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.

THE HISTORY OF THE Edict of Nantes. VOL. II. BOOK IV. (Book 4)

A Summary of the Contents of the Fourth Book.

Proposition dislik'd by the Nobility. Declaration of the King, which does not cure the Evil. New Intrigues, in which the People are drawn, the Parliament and the Reform'd, who sollicit to obtain another place instead of Grenoble; and obtain Gergeau; which does not please them, and they de∣sire Grenoble again; to which the Court consents. Assembly of the Clergy. Settlement for the Pensions of Converted Mi∣nisters. Conduct of the Court, and of the Prince of Conde, who invites the Assembly of Grenoble to joyn with him.

Diversity of opinions. The King's Progress. The General Assembly sends Deputies to him. Those Deputies are ad∣journ'd to Poitiers. The Queen waves the Princes propo∣sitions, and performs her Progress without hindrance. Par∣ticular Cahier of the Assembly. General Cahier. Answers which are not satisfactory. The Deputies are amus'd, they Communicate their fears to the Assembly. Lesdiguieres keeps them in awe. They remove to Nimes, inspight of him; and excuse themselves at Court, which does not approve it very well. They are jealous of the Lords. Lesdigueres and Chatillon are ingag'd in the Interest of the Court. The Duke of Candale embraces the Reform'd Religion. The Reform'd are hated by the Favourites. The Duke d' Epernon hates them mortally. Treaty of Ʋnion between the Assembly and the Prince of Conde, under divers reser∣vations: which revives the Princes Party. New Declarati∣on which confirm the Edicts after an argumented Preface. Effect of the Declaration. The Reform'd are disarm'd •••• Bourdeaux. The Consistory discontinues the exercise of their Religion. Two Advocates acquaint the Parliament with it, which orders the usual Assemblies to be continued. The Mi∣nisters withdraw. The Consistory cites the Advocates after the Conclusion of the Peace: who appeal to the Parliament. The Consistory suspends them publickly from the Communion Severe Decree. Passion of the Advocate General. Facts dis∣own'd by the Ministers. Absurdities, and ridiculous pretention. Proceedings against the Ministers. Sequel of the ill will of the Parliament. False Decree of Inrollment of a Declaration against the Prince of Conde. Propositions of Peace. Deputies and Lettes, from the Assembly of Nimes. The Lower Languedoc remains peaceable. The King of England offers to be Mediator of the Peace, which the Council of France refuses. Conferrence and Peace of Loudun. Translation of the General Assembly •••• Rochel, from whence they send Deputies to Loudun. Ʋn∣just proceedings of the Court. The Assembly is almost forc'd to accept a Peace. Edict of Blois. Private Articles. Sequel. Inrollment and modification of the Edict.

Have inlarg'd upon the preceding Articles presented by the Clergy by reason that they may be look'd up∣on as the Plan or Scheme of the Persecution the Reform'd* 1.1 have undergone from that time, untill our days. As the ••••••••gy thereby show'd how little they were inclin'd to Peace 〈…〉〈…〉 Equity, the Nobility which follow'd their inspirations 〈…〉〈…〉 movements, did not appear better dispos'd. They 〈…〉〈…〉 during the Session of the Estates, to Petition the 〈…〉〈…〉 to maintain the Catholick Religion, according to the 〈…〉〈…〉 he had taken about it at his Coronation. The Re∣••••••••'d who were present took that proposition to be made ••••••••nst them, and were persuaded that the Nobility aim'd 〈…〉〈…〉 Religion. And indeed those that were acquain∣•••••• with the nature of that Oath, which I have set down in ••••••••her place can think no otherwise; since that the King ••••••••ising thereby utterly to destroy all Hereticks declar'd 〈…〉〈…〉 so by the Church, the Application of it fell naturally 〈…〉〈…〉 the Reform'd, who are look'd upon as such by the ••••••••olicks. Therefore the said proposition was warmly ••••••••ed, between the Reform'd Gentlemen who were pre∣•••••••• and the promoters of it: in so much that they were 〈…〉〈…〉 to proceed to great extremities. The King was ac∣••••••••nted with it, and he hinder'd it from going any further 〈…〉〈…〉 promises: and whereas peoples minds were strang∣••••••••'d by that dispute, he issued out a new Declaration on 12th of March, which Confirmed all the Edicts.

〈…〉〈…〉 began with great Elogies of the Queen's conduct du∣••••••••* 1.2 the Regency, and of the care she had taken to con∣•••••••• the Edicts, in imitation of the late King, and to reme∣•••• ••he infractions of it, as soon as she was acquainted with 〈◊〉〈◊〉: which the King look'd upon as the true Cause, which 〈…〉〈…〉 to the assistance of God had maintain'd his Subjects 〈…〉〈…〉 the bounds of their Allegiance to him, and in ami∣•••• ••mong themselves. After which the King expressed that 〈…〉〈…〉 good effect of the Queens Prudence had obliged him,

after the Declaration of his Majesty, to intreat her to con∣tinue to assist him with her Council, with the same authori∣ty as if the Administration of the Kingdom were still in 〈…〉〈…〉 hands. That by her advice he had issued out another De∣claration, of the same substance with that she had publish•…•… and caus'd to be verifi'd at the beginning of her Rege•…•… to signifie that it was her earnest desire to make his Subje•…•… live in Peace and friendship, and to observe the Edi•…•… Inviolably. In the next place he declar'd that he was so•…•… for what had happen'd in the Estates, upon the proposi•…•… of the Nobility; and in order to satisfie the Reform'd, 〈…〉〈…〉 rejected it at first, as little necessary, or rather absolut•…•… useless, since he was resolv'd to profess the Catholick Re∣ligion to his dying Day: but after that he excus'd it, proceeding from the Zeal of the Nobility towards the pre∣servation of the Roman Religion, without a design of g•…•…∣ing offence to any body: whereupon he said that 〈…〉〈…〉 Catholick Nobility had declar'd it to him first separat•…•… and then altogether: That they had protested to him 〈…〉〈…〉 they were very desirous of the observation of the P•…•… establish'd by the Edicts: That they had intreated him to 〈…〉〈…〉 the re-union of his Subjects to the Providence of God, 〈…〉〈…〉 the usual means of the Church; being but too much •…•…▪swaded by experience, that violent Remedies had •…•…▪serv'd to increase the number of those that had left 〈…〉〈…〉 Church, instead of teaching them the way to return to 〈…〉〈…〉 Therefore in order to remove the jealousies of the Refo•…•… who avoided factions and ill designs, and all pretence of •…•…▪sturbances from those that endeavour'd to promote 〈…〉〈…〉 The King confirm'd anew all the Edicts, Declarations •…•…▪vate Articles, Settlements, and other Letters and Decr•…•… given in favour of the Reform'd, both by himself and 〈…〉〈…〉 Late King, upon the Interpretation and Execution of 〈…〉〈…〉 Edict of Nantes; and order'd the same to be observ'd •…•…▪olably.

This Declaraton which remain'd upwards of 〈…〉〈…〉* 1.3 Weeks before it was verify'd in the Parliament of •…•…

not cure the Evil the aforesaid Contestaion had cre∣•…•…. It hardly serv'd to Pallitate it: And indeed it was very likely that it should satisfy any body, considering it was Penn'd. It was natural to suspect that a Constant Law could not be the Sequel of a Preface without •…•…h. That Imitation of Henry the 4th's Prudence it In∣•…•… so much upon, had never appear'd in the Queen's •…•…duct. On the contrary she had abandon'd all the late •…•…s projects; alterd, confounded, and destroy'd all ••he had done for the Peace and grandeur of the King∣•…•…; and concluded the Alliance with Spain, for which ••ad express'd an Invincible Aversion to his dying day. affectation of always speaking of the Imitation of a Prince whose Maxims had been overthrown, offended those 〈…〉〈…〉 griev'd to see how much the Regency had disfigur'd Government. It is odious to boast of a thing the con∣•…•… of which is notoriously known by every body: and 〈…〉〈…〉 protestations of performing a Duty which one 〈…〉〈…〉 from by a Thousand Actions, seldom perswade a 〈…〉〈…〉 which Effects contradict. Moreover every body too sencible how many Cabals and Factions had torn Kingdom during the Minority to relish the praises that 〈…〉〈…〉 given to the Queen of having maintain'd it in Peace. •…•…es the Mistery of the Court appear'd too openly in •…•…d Declaration; in which the Regency was continu'd •…•…g the Majority to the same Person, who upon the •…•…nt of the Majority should have renounc'd it: and the contents found a fair pretence to murmur, in that a who was Major, sound in body and mind, remain'd under the directions of others; only alledging the •…•…nce of his Majority, to secure his Mothers authority; •…•…nly made us of the Priviledg of the Age he had 〈…〉〈…〉 to put himself under the Yoke of a second Guar∣•…•…hip. The King was the only loser by the Declation •…•…s Majority, and by the Session of the Estates. The 〈…〉〈…〉 remain'd Regent under another Name. Foreigners •…•…out merit whom he had advanc'd, to the Exclusion of

the Native French, and even of the Princes, exerted the Authority in the King's name, by the means of 〈…〉〈…〉 Princess whose mind and heart they govern'd. The •…•…form'd were sensible of the Equivocation of those wo•…•… by the means that are usual in the Church, by reason that 〈…〉〈…〉 had learned at their Cost by a dismal experience, 〈…〉〈…〉 Massacres and disingenuity are means much more in 〈…〉〈…〉 in the Roman Church for the Conversion of pretended •…•…ticks, than Sermons and good example. So that peop•…•… minds being prepar'd by those Reflections, easily took•…•… again at the first occasion that offer'd it self.

The Prince of Conde who expected to raise his Autho•…•…* 1.4 by the means of the Estates, on the contrary lost the•…•… he had left by the prevarication of the Clergy, and of t•…•… Adherents; and the Queen caught him in the same snare•• had set out for her. She remained in possession the Government in spight of him; she got the approb•…•… of the Marriages she had concluded; she obliged the P•…•… to Surrender the Town of Amboise to her, which she had •…•…ven him for his security at the Treaty of Ste. Menchould•• in order to tire the Patience of the French to the utmost made Conchini a Marshal of France. The Marshal de B•…•…∣lon had served her usefully in that Conjuncture of A•…•… in hopes that his Credit and Capacity, which appeared that occasion, would oblige that Princess to give him ag•…•…∣er share in her favour. But she was unwilling to put 〈…〉〈…〉 self into the hands of a man of his Capacity; and 〈…〉〈…〉 who lik'd him as a Counsellor, would neither allow•…•… to be his Master, nor his Competitor. Therefore the 〈…〉〈…〉 shal finding that no more notice was taken of him than•…•… fore, resolv'd to be reveng'd, and renew'd Intrigues 〈…〉〈…〉 finally ruin'd the Queen's Affairs: but which had the 〈…〉〈…〉 fortune at the same time to occasion the decay of 〈…〉〈…〉 Reform'd Religion, and the Slavery of France. The P•…•… of Conde being very much disatisfi'd with the Estates, 〈…〉〈…〉 yet more with the Queen, willingly gave ear to new pro•…•…∣sitions

and he judg'd that things would be dispos'd to fa∣•…•…ur new designs.

It was necessary for him to set three wheeles a going to* 1.5 •…•…ve more success in his present discontents than he had 〈…〉〈…〉 in the preceding, which had only serv'd to discover his •…•…eakness. There was a necessity to get the People, the Par∣•…•…ment of Paris and the Reform'd of his fide. The People •…•…as sufficiently dispos'd to joyn with the Malecontents, up∣•…•… the account of their natural aversion to Foreigners. It 〈…〉〈…〉 easie to persaude them that Foreigners have less regard 〈…〉〈…〉 them than those that are born and bred in the same •…•…ountry with them: and they excuse the excesses which am∣•…•…tion and avarice make their own Countrymen Commit, •…•…th more ease, than the least attempts of a Foreigner. ••oreover the Deputies of the Provinces had receiv'd •…•…t little satisfaction from the Court. The King had re∣•…•…s'd to examine the * 1.6 Cahiers of the Estates before their •…•…ssolution: a Maxim of great use to wave the Complaints 〈…〉〈…〉 the People, not to hear them, while they are in a Ca∣•…•…city to sollicit answers to them. The Court took but very •…•…tle notice of those Cahiers, after the departure of the De∣•…•…ties. But the Clergy, which had serv'd the Queen accor∣ding to her mind, obtained almost whatever they design'd. ••he Deputies of the other Orders obtain'd nothing but •…•…ain, general promises, of which they were sensible that •…•…ey should never see the effects; and that the People ••ould be oblig'd to seek out other remedies to redress •…•…eir Grievances.

The Prince had good Friends in the Parliament, which* 1.7 •…•…ere disatisfied; and thought themselves bound in Duty •…•…d Honour, to redress by their Authority the Affairs which •…•…ere ruin'd by the false Policy of the Court, But that •…•…rhaps would not have produc'd great effects, had not •…•…e Court given an Overture to it, by an excess of severity. ••he Parliament seeing how the Intentions of the well mean∣•…•…g part of the Estates were evaded, gave a Decree to∣wards the end of March, which invited the Princes, the •…•…eers and Officers of the Crown that sit among them, to

Assemble with them to remedy the disorders of the State The Court was very much allarm'd, and offended at th•…•… Boldness. They sent for the Parliament to have an ac∣count of their enterprise, revers'd their Decree, and for∣bad the execution of it. But that August Court was no wise disheartned; and after several deliberations they made very grave Remonstrances to the King, and such a•• became a Senat that lov'd the Glory and Peace of the State▪ They spoke boldly upon all things that deserv'd to be ob∣served in the present Conjuncture: and as they insiste•…•… vigorously upon the Article of the Third Estate, which the Court had rejected, they did the same upon whatever re∣lated to the advantage of the people. All their discourse in •• word tended to inspirethe King with maxims of an equitable Government. I should swerve from my subject, in relating 〈…〉〈…〉 the Articles of their Remonstrances. Therefore I shall only ob∣serve that among 29 or 30 others, there was one which re∣lated to the Edicts, and which desir'd the King to preserve t•…•… Splendor and Dignity of the Roman Religion, witho•…•… swerving from the Edicts of Pacification. So that 〈…〉〈…〉 Parliament, which had formerly made so much dificul•…•… to pass the Edict, had finally found by experience the ••••∣cessity of its observation. The King receiv'd those ••••∣monstrances ill, either because they were too just to please •••• Court, in which the people only thought of making their •…•…∣tune at any rate; or because they were too free to ple•…•… such as only aimed to oppress Liberty; or finally because 〈…〉〈…〉 was thought necessary for the King's honour, who 〈…〉〈…〉 often declared that he would not allow any to be made 〈…〉〈…〉 him The Queen looked upon them as Invectives ag•…•… her Regency; The Marshal d'Ancre as an affront offered 〈…〉〈…〉 those that envied him; The President Jeanin, as a repro•…•… of the discipation of the Finances, which were not impro•…•… in his hands. The Dukes d'Guise and de Epernon, who w•…•… disatisfied with the-Parliament, offered their Services to 〈…〉〈…〉 King against that venerable Senat. So that all things seem•…•… to conspire to mortifie that Illustrious Body. The next day •• Decree was given in the Council, in the King's Na•••• which order'd the Decree of the Parliament to be •…•…

•…•…ated, as well as their Remonstrances; That the Decree •…•…ould be taken out of the Registers, and that of the Council •…•…t in the room of it: all this was preceded by very abusive •…•…pressions, stiling the behavour of the Parliament unlawful; which was a treatment they were little us'd to. Whitsun∣•…•…de salling out while the Parliament was deliberating upon affair, and afterwards the King's Progress towards Pyrenees, spended Peoples minds, and made them forget the thing for while: but that injury done to the most venerable Body of •…•…e Kingdom, strengthen'd the Princes Party with a specious •…•…etence of complaint, and increas'd it by a great number 〈…〉〈…〉 Malecontents.

