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. THE SECOND PART. THE TENTH BOOK. (Book 10)

The Heads of the Tenth Book.

REjoycings among the Catholics. The War continues in Lan∣guedoc. Cruelties, Insulting, and Executions. Personal Enmity between the Prince of Condé and the Duke of Rohan▪ A new Sedition at Lion against the Reformed. The pretended Conversion of a sick Man that fell mad. Decrees and Declara∣tions against the Duke of Rohan and his Adherents. The King and the Cardinal take a Journey into Italy. The Siege of Pri∣vas, the Inhabitants of which are betray'd. Cruelties exercis'd upon that City. Pretences of the Catholics. Conversions of Soldiers taken Prisoners. Declaration upon the taking of Pri∣vas. The Consternation of the rest of the Reformed. A Trea•••• of the Duke of Rohan with Spain. Alets reduc'd. An As∣sembly permitted at Anduse, and remov'd to Nimes. 〈…〉〈…〉 concluded. An Edict of Grace. The Contents of the E••••••••. The King's Letter to the Queen upon the Peace. The Duke •••• Rohan retires. The reducing of Montauban. An Assembly of the Clergy. Particular Acts of Injustice; Missionaries. The

Duke of Rohan is accus'd of the Ruin of the Churches. Cavils about the Rights of Exercise. The Bishop of Valence persecutes the Foreign Ministers. The Original of the Injustice done upon occasion of the Annexes. New Seeds of Civil Wars. The Queen-Mother retires. An Alliance with Gustavus King of Sueden. Projects of Reunion, wherein the Cardinal appears. Intrigues of Joseph the Capuchin. A Draught of a Project. How the Synods were to be made to speak. Inclinations of the Ministers and People. Projects of Petit and Milletiere. Difference of their Intentions. Verity of the Project, of which the precise time is uncertain. A National Synod. The Commissioner's Speech. Ministers suspected by the King, excluded out of the Synod by his Order. The Answer to the Commissioners Speech. The vain Opposition of the Commissioner to the Ʋnion of the Churches of Bearn, with the rest. Several Proposals of the Commissioner. The Synod sends Deputies to the King. Papers. The Depu∣ties kindly receiv'd. Nomination of General Deputies. The Re∣formed fear'd at Court. Important Resolutions of the Synod. Ex∣ercise forbid. Donations. Consulships. A captious Clause. Oppression of the Public Liberty. Civil War of the Duke of Orleans. The Bishops of Languedoc side with his Party. The Reformed▪ continue faithful. Bishops depos'd. Execution of an innocent▪ Minister. The Duke of Rohan serves the King in I••••ly. The Affair of the Annexes in the Dauphinate, referr'd to four Commissioners. Consulship of Alets. Exercise forbid. Shameful Cavils. A rash Curiosity of two Scholars. The death of Gustavus. Great Troubles in the Kingdom. Advice of the Commissioners of the Dauphinate about the Annexes. Re∣establishment of Privas. A Treatise intitl'd, The Eucharist of the Ancient Church. Exercises forbid. Party▪Colledges. Con∣tinuance of the Public Oppression. Pretensions of France over all Europe. The Duke of Sulli made a Marshal of France. A Decree upon several Subjects. Precedency adjudg'd to the Ca∣tholic Counsellors of the Chamber of Guyenne in certain Cases. The Reformed Counsellors of the Chamber of Castres, forbid to wear Scarlet Robes. The pretended Possession of the Ursulines of Loudun. Ridiculous Effects of Exorcisms. The death of a Priest, pretended to have bewitcht those Nunns. New Vixa∣tions

upon the Subject of Annexes. Grand days at Poitiers. Terror of the Churches. At important. Decree upon several Ar∣ticles. Another troublesom Decree about meeting the Sacra∣ment. The demolishing of the Church of St. Maixant. A Pleading of Omer Talon, Advocate General. Distinction be∣tween the Right of Exercise, and the Right of the Church. Di∣vers Decrees about grand days against the Reformed. Persecu∣tion rais'd by Cacherat against the Churches of Normandy. Pre∣cedency adjudg'd to the Catholic Counsellors of the Chamber of Castres. The Colledge taken from the Reformed of Loudun. Exercise forbid at Paroi and la Chaume. Order of the In∣tendant of Poitou upon the Subject of Annexes. The Reformed of Metz forbid to have a Colledge. The Duke of Bouillon changes his Religion.

THere was great rejoycing at Rome for the reducing of this City. The Pope sang Mass himself, made Prayers* 1.1 on purpose; gave plenary Indulgence to some Churches for two days; and wrote to the King Breifs cramm'd with Eulo∣gies and Applauses. The whole Kingdom resounded with no∣thing but Congratulations, Vows, and Returns of Thanks: nothing was so talk'd of but the Cause of Heav'n, the Interests of God, and the Triumphs of the Church. Flattery turn'd all Accidents and Events into Miracles; and Invention s••••pli'd 'em with all sorts. In the mean time the War continu'd in the Upper and Lower Languedoc: and the Duke of Rohan held out the best he could against three Armies, commanded by the Prince of Condé, the Duke of Mommorency, and the Duke of E••er∣non. The Catholics also in all places reviv'd the Cruelties of Charles the Ninth's Reign. There was nothing to be seen but Plund'ring, Burning, Massacr'ng, and Executions upon Execu∣tions:* 1.2 and for an addition of Insulting to Cruelty, the People were made believe, that the poor Creatures that were hang'd, all chang'd their Religion at the Gallows: Only to deprive 'em of the desire of recanting, or the means and opportunity to contra∣dict what was said of 'em, they could not forbear to send 'em to the other world; and the People were oblig'd to believe their Conversion, upon the Faith of the Monk, who had persecuted

'em to death. And some Relations are to be seen in Print, which aggravate the Barbarity of the Catholics to that degree, as to ••ublish 'em guilty of ripping up the Bellies of Women with Child, and tearing the half-form'd Embrio's out of their Wombs; sometimes also after they had vitiated the Mothers. Moreover the Duke of Mommorency, having forc'd some of the Reformed who had neither the Courage to retreat or defend themselves, took 'em all upon Composition: but he would not promise 'em their Lives, unless they would oblige the Duke of Rohan to surrender Aimargues, a considerable place which he had surpriz'd: and because the Duke of Rohan lookt upon the Condition as ridiculous, the Duke of Mommorency caus'd no less then Sixscore of his Prisoners of War to be hang'd. There∣upon the Duke of Rohan, to enforce the Catholics to wage War with more Civility, storm'd one of their Fortresses, and put all the Garison to the Sword. Which Reprisals stopt the Career of those barbarous Executions: Nevertheless the Enmity which had bin long between the Prince of Condé and the Duke* 1.3 of Rohan, broke forth with greater Fury; for the Prince wrote very sharp and invective Letters to the Duke, and the Duke an∣swer'd him with as much disdain. And then it was that the Prince, forgetful of his Character, reveng'd himself after a manner no way becoming his quality; for toward the end of the year, he procured a Decree in Council, that the Duke's Houses should be demolish'd, his Woods cut down, and his Goods confiscated; and that he might be Master of the Execu∣tion, he caus'd it to be committed to himself, and discharg'd •…•…is Trust with an extraordinary exactness: nor did he think it beneath himself, to get the Confiscation of his Enemy granted to his own use.

Nor were the Reformed better treated in those places where* 1.4 there was no War, then in the Provinces where they were up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Arms: For at Lion the seditious Rabble fell upon 'em a se∣cond time, and upon a Pretence no less false then ridiculous. The Contagion, which made great havock in other places, was got into this City. This Misfortune was attributed to a sort of People, who, as they said, were wont to go about and grease the doors of private persons; for which reason those Miscreants

were call'd by the name of Greasers, or Engraisseurs. But in regard the Reformed were they who were to bear the blame of all the Misfortunes which befel the Catholics, the Rabble fail'd not to take this opportunity to wreck their Malice upon 'em. The Magistracy made strict enquiry after this Crime, and seiz'd upon some of those pretended Greasers, among whom, as it was said▪ there was found one of the Reformed Religion. But the pu∣nishment of those poor Creatures would not satisfy the Mobile▪ all the Reformed must be disarm'd to appease their fury: and the Violences of that Canaille must be let alone unpunish'd, th•…•… they had knockt several persons o'the head. So that the Re∣formed were constrain'd to hide themselves for several days, and some that were most expos'd, were forc'd to quit the City. About the same time also a Young man of the Reformed Reli∣gion* 1.5 was seiz'd with a violent Fever, of which he dy'd: and because he fell into a Delirium, the Priests would needs make that an Argument, that he dy'd a Catholic. In the heighth of his Distemper he talk'd of nothing but his Father. Thereupon a Jesuit being brought to the Bed-side under the name of his Fa∣ther, ask'd him, if he would not die in his Religion, but never said which, whether the Reformed, or the Roman? The sick Person having made answer, Yes my dear Father, presently the Equivocal Term of Father, an Appellation which the Catholics generally give their Priests, was laid hold of, as a proof that the man desir'd to change his Religion. But the Real Father coming to his Son some time after, and putting the same Que∣stion to him, which the Young man answer'd in the same man∣ner, they fetch'd about another way, that the latter Answer was the effect of his Delirium; that he still thought he spoke to the Jesuit, and that his last words were a confirmation of the former. So that notwithstanding the Complaints of his Father, and the evident Symptoms of his Son's Delirium, they would have it pass for a lawful Conversion; they drove all the Reformed Persons out of the Room; the Catholics got possession of his Body, and after his death buried him after their manner. For the Catho∣licks care not at which Door People enter into their Commu∣nion; Fraud, Violence, Fear, Interest, Frensie, all must be serviceable to their Triumphs, and the Salvation of their Con∣verts.

In the mean time the Court and the Parlaments darted all their Thunderblots against the Duke of Rohan; more especially* 1.6 the Parlament of Tholouse made the most bloody Decrees against him that ever were set forth against a Rebel: But on the other side, they invited all his Adherents to quit him, with all the Fairest Promises that could be made 'em. The King publish'd a Declaration upon the 15th of December at Paris, wherein ex∣treamly enhauncing the Favours which he had shewn the Roche∣lois, and the Advantages they had found by submitting to him, he exhorted all others who had taken Arms to do as much, and to come in, and make their acknowledgments to that effect, before the Prothonotaries of the Jurisdictions to which they be∣long'd, within fifteen days. He order'd also the Cities that ••eld for the Duke to send their Deputies to the Court to make their Submissions; and upon these Conditions he promis'd upon the word of a King, to be kind and favourable to 'em; and to make 'em equal partakers of his Graces with his other Subjects: but he condemn'd to most rigorous Punishments all those that persever'd in their Rebellion. This Declaration wrought very little effect, because the Duke of Rohan made those that adher'd to him deeply sensible that there was much more to be expected from a General Peace, then evey single man could obtain from a Particular Submission. But these Reasons would have bin of little force, had they not seen the Cardinal engag'd in a Foreign War, which would not permit him vigorously to pursue his utmost efforts in France against the remainder of the Re∣formed.

That Minister was desirous to revive the Reputation of his* 1.7 Master in Italy, where it was very low, by reason that they who govern'd as Prime Ministers before him, had too great a kind∣ness for the Court of Spain. To that purpose, he sent an Army thither in such a Season of the Year, that there was more like∣lihood* 1.8 of seeing it ruin'd, then hopes of any Success to be ob∣••••ind by it. And to say truth, Had the Success been unfortu∣nate, the Expedition might have been lookt upon as rash and inconsiderate. But there is nothing that prospers better then those things which an Enemy believes his Adversary dares not

undertake. The Army forc'd its way through all the disadvan∣tages of Places, notwithstanding the rigour of the Winter, and the Duke of Savoy's men that oppos'd their Passage: And after he had setl'd Affairs on that side in a very glorious manner, the King return'd to Cevenes, and laid siege to Privas. And indeed there was something surprising in the Speed and Diligence of this Great Minister. For there had not elaps'd above six Months between the reducing of Rochel, and the taking of Privas; and during that small time, the Cardinal had caus'd the King to take a Journey into Savoy, and recover'd the Affairs of Italy into a good Condition. This acquir'd him so great Credit with the King, that it was impossible he should mount any higher; and besides, it spread both admiration and astonishment all over Europe. So that the Reformed were in a dismal Consternation when they saw the remainder of their Cities menac'd by those Victorious Troops, which in such a terrible Season had forc'd all the Obstacles of Art and Nature. So that the Duke of Rohan had much ado with all his accustom'd Arguments, and the hope of Succour that Spain promis'd him, to prevent the voluntary Surrender of all those Cities.

The King then, having receiv'd great Applauses in all place* 1.9 through which he pass'd in his way to Italy, for the success of his Arms before Rochel; and having beheld at his return the Roads strew'd with Conversions, procur'd by a great number 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Missionaries that march'd along with his Army, and such as wel•…•… knew how to improve the Argument of Terror, met with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stop till he came to Privas, before which Place he sate down in May; and into which Chabrilles and Montbrun had put themselves under pretence of holding it out. But they were both suspected and it was discover'd that Chabrilles treated with the Court, and were to deliver up Vivaretz to the Cardinal for a good Reward•• Mombrun was more wary, and would be intreated, and su'd to▪ before he would yield: Besides, they mutually sow'd distrusts in prejudice the one of the other. Chabrilles offer'd to hold out the Place, provided he might have the upper hand, as being afraid that Mombrun would thwart him.

On the other side Mombrun declar'd what he knew of Chabril∣les's Treason, and did all he could, lest the City should be put

into his hands. This quarrelling of theirs fell out right, and had the intended Effect, to set the Soldiers at variance one a∣mong another. The Relief which was to have bin sent thither, and which lay at Boutieres, refus'd to march thither at the per∣suasion of Chabrilles, who promis'd other Succors so soon as it should be seasonable. The Soldiers of the Garison deserted, and the greatest part of the Citizens did as much. Thereupon Mombrun having thus render'd the place almost defenceless, went away together with some few Captains to the King's Quarter, where he was detain'd Pris'ner for fashion's sake, on purpose to force the Town to a Surrender at discretion. For in reality he had made his Bargain; and the Pretence alledg'd for his Deten∣tion, that he had left the Town before he had secur'd himself by a Capitulation, was a meer Shamm. So that the Garison of Privas, which was retir'd to the Fort of Thoulon, astonish'd at the detaining of Mombrun, and the Captains that follow'd him, and finding themselves without either Chieftain or Governor, surrender'd at discretion. But when the King's Forces enter'd the Town, the Fire took hold either of some Barrels of Powder, or else upon some Mine that was prepar'd ready to spring, if the place had bin attacqu'd according to the methods of War; which Accident blew up some of the King's Soldiers, and gave others a Pretence to put the Garison to the Sword. So that all the Cruelties that could be exercis'd upon a City taken by Assault,* 1.10 were put in practice at Privas. The City was plunder'd and burnt, and whatever escap'd the Fury of the Soldiers, was only reserv'd for the Gibet or the Gallies.

The Catholics accus'd the Reformed to have set Fire to the* 1.11 Powder; and the Reformed accus'd the King's Soldiers to have committed that abominable Fact, that they might have a Right to sack the City, which they could not have by the voluntary Surrender of the Town. And indeed 'tis most probable, that the Reformed would have taken better measures, had they bin the Authors of that Accident. For it happen'd too soon to do any considerable damage to the Enemy: nor was the little harm it did, worth the trouble of making such an Attempt. How∣ever, the Soldiers were believ'd who accus'd the Garison of the foul Play. People that are hated, are soon believ'd to be crimi∣nal;

and the Antipathy which men have against 'em, gives an Air of Evidence and Truth to all Accusations that are laid to their charge. For this reason it was, that these poor Creatures were lookt upon as guilty of assassinating a Capuchin, who was call'd Jerome de Condrie••, and whom the Monks of his Order will needs have to be a Martyr. There has bin also a Relation of this pretended Martyrdom publisht, and so exactly drest up with all the Circumstances of it, that for a man to have been acquainted with all that is there set down, he must not only have bin present at the Action, but a patient and quiet Specta∣tor also. Nevertheless, this pretended Crime must needs be committed in a place where there was no body but the Crimi∣nals, and the person that suffer'd; and the chiefest part of the Circumstances so ill jumbl'd together, that it was easily to be discern'd, that it was only a Romantic Story of a roasted Horse, such as are brought us from Japan or China. But the King be∣ing extremely tractable, superstitious, and prepossess'd with an aversion for the Reformed, swallow'd, without any examination, what was urg'd against 'em, to foment and buoy him up in his prejudic'd Opinion.

In like manner they vaunted the Conversions of Soldiers, that* 1.12 embrac'd the Catholic Religion before they dy'd. But besides, what I have observ'd in other places upon these pretended Con∣versions, I shall here speak it once for all, that there were many Catholics who bore Arms in the Reformed Army; That these Catholics hoping for better Usage, if they call'd themselves Re∣formed, then if they acknowledg'd that being Catholics, they had serv'd in the Armies of those who were term'd Enemies of the State and the Church, tarry'd till there was no longer any hopes of mercy for 'em, before they declar'd themselves; That some of 'em also sav'd their Lives by this Artifice, acting the part of Zealots, and of the Godlier sort of the Reformed, till the Missionaries put 'em in hope of Pardon, upon condition they would change their Religion; That these persons easily yielded to whatever was infus'd into 'em by the Monks: so that when they met with the Depositions of these false Con∣verts against the Ministers, or any other of the Reformed, 'twas neither Justice nor sound Reason to give Credit to their Testi∣mony.

Moreover, the Cruelties Exercis'd upon the taking of ••rivas, were cry'd up as a just piece of Severity, and an Ex∣••mplary punishment: And as if that merciless Butchery had ••ot bin enough to satisfie 'em, the King publish'd a Declaration* 1.13 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Month of June, which forbid all those that were not in ••••ivas during the Siege, to return, and Confiscated all their ••oods: It deprived all the rest of the Reformed of the Liberty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 settle there without express leave; and set forth, that pos∣••••ssion it self, without permission, should not give 'em a Title to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Right. We shall relate in due place the Injustice and Cru∣••••ties that were committed in these later years, under the pre∣••••nce of that Declaration.

