Synodicon in Gallia reformata, or, The acts, decisions, decrees, and canons of those famous national councils of the reformed churches in France being I. a most faithful and impartial history of the rise, growth, perfection and decay of the reformation in that kingdom, with its fatal catastrophe upon the revocation of the Edict of Nants in the year 1685 : II. the confession of faith and discipline of those churches : III. a collection of speeches, letters, sacred politicks, cases of conscience, and controversies in divinity, determined and resolved by those grave assemblies : IV. many excellent expedients for preventing and healing schisms in the churches and for re-uniting the dismembred body of divided Protestants : V. the laws, government, and maintenance of their colleges, universities and ministers, together with their exercise of discipline upon delinquent ministers and church-members : VI. a record of very many illustrious events of divine providence relating to those churches : the whole collected and composed out of original manuscript acts of those renowned synods : a work never be extant in any language.

THE Synod of Castres.* 1.1 (Book 25 (Castres))

SYNOD XXV. 1626. (Book 25 (Castres))

In the Name of God. Amen.

The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France and Bearne Assembled at Castres in Albigeois in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and Six, the Sixteenth day of September, and the days following to the Fifth of No∣vember, in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of Louis XIII. King of France and Navarre.

CHAP. I.

AT the opening of this Synod there appeared the Lord Galland one of the Lords of His Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council, and Council of State, and Attorney General for his Dominion of Navarre, as His Majesties Commissioner, Deputed by His Majesty unto this Assembly with this Letter following.

By the KING.

Dear and well beloved,

we being fully resolved to keep and observe, and see that our Edicts and Declarations be inviolably kept and obser∣ved, and that you may injoy those Favours and Priviledges, which are granted you by them, we have freely and willingly suffered you to meet together in this National Synod Convocated by you in our Town of Castres September next, where you shall only debate of such Matters as concern the Discipline of your Religion; and have also at the same time made choice of our Trusty and Well-Beloved Counsellor the Lord Galland One of the Lords of our Privy Council, and Council of State, and Attorney General for our Dominion of Navarr to meet you from us and on our behalf in your said Assembly, and to assist in person at all your Consultations; and to give you plenary Assurance of our good and sincere Intentions for your Peace and Comfort. Wherefore

we will and require you to give him credit in all things; and to rest assured, that as long as you contain your selves within the Bounds and Limits of your Fidelity and Obedience; which you owe unto us, we shall al∣wayes treat you as good and Loyal Subjects, and shall give you to re∣sent the Effects and Fruits of our Favour and good Will unto you on all occasions that may occur, as the said Lord of Galland shall in our Name more particularly informe you.

Given at Nantes this 24th. of July, 1626.

Signed ••eve••, and Lower, Phillippe••ux.

And superscribed. To our dear and well-beloved the Deputies of the National Synod of the P. Reformed Churches called by our permission unto the Town of Castres.

There appeared in the said Assembly for the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church of Aiguieres, and James Franc Notary Publick, Elder of the Church of Lormarin.

For the Province of Vivaretz, Forrest, and Vellay the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay, and Paul Accaurat Pastor of the Church of Aubenas, and Daniel Arcajon the Kings Notary, and El∣der in the said Church of Aubenas, and Daniel Sabatier Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Berg. These Persons were requested to see that for the future their Provincial Synod suffer not any Letters of Commission or Memoirs which shall be brought before the National Synods by the Deputies of the said Province, to be form'd out of their Synodical As∣semblies, nor that they be subscribed by any others besides the Modera∣tors, or Assessors, in case the Moderators of the said Synods shall be chosen Deputies.

For the Province of Britain the Sieurs Andrew le Noir Lord of Beau∣champ, Pastor in the Church of Belin, and Philip de Vassant, Esq Lord of Martimont, Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard.

For the Province of Sevennes, The Sieurs Nicolas le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Barr, and Lawrens Aymard Pastor of the Church of Lezan, together with Claudius de Gabriac Lord of Beaufort, Elder in the Church of Avez, and Charles de Calvet Lord of Aires Elder in the Church of St Privat.

For the Province of Dolphiny Denis Bouteroue Pastor of the Church in Grenoble, and John Corel Pastor of the Church of Ambrun, with David Chaluett Elder in the Church of Die, and Anthony Brissett Elder in the Church of Montlimart.

For the Province of Burgundy, The Sieurs Peter Bollenatt Pastor in the Church of Avalon, which meets for Religious Worship at Vaux. Alexander Rouph one of the Pastors of the Church of Lions, together with Albert de Mars, Esq Lord of Baleines Elder in the Church of Maringues, and Lazarus du Puy Counsellor for the King in the Presidial Court of Berg in the Province of Bresse, and Elder of the Church in the said Town.

For the Province of Higher Languedoc, The Sieurs Peter Ollier Pastor of the Church of Montauban, and Moses de Baux Pastor of the Church of Mazamet together with Mr. John de Portes Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate in Parliament, Elder of the Church of Castres, and the Lord John Brassar Doctor of the Civil Law, and Advocate in Parlia∣ment, Elder in the Church of Montauban, but he was detained by Sick∣ness in the said City, and whereas another was substituted in his place. He also came not for want of Notice given him.

For the Province of Lower Languedoc; The Sieurs John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommieres, and Michael le ••aucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier, with Francis Petit Doctor of the Civil Law, and Advo∣cate, Elder in the Church of Nismes, and Theophilus Ranchin Secretary of the Kings Chamber, and Elder in the said Church of Montpellier.

For the Province of Lower Guyenne, The Sieurs John Mizaubin Pastor of the Church of Sainte Foy, and James du Fort Pastor of La Bastide in Armagnac, together with Mr. John Joan Lord of Loullan, Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux, Elder in the Church of Duras, and Mr. Isaack Grenouelleau Advocate also in the same Parliament and Elder of the Church of Castelsmoron in Albrett.

For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons, and David Belot Pastor of the Church de la Rochecha∣lais, together with John Besne Esq Lord of Angoulins Elder in the Church of Rochell, and Elijah Marlat Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux, and Elder of the Church of Mirambeau.

For the Province of Poictou, The Sieur Peter de la Vallade Pastor of the Church of Fontenay la Conte, and Isaac du Soul Pastor of the Church of Lusignan, accompanied with Gilles Begaud Esq Lord of La Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Montague, and James Coxdel Lord of Soignon, Elder in the Church of St. Maixant.

For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Daniel Couppe Pastor of Loudun, and Stephen le Bloy Pastor of the Church of Angers, without any Elders, because those who were Commissionated fell sick on their Journey; which Excuse was admitted.

For the Province of Orleans and Berry, The Sieurs John Guerrin Pastor of the Church of Baugency, and John Taby Pastor of the Church of La Charite, accompanied with James Pasquier Counsellor and Com∣ptroller for the King in the Town of Baugency, and Elder of the Church there, and Peter Longuet Advocate in the Parliament of Paris, and Elder in the Church of Issoudun.

For the Province of Normandy, The Sieur John Baunier Lord of La Fresnage Pastor in the Church of Caen, and Peter Erondelle Pastor in the Church of Roan, Accompanied with Peter du Pertuis, Esq Lord of Eragny, Elder in the Church of Gisors, and Mr. Francis Quillel Lord of La Briere, Counsellor and Assessor in the Vi-County of Alenson, and Elder of the Church gathered in that City.

For the Province of the Isle of France, The Sieurs John Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris, and David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Houdan, Accompanied with John de Gravelle, Esq Lord of Beauterne, Elder in the said Church of Houdan, and Isaack d' Huisseau Elder in the Church of Paris.

For the Province of Bearn, The Sieurs Peter Rivall, Pastor of the Church of Nay, and John de Pommarede Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder in the Church of Mourlans, who not having inserted in their Letters of Deputation that clause of submission required by the former National Synods, were told that for this time they were born

withal on those Conditions expresly mentioned in the Canons of the last National Synod, but for the future, they should not be admitted into these Assemblies, nor have a consultive Vote in them, excepting only when as the Confession of our Faith should be read, in which in∣deed and nothing else they retain Union with our Churches.

The Second of October the Lord of Montmartyn General-Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom unto His Majesty came into this Synod, and took his place, and voted in it according to the Canons of our Churches, and the usual practise of former National Synods.

After Invocation of the Holy Name of God in Prayer, Monsieur Chauve was chosen Moderator, and Monsieur Bouteroue Assessor, and Messieurs Blondel and Petit Scribes.

CHAP. II. The Kings Writt for the Calling of the Synod, and ordering of Matters in it.

AS soon as the Synod was formed, and the Election of its Officers past the Lord Galland presented His Majesties Letters Patents, which being read, they were transcribed, and the Copy inserted into the Acts of this Synod, the Tenour whereof was as followeth:

The Kings Letters Patents.

Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre

to our Be∣loved and Trusty Counsellor in our Councils of State and Privy Coun∣cil and Attorney General for our Dominion of Navarre the Lord Galland, Greeting.

We having permitted according to our Edicts our Subjects professing the P. Reformed Religion to convocate and keep a National Council in our City of Castres in the Province of Languedoc this next September, that they may as usual take care about matters of Discipline appertaining unto their Religion, wherefore it being needful that there should be present in the said Council a Com∣missioner from us who might watch over our said Subjects, that they do not treat of any other Affairs but such as are allowed them by our Edicts, and knowing by past Experience that we could not pitch upon a more Worthy Person than your self, of whose Fidelity and Affection to our Service, Sufficiency and Abilities, we are very well satisfied, and remembring your singular care and vigilancy mani∣fested in the last National Synod held at Charenton by our said Sub∣jects in the Moneth of September, and Year of Our Lord One Thou∣sand Six Hundred and Twenty Three to the general contentment both of us and them also, For which causes we have Commissio∣nated, Deputed and Ordained, and do Commissionate, Depute, and Ordain you by these presents to go unto our said City of Castres, and to sit in the said National Council in our stead and as our Represen∣tative,

and personally to be present at all their Consultations and Re∣solutions, and to see, use, and exercise our Authority that nothing be proposed or debated, but what doth truly concern the Discipline of the Religion aforesaid, according to the Tenour of our Edicts and Declarations, and particularly of those made and published by us in September Sixteen Hundred Twenty Three, about their holding of Colloquies and Synods, and you shall look to it also that none of our Subjects do keep any private Conventicles in that our said City. You shall also have a special care that nothing be moved or debated in the said Council, but what may contribute to the benefit of our Ser∣vice, and the upholding of our Authority, and preservation of the Peace of our Kingdom. And in case there should be any actings contra∣ry hereunto we command you immediately to suppress them, and in our Name and Authority to Act, or to make such interdictions and prohibitions as you shall judge needful; of which, as generally of all Matters transacted in the said Council you shall form a good and am∣ple verbal process, That, it being brought unto us upon your return, we may advise of what shall be most expedient for our Service, and the Tranquillity of our Subjects. And for the doing hereof we im∣power you with full Authority, and give you our Commission, and especial Warrant by these presents, For such is our Will and Plea∣sure.

Given at Nants, * 3.1this Twentieth day of July, in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred, and Twenty Six, and of Our Reign the Seventeenth.

Signed Louis. And a little lower, By the King. Philippeaux.

And Sealed with Yellow Wax.

CHAP. III. The Lord Commissioners Speech to the COUNCIL.

* 3.2THIS Commission being read, The Lord Galland declared fully and at large what Orders had been given him by His Majesty, the Sum of which was an Assurance of His Majesties good Will towards His Sub∣jects of the Reformed Religion, and his Royal promise to preserve them in their Exercise and peaceable profession of it, and that whilest they continued in their Duty and Obedience unto His Majesty he would take care that his Edicts should be strictly and punctually observed. 2. And that the Foundations of their Obedience may be the more firm and solid, His Majesty exhorted his said Subjects of the Reformed Religion to live in a greater Equanimity and Moderation with his other Subjects, though differing from them in Religion. So that the difference in Religion may cause no difference in their Affections, which His Majesty assureth His said Protestant Subjects shall be accurately observed towards them, that so they may not in any manner be troubled or prosecuted upon the pre∣text and ground of their Religion. 3. The Professors also of the Re∣formed Religion ought on their part to promise, that they will not hold any Intelligence, Alliances, or Correspondence with Persons abroad and without the Kingdom, but only with His Majesty, Reposing their intire Confidence in His Majesties Royal Word, Grace and Favour. He

added farther, That His Majesty commanded him to acquaint us, that during the Wars he was never minded to abrogate or disanul the Edicts, because he alwayes had a particular regard to the Repose of his Sub∣jects. For immediately upon his being declared Major, he confirmed his Edicts, renewed his Alliances, increased and augmented his Bounty unto the Ministers, and imployed in his most important Affairs of State the Lords and Gentlemen professing the said Religion, and when as some special Occurrences necessitated him to act otherwise, He did notwithstanding express and evidence the Effects of his Clemency by receiving and pardoning whole Communities, and all such of His Sub∣jects as submitted themselves unto his Authority, he gave them a Ge∣neral Amnesty to Indemnifie them. 4. And although the remembrance of those Actions be dead and buried, yet 'tis His Majesties Pleasure, that the Canon past in the Synod of Realmont be put in Execution, and an Information taken and brought in against those Ministers, who had embrac't the Spanish Faction, and that the Deputies unto this Council do Order a Declaration to this purpose to be drawn up, not as if His Majesty intended an Hue and Cry should be issued out after the guilty, or that they should be prosecuted for it, but that all occasions of Troubles may be taken away, and that the Lives and Actions of those who persisted in their Duty may not at all be blemi∣shed. 5. The said Lord Commissioner added further, That it was His Majesties Will as it had been Decreed in the last Synod at Charenton, that Ministers should be confined to the proper Duties of their Calling, and preach unto their People Obedience, and not do as too too many did in the time of the late Troubles, get into Political Assemblies, and in∣termeddle with Affairs of State. 6. And that Obedience and Subje∣ction unto His Majesties Authority may be kept up inviolably, and not be corrupted by any Foreign Manners or Way of Living; It is His Majesties Pleasure, and according to Laws in this case provided, That no Minister shall depart the Kingdom without his Royal Licence first obtained, nor live in a Foreign Land, nor shall these National Councils lend any of their Ministers unto Foreign Princes or Republicks, who may importune them to such a Loane, either for a determinate time, or during Life, but they shall remit the demand unto His Majesty, who in such cases will particularly consider his good Neighbours and Allies.

CHAP. IV. The Councils Answer to it.

* 3.3WHereupon the Council having given thanks to Almighty God for inclining the Kings heart to favour our poor Churches, and to continue his protection to them, they did also render their most hum∣ble and unfeigned thanks unto His Majesty, for those most sensible Ex∣pressions of His Royal Favour unto His Subjects of the Reformed Re∣ligion, for giving us our Peace, and the accustomed Effects of His Good∣ness and Clemency: And that His Majesty might have a manifest token and evidence of our Obedience unto his Commands, now signified to us, it was immediately and unanimously voted, that a Declaration should be drawn up, as in Conscience we were bound, to discharge our Holy Religion of all blame, and to testifie our fidelity and submission unto His

Majesty, from whose Authority, Clemency and Justice next and imme∣diately after God, the Churches of France can only hope for support, protection, and preservation; being ready and willing to lay down in His Majesties Service all that is dear unto us, even our very Lives and Fortunes, professing and calling ••od to witness, that this is the Doctrine taught by our Pastors unto their Churches, agreeable to the word of God in the Holy Scriptures, and that Confession of Faith, which is owned and embraced by all the Reformed Churches of France. And the very first Vote which past was this, that notwithstanding there have been ever found among our People professing the Reformed Religion the noblest Instances and Patterns of a true, great, and most Christian patience under the worst of usages and oppressions in all places, and at all times sustained by them, yet nevertheless all and singular the Con∣sistories of our Churches shall continue their Counsels and Exhortations to them of abounding in Christian patience, equanimity and mode∣ration, and to pay unto their Countreymen of the Romish Religion all Offices and Duties of Humanity, Civility and Charity according to the Word of God, and Intendment of His Majesty, who also is most humbly petitioned to cast His Royal Eyes of Compassion upon the deep Afflictions of His Protestant Subjects, who, though they have alwayes labour'd to gain and keep the love and friendship of their fellow-Citizens, and Countrey-men, are yet notwithstanding in divers places of the Kingdom molested in their Persons, disturbed in the Exercise of their Religion, deprived of their Temples, yea, and see them demo∣lished before their Faces even since the peace, or else given away from them for dwelling houses unto the Rom••sh Priests and Ecclesiasticks, and that they be dispossessed of their Burying Places, and the Dead Bodies of very many Persons digged up most ignominiously, that our Mini∣sters have been barbarously beaten, bruised, wounded, and driven away from their Churches, although they have been the most innocent and inoffensive Persons in the World, who neither injur'd the Publick in ge∣neral, nor any one in particular, as our General Deputies shall more amply and at large make report hereof unto His Majesty.

Moreover the Council doth farther declare, That as the Churches within the Kingdom have ever been united in the profession of one and the same Faith and Acts of Love and Charity, because they are part of the same Mystical Body, whose Members have none other aim or end than with one heart to serve God and the King in peaceable Lives, and Liberty of Conscience, so as for the Churches in other Nations, they never had, nor ever will have any Intelligence, Alliance, or Correspon∣dency with them than what shall be approved by God and His Majesty, desiring always to live in peace under the Wings of His protection.

Farther the Council protesterh, that our Churches had never the least intimation or knowledge that any of their Members professing the Refor∣med Religion have tamper'd in any Plots or Treasons with the Spaniard, or other Enemies of this Crown, and if it could be proved to them that there be such as were ingaged in those pernicious designs and practises, we would be the very first with heart and hand to subscribe unto their Condemnation, and to abhor both them, their Complices and Adherents, as we now do from our very Souls profess our Abhorrency and De∣testation both of them, their Doctrine, and practise, who having divers times attempted to Assassinate the Sacred Persons of Kings, do to this very day uphold and mantain Intelligencies and Correspondencies both

at home and abroad within and without the Kingdom against their pre∣tious Lives, and Imperial Crowns, Dignities, and Regal Authority.

As for that Canon past in the Synod of Realmont, and read now unto us, This Council cannot conceal its grief for the great wrong done un∣to that Synod, because it was enforced by His Majesties Commissioner then personally assisting in it to frame an Act, which seems to take for granted that there were some Ministers accused of holding Intelligence with the Spaniard the most implacable Enemy of France, and of our Churches, though in truth there was not so much as one found guilty of that Crime, and the Churches cannot but adore the goodness of God unto them, that after the most diligent and rigorous Inquiries made to this purpose, not one of our Pastors could be impeached, and that the malitious and shameless Calumnies of our most invenim'd and inveterate Adversaries could never fasten or prove their Accusation upon any one particular Person of one Communion. The Event having at last demon∣strated that our Churches were condemned most unjustly, and cleared, and proclaimed innocent of all those Accusations before the whole World.

And as for the two following points, This Assembly is resolved to give full contentment unto His Majesty; And whereas our former National Synods have made a Canon about the first, so will this also be as careful to enact another: And the Acts of this Assembly shall answer for the second, so that His Majesty shall ever have Universal Obedience, Sub∣jection, Fidelity, and most Faithful Service from our Churches, where∣unto we are obliged by our Natural Duty, the Motions of our Con∣science, and the Ordinance of our God.

CHAP. V. The Kings Warrant for Choice of a New General Deputy.

THE Lord Commissioner Galland having been informed of the Death of the Lord Maniald, one of the General Deputies of our Churches unto His Majesty, did on the Five and Twentieth day of Sep∣tember present unto this National Synod this following Warrant, di∣spatched by Express Order from His Majesty.

This day the Three and Twentieth of August One Thousand Six Hun∣dred and Twenty Six, His Majesty being at Nants, and considering that the term of Three vears was now expired, in which the Lords of Mont∣martyn and Maniald, who had been chosen General Deputies for His Subjects professing the P. Reformed Religion, and in that Quality and Office to reside and serve at Court, and to attend upon His Majesty in all his Progress and Motions, and that there must be a new Election of some other Deputies to succeed them in their Office, and considering farther that this Election could not be more conveniently done than in a National Assembly and Council which His Majesty hath permitted His said Subjects of the Reformed Religion to hold in the City of Castres this September next ensuing, that so they may not be put to unnecessary Expence and Trouble, as they would otherwise be, if they should be forced to call another Assembly on this occasion, His Majesty for these considerations, and divers other good and important reasons, relating

unto his Service, the Repose and Tranquillity of his Government and Kingdom, hath granted License unto the Deputies which shall be pre∣sent at the said National Council to treat and choose new Deputies who may reside and serve in that Quality near his Royal Person instead of the said Lords of Montmartyn, and Maniald, and this in the presence of the Lord Galland one of the Lords of our Council of State, and Commissioner unto the said National Assembly, and to propose unto him Six Persons, capable, faithful, and most affectionately inclin'd un∣to His Majesties Service, and the Publick Peace, that out of them His Majesty may prick two unto the said Office of General Deputies, by means whereof those aforesaid Lords of Montmartyn and Manyald shall be discharged of their Imployment, observing the forms in such cases accustomed; provided alwayes that in the Assembly aforesaid, there shall not be any other Matters debated or handled excepting what con∣cern the Discipline of their Religion as has been determined by His Ma∣jesties Edicts and Declarations. In testimony whereof His Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writt, Signed by His Own Royal Hand, and Countersigned by me one of His Most Honourable Privy Council, and Secretary of State, and of his Commands. Signed Louis, and a little lower, Philippeaux.

CHAP. VI.

* 3.4THE Assembly consulting upon His Majesties Writt, and consi∣dering that it does not contain an Express Command, but only a simple permission to nominate General Deputies, and that it doth in such a manner restrain the said permission, as that it leaveth unto this Assem∣bly no liberty nor power at all of calling the said Lord of Montmartyn to an Accompt, who hath from the first time of his Election unto this present day, exercised the said General Deputation, much less to give Instructions unto such as may be Elected unto the said Office. Besides that this Assembly durst not adventure upon the said Election without an open violation of His Majesties Edicts, Letters Patents, and Sealed Let∣ters, and of our usual, and accustomed Order, and the Solemn Prote∣station of former Synods, who have expresly declared, that they desi∣red and intended utterly to forbear all cognisance of Affairs of this Na∣ture. And farther that the Churches had been for a very long time to∣gether deprived of the Assistance of His Majesties Bounty, and that it would be needful most humbly to petition him to order his Royal Promises to be observed, and entirely accomplished and fulfilled. For these Causes and Reasons, and particularly that we might keep within the bounds of Order, and to the Ancient practice of the Churches, The Council judged it necessary to make a Deputation unto His Majesty, and voted the Sieurs de Bouteroue and de Baleines to carry their most Humble Petitions unto His Majesty, who were charged with Letters and Instructions unto His Majesty, and to the Chief Ministers of State.

CHAP. VII. A Copy of the Councils Letter sent unto the King.

SIR,

* 3.5THE Sence and Experience we have of Your Majesties Royal Bounty unto our Churches, and of their great Sufferings, not∣withstanding

this your goodness, through the Non-Execution of your Edicts in the Provinces of your Kingdom, do compell us to depute unto Your Majesty the Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines to lay at Your Majesties feet, together with the sincere protestations of our inviolable fidelity unto Your Majesties Service, our most humble acknowledgments and thanks for your gracious favours, and our just and necessary requests for the relief and comforting of our poor Churches. We humbly trust that Your Majesty will be pleased to give them a favourable audience, and to grant us our most Humble Petitions, and to accept of the Devout and most hearty Prayers of many Thousands of Godly Persons for Your Majesties Prosperity, who whilst they lie groaning under the most in∣supportable pressures in the World do notwithstanding live in a pro∣found Obedience unto Your Majesties Authority. And from the bottom of our Souls, and with the greatest ardency imaginable we supplicate the Throne of Grace to bless and preserve Your Majesties Most Sacred Person, and to augment and continue the happyness of Your Majesties Reign and Government, being alwayes, Most Dread Soveraign,

From Castres Septemb. 1626.

Your most Humble, most Faithful, and most Obedient Subjects and Servants, The Pa∣stors and Elders of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in their National Sy∣nod at Castres, and for them all,

• Chauve Moderator,
• Bouteroue Assessor,
• Blondel and
• Petit, Scribes.

CHAP. VIII.

THE Eight and Twentieth day of October, The Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines Deputies unto the King returned with Letters from His Majesty, and the Lord d' Herbaut Secretary of State, and re∣ported that they had a very favourable Reception from His Majesty, and Ministers of State, and that having presented their Address unto the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, they had ob∣tained a Command unto the Parliament of Thoulouse to take away the Mo∣difications put by the said Parliament upon the last Edict of Peace, and were promised that Commissioners should be sent into the Provinces of Xaintonge, the Higher and Lower Languedoc, Rochell and the Land of Aunix to see that the Edict be duely executed. They were also assured that the Assignations formerly given unto the Lord of Candal should be made good and valid; and that they had an order for twelve hundred Livres to defray the Charges of their Journey, besides the Summ of Ten Thousand Livres granted by His Majesty unto this Council to pay their Charges. But as for the restoring of Monsieur du Moulin to the Church of Paris, and a License for holding of a General Assembly, His Majesty was utterly averse unto it, and would in no wise yield thereunto, and we should know more of his mind upon this Article, and of his good intentions as to the nomination of our General Deputies by his Com∣missioner the Lord Galland. Thanks were given unto our good God that he had granted us to find favour with the King, and the De∣puties also which were sent unto His Majesty had the thanks of the Council, and were commended for their Conduct and Dexterity, which was so acceptable unto the King, and Lords of His Majesties Council, and approved by this Assembly.

A Copy of the Kings Letter unto this National Synod.

DEAR and Well-beloved,

we received the Letters by the Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines your Deputies, and understood from their Mouths and your Address presented to us, what they were ordered by you to declare unto us. Whereunto we have by word of Mouth and Writing given those favourable Answers, which shall be related to you by those your Deputies, to which we shall add with a willing mind the Effects or our Grace and Royal favour upon all occasions that may oc∣cur for the Weal and General happyness of Our Subjects of your Reli∣gion, and of you all joyutly and severally; as we also promise our selves that you will keep you within those bounds of Fidelity and Obedience, which good and Loyal Subjects owe unto their King, and that you will verifie by your actions the words of your aforesaid Deputies, as we ex∣hort you so to do, and moreover to give credence unto the Lord Galland our Counsellor in our Council of State in all things whatsoever that he shall offer to you as from us.

Given at St. German in Laye this Four∣teenth of October, 1626.

Signed Louis, and a little lower Philippeaux.

And the Superscription was thus directed, To Our Dear and Well-Beloved the Deputies of the P. Reformed Religion Assembled by our License in a National Synod in our City of Castres.

CHAP. IX. A Copy of the Lord Herbaut's Letter unto this Council.

SIRS,

YOUR Deputies were favourably received by His Majesty, and His Majesty heard with very great satisfaction those Assurances from their Mouths of your Fidelity and sincere intentions to the Pub∣lick Peace and Tranquillity. When His Majesty granted it unto you, it was with a full purpose inviolably to keep it with you, and farther to give you with the injoyment thereof all other matters accorded to you by his Edicts. What remains but that on your part, you contribute whatever His Majesty might expect from your Prudence and Conduct, and to measure by what is past that the duration and firm settlement of your Repose doth principally depend on your Obedience, yielding unto his Majesty what is due unto him, and is necessary for your well-being. And you may believe that in so doing his Gracious Favours will be multiply∣ed upon you dayly, and that I shall be ready to serve you in all good Of∣fices with His Majesty, that you may resent the comfortable Effects thereof according as you have deserved them. In the mean while, I rest, Sirs,

Your most Humble and Affectionate Servant, Philippeaux.

The Superscription was, To my Lords, My Lords the Deputies Assem∣bled by His Majesties permission in a National Synod at Castres.

CHAP. X.* 4.1

WHEN as the Letter of His Majesty but now recited was read, My Lord Galland the Kings Commissioner, declared that for

the reasons given by His Majesty unto the Deputies, and according to the import of the Articles answered by the Council, he could not con∣sent unto the return of Monsieur du Moulin, nor for divers Considera∣tions noted in those Articles now read could he at present give way for the meeting of a General Politick Assembly. His Majesty reserving the grant thereof when as there shall be need of it, and his Affairs of State may well suffer it. And as to the Election of Deputies, His Majesty be∣ing not willing that the Affairs of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion should be without Conduct and Order, had immediately upon the Death of the Lord Maniald one of the General Deputies, and from September last, Commissionated a Person of Honour, and qualified for the discharge of that Office to act concurrently with the Surviving De∣puty the Lord of Montmartyn until such time as it may be otherwise determined. And since by his Writt of the Tenth of October he had given Licence unto this Synod to proceed unto the Election of Six Per∣sons, well inclined unto his Service, and to the Publick, and having no dependance on any one but himself, out of which His Majesty will prick two for the discharge of that Office, therefore he exhorts the Synod to proceed unto the Nomination, and to choose out Persons qualified as before, and hath been usually practised in such cases, and this should be the rather done now, because the present juncture of Affairs will not permit the calling of a Politick Assembly. Declaring that in case we neglect the said Nomination; The Lord of Montmartyn, and the other Lord nominated by the King will lay down the management of those Offices. It being unreasonable that for want of General Deputies the common Affairs of His Majesties Subjects professing the Reformed Re∣ligion should be abandoned and neglected. And the said Lord Com∣missioner presented His Majesties Writt, the tenour whereof is as fol∣loweth,

This Tenth day of October, 1626 the King being at St. Germains in Laye, considering that the term of Three years for which the Lord of Montmartyn, and the Deceased Lord Maniald had been nominated to re∣side and serve at Court, and to attend His Majesty in the quality of General Deputies for His Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion is some while since expired, and that it so falls out that there must be a new Election of some other Deputies to succeed them in their Offices, and considering that this Election cannot be done more conveniently than in the Assembly and National Synod, which His Majesty hath granted to be held by His said Subjects in His City of Castres this last September, that so they might not be put to those great Expences and Incommodi∣ties which might betide them in case another Assembly should be called for this purpose, as also for that the Weal and Safety of the Kingdom will not at present comport with a Politick Assembly. His Majesty upon these considerations, and for many other divers and good reasons of great importance to his Service, and the Repose and Tranquillity of His Government doth grant that the Deputies in the National Synod in the presence of the Lord Galland Counsellor to His Majesty in his Coun∣cil of State, and Commissioner unto the said Synod shall consult about the Election of Deputies to reside and serve near His Majesty instead of the Lords Montmartyn and Hardy one of His Secretaries, nominated by His Majesty in his Writt of the Thirtieth of September last, and to offer unto him Six Persons meet and qualified for the said Imployment, whe∣ther they be Members of the said Synod or not, provided they be such as are Loyal, and well affected unto his Service, and to the publick Peace, and that have no dependance on any Person in the World besides him, that so his Majesty may prick two out of them, who may hold and

discharge the said Office of General Deputies. And in so doing the said Lords of Montmartyn and Hardy our Secretary shall be devested of the said Employment, they observing the forms as in such cases are usual and accustomed. Provided alwayes that in the said Assembly there be nothing else debated but the said Election, and Matters relating to the Discipline of their Religion aforesaid, according to the import of his Majesties Edicts and Declarations. However this shall not be made a Precedent, his Majesty reserving to himself the power of permitting unto his said Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion to hold a Politick Assembly when as in his wisdom he shall judge it needful; and his Affairs of State can well comport with it. In testimony whereof I am commanded by his Majesty to expedite this present Writt, which he was pleased to Sign with his own Hand, and is Countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State, and of his Commands, and Exche∣quer. Signed in the Original, Louis, and a little lower, Philippeaux.

CHAP. XI.

THE Writt having been read, the Council voted a Conference to be held about its Contents at my Lord Commissioners Lodgings, and Twelve Persons Deputies of the Council were constituted a Com∣mittee to this purpose. Who having made Reports of the whole, The Council considering the change hapned in Affairs by the unexpected and sudden Death of the Lord Maniald, and the importunities of the Lord Montmartyn his Colleague to be discharged, of such a Borden, as he saith, is impossible to be born by himself alone, and the pressing necessi∣ties of our Churches requiring that some Persons should take upon them the care and management of their Affairs, who might sollicite them with renewed vigour, but principally His Majesties Writt animated by the Exhortations of his Commissioner the Lord Gallanbd, who declared ac∣cording to that Answer made unto the Address presented by the Deputies, that the state of His Majesties Affairs would not permit His Majesty to grant us at present a General Assembly, And that in case this Council would not nominate the Deputies, his Majesty himself would do it, even as he had already took course to do it, having by his Writt and Warrant of the Thirtieth of September expresly joyned the Lord Hardy in the Commission of the General Deputies with the Lord Montmartyn. For all these reasons, and to avoid an infinite number of visible incon∣veniencies: The Council proceeded to Elect those Six Persons, which were to be presented to his Majesty, and by plurality of Suffrages were chosen the Lords Claudius Baron of Gabrias, and Beaufort, Lewes de Champagne Earl of Suze, Henry de Clermont d' Amboise Marquess of Gallerande, for the Nobility, and the Lords Basin Advocate in Parlia∣ment living at Blois Texier the Kings Advocate in the Seneschalsy of Armagnac, and Lazaras du Puy Counsellor in the Presidial Court of Bourg in Bresse for the Commons, that so his Majesty may out of them choose two, whom he best liketh, to exercise the Office of General De∣puties.