The Marshal de Bouillon labour'd on the other hand, to* 1.8 •…•…evail with the Reform'd by his Intrigues to joyn with the •…•…ince of Conde- He flatter'd Rouvray who was one of their •…•…st heads, and who was one of the Deputies General, with •…•…e hopes of being sent Ambassador to the Ʋnited Provinces; •…•…es Bordes Mercier, who had been Deputy General with the •…•…omise of a Counsellor's Place in the Parliament; Berteville, •…•…ith the assurance of the General Deputaion, which he had •…•…ng aspir'd to. He blinded all those that hearkned to him, •…•…ith the expectation of a great Reformation in the Govern∣•…•…ent, which would secure the Edicts against the attempts of •…•…pain and Italy; revenge the King's Death, recover the ho∣•…•…our of the Monarchy against the prevarications, of the Cler∣gy; amend the lavishness of the Finances, and deprive the ••oreigners who were universally hated of their odious autho∣rity. But his strongest argument to prevail with the majori∣ty of the Reform'd, was the concequences of the Alliance with Spain; and to frighten them with the secret Articles •…•…hat were agreed upon. Moreover he writ to the Court to •…•…how among other things the Reasons they had to dread the ••ffect of those Marriages. Jeanin made an Answer to him ••pon that Article which might have satisfied the most diffi∣cult, if he could have persuaded that there was any since∣•…•…erity, in the promises and words of the Court. The Laws, said he, establish'd in France to live in Peace, which have been observ'd so long already; will make us look with horror on any

Couneils that might tend to disturb it. Therefore unless some wicked and ill advis'd Subjects occasion a breach, the Peace and Tranquility establish'd by the Edicts will last for ever. That was very fine, if the Reform'd could have believ'd it true. But experience made them sensible that there was no trust to be given to promises: and that while they were attack'd almost publickly by a thousand Wiles, it would have been ridicu∣lous to imagine people did not laugh at them, when they preach'd such unlikely things to them. So that the Marshal easily found •…•…e dispos'd to believe that those dis∣courses were no oracles; or that Jeanin did not hold the Maxims of the Court

During those Transactions the Reform'd continu'd their sol∣licitations,* 1.9 to have another place granted them instead of Grenoble, where they were allow'd to hold a General Assem∣bly. While they endeavour'd to obtain another place, for sear of not being free there, the behaviour of Lesdiguieres gave them a new pretence to refuse it. The Husband of Mary Vignon, whom he had kept scandalously along while and whom he had made Marchioness de Treffort, was kill•…•… in such a manner as perswaded every body that Lesdiguieres was the author or accomplice of his Death. That new scan∣dal created a horror in the Reform'd, who could not resolve to put under the Authority and in the Power of a man ca∣pable of such actions, a great number of their most confi∣derable Members; who should be oblig'd to pay a thousand respects to a man who was suspected to be guilty of so odi∣ous a Crime: They were afraid, with reason, that their E∣nemies would take an occasion from thence to accuse their Religion of being too indulgent and toremiss in their Morals* 1.10 The Court being willing to gratifie them in that point, con∣sented at last that they should hold the Assembly at Gerge•…•…, where another had been held in the late King's Reign. This place pleas'd them no better than the first. Their pretence was that the preceding Assembly had been inconvenienc'd there for want of Lodging: but the true reason was that theey thought that place too near Paris; and that they were sensible that the Court had pitch`d upon it to keep the As∣sembly in Awe.

The Deputies General made new Petitions to obtain a •…•…re convenient place: and whereas the Court refus'd to* 1.11 ••mply it•• occasion'd divers imovemerts in the Provinces, 〈…〉〈…〉 which some propos'd to take a more convenient place, without relying on the Curtesie of the Court to no purpose. They also propos'd a meeting at Montauban, there to agree •…•…out a place in which the Assembly might neither want Liber∣•…•… nor Convenience. In the interim some extraordinary affairs •…•…ling out, which oblig'd Lesdiguieres to make a Journey 〈…〉〈…〉 Court; and they expecting to be freer in his absence, which 'twas thought would be long enough to afford the As∣•…•…mbly time to form their resolutions, they thought fit to •…•…sire Grenoble again, and to declare publickly that they •…•…ould make use of the Brief they had obtain'd the preced∣•…•…g year. This alteration at first created jealousies in the* 1.12 •…•…ourt, who could not imagin it to be done without Lesdi∣guieres having given the Reform'd some secret assurances of not •…•…posing them. He had shown by the manner of his assist∣•…•…g the Duke of Savoy, against whom the King of Spain made •…•…ar, that he stood upon his honour some times. The Queen •…•…d engag'd that Prince in that War, and had promis'd by ••esdiguieres to assist him. But after the conclusion of the ••arriages, she refus'd to execute that Treaty; by reason •…•…at she was willing in order toplease the King of Spain to •…•…rce the Duke of Savoy to makea Peace. However Lesdiguieres •…•…ssisted him, notwithstanding the reiterated orders he re∣•…•…iv'd not to do it, and whereas he could not do it in the •…•…ing's name who disown'd, it he did it in his own. The example seem'd to show, that tho he was devoted to the Court, he knew nevertheless how to disobey when he pleas'd. ut after that bold action, he made his peace so soon and with so much ease, that it look'd as if the Court had con∣•…•…ived at it underhand. As for the suspicion the Court had of his being ingag'd secretly with the rest of the Reform'd, •…•…e easily destroyed it. He assured the Court of his Ser∣vices and of his Fidelity; and sent Bellujon there on purpose with his Instructions, and to receive their Orders. He had •…•…ong resisted the removal which the Reform'd did sollicit,

being as desirous to have one of their Assemblies in his po•…•…∣er, as they were fearful of trusting it into his hands. There∣fore* 1.13 when he found that they desired it of their own accor•…•… he was one of the first that took them at their word: a•…•… the Court being satisfied with him gave them a new Bri•…•… which allow'd the holding of the Assembly at Grenoble. B•…•… whereas Lesdiguieres presence was more useful to the Co•…•… at Grenoble than elsewhere, they put of his Journey to ano∣ther time. The Reform'd being deceiv'd on that side, h•…•… no pretence left to go from their word: The Deputies •…•…∣pair'd to Grenoble towards the middle of Jully: and contra•…•… to all appearences, the Prince of Conde's Intrigues prevail•…•… over the credit and cunning of Lesdiguieres.

But during those Petitions of the Reform'd, and the del•…•…* 1.14 of the Court, the Clergy as I have already said, Assembly at Paris, for the renewing of the Contracts they commo•…•… make with the King once in Ten years. But whereas they •…•…∣ver give, any thing without receiving, they did not fail 〈…〉〈…〉 advance their Enterprises against the Reform'd and to purs•…•… the project of their Ruin which they had form'd in the 〈…〉〈…〉 states. It was with that Intention the Coadjutor of Roans ma•…•… a Speech to the King on the 8th of August. he represented t•…•… State of the Roman Religion in Bearn to be so dismal and 〈…〉〈…〉 deplorable, that for want of Priests the Catholicks co•…•… not Christen their Children there till they were 20 years 〈…〉〈…〉 Age; and he represented as one of the greatest misfortune that the Ministers were paid there with the Revenues of the Church. He said moreover in order to make the Reform'd more odious, that the Roman Religion was favour'd mo•…•… by the Turks, than by the Reform'd of Bearn: and those 〈…〉〈…〉 cities tho plainly disprov'd by the replys of the Reform'd, an•• by the knowledg of all People▪ were disperc'd and receiv•••• as undeniable Truths. He complain'd that the Abby of 〈…〉〈…〉 Anthony de Viennois had been lately given to a young Se∣cular, presented by an Heretick, and to move the more p•…•… against that injustice, he said that miracles were perform•…•… about the Tomb of the late Abbot. He also return'd th•…•… King thanks about the reception of the Council of Tr•…•…

which he had promis'd: but he made a little too much haste •…•…on that Article. It is true that the King had promis'd to •…•…blish it, but it was prevented by the Troubles that began 〈…〉〈…〉 break out: and perhaps he was glad that one of the Ar∣•…•…es of the Peace of Luudun, disingaged his word, and hinder'd 〈…〉〈…〉 from doing what the Kings his Predecessors had constant∣•…•… refus'd to do. Before the end of the same month the Bishop 〈…〉〈…〉 Beauvais began the same Song over again; and made strange •…•…licitations about the affair of Bearn, complaining that the ••••tholicks were depriv'd of the use of the Sacraments both 〈…〉〈…〉 their birth, and at their Death, for want of Priests to 〈…〉〈…〉 minister them. He was very pressing upon the affair of •…•…lha•• which happen'd the Winter before: and tho the Ca∣tholicks had done as much at Belestadt since, he desir'd that 〈…〉〈…〉 compensation might be made of those two affairs. Ne∣vertheless, the reciprocal sollicitations of the Catholicks and 〈…〉〈…〉 the Reform'd, did not permit those affairs to be seri∣••••sly dicuss'd. Their complaints only produc'd a delegati∣•…•… of Judges who neither pleas'd the one, nor the other; •…•…d whose judgment prov'd inefectual. The Peace of Lou∣•…•…n abolish'd the remembrance of those two affairs, and the •…•…e pass'd thus in spight of the Clergy, for a compensation 〈…〉〈…〉 the other.

In the same Assembly, the Clergy, who had no success in the •…•…nquest of Ministers, drew an ample Regulation for the distri∣bution of 30000 Livers which they had design'd for the Pensions of •…•…ose that should turn Catholicks: and being sincible that the num∣ber of those Proselites was as yet too small, to employ that little •…•…m, they consented that untill their zeal had made a•• greater progress they should give the remainder of the said Sum to others besides Ministers, provided it were only given to persons of Me∣•…•…t. It appeares by those Regulations, that the Clergy was disa∣•…•…sfi'd even with those they had corrupted, since they took so much •…•…re to hinder that Money from falling into ill hands. But not∣withstanding all that, they met with no success in their •…•…retended Conversions; and even after the affairs of the Re∣form'd were ruin'd they were forc'd to imploy their Money to •…•…ther uses.

In the mean time the Court had no manner of regard 〈…〉〈…〉 the People, and broke their promises with as little rega••••* 1.15 as if they had design'd to make Malecontents. They re-e•…•…∣blish'd La Paulette, or the annual duty they had been obli•…•… to revoke, because it had been desir'd with great Earnestre•…•… and the Queen went her self to the Bastille from whence 〈…〉〈…〉 took 800000 Crowns, which were remaining there of 〈…〉〈…〉 fourteen Millons in ready Money, which the Duke of •…•…∣ly had hoarded there by his good management. So that it loo•…•… as if they had a mind to favour the designs of the Prince 〈…〉〈…〉 Conde, who was preparing to hinder the accomplishment 〈…〉〈…〉* 1.16 the Marriages with Spain. His Discontents had remov'd him 〈…〉〈…〉 degrees from the Court; and in that Retirement he flatt•…•… himself of being powerfully assisted both at home and ab•…•… he was in hopes that the King of England and the Ʋnited Pro∣vinces, who could not be pleas'd at those Marriages, wo•…•… assist him powerfully; and indeed he had receiv'd great pro∣mises of it. He expected that the Forces which were be•…•… Useless, by the Peace of Savoy lately made, and wereup•…•… the Frontiers of Germany, would assist him: and perhaps 〈…〉〈…〉 would have prov'd so, had he had Money to buy them. 〈…〉〈…〉 every thing fail'd him; and he found himself Ingag'd in a•…•… which he could never have got honourably out of, had 〈…〉〈…〉 the Reform'd succor'd him at their own Cost. The Queen 〈…〉〈…〉 secretly prepar'd every thing for the accomplishing of her •…•…▪signs, amus'd the Prince with Negotiations: and Sent Vill•…•… several times to Coussi, to confer with him there about 〈…〉〈…〉 means of an Agreement. But during those Treatys they 〈…〉〈…〉 bauch'd his Creatures from him; either by perswading t•…•… that the Prince only design'd to make his own Peace, and 〈…〉〈…〉 it was already far advanc'd, or offering them more po•…•… and profitable advantages under her, than they could exp•…•… under the Prince of Conde. Insomuch that many of them ••o•…•… Gratifications, or were dazled by Promises. They broke 〈…〉〈…〉 the measures he took with Stangers, and made all his de•…•…∣miscary.

