that of Trinity, and that of St. Germans, a third convenient place shall be allow'd them for the said Interments in

the Suburbs of St. Honore, or St. Denis.

XLVI. The Catholick Presidents and Counsellors that shall serve in the Chamber ordain'd in the Parliament of Paris, shall be chosen by his Ma∣jesty upon the Roll of the Officers of the Parliament.

XLVII. The Counsellors of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, who shall serve in the said Chamber, shall assist, if they think fit, at such Processes as shall be decided by Com∣missioners, and shall have a delibe∣rative voice in the same, but shall have no share of the Consign'd Mo∣ney, unless they ought to assist at them by the order and prerogative of their reception.

XLVIII. The Senior President of the Party-Chambers shall preside at the Audience, and in his absence the second; and the distribution of Suits shall be made by the two Presidents jointly, or alternately, monthly, or weekly.

XLIX. A vacation of Offices hap∣pening, in possession of, or to be possess'd by those of the said Religi∣on in the said Chambers of the Edict, they shall be given to capable Per∣sons, having Attestations from the Synod, or Assembly, to which they do belong, of their being of the said Religion and Persons of Inte∣grity.

L. The Pardon granted to those of the said pretended Reform'd Reli∣gion by the 74th Article of the said Edict, shall stand good for the ta∣king of the Money belonging to the Crown, either by breaking of Cof∣fers, or otherwise, even in respect to that as was rais'd upon the River Charante, though assign'd to particu∣lar persons.

LI. The 49th of the Secret Articles, made in the Year 1577. concerning the City and Archbi∣shoprick of Avignon, and County thereof, together with the Treaty made at Nimes, shall be observ'd ac∣cording to their Form and Tenor; and no Letters of Mart shall be grant∣ed by virtue of the said Articles and Treaty, unless by Letters-Patent from the King under the Great Seal. Nevertheless, such as shall be desi∣rous to obtain the same, shall be al∣low'd, by virtue of this present Ar∣ticle, without any other Commis∣sion, to make their application to the Judges Royal, who shall examine the Transgressions, Denial of Ju∣stice, and Iniquity of the Judgments, propos'd by those who shall be desi∣rous to obtain the said Letters, and shall send the same, together with their Opinions, seal'd up close, to his Majesty, in order to his ordering the said matter according to reason.

LII. His Majesty grants and wills, that Nicholas Grimoult shall be re∣establish'd and maintain'd in the Ti∣tle and Possession of the Offices of Ancient Lieutenant General Civil, and Lieutenant-General Criminal, in the Bailywike of Aleneon, notwith∣standing the Resignation by him made to John Marguerite, his Recep∣tion, and the Patent obtain'd by William Barnard of the Office of Lieu∣tenant-General, Civil and Criminal, in the tribunal of Exmes: The Decrees given against the said Marguerit, Re∣signee during the Troubles in the Privy Council, in the Year 1586, 1587, and 1588. by which Nicholas

Barbier is setled in the Rights and Prerogatives of Ancient Lieutenant-General in the said Bailywike, and the said Bernard in the Office of Lieu∣tenant at Exmes, the which his Ma∣jesty has nullify'd, and all others here∣unto contrary. Moreover, his Ma∣jesty, for certain good Considerati∣ons, has granted and ordain'd, That the said Grimoult shall within the space of three months re-imburse the said Barbier of the Money by him furnish'd or disburs'd for the said Of∣fice of Lieutenant-General, Civil and Criminal, in the Vice-county of Alencon, and 50 Crowns for the Charges: And the said Re-imburse∣ment being made, or the said Bar∣bier refusing, or delaying to receive it; his Majesty forbids the said Bar∣bier, as also the said Bernard, after the signification of this present Arti∣cle, any more to exercise the said Offices, on pein of the Crime of Fal∣sity, and sends the said Grimoult to the injoyment of the said Offices and Rights thereunto belonging: And in so doing, the Processes which were depending between the said Grimoult, Barbier and Bernard, in his Majesty's Privy Council, shall remain determin'd, and lye dormant, his said Majesty forbidding the Parlia∣ments, and all others to take cogni∣zance thereof, and the said Parties to make any prosecutions for the same. Moreover, his said Majesty has taken upon himself to reimburse the said Bernard of the Sum of a thou∣sand Crowns paid for the said Office, and 60 Crowns for the Mark of Gold and Charges: Having to that end already order'd a good and sufficient assignation, the recovery of which shall be made at the Suit and Charge of the said Grimoult.