But forasmuch as that Canon established in our Churches under the good pleasure of His Majesty for the nomination of the said General Deputies, requireth that every third year by an express Warrant from his Majesty, there should be called a General Assembly, and that before it there should be particular Assemblies held in all the Provinces to pre∣pare their Cahiers, Memoirs, and all other Jurisdictions of the Provin∣ces, and to deliver them unto their hands who shall be deputed unto

the General Assembly, which after wards culleth out those Cahiers which most concern the Churches, and are to be presented unto his Majesty for the Advancement of His Service, and the Peace and Repose of His Subjects, And whereas 'tis full Six years ago since the last Politick Assembly, was graciously permitted us by His Majesty, and that the former National Synods held at Alez and Charenton, and this also of Castres conformable to them, have peremptorily decreed that none of our Pastors shall henceforward intermeddle with State-Affairs, or assist personally in Politick Assemblies, which also His Majesty hath appro∣ved, The Council, because it would not transgress His Majesties De∣clarations, nor the Canons of the Synods before-mentioned, nor cause any prejudice to that Government which the goodness of our Kings have approved in the Churches of this Realm, and which His Majesty hath given us to understand that he will not abolish, declareth that 'tis none of its design nor desire by this Election, whereunto the Churches are necessitated, and the Kings Will obligeth them to prejudice in the least the Rights and Priviledges of General Assemblies, to whom the care of State-Affairs doth properly belong, nor shall it bind the succee∣ding National Synods to act after this manner. Wherefore it chargeth the General Deputies who shall be accepted by His Majesty, to demand at the end of Eighteen Moneths with the profoundest submissions, and importunities imaginable his Majesties Writt of the Summons for the General Assembly, even as it hath pleased His Majesty to give unto our Churches the firm hopes thereof by His Royal and inviolable promises expressed in plain and formal words in his Writt before-mentioned. And whereas the intendment of this Office is in the name of our Churches, to represent unto His Majesty all those Matters, which concern the Weal and Service of His Majesty, and the Repose and Subsistance of His Subjects, and that to this purpose, it is absolutely needful that there should be Assemblies held in the Provinces, unto which there may be brought all the Complaints, Remonstrances and Propositions of all and every one of our Churches that from them they may be brought unto the General Assembly, and the whole might be there examined, and deposited into the hands of the General Deputies; and this present Council being an Assembly of another Nature, and having no Com∣mission from the Provinces, it could not furnish the Deputies now Elected with those necessary Memoirs and Instructions. They therefore who shall be retained by His Majesty to discharge and execute this Office shall most humbly petition His said Majesty that he would per∣mit in every Province such an Assembly as soon as possible, in which all Complaints and Remonstrances meet for His Majesties perusal may be collected and layd at His Majesties feet by those Lords aforesaid, our Ge∣neral Deputies, to whom they shall be sent, that so by this means His Majesty may be duely and truely informed of the Deportments and Grievances of all his Protestant Subjects, because there is not any thing of greater importance to his Weal and Service than this is. The Coun∣cil hoping much from His Majesties great goodness, is emboldned to pass beyond its accustomed Bounds and Order, and to dispense with it self in this particular. Otherwise it would have persisted in its most humble supplications, that it might not be obliged unto the said Election.

The said Lords General Deputies shall confer with the Ministers of State, (it being a thing of indispensable necessity) how they may hold a correspondency with the Provinces, and the Provinces with them; because without such a correspondency all their actings, yea, and their Office it self would be utterly useless and unserviceable unto the Chur∣ches.

Every Province shall draw up a Cahier of the grievances of their Churches, and of particular Persons professing our Religion, which shall be transmitted unto the Church of Paris, which shall compile them into one general Cahier, to be deposited into the hands of the Gene∣ral Deputies.

CHAP. XII. A Remonstrance of the Lord of Angoulins on behalf of the Mayor, Sheriffs, and City of Rochell.

WHEN as the Council had thus decreed in pursuance of His Majesties Pleasure, that they would proceed unto an Election of General Deputies to reside near His Majesty, the Lord of Angoulins one of the Sheriffs of the City of Rochell, Elder of the Church there, and Deputy for the Province of Xaintonge, remonstrated that in all such Actions the Lords, Mayor, Sheriffs, and free Burgesses of the said City had in all times the Priviledge of a Province, and their Deputies did ever appear in Person in all general Politick Assemblies, and in National Synods also, when as the General Deputies were to be chosen, and he pe∣titioned the Council that he might be granted his Vote in the said Election, not only in his Quality as Deputy of the Province of Xaintonge, but also in that his particular quality, as Deputy of the said Lords, the Mayor, Sheriffs, and free Burgesses of the said City, according as he was commissionated with full powers so to do by the said Lords, which he produced, and were Signed by Gachot Secretary of their Council, the Fourteenth day of the last October. The Deputies of the Province of Xaintonge were heard hereupon, who declared that the said Lord of Angoulins being one of their Colleagues, and Deputy together with them, might as such have his voice in the said Election, or otherwise their Province would sustain a very considerable prejudice, if one of its Deputies should be excluded from giving his suffrage in the said Election. The Synod doing right unto the said Petitioner the Lord of Angoulins, and not judging it reasonable that a single Person should have a double Vote in such an Occurrence as this, decreed, that the said Lord of Angoulins should only have one single Voice in the said Election, but however it should be left unto his own choice to take what quality he pleased whether of Deputy for the Province of Xaintonge, or of the City of Rochell only. And the said Lord of Angoulins did at that in∣stant, though it should not be drawn in consequence, nor made a pre∣cedent for the future, nor prejudice the Rights and Priviledges of the said Town and Province, declare that he choose to give his Vote in qua∣lity of Deputy for the said City of Rochell. And this present Act was granted him, that he had made the said Declaration.

Forasmuch as there be divers defaults in the Letters of Commission brought by the Deputies of some Provinces; They shall be all exhorted by their Deputies to see that Canon of the Synod of Tonneins executed, which had ordered that the Names and Surnames of all Deputies should be expresly inserted into them: As also to take special heed that all Let∣ters of Commission and Memoirs be in no wise Signed by the Persons Deputed unto the National Synods, nor by those who are substituted in their stead in case of Sickness or Death, or any the like accident, but by the Officers of the Provincial Synods as Moderators, Assessors, and Scribes.

In pursuance of the Canon made in the Synod or Privas, The Pro∣vinces are injoyned, to see that the Deputies of every Church do make Oath that they shall not give their Votes nor Suffrages unto such as brigue their Elections and Deputations unto our National Synods.

CHAP. XIII.

* 4.2THE Confession of Faith being read word by word, and every Article distinctly in its due Order, it was approved and ratified by the Unanimous consent of all the Deputies, both Pastors and Elders, who protested as well for themselves as for their Provinces that they would live and die in the profession of this Faith, teach it in their Churches, and see it inviolably to be observed.

CHAP. XIV. Observations on reading the Church-Discipline.

1 AFter those words in the Fifth Canon of the First Chapter, With∣out power of administring the Holy Sacraments, these shall be ad∣ded, nor of solemnizing Marriages.

2 In reading the Nine and Twentieth Canon of the same Chapter, the Council declareth, that by the discord mentioned in that Canon we are to understand not only what is moved by the Pastor, but by the Church, or Members among themselves also.

3. On the first Canon of the third Chapter it was declared, that whoso∣ever accepted the Office of an Elder cannot be constrained to execute it, if before his Reception thereinto, the consent he had once given be again revoked by him.

4. When the sixth Canon of the eighth Chapter was read at the re∣quest of the Provincial Deputies of Berry, it was voted, That Pro∣vincial Synods should be obliged before they brake up to proceed unto Censures, even as in the like case a Decree had been framed for Collo∣quies.

5. All our Churches are exhorted faithfully and exactly to observe the ninth Canon of the twelfth Chapter, concerning the Administration of the Cup in the Lords Supper, and to be accountable for their Obedience to it unto the next National Synod.

6. The eighth Canon of the Ninth Chapter shall be razed but of our Discipline, as being superfluous and unpracticable in our Churches.

7. The same judgment having past on the fourth Canon of the tenth Chapter, it was amended and changed into these words. Churches which have been accustomed to make Publick Prayers on some certain days of the Week may continue that order, which for many years they have so happily observed, and other Churches may imitate their good example, when as the Lord shall bless them with Ability and Opportunity, and it may contribute unto their Edification.

8. And Pastors also in the faithful discharge of their duties shall in∣deavour by their Remonstrances and Exhortations to prevent those great dishonours done unto Almighty God by that general contempt of his Holy Word preached; very many neglecting Sermons and Publick Publick Ordinances of Religious Worship, yea, and Family-Prayers, of which Omissions a multitude of Heads of Families, Housholders, and their Domesticks are exceeding guilty.

9. The eighteenth Canon of the thirteenth Chapter shall be couched in this form, Such as dwell in those places where the Publick Exercise of our Religion is not est ablished may cause their banes of Matrimony to be pub∣lished in the Popish Churches, it being a matter purely political.

10. The Churches are injoyned by this Synod to give in an account unto their Colloquies and Provincial Synods of all Infractions of the sixteenth Canon in the fourteenth Chapter of our Discipline, and Collo∣quies and Synods are to censure such Offenders, whether they have vio∣lated it by printing of Practical or Controversal Treatises.

11. When the twenty fourth, twenty fifth, and twenty sixth Canons of the fourteenth Chapter were read, it was voted, That this ensuing Canon should be made, and read in all the Churches as soon as the De∣puties were returned unto their respective Provinces.

CHAP. XV. An Act against Debauchery.

FOrasmuch as the Wrath of God is visibly revealed from Heaven against the Ungodlyness of Men, and is notoriously poured out up∣on those who being once enlightned from above, and called to the know∣ledge of the Heavenly Truth have afterward kept it under Hatches through their Unrighteousness, that so they might more freely wallow in the Abominations of this World, and turn the Grace of God into la∣sciviousness: The National Synod of the reformed Churches of this Kingdom Assembled by His Majesties Licence in the Town of Gastres, unable to behold, without weeping Eyes, and a wounded bleeding heart, after such dreadful Judgments and Desolations as have befallen us, the reigning Dissolutions and Debauches of those Persons who style and own themselves Members of Gods Church, though in very truth and deed they be horrible Profaners of his Holy Name, and dishonou∣rable Professors of our most Holy Religion by their Impious and Li∣centious Lives, and do as much as in them lieth deny the power of Godliness by their open and shameless ingratitude to his Divine Good∣ness. Now for the avoiding of Gods burning Wrath and Indignation, and more and more to stir up the Bowels of his Fatherly Compassions (which he was pleased to remember for us even in the midst of Judg∣ment, yea, and then also, when as he smote his sinful Heritage with his forest and severest strokes,) and that upon our Conversion and Re∣formation his special Love and favour may be had and obtained, and that this peace, which against all hopes he hath given a stiff-necked and rebellious People (who have bitterly provoked him to Jealousie, and as it is too too evident have nothing profited by his Rod of Discipline and

Correction) may be preserved and continued, This National Synod decreeth, That all the Churches of this Kingdom shall be sollicited by the most powerful Motives and Arguments to humble themselves deep∣ly in a most serious Repentance before his Divine Majesty, and utterly to abandon all Vanities, Luxury's, Fantasticalness, and sumptuous Superfluities in Apparel, those unseemly Ornaments and delights of la∣scivious Curles, Paintings, Naked Breasts, Dances, Balls, Masquerades, Wassaile-Feasts, Carnevalls, and all other unfruitful works of Dark∣ness, that so the Faithful, Reforming their Lives, and producing Fruits worthy of Repentance, may demonstrate themselves by their good Works to be the conscientious Guardians of that pretious Jewel or sa∣ving Truths, which is deposited with them. And all Consistories are injoyned to exert that Authority given them of God diligently to sup∣press their Insolencies, who glorying in their shame and ignominy may attempt in aftertimes to continue in any of their disorderly and sinful practises, and should set themselves to resist those Remonstrances, which the Great and Holy God hath or may issue forth against them by his Sacred Word.

And that this most needful Canon may be executed with the greater Faithfulness, Care, and Facility, This Synod doth ordain that it shall be read publickly in all our Churches, and an Account of its Observa∣tion shall be given in unto Colloquies and Synods, on pain of being re∣sponsible in their own Persons particularly for all its Transgressions and Violations.

The whole Church Discipline having been read, the Deputies of the Provinces promised both for themselves, their Churches and those who had Commissionated them to observe it in their own Persons, and to see it most Religiously observed in their Respective Provinces.

CHAP. XVI. Observations on reading the Acts of the National Synod of Charenton.

1 THIS Council treading in the Steps of the last National Synod held at Charenton, and yielding to the request of divers Pro∣vinces, voted a most humble Petition should be presented unto His Ma∣jesty, that all our Ecclesiastical Assemblies might enjoy the self-same li∣berty as they ever had till the Year One Thousand Six Hundred, and Twenty Three.

2. On reading the Third Article of Observations by the said Synod and of our Church-Discipline, it was voted, that the Ancient Custom should be retained for Celebrating the Lords Supper in the close and issue of the National Synods.

3. The Third Article in the first Chapter of our Church-Discipline made in that Synod, shall hereafter be exprest in these terms. Ministers and their Families shall actually reside, &c. And in obedience to this Canon all Ministers within the Province of the Higher Languedoc, who are al∣ready, or may hereafter reside in the City of Montauban shall immedi∣ately and without delay conform themselves to that Order of their last

Provincial Synod, on pain of being deposed from their Ministry, and the next Provincial Synods shall yield Accompt unto the next National Synod of their duty, in dealing with, and censuring of such Delin∣quents.

* 4.34. When as the Acts of the National Synod of Charenton were read, This Assembly was informed, that a Decree of theirs concerning Mon∣sieur Codurs his departure into Dolphiny, who was there to be provided of a Church by that Province had never been executed: A Vote passed, that he should personally appear within eighteen dayes after his recep∣tion of this present Summons, before this Assembly, and bring in the reasons of his disobedience: And in case of his refusal, we do declare him suspended from the Sacred Ministry, and farther, that notwithstanding his absence we will proceed to a final Judicial Sentence against him.

5. The Province of the Isle of France is order'd to write unto the Church and University of Sedan, that they would be pleased to resign the Manuscript Works left by Monsieur du Tilloy deceased, that they may be printed, and the worthy labours of that most Excellent Servant of God being published may become the more useful.

6. The Council condescending to the Petitions of Monsieur Perreaud Pastor of the Church of Mascon, and to the desires of the Provincial Depu∣ties of Burgundy, decreed that the Censure voted against him in the last National Synod should be razed out of its Acts.

7. At the request of the Province of Lower Guyenne, and for that Honourable Report and Testimonials they have given of Monsieur Huron, and in hopes that the Church of Bessa whereof he is Minister will be more advantagiously edified by him, it was granted that the Act of Censure denounc't against him by the National Synod of Charenton should be razed out also.

8. The Writings delivered by Monsieur Perrin Pastor of the Church of Nyons and by Monsieur de Mirebell deceased unto the Province of Burgundy, and by their Deputies unto this Synod, were all order'd to be supprest.

9. The Observation of the third Article of General Matters past in the aforesaid Synod of Charenton is recommended unto all the Chur∣ches.

10. There were read the Acts and Letters of certain Elders and Heads of Families in the Church of Montlimart, Letters from the Church of Sauve, and from his Highness the Lord Duke of Rohan, and Audi∣ence was given unto the Lords Caron and Mouschamp Deputies of Mont∣limart, and to the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny and Sevennes, as also to Monsieur Guerin Commissioned by the aforesaid Lord Duke, and to Monsieur Rossel Pastor of the Church of Montlimart, lent by the last National Synod unto the Church of Sauve till the meeting of this As∣sembly. Whereupon a Decree passed that Monsieur Rossel should be lent for Three years unto the Church in the Lord Duke of Roan's House, but with this Condition, that the said Mr. Rossel shall not abandon the Church of Sauve, before it be provided of another Pastor by the Collo∣quy of Sauve, or by the Province of Sevennes, which is required to get them a supply out of hand, and when as those three years of Loane

be expired, both the said Monsieur Rossel, and the Church of Montli∣mart shall apply themselves unto the Province of Dolphiny, which is impowered by this Assembly to provide for the said Monsieur Rossel and the Church of Montlimart to their mutual comfort and ad∣vantage.

CHAP. XVII.

ON reading the Seventeenth Article of General Matters of the last National Synod, divers Deputies related, how that it was gene∣rally believed in their Provinces, that the said Synod contrary to the Custom of our Churches had Treated and Debated of State-Matters. Whereupon this Assembly informed them, that it was never the in∣tention of that National Synod to have meddled with an Affair of that Nature, the Cognisance and Decision of which had been alwayes left unto Political Assemblies, which were called by His Majesties Writt expresly to that end, and farther that the Synod in doing what it did was wholly to testifie its Obedience unto His Majesties Will, notified to them by the Lord Commissioner Galland, and confirm'd by the very Letters of His Majesty, declaring absolutely and precisely His Com∣mand and Pleasure therein. Moreover, should not our Pastors have yielded that Obedience, they might all of them have been branded for pragmaticalness, and taking upon them the cognisance of Matters Fo∣reign to their profession, which they never once desired, every one of the Pastors protesting for himself, that they wished from their Souls never for the future to be called unto such Assemblies, whatever Ad∣vantages might thereby accrew unto them for His Majesty, And the Judgment past in this case by the Synod of Alez in the first Article of General Matters is an Ample Testimony that they were prejudged against it long before.

12. Whereas the Sieurs Guidon and d' Huysseau. had received Letters of Attorney to prosecute Monsieur Palot, and they were not revoked, but upon condition that the Lord Malat should be associated with them, which the said Lord Malat would not yield unto, now that the said Act of Revocation may not be construed in a sinister Sence, as if the aforesaid Sieurs Guydon and d' Huysseau had been deficient either in diligence or faithfulness, who contrariwise for those self-same Ver∣tues have deserved exceeding well of our Churches. This Synod de∣clareth, that it would have been a singular satisfaction to it in case the said Sieur Malat might have been induc'd to undertake the prosecution of that Affair which was joyntly committed to him, and the afore∣mentioned Sieurs Guydon and d' Huysseau, who were not only alwayes exempted from all Defaults, but also from the very Suspicion thereof, and that all kind of Testimonials and Thankfulness is due and owing them for their Capacity, Carefulness, Diligence, Integrity, and Sin∣gular Love and Zeal unto the Weal and Happyness of our Churches, nor cannot in the least be refused them. Wherefore this present Order passed for their discharge shall be inserted into the Acts of this Synod, that it may be carried into all the Provinces, that so none may plead or pretend his Ignorance, and Unacquaintedness with the intentions of this present, and of the last immediately preceding Synod.

Monsieur Palot of St Antonine presented a Petition unto this Assembly on behalf of his Brother Palot, that it would be pleased to cause all processes commenc't against him by the Lord Malat to cease, and that Arbitrators might be chosen on both sides with full power to determine the differences betwixt him and the Churches of this Kingdom. Let∣ters also from the Lord Malat were read, informing it of the great pro∣gress he had made in the Suit against him. Whereupon the Synod finding the Complaints and Requests of the said Palot to be unreasona∣ble, and that from their former Experience, they could only conclude them done on purpose to gain and spin out time, and to elude if possi∣ble the Prosecutions already begun, it voted Thanks to be given unto the Lord Malat for his care and pains, and that he be intreated to con∣tinue his Travel and Diligence in this Affair; and the like thanks were ordered unto Monsieur Arnault for his singular Affection to the Weal of our Churches; and the Lord Commissioner Galland was also earnestly desired to befriend our Churches with his kind Assistance at Court; and to speak for us unto the Kings Majesty, that His Gracious Majesty would be pleased to ordain that Justice might be done us.

Letters were read from the Lords Marbaut, de Massanes, Bigot, and de Launay, Commissioners named by the last National Synod to treat on behalf of all our Churches with Persons capable of bringing the Sieur Palot to give us some reasonable satisfaction. And also Monsieur Me∣strezat another of those Commissioners made report, of what had been done herein as we••l by himself as by those others joyned in Com∣mission with him. Whereupon all their Actions were ratified and ap∣proved.

In reading that Act of the Synod of Charenton containing His Ma∣jesties Answer unto the Sieurs Cottiby and du Bois Saint Martyn Depu∣ted by the said Synod unto His Majesty, in which hope was given un∣to the Churches, that the Prohibition issued out against Monsieur du Moulin should be taken away, and that he should be restored unto his Ministry in this Kingdom. And a Letter to this self-same purpose from the Church of Paris also, requesting our Intercession with His Maje∣sty, that he would be Graciously pleased to grant unto the Churches the injoyment of their hopes. The Deputies of the Isle of France joyned with them in this their request. Whereupon it was resolved, that His Majesty should be most humbly petitioned to grant leave unto the said Monsieur du Moulin to return into France, and to the Exercise of his Pastoral Office in his aforesaid Church, and the said Monsieur du Moulin shall be required by Letters from this Synod to joyn vvith the Chur∣ches in their Petition for his return and re-settlement in France, and that he shall address himself also by a particular Petition of his ovvn unto His Majesty, that he may be restored unto his Charge, vvherein by the Blessing of God he had such eminent success, that so if it may be, His Majesty by so many importunate Petitioners may be prevailed vvith to grant us our desires.

The Provincial Deputies of Lower Guyenne and Poictou being heard, it was voted that the Churches of Rochechouart and Limoges should con∣tinue joyned unto the Province of Lower Guyenne, as they have been heretofore: notwithstanding that they were separated from it by a Decree of the last National Synod, because they cannot subsist if they be divided, nor can the Church of Limoges be united unto Poictou with∣out too much enfeebling the Colloquy of Limousin.

Maister Peter Guillemin Pastor in the Church of La Bour presented his Petition unto this Assembly, that the Summ of Three Hundred Livres granted the said Church by the former National Synods may be conti∣nued, and that the Summ of Threescore Livres more might be bestow∣ed upon them for the breeding of a young Scholar, who may be here∣after capable of serving the said Church, and to preach in their Lan∣guage, and that His Majesty may be petitioned, that He would grant according to His Edicts Two Places more for Religious Worship unto the Faithful of the said Countrey of Labour. It was voted that this Petition in all its Parts and Members should be fulfilled, on this Con∣dition, that the Scholar to be maintained by them be presented unto the next Synod of Lower Guyenne, and that the said Province of the Lower Guyenne do yield an accompt of the said Summ of Sixty Livres unto the next National Synod, as also of the Three Hundred Livres granted unto the said Church of La Bour, and the Pastor there shall be obliged for the future to assist in Person at the Provincial Synods of Lower Guyenne.

After the last Canon was voted, This Assembly recollected that here∣tofore the National Synod of Tonneins had granted unto Monsieur Busthonoby Pastor of the Churches in Soules the Summ of Three Hundred Livres to defray the Charges of Printing some certain Books in the Biscayan Language, and that since by a Decree of the Synod of Vitre the Province of Lower Guyenne was reimburst the said Summ, which they had beforehand advanced to that purpose. Whereupon Order was given unto the said Province to call in its next Synod the aforesaid Mon∣sieur Busthonoby to an accompt how he did imploy and dispose of the said Moneys, and to bring in that Accompt unto the next National Synod.

CHAP. XVIII. No Minister to Depart the Kingdom without the Kings Leave.

THE Lord Commissioner declaring that it was His Majesties Will and Pleasure according to Law that none of our Pastors should depart the Kingdom without his Royal License, and that in case any Foreign Princes or States desired that any of our Ministers might be either lent them for a time, or given to them absolutely during Life, that then the said Minister should according to our Laws first obtain His Majesties Licence for his departure. The Council resigned it self and all the Ministers of our Churches most fully and freely, as they have ever done, unto the Laws of the Land.

This Synod inquiring into the causes obstructing the Execution of those particular Canons that the last National Synod had made for the better Government of the Province of Provence, judged that the said Province did justly deserve a Censure in case it cannot vindicate and acquit it self from all impeachments of neglect herein. And whereas the Sieurs Crubellier and Chambrun who were appointed Commissioners by the Synod of Charenton to visit that Province had been counterman∣ded by Monsieur Recent, the said Recent is injoyned to appear before

the next Synod of Lower Languedoc and there to answer unto all Mat∣ters that shall be brought in against him, and the said Synod shall su∣spend him from the Ministry in case he be found to have deserved it. And those Excuses of the Sieurs Crubellier and Chambrun are accepted, but withall, the Reverend Mr. Chauve and Bouteroue, and in case they by some lawful hindrance should be detained, then the Reverend Mr. Le Faucheur and Conel are charged to go unto the next Synod of Pro∣vence, and there see the aforesaid Canons of those former National Sy∣nods to be put in Execution, and to remedy those disorders, which may and do retard their Observation.

The Agreement made between the said Province, and the Widow of Monsieur Toussains is approved and confirmed.

The Commissioners appointed for remedying the Confusions in the said Province shall give judgment in that case complained of by the Church of Lormarin, and brought before this Assembly.

The Synod confirming the Sentence of the Province of the Isle of France, decreeth that Monsieur du Val shall be numbred among the Pastors that be Emeriti, and that a free Portion shall be assigned and payed in unto him as unto others of the same quality, and under his Circumstances.

That the Twelfth Article in the Chapter of Colledges and Universi∣ties may be more accurately observed than heretofore, all Provinces within whose district the said Universities be Erected are earnestly ex∣horted to put forth their helping hand, that they be reduc't into practice, and they shall bring proof of their Obedience yielded to this Canon, unto the next National Synod.

The Province of Guyenne requesting it, this Council doth confirm the R. R. Mr. Alba, and Ferrand in the Pastoral Charge of the Chur∣ches of Agen and Bourdeaux.

Report being made by the Commissioners appointed for examining the Memoirs of Monsieur du Bois a Pastor sent by the last National Synod unto the Church of Fontaines and Crossy till the sitting of the next Synod of Normandy, upon the first Article of his Complaints and Demands, he was ordered to apply himself unto the Province of Anjou, and the said Province should bestir themselves so effectually, that he may have full satisfaction, and all his Debts payd him, espe∣cially by the Lady de la Barce, and upon the Second that the Province of Normandy shall give him an Accompt of his Portion, which they re∣ceived for him under his Name, it being entered under their Dividend. Moreover, they shall either provide him of a Church, or give him an Honourable dismission from the Ministry in their Province, in case there be no vacant Church in it, that demands his Service, Which also shall be notified to him, and that the aforesaid Province hath proceeded to disch••rge him.

CHAP. XIX.* 4.4 A Deposed Minister Restored.

MOniseur James Repasseau presenting Honourable Attestations of His Deportment ever since his Deposition, and with Showers of Tears most humbly petitioning the Synod, that he might reap the fruits and benefits of those hopes which the last National Synod had gi∣ven him some ground to expect, and that upon evident proofs and to∣kens of his sincere Repentance, he might be another day restored unto the Exercise of his Ministry, and the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny being charged by their Synod to intercede for him, and by word of mouth to confirm those good and laudable Testimonials which had been given him by the Church of Montlimard, where he hath ever since resided, and by his Religious and Exemplary Conversation excee∣dingly edified them. The Synod having tender bowels of Love and Compassion for him, and yielding a just deference to those affectionate intreaties of the Province of Dolphiny, and of the whole Church of Montlimard, in which for these Four last Years he hath made his con∣stant aboad to their singular satisfaction, after serious Admonitions given him to stand upon his guard, and diligently to ponder his Paths, and to walk in the House or God with a very Godly Fear, and a most Religious Circumspection for the future, because of the great scandal which was taken by the Church and World, by those within and with∣out at his Sin and Fall, especially his best and dearest Friends having been horribly amazed and astonished at it, This Synod doth now re∣store him to his Ministry, and to the Exercise of all the Duties and Offices of a Gospel-Minister, and decreeth by this present Canon that his Name shall be razed out of the Roll and Catalogue of Deposed Mi∣nisters, that so when as any Church shall give him a Call to work among them, he may re-enter upon his Pastoral Work, and charge with as great Honour and Comfort as he was deprived of it with Grief, Ignominy, and Confusion.

CHAP. XX. APPEALES.

THE Sieur Ginoux brought his Appeal from a Judgment of the Province of Sevennes, and he was patiently heard speaking of those pretended grievances, which occasioned his Appeal, and of that opposition which was made and formed by him and his Party against the Settlement of Monsieur Courant in the Pastoral Office in the Church of Alez, and about the Suspension decreed against him from the Lords Table by the Consistory of his own Church and the Pro∣vincial Synod. The Deputies of Sevennes were heard also speaking in the behalf of their Province. This Synod did hereupon declare that

the said opposition was groundless,* 4.5 and confirmed the Decree of the Provincial Synod for the Setting of the said Monsieur Courant in the Church of Alez; and forasmuch as the said Sieur Ginoux doth yield unto those Exhortations and Remonstrances that have been made him, and out of deference to them protesteth that he will relinquish as he now relinquisheth all those Accusations brought by him against Monsieur des Marests and his Colleague Monsieur Courant whom he reckoneth and believeth to be True, Worthy, and Faithful Mi∣nisters of the Gospel, Holy and Exemplary in their Lives, of Unble∣mished and Unstained Reputations. And farther it ordaineth that the said Sieurs des Marests and Courant shall openly and publickly declare before the Consistory of Montpellier that they do reciprocally hold and esteem the said Sieur Ginoux for an honest Gentleman, of good Repu∣tation, and without Reproach; and after this Declaration thus made, the said Consistory shall reconcile them one to the other, and by Au∣thority from this Synod the said Sieur Ginoux shall be received by them unto the Peace and Commmunion of the Church, and that Suspension decreed against him by the Province of Sevennes shall be removed, and taken off the File.

2. Letters were read from the Church of Paris, with its appeal from the Judgment of the last Provincial Synod, and Monsieur Mestre∣zat and d' H••ysseau with the other Deputies of that Province were heard speaking to it. This Assembly voted a Decree, that the Censure past on the Church of Paris in that Synod of he Isle of France shall be re∣versed, and that the Church of Paris shall be advised precisely to ob∣serve the Canons concerning the re-search of Pastors: Moreover to com∣ply with their instant, urgent Importunities Monsieur Daille is purely and absolutely resigned to them.

3. Whereas John Mellier having opposed the Election and Reception of the Sieur John Celaris into the Office of an Elder, and brought his Appeal unto this Synod, it is remanded back unto the Province of Higher Languedoc, who have full power to determine it.

4. The Synod ratifying the Judgment of the Province of Xaintonge, from whence the Church of Montendre had appealed, This Assembly ordaineth, that for the future Provincial Synods shall judge soveraignly and finally in all causes about dismembring and conjoining of Annexed Churches.

5. And therefore according to this Canon the Appeal of the Church of St. Hillary in the Province of Poictou is declared null, notwithstand∣ing what hath been remonstrated to the contrary by the Lord de la Begaudiere.

6. For the same reason the Appeal of the Church of St. Fulgentius in the same Province is disanulled.

7. The same Sentence was given on the Appeal of the Church of Quissac from the Decree of the Province of Sevennes.

8. And for the like reason the Church of Sauve in the said Province having brought an Appeal had it rejected.

9. Although the differences about the distribution of His Majesties Liberality granted us to our Churches ought not to be brought before these National Synods, yet that the contestations in the Churches of the Lower Guyenne may be terminated, the Deputies of that Province are commanded to confer with the R. R. Mr. Belot and de Baux, Mi∣nisters of the Gospel, and with the Sieurs Marlat and la Briere Elders, that in case they should hit upon an expedient of accommodating Mat∣ters, it may be ratified by the Authority of this Assembly, not that we would have a precedent made hereof. And once again that Ancient Prohibition against our Ministers is now revived. That not one of them shall touch a Denier of His Majesties Bounty assigned to; and distribu∣ted by the Provinces unto their particular Churches; because the said Churches ought solely to receive it, and it must remain wholly at their disposal, and because our Pastors shall not have an uncertain, but a most certain and determinate Pension for their subsistence from their Churches.

10. The Appeal of Monsieur Perez Pastor of the Church of Cajarre was vacated; and the Assembly injoyned the Province of Higher Lan∣guedoc to put forth their hand, that the said Perez may receive for time coming greater satisfaction from his Church than heretofore. And in case the said Church do not fully content him, and pay him his just dues betwixt this and the next Synod of that Province, they shall be de∣prived of his Ministry, and he shall be assigned to some other Flock; yea and though they should give him all possible satisfaction, yet shall he not be compelled to serve a Church against his Will, whereunto he was not sent but for a time.

11. This Judgment past upon the Appeal of the Church of Angles; that it was very needless, and ill layd, the Sentence of their Province be∣ing founded on Equity and Charity.

12. The Appeal of Monsieur Peter Prevost a Pastor Emeritus is de∣clared null.

13. The Church of Bergerac appealed and petitioned, that forasmuch as the Sentence of the Province of Lower Guyenne hath been invalida∣ted, the Twelve Hundred Livres formerly granted unto their Colledge might be continued. The Letters and Memoirs of that Church being read, and the Deputies of that Province heard, this Decree was made, That the Four Hundred Livres given unto every Province for their re∣spectiye Colledges shall be continued unto that of Bergerac until the next National Synod, unto which they shall give a clear and good ac∣count of what has been done by them for the re-establishment of their Colledge, on default of which, that Sentence of the Provincial Synod for translating the said Colledge to the Town of Nerac shall be confir∣med. And as for the remaining Eight Hundred Livres, Four Hun∣dred of them shall be detained by the Lord of Candal in his hands, and the other Four Hundred shall be accorded to the Church of Nerac, but on this condition only that the Town of Bergerac do find out some means for the re-establishment of their Colledge. And our National Synods may hereafter give them sensible pledges of their accustomed Love and Kindness.

14. Monsieur des Marests suspended the Holy Ministry by the Pro∣vince of Vivaretz, petitioned in his Appeals, that they might be obli∣ged to restore him unto the Publick Exercise of his Office, and come to

an account with him, upon hearing the Deputies of that Province, this Synod voted that his suspension should be removed, and that the said Province should accompt with him for the Moneys owing to him be∣fore the Consistory of Alez, and that Monsieur Cuper shall pay him presently in ready Moneys Three Hundred Livres, out of what might accrew unto the said Province, and to repair the want of Charity which those of that Province have been notoriously guilty of towards him, they shall for the future take special care to incourage him in his Mini∣stry.

15. Mr. George Arbaut formerly Pastor of the Church in Boiscoiran appeared in Person before this Synod to maintain his Appeal. But upon hearing the Deputies of the Province of Lower Languedoc, by which he was Deposed, and Monsieur Paulett Pastor of the Church of Vezenobre who gave in Evidence against him on one of the Principal Articles for which he was condemned, the Letters and Acts produced both for and against him having been perused, The Synod confirmed the Judgment denounc't against the said Arbaut, and declareth him for ever unworthy of Employment in the Sacred Ministry, and decreeth farther that he shall not be admitted to Communion in the Sacraments, till such time as being toucht with a deep remorse, and serious Repen∣tance for his Sin, he do fully, freely, and ingenuously Confess his Offen∣ces before that Church, in which he constantly resideth.