None but the Reform'd were still able to do something for him; but they were slow to declare themselves. Their As∣sembly* 1.17 had been open'd at Grenoble on the 15th of July; and Lesdiguieres having refus'd the Presidentship, which was offer'd to him by all the Deputies, they had Elected De Blet, Depu∣ty for the Nobility of the Province of Anjou for their President; and Durand Minister of Paris, and Deputy for the Isle of France, for his Associate; and Boisseuil and Maniald for Se∣cretaries. The Prince of Conde sent a Gentleman thither to invite them to joyn with him, in order to procure a good Reformation of the State; in which he promis'd to make the Reform'd find all the Sureties they could reasonably expect. A considerable part of the Assembly inclin'd towards that Union; and the Pretences the Prince us'd were so plausible and so Noble, that they could hardly fail of making an Im∣pression upon many People. To pass the Independence of the Crown into an Act of the State; to secure the King's Person against Assassinations, Excommunications, and Depositions; to revenge the too long neglected Murther of the late King; to hinder the Publication of a Council against which a great King had Protested, and which was very prejudicial to France; to reduce Taxes and Impositions at reasonable Rates; to remove the excessive Authority of Foreigners, and to call them to an Account for the Abuses introduc'd during their being in Favour; to settle the Edicts of Pacification beyond Reach: All these were great designs, which appear'd so Just, so Law∣ful, and so necessary, that no body question'd but they would be attended with the Blessing of God, and that all true Frenchmen would unanimously favour them. But others were of Opinion, that the Assembly ought to leave the management of the Political part of those Projects wholly to the Prince of Conde, and to apply themselves solely to take measures for the safety of the Reform'd Religion. They did not question but the Prince had a Right by his Birth, to en∣deavour to purge the Government of all the Abuses that were slipt into it; but they did not think it proper for the Reform'd to ingage in it otherwise than by Prayers to God, and most humble Remonstrances to the King.

Some Provinces had given their Deputies Instructions to that Effect.

The diversity of Opinions, manag'd by Lesdiguieres for the* 1.18 Interest of the Court, having appear'd at the overture of the Assembly, satisfy'd the Queen, that the Reform'd would not be ready so soon, but that she might have time to put her designs in Execution, before the Prince and they could be in a Posture to oppose them. She had given great Causes of Complaint to the Duke of Rohan, whom she was Jealous of upon that Account. Therefore being desirous to oblige him by some Favour to forget what was past, she took the occa∣sion of a difference, between the Houses of Rohan and de la Trimouille, about the Presidentship of the Estates of Britany, to which they both aspir'd, with such Equal Rights, that it was impossible to decide the question, otherwise than by ad∣judging the said Privilege to both, to injoy it Alternately. The Duke de la Trimouille who was lately return'd from Travelling, design'd to appear in the Estates, and so did the Duke of Rohan. They refus'd to yield to each other, which concurrence could not fail of being attended with ill Conse∣quences. The Queen being desirous to pleasure the Duke of Rohan, by seeming to declare her self in favour of him, either to imploy him elsewhere, while she perform'd her Progress, or to oblige him in an Affair of Precedence and Honour, sent him an Order to repair to the Estates to preside there; and at the same time sent a contrary Order to the Duke de la Tri∣mouille, whose displeasure she did not Value, by Reason that he was very young, not much known, and far from that de∣gree of Credit and Power, in which the World had seen the late Duke his Father. This avail'd the Queen but little; by Reason, that her Refusal of the Governmént of Poitou to the Duke of Rohan, to whom she had formerly Granted the Sur∣vivorship thereof, made a deeper Impression upon him, than her pretended Favour about the Presidentship. He made no use of the Order he had receiv'd from the Court, and Presided that time by consent of the Duke de la Trimouille, by Virtue of an Accommodation procur'd by their mutual Friends to hin∣der those two Potent Families, that liv'd in Friendship at that time▪ from coming to a Breach.

Nevertheless the Queen, being so well satisfy'd with the then State of Affairs as to assure her self of success, resolv'd* 1.19 to improve it, and to do her Business before the Prince could have time to oppose it. Therefore all of a sudden, while the Negotiation of Peace seem'd to draw towards a happy Conclusion, she sent an Order to him from the King, to re∣pair to his Majesty with all speed, to accompany him in his Progress, in Order to the Accomplishing of his Marriage. And lest he might plead Ignorance, she acquainted him with the very day he had pitch'd upon for his departure. The Prince complain'd highly at this Precipitation, and took occa∣sion from thence, to take up Arms; but with so small a Number of Men, and so little prospect of Relief, that he was like to sink under it. In the mean time the King set forward, and continu'd his Progress slowly; tho' some of the most Ju∣dicious, and best skill'd in Affairs of State, were of Opinion that it was a Rash Resolution; by Reason that the King re∣moving from the Center of the Kingdom, left a kindl'd Fire in it, which would have time and opportunity to do a great deal of mischief, while the Court remain'd at one of the Ex∣tremities of the Kingdom the most distant from the Confla∣gration. The Assembly of Grenoble, which after all the de∣lays* 1.20 occasion'd by the diversity of Opinions, had at last de∣termin'd to try what they could obtain from the Court, be∣fore the taking any other measures, had deputed three Persons to the King, to present their * Cahiers to him; and had charg'd them expresly, humbly to beseech his Majesty to consider the Prince of Conde's Remonstrances. Those Deputies were Champeaux, Des Bordes Mercier, and Maill••∣ray. Champeaux had the greatest share of Honour in that Depu∣tation, by Reason that he was the Head and speaker of it: But Desbordes had more Credit, because he was a Man of better Parts, besides his being ingag'd in the Prince of Conde's In∣terest, to which the Marshal de Bouillon had drawn him, as I have already said, by very fair promises. The King was gone before the Deputies reach'd Paris; and could not over∣take him, till they came to Amboise, from whence, the King* 1.21 having heard them, adjourn'd them to Poitiers for an Answer.

This delay was ill resented by the Deputies, who lookt up∣on it as an instance of the little regard that would be had to their Intreaties. And indeed, one of the Propositions of the Prince of Conde, which they were to insist upon in the behalf of the Assembly, was either to break, or to put off the Marriages with Spain until another time: And instead of hearing them upon that Subject, they were adjourn'd for an Answer to a Place, where the King having perform'd half his Progress, it was not very likely that he would go back, without making an End of it.

It is true, that the Queen declar'd freely, that had it been desir'd sooner, that Journey might have been put off to ano∣ther time; but that it was then too late to think upon it, that it was impossible to Retreat with Honour; That the Place was fix'd, the Day appointed, and that they were too forward on their Journey to go back. There is no Reason to believe that she spoke in earnest, or that the Impending Storm she beheld, made her sensible that she had Us'd too much precipitation, and that it would have been better for her to have given some satisfaction to those that oppos'd her designs, in order to break their Measures. She was undoubt∣edly very well inform'd with the Intentions of the Prince before her departure. But in reality, the forwardness of the Journey affording her a good pretence to end what she had so well begun, without heeding Remonstrances to the contrary, it was easie for her to pay those with a specious Excuse, whom she had no mind to give a solid satisfaction to. The best Excuse that can be made for a Refusal, is to pretend that the Request is made too late, and that it would have been Granted, had it been propos'd sooner. The Fault then, seems rather to proceed from want of diligence in the Petitio∣ner, than from want of good Will in the Person that refu∣ses. However, it behov'd the Queen to show that she had Power enough to do whatever she pleas'd, in spight of half the Kingdom. Therefore she continu'd her Progress with∣out Interruption, and without the least accident as far as Poitiers: But as soon as she Arriv'd there, her Measures were like to have been broke by Misfortune that could admit

of no remedy. Madame fell sick of the Small-Pox, and the Court that could do nothing without her, was oblig'd to tarry there two Months for the return of her Health.

This delay seem'd to afford the Prince of Conde the time to* 1.22 prepare himself for War, which the Queens diligence had de∣priv'd him of. However he could only raise a small Body of Men, which happily escap'd the Pursuit of Marshal de Bois dauphin, who was order'd by the Queen to observe him, and follow'd him close. He was accus'd by some of not improving the occasions that offer'd themselves to beat the Prince's Ar∣my, by reason of his Irresolutions; but others were of opini∣on that he was Commanded not to Ingage in a Combat with the Prince, but only to amuse him, until the Exchange of the Princesses of France and Spain were accomplish'd; because it was thought that then it would be more easie to satisfie the said Prince. But whereas the Assembly of Grenoble deferr'd to declare themselves, and express'd their desire to favour the Prince's Arms, more by Words than Effects. The Court did not meet so many Crosses in that Journey, as they might have done, had there been more Union or Diligence in the contra∣ry Party, or had the Prince's Forces been as ready to take the Field, as his Declaration to appear. The Duke of Rohan had been powerfully sollicited to take up Arms, and did it at last being nettl'd that the Queen express'd no more consideration for him: And after the Peace was concluded, he had the bold∣ness to tell her, That his Inclination did prompt him to serve her; but that finding himself despis'd, he resolv'd to show that he was capable of something. His Friends had promis'd him Six Thousand Foot and Five hunder'd Horse, and had they been as good as their Word, he would have been able with such a Body to stop the Court, and to afford the Prince of Conde time to joyn with him. But the Promises that were made to him, were reduc'd to a third part, and notwithstand∣ing his utmost Endeavours, he could not raise above Two Thousand Men. Moreover he lost a great deal of Time in making Montauban declare it self, and in vain Endeavours to obtain a Reinforcement from the other Cities which refus'd to give it him. So that the Queen had as much time as was ne∣cessary

to repair to the Frontiers, there to exchange the Prin∣cesses, and to bring back the King and the new Queen to Bour∣deaux.

During the Abode the King made at Poitiers, he could not* 1.23 refuse to read the * 1.24 Cahiers that were presented to him by the Deputies of the Assembly, and to answer them ac∣cording to his Promise at Amboise; and though the Answers did not appear sufficiently positive to them, yet they concluded that the present Conjuncture had Induc'd the Court to make them more favourable, than they would have been at ano∣ther time. There were two different forts of Cahiers, the one General, the other Particular. The last con∣tain'd Complaints and Demands upon particular, though considerable Cases, viz. That the King would be pleas'd to cause the Letters Patent for the Exemption of Ministers to be Registred, the Verification of which had been depending a∣bout three Years; and to send an Express Order to the Par∣liament, and to the Court of Aids to that end: That the King would also be pleas'd to annul the Prohibitions made by the Judge of the Provostship of Paris, about Erecting a College at Charenton, by reason that since his Majesty had confirm'd the Right of the Exercise of their Religion in that place, it follow'd of Course that they were allow'd a College for the Education of their Children: That the Chamber of Accompts of Provence might not be allow'd to take Cognizance of the Affairs of the Reform'd: That the Declaration which refer'd it to the * 1.25 Party-Chamber of Grenoble, in which it had been Verify'd, might be confirm'd by another obliging the Cham∣ber of Accompts to Register it: That Poor Gentlemen and Maim'd Soldiers of their Religion, having obtain'd * 1.26 Places in Abbys, with the Maintenance of a Monk, might be receiv'd in the same as well as the Catholicks: That the same Privileges the King had granted to the College and Academy of Monteli∣mar, might also be granted to the Academy and College of Die.

But the General Cahier contain'd 25 Articles, the sub∣stance* 1.27 of which was as follows. That the Independency of the Crown might be look'd upon for the future as a Funda∣mental

Law, according to the Article of the * 1.28 Third Estate, and to the Remonstrances of the Parliament: That an exact and diligent Inquiry might be made about the Death of the late King, in order to discover and punish the Authors there∣of, according to the Memoirs that should be given about it: That the King should refuse to publish the Council of Trent, according to the Petitions and desires of the Clergy and No∣bility: That as to the Article of the said Petitions, which re∣quir'd the Observation of the King's Oath at his Coronation, to which the said Clergy and Nobility had refus'd to add the Reservation of the Edicts, notwithstanding the King's earnest Desire and Command, and all the oppositions made by the Gentlemen of the Reform'd Religion; Deputed into the Chamber of the Nobility, his Majesty would be pleas'd to de∣clare that the said Coronation Oath did not regard the R••∣form'd; and to give them full assurances that whenever he should answer the Articles of the said two Chambers; he would reject the proposition of publishing the Council, and make such a Declaration as was necessary about his Coronation Oath. That such Ecclesiasticks as were of the King's Coun∣cil, and others who were justly suspected by the Reform'd, might abstain from the Tryal and Cognisance of the Affairs of the Reform'd depending before the said Council. That the Ecclesiasticks of Bearn might not be admitted into the Council of the Country, into which the Bishops of Oleron and of Lescar, together with a Canon of the said place, had lately en∣deavour'd to introduce themselves: That the Promises made in the King's Name at the Assembly of Rochel by Rouvray one of the Deputies General, about the Terms of Pretended Re∣form'd Religion, and the Toleration of Provincial Councils might be put in Execution. That in the new settlement that should be drawn of the Places of surety, they should imploy those that were dismantl'd in the Provinces that had the Loire on the North: That the King would be pleas'd to declare the Office of Berger vacant, by reason of his being turn'd Catho∣lick, and to oblige the said Berger to deliver it up to him, in order to bestow it upon a Person of the Reform'd Religion, ac∣cording to the Edict; by reason that it was one of the Six

Councellors Places created by the Edict in the Parliament of Paris, in order to be injoy'd by the Reform'd: That the S•…•… granted by his Majesty for the Sallary of Ministers, might be augmented and better paid for the future: That the Governors of the Places of surety, might be chosen by the King upon the Nomination of the Churches: That the Nomination of the Deputies General might be restor'd upon the for∣mer settlement; insomuch that the Assembly should on∣ly be oblig'd to Nominate two which should be ac∣cepted of by the King, instead of six out of which he was to take his Choice: That the Places of surety might be left to the Reform'd for the space of Ten Years longer▪ That his Majesty would be pleas'd to continue the Protection of the So∣veraignty of Sedan, in the same form, and upon the same Conditions his Predecessors had Embrac'd it: That the King's Council might be reform'd: That a stop might be put to the Proceedings of the Soveraign Council of Bearn, against the Deputies of that Country who assisted at the Assembly at Gre∣noble; since no Prosecutions were ever made against the Bi∣shops of the Country, for meeting at the General Assemblys of the Clergy of France: They offer'd Reasons upon this Ar∣ticle, and alledg'd the Example of the last Estates General, in which a Deputy of Bearn assisted in the Chamber of the Clergy: And that of the Assembly of the Clergy then sitting at Paris, into which the Bishop of Oleron was deputed. They maintain'd that this Rigour had never been practis'd against the Deputies of Bearn, that had assisted in other Assemblies; and they cited the Example of the late King, who being but King of Navar and Soveraign of Bearn, had assisted in Per∣son at such Assemblys: That the Country of Bearn might be allow'd to summon a National Synod in their Turn, like the other Provinces; and finally, that the King would be pleas'd to have a regard to the Prince of Conde's Demands.