The taking of Privas, and the Circumstances of the Reducing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 begat Fear and Consternation on every side: And besides, the ••avock which was begun in several Places, by the little Ar∣••••••s which the King sent thither, quite daunted the Courage 〈…〉〈…〉 that were capable to defend themselves. They were ut∣terly out of Hopes of being Assisted by the English, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Taking of Rochelle, had still held the Duke of Rohan▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 suspence with fair Promises. But the Cardinal had begun a ••reaty of Peace with 'em, before he carry'd the King into 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and the Negotiation was perfectly concluded during that journey: so that the News of that Peace was publish'd while 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King lay before Privas. 'Tis true, that the English En∣•••••• assur'd the Duke, that the Peace would not be of any long ••ontinuance. But tho that Promise might have bin rely'd ••••on, the Duke who stood in need of present Ayd, could not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for an Assistance that was promis'd him in pursuance of an ••••certain Rupture of so late a Treaty. There remain'd only* 1.14 ••••e Assistance of Spain, where Clausell had concluded a Treaty ••••e Third of May, in the Duke's Name. But 'twas well known, ••••at there was no Confiding in that Succor, which the Insup∣••••rtable slowness of the Councel at Madrid would not permit ••••••m to expect in any time, so as to reap any Benefit by it. Be∣••••••es, that the Catholic Zeal of that Court gave the Reformed ••••eat reason to question, whether or no she were sincere in ••••r Treaties with Heretics: and then again, that Forraign Al∣••••••ce did not please several of the Reformed themselves. The

Men of the Quill wrote to and fro with great vehemency; and the Monks coming in for a share, most bloody Satyrs appear'd against the Duke, and all those that were of his Religion and Party. His Adversaries maintain'd against him in all those Writings, that the Forraing Succour with which he flatter•••• himself, was both impossible, unprofitable, and unjust. The also excus'd by divers Arguments the Breach of Treaties, which it was not always requisite to observe. In pursuance of which Maxim, they shew'd, that all the Reasons which the Reformed brought were Insufficient to justifie their Arms. They would needs have it, that the Reformed had extorted all the Favou•…•… which had bin granted to 'em, and particularly the Briefs consequently, that the Obligation was void, and the Revocation lawful. 'Twas said, that Kings were oblig'd to punish He∣retics, as the Servants of God, as Protectors of the Church and because that Heretics have bin always troublesom to Stat•…•… and Kingdoms. 'Twas asserted, that the Reason of Publ•…•… Welfare, exempted Kings from observing their Promises ma•…•… to their Subjects, who were never permitted to wage Wa•…•… and that tho they were attacqu'd, it was not lawful for 'em to de∣fend themselves, and they were very large and copious upon this Tyrannical Opinion. They were also very diffusive upon the Question, what Place the Reformed held in the Kingdom▪ Wherein it was asserted, that they were no separate Body: and upon that Principle they condemn'd their their Ge∣neral Deputations; and in a word, whatever else was the Consequence of a lawful Union. A new sort of Politics, from whence the Pretences for a Great Number of unjust Action were drawn. Lastly, by a sort of Argumentation altogether Catholic, they alledg'd the Victories of the Roman Church over Heresie to be a Mark of her being the True Church; and the Fall of the Reformed as a Mark of their Heresie. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would be a hard matter to demonstrate, that Violence, Sur∣prize, and Treachery, which are the Weapons which the Ro∣man Church makes use of against her Enemies, were Weapon•• becoming the Truth, and that the Ruin of her Adversaries b•…•… such means, was a good Argument to convince 'em of He∣resie.

But while the Duke of Rohan struggl'd with these Difficul∣•…•…es, the Reducing of Alets, which open'd her Gates to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without any Opposition, totally discourag'd those that were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 resolv'd to have defended themselves; and the Advanta∣gious Conditions which that City obtain'd, perswaded all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to imitate Her, that they might be no less happy then She. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Consideration of the Disorders that happen'd at Privas, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 'em believe the Capitulation of Alets the more tolerable; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that as it was one of the most Considerable that belon'gd to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Party, her Example extreamly sway'd the Rest. Never∣theless the Duke surmounted all these Obstacles, and neglecting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 own Advantages, which he was given to understand in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Name, should be much greater if he would treat apart 〈◊〉〈◊〉 himself, then if he obstinately insisted upon a General Peace; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 engag'd all his Friends and Adheretns, to make but one Trea∣•…•…f••r all. To which purpose he obtain'd leave to call a Ge∣neral Assembly at Anduse, from whence it was translated to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to the end it might there be more free. For the King* 1.15 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Confirmation of the Edicts, there was nothing which could cause a Dispute, but the Article concerning the •…•…tifications. 'Twas the King's desire they should be demo∣•…•…'d, but the greatest part of the Cities refus'd to Con∣•…•… to it. They judg'd it to be the greatest Mischief that could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 'em, tho they should stand the utmost of Extremity. And •…•…say truth, in regard there were still remaining about Thirty •…•…ng Holds, the meanest of which was able to hold out a •…•…ge of three Months, they might have put the Cardinal to a •…•…nge, had he insisted upon that Article. But particular In∣•…•…ests, the Cardinals Correspondencies, the Fear of Treachery, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Example of Privas, and chiefly that of Anduse, that first 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gave way, and first of all agreed to the Demolishing of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fortifications, made all the Deputies that were at the As∣sembly submit to give the same Consent.

The Peace was then Concluded toward the end of June, pub∣lish'd* 1.16 in the King's Camp, and afterwards the Treaty being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into an Edict, was publish'd at Nimes the next Month. It 〈◊〉〈◊〉 granted in the Form of a Favour; and because the King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it to his vanquish'd and humbl'd Subjects of his meer

good will, upon no other Considerations or Motives but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Clemency, it was call'd the Edict of Grace. Upon which ••••∣tle there was a High Valne put, to cure the Reformed of the* 1.17 Fears, lest this Edict should be no better observ'd then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rest: and because it was taken for a pretence to violate 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that preceded, that the Grant of 'em was wrested from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King by force; therefore that there should be no excuse for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Infringing of this, because the King had granted it as a Vict•••••• out of the meer Instigation of his Royal good will. Neverthe∣less, the very next Day after the Publication of the Peace, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 29th of June, the Cardinal wrote a Letter to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mother upon the occasion, from whence it might be concluded that the Motive to this Peace was not any Inclination to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 serve the Edicts obtain'd by the Heretics, but to ease the People of the Consequences of the War, and for fear of offending 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Protestant Confederates, who would hardly have bin dra•••• to Confide in those who sought the utter Extirpation of the Reformed Brethren. But the Queen was already discontent•…•… with the Cardinal; nor was there any thing which more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pleas'd her then the Success of the Enterprises which he under∣took. She had done as much as she could to hinder the Success of the Siege of Rochelle; and at the same time that she vo•…•… Pilgrimages and other Acts of Devotion for the Taking of she set all her Engins at work to disappoint the Prosperity that Important Design. Not that she lov'd the Reformed tho they had serv'd her faithfully upon several Occasions: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in regard they had offended her in others, their Injuries 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deeper at her Heart then their Services. But that was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strange thing: For we may build more securely upon the Re∣sentment of Men, more especially of Princes, then upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Acknowledgment. Time obliterates out of their Memo•…•… all the Impressions of their good Services: and when they par∣don, they do but suspend the Resentment of an Injury, the Re∣membrance of which the least Pretence revives. Now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which oblig'd the Queen to fret at the Cardinal's Prosperity was this, that she saw the Cardinal's Reputation fix'd by the Success of his Designs: whereas she saw her Credit sink by de∣grees, while he that before was but her Creature, left her hard•…•…

any share in the Government of Affairs. And she would not have bin sorry to have seen him less fortunate in his Enterprises against the Heretics, that there might have bin a Party left in the Kingdom to restore her to the Authority she had lost, when occasion offer'd. However, the Cardinal always paid her most profound Respects, that he might not expose himself to the reproach of despising a Princess to whom he was beholding for his Fortune. But to return to the History.

The Edict contain'd in the first place a long Preface, which* 1.18 after an insulting manner set forth the means employ'd to reduce the Reformed to obedience. The Taking of Rochel, the Sacking of Privas, the voluntary Surrender of Alets, were represented in a Rhetorical Stile, not common in Edicts. There were the Names of Five and twenty Towns well fortify'd that durst not stand the first Shot of the King's Batteries; and which together with the Duke of Rohan and the Nobility of several Provinces, ••••d implor'd his Clemency by their Deputies, offering to demo∣•…•…sh their Fortifications for fear of giving any distrust of their Fi∣•…•…elity. After which the King, sway'd by compassion only of the Misery of his Subjects, and that he might more absolutely •…•…gain the hearts of those who had bin guilty of so many Relapses, •…•…rdain'd in two and twenty Articles what he would have ob∣serv'd for the future. The Edict was term'd Perpetual and Ir∣revocable; and according to the accustom'd stile, the First Arti∣cle enjoin'd the Re-establishment of the Roman Religion in all the freedom of its Exercises; and of the Ministers of the Wor∣ship of it in all their Goods and Estates. But by a singular Clause, 'twas the King's pleasure that only Monks living up to the strictness of their Order should be plac'd in the Monasteries of the Cities reduc'd. The Second was altogether new; for that while on the one side it promis'd to maintain the Reformed in the free Exercise of their Religion, on the other side it set 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an extraordinary desire of their Return to the Roman Church; and exhorted 'em to lay aside all Passion, to the end they might be capable of receiving the Light of Heav'n: And the King inserted this desire of their Conversion, to the end it might be admir'd as the most splendid Testimony of his good¦will. The Third related to the Qualifications of the Curates

that were to be setled in the Parishes of the Conquer'd Coun∣tries, and the Provision that was to be made for their subsistence. The next contain'd a general and particular Amnesty of what∣ever had bin acted during the War. The Fifth contain'd the Declarations, Edicts and Articles enregister'd in Parlaments; and that which follow'd, ordain'd the Restitution of Churches and Church-yards, and gave leave for the rebuilding of demo∣lish'd Churches. The Seventh allow'd three months time for the demolishing of Fortifications, which was to be done at the expence of the Inhabitants Labour, according to such Orders as the King's Commissioners should give; and in regard the King left no Garisons in the said Cities, he oblig'd 'em to give him Hostages, who were to remain in custody, where he should appoint, till the Work was fully compleated: And the Pream∣ble of the Edict declar'd, That the Hostages had bin deliver'd before it was publish'd: nor did this Article leave the Cities any more then the bare enclosure of their Walls. The Eighth restor'd the Reformed to all their Goods and Estates, their Tythes, Ac∣compts and Suits, and cancell'd all contrary Decrees and Or∣dinances. The Ninth gave 'em leave to re-enter into their Houses, and to settle in the Kingdom where they pleas'd them∣selves. But he excepted out of the first part of this Favour all the Inhabitants of Pamiers that resided in the City, when the Prince of Condé retook it from the Duke of Rohan; and out of the 2d. he excepted the Islands of Ré and Oleron, Rochelle and Privas, where he suffer'd no body to resettle anew. The next Seven that follow'd contain'd the Accustom'd Regulations for the discharge of Persons that had bin any way concern'd in the management of Money, or in the Administration of Justice▪ The 17th and 18th confirm'd the Customs for the Election of their Consuls, and the Municipal Government; and those of the Assembly of Foix in reference to the Assembly of States.

The Ninteenth imported a Discharge, in favour of the Con∣suls, for the management of the public Money. The Twentieth resetl'd the Seats of Judicature, and Audits of Receipts, in such places from whence they had bin discharg'd by reason of the Troubles: And the last restor'd the Party-Chamber to Castres, so soon as the Fortifications should be demolish'd; and main∣tain'd

it in all the jurisdictions that had bin allow'd it by the Edicts.

Upon the 15th of July the King wrote a Letter to the Queen* 1.19 Mother, wherein he appear'd extreamly well satisfi'd with the Peace which had bin concluded. He declar'd himself highly pleas'd with the Marks of their Affection which the Reformed had given him: That he thought there remain'd no more Seeds of Rebellion among 'em; and that they labour'd in the demo∣lishing their Fortifications, with the same zeal that they rais'd 'em. As for the Duke of Rohan, after he had kiss'd the King's* 1.20 Hand, he departed with permission to retire to Venice. To say truth, 'twas no more then a Banishment cover'd over with the gay name of Permission. For it was by no means judg'd a piece of prudence to let the Duke alone in France, where his Re∣putation and his Intreagues might hinder the stifling the remain∣ders of the Conflagration. However, it was no less beneficial for him to keep himself at a distance in such places where he could give no suspicion, as it was for the Court to remove him. For the least jealousy of his Conduct, had he staid in France, had either brought his Head to the Block, or lockt him up in a lan∣guishing Imprisonment. His Mother and Sister were releas'd af∣ter the Peace; and the King allow'd some reparation to the Duke for the wast which the Prince of Condé had made of his Estate.

This Peace in the main had not bin disadvantageous to the* 1.21 Reformed, if by taking from 'em their Places of Security, they could have bin cur'd of that distrust, which the ill observ'd Pro∣mises of the Catholics, experienc'd for seventy years together, had imprinted in their minds. They found themselves at the discretion of their Enemies by the Razing of their Fortifications; and all the Power of the Prime Ministry being in the Cardinal's hands, would not permit 'em to sleep in quiet under the Promises of his Good-will. Upon these Considerations it was, that Mon∣tauban refus'd a long time to ratify what the Assembly of Nimes had decreed. The Siege which she had so gloriously sustain'd persuaded her that she was invincible: And her Inhabitants were •••• pu•••• up with their Success, that they believ'd that no body durst attacque 'em. However, some Forces were sent that way

to put 'em in fear; but the Cardinal, who aspir'd to be ac∣counted the most accomplish'd of all Hero's, and to be thought able to do more by his presence, then a great Army by the Di••t of their most daring efforts, order'd his affairs so well, that the ho∣nour of reducing Montauban redounded wholly to himself. Thi¦ther he went; was admitted; and put into it what number of the King's Forces he pleas'd; order'd the Fortifications to be level'd & did more in a few days by an affectation of extraordinary Cle∣mency, and of being exact to his Word, then a Victorious Ar∣my, where the King was in person, could accomplish by a long Siege. When he made his Entry into Montauban, the Ministers presented themselves to kiss his Hands; he receiv'd 'em: but before that, he gave 'em to understand, that he did not allow 'em that Honour, as Deputies of any Particular Body, because the Reformed made no Particular Body in the Kingdom; but only as men of Learning, for whom he had an esteem. The end of this Compliment was, to let the Reformed know, that their Union was quite extinct; and consisted no longer in any other thing, then in their Profession of the same Doctrine. The Ministers of State, the Intendants, the Governors of Pro∣vinces, and Princes themselves for a long time, did 'em the same honour, as the Cardinal had done the Ministers of Montau∣ban: But at length, the Clergy, weary of hearing the Compli∣ments of the Ministers, preferr'd upon all occasions, before those of all the other Deputies, obtain'd a Declaration which forbid 'em to make any such Deputations, as I shall have an occasion to speak in another place.

As for the Assembly this year assembl'd at Paris, they chiefly* 1.22 minded their own Affairs. They obtain'd a Decree of Council, which forbid the seizing in the hands of the Receivers of the Clergy the Pensions which had bin allow'd 'em, under pretence of being the Debts of Converted Ministers. And this open'd a large Door for the Knavery of those who were laden with Debts, and had not wherewithal to pay. But there were some Articles in the Ordinances of Lewis XIII. upon which the Clergy thought fit to make Remonstrances. Among which there was one which oblig'd 'em to draw up an Inventory of their Evidences. Against which they urg'd that such an Article would do 'em wrong;

for that the Enemies of the Church, meaning the Reformed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 draw from thence a pretence to molest 'em in the Pos∣•…•… of their Livings. Tho there was as much reason to fear 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vexations of the Catholics, as those of the other People, because they would have found a means to prove the Falshood 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Nullity of their Evidences, had they bin once expos'd to the Examination of cunning people; but it did not behove them to speak of any other but the Reformed, whose Name was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proper to conceal their secret Intentions. They demand∣ed upon another Article, that the Clause of Verify'd in Parla∣•…•…ts, requir'd by the Ordinance to set a Value upon the Conces∣•…•…s which they had obtain'd of several Kings, might be taken away. For they saw well, that at that rate, they should lose a great part or their Priviledges, which wanted that Forma∣•…•…ty: Whether it were that the Parliaments did not easily allow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sorts of Favours; or whether it were that the Clergy durst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 present 'em for fear of a Refusal. They rather chose that such Concessions should be granted by way of Contract with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King, then by the public Forms of Law, in regard the most Zealous Defenders of Arbitrary Power, almost all of 'em agree, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Contracts are more Inviolable then the Laws. But I make this Observation chiefly in this place, to the end that men may 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that this Clause, of which the Clergy so well saw the Con∣sequence, had not bin inserted in several Edicts given in favour of the Reformed, and particularly in that of Nimes, but only that they might have an Opportunity to deprive 'em of a great number of Concessions of High Importance for their welfare 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quiet.