16. Monsieur Beraut Pastor of the Church of Montauban, and Pro∣fessor in that University, appealed from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc, and consequentially from the Actions of the De∣legates of that Synod, and of the Colloquy of Lower Quercy. Letters from the Magistrates in the Sheriffdom or Montauban were read, as also from the Four Consuls of the said City; The Lords de la Roche and Bardon Counsellors in that Sheriffdom, the Lords de la Rose and Auglas first and second Consuls, and the R. Mr. Charles a Minister one of those Delegates, were all heard speaking of this Affair, and Monsieur Beraud also declaring his grievances, as also did the Deputies of the Province. The Synod did hereupon take unto it self the cognisance of this Case, and voted that the R. R. Mr. Maurice and le Bloy Ministers of the Go∣spel, Martimont and Laullan Elders shall to this purpose ride unto the City of Montauban, and joyning with the Consistory of that Church, shall inquire into those matters alledged against Monsieur Beraud, and ex∣amin Witnesses, and form a Process against him, and proceed to a de∣finitive Sentence, and see that right be done upon those Appeals, and the principal of that Affair as is but just and reasonable.

17. Monsieur Scoffier Pastor of the Church of Lunell brought an Appeal in his own Name, and that of his Sister Mrs. Blandina Scoffier from a Judgment of the Synod of Sevennes, which having been read and perused, This Synod declared that the said Judgment was very unrighteous, and utterly unjustifiable. And that the opposition made by Mrs. Jacquelina Scoffier was ill-grounded, and that the Summ of Four Hundred and Three Livres, One Sous, Four Deniers liquidated by the Consistory of Anduze, Authorized thereunto by the Synod of Sevennes, shall immediately, and without delay be payed by the Re∣ceiver of the said Province into the hands of the laid Monsieur Scoffier, to be imployed by him for the Relief of his poor Sister Blandina.

18. The Sieurs Guez Pastor, and Bien-nous-vienne Elder of the Church of Aubusson declared the reasons of their Appeal and Com∣plaints against the Province of Berry. And the Deputies of the same Province, and Mr. Texier an Elder delegated by the Consistory of Aubusson produced their Arguments and Allegations to the contrary. After the whole had been heard and debated, the Judgment of the said Province was invalidated, because they ought not to remove a Pastor from his Church without assigning him to some other, much less should they prefer a Scholar unto an ordained Minister. And farther it was decreed, that Monsieur Guez should continue in his Pastoral Office in that Church of Aubusson until the next Provincial Synod, and the differences between the Elders of that Church, and Monsieur Guez, their Pastor, and between those Elders and other Members of that Church are remanded back unto the same Synod. And the Deputies of that Province are commanded to carry unto their Synod the Me∣moir which was produced in this Assembly, and the Sieurs Salmon and Scoffier are to make inquiry into the truth of those Articles of Accu∣sation contained in the said Memoir, that so the said Synod may do right unto the wronged Parties, and censure the Delinquents.

19. This Assembly ratified the Judgment of the Province of Higher Languedoc, and vacated the Appeal of Monsieur Bicheteau Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Montauban, and decreed that a free Portion should be assigned him on the Dividend of the said Pro∣vince, and that he may according to the Canons of former National Synods preach in the Church of Montauban, when as he shall be there∣unto requested by the Consistory, and as in prudence and charity they be bound, they shall look more carefully after the General Edification of the Church, and the particular Consolation of the said Monsieur Bicheteau.

20. The Letters and Acts of the Church of Pamiers were tendred by Monsieur du Toc{que} their Deputy, and read in this Council, reque∣sting on behalf of that Church, that the Decree of the Provincial Sy∣nod of Higher Languedoc might be reversed, and Monsieur Galliard might be discharged from serving that Church. The matter having been debated, the Synod declared upon the whole, That the Province had judged well, and that the Church had ill appealed; and because of the importance of that Church leave is given it to seek out for a second Pastor, but yet nevertheless Monsieur Galliard should be continued in his Ministry unto that Church until the next Provincial Synod, who shall have a singular regard unto the Honour and Comfort of Mon∣sieur Galliard, and provide him of another Church, in case the Peace and Edification of that of Pamiers shall so require it.

21. Monsieur Peyroll Pastor in the Church of Montpellier is injoy∣ned within five dayes after this present Act shall be signified to him personally to appear in this City, and to answer unto such questions as this Synod shall desire to be resolved in from his own Mouth, and in case he vefuse Obedience unto this injunction, he shall then be prose∣cuted with the utmost rigour according to the Discipline.

22. This Assembly ratified the Sentence of the Synod of Higher Languedoc, which had disannulled the Appeal made by Ruinall against the Election of James Canac unto the Elders Office in the Church of St. Afrique, and afterwards reconciled them one unto the other.

23. There were produced and read in open Synod Acts and Letters from divers Inhabitants of the Town of St. Ambroise, appealing from the Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc, as also from sundry other Inhabitants of the same Town, Writing in favour of Mon∣sieur Courroy, Pastor of the Church of the said place. This Assem∣bly confirmed the Sentence of the Colloquy of Ʋsez, and of the Provincial Synod, and censured those Appealers in the Person of their Deputies, for having through their unbridled passion passed Church-Acts out of Consistory, in the Consuls House of their Town, and brought a parcel of frivolous Accusations against Monsieur Courroy their Pastor, and decreeth farther that he be continued Minister unto the said Church of St. Ambroise, and that if he should be removed thence, though it was at his own request, yet shall not the said Church be provided of another Pastor, till the whole Body of them have bani∣shed all their disorderly passions and bitterness, and be visibly re-uni∣ted in one and the same mind, that so they may by all just and peace∣able wayes seek after a Minister, who may be conceived most proper and fittest to promote their common Edification, and this shall be sig∣nified unto that Church by the Deputies of Burgundy, who are char∣ged in their way homeward to pass through that Town of St. Ambroise, and then and there they shall inform the Inhabitants of the Intentions of this Synod, and do their best endeavours to reconcile them among themselves, and to their Worthy Pastor Mr. Courroy, and to know their minds about it, that so they may malse report thereof unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc, which is impowered by this Assembly to use all Lawful and Holy Means for promoting the Peace and Edifying of that Church.

24. The Letters and Memoirs produced by the Consuls of Anduze appealing from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes, and from the Consistory of the said Town who wore Parties to it were all examined. And the Deputies of that Province together with the Sieurs Puyredon Deputy Consul and Cheiloit an Elder speaking on behalf of the Consistory, and Monsieur Horle a Minister, were all heard After which the Council rejecting that Appeal, and censuring their procee∣dings, who had brought it in, and would support it by unusual and undue means, and with Libels of Accusations written out of Consi∣story, stuff't with matters of no moment, confirmed Monsieur Horle in the Pastoral Office of that Church, and gives it leave to provide them∣selves of a second Pastor, either within or without the Province, as the Lord shall offer them an opportunity, and farther it decreeth that the said Church shall attend their next Provincial Synod, and gain an Order from it for re-uniting the Church of Tornas, now joyned unto that of Lezan, unto themselves, and the said Synod shall comply with them in this their request, and use some other means for the maintenance of that Church of Lezan, when as that of Tornas shall be again incorpo∣rated with that of Anduze, as it was heretofore.

25, The Decree of the last Synod of the Isle of France, notwith∣standing the Letters and Complaints of Monsieur Richard Pastor, and and of some certain Elders of the Church of Vandieres to the contrary, was confirmed, and the said Richard was injoyned by the Synod to

exercise his Ministry in those Churches unto which he was assigned, on pain of being suspended from his Office; and that Province is re∣quested to compassionate his great wants, and to extend unto him their wonted Charities.

26. Whereas Monsieur Razes appealed from a Judgment of the Pro∣vincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, This Council rejected his Appeal, and to put a period unto the contentions of the said Razes about the precedency of Monsieur Martyn an Attorney at Bezieres, it decreed, that for the future no businesses of this Nature should ever be presented unto these Assemblies.

27. The Appeal of the Church of Mazamet was also rejected, be∣cause it was not of the Nature of those businesses, which ought to be decided in these Councils, and because the Provincial Deputies of Higher Languedoc offered to take care that both the Appealers and their Partners should have full satisfaction given them.

28. The Appeal of Monsieur Rossel Pastor in the Church of Issoire about pecuniary matters, is according to the Canons in that case pro∣vided, dismissed over to the Judgment of the Province of Lower Languedoc.

29. The Several Appeals of Monsieur Genoyer Pastor of the Church of Riez in Provence are devolved on the Colloquy of Ambrun, who shall call upon the Church of Luc, to produce what they have to say for themselves, and to threaten them, that notwithstanding their Ap∣peal, in case of their absence, or refusal to obey this Order, and to bring forth the Book of their Consistory, whereby the justice or unrea∣sonableness of what is demanded of them may be discovered, Judg∣ment shall pass upon them.

30. Report was made in full Council of the Contents of Monsieur Sauceux his Memoirs, who appealed from the Judicial Sentences of the Synod of the Isle of France and of their Commissioners sent on their behalf unto the Church of Bayolett; and the Deputies of that Province were heard also: Whereupon without invalidating the Judicial Sen∣tences of that Synod, or of its Commissioners, They were told that the form of their proceedings was wrong; that the said Synod should have cited Monsieur Sauceux to have appear'd before them, and have omit∣ted in that Act concerning him, the mentioning of His Majesties Edict, and that the bottom of the business may be found out, the Council decreed that the Provincial Deputies of Normandy shall in their return homewards pass over unto the Church of Bayolet, and shall examin the said Mr. Sauceux and his Consistory, and after hearing both Parties, they shall pronounce a final Judgment on them.

31. Whereas Monsieur des Maretz Elder of the Church of Oysemont hath sent neither Letters nor Memoirs to defend his Appeal from the Judgment of the Province of the Isle of France, his Appeal was there∣fore declared null.

32. That Appeal from the Judgment of the Province of Burgundy, brought by the L. L. Renaut and Fronevill in the Name of the Sieur L' Advise, touching a certain Declaration delivered unto the Sieur de Villemenat to be kept by him is declared null.

33. The Lord of Fournivall Elder in the Church of Beaune appealed in behalf of its Consistory from a Decree past in the last Synod of Bur∣gundy held at Issurtilles, which had censur'd the said Consistory for not observing all requisite Formalities in receiving a Person of the contrary Religion into Fellowship and Communion with us; but his Appeal was declared null, and the said Consistory was censured for appealing unto this Council upon the score of a single Censure.

CHAP. XXI. Discipline Exercised on a Scandalous Minister.

* 4.634 PEter Peris formerly Pastor in the Church of Estray in the Collo∣quy of Aunix complained personally unto the Synod against the Province of Xaintonge, for that having discharged him the Service of his Church, they refused him an Attestation of his Life and Do∣ctrine. The Deputies of that Province immediately assigned the reasons of their refusal, grounded upon the scandalous Conversation of the said Peris, and his Method of teaching, which was exceeding off∣ensive unto divers Churches: And the said Peris Apologizing for himself, The Council took thence occasion to interrogate him on divers Articles, of which he was accused, and convicted, as 1. For desertion of his Mini∣stry, 2. Of haunting, and over-much familiar and scandalous Acquain∣tance and Communion with our Adversaries, particularly with Apo∣states revolted from the True Religion unto Romish Idolatry, and with Persons cast by the dreadful Sentence of Excommunication for Errors and Blasphemies out of these our Reformed Churches. 3. Of Pro∣phaneness, Insolency and Vanity. 4. Of Lyings, Slanderings, and Plottings against our Churches, and several of their Members. And forasmuch as he had about him even now whilst he was under exami∣nation a most execrable Libel against His Majesties Honour, and the Tranquillity of the State, compos'd by some mutinous Spirits, distur∣bers of the Publick Peace, which was delivered into the hands of His Majesties Commissioner, the Lord Galland, to dispose of it as his Lord∣ship in his Wisdom should think fit, The Council Deposed the said Peris from the Sacred Ministry, and debarring him all hopes of ever being again restored to it, decreeth that he shall be suspended all Com∣munion in the Sacraments until such time as he giving Glory unto God, and confessing his Offences, shall have manifested to the World the Gracious Fruits of a serious and sound Repentance. And this Act shall be notified unto all the Churches.

35. Mr. Peju a Pastor, Baignou••••n Elder, and Rousseau, all deputed by the Heads of Families in the Church of Mer declared the grievances for which they appealed, and on the contrary the Provincial Deputies of Berry vindicated the Sentence of their Synod, The Letters and Acts also of both Parties were produced, and read both by Monsieur Peju, and by the Province: Upon the whole the Council judged, that the Province ought not to have brought before this Assembly Acts and Me∣moirs

not verified in their Synods,* 4.7 and which were transacted in pri∣vate Caballs, nor ought they to have hindred the Church of Mer from Assembling to consult about joyning with their Pastor in his Appeal; and as for the said Monsieur Peju the Council advised him to stand upon his Guard, and conscientiously to use and exercise that moderation be∣coming his Age and Calling, and decreed that the two next Pastors to the Church of Mer in the Province of Anjou shall visit that Church, and censure very sharply those of its Members who have threatned and abused the Provincial Synod, and shall commune with them about their desires and wants, that so a report thereof may be made unto the approaching Synod of Anjou, which is impowered to judge of all those Matters which are objected against Monsieur Peju, and to dispose of his Ministry, either by freeing him from the Church of Mer, or continuing him in it, as they shall upon due and diligent Inquiry find will most contribute to the Service and Glory of God, and the Repose and Edification of that Church, unto which the said Monsieur Peju is remanded back again, there to continue his Ministerial Labours, until such time as this Affair shall be finally judged and determined.

36. There were Letters from the Consistories, Heads of Families, and Monsieur Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux, as also from Monsieur Percy Pastor of the Church of Monflanquin, directed unto this National Synod read in it, as also certain Memoirs were produced by the Provincial Deputies of Lower Guyenne. The aforesaid Deputies, and the Sieurs Roberdeau and d' Herbaux sent by the Churches of Monflanquin and of Bourdeaux were all heard: After which the Synod ratified the Judgment of that Province, and finding Monsieur Percy by reason of his Irresolutions and Inconstancy very much deserving Censure, decreed that those Letters and Memoirs should be carried by the Deputies of Lower Guyenne unto their next Provincial Synod where the said Mon∣sieur Percy shall in like manner appear in Person, and give a full account of all his Actions.

37. Monsieur Le Vineux Pastor of the Church of Bazas being Plain∣tiff, this Synod to do him right ordained that the Province of Lower Guyenne shall restore unto him his Portion granted by the National Synod of Charenton, in consideration of the great dammages and losses su∣stained by him during the last troubles: And whereas that Church of Bazas appealeth from the Judicial Sentence of its Province for▪ depri∣ving it of the augmentation which was formerly given it, The Synod not judging their Appeal worthy to be received, commands that Church to apply it self unto one of the Neighbour Provinces, which shall take cognisance of their Petition, and do them Justice according to the Canons.

38. It being necessary that Monsieur Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John of Gardonengue should in person answer unto those many Articles of which he is impeached and accused; This Synod com∣manded that within five dayes after the signifying of this present Act to him, he should come unto this City, on pain of being declared guilty and convicted of those Crimes imposed on him. And the Deputies of the Church of Anduze shall out of hand give him notice hereof.

39. The Church of Bourdeaux appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Lower Guyenne, by which Messieurs Alba and Percy were confirmed in their Pastoral charge of the Churches of Agen and Monflanquin, but their Appeal was vacated, and the Sieur Roberdeau Deputy of the said Church petitioning that an Order might pass for these Reverend Persons, Monsieur de la Fite Pastor in the Church of Bigorre, de Baylin Pastor in the Church of Villemur,* 4.8* du Fas Pastor in the Church of de Baylin in Armagnac, and de Raynall, Pastor in the Church of La Fite near Clairac to serve the Church of Bourdeaux quarterly, upon condition, that the charges of those Four Churches in getting themselves supplyed during the absence of their respective Pastors, and Service of that of Bourdeaux be defrayed by it; The Council told him that they did not judge it equi∣table to dispose of the Ministry of those Reverend Ministers de la Fite, and Bailin, till the consent of their Churches and Provinces of Bearn, and Higher Languedoc was first obtained, because they depend upon them: And forasmuch as the said Sieur de Roberdeau presented another and new request, and most importunately urged that it might be lawful for him instead of the fore-mentioned Ministers de la Fite and Baylin to have recourse unto Monsieur Berdolin Pastor of the Church of Duras, and D' Aubus Pastor of the Church of Nerac to come and help the Church of Bourdeaux upon those same terms before-mentioned, The Council closed with his Offers, and condescending to his Demand, en∣joyneth the Churches of La Bastide, la Fite, Duras, and Nerac punctu∣ally to observe this present Ordinance, and to permit their Pastors to serve the Church of Bourdeaux quarterly as it shall call for them.

40. There being many difficulties fallen out in the discussion of that Affair concerning Monsieur Espagnac, The Sieurs Taby and Longuet were appointed to pass unto the Church of Ʋsez, and impowered to examine Monsieur Noguiere about Matters relating to him, and to know of him whether he owneth those Papers that are put into their hands, and to interrogate Witnesses that may be brought before them, and shall cite him personally to appear before this Council, and to answer such matters as shall be objected against him, and in case he refuse Obe∣dience-unto this Order, then he shall be immediately suspended the Holy Ministry.

41. The Synod doing Justice on the Appeal of the Colloquy of Albigeois, decreeth that the Churches of the said Colloquy shall re∣main united as heretofore.

42. The Synod forbad Monsieur Recens to bring any more unto our National Synods Petitions about pecuniary Matters on pain of be∣ing prosecuted with the utmost rigour of Church-Censures, and dis∣misseth the consideration of those Petitions unto the Province of Lower Languedoc, which shall put a final period to them by the Authority of this Synod.

43. Monsieur Fabry Pastor of the Church de la Caune was comman∣ded by the Council to come into this City the very next day after this present Act should be signified to him, or else he shall be proceeded against with the utmost rigour of our Church-Discipline, and the De∣puties of Higher Languedoc shall with the greatest diligence notifie it to him.

CHAP. XXII. Discipline Exercised upon a Delinquent Minister.* 4.9

44 THE Acts and Memoirs produc't against Monsieur Peyroll, as also his Declinatory Letters written unto this Assembly on design to elude his citation and appearance being all read; and the Sieurs Astier, Carlincas, and the Provincial Deputies of Lower Lan∣guedoc being heard, it was judged that the Provincial Synod and Con∣sistory of Montpellier had been too indulgent to the said Peyroll, and borne with him too long considering that the suspension threatned bore no proportion to the greatness of his Crime, and that the Consistory should not have payd any respect unto his Appeal, when it was done on purpose to obstruct the Execution of the Synodical Decree, nor should they have connived at those Defaults observed in his Sermons, which have occasioned so many Persons to complain of him. Moreo∣ver it was ordained, that the said Peyroll for his Contentiousness at Law, and frequent failures in his promises, should be suspended from the Sa∣cred Ministry until the next Synod of Lower Languedoc, during which time the Colloquy shall take care that the Church be provided of ano∣ther Pastor; and the Synod being informed by the Consistory of Mont∣pellier of the verity and reality of these Offences taken at his Sermons, and of the other defaults whereof he is accused shall aggravate his cen∣sure even unto a Deposition from the Ministry, in case the said Peyroll refuse to testifie his Repentance by informing his promises, and by gi∣ving plenary satisfaction unto the Church, which he hath so grievously scandalized through his violations of them.

45. The Sieurs Taby and Longuett Commissioners appointed by this Council to pass over unto the City of Ʋsez, and to cite Monsieur Noguier Pastor of that Church before them, having heard him, and the Witnesses brought forth unto them, returned, and made Report of all the Acts produced both for and against Monsieur Astier. After which the said Astier, and the Sieurs Noguier, and Espagnac, and the Provin∣cial Deputies of Lower Languedoc were all suffered to speak in order; whereupon the Council Confirmed the Judgment of the said Province in all its Articles, and immediately absolved the said Monsieur Espag∣nac of the Crimes brought in against him by the said Astier, and cen∣suring the said Astier for his animosity and passion, ordaineth that he be reconciled with his adverse Party, and that the Papers produced in this cause shall be supprest; which being done, and the said Monsieur Astier having intreated Monsieur Aspagnac to forget what is past, The Council consents that the Censures denounc't against him by the Synod of Lower Languedoc be repealed, and taken off the File.

46. The Synod heard the Sieur Mercurin Pastor of the Church of Grace declare his particular grievances of which he complained in his Appeal from the Provincial Synod of Provence; and judging that the said Province ought not to refuse their assistance to him against the Per∣secution suffered by him from the Adversaries of the Gospel, it decreed

that Monsieur Cuper shall immediately pay him out of the Common Stock of Moneys belonging to the Churches of Provence the Summ of an Hundred and Fifty Livres, for which the Receiver of that Pro∣vince shall be accountable, and that henceforward an half Portion shall be setled upon him for his encouragement over and above what the Church of Grace hath hitherto injoyed.

47. The Council doing right unto Monsieur Berauld upon his Ap∣peals, and disanulling all former proceedings against him, except those of the Committees, which it had particularly ordained and constituted about his Affair, and having examined all those Accusations, Deposi∣tions of Witnesses, Denyals and Defences relating to it, did unaui∣mously and without the least disagreement declare, as it now declareth the said Monsieur Berauld absolved and justified from all crimes impo∣sed on him, and that there may be a real and hearty reconciliation of the said Monsieur Berauld with those who were transported against him; and that the peace and edifying of the Church of Montauban may be settled and promoted, the Reverend Mr. Charles and Delon Pastors of the said Church were commanded to come into this Assembly, and pre∣senting themselves before it, they were acquainted with its Holy De∣sires and Intentions, and were all of them joyntly and severally exhor∣ted unto Concord, Union, and Brotherly Love, that so the Church in which they officiate may be edified and comforted by their Ministry, and that all sence of injuries and bitter animosities may be for ever bu∣ried in the Grave of Oblivion.

48. Those Acts brought into the Colloquy of Albigeois by the Com∣missioners Nominated in the Synod of Realmont to make inquiry into the crime imposed on Monsieur Fabry Pastor of the Church de la Caune were all examined: And the said Fabry was heard as to those grievan∣ces of which he complained in his Appeal, as also was the Sieur de Maroule Pastor of the Church of Pont de Larq one of the Commissio∣ners, and the Provincial Deputies of Higher Languedoc. Whereupon the Council condemned the supine connivency of the said Province, which for many years together had never called their Pastors to an ac∣count for sundry Accusations laid unto their charge; and passing by the reasons inducing that Colloquy to give Judgment as it did, it ratifieth the Sentence of suspension denounc't against the said Fabry, and having sharply reproved him according as the Nature of his Offence required, it did farther decree, that when the time of his suspension should ex∣pire, he should be restored unto his Office, and to the Exercise thereof, but in another Church, and not in that of La Caune; from which the Colloquy hath already determined that he should be discharged.

49. That Appeal brought by the Elder of the Church of Vic-fezensac from a Decree of the Synod of Lower Guyenne in favour of Monsieur Bragerac its Pastor, that the Churches of Montreal and Vic-fezansac should pay him his Sallary, was declared null.

50. Monsieur Gravier neither appearing in Person, nor sending any Memoirs to defend his Appeal formed by him against a Decree of the Province of Lower Guyenne, the Contents of which was a Declaration that Monsieur Potet a Minister having past his word unto Mrs. Gravier

to acquit her of a certain Summ of Money, Mr. Gravier demanded its performance; but this Appeal was declared null and void.

CHAP. XXIII. A Scandalous Minister Deposed.

51 STephen Girault heretofore Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Barbezieux, having not defended the Appeal brought by him from the Sentence of the Synod of Xaintonge, which Deposed him for many and grievous Crimes, and in particular for Adultery: The Council declared his Appeal null and ratifying the Deposition of the said Girault, doth aggravate his Sentence by cutting him off from all hopes of ever being restored unto the Sacred Ministry, either to the Office or Exercise thereof.

52. The Inhabitants of St. Lawrence in Aigouze appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had restored Mon∣sieur Tuffan unto the Ministry in the Colloquy of Nismes; but their Appeal was turned over to the cognisance of the approaching Synod of Sevennes, which is ordered to proceed against the said Tuffan in case the Matters whereof he is accused be averred, and proved upon him by de∣posing him from the Holy Ministry, and Monsieur Aymar is charged, to be present at the next Colloquy of Nismes, and there to receive all pro∣ceedings old and new against this unworthy Fellow.

CHAP. XXIV. Discipline Exercised upon a Vitious Minister.

53. WHereas James Jolly sometimes Pastor of the Church of Milhaud appealed from a Sentence past against him by the Synod of Higher Languedoc, which had deposed him from the Holy Mi∣nistry: Upon hearing the Deputies of that Province, and the said Jolly himself, who having been divers times summon'd to clear himself of the Crimes laid unto his charge, though to no purpose, for he could ne∣ver do it: The Synod ratified the Sentence past against him in every article and particular; and because the qualities of his Crimes proved upon him are very hainous and atrocious, as tempting and solliciting of Women to Adultery, abominable and profane Speeches, professed resolves and purposes to Apostatize from the True Religion, and Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus, perswading and enticing, like the Devils, other Ministers of Christ to joyn with him in his Revolt and

Apostacy, from all which horrible and scandalous Accusations he was bound in Honour and Conscience to purge himself, and had he been innocent, or had he but the least spark of Grace, or one grain of the fear of God been lest in him, he would have done it: Moreover the said Jolly having discoursed with a great deal of impudence, hardness and ungodliness in the very presence of the Synod, and betook himself unto business utterly inconsistent with the Sacred Calling of a Minister, for which, had he none other guilt upon him, he would have merited a Deposal from that Honourable Office, The Synod seized with a just horror at his impenitency, and aggravating the Sentence of his Provin∣cial Synod, denounceth the said Jolly utterly unworthy, and altogether uncapable of any imployment in the Sacred Ministry of the Gospel, deposeth him, and doth now from this Instant declare him to be depo∣sed from the Ministerial Function, and for ever uncapable of being re∣stored to it, and depriveth him of all Communion in the Sacraments, unto which he shall not be admitted, 'till we have had a very long proof, and some years Tryal and Experience of his Repentance and Reforma∣tion, and that he have publickly and penitently acknowledged those great and hainous scandals he hath given unto the Church of God; and in case he persist in his Rebellions, then the Consistories and Colloquies being assembled together shall deliver him over unto the Devil by that dreadful Sentence of Excommunication.

54. The Overseers of the Poor in the Church of Anduze appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc, and the Lord Aldebert Judge of Sauve complained against the Sieur John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John of Cardonengue. Master Cailou was heard speak in behalf of the Church of Anduze, and Mr. Aldebert the younger opened the reasons of their Appeal, and Mr. Bony together with the Provincial De∣puties Apologized for themselves against thorn. The Council having accurately considered all the Accusations and Matters of Offence inclu∣ded in those proceedings, judgeth that Mr. Bony deserveth a very heavy Censure for notorious Avarice and dishonest Gain, the guilt of which is apparent and visible upon him, for that he disposed of the Goods of Pernette Andouyne to his own and his Childrens profit, contrary to the Will and Testament she had once made in favour of the poor Members of the Church of Anduze. Moreover the Council declareth that the said Master Bony cannot with a good Conscience detain and appropriate unto his own use the Goods aforesaid, but ought immediately to restore them; and to this purpose he was exhorted to choose Arbitrators as the said Overseers of the Poor would also to compose the differences be∣tween them, and to agree upon the terms of restitution: And it was farther intimated to him, that in case the Execution of this Decree were in the least hindred or delayed by him the said Bony, that the next Colloquy of Nismes was Authorized to proceed against him, and to Depose him from the Ministry. And forasmuch as he hath exprest his Repentance with grief, and shame for his Sin, and promised the Synod to give full satisfaction as before, and for that he hath patiently and penitently borne the Suspension from his Office inflicted on him some Moneths ago, The Synod doth restore him to the Exercise of his Mini∣stry. And whereas Monsieur Aldebert before-mentioned had been suspended from the Lords Table, that Censure, together with his being taxed for a Calumniator, are both ordered to be taken off from him, but he shall be first publickly reproved in the Person of his Son for that excessive Passion manifested by him in his Accusations, Prosecutions, and bitter

Expressions in his Letters, all which exasperated the Province of Higher Languedoc against him, and were the true meritorious causes why he was so severely judged by them. And both of those Gentlemen Bony and Aldebert are exhorted to a mutual reconciliation, and forgetfulness of what is past, and particularly the said Aldebert is advised to demean himself for the future with more Candor and Charity towards the said Bony: And in case there should happen any new matter of Accusation against him, that he do prosecute him according to the Forms and Canons of our Church Discipline. More∣over Master Melucis and Berle Pastors, and Witnesses to the aforesaid Testament shall be examined by their next Provincial Synod about their hand in this matter, that so they may be dealt withal according to their demerits. And whereas Monsieur de Surville another Minister could have given in a material Evidence against the said Bony, but was sworn to Secrecy, he also shall be called to an account, and Justice shall be done upon him.

CHAP. XXV. GENERAL MATTERS.

* 4.101 WHereas all Pastors, and Heads of Families, and Members of our Churches ought dayly to implore the Throne of Grace for all Spiritual and Temporal Benedictions to be poured down upon the Person of His Majesty Our Dread Soveraign, and for the Glory of His Crown, the Peace and Prosperity of His Kingdom and Govern∣ment, they be all Exhorted in their Publick and Private Prayers im∣portunately to beg of God, that he would be graciously pleased to bless the Kings Majesty with Children of his own Body, and to this purpose all the faithful shall with one accord joyn together in Common Prayers and Supplications, that the Lord would hear and Answer the Requests of his poor Children who live under the Sh dow of his Anointed, that the Scepter may be strengthned in his hand, his House established from Generation to Generation, and that over and above those Divine Graces and Favours which he hath already vouchsafed to him, he may after a long and happy Life be honoured in succeeding Ages with the Glorious Title of Father of Kings, as he is now with that of Father of his People.

2. The Synod considering that through the Soveraign Mercy of God, inclining His Majesties heart by his Holy Spirit thereunto, the Churches of this Kingdom do injoy that great Blessing of Peace; and yet neverthe∣less there remain in the hearts of many Persons very deep resentments of their past Sufferings, which may prove hereafter the Seeds of new Broils and Dissensions, whereby the Honour of God, and of our King, and the Publick Tranquillity of the Nation may be exceedingly preju∣diced and endammaged, It exhorteth in the Name and Authority of God Almighty all the faithful to suppress and stifle those bitter Animo∣sities, which the unhappyness of our late Civil Wars, may have en∣kindled in them, and that none of Our Members do trouble their Neigh∣bours for Matters done during those Troubles, sith the Remembrance of them is abolished by His Majesties Edicts and Declarations of Peace,

and that they would embrace each other with a Cordial Love and Affection, and live for the future as Members of one and the same Bo∣dy, contending mutually and mostly who shall do His Majesty the best and greatest Service, and repair the woful breaches in the House of God. And in particular the Inhabitants of this populous City ate Exhorted to render all Reverence a•••• Obedience unto their Magistrates and Supe∣riours, as being established over them by the Authority of God; and the Magistrates also are to exert their Duties towards them who be sub∣jected to their Government with all due and becoming Moderation, and Fatherly Affection; That so all sorts of Persons both Superiours and Inferiours may aim and level in all their Actions at the Glory of God, the Service of the King, and the Peace and Safety of the Common∣wealth

3. The Synod confirming the Canons of former Synods about an ex∣hibition unto Monks, decreeth, that in case a Monk cannot be maintain∣ed by that Province in which he was born, and that the said Province will not contribute any thing towards his subsistence, then the Province which is charged with him shall make application to the Lord of Candal, and take his allowance out of the Moneys belonging to that Province, where he first lived, and quitted his Frock and Idolatrous Religion.

4. Hereafter in the breaking up of these National Synods the Depu∣ties shall carry home with them the Accompts rendred by the Lord of Candal for Moneys distributed by him unto every Province, that so all suspicions of partiality in the Dividends of His Majesties Bounty may be suppressed.

5. All the Provinces are expresly enjoyned by this Synod, that they do not prefer our Proposans before Ancient Pastors unto vacant Chur∣ches, and in case any Moderators of Colloquies or Synods shall suffer this Canon to be violated, they shall be suspended from their Charges.

6. That no Pastor discharged by Colloquies or Synods may hereafter assume unto himself a liberty of wandring from one Province unto ano∣ther and so intrude himself into a particular Church without the consent of Colloquies and Synods, a matter which redounds exceedingly to the dishonour of the Ministry, and is become a most Notorious Scandal: The Synod ordaineth, that when as a Pastor shall be taken off the Service of his Church and can not be presently setled in another, yet shall he be obliged to live within the bounds of that Province, either as a Pastor discharged, or else as one imployed in such a manner as the Province shall judge convenient, until such time as he meet with a Call unto some other Church, whether within or without the Pro∣vince, desiring him to be their fixed Pastor.

7. The Pastors of the Church of Paris are ordered to revise the Marginal Texts in our Confession of Faith, and to inform the Churches which have Printers to take special notice of their Remarks, and to see that it be printed according to their corrected Copy without any difference.

8. Such Churches as have Printing-Houses belonging to them shall advise our Printers to be careful that they insert no Historical Remarks into the Calendars, which may occasion trouble unto the Churches, and irritate the rage and malice of our Adversaries.

9. There shall not be inserted into the Lett••••s of Deputation unto Colloquies and Provincial Synods from particular Churches those self∣same clauses of absolute submission which are used in the Provincial Letters unto the National Synod.

10. 'Tis left wholly to the Discretion of Consistories what censures they shall inflict on such who assist in Person at Baptisms, Marriages, or Funerals solemnized by the Church of Rome.

11. That Canon of the National Synod of Gap about Burying in Temples and Church-yards shall be most exactly observed by all the Churches.

CHAP. XXVI. An Act to preserve the Churches Writings, Deeds, &c.

12 DIvers Papers of very great Importance to our Churches, being lost to their unspeakable prejudice, and all occasioned through their neglect of choosing some one particular Church in each Province, wherein the Originals of all proceedings by our General Deputies might be deposited, This Synod desirous to prevent so great a disorder for the future, Decreeth, That all Writings remaining in their hands, who have been imployed in the General Deputation shall be redemanded of them by the Consistories of those Churches in which they make their Residence, that so they may be more carefully preserved than heretofore. And the Originals of all Declarations, Writts, Answers unto Cahiers, and such other Papers concerning the General Body of our Churches shall be carried unto Rochell, and lodged up in the Ar∣chives there. And as for other Papers, and Acts of Proceedings rela∣ting to particular Churches, there shall be one Church in every Pro∣vince which shall have the keeping of them, that so upon all occasions we may tell where to find them. And to this purpose there was na∣med for the Province of Higher Languedoc the Church of Montauban, for the Lower Languedoc the Church of Nismes, for Sevennes Anduze, for Anjou Loudun, for Burgundy Gex, for Vivaretz Privas, for the Lower Guyenne Ste Foy, for Poictou Niort, for Xaintonge Rochell, for the Isle of France Paris, for Normandy Alencon, for Britain Belin, for Dolphiny Die, for Berry Chastillion on the Loir, and for Provence Aignieres.