The Particular * 1.29 Cahier receiv'd a pretty favourable Answer: And though there were several Articles in the General Petition which the Court could have wish'd the Assembly had not inserted in it, because they related to the Government, the Reformation of which did not belong to

them, yet they answer'd it: But it was only by making plau∣sible Illusions pass for a solid Satisfaction▪ The Court had made sair Promises at the Assembly of Rochel, in order to its Dissolution, which were forgotten, as soon as ever it was dis∣solv'd, so they promis'd many things upon these new * 1.30 Cahiers, which they never design'd to perform: They accepted the good Intentions of the Reform'd, about the Independence and safety of Kings; observing nevertheless that it was an Affair which did not belong to the Assemblys. They promis'd to make a more exact Inquiry into the Death of the late King. They declar'd that the Reform'd injoying the benefit of the Edicts were not compris'd in the Coronation Oath. They granted that the Ecclesiasticks should withdraw out of the Council, whenever the Affairs of the Re••orm'd should be treated of there. They refus'd to allow their Reli∣gion any other Title than that which was contain'd in the E∣dicts: But they drew a Form of Attestation which Ministers might use, to attest the Religion of such as should stand in ••eed of it. It was conceiv'd in these Terms; I Minister of the Church Establish'd in such a Place according to the Edict, do hereby certifie, that such a one is a Member of the said Church, &c underneath which a Notary was to add, Before Ʋs, &c. has appear'd such a Minister, above Nam'd, Living at, &c. who has acknowledg'd the Writing and Signing of what is above written, and that it contains nothing but the Truth, &c. The Reform'd Advocates, were allow'd in speaking of their Religion, to Name it by the Title specify'd by the Edict, instead of cal∣ling it pretended Reform'd▪ They promis'd the Creation of a new Office, to supply the place of Berger. They continu'd the Protection of Sedan. They granted that the Deputies of Bearn should be allow'd to assist both at the Ecclesiastical and Politi∣cal Assemblys of the Reform'd, which should be allow'd by the King. But they gave no favourable Answer to the other Ar∣ticles that related to that Principality; nor to those that men∣tion'd the Augmentation of the Sums granted for the Salary of Ministers; or the Nomination of Governors and Deputys General, and the keeping of the Places of surety. So that at the bottom, that which was granted had more appearance than effect in it; whereas they refused whatever was most im∣portant and most solid.

These Answers were made on the 12th of September: And the Deputys to whom they had been partly Communicated, acquainted the Assembly that they had no reason to be satisfy'd* 1.31 with them. Their Reasons were that the Jesuits Preach'd at Court, and declar'd openly that the Marriages which the Court was going to Accomplish, had only been resolv'd upon in or∣der to Extirpate Heresicks; and that when Complaints were made to the Chancellor about it, he barely answer'd, That there was no heed to be given to what the Jesuits said, since they did not Govern the State; which was no satisfactory answer to Persons who were sufficiently Inform'd of the Power the Jesuits had over the Consciences of Soveraigns and their Mi∣nisters. The Assembly was also very much troubl'd to find* 1.32 that though the * 1.33 Cahiers were Answer'd, yet the Deputys were not dismiss'd, their Journey being daily put off under some pretence or other, which gave them reason to believe that the Court design'd to amuse them, to prevent their form∣ing any Resolutions before the King's Departure from Poiti∣ers, where the Princess his Sister remain'd long and variously Sick. Finally to get rid of their Importunity, upon their earnest desire that the Answers to their Cahiers, which they were assur'd were favourable, might be deliver'd to them, they were told that the King would send them to the Assembly by Frere Master of Requests. This Frere had been sent to Grenoble, to observe the Motions of the Assembly, and to be directed in all things by Lesdiguieres. But when the Deputies departed from the Assembly to go to the King to pre∣sent their Cahiers to him, Frere left Grenoble at the same time, to give the Court an account of the State in which he had left Affairs there. He pretended that the design of his Jour∣ney was to dispose the Council to give the Assembly satisfacti∣on about their Demands: But the Deputies soon discover'd that his Intentions were very different from it, and that he inspir'd the Court with the Delays and fair words they were amus'd with. The Truth is that Lesdiguieres had order'd him to assure the Queen of his good Intentions, and to let her know that she might safely continue her Progress, without troubling her self about the Resolutions of the Assembly.

This Answer convinc'd the Deputies that the Court design'd to pay them with Illusions as they us'd to do; and the pre∣caution* 1.34 that was us'd to send the Answers to the * 1.35 Cahiers they had brought by a Man who had his dependence on the Court, to be deliver'd by him to the Assembly it self, made them sensible that they design'd to use the Reform'd at Greno∣ble as they had done at Saumur; and that Frere would be or∣der'd not to deliver the said Answers till after the Nomination of the Deputys General, to Command the Assembly expresly to break up, and to Authorise the Inferior Number against the Plurality of Voices, in case they should refuse to Obey. How∣ever the Court being inform'd that this way of proceeding might be attended with ill consequences, finally comply'd with the earnest Sollicitations of the Deputys, and deliver'd the said Answers into their Hands. But that did not cure the evil, since they found that nothing was granted them that could be looked upon as a favour, and that only such things were left to the Reform'd as could not be taken from them. The keeping of the Places of Surety indeed was allow'd them for six Years longer; but it was visible that the Court did it more by Compulsion, than out of good Will, because they could not help it; besides they were of opinion that their Demands were but reasonable in desiring it for Ten Years, at a time when so many just reasons of fear render'd the renewing of their Sureties so necessary. The Assembly being inform'd of the Proceedings of the Court by their Deputies, remain'd under the same Apprehensions: And lest Lesaiguieres should second the Commission of Frere by his Authority, they resolv'd to* 1.36 remove from a place in which that Lord had an absolute Power, and kept an Awe upon them, which look'd very like Slavery. They soon discover'd that it was in vain to expect any Protection or favour from him; and that his Engagements with the Court upon the Account of his Grandeur, surpass'd his Affection for the publick good, and that which in Justice and Conscience he ought to have had for the Reform'd Religi∣on. All his Councils, all his Prudence, all his Intrigues only tended to divide the Members of the Assembly; and all the Demonstrations of his Good Will, were reduc'd to this Con∣clusion,

That they ought to Obey, and to leave the Manage∣ment of Publick Affairs to the King's Council. But the Re∣form'd seeing the Conclusion of an Alliance, of which they were persuaded that the secret Articles oblig'd the Court to op∣press them, look'd upon such an advice, to be Just like that of suffering their Throats to be cut, without defence.

Thus the Assembly, which for some time had had a mind* 1.37 to come out of Captivity, resolv'd absolutely upon it, when they were inform'd that Frere was to come back from the Court along with the Deputies: And having sounded the In∣tentions of the City of Nimes by St. Privat, who reported to them that they would be very well receiv'd there, they resol∣ved to remove thither. Lesdiguieres being inform'd of their Design, endeavour'd to break it by Remonstrances, in which he imploy'd all his Cunning: But he obtain'd nothing but Thanks for his good Will; and the very next Day the Depu∣ties prepar'd themselves for their Departure. He was extreme∣ly* 1.38 nettl'd at their expressing so little regard for his Reasons; and perhaps the more yet because it would show that he had been too lavish of his Promises to the Court, and that he had not so much Credit among the Reform'd as he pretended. So that in the first heat of his Anger, he resolv'd to stop the De∣puties, and caus'd the Gates of the City to be shut; and Cha••fepié a Minister, one of the Deputies of the Province of Poitou was stopt at one of the Gates as he was going out, only with an intention to take the Air. But after he was cool'd a little, and had reflected on the Consequences of that Violence, he consider'd that his best way was to allow what he could not hinder; and to cause the Gates which he had order'd to be shut inconsiderately, to be open'd again. He only forbid the Deputies of Dauphiné to follow the others; and acquain∣ted the Court with the Departure of the Assembly.

On the other hand, as soon as the Deputies came to Ni∣mes, being desirous to Justifie their Conduct, they acquaint∣ed the Gourt that they had been forc'd to remove from Gre, noble, upon the Account of a Contagious Distemper which began to Reign there, of which even some Members of the Assembly were Dead. The Deputies that were sent with

these Excuses were receiv'd and us'd as favourably as if the Court had not been in the least concern'd at their Escape out of the constraint into which such a Man as Lesdiguieres might have kept them. They seem'd to approve the Reasons of the Assembly, and acquainted Lesdiguieres that he would do well, to suffer the Deputies of his Province to follow ••hem. This seem'd to be done on purpose to express a per∣fect consent to the Removal of the Assembly: But the real Motive of it was, to have People there, who not daring to disoblige Lesdiguieres, would of necessity follow his Inspira∣tions and Orders; and would serve for Spies to give him a faithful Account of all Transactions there. Moreover in Or∣der to put the Assembly in a place where they might have no more Liberty than they had at Grenoble, the Court Resolv'd to remove them from Nimes; and Order'd Frere to transfer them to Montpellier. This seem'd to be done for the Interest and Honour of the King, to the End that the Assembly, which was only Lawful by his Permission, might seem to receive from him the appointment of the place where they might continue their Deliberations. But the secret Motive of the Council, was that Montpellier was at the disposal of a Lord, from whom the Court expected as great services as from Lesdiguieres. It was Chatillon, Grand Son to the Famous Admiral. That Consideration, and his own Merit had ac∣quir'd him a great deal of Credit among the Reform'd. He was of a Mild Temper, and was an Enemy to Troubles and Confusion, but he had not the Zeal of his Grand-Father for the Reform'd Religion, in which his only Son was so ill Edu∣cated, that he did not ••arry for his Father's Death to turn Catholic. Moreover he was Ambitious; and the Court knowing his Foible on that side, flatter'd him with the hopes of a Marshal's Staff, which was given him some years after, as a Recompence for his having abandon'd the Affairs of the Reform'd. So that he was a Man like Lesdiguieres in two Re∣spects; First in holding a great Rank among the Reform'd, and Secondly, in being accessible to Hopes and Rewards. The Reform'd still confided in him, as they made it appear several years after it, by Intrusting him with their Affairs in

the Circle of the Lower Languedoc. There had been an Ex∣ample not long before, how much he was lik'd on both sides The Government of Aiguemortes having been taken from Rambures, the Reform'd had made great Complaints about it; and the Court not being inclin'd to restore it to him, whatever Promises they had made about it, by Reason that they were desirous to maintain Berticheres in that Post, whom the Churches were not pleas'd with, they were oblig'd to agree upon a third Person to keep the Place, until the Case were decided. Chatillon was propos'd: The Court accepted of him, and the Reform'd agreed to it. But soon after that, in Order to put a stop to the Jealousies which the Enterpri∣ses of the Court upon divers places belonging to the Re∣form'd might Create in them; Rambures gain'd his Cause and was Restor'd.

The Assembly had not as yet laid aside the Confidence the* 1.39 Reform'd had repos'd in Chatillon till then, but they had already a general diffidence of the Fidelity of those Eminent Persons, who only know how to Obey Sovereigns, and who never joyn with their Inferiors, unless it be to Command them; who never unite the Interests of their Party to those of their For∣tunes, and who look upon the Services of the People, and the Recompences of Kings as things that are equally due to them. They had Learnt at Saumur, that the Reform'd Lords were capable of promoting their private Interest, at the Cost of others; and that the common Cause may become the sport of their Ambition, and of their Intrigues. Those diffidencies were increas'd at Grenohle, from whence the As∣sembly departed very much dissatisfy'd at the Behaviour of Lesdiguieres: Therefore they refus'd to put themselves in the Power of another, who might put them to the same hard∣ships, and so remain'd at Nimes; pretending, that they were afraid of displeasing Lesdiguieres, by putting themselves at* 1.40 the Discretion of Chatillon; as if they design'd to show, that they confided more in the one than in the other. However, those two Lords us'd all their endeavours to hinder the As∣sembly from joyning with the Prince of Conde: And as they had Creatures among them; they delay'd the Conclusion of

the Treaty a long while. The Prince of Conde tempted them both to joyn with him, and sent some Gentlemen to them, with Reasons and Offers to perswade them. But it was to no purpose, because they expected greater and more speedy advantages from the Court, than they could possibly expect in following the Prince, who had not manag'd his Affairs well, and who seem'd almost reduc'd to the necessity of sub∣mitting to the Mercy of the Court.

But an unexpected Accident broke all their Measures, and* 1.41 made them lose the Fruit of their Intrigues and Pains in the Assembly. The Duke of Candale, Eldest Son to the Duke d'Espernon, being dissatisfy'd with his Father, from whom he had endeavour'd to take the City and Castle of An∣gouleme, threw himself into the Party of the Reform'd, and Embrac'd their Religion publickly at Rochel. They receiv'd him with great Demonstrations of Joy, and of greater hopes for the future. They gain'd one of the most considerable Houses in France by it: The Example of it might prove For∣tunate, and invite other Persons of Quality to do the same: So that they omitted nothing to express their Respect and Esteem for him. The Assembly of Nimes, paid him great Honour, and made him General of the Cevennes, and gave him so great an Authority over them at the very first, that he broke through all the Oppositions of Chatillon and Lesdi∣guieres, and made them Resolve to declare themselves in fa∣vour* 1.42 of the Prince. But that was all the Good or Ill he did, while he was Reform'd. The Duke his Father was not Tra∣ctable in point of Religion. He had begun to hate the Re∣form'd from the time of his being in favour with Henry the III. It seem'd to be one of the Proprieties of their Religion, to be expos'd to the hatred of Favourites; perhaps, because* 1.43 they were not so willing as others, to bend their Knees be∣fore those Idols, which the Gapricio of Princes, or of For∣tune Rais'd above them; and that they complain'd highly of the profusions that Ruin'd the State, to Inrich those Objects of an unruly Favour. I will say nothing in this place, of the Cardinal de Tournon under Francis the I. Of the Consta∣ble of Montmorency, under Henry the II. and under his Chil∣dren

of the Duke of Guise Father and Son under the same Kings, and under Henry the III. But at least the Dukes of Joyeuse and of Epernon, Favourites to that last King, had ever express'd an invincible Aversion towards them: And under Lewis the XIII. the Marshal d'Ancre, and the Constable de Luines, show'd the same Passion to destroy them. But be∣sides this General Reason of Hatred against the Reform'd, he had another which was Personal, because they suspected his having had a Hand iu the Death of Henry the IV. Some* 1.44 look'd upon him as an Accomplice to the Conspiracy which succeeded so fatally against the Person of that Prince: And those who spoke with most Modesty about it, made no scru∣ple of saying, that sitting next to the King, he might easily have warded the second Stab that was given him, had be been so pleas'd: So that, whenever the Reform'd mention'd the Revenging of the late King's Death, and the making of an exact Enquiry after those that had a Hand in it, he was in the Right to take the thing upon himself, and to believe that they aim'd at his Head. Therefore the Duke being in∣rag'd to see his Son ingag'd in the Religion and Party of the Reform'd, took so much Pains and Care, display'd the Marks of his Tenderness, and of his Anger so properly, made Use of Hope and Fear with so much Art and Power, imploy'd the Promises and Illusions of the Court so effectually, that his Son Embrac'd the Roman Communion again, with as much Levity as he had quitted it; so that after some years Travel in most parts of Europe, not forgetting to Visit Rome and Ita∣ly, he return'd into his Fathers Favour again.