LIII. His said Majesty shall write to his Ambassadors to obtain for all his Subjects, even for those of the said pretended Reform'd Religion, that they may not be disturb'd as to their Consciences, nor subject to the Inquisition, going or coming, so∣journing and trading throughout all Foreign Countries, in Alliance and Confederacy with this Crown, pro∣vided they do not offend the Civil Government of the Countreys where they shall be.

LIV. His Majesty forbids any pro∣secution for the gathering and re∣ceiving of the Impositions that have been levy'd at Royan, by virtue of the Contract made with the Sieur de Candelay, and others, made in con∣tinuation of the same; making the said Contract valid, and approving it for the time it has been in force in the whole extent of it, until the 8th of May next coming.

LV. The Excesses committed a∣gainst Armand Courtiers, in the City of Millant, in the Year 1587. and John Reines, and Peter Seigneuret; to∣gether with the Proceedings made among them by the Consuls of the said Millant, shall remain abolish'd, and shall lye dormant by the Bene∣fice of the Edict; and it shall not be lawful for their Widows and Heirs, nor his Majesty's Attornies-General, their Substitutes, or other Persons whatever, to mention the same, or to make any inquiry or prosecution about it: Notwithstanding, and with∣out regard to the Decree given in the Chamber of Castres on the 10th of March last, the which shall remain

null, and without effect, together with all Proceedings and Informa∣tions made on either side.

LVI. All Prosecutions, Proceed∣ings, Sentences, Judgments and De∣crees, given either against the late Sieur de La Noue, or against his Son Odet de la Noue, since their detention and imprisonment in Flanders hap∣pen'd in the Month of May, 1580. and November, 1584. and during their continual Occupation in the Wars and Service of his Majesty, shall re∣main anihilated and nullify'd, and whatever has follow'd in consequence thereof: And the said De la Noue shall be admitted to make their de∣fence, and shall be restor'd to the same condition they were in before the said Judgments and Decrees; without their being oblig'd to refund Costs, nor to consign the Fines, in case they had incurr'd any; neither shall it be allow'd to alledge Non∣suits or Prescription against them, during the said time.

Done by the King, being in his Council at Nantes, the 2d of May, 1598.

Sign'd, Henry.

And lower,

Forget.

And Seal'd with the Great Seal of Yellow Wax.

HEnry, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navar,

To our Trusty and Well-beloved the Persons holding our Court of Parliament at Pa∣ris, Greeting.

In the Month of April last past, we caused our Letters of Edict to be expedited, for the establishment of a good Order and Repose among our Catho∣lick Subjects, and those of the said pre∣tended Reform'd Religion: And we have moreover granted to those of the said Religion certain secret and particular Ar∣ticles, which we will have to be of equal force and vertue, and to be observ'd and accomplish'd in the same manner as our said Edict. To this end, We will, and most expresly order and command you by these Presents, To cause the said Arti∣cles, sign'd by our hand, join'd hereunto under the Counter-seal of our Chancery, to be register'd in the Registers of our said Court; and the Contents thereof to keep, maintain and observe from point to point, like unto our said Edict: Ceasing, and cau••ing all Troubles and Impediments thereunto contrary, to cease. For such is our Pleasure.

Given at Nantes, the 2d day of May, in the Year of Our Lord, 1598. And of our Reign the Ninth.

Sign'd by the King,

Forget.

And seal'd upon single Labels of Yellow Wax.

Brief granted by Henry the Great, to his Subjects of the Pretended Reform'd Religion on the 30th of April, 1589.