14. Whereas divers Provinces have been charged with the Memoirs of very many Churches, groaning under the cruel Oppressions of our Adversaries, who do daily deprive them of their Liberty of Conscience in the Service of God, and of those Rights and Priviledges granted us by the King; and Necessity requiring us to seck out some Remedy against such growing Mischiefs, from his Majesty's Justice and Protection, Monsieur le Haucher was ordered to collect into one Body all those Grie∣vances aforesaid, and all others which have been averred and signed by two Pastors or Elders; shall immediately upon the Departure of this Council, be sent unto him, that all may be gathered into one general Bill, and laid at his Majesties Feet, with our most humble Petitions unto his Majesty, that he would be pleased to extend his Royal Protection unto his most faithful Subjects of the Reformed Religion, who have no greater Ambition in the World, than to yield all due Obedience and Ser∣vice unto his Majesty.

15. The Province of Dolphiny craved Advice, what should be done with those who violated that Canon of Tonneins, which had obliged Pastors to administer Baptism only at such Church-Meetings in which the Word of God was preached, either immediately before or after Sermon, because that divers Churches do it, when as only they come together unto their ac∣customed Morning, common, publick Prayers, without any Sermons at all. After a long and smart Debate about this Matter, the Council owning that the formal necessary Words for Consecration and Celebration of that Sa∣crament, were fully comprized in the Liturgy of our Churches, and judging it for the present utterly unfit to urge the Observation of that Canon of Tonneins, decreeth, that the Provinces having examined the Reasons alledged by both Parties pro and con, shall give unto their Deputies, commissionated unto the next National Synod, the strongest Arguments to this purpose, that so that Council may proceed to a final Resolution in the Case.

CHAP. XXVI. An Act for a publick National Fast.

16. THE Wrath of God having been kindled against his People, and broken out upon them in divers Places, for many Years last past, so that he hath visited their Iniquities with sundry and very terrible Judgments, such as the Plague, unseasonable Weather, the devouring Sword, the Desolations of War, all which have brought upon us and upon the Provinces deep Poverty, woful Miseries and Calamities, which should have quickned us and them unto a most serious Repentance and Reforma∣tion of Life: Yet notwithstanding the Generality of Men do persist in their Sins, and abound in their Transgressions, so that the great Law∣giver, who alone can save and destroy, hath not called in his Wrath, but his Hand is stretched out still, and a Multitude of our poor Churches in divers Places are sorely afflicted by the Enemies of the Gospel, who turn every Stone, and use all sort of means, be they never so unjust and vio∣lent, to deprive us of his Majesties Protection, and the Benefits of that Peace, which his Majesty was graciously pleased to grant equally and in∣differently unto all his Subjects: And forasmuch as the common sense of the most stupid Persons might have learn'd them, that those many dread∣ful Judgments, with which the Lord hath scourged his Churches, have been drawn down upon them by their great Impenitency, Stubbornness;

and Hardness of Heart, and that God hath called upon them to lie low at to his Footstool in deep Abasement, Humiliation and Contrition of Spirit, and by their Patience and Christian Moderation, to have used and im∣proved these Chastisements as divine Remedies against those dismal and eternal Torments he had threatned them, and which they have most justly deserved; and that in their deplorable Condition they should with Tears and Prayers, with a most sincere Conversion and thorough Refor∣mation have fled for Sanctuary unto the Arms of Soveraign Mercy; that so that great God who createth Good, and formeth Evil, who giveth Peace, and sendeth Adversity at his sole Will and Pleasure, might have found them seeking those Blessings at his Hands only, and not depended, as they have done too frequently, rashly and inconsiderately, upon an Arm of Flesh: Wherefore this National Synod, representing the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, injoineth all Pastors to press home vigorously and zealously upon the Consciences of their People, true Piety and Devo∣tion towards God, due Obedience unto the higher Powers, sound and perpetual Repentance from dead Works; the Want and Neglect of which have caused ignorant Persons to blaspheme the holy and fearful Name of God, and to despise and vilify the good Ways of his Truth and Reforma∣tion. And it doth further decree, that a solemn Day of Fasting and Sup∣plications shall be kept and observed in all the Churches of this Kingdom, the first Thursday in March next coming; because the Necessity of hum∣bling our selves before God, is absolute and indispensable; there being none other way left us to turn away his Wrath from us, and to hasten the time of our Deliverance, than by a Reformation of our former Sin∣fulness, and a better and exacter ordering of our Actions and Conversa∣tions for the future.

17. The Council exhorteth all the Provinces, and the richer Churches in them to erect publick Libraries for the Ease and Benefit of their Pastors; and the Deputies of Burgundy, as they return home-ward through the Lower Languedoc, are charged to give particular Notice hereof unto the Consistory of Montpellier; and the Church of Paris, and Universities of Montauban and Nismes, shall be acquainted also with this our Request.

18. The Council enjoined all Persons who may hereafter audit their Accompts in the National Synods, to bring with them their last Accompt; and all Commissioners deputed to examine and close up such Accompts, shall not proceed about the said Audit, till such time as they have duly and accurately perused the Acts of the last Synod, concerning both these and their last tendred Accompts, because there be Remarks in them, which look forward and backward, both to the Years by-gone and past, and those that are to come.

19. His Majesty having graciously permitted a general Collection to be made throughout all the Churches of this Kingdom, for the impoverished Cities of Rochel, Montauban, and Castres, their Deputies came into the Council, and petitioned that there might be a Dividend made of the said collected Charities, protesting withal that they would chearfully acqui∣esce in its judicious Assignation of them. Whereupon the Council de∣creed, that one quarter of those Moneys should be given unto this Town of Castres, and the three other Parts should be equally divided between the Cities of Rochel and Montauban.

CHAP. XXVII. Differences between the Cities of Rochel, Montauban and Castres,* 4.11 composed.

20. THE Council composing the Differences which had fallen out between the Cities and Communalties of Rochel, Montauban and Castres, in dividing the Collection-Money before-mentioned, they being at Variance among themselves about it: And having heard the Reasons and Pretensions of the said Cities and Communalties, both from the Mouth of their Deputies, and the Report of the Commissioners ap∣pointed for the managing of this Affair; and having maturely Considered the whole, decreed, That the fourth Part of those Moneys so collected, shall be delivered into the City of Castres, and the other three Parts shall be equally divided betwixt the Cities of Rochel and Montauban. And that the said Cities and Communalties may reap and enjoy the Benefit and Comfort of the said collected Charities, their Deputies here present are enjoined to nominate one certain Person from among them, to receive those Moneys, who is a Person of sufficient Honesty and Ability to be responsible for them; together with three or four other Persons of known Integrity and Fidelity, who may be present, and actually imployed in the Distribution of them, which shall be made by the Command and Authority of the Mayors and Consuls of the said Cities; and those Com∣mands and Orders shall be signed and copied out by those now-mentioned Overseers for the Poor: And both they and the said Receiver shall be ob∣liged to send the Certificate unto the next National Synod, of the faithful Employment of those Moneys unto the common Uses and Necessities of their Poor, and that they were not in the least diverted from the Inten∣tion of the charitable Donors, nor of his Majesty, unto the Benefit and private Profit of some few particular Persons, either for defraying their Expences in Travel, or Deputations, or any other occasion whatsoever: And the Council shall agree and pitch upon those aforesaid Receivers and Overseers. And to facilitate the receiving of those Sums collected, and to prevent all Delays, Confusions, Inequalities in receiving, and other Inconveniences which may fall out, in case the said Cities should send abroad unto the Provinces and particular Churches to gather in what had been granted them, and above all to ease them of those great Charges which they must of Necessity be at in this Case, it was thought best to order the Consistories of Paris and Lyons to choose a Person from among them to be the General Receiver of those Moneys. And all the Pro∣vinces are enjoined to send speedily, and, if possible they can, within a Month's space after the Return of their Deputies, the Moneys collected by them, viz. the Provinces of the Isle of France, Normandy, Brittain, An∣jou, Berry, Poitou, and Xaintonge, to those who are ordained to receive them in the City of Paris; and those of Burgundy, Dolphiny, Provence, Vivaretz, Sevennes, Higher and Lower Languedoc, and Guyenne, to them who shall be appointed in the City of Lions; that so these Moneys being received by them, may be transmitted to the particular Commissio∣ners of the said Cities, either by Bills of Exchange, or any other way, together with their Acquittances, according to the Dividend before or∣dained.

2. In Pursuance of this last-named Article, the Lord of Angoulins was nominated to be Receiver for the Town of Rochel; and for Over∣seers Monsieur de L' Hommeau, and Monsieur Colomiez Pastors, together

with Mr. Paul Mervant and Nicholas Chesnell, Peers and tree Burgesses, and Elders of the City of Rochel: And for the City of Montauban, the Lord Roques, first Consul, was declared Receiver, and the R. R. Mr. Ollier and Charles, Pastors; together with the Lords d' Assier, Barram∣pere, and du Bois, Elders, for Overseers. And for the City of Castres, Mr. Thomas was nominated Receiver, and the Lords de la Gasquerie, de Servoles, de Lissac, de Bernard the Elder, de Legonier, and Rony the Au∣ditor, for Overseers. And all and every one of these now-mentioned Persons, were agreed upon and approved by this Council; which also en∣joined them, who received these Collections and Charities, to deliver them unto these Receivers.

22. In every Province there shall be reserv'd a Cahier of the particular Complaints and Grievances of particular Churches, oppressed upon the score and account of Religion, that so those Cahiers may be all transmit∣ted to the Church of Paris, which shall compile out of them one gene∣ral Cahier to be left in the hands of our General Deputies.

CHAP. XXVIII. Particular Matters.

1. SOME having very cunningly and maliciously robbed the Deputies of Lower Languedoc, of certain Papers quoted in an Inventory, which they had brought to this Council, giving an account of the Grounds and Reasons of that Judgment passed by the Provincial Synod on George Arbault: the Council being well fatisfied of their Integrity and Fide∣lity, and particularly of Monsieur Petit's, with whom all those Writings were deposited, did think it needful to give them this Attestation, and fully to discharge them of all those Papers which were delivered unto Monsieur Aymard, one of the Provincial Deputies for Sevennes, who will exhibit them upon all Occasions, excepting those relating to the Sieur Arbaut before-mentioned, which he received from the hands of the Sieurs Mestrezat and du Puy, (who were commissionated by the Synod to peruse them) he having given them a Receipt under his own Hand, which was delivered by him unto the aforesaid Monsieur Aymard, toge∣ther with those Papers, and two Inventories subscribed by the Sieurs du Cros and Petit.

2. In reading the Accusation of the Sieur Arbaut, and some other Acts brought against him, the Colloquy of Anduze was ordered to inform themselves of the Deportments of the Sieurs du Cros Pastor of the Church at Blansac, and of Raly Pastor in the Church of St. John de Maruejoly, and to proceed against them: And the Commissioners deputed by the Province of Lower Languedoc, were ordered to deliver unto the said Col∣loquy, the whole Relation of their Proceedings. And the said Colloquy should judg of those Differences which are risen up between the said Ar∣baut, formerly a Minister, and the Colloquies of Montpellier and Ʋsez, all which shall be notified to them by their Scribe.

3. Monsieur Tourtelon, a Pastor Emeritus, came unto the Synod, bit∣terly complaining of his great Poverty and Misery, and petitioned for some Relief. Mr. Cooper was intreated to advance an hundred Franks be∣fore-hand unto this aged Gentleman, payable out of that Portion assigned to him; and which will become due out of the Dividend for the Pro∣vince of Lower Languedoc, to whose Charity we do in an especial manner recommend him.

4. There was again read the Petition of John le Febure,* 4.12 a Bookseller in Geneva, reiterating his former Complaints unto divers of our National Synods, against Monsieur Manueill a Minister, somewhere serving in the Province of Bearn. After hearing the Allegations of the Deputies of that Province, on behalf of Manueill, the Synod not admitting their Ex∣cuses, nor being able any longer to suffer that the Advice and Orders of our preceding Synods, and the Complaints of the said Febure, and of the Church of Geneva, should be so wretchedly slighted and despised; and that a Fellow, blasted in his Reputation for an infamous Crime, from which he hath not acquitted, nor careth to acquit and clear himself, should be continued in the Ministry in that Province; and that Provincial Synod to have no regard at all unto the Proceedings had against him by that famous City of Geneva, nor to take the least care that the said Manueill should purge and justify himself from the Crime imposed on him, that so the Scandal might be repaired, either by his compleat Absolution and Discharge, or by an exemplary Punishment inflicted upon him for his said Offence: A Decree past, That in case the Synod of the said Province of Bearn did not give full Satisfaction unto the Requests of this, and of the former National Synods of our Churches, and produce undoubted Evi∣dence thereof unto the next National Synod by valid Acts of their Duty and Obedience thereunto, that then their Deputies should be utterly ex∣cluded these Synods; nor should they have either admission or session, consultive or decisive Votes in them.

5. The Deputies of Bearn complaining, that the Parliament of their Province did, directly and openly, set themselves against the Observation, of that Canon of our Discipline, which enjoined Consistories to censure those Parents, who sent their Children unto Colledges governed by Popish Priests and Jesuits. The Synod ordered that his Majesty should be most humbly petitioned by the Lord Mont-Martyn our General Deputy, That he would be pleased to leave unto the Churches, the free use and exercise of our Discipline, which hath been granted us by his Majesty's Edicts. And the Pastors of Bearn should be exhorted to exercise the Discipline more strictly and carefully than ever, because it is founded upon the Word of God, and the Canons and Practice of God's ancient Church.

6. The Sieur Pontier, formerly Pastor of the Church of St. Giles in the Province of Poictou, reported the many and great Damages he had sustained since he was discharged the Service of that Church; and that he was totally deprived of his Portion, which would have otherwise ac∣crued to him from the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality. The Synod 〈◊〉〈◊〉 That out of the Arrears due unto the Province of Poictou, the sa•••• ••••eur Pontier shall receive what would have appertained to him of the Monies settled on the Church of St. Giles, until such time as they be provided of another Pastor. And some further care shall be taken for him in the Dividend of our Monies.

7. The Synod taking notice, that the Defects in the Call of Monsieur de Rié, proceeded not from himself, but from the Synod of Provence; and having severely censured that Synod for their Contempt of the Canons of our Discipline in the Election and Ordination of Ministers, decreed, That the said Monsieur de Rié shall be recommended unto that Synod to provide a Church for him; and that a free Portion shall be allotted him out of the Dividend of the Churches of Provence; and that thirty Livers shall be paid him in ready Money by Monsieur Cooper, out of the Mass of Monies belonging unto the Churches of that Province, and the Re∣ceiver of that Province shall allow it on accompt unto the Lord of Candal.

8. Whereas the Acts and Memoirs produced by Monsieur Courroy, Pa∣stor of the Church of St. Ambroise, and by his adverse Party, have been, by the Committee that reported them, brought into the Synod, and are all tackt and bundled together; and that through incogitancy the said Pa∣pers were delivered by Monsieur Blondell, one of our Scribes, unto the Deputies of the Town of St. Ambroise. The Synod ordaineth, That the Provincial Deputies of Burgundy, when-as they execute the Commis∣sion given them, shall take cave that the Papers belonging unto the said Monsieur Courroy, be faithfully restored to him; and in case those who now possess them shall refuse so to do, they shall be inforced to it by the rigour of Church-Censures.

9. Whereas the Parties are now agreed, that Clause in the Censure pro∣nounced against the Province of Vivaretz, by the Colloquy of Valenti∣nois, shall be razed out of the Act of the said Colloquy.

10. Upon that Complaint of Monsieur de la Garie, Pastor of the Church of Barbezieux, the Synod decreed, That the Province of Higher Languedoc should pay him, out of their best and clearest Monies they shall receive from the Lord Candall, an hundred Livers, whereunto the Charges of his Journey were limited, upon condition that he do accompt, in the first place, for what he hath already received from the said Pro∣vince.

11. The Synod inclining to grant the Church of Rochel their Re∣quest, who demanded, That Monsieur Vincent, Pastor of the Church de L'Isle Bouchard, might be settled among them, decreed, That notwith∣standing the Remonstrances of the Provincial Deputies of Anjou, and their insisting on their and that Church's Interest in him, the said Mon∣sieur Vincent shall, from this present day, be reputed and owned as the peculiar Pastor of Rochel; but with this Condition, that he shall conti∣nue the exercise of his Ministry for six Months longer in the Isle of Bou∣chard: During which time the Province of Anjou shall do their best en∣deavour to get them supplied; and on the other hand, the said Church shall compound with that of Rochel to reimburse them of their Expence and Damages, by removal of their Minister from them.

12. The Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge petitioning, That the Church of Saveilles might he joined unto that of Villefaignan, and incor∣porated with the Colloquy of Augoulmois, because of the present and pressing Necessities of that Church. The Council remanded them back unto the Province of Poictou, which is intreated, out of Charity, to comply with this Request of the Province of Xaintonge, that so by that conjunction, the Subsistence of the Church of Villefaignan may be the better strengthned.

13. Monsieur d' Anglade, Pastor of the Churches of Mouzie and Pom∣port, having writ Letters unto this Synod, in which he prayed paiment of some certain Charges due unto him, as he pretends, from the Univer∣sity of Nismes; his Request was rejected.

14. The Church of Auvergne do express their Approbation and Con∣sent unto the next Synod of the Higher Languedoc; that the said Synod may reunite all those Churches into one Colloquy, and conjoin with them some of the nearest Churches of St. Germain; in which case the Colloquy of Anvergne shall be annexed unto the Synod of Sevennes.

15. The Sieur d' Huyisseau requesting, both for himself and the Sieur Guydon, who was commissionated, together with him, by the Synod of Vitrè, to prosecute the Sieur Palot, that the Synod would be pleased to take some care about the paiment of their Expences, and of the Sum of two thousand Livers, which were granted them by the Synod of Alez. The Synod having not as yet been able to recover one Penny from the

said Palot, of those vast Sums he owes the Churches; and there being not a Farthing paid of the twenty four thousand Livers, out of which their two thousand Livers were to have been given them, those two Gentle∣men, Mr. d' Huysseau and Guydon were desired to have a little patience, and to rest satisfied with this, that they were in the same Condition with all the Churches; and that if it should please God at any time here∣after, as we trust he will, to give us some Fruits of their Prosecutions, we would then make good our Promises: And they were farther assu∣red, that in case, before the sitting of the next National Synod, nothing was recovered of our Debts from the aforesaid Palot, that yet notwith∣standing the said Gentlemen should have full Contentment given them out of the first Monies which the Lord of Candall payeth in unto the Churches: And whereas there is only two thousand Livers demanded by them, this Council doth, for their patient Forbearance, engage to pay them the said Sum, and Five hundred Livers more. Which the said Sieur d' Huysseau did very kindly accept, both for himself and his absent Colleague, Monsieur Guydon: And he also promised to yield up that Ac∣compt, cleared and framed by him, of the Monies accompted for by the said Palot, and not delivered into the Hands of the Lords Commissioners, that so we may have recourse unto it, when need requires, in out prosecu∣tion of the said Palot.

16. The Lord of Angoulin's requesting, on behalf of the City of Ro∣chel, that the Synod would be pleased to reimburse the said City the Sum of Two thousand five hundred Livers, which were lent unto cer∣tain Deputies of the Provinces, assembled in the said City, in the Year Sixteen hundred and seventeen. This Demand was dismissed over to the next Politick Assembly, which his Majesty shall be pleased to grant un∣to his Subjects of the Reformed Religion, that so the said Assembly may take care about it, to whom it doth belong, because the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality, and which are at the disposal of our National Sy∣nods, ought not to be diverted from that particular Use and Service, whereunto his Majesty hath devoted them.

17. The Deputies of the Isle of France, declaring how very useful unto the Churches, the worthy Labours of Monsieur Blondel, Pastor of the Church of Howdan, might be; and the Synod being further infor∣med of his rare Dexterity and Diligence in the Imployment of those ex∣cellent Talents which the Lord hath concredited to him for the Edifica∣tion of his Church, it decreed, That he should be publickly commended and incouraged, and that the Lord of Candall should pay him in present∣ly, as a Token of our great Esteem and Value for him, a Thousand Li∣vers, to buy him Books; and that as soon as his Works shall be ready for the Press, the Synod will defray the Charges of their Impression. And because his great Excellency lieth in Church-History and Antiquity, he is earnestly desired to follow his Genius, and to combate and refute the Adversaries with that Weapon.

18. The Demand of Quentin Mareschall, a Printer dwelling at Chastel∣heraut, is dismissed over to the Province of Poictou, who shall take care of it, according to the Rules of Christian Charity: And the said Mares∣chall is forbidden the troubling our National Synod any more with his lit∣tle Businesses.

19. The Synod, not abridging the Rights and Priviledges of any Pro∣vince, doth permit that of Higher Languedoc to recal Monsieur Casaux, a Pastor lent unto the Church of Montagnac in the Lower Guyenne; and the Lower Guyenne may recal Monsieur Testard, at present Minister of the Church of Realmont, in the Province of Higher Languedoc, whenever the Necessity and Edification of the Church shall so require.

20. Monsieur Mestrezat presented Letters from the Lord de Launay, and requested, by word of Mouth, both for himself and his said Col∣league, that the Synod would be pleased to discharge them from that Commission, which the National Synod of Charenton had intrusted them with. But this Synod not being in a capacity to alter the Decree of that Synod, did earnestly intreat them both to continue in that Employment for the general good of the Churches.

21. Monsieur Tolozany, Pastor of the Church of St. Antonine, relating the great Poverty of his Church and Family, and the extream Necessity whereunto he is reduced in his old Age. The Synod not being at present in a capacity to alter any thing in former Constitutions, for the Relief of our indigent Ministers, doth ordain, that immediately three hundred Li∣vers be given him to the easing of his Church, of which, in the Dividend that shall be made of the Monies granted us by his Majesty, there shall be a particular care taken.

22. Letters from my Lady Marchioness of Bouillé, and from Monsieur du Mont, formerly Pastor in the Church of Mimbre in the Territory of Maine, were read in open Synod: And Information being made of the no∣torious Crimes committed by the said du Mont, the Province is ordered to proceed forthwith against him, and to depose him from his Office. And the said Lady shall be advised of it by Letters from this Synod.

23. The Complaint of Monsieur Toussain, a Pastor Emeritus, in the Province of Dolphiny, was given unto the Province of Sevennes, who should procure, by their best Skill and Power, the paiment of those Arrears of Wages due unto the said Toussain by the Church of Mar∣vejoils.

24. Monsieur* 4.13 Brucet a Proposan, being demanded by the Church of La Verdac to be their Pastor, the Colloquy of Condommois is authorized to examine and ordain him.

CHAP. XXIX. Care taken for a poor persecuted Church.

25. THere were Letters from the Church of La Mote Mauravel, in the Province of Lower Guienne, sent unto this Synod; and be∣ing read, together with their Memoirs, we were informed of a cruel Per∣secution raised against the said Church by the Lords Cardinal of Sourdis, and Bishop of Maillezais. Whereupon, the Lord Commissioner was humbly desired to write unto his Majesty, and the Ministers of State, on the behalf of that poor distressed Church. And Letters were al∣so ordered to be written, out of hand, unto the Lord Duke of Espe∣ron, earnestly to entreat his Grace, that by his Authority, his Ma∣jesty's Edicts, and the Publick Peace might be preserved. And our general Deputies at Court shall address themselves unto his Majesty, that, according to his usual Clemency, and Royal Goodness, he would be pleased to stop the Torrent of this Persecution, and to exert his Justice, and punish the Infractors and Violators of his Royal Ordinances, and to curb and restrain their Fury, who dare, in a time of open Peace, to deprive his Majesty's Subjects of the Benefit and Protection of his E∣dicts, of the Exercise of their Religion, and of the Safety of their Lives. And the said Church of La Mote shall be immediately advised to keep and secure the possession of their Temple, and Religious Worship, and to seek and get into their Possession, all necessary Titles, Evidences and

Proofs of their Right unto their Temple;* 4.14 and to bring those Evidences, and Acts of Prohibitions that have been served upon them by the Officers of the said Lord Cardinal, and all other Proofs of their Excesses and actual Outrages against their Members unto this City, that so they may, with all diligence, be dispatched unto the Lord des Loges, Advocate in his Maje∣sty's Council, who will use all needful Means, on behalf of our Churches, that their Adversaries may be prosecuted and punished.

26. Mousieur de la Motte, Pastor of the Church du Gua in Vivaretz, did, both by word of Mouth, and written Acts which he produced, declare and prove his great Losses and Persecutions sustained during the last Troubles. The Council gave him good assurance, that in the Dividend of our Chur∣ches Moneys, there should be a particular care taken for his Relief and Comfort.

27. The Synod compassionating the sad Estate of Monsieur du Bois, a Publick Notary, living in the City of Pouzin, ordered that three hundred Livers should be paid him out of the Mass of Moneys, which will be al∣lotted unto the Province of Vivaretz. And whereas the Church of Paris lent him already, in his great Necessities, one hundred Livers, they be desired, out of pure Christian Charity, freely to forgive him that Sum.

28. The Synod taking into consideration the Complaint of the Widow of Monsieur Rossel deceased, and the great Losses suffered by the Church of Bedarioux, decreed, that the Province of Lower Languedoc, should pay her in the Stipend allowed her for the Year of her Widowhood, and discharge that poor Church from the paiment thereof, and take special care that this Widow have some settled Maintenance for the future. Moreover, an Order was granted, that because her Necessities at present were very sore and pres∣sing, she should receive fifty Livers, which the Lord of Candall is intreated to advance before-hand, out of the Moneys accruing unto the afore∣said Province, whose Receiver shall be obliged to allow it him on his Ac∣count.

29. The Synod accepting his Offers, promised its best Assistance unto the Reverend Monsieur le Faucheur, Pastor of the Church in Monpellier, and prayed him to take heart unto himself, and couragiously to imploy those excellent Talents and Graces (the Lord had bless'd him with) in the Refu∣tation of those Heaps of Sophism's piled up by the Cardinal of Perron, in his huge Volume of the Eucharist, that so the Church of God may be edified by so laudable and profitable a Work, and the sorry sophistical Wranglings of the Enemies of God's Truth may be check'd and represt.

30. There was granted threescore and twelve Livers unto the Sieurs Maurice, de Bloy, de Matrimont, and Collan, to defray the Charges of their Journey unto Montauban, which is eighteen Livers apiece.

31. Monsier Caper was ordered to pay unto Mr. Moynier, Pastor of the Church of Bourniquett, immediately, seven-score Livers in consideration of his great Losses: and this is not intended as a diminution of that Relief which the Synod hath reserved for him, when it comes to divide the Monies destinated to the support and maintenance of our Churches in the Higher Languedoc. And the Synod of that Province is charged to communicate un∣to his necessitous Family, as they are bound by the Laws of Christian Cha∣rity, for its Subsistence.

32. An hundred Livers were assigned unto Monsieur Baylin, Pastor of the Church of Villemur, and to be paid him out of the clearest Monies which be∣long unto the Churches: And farther it was voted, that when the Dividend should be made of those Monies, there shall be a special regard had unto the Necessities both of the said Church and Pastor.

33. The Sieurs Crubel and Montanier, Pastors of the Churches at Bias and La Corbaride, declared and proved before the Synod, by authentick Evidences

and Memoirs, the utter impossibility of their Residence on their Churches, because of the dismal and deplorable Condition to which they be reduced. Whereupon License was given them to reside at Montauban, until such time as it should please God to bless those distressed Churches with Ability for their Resettlement among them; and the next Provincial Synod shall take special care that it may be effected.

34. The Churches of Soulés and La Bour, being at a vast distance from the other Churches of this Kingdom, whereby our National Synods have had little knowledg of their Estate and Wants, and of that Relief which hath by this and former National Synods been ministred to them. The Sieurs Mizaubin and Grenouilleau, are ordered to travel thither immediately upon the breaking up of this Assembly, and as Visitors appointed by this Synod, to inspect their Condition, and to inquire into those Differences be∣tween the Sieurs Busthonoby and Guillemin, and to compose them, and to make report of the Necessities of those Churches, they being now incorpo∣rated with the Synod of Lower Guienne, unto it; and they shall take care that those Churches do, by their Deputies, appear at their Synodical Meet∣ings, and bring in an Accompt of their disposal of those Monies which have been formerly, and may hereafter be allotted them. And that Synod is charged to concern it self for the well-being of those Churches.

35. The Province of Sevennes having advanced a thousand Livers before-hand for the Churches of Auvergne, did request this Assembly, that they might be reimbursed. A Decree past, that the said Province proving those Disbursments, they should be repaid accordingly out of the Monies gran∣ted by the last National Synod unto those Churches.

36. Monsieur Paulet informing this Synod with how great Violence he was forced, and driven away from his Church of Vezenobre, it was imme∣diately voted, that his Cause should be particularly recommended unto the Lords our General Deputies; and that when the distribution of Monies shall be made in the close of this Sessions, all care and respect should be had unto his Necessities.

37. The Lord and Lady of Dangeau, complaining that the Synod of the Isle of France, had forbidden the particular recommending of them unto God, in the Publick Prayers made by the Church of Chartres, meeting at the Bridg of Tranchefetus, although they had been formerly made for the Lord and Lady of that Place. And the Deputies of the Isle of France ha∣ving declared the Reasons of that Prohibition, and justified it by the Acts of two several Synods; thô they had also condemned the omission of those aforesaid Prayers, and that they would have ordained their re-usage, were it not for those many Oppositions they had encountred in it. The Synod decreed, That the Pastor of the Church of Chartres, shall mention in his Prayers, and pray particularly by Name for the said Lord and Lady, ac∣cording to the Intention of the Synods of that Province.

38. The Sieur Codur writ Letters of Excuse, which were read in this Synod; as also the Acts of the last National and Provincial Synods of Lower Languedoc, concerning the removal of his Ministry out of the Province of Sevennes. Whereupon it was decreed, that the Province should be censured for their over-much Indulgence to the said Codur, and judged, that the Gloss put upon the Canon of the Synod of Charenton by one of its Deputies, was not in any wise to be admitted, because it directly contradicted the Intenti∣on of that Synod. And it doth now forbid the said Codur to exercise his Ministry, either in the Provinces of Lower Languedoc or Sevennes; and in∣terdicts the Synods of those Provinces, the granting him any License for so doing, on pain of censuring the Moderators of those Synods in their private Capacities. Moreover, the said Codur is once again commanded to obey the Canon of the National Synod of Charenton, and to retire himself into

the Province of Dolphiny, that there he may be provided of a Church: And in case he refuse Obedience unto this Order, the Synod of that Pro∣vince is now impowred with full Authority to proceed against him, accord∣ing to the utmost rigour and severity of our Discipline.

39. There were six-score Livers ordered to the Lord of La Beguadiere, for defraying the Charges of his Journey; which he took at the command of this Synod.

40. There were sixty Livers paid the Lords Taby and Languett, who were ordered to cite Monsieur Noguier unto this Synod, and to hear and ex∣amine Witnesses.

41. This Synod honouring the Memory of Monsieur Daneau, heretofore a very famous Minister of Christ, Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Bearn; and desiring to preserve his Works from the Grave of Oblivion, intreateth his worthy Son to gather them into one Volume, and to publish them, and the Charges of their Impression shall be born by this Synod. They be in one Volume in Folio.

42. Sixty Livers were ordered to be paid unto the Sieurs Mizaubin and Grenouilleau, (Commissioners appointed by this Synod to visit the Chur∣ches of Soules and Labour) to defray the Expences of their Journey, of which they shall give an Accompt unto the Province of Lower Guyenne: And in case this Sum be not sufficient for the clearing their necessary Char∣ges in that their Journey, then the Province shall supply the rest, and bring it in upon Accompt unto the next National Synod.

43. This Synod approved, that the Lord of Eragny, Deputy for the Pro∣vince of Normandy, should use all necessary means for getting a place ascer∣tained, where the Professors of the Reformed Religion may worship God in the Bailywick of Chaumont, in the Territory of Vexin; and the said Place being obtained and named, the Church of that Bailywick shall be in∣corporated with the Isle of France, provided that the Quarter of Gisors do yield their Consent, and be the lesser Part of the Church of Sancourt; and in case the two Provinces of Normandy, and the Isle of France, cannot agree about it, they shall submit unto the Judgment of the Neighbour Synod.

CHAP. XXX. A Donative to Monsieur Chamier.

44. MOnsieur Chamier Pastor of Montlimard, presenting unto this Coun∣cil the very learned Works of his most Reverend Father, which he published at the desire of several former National Synods. The Council judging it equitable to testify that great respect and honour they ever had for his Father, of blessed Memory, and to give some acknowledgment of the Churches Debt and Thankfulness for the many and eminent Services he had once rendered them, and these his incomparable Labours now dedicated to it, do offer the Sum of three hundred Livers presently to be given him by Mr. Cooper, out of the general Stock of the Churches: And further, there shall two free Portions more be distributed to him out of the Dividend, which will befal the Province of Dolphiny, and shall be paid in unto the said Monsieur Chamier, betwixt this and the next National Synod.

45. This Synod considering the long-continued Sufferings of the Sieur Constant, during his Imprisonment in the Clink of the Common Goal of Bourdeaux, and the great Expences he must needs have been at for the get∣ting his Enlargement, voted and decreed, That out of the general Stock of Monies belonging to all our Churches, there shall be drawn out three free Por∣tions,

and delivered to him,* 4.15 betwixt this and the next National Synod, by the Lord of Candall.

46. Monsieur Belliot petitioning the Synod to have compassion on him, because of his many and great Necessities, sore Afflictions, and Losses which he hath sustained, during his long Imprisonment in Bourdeaux; There was a Portion and half free of all Charges and Taxes whatsoever, ordered to be paid him by the Lord of Candall, until the next National Synod.

47. The Sieurs Petit and Duranty, Deputies from the Church of Nismes, made their Addresses unto this Synod, That it would be pleased to grant them Monsieur Baux, Pastor of the Church of Mazamet, to be their Mi∣nister. After hearing the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc on the one hand, who joined with the said Gentlemen in their Demand; and on the other hand the Deputies of Mazamet aforesaid, Monsieur Baux him∣self, and other Deputies of the Higher Languedoc who opposed their Peti∣tion; A Vote past, that this Business should be carried back unto the next Synod of Higher Languedoc, which is ordered to provide for the Church of Mazawet, and to grant the Church of Nismes effectually their Re∣quest.

