The great pressures and grievances of the Protestants in France and their apology to the late ordinances made against them : both out of the Edict of Nantes, and several other fundamental laws of France : and that these new illegalities, and their miseries are contrived by the Pop. Bishops arbitrary power / gathered and digested by E. E. of Greys Inn ... ; humbly dedicated to His Majesty of Great Britain in Parliament.

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Title
The great pressures and grievances of the Protestants in France and their apology to the late ordinances made against them : both out of the Edict of Nantes, and several other fundamental laws of France : and that these new illegalities, and their miseries are contrived by the Pop. Bishops arbitrary power / gathered and digested by E. E. of Greys Inn ... ; humbly dedicated to His Majesty of Great Britain in Parliament.
Author
Everard, Edmund.
Publication
London :: Printed by E. T. and R. H. for T. Cockeril ... and R. Hartford ...,
1681.
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Subject terms
France. -- Edit de Nantes.
Protestants -- France.
France -- History -- Henry IV, 1589-1610.
France -- History -- Louis XIV, 1643-1715.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A38821.0001.001
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"The great pressures and grievances of the Protestants in France and their apology to the late ordinances made against them : both out of the Edict of Nantes, and several other fundamental laws of France : and that these new illegalities, and their miseries are contrived by the Pop. Bishops arbitrary power / gathered and digested by E. E. of Greys Inn ... ; humbly dedicated to His Majesty of Great Britain in Parliament." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A38821.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 13, 2025.

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Page 1

THE EDICT; OR STATUTE Granted by HENRY the IV OF FRANCE.

TO Those of the Reformed Religion of that Kingdom, for the free exercises of their Consciences, in matters of their Religion, &c. called the Edict of Nants, because Enacted at that City, with the King's Declaration upon the precedent Edicts of Pacification.

HENRY, By the Grace of God, King of France, and Navarr, To all Pre∣sent, and to Come, greeteth. Among the infinite Mercies that God hath pleased to bestow upon us, that most Signal and Remarkable is, his ha∣ving given us Power and Strength not to yield to the dreadful Troubles, Confusions, and Disorders, which were found at our coming to this Kingdom, divided into so many Parties and Factions, that the most Legitimate was almost the least, enabling us with Constancy in such manner to oppose the Storm, as in the end to sur∣mount it, reducing this Estate to Peace and Rest; For which, to Him alone be given the Honour and Glory, and us the Grace to acknowledge our obligation, in having our Labours made use of for the accomplishing so good a work, in which it hath been visible to all, that we have not only done what was our Duty, and in our Pow∣er, but something more than at another time, would (peradventure) have been agree∣able to the Dignity we now hold; as in not having more Care, than to have many times so freely exposed our own Life. And in this great concurrence of weighty and perillous Affairs, not being able to compose all at one and the same time, We have chosen in this order; First to undertake those who were not to be suppressed but by force, and rather to remit and suspend others for some time, who might be dealt with by reason, and Justice: For the general difference among our good Subjects, and the particular evils of the soundest parts of the State, we judged might be easily cured, after the Principal cause (the continuation of the Civil Wars) was taken away, in which we have, by the blessing of God, well and happily succeeded, all Hostility and

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Wars through the Kingdom being now ceased, and we hope he will also prosper us in our other affairs, which remain to be composed, and that by this means we shall arrive at the establishment of a good Peace, with tranquility and rest, (which hath ever been the end of all our vows and intentions) as all the reward we desire or ex∣pect for so much pains and trouble, as we have taken in the whole course of our Life. Amongst our said affairs (towards which it behooves us to have patience) one of the principal hath been, the many complaints we received from divers of our Provinces and Catholick Cities, for that the exercise of the Catholick Religion was not universally re-established, as is provided by Edicts or Statutes heretofore made for the Pacification of the Troubles arising from Religion; as also the Supplications and Remonstrances which have been made to us by our Subjects of the reformed Reli∣gion, as well upon the execution of what hath been granted by the said former Laws, as that they desire to have some addition for the exercise of their Religion, the liberty of their Consciences and the security of their Persons and Fortunes; presuming to have just reasons for desiring some inlargement of Articles, as not being without great apprehensions, because their Ruine hath been the principal pretext and origi∣nal foundation of the late Wars, Troubles, and Commotions. Now not to burden us with too much business at once, as also that the fury of War was not compatible with the establishment of Laws, how good soever they might be, we have hitherto deferred from time to time giving remedy herein. But now that it hath pleased God to give us a beginning of enjoying some Rest, we think we cannot imploy our self better, than to apply to that which may tend to the glory and service of his holy name, and to provide that he may be adored and prayed unto by all our Subjects: and if it hath not yet pleased him to permit it to be in one and the same form of Religion, that it may at the least be with one and the same intention, and with such rules that may prevent amongst them all troubles and tumults: and that we and this Kingdom may alwayes conserve the glorious title of most Christian, which hath been by so much merit so long since acquired, and by the same means take away the cause of mischief and trouble, which may happen from the Actions of Reli∣gion, which of all others are most prevalent and penetrating. For this cause, acknow∣ledging this affair to be of the greatest importance, and worthy of the best conside∣ration, after having considered the papers of complaints of our Catholick subjects, and having also permitted to our Subjects of the Reformed Religion to assemble them∣selves by Deputies, for framing their complaints, and making a collection of all their Remonstrances; and having thereupon conferred divers times with them, viewing the precedent Laws, we have upon the whole judged it necessary to give to all our said Subjects one general Law, Clear, Pure, and Absolute, by which they shall be regu∣lated in all differences which have heretofore risen among them, or may hereafter rise, wherewith the one and other may be contented, being framed according as the time requires: and having had no other regard in this deliberation than solely the Zeal we have to the service of God, praying that he would henceforward render to all our subjects a durable and Established peace. Upon which we implore and expect from his divine bounty the same protection and favour, as he hath alwayes visibly be∣stowed upon this Kingdom from our Birth, during the many years we have attained unto, and give our said Subjects the grace to understand, that in observation of this our Ordinance consisteth (after that which is their duty toward God and us) the princi∣pal foundation of their Union, Concord, Tranquility, Rest, and the Re-establishment of all this Estate in its first splendor, opulency and strength. As on our part we pro∣mise to cause all to be exactly observed, without suffering any contradiction. And for these causes, having with the advice of the Princes of our Blood, other Princes and Officers of our Crown, and other great and eminent Persons of our Council of State, being near us, well and diligently weighed and considered all this affair; We have by this Edict or Statute perpetuall and irrevocable said, declared, and ordained, saying, declaring, and ordaining;

1. That the memory of all things passed on the one part and the other, since the beginning of the month of March, 1585. untill our coming to the Crown, and also during the other precedent troubles, and the occasion of the same, shall remain ex∣tinguished and suppressed, as things that had never been. And it shall not be Lawfull or permitted to our Attorneys General, nor other person or persons whatsoever, pub∣lick or private, in any time, or for any occasion whatsoever it may be, to make mention thereof, Process or Prosecution in any Courts or Jurisdiction whatsoever.

2. We prohibit to all our Subjects of what State and Condition soever they be, to renew the memory thereof, to attaque, resent, injure, or provoke one the other by reproaches for what is past, under any pretext or cause whatsoever, by disputing,

Page 3

contesting, quarrelling, reviling, or offending by factious words; but to contain them∣selves, and live peaceably together as Brethren, Friends, and fellow-Citizens, upon penalty for acting to the contrary, to be punished for breakers of Peace, and disturbers of the publick quiet.

3. We ordain, that the Catholick Religion shall be restored and re-established in all places, and quarters of this Kingdom and Countrey under our obedience, and where the exercise of the same hath been intermitted, to be there again, peaceably and free∣ly exercised without any trouble or impediment. Most expresly prohibiting all per∣sons of what State, Quality or Condition soever, upon the penalties before-mentioned not to trouble, molest, or disquiet the Ecclesiasticks in the celebration of Divine Ser∣vice, injoyning of receiving of Tythes, the fruits and Revenues of their Benefices, and all other Rights and Duties belonging to them: and we command, that all those who during the troubles, have invaded Churches, Houses, Goods, and Revenues belon∣ging to the Ecclesiasticks, and those who detain and possess them, to deliver over to them the intire possession thereof with a peaceable enjoyment, and with such rights, liberties, and security as they had before they were deseized. Most expresly forbid∣ding to those of the Reformed Religion, to Preach or exercise their said Religion in the Churches, Houses, and habitations of the said Ecclesiasticks.