During these Transactions, the Treaty between the Assem∣bly* 1.45 and the Prince of Conde was agreed upon, and Sign'd on the 10th of November. After the usual Preamble before all such Acts, containing Protestations of only taking Arms for the King's Service, against those who Abuse his Name and his Authority, and of having no design to depart from their Allegiance: The Treaty imported, that the End of that Union was, to provide for the safety and Preservation of the King's Person: To make an exact Inquiry after all those that were concern'd in the Death of Henry the IV. To hinder the Pub∣lication

of the Council of Trent, as a thing which derogated from the King's Authority, the Rights of the Crown, the Liberties of the Gallick Church, and the Edicts of Pacifica∣tion: To oppose the ill Consequences which the Marriages concluded with Spain, might produce: To Reform the Coun∣cil, in removing from the Government such as were men∣tion'd by the Remonstrances of the Parliament: To provide for the Performance of the Edicts, Declarations, Letters, and Briefs Granted to the Reform'd; and to see justice do e to the People of the Principality of Bearn: To restore such to their Imployments as had been, or should be dispossess'd of the same upon the Account of their Religion: To hear∣ken to no Treaty unless by a mutual Consent; and not to abandon each other, until they had receiv'd satisfaction up∣on all their demands. The whole concluded by a Promise of keeping a constant Correspondence together; and to im∣part to one another all the Resolutions, and Advices that might be taken for the Publick Good.

Nevertheless, the Assembly had intermix'd some Articles, which limited the Princes Power in some Measure. They retain'd the direction of the Forces, and Sums the Reform'd were to furnish, by the Authority, and with the Commis∣sions of the Prince, who should deliver them in Blanc; and be receiv'd by none but persons belonging to the Assembly. They also reserv'd to themselves the Power to dispose by way of Commission, by Letters Patent from the Prince deli∣ver'd to them in Blanc, of all Places, and Governments, Offices of Judicature and of the Public Revenues, which should be∣come vacant during the War: And they obl••g'd themselves to cause those Commissions to be Converted, if possible, by a Peace, into Warrants for Life. They desired, That provisi∣ons should be made for the safety of the Provinces that should be the Theatre of the War; either by yielding to them some of the Places they were in hopes to Conquer; or by giving them others instead of those they might lose. They added, That the Prince should not be allow'd to make any Innovation in the places belonging to the Reform'd; That such among the Reform'd as should be oblig'd to quit

their Habitations upon the Account of the War, should be receiv'd for their safety into Places held by the Prince or his Adherents, and that they should injoy the free Exercise of their Religion in the same, as also in the Armies in which they should have Forces; and that those Refugies should in∣joy the Estates of those that should quit the Places Conquer'd by the Prince, or that should be turn'd out for refusing to Obey him.

The Prince promis'd every thing, because his Affairs were* 1.46 in an ill Posture, and that in case the Reform'd had fail'd him, he would have been forc'd to fly out of the Kingdom, or to submit to the Pleasure of the Court. Tho' the Queen had a good Army and was very well serv'd, yet she was frightned, when she was told at Bordeaux, that the Prince was happily got out of so many Defiles and Rivers, and that the Royal Army Commanded by the Marshal de Bois Dauphin had not been able to stop his passage, and that he was coming to tarry for him in the Way to his Return. She had yet less Reason to despise him, when she found that the Reform'd were joyn'd with him, Reinforcing his Army by the Duke of Soubise's Forces; and assisting him in other Places by consi∣derable diversions. The Duke of Sully himself imbrac'd that Party after many Irresolutions, and increas'd the Prince's Army by his Forces, by his Friends and by the Towns he possess'd in Poitou and elsewhere: But that was the only A∣ction in which he shew'd some Resolution, from the time of his Disgrace at Court until his Death. The Duke of Rohan, who was neither well Attended, nor well Obey'd, Seiz'd upon the Town and Castle of Leitoure; by the Intelligence he held with Fontrailles; which neither the Duke of Guise, who Commanded the Royal Army in those Parts, nor yet the Political Assembly of the Upper Languedoc that was held at that time, in the Neighbourhood thereof, but refus'd to meddle with those Differences, notwithstanding the earnest sollicitation of the General Assembly, could prevent.

The Court being exactly inform'd of whatever past in the* 1.47 Assembly at Nimes, receiv'd a particular Account of what they had done in favour of the Prince of Conde; so that they

had time enough to prepare a Declaration upon that Subject, which gave the Reform'd a fair pretence to remain quiet in their Houses. It appear'd the very same Day the Treaty was Sign'd between the Prince and the Assembly: As if the Kings Intelligence had been so Critical, as to know before hand the day on which it was to be concluded; or that chance had or∣der'd the Minute for the Remedy, at the very hour of the Disease: The main End of the said Declaration was to keep those of the Reform'd, within the bounds of their Allegiance, who were not yet departed from it; and to bring back such as had joyn'd themselves with the Male-contents; and to render those inexcusable who should resuse to lay down their Arms, after having been earnestly invited to it. Therefore the De∣claration was very full; and all the pretences that could serve to excuse the Resolutions of the Assembly were refuted in it, with a great deal of Art. They inlarg'd at first upon* 1.48 the King's Kindnesses, and the care he had taken, as well as the Queen his Mother, to cause the Edicts to be observ'd; and to remedy the infractions thereof: Therefore they al∣ledg'd, that the Reform'd ought to have kept within the Bounds of their Allegiance out of Gratitude, and in remem∣brance of the favourable Usage they had receiv'd from the Late King; Especially, at a time when the King's Minority ought to Excite the Virtue, Courage, and Fidelity of his good Subjects to maintain the Authority which God had gi∣ven him, as the Basis of every Man's safety, as well as that of the Publick. In the next place, they complain'd that this way of proceeding of the King, had not produc'd the Effect that was expected from it upon all people; That several si∣ded with the Prince of Conde, some through Ambition, and a furious desire of raising their own Fortunes by the disorders and ruin of the State; Others out of simplicity deceiv'd by the false Impressions which they had receiv'd from turbulent Persons; who endeavour'd to perswade them that they would be persecuted, unless they put themselves in a Posture of defence; telling them that there were secret Articles in the Treaty of the Marriages with Spain, which contain'd a Conspiracy to drive them all out of the Kingdom, or to ex∣terminate

them. They said that this Imposition, or surprise that was put upon them, render'd their Fault excusable, and made them fitter Objects of Pitty than of Chastisement. In the next place, they endeavour'd to prove, that this Terror was vain, because those Marriages were concluded by the ways of Honour, as it's usual among great Princes; from whence it follow'd, that Spain could not require Conditions of the King, which would have made Desarts and Sollitudes in the Kingdom; which the King did confess must have prov'd the consequence of such an Ʋnjust and Cruel Ʋsage to∣wards the Reform'd, as it was Publisht by some, with an ill design. They added, that nothing had been done with an ill Intention, in promoting of those Alliances; that all had been Communicated to the Late Count of Soissons, to the Prince of Conde, and even to the Duke of Bouillon, who were present in the Council in which those Affairs had been deliberated; and that they did not oppose it; That the said Marriages had not created the least Jealousies, or Suspicions in other Sovereigns, after they had been inform'd of the King's good intentions; yet that some People would needs perswade the World that he was so inconsiderate, as to consent to make France the Theatre on which that Bloody Tragedy was to be Acted, and to decide the difference of Religion by Arms; tho' nothing could be farther from his thoughts, since it was his Opinion, that the decision of that Controversie ought to be left to God, who would at his own time Use the best Remedies to Reunite all Christians to the Catholic Church, which the King look'd upon to be the best, and in which he was resolv'd to Live and Dye. After which they prais'd the Zeal and Loyalty of those that had refus'd to take up Arms against the King; who had on the contrary offer'd their Services to him, and had resisted the Sollicitations and Threatnings of the others. They cry'd up the Number and Quality of those Loyal Protestants, among which there were considerable Lords, Gentlemen, Cities, Communities, and even Places of surety. They likewise Exagerated the Rebellion of the others, who had harden'd themselves against those Examples; who endeavour'd to de∣bauch

the Peaceable from their Allegiance; endeavouring ••o perswade them, that they would be forc'd to take up Arms at last, or expose themselves to Ruin, by suffering those ••o perish that had taken them up already; which his Majesty ••oped would not prevail upon those Loyal Persons. Finally, ••hose Assemblies were Styl'd Unlawful and Conventicles, which favour'd the taking up of Arms, as being compos'd of ••uborn'd Persons, who without Order or Power, and often ••gainst the Commands and Orders of their Superiors adher'd ••o the propositions of the Factious, for their own Ends to ••he prejudice of the Worthy Persons of their Religion. This ••ong Preface was followed by a Declaration from the King, That he would not impute the Faults of some particular Members to the whole Body; for which Reason he confirm'd ••ll the Edicts, saying, That they had been observ'd till then; Commanding at the same time, that in case they had been ••nfring'd in some Places, it should be forthwith Remedy'd. Secondly, in consideration of the Fidelity of an Infinite Num∣ber of the Reform'd, among which there were Persons of great Quality, who deserv'd singular Marks of his Affection, ••••e pardon'd all those who had taken up Arms, and that they should enjoy the benefit of the Edicts as well as the others, provided they return'd to their Allegiance, within a Month after the Publication of his Declaration in the Bayliwicks: That they should declare the same at the Registry of the next Court within their Precinct, and restore the Places they had taken in the same Condition, in which they were before those Troubles; which being done, and they not relapsing into a New Infraction, he would take them under his Pro∣tection, and grant them a full Pardon for all that was past. Finally, he condemn'd as disturbers of the publick Peace, all those who should persist in the Rebellion after the expiration of a Month; he depriv'd all the Cities and Corporations of all the Favours, Immunities and Privileges that had been Granted them; and did forbid all Governors, and Lieute∣nants General to let them injoy the Liberties mention'd in the Edicts; which they should render themselves unworthy of by persevering in their Revolt.

This Declaration produced the Effect of all other Declara∣tions of that kind, That is, It left every Body in their former* 1.49 Opinion. Those who had not taken Arms, either because they had no prospect of safety in it, or because they expected more favour from the Court than profit by the War, remain'd quiet for the most part. Those who had taken them, only laid them down by a Treaty. Many refus'd to Ingage in it for fear of a greater evil, or out of simplicity, imagining all the Words of an Edict to be so many Truths. Nevertheless those who did reflect on the Intrigues begun against them by Spain, so many Years before the Death of the late King; up∣on the Propositions that had been made to him so often to de∣stroy the Hereticks; upon the Maxims that were introduc'd in the Council since his Death; upon the Passion of those who were intrusted with the Management of Affairs; upon the Projects form'd by the Clergy, in the Estates, and in the Assembly that succeeded them; upon the Divisions the Court had sown among the Reform'd; upon the Illusions where∣with they had paid all their Demands; in a word, upon all the Proofs they had receiv'd of the Ill will of the Council, and of all the Catholicks towards them: Those I say did not suffer themselves to be deluded by the Specious Arguments of the Declaration: And the Remembrance of the Enterview, for which under the Reign of Charles the 9th. the same place had been chosen for the same Powers, who had now had a new Meeting there, under pretence of the Exchange of the Prin∣cesses, created no small Jealousies in them. A Queen of the same Name; the like Conjuncture of Affairs; a strict Alli∣ance with a Crown that was an Enemy to their Religion, gave them cause to fear that something was concluded there against them, according to the Bloody Maxims which the Duke of Alva had then inspir'd to the Council of France. It is report∣ed that the Reformed Ministers being prejudic'd by those Suspi∣cions Preach'd in sundry places, that Persecution was at hand. The Catholicks on their side express'd their Zeal a little too much; and spoke publickly of a War of Religion, as if it had been resolv'd upon. The Sermons of the Jesuits were parti∣cularly Animated by the same Spirit that is observ'd in their

private Conversations; and divers marks appear'd in sundry places of the Notions they inspir'd their Penitents with at their Confessions. And yet it is most certain that Religion was not the real Motive of that War. It was a pure Affair of ••tate, into which none but the Lords on the side of the Re∣form'd did ingage with a small number of their Creatures; ••he People, several intire Provinces, and almost all the Cities ••emain'd within the bounds of their Allegiance. So that the ••eclaration spoke the Truth upon this Subject, in saying that ••he greatest number of them remain'd Peaceful and Loyal.

But the King's return to Bourdeaux, after the exchange of* 1.50 ••he Princesses, and the Declaration of the Assembly of Nimes, •••• favour of the Prince of Condé, were attended with very ••••l Consequences. Although the number of the Reform'd ••here was very inconsiderable compar'd to the Catholicks, and ••••oreover most of them Merchants, whose Genius and Pro∣••ession is not inclin'd to War, the Sheriffs thought fit to disarm ••hem after the King's Departure. This Precaution only ser∣••ed to fling them into a strange Consternation and Despair. They fancy'd that the Catholicks had a design to be rid of them ••y a Massacre; and that their Arms were only taken from them ••o dispatch them the sooner. The Reform'd had already been ••s'd ill in several parts of the Province, but particularly at ••as a' Agenois, where they had been accus'd of favouring the ••esigns of the Duke of Rohan, and to have held Intelligence with Cilonges one of his Captains, in order to deliver up the Place to him. From whence they concluded that the Reform'd being every where suspected of holding a correspondence with the Prince of Condé, according to the Resolution of their Assem∣••ly, their Enemies would make use of that pretence to exert a thousand Violences against them: And that it was not safe for them to remain without Arms at the Mercy of so Mutinous and so Seditious a People, as those of Bourdeaux were. Therefore the Consistory being assembled at Begle, the usual place in which* 1.51 they perform'd the publick Service of their Religion, about a League distant from the City, resolv'd to discontinue the said Exercise, for fear of exposing the whole Church to a Massacre, which would be easily executed they being all Assembled toge∣ther.