48. The said Sieurs, Petit and Duranty, did farther petition this Na∣tional Synod, That by their Authority Monsieur Chambrun, who was re∣moved unto the City of Orange by the National Synod of Alez, might be restored back again unto the Church of Nismes. But the Synod answered, That the said Deputies should apply themselves unto the Church of Orange; and in case of their refusal, then unto the Colloquy of Baronniers in Dol∣phiny, and so to get their Petition answered according to their Hearts de∣sire.

49. The Church of Ʋsez deputed the Sieur L' Exque with Letters unto this Council, petitioning that Monsieur Buez, Pastor in the Church of Cournon-Terrail, might be conferr'd upon them for their Pastor. The said Church was ordered to apply it self unto the next Synod of Lower Langue∣doc, which is injoined to dispose the said Buez to comply with the Desire of the Church of Ʋsez, because of its great Importance, and for that there is very great and good Reason the said Synod should yield unto their Re∣quests.

50. The Synod being informed by the Deputies of Burgundy, that the Church of Paillac was at present unprovided, and considering its great Im∣portance, ordereth that Monsieur Repasseau, a Pastor now at Liberty, shall be sent unto that Church, to serve them as their own Pastor; and notice hereof shall be given them, by Letters signed by the Officers of this Natio∣nal Synod.

51. The Lord of Quelus presenting Letters from the Church of Anduze, petitioning, that Monsieur Vinay, Pastor of the Church of Annonay, might be given them for their Pastor. After that the said Vinay, and the Deputies of the Province of Vivaretz and Sevennes had been heard, their Petition was remanded back unto the next Synod of Vivaretz, who were intreated to have a particular respect, both to the Person of the said Monsieur Vinay, and his Preservation, and the great Importance of the said Church; that so, as the Welfare of that Church on the one hand, and Christian Charity on the other required, that worthy Minister might be treated with all possible Respect and Kindness.

52. The next Synod of Lower Languedoc, which is charged to call Mon∣sieur Ressent to account for his Actings, shall be informed, that the Sieur Mercurin declared in this Council, that the said Ressent sent him, against his will, unto the Commissioners, Crubellier and Chambrun; and abusing of his easiness and good Nature, never declared to him the Contents of the Letter of Credit he sent by him; insomuch that when he came unto Vouert

and Orange, he was constrained to make up his Errand from what he could recollect of Discourses past betwixt him and the said Ressent.

53. The Colloquy of Ambrun is ordered to judg finally in that Difference betwixt the Church of Cisteron, and the Sieur Mercurin, and that by Au∣thority from this Council.

54. There is given an hundred Livers unto Mr. Repasseau, for the Supply of his present Wants, and to help transport his Houshold-Goods unto Pail∣lac, and the said Sum shall be paid him out of the common Mass of Moneys belonging to all our Churches.

55. Whereas Monsieur Barre, Doctor of Civil Law, and Advocate at Montlimard, hath composed a Treatise concerning Antichrist, and which hath been perused by several Divines commissionated thereunto, and they giving a very laudable and good Account thereof, it was approved also by this Synod.

56. Monsieur Sarazin, Pastor of the Church of Campagne, had leave given him to quit the Province of Higher Languedoc, and to accept of a Call from any Church in the Province of Burgundy, but always upon this Condition, That he do not leave the Church of Campagne before the Sessi∣ons of the Colloquy of Lower Quercy, who are impowered fully to dis∣charge the said Sarazin, and to take care that that Church be not left de∣stitute.

57. The Lord Commissioner Galland was humbly intreated to write unto the Lord President of the Parliament of Tholouse, on behalf of divers Inha∣bitants of Briteste, because Warrants were issued out to apprehend them, and make them Prisoners, although the Matter for which they are in Trou∣ble, hath been pardoned by his Majesties Act of Grace and Indemnity.

58. The Memoirs of Monsieur Rennoy, Pastor of the Church of Coluisson, were presented unto this Assembly by Monsieur Petit, and were delivered unto the Deputies of Lower Languedoc, who were to carry them unto their next Provincial Synod, which was charged in an especial manner to consider of them.

59. Thirty Livers were ordered unto Nicolas Severin, out of the com∣mon stock of our Churches, but on this Condition, that he never trouble us with his Petitions more; and the Provinces shall take care to detain their Poor at home, that these National Synods may be no more urged with their Importunities.

60. There was given as a Gratuity out of the best Moneys belonging to the Churches, four hundred and fifty Livers unto Monsieur Cooper, Deputy to the Lord of Candall.

61. An hundred Livers were ordered unto Sir Augustus Galland, his Ma∣jesties Commissioner in this Council, out of the clearest Moneys of our Churches, to defray the Charges he was at in the Business of the Church of Froqualquier.

62. Out of its supernumerary Portions, the Province of Lower Lan∣guedoc shall pay the Sum of thirty Livers unto Monsieur Noguier, at which the Charges of his Journey hither, have been assessed by the Council.

63. Over and besides what he may else need to get off the Writ of Impri∣sonment, issued forth against him by the Privy Council, and which had turned over his Cause to be heard in the Court of Beziers, there was granted the Sum of one hundred Livers unto Monsieur Pontel, which he shall re∣ceive out of the common Stock of the Churches Moneys.

64. Twenty Livers out of the same Fund was given unto the common Crier of the City of Castres.

65. Sixty Livers were given to the Door-keeper of the Council, out of the same Stock; and he is recommended unto the Lords, Consuls and Ma∣gistrates of this City of Castres, that they would be pleased to restore him

unto his Office of Regent, which he hath formerly exercised in their Colledg.

66. The Lord of Candall is intreated to advance out of the half Portion granted unto Monsieur Mercurin, Pastor of the Church of Grasse, as much as will be requisite to take off the Writ of Arrest against him in the King's Privy Council, that so the Parliament of Provence may be deprived of the Knowledg of those Matters, for which he is in Trouble, and do so very much hinder him in the Discharge of his ministerial Duties and Calling.

67. The next Synod of Higher Languedoc, are charged to present Mon∣sieur Grasset, Pastor of the Church in the Isle of Jourdain, unto the Mini∣stery and pastoral Care of the Church of Mazamet, and to provide the Church in the aforesaid Island of another Minister.

68. The Matters concerning the Church of Sarverettes, were particu∣larly recommended unto the Lord of Montmartyn our General Deputy.

69. The Province of Higher Languedoc is intreated to consider the Losses sustained by Monsieur Daneau, Pastor of the Church of Castres, in the for∣mer and latter Wars, that so out of their Charity he may receive some Re∣lief and Comfort.

70. Seven hundred Livers were given unto the Children of Monsieur Cameron deceased, as a Testimony of that Honour we have for his Name and Memory, and they shall also receive a yearly Portion from the Lord of Candall, until the next National Synod. Moreover, Monsieur Olier, who pleaded for the Church of Montauban, was told by the Council, that in case the said Church did not pay the eight hundred Livers in unto his Children, which they owed unto Monsieur Cameron their Father, and who was some∣time Pastor and Professor in their City and University, the like Sum should be detained from them by the Lord of Candall, out of the Moneys settled upon their University, that so their just Debts might that way be pay'd unto these poor Orphans; and the Moneys now given them, and those others due from Montauban, shall be deposited with their Guardian for their Use.

71. An hundred Livers were ordered to be paid unto Monsieur Bansillon, a worthy Minister, in Consideration of the many Damages he hath sustain∣ed, and they shall be paid him out of the general Stock of our Churches; nor shall this occasion the lessening of his Relief from the Province, who shall assist and help him in the Prosecution of his Suit; the Accompt where∣of shall be brought in to the next National Synod, to be perused and consi∣dered by them.

72. The Church of Vezenobre is recommended to the Charity of the Province of Sevennes.

73. Monsieur| 4.16 Mercat petitioning the Council to consider the Charges the Church of Pons have been at in getting the Inlargement of their Pastor Monsieur Constans, their Petition was remanded back unto the next Pro∣vincial Synod of Xaintonge, which is exhorted to assist that poor Church out of the supernumerary Portions couched in their Dividend.

74. In like manner the poor Churches of Masedazill, le's Bordes, Sava∣rat, and Camarades, are recommended to the Charity of the same Province, as is also Monsieur Marsillon, who hath been a very great Sufferer, that they would consider him more than ordinary.

75. Monsieur Baux informed this Synod, that if he should go to Nismes, and exercise his Ministry there, he had no certain Stipend promised him; and the Lords Petit and Duranty their Deputies, did tell him as much, that they had no Order from that Church, to make any Agreement with him about it, and the said Petit did confirm the same in open Council. Where∣upon the Church of Nismes was exhorted fully to content and satisfy the said Mr. Baux; and in case any Difference should arise about this matter, then it should be referred unto the Consistory of Montpellier, who were impowered by this present National Synod to decide it finally.

76. Monsieur Bardon, Receiver of the Moneys appertaining to the Pro∣vince of Higher Languedoc, is intreated to advance unto the Family of Mon∣sieur Voisin, out of the first Moneys he shall receive, that free Portion, which was granted by this National Synod unto the said Family.

77. The Petition of the Church of Vielle Vigne, requesting that an hun∣dred Livers might be granted them for the keeping up of their School, was remanded back unto the Province of Brittain, who were charitably to con∣sider of it.

78. A Petition from the Church of Tressans was presented unto this Council by the Sieur Razes, who ordered the Province of Lower Languedoc to give the belt Assistance to it; and an Accompt of their Condition is to be brought in unto the next National Synod.

79. The Reverend Mr. Constans and Erondelle, gave in their Judgment about a Book writ by the Sieur Bufon, and perused by them: whereupon a Vote pass'd; that it should not be printed; and the Reasons moving the Council thereunto, shall be reported unto the said Buson by Monsieur Fort, one of the Deputies of the Lower Guyenne.

80. For as much as three free Portions had been allotted by the last Na∣tional Synod of Charenton, unto the Churches of Soulés, in case they were provided of a second Pastor: This Assembly authorizeth the Colloquy of Condonnois to examine that Proposan, who was said to be fit for the Mi∣nistry; and the Province of Lower Guyenne is charged to advance such a Sum as they shall judg needful for the Maintenance of a second Pastor, and to make Report thereof unto the next National Synod, which shall reim∣burse them those their Moneys.

81. This Council decreed, that out of the first Moneys which should be received, the Sum of two hundred Livers should be presented to each of our Professors in the University of Montauban and Saumur, for the Years one thousand six hundred twenty one, and twenty two, in which they re∣ceieved nothing.

82. The Province of Higher Languedoc understanding that there was a Dividend of Moneys made by this Council, demanded the Reimbursement of four hundred Livers, which in Obedience to a Decree of the last Synod at Charenton, they had paid in to Monsieur Berauld Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban. But this their Demand was ordered to be brought into the next National Synod, who will take Care to see them have Restitution made of that aforesaid Sum disbursed by them.

83. The Accompt rendred by the Isle of France, for its Colledg, was ac∣cepted; and the Council voted, that the Censure pronounced against the said Province, should be razed out of the Acts of the last National Synod.

84. This Assembly not judging it convenient unto Reason to repeal its own Ordinance about Mr. Percy, did deposit that Act concerning several Heads of Families in the Church of Montflanquin, and those Acts of the Church of Bourdeaux, and of Monsieur Ferrand, in the Hands of the Depu∣ties of Lower Guyenne, who should make Report of them unto the next National Synod, to whom the final Judgment of this Affair is dismissed.

85. The Deputies of Dolphiny presented Letters from Monsieur de Piotet, Pastor of the Church of Molines, together with the Canons of our Natio∣nal Synods and Church-Discipline, compiled by him into a just Volume. Whereupon Commissioners were nominated to peruse this his Collection, and they bringing in a very favourable Report concerning it, Thanks were voted unto the said Monsieur Piotet, and that he should by Letters from this Assembly be advised of the Defects noted by the Commissioners in this his Work, that so he might compleat it, and render it more useful and ser∣viceable to the Churches.

86. The Lord of Montmartyn, Deputy-General for our Churches, re∣porting unto this Assembly, that there were divers Orders which greatly imported the common Good of all our Churches, and which he had obtain∣ed some Years ago from the Privy Council, and of which it is very needful he should have the keeping, that he may produce them upon all Occasions and Occurrences, for the better Service of our Churches. And whereas several Deputies of the Provinces have remonstrated, that for the Informa∣tion of their Provinces, and the better inabling them to pursue and execute those Orders of Council, there is a Necessity that they should be possess'd of the said Originals, or at least of Copies most exactly transcribed from, and faithfully compared with them. This Assembly taking into Conside∣ration the many Copies of those Orders necessary for the Provinces, all of which cannot possibly have the said Originals, but with a great deal of Time and Expence of Moneys, did intreat the Lord Galland, his Majesties Commissioner to us, that he would be pleased to give himself the Trouble of collationing the Copies with the Originals, that so they may be of bet∣ter Use and Service to the Deputies and Provinces which have sent them, according as the Necessity of their Affairs may require.

87. The Magistrates of Castres having past a Judgment against Peter Pe∣ris, at the Request of Monsieur Constans, now that the Charges may be de∣frayed of that Process, an Order was given that the said Sieur Constans should presently receive four and twenty Livers.

88. Forty Livers were ordered unto the Transcriber of the Copies of that Cahier brought by the Magistrates of this City unto the Lord Montmartyn, and of the Accompts given us by the Lord of Candall.

89. As soon as the time of the Sieur Fabre's Suspension is expired, the Colloquy of Albigeois shall immediately assemble, and provide the Church of La Caune another Pastor.

90. Monsieur Combalasse, Pastor of the Church of Venez, prayed this Assembly to assist him, and the Widow of Monsieur Raffin deceased, with some Moneys, that they might bring their Law-suit to an End, about the Settlement of their Temple in the Town of Venez: But their Demand, as had been before in the like Case practised by the National Synod of Alez, was dismissed over to the next Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc: And in the mean while this Council assured him, that they would improve all their Power and Interest to procure the said Settlement.

91. The Provincial Deputies of Burgundy, and the Lord of Beaufort, De∣puty for the Province of Sevennes, shall in their Return homeward pass through the Towns of Sauve and Anduze, and acquaint the Consistories there with the Intention of this Council, and shall do their best Indeavours to re∣concile the Sieurs Bony and Aldebert, and put to their helping Hand, that the Overseer of the Poor in the Town of Anduze, and the said Mr. Bony do agree upon Arbitrators, who may put a Period to their Differences.

92. The Proceedings formed against the Sieurs Peris and Jolly, were de∣livered unto the Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge and Higher Languedoc, in which Provinces they both lived before their Deposal: And the Pro∣ceedings against the Sieur Beraut was put into the Hands of Monsieur Baux.

93. The Council being informed of those excellent Gifts which the Lord hath liberally bestowed on Monsieur Godefrey, Doctor of the Civil Laws, and Professor of that Faculty in the University of Geneva, ordered Letters should be written to intreat him, because of his singular Knowledg in An∣tiquity, that he would discover and publish to the World those Artifices and Disguises used by Cardinal Baronius, and other Doctors of the Church of Rome, to corrupt and alter the true History of the Ancient Church.

94. The Lord Commissioner was intreated to write unto the Lord President of Tholouse, in Behalf of Monsieur Bidac, imprisoned at Som∣mieres, for abjuring the Errors and Idolatry of the Romish Church; and Mr. Petit was charged to carry unto that Parliament his Majesties Letters and Command, and to join themselves with the young Mr. Gal∣land, the Lord Commissioner's Son, who will be sent thither for this ve∣ry End by his Father.

95. The Lord of Candall is desired to pay unto Monsieur Mercurin the Sum of sixty Livers, which were given him by the National Synod of Vitré, and it shall be allowed him in his Accompt for the Moneys apper∣taining to our Churches.

96. Mr. Mestrezat and d'Huysseau presented Letters from the Church of Paris, most humbly petitioning that Monsieur Chauve, whom they had so often and earnestly requested for their Minister, might now at length be bestowed upon them: The Deputies also of the Isle of France joined with them in their Petition: But Mr. Chauve as earnestly intreated the Council that he might be continued in his Ministry unto the Church of Sommieres, because of its great Afflictions and present Necessities: And the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc did with as much Im∣portunity request that the Rights of that Church, and of the Province might be preserved, and he in no wise removed from his Pastoral Charge. This weighty Affair having been maturely deliberated, the Council con∣sidering the Desire of the Reverend Mr. Chauve, and the singular Im∣portance of the Church of Paris, and the present Condition of that of Sommieres, decreed, That the Church of Paris should carry their De∣mand unto the next Synod of Lower Languedoc, which is injoined to pay all just Deference unto this Request of the Church of Paris, and to gratify them fully in it, provided that it be not a Case of Conscience with that Reverend Minister, and determined by him positively, that 'tis his Duty to live and die with his said Church of Sommieres.

97. A Letter was read from the Church of Vigan, and the Lord of Villencufve their Messenger, and the Deputies of the Province of Seven∣nes were heard speak as to its Contents. After which the Council gave leave unto that Church to seek a Pastor for it self without the Province of Sevennes, and injoineth the Colloquy of Sauve to assist the said Church, until such time as they be provided of a Minister to their Contentment.

98. Mr. Constans and Mr. Belot represented unto the Council the great and pressing Necessities they labour under, through their Inability of paying those Moneys they borrowed during their Imprisonment at Bour∣deaux. Whereupon the Receiver of the Province of Xaintonge was or∣dered to pay them thirteen Portions and an half (which were given them for the Years 1627, 1628, and 1629.) out of the Arrears due in the Year 1621. And that the said Receiver may come to no Trouble about it, he shall join the said thirteen Portions and an half unto those other Portions which were given them, that so they may divide them equally between them, as has been accustomed.

99. If any Church in the Colloquy of Nismes should desire Monsieur Baux for their Minister, who is at present Pastor of the Church in Cucque; This Assembly decreed, That he might have his Liberty, and accept of such a Call, without any Obstruction or Molestation.

100. The Deputies of Sevennes are charged, as they return homeward, to pass through the City of Beziers, and to recommend to the Judges and Counsellors of that Court the Affairs of the Church of Alez, and of those Reverend Ministers Mr. Paulet and Banzillon.

101. For as much as in the Dividend to the Province of Higher Lan∣guedoc, there were two Portions couched for two Professors of Divinity

in the University of Montauban, although it had been before determined by this Synod, that the said Professors should receive but an half Portion, and give Acquittance unto their Church for it; now the Lord of Candall is ordered to detain in his Hands one of those Portions, and to accompt for it unto the next National Synod.

102. The Relation of Mr. Banzillon's Troubles was read, as also Let∣ters written by the Lord Marquess of Varennes, Governour of Aguemor∣tes, unto his Lordship his Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly. Whereupon the Lord Commissioner was most importunately intreated to intercede for Mr. Banzillon, with the Lords Judges in the Court of Be∣zieres, and with the said Lord of Varennes; and it was unanimously vo∣ted, that a most humble Petition should be presented unto his Majesty, that his Majesty would be graciously pleased to permit our Churches, and Ministers officiating in them, their injoyment of that Peace and Liberty, and their comfortable Effects, which by his Edicts are accorded to us; and that his Majesty would order the said Lord Marquess, and all other Governours of Places, to follow and imitate his Majesty in his favoura∣ble Inclinations and Disposition towards us, and to cause his Subjects of the Reformed Religion, both Ministers and People, who live within their Governments and Jurisdiction, to reap the refreshing Fruits of his Majesty's most gracious Favour and Protection. Moreover, this Council ordained, that till such time as Mr. Banzillon may be restored unto the Exercise of his Ministry in the Church of Aiguesmortes, that Church shall be supplied by the Neighbour Pastors, to whose Christian Charity the said Church is in a most special manner recommended; and that they would, upon all Occasions, assist it in its great and pressing Ne∣cessities.

103. Mr. Petit made report of what had been done by him and Mr. Galland junior, in their Conference with the Lord President in the Par∣liament of Tholouse, and they presented his Lordship's Letters unto this Synod: And they received the Thanks of this Synod for the Pains taken by them: And an Answer was voted unto the Letters of the said Lord President; and the Consuls of Montauban and Castres were desired to pass over to Tholouse immediately after Martin-mass, and to sollicit the En∣rollment of his Majesty's Letters of Command unto that Court of Parlia∣ment, and to see that the Restrictions opposed by that Court unto his Ma∣jesty's Declaration be removed.

104. The Deputies of Dolphiny giving an honourable Character of Monsieur Agard, who had lately quitted the Convent of the Jacobins at Avignion, a Vote passed in the Council, That Report hereof should be made in the next National Synod, and what Relief the said Agard hath, and shall receive from that Province, that so there may be some care ta∣ken to reimburse them.

105. That Monsieur de la Vallade may be maintained in his Sickness; and whilst the Hand of God is heavy upon him, he being now visited in this City, The Council ordered, that out of the Sum of Ten thousand Livers given by his Majesty to defray the Charges of this Assembly, a fourth part of that Portion of it, which would have accrued unto the Province of Anjou, should be presently taken out and bestowed upon the said Sieur de la Vallade, and he shall not be obliged to be accountable for it. And Mr. Cooper is requested to pay in this Money before-hand un∣to him.

106. This Synod ordained, that all Papers brought by Mr. Bony and the Lord Aldebert, should be deposited by Mr. de Puy and de Grenouilleau, into the hands of the Provincial Deputies of Higher Languedoc; which was done accordingly.

107. Mr. Busthonoby, Pastor of the Churches in Soulés, informed the Council, That however the last National Synod of Charenton had or∣dered a Maintenance for him in those Churches, yet there remained due, October Quarter, in the Year 1624, and the full Years 1625, and 1626. And he humbly prayed the Council to compassionate him, under his pressing Wants and Necessities. The truth of this his Information be∣ing undoubted and unquestionable, the Lord of Candall was intreated to pay in unto him all those his Arrears; and if the said Lord would, of his Christian Charity and Generosity, advance it before-hand, we assure him he shall reimburse himself out of the first Monies he receiveth for the Service of our Churches.

108. The Synod observing, that by the Dividend made in the Natio∣nal Synod of Charenton, there was granted unto the University of Mon∣tauban, over and above its accustomed Allowance, the Sum of Eight hun∣dred and fifty Livers, which were to be paid them till the sitting of this Assembly; and through inadvertency, that self-same Sum was again im∣ployed in a late Dividend, as if it were now due, and to be paid unto the said University. The Synod therefore ordaineth, that out of the said Eight hundred and fifty Livers, there shall be One hundred Livers only given in lieu of the Principal unto the said University, and Sixty Livers to their Beadle and Porter; and that the remaining Overplus, amount∣ing to Six hundred and ninety Livers, and also Ninescore and nine Livers and eight Sous, for a Portion cut off from the Province of Higher Lan∣guedoc and Higher Guyenne, of those which were imployed in the said Dividend, shall be detained yearly by the Lord of Candall from the said University and Province, and he shall bring his Receipt and Accompt for all this unto the next National Synod.

109. The Lord of Candall is intreated to pay unto the Province of Berry, over and above the Portions which were allotted it, one Portion omitted in the Account of the said Dividend.

110. The Portion of Monsieur Dacier, a Pastor Emeritus, having been omitted by the Synod of Charenton, through forgetfulness, when they made a Dividend of Monies belonging to the said Province of Higher Languedoc, shall be now restored him, and paid into his Hands out of the very first Monies that shall be received for the Churches.

111. Whereas the Sum of Four hundred Livers was settled upon ano∣ther Colledg besides that of Nerac, out of the Dividend for the Pro∣vince of Lower Guyenne, the laid Sum shall be detained by the Lord Candall, because there was a particular Article of Four hundred Livers past for the Colledg of Bergerac.

112. In case Monsieur Constans should be molested by the Apostate Pe∣ris, the Council resolves to stand by him, and to make his their common Cause, and to maintain his Innocency, and to defray all necessary Char∣ges that he may be put to in the Suit.

113. The Lord* 4.17 Chintrier, formerly Receiver of the Monies (gi∣ven us by his Majesty's Bounty) for the Province of Xaintonge, shall de∣liver unto the Lord of Angoulins, an Acquittance of the Lord du Candall, for the Arrears due unto the said Province for the Year 1621, and for which the said Chintrier shall be discharged by the Lord of Angoulins, and shall himself draw up, in due Form of Law, the Discharge and Ac∣quittance, which is to be subscribed by him.

114. The deep Poverty of the Church of Varis being reported by the Deputies of Dolphiny, who also presented their Letters unto the Council, a free Portion was voted for them out of the Dividend for the Province of Dolphiny, to be delivered unto the said Church of Varis, between this and the next National Synod.

115. The Deputies of Dolphiny presented Letters from Monsieur le Veilleux a Pastor; which being read, the Council commending his Zeal and Piety, and approving his Retreat from the City of Nismes, doth charge that Province of Dolphiny to provide a Church for him, in which he may employ those excellent Gifts, which the God of all Grace hath so plentifully showred down upon him, for its edification.

116. The Council exhorted the Province of Anjou to get the last Tome of Mr. Cameron's Theological Works printed, and promiseth that the next National Synod shall take care to see them reimbursed the Char∣ges they must of necessity be at in that Impression.

CHAP. XXXI. Of Universities and Colledges.

1. THE Sieurs Roqués and Huglas, first and second Consuls of Mon∣tauban, Monsieur Weemes Principal of their Colledg, and the Deputies of the Province of Higher Languedoc, petitioned, That Mr. Charles, formerly Professor of Divinity in the University of Ortez, and Principality of Bearn, might be removed thence, and preferr'd to the Church and University of Montauban. But there was great Opposition made unto it, because of the present and pressing Wants of the Churches of Bearn; and their mighty struglings to preserve their University, for which they had most humbly petitioned his Majesty, and the Agree∣ment past between them and the said Mr. Charles. After the whole had been debated, the Synod judged, that they could not, by any Authority of their own, compel; nor in Reason or Conscience ought they, by their Exhortations, to oblige those Churches to discharge the aforesaid Mr. Charles, and to bestow him on the Church and University of Montauban. Yet notwithstanding they acquainted the Deputies of those Churches, that in case their Hopes and Endeavours should be frustrated, they might then resign up the said Charles unto the University of Montauban, and oblige, both that City, and the Province of Higher Languedoc, by com∣plying with their Desires.

2. The Synod not judging it convenient to lessen the number of our Universities, and wanting Means at present to provide for their Subsi∣stence, being utterly disabled from adding any thing unto them more than formerly, they decreed, That the Professors of Montauban and Sau∣mur should receive out of the first Monies to be distributed among the Churches, the Arrears of the Years 1625, and 1626, without any di∣minution; and for the Years One thousand six hundred and twenty one, and twenty two, a certain Sum out of that Stock and Fund which is in the disposal of the Synod; and that such of them as are Pastors, and have no Sallery from their Churches, shall be paid that Portion which was allotted and settled on them, as upon the other Pastors, but with this difference, that there shall be nothing deducted for Costs or Taxes out of it.

3. This Synod having maturely considered the Reasons inducing the last National Synod of Charenton to supress the Profession of the Greek Tongue, in those Universities which are maintained by our Churches; hath thought good once again to restore It, but with this Condition, that the Professors shall explain unto their Scholars the most elegant Treatises of the Fathers. And whereas Mr. Weems, Principal at Montauban, hath craved leave, that at the same time he teacheth the Greek Tongue, he

may also teach the Mathematicks and Metaphysicks unto the Colledg; his Petition was dismissed over to the Council of that University, who should do therein as their Prudence should direct them.

4. As for those Demands made by Monsieur Petit, Professor of Divi∣nity at Nismes, on behalf of that University, the Synod ordains; 1. That for the Years 1621, and 1622, the Professors there must rest satisfied with what they have already received, and patiently bear their part in the common Incommodities suffer'd by the Churches. And for the Years 1625, and 1626, they shall receive their full Sallaries out of the first and clearest Monies of his Majesty's Liberality. 2. That those of the aforesaid Professors, who have the grant of a free Portion, as the Sieurs Petit and Codour, shall receive it from the Hands of the Lord of Candall's Deputy in the Province of Lower Languedoc. 3. That the Sieur Codour, Professor of the Hebrew Tongue, shall come down unto the same Terms with the Professors of the said Language in our other Universities; and he may not demand a greater Sallary than hath been granted and paid them until now.

5. All the Provinces are exhorted to examine in their Synods, Whether our Universities may not be removed from one place unto another? or, whether they may not be reduced to a lesser Number than they are at present, that so the next National Synod may decree therein what will be most expedient for the whole Body of our Churches?

6. Such Pastors as are employed in the Profession of the Hebrew Tongue, shall, over and above their ordinary Stipend as Pastors, re∣ceive also their Wages as Professors. And as for Professors of Divinity, who serve the Churches of our Universities, and receive some kind of Maintenance from them, because of their ordinary Ministry among them, there shall be an half Portion granted to them, which they shall receive also, but with deduction of their Pension promised them by their respective Churches.

7. Two hundred and ten Livers shall be the yearly Sallary of the Re∣gents in the fifth and sixth Glasses of the Colledg of Saumur.

8. The Synod gave leave unto the Province of Sevennes, to settle their Colledg in that Corporation, which would contribute most towards its Maintenance.

9. That the Right of our Churches may be preserved, and our Uni∣versities in this Kingdom may be provided for; Letters were ordered to be written unto Dr. Andrew Rivet, to dispose and perswade him to serve as Professor in one of our Universities; and the like Letters shall be writ∣ten to the Lords Curators of the University of Leyden, to acquaint their Lordships with the Desires of this Council, and intreat them to set Dr. Rivet at liberty: And the Church of Paris is charged to see those Let∣ters delivered into their Hands to whom they be directed, and to re∣ceive their Answer, and make Replies unto them as they judg meet.

10. That the Colledg in this City of Castres may be preserved, the Council ordained, that the said Colledg shall, until the next National Synod, enjoy the Sum of four hundred Livers yearly; which Monies were detained in the Hands of the Lord of Candall, out of the Monies given unto the Colledg of Bergeras, without any the least prejudice un∣to the Grant formerly made unto the Province of Lower Guyenne, in fa∣vour of the Towns of Bergerac and Nerac.

11. The University of Nismes having not brought in their Accompt of the Monies they had received and employed since the last National Synod, shall carry it unto the next Synod of Sevennes, which is ordered to audit and finish it up, by the Authority of this Assembly.

12. The Province of Higher Languedoc brought in their Accompts by the Hands of Monsieur Bardon, who was constituted Receiver for the said Province, and Paymaster of the University of Montauban, for the Years 1619, 1620, 1623, and 1624, but gave no Accompt for the Years 1621, and 1622, nor of the Years 1625, and 1626, because he had not received any thing in those Years, by reason of the Troubles and Wars that were then in being: and it appears upon the closing up of his Accompt, that there is due unto him the Sum of two thousand one hun∣dred and fifty nine Livers, nineteen Sous and eight Deniers, proceeding in part from eight hundred and eleven Livers, paid by him unto the Pro∣fessors for their Wages in the Year 1621, and for another Disbursement paid unto the said Professors for their Wages in the Year 1625, and for seven hundred Livers paid in to Madamoyselle Chamier for the Year of her Widowhood, for which Sum of two thousand one hundred and fifty nine Livers, nineteen Sous, eight Deniers, there was a Fund ordered for his Reimbursment, viz. the very first Moneys that are to be distri∣buted among the Churches: And the said Accomptant, and all others also were injoined for the future not to make the Expences in their Accompts greater than their Receipt appointed them by the National Synods, on pain of Radiation.

13. The Province of Anjou having, in Obedience to the Decree of the Synod of Charenton, given in unto the Colloquy of Higher Poictou the Accompts of Moneys received for the Maintenance of their University at Saumur, three quarters of the Year 1620, and for the compleat Years 1621, 1623, and 1624, and for the first quarter of the Year 1625, it appeared by that Accompt, that they had paid five and twenty Livers, four Sous, and six Deniers more than they had received, and it appeared by the said Accompt that they had received nothing for the whole Year 1622, and yet nevertheless they had disbursed for three quarters of the said Year, as the Acquittances of that Disbursment did evidently prove, there being also no Moneys received for the Profession of Divinity, which was then vacant. Wherefore the said Accompt was allowed and ap∣proved, and the Censure against them in the Acts of the Synod of Cha∣renton taken off, and the Sums detained from them by the Decree of that Synod were now again rendred to them.

14. The Province of Dolphiny having exhibited three Accompts of the Receipt and Disbursment for the University of Die, for three Years, be∣ginning at the first Day of July, one thousand six hundred and twenty three, and ending the first of July, 1626, the said Accompt was allowed and approved.

15. The Province of the Isle of France having brought in the Accompt tendred by them unto the Colloquy of Roven, for their Colledg-Moneys for ten Years, beginning at the Year 1613, and ending in the Year 1622, the Receipt amounted to four thousand Livers, and their Disbursment to four thousand seven hundred and four Livers, so that their Expence exceeded their Income full seven hundred and four Livers. This Synod could not give way that the said over-plus Sum should be placed to the Accompt, whereunto also the Deputies of the Provinces related their Consent, and they were advised for the future not to let their Expence ex∣ceed the Funds ordained for the Maintenance of their Colledg, on pain of Radiation.

16. The Province of Xaintonge in Obedience to the National Sy∣nod of Charenton, having brought in an Accompt of their Disburs∣ments for the Colledg of Rochefoucauld, in the Years 1621, 1622, 1623, and 1624; the said Expence was found to amount unto one thousand nine hundred fourscore and nineteen Livers, ten Sous,

without ever receiving so much as one Denier towards its Mainte∣nance.

17. The Province of Orleans and Berry, having rendred the Accompt of their Colledg unto the Provincial Synod held at Chastillon upon Loir, for three quarters of the Year 1623. and the full Years 1624, 1625. and for three quarters of the Year 1626. their Disbursements amounted to three thousand four hundred thirty and three Livers, nine Sous, and five Deniers; and their Receipt to two thousand eight hundred Livers; so that there was due to them, six hundred and thirty three Livers, nine Sous. The said Province was in joined for the future to look to it, that their Disbursments do not exceed the Funds allowed them by our Natio∣nal Synods, for the Maintenance of their Colledg.

