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 Alanson.

SYNOD XXVII. 1637.

In the Name of God. Amen.

Acts of the twenty seventh National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France, held in the Town of Alanson in the Province of Norman∣dy. It was opened by his Majesty's Permission, Wednesday the 27th of May, and ended Thursday the 9th of July, in the Year of our Lord God 1637, and the 18th Year of the Reign of our Dread So∣vereign Louis the Thirteenth, King of France and Navarre.

CHAP. I. The King's Writ presented by the Marquess of Clermont for calling the Synod. Mr. de St. Mars Commissioner. Deputies. Officers chosen.

• Article 1. THE Lord Marquess of Clermont General Deputy of the Reformed Churches of France, at the opening of the Synod presented his Majesty's Warrant, expresly given by him under his own Hand for the calling of it; the Tenour of which is as followeth.

This sixth Day of Jannary, in the Year Sixteen hundred thirty and seven, the King being at Paris, upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion, who craved his Royal Permission for the calling and assembling of a National Synod, there not having been one held since that of Char••nton in the Year 1631. His Majesty being desirous to gratify those his Subjects, and to deal favourably with them, hath permitted, and doth permit the Convocation of a National Synod, the 27th day of May next following the date hereof, in the Town of A∣lanson; but on this condition, that there be none other Matters debated in it excepting those only which are allowed by the Edicts; and that the Lord of St. Mars, Counsellor to his Majesty in his Council of State, be Personally present in the said Synod, in Quality of his Majesty's Com∣missioner, as hath been usual and customary in such Assemblies. In Testimony whereof his Majesty bath commanded me to expedite this his present Writ, which he hath seen and signed with his own Hand, and caused to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State, and of his Commandments.

Signed, LOƲIS: And a little lower, Phelippeaux.

• Article 2. There came unto the said Assembly, on behalf of the Provinces and Churches, these Pastors and Elders deputed by them, whose Names follow.
• Article 3. For the Province of Normandy, the Sieurs Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Ste Mere, and John Maximilian de l'Angle Pastor of the Church of Rouen; together with the Lords John Richer Lord of Ce∣risy, Elder of the Church of Gaulé; and Lawrence le Febure, Advocate in the Parliament of Normandy, and Elder in the Church of Rouen.
• Article 4. For the Province of Dolphiny, the Sieurs Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of Dieu le fit, and Stephen Blanc Pastor and Professor in the Church of Die; together with the Sieurs James de BeaucastellEsq Lord of Auges, Elder in the Church of Courtezon, and Gaspard du Baeuf Advocate in the Parliament of Dolphiny, and Elder in the Church of Grenoble.
• Article 5. For the Province of Burgundy, the Sieurs Aymedeé de Bons Pastor of the Church at Chaloons, and Heliodorus du Noyer Pastor of the Church at Bussy; together with the Sieurs John Roy Advocate in the Parliament of Burgundy, Elder in the Church of Arnay le Duc; and Charles Perreau Advocate in the said Parliament, Elder in the Church of Autun and Cou∣ches.
• Article 6. For the Province of Lower Languedoc, the Sieurs Samuel Petit Pa∣stor and Professor in the Church of Nismes, and John Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier; together with the Sieurs Francis de Fonfrede, Counsellor to the King in the Presidial Court of Nismes, and Deacon of the said Church; and John Browns Lord of Roussares, Elder in the Church of St. Ambroise.
• Article 7. For the Province of Xaintonge, the Sieurs Daniel Chesnel Pastor of the Church of Marans, and John Commarc Pastor of tie Church of Vertueil; together with the Lords René de Saint LegerEsq Lord of Bois∣cond, Elder in the Church of Clan; and Mr. George Reveau, Counsellor to the King, and his Advocate at Rochel, Elder of the Church in that City.
• Article 8. For the Province of Provence, the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church of Aigueres, and John Monestier Elder in the Church of Lor∣marin.
• Article 9. For the Province of Sevennes, the Sieurs John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John de Gardonengue, and John Surville Pastor of the Church at Vigan; together with the Sieurs Peter de Fons Lord of des Sabbatieres, Elder in the Church of Quissac; and Thomas SerreEsq Elder in the Church of Sauve.
• Article 10. For the Province of Higher Languedoc, the Sieurs Peter Charles Pas∣tor of the Church of Montauban, and Matthew Tissier Pastor of the Church of Mauvoisin; together with the Sieur Sebastian de St. Fauste Elder in the Church of Mauvoisin, and the Sieur David Fournes Advocate and Elder in the Church of Montauban, who was absent, having fallen sick on the way.
• Article 11. For the Province of Anjou, the Sieurs Daniel Couppé Pastor of the Church of Loudun, and John Vigneux Pastor of the Church du Mans; together with the Sieurs George Rabbotteau Advocate in Parliament, and Elder in the Church of Pruille; and Peter de Ceriziers, Counsellor of the King in the Borough of Loudun, and Elder of the Church in the same Town.
• Article 12. For the Province of the Isle of France, the Sieurs David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Roussy, and John Daillé Pastor of the Church of Paris; together with the Sieurs Peter de L'aunay Lord of La Mote, and Peter Marbault Counsellor and Secretary to the King, Elder in the Church of Paris.
• ...

• ... Article 13. For the Province of Brittain, the Sieurs Daniel Sauvé Pastor of the Church of Villevigne, and Giles LovyerEsq Lord of la Grestiere, El∣der of the same Church.
• Article 14. For the Province of Orleans; the Sieurs Jacob le Brun Pastor of the Church at Romorantin, and John Taby Pastor of the Church at la Chari∣té; together with the Sieurs Claudius Bernard Bailiff of Chastillon upon the Loir, and Elder of the Church there; and Timothy Baignoux Elder in the Church of Mer.
• Article 15. For the Province of Poitou, the Sieurs Samuel le Blanc Pastor of the Church at St. Maixant, and Daniel Pain Pastor of the Church of Cha∣stelheraut; together with the Sieurs Charles de GourgeaudEsq Lord of Pannieure, Elder of the Church of Mougon, and Francis MauclereEsq Lord of la Mezanchere, Elder in the Church of la Jandouiniere.
• Article 16. For the Province of Vivaretz, the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay, and Simeon de Hosty Pastor of the Church in St. Fortunate; togethe•• with the Sieurs Andrew Paget Elder of the Church of Couxnear Privas, and Anthony Regnet Doctor of the Laws, Advocate and Elder in the Church of Aubenas.
• Article 17. For the Province of Lower Guyenne, the Sieurs John d' Alba Pa∣stor of the Church at Agen, and Daniel Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux; together with Daniel Descayrac Lieutenant in the Court of Justice at Pugeols, Elder of the Church in the same place; and James Charron Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux, and Elder in the Church of Bergerac.
• Article 18. For the Province of Bearn, the Sieurs Simon Fuget Pastor of the Church of Carresse, and Peter Margendie Doctor of Physick, and Elder in the Church of Orthez.
• Article 19. After Invocation of the Name of God, the Reverend Mr. Benja∣min Basnage was, by plurality of Votes, chosen Moderator, and Mr. Couppé Assessor, Mr. Blondel and Mr. Launay Scribes.

CHAP. II. The King's Commission to the Lord of St. Mars.

AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were chosen, his Majesty's Let∣ters Patents were read, giving a Commission to Monsieur de St. Mars, Counsellor in his Council of State, to represent his Person in it; the Form and Tenour of which was inserted into the Acts of this Synod.

A Copy of his Majesty's Letters Patents.

Louis, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre,

To our belo∣ved and trusty Counsellor in our Council of State, the Lord of St. Mars, Greeting.

WE having permitted our Subjects of the pretend. Reformed Re∣ligion, to hold in our Town of Alanson, the 27th of May next ensuing the Date hereof, a National Synod, composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of our Kingdom, to treat of Matters concerning their Religion: And being to chuse a Person of sufficient and requisite Abilities, and of approved Loyalty to Us, to be present in our stead; and to act in quality of our Commissioner in the said Assembly: Now, we being well acquainted with those Services you have done us in sun∣dry

and honourable Employments wherewith you have been intrusted by Us, and of which you have acquitted your self most worthily, we judged that we could not make a better choice than of your Person, being well assured of the continuance of your Affection to our Service. For these Causes we have Commissionated and deputed, and do commis∣sionate and depute, by these Presents, signed with our own Hand, you my Lord of St. Mars, for Us, and in our stead, to go and sit in Per∣son, on our behalf, in the said Synod, convocated in the said Town of Alanson, there to propose and resolve whatsoever shall be commanded you by us, according to the Memoirs and Instructions we have to this purpose put into your Hands, taking heed that none other Matters be there proposed, but such as ought to be treated in such Assemblies, and are permitted by our Edicts: And in case they should attempt any thing to the contrary, you shall hinder them by the interposal of our Authority; and you shall speedily give us advice thereof, that we may apply those Remedies which are convenient in ••••uch cases. And for the doing hereof, we give you Power, Commission, and special Com∣mand by these presents, for such is our Pleasure.

Given at Paris the sixth Day of January, in the Year of Grace, One thou∣sand six hundred thirty and seven, and of our Reign the seven and twentieth.

Signed Louis, and a little lower Phelippeaux.

And sealed with the Great Seal of yellow Wax.

CHAP. III. The Commissioner's Speech.

THE said Letters Patents being read, the Lord Commissioner ac∣quainted the Synod with what his Majesty had given him in charge to them, in these very words.

SIRS,

I Am come into your Synod, to declare unto you his Majesty's Plea∣sure; you all know it, and have preach'd and taught Obedience un∣to the Higher Powers. All Authority is of God, and therefore by con∣sequence, on this immoveable Foundation, you must needs be infallibly obedient: besides, you are obliged to it by his Majesty's Bounty, and by that Care he takes of you, the favourable Effects whereof you shall always experience, whilst you be obedient. His Clemency and Power are your two firmest Supporters. And as touching the former, his Ma∣jesty hath charged me to assure you of the perpetual continuance of his Affection to you, and of his maintaining his Edicts, as long as you con∣tinue faithful Subjects. And as for his Power, Strangers themselves have felt it, and do every day more and more feel and experience it. We have with our Eyes seen those Successes of his, which are more than Human; by which God publisheth to the World, that he upholdeth our King with his own Hand, and maketh him a Terror to all about him. I shall not remember those many Fortresses and Places of Surety which once you had, and where you reposed too much Confidence, all which are now reduc'd to nothing; whereas since you depended on the sole Favour of his Majesty, your Condition is much more happy, and your Security much more fix'd and stable. I doubt not in the least but that you have often reflected upon that admirable Providence of God,

in making his Majesty's Royal Authority to be your Preservation. You be destitute of all Support, yea, you have in the midst of you against you a World of People, subject, as the Sea, unto various Troubles and Commoti∣ons; and yet notwithstanding the King upholds you in the Liberty of your Consciences, and in the peaceable exercise of your Religion. The fix∣edness and stability of the Earth, ballanced in the Air, is as great a Mi∣racle as the Creation and Subsistence of the Universe. God sustains it by the self-same Power with which he did at first create it; and you al∣so in like manner are preserved by the Word of his Majesty's Power. Therefore, Sirs, you that are Ministers should shine in Wisdom and good Conduct in your respective Stations and Churches. Among many signal Effects of his Majesty's Goodness received by you, this is not the least, yea, it is a most remarkable one, that you can meet in this As∣sembly, and that too in a time of War. All the Provinces of the King∣dom, like so many Lines drawn from the Circumference, can center in this Synod in Peace. Could you ever demand a greater Testimony of his Majesty's Goodness, than this Confidence he reposeth in your Loy∣alty and Fidelity? This should engage you to submit your selves, with greater reverence than ever, unto his Royal Pleasure. And I in no wise doubt, but you will so govern your Words and Actions, and chiefly your Affections, that his Majesty shall have a most entire, and perfect, and dutiful Obedience from you.

2. And that you may depend on the Protection and soveraign Authority of the King, and may be wholly and solely fixed to his Service, his Majesty doth, in the first place, forbid you all Intelligence and Correspondence, whe∣ther Foreign or Domestick. And his Majesty being informed, that the Sy∣nod of Nismes, and Mr. Rousselet a Minister, have received Letters from the Canton of Bearn, they are admonished not to commit the like Offence for the future: For the Statutes positively forbid the King's Subjects to receive Letters from Foreign States; yea, they are not so much as to see any Foreign Embassadors, though residing near his Ma∣jesty; much less should our Synods, or private Ministers, receive Let∣ters, or hold Correspondence with Foreign Synods or Provinces. The Lords of Bearn are Allies of the Crown, and are of the same Religion with you, united in Religion with you; but there must not be any Uni∣on betwixt you and that Common-wealth: for the least Correspondence, even in Ecclesiastical Affairs, with Foreigners, though Confederates of the King, doth raise a Suspicion, and beget a Jealousy of Designs against the State. The said Synod, nor the said Minister Rousselet, ought not to have received those Letters; or if they had, before they had opened them, they should have communicated them to the Governour of the Place; or the said Synod should have delivered them to his Majesty's Commissioner, who was then present in it.

3.And as for Domestick Correspondence within the Kingdom, you must know, that inasmuch as Provincial Councils are forbidden you, therefore consequentially all sort of Communication, by which such a Council might be promoted, is expresly forbidden also. His Majesty for∣biddeth you to nominate any Ministers, or other extraordinary Deputies, whereby one Province may communicate with another about Political Affairs, because you be no Body Politick; no, nor at this time, whilst you are assembled in a National Synod, may you communicate with another about Ecclesiastical Affairs, though relating unto all the Pro∣vinces in general, as it hath been of late practised by the Synod of Nis∣mes, who entred into a Correspondence with that of Dolphiny, and the Church of Montlimart, about the Ministry of Monsieur Creguts; and with that of Sevennes, and the Church of Anduze, for the Ministry

of Monsieur issue out Orders relating to the general State of the Churches; and for the same Reason his Majesty forbiddeth the Provincial Synods the Indicti∣on of publick National Fasts.

4. In the second Place, that there may be a more firm Peace establish∣ed in the State, it is his Majesty's Pleasure that all Ministers do preach unto his Subjects that Obedience which is due unto him, and to his Au∣thority and Commandment, by the Word of God, and that it is no wise lawful for them, whatever Causes or Occasions may induce them to it, to revolt from, nor take up Arms against their Soveraign. And sith it may so fall out, that some things may be enacted by the Government and Civil Magistrate, which for want of knowledg of their true Springs and Motives, may seem prejudicial to the Liberty of your Confidences, (although it be his Majesty's Intention to uphold and conserve it for you) therefore his Majesty doth expresly forbid all and every one of you, to tax or condemn his Government for any evil Designs against your Reli∣gion: And farther, that in none of your Sermons or Writings you make use of those Expressions of Torments, Martyrs, and Persecutions of the Church of God.

5. Also that the Blessing of Peace may be promoted, whenas you shall have occasion to speak of the Pope, and of those of the Roman Catho∣lick Religion, of its Sacraments and Ceremonies, you are not to call him Antichrist, nor them Idolaters, nor to use any unbecoming Words that may offend or scandalize them, upon Pain of Interdiction, i. e. of si∣lencing the Ministers, and dissolving the religious Church-Meetings, and of greater Punishments. You be also prohibited all injurious Words and Proceedings against such Ministers and other Persons who shall have quitted your Religion tor that of his Majesty.

6 Finally, That the Publick Peace may not be disturbed by any Writings or licentious Discourses, no Books treating of your Religion, whether printed within or out of the Kingdom, shall be sold, till they have been first examined and approved by two Ministers authorized thereunto; otherwise they shall be all seized and confiscated.

7. Moreover; forasmuch as to resist the Orders of inferiour Magistrates, deriving their Power, as Beams from the Sun of Soveraign Royal Autho∣rity, is to resist his Majesty himself, and to subvert the very Publick-Weal; his Majesty being informed that a Proposition was set on foot in the Synod of Andusa, that the Marriage of a certain Person called Audebert (who had remarried after a Divorce obtained from and decreed by the Judg there) should not be celebrated, his Majesty enjoineth you all, now that you be assembled in this National Synod, to resolve on it, that all your Churches shall acquiesce in, and conform unto all Orders of the Civil Magistrate in this Particular, about the disannulling of Marri∣ages, and to take an especial care for the future, that this Default be re∣paired.

8. Thirdly, It being his Majesty's Desire and Purpose to continue un∣to you the Possession and Injoyment of his Edicts, which are granted and accorded to you, and it being but just and equitable that you also on your part should observe them, and not in the least infringe or violate them: His Majesty injoineth all Ministers, that in Obedience to the 10th Article of the Edict of Pacification, made in January 1561, and those Letters Patents duly obtained thereupon, and enrolled, that they do preach only, as in Duty they are bound, in those Places where they make their actual residence; and he forbiddeth them all Excursions from thence to preach in those Places, which they call Annexations. And his Majesty being informed of the manifest Contempt and Violation of

this his Ordinance, hath given me in charge to reiterate this his Prohi∣bition, and commands you to obey it upon the Penalties imported in the said Letters, and in the Decree of his Council, and threatens you, in case of Non-compliance, with a total Forfeiture and Deprival of all the Priviledges and Benefits of his Edicts.

9. And whereas also you are permitted by the forty fourth Article of Particular Matters in the Edict of Nants, to assemble your selves before a Judg Royal, and by his Authority to make an equal Tax, and to levy Monies necessary for defraying all Synodical Charges, and the Mainte∣nance of your Ministers in the Exercise of your Religion, his Majesty doth forbid your said Ministers to take the Moneys out of the Poors Box, or of Legacies bequeathed to pious Uses, for the Paiment of their Salla∣ries, or the fifth Penny out of that Fund for the Maintenance of your Universities, and this upon very good and considerable Grounds; because it is not any ways reasonable, that the Moneys given and destined to the Poor, should be diverted and imployed to any other Usage.

10. And farther; since it cannot be imagined that any Person could be guilty of such extream Baseness and Ingratitude as to refuse a Contri∣bution to the Support and Maintenance of his own Pastor: however, lest there should be such an one, and to prevent it for the future, his Majesty explaining the 44th Article before-mentioned, doth permit you every New-year's-day, or in one or some of those twelve Days in the be∣ginning of the Year, to make an Assembly of the principal Inhabitants of every Town or Church in the Nature of a Consistory, to consult a∣bout their Pastors Wages, Charges of Journies unto Colloquies and Sy∣nods, and for the Maintenance of the Professors and Regents in your Universities, and for the Reparation and upholding of your Temples, and to make an Accompt and List of all Persons able to contribute unto the said Charges; which being brought before a Judg Royal, shall be authorized by him; and then every one so taxed and assessed by him, shall be compelled to pay in his Part and Quota; and in case of his Re∣fusal, it shall be levied by Distress and Fine, notwithstanding his Oppo∣sition or Appeal, as is done in the ingathering of his Majesty's Reve∣nues: And therefore his Majesty forbiddeth all Ministers to beg from Door to Door for their Maintenance.

11. And his Majesty being informed that the said Synod of Nismes hath granted unto Mr. Petit, Minister of the Gospel, as Professor of Di∣vinity, the Sum of seven hundred Livers; he doth now decree, that the said Sum shall be paid out of the Monies destined to the Maintenance of Universities by the last National Synod, and is to be taken out of the Dividend belonging to those three Colloquies which compose the said Synod; and his Majesty commandeth and injoineth you to observe and keep those aforesaid Canons, as well for the Payment of your Pastors, as for the railing of the Monies.

12. I have but one Word more, and having added that, shall con∣clude: The Synod of Nismes decreed, That Baptism administred by one who had neither Call nor Commission, was null; and injoined Pastors not in the least to scruple the baptizing such Children who had Water poured upon them by Women or any other such Persons, without Call or Commission to baptize. 'Tis his Majesty's Pleasure that this Article be amended for such reasons, as I shall recite unto you in their very Words from the Original Order.