THis present 3d of April, 1598. The King being at Nantes, and being willing to gratify his Subjects of the Pretended Reform'd Religion, and to help them to supply many great Expences they are oblig'd to undergo, has ordain'd, That for the future, to begin from the first day of this present month, shall be put into the hands of Mr. de Vierse, commis∣sion'd by his Majesty to that end, by the Treasurers of his Exchequer, every one in his year, Rescriptions to the Sum of 45000 Crowns to be imploy'd in certain secret Affairs re∣lating to them, which his Majesty does neither think fit to specify, or declare: The which Sum of 45000 Crowns shall be assign'd upon the general Receipts as followeth; viz. Paris 6000 Crowns; Roan 6000 Crowns; Caen 3000 Crowns; Or∣leans 4000 Crowns; Tours 4000 Crowns; Poitiers 8000 Crowns; Limoges 6000 Crowns; Bordeaux 8000 Crowns. The whole toge∣ther amounting to the aforesaid Sum of 45000 Crowns; payable at the four Quarters of the said Year out of the first and clearest Mo∣ney of the said General Receipts; out of which nothing shall be re∣trench'd, or put of, upon any ac∣count whatever. For which Sum of 45000 Crowns, he shall cause Ac∣quittances to be deliver'd into the hands of the Treasurer of his Ex∣chequer for his discharge, in giving the said Rescriptions intire for the said Sum of 45000 Crowns, upon the said Generalities, at the begin∣ning of every year. And where for the convenience of the abovesaid, it shall be requir'd to cause part of the said Assignations to be paid in parti∣cular Receipts establish'd: The Trea∣surers-General of France, and Re∣ceivers-General of the said Generali∣ties shall be order'd to do it in dedu∣ction of the said Rescriptions of the said Treasurers of the Exchequer; the which shall be afterwards deli∣ver'd by the said Sieur de Vierse, to such as shall be nominated by those of the said Religion at the beginning of the year for the receipt and laying out of the Money to be receiv'd by virtue thereof; of which they shall be oblig'd to bring a particular ac∣count to the said Sieur de Vierse at the end of the year, with the Ac∣quittance of the Parties, to inform his Majesty with the laying out of the said Money: For which neither the said Sieur de Vierse, nor those that shall be imploy'd by those of the said Reli∣gion shall be oblig'd to give any ac∣count in any of the Chambers: For all which, and whatever may depend thereon, his Majesty has commanded all necessary Letters-Patent to be ex∣pedited by virtue of this present Brief, sign'd by his own hand, and counter∣sign'd by us, Counsellor in his Coun∣cil of State, and Secretary of his Commands.

Sign'd, Henry.

And lower,

De Neufville.

THis last day of April. 1598, the King being at Nantes, and being very desirous to afford all manner of Satisfaction to his Subjects of the Pretended Reformed Religion, upon the Petitions and Requests he has received from them, about such things as they think necessary for the Liberty of their Consciences, and for the Security of their Persons, Fortunes and Estates. And his Ma∣jesty being convinced of their Fide∣lity, and sincere Affection for his Service; as also for divers other Im∣portant Considerations relating to the Quiet and Welfare of this State, him thereunto moving; his said Ma∣jesty, besides what is contained in the Edict he has lately resolved to make, and is to be published for the Regulation of what relates to them, has granted and promised them, that all the Places, Towns and Castles they held until the end of August last past, in which Garisons are to be kept, by the Settlement that shall be made about it, and sign'd by his Majesty, shall remain in their keep∣ing under the Authority and Obe∣dience of his said Majesty for the term of eight Years, to begin from the day of the Publication of the said Edict. And as for the others which they hold, in which there is to be no Garisons, there shall be no Alteration or Innovation made. Ne∣vertheless his said Majesty does not mean that the Cities and Castles of Vendome and Pontorson should be com∣prised in the number of the said Places left in keeping to those of the said Religion. Neither shall the City, Castle and Citadel of Aubenay be comprised in the said number, which his Majesty will dispose of at his own pleasure, and tho it were into the hands of one of the said Religion, it shall be no President for the future, like the other Cities that are granted unto them. And as for Chauvigny, it shall be restored to the Bishop of Poitiers Lord of the said Place, and the new Fortifications made there ras'd and demolish'd. And for the maintaining of the Gar∣risons that shall be kept into the said Towns, Places and Castles, his said Majesty has granted them the Sum of 180000 Crowns, without including those of the Province of Dauphine into the said number, for which other provision shall be made besides the said sum of 180000 Crowns yearly. And his said Majesty promises and assures them, that he will give them good and valuable Assignations for the same upon the clearest part of his Revenue, in such Places where the said Garisons shall be established. And in case the said Revenues should not be suffi∣cient, the remainder shall be paid them out of the nearest places of Receipt; neither shall the said Re∣venues be imploy'd to any other use, until the said Sum is intirely fur∣nished and acquitted. Moreover his said Majesty has promised and gran∣ted them, that he will call, at the making and establishing of the Settle∣ments of the said Garisons, some Persons of the said Religion, to take their Advice, and hear their Remon∣strances about it; which shall be done, as much as possible can be, to their Satisfaction. And in case, during the said term of eight Years, there should happen any Necessity