4. It shall be the choice of the said Ecclesiasticks to buy the Houses and Structures built upon their ground in profane places, and made use of against their wills during the troubles, or compell the possessors of the said buildings to buy the ground according to the estimation that shall be made by skilfull persons, agreed upon by both Parties: And to come the better to an agreement, the Judges of the place shall provide such for them, except the said Possessors will try the Title to whom the places in question belong. And where the said Ecclesiasticks shall compell the possessors to buy the ground, the pur∣chase-money if of estimation, shall not be put in their hands, but shall remain charged in the possessors hands, to make profit thereof at five per Cent. untill it shall be imploy∣ed to the profit of the Church, which shall be done within a Year. And after that time, if the Purchaser will not continue any longer at the said interest, he shall be dis∣charged thereof by consigning the money to a responsible person, with the authority of the Justice. And for such places as are Sacred, advice shall be given therein by the Commissioners who shall be ordained for the execution of the present Edict, for which we shall provide.

5. Nevertheless the ground and foundation of places used for the reparation and for∣tification of Cities and places in our Kingdom, and the materials imployed therein, may not be sold nor taken away by the Ecclesiasticks, or other persons publick or private, untill the said reparations and fortifications shall by our order be demolished.

6. And not to leave any occasion of trouble and difference among our Subjects, we have permitted and do permit to those of the Reformed Riligion, to live and dwell in all the Cities and places of this our Kingdom and Countreys under our obedience, without being inquired after, vexed, molested, or compelled to do any thing in Reli∣gion, contrary to their Conscience, nor by reason of the same be searched after in houses or places where they live, they comporting themselves in other things as is con∣tained in this our present Edict or Statute.

7. We also permit to all Lords, Gentlemen and other Persons, as well inhabitants as others, making profession of the Reformed Religion, having in our Kingdom and Countreys under our obedience, high Justice as chief Lord (as in Normandy) be it in propriety or usage, in whole, moiety, or third part, to have in such of their hou∣ses of the said high Justice or Fiefs, as abovesaid (which they shall be obliged to No∣minate for their principall residence to our Bayliffs and chief Justice each in their juris∣diction) the exercise of the said Religion as long as they are Resident there, and in their absence, their wives or families, or part of the same. And though the right of Justice or whole Fief be controverted; nevertheless the exercise of the said Religion shall be allowed there, provided that the abovesaid be in actual possession of the said high Justice, though our Attorney Generall be a Party. We permitting them also to have the said exercise in their other houses of high Justice or Fiefs abovesaid, so long as they shall be present, and not otherwise: and all, as well for them, their fa∣milies and subjects, as others that shall go thither.

8. In the Houses that are Fiefs, where those of the said Religion have not high Justice, there the said Exercise of the Reformed Religion shall not be permitted, save only to their own Families, yet nevertheless, if other persons, to the number of thir∣ty, besides their Families, shall be there upon the occasion of Christenings, Visits of their Friends, or otherwise, our meaning is, that in such case they shall not be mo∣lested: provided also, that the said Houses be not within Cities, Burroughs, or Villa∣ges

Page 4

belonging to any Catholick Lord (save to us) having high Justice, in which the said Catholick Lords have their Houses. For in such cases, those of the said Religion shall not hold the said Exercise in the said Cities, Burroughs, or Villages, except by permission of the said Lords high Justices.

9. We permit also to those of the said Religion to hold, and continue the Exercise of the same in all the Cities and Places under our obedience, where it hath by them been E∣stablished and made publick by many and divers times, in the Year 1586, and in 1597, until the end of the Month of August, notwithstanding all Decrees and Judgements whatsoever to the contrary.

10. In like manner the said Exercise may be Established, and re-established in all the Cities and Places where it hath been established, or ought to be by the Statute of Pacifi∣cation, made in the Year 1577, the particular Articles and Conferences of Nerat and Fleux, without hindering the Establishment in places of Domain, granted by the said Statutes, Articles, and Conferences for the Place of Bailiwicks, or which shall be here∣after, though they have been alienated to Catholicks, or shall be in the future. Not understanding nevertheless that the said Exercise may be re-established in the Places of the said Domain, which have been heretofore possessed by those of the said Reformed Religion, which hath been in consideration of their persons, or because of the privi∣lege of Fiefs, if the said Fiefs are found at present possessed by persons of the said Ca∣tholick Religion.

11. Furthermore, in each ancient Bailiwick, Jurisdiction and Government, holding place of a Bailiwick with an immediate Appeal (without mediation) to the Parlia∣ment, We ordain, that in the Suburbs of a City, besides that which hath been agreed to them by the said Statute, particular Articles and Conferences; and where it is not a Ci∣ty, in a Burrough or Village, the Exercise of the said Reformed Religion may be publickly held for all such as will come, though the said Bailiwicks, chief Jurisdictions and Governments have many places where the said Exercise is established, except, and be excepted the Bailiwick, new created by the present Edict or Law, the Cities in which are Arch-Bishops and Bishops, where nevertheless those of the said Reformed Religion are not for that reason deprived of having power to demand and nominate for the said Exercise certain Borroughs and Villages near the said Cities: except also the Signories belonging to the Ecclesiasticks, in which we do not understand, that the second place of Bailiwicks may be established, those being excepted and reserved. We under∣standing under the name of ancient Bailiwicks, such as were in the time of the deceased King Henry, our most Honoured Lord and Father in Law, held for Bailiwicks, chief Justice-ships and Governments, appealing without intercession to our said Courts.

12. We don't understand by this present Statute, to derogate from the Laws and A∣greements heretofore made for the Reduction of any Prince, Lord, Gentleman, or Catholick City under our Obedience, in that which concerns the Exercise of the said Re∣ligion, the which Laws and Records shall be kept and observed upon that account, ac∣cording as shall be contained in the Instructions given the Commissioners for the execution of the present Edict or Law.

13. We prohibit most expresly to all those of the said Religion, to hold any Exercise of the same as well by Ministers preaching, discipling of Pupils, or publick instructi∣on of Children, as otherways, in this our Kingdom or Countries under our Obedience, in that which concerns Religion, except in the places permitted and granted by the pre∣sent Edict or Law.

14. As also not to exercise the said Religion in our Court, nor in our Territories and Countries beyond the Mountains, nor in our City of Paris, nor within five Leagues of the said City: nevertheless those of the said Religion dwelling in the said Lands and Countries beyond the Mountains, and in our said City, and within five Leagues about the same, shall not be searched after in their Houses, nor constrained to do any thing in Religion against their Consciences, comporting themselves in all other things according as is contained in our present Edict or Law.

15. Nor also shall hold publick Exercise of the said Religion in the Armies, except in the Quarters of the principal Commanders, who make profession of the same, except nevertheless where the Quarters of our person shall be.

16. Following the second Article of the Conference of Nerat, we grant to those of the said Religion power to build Places for the Exercise of the same, in Cities and Places where it is granted them, and that those shall be rendered to them which they have heretofore built, or the Foundations of the same in the condition as they are at present, even in places where the said Exercise was not permitted to them, except they are con∣verted into another nature of Building: In which case there shall be given to them by the Possessors of the said Buildings, other Houses and Places of the same value that they

Page 5

were before they were built, or the just estimation of the same, according to the Judg∣ment of experienced persons, saving to the said Proprietors and Possessors, their Tryal at Law to whom they shall belong.

17. We prohibit all Preachers, Readers, and others who speak in publick, to use any words, discourse, or propositions tending to excite the People to Sedition; and we injoin them to contain and comport themselves modestly, and to say nothing which shall not be for the instruction and edification of the Auditors, and maintaining the peace and tranquillity established by us in our said Kingdom, upon the penalties mentioned in the precedent Statutes. Expresly injoyning our Attourney Generals, and their Sub∣stitutes, to inform against them that are contrary hereunto, upon the penalty of answering therefore, and the loss of their Office.