Because from hence springeth the Opinion of Re-baptizing, for from the Doubt which they make about a Call, they oblige themselves to re-baptize all those who were baptized by such Persons, whose Call they cannot approve of, and of whose Call they make themselves the sole Judges and Arbitrators;

although the Catholick Church not approving their Call, yea, not in the least hesitating to declare they have none, doth yet notwithstanding, approve of their Baptism; because it is a Sacrament whose Virtue and Efficacy is ex opere operato, and not ex opere operantis: so that the Synod did that which did not belong unto them, when they invalidated this Sacrament by whom-soever it was administred; since the Catholick Church, in which they cannot say there hath been a Want or Failure of any Call, hath decided this Point, and in Case of Necessity hath judged probably of the Infants Disposition; there∣fore all Persons are called, and the Word and Water intervening, the Church will not have this Act to be any more repeated.

CHAP. IV. How follow the Synod's Replies and Answers unto the King's Proposi∣tions.

Article 13.

THE Commissioner having finished his Discourse, which was pati∣ently and attentively heard by the Synod: The Synod by the Mouth of its Moderator did praise and bless God, with their most hearty and humble Thanksgivings, for his infinite Goodness and Mercy in hearing the Prayers of his poor Servants, and inclining the King's Heart to grant us this Meeting, and to promise us the Continuance of his Favours; and Thanks also were returned unto his Majesty, for that according to his usual and wonted Kindness he hath vouchsafed us new Expressions of his paternal Affection in his Letters and Writ for our Assembly; and in choosing and sending, and honouring us with such a Person for his Com∣missioner, as is universally famed for his singular Integrity, Prudence and Piety. And the said Lord Commissioner was most humbly intreated to assure his Majesty, that as the Churches did never in Thought or Deed depart from that Obedience, Fidelity and Subjection, unto which by the Word of God they stood obliged, so for the future they will never aim at any other Mark than their Continuance in it, and daily give in new Evi∣dences unto his Majesty, and our Lords of his most honourable Privy-Council, of the Innocency of our Conversation.

15. And whereas divers Reports and Informations have been brought in against some Provincial Synods, and sundry particular Persons have been taxed for violating of his Majesty's Ordinances, his Majesty is most humbly intreated to consider that the Synod of Nismes is in no wise blame-worthy, for it never received any Letters from the Lords of Bearn: and as for our Reverend Brother Monsieur Rousselet, who is a Native of New-Castle, a City belonging to that Canton, and subject to those Lords, he was invited by their Letters to return unto his own Country, and to exercise his Ministry there, and to accept of the Professor's Place in The∣ology, then vacant in their University of Lausanna; yet did he of his own Accord, as soon as he had received those Letters of Call, produce and ten∣der them unto his Majesty's Commissioner then present in that Synod of Nismes, and also unto several other Officers of his Majesty, who all una∣nimously declared, that he did not in the least Tittle or Punctilio decline from his Duty.

16. And although his Majesty's Subjects in this Kingdom may resolve what they please as to their own personal Forbearance of Communicati∣ons and Correspondence with Foreigners; yet sith they cannot tie up

their Hands, who live abroad out of his Majesty's Dominions and Au∣thority, from writing what they please, and sending it where they please into this Kingdom: Yet that it may appear to the whole World, that our Churches do not court, nor are ambitious of their Familiarity, we pro∣mise before God for the future, that whatsoever Letters are addressed un∣to the Colloquies and Synods of this Kingdom, from any foreign Prince, State, City or Churches, or ever they be opened, shall be first of all deli∣vered into the Hands of his Majesty's Commissioners, that so by them, and from their own Mouths, his Majesty may be fully informed of their Contents, that so all and every individual Person professing the Reformed Religion, and in Communion with us here at home, may be discharged and acquitted from all imputation of Faction and Disobedience whatso∣ever.

17. Moreover, whereas by our Discipline, Colloquies and Provincial Synods are obliged to take care that particular Churches, destitute of Pa∣stors, be provided for; and Causes of this nature are never transmitted to our National Synods, unless upon extraordinary Occasions, and by way of Appeal. And whereas particular Churches are sometimes neces∣sitated to seek abroad out of their Provinces for a Supply of Pastors, when∣as they cannot be furnished at home; yet are these their Researches regu∣lated by the Canons of our Discipline: And therefore it was in Obedience and conformity to them, that the Synods of Dolphiny and Sevennes did bring their Demands for the Churches of Montlimart and Anduze unto that of Nismes, requesting that the Sieurs Cregut and Arnaud might be conferr'd upon them for their Ministers. Wherefore his Majesty is most humbly petitioned to take it into his Royal Consideration, that they have not in the least swerved from, nor transgressed the Orders authoritatively imposed by his Edicts. In the mean time, forasmuch as the Churches cannot, without violating their own Discipline, and opening a large Gap unto infinite Disorders and Confusion, suffer that Colloquies and Provin∣cial Synods should attempt to prescribe Laws unto one another; this Sy∣nod doth therefore forbid and interdict all such Assemblies the making of any General Orders, whether for Days of Fasting, Humiliation and Pray∣er, or for any other Consideration or Account whatsoever, excepting what shall be of concern and relating to their own District and Divi∣sion.

18. Moreover, we do likewise acknowledg that that Reverence and Obedience, which is in all well-governed States the proper Duty of its Subjects, can never be too carefully recommended to the People; and on the other hand, that impious Licence of blaming the Publick Govern∣ment, and Supream Authority, cannot be too severely reproved and de∣cried: This Synod doth in join all Pastors in their Sermons and Exhorta∣tions to press it home upon the Consciences of their Auditories, and par∣ticular Flocks, that they do not in any manner of wise, directly nor indi∣rectly, depart from that Obedience, Fidelity and Respect, which are in∣violably due unto his Majesty, and to our Lords his Ministers; but that they repose themselves firmly on his Royal Word, trusting always in his Majesty's Goodness, that he will hinder and prevent the Designs and At∣tempts of ill-minded Men, who would, contrary to the Tenour of his Edicts, persecute his poor Subjects, because they be of the Reformed Re∣ligion.

19. And to the intent that our Churches may never be impeached of contributing unto any Alterations and Changes, whereby the Publick Peace should be broken: This Assembly recommends unto all Pastors an exacter Observation of our Ecclesiastical Discipline, and of the Stile of

God's holy Word, and of our Confession of Faith, than heretofore; and doth, according to our Canons in all these Articles, expresly interdict and forbid them the utterance of any bitter Words or Expressions (whenever they declare their Faith and Hope) against any Person or Opinion whatso∣ever: And it doth also most humbly supplicate his Majesty to interpose his Royal Authority, that those of the Romish Religion, who do licentiously depart from their Duty, may be reduced to the Obedience of his Edicts; and that his poor Subjects of the Reformed Religion may not for the fu∣ture, as they have been upon all Occasions hitherto, be loaden with the most outragious and atrocious Abuses and Reproaches. And we do far∣ther recommend unto all our Churches, and their respective Members, the observation of our Discipline; and particularly, that no one do publish any Book till it have been first perused and examined, and approved by them who are commissionated thereunto; and that none take upon them to violate the Judicial Sentences of the Civil Magistrate concerning Di∣vorces. And the Province of Sevennes hath and doth protest, that it had never any such Design or Purpose for so doing.

20. And whereas there is a Crime imputed unto our Churches about the Residence of their Pastors, and the Exercise of their Ministry, as if some of them had acted contrary to the tenth Article of January 1561, which yet is very false; for not one of them hath ever attempted to preach forcibly in any Place. Yea and secondly, that Edict of January was on∣ly provisional, made for that time, and hath been since abrogated by the subsequent Edicts, particularly by the one and fortieth Article of that Edict made in the Year 1570, and by that of Nants made in the Year 1598; and which by his then Majesty was declared to be a clear, plain, general and absolute Law, by which it was his Will and Pleasure that all his Subjects should be governed. And thirdly, The Pastors do not exer∣cise the Duties of their Calling in any other Places besides those which are allowed them by the 78th, 79th, 80th, and 81st Articles of the Edict last mentioned. And fourthly, Our Lords of the Council, and the Par∣liaments, and the several Commissioners for the Execution of that Edict, have from the beginning made out Orders where and in what Places the publick Exercise of our Religion should be established and performed, and did always consider that the most part of those Places were but so ma∣ny Quarters and Members of one and the same Church, served by one and the same Pastor. And fifthly, That the Pastors never preach out of those Quarters, unless in the case of Absence, or Sickness, or of some other law∣ful hindrance of their Brethren. And lastly, By the sixth Article of the Edict of Nants, explained by the first of the secret and particular Arti∣cles, it is granted that our Ministers may reside in any Places of the Kingdom indifferently. Wherefore we most humbly petition that his Majesty would maintain them in that Liberty granted them by his Edicts, and revoke all Orders and Decrees of his Privy-Council which are dero∣gatory to them.

21. Moreover; forasmuch as our Pastors do not receive their Mainte∣nance in a way of begging, nor from the Poors Box, nor from Legacies bequeathed to pious Uses, and destinated for the Relief of the Poor, but only from a voluntary Contribution of their Flocks, or by an Assessment made upon them according to the forty fourth Article of Particular Mat∣ters, conformably to those Agreements past between them and their Pa∣stors at their first coming: And that according to the Discipline, the fifth Penny of all Alms is particularly assigned to the maintenance of our Pro∣fessors, Regents, Scholars, and other such like Persons, whole Poverty renders them meet and proper Objects of those Charities, without ever

diverting the Monies of this natu them but according to the Order of Provincial or National Synods: His Majesty is most humbly beseeched to keep up in our Churches the Obser∣vation of this ancient Order, established by the Discipline, and authori∣zed by his Edicts, and whereof there was never any Complaint yet form∣ed; and that he would be pleased to interdict his Officers the disannul∣ling or changing of Agreements past and made between the Pastors and their Churches about their Salaries, when they first took upon them the Cure and Charge of their Souls.

22. And sith what hath been done in the case of Mr. Petit, relateth to the Execution of this Order, and to the Canons of former National Synods, his Majesty is most humbly requested to approve thereof.

23. Finally; forasmuch as the Declaration made by the Synod of Nis∣mes is, neither as to its Substance nor Terms in which it is framed and ex∣pressed, any other Matter than the first Article of the eleventh Chapter of our Discipline, bottom'd upon our Confession of Faith, Catechism, and other Expositions of the Belief of our Churches; and for that the Arguments produced on behalf of the Opus operatum, and the Decision made by the Church of Rome, (which is directly opposite unto our Faith aforesaid) do formally condemn it; his Majesty, having by his Edicts allowed of it, is most humbly intreated to grant that his Subjects of the Reformed Religion may still enjoy, and be always secured in the full en∣joyment of the Liberty of their Consciences, according to his Sacred and Royal Promises, that so they may all unanimously, with one and the same Heart, and the self-same Vows and Prayers, unanimously imploy themselves in the Service of God, and of his Majesty.

CHAP. V. Deputies sent with a Letter unto the King.

24. THere were chosen, by Plurality of Voices in the Assembly, the Sieurs Ferrand, Gigord and Cerizy, to carry unto his Majesty the most humble Thanks and Petitions of the Churches, who were fur∣nished with their Instructions and Letters unto his Majesty, and to our Lords the Ministers of State.

25. A Copy of the first Letter written by the Synod unto the King.

SIRE,

THE Great God, whose lively Image you are, accepting indifferently and irrespectively the Prayers and Homages of all his Creatures, we believed that your Majesty would not he displeased with our Boldness in laying ours at your Feet, your Majesty having granted us the Priviledge of assembling our selves in this Place. And 'tis to acquit our selves of this necessary Duty, Sire, that we have sent the Sieurs Ferrand, Gigord and Cerizy, unto your Majesty, most humbly petitioning, that your Majesty would daign to behold them with the Eye of your Favour, and to hear with your wonted Benignity from their Mouths, the Protestations of our Fidelity, and our just Supplications and Requests for the continuance and confirmation of that Liberty granted us by your Majesty's Edicts: That being delivered from all Fear, we may live

quietly under the Shadow of your Goodness and Power, having none other Care than continually to call upon God our Maker for the Health of your Majesty's Sacred Person, and his Divine Benediction upon your Royal Family, the Pro∣sperity of your Estate, and the Glory of your Crown; yielding joyfully and un∣weariedly unto your Majesty that most humble Obedience and Subjection, which is the bounden Duty,

From Alanson, this fourth of June, 1637.

SIRE,

Of your most humble, and most obedient, and most faithful Subjects and Servants, The Ministers and Elders assembled by your Permission in the National Synod at Alan∣son, and in the Name of them all, by

• Basnage, Moderator of the Synod.
• D. Coupe, Assessor.
• D. Blondel, Scribe.
• De Launay, Scribe.

26. The Provinces having intrusted their Deputies with divers Me∣moirs concerning the Violations of the Edict, to be tendred unto his Ma∣jesty; as they began to read them, the Lord Commissioner remonstrated, That it was his Majesty's Will and Pleasure, that in his Presence none other Matters, saying what related unto the Exercise of the Church-Discipline, should be debated; and that the Title of the said Cahier or Memoirs should be thus qualified, The Cahier and Memoirs of the Pre∣tended Reformed Religion. Whereupon, the Assembly requested his Lord∣ship to consider, that it was never in their Minds or Intentions to treat of Political Affairs, or any State-matters, but only to make a plain and naked Report and Presentment of our Complaints, none of which need to fall under Deliberation, all and every of them being most apparently and un∣deniably true, just, and expresly grounded on his Majesty's Edict. Besides, his Majesty never took it in any sort ill, that we should address unto him our most humble Remonstrances for repairing the Violations of his Edicts, nor that his Subjects, speaking according to their Consciences, should, contrary thereunto, stile and qualify themselves of the pretended Refor∣med Religion.

27. The Lord Commissioner making report, that by his Instructions he was charged to acquaint the Synod, That in case they would agree with him about two Persons meet and fit to exercise the general Deputa∣tion for the Weal and Service of the Churches, his Majesty would approve of them, but if not, that then the Lord Marquess of Clermont should be continued in the Functions of the said Office, and another from out of the third Estate should be chosen and joined with him. The Assembly nominated out of every Province, one Deputy, to confer with the said Lord Commissioner about this Matter: and these Deputies accorded with his Lordship, that the said Lord Marquess of Clermont and the Lord Mar∣baut should be the Persons, whose Names should be immediately present∣ed unto his Majesty, most humbly also requesting his Majesty to allow and approve of this their Election. And to this purpose there was this following Letter written unto the King.

CHAP. VI. A Copy of the second Letter written by the Synod unto th King, con∣cerning the General Deputies.

SIRE,

AS soon as your Majesty's Intentions were notified unto us about our choice of General-Deputies to reside near your Majesty's Person at Court, we immediately and unanimously agreed with the Lord of St. Mars, your Majesty's Commissioner unto this Assembly, and have elected into that Of∣fice the Lords Marquess of Clermont and Marbaud. And we most humbly beseech your Majesty to allow and accept of them, and to give your favourable Ear unto all our Supplications, which by their Mouth our urgent and extraordinary Necessities shall oblige us to tender to you. That Inclination which is natu∣ral unto your Majesty to ease and comfort your People, doth raise our Hopes, that you will vouchsafe to cast the Eyes of your Compassion upon the Miseries of a vast multitude of Souls, who are breathing, and will never breath any thing else but a most profound Obedience, Subjection, and Service unto your Majesty; and that you will cause graciously to dart down upon our Churches, the Beams of your Royal Favour and Benificence, the Effects whereof they have comfortably resented: And which makes us the more ardent and zealous in our Prayers and Devotions to Almighty God, for the Preservation of your Majesty's Sacred Person, for the Glory of your Crown, and for the long Con∣tinuance of your Majesty's Reign. As being, Great Sir, of your Majesty,

From Alanson,June 1637.

The most humble, the most obedient, and most faith∣ful Servants and Subjects, The Ministers and El∣ders assembled, by your Majesty's Permission, in the National Synod of Alanson, and in the Name of all,

• Banage, Moderator of the Synod.
• D. Coupé, Assessor.
• D. Blondel, Scribe.
• De Launay, Scribe.

CHAP. VII. Observations upon, and Confirmation of the Confession of Faith received in the Churches of this Kingdom.

THE Confession of Faith was read, word by word, one Article af∣ter another; approved and subscribed by all the Deputies of the Provinces, who did, as well for themselves, and in their own Names, as in the Names, and on behalf of their several and respective Synods that had commissionated and sent them, and given them express and particu∣lar Charge for so doing, protest, t hat they would live and die in the Pro∣fession of this Faith, that they would teach it unto their Churches, and put to their helping Hands, that it should be inviolably maintained and conserved.

CHAP. VIII. Observations on reading of our Church-Discipline.

• Article 1. THose Churches which have exhibited unto Scholars a Pension and Maintenance for their Studies, in order to fit and prepare them for the Sacred Ministry, shall have a Right and Preference above all others to use and employ them. And all the Churches are exhorted to be mutually helpful and assisting unto each other in Love.
• Article 2. Sinners publikly suspended from the Lord's Supper, shall make Publick Acknowledgment of their Offences for which they had been censured. And the Church of Alanson is admonished to see this Canon put in execution.
• Article 3. The better practice, and stricter observation of the 12th Canon in the 8th Chapter, is recommended unto all the Provinces: and that of Brittain in particular is advised not to omit it for the future. See this Article in the Book of Discipline.
• Article 4. This Assembly doth once again enjoin the Church of Nismes, to submit and conform themselves unto the 9th Canon, in the 12th Chapter of our Discipline, according to the Intention of former Synods. The Article is this; The Churches shall be informed, that it belongeth unto Mi∣nisters only to administer the Cup, and this for the avoiding many evil Consequences.
• Article 5. Without suffering any new Customs to be introduc'd at Funeral-So∣lemnities, and that the Parents of the Deceased may be comforted, the practice and observation of the 5th Canon in the 10th Chapter of our Discipline, is recommended to all the Churches: Moreover, in case any one of our Churches hath had, for a long time, any particular Form, which it hath used to its Edification, that Church may retain the ob∣servation of that their Order, even by the Allowance of this Assem∣bly.
• Article 6. Forasmuch as the 12th Canon, in the 13th Chapter of our Disci∣pline, seems to contradict the 16th Observation of the National Synod of Montpellier upon the Discipline; All the Provinces are exhorted to bring with them, unto the next National Synod, their several and respective Opinions, whether the said Article shall be razed, or receive any Change or Emendation.
• Article 7. Though all the Provinces do keep and observe most exactly the 16th Canon in the 14th Chapter of our Discipline; yet shall every one of them carefully make use of such Expedients as they, in their own particular Judgments, do conceive to be most meet and proper for their better Ob∣servation, and the avoiding of all Inconveniences.
• Article 8. The Church-Discipline having been read, all and every one of the Provincial Deputies did, both for themselves and their respective Synods, promise to observe it, and see that it be exactly observed by their Pro∣vinces.

CHAP. IX. Observations on reading the Acts of the former Synod, held for the se∣cond time at Charenton, in the Months of September and Octo∣ber, 1631.

• Article 1. THE Provinces bringing in their respective Judgments upon the Matters commended to their Deliberation by the last National Sy∣nod; This Assembly decreed, that nothing should be changed in the 19th and 20th Canons of the 5th Chapter of our Discipline.
• Article 2. The Colloquy of Montpellier, which was commissionated by the Sy∣nod of Charenton, in its Name, and with full Authority, to judg of the Charge brought in against the Sieur Bony, making Report of their Exe∣cution of the said Commission; and the Provincial Synod of Sevennes, whereof he is a Member, giving him a very honourable Testimonial; This Assembly ordaineth, that the Articles which concerned him shall be razed out of the Acts of the first and second National Synods of Cha∣renton, and of that of Castres.