to alter any thing about the said Settlement; whether it shall be thought fit by his Majesty, or at their request, it shall be done in the said manner, as it shall be resolved upon the first time. And as to the Garisons of Dauphine, his Majesty shall take the advice of the Sieur de Lesdiguieres about the Settlement thereof. And in case of Vacancies of some Governours and Captains of the said Places, his Majesty also promises and grants to them, That he will put none into their room, but such as shall be of the said Pre∣tended Reformed Religion, having Attestations fromt the Assembly where they reside, of their being of the said Religion, and Persons of Inte∣grity. And it shall be sufficient for the Person who shall be invested of the same, upon the Breef that shall have been expedited about it, before his receiving his Letters-Patent, to produce the Attestation of the said Assembly as abovesaid; the which those of the said Assembly shall be oblig'd to give him speedily with∣out delays; or in case of refusal, shall acquaint his Majesty with the reasons them thereunto moving. And the said term of eight Years being expired, altho he shall then be ac∣quitted of his Promise in relation to the said Cities: Nevertheless he has moreover granted and promised them, that in case he shall think fit, after the said time to keep Garisons in the same, or to leave a Governor to command there, he will not dis∣possess the Person then being in Possession of the same, to put ano∣ther in his room. He also declares, That it is his Intention, both during the said eight Years, as well as after it, to gratifie those of the said Reli∣gion, and to give them a share of the Imployments, Governments, and other Honours, he shall have to dis∣pose of, Indifferently and without any Exception, according to the Quality and Merit of the Persons, as among his other Catholick Sub∣jects: Yet nevertheless without be∣ing obliged for the future, particu∣larly to bestow the Cities and Places thus committed to them there into Command, to Persons of the said Religion. Moreover his said Ma∣jesty has also granted unto them, That those that have been imploy'd by those of the said Religion for the keeping of the Stores, Ammunition, Powder, and Cannons of the said Cities, and such as shall be left in keeping to them shall be continued in the said Imployments, taking Com∣missions from the Master of the Ordnance, and Commissary General of the Provisions. Which Commis∣sions shall be expedited Gratis, they delivering unto them a particular account of the said Magazines, Am∣munition, Powder and Cannon, sign'd in due form; yet they shall not be allowed to pretend to any Immunities or Privileges upon the account of the said Commissions. Nevertheless they shall be imploy'd upon the Settlement that shall be made about the said Garisons, and shall receive their Sallaries out of the Sums above granted by his Ma∣jesty, for the maintenance of their Garisons, for which his Majesty's other Revenues shall no-wise be charged. And whereas those of the said Religion, have intreated his