The Service of the said Church was perform'd at that time by two Forreigners, Cameron and Primrose, Learned Men full of Zeal and of great Credit, who seconded the Resolution of the Consistory. But there were two Advocates of the Parliament among the Elders, call'd Saint-Angel and Auvergnat, who oppos'd it, and us'd their utmost Endeavours to hinder it. Nevertheless the Authority of the Ministers prevail'd. Where∣upon the said Advocates, whither out of fear of losing their Practice, in case they should consent to a Resolution which show'd a diffidence of the sincerity of the Court; or whether* 1.52 they held any secret Intelligence there; or lastly whither they design'd to distinguish and set a value upon themselves by some extraordinary proceeding, accus'd the Consistory before the Parliament, and represented the said discontinuation of the Exercise of their Religion as a very odious Enterprize ten∣ding to fill the Minds of People with Allarms and Jealousies▪ as also very injurious to the Magistracy, that had taken the Reform'd under their Protection, and had promis'd them a Guard for the safety of their Assemblies. The truth is, th•••• the said Resolution struck a Terror every where: And the People supposing that the Consistory had powerful Reasons •••• fix upon that Expedient, look'd upon this proceeding as a ••••g•• that they did not confide in the Protection promis'd by the last Declaration. And that there was no relying on that Phantasm of the Publick Faith, so often violated.

The Parliament receiv'd the Deposition of the two Advo∣cates;* 1.53 and on the 5th of January of the following Year, they* 1.54 made a Decree, Commanding the Reform'd to continue the said Exercise as they were wont to do at the usual place, •••• pain of being Punish'd as Criminals of leze Majesty. But they did not think it safe to Obey; since that being de∣priv'd of Arms to defend themselves, they would be expos'd to the Mercy of Friends and Foes, both at the place of their Worship and by the way. They did not think the Guards that were promis'd them sufficient to defend them against the Troops that serv'd the Prince, or those that were in Arms for the King, or the Seditions that the Indiscreet Zeal of the Ca∣tholicks might excite against them. But then they were a∣fraid

of exposing their Ministers to the Indignation of the Par∣liament by their Disobedience. Therefore they thought fit to remove them from the City to secure them; and accordingly they did send the one to Tonneins and the other to Royan: So that the said Reform'd of Bourdeaux having no longer any Mi∣nisters to perform Divine Service, had a lawful pretence by their absence to discontinue the same and to keep at home. But after the Peace was made, the Church having recall'd their Ministers, and reassum'd their former Exercises of Religion, the Consistory Assembled as they us'd to do; and the first thing they did, was to call the two Advocates to an Account for what they had done in that Affair. Saint-Angel was more ob∣stinate and passionate than the other, who hearken'd to Rea∣son, and at last submitted to the Censures of the Consistory ••t the Request of his Friends. So that all the Indignation of* 1.55 ••hat Assembly fell upon Saint-Angel, who would never sub∣mit. But before he was abandon'd by his Companion, the Consistory cited them both to appear before them, according ••o the forms prescrib'd by their Discipline. Saint-Angel had ••lledg'd in order to excuse his opposing of the two Ministers, ••hat the Discontinuation of the Publick Exercise of their Re∣••igion, would prejudice the Right granted by the Edicts, to which the Church would seem to renounce, by interrupting ••he course of the Assemblies. But when he found himself ••ress'd by those that brought the Citation of the Consistory to ••im, he concluded that they would laugh at his Pretence, in ••ase he should appear, and that they would lay some Morti∣••ying Censure upon him. For that reason he refus'd to obey* 1.56 ••he said Citation; and in order to secure himself and his Col∣••egue against the Censure, he appeal'd to the Parliament: But ••e did it with so much Violence and Inconsideration, that he exposed himself to the utmost Degree of Publick Indignation. He accus'd the Ministers of High-Treason there; and upbraid∣••d them with their Foreign Extraction: He endeavour'd to ••epresent them as Men infected by the Maxims of their own Country; according to which they made no difference be∣tween Absolute Authority and Tyranny. He complain'd of ••he Elders that had Cited him, without leaving him a Copy

or Act of the Citation; as if he had been ignorant how dif∣ferent Ecclesiastical Formalities were among the Reform'd from Civil Proceedings. He publish'd the Speech he made to the Parliament, when he presented his Petition; and the Mini∣sters reply'd to it, by Printed Apologies, in which he was se∣verely us'd. His Request was granted; and the Consistory order'd to cease their Prosecution. Whereupon the Ministers enter'd their Protestation, and appeal'd to the * 1.57 Party-Cham∣ber which was then at Nerac.

In the mean time as the recourse Saint-Angel had had to the* 1.58 Parliament, and the Prohibitions he had obtain'd were e∣steem'd contrary to the Liberty of Exercising the Ecclesiasti∣cal Discipline, which was granted by the Edict of Nantes, the Consistory did not think themselves oblig'd to suspend their Proceedings: They Condemn'd the Advocates to a publick Suspension of the Communion; and the said Judgment was pronounced against them the very next Day after the signifi∣cation of the Order they had obtain'd from the Parliament. They were treated in the Act of that Censure, as Contemners of God, Rebels to the Consistory, and Disturb∣ers of the Peace of the Church. This Affront transported Saint-Angel beyond all measure: And whereas at that time he still drew Auvergnat after him, they appeal'd from that Judgment as an Abuse; they presented new Complaints to the Parliament; call'd the proceeding of the Consistory Ille∣gal; desir'd a Decree against Cameron; and leave to inform against the Authors of that Affront; that the Secretary of the Consistory might be oblig'd to produce the Books in which they enter'd their Acts, the better to know what they had done. They obtain'd all: The Secretary was prosecuted to* 1.59 produce the Books: And after all the Delays and Evasions he could contrive, he was finally oblig'd to produce them at the Register-Office of the Parliament. Cameron was Cited, and appear'd to demand a Removal: About a Month was spent in these Transactions, without regard to the Removal demand∣ed by the Ministers: A Decree was given conformable to the Desire of the Advocates: The Censure was revers'd being A∣busive; the Consistory was commanded not to use the like

Proceedings for the future; Cameron was Condemn'd to a small Fine: And because Saint-Angel had the Impudence to com∣plain that he went in danger of his Life, he was receiv'd un∣der the Protection of the Parliament, and was allow'd to In∣form against those that had threatned him. Yet though the Decree was so favourable, he was allow'd no Costs.

Du Sault, Advocate-General, spoke in that Affair in Terms* 1.60 which require my giving an Abstract of his Discourse in this place, because it shows a Passion without bounds, and with∣out the least Moderation, in which he proceeded so far as to alledge things as Matters of Fact, which were ever deny'd by the Ministers; and to maintain as Infallible Maxims, Propo∣sitions which are opposite to Common Sence. This was his Character in Affairs of Religion; and he has given proofs of that unruly Passion to his very Death. He open'd the Cause from its first Original; and affirm'd that upon Saint-Angel's* 1.61 Request the Ministers were summon'd before the Council-Chamber; in which they clear'd themselves by Oath of any Intention to leave the City; that they promis'd to continue their Preaching at Begle, although there were no Body to hear them; That the Court at that time did Command them not to retire from Bourdeaux; that they were receiv'd under the King's Protection; that the Sheriffs were order'd to guard them safely both in going or coming, and the Ministers injoyn'd to produce the Witnesses they had of the Threatnings made against them. The Ministers maintain'd the clean con∣trary; that they had promis'd nothing, far from Swearing any thing; that they made no Reply when the pleasure of the Parliament was declar'd to them. That their silence was not of the Nature of those which could be Interpreted as a Consent, since it was forc'd, and that it was impossible for them to speak without Transgressing the Respect that was due to the Deputies of the Parliament, and without exposing themselves to the hazard of being secur'd, by declaring that they could not Obey. They said also, that the safeguard that was offer'd them was not sufficient: That the putting of them without Arms into the Hands of the Sheriffs, who were only attended by Catholics in Arms, was to expose them to the

Mercy of those that occasion'd their Fear; That tho the said Guards had not been compos'd of suspected Persons; yet they were not capable to defend them against all the Parties they might chance to meet in their way; That St. Angel himself being more frightned than the rest, cry'd out in a full Assembly, when the said Convoy was propos'd, and who shall se∣cure the Guards? Intimating, that they were not capable to se∣cure others from a Danger, they could not avoid themselves.

After divers Reflexions upon the Course of the Proceed∣ings, Du Sault pretended that Cameron's Appeal was not al∣lowable;* 1.62 by reason, that it was a Case in which the Go∣vernment was concern'd. He said, that the End of the Sus∣pension pronounc'd by them, which was suppos'd to be in or∣der to the Amendment of those that were Condemn'd to it, was a meer Chimera; that the said Judgment was an Attempt against the Authority of the Court; That it was a manifest abuse of Censures contrary to the Holy Decrees; which was a very absurd Observation, from an Advocat General against the Reform'd, who did not trouble themselves to observe in their Discipline what he call'd the Holy Decrees; which are the Canons of the Roman Church, and the Decrees of the Popes. Nevertheless, it was upon that weighty Observation he laid the stress of his Argument, to prove that this was a Case reserv'd to the Parliament, as an abuse tending to in∣terrupt the Course of a Lawful Proceeding. He Added, contrary to the Faith of the Edicts, and contrary to the Common Practice, that the Benefit of Appealing to the * 1.63 Party-Chambers was not allow'd to Foreigners; and he pre∣tended, that the Parliament had often adjudg'd it so: Which might be true, without being Just; by reason that the said Parliament, notwithstanding that it was Just to preserve and allow those Chambers the Extent of Jurisdiction that was Granted them by the Edicts, did nevertheless lay hold of all occasions to dispute it, and to incroach upon it by a thou∣sand Attempts.

In the next place du Sault coming to the Merits of the Cause, endeavour'd to prove that neither the Consistory,* 1.64 nor Cameron had any Right to Excommunicate, having nei∣ther

Jurisdiction; nor Orders: And the better to inhance this gross pretension, he added that the Liberty of Conscience which the Reform'd profess, dispences every one of them from all Laws and Censures, either of theirs or of the Roman Church; and that their Discipline extended only on such as were willing to submit to it. He added with the same Spi∣rit, that their Suspension was not the Suspension of a Sacra∣ment, because their * 1.65 Communion was not a Sacrament: And whereas Auvergnat had acknowledg'd his Fault, and submit∣ted to the Consistory; he affirm'd that his Submission did no wise prejudice St. Angel whose Suspension contain'd an intollerable Error, being pronounc'd against a Man who had done no ill; who had done nothing but what was good; who had done nothing but what he was oblig'd to do, in acquainting the Court with the Resolutions of the Consistory. After which he cited the 35th of the particular Articles of the Edict; and affirm'd, as if he had never read it, that the said Article allow'd Ministers to be Sued, and Cited in Cases, in which the King or State were concern'd: From which he concluded that this was the Case, since the Consistory proceeded against a Man, and would Censure him, for applying himself to the Court. In this he commit∣ted at least two Faults equally Gross and Malicious: The one in corrupting the sence of the Article, which mentions nothing of prosecuting the Members of a Consistory, in ca∣ses in which the King or State are concern'd; but exempts them from being call'd as Witnesses before Justice, to depose what has been reveal'd in their Companies or Assemblies, by scandalous Persons that are Summon'd there, or by the El∣ders and others of which they are compos'd, unless in Cases in which the King, or State are concern'd. The other in applying the said Article to St. Angel, who had only drawn the said Censure upon himself by a spightful Calumnious Ac∣cusation, which he had prefer'd to the Parliament against the Ministers; tho not Ignorant at the same time, that in case he had a just cause of Complaint against them, and suffi∣cient Reasons not to apply himself to the Assemblies and Synods, he ought at least to have summon'd them before

their proper Judges, and to have made his Application to the Party-Chamber. This may serve as an Example, to show how disaffected Parliaments knew how to abuse the Edict: And it is easie to Judge by their unjust Explications of it, and their manner of applying it, how they perform'd the Execution thereof.

It was upon these Foundations the Decree was given, and that after the usual Informations, Primrose and Cameron were Summon'd Personally; and that for non-appearance, the ci∣tation was converted to an Order for Imprisonment, and that after the usual delays they were Cited to appear within the space of three days. They were not Idle on their sides du∣ring these Rigorous proceedings: But in Order to stop the Violence of a Parliament, which the Reform'd were ever Jealous of, they apply'd themselves to the King, from whom they obtain'd a Decree, with a Warrant to Summon St. An∣gel before the Council, within the space of six Weeks; in∣joyning the Ministers also to appear there; together with a Suspension of all the Proceedings in the mean while. As for St. Angel, he got nothing by this extraordinary way of pro∣ceeding: And while he Tormented the Ministers of Bour∣deaux, by Wranglings, and Disputes which did not permit them to Publish his Suspension, another Minister did it for them. Hesperien came to Preach at Begle and publickly* 1.66 pronounc'd the said Censure. In the mean time this Affair cool'd in the Council; and time having freed the Ministers of this Trouble, they continu'd their Functions in the Church of Bourdeaux, from whence Cameron was remov'd about two years after, to be Professor in Divinity at Saumur. Howe∣ver the Parliament being dissatisfy'd, at their not having been able to obtain their Ends of them in the preceding Af∣fair, omitted none of the occasions that offer'd themselves to Trouble them: I will relate one Example of it, and no more. Th•• following year, some Persons accus'd of Pyracy, being put into Prison, were deny'd a removal to the * 1.67 Party-Chamber, under pretence that the Privilege of the Edict did not extend to Pyrates. Perhaps other Judges would have us'd them with less severity than that Parliament, that

had ever signaliz'd it self, by Violences against the Reform'd, who were look'd upon by them, as Guilty and Convinc'd of what ever was laid to their Charge. But the said Parli∣ament retain'd their Cause, and Condemn'd them to Death. They submitted to it with so much Constancy, and receiv'd it with such Signs of Christian Resignation, that Cameron thought himself oblig'd to Honour their Memory with a short Relation of what past at their Death. It was a kind of Reflexion upon the Parliament, to Write a Book in Praise of Persons who were Condemn'd to a shameful Death by them. Moreover there were some strokes in it, which reflected directly upon them, because the Reform'd thought that they had Violated their Privileges. Therefore they reveng'd themselves upon the Work, until an occasion offer'd it self to be Reveng'd on the Author; and the Book was Condemn'd to be Burnt Publickly by the Hang-Man.