CHAP. X. A penitent Minister, after ten Years Penance, restored.

3. MR. George Arbaud, who was formerly deposed from the Sa∣cred Ministry, by the National Synod of Castres, appearing now in Person, and humbly petitioning that he might be restored again unto it; and the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc, testifying to his godly Life and Conversion for ten Years last past; This Assembly considering the Sincerity of his Repentance, confirm'd by so long a trial, and condescending both to his Supplications, and the Attestations given him by his Province, and having very seriously exhorted him to be more strict and religious in his future Actions than formerly, and to grow in Grace and true Godliness, did grant him his Request, and left it to the Care of the Synod of Lower Languedoc, or of the Consistory of Nis∣mes, to provide a Church for him.

4. Whereas the Sieurs Bony and Donadiu, deputed by the Synod of Se∣vennes to execute a Commission given them by the last National Synod; had born all the Charges thereof themselves; it was ordained, that the Province of Lower Languedoc should see them reimburs'd and sa∣tisfied.

5. All the Provinces are strictly charged to see, that the 14th Canon of the 14th Chapter of the Discipline, be very carefully practised and observed, and that they bring in an Account of their Obedience to this Canon unto the next National Synod.

CHAP. XI. The Snappishness of the Commissioner, and the Prudence and Patience of the National Synod.

6. LEtters were read from Monsieur Privas, Pastor of the Church of Chastillon, detained Prisoner in the Jail of Agen, humbly peti∣tioning this Synod to endeavour his Enlargement; and the Lord Commis∣sioner demanding, Whether the Synod intended to make his Affair their own, and to interest themselves in it? The Assembly considering that the said Monsieur Privas was before his natural and proper Judges, declared, that, as his present Circumstances were, they could do nothing for him, ex∣cept the recommending him to the good Providence of God, and exhor∣ted him to wait and suffer patiently whatever should be decreed against him by the Court of Agen.

7. This Assembly remembring the Promise made by the last National Synod unto Monsieur Chamier, decreed, that it shall be performed as soon as God shall bless the Churches with Ability. So that Monsieur Chamier had never a Penny of Monies granted him for his Father's Works.

8. The Monies granted unto Monsieur Bellot and Constans, shall be faithfully paid them, as soon as the Churches may recover their Assign∣ments granted them by his Majesty.

9. All the Provinces are ordered to get for themselves the Acts of all our National Synods, that so they may comfortably discharge the Duty laid upon them by the National Synod of Charenton.

10. The Church of Montpellier informing this Assembly, that the De∣sign and Intendment of the National Synod of Castres was not satisfied; the Consistory of the Church of Nismes is ordered to exhort the Widow of Mr. Scoffier to accompt with them, how that Sum of Money hath been imployed, which was given by the said National Synod for the Relief of Mrs. Blandina Scoffier her Sister, that in case the said Monies be yet in her Hands, they may be restored unto the Heirs of Mrs. Jacquelina Scof∣fier, by whom she was actually maintained.

11. The Judgment of the Synod of Anjou having been perused, to whom the last National Synod had turned over the Cognizance of that Difference risen between the Provinces of Xaintonge and Poictou, about the Conjunction of the Church of Saveilles with that of Villefaignan; and several Letters, Memoirs, and Articles of Agreement between the said Churches since the said Judgment, having been read, and the Depu∣ties of the two contending Provinces being heard, this Assembly disal∣lowing the Proceedings of the Colloquy of Augoulmois, which had actu∣ally united the said Churches, in prejudice of the Judgment given to the contrary by the Province of Anjou, doth ordain, that the Churches of Chefboutonné and Saveilles, shall continue joined together as heretofore.

12. The National Synod of Charenton having charged the Province of Burgundy to shut up the Accompt with Monsieur Grass; which yet could not be performed, this Assembly commits the execution thereof to the Consistory of the Church of Lyon.

CHAP. XII. The Restoration of a penitent Minister deferred.

13.JOseph Obery, deposed by the last National Synod, and residing at present in the Canton of Bearn, wrote Letters unto this Assem∣bly, petitioning for his Restoration unto the sacred Ministry; which be∣fore they were opened, were presented unto the Lord Commissioner, who having read them, declared that they contained nothing but Matters purely Ecclesiastical: And after they had been seen and perused by the whole Synod, and the Testimonial given him by the Consul of Aubonne in the County of Vaux, and that the Provincial Deputies of Burgundy had delivered in their Opinion concerning him; this Synod could not grant him his Request; yet nevertheless received with Joy the good News of his Repentance and Conversion unto the Lord, and he was exhorted to confirm himself more and more in it, and to continue in the Grace of God.

14. The Province of Lower Guyenne is injoined to make use of their Authority upon Monsieur Perery, and to see that he do actually reside with his Flock; and in case he continue refractory and disobey their Order, that they do then immediately censure him according to the utmost Ri∣gor and Severity of our Discipline.

15. The Practice of the 3d Article of General Matters in the last Na∣tional Synod, is recommended unto all the Churches.

16. Complaints having Been brought against divers, Pastors Non-Resi∣dents in the Colloquy of Lower Quercy, unto the last National Synod, and those Complaints together with the Letters of those Ministers apolo∣gizing for themselves, having been dismissed to the Colloquy of Albigeois, and the Synod of Higher Languedoc to judg of their Case; now the Sen∣tence pass'd upon them was revised in this present Synod; and this Assem∣bly being willing to support and incourage them in their Ministry, did once more ordain the Colloquy of Albigeois to renew their Informations, and to examine afresh the pretended Inability of those Churches, and to urge and induce them by all kind of Arguments, and those the most forci∣ble, to perform their Duties, and to bring in an Account hereof unto the next National Synod.

17. The Appeal of the Church of Nerac, which refused to defray the Charges the Church of Agen were at in the Removal of Monsieur Vignier, is dismissed over to the Judgment of the Province of Lower Guyenne; because it is not of the Nature of those Affairs which do de∣pend upon National Synods.

18. That Judgment given by the Province of Dolphiny in the Cause of Monsieur Aymier, is ratified by this present Synod.

19. Forasmuch as the Province of Vivaretz hath given their Consent unto it, this Assembly permitteth for this time, that the Church of St. Estienne in Forest, be incorporated with the Province of Burgundy.

20. The Promise made by the last National Synod unto the Province of Bearn, about the Ministers born in it, and imployed in divers Churches of this Kingdom, is again confirmed, and the said Province is exhorted to acquiesce and rest satisfied therewith.

21. Whereas the Adjunction of the Church of Valence unto that of Soyon, is indispensably needful for the Subsistence of this latter; the Sy∣nod injoineth the said Church to incorporate it self with it, as it hath done formerly; and this Act shall be notified unto them by the Deputies

of Lower Languedoc, of Sevennes and Provence, as they return in their way homeward.

22. The Deputies of Vivaretz, remonstrated, that the Article concern∣ing Monsieur Perrier's Account was left out in that Copy of the last Na∣tional Synod, which was brought down unto their Province, and that it were sit the said Accompt should be revised. This Assembly ordaineth, that the said Province do apply it self unto that of Dolphiny, which shall summon the said Perrier before them, and judg finally of the Merits of the said Remonstrance.

23. The Synod of Lower Guyenne shall cite Monsieur Bustanoby before them, that he may accompt with them about the Imployment of the three hundred Livers delivered unto his deceased Father by the National Synod of Castres, and they shall make Report thereof unto the next National Synod.

A penitent Minister seeking and petitioning to be restored, is denied, but with Advice to betake himself to some other Calling.

24. SAmuel du Fresné, deposed from the sacred Ministry by the Consistory of Vienna, and Synod of Higher Languedoc, presenred himself unto this Assembly, and with a Shower of Tears implored the Pardons and Bowels of the Church, whom he had offended by his Fall. But upon Perusal of the Acts of his Deposition, and the 51st Article of the Disci∣pline, which depriveth them of all Hopes of Restoration, who are fallen into such Crimes of which he stands convicted: The Assembly advised him to betake himself to some other Calling, and to repair the Scandal he had given, by his Perseverance in true Repentance and the Practice of Godliness.

25. Forasmuch as in that Information brought in against the said du Fresné, there were several over-curious Questions, and very ill-becoming the Gravity of Ecclesiastical Persons; the Province of Higher Languedoc is charged to make Remonstrance thereof unto the Parties who drew up those Articles of Information against him, and to put to their helping-Hand, that no such Matters be done for the future.

26. Whereas the Holy Apostle in the 8th Verse of the 3d Chapter to the Romans, saith expresly, that their Damnation is just, who say, Let us do Good that Evil may come thereof; and that 'tis neither consisting with Reason, nor the Integrity of our Christian Profession, to prefer the Consideration of our little temporal Losses and Concerns unto the Duties of Conscience: This Assembly cannot therefore admit of those Excuses alledged by the Consistory of the Church of Rochel, for neglecting the Execution of the first Article of General Matters in the foregoing Synod; and therefore doth once more renew its Injunction, that all the Churches do conform themselves unto the Practice thereof, and judgeth the Con∣sistory of the said Church of Rochel worthy of the sharpest Censures; and farther ordaineth, that Letters be written unto the Faithful in the said City, to convince them of the Greatness of their Sin, and of the Scandal which their Connivency and unsufferable Cowardice hath given unto all the Churches of this Kingdom; and they be adjured, by the Compassions of the Living God, and the Religious Resentments of sincere and devout Christians, to hold, keep and observe strictly, precisely and inviolably the sincere Profession of God's Saving Truth in its Purity and Power, without swerving or derogating from it by any Actions, either directly or indirectly, contrary thereunto.

27. All our Universities are exhorted to conform themselves, as much as in them lieth, unto the Observation of that Article of the last National Synod, which recommended the Profession of Metaphysicks to the Pro∣fessors of Philosophy.

CHAP. XIII. Bearn incorporated with the Churches of France.

28. THE Deputies of the Province of Bearn having declared, that their Synod doth accept the Union of the Churches of this Kingdom, under the Conditions granted them by the National Synod of Charenton, in their Observations upon the first Article of that of Castres, and that they do from this Instant submit themselves unto all our Natio∣nal Synods that shall be held hereafter; and they promise also, that they will allow of all Appeals brought by the Pastors, Elders and Churches of their Principality unto these our National Synods; and farther, that they consent for the future to exercise their Discipline in all Points; according to the Canons of the Discipline established in the Churches of this King∣dom, and enacted by our National Synods, over and besides what hath been determined and decided in the Provincial Synod of Bearn. Where∣upon, the Assembly granted that their Appeals should be judged according to the Discipline framed for the Churches of Bearn, by the Command of their famous Princess Jane Queen of Navarre, and ratified by the Parlia∣ment of Pau, a Copy whereof, faithfully collationed with the Original, shall be deposited in the Hands of that Province, which shall be charged with the Convocation of the next National Synod, by the Provincial De∣puties of Bearn, signed, subscribed and attested by their own Hand∣writings. And also it is farther granted them as their Priviledg, that whatever Pastors are now actually imployed in the Ministry of the Churches of that Province, shall not be removed unto the Service of other Churches in this Kingdom, unless their aforesaid Churches do yield a ple∣nary and explicit Consent thereunto.

29. Mr. Richard, formerly Pastor of the Church at Saponnay in the Pro∣vince of the Isle of France, presented himself unto this Assembly, hum∣bly petitioning that they would be pleased to give him some Imployment in the said Province, according to the Discipline. The Assembly in∣formed him, that the Honour of his Ministry had not been blemished by them, and therefore if he were not in actual Service as he desired, none could be blamed for it but himself, and his imprudent Management of his own Affairs; and forasmuch as there was not at present any vacant Church in that Province, he was advised to depart unto his native Coun∣try the Land of Vaux, there to pass the Remainder of his Days; and the Province whereunto he last belonged, is exhorted to continue to him their wonted Charities, and to help him with Monies to defray the Expences of his Journey homeward.

30. Without making any Reflections on the Prohibition of the Pro∣vince of Vivaretz, this Assembly, doing Right upon the Complaint of Monsieur des Maretz, ordaineth, that the Decree of the last National Sy∣nod shall be executed according to the Form and Tenour thereof.

CHAP. XIV. Appeals and Complaints.

1. THE Complaints of the Sieur Genoyer against the Synod of Pro∣vence, and Monsieur Maurice his Brother, having been examined, and the said Maurice heard speak in his own Defence on each of the Arti∣cles brought against him: This Assembly judged that the said Genoyer ought not to have troubled them about such mean and slight Matters, and which also are not proved; and therefore from hence-forward inter∣dicts him all such manner of Proceedings; and in the mean while ex∣horteth the Provincial Synods to read over the Acts of the National, that so whatever Matters have been decided in them, may not be concealed from the Churches.

2. This Assembly conserving the Honour of Monsieur Pascard, per∣mits him to exercise the Duties of his Ministry, whenas ever he shall be requested thereunto by the Pastors and Consistories in the Province of Xaintonge, and this according to the Discipline.

3. Although the Appeal of my Lady de Juigne is not of the Nature of those Matters which ought to be presented unto the National Synods, yet the Assembly taking Cognizance thereof, and weighing the Reasons urged by the said Lady, and the Motives oh which the Consistory of Pringey hath founded its Censure, confirmed by the Judgment of the Sy∣nod of Anjou, it decreeth, That the said Censure shall be taken off; and the said Lady is exhorted to give unto the Church of Pringey the gene∣rous Fruits of her Christian Charity and Bounty; and that she would as liberally contribute to the Subsistence of that Church, and of the Gospel there, according to that large and plentiful Estate with which God hath blessed her, as she hath done formerly, &c. to continue it for the future, although she may for her greater Conveniency join her self in Communi∣on with any other Church nearer to her.

4. The Sieurs le Mousnier, de Caux, and de Bures, appealing on be∣half of sundry private Persons, Members of the Church of Dieppe, the Appeal brought by them from the Judgment given by the Provincial Sy∣nod held at Caen, and the Provincial Deputies of Normandy, and the Acts of those particular Persons aforesaid, and of the afore-mentioned Synod, and of their Commissioners, and of the Consistory of Dieppe, together with the Letters of the said Synod to the Church of Dieppe, and of their Commissioners sent unto the said Church, to see their Sen∣tence executed in it, having been all read: This Assembly passing by the Defects in the Deputation of Monsieur le Mousnier, and his Companions, which are contrary to the Forms usually required and received in all Ap∣peals, and commending their Love and godly Zeal, doth confirm the Judgment of the Synod of Normandy, as being grounded upon Prudence and Charity; and forbiddeth the Church of Diep, and all other Churches of this Kingdom, to receive unto the Exercise of the Ministerial Office among them one called Deschamps, who by his fastious Pranks and Practices, yea, and since that the Synod of Caen had notified it by their judicial Decree, hath himself publickly demonstrated, that his Ministry can never edify nor profit that Church; and the Consistory of that Church is blamed for their Imprudence, for admitting him to preach a∣mong them, without ever demanding or perusing his Attestations from the Churches in which he formerly served, and from the Colloquies and Synods of which he was a Member, whereby they have suffered him

very inconsiderately to insinuate himself into the Affections of the Peo∣ple, who demanded him to be their Pastor before they had any Knowledg of him. And farthermore, the Consistory of that Church is forbidden hence forward, all Deliberations about either the Reception of any new, or Exclusion of any old Pastor, without having first consulted the Heads of Families belonging to their Church: and according to the Canons of our Discipline, it condemneth the Proceedings of the said Consistory, who through an Excess of Rigour, refused to grant unto the Plaintiffs their Liberty and Priviledg of Appeal, whereby they were, contrary to the Discipline, reduced to a Necessity of making a tumultuous Deputa∣tion. And whereas the Provincial Synod, in decreeing the Exclusion of the said Des Champs, did omit what would have principally contributed to their Satisfaction, who demanded him for their Minister; this Assem∣bly taking the Church of Dieppe into its most particular Consideration, doth promise the said Church of Dieppe to provide for them a third Pastor, either within or without the Province, yea, and to ingage them to pro∣ceed unto the Reception of the Sieur du Bures, recommended by the Te∣stimonial of their Deputies, and of the Province; and this according to the Canons of our Discipline, unto which that said Church is advised to conform it self, and by its Union with their Consistory, to preserve that Peace and Charity which ought to be among all Christians; to the main∣taining of which the said Sieurs le Mousnier, de Caux, and de Bures, have promised to lay themselves out unto the utmost.

5. The Church of Plessis appealed, requesting that their Pastor Mon∣sieur de Montigny might actually reside in the Town of Plessis, according to the Discipline and the Canons of our National Synods; and that the Sentence of the Isle of France which had dispensed with him, might be disannulled and reversed. This Assembly judged that, the said Sieur de Montigny was of right obliged to reside at Plessis, and ought not to be di∣spensed with: yet nevertheless his Church is intreated to allow him four Months in the Year to attend his private Affairs at his House of Albon, provided he do not discontinue the Exercises of his Ministry.

6. Monsieur Fabas was heard in his Complaint about the non-exe∣cuting of that Decree of the last National Synod, which had authorized and commissionated the Colloquy of Condommois to take Informations, and pass a Judgment of the Contents in the Letters written by those Gen∣tlemen, Mr. de la Fitte, Gillot and Belard, unto Monsieur D' Abadie and Pommarede, during their Abode at Charenton, and the Defence of Mon∣sieur Rivall, upon whose Report those Letters were written, and to the Remonstrance of the Colloquy of Condommois, who have not acquitted themselves of the Commission given them, because the said la Fitte and Gillot refused to submit unto their Judgment, and to the Excuse of the Province of Bearn, that their Union with the Churches of this King∣dom was not at that time ratified, and that they were not obliged to de∣fray the Expences of the Deputies charged by the said Colloquy of Con∣dommois, to inform themselves of the Facts of some particular Persons, but only those Persons who were concerned. This Assembly declareth those Accusations brought in by the said Rivall and Belard against the said Fabas, to be null; and for this Reason, because the first was grounded up∣on a Report spread abroad from a pretended Accusation brought by a par∣ticular Person, who afterwards denied it, and was proved to be false by all the Persons mentioned in it. And the second consists of an ill-taken Equivocation, alledged by one only Witness, who ought not in any wise to be admitted, it being expresly against the Prohibition of the Apostle, 1 Tim. 1.5, 19. Nor had the Colloquy of Pau any reason to grant a Commission unto Monsieur Rivall, to take Information against Monsieur

Fabas, who opposed his Institution and Induction into the Church of Morlas, and by consequence was a professed Party against him; and Mr. la Fitte and Gillot have to no good purpose, and only upon the single re∣port of the said Rival, spread abroad a groundless and unproved Accusa∣tion against a Minister of the Gospel: Nor should the Province of Bearn have tolerated such Proceedings, nor have permitted the Church of Morlas to be divided, whenas they could have remedied it by fair and gentle Means, according to the Word of God, and the Order of our Discipline. And whereas Mr. Rival and Bellard have defamed a Minister of the Go∣spel, and occasion'd, by their manner of Proceedings, a great deal of un∣just Reproach to be laid upon him, which cannot in the least be justified; the said Fabas, Rival and Bellard, are all enjoined to live in Peace and Brotherly Union, and to forbear all Civil and Criminal Prosecutions made, or hereafter to be made before the Magistrate upon the score of their Differences, and to put a period and final issue unto those which are already begun; whereunto the said Fabas and Rival have promised sub∣mission respectively, and entred already into mutual Articles and Bonds for so doing.