Now they who have a desire to understand how the Re∣formed* 1.23 were handl'd in such Places where they liv'd under the Protection of the Edicts, may readily understand by some Ex∣amples. The 23. of April, at an Assembly of the Town-Hall of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, there was a Resolution taken to admit no more of the Reformed to be sworn into Masterships of Trades; and the Reason was this, that the contrary Custom caus'd Differen∣ces, and for that the Catholic Masters oppo'sd it. As if the Opposition of a few Male-contents were to have bin of any value 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an Affair which the Edict had so clearly decided. The King,

at another time, being at Valence in the Dauphinate, past a De∣cree of the Council of State, touching the Bells, the Church-Yard, the Minister's, and the School-Master's Salaries, and other Affairs of the same nature, to the good liking of all the Inha∣bitants: but the Reparation of the Church, contain'd a Regu∣lation, which in despite of Custom, and the apparent Inte∣rest which the Reformed had in the Thing, confirm'd to the Curate, the Catholic Consul, and such and such Inhabitants as were of the same Religion, the Power of distributing the Alms, and the Government of the Hospital. It may be easily then judg'd, what share that Regulation left us the Reformed of the Alms, or in the Government of the Hospital. But the Parlament of Rennes bethought themselves of being more just this year, and by a Decree of the 12. of June, Confirm'd the Private Article of that Edict, which Exempted the Reformed from spreading Carpets before their Doors upon solemn Proces∣sion-days; onely barely ordering that Carpets should be spread▪ But the Parlament of Dijon was not in so good an Humour▪ For it happen'd that a private person was accus'd before 'em for committing some Irreverence during the Procession of Cor∣pus Christi Day. The Party accus'd, according to the Edict, de∣manded the Removal of the Cause to the Chamber of Greenoble But the Removal was deny'd him, under pretence that it was a matter of Sacriledge, and that the Parlaments were to have the sole Cognizance of those Crimes. But nothing was more unjust then this Pretention, in regard that the pretence of Sa∣criledge was one of the Cases, wherein the Reformed had most reason to be afraid of falling into the hands of Judges altogether prepossess'd. The Parlament of Paris also by a Decree of the Third of August, reduc'd the Priviledge of taking an Associate of the Reformed Religion, for the drawing up and passing Sen∣tences in Criminal Processes brought against those of the Reli∣gion, to Cases of Marshal Law onely. The Edict extended it to Final Sentences, by whatever Judges they were given: and Custom had stretch'd it to all manner of Criminal Processes, be∣cause it seem'd Equitable; the drawing up of the Process by the first Judge, being that which of necessity byasses the Sentence of the Superiour. I thought it requisite to set down the Original of

this sort of Practice; because that these particular Decrees have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 time bin turn'd into a General Law.

But nothing was more mischievous to the Reformed then the* 1.24 establishment of Missions, which were Compos'd for the most* 1.25 part of persons of a violent, seditious, and pedantic Spirit, who thought it an honour to themselves to excite Tumults, and to •…•…raw bad usage upon themselves, that they might have an Op∣portunity to trouble the Principal Members of the Reformed Churches. The most dangerous of these brangling Pettifoggers were certain Laics of the Scum of the People, the most Emi∣nent of which were Pedlars, Cordwinders, Cutlers, and such •…•…ke Riffraff, who rambl'd about from Town to Town, from Consistory to Consistory, from Synod to Synod, to give Insolent Challenges to the Ministers, preach Controversies in public Places upon Theaters set up like Mountebank's Stages; to teaze •…•…nd weary out the meaner sort of people with pitiful and ridi∣culous Cavils; and to endeavour by the Conversion of some poor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Widgeon or other, to gain a certain spill of Money which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Clergy had fixt as the Reward of such petty Victories. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall speak more at large in another place of this new sort of adversaries, my business in this place being only to let you know, how much the Duke of Rohan was bespatter'd with Re∣proaches* 1.26 and Scandals after the Conclusion of the Peace; the chiefest part of those that had most importunately prest him to make it, imputing the Fall and almost Ruin of the Reform∣ed Party to his Ambition, his Avarice, and his Precipitancy▪ So that he was forc'd to write an Apology for this last Peace: wherein resuming his Discourse from the Assembly of Rochelle which began the War, he made it appear by a Recital of all that had been transacted, that his Conduct was altogether Innocent, and that the last Peace was altogether necessary, at a time when France having no Foreign Troubles to divert her, was pouring upon the Duke with no less then six Armies at once. But these Reproaches were only thrown upon him by those to whom the Peace was not so gainful as the War. For in the main, the Duke had gain'd the Hearts of all the People, and almost all the Reformed were of Opinion, that he would have

done much greater Things▪ for 'em then the Admiral Chatillon, had he bin as well seconded by the Citizens and Nobility as the Admiral was.

In the mean time they began to brangle with the Reformed* 1.27 in divers places about the Right of Exercises, more especially on that side next to Rochelle, where Thuilerie the Intendant, and St. Chament the Governor made several Attempts. The first ordain'd that the Exercise should not be performed but in Pla∣ces where it ought to be, according to the Edict; and that the Reformed, to make appear the Rights to which they pretended▪ should produce their Proofs before the Intendant within fifteen Days. He added, that within the said Term such Gentlemen as would perform the Exercise within their own Houses, should declare which was the Place of which they made choice for their Principal Dwelling: upon which they should enjoy the Right so long as they remain'd there with their Wives and Fa∣milies; and that the said fifteen Days being expir'd without any such Declaration made, they should be deem'd not to have sufficient Proofs of their Right, and therefore should have no more Preaching in their Houses till the King should otherwise ordain. This Inquisition was the occasion that the Churches in those Quarters were forc'd to undergo the Persecution of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 world of brabbling Cavils. But what was most troublesom, was, that the Churches whose Right was ocnfirm'd by Thuilerie's Order, were in no better Condition, seeing that afterwards they found out a thousand Devices to deprive 'em of the Fruit of those Sentences. For in Places of which the Lords of the Mannors were Catholics, the best settl'd Rights in the world signify'd nothing, in regard the violent Zeal of the Lord would not let his Tenants enjoy their Advantage. Of which there was an Eminent Example at Rochechouard, where the Exercise of the Reformed Religion began in the Year 1559. and where the Commissioners entrusted with the Edict of Nantes, con∣firm'd it in 1601. by a solemn Decree. Nevertheless the Lord by force expell'd the Reformed from the Place where they were accustom'd to Preach, so that they were forc'd to seek out another. And notwithstanding all their Complaints they were expos'd to long and tedious Vexations, which

could not be determin'd but with the dissipation of their Church.

The Bishop of Valence, a violent Spirit, and a hot-headed* 1.28 〈◊〉〈◊〉, upon the 15th of June, procur'd a Decree of the •…•…rivy Council, which forbid any Foreigner, tho a receiv'd Mi¦nister within the Diocess, to continue his Ministry in the King∣dom. There were three of these whom the Bishop would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 involve in the same Prohibition; Martin, Scarpius and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for the Bishop, as a Temporal Lord, had condemn'd 'em 〈◊〉〈◊〉 three. A••••esi kept his ground at Livron, without taking any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Decree. Scarpius retir'd to Die, where he liv'd without officiating in the Ministry. And as for Martin, he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chang'd the place of his Residence, but never stirr'd out of the Diocess Which made the Bishop stark mad, a man other∣wise proud, and transported with his Passions. But he obtain'd nothing from the Council but only against Martin who was the most hated, because he had bin a Capuchin; and for that after he had quitted his Habit, he wrote a Book entitl'd. The Capu∣•…•… Reform'd, wherein he gave no Quarter to the Hypocrisies of that Institution; and farther, because the Bishops having •…•…t him in Prison, his ill usage could neither make him alter his Conduct, nor abate his Courage.

That year, the same Bishop began a Persecution, which deri∣ving* 1.29 the Original of it in a particular Diocess, spread itself af∣terwards over all the Kingdom, and was the occasion of above 35 years vexation to the Churches. The Pretence was, because one and the same Minister preach'd by turns in several places. And the King was made believe, that those places which were call'd Annexes, or Quarters, belonging to some principal Church, were so many Usurpations that were not authoriz'd by the Edict, tho there were nothing more false. For those Annexes were places where the right of Exercise had bin acquir'd for same one of the Reasons mention'd in the Edict; but not being able of themselves to maintain a Minister apart, were join'd together by the Authority of a Synod, to make up a sufficient Salary for one Pastor. This was no injury to the Interests of the Clergy; to whom it ought to have bin an indifferent thing, how the Reformed order their Churches to be serv'd. Besides

that, 'twas very convenient for the Reformed; who, by that means, provided for their Churches and their Ministers at little Expences. And that Reason was sufficient to excite the Zeal of Catholic Persecution, to deprive 'em of that advantage. And it may be thought that this Vexation began in Valence, be∣cause it is a Bishopric compos'd of two in one, Valence and Die, tho the Bishop bears the name of Valence only. Now that Prelate could not endure that the Heretics should unite several poor Churches together, to enlarge the Minister's Salary, be∣cause it belong'd only to the Church of Rome to unite several poor Bishoprics, to augment the Revenue of one single Bishop. This was seconded by the Bishop of Vaison, who join'd with him in his Persecutions: and Both together obtain'd two De∣crees of Council, one of the 3d of October, against the Minister of Dieulefit; the other dated the 11th of the same month, for∣bidding 'em to preach in any other then the place of their Resi∣dence. Nothing could be more vexatious in the Consequen∣ces of it to the Provinces wherein there were many Churches, more especially since the King had taken away the money granted by the King his Father in recompence of the Tithes.

It appear'd by these Examples of the Persecution, that the* 1.30 Reformed had not now those Forces, which caus'd the Catho∣lics to spare 'em before; but that in despite of the Act of Grace, they would be brangl'd every day out of the remainder of their Priviledges. In a word, within less then two years they had so many unjust Injuries done 'em, as are hardly to be imagin'd. But two things hinder'd, that they did not hasten their destru∣ction. The first was, because the Court itself was intangl'd in most desperate Quarrels and Confusions. Providence per∣mitted, for the justification of the Reformed, who had bin all along accus'd of being the sole Causes of the Troubles of the Kingdom, that after the Ruin of their Affairs, the Catholics should have their turn; should enter into Treaties, Leagues and Conspiracies, renew the Civil Wars, and keep the Kingdom, till the death of the King, in continual Combustions. The original of which Troubles was the Queenmother's discontent, who could not brook the high credit to which the Cardinal had

attain'd by the success of his Enterprises. That Princess, ambitious and jealous of her Honour, was affronted that the Cardinal, whom she had introduc'd into Court, should be so powerful as to slight •…•…her; and that on the other side, she should have so far lost •…•…her former Reputation, that she could not as well contemn her Competitor. She saw herself despis'd since the taking of Ro∣chel; and in truth, since that Enterprize had succeeded, the Cardinal had chang'd his Behaviour with all the world: nor did he carry himself in any thing so cautiously as before, because •…•…e thought he stood in need of no body's protection. Nay, he could not forbear jesting a little too satyrically upon the Queen; and in regard the Favour he was in had created him many Ene∣mies, there were some that took delight officiously to repeat his Jests, and to season 'em with some dashes of particular malice. So that the Queen display'd all her Fury against him, and not∣withstanding all the care which the King himself, Cardinal Bagni, and other persons of the highest quality took to recon∣cile 'em, she would never pardon him. The Duke of Orleans took his Mother's part, and several other considerable Lords did the same. As for the Cardinal, he was too much employ'd in dissipating all these terrible Storms, to think of the Reformed; and his Enemies had too much business on the other side, to mind these miserable Remainders of a Party that made no longer any* 1.31 Figure in the Kingdom. But the Cardinal had the good luck,* 1.32 or else the cunning, to vanquish all these difficulties, and to re∣duce the Queen, his Mistress, to retire into Flanders, since she could not stay neither with safety nor honour in a Kingdom where she had so long exercis'd the Supreme Authority. The Duke of Orleans also departed France soon after, but return'd with his Arms in his hand.

The second thing which afforded some relaxation to the Re∣formed,* 1.33 was, that the Cardinal was desirous to uphold the King's Alliances with the Foreign Protestants; that he had re∣new'd the League with the Foreign Protestants; and for that he had renew'd an Alliance with Gustavus King of Sueden, a brave Prince, Ambitious, one that had acquir'd the Reputation of a great Captain, and who but a little before had made an Incur∣sion into Pomerania, where he made it evident, that it was not a

thing impossible to bring down the Puissance of the Emperor. This Prince enter'd Germany at the Cardinal's sollicitation, and made those surprizing Progresses which are hardly to be believ'd upon the credit of Relations. They were afraid he would have gone too far, so that after two years of continu'd triumph, he was slain at Lutzen; no body being as yet able to discover w••••∣ther the mortal Stroke proceeded from the hand of his Friends, or his Enemies. There was also great care taken in treating with him, to prevent his Conquests from doing any prejudice to the Catholic Religion; and that Prince was very complaisant with the Cardinal upon that Subject. So that whether he would not offend a Confederate attended every where by Terror and Con∣quest; or whether it were that it was thought but Justice to spare the Protestants for the sake of a Prince so favourable to the Catholics, it was not lookt upon as a seasonable time to overwhelm the Protestants of France.

But what they were unwilling to do openly, they attempted* 1.34 by means more closely conceal'd and dangerous. With this de∣sign it was, that they set afoot agen the Projects of Reunion, which were always as it were Forerunners of a Tempest that was insensibly gathering together. Two sorts of People were caught in this Snare. People that were sincere and upright, who believ'd in the sincerity of their hearts, that a reasonable com∣position might be drawn from the Catholics, at least in refe∣rence to the most gross and palpable Abuses; and that after they should be agreed upon Expedients to secure the Con∣science, they might unite in an outward Communion: that Schism, lookt upon by both sides as a great mischief, would sur∣cease by this Accommodation; and together with Schism, all Discord and Hatred, Persecution of the weaker by the stronger, which are the inevitable Consequences of it: that being re∣turn'd to the Bosom of the Roman Church, People that were expert, might the better labour in the Cure of her Distempers, because they would be no longer suspected; and for that being arm'd with Truth, they would in time, by the light of it, dis∣pel the darkness and mists of Prejudice and Error. There have bin at all times some People flatter'd with this pleasing Vision; and who never will be taught, that the mischiefs of the Roman

Church are incurable, because she refuses all manner of Cure. ••rro••s purely speculative, and which arise from the false Idea's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which the mind is prepossess'd, may sometimes surrender 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the evidence of a Truth well made out by Demonstration: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Errors of Interest are proof against all the most evident •…•…nstrations, in regard they derive their Original from the •…•…ption of the heart: and for that Malad••es of that nature 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 always to be ass••ag'd by Remedies that convince the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Other People of a quite different Character, either 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by Promises, or push'd forward by Ambition, or else •…•…ited of their own parts, and aspiring to the Honour of ha∣•…•…ng put an end to these fatal Contests, which for above a hun∣•…•…er'd years together had occasion'd such Convulsions over all 〈◊〉〈◊〉, desperately threw themselves into the gaping Chasma's 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pretended Concord; and provided they met with any •…•…kelihood and facility, never gave themselves the trouble of ta∣•…•…ing securities and measures in favour of the Truth.

'Tis said the Cardinal was desirous to make use of these two* 1.35 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of People to endeavour this Re union; because he might procure the same service from the simplicity of the one, as from the little sincerity of the other. And though the Author of his Life dares not positively assert that he had this Project in his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, because he meets with nothing of it in his Memoirs; ne∣vertheless, 'tis not improbable that he had it in his thoughts: whether it were that he was desirous effectually to accomplish that Enterprise, or that he would have it so believ'd for a se∣cret Reason of his own Policy. However, the Method which has bin publish'd, remains intirely in the limits of the Project, of which I shall suddenly have an occasion to speak. More∣over, the Cardinal affected all things that appear'd to be great; •…•…nd in regard he had a great desire that all his Actions should be the Subjects of so many Panegyrics, an Enterprize so extraor∣dinary, as the Re-union of Religions could not chuse but be most proper to flatter his Vanity. In a word, there happen'd some things during the first years that elaps'd after the taking of Ro∣•…•…, that seem so naturally to depend upon this Design, that it may from thence with great probability be concluded, that he had laid the ground work of the Project in good earnest. On

the other side, in regard that at the same time he had lost his Reputation at Rome, where his Alliances with Gustavus, and other Protestant Princes, were very much disgusted, because i•• seem'd that the Catholic Religion was as great a loser by their Victories, as the House of Austria; it may be said, that he only made use of his Projects of Re-union out of a design to regain the Pope's favour, by putting him in hopes that he would bring back all Europe under obedience to the Holy See.

However it were, Projects were spread abroad upon this* 1.36 Subject which seem'd to come from the Cardinal, because the first Overtures were carri'd about by a Capuchin, who had a great share in his Confidence. This was the famous Father Joseph, to whom the Austerity of his Order was no obstruction from being the Minister of the most Secret Intreagues of that Prelat; nor from doing him more important Services by his Negotiations, then all his Favourite Generals at the head of their Armies. The design was to bind a Conference between the Reformed Ministers and some Catholic Doctors: but to pre∣serve the Advantage on the Roman Religion's side, two things were resolv'd upon. The first was, That the Roman Religion* 1.37 should not yield an inch of ground, either as to her Doctrine o•• Worship; not so much as in things of small Importance, of such as had bin the first occasions of Schism; as the Matter of Indulgences. But to take away this Pretence which this Obsti∣nacy of the Romish Church, in her Opinions and Practices, might give the Reformed to persevere in their Separation, there were two Expedients set a foot. The first was, To agree on both sides upon the Expressions that were to mollify and sweeten the Articles which would be most harsh and uneasie. The other was, To shew by Writings well compos'd and laid together, that the Catholic Religion was not so different from the Re∣formed as vulgarly it was believ'd; and that the difference was so slight, that it could be no lawful cause of Disunion. The second thing that was to save the Honour of the Romish Religi∣on, was, that they were to bring it so about that the Reformed should be the Sollicitors; to the end, that in the Reunion they might appear as Penitent Children that made the first steps to∣wards their Mother to regain her Favour; and that the Catho∣lic

Church might look like a Mother that held forth her Arms ••embrace her Children returning to their duty.

To bring this to pass, they were desirous to make use of the* 1.38 ••od, themselves; and they were to endeavour to make the Proposals of it in the Provincial Synods, to the end the Deputa∣tion to the National Synod might be so order'd as to fall upon ••sons proper to manage this Design, and furnish'd with power ••embrace the Expedients that should be agreed upon in the ••••e of their Provinces. The first step, as the Plot was laid, ••s to send a Deputation to the King with a Remonstrance, ••t certain ill affected Persons went about to persuade him, ••t the Reformed Religion infus'd into the Professors of it, Sen∣••ents contrary to the good of his Service; but that they in∣••ded to shew the contrary by a faithful Explanation of theirs: ••at to that purpose they besought his Majesty to permit 'em ••enter into a Free Conference with such Doctors as he should ••ase to nominate; and that if they could but be convinc'd that ••ere was a possibility of Salvation in the Catholic Religion, ••••y would be glad to come to a Reconciliation. Upon this Proposal they were to be taken at their words; and because they ••manded no more then to bind the Conference, it was to be ••w'd 'em as long and as free as they could desire.