Majesty to acquaint them with what he has been pleased to order about the Exercise of the same in the City of Mets, by reason that it is not sufficiently explained, and comprised in his Edict and secret Articles; his Majesty declares, That he has ordered Letters-Patent to be drawn, by which it is declared, That the Temple heretofore built in the said City by the Inhabitants thereof, shall be restored unto them, to make use of the Materials, and to dispose of them as they shall think fit; but they shall not be allowed to preach in it, nor perform any Exercise of their Religion: Nevertheless a con∣venient Place shall be provided for them within the Enclosure of the said City, where they shall be al∣lowed to perform the said Exercise publickly, without any necessity of expressing it by his Edict. His Ma∣jesty also grants, that notwithstand∣ing the Prohibition made of the Exercise of the said Religion at the Court, and Dependence thereof; the Dukes, Peers of France, Officers of the Crown, Marquesses, Counts, Governors and Lieutenants General, Marshals de Camp, and Captains of his said Majesty's Guards, who shall be in his Attendance, shall not be molested for what they shall do within their Houses, provided it be only for their own particular Fami∣lies, their Doors being shut, with∣out singing of Psalms with a loud Voice, or doing any thing that might discover it to be a Publick Exercise of the said Religion; and in case his said Majesty shall remain above three Days in any Town or Place where the said Exercise is allowed, the said time being expired, the said Exercise shall be continued as before his arrival. His said Majesty also declares, That by reason of the present State of his Affairs, he has not been able at present to include the Countries on the other side of the Mounts Bresse and Barcelona, in the Permission by him granted for the Exercise of the said Pretended Reformed Religion. Nevertheless his Majesty promises, That when his said Countries shall be reduced under his Obedience, he will use his Subjects inhabiting in the same, in relation to Religion, and other Points granted by his Edict, like his other Subjects, notwithstanding what is contained in the said Edicts; and in the mean time they shall be maintained in the same condition they are in at present. His Majesty also grants, That those of the Pre∣tended Reformed Religion, that are to be provided with Offices of Pre∣sidents and Counsellors created to serve in the Chambers, ordained a-new by his Edict, shall be invested with the said Offices Gratis, and without paying any Fees for the first time, upon the Roll that shall be pre∣sented to his Majesty by the Deputies of the Assembly of Chatelleraud; as also the Substitutes of the Attornies and Advocates General erected by the said Edict in the Chamber of Bordeaux: And in case of an Incor∣poration of the said Chamber of Bor∣deaux, and that of Thoulouse, into the said Parliaments, the said Substitutes shall be provided with Counsellors places in the same also Gratis. His Majesty will also bestow on Monsieur Francis Pitou the Office of Substitute

to the Attorney General in the Court of Parliament of Paris; and to that end a new Erection shall be made of the said Office; and after the Decease of the said Poitou, it shall be given to a Person of the said Pretended Re∣formed Religion. And in case of Vacation by Death of two Offices of Masters of Request of the King's Hostel, his Majesty shall bestow them on Persons of the said Pretended Reformed Religion, such as his Ma∣jesty shall judge fit and capable for the good of his Service; they paying the usual Price of the Sale of the said Offices. And in the mean time two Masters of Request shall be appointed in every Quarter to make report of the Petitions of those of the said Reli∣gion. Moreover his Majesty permits the Deputies of the said Religion assembled in the said City of Cha∣telleraud, to remain in a body to the number of Ten in the City of Sau∣mur, to prosecute the Execution of his Edict, until his said Edict is verified in his Court of Parliament of Paris; notwithstanding their being injoyn'd by the said Edicts to sepa∣rate immediately: Yet nevertheless without their being allowed to make any new Demands in the name of the said Assembly, or to meddle with any thing besides the said Exe∣cution, Deputation, and dispatch of the Commissionaries who shall be or∣dained to that end. And his Majesty has given them his Faith and Word for all that is above-written by this present Breef, which he has been pleased to Sign with his own Hand, and to have it Counter-sign'd by Us his Secretaries of State, Willing the said Breef to be of the same Force and Value to them, as if the Con∣tents thereof were included in an Edict verified in his Courts of Parlia∣ment; those of the said Religion be∣ing satisfied out of consideration for the good of his Service, and the State of his Affairs, not to press him to put this Ordinance in any other more Authentick Form, being so Confident of his Majesty's Word and Goodness, that they assure themselves, that he will make them enjoy the same fully: Having to that end or∣dered all necessary Expeditions and Dispatches for the Execution of what is above-written, to be forthwith ex∣pedited.

Thus Sign'd,

Henry.

And lower,

Forget.

The End of the first Volume.

Notes

• * 1.1

  An Inheri∣tance held immediate∣ly and in Capite of the King.
• * 1.2

  Use and Profit.
• * 1.3

  A heavy Tax upon such as are not Gentle men.
• * 1.4

  * Germain Horse.
• * 1.5

  In French Gr••ffe.
• * 1.6

  * An In∣heritance held di∣rectly in Capite of the King.
• * 1.7

  * The word sig∣nifies Le∣gacies.
• * 1.8

  A heavy Imposition.