7. The Province of Bearn complained of, and accused the said Sieur Fabas of rebellion against the Canons of our Discipline, and of unlawful Proceedings, whereby he designed to invalidate the Censures of the Church; and that he did de facto most odiously traduce them before the Civil Magistrate. Whereupon, the said Mr. Fabas was heard, complain∣ing to the contrary, and accusing the Province of Bearn, for that they did, without any lawful Cause, remove him from his Church, and deprive him of his Ministry in it, and have not assigned him any other, and have since suspended him the Exercise of his Ministry, because he had appeal∣ed from their unrighteous Censure. And secondly, for that divers par∣ticular Members of the Church of Morlas, after they had unjustly re∣proached him, had divided that poor Church, and abstained schismati∣cally from the Exercises of Religion performed in it. Whereupon, the Acts of the Synod of Bearn, and of the Colloquy of Pau, were perused, as also the Proceedings of the Lords in the Parliament of Navarre, at the Petition of the said Fabas, and of sundry others belonging to the Church of Morlas, and the Inquisition made by the Commissioners of the said Parliament, who were sent to Morlas to learn and sift out the Sentiments and Opinion of the said Church; there were read also the Letters of the Consistory of the Church of Morlas, humbly requesting that Monsieur Fabas might be continued in his Ministry among them, and those of Mr. Bellard, and other Elders and particular Persons, demanding of the Con∣sistory that he might be removed elsewhere. This Assembly confirming the Ministry of the said Mr. Fabas in the Church of Morlas, judgeth that the Province should not by its Rigour have enforced him to make use of those extraordinary Courses which he did in his own just Defence, nor should it have favoured by its connivency the Disunion of those particu∣lar Persons, who have separated themselves from the Body of the Church of Morlas; whereas they should have, according to their Duty, reconci∣led them with the rest of their Brethren; much less ought they to have took that Course they did to suspend the said Fabas, after he had appeal∣ed. And the said Mr. Fabas ought not in Duty to have departed from the Forms prescribed by our Discipline; because the way of appealing unto superiour Ecclesiastical Assemblies was wide open to him. And therefore the said Province is injoined for the future to refrain all violent Proceed∣ings contrary to the Discipline, and to apply out of hand suitable Reme∣dies, whereby the Schism in the Church of Morlas may be cured, and the Members thereof reconciled among themseives, and with their Pastor

Mr. Fabas; and all others are to acquiesce and rest contented with the Ways prescribed by the Discipline, forbearing all Proceedings contrary to it, and bringing those their Differences into Ecclesiastical Assemblies, there to be composed. And whereas some particular Members of the Church of Morlas have complained against the said Mr. Fabas, their Pas∣sion and bitter Expressions are condemned, and they be exhorted to mind their present Duty, which is by a mutual Reconciliation to heal the Brea∣ches, and restore the Peace of the Church of God. All which shall be signified unto them by Letters from this Synod.

8. Monsieur Chorets, a Member of the Church of Paris, complained unto this Assembly of a Judgment past against him by the said Church, which was also confirmed by the Synod of the Isle of France; as also for that they refused him an Attestation which he would have used for divers Ends and Purposes. The Assembly having heard the Deputies of that Province, told him, that his Affair was not of that nature as to be brought before a National Synod; however, out of special Favour to him, they did permit him to discover his Grievances, which being unfolded by him, and considered, occasion was thereby given of remonstrating to him his Offences committed by Words and Deeds, and Proceedings against the Pastors and Consistory of the Church of Paris. And farther, it was de∣clared to him, that the Censures of the said Church had been inflicted on him by reason of his ill Deportments. And farther, he was exhorted to pay all Respect and Obedience unto his spiritual Guides and Rulers? and to subject himself unto the Discipline of our Churches. And finally, he was injoined to acquiesce in what had been decreed concerning his Mat∣ters both by the said Church, and the Provincial Synod. All which he did immediately.

9. The Judgment of the Province of Sevennes, concerning the Mini∣stry of Monsieur Soleil, having been confirmed, the Appeal brought by Mr. Vignolles and Roux was declared null, and the Appellants worthy of Censure, for their unreasonable Misconstruction of it.

10. The Appeal of the Church de la Fitte was rejected, because it ought not to be brought unto, nor received in this Assembly: Wherefore they were injoined to acquiesce in the Judgment of their Province.

11. On reading that Clause, in the last Will and Testament of the Lord de la Fon, relating to the Legacy bequeathed by him for the educa∣ting a young Scholar in Humanity and the Arts, who may one day serve the Church of God in the Sacred Ministry, and the Judgment given by the Synod of Normandy upon it, and the Memoirs of the Church of Baa∣ly: This Assembly disannulled that Judgment of the said Provincial Sy∣nod, as also the Appeal of the Church of Baaly; and confirmed the De∣cree of the last National Synod; and now declareth and ordaineth, That the said Church hath only, nor ought it to have any other Interest in the said Legacy than its bare Administration; for so the Lord de la Fon dis∣posed of it in his Testament aforesaid, for the maintenance of a Scholar: and that it is the proper and special Duty of the said Church to be ac∣comptable for it unto the Colloquy of Caen, according to the Intention of the deceased Donor, expressed in that Clause of his Will, wherein he mentions the said Legacy. And the said Colloquy, or the said Church of Baaly, are necessarily to be called in at that time, when the Election of the Scholar is to be made, and to be present at his Examen, to judg of his Progress; and the said Church, if they please, and have need of him, may and ought, before any other, have the choice of him to be imployed in the Service of their Souls, in the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments.

12. The Deputies of Sevennes complained, that the Synod of Lower Languedoc had several times attempted to provide for their vacant Chur∣ches

out of their Province, which is directly contrary to the Canons of our Discipline, and have thereby reduced those two Reverend Ministers Mr. du Mas and de la Cosle, to remain without employment. This As∣sembly, condemning such Proceedings, doth recommend unto the Pro∣vince of Lower Languedoc the Practice of the twenty fourth Canon made in the National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1623, Observation the se∣cond upon the Discipline. And it being the desire of the Church of Alez, as also of the Synod of Sevennes, whereunto that of Lower Languedoc doth freely consent, that Monsieur Button should be assigned to the Mi∣nistry of the Church of Alez, he is, by the Authority of this Synod, gi∣ven and confirmed to them for their Pastor.

13. The Appeal of Monsieur Rouzé, and of the Church of St. Andrew de l' Ancize, was disannulled, because the Affairs of their annexed Con∣gregations ought to be soveraignly and finally determined by their own of the Neighbour-Provinces. And this Assembly recommends the said Mr. Rouzé to the care of the Synod of Sevennes, to provide for his com∣fortable Subsistence, according to the Rules of Christian Charity.

14. This Assembly passing by the Appeal of the Province of Xaintonge from the Judgment of that of Poitiers, according to the Decree of the Na∣tional Synod of St. Maixant held in May, 1609, (Article the nineteenth about ••ppeals) leaveth the Family of the Lord du Brueil Goulard at liber∣ty to join themselves unto the Church of Annay.

15. To regulate that Contest between the Provinces of Xaintonge and Poictou, the latter of these pretending to reunite the Church of Cham∣pagne Mouton with their Synod: This Assembly, confirming the Decree of the first National Synod of Charenton, ordaineth, That, the said Church shall continue incorporated, as it hath been to this day, with that of St. Claud, until the next Synod of Xaintonge, which shall make some Provision for Monsieur Ferrand, and, by all fitting Means, for the Subsi∣stence of the Church of St. Claud: and immediately after the breaking up of the said Synod, the Church of Champagne Mouton shall be joined unto that of Courteilles, and provided for, to its liking and content, by the Synod of Poictou: and that said Synod shall take a most particular care that the Church of Vigean be not left destitute of a Pastor.

16. This Assembly ratified the Judgment of the Consistory and Col∣loquy of Caen, approved by the Synod of Normandy, who declared the Appeal of Monsieur Fourneaux null, and not receivable; and ordaineth, That the said Judicial Sentence be fully executed according to its purport and tenour, in due form, as to the deposing of the said Fourneaux. And whereas he had been publickly suspended from the Lord's Supper, and since he hath acknowledged his Offence (for marrying his Daughter unto one of a contrary Religion) publickly before a whole National Synod; and he having been kept back from communicating at the Lord's Table this last Easter, the said Suspension shall be taken off both from himself and Wise, after that he shall have confessed in the Consistory his Sorrow for the Sin which his Con••••vency hath brought into his Family.

17. Upon perusal of the Judgment past in the Synods of Sevennes and Lower Languedoc, and of the Letters of Monsieur Horle's Widow, and the Memoirs of the Church of Anduze; this Assembly declareth the said Church to have well deserved the sharpest Censures, and therefore rejecteth their Appeal, and confirmeth the judicial Sentence of both those Synods, and enjoined that said Church to give full Satisfaction unto that poor and afflicted Widow.

18. This Assembly receiving the Appeal of the Lord Chabassier Judg of Anduze, and of Monsieur Couraut Pastor of the Church of Quissac, and condemning the Facility of the Synod of Sevennes held at Sumene, who

without hearing of the said Lord Chabassier, had decreed, That the Cen∣sure justly pronounced against Mr. Poujade, Minister in the Church of St. Hippolyte, should be razed out of the Acts of the Provincial Synod held at Alez, ordaineth, That the said Censure shall be again inserted into the Body of the Acts of the said Synod; and that the Contents of this Ordinance may be ratified, and become more valid, all Pastors, who extraordinarily assist any vacant Churches, are enjoined to rest satisfied with the defraying of the Charges of their Journey, and sojourning in it, as hath been hitherto constantly practised in all the Provinces; and they be strictly and expresly forbidden to exact so much as one Farthing from any one of those Churches, because they receive their Maintenance and Sallaries from their own particular Churches, unto which they stand related. And whereas the said Poujade hath appealed from the Synodical Decree made at Anduze, this Assembly declareth, That the said Synod had most just occasion to charge the Consistories of Sauve and Manobles to watch over the Deportments of the Consistory of Nismes; and the said Consistories shall be assisted and strengthned, if need be, with the Pre∣sence of the Neighbour-Pastors; and they be authorized to cite the said Poujade before them, that he may give in Answer unto all Articles which shall be brought against him, and to prosecute him according to the na∣ture of the Facts whereof he shall be found guilty, even unto Deposition from the Sacred Ministry; and it shall be denounced to him, that in case he refuse to appear before the said Consistory, that he is now this very instant suspended his Ministerial Function.

19. In explaining the Sense of that Judgment past upon Monsieur Des∣champs above in the fourth Article of Appeals; this Assembly declares, That Ministers and Elders may concert among themselves in Consistory, such Matters as they shall esteem and think to be most needful for the ad∣mission or exclusion of any Pastor of a Church, but they may not come to any final Resolution, till they have first of all consulted with the Heads of Families duly called, and Members of that Church; which Resoluti∣on of them all shall be determined by plurality of Suffrages, according to the Order observed in all well-regulated Assemblies, and under the dire∣ction of the Consistory.

20. The Assembly received the Appeal of the Faithful of Boisgency, and disannulled the Sentence of Suspension from the Lord's Table, pro∣nounc'd against them by the Synod Berry, because the Church of Mer, whereunto they had joined themselves, is well able to subsist of it self, without any Relief or Assistance from them: And farther it doth ordain, That the said Inhabitants shall have the Priviledg of taxing themselves to all Church-Rates and Charges; and out of that Tax, whatever it be that they do or shall promise to pay annually unto the Church of Mer, there shall be deducted the Sum of fifty Livers, which, shall go to the dischar∣ging of the Arrears of Wages, owing by the said Inhabitants of Boisgency unto Monsieur Guerin, who was formerly their Pastor, till the whole Debt be paid, according to the Accompt stated and concluded the 18th day of April in the Year 1632, unless there shoul be a necessity of revi∣sing it.

21. Although the Appeal brought in by the Inhabitants of St. Roman and of Val Francesque, be not receivable, yet the Assembly, out of spe∣cial Favour, took cognizance thereof, and decreed, That Letters should be writ unto them, exhorting them to mutual Peace and Union in the Worship of God, and the Ordinances of Religion, with those of Val Francesque.

22. Monsieur Pejus was heard, declaring his Grievances, and petitio∣ning for his Re-establishment in the Church of Mer, and for payment of

his Arrears due unto him from the said Church. James Martincau, de∣puted by divers Members of the same Church, adhered to his Demands. There was heard on behalf of the Church of Mer, the Lord de la Borde∣chabin, sent by the Consistory, as also the Provincial Deputies of Berry: The Acts of the Provincial Synods from which the Appeal was formed, were seen and perused; the Judgments of the Commissioners sent by the Church of Mer and Boisgency, the Letters of Monsieur Jurieu resigning his Ministry to the Disposal of the Synod, the Memoirs of the Church of Mer representing the Poverty whereunto they be at present reduced, and sundry other Considerations which yet did not in the least reflect up∣on the Honour of Mr. Pejus's Ministry, and other Memoirs from divers Heads of Families, who desire he may be settled again among them, and the Letters and Memoirs from the Church of Argenton, petitioning that he may be absolutely given to them for their Pastor. After which the Sy∣nod rejecting all the Appeals, and confirming the judicial Sentences of the Province of Berry, decreed, That the Censures pronounced against Monsieur Pejus should be razed out of the Body of the Acts of those Sy∣nods, and that his Ministry is now granted unto the Church of Argen∣ton; and exhorteth the Church or Mer aforesaid, and the Province, to give him all Satisfaction, or to provide better for him; and all Caballings of particular Members in the Church of Mer, are interdicted them and forbidden. And whereas the said Monsieur Pejus claimeth Arrears of Wages owing to him, forasmuch as the Church of Mer protesteth, that by Reason of their deep Poverty for these five Years last past, they are ut∣terly disabled from maintaining two Pastors, and that they express and restify a more than ordinary Respect and Affection to Monsieur Jurieu, and that the Province being obliged by this their Protestation, had pro∣vided for him for the present, till they could do more and better for him, and till such time as the matter of his Appeal was determined, had lent him unto the Church of Boisgency, which had exhibited to him as great and good a Maintenance as he could have had from the Church of Mer; and by his Refusal of such a comfortable Imployment, he had thereby de∣prived himself of that Assistance and Relief they had so charitably pro∣cured him, his Petition was rejected.

23. Letters being read from James de Valleroux Lord of la Gayerie, and the Acts produced by him, and the Censures denounced against him by the Consistory of Vertueil, Colloquy of Augoumois, and Synod of Xaintonge; the Synod approving of those Censures, r••jected his Ap∣peal.

24. Mr. Daniel Loquet, heretofore Elder and Reader in the Church of Barbezieux, having sent neither Letters nor Memoirs to defend his Ap∣peal from the Sentence of the Synod of Xaintonge, the said Appeal was declared null. But afterwards the Letters of the said Loquet, before the Synod broke up, were presented to it, who dismissed his Cause to be fi∣nally judged by the Consistory of Bourdeaux.

25. None appearing on behalf of the Church of Vangeau, to main∣tain their Appeal, opposing the sending of Monsieur Twiscard by the Pro∣vince of Berry, unto the Church of Chamerolles and Bandaroy, it was de∣clared null.

26. The Appeal of Monsieur Hommeau, who was designed by the Sy∣nod of Anjou, to be Pastor unto the Church of Lassay in the County of Maine, it was declared null.

27. Mrs. Judyth Guyot, the Wife of Mr. Laverdan, appealing from the Judgment pronounced against her by the Commissioners of the Synod of Burgundy, and not appearing to maintain her Appeal, the Assembly de∣clared it null and void.

28. Whereas some private Persons in the Church of St. Foy had ap∣pealed from the Colloquy of Lower Agenois, who opposed the re-esta∣blishing of Mr. Duvall in his Office of Elder, decreed by the Synod of Lower Guyenne, their Appeal was declared null.

29. The Synod of Sevennes having censured Monsieur du Mas, and the Church of Ganges having appealed from that Judgment, but not appear∣ing to defend their Appeal, it was declared null.

30. Monsieur de Monbonoux, and other Inhabitants of the Town of Anduze, appealing from a Judgment given by the Synod of Lower Lan∣guedoc against Monsieur Arnaud their Pastor, their Appeal was declared null.

31. Monsieur Talaisac appealing from a Judgment denounced against Monsieur Preudhomme, Pastor of the Church of Cournontaeuail, his Ap∣peal was declared null.

32. Although the Province of Normandy had sufficient reason to set Monsieur Marchant at Liberty, and to bestow his Ministry upon the Church of Gisors; yet nevertheless, because of the importunate Petition of the Church of Athis, of Laselle, and les Voutes, and for that they have all jointly promised to give full and intire Satisfaction unto the said le Mar∣chant, and for that he expresseth a great Inclination to continue his Ser∣vice unto the said Church of Athis; the Assembly leaving it to the Care of the Colloquy of Roven to provide for the Church of Gisors, ordain∣eth, That the said Monsieur le Marchant shall be settled again in that of Athis and its annexed Congregations, who shall make him a full and com∣pleat Paiment of all Arrears of Sallary due unto him: And in Default hereof, the next Synod shall execute upon them that Judgment formerly denounced against them.

33. On Sight and Perusal of the Acts of the Synod of Dolphiny, as also of the Letters and Memoirs of Monsieur Aymin, Pastor in the Church of Die; this Assembly judging his Appeals frivolous, declared on the first, that the Province of Dolphiny had very prudently judged that they ought not to be troubled about Sollicitings made in the Years sixteen hundred thirty three and thirty four, for the Maintenance of the University of Die; that he ought not to have tarried at Paris after the Revocation of the Powers given for those Sollicitings, and that he ought now to be ac∣countable to the Council of the University of Die, who imployed him; and in case he were aggrieved, then should he have carried his Complaint to the Consistory of Lyons, who were commissionated to judg finally of this Affair: And on the second, that he hath well deserved the severest Censures for not acquiescing in the Judgment of his Province, which is exhorted to oblige him and all others to a personal Residence with their Flocks, on Pain of having all Church-Censures inflicted on them; and in no wise to suffer the Monies destinated by the Churches for the Main∣tenance of the University of Die, to be diverted contrary to the Intenti∣on of the Donors, unto other Uses.

34. The Memoirs of Monsieur de la Fitte, Pastor of the Church of Pau and of de Mirau, Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux, and the Letters and Memoirs of the Lords de la Peyrette and du Bois, private Members of the said Church of Bourdeaux, were all read, and their Appeal also from the Judgment of the Province of Lower Guyenne, which was reported by the Deputies of that Synod. Whereupon, the Assembly declared, that the Appellants had not any Grievance at all upon them, and that their Appeal was therefore groundless, and rejected.

CHAP. XV. General Matters.