But for the accomplishment of this Design, there was a ne∣••sity* 1.39 of securing a sufficient quantity of the Ministers. They ••••d ••ounded all that resided round about Paris, but found 'em ••••y variously enclin'd. There were some, who either through ••••ruption or simplicity, lent an ear to the Proposals, and who ••o drew up draughts of a Reunion, which were communicated the Cardinal, to the end he might be judge whether they ••••re proper or no: And there are Memoirs that shew the num∣ber of the Ministers thus gain'd to be about fourscore. There ••re others who by no means approv'd these Projects; but who ••••ght be allur'd by various Interests, that hinder'd their opposi∣tion; whether they were already engag'd in Troubles, or fear'd ••e being brought into Vexations; or whether they were not sens••ble of the Delusions of vain Hopes. But there were others so that were stiff and inexorable, that came quick to the point, •••• declar'd that the nature of the Differences between the two

Religions would not endure an Accommodation. These In•…•… nations of the setl'd Ministers about the Court, encourag'd t•…•… Projectors to sound those in the Remoter Provinces; that th•• might consider with which of these three different Inclination it was most proper to close. As for the Reformed Laics, th••* 1.40 found 'em all in the opinion of the Obstinate Ministers; and 〈…〉〈…〉 greatest part of 'em, not content to reject the Proposal as i•• possible, lookt upon it as fraudulent, and serving only as a •…•…ver for some wicked Designs. In short, they were thinking make use of violence; and after the Success of the Conference where the King was to be in Person, the more easily to ••u••nt•• Scales which way he desir'd, they were to enfore all the rest the Kingdom to stand to the Treaty which the Deputy-Minister should conclude. Edicts, Banishment of the Obstinate, a•…•… Military Executions, were to make good the Resolutiors tak•• in the Conference; but such as would not accept of the Reunio•• were to be allow'd the liberty to dispose of their Estates, a•• to withdraw within a certain time.

It was also thought convenient to hasten the summoning o••* 1.41 National Synod for the execution of this Design, because th•• thought that things being well order'd in the Provinces, th•• Assembly would serve to forward it. But they met with o•• unlucky Obstruction which retarded the Grand Affair. For t•…•… Pestilence rag'd in several Provinces of the Kingdom; so th•• 'twas impossible at that conjuncture of time to assemble Pro••i∣cial Synods. And in the Assembly it self that was held at Cha∣renton, there were great complaints of the Obstructions occa∣sion'd by that Distemper which hinder'd the Deputies fro•• coming to the Assembly. In the mean time, there were tw•• men found out, of the two different Characters above-mention who seem'd to agree with the Cardinal in his Projects. T•• one was Petit, a Minister and Professor of Theology at Ni••e* 1.42 The other was Milletiere, who had written so much upon the Af∣fairs of Rochel, and who had a great desire to signalize himself by a large Book upon the Subject of the Reunion. Petit ha•• the reputation of being an Honest man; but he was one of th•••• that suffer'd themselves to be bewitch'd with the charming nam•• of Concord; and who, because they are honest, and mean we••

themselves, believe all the World to be like 'em. Moreover, ••e had rather in view the Reunion of the Protestants among themselves, and particularly of those that follow'd the Doctrine ••f Arminius, condemn'd by the Synod of Dort, then of the Pro∣testants and Catholics. But in regard he only propounded ge∣neral means, they were not so easily appli'd to the Cardinal's Designs, with whom all honest men were afraid of dealing up∣on this matter. Because it was a scurvy thing to deal with a ••rafty and Potent Minister, who with ease might abuse the ••eanest Overtures that were made him. This caus'd the more ••••udent sort of the Reformed to fear whatever bore the name •••• Reunion; more especially the Synods rejected all the Propo∣sals relating to it with scorn. For which Reason, Petit's Pro∣tect being by no means relishd, he never put it to the Press, but ••id aside all his idle Fancies, and persever'd in the Reformed religion. Milletiere was a man all fume and vapour, full of himself, and persuaded that nothing came near his Merit and capacity. Moreover, either out of fear, lest the Court, re∣membring* 1.43 what had past, should sit upon his Skirts, or in ••••pes to acquire great Honour, and to raise some great For∣••••ne by the success of this Enterprize, or tickl'd with the Ap∣••auses which the Jesuits gave him, that they might draw him •• their Party, they quite debauch'd him, so that he sided together with the Cardinal in his Project, and drew up a ••aught of an Accommodation just as the Cardinal desir'd it. ••e allow'd the Romish Church to be in the right almost in all ••••ings; and in those which he would not give himself the trou∣••••e to justify, he made use of soft and qualifi'd Expressions, under pretence of explaining 'em, and made 'em pass for questions that were not to hinder the Reunion of the Re∣formed.

The different Projects of these two Men clearly display'd* 1.44 ••••e difference of their Intentions. The one laid down Prin∣ciples to which the Church of Rome was far from agreeing, ••••t against which she could not defend her self, if there were ••ay thing of reality and sincerity in her Treaty of Reunion: ••nd in that sense it was, that the Affair was almost always

taken by such as through simplicity clos'd with their Designs. The other granted for a Tacit Principle, that the Romish Church was in the right, and that there was nothing else but misunderstanding on the part of the Reformed; and this was the usual way of those who had this Concord in their eye, that they had more of worldly Compliance, then honesty or zeal for the Truth. But these attempts toward a Reunion came to nothing, because Petit did not carry his Overtures far enough, and for that Miletiere appeared too evidently partial. Besides, he had the misfortune not to be approv'd by the Catholics; so that when, after the Synod of Alenson in 1637. he publish'd his Means to obtain Christian Peace by the Reunion of the Ca∣tholics and Evangelics upon the Differences of Religion; he was terribly vex'd to see that the Sorbonne so ill receiv'd it, and censur'd it so briskly, as if they had held a correspon∣dence with the Ministers of Charenton. Yet this was no hin∣drance, but that he was a long time a charge to the Churches, in whose Communion he affected to continue, to give the more credit to his Visions. But John Daille, who began about that time to make himself known by his Writings, refuted him so briskly from the very original of these Projects, that poor unfortunate Miletiere became at last the abomination of the Reformed, and the scorn of all Honest men. So that after se∣veral Admonitions and Warnings to no purpose, the Synods de∣clar'd him no longer a Member of the Reformed Churches; no•• was there so much as one that would receive him into her Com∣munion: So that he was forced to turn Catholic through neces∣sity, to the end he might be of some Religion. After which he became a Missionary, and went rambling about in search of Con∣ferences; where he was still so badly handl'd as would have put him quite out of courage, but that his Obstinacy was such as nothing was able to vanquish. But at length Charles Drelin∣court, one of John Daille's Colleagues, and a true Scourge of Humourists, such as Militiere was, totally routed him in a Conference, the Acts of which were publish'd. However, this did not happen till several years after the time that I speak of.

To return then to my Subject, I say, that this Project of Re∣union was spun out a long while, and past through more then* 1.45 one hand, because there are some Memoires still extant about the Time of the Cardinal's Death. The Jesuit Cludebert suc∣ceeded the Capuchin, who dy'd in 1638. and greatly boasted of his having gain'd many Ministers. But a Thing of that na∣ture remains very doubtful, when it is only attested by men of that Habit: and what they report upon that Subject may well be thought no more then a Romance made at Random. But the Cardinal had so much Business, by reason of the Conspi∣racy of St. Mars, and was laden with so many corporal Infir∣mities, that there is but little likelihood he should perplex his Brains with Designs of so great Importance. Wee'l grant in the first place, that he was assur'd of Peace with Spain, and that he had an Intention to keep a-foot the Forces that serv'd at the Siege of Perpignan, to the end they might be quarter'd up and down in the Provinces, to reduce by Terror those that would not willingly obey. Certainly a man would think there should be something too harsh and cruel in such a design, for a Person that felt the Approaches of Death, and was just ready to drop into his Grave; Consequently could not promise to enjoy the Fruit of such a bold Undertaking. The most prudent Authors therefore acknowledge they knew nothing of it but by Hear-say: and so that it may be thought that if he did open his Mind to any body upon this Subject, he did it by way of Stra∣tagem, to make people believe that he felt himself strong enough to live a long time, since he undertook such great Designs. Thus Tiberius conceal'd his deadly Infirmities under the Cruelty of the Orders which he dispatch'd into all parts; and made the Terrible Acts of Injustice which he committed, to the de∣struction of his Subjects, to be look'd upon as Testimonies of his Youth and Vigour.

But before the Cardinal drew so near his end, there had been* 1.46 Attempts made which the Wisdom and Constancy of several Ministers, and perhaps the Confusions in the Kingdom ren∣dred fruitless. Nevertheless I must needs say, that this Pro∣ject, in the full extent of it, and with all the Circumstances,

was not altogether a Chimera; that if it were not a Whimsey of the Cardinals, yet it was a Megrim of the Jesuits: that we have seen it set a-foot in our Days as a Project which the Court of France approv'd; and that almost every part of it was put in execution. I may add, that the Illustrious Hugo Grotius went very far in these Projects of Reunion: He had a strong Fancy for it all his Life-time. It appears also by Let∣ters which du Vair, Keeper of the Seals, wrote to him from be∣fore St. Angeli, in 1621. that he had been a great Stickler be∣fore that Time in those Accommodations, and that he la∣bour'd to bring 'em to perfection, by giving up the Cause in some Things to the Roman Church, and excusing her in all the rest. He likewise approv'd the Essays of Miletiere, and testify'd a High Esteem of him and his Works. Some years before his Death, he apply'd himself more then ever to this same Chri∣stian Concord, and Printed Consultations, Remarks, Vows, and Discussions, which only serv'd to create Disputes about the man∣ner of proposing the Peace. But let us now return to our History.

The Contagious Distempers were no sooner in part abated,* 1.47 but the Reformed held a National Synod at Charenton, with the King's Permission, and tho the Breif were dated the 17th of January, the Synod did not meet till the First of September. Galand also who had bin Commissioner in the two latter, was likewise Commissioner in this; and he did several Things that gave an occasion to the Weaker sort to observe that the Synod was not free.

His Speech was honest enough: He gave Assurances in the* 1.48 King's Name, that what was past was forgot, and that for the future they should have all the liberty granted them for the Exercise of their Religion, and to hold Synods; pro∣vided the Reformed continu'd in their Duty, devoted to the King's Service, without speaking against the Public Tranquility, and that they refrain'd from keeping either Foreign or Domestic Intelligence. And he gave these Assu∣rances as in the Name Of a good Father, and a good King. But as soon, under pretence, that the preceding Synods had made Re∣gulations to which the King had not agreed, and which were,

as he said, conceiv'd in Terms that were subject to various In∣terpretations, he propounded the renewing of 'em, not for∣bearing to hint some things that were never hinted before. He declar'd in the first place, that the King would no longer ad∣mit of Protestations, nor Remonstrances against the Establish∣ment of the Commissioners that were present at the Synods; and he alledg'd that it was Conformable to the Practice of the Primitive Church, and the Politics of the best Regula∣ted States. In the second place he requir'd, that no Foreigners should be call'd to the Ministry within the Kingdom; because it was the King's Pleasure that those Functions should be re∣serv'd for Natural French-men. He put 'em in hopes, that by having Recourse to the King's Favour, they might obtain Fa∣vour for those who had bin admitted since the year 1623. But he extended the Prohibition for the future, to all that were born in Foreign Principalities, Societies, or Republics, Confede∣rates, or under the Protection of France: and in a word, to all that were not born in some place within the King's Domi∣nions. In the third place, That they who should be once ad∣mitted Ministers, should never stir out of the Realm without the King's leave. And because that Salbert, Minister of Ro∣•…•…, had withdrawn himself during the Troubles, that he might have the Liberty to Write, the Commissary declar'd him Suspended from the Exercise of his Functions: forbid him to stir out of the Place which the King had allotted him for his Exilement, or rather for his Prison; and disabl'd the Synod to nominate him in the Distribution of the Churches. In the fourth place, He renewed the Regulation which forbid the Mi∣nisters from medling with Politic Affairs.

This Article had a particular Aim against Beraud, Minister* 1.49 of Montauban, a person of somewhat too violent a Spirit, and who went a little too fast. During the last Troubles he wrote a Book, wherein not content to justifie the Taking up of Arms, he undertook to maintain, That Ministers had a Call to bear 'em, and to shed Blood. The Commissioner aggravated the Importance of that Opinion, dangerous in such a man as Beraud, who besides that he was qualify'd as a Minister, was also a Pro∣fessor

in Divinity. He was also the first that pronounc'd Sentence upon this Offender, and order'd the Synod to Censure him. There were also two other men, whom it was the King's Plea∣sure to have excluded out of the Synod, tho they were Deputies of their Province. The one was Bouteroue, Minister of Gre∣noble, which the Parlament of the Dauphinate thought worthy of no other Honour then to be committed to the Flames; be∣cause it discours'd a little too freely of the Affairs of the Times▪ and of the Lawfulness of taking Arms by the Reformed. The other was Basnage, Minister of Carentan, who had had to•• great a share in the last Assembly of Rochelle, and who appear▪d in the Synods a very zealous and active Stickler. The Com∣missioner having made an end of what he had to say, an An∣swer was made him to every Thing that he had propounded▪* 1.50 In general, the Answer was very submissive; only they reserv'd to themselves the liberty of making their Supplications to the King, not to exclude from his Favour for the future, such as were born within the same Limits with those whom he was willing to tolerate for the Time past; and to comprehend Sal∣bert in the Favour granted to all those who had bin involv'd in the Misfortunes of the preceding Commotions. When they came to answer the Conditions which Galand had exprest in his Speech and which were to serve as a Foundation for the Assurances o•• the King's Good Will; they stedfastly deny'd that they had ever spoken Words from which any Offence could be taken, and that were contrary to the Publick Tranquility; but they com∣plain'd on the other-side, that in several Places the Catholics had perverted the Ministers Words, and wrested their most In∣nocent Expressions into Criminal Language. As for Beraud, that it was proper to hear him, before any thing could be said in his Business: He acknwoledg'd the Book, and averr'd that he had not Taught any such Doctrin as was laid to his Charge; and imputed to the Malice of the Time, whatever was tax'd for suspected in it. He said, that there might be some Ambi∣guous Words in it, but that he detested the Consequences that bad bin drawn from it. But the Commissioner would not let this pass for an Excuse, and convinc'd Beraud to have expresly

written in the Preface of his Book the very Things of which he was accus'd. So that he was very smartly censur'd by the Sy∣nod, who stigmatiz'd the Expressions of his Book with the Ap∣pellation of Scandalous Terms, which he had made use of to an •••••• purpose. This Doctrin was condemn'd, and the Ministers were forbid to teach it. In the mean time, Beraud continu'd excluded from the Synod; and before he could be readmitted, he was forc'd to undergo a new Censure from the Commissioner's Mouth.

But this was not all that Galand did in the Synod. He would* 1.51 needs oppose the Union of Bearn with the rest of the Provinces. The Pretence was, that it had bin hitherto displeasing to the Court; that it had bin tolerated only for the Doctrine, and not for the Discipline; That the Clause of the Regulations that only seem'd to hinder it, till Bearn was united to the Crown, did not authorize the admission of it after the Reunion, without ask∣ing the King's leave. He insisted upon the Laws of Queen J••ne, which forbid the removing the Causes of the Inhabitants out of the Countrey; and alledg'd the Example of Sedan and Metz, where the Ecclesiastical Affairs were determin'd in the ••ame Countrey. But the Deputies of Bearn wanted no Replies to overthrow these Reasons; and the Reunion of their Coun∣trey to the Crown, serv'd 'em as a potent Argument to make it out, that since they were accounted Members of the Nation, they had a Right to require that their Causes might be adjudg'd in the Synod of the Nation: that their Condition was not the same with Metz and Sedan, which were only under the pro∣tection of the Crown, and far from being reunited. They far∣ther alledg'd, that the Laws of their Countrey were no way opposite to 'em; for that having their Synods and their Con∣sistories within themselves, there remain'd only some particu∣lar Affairs of the Pastors, that could be remov'd to the Natio∣nal Synods. These Reasons, and some others, being seconded by the inclination of the Synod, prevail'd so far, that the Ber∣•••••••• got the better of the Commissioner; and that the Union was made upon certain Conditions. And the Synod, to the end they might be the less expos'd to Reproaches, for having done too

much in judging this Affair, lookt upon it as prejudg'd by the usual presence of the Deputies of Bearn in the other Assemblies, since the King had also sent Commissioners thither: more espe∣cially for that the King had receiv'd their Complaints in the same Paper with those of the rest of the Churches. So that the Synod could not properly be said to make the Union of that Province with the rest, but judg'd it to have bin already made; and for that they had presuppos'd that the Reasons of the Ob∣struction ceasing, the King would no longer be displeas'd with it.

But Galand insisted farther, That there were several Articles* 1.52 that concern'd the Discipline and Practice of the Churches to be reform'd. There were some that concern'd the proclaiming of such as had chang'd their Religion, which was wont to be done publicly: and others touching the Registring of Christ∣nings and Marriage: several upon the particular subject of Mar∣riages; upon the Censure of Books; upon the Censure of Unli∣cenc'd Books, of which number the King had sent 'em several to be condemn'd: upon the laying out of the Royal Money; upon Precedences in Churches; and the Prayers which were to be made for the Lords of the Mannor, or such in whose Houses the Churches assembl'd. He was willing they should pray in general for the Lords of the Religion, but not make any par∣ticular mention of the Lords of the Soil. He propos'd also, That for the future, they should hold no more National Synods in any other place then at Charenton: and this was a Trifle which the Catholics laid so deeply to heart, that tho the prece∣ding Synod had granted to the Province of Normandy the power to summon this, the Court would not grant it for no other place then Charenton. He demanded also▪ That la Bastide, Mi∣nister of St. Afrique, might be remov'd from that Church, and out of the Province of Ʋpper Languedoc, for some Actions for which he had bin imprison'd, and afterwards indicted. But more especially he propounded, That no other persons but the El∣ders should be call'd to give their Advice in the Consistories; because Assemblies and Meetings of Masters of Families, for∣tifi'd Consistories, and other Councils of the like nature, crea∣ted

Suspicions and Jealousies. On the other side the Reformed gave him satisfaction in several things, because it was no longer in their power to refuse him any thing: but they defended their practice of praying for the Lords of the places where they as∣sembl'd; and Galand was oblig'd by dint of Remonstrance, to write to the King for leave to strengthen the Consistories, when necessity requir'd it, with three Ministers and three Elders out of the Neighbourhood.