18. Forbidding also to our Subjects, of what Quality and Condition soever they be, to take away by force or inducement, against the will of their Parents, the Children of the said Religion, to Baptize or Confirm them in the Catholick Church; as also we forbid the same to those of the said Reformed Religion upon pain of being exempla∣rily punished.

19. Those of the Reformed Religion shall not be at all constrained, nor remain o∣bliged by reason of Abjurations, Promises, and Oaths, which they have heretofore made, or by caution given concerning the practice of the said Religion, nor shall there∣fore be molested or prosecuted in any sort whatsoever.

20. They shall also be obliged to keep and observe the Festivals of the Catholick Church, and shall not on the same dayes work, sell, or keep open shop, nor likewise the Artisans shall not work out of their shops, in their chambers or houses privately on the said Festivals, and other dayes forbidden, of any trade, the noise whereof may be heard without by those that pass by, or by the Neighbours: the searching after which shall notwithstanding be made by none but by the Officers of Justice.

21. Books concerning the said Reformed Religion shall not be printed or sold pub∣lickly, save in the Cities and places where the publick exercise of the said Religion is permitted. And for other Books which shall be printed in other Cities, they shall be viewed and visited by our Theological Officers, as is directed by our ordinances. Forbidding most expresly the printing, publishing, and selling of all Books, Libells, and writings defamatory, upon the penalties contained in our Ordinances, injoyning all our Judges and Officers to seize the same.

22. We ordain, that there shall not be made any difference or distinction upon the account of the said Religion, in receiving Scholars to be instructed in the Universities, Colledges, or Schools, nor of the sick or poor into Hospitals, sick houses or publick Almshouses.

23. Those of the Reformed Religion shall be obliged to observe the Laws of the Catholick Church, received in this our Kingdom, as to Marriages and Contracts, and to contract in the degrees of consanguinity and affinity.

24. In like manner those of the said Religion shall pay the rights of Entry, as is ac∣customed for Offices unto which they shall be chosen, without being constrained to ob∣serve or assist in any Ceremonies contrary to their said Religion: and being called to take an Oath, shall not be obliged to do it otherwise than by holding up the hand, swear∣ing and promising in the name of God, to say all the truth: Nor shall they be dispen∣sed with for the Oath by taken in passing contracts and obligations.

25. We Will and Ordain, that all those of the Reformed Religion, and others who have followed their party, of what State, Quality or Condition soever they be, shall be obliged and constrained by all due and reasonable wayes, and under the penal∣ties contained in the said Edict or Statute relating thereunto, to pay tythes to the Curates, and other Ecclesiasticks, and to all others to whom they shall appertain, ac∣cording to the usage and custom of the places.

26. Disinheritations of Privations, be it in disposition in life-time or Testimentary, made from hatred only, or for Religion sake, shall have no place neither for the time passed or to come among our Subjects.

27. To the end to re-unite so much the better the minds and good will of our Sub∣jects, as is our intention, and to take away all complaints for the future; We declare all those who make or shall make profession of the said Reformed Religion, to be ca∣pable of holding and exercising all Estates, Dignities, Offices, and publick charges whatsoever, Royal, Signioral, or of Cities of our Kingdom, Countreys, Lands and Lordships under our obedience, notwithstanding all Oaths to the contrary, and to be indifferently admitted and received into the same, and our Court of Parliament and other Judges shall content themselves with informing and inquiring after the lives, manners, Religion and honest Conversation of those that were or shall be preferred to

Page 6

such offices, as well of the one Religion as the other, without taking other Oath of them than for the good and faithful service of the King in the exercise of their Of∣fice, and to keep the Ordinances, as they have been observed in all times. Also va∣cancies hapning of such of the said Estates, Charges, and offices as shall be in our dis∣position, they shall be provided by us indifferently, and without distinction of Persons, as that which tends to the Union of our Subjects. Understanding likewise that those of the Reformed Religion may be admitted and received into all Councells, Delibera∣tions, Assemblies, and Functions depending upon the abovesaid things, without being rejected or hindred the injoyment thereof by reason of the said Religion.

28. We ordain for the interrment of the dead of the said Religion throughout the Cities and places of this Kingdom, that there shall in each place be provided for them by our Officers and Magistrates, and by the Commissioners that we shall depute for the execution of our present Edict or Statute, a place the most Commodious that can be: and the burying places which they have had heretofore, and whereof they have by the troubles been deprived, shall be restored unto them, except they be found to be converted into buildings of what quality or kind soever it be, in which case a compen∣sation shall be made another way.

29. We enjoyn most expresly our officers to look to it, that no scandal be given in the said interrments, and they shall be obliged within fifteen dayes after request made, to provide those of the said Religion with convenient places for Sepulchres, without delay, upon penalty of five hundred Crowns in their own proper and private names. And it is also forbidden, as well to the said officers as to all others, to exact any thing for the conduct of the said dead bodies upon penalty of Extortion.

30. To the end that Justice be given and administred to our Subjects, without any suspition, hatred or favour, as being one of the principal means for the maintaining Peace and Concord, we have ordained and do ordain, that in our Court of Parliament of Paris shall be established a Chamber, composed of a President and sixteen Counsel∣lors of the said Parliament, which shall be called and entituled the Chamber of Edict, and shall take cognisance not only of the Causes and Process of the said Refor∣med Religion which shall be within the jurisdiction of the said Court; but also of the Ap∣peals of our Parliaments of Normandy and Bretagne, according to the jurisdiction which shall be hereafter given to it by this present Edict or Statute and that until in each of the said Parliaments, there shall be established a Chamber for rendring Justice upon the place. We ordain also, That of four Offices of councellors in our said Parliament, remaining of the last erection which hath by us been made, there shall be presently provided and received in the said Parliament, four of the said Reformed Religion sufficient and capable, which shall be distributed; (to wit) the first into the Chamber of Edicts, and the other three in like manner shall be received in the three Chambers of Inquests; and besides, the two first Offices of Councellors of the said Courts, which shall come to be vacant by death, shall be supplied by two of the Reformed Religion, and the same distributed also in the two other Chambers of Inquests.

31. Besides the Chamber heretofore established at Castres, for Appeals from our Par∣liament of Tholouse, which shall be continued in the Estate it is, we have for the same reasons ordained, and we do ordain, that in each of our Parliaments of Grenoble and Bourdeaux, there shall be in like manner established a Chamber, composed of two Presidents, one a Catholick, and the other of the Reformed Religion, and twelve Coun∣cellors, whereof six shall be Catholicks, and the other six of the said Religion; which Ca∣tholick President and Councellors shall be by us chosen and taken out of the body of our said Courts. And as to those of the Religion, there shall be made a new Creation of one President and six Councellors for the Parliament of Bourdeaux, and one President and three Councellors for that of Grenoble, which with the three Councellors of the said Re∣ligion which are at present in the said Parliament, shall be imployed in the said Cham∣ber of Dauphin. And the said Officers shall be created by a new Creation, with the same Salleries, Honours, Authorities, and Preheminences, as the others of the said Courts. And the said seat of the said Chamber of Bourdeaux shall be in the said City of Bourdeaux, or at Nerat, and that of Dauphine at Grenoble.

32. The Chamber of Dauphine shall take Cognizance of the Causes of those of the Reformed Religion within the jurisdiction of our Parliament of Province, without ha∣ving need of Letters of Evocation, or Appeal, or other Provisions, than in our Chan∣cery of Dauphine. As also those of the said Religion of Normandy and Brittan shall not be obliged to take Letters of Evocation or Appeal, nor other Provision than in our Chancery of Paris.

33. Our Subjects of the Reformed Religion of the Parliament of Burgundy, shall have the choice to Plead in the Chamber ordained in the Parliament of Paris, or in

Page 7

those of Dauphine, and shall not be obliged to take Letters of Evocation or Appeal nor other Provisions than in the said Chanceries of Paris or Dauphine, according as they shall make choice.