After the Prince of Conde had taken Arms, the Court did* 1.68 not fail to Proclaim him a Rebel, and to publish the usual Edicts in such Cases against him and his Adherents. The Parliament of Paris to whom the said Declaration was sent refus'd to pass it; by reason that the Prince had too many Friends in that Senat, and that the Pretence of his Arms was grounded on the same Abuses, that had occasion'd the Remonstrances of the Parliament, which were so ill receiv'd. So that after diverse Contestations, the Plurality of Voices declar'd against the Verification of the said Declaration; and a Decree was made upon that Subject, by which the Court declar'd, that they neither could, nor ought to Register the same. The Party which follow'd the inspiration of the Court and of the Favourites, caus'd the Words nor ought to be omitted out of the Extracts of the Decree which were Publish'd. And soon after it they had Credit enough, to forge another Decree of Inrollment without any Exception, which was found in the Register, in the room of the first. We may easily imagine, that this bold Falsification of a So∣lemn Decree, in a Case of such consequence, was highly re∣sented. It created great disputes among the very Members of the Parliament, who proceeded on both sides to invectives

and Protestations. The Prince resented it highly, as he had reason to do; and being at that time in a better Condi∣tion to speak than he had been at first, he complain'd of it by a Declaration full of the Marks of his displeasure. He took occasion from thence to make New Demands; one of which was to punish those that were concern'd in the Falsification of the Decree.

Nevertheless, when all things seem'd to be in the great∣est Confusion, they were disintangl'd all of a sudden; and* 1.69 a Peace was talk'd on before the end of the Year. The Queen having gain'd her ends, by the King's Marriage, Judg'd a Peace necessary to injo•• the Fruits of that Alliance, to disarm and divide her Enemies, and to maintain her Au∣thority and her Creatures. On the other Hand the Prince seeing the Marriages were accomplish'd, and that his Arms would prove ineffectual in that point, finding himself more∣over sufficiently formidable to make an advantagious Peace, forgot his Promises and Treaties of a sudden, and only thought of clearing his own Affairs. The Duke of Vando•••• who declar'd himself, and rais'd Arms for him in Bretagne, and the Duke of Nevers who likewise rais'd Men without declaring himself, render'd him the more considerable: The one by seconding him by a Potent Diversion; and the other, because he had the power to do it, in case the Court refus'd to buy his Forces at his own Rate. The most obsti∣nate were sensible, that it was impossible to dissolve the Marriages, not yet consummated indeed, by reason of the in∣fancy of the Parties, but Celebrated with all the Forms, for the performance of which France and Spain had interchange∣bly given Hostages. Had the Infanta of Spain been receiv'd ill in France, Spain had a Daughter of France in their Power, on whom they might Revenge themselves. Thus all things inclin'd to a Peace; and Public good seldom being the True Motive, but the pretence of Princes, it was the thing that was least thought on during the Treaty. The very Assem∣bly of Nimes sent Deputies to the King, to beseech him to grant a Peace to his Subjects; and those Deputies were receiv'd as if the Court had had no reason to complain of those that sent them.

The Truth is, That they were not look'd upon as Depu∣ties from a General Assembly; because it was not held in a place allow'd of by the King, and that the Court was unwilling ••o look upon their Resolutions as those of all the Reform'd, ••f which a considerable Number disown'd them. Those Deputies presented Letters to the King from the Assembly, 〈…〉〈…〉 which they justify'd their Conduct in Terms which ••how'd that they did not think it Criminal. Those Let∣ters were Pathetick and Eloquent. The Apology they •…•…ade for the Reform'd was grounded upon the just fear they •…•…ad conceiv'd, seeing the Distempers of the State increas'd, •…•…e Remedies rejected, the Remonstrances of the Prince of •…•…nde and of the Parliament, hardly taken into consideration. •…•…e have seen, said they, in the said Letters, your Sovereignty ••isputed, and brought into question, the Independency of your •…•…own undecided; so that, We whose Subsistance, next unto •…•…od, depends on the firmness of your Scepter, had Reason to •…•…ink it high time to look about Ʋs, when we found that En∣deavours were us'd to shake the very Foundations of it. Soon •…•…ter continuing to alledge the Reasons that had oblig'd them 〈…〉〈…〉 Arm: We have seen, added they, Armies Rais'd on all •…•…rts, and have heard several speaking the very sence of their ••earts, pr••saging the Felicities of Your Majesties Marriage, by •…•…e Design of our Ruin; as if that Alliance were to be Ce∣•…•…ented by the Blood of your most Faithful Subjects, which we included they would no longer defer to spill, than till their ••ractices on our Patience had open'd a way for them to do it. They added to those Complaints of the Threatnings against •…•…em, the Contempt that had been express'd towards the assembly; the Refusal of an Answer to the * 1.70 Cahiers that •…•…ere presented at Tours; the removing of the most conside∣•…•…e among the Reform'd out of their places; the advance∣ment of their greatest Enemies. They desir'd the King to apply proper Remedies to all those hardships, which he himself might reap the Chief Advantages of. They excus'd ••••e Refusal of the Assembly to repair to Mompellier, by the •…•…me Reasons that had induc'd them to remove from Greno∣•…•…l••, which his Majesty had been pleas'd to approve of,

namely, that they did not injoy their full Liberty there. They* 1.71 also declar'd that the Assembly had hinder'd those of the Lower Languedoc from taking Arms which the Dukes of Monmo∣rency and of Vantadour could Witness for them. After which they concluded with the usual Protestations of Obedience, and with hopes that for the future they should have more fa∣vour and Justice done them.

It is most certain, that the lower Languedoc had no share in* 1.72 the Troubles, whither it were that it proceeded from the care of Lesdiguieres, who had taken his Measures with Alincourt Governor of the Lionnois, and with the Dukes of Monmorency and of Ventadour, to preserve that and the Neighbouring Pro∣vinces in quiet; or that the Assembly were desirous for their own safety to hinder the War from breaking out so near them; or finally, whither a reciprocal fear had oblig'd both the Re∣form'd and Catholicks to remain in quiet. It is no wonder that two Enemies who do not know one another sufficiently to know the weak side of each other, or that know one ano∣ther too well to despise each other, should remain in Peace, notwithstanding the opposition of their Interests▪ by reason that they mutually dread each other. Berteville who was one of the Deputies that brought those Letters, made a Speech to the King partly suitable to the substance of the said Let∣ters. The King answer'd, That he was willing to grant his Subjects a Peace without the Intercession of any Body. The reason of this Answer was, that the King of England was* 1.73 desirous to have a hand in this Treaty. That Prince had pro∣mis'd the Prince of Condé a considerable Supply before the beginning of the War: But whereas he was not much incli∣ned to Arms, and that a Controversy pleas'd him better than a Battle, he contented himself with the Quality of a Media∣tor. The Prince of Condé desir'd that the English Ambassador might assist at the Conference. The Marshal de Bouillon also desir'd it. The Assembly of Nimes was of Opinion, that the* 1.74 Treaty would be more solemn and solid, by the Mediation of a Forreign Prince, out of respect to whom all Promises would be better kept. But the King's Council would allow no Me∣diator••; being sensible that he who interposes in that Quality

between the Soveraign and his Subjects; deprives him com∣monly of the acknowledgement and merit of what he grants ••t the request of another. Therefore the Ambassador was only allow'd to come to the Conference as a Witness: The Prince of Condé and his Adherents agreed to it; but King James neither got much Honour by it, nor the Cause he de∣•…•…gn'd to Favour, much Advantage.

Loudun was pitch'd upon for the place of the said Conference,* 1.75 which was open'd on the 10th of February. The King's* 1.76 Commissioners repair'd thither; and the Prince of Condé gave notice to those of his Party to do the like, or to send Deputies ••ut he troubled himself no farther with their Inte∣rests, than was just necessary for the advantage of his own. The Marshall de Bouillon found his account in it, by reason that the Court was willing to favour him so much, as to o∣blige him not to renew the Troubles. The Dukes of Rohan, and of Sully got nothing by it. Nay, the first was neglected ••o that degree, that he was not so much as summon'd to appear •…•…t the Conference, in which he came without being Invited ••hither. But it was not long before he show'd the Prince of Condé, how sensible he was of that slight. The Duke of Sully contributed considerably towards the Conclusion of a Peace; and it would have been very difficult to have perswaded the Reform'd to it without him. Yet he was never the more fa∣vourably us'd for it in what related to his own particular Af∣fairs; and he received no manner of favour beyond the Ge∣neral. The Reform'd were not mention'd until all the rest were satisfy'd; after which the Prince of Condé obtain'd some things for them, lest he should seem to farsake them quite, af∣ter having receiv'd so proper and so necessary a succor from them. But the Court did not forget their old Maxim, which was to grant them nothing but what they could keep in spite of them; and to favour them as little in the rest as possibly could be.

The Conferences lasted about three Months at Loudun, du∣ring* 1.77 which time the Assembly of Nimes obtain'd leave of the King to remove to Rochel, to be nearer to the place of the Treaty. Thus from a Conventicle which was look'd upon as particu∣lar,

disown'd by the rest, and unlawful, it became a General, Authoriz'd Assembly. The Prince of Condé fell dangerously sick during these Delays. His Illness chang'd the face of Af∣fairs; and Projects were forming already of what was fit to be done, in case he should die. The Queen who seem'd to be most concern'd in that Accident, because the Prince was the only Person who could dispute her Authority, neverthele••s dreaded the Death of her Enemy, because she foresaw that it would break of the Treaty of Peace; which would expose her and her Creatures to new Dangers, and the State to new Con∣fusions. So that the Prince's Recovery was look'd upon on both sides as equally advantageous to all; and the fear of his Death had dispos'd every body to put an end to those Tedious Conferences. He became more tractable himself while he thought he should Die, and thought he was oblig'd in Ho∣nour and Duty to end a War before his Death, which he had occasion'd: He persisted in the same Sentiments after his Reco∣very, being desirous of rest. The most difficult having made their Conditions, the Assembly of Rochell only remain'd disa∣tisfy'd. Sully undertook to prevail with them to receive the Conditions his Majesty was pleas'd to grant them. In order to which he repair'd thither with the English Ambassador, who joyn'd with him in order thereunto. The Assembly was better united than they had been at N••mes: And whereas their Resolution of joyning with the Prince of Condé had only been carry'd by two Voices, their Opinions prov'd more uniform about the Sureties they thought necessary for the execution of the Treaty of Peace: So that Sully's undertaking prov'd pret∣ty difficult. Nevertheless he succeeded in it, because he o∣mitted nothing that could perswade, making use of Reasons, of Authority, and even of Money, which often proves the most convincing of all Arguments. He prevail'd with the Assembly to send Ten Deputies to Loudun with a Power to ac∣cept* 1.78 the Conditions that had been agreed upon with the King's Commissioners. However they only granted them that Power, on Condition that they should have leave to continue their Session until the Verification of the Edict were past; That the Armies should be actually Disbanded; That Tart••••

should be restor'd to them; which place the Reform'd pretend∣ed had been taken from them by Surprize: and that Com∣missioners should be dispatch'd forthwith; to put the Edicts in Execution in the Provinces.

But Sully at his return, far from receiving Thanks for his* 1.79 pains, was disown'd for having ingag'd so far in the Prince's Name; and in order to show that he had done nothing with∣out Authority, he was oblig'd to produce his Instructions. The Reason of this disavowal was that the Court would not consent to the Continuation of the Assembly after the Con∣clusion of the Treaty. However that difficulty was remov'd by obtaining leave for the Assembly to remain at Rochel until a time prefix'd; and that the said delay should be imploy'd by them in the Nomination of Deputies General. Sully drew an Instrument upon that Subject, which was at first approv'd of by all Parties only altering a few words. Moreover the Assembly sent a new Power to their Deputies to Authorize them to approve it: After which the King's Commissioners retracted, and would alter the Instrument in several things. This Game was play'd twice or thrice: Sully was disown'd, and then own'd again in what he did: The Writing was a∣greed to and alter'd so often, that those who were imploy'd a∣bout it had no longer any Patience. The Reason which made the Commissioners so difficult, is that the principal Persons being satisfy'd, the Court had a mind to use the Assembly haughtily, and to oblige them to receive what they would give them with submission. They were sensible that the Lords would not renounce the Advantages they obtain'd, to better the Condition of the People.

Finally the Prince being inform'd by Sully of the Difficul∣ties* 1.80 which delay'd the Conclusion, put an end to them like a Prince who consider'd no body but himself. He whisper'd something to Villeroy; and soon after did the same to Sully: After which he declar'd that Villeroy had granted what was desir'd; and at the same time he Sign'd the Treaty, without allowing any body time to answer him. This abrupt Conclu∣sion vex'd the Deputies of the Assembly extreamly; but they could find no Remedy; They discover'd by several Instances

that it was a design'd thing, to oblige the Assembly to receive whatever Conditions the Lords had thought fit; and that they had only been desir'd to send Deputies out of Formality. On Tuesday Morning before they had Sign'd, even before their ha∣ving given their Consent to what the others had concluded, Orders were sent to the Minister who was in his Pulpit, to ac∣quaint the People that the Peace was made, and to exhort them to return God thanks for it. This made those murmur, who knew that there were difficulties undecided; and made them judge that it was a forc'd Peace, which they were obli∣ged to accept of for fear of falling into greater Inconvenien∣ces. And indeed the Marshal de Bouillon himself forgot the Interests of the Common Cause, because he had secur'd his own. He Exclaim'd higher than any Body against the Assem∣bly, though they had only follow'd his Motions. He declar'd that he would look upon those to be Enemies to the State, who should refuse to sign the Peace. Moreover he was accus'd of having ingag'd himself to the King's Commissioners by wri∣ting to March against the Assembly, and to make War against them, in case they should disown what their Deputies had done, or should continue their Session beyond the Term grant∣ed to them. The Duke de la Trimouille his Nephew who was Young and Easie, and who did not tread long in his Fa∣ther's Steps, did the same in Imitation of his Uncle. But the Marshal de Bouillon design'd thereby to show, that he was the Moving Spirit of the Party; that his Advice was sufficient to incline them to War, and his Threatnings to make them ac∣cept a Peace. The Assembly gave him no cause to proceed to Extreams against them: They submitted to the Treaty; they did Nominate Deputies General: And Berteville to whom the Marshal had given hopes of obtaining that Deputation, was Elected according to his Promise; Maniald was joyn'd with him: After which the Assembly Dissolv'd it self, with∣out staying until the time that was granted them.