In the mean time the Synod sent Deputies to the King to* 1.53 carry him their Submissions, and a Paper of fifteen Articles, which set forth, That since the Reformed had neither any Ge∣neral to lead 'em, nor any strong Holds, Acts of Injustice and Oppression were every day multipli'd upon 'em. After they had return'd their most humble Thanks to the King for the marks of his Favour, and a Supplication that such Edicts as he thought convenient to number among the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom might be observ'd, they desir'd the re-establish∣ment of those Churches where free Exercise had been inter∣rupted: and by the Article it appear'd, that there were three ••orts of Interruption which depriv'd the Reformed of their Churches. The one was somewhat remote, and was occasion'd by the Hostilities which had enforc'd the Inhabitants to quit some certain places during the War; and where the Catholic Zeal would not suffer ▪em to meet again during the Peace. The other proceeded from the desolation of the places which the Ca∣tholic Armies had ruin'd: and the third deriv'd itself from the Decrees which the Bishop of Valence had procur'd upon occa∣sion of the Annexes. For beside those which he had obtain'd the year before, he had caus'd another to be issu'd forth, of the second of May, wherein, to obviate the Reason why the Re∣formed pretended to fix themselves in the possession of their An∣nexes, by alledging that they were places permitted, the right of which being grounded upon the Articles of the Edict, had extended the prohibition of one Minister to preach in several places, to places permitted. For these several Reasons, without naming the places where their Exercise had been obstructed in other Provinces, they set down Fourscore and twelve in Ceven∣nes,

Vivarets, the Ʋpper and Lower Languedoc, and in the Islands of Ré and Oleron. The fifth requir'd the Revocation of the Decrees granted to the Bishop of Valence. The sixth complain▪d of the Prosecutions of some Ministers, accus'd to have utter'd words both disrespectful and undutiful, tho they had only preach'd their own Doctrine with moderation. The next set forth the delays of the Governors in the nomination of Com∣missioners that were to be present at the Synods, which had re∣duc'd some Provinces to be without Assemblies of that nature. The eighth and ninth insisted upon Foreign Ministers. The tenth desir'd that the Prohibitions of Beraud, Bagnage and B••∣teroue to sit in the Synod, might be taken off. The 'leventh concern'd the grand Article of the Edict, which declares the Reformed capable of all manner of Employments; and com∣plain'd, that it was so ill observ'd, that the Reformed were not admitted into the meanest and lowest Offices; that they were refus'd the Degree of Doctors of Physic, and the Title of Ag∣gregated, where Accumulation was customary; and that they were refus'd their Freedoms in the meanest Trades. The twelfth demanded the Release of such as had bin condemn'd to the Gal∣lies, according to the Edict of Peace; of which number there were above Two hunder'd. The thirteenth demanded restitu∣tion of the municipal Tolls which had bin promis'd in 1628. as also by the Paper answer'd at Montauban the next year: which had not prevented the Revocation of the Assignations al∣low'd for the year 1627. nor their failing to allow any for the three next years; so that there was due for the time past the Sum of Six hunder'd thousand Livres. The Compensation promis'd the Bernois after so solemn a manner, had bin as faith∣lesly observ'd as the rest of the Edicts. The one moiety of it was of a sudden defalk'd; so that the fourteenth Article re∣quir'd that care might be taken about it. We might add to the same Article the hard Usage of the Ministers of the Bailliage of Gex, who had bin depriv'd for a long time of the King's Relief∣money, which had bin granted 'em in recompence for the Eccle∣siastic Estates. Not that either Bearn, or the Countrey of Gex had any share in the last Civil Wars; but only in testimony of a

more perfect good-will to the Reformed, they that liv'd peaceably, and that they were call'd Rebels, were treated both alike. Lastly, the fifteenth Article contain'd an humble Re∣quest, That the Court would command the Advocate Gene∣ral of Bourdeaux to surcease prosecuting a Minister and his Son, whose Cause was nevertheless depending in the Chamber of Guyenne, which was then at Agen, whither it had bin re∣mov'd.

The Deputies that carri'd this Paper, and the Letters from* 1.54 the Synod, to the King and the Cardinal, were Amyrant and ••••llars. The King gave 'em leave to make their Speech to him at Monceaux, and testifi'd by his Answer, that he was well sa∣tisfi'd with them and the Synod. They were likewise well re∣ceiv'd by the Cardinal, who assur'd 'em that the King would maintain and protect 'em according to his Edicts: that he gave Beraud and Basnage leave to sit in the Synod; but that before he granted the same Favour to Bouteroue, 'twas fit the King should be more amply inform'd of the Crime that was laid to his charge: that the King would give a very favourable Answer to their Paper, so soon as the Synod brake up. To the end, said he, that he might treat with his Subjects in a manner more suitable to his Sovereign Dignity, and the Sacred Authority of his Word: But the more edifying and solid part of his Answer was a Gift of Sixteen thousand Livres in ready money, to defray the Ex∣pences of the Synod. All which the Commissioner impart∣ed to the Synod, before the return of the Deputies. Be∣raud resum'd his Seat in the Assembly: soon after Basnage took his again, and at length Bouteroue had leave to sit there as well as the rest.

For five years together there had not bin any alteration of the* 1.55 General Deputies: and during that time Bazin, who was one of those that were employ'd, happen'd to die. The Synod therefore had Orders to supply his place, but they were not left to their accustom'd liberty of Nomination. 'Twas the King's pleasure till then, that six Persons should be nominated for him to chuse two out of that number; and the circumstances of the Permission giv'n the Synod to name 'em, pointed so exactly to

the Persons which it behov'd 'em to nominate, that it was to little purpose to make choice of any other. The Synod well observ'd this Innovation, but because it was the King's pleasure, they obey'd. The Marquis of Clermont was continu'd, and the Commissioner's Son was put into Bazin's room. These were order'd to carry the Nomination made by the Synod, accompa∣ni'd with Letters full of Duty and Respect. To which the King made known his Answer by the Commissioner; which consisted of a testimony, that he was more and more satisfi▪d with the Proceeding of the Assembly, and the Nomination they had made: that he would accept of 'em after the Synod was bro∣ken up; that he would give a Gracious Answer to their Paper, and he would allow the Synod three days longer to sit.

They were so accustom'd at Court to be afraid of the Re¦formed,* 1.56 that they seldom slept in quiet, while they were as∣sembl'd; and their very Synods gave 'em terrible Alarum••▪ This, which was only compos'd of People still consternated at the taking of Rochel, and the reducing of all the rest of their Towns and Cities, disquieted their rest for all that: and the Catholics, dreaded by the Progresses which Gustavus made in Germany, fanci'd him already in France, and restoring by main Force the Reformed to their pristine Splendor; which was the Reason that the King as earnestly prest the separation of the Synod, as if it had bin the Politic Assembly of Lo••dun, or that of Rochel. Nevertheless, before they broke up, the Synod ordain'd three things, which gave the Missionaries and Politicians fair Pretences to make loud Outcries. The first was a Regulation against the Accommodations of Religion, which referr'd to an* 1.57 Act of the same nature that pass'd in the National Synod of Mompelier 1598. where all such kind of Projects were co••∣demn'd with extraordinary Severity. The second was the Ap∣pointment of a Solemn Fast throughout all the Kingdom, which the Catholic took for a Proof that the Reformed were in hopes of being re-establish'd by the Arms of Gustavus: for which Reason, said they, those People endeavour'd to engage Heaven on their side, by Devotions more then ordinary. The third was a Declaration which the Synod made, that the Lutherans

who desir'd it might be admitted to the Communion; that the ••eformed might contract Marriages with 'em, and take 'em for •…•…fathers, provided they would instruct their Children only 〈…〉〈…〉 those things, wherein the Lutherans and Reformed both agree. The Missionaries believ'd all obstacles of Reunion with •…•…e R••mish Church remov'd by this Declaration: for that they •…•…ald not conceive why the Reformed should have any more •…•…epugnance against the Transubstantiation of the Catholics, •…•…n against the Impanation and Ubiquity of the Lutherans; ••ore especially since the Synod acknowledg'd, that tho there •…•…ere Error in the Lutheran Doctrine, yet there was no Venom; ••••d that there was no Idolatry in their Worship. The Poli∣ticians believ'd it to be an Artifice of the Synod's Prudence, by his compliance with the Doctrine of his Ministers, to insinuate themselves into Gustavus's Favour.

But notwithstanding all this, the Reformed were opprest* 1.58 with several Acts of Injustice, almost over all the Provinces: ••o•• besides the accustom'd Cavils about the Rights of Exercise and Church-yards, the Decrees obtain'd by the Bishop of Va∣••••n••••, almost Dispeopl'd whole Provinces. Nothing was to be •…•…en but Churches shut up, and Ministers Imprison'd, for not ••aving obey▪d the Prohibitions against Preaching in more then •…•…e Place. The Minister of Chatillon, a paltry Place in the •…•…phinate, serv'd himself nine or ten other Churches besides ••hat; if we may believe the Substance of the last Decree ob∣tain'd by that Prelate: Nor was it impossible, because the ••reatest part of those Annexes were particular Houses where 〈…〉〈…〉 Gentry would have Preaching in their Families; and where ••here were but few others besides their own Domestics. Many •…•…mes also this Exercise was not common, it may be not above •…•…e a Month, or once in three Months, in consideration of some Donative given upon that Condition to the Principal Church. In the mean time, the rest of the Bishops would ••eeds appear no less Zealous then the Prelate of Valence: So that every one sought to ruin the Churches in his Diocess. This procur▪d a Decree of Council of the same nature, dated June 6. ••gainst Rivet, and other Ministers of Saintonge, at the Request

of the Bishop of Saintes: Where a new Cavil was set a-foot about the Place of Exercises; and if they could not dispence with resettling 'em in Places, where the Proofs were too clear to be contested, yet they would not restore 'em without paring off something from the Real Right that belong'd to 'em; and removing 'em out of the middle of the City where the Church had always stood to the dirty Fag-end of some Suburb.

The Exercise was likewise forbid at Rioux in Saintonge, by* 1.59 a Decree of the Sixth of March: The Clergy of the Province were Plaintiffs in this Process, and there was a Question an∣nex'd to it concerning the Possession of the Church-yard, which they pretended was to be left to the Catholics, because there was above Eight hundred of them in the Parish, and not above Twenty of the Reformed. But they never said a word that the Congregation, for all that, was very numerous, as being much frequented by the Reformed Inhabitants of the Parishes ad∣joyning. However, the Church had strong and sufficient Proofs of the Possession of it for above Eight years before the Edict: But for all that, they were depriv'd both of their Ex∣ercise and their Church-yard, leaving only another small Place for their Burials at the Charges of the Corporation. And in∣deed the Poverty of the Churches was such as oblig'd some Re∣ligious persons to bestow Donatives and Legacies to prevent the loss of Legal Right. But the Catholics greedy of the Profits, and moreover minding nothing but to hasten the Ruin of the Churches, commenc'd tedious Suits upon these Donations, and sought a thousand Quirks and Pretences in Terms and Cir∣cumstances to bring the Cause about on their side. Many times also the Heirs of the Donors oppos'd the Effect of the Will, and gave the Catholics an Opportunity to apply the Profits to them∣selves. Thus Elias Alardin gave this year an Annual Rent of Two hundred Livres toward the Maintenance of the Minister, and Three hundred Livres to the Poor. But this Donation prov'd the Original Occasion of a Suit that lasted above Fifty Years: and which was adjudg'd to the Advantage of the Church not above three years before the Revocation of the Edict; by that one single Act of Justice to cover and palliate a

thousand others much more crying that were committed over the rest of the Kingdom.

The Promises of giving a Gracious Answer to the Paper, so* 1.60 •…•…on as the Synod brake up, were so soon forgot, that upon the •…•…th of October, the King set forth a Declaration, purporting, •…•…at in all Places where there were but Four Consuls, the •…•…st and Third should be Catholics, if there were no Capitu∣•…•…ion to the contrary. The Design of which Declaration •…•…s to exclude the Reformed from being admitted into the •…•…tes of Languedoc, whither the Cities sent none but their first •…•…nsul Thus the Reformed were excluded from medling •…•…th the Municipal Government of their Cities, and depriv'd •• all the Honours that were annexed to the first Consulship. •…•…t in regard that many times the first Consul scorn'd that Em∣•…•…yment, or was not capable of it, the most Honourable Fun∣•…•…ons were then exercis'd by the second, who was generally a •…•…an of Learning and bred up to Business. And for the Clause •…•…at mention'd contrary Capitulation, 'twas a meer piece of •…•…aud: For it was not meant thereby, that if there were any such •…•…ause which gave the First Consulship to the Reformed, he •…•…as therefore bound to hold it: but if there were any such •…•…ause as took from the Reformed the whole Consulship, they •…•…ere bound to rest contented. 'Twas sufficient for a City that •…•…d Surrender'd at Discretion, if an Order came from the Duke •• M••••morenci, or some other Chieftain of the Royal Arms; for a City that had not expresly Articl'd that there should be •• Alteration in the Consulship, to say, that there was a Capi∣•…•…lation to the contrary. Lunel and Bedarieux for these Rea∣•…•…ns lost their share in the Consulship which remain'e entire to •…•…e Catholics.

But the Reformed were not the only Persons who com∣•…•…ain'd* 1.61 of Oppression: For the Cardnial carry'd his Authority in •…•…e Government so high, that all the Kingdom groan'd under 〈…〉〈…〉 New and uneasie Yoak. The Catholics could not forbear •…•…urmuring, to see the Liberty of the Kingdom die together •…•…th the Pride of Rochel; and they who were blinded by a false •…•…eql for Religion, well perceiv'd that the Power of the Re∣formed

had only serv'd for an Obstacle to delay the Public S•…•…∣vi••ude. The Sovereign Courts were treated with unheard. 〈…〉〈…〉 Scorn and lofty Disdain. The Court of Aides refus'd to veri•…•… certain Edicts that burthen'd the State with new Imposition•• and being inform'd that the Edicts were just ready to be broug•…•… to 'em while the Court was sitting, they would not stay 〈…〉〈…〉 'em, but rose immediately. For the punishment of which presumption the Court was interdicted, and other Judges 〈…〉〈…〉 up in the room of those that had been so hardy, to judge of the•…•… Power. They continu'd in this Condition for some Months nor could they be restor'd till they had most servilely submitte•• themselves. Nor was the Parlament any better us'd. For aft•…•… the Queenmother and the Duke of Orleance were withdraw•• the King sent a Declaration to the Parlament against the Prin•…•… and his Adherents. But that same Senate, instead of verifyin•• the Declaration, divided, and order'd Remonstrances. Th•• King to punish this piece of Malapertness, sent an Order to th•• Members to come a-foot to the Loure, not by their Deputi•…•… but in a Body, and to bring the Registers along with 'em Which being done, the whole Assembly, as August as the stil'd themselves, were enforc'd upon their Knees to hear •• tedious and mortifying Censure, which reduc'd all their Pow•…•… only to the enregistring and publishing all Declarations tha•• were sent 'em, without any hesitation. The Keeper of the S•…•…∣tore before their faces the Decree for dividing the House, an•• the Parlament had the hard Fortune to hear a Decree pro∣nounc'd, which either exil'd or suspended from their Employ∣ments some of the most considerable of their Members.

It was not to be wonder'd that such unheard-of Proceeding* 1.62 should provoke the Spirits of the People to take Arms. Th•…•…* 1.63 Duke of Orleans therefore being return'd into France, was 〈…〉〈…〉 join'd by a numerous Body of Malecontents, and in a sma•…•… time beheld all Languedoc at his devotion; and they who ha•…•…* 1.64 bin the most fierce Persecutors of the Reformed, threw them∣selves into this New Party. Lestranges, Lord of Privas, side•• with the Duke, and perish'd in the Cause. The Bishops •…•…

•…•…lbi, Ʋsez, Nimes, Alets, St. Pons and Lodeve join'd with the Duke of Mommorenci. The Bishiop of Leon also was accus'd to have had a share in this War, and could not obtain his Pardon ••ill after the King's Death. On the other side, the Reformed* 1.65 serv'd the King with extraordinary Courage. The Second Consul of Nimes preserv'd that City for the King, and ex∣••ell'd the Bishops and the First Consul, who favour'd the Duke ••f Orleans. Montaubon sent her Deputies as far as Monceaux, ••o assure the King of the Fidelity of the Inhabitants, who of∣••er'd to march a League out of their City to meet the Duke, and ••ight his men if they approach'd near their Quarters. The Duke ••f Espernon also had so much confidence in 'em, that he made ••o scruple to enter the Town, tho much inferior in strength, ••nd to commit himself to the mercy of a People whom he had ••o rudely handl'd in time of War. Marion, Camp-Assistant on the King's side, made himself Master of Privas, which had ••in abandon'd since it was taken, and recall'd the Inhabitants who serv'd him successfully, and defended the Town for the King against their own Lord. One would have thought that such an Action should have cancell'd the Memory of what was pass'd: and indeed those poor Creatures were suffer'd to resettle themselves without any notice taken of it. But Thirty years after, they were made to understand, by Cruel Persecu∣tions, that past Offences are never to be expiated by succeed∣ing Services; and that by a Maxim quite opposite to the Rule of the Almighty, Transgressions are longer retain'd in the Me∣mories of Princes, then Good Services.