• Article 1. * THE Assembly leaveth the Provinces at full Liberty to keep their ancient Customs observed by them in singing that Prayer at the End of the ten Commandments, and which is usually recited by some kneeling, by others standing, and by others sitting, according to the settled establish'd Order in every Church; not judging it in any-wise reasonable to oblige them all unto one only Form in a Matter, which of its own Nature is indifferent.
• Article 2. The Province of Berry requesting it, this Assembly ordaineth, that for the future, when the Question shall be moved about furnishing our U∣niversities with Professors in Divinity, that Province in which the Univer∣sity lieth destitute of a Professor, shall invite the four next adjoining Pro∣vinces, to depute at their own Charges some of their Pastors, who may assist in Person at the Examen of the Candidate for the vacant Pro∣fessor's Chair.
• Article 3. The Demand of the Province of Poictou was granted, that whoso should hereafter transgress the 16th Article in the 14th Chapter of our Discipline, and the particular Canons enacted in the Province where he resideth, about publishing of Books, shall be suspended from the Mi∣nistry.
• Article 4. However Men may have a Right to buy or keep Slaves, and this be not condemned by the Word of God, nor is it abolished by the Preaching of the Gospel in the far greatest part of Europe; and though there hath been insensibly brought in a Custom to the contrary, and that Merchants purchase and dispose of them as of their proper Goods and Chattels, especially such as traffick on the Coasts of Africk and the Indies, where this Commerce is permitted, do buy from the Barbarians, either by way of Exchange of Goods, or for ready Money, Men and Women-Slaves, who being once in their Power and Possession, they do again openly sell in the Market, or truck them away unto others. This Assembly con∣firming that Canon made on this Occasion by the Provincial Synod of Normandy, doth exhort the Faithful not to abuse this their Liberty con∣trary to the Rules of Christian Charity, nor to transfer these poor Infi∣dels unto other Hands besides those of Christians, who may deal kindly and humanely with them; and above all, may take special Care of their precious immortal Souls, and see them instructed in the Christian Reli∣gion.
• Article 5. The Province of Lower Languedoc desiring it, all the Provinces are informed to take heed that the 9th Article in the 1st Chapter of our Disci∣pline be not transgressed, which forbids the ordaining of any Proposan without a Title, or assigning him to some particular Church.
• Article 6. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc being expresly charged thereunto by their Province, did represent, that although the Churches of this Kingdom had in all their Sermons, Prayers and Thanksgivings, publick and private, given evident Proof to the whole World of that Fidelity and most sincere Obedience which his Majesty's natural-born Subjects of the Reformed Religion were obliged to yield unto his Majesty; yet never∣theless, the sworn Enemies of our Religion do never cease railing, slan∣dering and calumniating us, and by divers Pamphlets and Libels fraught with lying Stories, do their utmost Endeavour to make the Loyalty and

• Fidelity of our Churches to be suspected and called in question, and that there is an absolute Necessity we should justify our selves not only by Ser∣mons preached in the Pulpit, and by Books composed and published from the Press, unto the whole World, to this very End and Purpose, but also by our most humble Remonstrances unto his Majesty, that he would be pleased graciously to account all the Members of our Churches as his most obedient and loyal Subjects, and to have an intire Confidence in their Fi∣delity unto his Service, the Welfare of his Estate, and the Augmentation of the Glory of his Crown. The Assembly imbraced this Remonstrance as a sacred thing consonant to Reason and Justice, and perfectly corre∣ponding with those Propositions tendred us from his Majesty by the Lord Commissioner; and ordained, That all Pastors in the Churches of this Kingdom should give all religious and conscientious Satisfaction herein, according to the Word of God, and the Confession of our Faith, which are punctual and most express on this Subject.
• Article 7. Whereas for divers Years last past, War and Mortality have over∣spread with a Deluge of Woes the far greatest part of Europe, and made the unrepenting Nations sensible, what a dreadful thing it is to fall into the Hands of the Living God, justly incensed against those hard-hearted Sinners, who despise the Riches of his Grace, the Abundance of his Goodness and Long-suffering. The National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France, assembled by the King's Permission in the Town of Alanson, beholding, in the continual Plagues with which all the Provinces of this Kingdom are scourged, evident Threatnings of new impendent Judg∣ments: Wherefore that those affrightful and approaching Storms may be averted, and the Bowels of God's fatherly Compassions may be moved, and that we may obtain from his infinite Mercies and Goodness the Pre∣servation of his Majesty's sacred Person, a Blessing upon his Armies, the Return and Re-establishment of Peace and Prosperity in the State, and a quiet Settlement for his poor afflicted Church, tossed with Tempests, and not comforted: We do exhort all the Faithful by a deep Humiliation of Soul, and a sincere and serious Conversion of Heart, to seek after the Help, Grace and Favour of God. And to this Purpose the Synod de∣creeth, That a publick Fast shall be kept and solemnly observed in all the Churches of this Kingdom, on Thursday the nineteenth Day of No∣vember next co••••ing, which shall be notified unto them by reading of this present Act.
• Article 8. That the Purity of Doctrine may be intirely preserved, and all Mis∣understandings between Pastors, Professors and Churches, may be avoid∣ed, and to prevent those many Inconveniences which would thereupon happen, and to tie and maintain more strictly and strongly the spiritual Bonds of brotherly Charity and Union among the Faithful: This Synod doth most rigorously forbid, on Pain of all Church-Censures, yea, and of Deposal from their Ministry, all Pastors of Churches, and Professors in our Universities, to treat of in their Sermons, Lectures or Writings, those curious Questions which may occasion the Fall or Stumbling either of Students in Divinity, or private Christians; it being most necessary that both they, their Scholars and Flocks should keep themselves to the Simplicity and Plainness of the Holy Scriptures, and to the common Ex∣pedition of the Orthodox Creed grounded thereupon, and approved by the National Synods, particularly by that of Charenton, held in the Year 1623. They be also forbidden the using of any new Expressions subject to ill Constructions and Misinterpretations, or contentiously to dispute one with the other, upon such Questions or Interpretations, or to draw reciprocally the Saw of Controversy betwixt them in Polemical Writings; nor shall they violate, directly or indirectly, the Canons made either in

• this or former Synods, about printing of Books, for whose Contents the Licensers of the Press shall be responsible as much as the Authors, unto the Provinces. And those Provinces within whose District and Jurisdicti∣on our Universities lie, shall take a most especial Care of them, and see them visited from time to time, by Persons chosen to that Purpose, and to ob∣lige all Professors both in Philosophy and Divinity, to send every six Months unto the Examiners of Books, in the Neighbour-Provinces, one or two Copies of the Theses disputed and defended in the publick Schools. And the Neighbour-Provinces are impowered with full Autho∣rity, together with those in which our Universities are erected, to take a particular Knowledg of their Estate: And in case any Pastor or Professor, or any Member of our Churches, in reading or perusing the Books printed with Licence of our Examiners, shall find any matter of Impor∣tance, which they shall count worthy of Reprehension, we order that they apply themselves to the Authors of the said printed Discourses, or to the Examiners and Licensers of them, and to demand Satisfaction from them; and in case they refuse to give it, then they shall address themselves unto their Colloquies and Synods. And that Church and Pro∣vince out of which the said Complaint cometh forth, is forbidden, as are also all other Persons whatsoever, from intermeddling with this Affair, or to take upon them to judg and decide it, or to inflame this Controversy, or to spread it farther; but according to the Canons of our Discipline, they shall leave and resign it intirely unto those Assemblies, to whose Ju∣risdiction the Authors of these Disturbances do belong, and against whom the Opposition is formed.
• Article 9. The Lord Marquess of Clermont our General Deputy, and the Sieurs Ferrand, Gigord and Cerisy, who were particularly delegated to lay at his Majesty's Feet the most humble Supplications and Complaints of our Churches, having immediately after their Return from Court, delivered his Majesty's Letters, and given an Account of that gracious Audience, and most kind and favourable Reception they had from his Majesty, and our Lords his principal Ministers of State, and how well they approved of the Conduct of this present Synod, and had promised, that as soon as it was concluded and separated, an Answer agreeable to our Desires expressed in the Cahier presented to them, should be given us, and that they would assign for the defraying the Charges and Expences of this Synod, the same Sum of Monies as was granted unto the last Natio∣nal Synod, which was also confirmed by my Lord Commissioner, who had received Letters concerning it, and required that this Assembly would dissolve it self speedily. The Synod having testified their great Sa∣tisfaction in the Wisdom, Faithfulness and Affection, manifested by these their Deputies in their whole Negotiation, and finding that they had Hopes given them by his Majesty, that his poor oppressed Subjects of the Reformed Religion should sense and experience the comfortable Effects of his Sacred Royal Promises, and that according to his wonted Goodness, he would take care that they should not be compelled contrary to the Te∣nour of his Edicts, the Liberty of their Consciences, and the Canons of their Discipline, to adorn the fore-part of their Houses on those Days which are called the Festival of the Holy or Corpus Christi Day, nor on any other Holy Days; nor that they should be forced to yield up their Infants to be baptized after the Popish Manner, or by Midwives, or by any other Persons uncalled, who be not Ministers of the Gospel; and that his Ma∣jesty would ordain a Revocation of that Declaration, and of those De∣crees which forbad our Ministers to preach in Places where they did not inhabit, because those Decrees were granted on the single Requests of our most imbittered Enemies, and without ever hearing of us the injur'd Par∣ties,

• and for that they were derogatory to the Royal Grace contained in his Edicts of Pacification; and by means of those Decrees, a very great Multitude of People were utterly deprived of all the Ordinances and free Exercise of their Religion, and of the Peace and Comfort of their Con∣sciences. Wherefore the Synod resolved once again, and that without delay, to have recourse unto his Majesty's Royal Grace and Favour, and joined extraordinarily, in Commission with the Lords General Deputies, some select Persons out of its own Body, who, immediately after their Se∣paration, should, in conjunction with them, use such Means for the obtain∣ing and perfecting those Grants and Promises, as they thought needful.
• Article 10. But the Lord Commissioner relating how that at the first opening of this Assembly, his Majesty had by his Mouth made a clear, express and absolute Declaration of his Intentions, and had charged him to inter∣dict, as he did once more now interdict all Deliberations contrary thereun∣to; the Synod did also again insist upon that Answer which they had gi∣ven to those Matters propounded by him the said Lord Commissioner, and did beseech him, that according to it he would suffer our poor distressed Churches to present their humble and innocent Petition unto his Maje∣sty, which needed not any Deliberation, nor had any other Design or Tendency than to preserve the Priviledges of his Majesty's Edicts, and the Liberties of our Consciences to us, whereof we were in danger of be∣ing devested and deprived; and therefore did, in pursuance thereof, no∣minate and appoint the Sieurs de l' Angle and Gigord, together with the Lords General Deputies, to reiterate the most humble Supplications and Requests of our Churches unto his Majesty, and to the Lords of his most Honourable Privy-Council, and all of them jointly to sollicit for the ful∣filling of his gracious Promises, and that they might pass the Seals, and be confirmed in due Form of Law.

A Copy of his Majesty's Letter unto the Synod.

By the KING.

Dear and Welbeloved,

WE have received, by the Hands of your Deputies, the Letters which yon sent its the 4th and the 6th of this Month; and we heard delight∣fully from their Mouths, what they had to offer us on your Part; and now they be returning to you, will report unto you those Assurances, which we have gi∣ven them of our good and sincere Intentions towards our Subjects of the pret. Reformed Religion, for their enjoyment of the Priviledg and Benefit of our Edicts: and we perswade our self that you will, by your after-Deportments, render your selves worthy of our Grace and Favour. And as for what con∣cerns the Cahier of your Complaints and Remonstrances, which was presented to us, and your Election of Deputies to reside at Court, and attend upon us in our Progress, as soon as your Synod shall be dissolved, we shall, as hath been ever practised by us, consider of the most favourable Answer that may be gi∣ven you. In the mean while, 'tis your Interest to break up as soon as possible, lest your longer sitting in our Town of Alanson should be imputed to you as a failure of your Duty to us, and a Transgression of our Edicts and Declarati∣ons. We shall not detain you any longer, but leave you to the Lord of St. Mars, our Commissioner deputed by us unto your Assembly, from whom you may understand what is our Intendment and Pleasure.

Given at Fontainbleau, this 24th Day of June, 1637.

Signed in the Original, Louis; and a little lower, Phelippeaux:

And superscribed above, For our dear and welbeloved the Deputies of our Subjects of the pr. Refor∣med Religion, assembled, by our Permission, in our City of Alanson.

11. A Copy of the Synod's third Letter unto the King.

SIRE,

FOrasmuch as your Majesty hath condescended, both by your Letters with which we are honoured, and by the Mouth of our Deputies, to assure us of your Majesty's gracious and sincere Intentions to maintain those Edicts, by favour of which we subsist and live in this your Kingdom, and that you have vouchsafed us your Royal Word, that you will speedily consider the Cahier of our Complaints and Remonstrances, and grant us a favourable Answer, as al∣so to gratify us with a Sum of Money for defraying our Synodical Charges; we believed, Sire, that our Boldness in presenting our selves once more before your Majesty, would not be unacceptable, because we design, in all Humility, by the Mouth of the Sieurs de l'Angle and Gigord, whom we have for this very purpose sent unto your Court, to testify the profound Resentments we have have of your Majesty s Goodness. And we have also given them in charge, Sire, to report unto your Majestly the promptitude of our Obedience unto your Commands, in quitting this Place, and by our Deputies near your Majesty, to sollicit and petition for the Fruits of your Justice, Clemency and Royal Boun∣ty: And we presume to request your Majesty to grant them a gracious Audi∣ence, and to issue out your Royal Commandment, that those comfortable Effects we have so justly hoped from the inviolable Firmness of your Sacred Word, may be as favourably and suddenly as is possible, expedited into your Provin∣ces: And we shall continue our devoutest and most ardent Prayers unto the Divine Majesty for your Majesty's Health and Prosperity, and that it may please God, Sire, to crown your Armies with Victory, to replenish your House and State with Blessings, and ••o enrich you with this Grace, that you may al∣ways live the Father of your People, and Terrour of your Enemies, the Arbi∣ter of Christendom, the Love, Favourite and Darling of the whole World. These, Sire, are our continual Vows, our most fervent Prayers unto the Throne of Grace for your Majesty: Nor have we in this Life any other or greater Desire and Duty, than to be always,

From your Ci∣ty of Alanson, July 9. 1637.

SIRE,

Your Majesty's most humble, and most obedient, and most faithful Subjects and Servants, The Ministers and Elders assembled by your Permission in a National Synod in your City of Alanson, and in the Name of them all,

• Basnage, Moderator of the Synod.
• D. Coupe, Assessor.
• D. Blondel, Scribe.
• De Launay, Scribe.

• ...Article 12. The Determination and Decision of that Affair concerning the Doctrine and Writings of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard, Pastors, and Professor of Divinity in the Ʋniversity of Saumur.

  The Sieurs Testard Pastor of the Church of Blois, and Amyraud Pastor and Professor of Theology in the Church and University of Saumur, came in Person unto this Synod, and declared, That they understood from com∣mon Fame, how that both at home and abroad, and by the Consutations and Proceedings of sundry Provinces, as also from divers Books written against them and their printed Labours, they were blamed for that Do∣ctrine

• ...

  which they had published to the World; that therefore at the first opening of the Synod they presented themselves before it, not knowing but that their Cause might be debated whenas the Confession of Faith came to be read, and that they appeared to give an account of it, and such Explanations of their Doctrine, as the most Reverend Synod should judg needful; and to submit themselves unto its Judgment, and conse∣quently to demand its Protection for the support of their Innocence, ho∣ping that this Favour would not be denied them; because they were fully perswaded in their Consciences, that they had never taught, either by Word or Writing, any Doctrine repugnant to the Word of God, to our Confession of Faith, Catechism, Liturgy, or Canons of the National Synods of Alez and Charenton, which had ratified those of Dort, and which they had signed with their Hands, and were ready, to seal even with their Heart-Blood.

• Article 13. And the Sieur de la Place, Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Saumur, reported also from the said University, That he was charged by it to render an account of the Grounds and Reasons which induced him to approve and license the Works and Writings of Monsieur Am••••aud, which he did, according to the Priviledg granted by the Dis∣cipline unto our Universities. Moreover, the Sieur Ouzan, Elder in the said Church of Saumur, being admitted into the Synod, declared, that the said Church understanding that Monsieur Amyraud, one of its Pa∣stors, was brought into trouble for his Doctrine, though both by it, and and his most exemplary and godly Conversation, they had been always exceedingly edified, had given him an express Charge to testify unto it before this grave Assembly, and most humbly to commend unto their Re∣verences the Innocency and Honour of his Ministry.
• Article 14. There were also tendred unto the Lord Commissioner the Letters, but not opened, which were sent unto the Synod from the Churches and Universities of Geneva and Leyden, and from the Sieurs du Moulin Pastor and Professor in Theology at Sedan, and Rivet Pastor and Professor at Leyden, together with the Treatises composed by them, and the collati∣oned Copies of the Approbations given by the Doctors in the Faculty of Theology at Leyden, Franequer and Groningen, unto the Treatise of the said Professor Rivet: Which Letters being opened by the Lord Commis∣sioner, and their Contents perused by him, he allowed the reading of them unto the Assembly. The Assembly did likewise read the Letters writ by Monsieur Vignier Pastor in the Church of Blois, and by Monsieur le Faucheur Pastor in the Church of Paris, in which they offer their Senti∣ments for reconciling the Controversies arisen about the Writings of the said Testard and Amyraud, and their Opponents.
• Article 15. Moreover, the Apologetical Letters of the Sieurs Vignier and Gar∣nier, Pastors of the Churches of Blois and Marchenoir, were read, who informed the Synod, that by virtue of a Commission given them by the Province of Berry to examine the Theological Writings which might be composed either by the Pastors or others of their Province, they had gi∣ven their Attestation and Approbation to the Book of the said Monsieur Testard, and had given an account of this their Judgment unto the Pro∣vincial Synod assembled in the Year 1634; and the Extracts of those their Writings were produced.
• Article 16. Those Papers having been all read, and the aforesaid Sieurs Testard and Amyraud having been divers times heard, and the Assembly having in a very long Debate considered the Difficulties of those Questions raised by them, did constitute the Sieurs Commarc Pastor id the Church of Vertu∣eil, Charles Pastor in the Church of Montauban, de L'angle Pastor in the

• Church of Roan, Petit Pastor and Professor in the Church and Univer∣sity of Nismes, le Blanc Pastor and Professor in the University of Die, de Bons Pastor in the Church of Chaalons upon Saone, and Daillé Pastor in the Church of Paris, a Committee to digest and reduce into Order the Explications which had been given, or might hereafter be given by the before-mentioned Testard and Amyraud, and that they should accordingly as soon as it was finished bring in their Report.
• Article 17. And the said Committee having discharged their Trust, and made their Report unto the Synod, the before-mentioned Mr. Testard and A∣myraud were again introduced, and did with the deepest Seriousness pro∣test before God, that it was never in their Thoughts to propound or teach any Doctrine whatever, but what was agreeable to the known and common Expositions of our Creed, and contained in our Confession of Faith, and in the Decisions of the National Synod held at Charenton, in the Year 1623; all which they were ready to sign with their best Blood.
• Article 18. And pursuant hereunto, explaining their Opinions about the Uni∣versality of Christ's Death, they declared, That Jesus Christ died for all Men sufficiently, but for the Elect only effectually: and that consequen∣tially his Intention was to die for all Men in respect of the Sufficien••y of his Satisfaction, but for the Elect only in respect of its quickning and Saving Virtue and Efficacy; which is to say, that Christ's Will was that the Sacrifice of his Cross should be of an infinite Price and Value, and most abundantly sufficient to expiate the Sins of the whole World; yet nevertheless the Efficacy of his Death appertains only unto the Elect; so that those who are called by the Preaching of the Gospel, to participate by Faith in the Effects and Fruits of his Death, being invited seriously, and God vouchsafing them all external Means needful for their coming to him, and showing them in good earnest, and with the greatest Sincerity by his Word, what would be well-pleasing to him, if they should not be∣lieve in the Lord Jesus Christ, but perish in their Obstinacy and Unbe∣lief; this cometh not from any Defect of Virtue or Sufficiency in the Sa∣crifice of Jesus Christ, nor yet for want of Summons or serious Invitati∣ons unto Faith or Repentance, but only from their own Fault. And as for those who do receive the Doctrine of the Gospel with the Obedience of Faith, they are according to the irrevocable Promise of God, made Partakers of the effectual Virtue and Fruit of Christ Jesus's Death; for this was the most free Counsel and gracious Purpose both of God the Fa∣ther, in giving his Son for the Salvation of Mankind, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, in suffering the Pains of Death, that the Efficacy thereof should particularly belong unto all the Elect, and to them only, to give them justifying Faith, and by it to bring them infallibly unto Salvation, and thus effectually to redeem all those and none other, who were from all Eternity from among all People, Nations and Tongues, chosen unto Salvation. Whereupon, although the Assembly were well satisfied, yet nevertheless they decreed, that for the future, that Phráse of Jesus Chist's dying equally for all, should be forborn, because that term equally was formerly, and might be so again, an Occasion of stumbling unto many.
• Article 19. And as for the Conditional Decree, of which mention is made in the aforesaid Treatise of Predestination, the said Sieurs Testard and Amyraud declared, that they do not, nor ever did understand any other thing, than God's Will revealed in his Word, to give Grace and Life unto Be∣lievers; and that they called this in none other Sense a Conditional Will than that of an Anthropopeia, because God promiseth not the Effects there∣of, but upon condition of Faith and Repentance. And they added far∣ther, That although the Propositions resulting from the Manifestation of