34. All the said several Chambers composed as is said, shall have Cognisance, and by decree shall Judge in Soveraignty and last Appeal, exclusive to all others, the Process and differences that are already, or shall arise, in which those of the Reformed Religion are or shall be Parties, Principalls or Guarrantees, in demanding or defending in all matters as well Civil as Criminal, if demanded before contestation in the Cause, and commencing of the Suit: whether the Process be by writing or verbal Appellation; ex∣cepting nevertheless all customs belonging to Benefices and the possessors of tenths, not infeoffed, the Ecclesiastical Patrons and their Suits for their rights and duties, and the demains of the Church; all which shall be tryed and Judged in the Courts of Parlia∣ment exclusive to the said Chambers of Edict. As also we will and require that as to Judging and deciding the Criminal Process which may happen betwixt the said Eccle∣siasticks and those of the Reformed Religion, that if the Ecclesiasticks are defendant in such case, Recognizance and Judgment of criminal Process shall belong to our Sove∣raign Courts distinct as to the said Chamber; and where the Ecclesiasticks shall be Plaintiff, and one of the Reformed Religion Defendant, the Cognizance and Judgment of Criminal Process shall belong in last Appeal to the said Chambers established. And we acknowledge also the said Chambers in time of Vacations for matters attributed by the Edicts and Ordinances to belong to the said Chambers established for times of Vacation, each within his Jurisdiction.

35. The Chamber of Grenoble shall be from henceforward united and incorporated into the body of the said Court of Parliament, and the President and Councellors of the Reformed Religion shall be called President and Councellors of the said Court, and hold the rank and number of the same, and to this end shall be first distributed through the other Chambers, and then drawn from them to be imployed and serve in that which we now ordain of new, with condition nevertheless, that they shall assist and have voice and session in all the deliberations which the Chamber assembled shall have, and shall enjoy the same Sallary, authority and preheminence which the other Presidents and Councellors of the said Courts do enjoy.

36. We will and ordain, that the said Chamber of Castres and Bourdeaux be united and incorporated in the same Parliaments, in the same manner and form as others: and when need shall require, and that the Causes which have moved us to make this establishment shall cease, and shall not have any more place among our Subjects; then shall the Presidents and Councellors of the same, of the said Reformed Religion, be held for Presidents and Councellors of the said Courts.

37. There shall also be a new creation or erection in the Chamber ordained in the Parliament of Bourdeaux, of two substitutes for our Procurators, or Attorneys and Ad∣vocates Generall, whereof one shall be Catholick, and the other of the Reformed Re∣ligion, which shall have the said Offices with competent Sallaries.

38. These substitutes shall not assume other qualities than that of substitutes; and when the Chambers or Courts ordained for the Parliaments of Tholouse and Bourdeaux, shall be united and incorporated to the said Parliaments, the said Substitutes shall have the Office of Councellors in the same.

39. The dispatches of the Chancery of Bourdeaux shall be perused in the presence of two Councellors of the same Chamber, whereof one shall be a Catholick, and the other of the Reformed Religion. In the absence of one of the Masters of Request of our Pallace, one of the Notaries and Secretaries of the said Court of Parliament of Bourde∣aux, shall be Resident in the place where the said Chamber shall be established, or else one of the ordinary Secretaries of the Chancery to sign the dispatches of the said Chan∣cery.

40. We will and ordain, that in the said Chamber of Bourdeaux, there shall be two Com∣missioners of the Register of the said Parliament, the one Civil and the other Criminal, who shall exercise their Offices by our Commissions, and shall be called Commissioners to the Register Civil and Criminal; but nevertheless shall not be revoked by the Registers of the Parliament, yet shall be accountable for the profits of the Offices to the said Registers, which Commissioners shall be Sallaried by the said Registers as the said Chamber shall think fit to appoint, there shall be ordained some Catholick Messengers, who shall be taken in the said Court or elsewhere, according to our pleasure; besides which, there shall also be two de novo freely chosen of the Reformed Religion: And all the said Messengers, or Door-keepers shall be regulated by the said Chamber or Court, as well in the exercise of their Offices as in the Profits or Fees which they shall take. There shall also be a Commission dispatched for payment of Sallaries and receiving of Americaments of the

Page 8

said Court, which shall be such as we shall please to appoint. If the said Chamber shall be established in other place than the said City, the Commission heretofore agreed for paying the Sallaries of the Chamber of Castres, shall go out in its full and intire effect, and there shall be joyned to the said Office, the Commission for the receipt of the A∣merciaments of the said Court.

41. There shall be provided good and sufficient assignations for the Sallaries of the Officers of the Chambers ordained by this Edict.

42. The Presidents, Councellors, and other Catholick Officers of the said Chambers or Courts, shall be continued so long as we shall see it to be for our service, and the good of our Subjects: And in the dismissing any of them others shall be admitted in their places, before their departure, they having no power during their Service to de∣part, or be absent from the said Chambers, without the leave of the same, which shall be judged of according to the Ordinance.

43. The said Chambers or Courts Mypartis shall be established within six Months, during which (if the establishment shall be so long in doing) the Process commenced, and to be commenced, where those of the Religion shall be parties within the jurisdicti∣on of our Parliaments of Paris, Rouen, Dyon and Rennes, shall be presently removed to the Chamber or Court established at Paris, by vertue of the Edict of 1577. or else to the great Councell at the Election of those of the said Religion if they require it: and those which shall be of the Parliament of Bourdeaux, to the Chamber or Court esta∣blished at Castres, or to the said grand Councell at their Election, and those which shall be of Provence to the Parliament of Grenoble. And if the said Chambers, or Courts, are not established within three Months after the presentation of our Edict that Parlia∣ment which shall make refusal thereof, shall be prohibited the Cognizance and Judge∣ment of the causes of those of the Religion.

44. The Process not yet judged, depending in the said Courts of Parliaments and great Counsel of the quality abovesaid, shall be sent back in what Estate soever they be, to the said Chambers or Courts, each within his jurisdiction, if one of the Parties of the Religion require it within four Months after the Establishment of the same; and as to those which shall be discontinued, and are not in condition of being judged, those of the said Religion shall be obliged to make Declaration upon the first intimation and signification to them of the Prosecution, and the time past shall not be understood to require the dismission.

45. The said Chambers (or Courts) of Grenoble and Bourdeaux, as also that of Castres, shall keep the forms and stile of Parliament, where the jurisdiction of the same shall be established, and shall judge by equal numbers of the one and the other Religion, if the Parties consent not to the Contrary.

46. All the Judges to whom the Address shall be made for execution of Decrees, Commissions of the said Chambers, and Patents obtained in Chancery for the same, to∣gether with all the Messengers and Serjeants, shall be obliged to put them in execution, and the said Messengers and Serjeants shall do all Acts throughout our Kingdom, with∣out demanding a Placet, or peremptory Warrant, upon penalty of suspension of their Estates, and of the expenses, damages and interests of the Parties, the Cognizance whereof shall belong to the said Chambers.

47. No removal of causes shall be allowed to any whereof the Cognizance is attri∣buted to the said Chambers, except in cases of Ordinance, the removal by which shall be made to the next Chamber established according to our Edict. And the dividing of the Pro∣cess of the same Chambers shall be judged by the nearest, observing the proportion and forms of the said Chambers, where the Process shall be proceeded upon; except the Chamber of Edict in our Parliament of Paris, where the Process divided shall be di∣stributed in the same Chamber by the Judges, which shall be by us named by our par∣ticular Letters Patents for that effect, if the parties had not rather wait the removing of the said Chamber. And happening that one and the same Process be divided in all the Chambers, Myparty, or half on Religion, half th'other, the division shall be sent to the Chamber of Paris.

48. The refusal that shall be proposed against the Presidents and Councellors of the Chambers, half one Religion and half the other, called the Court of Edict, may be judged by the number of six, to which number the parties shall be obliged to restrain themselves, otherwise they shall be passed over without having regard to the said Re∣fusal.

49. The examinations of the Presidents and Councellors newly erected in the Cham∣bers of Edict, Mypartis, shall be made in our privy Council, or by the said Chambers each in his Precinct, when they shall be a sufficient number; and nevertheless the Oath accustomed shall be by them taken in the Courts where the said Chambers shall be esta∣blished,

Page 9

and upon refusal, in our Privy-Council: except those of the Chamber of Languedoc, in which they shall take Oath before our Chancellor, or in the same Chamber.