This Treaty was thus publish'd, and Intitl'd, An Edict* 1.81 given at Blois in the Month of May. It contain'd 54 Articles, among which those that had a relation to the Publick Good, were soon Converted into Illusions, by the turn of Affairs that

follow'd soon after. Most of them only contain'd such things as are commonly imploy'd in general Pardons. The Third Article was in favour of the Roman Catholick Religion, which was to be restor'd in all Places where their Worship had been Interrupted during the Troubles. Their Ministers were main∣tain'd in the Liberty of their Functions; in the Injoyment of their Estates; and in the Possession of their Houses, of which the Restitution was order'd. The Fourth was a weak Injuncti∣on to make Inquities into the Death of the late King, under pretence that the King was inform'd that his Officers had been remiss in it, notwithstanding their having receiv'd express Orders about it from the Queen, both by word of Mouth and in Writing; and the King promis'd to Write to all the Bishops of the Kingdom, to cause the Decree of the Council of Con∣stantia to be publish'd in their respective Diocesses, which speaks of the Life of Kings and Soveraign Princes. The Fifth revers'd a Decree of Suspension of those which the Parli∣ament of Paris had given in favour of the Independency of Kings, provided that such things as were Imported by those Decrees should remain unperform'd, which had not been put in execution yet; which related to the Assembly of the Princes and Officers of the Crown with the Parliament, in order to the Reformation of the State. That is, the King revers'd those Decrees in Terms which seem'd only to reverse the Suspension of them. The Sixth presupposing that the Court had gone a great way in answering of the * 1.82 Cahiers of the Estates General, promis'd that they would proceed in it without any Discontinuation. The King ingag'd himself by the Seventh to Examine the Article of the * 1.83 Third Estate: But he did not oblige himself to pass it into a Law. The next Imported that the King would give no more considerable Places to Foreigners: But he destroy'd the said Promise at the same time, reserving to himself the Power of bestowing them on such, under the pretence of singular Merit, or of great Services. Some others follow'd these in Course which seem'd to be useful to the State; but were couch'd in Terms as Illusory as the preceeding. The Fourteenth confirm'd the Edicts and all that related to them. The next Created a new

Office of Councellor in the Parliament of Paris, to be given to one of the Reform'd in the room of that of Ber∣ger, who had only chang'd his Religion on condition that he should not be dispossessed of the said Office. The Sixteenth restor'd the free Exercise of the Reform'd Religion, in all pla∣ces where it had been Interrupted upon the account of the Troubles. The Seventeenth allow'd the Proceedings of the Prince of Conde, and of his Adherents both Catholicks and Reform'd: Even of those who compos'd the Assembly of Nimes, which was at Rochel at the time of this Edict. The Twentyfourth only related to Rochel. The Forty seventh or∣dain'd the Restitution of the Places which had been seiz'd by the Adherents of the Prince: And whereas Tartas had been taken by Surprize from the Reform'd, the King order'd the present Restitution of the same, before they should proceed to the Restitution of the others. But in order to punish the People, as it is common for the folly of the Great ones, the King re-establish'd some old Impositions which he had occasion for to pay the Peace he was oblig'd to buy.

There were also private Articles, which were no less im∣portant* 1.84 than the General ones. The last promis'd 1500000 Livres to the Prince of Conde and the Lords of his Party. The Court had no mind they should be seen by the Parlia∣ment, for fear of Contradictions. Therefore they were sent to them Seal'd up; and the 53 of the General Articles, was very positive in ordering them to be put in Execution. The First maintain'd the Gallick Church in its Liberties. The Second disown'd the pursuit of the Clergy for the publica∣tion of the Council of Trent; and promis'd that it should have no Effect. The Third excepted Leitoure from the Ar∣ticle about the Restitution of Places; because there was a Dispute between Fontrailes and Angalin about the Captain∣ship of the Castle. The Dispute was begun before the War; which was the reason that Fontrailles favour'd the surpri∣sing of the said place by the Duke of Rohan, who turn'd out his Competitor. He made a shift to maintain himself in it until the year 1620, and then only quitted it upon good Terms. In the mean while, the Article Imported that

until the decision of the Dispute, the King would deposit it into the Hands of an Exempt of his Guards, or some other Reform'd Officer. The Fourth regulated a very particular Affair. Villemereau Councellor in the Parliament of Paris, and le Maitre, one of the Masters of Accounts of the said Court, had embrac'd the Reform'd Religion. The Courts which they belong'd to, had hinder'd them from Exercising their said Imployments upon that Account. The Reform'd took it very much to heart; and seeing that Berger did not lose his place, tho' he was turn'd Catholick, they pretended that the others ought not to be us'd worse, for embracing the Reform'd Religion. The Catholicks urg'd, that the Number of Reform'd Counsellors was Limited to Six by the Edict; and that therefore Villemereau's place ought to be taken from them; or at most that they could only pretend to keep it in compensation of that of Berger. The Reform'd on the other Hand, pretended that the Edict only Limited the Offices they were to have of necessity; but that it did not ba•• their Access to all others, which they were declar'd capable of by the Edict. So that Berger's place could not be taken from them without injustice, since it was one of the Six allow'd them by the Edict; nor yet, that of Villemereau, which he had not render'd himself incapable of according to the Edict, by turning to their Religion. This Article decided the thing in their behalf; which was the most considerable point in favour of them in the Treaty; thereby gaining a New Office in the Parliament, and another in the Chamber of Accounts, which is one of the most considerable Courts of the Long Robe.

The Fifth confirm'd the Exemption of the * 1.85 Tailles, which had been Granted to Ministers, by a Declaration of the 15 of December 1612. which had not been Verify'd▪ The Se∣venth abolish'd the Remembrance of the Sedition of Milhau; and put the Catholicks under the Protection of the Reform'd for their Safety. The Eighth did the same about the Affair of Belestat, and put the Reform'd under the Protection of the Catholicks. The Tenth restor'd the place of Master of the Ordinance to its former extent, in favour of the Duke

of Sully, from whom they had retrench'd something of it to Vex him. The other Articles contain'd some favours Grant∣ed to some particular Persons. Moreover, the Reform'd also* 1.86 obtain'd a Brief for an augmentation of 30000 Crowns for the keeping of their Garrisons, and for the Sallaries of their Ministers, besides what the King had already allow'd them more than his Father.

The Verification of that Edict was not delay'd long. The Court of Aids pass'd it on the 8th of June; but with seve∣ral Modifications; Principally upon the 14 of the General Articles, and the 15 of the Private ones. The Parliament did not do it until the 13, after reiterated Remonstrances. They Modify'd the 14th Article and the following, which they declar'd should be no President for the Future. That which stopt these two Courts in the 14th Article, was not the Confirmation of the Edicts which they had so often Ve∣rify'd: But the Briefs that were mention'd in it, which be∣ing unknown to them, gave Cause to suspect that the King promis'd immense Sums in it to the Reform'd. They oppos'd it so much the more Vigorously, by reason that they were not Ignorant that Kings often make such Gifts, in hopes that they will have no Effect. It costs them nothing to make such Grants, by reason that they are sensible that they will not pass in the Courts in which the Letters of it are to be Verify'd. But in this occasion, the Queen was willing the thing should pass, by reason that she was desirous to expect a more favourable Conjuncture, to retract her promise. This was an Edict, like to those in which nothing is refus'd; which they are resolv'd to keep no longer, than while they may revoke them with safety. In the mean time the Par∣liament and the Court of Aids refus'd to pass those Briefs, without examining the Contents, or Use of the Sums which might be mention'd in them. The Parliament made great Oppositions to the Article which related to Villemereau; and the Reform'd were never fully satisfy'd upon that Subject; be∣cause a War was declar'd against them before it was deter∣min'd. The Chamber of Accounts did not Verify the Edict, until the 28th of the Month; and as to the Article about le

Maitre, they said, that before he should be allow'd to injoy the Benefit of that Article, he should clear himself of some things he was accus'd of; as it had been ordain'd by the Chamber, by a Decree of the 23d of March. Thus an End was put to the War; and the State beheld the Renovation of a Peace, of which the Sweets prov'd as Short as Flatte∣ring.

The End of the Fourth Part.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Propositions disliked by the Nobi∣lity.
• * 1.2

  Declaration of the King.
• * 1.3

  Which does not Cure the Evil.
• * 1.4

  New in∣trigues
• * 1.5

  To which they in∣gage the People.
• * 1.6

  Petition and Ad∣dresses.
• * 1.7

  The Parli∣ament.
• * 1.8

  And the Reform'd.
• * 1.9

  Why Solicet to •…•…ain a∣nother pla•••• in∣stead of Grenoble.
• * 1.10

  And obtain Gergeau.
• * 1.11

  Which they are not sa∣tisfyed with.
• * 1.12

  And desire Grenoble again.
• * 1.13

  And the Court Con∣sents to it.
• * 1.14

  Assembly of the Clergy.
• * 1.15

  •…•…ur of the •…•….
• * 1.16

  And of the Prince of Conde
• * 1.17

  The Prince of Conde invites the Assembly of Grenoble to joyn with him.
• * 1.18

  Diversity of Opinions.
• * 1.19

  The Kings Progress.
• * 1.20

  The Gene∣ral Assem∣bly ••••nds Deputies to the King. •• P•…•….
• * 1.21

  The Depu∣ties are ad∣journ'd to Poitiers.
• * 1.22

  The Queen gets to her Journeys end without Opposition.
• * 1.23

  Particu∣lar Petition of the As∣sembly.
• * 1.24

  Petitions or Remon∣strances.
• * 1.25

  In which the Judges were half Catholicks, and half Protestants
• * 1.26

  Oblats, or Secular Monks.
• * 1.27

  General Petition.
• * 1.28

  The Com∣mons.
• * 1.29

  Answers. Petition.
• * 1.30

  Petitions.
• * 1.31

  The An∣swers of the Court give no satisfa∣ction.
• * 1.32

  They amuse the Depu∣ties.
• * 1.33

  Petitions.
• * 1.34

  The De∣puties Com∣municate their f••a••s to the As∣sembly.
• * 1.35

  Petitions or Addres∣ses.
• * 1.36

  L••••••••∣guires keeps a great Awe over t••••••.
• * 1.37

  The As∣sembly re∣moves to Nimes.
• * 1.38

  Against his Will.
• * 1.39

  The Assem∣bly mistrust the Lords.
• * 1.40

  Lesdi∣guieres and Cha∣tillon, are ingag'd in the interest of the Court.
• * 1.41

  The Duke of Candale Embraces the Re∣form'd Religion.
• * 1.42

  His Levity.
• * 1.43

  The Re∣form'd are hated by the Favou∣rites.
• * 1.44

  The Duke d Epernon hates them Mortally.
• * 1.45

  The Trea∣ty of Union between the Assembly and the Prince of Conde.
• * 1.46

  Which re∣vives the Princes Party.
• * 1.47

  Letters, Declarati∣on which confirms the ••••d••cts.
• * 1.48

  After a very Argu∣mental Preface.
• * 1.49

  Effect of the Decla∣ration.
• * 1.50

  The Re∣form'd d••••arm'd at Bour∣deaux.
• * 1.51

  The Consi∣story discon∣tinues the Publick Exercise of their Re∣ligion.
• * 1.52

  Two Ad∣vocates de∣clare it to the Parli∣ament.
• * 1.53

  1616.
• * 1.54

  The Par∣liament or∣dains the Continua∣tion of the Exercise of the Re∣form'd Re∣ligion.
• * 1.55

  The Con∣sistory cites both the Advocates after the Conclusion of the Peace.
• * 1.56

  They ap∣peal to the Parlia∣ment.
• * 1.57

  A Cham∣ber compo∣sed of Ca∣tholick and Protestant Judges.
• * 1.58

  The Consi∣story su∣spends them publickly from the Communion
• * 1.59

  A severe Decree.
• * 1.60

  The Advo∣cate-Gene∣ral Passion.
• * 1.61

  The Mini∣sters disown the things alledg'd by the Advo∣cate-Gene∣ral.
• * 1.62

  Absurdities▪
• * 1.63

  Cham∣bres Mi∣parties, in which the Judges were half Catholicks and half Protestants.
• * 1.64

  Ridiculous Pretensions.
• * 1.65

  Cene.
• * 1.66

  A conti∣nuation of the ill Will of the Par∣liament.
• * 1.67

  Chamber-Mipartie in which the Judges are part Catho∣lics, and part Prote∣stants.
• * 1.68

  A False Decree of Inrollment of a Decla∣ration a∣gainst the Prince.
• * 1.69

  Propositi∣ons of peace.
• * 1.70

  Petitions o•• Addres∣ses.
• * 1.71

  1615.
• * 1.72

  The Lower Langue∣doc re∣mains peaceable.
• * 1.73

  The King of England offers his Mediation for a peace.
• * 1.74

  The Coun∣cil of France re∣fuses the said Medi∣ation.
• * 1.75

  1616.
• * 1.76

  Conference and Peace of Loudun
• * 1.77

  The remo∣val of the General Assembly to Rochel.
• * 1.78

  The As∣sembly sends Deputies to Loudun.
• * 1.79

  Disingenu∣ity of the Court.
• * 1.80

  The As∣sembly is almost com∣pell'd to ac∣cept a Peace.
• * 1.81

  Edict of Blois.
• * 1.82

  Remon∣strances and De∣mands.
• * 1.83

  The Com∣mons.
• * 1.84

  Private Articles.
• * 1.85

  A Land Tax and heavy Im∣position up∣on the Peo∣ple.
• * 1.86

  Inroll∣ment and Modificati∣ons of the Edict.