18. The Province of Poictou having rendred their Accompt for their Colledg, which was heretofore at Niort, it appeared that their Receipt amounted to three hundred Livers, according to the Act of the Natio∣nal Synod of Charenton. And forasmuch as their Deputies reported that his Majesty had utterly suppressed their Colledg at Niort, and would not suffer it any where in that Province; it was decreed, That the said Province should be accomptable not only for the said three hundred Li∣vers, but also for what other Moneys they have received since the last National Synod.

19. The Province of Vivaretz having not been able to render an Ac∣compt (as they were injoined by the last National Synod) of the Re∣ceipt and Disbursment for their Colledg at Privas, because of the late Wars, by reason of which they never had so much as one Denier for fif∣teen Months; the said Province was admonished not to fail their bring∣ing of it in unto the next National Synod.

20. The Province of Sevennes presented their Accompt for the Col∣ledg of Anduze, whose Expence amounted to three thousand two hun∣dred and two Livers, fifteen Sous, for its Maintenance in the Years 1621, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1625, and 1626. And the Deputies of the said Province declared, That they had not received for all those Years more than one hundred Livers.

21. The Province of Normandy brought in their Accompt, and it ap∣pears that from the first of July 1620, unto this Day, they had received for the Maintenance of their Colledg the Sum of one thousand three hun∣dred Livers, and that they have disbursed thirteen hundred twenty four Livers, six Sous, and six Deniers; and that therefore there is owing to them four and twenty Livers, six Sous, and six Deniers, which they de∣clared they would not demand.

22. The Province of Burgundy not having brought in any Account nor Acquittances, notwithstanding that Injunction laid upon them by the National Synod of Charenton, because the Church of Pont du Vellay, in which their Colloquy doth assemble, neglected to yield Obedience unto two Provincial Synods, who treading in the Steps of the National Synod, had ordered that Church to do it, as was evident from the Acts of those Synods. Besides, the Deputies were so straitned for want of time to come unto this Council, that they could not possibly inquire into this O∣mission. Whereupon the said Province was charged to bring in their said Accompts shut up, and compleatly finished, unto the next National Synod.

23. The Province of Brittain having not been able to set up again their Colledg in the Town of Vitré, until January last, nor to get one Penny of Moneys, besides the four hundred Livers destinated at f••••st for its Maintenance; they were ordered to bring in their Accompt unto the next National Synod, as also of what Moneys they may between this and that time receive towards its Subsistence.

24. The Province of Dolphiny brought in divers Acquittances for the Colledg settled at Ambrun, by which it doth appear, that they had dis∣bursed more than received: And therefore the Council approving their Account, exhorted the Church of Ambrun for the future to bring in their Accompt in due form unto their Provincial Synod, that they may tender it unto the National.

25. The Province of Lower Guyenne shall render an Accompt of the Moneys received and imployed for the Colledg of Bergerac, unto the next Provincial Synod of Xaintonge, which is ordered to audit, examine and finish it, and to make Report thereof unto the next National Synod.

26. The Deputies of the Province of Provence excusing themselves, that they had not brought in what was commanded them by the last National Synod, and grounding their Excuses on the precise Command laid upon them by the Duke of Guise, to break up and be gone before they could dispatch any Business. The Council did once more renew and ratify the former Decree of the Synod of Charenton, and enjoineth that Province of Provence to yield Obedience to it, on pain of forfeiting their Right unto a Colledg.

27. The Province of Lower Languedoc declared that they had no Ac∣compts to bring in, because they had only received fifty Livers; and yet notwithstanding their want of his Majesties Bounty, they had given their accustomed Sallaries unto the Regents in the Colledg of Beziers.

28. The Sieurs Roques and la Cresse, first and second Consuls for the City of Montauban, petitioned the Council, that Monsieur Garissoles Pastor of Puy-Laurens, might be Conferred upon the University, to serve them in the Quality of a second Professor of Theology; and the Depu∣ties of that Province joined with them in their Petition: yet the Depu∣ties of Puy-Laurens opposed themselves against the Consuls, and Mr. Garissoles desired leave to continue in his present Station and Ministry. But the Council considering the Necessities of that University, granted the Petitioners their Request, and ordered Mr. Garissoles to go unto that University, and to take upon him the Profession of Divinity, immediate∣ly after the sitting of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc, who shall provide his Church of Puy-Laurens with an able Minister to their full Content; and the said Mr. Garissoles shall from this Instant receive the Wages of a Professor; and the Church of Puy-Laurens is intreated to ease him of his Labours in constant preaching to them, and to contribute as much as in them lieth unto his comfortable Subsistence.

CHAP. XXXII. The Accompts of the Lord of Candall.

1. THE Sieurs Constans and Bollenat, Pastors; d'Angoulins, Ran∣chin, du Puy, and d'Hysseau, Elders, being commissionated by the Council to audit the Lord of Candall's Accompts, which were pre∣sented by his Deputy Mr. Cooper, they made Report that in examining and hearing of them, they found the said Lord of Candall to charge him∣self Debtor on Account brought in to the National Synod of Charenton, by Acquittances for October-Quarter, in the Year 1619, and for the Years 1620, and 1624, the Sum of six thousand five hundred and seventy eight Livers, one Sous, four Deniers, which said Acquittances he produced in good and due Form; for which he was acquitted and discharged.

2. The said Lord of Candall stands charged on the said Accompt,* 4.18 with the Sum of one hundred sixty nine thousand, eight hundred forty and two Livers, two Sous, and two Deniers; of which he hath made reprisal in ready Monies, and Monies not received for the October-Quarter of the Years 1619, and of the compleat Years 1620, and 1621, above-men∣tioned: Which Sum should have past in his Accompt, upon condition that he were more diligent to reckon with the present Synod; and therefore to give us satisfaction, he tender'd an Accompt, whose Receipt amounted to an hundred sixty and nine thousand, eight hundred forty and two Livers, two Sous, and two Deniers. Moreover, there was one Article of eight hundred twenty and five Livers, for the compleat paiment of October-Quarter, in the Year 1619, there having been, through inadvertency, no Receipt made for the aforesaid Accompt, when it was brought into the last Synod of Charenton. And those Sums altogether, amounted to an hundred and seventy thousand, six hundred sixty and seven Livers, two Sous, and two Deniers: And the disbursment on the said Accompt, amounted to an hundred seventy and one thousand, one hundred and six∣ty Livers, two Sous, and five Deniers: Wherefore there remains due un∣to this Accomptant, the Sum of four hundred fourscore and thirteen Li∣vers, and three Deniers. Of which Sum, he shall reimburse himself on the Reprisals of the said Accompt, or from the first Monies of the Years ensuing. And the Accomptant is charged to continue his Care and Diligence in the recovery of one hundred ten thousand, eight hun∣dred and thirteen Livers, six Sous, eight Deniers, employed in reprisal on the aforesaid Disbursment, that so he may give account thereof unto the next National Synod: and there passed also in the Disbursment, thirteen thousand nine hundred Livers, under the Names of the Re∣ceivers of Xaintonge and Vivaretz; whose Acquittances he is ordered to produce in the next National Synod.

3. Mr. Cooper presented an Accompt for the Lord of Candall, for the Years 1623, and 1624, whose Receipt amounted to four hundred and forty three thousand four hundred Livers, three Sous, and three Deniers; and the Disbursment to four hundred fifty seven thousand four hundred seventy four Livers, three Sous, and three Deniers; so that there is due unto this Accomptant, fourteen thousand seventy and four Livers, three Sous, and three Deniers: of which Debt he shall be reimbursed on the first and clearest Monies of his Reprisal. Moreover, the said Accomp∣tant is charged to use all possible diligence for recovering the Sum of one hundred and fourscore thousand five hundred thirty and six Livers, seven Sous, included in the said Reprisals, and shall give an accompt thereof unto the next National Synod. And he is again charged by the same Ac∣compt to bring the Acquittances for two thousand six hundred and sixteen Livers, which are in three Parties defective, under the Names of the Sieurs de la Coste, and of the Syndicks, Administrators of the Colledg of Bergerac.

4. Mr. Cooper having remonstrated, that by his Accompt brought in for the Lord of Candall to this Assembly, for the Years 1623, and 1624, he hath made received for the Year 1624, one part of fifty thousand six hundred and thirty nine Livers, fourteen Sous, and six Deniers, there having been an Assignment of them under the Hand of the Lord Phillip∣peaux Treasurer of the Exchequer, upon the Monies coming in from the Offices of Lieutenants and Comptrollers of the Measures of Salt in Bur∣gundy; of which Sum he hath made Reprisal in ready Monies, and Mo∣nies not as yet received, the Sum of fifty thousand threescore and nine Livers, fourteen Sous, six Deniers: And not being able to recover any thing, and yet desirous to secure the paiment of the rest with the Credi∣tors

of Mr. Payen deceased, who had a Share in those Offices, and upon which he was assigned, he took up from those Offices, as if they had been ready Money for the Churches, of Profit, even to the like Sum, because of the eminent danger of losing that part which he proved by an authen∣tick Act passed before a Publick Notary at Paris, the third of July, One thousand six hundred and twenty six; of which Offices now belonging to the Churches, and which lie in composition betwixt Debtor and Credi∣tor, he cannot make any disposal, nor of himself sell it, though the Sy∣nod desired him to get a Purchaser for them. The Council very much approving and applauding the Prudence, Faithfulness, and Diligence of the Lord of Candall, doth give Orders to him and the Sieur d' Huysseau, deputed to this purpose to act conjointly together, and to treat or com∣pound for the whole, or part of those Offices, either with one or more Per∣sons, at such a Price and Terms, as they shall judg best for the common Profit of the Churches; promising and engaging our Words, that we will approve and accept whatever shall be done by them in this Affair, pro∣vided the said Lord of Candall do yield Accompt of the said Composition unto the next National Synod.

5. The Council having heard the Report of the Sieurs Bouterove and de Baleines, whom they had deputed unto his Majesty, that there were two hundred thousand Livers given by his Majesty, unto his Subjects of the Reformed Religion, towards the maintenance of their Pastors. Which said Sum of 200000 Livers, his Majesty, and the Lords of his Coun∣cil, promised should be paid very speedily. Thereupon a Decree past, That if the said Sum, or any part of it were received, the Lord of Can∣dall should pay it in unto the Churches and Universities for the Years 1625, and 1626, according as it came in, and according to the Portions given, and the Dividend made in the last National Synod held at Charen∣ton in the Year 1623, deducting only out of it those particular Sums which have been employed on the Service of this present Synod, and which he was desired to advance before-hand out of such Monies as might be lying by him, by virtue of his Office as Treasurer of our Churches.

6. Mr. Cooper representing that some Receivers of the Provinces might scruple the taking, as ready Mony, the Promises of the Deputies unto this Synod, for those Sums he had paid in unto them. This Synod being very well satisfied that the said Monies were paid in by way of Advance by the said Mr. Cooper for the Lord of Candall, decreed, That every Receiver of the Provinces should be accountable unto the said Mr. Cooper, of all and every particular Sum and Sums which have been furnished and given unto the said Deputies for the Charges of their Jour∣ney, and to give him all necessary Acquittances and Discharges, without making any the least Difficulty or Scruple, upon any account, score, or reason whatsoever.

7. There were chosen, by plurality of Suffrages, the Sieurs Blondell and Banterne, to tender unto his Majesty the Names of those Persons whom the Synod had pitch'd upon to be their General Deputies, that so out of their Number his Majesty might chuse whom in his great Wisdom he best approved: And these two-mentioned Pastors had Letters also from the Synod unto the King's most excellent Majesty, and to the Right Honourable the Lord Keeper, and to the Lord of Herbaut.

CHAP. XXXIII.* 4.19The Copy of that written Letter by the Synod unto the King, concern∣ing the Nomination of our General Deputies.

N.B. IN all the Councils and Synods, their Letters and Acts are writ∣ten and drawn up by their Officers, either the Moderators or Scribes: but in my best Copy, out of which I have this ensuing Letter, it is said to be writ by Monsieur le Faucheur, Pastor of Montpellier. 'Tis true, he was Con-deputy for the Province of Lower Languedoc, with the Moderator in this Council.

SIRE,

BEing informed by your Majesty's Writs, and by Word of Mouth from the Lord Galland your Majesty's Commissioner unto our Synod, of your Majesty's Pleasure about the Nomination of General Deputies for our Chur∣ches to reside at Court. Although this be a Matter no ways belonging to our Vocations, and that hereby, to our very great grief, we are disappointed of those Hopes, which your Majesty's Declarations and former Writs had given us, that we should shortly enjoy a General Assembly: Yet nevertheless, that we might in this, as in all other our Actions, express that profound Deference and perfect Obedience we yield unto your Majesty's Commandments, we have proceeded unto this Election, confiding in your Majesty's Royal Promise, That whenas your weighty Affairs of State will bear it, you will then accordingly issue out your Royal Warrant and Order, for the summoning a General Poli∣tick Assembly. Wherefore we have nominated the Lords de la Suze, de Cler∣mont and de Beaufort, and the Lords Bazin, Texier and du Puy, Persons well known to us for their singular and unstained Loyalty, Fidelity and Affe∣ction to your Majesty's Government and Service, and to the Publick Peace of your Kingdoms. And we have ordered the Sieurs Blondel and de Banterne to wait upon your Majesty, and to give your Majesty a most faithful account hereof, that so your Majesty having prick'd out two of them whom your Ma∣jesty best liketh, our Churches may have notice of it, and make their Applica∣tions to them, and by their Mouths declare unto your Majesty our just and re∣al Grievances, which shall ever be attended with Protestations of our most loyal and cordial Obedience unto your Majesty: And we most humbly suppli∣cate your Sacred Majesty to grant them a favourable Audience, and to extend your Royal Compassions unto the best and most innocent of all your People; who though they serve your Majesty with greater ardor and chearfulness than any other of your Majesty's Subjects; yet notwithstanding shall never en∣joy the Sweets and Happiness of your Government, in case those bitter Pres∣sures and Calamities, under which they be now labouring and groaning, should be but of a little longer duration and continuance. And as for our selves, Sire, we do in the most solemn manner profess unto your Majesty, that let our Condition be what it will, Happy or Miserable, yet are we, through Grace, resolv'd to live and die in a most inviolable Fidelity to your Majesty's Person and Government. But we hope, that whenas your Majesty shall be truly in∣formed of the sincerity and willingness of our Obedience, and of those unwor∣thy Treatments we have received from the Malice of our Enemies, your Ma∣jesty will not only remunerate us here or there, but in all the Provinces of your Kingdom, and you will judg us rather worthy of your Protection, and to be shielded by your Royal Justice and Goodness, than to be exposed any longer unto our sore Oppressions, and exceeding great Miseries.

In confidence of this, Great Sir, we address our selves unto our God, (to whose Throne of Grace, Night and Day, the Sighs of our Souls under our deep Afflictions are ascending) that he would be pleased to preserve your Maje∣sty's most Sacred Person, and to establish the Glory of your Scepter, and to in∣spire your Royal Heart with motions of Pity and Compassions for us, which may afford us farther occasion of blessing his great and glorious Name, and give us ever to live under so just and merciful a Monarch; and that he would pour upon your Crown, the richest and choicest of his Heavenly Benedi∣ctions.

From the City of Castres, Nov. 5. 1626.

These, SIRE, Are the Vows and Prayers of your Majesty's most humble, most faithful, and most obedient Subjects and Servants, the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches in France, assembled in their National Synod, and for them all,

• ...
  • Chauve, Moderator.
  • Bouterove, Assessor.
• ...
  Scribes.
  • Blundel &
  • ...Petit

CHAP. XXXIV. A Dividend made between the Provinces, of the Sum of two hundred five and twenty thousand Livers, granted by his Majesty to the Re∣formed Churches of France, for the Year 1627, and the following Years until the next National Synod. According to which Dividend, the Lord of Candall shall make paiment of the said Sum of 225000.l. in pursuance of that Agreement tranasacted betwixt him and the National Synod of Gap.

OUT of the three first Quarters of the said Sum, amounting to one hundred sixty eight thousand seven hundred and fifty Livers, these Sums following, in their respective order, are thus to be distri∣buted.

• First, To Universities and Colledges.
• Secondly, To the Lords General-Deputies, compleating their Pension.
• Thirdly, To our Pastors and Churches in the fifteen Provinces.
• Fourthly, To the Pastors extraordinarily assisting in this Synod.

First, To Universities and Colledges there shall be paid,
	l.	s.	d.
1. To the University of Sedan	4000	00	00
To the Colloquies of Gex for their Colledg, including the 3600. l. ordered them by the King, and an hun∣dred Livers for the Colledg, in all	4400	00	00
To the Inhabitants of Bergerac for their Colledg	0400	00	00
The total Sum is	8800	00	00

	l.	s.	d.
2. To the University of Montauban,* 5.1 for two Profes∣sors in Divinity, one of Hebrew, another of Greek, and two of Philosophy,	3000	00	00
More 850 Livers to them, until the next National Synod,	0850	00	00
The total Sum is	3850	00	00

3. To the Universities of Nismes, for two Professors in Theology, one in Greek, another in Hebrew,	2200	00	00
4. To the University of Saumur, for two Professors in Theology, one in Hebrew, another in Greek, and two in Philosophy	3000	00	00
To the Principal of the Colledg, an hundred Livers	0100	00	00
To the first Regent, four hundred Livers,	0400	00	00
To the second three hundred Livers	0300	00	00
To the third two hundred and fifty Livers	0250	00	00
To the fourth two hundred and ten Livers	0210	00	00
And to him of the fifth and sixth Classes, two hun∣dred and ten Livers	0210	00	00
For the Door-keeper and Beadle, sixty Livers	0060	00	00
The total Sum for the University of Saumur, is	4530	00	00

5. To the University of Die, six hundred Livers	0600	00	00
Secondly, To make up the Pension of the Lords Ge∣neral-Deputies, three thousand three hundred Livers	3300	00	00
The total Sum of these six Particulars, is	23280	00	00
Thirdly, To the Pastors and Churches in the fifteen Provinces of this Kingdom, and to those in the Principality of Bearn.
1. To the Province of Xaintonge, for fourscore and six Portions, and one half Portion, viz. for fifty nine Pastors in actual Service, taking in Monsieur Ferrand's half Portion, four Churches to be supplied, five Pro∣posaus, three Pastors Emeriti, i. e. discharged,* 5.2 fifteen supernumerary Portions; more, 400 l. for a Colledg. In all, the Sum of twelve thousand two hundred sixty and seven Livers, two Sous, and three De∣niers.	2267	02	03
2. To the Province of Normandy, for 59 Portions, to wit, two and forty Pastors in actual Service, three Pastors Emeriti discharged,* 5.3 six Pro∣posans, five vacant Churches to be supplied, two supernumerary Porti∣ons. A free Portion for Quillebaeuf, and four hundred for the Colledg. In all, the Sum of	88351	18	00
3. To the Province of Higher Languedoc, for 132 Portions, to wit, for sixty five Pastors in actual Service; two Professors in Theology, each of them an half Portion free; for the ease of their Churches,* 5.4 five Pa∣stors discharged, among whom Monsieur Bicheteau is counted as a Pro∣fessor; seven Proposans, seventeen vacant Churches to be supplied; six and thirty supernumerary Portions, which shall be distributed among the deso∣lated Churches, and impoverished Pastors; of whom in particular these

four, Mr. Moynier, Tolosain, Cuhusac, and Baulx the younger, shall each of them receive a free Portion, the Church of Minerbois another free Portion, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg of Castres; is in all the Sum of eighteen thousand three hundred and thirty six Livers, six Sous, eleven Deniers.	18336	06	11
4. To the Province of Sevennes, for 77 Portions, to wit, fifty seven Pastors in actual Service, among whom Monsieur Rossell shall be reckoned till the next National Synod;* 5.5 one Pastor discharged, three Proposans, two vacant Churches to be provided for; fourteen supernumerary Por∣tions, five of which shall be free of all Charges; for the Churches of Auvergne, to Mr. Paulett one, to the Church of Courban one, to Nuega one, to St. Andrews one, to the Church of Serverette one, to the Church of Quissac one, to Lantrize one, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg. The whole Sum is, ten thousand seven hundred fourscore and four Li∣vers, nine Sous, six Deniers.	10784	04	06
5. To the Province of Dolphiny, for 110 Portions; to wit, for threescore and fifteen Pastors in actual Service,* 5.6 four Pastors discharged, eight Proposans, seven vacant Churches to be supplied; sixteen supernu∣merary Portions, of which these following shall be delivered free of all Charges, to the Church of Ambrun one, to Barraux one, to Vares one, to Romans one, to Guillestre one, to Loriol one, to Tullette an half Por∣tion; two to Monsieur Chámier, one to Monsieur Piotay, and four hun∣dred for the Colledg. The whole Sum is, fifteen thousand two hundred thirty five Livers, and three Sous.	15235	03	00
6. To the Province of Berry, for 42 Portions; to wit, for eight and twenty Pastors in actual Service,* 5.7 two Pastors discharged, three Propo∣sans, four vacant Churches to be provided for; five supernumerary Por∣tions, whereof two shall be paid in, free of all Charges, unto Mr. Guer∣ryn, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg; is in all, six thousand sixty and four Livers, ten Sous, and four Deniers.	6064	10	04
7. To the Province of Anjou for 36 Portions; to wit, for two and twenty Pastors in actual Service,* 5.8 three Pastors discharged, three Proposans, four Churches to be provided for, four Portions supernumery; is in all, four thousand five hundred fifty and five Livers, one Sous.	4555	10	00
8. To the Province of Vivaretz, for 51 Portions; to wit, for four and twenty Pastors in actual Service,* 5.9 three Pastors discharged, among whom is Monsieur Desmaretz, three Proposans, four vacant Churches to be provided for, seventeen Portions supernumerary, whereof these follow∣ing shall be paid in free, one to Monsieur de la Motte, one to Monsieur de Vinay, one to the Church of St. Stephen, one to that of Cheilas, one to Velleneufve in Berg. There shall be also taken out of the aforesaid Por∣tions three hundred Livers, which were granted unto the Sieur du Bois, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg; which amount in all, to the Sum of seven thousand two hundred seventy and seven Livers, nineteen Sous, and three Deniers,	7277	19	07
9. To the Province of Burgundy, for 41 Portions, viz. two and twen∣ty Pastors in actual Service,* 5.10 two Pastors discharged, four Proposans, three vacant Churches to be provided for; and ten Portions supernume∣rary, two of which shall be given unto Bourg free of all Charges, two to Paillac, two to Maringues, one to Moulins, and four hundred to their Colledg. In all, five thousand nine hundred twenty and nine Livers, six Sous, and five Deniers.	5929	06	05

10. To the Province of the Isle of France for sixty two Portions, to wit, three and forty Pastors in actual Service, three* 5.11 Pastors discharged, four Proposans, twelve Portions supernumerary, and four hundred for the Colledg: The whole makes up the Sum of eight thousand seven hun∣dred sixty and one Livers, fourteen Sous, and three Deniers.	8761	14	03
11. To the Province of Poictou for sixty three Portions, to wit, seven and forty Pastors in actual Service, two Pastors out of Employment,* 5.12 two more discharged, two vacant Churches to be supplied, three Proposans, seven Portions supernumerary, upon condition that they satisfy De∣mand of Quentin Marshall, according to what had been decreed before in the eighteenth Article of Particular Matters, and to pay in to Monsieur Ferrand one half Portion, and four hundred for the Colledg. The whole amounts to the Sum of eight thousand nine hundred sixty and three Livers, sixteen Sous, and eleven Deniers.	8963	16	11
12. To the Province of Lower Guyenne for 115 Portions, to wit, sixty and five Pastors in actual Service, one Pastor discharged,* 5.13 five Proposans, ten Churches to be provided for, two Portions free to the Church of Soulés, twenty two Portions supernumerary, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg of Nerac, make up in all the Sum of sixteen thousand three hundred and twelve Livers, seven Sous, and ten Deniers.	16312	07	10
13. To the Province of Provence for four and twenty Portions and an half, viz. fifteen Pastors in actual Service, one Pastor discharged,* 5.14 three vacant Churches to be supplied, three Portions and an half supernumera∣ry, whereof one shall be given to the Church of Forcalquier, an half-one to Monsieur Mercurin, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg, do a∣mount in the whole to the Sum of three thousand six hundred thirty and six Livers, eighteen Sous.	3636	18	00
14. To the Province of Brittain for two and twenty Portions, to wit, eleven Pastors in actual Service, two Proposans, two vacant Churches to be supplied, seven Portions supernumerary, and four hundred Livers for the Colledg: In all, three thousand three, hundred sixty and seven Li∣vers.	3367	00	00
15. To the Province of Lower Languedoc for 104 Portions, viz. two and forty Pastors in actual Service, five Pastors discharged, two Professors,* 5.15 three Proposans, nine vacant Churches to be provided for, one and thirty Portions supernumerary, of which these following shall be paid out free, to he Church of Aiguemortes one, to that of Sommieres two, to that of Aymargues one, but on this condition, that their Pastor do help the Church of Sommieres when and as often as he shall be desired, two to Gignac, one to Pignan, one to Bazinargues, one to Peremalt, one to St. Giles, one to Monsieur Banzillon, and four hundred for the Colledg of Bezieres: which amounts in all to fourteen thousand four hundred and twenty four Livers, eleven Sous, and six Deniers.	14424	11	06
Fourthly, To Pastors extraordinarily assisting in this Synod.
1. To Mr. Constans Pastor of Pons, according to the forty second Ar∣ticle of Particular Matters, for three Portions, four hundred and four Livers, twelve Sous, six Deniers.	404	12	06
2. To Monsieur Bellott, Pastor of the Churches of Chalais and la Roche, according to the forty third Article of Particular Matters, for one Portion and an half,	202	06	03
3. To Monsieur du Bois a publick Notary, according to the twenty seventh Article of Particular Matters, for one Portion,	134	17	06

4. To Mr. Guillemin, Pastor of the Church of Labour, for that Church and a young Scholar, three hundred sixty Livers, according to an Article in that Chapter of Particular Matters before mentioned.	360	00	00
The total Sum of the Portions for Pastors and Chur∣ches in the fifteen Provinces, and of these four last Ar∣ticles, is,	145470	00	00
The total Sum of the three first Quarters of the Year 1627, out of the two hundred and twenty five thousand Livers given by the King, is,	168750	00	00

A Dividend of October-Quarter, being the last Quarter for the said Year, out of the Sum of six and fifty thousand two hundred and fifty Livers.

	l.	d.	s.
To the Province of Xaintonge,	4718	06	02
To Higher Languedoc,	7253	09	00
To Sevennes,	4198	17	02
To Berry,	2290	02	04
To Normandy,	3217	04	00
To Dolphiny,	5997	14	06
To Anjou,	1963	02	00
To Vivaretz,	2781	04	00
To Burgundy,	2235	l6	00
To the Isle of France,	3380	16	06
To Poitou,	3462	11	00
To the Lower Guyenne,	6273	07	00
To Provence,	1307	15	00
To Brittain,	1199	14	06
To Lower Languedoc,	5670	08	00
More To Mr. John Constans Pastor of Pons,	0160	12	03
To Mr. David Bellot a Pastor,	0081	16	02
To Mr. Du Bois a publick Notary,	0054	04	03
The total Sum is	56250	00	00
The total Sum of the four Quarters before mentioned, is	225000	00	00

A Divided made unto the Churches of the Sum of ten thousand Livers, gi∣ven by his Majesty for defraying the Expences of this present National Council, and for the Ease and Discharge of all the Provinces.

	l.	s.	d.
To the Province of the Isle of France for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Normandy for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Anjou for two Deputies,	384	12	03
To Berry for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Burgundy for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Dolphiny for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Vivaretz for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Lower Languedoc for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Sevennes for four Deputies,	769	00	00
To Provence for two Deputies,	384	12	03
To Higher Languedoc for two Deputies,	384	12	03

To Lower Guyenne for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Xaintonge for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Poictou for four Deputies,	769	04	04
To Brittain for two Deputies,	384	12	03
The total Sum is	10000	00	00

CHAP. XXXV. The Roll of deposed Ministers, cast out of their Office and Churches by this present Council, for Apostacy, Vagrancy and other Crimes and Misdemeanours.

1. STephen Giraud, formerly Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Barbezieux in the Province of Xaintonge, tall of stature and slen∣der, black Hair, Eyes deep sunk in, bold and ready of Speech, knitting his Eye-brows whenever he speaks of any Matters of importance; of a smiling Countenance whenas he discourseth of slight Matters, between thirty five and forty Years old; deposed for divers horrid Crimes, particu∣larly for Adultery.

2. P••••er Peris, formerly Minister of the Church of Estreé near Rochel in Aunix, by Birth a Provencal, middle-statur'd, and well formed, about sixty Years old, his Hair waxing gray, a little bald, of a smiling Coun∣tenance, both Eyes alike, high-eagle-nos'd; deposed by this Council for desertion of his Ministry, haunting and keeping company with the most invenom'd Enemies of our Churches, a profane vain-glorious Boaster, proud and insolent, inventing Calumnies against the Churches and their Members.

3. Noel Gautier, formerly Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Chastillon upon the Seine in the Province of Burgundy; he is short of sta∣ture, his Eyes sunk into his Head, and looking downward; a sour ill∣look'd Fellow, gray-headed, about fifty two Years old; deposed by the Synod of the said Province, for Schism and Rebellion against the Order and Discipline of the Church.

4. Hugh Babinet, formerly Pastor of the Church of Bezu in the Pro∣vince of the Isle of France; a dwarfish brown Fellow, chesnut-colour'd Hair, great Eyes and great Lips, short Neck, somewhat crook-back'd, about twenty eight Years of Age; deserted his Ministerial Calling, and is since turned Apostate.

5. Nicolas Jacornais, formerly Pastor of the Church of Cheilary in the Province of Lower Languedoc; a little brown Fellow, chesnut-colour'd Hair, high-eagle-nos'd, short Neck, somewhat crook-back'd, deserted his Ministerial Calling, about thirty five Years old.

6. John Garsin, Pastor of the Church of Graue in the Province of Dol∣phiny, but a deserter of it, and now an Apostate, about forty Years of Age, of a middle Stature, red-favour'd and frowning, holding his Head a little side-ways, red Hair, his Eyes deep sunk into their Holes, very rude in his Discourse and Carriage, quarrelsom, conceited hugely of himself, and totally incorrigible; he was deposed by the same Province.

7. Paul Puy, formerly Pastor in the Church of Chastean Queyras; ha∣ving been two Years suspended, he was at last finally deposed from the Sacred Ministry by the Province of Dolphiny, for Adultery proved upon

him,* 5.16 and Perjury, lying Calumnies, and divers other atrociou he is now an Apostate, a••middle-statur'd black and dead-look'd Fellow, high Eye-brows, wide open Nostrils, flat Nose, sharp-picked Heard, ve∣ry proud and stately in his Gate, aged about thirty six Years.

8. George Arbaud, formerly Pastor of the Church of Boicoiran in the Province of Lower Languedoc, deposed by the Synod of his Province for Usury, Theft, contempt of his Calling, writing of disfamatory Libels and Batteries: he is a short thick Fellow, brown-favour'd, bald-headed, cagle-nos'd, meagre Face, and black Beard, about fifty Years old.

9. James Joly, formerly Pastor in the Church of Millaud; deposed by the Province of Higher Languedoc, for attempting to commit Adultery, for impious and profane Discourses, and designing to revolt from the true Religion, for solliciting (like the Devil) other Pastors to apostatize with him, for Rebellion against the Order and Discipline of our Churches: he is tall of Stature, a little small Head and bald, red weeping Eyes, about fifty five Years old, his Beard beginning to turn gray.

10. Cousins,* 5.17 who was born in Haynault, heretofore Regent at St. Lo, a middle-statur'd meagre-fac'd Fellow, his Hair and Complexion black, lit∣tle Eyes and sunk into his Head, about thirty five Years old; a Vagrant.

11. Beauvillier, wandring from one Church unto another, intruding himself into the Ministry of the Gospel where-ever he hath opportunity: he says he was born at Negrepelisse, and Son-in-Law to Monsieur Reynault deceased, who was late Minister of Bourdeaux; by Profession an Advo∣cate, a short Fellow, chesnut-colour'd Hair, meagre Face, his Eyes deep sunk into his Head, lame of his left Arm, about thirty six Years old; a Wanderer.

12. Bonitons, heretofore Pastor of St. Affrick; a red-hair'd Fellow half gray, his Face and Hands spotted all over with black Morphew, a big out-bending Belly, low of Stature; having been by the Consistory and Neighbour-Pastors of St. Affrick, deposed from his Ministry, he after∣wards turn'd Apostate, and is about fifty five Years old.

CHAP. XXXVI. An Act for calling of the next National Synod in Normandy.

THE Provinces of Normandy and Burgundy craving they might ob∣tain the Priviledg of calling the next National Synod, it was, by plurality of Suffrages, granted unto the Province of Normandy, with Or∣der to issue out Letters of Summons unto the Provinces in May, 1629.

All these Acts and Canons were done and decreed in the National Council of the Reformed Churches of France, assembled at Castres, the 15th day of September, and which continued till the 5th of No∣vember, 1626. and signed thus in the Original:

• Chauve, Moderator. O. Blondell & Petit Scribes.
• Bouterove, Assessor. O. Blondell & Petit Scribes.

And by all the other Deputies, both Pastors and Elders, who were sent unto the Council.

CHAP. XXXVII.* 5.18A Catalogue of all the Churches Reformed in France, and Principality of Bearn; together with the Names and Sir-names of their Pastors, re∣gularly disposed according to the Order of the sixteen Provinces, making up so many distinct Provincial Synods, and brought by the Deputies of their respective Provinces unto this present National Council held at Castres.

First, The Province of Burgundy.

THE Province of Burgundy is divided into four Colloquies, having thirty two Churches, and thirty four Pastors.

1. The Colloquy of Chaalons.

1. The Church of Chaalons hath for its Pastor Theophilus Cassegrini 2. The Pastor of Bourbon is Bartholomew Garnier. 3. Bussy hath Helio∣dorus du Noyer. 4. At Coursac is Jeffery Bruy. 5. At Paras is John Ve∣ridet. 6. At Maringues is Lewes Romph. 7. At Cheirac is Paul Canett. 8. At Mouleas is Noel Leslege.

2. The Second Colloquy of Burgundy is Lyons.

9. Esajah Baillé and Alexander Romph are Pastors of the Church of Lyons. 10. The Church of Mascon hath Peter Belior. 11. Pont de Vellé, Jacob Textor. 12. Belleville, Peter Tannol. 13. Bourg, Peter Pelet.