50. We Will and Ordain, That the reception of our Officers of the said Religion, judged in the said Chambers half Papist and half of the Reformed Religion by Plurali∣ties of Voices, as is accustomed in other Courts, without being needfull that the opi∣nions surpass two thirds, following the ordinance which for the same cause is abro∣gated.

51. There shall be made in the said Chambers Mypartis, the Propositions, De∣liberations, and Resolutions which shall appertain to the publick Peace, and for the particular State and Policy of the Cities where the same Chambers shall be.

52. The Article for the jurisdiction of the said Chambers ordained by the present Edict, shall be followed and observed according to its form and tenure, even in that which concerns the execution or breach of our Edict, when those of the Religion shall be Parties.

53. The Kings subordinate Officers, or others whereof the reception belongeth to our Courts of Parliament, if they be of the Reformed Religion, they may be examined and received in the said Chambers, viz. those under the jurisdiction of the Parliaments of Paris, Normandy and Bretagne, in the said Chambers of Paris; those of Dauphine and Provence, in the Chamber of Grenoble; those of Burgundy in the said Chamber of Paris, or Dauphine, at their choice; those under the jurisdiction of Tholouse, in the Chamber of Castres; and those of the Parliament of Bourdeaux, in the Chamber of Guyenne; without that others may oppose themselves against their reception; and render them∣selves Parties, as our procurators General and their Substitutes, and those enjoying the said Offices: Yet nevertheless the accustomed Oath shall be by them taken in the Courts of Parliaments, who shall not take any Cognizance of the said receptions; and in re∣fusal of the said Parliaments, the said Officers shall take the Oath in the said Chambers; af∣ter which so taken, they shall be obliged to present by a Messenger or Notary, the Act of their reception, to the Register of the said Courts of Parliaments, and to leave a coppy thereof examined by the said Register, who is enjoyned to Register the said Acts, upon penalty of all the expence, dammage and interest of the Parties; and the Registers refusing to do it, shall suffer the said Officers to report the Act of the said Summons, dispatched by the said Messengers or Notaries, and cause the same to be Re∣gistred in the Register-Office of their said Jurisdiction, for to have recourse thereunto when need shall be, upon penalty of Nullity of their proceedings and Judgments. And as to the Officers, whereof the reception hath not been accustomed to be made in our said Parliaments, in case those to whom it belongs shall refuse to proceed to the said examination and reception, then the said Officers shall repair to the said Chambers for to be there provided as it shall appertain.

54. The Officers of the said Reformed Religion, who shall hereafter be appointed to serve in the body of our said Courts of Parliaments, grand Counsell, Chambers of Accompts, Courts of Aids, Officers of the general Treasuries of France, and other Officers of the Exchequer, shall be examined and received in places where they have been accustomed, and in case of refusal or denying of Justice, they shall be appointed by our Privy Councel.

55. The reception of our Officers made in the Chamber heretofore established at Castres, shall remain valid notwithstanding all Decrees and Ordinances to the contrary. And shall be also valid, the reception of Judges, Councellors, Assistants, and other Officers of the said Religion made in our Privy-Councill, or by Commissioners by us ordained in case of the refusal of our Courts of Parliaments, Courts of Aids, and Chambers of Accompts, even as if they were done in the said Courts and Chambers, and by the other Judges to whom the reception belongeth. And their Sallaries shall be allowed them by the Chambers of Accompt without difficulty; and if any have been put out, they shall be established without need of any other command than the present Edict, and without that the said Officer shall be obliged to shew any other reception, notwithstanding all Decrees given to the contrary which shall remain null and of none effect.

56. In the mean time untill the charges of the Justice of the said Chambers can be defrayed by Amerciaments, there shall be provided by us by valuable assignations suffici∣ent for maintaining the said charges, without expecting to do it by the Goods of the Condemned.

57. The Presidents and Councellors of the Reformed Religion heretofore received in our Court of Parliament of Dauphine, and in the Chamber of Edict incorporated in the same, shall continue and have their Session and Orders for the same; that is to say, Presidents, as they have injoyed, and do injoy at present, and the Councellors according

Page 14

to the Decrees and Provisions that they have heretofore obteined in our Privy Coun∣cel.

58. We declare all Sentences, Judgments, Procedures, Seisures, Sales, and Decrees made and given against those of the Reformed Religion, as well living as dead, from the death of the deceased King Henry the Second our most honoured Lord and Father in Law, upon the occasion of the said Religion, Tumults and Troubles since hapning, as also the execution of the same Judgments and Decrees, from henceforward cancelled, revoked, and anulled. And we ordain, that they shall be eased and taken out of the Registers Office of the Courts, as well Soveraign as inferiour: And we Will and Require also to be taken away and defaced all Marks, Foot-steps, and Monuments of the said Executions, Books, and Acts defamatory against their Persons, Memory and Posterity, and that the places which have been for that occasion demolished or rased, be rendred in such condition as now they are to the Proprietors of the same, to enjoy and dispose at their pleasure. And generally we cancell, revoke and null all proceedings and in∣formations made for any enterprize whatsoever, pretended Crimes of high Treason, and others: notwithstanding the procedures, decrees and judgments containing re-union, in∣corporation, and confiscation; and we farther Will and Command, that those of the Reformed Religion, and others that have followed their party, and their Heirs re-enter really and actually into the possession of all and each of their Goods.

59. All Proceedings, Judgments and Decrees given, during the troubles against those of the Religion who have born Arms, or are retired out of our Kingdom, or within the same into Cities and Countries by them held, or for any other cause as well as for Religion and the troubles; together with all non-suiting of Causes, Prescriptions, as well Legal, Conditional, as Customary, seizing of Fiefs fallen during the troubles, by hindring Legitimate proceedings, shall be esteemed as not done or happen∣ing; and such we have declared and do declare, and the same we have and do anni∣hilate and make void, without admitting any satisfaction therefore: but they shall be re∣stored to their former condition, notwithstanding the decrees and execution of the same; and the possession thereof shall be rendred to them, out of which they were upon this account disseised. And this, as above, shall have like place, upon the account of those that have followed the party of those of the Religion, or who have been absent from our Kingdom upon the occasion of the troubles. And for the young children of persons of Quality abovesaid, who died during the troubles, We restore the parties into the same condition as they were formerly, without refunding the expence, or being obliged for the Amerciaments not understanding nevertheless that the Judgements given by the chief Judges, or other inferiour Judges against those of the Religion, or who have followed their Party, shall remain null, if they have been given by Judges sitting in Cities by them held, which was to them of free access.

60. The Decrees given in our Court of Parliament, in matters whereof the Cogni∣zance belongs to the Chambers or Courts ordained by the Edict in the Year 1577 and Articles of Nerac and Flex into which Courts the Parties have not proceeded volunta∣rily, but have been forced to alledge and propose declinatory ends, and which decrees have been given by default or foreclusion, as well in Civil as Criminal matters, not∣withstanding which Allegations the said Parties have been constrained to go on, shall be in like manner null and of no value. And as to the decrees given against those of the Religion, who have proceeded voluntarily, and without having proposed ends declina∣tory, those decrees shall remain without prejudice for the execution of the same. Yet nevertheless permitting them, if it seem good to them, to bring by Petition their Cause before the Chamber ordained by the present Edict, without that the elap∣sing the time appointed by the Ordinances shall be to their prejudice: and untill the said Chambers and Chanceries, for the same shall be established. Verbal appellations, or in writing interposed by those of the Religion before Judges, Registers, or Commissi∣oners, Executors of Decrees and Judgements, shall have like effect as if they were by command from the King.

61. In all inquiries which shall be made for what cause soever in matters Civil, if the Inquisitor or Commissioner be a Catholick, the Parties shall be obliged to convene an Assistant, and where they will not do it, there shall be taken from the Office by the said Inquisitor or Commissioner one who shall be of the Religion, and the same shall be practised when the Commissioner or Inquisitor shall be of the said Religion for an As∣sistant who shall be a Catholick.

62. We Will and Ordain, That our Judges may take Cognizance of the validity of Testaments, in which those of the Religion may have an interest if they require it; and the appellations from the said Judgements, may be brought to the said Chambers or∣dained for the Process of those of the Religion; notwithstanding all Customs to the con∣trary, even those of Bretagne.