• this will be conditional, and conceived under an if, or it may be; as, if thou believest thou shalt be saved; if Man repent of his Sins, they shall be forgiven him; yet nevertheless this doth not suppose in God an Ignorance of the Event, not an Impotency as to the Execution, nor any Incon∣stancy as to his Will, which is always firmly accomplished, and ever un∣changeable in it self, according to the Nature of God, in which there is no Variableness nor Shadow of turning.
• Article 20. And the said Sieur Amyraud did particularly protest, as he had for∣merly published unto the World, that he never gave the Name of Uni∣versal or Conditional Predestination unto this Will of God than by way of Concession, and accommodating it unto the Language of the Adver∣sary: Yet forasmuch as many are offended at this Expression of his, he offered freely to raze it out of those places, where-ever it did occur, pro∣mising also to abstain in from it for the future: and both he and the Sieur Testard acknowledged, that to speak truly and accurately according to the Usage of sacred Scripture, there is none other Decree of Predestina∣tion of Men unto eternal Life and Salvation, than the unchangeable Pur∣pose of God, by which according to the most free and good Pleasure of his Will, he hath out of mere Grate chosen in Jesus Christ, unto Salvati∣on before the Foundation of the World, a certain number of Men in themselves neither better nor more worthy than others, and that he hath decreed to give them unto Jesus Christ to be saved, and that he would call and draw them effectually to Communion with him by his Word and Spirit. And they did, in consequence of this Holy Doctrine, reject their Error, who held that Faith, and the Obedience of Faith, Holiness, God∣liness and Perseverance, are not the Fruits and Effects of this unchange∣able Decree unto Glory, but Conditions or Causes, without which Ele∣ction could not be passed; which Conditions or Causes are antecedently requisite, and foreseen as if they were already accomplished in those who were fit to be elected, contrary to what is taught us by the sacred Scrip∣ture, Acts 13. 48. and elsewhere.
• Article 21. And whereas they have made distinct Decrees in this Counsel of God, the first of which is to save all Men though Jesus Christ, if they shall believe in him; the second to give Faith unto some particular Persons: they declared, that they did this upon none other account, than of ac∣commodating it unto that Manner and Order which the Spirit of Man observeth in his Reasonings for the Succour of his own Infirmity; they otherwise believing, that though they considered this Decree as diverse, yet it was formed in God in one and the self-same Moment, without any Succession of Thought, or Order of Priority and Posteriority. The Will of this most supreme and incomprehensible Lord, being but one only eter∣nal Act in him; so that could we but conceive of things as they be in him from all Eternity, we should comprehend these Decrees of God by one only Act of our Understanding, as in Truth they be but one only Act of his eternal and unchangeable Will.
• Article 22. The Synod having heard these Declarations from the Sieurs Testard and Amyraud, it injoined them and all others to refrain from those terms of conditional, frustratory, or revocable Decree; and that they should ra∣ther choose the Word Will, whereby to express that Sentiment of theirs, and by which they would signify the revealed Will of God, commonly called by Divines Voluntas Signe.
• Article 23. And whereas in sundry Places marked in the Writings of the before∣mentioned Monsieur Testard and Amyraud, they have ascribed unto God, as it were, a Notion of Velleity, and strong Affections, and vehement Desires of Things which he hath not, hot never will effectuate; they having declared, that by those figurative Ways of speaking, and anthropopathi∣cal,

• they designed, to speak properly, none other thing than this, that if Men were obedient to the Commandments and Invitations of God, their Faith and Obedience would be most acceptable unto him, according as was before expressed by them. The Assembly hearing this their Expli∣cation, did injoin them to use such Expressions as these, with that Sobri∣ety and Prudence, that they might not give the least Occasion of Offence unto any Person, nor cause them to conceive of God in any way, un∣suitable to his glorious Nature.
• Article 24. Monsieur Testard and Amyraud declared farther, that although the Doctrines obvious to us in the Works of Creation and Providence, do teach and preach Repentance, and invite us to seek the Lord, who would be found of us; yet nevertheless, by reason of the horrible Blindness of our Nature, and its universal Corruption, no Man was ever this way converted; yea, and it is utterly impossible that any one should be con∣verted but by the hearing of the Word of God, which is the Seed of our Regeneration, and the Instrument of the Holy Ghost, whole Efficacy and Virtue only is able to illuminate our Understandings, and to change the Hearts and Affections of the Children of Men.
• Article 25. And forasmuch as the Word of God hath always revealed the Knowledg of the Lord our Redeemer, the said Sieurs did farther pro∣test, that no one Man was ever, nor can be saved, without some certain Measure of this Knowledg, less indeed under the old Testament, but greater under the New, the Death and Resurrection of the Son of God being most plainly and distinctly manifested in the Gospel; and they hold it as an undoubted Truth, that now under the New Covenant, the di∣stinct Knowledg of Christ is absolutely necessary for all Persons who are come unto Years of Discretion in order to their obtaining of eternal Sal∣vation: And they do from their very Heart anathematize all those who believe or teach that Man may be saved any other way than by the Me∣rit of our Lord Jesus Christ, or in any other Religion besides the Chri∣stian.
• Article 26. And whereas divers Persons were much offended at the Professor Amyraud for calling that Knowledg of God, which Men might gain from the Consideration of his Works and Providence (unless their Cor∣ruption were extream) by the Name of Faith: The said Professor de∣clared, that he did it, because he reckoned that that Perswasion which some have, that there is a God, and that he is a Rewarder, may bear that Name; he owning however that St. Paul did simply and plainly stile it the Knowledg of God, 1 Cor. 1.21. The Assembly injoined him not to give the Name of Faith to any other Knowledg of God, but unto that which is ingendred in us by the Holy Ghost, and by the Preaching of his Word, according as the Scripture useth it, whether thereby to point out unto us the Faith of God's ancient Saints, or this which is now under the New Testament, and necessarily accompanied with a distinct Know∣ledg of Christ.
• Article 27. And as for Man's natural Impotency, either to believe, or to de∣sire and do the things that belong unto Salvation; both the said Sieurs Amyraud and Testard protested, that Man had none other Power than that of the Holy Spirit of God, which is only able to heal him, by an interi∣our illuminating of his Understanding, and bending of his Will by that gracious, invincible and uneffable Operation, which he only exerts upon the Hearts of those Vessels of Grace which are elect of God.
• Article 28. They did farther declare, that this Impotency was in us from our Birth, for which Cause it may be called natural; and they have called it physical or natural, nor ever did refuse so doing, unless when they would signify that it is voluntary, and conjoined with Malice and Obstinacy;

• whenas Man despiseth and rejecteth the Invitations of God, which he would receive and imbrace, provided his Heart were well and fittingly disposed within it self.
• Article 29. And Monsieur Testard added particularly, that this doth not in the least derogate from what he had asserted concerning two Callings, the one real, and the other verbal, given by God unto Men, whereby they may be saved if they will, sith that he intended thereby to signify nothing else, but that their Impotency to convert themselves was not of the same kind with that of a Man, who having lost his Eyes or Legs, was willing with all his Heart to see and walk, but that this Impotency sprung from the Malice of the Heart it self. The Assembly having heard him thus express himself, injoined him to abstain from these terms, and not to use them unless with very much Prudence and Discretion, and to join with them such needful Glosses and Explications, as thereby it may appear, that Man is so depraved by Nature, that he cannot of him∣self will any Good without the special Grace of God, which may pro∣duce in us by his Holy Spirit both to will and to do according to his good Pleasure.
• Article 30. And those afore-mentioned Minister and Professor, Testard and Amy∣raud, having acquiesced in all, as above declared, and having sworn and sub∣scribed to it, the Assembly gave them the right Hand of Fellowship by the Hand of their Moderator, and they were honourably dismissed to the Exercise of their respective Charges.

The Continuation of other General and Ecclesiastical Matters.

• Article 31. FOrasmuch as the far greater Part of the Provinces have not took any Order about the Expences of their Deputies sent unto this Synod, the Assembly desirous to provide for their Indemnity without Prejudice to that Vantage-Assessment they might lay claim unto, or which had been granted to them, did pass this Decree, That their respective Provinces should pay them after the Rate of an hundred Sous, being eight Shil∣lings and four Pence Sterling Money a day, and they shall be ac∣countable to them for those Portions accruing from the Sum granted by his Majesty towards the defraying of our Synodical Expences.
• Article 32. Henceforward, whenas a Professor's Place in Theology, in any one of our Universities, comes by his Death to be vacant, that it may not be any long time void, and that the University-Councils may have fit Persons ready at hand, whom they may chuse and call in to supply the Office of the Deceased; this Synod desirous to repair so great a Loss, exhorteth the Lords of Chamvernon, de L'angle, Texier, du Soul, Daillé, Bochart of Caen, to separate themselves unto the Profession of Theology, that they may take it upon them, whenever the Necessities of our Uni∣versities shall require it.
• Article 33. Forasmuch as particular Actions cannot be truly and impartially judged but from a due Consideration had of all their Circumstances; this Assembly not being able to enact a Canon concerning Persons accused of Bankerouting, doth leave the whole Affair to the Prudence of Con∣sistories, how and in what manner to proceed against them as they shall see to be most expedient.
• ...

• ... Article 34. The Province of Lower Guyenne having requested it, the As∣sembly declareth, that the appointing of publick Fasts, and of all other Deliberations relating to the Discipline of our Churches, and the up∣holding of their Order, ought to be determined in Ecclesiastical Meet∣ings by the Plurality of Pastors and Elders Suffrages, without any prefer∣ring of one above another.
• Article 35. Over and above those Attestations which Scholars are wont to bring with them from the Professors and Regents of those Univer∣sities under whose Direction they have followed their Studies, the Synod doth ordain, that they shall also take out Attestations from the Pastors and Consistory of their Lives and Conversations.
• Article 36. Forasmuch as the Church judgeth not them that are without, and doth not exercise any Jurisdiction on those who have quitted her Commu∣nion: This Assembly judgeth it not meet that those Persons should be publickly from the Pulpit censured, who that they might marry with Parties of a contrary Religion, have abandoned the true Religion which they formerly professed.
• Article 37. Without prejudicing the Rights of the Province of Provence and Burgundy, this Assembly grants the Power of calling the next National Synod unto that of Anjou.

CHAP. XVI. Particular Matters.

1. THE Sieur de la Fite Solon, Pastor of the Church of Bayon, having presented the first part of a Book of Metaphysicks composed by him, and dedicated unto this Assembly, after they were examined about it, who had been commissionated thereunto by the Synod of Lower Guyenne, this Assembly ordered, that it should be again perused by some of its Members, who having made their Report, the said Sieur de la Fite was praised and incouraged to employ those Gifts wherewith God had indowed him, for the Illustration of the Truth: and the Sum of three hundred Livers was voted to be given him, which the Lord du Can∣dall should pay him upon his Debet, and the Monies so paid should be charged to the Accompt of the Churches.

2. Monsieur Maeil, Elder in the Church of Dieppe, being chosen by the common Votes of the Pastors, Elders and Heads of Families there, and sent unto the Deputies of the Province of Normandy, to move and intreat them to request that Mr. Texier, who was freed from the Church of Mau∣vesin in the Province of Higher Languedoc, might be given to them abso∣lutely, and the said Lords Deputies having introduced him into the As∣sembly to make his Demand, in which also they joined with him. After that Mr. Texier had been heard on the one part, declaring, how that for the Ingratitude of his Church he accepted of the Call given him by the Church of Dieppe, upon Condition that his Province should judg it rea∣sonable to set him at Liberty, and with Design to oblige his Church by the Authority of the National Church to give him a full Satisfaction; and on the other part, the Deputies of Higher Languedoc complained that they were not in due time and place acquainted with his Intention, and requesting that the Right of their Province might be intirely secured, it having many Churches to be supplied, which were destitute of Pastors, and particularly the Church of Mauvesin, which had sufficiently assured the said Texier that he should be paid the Arrears of his Wages: The Assembly decreed, that he should apply himself unto his Synod, which is exhorted to see that he be fully satisfied, and in case he be set free from his Church, and that he cannot be commodiously provided for within his Province, that then leave shall be given him to depart where he best liketh.

3. The Assembly conserving to the Province of Berry the Right they have hitherto had over the Church of la Selle, ordaineth, that as long as it shall be supplied by the Pastors of the Isle of France, it shall be under the Jurisdiction of the said Province, which shall continue their Contri∣butions towards the Subsistence of the Colledg of Chastillon.

4. Forasmuch as the Assembly is not now in Possession of any Fund, out of which those who have Recourse unto it, might be relieved by its Charities; Monsieur Falquet, whose Necessities are very great, is recom∣mended unto the Province of Berry, to be assisted and comforted by them, either by allowing him some certain Portion out of their Alms, or by recommending his afflicted Condition to be relieved by the more rich and populous Churches.

5. The Deputies of the Province of Vivaretz relating the extream Po∣verty whereunto Monsieur Zuccond, a Pastor emeritus, hath been for se∣veral Years last past reduced by reason of his great Sicknesses, Losses, Ex∣pences,

and Imprisonments, suffered from the Lord of Chanal and la Motte; and that the precedent National Synods had in Consideration of his great Afflictions granted him a free Portion out of the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality, and requested this Assembly that they would be pleased to vouchsafe him some sensible Tokens of their Charity and Com∣passion: Answer was made them, that forasmuch as the Churches had no Monies at all of their own, nor now to be disposed by them, the said Province was exhorted to take care of him, for his comfortable Sub∣sistence and Relief from among themselves.

6. Whereas the Province of Sevennes had formed a Complaint against Monsieur James Pasquier, Pastor in the Church of St. John de Breuil, this Affair was turned over to the Judgment of the Province of Higher Languedoc.

7. The Deputies of Bearn requesting that the Divisions which have been judged and condemned in the Church of Morlas, maybe totally and effectually remedied, and that there may be an End put unto the Com∣plaints brought in by Monsieur Fabas against his Province, and sundry particular Persons on the one hand, and of divers others against him on the other; that therefore some Deputies may be sent with an express Charge to take Knowledg of, and give a final Judgment on all those Arti∣cles which could not possibly be examined, or clearly inspected into in this Place, and at so great a Distance: The Assembly accepting the Offer of the Deputies of the Province of Bearn, promising to bear their Charges who should to this Purpose be sent unto them, did nominate the Sieurs Ferrand and Charles Pastors, and Charron an Elder, to receive the Infor∣mation drawn up at the Request of Monsieur Rival, by the Lord D'ab∣badie, the Decrees past in Parliament against the Lords D'abbadie, Rival, and others, who by Order of their Colloquy had admitted unto Com∣munion at the Lord's Table some particular Persons of Morlas, and gene∣rally all Papers whatsoever, which have given Birth and Fewel unto this Fewd and Contention, that so they may proceed to a final Judgment on the remaining Matters yet under Debate and Controversy: And they shall bring in their Accompt hereof unto the next National Synod.

8. To regulate the Pretensions of the Churches of Alanson, St. Aignan and Mans, about the Donative given for their Benefit by the Lady de la Harangere, and destined to the Maintenance of some poor Scholars; This Assembly ordaineth, that according to the Tenor of the said Legacy, the Administration of the Monies arising from it, ought to be left in the Hands of the Church of Alanson, and those two other Churches shall agree with it about the choice of him to whom the Pension shall be exhi∣bited; and that the first of these three Churches which shall be unpro∣vided, may proceed to receive and imploy him; and that the Son of Monsieur Vignier, Pastor of the Church of Mans, who hath already re∣ceived some Fruits of the aforesaid Pension, shall injoy it, and be pre∣ferred before all others in the Injoyment of it.

9. Forasmuch as the Sieur de la Milletiere hath sent unto the Pastors de∣puted by the Provinces, the first Part of a Book written by him, intituled, Les Moyens de la Paix Chrestienne en la Reunion des Catholiques & Evange∣liques sur les differends de la Religion divisé en quatre parties; and the Ti∣tle of the first Volume, La Refutation de la procedure de Monsieur Daillé en son Examen; and Letters also, in which he asserts that he is moved here∣unto by the sole Spirit of God for to reconcile the Differences in Religion. He takes for granted that what he hath offered, or may hereafter offer, will be received without any Contradiction by all the Churches, and presupposeth that all our first Reformers and their Successors were abused,

and do abuse themselves through a Misunderstanding, which cannot be discovered but by them who shall admit his new conceited Lights. And whereas he hath been too long, even for the space of three Years, tole∣rated; and that the Church of Paris hath used all Endeavours to reduce him unto his Duty; and that in the Articles contained in his first Script, he hath designedly concealed his Opinions, though under the very Phrases used by the Doctors of the Romish Religion, and with which they are accustomed to express their own Sentiments; and that in the second, which he hath sent abroad into the World, under Pretence of producing Methods of Reconciliation, he hath insinuated divers Novelties, which are of no Concern at all to our present Controversies, and sided with the Church of Rome. And whereas Monsieur Daillé, who was expresly or∣dered to refute him, hath used him with a great deal of Equity, and sin∣gular Moderation, for which he is generally approved. And forasmuch as in his third Book he endeavours might and main to overthrow the Or∣thodox Doctrine of Justification by Faith, betraying the Cause unto the Champions of Merits, and of Justification by Works: The Assembly ordaineth, that Letters shall be written him to acquaint him with the Un∣reasonableness and Injustice of his Presumption, and the Unprofitableness of his Design, and to threaten him, that unless he do quit and abandon it, and contain himself within the Bounds of his Vocation, and make Declaration of it within six Months unto the Consistory of Paris, he shall be cut off from all Communion with our Reformed Churches.

N. B. The Letter sent him by the Synod bore Date the 6th of July, 1637. but La Millitiere did afterward revolt unto Popery, and died a Papist.

10. After the Lord Commissioner had opened the Letters of Mr. Dio∣dati, Pastor and Professor in Theology at Geneva, the Assembly consider∣ing the Contents thereof, and having examined the French Translation of the Books of Ecclesiastes, and of the Song of Songs, which had been notified to them by him, ordered that Letters should be written unto the said Mr. Diodati, and to represent unto him the Reasons why we cannot depart from the Canon of the Synod held at Alez.

11. The Professor Amyraud petitioned the Assembly, that they would be pleased to ordain that the Author of two Books, intituled Antidote, and Les Ombres d' Arminius; in which his Doctrine and Reputation were most odiously traduced, and the Memory of Monsieur Cameron deceased, is wickedly defamed, might be cited before them to answer for his Fact; And Monsieur de la Place, in the Name of the University of Saumur, join∣ed with him in the same Petition. But forasmuch as the Author of the said Book is unknown and absent, these two aforesaid Professors were ad∣vised to carry the Proofs they have of this Action unto the Synod of Poictou, which having condemned the Impression of the Antidote, would do them Justice upon their Complaint.