3. The Third Colloquy is at Dijon.

14. At St. John Delesme is David Roy. 15. Cinallin hath Peter Ba∣lenat. 16. Dijon hath Stephen Gautier. 17. Issurtille injoyeth John Du∣rand. 18. At Beaune is Francis Renaud. 19. At Chastillon upon the Seine is Samuel Rondot. 20. At René le Duc is Francis Manget. 21. At Noy∣ers is John Compere.

4. The Fourth Colloquy is at Gex.

22. At Chalais is John Japes. 23. At Versoy is Francis Perreau. 24. At Crassett is Peter de Preau. 25. At Lesly is James Clerk. 26. At Gex is James Goutier and Daniel Sauret. 27. At Toiry is John Vaura∣longue. 28. At Farnex is Joseph Prevost. 29. At Saconey is Francis Borsat. 30. At Farges is Amand de Bore. 31. At Colonges is Joseph Au∣bery. 32. At Divonne is Paul Bacuett.

The Second Province and Provincial Synod is the Isle of France, divided into four Colloquies, having thirty six Churches, and forty one Pastors.

1. The First Colloquy is that of the Isle of France.

33. Wherein is the Church of Paris, and its Pastors are Peter du Mou∣lin, John Mestrezat, and Charles Drelincourt. 34. Chasteauthierry hath Mr. Noyensel. 35. At Claye is Mr. Jacobé. 36. At Fountainbeleau is Depresse. 37. At Senlis is Mr. le Blanc. 38. At Meaux is Carre. 39. At Touguin is Migneau. 40. At Lisy and La-Ferte and Spenay, is Danois.

2. The Second Colloquy is of Champagne.

41. At Chaalons is Massin. 42. At Vitry is Courselles. 43. At Se∣sannechaltazay is Boucher. 44. At Velmora is Beaune Becud. 45. At Bar on the Seine is Bilet. 46. At Espinet is Rasquett. 47. At Netancour is Campdemer. 48. At Vassy is Juigne. 49. At St. Mars is Alpez. 50. At Falaise and Royencour is Richard. 51. At Passavant is Rouuel.

3. The Third Colloquy is of Picardy.

52. At Clermont and its Annexes, viz. Compiegne, Mondisier, and O∣mecrcour, is Mr. Maillard. 53. At Chanvierassy is Tricottell. 54. At Lain is Icoriges. 55. Le Balgensy hath Rambours. 56. At St. Quentin is Me∣stayer. 57. At Oysemond is Blanchard. 58. At Amiens is Delacloche. 59. At Establet is Blondel. 60. At Calais are Buguet, Laulier and Be∣rard.

4. The Fourth Colloquy is of Beausse.

61. At Beneville is Peloguin. 62. At Baillolet and Oux is Braud. 63. At Houdan is David Blondell. 64. At La-Ferte and Laons is ••••anett. 65. At Plessis Norville is Delevereau. 66. At Chartres Favieras is Auber∣tin. 67. At Mante Averne is Chorin. 68. At Auson is Couronne.

The Third Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Brittain, having but one Colloquy, ten Churches, and eleven Pastors.

69. Vielle Vigne, wherein is Pastor Mr. Ferguson. 70. At Sion is de la Plate the Elder. 71. At Rennes is de Souvigny. 72. At Plouer, Ri∣chelieu. 73. At Blain is Andrew le Noir. 74. At Roche Bernard is Guido le Noir, Lord of Crain, and Brother of Andrew, Pastor at Blain. 75. At Trignier is Lowis Prichel, Lord of la Haye. 76. At la Moussaye is de la Place the Second* 5.19 77. At Vitre are Depestre and Peter Ortin a Rocheller. 78. At Nantes is de la Place the Younger.

The Fourth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Touraine, Anjou, le Maine, Vaudomois, and Great Perche; and is divided into three Colloquies, having one and twenty Churches, and twenty five Pastors.

1. The Colloquy of Touraine.

79. Tours, in which officiates Matthew Cottier. 80. At Chas••illon upon Eindre, and at Lorsat and Busanois, is Peter de la Combe. 81. At Preuilly is John Rogier. 82. At L'Isle Bouchard is Philip Vincent. 83. At Mon∣toire is eter de la Combe. 81. At Preuilly is John Rogier. 82. At L'Isle Bouchard is Philip Vincent. 83. At Mon∣toire is Paul Salomear. 84. At Vandosme is Isaac le Pelletier.

2. The Colloquy of Anjou.

85. At Mirebeau is John Gourdry. 86. At Lowdun is Daniel Conpé, Lord of Desloges. 87. At Saumur are Samuel Bouchereau, Moyses Amy∣rand, and Lewis Cappel Hebrew Professor. 88. At Angiers, Stephen le Bloy the Youngest. 89. At Chasteau Gontier, Cracu, and les Landelles, is Stephen Besnard. 90. At Bauge is John Pyneau. 91. At Bourgueil is Francis de la Galere.

3. The Colloquy of Moine.

92. At La Barre is Daniel Petit. 93. At Laval is Stephen L••bloy the Younger. 94. At Lassay is René Conscil. 95. At Bel••sme is René Alain. 96. At Minhay and St. Aignan is Abel Amiraud. 97. At Le Muns and

Ardenay is John Vigneux. 98. At Pringé is Abel Charles. 99. At Cha∣steau du Loir is Tricot. In this Colloquy liveth Mr. Anthony du Mont, a Minister without a Church, and unimployed.

The Fifth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Poictou, di∣vided into three Colloquies, having forty seven Churches, and fifty one Pastors.

100. At Poyré and Belleville is Anthony Brail. 101. At St. Hillary and Foussey is Peter Mallett. 102. At Basanges and Manvilleron is Anne Savonnet. 103. At Montague is Samuel Fleury. 104. At Brevil, Bamett and Lezay, is Thomas Johnson. 105. At Vandoré is Francis Savonnett. 106. At Chantannay and Puybeliard is Jozian Ollivier. 107. At la Cha∣staigneray is Lewes la Varmiere. 108. At Mouschamp is René de Losses, Lord of la Tousche. 109. At la Chaise and Bournezeaux is Abraham des Portes. 110. At St. Fulgent and les Herbrieres is Gabriel Boucquet. 111. At Pou∣pere and Ponzange is John de la Place. 112. At la Garnuche is Daniel Tail∣lard Lord of Rosefleur. 113. At St. Giles Survie is Charles Malet. 114. At Talmond upon Jard is James Prunier. 115. At St. Benoist and le Giare is Daniel Guerman a Rocheller. 116. At Marevil is James Ranconnett. 117. At St. Hermine and la Chappelle is James Papin a Rocheller. 118. At Coulonges les Royaux is John Vatablé. 119. At Fontenay le Conte is Peter de la Vallade.

2d Colloquy of Middle Poictou.

120. At Chandeniers is Peter Pasquier. 121. At St. Gelais and Cher∣veuy is Benjamin de Launay, Lord of Gravier. 122. At Mougon is John de la Blachiere. 123. At Chef Boutonné is John Chalmott. 124. At Melle is Mark Fossa. 125. At Murcillac and Aigre is Theophilus Lesnier. 126. At Niort are John Chauffepied and James de Longnac. 127. At St. Maixant is Samuel le Blanc. 128. At la Motte St. Heraye is Isaac de la Fourcade. 129. At Exoudun is Nathaniel Monastier. 130. At Chisay and Aulnay is James Chagneau.

3d Colloquy of Higher Poictou.

131. At Chauvigny is John Forand. 132. At le Vigean is Vincent Paure. 133. At Cuiray is John Masson. 134. At Lusignan is Isaac du Soul. 135. At Coré is Isaac de Cuville. 136. At Montreuil Bonnin is Josua de Artois. 137. At Partenay is Nicolas Belin. 138. At Touars is Paul Geslin Lord of la Pillaticre. 139. At Poitiers are James Clemenceau, and James Cottiby a Rocheller. 140. At Chastel-Heraud are John Carre and Daniel Pain. 141. At Aulbaine and Saubse is Isaac Vergnon. 142. At Champagne Mouton is Ferrand.

Churches destitute of Pastors in Poictou, which must be supplied.

143. Les Sable d' Olonne, and la Chaulme in Lower Poictou. 144. Ben∣net in the Middle Poictou. 145. Rochechouard in the Higher Poictou.

Churches interdicted.

* 5.20146. Lusson in the Lower Poictou.

Pastors destitute of Churches in Poictou.

John Bomaud Pastor in the Church of Lusson, interdicted in Lower Poictou. James Artuys Lord of Villesaison, formerly Pastor of Bennet in the Middle Poictou.

Pastors* 5.21 discharged in Poictou.

Gourdery, alias de I'stang, herofore Pastor of Chisey and Aulnay, in the Middle Poictou, Emeritus, because of Sickness. John Brun.

The Sixth Province and Provincial Synod is that of Xaintonge, Aunix, and Augoulmois, divided into five Collequies, having fifty four Churches, and fifty seven Pastors.

1. Colloquy of St. John d' Angely.

147. St. John d' Angely hath for Pastors John Guillelmy, and Japhet du Vigier Lord of Montier. 148. Talleburg, William Rivet Lord of Cham∣vernoun. 149. St. Savenian, William Lundy a Scots-man. 150. Tors, Fresneau and Mutas, Philip Pascard junior. 151. Soubize, René Ches∣neau a Rocheller. 152. Thomas Guyot a Rocheller. 153. Tonnay-Bou∣tonnay, Peter Charron. 154. Mauzé, Samuel de la Forest. 152. Fon∣tenay-Labatu, Sebastian Baudouin. 156. Tonnay Charante, Abraham Joyeux.

2. Colloquy of the Islands:

157. Marennes hath Zacharias Crispin, Chabassolaye, Peter Richier, and Vandelincourt for Pastors. 158. St. Just, James Toulouze of Rochel. 159. St. Denis in Meron, Isaac de la Jaille. 160. Le Chasteau D'olleron, Peter Moyses. 161. St. Peters in Olleron is deprived of the Ministry of Mr. John Guillelmy, who is sent to St. John d' Angely. 162. Meschiers, John Gruell. 163. Saujon, John Perreau a Rocheller. 164. Mornac, Peter Pouliniés. 165. St. John d' Angle, Leonard Thevenot. 166. Aruert, Olliver le Cercler, Lord of Lamonnerie. 167. Cozat, Claudius Heraud a Rocheller. 168. Royan, James Fountayne a Rocheller. 169. La Trem∣blade, James Papin.

3. Colloquy of Aunix.

170. Surgeres, John Tagaud. 171. Rochel hath for Pastors Samuel L'hommeau, and Hierome Colomies of Bearn, Lewes le Cercler, Lord of Chapeliere, John Salben a Rocheller, Peter Bosquillon, to whom by this National Synod was also added Philip Vincent, formerly Pastor of Isle Bouchard in Anjou. 172. Nieul and Laleu, Peter Menanceau a Rocheller. 173. St. Martins in the Isle of Ré hath Louis Aubineau a Rocheller, and John du Cray of Nismes. 174. La Flotte in the Isle of Ré, John le Chan∣tre a Rocheller. 175. Ars and Lois in the Isle of Ré are deprived of Da∣niel Chanet, who is sent to Marans. 176. La sarre, Sales and Tairel, Isaac Cotant of St. Martyns in the same Island. 177. Marans, Daniel Chanet a Rocheller. 178. Bourgnauf and Angoulins, Solomon le Feure.

4. Colloquy of Xaintonge.

179. Xaintes, Theophilus Rossel. 180. Pons, John Constans. 181. Ge∣mozat and Lions destitute. 182. Baigné, John Marcon. 183. St. Se∣verin, Peter Chase. 184. St. Fort and Mortagne, John de Clave the Elder. 185. Clambois and Plassac, Charles Chocquett. 186. Jonzac Eli∣zeus Prioleau, Lord of Vienerie. 187. Barbezieux, Samuel de la Garie. 188. Archiac, Ezechiel Saget a Rocheller. 189. Roche and Chalais, David Bellot. 190. Ozillac, Montendre and Fontaynes, John Hamilton a Scotch∣man. 191. Mirambeau, vacant.

5. The Colloquy of Augoumois.

192. La Rochefoucaud and Aindois, Thomas Hog a Scotchman. 193. An∣goulesm, Abraham Hyver. 194. Cognac, James Gaultier. 195. Ville∣fagnan, Stephen Tixcul. 196. Vertueil and Ruffett, John Commarc. 197. La Rochebeaucourt and Sales, Isaac de Claux junior. 198. Segonsac and

Limieres, Stephen de Boyenvall. 199. Jarnac and St. Mesmes, Isaac Pa∣trus. 200. St. Clos, Champagne and Courteillas, John Ferrand.

The Seventh Province, and Provincial Synod.

The Province of Lower Guyenne, divided into five Colloquies, having seventy one Churches, and seventy five Pastors.

1. The Colloquy of Higher Agenois.

201. Tonneins hath for Pastor Monsieur Tinell. 202. Clariac hath Ric∣cottier the Father. 203. La Fitte, Favieres. 204. Grateloup, Denis. 205. La Parade, de Betouille. 206. Montsanson and Lussac, Belon. 207. Puymirol, Lamoureux. 208. Castlemoron, Bout. 209. Montflanquin, Persy. 210. St. Berthommiou hath Renerville. 211. Montaud and Castlenaud, Maturin. 212. Govaudan, de la Maul. 213. Agen, John d' Alba. 214. Galapian, Decongueres. 215. Tournon, de la Fresnaye.

2d Colloquy of Lower Ageuois.

216. Eynuise, de Maulans. 217. St. Foy, Hesperian and Mizaubin. 218. La Souvelat, Claude. 219. Pujols, Dulou. 220. Pelegru, Augier. 221. Moncaret, Bessotis. 222. Saussignac, Planteau. 223. Castelmoron and Montsegur, Renaud. 224. Bourdeaux, Daniel Ferrant. 225. Cour∣tras, Monceau. 226. Bazas, le Vineaux. 227. Teobon, Salettes. 228. Castillon, Privat. 229. Duras, James Bertolin. 230. Jensac, Pornezac. 231. Castels and Gironde, Ricottier the Son. 232. Miremont hath Ber∣nardin. 233. La Rocquette St. André, Bauduell.

3d Colloquy of Perigord.

234. Bergerac hath for its Pastors, Messieurs, Pyneau and Beaujardin. 235. Pomport, Langlade. 236. Limeuil, Baisselance. 237. La Linde, Castabadie. 238. Aymett, Potet. 239. Langnay, David Hesperien. 240. Mussidan, Latané. 241. Sigoules, Chauveton. 242. La Forcy, du Puys. 243. Salignac, Debordat. 244. Baynac, Freron. 245. Ysfigeac, Goyon. 246. Berbignieres, Laffon. 247. Mont Passier, Bertau. 248. Figeac, Gast. 249. Cour and Montbazillac, Pagez.

4th Colloquy of Limousin.

250. Limoges, de Barte senior. 251. Chasteauneuf, de Barte junior. 252. Argentat, Batul. 253. Turenne, Vition. 254. Beaulieu, Perecy.

5th Colloquy of Condonnois.

255. Casteljaloux, Dubue. 256. Nerac hath these three, Monsieur Lanusse, and Charles, and D' Aubus. 257. La Bastide and St. Justin, du Fort. 258. Leyrac, Sylvius. 259. Montrignac, Cazaulx. 260. Vic and Montreal, Brageme. 261. Caumont, Chardavenne. 262. Puch, La∣guehaye. 263. Labardac, Monjoux. 264. Espignet and Calignac, Sassin. 265. Mont de Marsan and Geauve, du Fay. 266. Vastingues and St. John de Lux, Lafite Solone. 267. Pigone, la Fitte. 268. Venga, Castilnau and Viellac, Bordenave. 269. Monserot, Faillode. 270. Cuse, Nadal. 271. Montraveau, Bedat.

The Eighth Province And Provincial Synod.

The Province of Higher Guyenne and Higher Languedoc, divided into seven Colloquies, having seventy four Churches, and sixty six Pastors.

1st Colloquy of Castres.

272. Castres hath for Pastors John Josion and Peter Savoys, and Jonas Daneau. 273. Realmont, Peter Testas. 274. Castelnau, John Gerard. 275. Viane, Samuel du Fresne. 276. Coustat and Fevrierax, Francis Ri∣gal. 277. Prouthes, Peter Cahuzat. 278. Brassac, John Stephen Baberan. 279. La Caze, Theocryse Gau. 280. Poul de Lain, Phillip Maroul. 281. La Canne, Francis Fabry. 282. Ʋtabre, Peter Comberasse. 283. Angles, John Balerand. 284. Roque Courbe, David Vic. 285. Sestigan and its three Annexes, Paulin, Teillet and Jeannes, John Tremblay. 286. Mon∣tredon, Phillippes Rautonnier. 287. Cabarade, Stephen Cary. 288. Bri∣teste, Joseph Grasse the Elder. 289. Lombez destitute of a Pastor.

2d Colloquy of Rouergue.

290. Milliau, Isaac du Tail and Peter Bonnefoux. 291. Cormu, Samuel Jacques. 292. St. Lever, Peter Bachet. 293. Aissence, Jacob Aidebert. 294. St. Rome, Peter Melacarre. 295. St. John du Breuil, Balthazar Jacques.

Churches reduced to utter Poverty, and thereby wholly deprived of Pastors in the same Colloquy.

296. St. Afrique without a Minister. 297. Le Pont de Cameretz with∣out a Minister. 298. St. Felix without a Minister. 299. Severac with∣out a Minister.

3d Colloquy of Foix.

300. Pasmiers, Paul Gailliard. 301. Mezeras, Paul Gautbyde. 302. Saverdun, Peter Violas. 303. Caumont, Joseph de la Fontayne. 304. La Bastide, de Leran and Belesta, James Molineri. 305. Carla, David Bour∣gage. 306. Savarac and Camarade, John Morsolan. 307. Mas d' Azill, John Ollier. 308. The Church of Fouy is destitute of a Pastor.

4th Colloquy of Lauraguis.

309. Sourexe, Andrew Barangier. 310. Puylaurens, Paul Gauside. 311. Mazamet, Peter Violas. 312. Reuel, Joseph de la Fontayne. 313. Ca∣rojang, James Molineri. 314. St. Amand, David Bourgage. 315. St. Paul Damiate, John Villemur. 316. Auxillon with its Annexes of Aig∣nesfond and St. Albans, Abel Violas. 317. Cug, Peter Baulx.

Churches destitute of Pastors in this Colloquy.

318. Mas vacant. 319. Stes Puelles vacant.

5th Colloquy of Higher Quercy and Higher Auvergne.

320. St. Cere. 321. Glenat and Calumet in the Bailywick of Auril∣lac in the Higher Auvergne, John le Voyer. 322. Cazzare, Anthony Peres. 323. Tronguier as and its Annexes, Stephen Candis. 324. Figeac destitute. 325. Cardillac destitute. 326. Servienne destitute.

6th Colloquy of Armagnac.

327. Mauvezin, Matthew Texier. 328. Lisle Jourdain, John Grasset. 323. Leystoure, John Dozé. 330. Montfort and Puygasque with their An∣nexes, destitute. 321. Masgravier, John du Mas.

7th Colloquy of Lower Quercy.

332. Montauban hath for its Pastors Peter Ollier, Peter Charles, Timothy Delon, and Peter Berauld, all three Natives of the City. 333. Negrepe∣lisse. 304. Le Bois, de Realville. 335. Caussade. 336. St. Antonin. 337. Campagnac. 338. Bruniquel. 339. Berlaic. 340. St. Leophaire hath Corbarieux and Reyniers. 341. Villemur. 342. Meusac, Villemade and la Garde. 343. Moneng and Ravis destitute. 344. Verseil destitute, and seven Churches from Negrepelisse to Villamur, all destitute.

The Ninth Province and Provincial Synod.

The Province of Lower Languedoc divided into three Colloquies, ha∣ving forty seven Churches, and fifty seven Pastors.

1st Colloquy of Ʋsez.

345. Ʋsez hath for Pastors Anthony Noguiers and Monsieur Manuel. 346. Navasselles, Castagnier. 347. St. Venies, Isaac Espagnac. 348. Vaulx, Bouton. 349. Fons, Arnaud. 350. Montfrein, Villaret. 351. St. Am∣broies, Andrew Cosnay. 352. Blansac, du Bros. 353. Boycoiran, Corni∣ers. 354. St. John Railli the Father. 355. Bagnols,* 5.22 Ravanell. 356. Genouillac, Artis. 357. Lussan, Theodorus Brunier. 358. Montelin, John Davin. 359. Baresac, Sorbier. 360. Montarin, Jameshalli the Son.

2d Colloquy of Montpellier.

361. Montpellier hath for Pastors, Michael le Faucheur, Daniel Perol, de Vidrines, and John Gigord. 362. Bezieres, John de Croy. 363. Pig∣nan Prudhomme. 364. Bedarieux, Lavil. 365. Floransal, Masseuvrain. 366. Lunel, Escoffier. 367. Montagnac, Hospital. 368. Poussain, Car∣nezac. 369. St. Pargcoire, Second. 370. Mesneil, Codur. 371. Gig∣nac, la Faye.

3d Colloquy of Nismes.

372. Nismes, its Pastors are, John Faucheur Pastor and Professor, Ros¦selet, Samuel Petit, Philip Codur. 373. Calvisson, Quantin. 374. Ai∣guesmortes, Banzillon. 375. Marsillargues, Chanall. 376. Sommieres, John Chauve. 377. Vauvert hath two Pastors, Instammond and Salomon Crubelier. 378. Galarguat Durand. 379. Mellau Gassaguier. 380. Va∣strie, Bertrand. 381. Nagier, le Sage. 382. St. Laurens, Roux. 383. Aulbais, Richere. 384. Armargues, Sigilori. 385. Claransac, Fournier. 386. Vargesais, Pierre. 387. Aichar, Gaultier. 388. St. Giles, Brun. 389. Angjargues, Rodes. 390. Bulignargues, Saurin. 391. Belle∣garde, Fillon.

The Tenth Province and Provincial Synod of Seventies, divided into three Colloquies, having fifty four Churches, and fifty six Pastors.

1st Colloquy of St. Germain.

392. Monjoux, Stephen Rouset. 393. Severiette, Simon Velares. 394. Florac, James Gustard. 385. St. Julian, John Corrigis. 396. Barre, Nicholas Blun. 397. Pontvan, Poltieve. 398. Castagnols, Isaac Pon∣tier. 399. Privat, Moyses de la Combe. 400. St. Martyn de Boudant, Daniel Roussell. 401. St. Germains, Andrew de la Faye. 402. St. Est∣ienne, Peter Barjou. 403. St. André, Anbrose Deyrales. 404. Val∣francesque, Francis Walnager. 405. St. Croix, John Gaysar. 406. Ma∣lezin;

Peter Tulet. 407. Saulmare, John de la Bastide. 408. St. Marnel, John Laurens. 409. Vebron, John des Essers, 410. Le Collet, John Guyon. 411. St. Andre de la Nusse, Bartholomew Rommiere. 412. Issoire, Moyses Blacon. 413. Chavagnus, Moyses Boler.

2d Colloquy of Anduze.

414. Anduze, Francis Horlay. 415. Alez, Esaiah des Muretz, and Lewes Courand. 416. St. John de Gardonengues, John Bony. 417. Paul Paulet is Minister of Vezenobre. 418. Canobet, Anthony de Sienne. 419. Lezan, Lawrens Vimur. 420. Toyras, John Boussard. 421. La Salle, Antony Rudavel. 422. Brenonis, John Ribochier. 423. Lorgues, James de Bergues. 424. Rivalet, Daniel Guerin. 425. Le Dagnan, An∣tony Imbert. 426. Guenerargues hath two Pastors, Guy Chavanon and Peter Barne.

3d Colloque of Saulve.

427. Vigeay, Daniel Vouturin. 428. Malanez, John Surviulle. 429. Alaz, John Monxa. 430. Breu, James Berle. 431. Auruelas, John Solcil. 432. Merneys, Antony Vincent. 433. Vallenarguas, John Gil∣laret. 434. Sumeue, Lewis Guychard. 435. Mandegas, James Tuber. 436. St. Laurence, Peter Guillammeine. 437. Ganges, Lewis de la Casse. 438. Colognas, Abraham de St. Loup. 439. St. Hyppolite, Abel Merndys. 440. Ponpignan, Henry de la Combe. 441. Sauve, Joshua Rossell. 442. Quissac, Peter Barbat. 443. Combas, James Alegre. 444. Durefort, Esaiah Laurens. 445. Monoblet, Paul Tugurolles.

The Eleventh Province, and Provincial Synod, is the Province of Dol∣phiny, divided into eight Colloquies, having seventy four Churches, and seventy five Pastors.

1st Colloquy is of Ambrunoys.

446. Ambrun, John Conel. 447. Guillestre, Daniel Paschat. 448. Sfreillas and Serrat, Daniel Bee. 449. Chasteau, Queyras, and Arajeu, Raphael Gabet. 450. Abnez, Aiguillot, and Riostolas, Jacob Chaglier. 451. Moulines, Daniel du Protay. 452. Chastean Dauphin, Isaac Ferrand. 453. Voret is destitute. 454. Charges is destitute.

2d Colloquy of Gappensois.

455. Serrat, John Paul Perrin. 456. Valdronnat, Josua Ripert. 457. St. Bonnet, James d' Es••ienne. 458. Caprivre, Charles de la Croix. 459. Asprat, James Matthieu. 460. Rosans, Isaac Ferrand. 461. Lareigne, John Conebier. 462. Orcierat, John Bonnet. 463. Gap, Samuel Kerlet. 464. Veines, Esaiah Matthieu.

3d Colloquy of Valleluson.

465. Mantoulat, Bernardin Guerin. 466. Ʋscana, Thomas Comte. 467. Villaret, Samuel Clement. 468. Fenestelles, David Jordain. 469. Mean, James Gilles. 470. Pragueleu, Daniel Pastor. 471. Briancon, Francis Guerin. 472. Chaumunt, Philibert de Joux. 473. Sale Ber∣trand destitute.

4th Colloquy of Diois.

474. Chastillon, Peter Apex. 475. Ponteys, David Magnet. 476. Qui∣rac, Antony Janel. 477. Die, Stephen Blanc. 478. Beaufort, Gaspar Martin. 479. La Mote, John Scharpius a Scotsman. 480. Beourietat, John Cherubin, and John Mauve. 481. Saillans vacant.

5th Colloquy of Viennois.

482. St. Marcelin. 483. Pont in Royans. 484. Beaumont. 485. Chasteaudouble. 486. Romans. 487. Larbin. 488. Beaurepaire. Whe∣ther all these Churches were vacant I cannot tell; none of their Pastors were named in the Catalogue.

6th Colloquy of Guezmodan.

489. Misoen, Henry d' Espagne. 490. Grenoble, Daniel Bouterove. 491. Bessat, Francois Murat. 492. La Mure, John Baruet. 493. Mons, David Eustache. 494. Barroux, Abraham Colignat. 495. St. John d' He∣rans, Pater Piffort. 496. Tresmini, Andrew Dhelis. 497. Cous, Daniel Beuger and John Tudelle. 498. Clermont, Hugh Rostin. 499. Cellat de∣stitute.

7th Colloquy of Valentinoys.

500. Bourdeaux, John Giliars. 501. Crest, John Petit. 502. L'orial, John Toussaincts. 503. Vest, Sebastian Gay. 504. Dieu le fit, Paul Guy∣on. 505. Livron, Gervass Alexis. 506. Montlimard, John Vulson and Coulon Badie. 507. Manas, Adrian Chamier. 508. Daussenes, John Dra∣gon Lord of Chavienne. 509. Sauzet, Abraham Jourdan and Peter Ba∣cheler.

8th Colloquy de Baronnies.

510. St. Euphemie, Bartholomew Durand. 511. Oranges, James de Chambrun and David Sylvius. 512. Courtoison, John Dragon. 513. St. Paul Trois Chasteaux, John Armin. 514. Montbrun, John Cardel. 515. Vantenol and Mons, Isaac Chelier and Oliver de Polefix. 516. Tublette, George Maugras. 517. Vinsobre, Gabriel Boule. 518. Tuilignan, Francis Valemon. 519. Condorset, James Bonnet.

Twelfth Province and Provincial Synod of Vivaretz, divided into three Colloquies, having twenty four Churches, and twenty four Pastors.

1st Colloquy of Privas.

520. Privas, Salomon Favre. 521. Tournon, James Decanchet. 522. Alissas, Andrew Zullon. 523. Vivaretz, Peter Roboult. 524. Bays, John de la Faye. 525. Marleaux, Anthony la Motte. 526. St. Fortunat, Si∣meon Dodet. 527. St. Albon, Daniel Chanforin.

2d Colloquy of Annonay.

528. Annonay, Alexander de Vinay. 529. Cheilot, Daniel Richard. 530. Glurare, Peter Merchat. 531. Sojon, David Agard. 532. Desagne, Marcelin Cardin. 533. Chasteauneuf, David Blanc. 534. Bottre, Peter de Pierre. 535. St. Estienne, Isaac Degusize. 536. Chamboy, Joseph Vil∣••on. 537. Barulieu, Isaac du Gua. 538. Taleuron, John Laurens.

3d Colloquy of Aubenas.

539. Aubenas, Paul Accourat. 540. Valoty, Daniel Chanal. 541. Mi∣rabel, Antony Faucher. 542. Valet, John Imbert. 543. Villeneufve de berg, Antony Gevaudan.

Thirteenth Province and Provincial Synod of Provence, having but one Colloquy, sixteen Churches, and sixteen Pastors.

544. Esquierres, Paul Maurice. 545. Seine, Peter Challier. 546. Ve∣laux, Bartholomew Ressent. 547. La Motte, Antony de Creze. 548. Cur∣ban,

Claudius Marshall. 549. Joran, Andrew Guerin. 550. Lormarin, Peter Maurice. 551. Riez, Andrew Genoyer. 552. La coste, James Bayly, 553. Merindol, James Malat. 554. La Charce, Andrew Beruard. 555. Grasse, Peter Mercurin. 556. Luc, John Durier. 557. Soderon, John Bernard. 558. Manosques, Paul Guardinar. 559. Velaux, James Rescent.

Fourteenth Province and Provincial Synod of Orleans and Berry, divided into three Colloquies, having twenty nine Churches, and thirty Pastors.

1st. The Colloquy of Sancerre, Gien and Nivernois.

560. St. Leonard near Corbigny, Stephen Monsanglard. 561. Chastillon on the Loing, Simon Jurieu. 562. Gien upon the Loir, Daniel Jamet. 563. Chastillon on the Loir, Louis Margone. 564. Bruion, Bennet de la Roche. 565. Henry Chemont Dantigny enjoyeth the Ministry of Isaac Ba∣baud 566. Sawerre, Paul Alard a Rocheller. 567. La Charité, John Taby. 568. La Scelle and Dolat, Anne Poat. 569. Despueilles, Elijah Semeele.

2d Colloquy of Orleans and Blaisois.

570. Blois, Nicholas Vignier and Paul Testard. 571. Romorantin, Ja∣cob Brun. 572. Cheleure and Boudara, David Horace. 573. Boisgency, John Guerin. 574. Basoches and Denouville, Jerom Belon. 575. Orleans, James Imbert and Durand. 578. Chasteaudun, James Lancy. 579. Dan∣geau, Lewes Tuissard.

3d Colloquy of Bourbonnois.

580. Argenton, Bliseus Saluon. 581. St. Amand and Belet, Lewis Scof∣fier. 582. Delise, Peter Falquet. 583. Moudun, René. Bedé. 584. Am∣busson, William Vignon. 585. Gergeau destitute. 586. Bourges desti∣tute. 587. La Chastre and St. John Verin destitute. 588. Suilly destitute.

Fifteenth and last Province and Provincial Synod of France, is the Pro∣vince of Normandy, divided into five Colloquies, having thirty five Churches, and forty Pastors.

1st Colloquy of Roan.

589. Roan hath John Maximilian de L'anglé, Peter Erondelle and David Primrose. 590. Orbes, Abraham le Seneschal. 591. Quillebaeuf, William Cacherat. 592. Saucourt, Charles De lossat. 593. Pont Levesque, Ste∣phen Fudes. 594. Eureax, Peter le Tellier.

2d Colloquy of Caux.

595. Dieppe, Abdias de Mondenis and Moyse* 5.23 Cartaud. 596. Boislebec, James de Larrey. 597. Luncrey and Basqueville, Isaac de la Balte. 598. Seintet, Isaac de la Motte. 599. Fescum, David Guellode. 600. Haure de Grace, John Baudowin.

3d Colloquy of Caen.

601. Caen, John le Boniver Lord of la Fresnay, John de Ballehache, and Samuel Bochart. 602. Baali, Samuel Bajeux. 603. Bayeneux, John le Breton. 604. St. Vast, Stephen le Sage. 605. Trencens, Antony le Gene∣vois. 606. Geffosse, David Chanduret. 607. Les Essars, John Tappin.

4th Colloquy of Falaise.

608. Atis, Peter Morin. 609. Presnat, David Bourgat. 610. Me∣zieres, Peter Baulran. 611. Vire, William Blanchard. 612. St. Silvain,

Noah Gallot. 613. Condé upon Noireau, John Blanchard. 614. Falaise, Peter Baycux.

David de Caux, a Pastor without a Church.

5th Colloquy of Constantin.

615. Ste mere Eglife, Benjamin Banage and Antony de Lassleur. 616. Dulé, Mark Maurice. 617. St. Lo, Vincent Soler. 618. Groussy, Jere∣my Charitier. 619. Gaure, Jehoiachin le Moyne. 620. Cheffresne, Isaac de Vennes. 621. Chassagne, Luke Boquet. 622. La haye dupuy destitute. 623. Serizi destitute.

There is in this Province a sixth Colloquy, viz. the Colloquy of Alen∣con, but it and its Churches are both omitted in this Catalogue.

Sixteenth Province and Provincial Synod, is the Province of Bearn.

Which Province being in the Principality of Bearn, did always appear by two Deputies chosen by their Synod, in the National Synods of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, and were in this of Castres repre∣sented by the Lords Peter de Rivall Pastor in the Church of Nay, and John de Pommerede Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre, Elder in the Church of Morlas; but the said Deputies did not bring with them the Roll of the Churches and Pastors in their Province, so that they could not be registred.

CHAP. XXXVIII. A Letter of the Church of Geneva to the National Synod of Castres.