Page 15

63. To obviate all differences which may arise betwixt our Courts of Parliaments, and the Chambers of the same Courts, ordained by our present Edict, there shall be made by us a good and ample Reglement, betwixt the said Courts and Chambers, and such as those of the Religion shall enjoy entirely from the said Edict, the which Reglement shall be verified in our Courts of Parliaments, and kept and observed without having re∣gard to precedents.

64. We inhibit and forbid all our Courts, Soveraign and others of this Realm, the taking Cognizance, and judging the Civil, or Criminal process of those of the Religi∣on; the Cognizance of which is attributed by our Edict to the Chambers of Edict; provided that the Appeal thereunto be demanded as is said in the Fortieth Article go∣ing before.

65. We also Will and Command, for the present, and untill we have otherwise therein ordained, that in all Process commenced, or to be commenced, where those of the Religion are Plaintiff or Defendants, Parties, Principals or Guarrantees in matters Civil, in which our Officers and chief Courts of Justice have pow••…••… to judge without appeal, that it shall be permitted to them to except against two of the Chamber, where the Process ought to be Judged, who shall forbear Judgement of the same; and with∣out having the cause expressed, shall be obliged to withdraw, notwithstanding the ordi∣nance by which the Judges ought not to be excepted against without cause shown, and shall have farther right to except against others upon shewing cause. And in matters Cri∣minal, in which also the said Courts of Justice and others of the Kings subordinate Judges do Judge without appeal, those of the Religion may except against three of the said Judges without showing Cause. And the Provosts of the Mareschalsie of France, vice-Bayliffs, vice-Presidents, Lievetenants of the short Robe, and other Officers of the like Quality shall Judge according to the Ordinances and Reglements heretofore given upon the account of Vagabonds. And as to the houshold charged and accused by the Provosts, if they are of the said Religion, they may require that three of the said judges, who might have Cognizance thereof, do abstain from the Judgement of their Process, and they shall be obliged to abstain therefrom without having cause shewn except where the Process is to be judged, there shall be found to the number of two in Civil, and three in Criminal Causes of the Religion, in which case it shall not be lawfull to except without Cause shewn: and this shall be reciprocall in the like cases, as above, to the Catholicks upon the account of Appeals from the Judges, where those of the Religion are the greater number, not understanding nevertheless that the chief Ju∣stice, Provosts of the Marshalsies, vice-Bayliffs, vice-Stewards, and others who judge without appeal, take by virtue of this that is said, Cognizance of the past Troubles. And as to crimes and excess happening by other occasions than the troubles since the be∣ginning of March, 1585. untill the end of 1597. in case they take Cognizance there∣of, We will that an appeal be suffered from their Judgement to the Chamber ordained by the present Edict, as shall be practised in like manner for the Catholick and Confede∣rates, where those of the Religion are Parties.

66. We Will and Ordain also, that henceforward in all instructions other than infor∣mations of criminal Process in the chief Justices Court of Tholouse, Carcassonne, Rover∣que, Loragais, Beziers, Montpellier and Nimes, the Magistrate or Commissary deputed for the said instructions if he is a Catholick shall be obliged to take an Associate who is of the Religion, whereof the Parties shall agree; or where they cannot agree, one of the Office of the said Religion shall be taken by the abovesaid Magistrate or Commissioner: as in like manner, if the said Magistrate or Commissioner is of the Religion, he shall be obliged in the same manner, as abovesaid, to take and associate a Catholick.

67. When it shall be a question of making a criminal Process by the Provosts of the Marshalsies or their Leivetenants, against some of the Religion, a house-keeper who is charged and accused of a crime belonging to the Provost, or subject to the Jurisdiction of a Provost, the said Provost or their Leivetenants, if they are Catholicks, shall be obliged to call to the instruction of the said Process an Associate of the Religion: which Associate shall also assist at the Judgement of the difference, and in the de∣finitive Judgement of the said Process: which difference shall not be judged other∣wise than by the next Presidial Court assembled with the principal Officers of the said Court which shall be found upon the place, upon penalty of nullity, except the accused shall require to have the difference Judged in the Chambers ordained by the present Edict: In which case upon the account of the house-keepers in the Provinces of Guyenne, Lan∣guedoc, Province, and Dauphine, the substitutes of our Procurators general in the said Chambers, shall at the request of the said house-keepers, cause to be brought into the same the Charges and Informations made against them, to know and judge if the Causes are tryable before the Provost or not, that according to the quality of the crimes they may by

Page 12

the Chamber be sent back to the Ordinary, or judged tryable by the Provost, as shall be found reasonable by the contents of our present Edict; and the Presidial Judges, Pro∣vosts of Mareschalsie, vice-Bayliffs, vice-Stewards, and others who Judge without Ap∣peal, shall be obliged respectively to obey and satisfie the commands of the said Chambers, as they use to do to the said Parliaments, upon Penalty of the loss of their Estates.

67. The outcries for sale of Inheritances, and giving notice thereof by warning pas∣sed or chalked according to order, shall be done in places and at hours usual, if possible, following our Ordinances, or else in publick Markets, if in the place where the Land lies there is a Market-place; and where there shall be none in the next Market within the jurisdiction of the Court where Judgement ought to be given: and the fixing of the notice shall be upon the posts of the said Market-place, and at the entry of the As∣sembly of the said place, and this order being observed, the notice shall be valid, and pass beyond the interposition of the sentence or decree, as to any nullity which might be alledged upon this account.

69. All Title and papers, instructions, and documents which have been taken, shall be restored by both parties to those to whom they belong, though the said Papers, or the Castles and houses in which they were kept, have been taken and seized by special Commission from the last deceased King, our most honoured Lord and Brother in Law, or from us, or by the command of the Governors and Lievetenant Generals of our Provinces, or by the authority of the heads of the other party, or under what pretext soever it shall be.

70. The children of those that are retired out of our Kingdom since the death of Henry the Second our Father-in-Law, by reason of Religion and Troubles, though the said Children are born out of the Kingdom, shall be held for true French Inhabitants: And we have declared and do declare, that it is Lawfull for such as at any time within ten years after the publication of this present Edict, to come and dwell in this King∣dom without being needfull to take Letters Patents of Naturalization, or any other pro∣vision from us than this present Edict, notwithstanding all Ordinances to the contrary touching Children bron in Foraign Countreys.

71. Those of the Reformed Religion, and others who have followed their Party, who have before the troubles taken to farm any Office, or other Domaine, Gabel, Foraign Imposition, or other rights appertaining unto us, which they could not enjoy by reason of the troubles, shall remain discharged, and we discharge them of what they have not received of our Finances, and of what they have without fraud paid otherwise than into the receipts of our Exchequer, notwithstanding all their obligation given thereupon.

72. All places, Cities, and profits of our Kingdom, Countries, Lands, and Lordships under our obedience, shall use and enjoy the same Priviledges, Immunities, Liberties, Franchises, Fairs, Markets, Jurisdictions and Courts of Justice which they did before the troubles began 1585. and others preceding, notwithstanding all Patents to the contrary, and translation of any of the Seals of Justice, provided they have been done only by occasion of the troubles, which Courts or Seats of Justice shall be restored to the Cities and places where they have been formerly.

73. If there are any Prisoners who are yet kept by anthority of Justice, or other∣wise, in Gallies, by reason of the Troubles, or of the said Religion, they shall be re∣leased and set in full Liberty.

74. Those of the Religion shall never hereafter be charged and oppressed with any charge ordinary or extraordinary more than the Catholicks, and according to their abili∣ties and trades; and the parties who shall pretend to be over-charged above their abili∣ty may appeal to the Judges, to whom the Cognizance belongs, and all our Subjects as well Catholick as of the Reformed Religion, shall be indifferently discharged of all charge which have been imposed by one and the other part, during the troubles, upon those that were on the contrary party, and not consenting, as also of debts created and not paid, and expences made without consent of the same, without nevertheless having power to recover the revennue which should have been imployed to the payment of the said Charges.