12. Monsieur de Vinay having remonstrated that the Province of Vi∣varetz had not satisfied nor made Payment of those Monies advanced by the Church of Annonay, for the defraying of his Expences during his De∣putation unto the National Synod of Castres, and demanding a Rule and Order for those Charges the said Church should be now necessitated to be at on the same score; Monsieur D'Hosty joined with him in the said Re∣quest, on behalf of the Church of St. Fortunate. This Assembly con∣firming the Decree of the Synod of Tonneins, in the 7th Article of Ob∣servations upon the Discipline, ordaineth, That the said Province of Vi∣varetz should conform it self thereunto, both for the present and what is past.

13. Whereas Monsieur Fabas hath been afflicted with Sickness all the time of his sojourning in this City, the Assembly doth freely give him the Sum of an hundred Livers, to be taken out of the Debet of the Lord du Candall.

14. The Lord du Candall having offered to advance, for defraying the Expences of the Sieurs de l' Angle and Gigord deputed unto the Court, the Sum of three hundred Livers; he is intreated to allow them at the rate of an hundred Sous by the Day during the time of their Abode, which is li∣mited unto one Month or more.

15. There shall be allowed in the Lord of Candall's Accompt, the Sum of four hundred and fifty Livers advanced by him unto the Sieurs Ferrand, Gigord and Cerizy, who were first deputed by this Assembly un∣to his Majesty, for the defraying of their Expences in their Journey and Attendance at Court.

16. In case his Majesty should hereafter grant any Sum of Monies for the maintenance of our Ministers, the Provinces of Lower Guyenne and Bearn shall agree together in the choice of one Scholar, who may be hereafter fit to serve in the Ministry in the Land of La Bour, and shall allow him yearly the Sum of one hundred Livers, and shall pay in unto Monsieur Guillemin the Sum of an hundred and fifty Livers, according to the Decree made by the last National Synod of Charenton.

17. Forasmuch as the Professors present in this Assembly, have pro∣tested, that they would inviolably observe the Canon framed in it, be∣ginning with these Words, For the preserving of, &c. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc and Anjou are charged to demand and receive the like Protestations from the other Professors resident in the Universities of Mon∣tauban and Saumur.

CHAP. XVII. Of ƲNIVERSITIES. The Order taken for upholding and Maintenance of our Universities.

• Article 1. WHereas the Universities of Montauban and Saumur have complain∣ed, that by reason one of the Provinces hath retrenched part of its Contribution, they have been deprived of that Assistance which was destined unto their Maintenance, and requested that some Course might be took herein by an Order of this Synod, looking forward and back∣ward to what is past and to come. The said Province was heard speak in its own Defence, which urged for it self, that it had been over-rated by the last National Synod of Charenton, in the Year 1631. This As∣sembly did greatly condemn the aforesaid Province, for attempting to vi∣olate the Canons of that Synod, and for giving an evil Example unto o∣thers of committing the like Crime, and forbiddeth that and all other Provinces of being guilty for the future of such Offences, on Pain of for∣feiting their Priviledg of entring into these National Synods; and or∣daineth, that they make good and full Payment of all Arrears due by them unto those before-mentioned Universities.
• Article 2. The Provinces which are indebted unto our Universities, are ex∣horted to use their best Endeavours to pay in unto them their Arrearages, according to the Rate before made.
• Article 3. The University of Nismes demanding her just Dues, and that the Sum granted her by the last National Synod of Charenton might be actu∣ally paid in unto her this very Day, and requesting that the Sum of six∣teen hundred and thirty nine Livers, three Sous, paid to her Prejudice by the Synod of Lower Guyenne unto that of Montauban, which applied unto its own particular Profit what belonged unto another. This Assembly generally condemning all such Proceedings, ordaineth, that the Sum of sixteen hundred thirty nine Livers, three Sous, shall be reprised by the said University of Nismes, out of what is owing by the Province of Nor∣mandy and others, who should have brought in their Contributions for the Subsistence of the University of Montauban; and the University of Nismes shall receive its full Maintenance, according to the Number of Professors, who have been in actual Service there since the last National Synod of Charenton until now.
• Article 4. Although it be as clear as the Sun at Noon-day, that the Instruction of Youth, and the upholding of Schools in those Places where they have been erected, be absolutely necessary for the Churches Subsistence, the maintaining of Godliness, and the propagating of the Doctrine of eter∣nal Life in it, and that all the Faithful are obliged by that great Concern they should have for God's Glory, the Love of his Truth, and their common Edification, to use their best and utmost Skill and Endeavours to find out the most proper and convenient means for the promoting and furthering a Design so evidently just and profitable; yet nevertheless, forasmuch as divers Persons have been discouraged either through the Diffi∣culties of the Times, or from their inordinate Affections to the World, preferring their own private Interest to the publick, and thereby have cooled in their Zeal, and neglected the Execution of the Canons before enacted for this Purpose. Now that this very great and prejudicial De∣fect

• may be remedied, and that the Ministry of the Gospel may be per∣petuated in the Church of God, and that this most important Trust of Divine Verity may be religiously conserved among us: The National Sy∣nod assembled by his Majesty's Permission in the Town of Alanson, doth exhort all the Churches, all Lords, Gentlemen, and all Persons in parti∣cular to prefer the Service of God, the Glory of his Holy Name, and the re-established Order of his House, before all other humane Considera∣tions whatsoever, and every one of them according to their Abilities to consecrate unto his Divine Majesty their Free-Will-Offerings, and to levy among themselves those Charges necessary for the Subsistence of our Uni∣versities and Colledges, and to use and exercise therein their Christian Charity and Piety in supporting those which are more feeble: And all Provincial Synods, Colloquies and Consistories be in joined to take among themselves the most proper Expedients for gathering in those Sums as∣sessed upon them respectively and actually in their own Persons to sollicit the Payment of them, and to put to their helping Hand, that all Pro∣fessors and Regents who serve in the said Universities and Colledges, may annually receive their appointed Sallaries, and so discharge the Duties of their Place and Calling with Chearfulness: and this shall be notified un∣to all the Churches by reading of this present Act.
• Article 5. In the Accompt of the University of Saumur there was the Sum of one hundred Livers owing by the Province of Xaintonge, who shall make actual Payment thereof, unless they can produce an Acquittance.
• Article 6. The Province of Berry having brought in three Accompts of their Colledg rendred by them unto their Provincial Synods assembled the 22d of April, 1632, at Chastillon upon Loir; the 30th of April, 1634, at Mer; and the 26th of May, 1636, at Chastillon aforesaid; and by the close of the Accompt it appearing that the Sum of four hundred and for∣ty Livers is owing unto the said Colledg: This Assembly injoineth that Province to put carefully in Execution the Canons made in the last Na∣tional Synod for the Maintenance of our Universities and Colledges, as well for the time past as for what is to come.

CHAP. XVIII. An Account of Arrearages due unto the University, which shall be paid by the Provinces within the space of one year.

• Article 7. THe Province of Higher Languedoc stands indebted to the University of Montauban over and above what it owes for this present year, the Sum of Seven Hundred Ninety and Eight Livres, Ten Sous, Eight Deniers, and that of Normandy, besides the Deduction of Sixteen Hundred Thir∣ty and Nine Livres, and Three Sous re-demanded by the University of Nismes, as well for this year now current, as for the years past, stands in∣debted One Thousand Four Hundred Twenty and Seven Livres, Nine∣teen Sous; All Errors in the Accompt excepted.
• ...Article 8.

  	l.	s.	d.
  There is due from the Province of Normandy, to the University of Saumur	1149	05	03
  From the Province of Xaintonge	265	02	10
  From the Province of Poictou	1624	11	00
  From that of Berry	335	14	00
  From that of Anjou	531	15	00
  From that of Brittain	041	05	00

• ...Article 9.

  	l.	s.	d.
  There is due from the Province of Sevennes, unto the University of Die, for the years past, besides what is due for this now Current, the Sum of	0887	10	00
  And from that of Burgundy, taking in the year now Current —	0262	10	00

• ...Article 10.

  	l.	s.	d.
  There is due from the Province of Lower Languedoc, both for the year now Current, and those past, unto the University of Nismes, the Sum of —	4950

  But whereas they have paid to Monsieur Petit the Sum of 300 l. and to some other Persons, whenas the said Petit and those Persons shall bring in their Accompts, the said 300 l. shall be deducted, and allowed them in Accompt.

  	l.	s.	d.
  The Province of Sevennes, oweth	0300	00	00
  The Province of Lower Guyenne, deducting the Sum of 1639 l. 3 s. paid by them unto the University of Montauban, the Sum of	3610	17	00

• Article 11. Now this is the true Accompt of the Payments that are to be made unto the said University of Nismes, out of the Sum of 1800 l. Decreed un∣to that University by the Six and Twentieth National Synod held at Charenton in the year 1631, for six years, ending the first day of this next October.

  	l.	s.	d.
  Monsieur Petit, Professor of Divinity, shall receive for six years expiring at the said Term, viz. the last of September, —	4200	00	000

• ...

  Monsieur Cadur for having exercised the Profession of Theology to the first of April, 1634.	1750	00	00
  The Heirs of Monsieur Peyrol who exercised the Profession of the Hebrew Tongue till he Deceased, April 1st. 1634.	1000	00	00

  The whole is 6950 Livres three Sous, whereof Sixteen Hundred Thir∣ty and nine Livres, three Sous, shall be reprised out of the Sum of Two Thousand One Hundred and Seventy Seven Livres, and Two Sous ow∣ing by the Province of Normandy to the University of Montauban, the said University having employ'd the like Sum unto its own usage, which the Province of Lower Guyenne, ought to have payed in to the Univer∣sity of Nismes. And the remaining Sum of Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Livres, shall be laid up in Bank for the benefit of the University of Die, and to help to maintain it; but with this express Condi∣tion, that they do their endeavour to disengage the Stock of Three Thousand Livres, which had been granted them by the National Synod of Alez.

  And therefore the said University of Die, shall receive from the Pro∣vinces of Lower Guyenne and Sevennes, the said Sum of 3850 l. propor∣tionably to their Debts for the Subsistence of the University of Nismes, to wit, from the Lower Guyenne, 3610 l. 10 s. and from that of Sevennes, Two Hundred Thirty and Nine Livres, three Sous. And what is more owing by the Lower Languedoc and Sevennes, shall be paid unto those Professors who have served in the University of Nismes aforesaid.

CHAP. XIX. The Accompts of our Universities.

• Article 12. THe Province of Anjou brought in two Accompts for the University of Saumur, which were past in the Synods held at Chastillon upon the Lindre, in June 1635. and at Saumur, in April, 1637. for the years 1632. 33. 34. 35. and for one qùarter of the year 1636. which having been Examined, were verified and approved.
• Article 13. The Province of Dolphiny exhibited for the University of Die, five Accompts passed in the Assembly held at Cort, Montlimart, Vinso∣bres, Ambrun, and Orpiert, for the years 1632. 33. 34. 35. 36. which having been Examined, were verified and approved.
• Article 14. Whereas the Province of Higher Languedoc hath not brought in the Proofs of their Accompts tendered by them since the year 1631. they shall do it in the next National Synod, that so they may be verified and approved.

A Dividend of those Moneys which shall be hereafter borrowed from the fifth Penny of the Alms gathered in our Churches, and to be Employed in the Maintenance of our Universities and Colleges.

• Article 15. That our Universities may be kept up and Maintained, it was Advised and Resolved on by the Unanimous Consent of all the Provinces, that

• the Province of Normandy should Contribute yearly the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Livres, and the first Payment to be made the first of October now next ensuing. 2. and Dolphiny the Sum of 1500 l. 3. Burgundy 161. 4. Xaintonge, 960. 5. Lower Languedoc, 975. 6. Higher Lan∣guedoc, 1000 l. 7 Anjou, 850 l. 8. Brittain, 130 l. 9. The Isle of France, 1600 l. 10. Berry, 345 l. Poictou, 975 l. 11. Lower Guy∣enne, 900 l. 12. Seventies, 250 l. 13. Bearn, 50 l. All which Sums amounting to Eleven Thousand one Hundred Sixty and Six Livres, Five Sous, shall be paid in, and distributed in manner following.
• Article 16. To the University of Montauban, for two Professors in Divinity, one in Hebrew, and two in Philosophy, and for the College, 3000 l. of which Sum, the Province of Higher Languedoc shall furnish 1000 l. Lower Guyenne, 900 l. Bearn, 50 l. Xaintonge, 385 l. And Norman∣dy, 665 l.
• Article 17. To the University of Saumur, for two Professors in Divinity, one in Hebrew, and two in Philosophy, 2606 l. for the Principal of the College, 100 l. For the First Regent, 400 l. For the Second, 300 l. For the Third, 250 l. For the Fourth, 210 l. For the Regent of the Fifth and Sixth Classis, 210 l. For the Door-keeper and Beadle, 60 l. In all, 4130 l. of which Sum, the Province of Anjou shall furnish 850 l. Brittain, 130 l. Poictou, 975 l. Xaintonge, 575 l. and the Isle of France, 1600 l.
• Article 18. To the University of Nismes, for two Professors in Divinity, whereof one shall receive 700 l. and another but 400 l. because he hath a Stipend also as Pastor; of which Sum, the Province of Lower Lan∣guedoc shall furnish 975 l. and Sevennes, 125 l. The whole being Ele∣ven Hundred Livres.
• Article 19. To the University of Die, as well for the Professors as the Col∣lege, the Sum of 2936 l. 5 s. whereof the Province of Dolphiny shall furnish 1500 l. Sevennes 125 l. Burgundy, 131 l. 4 s. Berry, 345. and Normandy, 835 l.

CHAP. XX The Accompts of the Lord du Candall.

MR. Cooper, Agent of the Lord du Candall, having brought in his Accompt, the Assembly nominated Mr. John de Survile Pastor of the Church of Vigan, and Peter Marbaut, Councellor and Secretary for the King, and Elder of the Church of Paris; Claudius Bernard, Bay∣liff of Chastillon, and Elder of the Church of the said Chastillon on the. Loin; Lawrence de Febur, Advocate and Elder in the Church of Rouen; Gaspard du Beuf, Advocate and Elder in the Church of Grenoble; John Brun, Lord of Roussais, Elder in the Church of St. Ambrose; Daniel Descairae, Lieutenant in the Judicature of Pujols, and Elder of the Church of Gatherde that Town, and Charles Perreau, Advocate, El∣der in the Church of Couches, to be a Committee to Inspect and Examine the said Accompt; which being done by them, they Reported unto the Assembly, That it could not be well Audited as it was now Stated, with∣out a Personal Conference with the said Lord du Candall, because it was not in the ordinary form of Accompts, which used to be tendered unto our National Synods.

The Assembly Discoursing with Mr. Cooper about it, ordered the afore∣said Committee, or any four of them should go unto Paris, and visit the said Lord du Candall, and thank him for that good Affection he hath always born, and expressed by unquestionable proofs unto the Churches, and to intreat him to continue and persevere in it, and that he would be pleased to discharge the Churches of the Sum of 25125 Livres, 12 Sous of the remaining Accompts rendered by him unto his Majesty, on Fe∣bruary the third, 1633. and of all Interest for Moneys advanced by him, or at least, that he would be pleased to make some easy and favourable Composition. And in case he shall so do, that then the said Committee shall, by Virtue and Authority of this Assembly, give unto the said Lord du Candall an Acquittance, and discharge him of all those Sums, which he shall make appear to have been paid by him, according to the Ac∣compt Stated and Expedited in the last National Synod held at Charen∣ton; Afterward they shall proceed to the auditing and finishing of his present Accompt, and allow all such Sums, as they shall Judge reasona∣ble: And farther they shall treat with him, or with any other Person, that shall offer himself to Deal with them about the Rents, Offices, and other Rights, and Reprisals, belonging unto our Churches, for such a Price, and at such Conditions as they shall Judge meet. And also, if an oppor∣ty should present it self, and they conceive it expedient, they shall assist at the clearing of the Accompt of the said Lord du Candall with the Lords Commissioners appointed thereunto by His Majesty, or else shall substitute in their stead some other Persons, whom they shall think proper for it upon the place. And they shall demand also of the said Lord of Candall, to deliver unto them all the Offices of the Commissioners for Seisures, which are yet in his hands, that so they may be disposed of to the bene∣fit of the Churches in such a manner as they shall advise on. And this Assembly doth promise to allow and approve of whatsoever shall be done or performed by the said Committee in these aforesaid matters, or by any four of them, for which purpose they give unto them their full Power and Authority; but nevertheless, without allowing them their Expences. And in case they should be obliged to return unto their own homes before they can have dispatched and finished all that is as before intrusted with them, this Assembly doth then Impower and Authorise them to sub-delegate in their place and stead, such Members of the Con∣sistory of the Church of Paris, as they shall conceive best able to Manage the Affair.

CHAP. XXI. A Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres, given by the King for Defraying the Charges of the Synod.

• Article 1. THis Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres, granted by the King for the Defraying our Synodical Expences, was for Easing and Discharging of the Provinces; and whereas there had been paid 450 Livres by the Lord of Candall, upon his Debt unto Mr. Ferrand, Gigord, and de Cerisy, who were first deputed unto his Majesty; there was only distribution made of 360 Livres of that Sum, because the As∣sembly had given unto the said Deputies, the Sum of Thirty Livres for

• their particular Expences they were necessitated to be at over and above the said Hundred Sous allowed them for every day.
• Article 2. To the Provinces of Dolphiny, Burgundy, Xaintonge, Sevennes, An∣jou, the Isle of France, Berry, Poictou, Vivarets, for four Deputies each, the Sum of Eleven Hundred Forty and Three Livres, Seventeen Sous, the whole amounting to the Sum of Ten Thousand Two Hundred Ninety and Four Livres, Thirteen Sous.
• Article 3. To the Provinces of Normandy, Lower Languedoc, and Lower Guyenne, the like Sum of Eleven Hundred Forty and Three Livres, Se∣venteen Sous, out of which there is deducted the Sum of Six Score Livres, received by each of those Deputies, from the Lord of Candall: therefore there is no more due unto each of those Provinces, than One Thousand and Three and Twenty Livres, Seventeen Sous, all which put together, amounts to Three Thousand Threescore and Eleven Livres, Eleven Sous.
• Article 4. To the Province of Higher Languedoc for three Deputies, and Sixty Livres ordered to a Fourth, who lay Sick upon the way, Nine Hundred and Seventeen Livres, Sixteen Sous, and Nine Deniers.
• Article 5. To the Provinces of Brittain, Provence and Bearn, for two Depu∣ties, each the Sum of Five Hundred Threescore and Eleven Livres, Thirteen Sous, in all amounting to One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifteen Livres, and Eight Sous,
• Article 6, All which Sums, taking in the 360 Livres, received of the Lord of Candall by Mr. Ferrand, Gigord, and Cerisy, do make up the afore∣said Sum of Sixteen Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Livres Tournois.

CHAP. XXII. The Roll of Deposed and Revolted Ministers.

1. Salomon Pijeaut, formerly Pastor in the Church of Douchamps, De∣posed by the Provincial Synod of Berry, for Adultery; a Fellow of mean Stature, Black Hair, a Tauny Meagre Face, great Eyes, Eagle Nose, a trembling broken Voice, and about silty years of Age.

2. William Cacherat, formerly Pastor of the Church at Pontean de Mer, in the Province of Normandy, about Two and Fifty years of Age, a small Taper Fellow; Chesnut colored Hair, speaking very fluently, he was Suspended by his Provincial Synod; he abandoned first the Exercise of his Calling, and since the Profession of his Religion, turning Papist im∣mediately upon his Suspension by the Synod at St. Loo, He was Deposed for Desertion of his Ministry, and sundry other Crimes.

3. Leonard Thevenot, formerly a Priest, that quitted his Frock and Monastry of Poictiers, he was afterwards Pastor of the Church at Mal∣lezais in Poictou, and of St. John d' Angely, and of Bois, Clan, and Plassac in Xaintonge, aged between 56 and 58 years, he is a Short, Fat, Crook∣back Fellow, Black Hair, beginning to wax Gray, a Fair Beard, great Mouth, Lips turn'd in, large Red Eyes, Ruddy Face, an Effeminate Tone in Speaking; he turn'd Apostate from the Truth in the Month of July, 1634.