The Bishops of Albi and Nimes were degraded by reason of their Rebellion; and the Bishop of Ʋsez, dying in the midst of the Process, avoided the Disgrace. The rest were no less guilty, but perhaps might have better Recommendations; and their Acquittal cost 'em no more then a little agony of Fear. However, the Process commenc'd against Bishops for High Treason made so loud a noise, that the Reformed could not forbear triumphing, and to reproach 'em with their Principal Members tumbling into Rebellion, which till then, was lookt upon to be the only Portion and Character of Heresy. The

Ministers lookt upon it as a piece of Divine Vengeance that the Bishops, who had so often accus'd 'em of breathing no∣thing but Rebellion, should so openly precipitate them∣selves into the Sin of Rebellion, that the veneration due to their Character could not exempt 'em from Punishment. But to mortify these Triumphers, they thought it expedient to put to death Marets, the Minister of Alets, as if he had had a hand in the Insurrection. Nevertheless, all his Crime was only this▪ That all the People of the City siding either with the Lord•…•… or with the Bishop, he was not so fortunate as to hinder the City from joining with the Malecontents; though he himself sate still without so much as medling on either side. Thu•• was one Innocent Minister offer'd up to attone for the Trans∣gression of several Prelats, and the Minister of Alets paid for the Bishop. Couran, another Minister of the same Church▪ was only banish'd. The City of Lunel, the Governor o•• which was the Bishop of Nimes's Brother, was inveagl'd in∣to the Duke of Orleans's Party; and Scoffier Minister of the Place, was set down in the Catalogue of those that were to be sacrific'd. But after the defeat and taking of the Duke o•• Mommorenci, he gave the Governor of Aiguemortes notice of the Flight of the Bishop and his Brother, which was well taken 〈…〉〈…〉 and that Mark of his Affection for the King's Service, sav'd his life.

The Duke of Rohan was recall'd to Court upon occasion of* 1.66 these Troubles; and honour'd with several Employments; whether it were to find him business that might hinder him from seeking for any in these Confusions; or whether it were to take him by the point of Honour, and engage him in the King's Service by that Mark of Confidence. But this War be∣ing suddenly ended by the taking and death of Marshal de Mom∣morenci, serv'd only to advance the King's Authority, and dis∣gust the Duke of Orleans, who retir'd out of France a second time; as also to add some new access of weight to the Slavery of the People. The Reformed reapt this little advantage by it, That they had but few Injuries done 'em this year, and con∣tinu'd somewhat free from Molestations. Only the Ministers in the Dauphinate were still tormented because they preach'd in

more then one place. But upon a Petition which they pre∣sented to the King, they obtain'd a Decree which sent 'em* 1.67 to four Commissioners of the Parlament of Grenoble, who were order'd to take their Informations, and after that to give their Advice to the King. These Commissioners enlarg'd some Mi∣nisters, and sent 'em to the King for the interpretation of the Decrees of his Council; so that they were forc'd to tarry some years before the business was decided. The Consulships also gave some occasion for Innovation. Machaut, the Intendant, order'd that the Consulship of Alets should be alternative under the good pleasure of the King, and till he should otherwise or∣dain. But the Reformed who found this Sentence extreamly opposite to their Ancient Customs, appeal'd to the Council, where the Question hung for twenty years undecided. Upon* 1.68 a Process commenc'd against the Reformed of Mountaign, touching the right of Exercise, and building a Church, Bignon, Advocate General, procur'd a Decree which depriv'd the Re∣formed both of the one and the other. He laid down those things for a foundation of his Conclusions, which if he could have got 'em to have pass'd currant, the Reformed must have* 1.69 lost the three fourth parts of their Churches. First, He affirm'd that the Reformed had no right to any Church, but in places of Bailliage setl'd by the Commissioners; and he supported this Assertion by the Decrees set forth in 1562. and 1577. which by consequence had bin revok'd by the Edict of Nantes. More∣over, he would needs have it, that the permission of the Lord, which was produc'd by the Inhabitants, should be lookt upon as extorted; because it was not to be presum'd that a Catholic Lord would permit the establishment of a Religious Exercise that was contrary to his own. This was well found out to de∣stroy all those Places where the Reformed Exercise was per∣form'd in Catholic Proprieties. Had the Church produc'd the most solid Proofs in the world of their Possession, and fail'd of the Lord's permission, it would have bin urg'd, that that very defect had disannull'd all the rest; and if they produc'd the Lord's leave, then they cri'd it must have bin extorted. But at last he pretended that the Place belong'd to an Ecclesiastic Lord;

and so the Reformed, who produc'd Evidences since 1558. could not reap the benefit of a Possession near fourscore years. This was no more then positively to say, That whatever Title the Re∣formed could produce, 'twas impossible for 'em to have any Justice done 'em.

There happen'd at the beginning of this year an Accident* 1.70 altogether singular; the Circumstances of which were so re∣markable, as not to be omitted in this History. Two Scholars of the Academy of Saumur took a fancy to be present at the Mass, which the Catholics call Midnight-Mass, because it is said upon Christmas-day in the Morning, presently after Mid∣night Bell has rung. Many times a silly Curiosity carries young People to be Spectators of these fine Shows, because a prodigi∣ous Concourse of all sorts generally crouds to gape upon this Solemnity, as expecting something extraordinary. But what was more, these young Hair-brains presented themselves be∣fore the Altar, as if they intended to receive the Communi∣on; but upon their taking the Symbols into their hands not with that reverence as they ought to have done, they were known for what they were, apprehended and indicted; but for fear of depriving the City of the benefit which they reap'd by the Academy, condemn'd to very easy Penalties. There was an Ap∣peal from this Sentence. But the Chamber of the Edict of Paris surcharging the Sentence of the former Condemnation, order'd by a Decree of the 17th of February, That the Scholars should declare and acknowledge at Saumur within the ordinary Jurisdi∣ction of the Seneschalship, in a full Court, upon their Knees, and bareheaded, That they had rashly gone upon Christmas-day in the Morning to Midnight-Mass, and that they had indiscreetly received the Sacrament of the Altar: That they should beg par∣don of God, the King and Justice; that they should be banish'd out of the City and Provostship of Paris for three years, and out of the Seneschalship of Namur for ever; that they should be fin'd twelve hundred Livres to the King; of which two hun∣dred should be laid out in Bread for the Prisoners in the Palace Jaile; two hundred for the purchase of a Silver Lamp, to be hung before the place where the Sacrament of that Church was

deposited; and the remainder for the setting up a Copper∣plate, whereon the Decree should be engrav'd, and for setling 〈…〉〈…〉 Fund for the furnishing that Lamp with Oil to perpetuity. The Decree also enjoin'd the Scholars to obey their Proscription exactly, and forbid 'em relapsing into the same Transgressions again upon pain of death; sent 'em to the Judges of Saumur, who were to see the Sentence duly executed, and to detain 'em in Prison till payment of the Fine. Which last Clause was without question added to oblige the Parents or Relations of those Young men, to pay the said Fine as a Ransom for their Release. However, they refrain'd in the Decree from the words Amende, and Amende Honourable: so that had it not bin for the Fine, a man might have said that it had bin a Consistory which condemn'd those young Fops to a public Reparation for an Offence that deserv'd it according to the Discipline of the Re∣formed: They had not then well studi'd the Privileges of the Roman Religion. In these latter years they would have ad∣judg'd it, that those Scholars by that Act had embrac'd the Ro∣man Religion, and the Church and the Academy both, would have bin interdicted.

But the death of Gustavus this year deliver'd the See of Rome* 1.71 from the fear of his Arms. But in regard the Generals that suc∣ceeded him preserv'd the Advantages they had won, it no way* 1.72 cur'd the Wounds which the House of Austria had receiv'd; and France, who found the convenience of an Alliance with Sueden, made a new Treaty with Christina, Gustavus's Heiress. More∣over, the Cardinal had much business both at home and abroad, and so much ado to guard himself from Conspiracies against his life, that he had not time to think of the Protestants. Never* 1.73 were known within the compass of one year, so many Changes of Officers at Court, in the Armies, in the Governments of Towns and Provinces, then were seen this year. The Re∣formed made no figure; but for all that, the whole Kingdom was full of Factions and Cabals. So that these Commotions which could not be imputed to Heresy, sufficiently justifi'd the Religion upon whose Shoulders they would have thrown the

Occasions and Causes of all the last Wars; and no less truly the•• apparently fix'd the Accusation upon the Wickedness and Infi∣delity of the Government. It seem'd but reasonable, that the Reformed should be excus'd, who had only taken Arms for their Liberty, when the Catholic Lords, Princes and People had re∣course to the same means, for the preservation of their Privileges and their Dignities.

In the mean time the Presidents Frere and Perissol, and the* 1.74 Counsellors Basset and Calignon, appointed Commissioners by the King in the Parlament of the Dauphinate to examin the Af∣fair of the Annexes, pli••d the Commission close, and drew up their Opinions, which they sent to the King the Seventh of May. They asserted that there were several Places within the Pro∣vince where the Exercise was permitted, which were serv'd by one of the same Ministers; and this they thought could not be prevented, because the Articles of the Edict upon which the Right and Privilege of Exercise was founded, did not confi••e 'em to the place of the Ministers Residence, no more then the Memoirs sent by the King to the Commissioners who lookt after the execution of the Edict. But they presuppos'd, that under the Pretences of Marriage, Baptism, or some other Occasion, the Ministers took the liberty of preaching in places where they had no right; and that might happen out of a respect which the Ministers had for the Gentlemen, whose Houses were not precise∣ly qualifi'd for the settlement of a Right of Exercise. The Com∣missioners pretended that they had provided against that Abuse; and advis'd the King to forbid the Ministers, and all the rest of the Reformed, under the Penalties of the Edicts. This Advice was follow'd in Council, and produc'd a Decree of the 26th of September, which copi'd it out almost word for word; which for some time gave some respit to the Persecutions begun by the Bishop of of Valence.

One thing happen'd this year which afforded not a little Con∣solation* 1.75 to the Reformed. For the Receiver of the Taxes of Vi∣varetz presented a Petition to the Council that he might be discharg'd, because he could not raise the Money which was laid out upon his Division. Now the principal ground of

this Petition was the ruin of Privas, the Inhabitants of which Town, durst not venture as yet, either to build their Houses, ••••r to till their Lands, because they were not yet allow'd by Authority to resettle themselves in opposition to the Rigo∣rous Terms of the Act or Edict of 1629. The Council by 〈…〉〈…〉 Decree of the 15th of February, referr'd the Receiver to Mi∣•…•…n, Intendant of Languedoc, for his Advice. And Miron's Ad∣•…•…ice was, To moderate the Severity of the Edict, and to ••ermit that the Inhabitants of Privas might return to their Habitations, and resettle themselves in the City; and withal ••o leave the Offices of the City free without distinction of Religion. He also accompani'd his Advice with good Rea∣sons, of which the chiefest were, That all the Rebels were ••ead, or had made amends for their Offence; that the greatest part of 'em were slain at the taking of the City; that a good ••any were dead of the Pestilence that rag'd for three years together; that those few that remain'd had faithfully serv'd ••he King, and ventur'd their Lives in his Service against the Lord of the Place; that the Wives and Children both of the ••ne and the other had suffer'd enough to expiate both their Husbands and their Parents Crimes; that the Lord of the place had bin the only hindrance that obstructed those poor People from resetling themselves, and that there was no like∣•…•…ood of finding Catholicks anow elsewhere to repeople the City. The Council was mov'd with these Reasons, and Mi∣•…•…'s Advice was follow'd and put in execution. But in regard •…•…ere was nothing so much preach'd up at that time as the Con∣•…•…ncy of the Royal Word, which they would have had to be ••he Subjects only security, they forgot to be so punctual as ••hey ought to have bin, in demanding the Revocation of the last ••dict in due Form: and so the Children were punish'd in our ••ays for the over-confidence of their Fathers. They had done ••etter, had they follow'd the Politic Maxim of the Cardinal himself, who, to oblige the Duke of Lorrain to give him some assured Pledge of his Word, told him, He must have other Se∣curity then the Word of a Prince, who was guided by Infusions ••rom without, and had already broken his Promise. And in∣deed

the King was incens'd against the Reformed by so many sorts of People, and there was so little reliance on the Promises that had been made in his Name, till the Present time, that it would have bin more proper to have demanded o•• him verifi'd Letters▪ Patents for the Security of this Reestablish∣ment.

But the Ministers of Paris were not so favourably us'd, by* 1.76 reason of a certain Book that was publish'd under this Title The Eucharist of the Ancient Church. This Book was writter by one Aubertin; and he had the Approbation of his thre•• Collegues, Mestrezat, Drelincourt and Daille. They assum'd the Quality of Pastors of the Reformed Church, and of Mini∣sters of the Gospel. Aubertin also, who dedicates his Book t•• his Flock, call'd 'em the Faithful of the Reformed Church of Paris Bellarmin and Baronius were stil'd, as well in the Title as i•• other Places, Enemies of the Church. Now the Clergy's Agent bethought themselves of a short way to confute this Boo•• which made a great noise. For instead of answering th•• Book, they endited the Author and his Approvers; and let∣ting alone the Matters of Fact and Reasons, they attack'•• the Titles of the Book and the Preface, and the Terms 〈…〉〈…〉 the Allowance. Against Aubertin there was a Warrant give•• out to seize his Body by a Decree of the Privy Council, date•• July the 14th, importing, That if he could not be taken, that he should be cited to appear within three short days; and the Ap∣provers were summon'd to make their personal appearance. Th•• Affair made a great noise, but came to little, being as it wer•• stifl'd in the birth, and producing for this time no other the•• verbal Prohibitions. The Book was no longer sought after so that the Success encourag'd the Author to review, enlarg•• and handle the Matter from the bottom in a Thick Latin Vo∣lume, which was never printed till after his death; nor du•…•… any of the Impartial Catholic Doctors venture to refute 〈…〉〈…〉 closely and roundly.

But the Reformed were constrain'd to look on, and see the* 1.77 Rights of their Exercises violated in more then one place th•…•… Year. The Council took from 'em Saujon, by a Decree of th•…•…

18th of November, because the Lord of the place was a Catho∣lic. Citois, Seneschal of Richlieu, which the King had erected into a Dutchy and Peerdom in favour of the Cardinal, for the same reason obstructed the exercise at St. Gelin, which is a De∣••esne that holds of the said Dutchy. And the Cardinal, tho at the bottom he were not so nice as others in those things, countenanc'd and approv'd what his Officer had done. The* 1.78 Colledges also which they of the Religion h••d enjoy'd in places of which they had bin a long time Masters, were miparty'd this Year by a Decree of the Council of the 23d of July. The occasion of this Decree, was a dividing of Voices which happen'd at Castres, upon a Petition of the Catholics of se∣veral Cities, who pretended to make the Edict of 1631, ••or miparty'd Consulships, a President for the Colledges. The Decree of the Council decided the division of Voices 〈…〉〈…〉 their Favour, and authoriz'd the Argument they al∣ldg'd.

But the following Year was not so serene nor peaceful for* 1.79 ••he Reformed: For tho the Cardinal, in a flattering Speech* 1.80 which he made the King, seated upon this Throne of Justice ••he 8th of January, acknowledg'd that Heresy had not bin the •…•…le Rebel in his Kingdom, yet hardly any but the Reformed suffer'd this Year. Tis true, that the King of his meer Au∣••hority, without examining their Deeds and Evidences, can∣••ell d the Priviledges and Exemptions of several Cities that were not liable to the Vexations of Taxes. The Pretence was specious; for it seem'd as if the King had not us'd 'em so se∣verely, but to throw upon 'em some part of the charge with which the others were over-burden'd. But in regard that in process of time it was apparent, that tho these Cities were made liable to Taxes, and yet the rest were no way eas'd, 'twas ••ound that this same change proceeded from no other design ••hen to reduce the whole Kingdom to a Uniformity, and involve the entire Body in the same Servitude. As for the Reformed, they were molested for other Reasons. There was something of Policy intermix'd with the Vexations that befel them. Ne∣vertheless

they were ne're a whit the less real nor incommo∣dious. A Doctor of the Sorbonne, and a Divine of Lion, printed* 1.81 a Book at Paris, wherein he maintain'd that the King of France had a Right to all Europe, and that he did well to make Allian∣ces with the Protestant Princes, to recover the Usurpations of the House of Austria; which was openly to publish the Cardi∣nal's Designs. The Spaniards were willing to make the be•…•… of this opportunity, to revive the dejected Courage of the zea∣lous Catholics in their Favour. Thereupon a certain Autho•…•… who assum'd the name of Alexander Patricius Armacanus, wrot••* 1.82 in their behalf against the Doctor of the Sorbonne. He made it ou•• at large, That the Alliance of the King of France with Prote∣stants, was contrary to the Interests of the Catholic Religion because the War with the Ʋnited Provinces and that of Germa∣ny, were Wars for the sake of Religion. He made use of a•• that had bin said for the Justice of his Arms, against the King and shew'd that the House of Austria was under the same Cir∣cumstances in respect of the Ʋnited Provinces and Germany. He strenuously made it out, That the King chiefly employ'd the Heads of the Reformed for the Conduct of his Armies; 〈…〉〈…〉 that he then had given the Command of 'em to the Dukes 〈…〉〈…〉 Rohan and Bouillon, and the Marshals de la Force and Ch••••••∣lon. I know not how he forgot that he had bestow'd a Mar∣shal's Battoon upon one of the Reformed. Perhaps it might be after the Author had publish'd his Book. However, the* 1.83 Duke of Sulli receiv'd that Honour this Year in the Month of September; which was done, to make him amends for the Em∣ployments which the Queenmother had taken from him: 〈…〉〈…〉 Recompence which he had staid for above twenty Years. How∣ever, he liv'd seven Years afterwards, and in his latter day•• shew'd some more marks of Piety then he had done all the re•••• of his life. He had bin always seen present at the Sermon•• preach'd in his House, but after a very indecent manner: for 〈…〉〈…〉 was generally playing with a little Dog that sate upon his knees▪ But a young Minister rebuk'd him by degrees for those ill Ha∣bits; accustom'd him to Censures; set up a Consistory in the Church that met in his House, and made him accept himself

••he Office of an Elder, wherein he officiated till his death. But to return to Alexander Patricius's Book, it was thought that there was nothing more proper to ward off the Gashes of his ••renuous Objections, then to vex the remainder of the Reform∣ed with some Acts of Injustice. But in truth they serv'd to very little purpose; for still the Cardinal bore the reproach of do∣ing more mischief to the Catholics abroad, then to the Reformed at home; and that while he took from the one ••ome Church or Church-yard, he was the occasion that the other lost whole Ci∣••ies and Provinces.