75. We do not also understand, that those of the Religion, and others who have followed their party, nor the Catholicks who dwell in Cities and places kept and im∣ployed by them, and who have contributed to them, shall be prosecuted for the pay∣ment of Tailles, Aids, Grants, Fifteens, Taillon, Utensils, Reparations, and other im∣positions and subsidies fallen due and imposed during the troubles hapning before and un∣till our coming to the Crown, be it by the Edicts, commands of deceased Kings our Predecessors,or by the advice and deliberation of Governors and Estates of Provinces, Courts of Parliament, and others, whereof we have discharged and do discharge them, prohibiting the Treasurers-General of France and of our Finances, Receivers General and Particular, their Commissioners and Agents, and other Intendants and Commisse∣ries

Page 13

of our said Finances, to prosecute them, molest, disquiet, directly or indirectly, in any kind whatsoever.

76. All Generals, Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, Officers, Common-Councills of Cities and Commonalties; and all others who have aided and succoured them, their Wives, Heirs, and Successors, shall remain quitted and discharged of all Money which have been by them and their order taken and levied, as well the Kings Money, to what sum soever it may amount, as of Cities and Communities, and particular rents, revennues, plate, sale of moveable goods, Ecclesiastick, and other Woods of a high growth, be it of Domains or otherwise, Amerciaments, Booty, Ransoms, or other kind of Money taken by them, occasioned by the troubles began in the month of March, 1585. and other precedent troubles, untill our coming to the Crown, so that they or those that have by them been imployed in the levying of the said money, or that they have given or furnished by their Orders, shall not be therefore any wayes prosecuted at present, or for the time to come: and shall remain acquitted as well themselves, as their Commis∣saries, for the management and administration of the said Money, expecting all thereof discharged within four months after the publication of the present Edict made in our Parliament of Paris, acquittances being duly dispatched for the Heads of those of the Religion, or for those that had been commissionated for the auditing and ballancing of the Accounts, or for the Communities of Cities who have had Command and Charge during the said troubles, and all the said Heads of the Reformed Religion, and others who have followed their party (as if they were particularly expressed and specified) since the death of Henry the Second our Father-in-Law, shall in like manner remain ac∣quitted and discharged of all acts of hostility, leavies, and conduct of Soldiers, minting and valuing of Money (done by Order of the said chief Commanders) casting and ta∣king of Ordnance and Ammunition, compounding of Powder and Salt-Peter, prizes, fortifications, dismantling and demolishing of Cities, Castles, Burroughs, and Villages, enterprises upon the same, burning and demolishing of Churches and Houses, establishing of Judicatures, Judgements, and Executions of the same, be it in Civil or Criminal matters, Policy and Reglement made amongst themselves, Voyages for intelligence, Ne∣gotiations, Treaties and Contracts made with all Foraign Princes and Communities, the introduction of the said strangers into Cities and other places, of our Kingdom, and generally of all that hath been done, executed and Negotiated during the said troubles, since as aforesaid, the death of Henry the Second our Father-in-Law.

77. Those of the said Religion shall also remain discharged of all General and Pro∣vincial assemblies by them made and held, as well at Nantes as since in other places untill this present time; as also of Councils by them established and ordained by Provinces, Declarations, Ordinances, and Reglements made by the said Assemblies and Councells, Establishment and Augmentations of Garrisons, assembling and taking of Soldiers, le∣vying and taking of our Money, be it from the Receivers-general or particular Col∣lecters of Parishes, or otherwise in what manner soever, seizures of Salt, continuation or erection of Taxes, Tolls, and Receipts of the same at Royan, and upon the Rivers of Charant, Garronne, Rosne, and Dordonne, arming and fighting by Sea, and all accidents and Excess hapning upon forcing the payment of Taxes, Tolls, and other Money by fortifying of Cities, Castles, and places, impositions of Money and day-works, receipts of the same Money, displacing of our Receivers, Farmers, and other Officers, establishing others in their places, and of all Leagues, Dispatches and Negotiations made as well within as without the Kingdom: and in general, of all that hath been done, deliberated, writ∣ten, and ordained by the said Assembly and Councell, so that those who have given their advice, signed, executed, caused to sign and execute the said Ordinances, Regle∣ments and deliberations, shall not be prosecuted, or their Wives, Heirs and Successors, now and for the time to come, though the particulars thereof be not amply declared. And above all, perpetual silence is hereby commanded to our Procurators-General and their Substitutes, and all those who may pretend to an interest therein, in what∣soever fashion or manner it may be, notwithstanding all Decrees, Sentences, Judge∣ments, Informations, and Procedures made to the contrary.

78. We further approve, allow, and authorize the Accounts which have been heard, ballanced, and examined by the deputies of the said Assembly: willing and requiring that the same, together with the acquittances and peices which have been rendred by the Accomptants, be carried into our Chambers of Accompts at Paris, three Months af∣ter the publication of this present Edict, and put into the hands of our Procurator-gene∣ral, to be kept with the Books and Registers of our Chamber, to have there recourse to them as often as shall be needfull, and they shall not be subject to review, nor the Accomptants held in any kind liable to appearance or correction, except in case of omission of re∣ceipts or false Acquittances: and we hereby impose silence upon our Procurator-gene∣rall,

Page 14

for the overplus that shall be found wanting, or for not observing of formalities: Prohibiting to our Accomptants, as well of Paris as of other Provinces where they are established, to take any Cognizance thereof in any sort or manner whatsoever.

79. And as the Accompts which have not yet been rendred, We Will and Ordain that the same be heard, ballanced and examined by the Commissaries, who shall by us be deputed thereunto, who without difficulty shall pass and allow all the parcels paid by the said Accomptants, by vertue of the Ordinances of the said Assembly, or others having power.

80. All Collectors, Receivers, Farmers, and all others, shall remain well and duly discharged of all the sums of Money which have been paid to the said Commissioners of the Assembly, of what nature soever they be, untill the last day of this Month. And we will and command, that all be passed and allowed in the accompts, which Accompts they shall give into our Chambers of Accompts, purely and simply by vertue of the Ac∣quittances which shall be brought; and if any shall hereafter be delivered they shall remain null, and those who shall accept or deliver them, shall be condemned in the penalty of Forgery. And where there shall be any Accompts already given in, upon which there shall have intervened any Raisings or Additions, we do hereby taken away the same, and re-establish the parties intirely, by vertue of these presents, which being needfull to have particular Patents, or any other thing than an extract of this present Article.

81. The Governors, Captains, Consuls, and Persons Commissioned to recover Mo∣ney for paying Garrisons held by those of the Religion, to whom our Receivers and Collectors of Parishes have furnished by Loan upon their credits and obligations, whe∣ther by constraint, or in obedience to the commandment of the Treasurers-General, and the Money necessary for the entertaining of the said Garrisons, untill the concur∣rence of the State which we dispatched in the beginning of 1596. and augmentations since agreed unto by us, shall be held acquitted and discharged of all which hath been paid for the effect above said, though by the said Scedules and obligations no mention hath been thereof made, which shall be to them rendred as null. And to satisfie therein the Treasurers-general in each generality, the particular Treasurers of our Tallies shall give their acquittances to the said Collectors; and the Receivers-general shall give their ac∣quittances to the particular Receivers: and for the discharge of the Receivers general, the sums whereof they should have given account, as is said, shall be indorsed upon the Commissions levied by the Treasurer of the expenses, under the name of Treasurers-General for the extraordinaries of our Wars, for the payment of the said Garrisons. And where the said Commissions shall not amount to as much as the establishment and augmentations of our Army did in 1596. We ordain that to supply the same, there shall be dispatched new Commissions for what is necessary for the discharge of our Ac∣comptants, and restitution of the said Promises and Obligations, in such sort as there shall not for the time to come be any thing demanded thereof from those that shall have made them, and that all Patents of Ratifications which shall be necessary for the dis∣charge of Accomptants, shall be dispatched by virtue of this present Article.