Most Reverend, Honoured and Dear Brethren;

THere has not been a National Synod of the Churches for these ma∣ny Years last past held in France, but that we have made tenders of our Duties to them, because of that strict and intimate Communion we have with them all in our common Lord. We have also new Ingagements unto Thankfulness, and to abound in Thanksgivings for the infinite Mer∣cies of our God, which are Day by Day, and from one Year unto another accumulated upon, and continued to his Churches; the Lord renewing his tender Compassions so miraculously in their Preservations. But if e∣ver we had any cause for so doing, 'tis now that we are in a most extraor∣dinary manner obliged to it; for his gracious Providence shines forth with a most admirable Lustre in the defence of your Churches, and particularly in the free enjoyment of your Religious Assemblies; so that at the many strange Accidents which have befallen you for divers Years together, and the Tempests with which the Kingdom of France hath been assaulted and battered, the sore and grievous Afflictions of many of our Brethren having astonished our Souls, and overwhelmed our Hearts with Sorrows, had made us almost despair of ever seeing the comfortable returns of Peace unto your Realm, and of Repose and Settlement for your poor afflicted Churches, and the Exercise of your most excellent Discipline, than which a better was never practised in the Christian World. And now in this Calm the Divine Wisdom gathers his Children, as the Hen doth her Chickens, un∣der his Wings, and reneweth the Face of his Church in your Congrega∣tions, as the Eagle doth his Youth. And this Mercy should be the more prized and esteemed by us, because it is not in this Day a common Favour and Benefit vouchsafed of God unto all those whom he had once honoured

with the knowledg of himself in the Gospel. For besides that the sub∣version of so many Provinces, the dismal Desolations or those sometimes flourishing Churches in Germany, Bohemia, Moravia, and the Valtoline, are yet continued, and the Dissipations and Dispersions are still growing and augmenting, and the Judgments of God from Heaven are following one upon the neck of another, one dreadful Ravage calling upon another to make haste: Therefore we lie prostrate night and day at the Feet of our Heavenly Father, adoring his rich Grace in Christ Jesus, for setting bounds unto the Fire of his Wrath, so that all his Churches are not to∣tally devoured by it. And we most ardently beseech his Divine Majesty, that as he keeps the Hearts of Kings in his own Hands, so he would be pleased to inspire your King with Counsels of Favour and Peace for his People, and tender Love unto your Churches; that under his Go∣vernment and Authority, the Name of God may be celebrated with Li∣berty of Conscience, and Truth may bring forth Faith in the World, and Righteousness from Heaven may yield the Fruit of True and Saving Peace. Moreover, we do also carry upon our Hearts unto the Throne of Grace, all other our Brethren, who he groaning under the heavy Yoak and Burden of Afflictions, that he would restore unto them the Consola∣tions of his Spirit, and put an end in his appointed Time, according to his own good Pleasure, unto all their Anguish and Sufferings. Those ma∣ny and sad Objects which are daily presented to our Eyes, of a multitude of Refugees, who were once themselves a Refuge unto the Faithful from the Storm, and a Covert from the Tempest, but being now saved by a mi••aculous out-stretched Arm from a most calamitous Shipwrack, are wandring up and down, seeking an Ark and Retreat from this overflow∣ing Deluge, and sheltring themselves, as in a Sanctuary, in this our poor City, will not permit us to leave our God alone, nor to give him any Rest, till by our most importunate Prayers we have prevailed with him, to stir up the Bowels of his Compassions for the deliverance of his Chil∣dren. And we also pour into your Bosoms the Sentiments of this Grief, which as on the one hand it cannot but move our Sympathies, so on the other hand it doth make us seriously reflect on God's Methods and Deal∣ings with his Churches, and principally to consider his exquisite Trials of Church-Officers, who be constituted by him Overseers in his House and Service, and were bound to sanctify his Name in their Performances, lest he should sanctify himself upon them by his Judgments. This was what he had denounc'd against all that draw near unto him, and they have seen it executed in its Perfection. Besides, we cannot in these last Troubles of the Church, but observe how poor and feeble a thing an Arm of Flesh is, and how very perillous thole Succors and Assistances are which Men receive from it: Whereas the true Shields and Bucklers of Salvation do belong to God, who only hath the Priviledg, and deserves the Glory of his Churches Protection and Deliverance. And in this Con∣fession the Faithful (knowing that the Assistance of Heaven is promised unto those who do patiently wait for it, as you your selves, most honour∣ed dear Brethren, have frequently sensed and experienced in your Trials) do always prefer the Resolutions and Weapons of the Spirit of God to the Counsels of the Flesh, that so there may not be the least pot reflect∣ed or fastned upon the Gospel. And those who despise Dignities, and subject them to the Power of that Man of Sin, to be trampled under foot by him, may be ashamed and confounded at their Lies and Calumnies cast upon us, from those evident Testimonies of our Loyalty and Fideli∣ty, which, according to the Gospel, is rendred unto God, and unto those, to whose Authority he hath subjected our Persons and Estates in this World. And this will be most clearly owned and acknowledged, even

then whenas Pastors shall intend the interiour Service of the Sanctuary, which is the Edification of precious and immortal Souls, and do not walk according to the World, nor fear their Fear, but glorify God in the Day of their Tribulations, by an absolute and intire resignation of them∣selves to him, and dependance on him, whom they must need know can never divest himself of that Care and Charge of them, which he hath once took upon him so expresly and particularly, as to be their Guardian, their Fortress, their strong Tower, and a Wall of Fire and Brass round about his Church, marching as their Captain-General in the Van and Front, and bringing up the Rear-guard of his Israel, whilst that the Priests are wholly busied and imployed in carrying the Ark of his Cove∣nant. And we do not speak this, as taking upon us to be the Judges of any one's Work, but with all due Respects communicating to you the Sentiments of our Consciences, which we hope will be approved also by your Reverences, we do hereby express the most affectionate Desires of our Souls, that the Breaches in the Temple of God may be repaired, and that the Face of our Lord Jesus Christ may shine forth more gloriously up∣on our Brethren and our selves unto Salvation, by the Spirit of his Power in the Gospel of his Glory, waiting always for that blessed Hope of his last Coming; whose near Approaches are notoriously visible and conspicuous from those frequent Travel-Pangs of the Church, and general Convulsions and Shakings of the Nations, infallible Harbingers and Fore-runners of his glorious Appearance: before which, we comfortably hope, that having chastised his Church, he will turn the fiery Stream and Current of his Judg∣ments upon the Enemies of his Truth and Glory, and will most effectu∣ally by the Spirit of his Mouth destroy the Son of Perdition. True indeed, there is one thing which cuts the Sinews of our Hopes, and obstructs the Progress of this Divine Work, and exceedingly damps and saddens our Hearts, to wit, that incredible and astonishing Stupidity of vast Num∣bers of Persons, who harden themselves in their Sins under the Rods of God's Wrath, and do sottishly yield unto the Temptations of the Devil in the Hour of their Trials. Yet notwithstanding, we be greatly com∣forted, most Honoured Lords and Brethren, at the glad Tidings of those excellent Fruits which the Lord's Visitation hath produced in many of your Churches, once again bringing into use and exercise those Graces and Vertues so necessary for the Faithful, and so difficult to be exerted and practised in Times of Prosperity, such as the love of God's Word, contempt of the World, and kindling again a Fire of holy Zeal, by the Spirit of God, upon the Altar of the Sacred Ministry, to the conviction of Sins and Errors, and the reformation of Life and of former Miscarri∣ages, and the strengthning of the infirm and weaker Christians. This is a demonstration of the Spirit and Power of God, who is not only mag∣nified in rescuing of his Church whenas the World gave her up for lost, but also, as we are from all Parts credibly informed, and for which we rejoice together with you in our Lord, in manifesting the Power of his Truth; whenas the Adversaries taking occasion from your Afflictions, believed that it was as easy for them to triumph by their Sophistry over the Doctrine of the Gospel, as to throw down your sorry Ramparts of Earth: but they have in truth sound the Rock of God's Word to be then inexpugnable, whenas there was least of the Work of Man; and the Truth then most prevalent and invincible, when discovered in its pri∣mitive native Beauty and Simplicity.

Whence we ground our Hopes and Considence, that God, who hath poured out his Blessing upon your Labours, will not begin and advance his Work to destroy it, nor will he build his Sion with your Hands, and at last abandon it unto those of his most cruel Enemies. Wherefore, most

honoured Lords and Brethren, The Joy and Crown of God's Churches, be you incouraged in the Lord, and whatsoever Difficulties may befal you from without or from within, by those who suffer themselves to be debauched by this evil World, do you be fortified in your Holy Work; and as you have been made a Spectacle to Men and Angels, so do you per∣sist to hold forth the Light of the Gospel in all Pureness, and to fight the good Fight with the Weapons of Righteousness on the right Hand and on the left, taking all possible Care that no Root of Bitterness do spring up, which under the Shadow and Pretext of subtle Questions may weaken or diminish the Union of all your Members, and whom 'tis most indispen∣sably needful you should firmly cement in an Uniformity of Confession, to avoid those dreadful Distractions which will infallibly arise from a Di∣versity of Opinions and Affections. All the Reformed Churches, as far as ever we could learn, were filled with Joy at those solid Declarations made in your National Synods against revived Pelagianism, and at that singular Care taken by those venerable and Holy Councils to exclude it out of your Churches. Now he that lowed those Tares in God's Field is not asleep, but is still at Work: wherefore there is need of continual Watchings, there must be no relaxing of your Circumspection, lest you should lose the things which you have wrought. But we may forbear insisting any longer on this Argument; nor is there any reason that we should exhort you to continue in your godly Purposes and Resolutions. Sith your great Zeal is a most powerful Example to excite others: It's enough that we have thus opened our Hearts unto your Reverences, and have largely experienced the harmonious Uniformity of your Holy Thoughts and Intentions. And forasmuch as by these late Troubles some famous Universities have to our unspeakable Grief suffered very sad Eclipses and Interruptions, we shall do our best and utmost Endeavour to keep burning that little Candle which the Goodness of our God hath lighted up in our poor Candlestick. And our most honoured Magistrates have resolved to continue their Incouragement and Maintenance of our School and University, which from its first Foundation had none other Design or End, than to prepare Instruments who might be another Day capable of edifying God's Church. And they conceive themselves at this time more especially concerned and obliged to serve your Churches, be∣cause 'tis but the Repayment of an old Debt, We owing the Original of our Academy unto the worthy Labours of some of your most eminent and famous Ministers; besides, your favourable Respects have been exceed∣ing serviceable to it in its Growth and Progress, and they do receive with singular Consolation the Assurances of your good Will, both from the Letters of the last Synod at Charenton, and from your sending of Students hither, to whose Advancement in Learning and Godliness we shall most willingly contribute whatever God hath imparted to us, that so we may return them to you well improved and furnished with those requisite Ta∣lents for the Ministry in the Temple of the Lord. Moreover, we do return you our most hearty Thanks for your kind Remembrance had of our Church in times past, and we do bless the Lord for the Expressions of his Majesty's Love and Kindness towards our City, which is a Con∣tinuance of those Royal Favours we have ever received from the Crown of France, and consonant to his former Declarations, that he would not exclude the Natives of this Town, in case, according to your excellent Discipline, they should be called out unto the Ministry, in the Churches of his Kingdom. And we are so very well satisfied of your Love unto us, that it the aforesaid Declaration should not be notified unto some of the Churches, yet by your means it shall be so for the future, and this will be a renewed Pledg and Confirmation of your ancient fraternal Cha∣rity

and Affection to us. Whereupon we do most affectionately salute in the Lord, your Holy Synod, and tender you our most humble Service, intreating the Continuance of your good Will unto us, and that you would strive together with us in your Prayers for us, as we do continually recommend you unto our God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Word of his Grace, and to his Spirit of Consolation; and all your Churches, Persons, Labours, and your whose sacred Assembly to his most blessed Protection, beseeching the great Shepherd of Souls, that he would daign to preside in the midst of you, and make you perfect in eve∣ry good Work to do his Will, working in you what is well pleasing to him, and accumulate upon you his best and most Heavenly Benedictions, to the Glory of his Holy Name: And subscribe our selves,

Most Honoured Lords and Brethren,

Your most affectionate Brethren, and most humble Servants in the Lord, the Pa∣stors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva, and in the Name of them all;

• Prevost.
• Diodati.
• B. Turretin.
• Du-Pan.

The Superscription was thus, To our most Honoured Lords and Bre∣thren, the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches of France, assembled in their National Synod at Castres.

The Answer of the Pastors and Elders in the National Synod of Castres, unto the Letter of the Right Reverend Pastors and Professors of Geneva.

Most Honoured Lords and Brethren;

AMong the Consolations which the Goodness of our God hath grant∣ed us in this Place, this which we have received from your Com∣munion in Spirit with us, and those cordial Affections which you have expressed to us, have been therefore the more acceptable, because that as we rejoice in the Lord, so we cannot but be thankful to him, for that after so many Troubles and Desolations, we be yet permitted to assemble from all Corners and Quarters of this Kingdom, to the upholding, settling and confirming of his Holy Worship. You also are come in by your Letters to bear your Parts in this sacred Harmony, augmenting by the Union of your Hearts with ours, the rich Blessing which the Prophet hath com∣pared to that precious Oil, poured out upon the Head of Aaron, and to the Dew which descends from Mount Sion, and this too with such an Efficacy, that the bare hearing of your sweet Consolations, and Holy Counsels, hath by a most secret and powerful Motion, sensibly operated upon us, and raised up the Spirit of Jesus Christ (our Head) in us, who doth unite us, though many Members, into one Body in the Lord. We do therefore imbrace you in our God, and accept thankfully of your Prayers and Holy Affections, giving Thanks unto our Heavenly Father, that (as you have piously confess'd it) he made us an Example of his Compassions, and having saved us out of divers Perils and Distresses, he hath preserved us our Lives (by no less a Miracle than that of old, when as he preserved the Bramble-Bush from being consumed) in the midst of

those Flames of War which ravaged our whole Country. Nor can we sufficiently adore his singular Loving Kindnesses, that although the Sins of his People had so far provoked his Wrath, as to throw down all our Fences, and to demolish all our Fortresses, and to wither that Arm of Flesh in which we had so very much confided, yet he hath supported, and doth still support by his own Almighty Arm the People of his Cove∣nant, confounding their Hopes, who promised themselves no less than the utter Ruin of all our flourishing Churches, upon the Change of their temporal Estate; they not considering that the true Religion is kept up in the Hearts of God's Elect by the Efficacy of that Spirit of Life, which having raised Jesus Christ from the Dead, doth give Power and Virtue to the Faithful, to triumph over all the Forces and Assaults of the World, yea, and of Death it self. To this Occasion of Thanksgiving, we will add another which is more particular, viz. That since the Peace was ratified, God hath filled our Hearts with Gladness, by saving his Majesty, (to whose Clemency we owe our Peace) from a great and horrid Conspiracy, plotted against him by his perfidious Enemies, and ours also. The Lord grant that the lively Sense of his Benefits may make us groan for having sinned against him, and inflame us with his Love, and that we, to whom he hath committed the Government of his House, may be Pattners of Zeal and of every Christian Vertue, and by the Light of sound Doctrine and of an Holy Life, we may dissipate and drive away those black and dark Vices wherewith our Flocks have provoked his An∣ger; for certainly we have very great Cause of Humiliation, being as yet under the Cross, and his Majesty's Edict in divers Points and Arti∣cles, being not as yet executed, observed or performed, and the Malice of our Enemies increasing the Number of those Infractions, and there∣by the Measure of our Sufferings, all which is ordered by the most holy wise Providence of our God for our Correction. For as of old, when he extended Mercy unto Jacob wrestling with him, yet with a Blow from his own Hand he made him lame and halt ever after; even so also now in these Deliverances from our past Miseries and Confusions, which it hath pleased his Divine Grace to vouchsafe us, yet hath he left divers Wounds on the Body of our Churches, whereby to provoke us un∣to Repentance, and to quicken us unto more Intenseness and Fervour in our Prayers and Supplications for the exciting of his Bowels of Compassi∣on towards us. We do acknowledg the free Grace of our God to be our truest Refuge and Sanctuary, and that a Christian Patience and sub∣missive Waiting for the Effects of his wise Providence, will be our most assured Remedy against all the Evils that can befal us. And we have this Consolation, (got by long Experience of the Vanity of all human Means and Aids) that 'tis in our Days as it was in ancient Times, when God saved and restored his People, it was not done by Might nor Power, not by Arms, nor by Swords and Bows, but by his Spirit. This self-same Spirit which levelled the great Mountains before Zorobabel, and brought them into Plains, worketh as powerfully now as heretofore, so that we often see those very Mountains of Dangers and Difficulties which were raised up against his People, reduced unto nothing, giving us therefore a clear and full Knowledg of his great Name, that he is wonderful in Counsel, and excellent in Working.

Moreover, we do give you farther assurance, that it is our Intention, That those who are called of God to serve and Minister before him in his House, shall wholly and absolutely attend thereunto: We well knowing, that whilst, with Moses in the Mount, they give themselves to Prayer, and apply themselves wholly to their Ministerial Work and Duty, they will attract upon their People the Blessing of the Lord, and they will be

mighty with God for the throwing down of strong Holds, and of every high thing that exalts it self against the Knowledg of God. And where∣as you remind us of that great Contentment you received at the sight of that Universal Harmony of our former Synods in Points of Doctrine, and rejection of Errors, which had troubled divers Churches; we con∣ceive our selves bound to promote the continuance of your holy Joys and Thankfulness unto God, forasmuch as in this Assembly there was found but one Heart, and one Soul to maintain the Confession of Faith, and the Discipline of our Churches, by which we know that the Lord will preserve his Heritage in this Kingdom, he himself keeping up this Sa∣cred Mound and Hedg by his own special Benediction, whilst he hath broke to pieces that which was Terrene and Carnal in sundry places: Yea, 'tis our hope, that as heretofore he made his Ark triumph in Captivity, and Dagon to fall down prostrate before it, even then whenas Israel was most despicable; so also in the midst of the Churches Sufferings shall his Gospel triumph over Superstition. And as the Cross of his Son, the Lord Jesus, got the Victory over the World; so shall the Cross of his Children (which is also that of Christ) be the Confusion of their Ene∣mies. This is, most honoured Lords and Brethren, our Consolation, amidst the Ruins and Desolations of the Church of God in divers Re∣gions of Europe, which is intimated to us in your Letters. Let us there∣fore lift up our Hands and Hearts unto our God, that he would be pleased to take pity on the great and sore Afflictions of Joseph, and that he would make Jerusalem a Praise and Renown in the whole Earth, for his own Name's sake. Of which we have the more and greater Hopes, because those great and violent Attempts of Satan do learn us, that the time of his Confusion draweth near; and we know that the Lord never humbleth nor casteth down his poor Church, but with a design of exalting it; and he layeth his Children, as it were, dead in their Graves, that he may confound the World by raising them again from the Dead. And inas∣much as, amidst such horrible Afflictions, God hath made your Church and Common-wealth a glorious Example of his Protection, and of the Miracles of his Providence, we render to his Divine Majesty, from the bottom of our Hearts, all possible Thanks and Praises; and particularly for this, that as your Golden Candlestick hath never wanted burning and shining Lights, so also your University ceaseth not to educate and prepare for the Service of many Churches, many fit and well-furnish'd Instruments for the Work of the Ministry: In which we own and ac∣knowledg the Zeal and Piety of our Lords your Magistrates; to whom we do wish, from the Lord of Lords, all sorts of Benedictions: And we praise God, that through the goodness of our King, we enjoy our anci∣ent Priviledges of serving and building up the Churches in this Realm by their Ministry, who owe their Education to your worthy Labours and Instructions; and all our Provinces shall be as to their Profit so to your Contentment, fully and sufficiently informed hereof at the return of their respective Deputies. And in the mean while, we most affectio∣nately thank you for your singular care in cultivating and improving those many young and tender Plants which have been sent you from divers Provinces of this Kingdom, that through your well-deserving Pains and Counsels, they may be prepared and made fruitful Ministers of the Go∣spel of our Lord Jesus. And to these our Thanks, we shall add our most ardent Prayers unto God, that he would pour out upon you his most pre∣cious and saving Blessings; and that he would always make you a most eminent Example of his Grace and Mercy in the Churches of his dear Son, covering you, and your Common-wealth wherein you live, with the Wings of his Protection, to the Glory of his Providence, and to the

Honour of his Holy Name, as also to the Consolation of our Churches; In whose Name we are,

From Castres this 6th of September 1626.

Most Honoured Lords and Brethren,

Your most humble, and most affectionate Ser∣vants in the Lord, the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches of France, as∣sembled in our National Synod, and for them all, The Superscription was thus, To our Lords, the Pastors and Elders in the Church of Geneva, at Geneva.

• ...
  • Chauve, Moderator.
  • Bouterove, Assessor.
• ...
  Scribes of the Synod.
  • O. Blondel &
  • ...Petit,

A Letter from the Church of Paris, to our most Honoured Lords, the Pastors and Elders assembled in the National Synod at Castres.

Most Reverend and very Honoured,

'TIS with very great regret on our part, that we are enforced to com∣plain unto you against our Province; but we have too just cause for out so doing. We have ever held a fair and Christian Correspon∣dence, and Fraternal Union with it. And indeed, Sirs, if it had been only our own particular Interest that was concerned, we should much ra∣ther have chosen to suffer all manner of ill Usages, than to have interrup∣ted you in your most holy and important Occupations. But the Honour of our Functions, and the Glory of our God, and the Advancement of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, are all concerned. Therefore we implore, with the greater freedom, the Assistance of your Charity, and the Help of your Fatherly Protection, because we are well assured of your Zeal to the Well-being and Edification of our Church. You know, Sirs, that great Affliction wherewith our ••od hath of late visited us, in calling unto himself that most excellent Person Monsieur Durant, whose Gifts and Graces, and singular ministerial Abilities, were universally known throughout the whole Kingdom. During his Sickness, which lasted near sour Months, and six Months since his Decease, those two astors which were left us, were so surcharged with hard Labour, that they both fell dan∣gerously Ill; and must have infallibly funk under the weight of their Bur∣den, had they not been extraordinarily assisted and supported by God. As soon as God had took into his Joys our late famous Pastor, we faw im∣mediately the great necessity we had to relieve and ease those two which survived; and this was the unanimous Prayer and Desire of the whole Church. It was utterly impossible for us to find in our Colloquy, a Mi∣nister every way qualified for us; for besides, that none of those Pastors had a Voice strong enough for our Auditory, and those other Abilities requisite for the edifying so great a People: There were some afflicted with Sickness, and divers Churches were destitute of Pastors; and so far were we from being holpen by them, that several of the Neighbour-Churches have importuned us to lend them our help. To assemble a Synod for their and our Relief, was out of our Power. For besides the bitterness of the Season, the rigour and sharpness of the Winter, we were then in the ve∣ry hottest and deepest of the late Trouble, and without any hopes of

Peace; which since our good God, out of his infinite Mercy, hath be∣stowed upon us. Being then obliged to provide for our selves elsewhere, we were not in any great trouble on whom to sasten our Eyes; for so had the gracious Providence of God ordered it, that in the extremity of Monsieur Durant's Sickness, Monsieur Daillé preached three Sermons to us; which so much affected our whole Church, that from that instant it was the common Discourse, that as God afflicted us on the one Hand, so did he seem to comfort us on the other, by pointing out unto us such a Person as might he easily and speedily obtained by us; because the Pro∣vince of Anjou was well enough provided of able Pastors, and of divers Proposans of very great Hopes. Monsieur Durand resting from his La∣bours in Abraham's Bosom, we believed it our Duty to concur with those ardent Desires that many of our Members had expressed for Monsieur Daillé, and the rather, because we were well inform'd of his singular Piety, Probity, and rare Learning; who, by reason of those excellent Gifts and Graces of God's Holy Spirit in him, had been already sought after, far and near, by many of the greatest and most famous Churches in the Kingdom. But the Lord, out of his abundant Goodness, had re∣serv'd him for us: And that we might handsomly and regularly proceed in giving him a Call to the Pastoral Office in our Church, we resolved at first to demand him by way of Loan, as we can easily prove by our Let∣ters written unto the Church of Saumur, and to the said Monsieur Daillé, and by the Acts of our Consistory. But the Person whom we deputed to Saumur, and to whose Prudence and wise Conduct we had confided this Affair, having been refused as to the Loan, advised us, by an express Mes∣senger, that there was more hopes of gaining him as an absolute Gift; because the Church of Saumur could more easily procure it self a fettled Pastor, than borrow one for a few Months. Whereupon he demanded of us new Letters, and a more ample Commission. The Quality of the Person imployed by us in this Negotiation, and our most pressing urgent Necessity, made us resolve to demand the Ministry of Monsieur Daillé purely and absolutely: We in the mean while taking it for granted, that our Synod would have approved and consented to what we had done, as we on our parts were disposed to break off the whole Treaty, in case they could make it appear that we were out, and mistaken in our Choice, and that there could be any thing opposed against the Doctrine, Life, and Conversation of him, to whom we had sent our Call. As soon as we had notice that our Synod should be assembled, we, to render all due Honours to it, delegated the Sieurs Mestrezat, Bigot, and d' Huysseau to it, and charged them to make report of our Conduct in this Affair, and to petition that Assembly to approve of the calling Monsieur Daillé into Office among us, though at that time we had no promise of him made us by the Church of Saumur. We well hoped that those Reverend Gen∣tlemen would have considered the great importance of our Church, and the Kindnesses they continually receive from it, and that they would have comforted us in our Affliction, and would have praised our Proceed∣ings, or at least would have suffered us to have finished what we had begun, since we had entred upon it: But contrariwise, we were cen∣sur'd by them, and they rejected our Call of Monsieur Daillé, with∣out ever giving us any reason for it. This, most honoured Sirs, did exceedingly astonish us, and is very bitter to us, that after so many Tra∣vels we should be blamed for that Action, of which, we protest before God, Angels, and your Holy Assembly, we had none other end than the Glory of God, and the Advancement of his Kingdom; nor durst we believe that our Synod could have been guilty of such an Excess, un∣less the Interests and Pretensions of some particular Persons had not been

predominant. For we are not convinced of having violated any Canon of our Church-Discipline: whereas, on the contrary, those Gentlemen, under the pretext of establishing it, do sap and undermine its very Foun∣dations: For the Discipline having prudently ordained, that no Church may call a Pastor from another Province, till it have first communicated it unto the Provincial Synod, hath thereby provided for two things; first, For the publick Edification of our Churches, and for the main∣taining of an holy Union between all the Churches of this Kingdom, it doth permit a Church to chuse and call a Pastor to it from out of ano∣ther Province. And if this be permitted unto all the Churches, and many of them have made use of this Priviledg, it ought more especially be allow'd unto this Church of Paris, whose Importance is sufficiently known: This hath been our practice ever unto this day, nor till now was it contradicted by any Person. For thus was Monsieur du Moulin called off from the Service of her Royal Highness the Dutchess of Barr deceased, and thus did we call Monsieur Durant from her Highness the Dutchess of Deuxponts. The other is, that the Discipline would hinder Churches from calling rashly and unadvisedly such Persons, whose Do∣ctrine was unsound, or Lives scandalous, or in whom there was an In∣sufficieney: So that if any Church should call such Persons, the Provin∣cial Synod might very justly and warrantably obstruct and hinder it. But when-as nothing can be urg'd against the Person called, the Synod hath no power to hinder that Call, such an absolute Power being con∣demned by the Word of God. And 'tis very improbable that the Com∣posers of our Discipline should ever harbour such a Thought or Inten∣tion, as to impose this Yoke upon our Churches, or that they would place Pastors of Churches in worse Circumstances than Scholars; who being sought after by Churches, and presented unto Synods, cannot be rejected, whenas they have those Qualities which are requisite for their imployment in the Sacred Ministry. Therefore in our Opinion, we have not in the least swerved from the Canons of our Discipline: For we have called a Person admitted into the Pastoral Office already in our Chur∣ches, and who hath discharged his Duty with Applause and Commenda∣tion, and not a Stranger utterly unknown to us. And we gave notice of it unto our Synod as soon as possibly we could, and craved their Approba∣tion: But contrariwise, our said Synod breaketh the Links in the golden Chain of Communion between us and our Churches, and would deprive us of that Blessing and Franchise wherewith our Discipline hath endow∣ed us, and of which we have had the Possession and Enjoyment to this present Day, and this without alledging of any other Reason besides their meer and bare Will and Pleasure. For in case these Gentlemen should pretend Ignorance of Monsieur Daillé, and that they do not in the least know him: We answer, that they might better have been acquain∣ted with him, and inform'd themselves concerning him, than to have de∣prived us of so great a Blessing, and to reject a Person, whom having once the happiness of his Acquaintance, they would most highly caress, esteem and value. Besides, were there any force in this Argument, all Pastors might be rejected who are called from out of the Province. But should they say, the Synod disapproved absolutely of this Call, because we were over-hasty in it; and that we did not in the first place consult with them about it. We answer, That we imparted this Affair unto them as soon as possibly we could; and in case we did it not sooner, it was not out of any disrespect unto them. These Gentlemen do very well know, with how much Humility and cordial Affection we are wont to treat and deal with them: But this must be imputed to the unhappiness of the Times, and that Affliction wherewith God had visited us: And

suppose we had failed in this Particular, (which yet they will never be able to convince us of); What Zeal, what Charity is this! to punish our Miscarriage with the loss of God's Glory, and the Edification of so considerable a Church as ours is! And if God had not, out of his great Goodness, excited the Charity, and moved the Compassions of Chur∣ches far distant from us, the Condition of our Church had been most la∣mentable; for our Synod made no better Provision for us, than to send us unto our Colloquy. And whenas we thought of addressing our selves to it, the very first Church from whom we demanded help, gave us this answer, That it could not afford us any, till such time as the Colloquy had prescribed them the manner How; thereby deluding our very De∣mand. For you know, Sirs, how rarely our Colloquies are held, and the trouble we have now-adays to assemble them. Therefore, whenas the Church of Saumur had the Charity to consent that Monsieur Daillé should come and serve us; and the Synod of Anjou imitating their Zeal, agreed to this Removal; we did not make any scruple of calling Mon∣sieur Daillé to our Assistance, in which also the Blessing of God is very visible: For this Church receiveth a most singular Edification by his Mi∣nistry, and we are full of hopes that it will be continued, and be daily more and more useful and fruitful; and that we have exceeding great cause of praising God for putting it into our Hearts to make such a Choice. We beseech you then, most Honoured Sirs, that considering our Sincerity and Zeal in this Affair, but above all the Glory of God, and the Edification of our Church, you would be pleased to confirm this our Choice, and to roll away that Reproach wherewith some would blast our Honours and Office, and to take off that Censure which hath been denounc'd against us, and to admonish our Province to carry it with more Love towards us. In doing whereof, you will inspire us with new Courage in the midst of those Travels sustained by us for the Service of our Church, and of many others, to whom, upon all Occasions, we are ready to perform all kind of good Offices. And we beseech God, most Honoured Sirs, to preside in your Council by his Holy Spirit, to pre∣serve your Persons, and to shower down his Blessings upon your Labours. Being

Paris, August 20.1626.

Your most humble and most obedient Brethren, the Pastors and Elders in the Reformed Church of Paris, and for all,

• Drelincourt, Pastor.
• ...Bigot,
• ...Tardif,
• ...Dinets,
• ...Massanes,
• ...Millet,
• Raillard, and
• Mandat, Elders.

And in the Margin, We most ear∣nestly beseech you to give Audi∣ence to Monsieur Mestrezat, who is ordered more particularly to report this Affair unto you.

The End of the Synod of Castres.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1626. The 25th. Synod.
• * 3.1

  Another Co∣py has the Tenth day.
• * 3.2

  Proposals of the Lord Commissioner
• * 3.3

  The Answer made unto what had been propo∣sed by the Kings Com∣missioner.
• * 3.4

  The Synods deliberation upon the Writt.
• * 3.5

  The Synods Letter sent unto the King.
• * 4.1

  Amore ample Declaration of the Kings Will upon se∣veral points demanded by the Deputies.
• * 4.2

  The Con∣fession of Faith appro∣ved.
• * 4.3

  See of this Cedur in the Roll of Apo∣states in the Third Natio∣nal Synod of Charenton.
• * 4.4

  1626. The 25th. Synod.
• * 4.5

  1626. The 25th. Synod.
• * 4.6

  This Peris did after∣wards by flight save himself from being prose∣cuted by the Lord Com∣missioners for a Libel which was found upon him, and for which he was condemned to the Gal∣lows.
• * 4.7

  1626. The 25th. Synod.
• * 4.8

  Another Co∣py calleth him la Fort.
• * 4.9

  1626. The 25th. Synod.
• * 4.10

  These poor Churches prayed for, and rejoyced at the birth of the grea∣test Scourge and Plague, that ever was upon them.
• * 4.11

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 4.12

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 4.13

  Anot••er Copy calleth him Benter.
• * 4.14

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 4.15

  1616. The 25th Synod.
• | 4.16

  Another Copy calls him Mer∣lat.
• * 4.17

  Another Copy calls him Chanitrier.
• * 4.18

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 4.19

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 5.1

  1626 The 25th Synod.
• * 5.2

  3 Emeriti.
• * 5.3

  3 Emeriti.
• * 5.4

  5 Emeriti.
• * 5.5

  1 Emeritus.
• * 5.6

  4 Emeriti.
• * 5.7

  2 Emeriti.
• * 5.8

  3 Emeriti.
• * 5.9

  3 Emeriti.
• * 5.10

  2 Emeriti.
• * 5.11

  3 Emeriti.
• * 5.12

  2 Emeriti.
• * 5.13

  1 Emeritus.
• * 5.14

  1 Emeritus.
• * 5.15

  5 Emeriti.
• * 5.16

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 5.17

  Vagrants.
• * 5.18

  1626. The 25th Synod.
• * 5.19

  Tr••••e were three or sour de la Places at this time in the Mini∣stry, and I think all of them Sons of ••••e Minister.
• * 5.20

  Cardinal Riche∣lieu was Bishop of Luson.
• * 5.21

  i. e. Emeriti.
• * 5.22

  I suppost he was the Father of Peter Rava∣nell, who writ the Bibliotheca Sacra.
• * 5.23

  The Son of this Cartaud s••••••••••∣ed his Father, and in the Year 1685 he turn'd Apostate.