I do not reck'n among the greatest Vexations of the Re∣formed,* 1.84 the Decree of the 16th of March, set forth in the Par∣mament of Paris against Foreign Ministers; which under pre∣••ence that they might hold Correspondencies with the Ene∣mies of the Kingdom, or preach Doctrines contrary to the ••aws of the Land, forbid 'em for the future to exercise the ••unction of the Ministry in France; order'd those that were admitted to quit their Functions, and threaten'd the Reformed with heavy Penalties if they went to hear 'em. I also look upon another Decree of Council dated June 20. as a small thing, tho it made the same Regulation in particular for Poi∣••o••; and added Prohibitions to all the Ministers to preach in Villages, out of the places alotted for their Exercises. I rank in the same number the Decree of the Parlament of Dijon, which condemn'd the Reformed to spread Carpets before their Houses upon Procession days, or to suffer 'em to be spread at their own charges, excepting such as were very poor, and not able to defray the Expences. These were things that made little noise, neither could they be attended with any conside∣rable Consequences.

But there was something of greater Importance in the De∣cree* 1.85 which the Catholic Officers obtain'd from the Council Febr. 5. which adjudg'd to the Dean of the Catholic Counsel∣lors, tho he were the youngest of all, in the absence of the Pre∣sident, the Right of Precedency, above the Reformed Coun∣sellors, both in the Court of Audience, in the Council, and in the Town-house. 'Tis true, that the same Decree preserv'd to

every one, in other Cases, as in all public and private Sittings, at the Visitation of Pris'ners, at Hearings, Examinations, and Confronting of Testimonies, and at the Torturing of Crimi∣nals, the Rank which appertain'd to 'em by the Antiquity of their Reception. But for all that, this Decree made a very great Breach in the Priviledges of the Officers of that Cham∣ber. Nevertheless there was a Declaration of the 29th of* 1.86 October, about the Robes worn by the Counsellors of the Chamber of Castres. The Reformed, according to Custom, wore Red Robes and Caps lin'd with Ermin, both in the Public and Private Assemblies of the Chamber. But the Parlament of Tholouse, who could not brook that mark of Equality, had set forth several Decrees against that Custom, of which the Re∣formed took little Notice, as believing their Authority inde∣pendent from that of the Parlament. Thereupon the King interpos'd in the Contest, and put an end to the Dispute by an Edict; wherein after he had set forth, that the Custom was not grounded upon any Edict, and that the Thing was done contrary to his Intentions, as he had made known to those Officers by several Letters under his Privy Signet, he forbid 'em, according to the Decrees of that Parla∣ment, to assume that Priviledge, till the Chamber shou'd be incorporated. Thus the Reformed were depriv'd of the principal mark of Honour which was to have bin annex'd to their Dignities, though the Edicts of their Creation ascrib'd the same Prerogatives to them, as to the Ca∣tholics.

There were many people who took for an Affair of Reli∣gion,* 1.87 the Comedy that had bin Acted for several Years to∣gether, at the Ʋrsulines Nunnery in Loudun. That Convent was govern'd by a Priest, whose Name was Ʋrban Grandi••r, learned, a good Preacher, and pleasant in Conversation. He had also written a Book against the Celibacy of the Priests, and spoken somewhat freely of some other Practises of the Romish Church. His Enemies therefore bethought themselves of Ac∣cusing him with Magic and Witchcraft; and particularly of having deliver'd some of the Nuns of that House into the Power

of the Evil Spirit. The Credulous People fail'd not to believe his Story; and so much the more easily, because that Posses¦•…•…ons of the Devil and Exorcisms had bin talk'd of time out of •…•…ind. But the Authors of this Farce perform'd their parts so •…•…, and Grandier defended himself so well, that 'twas a long time before Judges could be found that would be so Complai∣ant as to determin the Affair to the good-liking of these Bigots. The Parlament of Paris, that pretends to great Knowledge in •…•…e Chapter of Magic, and never Sentence any Body to Death or that Reason alone, was not thought proper to take Cogni∣zance of that Affair, wherein persons that were too upright and sincere, were not to be employ'd. Therefore they were in a great Quandary what Commissioners to Nominate for the ••earing and Determining this Cause. For as there was a ne∣cessity of having Ecclesiastics to judge Grandier, so there was the same necessity that his Judges should be at the Devotion of others. These Difficulties made 'em several times change the* 1.88 Exorcists themselves, who were no way so successfully Ser∣••iceable as they ought to have bin to the Designs of those who guided this Affair. There is nothing which affords more Di∣••e••••isements then to read in the verbal Reports of those Exorci∣••ers, the grand Oversights which those ill-instructed Religious Dances every moment made; whether it were mistaking one Question for another, and so making Answers no less absurd, or in pronouncing the Latin words which they were made to get by Heart, so ridiculously maim'd and mangl'd as they were; or whether it were in altering some Term, which made 'em stumble into monstrous Incongruities against all the Rules of Grammar. These Buffonries, which made all the Spectators •…•…ugh, put the Exorcists quite beside the Cushion, who afforded no less Pastime to those that were present by the Excuses which they alledg'd in Favour of the ill-prepar'd Demon. However, at length they found out such people as serv'd their turn to com∣pleat* 1.89 this Farce. Grandier was Condemn'd to dye, as being Covicted by his own Confession, not only of having both Writ and Spoken in Contempt of the Catholic Doctrin, but of Ma∣gic also, by the Depositions of the pretended possest Persons.

They likewise took for Proof of his being a Magician, the Con∣stancy which he shew'd under the Torments of the Rack, and at his Death; as also the Marks of his Aversion to the Bigotries practis'd by the Romish Church upon the like Occasions, which he testify'd upon the Ladder. But serious persons, who saw him do no more then what the Reformed did, when Con∣demn'd to the same Punishment, believ'd that all his Magic consisted only in this, that he was half a Heretic; and that he had done no other harm to the Nuns, then to teach 'em a Doctrin little conformable to that of the Romish Church, in reference to Monastic Vows and Celibacy. And there were some honest people who pity'd his Condition, and murmur'd that the Life of a Man should be Sacrific'd to the Hypocrisie of some certain Villains that made it their Business to gain by Frauds of that nature. However they thought fit to keep up some Remains of this Diabolical Possession for sometime after Grandier's death, lest people should perceive that the whole Aim of this sacri∣legious Play was only to get his Blood. But at length the Mis∣chief surceas'd; the Nuns appear'd no more upon the Stage; and the Missionarics themselves made little or no more noise of the Accident, because there happen'd some things in the carry∣ing on of the Comedy, the Reproach of which they had not the Impudence to bear.

On the other side, the Persecution began again under the* 1.90 pretence of Annexes; and the Bishop of Valence, unwilling to be bauk'd in his Enterprize, renew'd his Violences in his Dio∣cess. The Prior of Aureil also, in imitation of him, had the boldness by vertue of his own Authority, to Arrest Apaix, a Minister in those Quarters, who came to Preach in other Places, besides that of his Residence. He lock'd him up first of all in his Priory, from whence the Bishop's Almoner remov'd him to the Prison of Valence. Nor could he obtain his Liberty, till he gave Bail for his forth-coming. But at length he was ab∣solutely releas'd, and his Bail discharg'd by a Decree of the Pri∣vy Council, dated Novem. 24. Which Decree might have bin taken for an Act of Justice, had it not bin attended eight days after, by a more rigorous Declaration then all the Decrees

that had bin issu'd forth upon this occasion. It was dated from •…•…. Germans, Decem. 12. and forbid the Ministers of Languedoc, and all others to Preach or perform any other Exercise of the Reformed Religion in any other Places then where they resided; provided that Place too were one of those where the Exercise ••as allow'd. And the Penalty of transgressing was, to be pu∣nish'd as Breakers and Disturbers of the Peace, and a Fine of •…•…ve hundred Livres, which they were to be constrain'd to pay •• Imprisonment of their Bodies, and an Arbitrary A merce∣••ent. The Pretences for this Severity were, that the Tenth article of the Edict of 1561. forbid Ministers to ramble from •…•…age to Village to Preach; which as they affirm'd, was like∣wise confirm'd by several Decrees. 'Twas presuppos'd, that the ••••ight of Exercise did not belong to those Places, and that the Ministers of Languedoc had broken the Regulation: And this declaration was sent to Castres, where it was Register'd Jan. 5. •••• the following Year. Nevertheless, the Declaration afford∣ed a fair Occasion for the dividing of Voices: For it Reviv'd •••• Edict which was cancell'd by that of Nantes, which was •••• pernicious Consequence, in regard that all the Concessions •••• that Act might be eluded, by explaining 'em by the Terms •••• Other Edicts that were abrogated: And indeed this Method ••as found so useful and proper to ruin the Edict of Nantes, that they pursu'd it as far as it would go. Moreover, the Declara∣tion presuppos'd that the Annexes were Places without Right •••• Exercise; but the Reformed never yielded that to be true. Nevertheless the Thing being past into a Law, the Ministers ••ere reduc'd to a great Streight, from whence they could not ••ee themselves till after several years Patience under another ••eign. But the most heavy Persecution of the Reformed this ••ear, was that of the Extraordinary Sessions in Poitou, which* 1.91 ••et on purpose to vex 'em; and whose Jurisdiction extended ••••o Ango••mois, Aunix, Anjou, Le Maine, La Touraine, Le Li∣•…•…. and Perigood. This Grand Sessions was an Assembly consisting of Commissioners chosen out of one or several Par∣laments, which were sent into those Provinces where any pub∣lic Disorder were pretended to have bin committed, which

could not be supprest by the Proceedings of Ordinary Justice So that they were like those Itinerary Parlaments, which for¦merly went from place to place to Administer Justice when Necessity chiefly requir'd it. These Grand Sessions were won to be a Terror to persons in Power, who had opprest the people without fear of punishment: So that when this Grand Session approach'd any Provinces, all Offenders against whom no¦body durst open their mouths before, began to quake for fe•• of the Punishments which they deserv'd. But this Year the Grand Sessions did no harm to, nor terrify'd any body but the Reformed. And the manner of their pronouncing Sentence was enough to put those poor Creatures in fear of being lo•••• past all Redemption. But in regard that in the main the•• Decrees made more noise then they did mischief, and the re•• of the Provinces being exempted from this Storm, it may •• thought that the Cardinal sought rather to shew his Grande•••• and his Power, then the effect of his Rigour, to stop the mout•• of those that accus'd him of favouring Heretics.

This Assembly sat down at Poitiers the 4th of September* 1.92 and that of the Audiences the 11th of the same Month; and un¦der pretence of punishing Offences that were not pardon'd by the Edict, and after which no Inquisition had bin made by rea¦son of the Troubles, they put all the Churches of those Provin¦ces in fear of the loss of their Exercises. After they had or¦dain'd the inferiour Judges to give Information of all the Vio¦lences, Rebellions, Usurpations of Cures and Priories, to De¦cree, Seize, and make all requisite Pursuits and Inquiries, eve•• to the Definitive Sentence exclusively, the Grand Assizes began to issue forth Sentences more decisive. There was one of the 6th of September, which contain'd Nine principal Ar¦ticles; The first forbid the Reformed for the future to Bury i••* 1.93 Catholic Church-yards, under the Penalty of a 1000 Livres and to have the Corps's digg'd up agen. The second ordain'd that the Catholic Service should be re∣establish'd in Churches which had bin in the possession of the Reformed. The third forbid Tolling to Church with the Bells that belong'd to the Catholics. The fourth took from 'em the Priviledge of having

Schools in places where they had not leave to erect 'em by ve∣rifi'd Letters-Patents. The fifth, to oblige the Reformed Lords of Mannors to make choice in which of their Feiffs they intend∣ed to settle their Habitation, and consequently the Right of Exercise. The sixth ordain'd, that they should surcease their Exercises in places where the Lords should become Catholics; •••••• that they should not perform 'em within the Feiffs of Ca∣tholics, but with their consent. By the seventh, they were to demolish all Churches built in Church-yards, or near to Churches where the Catholic Service might be interrupted; •••• also all those that had bin built since the Edict, without per∣misson verifi'd. The eighth forbid Preaching in the Houses and Habitations of Ecclesiastics; and the close of that Article ••••tended the Prohibition to Halls and Public Places. The ninth ••ondemn'd the Reformed to refrain from the word Church, then they spoke of themselves, and to call their Doctrine by the ••ame of the Pretended Reformed Religion, under the Forfeiture •••• •••••• Livres. This Article principally concern'd Treaties of Marriage, where the Persons covenanting call'd themselves Memo••rs of the Church belonging to the Places of their Abode. This Nicety went a great way: But I have known Catholic Notaries, whose Zeal was so scrupulous, that when the rough Draught of the Contract was brought to 'em, which began, A Treaty of Marriage which by the good Pleasure of God will be Solem∣niz••, &c. would needs have the words, By the good Pleasure of ••••••, blotted out, as doing Heresie too much Honour.

This Decree was properly the substance of all the rest that* 1.94 ••ere made by the Grand Assizes. There was nothing to be ••en but the taking away of Church-yards, Exercises forbid, ••reaching silenc'd, Churches pull'd down, and incommodious and vexatious Regulations. Upon the 20th of September, a Decree ••as set forth, which oblig'd the Reformed, both Men and Women, to get out of the way upon Tingling of the Bell, when they met the Romish Sacrament in the Streets; or if they could 〈…〉〈…〉 to put themselves into a Posture of Respect: and in regard ••h•• Women had no Hats to pull off, they would needs enforce them to kneel like the Catholics; and for the Men, tho this Regu∣lation

were renew'd almost every year, neither getting out of the way, nor pulling off their Hats would serve their turns, when they fell into the Hands of the Populacy. The same Regulation was confirm'd by another Decree, dated Nov. 24.

The 26th of October came forth a Decree, which order'd the* 1.95 Church of St. Maixant to be Demolish'd. The Archbishop of Tours, who was Abbot of that Place, made a Latin Speech to the Grand Assizes, which savonr'd very strong of the Col∣ledge; but the Cause of an Archbishop against the Reformed was too Specious to require much Pleading. Nevertheless* 1.96 Omer Talon, the Son of James Talon, Advocate General in the Parlament of Paris, who had the same Employment in the Grand Assizes, pleaded strongly for the Archbishop. He affirm'd openly, that the Reformed were suffer'd only by Toleration and Connivance, as men suffer a Thing which they had rather be without. From which dangerous Principle, he drew a Con∣sequence much worse: That what concern'd the Religion o•• the Reformed, was not to be reckon'd among Things favourable for which the Terms of the Law are wont to be favourably in∣terpreted; but that in their Cases the Rigor of Expression was to be observ'd. The nothing could be said more contrary to the Intention of the Act, and the Repeated Promises of Lewis XIII but chiefly of Hen. IV. who had declar'd more then once, that Ambiguous Expressions ought to be favourably explain'd. Be∣sides Talon sought for the Interpretation of the Edict in the pre∣ceding Edicts; which was very strange in a man that made a profession of Honesty, as he did, and who was too clear-sighted, not to understand that there was nothing more Unjust, or more Imprudent then to fetch from Laws revok'd, the Explanation of a New Law which Repeals 'em. 'Twas either a great piece of Injustice, or a manifest Absurdity to seek for the Sense of a new Edict in those that preceded: Besides, that they must have bin in some measure conformable to the New one, or else they could never be any way effectual; and by consequence, they could ne∣ver be serviceable to pinch and strait-lace Concessions of a New Law, when they contain'd Expressions neither so Ample nor so Favourable.

Nevertheless, upon this Principle it was that Talon lean'd, That he might make a distinction between the Right of Ex∣ercise,* 1.97 and the Right of the Church. For he asserted, that no Churches could be built but in places of Bailliage; and such whose possession was grounded upon the Edict of 1577. because the Sixteenth Article of the Edict of Nantes allow'd the having of 'em, according to the Twelfth Article of the Conserence of N••rac. Fron whence he concluded, that the Favour not be∣ing extended in express terms to New Possessions, establish'd by vertue of the Siege of Nantes, they could not have places built on purpose to preach in; and that there could be no preaching but in the Minister's House, or else in one that was hir'd. But to say truth, there was enough in the Ar∣ticle it self of the Edict to refute this Cavil. For that this Article coming after all the rest, which explain'd the Foun∣dations of the Right of Exercise, 'twas natural to extend the Permission for building of Churches, to all places where for the future it was lawful to preach. The Article of Nerac was not quoted to reduce the Liberty of having Churches to places where the Privilege of Exercise was purchas'd from the time of that Conference; but to testify, that in regard the Treaty of Nerac permitted the building of Churches, wherever the Exercise was then granted by the Edicts, it was in like man∣ner permitted by the Edict of Nantes to build, or have 'em in all Cities and Places where that New Edict establish'd the Exercise. But though no such thing had bin, yet it may be said that this Pretension was but a meer Cavil at best, from which there redounded neither Honour nor Ad∣vantage to the Catholics; since in reality, the Exercise being permitted, 'twas indifferent to the Catholics to see it per∣form'd in a House built on purpose, or in a hir'd House. 'Tis true, that the greatest part of the Churches were built since 1600. but that was no reason why they should be call'd Usurpa∣tions; for that which hinder'd the building 'em sooner, was, because the Reformed had places there where they perform'd their Exercises which the Edict oblig'd 'em to quit; either because they were Houses belonging to Ecclesiastics, or because

they were Structures belonging to Corporations, as Hal••s, Town-Houses, and the like. The loss of which Buildings made 'em bethink themselves of having others; and till they could raise Money to build Churches, they were forc'd to hire Houses, where sometimes they lodg'd the Minister himself.

Nevertheless, upon this Foundation it was, that the Grand* 1.98 Assizes condemn'd so many Churches: And it is requisite to be observ'd, for the better understanding whence it came to pass, that in one and the same Decree they order'd the demo∣lishing of a Church, and at the same time the producing of the Tythes and Evidences by vertue of which they claim'd the Right of Exercise. The reason of which double Order was, because they thought that the Right of Exercise was no Evi∣dence of the Right of the Church, but that the one might be had without the other. However, to involve more Churches in the same Inconvenience, they added one more of Proxi∣mity or Inconvenience to the Catholic Churches; and under those Pretences, besides the Church of St. Maixant, they con∣demn'd the Churches of Cherveux, Chef-boutonne, Mo••gon, G••∣nouille, Lusignan, and I know not how many more. There were several Decrees also which order'd the Restitution of Church-yards to the Catholics; forbid keeping of Petty Schools; dispossess'd the Reformed of some Chappels; gave Commission to order the Ministers and Consistories of certain Ministers to produce their Evidences; forbid open∣ing of Shops of Holidays, and to frequent Public Houses du∣ring Mass-time. Cooks also and Vintners were forbid to admit People into their Houses during that time, or to sell Flesh upon Prohibited Days. Others forbid blaspheming the Mysteries of the Romish Religion, or to hinder the Officers of the Places from spreading Carpets before the Houses upon Procession Days.