82. Those also of the said Religion shall depart and desist henceforward from all Practices, Negotiations, and Intelligences, as well within as without our Kingdom; and the said Assemblies and Councels established within the Provinces, shall readily separate; and also all the Leagues and Associations made or to be made under what pretext soever, to the prejudice of our present Edict, shall be cancelled and annulled, as we do cancell and annull them; prohibiting most expresly to all our Subjects to make henceforwards any Assesments or Leavy's of Money, Fortifications, Enrolments of men, Congregations and Assemblies of other than such as are permitted by our present Edict, and without Arms: And we do prohibit and forbid them to do the contrary upon the penalty of be∣ing severely punished as Contemners and Breakers of our Commands and Ordinances.

83. All Prizes which have been taken by Sea, during the Troubles, by vertue of the leave and allowance given, and those which have been made by Land, upon those of the contrary Party, and which have been Judged by the Judges and Commissioners of the Admiralty, or by the Heads of those of the Religion, or their Councell, shall re∣main extinguished under the benefit of our present Edict, without making any prosecu∣tion; the Captains or others who have made the said Prizes, their Securities, Judges, Officers, Wives and Heirs, shall not be prosecuted nor molested in any sort whatsoever, notwithstanding all the Decrees of our Privy Councell and Parliaments, of all Letters of Mart and seizures depending and not Judged of, We will and require that there be made a full and intire discharge of all Suits arising therefrom.

84. In like manner there shall not be any prosecution of those of the Religion for the oppositions and obstructions which they have given formerly, and since the trou∣bles, in the execution of Decrees and Judgements given for the re-establishment of the Catholick Religion in divers places of this Kingdom.

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85. And as to what hath been done, or taken during the Troubles out of the way of Hostility, or by Hostility against the Publick or particular rules of the Heads of Communalties of the Provinces which they commanded, there shall be no prosecuti∣on by the way of Justice.

86. Forasmuch that whereas that which hath been done against the rules of one party or the other is indifferently excepted and reserved from the general abolition contained in our present Edict, and is liable to be inquired after or prosecuted, yet ne∣vertheless no Soldier shall be troubled, whence may arise the renewing of troubles; and for this cause, We Will and Ordain, that execrable cases shall only be excepted out of the said abolition: as ravishing and forcing of Women and Maids, Burnings, Murders, Robberies, Treachery, and lying in wait or ambush, out of the way of hostility, and for private revenge, against the duty of War, breaking of Pass-ports and Safeguards, with murders and Pillages without command from those of the Religion, or those that have followed the party of their Generals who have had authority over them, founded up∣on particular occasions which have moved them to ordain and command it.

87. We Ordain also, that punishment be inflicted for Crimes and offences committed betwixt persons of the same party, if Acts not commanded by the hands of one Party or the other by necessity of Law and Order of War. And as for the Leavying and exacting of Money, bearing of Arms, and other exploits of War done by private authority and without allowance, the parties guilty thereof shall be prosecuted by way of Justice.

88. The Cities dismantled during the troubles, may with our permission be re-edified and repaired by the Inhabitants at their Costs and Charges, and the provisions granted heretofore upon that account shall hold and have place.

89. We Ordain, and our Will and Pleasure is, that all Lords, Knights, Gentlemen, and others of what quality and condition soever of the Reformed Religion, and others who have followed their Party, shall enter and be effectually conserved in the enjoyment of all and each of their Goods, Rights, Titles, and Actions, notwithstanding the Judgements following thereupon during the said troubles, and by reason of the same; with Decrees, Seizures, Judgements, and all that shall follow thereupon, we have to this end declared, and we do declare them null and of no effect and value.

90. The acquisitions that those of the Reformed Religion, and others which have followed their Party, have made by the authority of the deceased Kings our predecessors or others, for the immovables belonging to the Church, shall not have any place or effect; but we ordain and our pleasure is, that the Ecclesiasticks enter immediately, and with∣out delay be conserved in the possession and enjoyment really and actually of the said goods so alienated, without being obliged to pay the purchase-money which to this effect we have cancelled and revoked as null, without remedy for the Purchasers to have against the Generals, &c. by the authority of which the said goods have been sold. Yet nevertheless for the re-imbursement of the Money by them truly and without fraud disbursed, our Letters Patents of permission shall be dispatched to those of the Religion, to interpose and equalize bare sums of the said purchases cost, the Purchasers not being allowed to bring any action for their Damages and interest for want of enjoyment; but shall content themselves with the re-imbursement of the Money by them furnished for the price of the acquisitions, accounting for the price of the fruits received, in case that the said Sale should be found to be made at an under rate.

91. To the end that as well our Justices and Officers as our other Subjects be clearly and with all certainty advertised of our Will and Intentions, and for taking away all ambiguity and doubt which may arise from the variety of former Edicts, Articles, secret Letters Patents, Declarations, Modifications, Restrictions, Interpretations, Decrees and Re∣gisters, as also all secrets as well as other deliberations heretofore by us or the Kings our predecessors, made in our Courts of Parliaments or otherwayes, concerning the said Re∣formed Religion, and the troubles hapning in our said Kingdom, we have declared and do hereby declare them to be of no value and effect: and as to the derogatory part there∣in contained, we have by this our Edict abrogated, and we do abrogate, and from henceforward we cancell, revoke, and anull them. Declaring expresly that our Will and Pleasure is, that this our Edict be firmly and inviolably kept and observed as well by our Justices and Officers, as other Subjects, without hesitation, or having any regard at all to that which may be contrary or derogatory to the same.

92. And for the greater assurance of the keeping and observing what we herein de∣sire, we Will and Ordain, and it is our pleasure, that all the Governors and Leivetenants General of our Provinces, Bayliffs, Chief-Justices and other ordinary Judges of the Ci∣ties of our said Kingdom immediately after the receit of this same Edict, and do bind themselves by Oath to keep and cause to be kept and observed each in their district as

Page 16

shall also the Mayors, Sheriffs, principal Magistrates, Consuls, and Jurates of Cities either annual or perpetual. Enjoyning likewise our Bayliffs, chief Justices, or their Livetenants, and other Judges to make the principal Inhabitants of the said Cities, as well of the one Religion as the other, to swear to the keeping and observing of this present Edict immediately after the publication thereof: And taking all those of the said Cities under our Protection, command that one and the other respectively shall ei∣ther answer for the opposition that shall be made to this our said Edict within the said Cities by the Inhabitants thereof, or else to present and deliver over to Justice the said opposers.

We Will and Command our well beloved the people holding our Courts of Parlia∣ments, Chambers of Accounts, and Courts of Aids, that immediately after the receipt of this present Edict they cause all things to cease, and upon penalty of Nullity of the Acts which they shall otherwise do, to take the like Oath as above, and to publish and Register our said Edict in our said Courts according to the form and tenure of the same, purely and simply, without using any Modifications, Restrictions, Declarations, or se∣cret Registers, or expecting any other Order or Command from us: and we do require our Procurators-general to pursue immediately and without delay the said publication hereof.

We give in command to the People of our said Courts of Parliaments, Chambers of our Courts, and Courts of our Aids, Bayliffs, Chief-Justices, Provosts and other our Justices and Officers to whom it appertains, and to their Leivetenants, that they cause to be read, published, and Registred this our present Edict and Ordinance in their Courts and Jurisdictions, and the same keep punctually, and the contents of the same to cause to be injoyned and used fully and peaceably to all those to whom it shall belong, ceasing and making to cease all troubles and obstructions to the contrary, for such is our pleasure: and in witness hereof we have signed these presents with our own hand; and to the end to make it a thing firm and stable for ever, we have caused to put and in∣dorse our Seal to the same.

Given at Nantes in the Month of April in the year of Grace 1598. and of our Reign the ninth

signed HENRY.

And underneath, the King being in Council,

FORGET.

And on the other side, VISA. This Visa signifies the Lord Chancellors perusal. Sealed with the Great Seal of Green-wax upon a red and green string of Silk.
Read, Published, and Registred, the Kings Procurator or Attorney-General Hearing and Consenting to it in the Parliament of Paris, the 25th. of February, 1599.

Signed, VOYSIN.

Read, Published, and in-Registred the Chamber of Accompts, the Kings Procurator-General Hearing and Consenting, the last day of May, 1599.

Signed De la FONTAINE.

Read, Published, and Registred, the Kings Procurator-General hearing and consenting,

at Paris in the Court of Aids the 30th. of April, 1599.

Signed BERNARD.

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