Conformity of the ecclesiastical discipline of the Reformed churches of France with that of the primitive Christians written by M. La Rocque ... ; render'd into English by Jos. Walker.

IV.

To the end there might be always good store of Pastors, and that Churches may be always well provided with persons capable to conduct them, and to Preach the Word of God; the Churches are advertis'd to Elect hopeful Scholars, such as are already well advanced in Learning, to keep them at Ʋniversities, that there they may be fitted and prepared to be employed in the Holy Ministry, incouraging the Children of poor Ministers, which are apt for Learning, whereof the Col∣loques shall take notice. Kings, Princes, and great Lords shall be desired and Exhorted to assist herein, and to con∣tribute part of their Revenue, as also opulent Churches. The Colloques, and Provincial Synods shall give advertisements where and when they shall see occasion, and shall use all con∣venient means, that things so necessary might be brought to good effect; and if single Churches can't do it, neighbour∣ing

Churches shall join together, that at least there might be a maintenance for each Colloque; and that rather than fail, the 5th Penny of the Alms-money be set apart for this use, if it may be conveniently done.

CONFORMITY.

It appears by the 14th Canon of the Synod of Epaum, Assembled in the Year 517, That it was practis'd at that time just as our Discipline prescribes; for it ap∣points to him of the Clergy that shall have received any Gratification and Present from the liberality of the Church wherein he liv'd, that he should return it back again, if he be advanced to be Bishop of ano∣ther Church; it appears to me, this cannot be under∣stood, but of the assistance was given him during the time of his studies, seeing that from the very moment any one entred into the Service of a Church, he was to have his support and maintenance from it. It was in this regard Theodolphus, Bishop of Orleans, permitted the Priests of his Diocess, in the Year 797. to send their Nephews, or some of their Relations, unto the School he names, which they shall like best, there to be Taught and Educated. There's something like this in the Seminaries, which the 2d Council of Toledo, as 'twere, founded in the Year 530. and the 4th of the same place, An. 633. Can. 23, or 24. Tom. 4. Conc. Page 588. Not so much as the Council of Trent, but made a Decree in the 29th Session, Anno 1563. for the Establishing these Seminaries, Tom. 9. Conc. Page 409. cap. 18.