These Proceedings continu'd for some time after the Year* 1.99 was at an end; nor were other Places besides those afore∣mention'd, exempted from as great Acts of Injustice.

Upon the 16th of January the Privy Council issu'd forth a •…•…r••e, the Consequences of which would have bin very* 1.100 •…•…kward, had it bin put in execution. For Cacherat, Mini∣ster of Qu••llebaeuf in Normandy, was a Man of a mutinous, •…•…tions, turbulent, insolent and transported Spirit; always 〈…〉〈…〉 odds with his Church; always quarrelling with the Synod of his Province. He had created Troubles and Vexations that had lasted above ten years, and which had bin carri'd to the National Synods. Among the rest, that which was held in 1631▪ had us'd him civilly; which made him but more proud and daring. But the Synod of St. Lo suspended him from the Ministry for his Rebellions; and in regard he refus'd to ap∣pear, he was summon'd before the next. These Proceedings transported him even to Rage; insomuch that he presented a Petition against all the Ministers of Normandy to the Council, wherein he accus'd 'em of intruding into the Ministry without a C••ll; that they had abus'd their Functions; that they for∣••••••k their Pulpits to hold forth at Meetings; that their Mission was not conformable to the Statutes of their Discipline; and that they had bin illegally admitted by their Churches, whither they had never bin sent either by Synods or Colloquies. He de∣••••r'd they might be treated as Deserters, and forbid to officiate in the Ministry, and that what they had hitherto done, might i. e. declar'd null and void. He complain'd that they had load∣ed him with Calumnies to ruin his Reputation and that they detain'd his Salary from him, which they had not paid him in two years. Lastly, he concluded, that no Ministers might for the future be admitted before they produc'd Authentic Acts of their being call'd, to be view'd by the Advocates General, or their ••u••stitutes: And that they who took upon 'em at present to ••fficiate, should be oblig'd within a Month to shew their Di∣ploma's and their Qualifications to the Judges of the Places. These Hairbrain'd Accusations put the Reformed in great fear at a time when their Destruction seem'd to be sworn. And they made no question but the Bigots would embrace so fair an opportunity to put all the Churches in confusion; more es∣pecially because he was one that liv'd still in their Communion,

who gave the occasion. Nevertheless, all this Hurliburly had no o∣ther foundation, then the lending of some Minister of one Church to another, without Chacherat's Approbation; or some Order exe∣cuted in his Church against his Will. At length, after a long soli∣citation, a Decree was made which dismist both Parties, but or∣der'd, that for the time to come no Minister should be admit∣ted without taking the Oath of Allegiance; that they who had officiated in Foreign Countries, should not reassume their Fun∣ctions in France without the King's Permission, and taking a new Oath; and that no Foreigner should officiate in the Mini∣stry, or in any other Religious Office without express leave. But the Innovation of swearing Allegiance was that which most perplex'd the Reformed. For they held it much for their Mi∣nisters Honour, that the State was wont to be assur'd of their Fidelity, without exacting a solemn Promise; but that the Bishops were oblig'd to take the Oath before they could be ad∣mitted. Besides, they took this Oath for a forerunner of great Misfortunes; as being a Custom borrow'd from the Reign of Charles the IX. And lastly, they were afraid that it would prove the occasion of a thousand Cavils, to engage 'em to swear things either contrary to their Consciences, or pre∣judicial to their Liberties. But luckily for 'em this Decree came to nothing, as being never put in execution. As for Cacherat, he abjur'd his Religion; and having obtain'd a Pen∣sion from the Clergy, enough to live upon, without working for a Livelihood, he never any more disturb'd the Peace of the Churches. Some Memoirs there are that mention an Edict to the same purpose with the Decree; but I never saw it, and believe it to be an Error of him that compil'd 'em.

But the 18th of the same Month the King set forth a Decla∣ration* 1.101 that gave Precedency to the Counsellors of the Parla∣ment of Tholouse that serv'd in the Chamber at Castres, in the absence of the Presidents, before the Reformed Counsellors, tho never so much their Seniors; so that that same Chamber was reduc'd to the same condition with that of Guyenne. To∣ward the end of this Month also, the Catholics would needs make the Reformed of Loudun pay the Costs and Charges they

had bin at in exorcising the Ʋrsulins; for as yet they had not ••••one with that Farce. The Reformed had erected a Colledge* 1.102 •••• that City, where they were very numerous. The Catho∣lics therefore meditating which way to deprive 'em of it, pre∣sented a Petition to Laubardemont, deputed Commissioner to take the Informations concerning that same Diabolical Possession, and much at the devotion of the Ecclesiastics. They set forth, That ••he Ʋrsulins house was too little to contain 'em, and for the per∣formance of those Exorcisms that were requisite; that all the Churches of the City were taken up, excepting one Chap∣pel which the Guardian of the Franciscans offer'd to lend 'em; that the Colledge of the Reformed ought to be taken from ••em, as being erected without the King's leave; and upon these Suppositions, they desir'd that the Colledge might be given to the Catholics; that so the Ʋrsulins, or a part of 'em, might be remov'd thither, for the better convenience of exorcising 'em. Upon which, the Commissioner gave 'em a Grant of it with a Proviso, till the King should otherwise ordain. And thus the Reformed were made to pay the Expences of a Comedy, wherein they were no otherwise concern'd then to make them∣selves sport with it, and laugh at it in private.

The 9th of March the Council put forth a Decree, which* 1.103 forbid the Public Exercise of the Reformed Religion at Paroi in Ch••rol••is, a small Village, of which the Abbot and Monks of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were the Lords. Cardinal Richlieu was chosen Ab∣bot of it, and by Consequence he had an Interest in that little City: so that the Decree could not fail of a solemn execution. But besides the Interdiction of Public Exercise, it contain'd al∣so a Prohibition to keep Schools therein; to sell Flesh upon pro∣hibited days; to work with their Shops open on Holydays; to meet in Houses to perform the Duties of Catechizing, Preach∣ing or Prayer; to hinder the Ecclesiastics from visiting and comforting the Sick; to sing Psalms in the Streets, or so loud in their Houses, as to be heard; to bury in the Church-yard be∣longing to the Hospital, or at any other hours then those that were prescrib'd by the Edict. It order'd also the Reformed to keep and spread Carpets before their doors upon Procession

days. It gave leave that the Reformed might send their Chil∣dren to the Colledge which the Cardinal had founded, with promise that they should not be seduc'd to change their Reli∣gion; and that they might be Sheriffs if elected, without any obligation of being forc'd to hold. At the same time the Re∣formed of Chaume, a Borough depending upon the Jurisdiction of Olon, which belong'd to the Marquis of Royan, lost their Right of Exercise. Nor was there any notice taken of their Posses∣sion well prov'd; or that they had not only the consent of the Lord, but an agreement in writing made in the year 16••••▪ with him, the Curate and the Catholic Inhabitants, wherein the Lord expresly covenanted to desist from all opposition against their Right for the future. All the Favour they could have shewn 'em was, that they had the liberty left 'em to make their Addresses to the King, that they might have some other place allow'd 'em without the Jurisdiction of Olonne.

Now in regard the Declaration of the preceding year in refe∣rence* 1.104 to the Annexes, had render'd the Law general, tho it were only set forth for the Province of Languedoc, the Ministers o•• Saintonge and other places, were put to a great deal of trouble upon this occasion. Rivet of Champvernon was deputed to the Court by the Synod assembl'd at Mauzé, to crave some re∣lief against these Vexations; who brought back a Reference of the 16th of April to Villemontée, Intendant of Justice in those Provinces. This new Judge was given to understand, that the Prohibition mention'd in the Declaration, and by the Decrees, depriv'd the Reformed of all manner of Exercise of their Dis∣cipline, and expos'd all Ministers that preach'd in any other place then where they resided, or by vertue of an Order, or Loane authoriz'd by the Synods or Colloquies, to a thou∣sand Prosecutions: tho those Accidents many times could not be avoided, by reason of the death, sickness, absence, suspen∣sion or degrading of the Incumbent Ministers, or upon some other urgent Business which requir'd the Synod to depute Commissioners. They gave him to understand, that there were Ministers settl'd by the Synods, to preach alternatively in several places where they had a Right of Exercise, and ••••

consequence they could not be accus'd of preaching out of the places where they were setl'd. The Commissioner was apprehensive of these Reasons, and by an Order of the 22d of June, gave the Ministers leave to preach out of their Residence when they should be sent upon any of the fore∣mention'd Occasions.

However the Reformed of Metz were not so favourably us'd* 1.105 at the Council. For they had a desire to erect a Colledge in their City; but the Bishop of Madaure, Suffragan to Metz, oppos'd it; and the three Catholic Bodies of the City join'd with him. This Business was remov'd to the Council, where the Opposers obtain'd a Decree in their favour, dated July the 25th. That Decree forbid the Reformed to have either Masters, Regents, Classes, Schools or Colledges. It only gave leave that they should have Masters in the City, to ••each Children to read and write French; but prohibited ••hose Masters from taking Pensioners. It forbid likewise the having those Petty Schools without the City; reserving only the liberty of sending their Children to Catholic Schools. Now in regard the War began this year between France and Spain, the Affairs of State afforded some little Relaxation ••o those of the Reformed Religion: So that there remains* 1.106 ••ittle of moment for me to relate, but only what befel the Duke of Bouillon, Son of the Marshal. He became inamour'd ••f the Marquess of Berghe's Daughter, who was indeed a very ••ovely Lady. To marry her, he renounc'd far greater Matches, ••o which he might have pretended. And he abandon'd him∣self so entirely to this Woman, no less a Spaniard by Incli∣nation, then a Zealous Catholic, that by her Persuasions he quitted his Religion, fell off from the Interests of France, and reduc'd his own Family to the Precipice of Threatning ••uin. Therefore, that I may not be forc'd to return any more ••o this Subject again hereafter, I shall speak all together which is to be said of him; That he had a share in all the Confusions of France; that he admitted the Count of Soissons into Sedan, who was slain in a Combat before the Town; that at the same time that his Pardon was granted him for

that Rebellion, he enter'd into the Conspiracy of Cinq Mars against the Cardinal; that the Plot being discover'd, he was seiz'd in Italy, where he had the Command of an Army conferr'd upon him, to remove him from the City, and to be masters of his Person when they pleas'd. That knowing well that the Cardinal never forgave twice, he offer'd to sur∣render his City to the King to save his life, and Sedan was the Price of his Liberty. The Cardinal before his death had the Pleasure of that Conquest, after which he liv'd not long. Thus the Father of the Duke having had a Principality, as the fruit of his siding with the Reformed Religion; the Duke his Son lost it as the Reward of his turning Catholic. And because his Wife brought him little or nothing in Marriage, 'twas said of him, That the Dowry which he had with her was the loss of Sedan. This Misfortune befel him in the Year 1642.

The End of the Tenth Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rejoycing among the Catholics.
• * 1.2

  Cruelties, Insulting, and Execu∣tions.
• * 1.3

  Personal Enmity be∣tween the Prince of Condé, and the Duke of Rohan.
• * 1.4

  A new Se∣dition at Lion a∣gainst the Reformed.
• * 1.5

  The pre∣tended Conversion of a Sick Person that fell into a Phrensie.
• * 1.6

  Decrees and Declarati∣ons against the Duke of Rohan.
• * 1.7

  The King and the Cardinal take a Journey into Italy.
• * 1.8

  1629.
• * 1.9

  The Siege of Privas, the Inhabi∣tants of which were betray'd.
• * 1.10

  Cruelties exercis'd upon the City.
• * 1.11

  The pre∣tences of the Catho∣lics.
• * 1.12

  Conver∣sions of soldiers tak'n Pris'ners.
• * 1.13

  A Decla∣ration upon the taking of Privas.
• * 1.14

  A Treaty of the Duke of Rohan with Spain.
• * 1.15

  An Assem∣bly permit∣ted at An∣duse, and translated to Nimes
• * 1.16

  Peace 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.17

  The Edict of Grace.
• * 1.18

  Contents of the Edict.
• * 1.19

  The King's Letter to Queen Mo∣ther about the Peace.
• * 1.20

  The Duke of Rohan retires.
• * 1.21

  Montau∣ban re∣duc'd.
• * 1.22

  Assembly of the Clergy.
• * 1.23

  Particu••••••▪ Acts of In∣justice.
• * 1.24

  1630.
• * 1.25

  Mlssiiona∣ries.
• * 1.26

  The Duke of Rohan accus'd of the Ruin of the Churches.
• * 1.27

  Cavils a∣bout the Right of Exercises.
• * 1.28

  The Bishop of Valence persecutes the Foreign Ministers.
• * 1.29

  The Origi∣nal of the Injustice done upon occasion of the An∣nexes.
• * 1.30

  New Seeds of a Civil War.
• * 1.31

  1631.
• * 1.32

  The Queen withdraws into Flan∣ders.
• * 1.33

  Alliance with Gustavus King of Sueden.
• * 1.34

  Projects of Reunion.
• * 1.35

  With which the Cardi∣nal closes.
• * 1.36

  Intreagues of Joseph the Capu∣chin.
• * 1.37

  caught he Pro.
• * 1.38

  How the Synods were to speak.
• * 1.39

  Inclinati∣ons of the Ministers
• * 1.40

  And the People.
• * 1.41

  Difficul∣ties.
• * 1.42

  Petit's Projects.
• * 1.43

  And Me∣litiere.
• * 1.44

  Difference in their in∣tentions.
• * 1.45

  Issue of the Project in general.
• * 1.46

  The truth of this Project.
• * 1.47

  A National Synod.
• * 1.48

  The Com∣missioners Speech.
• * 1.49

  Ministers suspected by the King, excluded from the Synod.
• * 1.50

  The Answer to the Com∣missioner's Speech.
• * 1.51

  The Com∣missioner in vain oppo∣ses the U∣nion of the Churches of Bearn, with the rest.
• * 1.52

  Several Proposals of the Com∣missioner.
• * 1.53

  The Synod s••nds Depu∣ties to the King. Papers.
• * 1.54

  The favou∣rable Re∣ception of the Depu∣ties.
• * 1.55

  The Nomi∣nation of General Deputies.
• * 1.56

  The Refor∣med fear'd at Court.
• * 1.57

  ••mportant Resolutions of the Synod.
• * 1.58

  Annexes.
• * 1.59

  Exercise forbid.
• * 1.60

  Consulships.
• * 1.61

  The Pu•…•… Liberty oppr•…•….
• * 1.62

  1632.
• * 1.63

  Civil War of the Duke of Orle∣ans.
• * 1.64

  The Bishops of Lan∣guedoc side with him.
• * 1.65

  The Re∣formed faithful.
• * 1.66

  The Duke of Rohan serves the King in Italy.
• * 1.67

  Affairs of the An∣nexes in the Dau∣phinate referr'd to four Com∣missioners. Consulship of Alets.
• * 1.68

  Exercise forbid.
• * 1.69

  A shame∣ful Cavil.
• * 1.70

  An incon∣siderate Curiosity of two Scho∣lars.
• * 1.71

  The Death of Gusta∣vus.
• * 1.72

  1633.
• * 1.73

  Great Troubles in the King∣dom.
• * 1.74

  Advice of the Com∣missioners of the Dauphi∣nate upon the An∣nexes.
• * 1.75

  Re-esta∣blishment of Privas.
• * 1.76

  Treatise, intitl'd, The Eu∣charist of the An∣cient Church.
• * 1.77

  Exercises forbid.
• * 1.78

  Parti••-Colledges.
• * 1.79

  1634.
• * 1.80

  The Conti∣nuance of the Public Oppression.
• * 1.81

  Pretensions of France to all Europe.
• * 1.82

  Answer'd.
• * 1.83

  The Duke of Sulli made a Marshal of France.
• * 1.84

  Decrees upon seve∣ral occa∣sions.
• * 1.85

  Pre•••••• ••••▪adjudg'd to the Catho∣lic Coun∣sellors of the Cham∣ber of Guyenne.
• * 1.86

  The Coun∣sellors of the Cham∣ber of Ca∣stres, f••r∣bid to wear Red Robes.
• * 1.87

  The pre∣tended Pos∣session of the Ursu∣lines of Loudun.
• * 1.88

  Rediculous Effects of Exorcisms.
• * 1.89

  The death of a Priest accus'd of having be∣witch'd his Nuns.
• * 1.90

  New Vexa∣tions about the An∣nexes.
• * 1.91

  An Extra∣ordinary Sessions in Poiton.
• * 1.92

  Affrights•• of the Churches.
• * 1.93

  An Impor∣tant De∣cree upon several Ar∣ticles.
• * 1.94

  Another troublesom Decree a∣bout meet∣ing the Sacrament.
• * 1.95

  The Church of St. Maixant Demolish'd.
• * 1.96

  Omer Ta∣lon's man∣ner of Pleading.
• * 1.97

  A distin∣ction be∣tween the Right of Exercise, and the Right of the Church.
• * 1.98

  Several Decrees of the Grand Assizes a∣gainst the Reformed.
• * 1.99

  1635.
• * 1.100

  Persecuti∣on rais'd by Cacherat against the Churches of Nor∣mandy.
• * 1.101

  Precedency adjudg'd to the Ca∣tholic Councellors of the Chamber of Castres.
• * 1.102

  The Col∣ledge taken from the Reformed of Lou∣dun.
• * 1.103

  Exercise forbid at Paro••
• * 1.104

  Order of the Inten∣dant of Poitou about Annexes.
• * 1.105

  The Re∣formed of Metz for∣bid to have a Colledge
• * 1.106

  The Duke of Bouil∣lon chan∣ges his Re∣ligion.