4. Paul Falquerolles, formerly Minister in the Church of St. Hippo∣lyte near Monoblet in the Province of Sevennes, who being Deposed by the Provincial Synod for his Vicious Conversation, and Desertion of his

Charge, did finally Revolt from the True Religion. This Fellow is about Threescore and Five years old, Tall of Stature, and Gray Headed.

All these Acts were Passed and Decreed in the National Synod Assembled by the King's Permission, at Alanson, from the 28th. of May, until the 9th. of July, 1637.

And Signed by

• Basnage, Moderator of the Synod.
• D. Couspe, Assessor.
• D. Blondel, Scribe.
• D. Launay, Scribe.

CHAP. XXIII. An Account and Catalogue of the Reformed Churches of France, and Bearn, together with the Names of their Pastors hung up in the National Synod held at Alanson, in the Months of May, June, and July, 1637. Extracted and Copied out of the Original.

1. Province. IN the Province of Berry, Orleans, Blesois, Nivernois, and the Higher Marche, there be these Pastors and Churches hereafter mentioned.

1. In the Colloquy of Sancerre.
Pastors.	Churches.
1 Stephen de Monsanglard, in the Church of	Corbigny.
2. Daniel Jamet, Pastor in the Church, of	Gien upon the Loir.
3. John Guerin, Pastor in the Church of	Chastillon upon the Loin.
4. Paul Allard, a Rocheller in the Ch. of	Sancerre.
5. John Taby, at	La Charité.
6. Ayme Pyat,	Chastillion on the Loir.
7. Elijah Semele,	Grinon and Esparville.
8. Paul Guez,	Suilly and Aubiguy.
9. Isaac Babaud, without a Church,	La Selle & 10.
	Dolot, Destitute of Past.
2. In the Colloquy of Blesois.
Pastors.	Churches.
10. Nicholas Vignier, Minister of	Blois, 11.
11. Paul Testard,	Orleans, 12.
12. James Imbert Durand,	Romorantin, 13.
13. Jacob Brun,	Dangeau, 14.
14. John Alix,	Marchenoir, 15.
15. Isaac Garnier,	Basoches, 16.
16. Jerom Belon,	Chameroll, &. 17.
17. Louis Tuisard,	Bouderoy, 17.
18. Daniel Jurieu,	Mer, 18.
19. Cyrus du Moulin,	Chasteaudun, 19.
20. Phillip de la Pierre, &
21. Abel d'Argent, both destitute of Churches

3. In the Colloquy of Berry and Bourbonnois.
Pastors.	Churches.
22. Louis Scoffier,	Belet, 20.
23. Renatus Bedé,	Issoudun, 21.
24. Elijah Pejus,	Argenton, 22.
25. John Bonneau,	Aubusson, 23.

2. The Province of Brittain.

Pastors.	Churches.
26. Bertrant Avignon, Lord of Souvigny, Pastor of the Church of Christ. at	Hennes, 24.
27. Daniel Sauve,	Viellevigne, 25.
28. Peter de la Place,	Sion, 26.
29. Peter Bouchereau, Lord of La Manesse,	Nants, 27.
30. David de la Place,	Lamussare, 28.
31. Andrew Levier, Lord of Beauchamps,	Blain, 29.
32. Pruil, Minister of	Rochebernard, 30.
33. & 34. Presteré & Pet. Jostain, Rochellers of	Vitré, 31.
35, Routel, Minister of	Ploër, 32.
36. Delahay, or Delaye, without any Church.	Triguier, destitute of a Pastor, 33.

3. The Province of Xaintonge, Augoumois, Aunix, and the Islands.

1. Colloquy of Aunix.
Pastors.	Churches.
37. Jerome Colomnies, and	Ministers of Rochel, 34.
38. Phillip Vincent,
39. John Flane, a Rocheller, Minister of	Surgere & Cire, 35.
40. John Jagaut, Minister of	Augoulins, Pont de la▪ Pierre, & Aytré, 36
41. John Salber••, Lord of Viliers, a Rochel∣er Minister of	Rochefort, St. Laurence, & Florrus, 37.
42. Daniel Chavet, a Rocheller,	Marais, 38.
43. Samuel de la Forest,	Maze, 37.
44. Samuel de Ferre, Minister of	Bournivet & Daump. 40.
45. Isaac Coutaut, Pastor of	S••les, Taray, & la Jarrye.
2. The Colloquy of St. John D'Angely.
Pastors.	Churches.
46. Japhet du Vigier, Lord of Montier,	both Ministers of St. John D' Angely, 45.
47. John du Croy,
48. Abraham Joyer,	Tonnay Charante, 46.
49. Peter Charron,	Tonnay Boutonnay, 47.
50. René Chesheau, a Rocheller,	Soubize, 48.
51. William Rivet, Lord of Chamvernoun,	Taillebourg, 49.
52. Thomas Guyott, a Rocheller, Pastor of	Moise, 40.
53. Sebastian Baldwyn, Pastor of	St. Savinian, 51.
54. Peter Menauean, a Rocheller of	Fontenay Labatu, 52.
55. James Morin, Pastor of	Tors Fresneau, &c.
Mata, 52.
3. Colloquy of the Islands.
Pastors.	Churches.
56. Peter Richier, Lord of Vandelincour,	Marents, 54.
57. And Anthony Chardavoyn of
58. Claudius Herault, a Rocheller, of	Cozes, 55.
59. John Perreau, a Rocheller, of	Saujon, 56.
60. John du Menil, of	St. Just, 57.

61 Anthony Bugnon, a Rocheller, Minister of	St. John D' Angel, 58.
62. John Papin,	At La Tremblade, 59.
63. Oliver le Cercler, Lord of La Monnerie, of	Arnot, 60.
64. James de la Fontayn, a Rocheller, of	Royan, 61.
65. John Gruell, Minister of	Meschors, 62.
66. Elijah Coustans, the Younger, of	Mornoe, 63.
There be in this Colloquy, these Churches interdicted, Saujon, St. Lier∣re, 64. St. Denis, 65. and the Castle of Olleroon, 66.
4. The Colloquy of Xaintonge.
Pastors.	Churches.
67. Theophilus Rossel, and	Ministers of Xaintes, 67.
68. Charles ••••uet,
69. John Costans, the Elder, of	Lons, 68.
70. Elijah Prioleau, Lord of La Viennerie.	Jonzael, 69.
71. John Hamilton, the Father, and	Ministers of Montendere, Fontaynes, & Ozillae, 70.
72. John Hamilton, the Son,
73. James Gaultier, of	Archiac, 71.
74. Peter Bonyot, of	Fou & St. German, 72.
75. John Marcon, of	Baigne, 73.
76. John Baduel, of	Mizabeau, 74.
77. Peter Chaze, of	St. Severin, 75.
78. Louis Aubouieneau, a Rocheller, of	Moulieu, and Monhuyon, 76.
79. David Bellot, of	Chalais & la Roche, 77.
80. Francois Majou, of	Clanbois, & Classac, 78.
81. Lazarus Cazaux, of	Barbezieux. 79.
5. Colloquy of Augoumois.
Pastors.	Churches.
82. John Ferran, Minister of	St. Claude & Champag∣nemauton, 80.
83. Isaac Clave, Minister of	La Rechefoucaud, & Lin∣dois, 81.
84. Isaac Patui, Minister of	St. Mesme & Jarnac, Charante, 82.
85. Abraham Hivert, of	Angoulesme & Montig∣nac, 83.
86. Samuel Lagarie, of	Cognac, 84.
87. Stephen Tixueil, of	Villefaignan, 85.
88. John Comarc, of	Vertuell, Russet, & Ca∣stell Renaud, 86.
Elijah Constans, at Numb. 66. now of	Bourg, Charante, 87.
89. Anthony Carrier, of	Legonzac & Ligneres, 88
90. Isaac Merchant, of	La Rochebeaucourt, & Sales, 89.

John Pascard, without a Church.

Churches interdicted, Mortaigne, & Lonzac, 92.

Churches Destitute of Pastors,

• Gemouzac, 73.
• Rieux, 94.
• & Niel,95.
• Hevert au Beterie, 96.
• & St. Aulay, 97.

The 4th. Province of Burgundy.

1. Colloquy of Gex.
Pastors.	Churches.
92. John Tapé Minister of	Chalais & Sarconnay, 98.
93. James Clerk, the Father, of	Cessy, 99
94. James Clerk, the Son,	Colonges, 100.

95. James Gaultier, of	Gex, 101.
96. Dupré. Minister of	Vivonne, 102.
97. Francois Perreaud, Minister of	St. Hoiry & Fargues, 103
98. Peter Despreaux; of	Crosset, 104.
99. Joseph Prevost, of	Ornez, 105.
100. David Paget, Minister of	Versoy, 106.
2. Colloquy of Dijon.
Pastors.	Churches.
101. Joseph Mauvin, Minister of	Arnay le Duc, 107.
102. Isaac Durand, of	Issurtille, 108.
103. Gideon Guyonnet, Minister of	Chastillon upon Seyn, 109 St. John de Laune, 110. Dijon, 111.
104. Peter Bolenat, Minister of	Avalon & Vaux, 112.
105. John Comperat, of	Neyons, 113.
106. Peter Heliot, of	Baulne, 114.
3. Colloquy of Chalons.
Pastors.	Churches.
107. Amed de Bons, Minister of	Chalons, 115.
108. John Viridet, Minister of	Paray, 116.
109. Noël Angeley, Minister of	Martingues, 117.
110. Peter Jaimot, Minister of	Pont des Vaux & Belle Ville, 118.
Moulins, 119.
Bourbon, 120.
111. Heliodorus de Noyer, Minister of	Bussy & Clugny, 121.
112. Jeffery Bruny, Minister of	Antun & Conches, 122.
4. Colloquy of Lyon.
Pastors.	Churches.
113. Esaiah Bailly, and	Ministers of the Church of Lions, 123.
114. Alexander Rous,
115. Senebriet.
116. Francois Renaud, L. of Mispillac, Minist. of	Mascon, 124.
117. Jacob Textor, Minister of	Bouage, 125.
118. John Marcombes, Minister of	Pons de Voyles, 126.
Puillac, 127.

The 5th. Province of Lower Languedoc.

1. The Colloquy of Nismes.
Pastors.	Churches.
119. John Bansillon, Minister of	Aigues Mortes, 128.
120. John Chauvet,	Pastors of Nismes, 129.
121. Phillip Codur,
122 Samuel Petit,
123. Claudius Rosselet, and
124. Josiah Darnieu, Pastors of
125. _____ _____ Justamen, Minister of	Masillargues, 130.
126. Francois Durand, Minister of	Galargues, 131.
127. Quintin Rennoy, and	Ministers of Clavisson, 132.
128. Abraham de Lare,
129. Tobias Roux, Minister of	St. Laurens, 133.
130. Silligorry, Minister of	Aimargues, 134.
131. Andrew Basagne, Minister of	Bernis, 135.
132. Tibaud, Minister of	Aubars, 136.

133. Allegre, Minister of	Nayett, 137.
134. Fourmer, Minister of	Cleronsae, 138.
135. Brun, Minister of	Vauvert, 139.
136. Gaultier, Minister of	Sommiere, 140.
137. Savrin, Minister of	Aymargues, 141.
138. Lichicres, Minister of	Vergescet, 142.
139. Davin, Minister of	Beauvoisin, 143.
140. Bertrand, Minister of	Bussinarques, 144.
2. The Colloquy of Ʋsez.
Pastors.	Churches.
141. Rally, the Elder, Minister of	Barjac, 145.
142. Arnaud, Minister of	Fons, 146.
143. Nogueyer, and	in the Church of Ʋez, 147.
144. Manuel, Pastors,
145. Du Cros, Minister of	Blansac, 148.
146. Ravanel, Minister of	St. Ginicis, 149.
147. Bonnier, Minister of	Lussan, 150.
148. Chabaud, Minister of	BonCoiran, 151.
149. Meinier Castanier, Minister of	Navacelles, 152.
150. Paul Cheyron, Minister of	Genouillac, 153.
151. Ponnier, Minister of	Les Vaus, 154.
152. Desmarets, Minister of	Chambourrigaud, 155.
153. Rally, the Younger, Minister of	Mouteran, 156.
154. La Saye, Minister of	Ambroise, 157.
155. Thomas, Minister of	John de Marneiola, 158.
156. Peter Serres, Minister of	St. Bagnols, 159.
157. Ancet, Minister of	St. Monfond, & St. Quan∣tin, 160.
158. John Sobier Emeritus.
3. Colloquy of Montpellier.
Pastors.	Churches.
159. Vedrines,	Ministers ofMontpellier, 162.
160. Moses Baux,
161. John Gigord,
162. Carsenal,
163. John de Croy, Minister of	Beziers, 163.
164. Pucis, Minister of	Pinan, 164.
165. Begon, Minister of	Clermont, 165.
166. Atgé, of	Lunel, 166.
167. Preudhomma, Minister of	Courvon, 167.
168. Lavit, of	Bezarieux, 168.
169. Second, of	Montagnac, 169.
170. Rouze, of	Malquel, 170.
Lelache, & Vendamman 171.
Gignac, 172.
Poussan, 173.
Forensac, 174.
171. Moses Russel, a Pastor	Emeritus.

6. Province of Poictou.

1. Colloquy of the Ʋpper Poictou.
Pastors.	Churches.
172. John Foran Pastor of	Chavigny, 175.
173. James Clemanseau Jun. of	Courteilles, 176.

174. John Masson, a Rocheller, of	Civray, 177.
175. Isaac du Soul, Minister of	Lusignan, 178.
176. Isaac de Civille, Minister of	Couké, 179.
177. Nicolas Bellin, Minister of	Parthenay, 180.
178. James Clemanseau, Sen	of Poictiers, 181.
179. James Cottiby a Rocheller,
180. Isaac Chabrol, Minister of	Touars, 182.
181. Daniel Pui, and	Ministers of Chastelheraud, 183.
182. John Carre,
183. Daniel Jaillard, L. of Rosefleur, of	Aubanie & Sause, 184.
184. Peter Vinard, a Rocheller, of	Montfermier, 185.
185. Andrew Gourdery. Minister of	Montrevil & Bonnin, 186.
2. The Colloquy of Middle Poictou.
Pastors.	Churches.
186. Second Chauffepied, of	Champdenis, 187.
187. John de la Blacherie, of	Mougon, 188.
188. John Chalmot, of	Chesboutonné & Saveilles, 189.
189. John le Chantre, a Rocheller, of	Melle, 190.
190. James de Cognac, of	Niort, 191.
191. Jonas Chasgneau, and	of St. Maixant, 192.
192. Samuel le Blanc,
193. John Vatablé, of	Issoudin, 193.
194. Nicolas Chagneau, of	Aunay & Chize, 194.
195. Theophilus Lesnier, of	Marsillac & Aigre. 195.
196. James Chalmot, Lord of Tiel	St. Gelaise & Cherueux, 196.
197. James Artuis, Lord of Ville Saison	La Motte St. Eraye, 197.
3 The Colloquy of the Nether Poictou.
Pastors.	Churches.
198. John Greslant, of	La Chaume & les Sables, 198.
199. Joshua d' Artois, of	St. Hillaire & Foussay, 199.
200. Anne Savonnet, of	La Joduiniere, Mouilleron & Ba∣zange, 200.
201. Thomas Johnson, of	Sezay & Le Breuilbarret, 201.
202. Josias Ollivier, of	Chantonay & Puibelliard, 202.
203. Louis Rocaer, Lord of La Bari∣niere, Minister of	La Chastagneray, 203.
204. René des Closses, L. of La Touche, of	Mooschamp, 204.
205. Gabriel Bouquet, of	La Chaise & Bournezaux, 205. St. Folgent, 206.
206. John de la Place, the Father, of	Bouzanges & Bonpere, 207.
207. James Prunier, of	Talmont, 208.
208. James Ranconnet, of	Mareuil & Versoy, 209.
209. Isaac Vergnon. of	St. Hermine & la Chappelle, 210.
210. Charles Chauve, Lord of Longe∣champ, Minister of	Montague, La Forest, Perigne & Vandore, 211.212.
211. Charles Mallet, of	S. Giles, Surviers, & laGanache 213
212. Elijah, Boucherau, of	Fontenay le Conte, 214.
213. Peter Cognart, of	Leguire & St. Benoist, 215. Belle Ville & Aysenay, 216. Lusson, Coulonge les Reaux, 217. Penet & le Vigean, 218.217.220.
214. John Bonnaud, formerly Pastor of	Lusson, but now without a Ch.

7th. Province of Tourain, Anjou and le Maine.

1. Colloquy of Tourain.
Pastor.	Churches.
215. Matthew Cottiere, &	of Tours, 221.
216. John Foran.
217. John Roger, &	of Preuilly, 222.
218. Peter Fleury,
219. Peter de Coudre a Rocheller, of	Chastillon on the Indre, 223.
220. Isaac Le Pelletier, of	Vandôme, 224.
221. Francois de la Gallere, of	Montoir, 225.
222. James De Vascher, L. of La Lasse, of	Lisle Bouchard, 226.
2. The Colloquy of Anjou.
Pastors.	Churches.
223. Stephen le Bloy, of	Angiers, 227.
224. James Brissac, Lord of Loges,	of Loudun, 228.
225. And Daniel Coupé,
226. 〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉	〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉
227. Moses Amyraud,	of Saumur & Bourgneil, 229.
228. Josuah de la Place,
229. Isaac d' Huysseau,
230. Peter Lassiere, of	Mirebeaux, 230.
231. John Pyneau, L. of LaQuantinage, of	Bouge, 231.
3. The Colloquy of Mayne.
Pastors.	Churches.
232. John Vigneux, of	Mans & Ardenay, 232.
233. Abel Amyraud, L. of Beausoudan, of	St. Agnan & Minbray, 233.
234. Abel Barbier, of	Pringé & Gallerande, 234.
235. René Alin, Minister of	Belesine, 235.
236. Aymé Tricot, of	Chasteau de Loir, 236.
237. Rouveau, of	Lassey, 237.
Chasteau Gontier, 238.
Craon, 239.
La Barre, 240.
Pouligny, 241.

8th. Province of Vivaretz, Forest, and Vellay.

Pastors.	Churches.
238. Alexander de Vinay, of	Annonay, 242.
239. Antony Faucheur, of	Chambon & St. Voy, 243.
240. Antony La Motte, of	Chalauçon, 244.
241. Blane, of	Vergnoux, 245.
242. Peter Picorre, of	Baussé, 246.
243. Marcelin Jardin, of	Desaigne, 247.
244. Laurant, of	Vabance & Soyon, 248.
245. Simeon D' Hosty, of	St. Fortunate, 249.
246. Paul Acorat, of	Privas, 250.
247. Peter Marchat, of	Glurats, 251.
248. Reboulet, of	Tournon, near Privas, 252.
249. Peter Guezé, of	Le Poussin, & St. Auban, 253.
250. Bourset, of	Bais, on the Bais, 254.
251. David Chanat, of Luccon, â Pastor Emeritus.	Lagorce & Vallon, 255.

Churches Destitute of Pastors.	Le Choylost, 256.
Aubenas & Vales, 257.
Touch & Metas, 258.
Villeneufve, 259.
Mirabel & St. Pons, 260.
De Berg, 261.
Bonlieu, 262. &
St. Stephen's in Forest, 263.

9th. Province of Bearne.

1. The Colloquy of Sauveterre.
Pastors.	Churches.
252. John Capdeville, Minister of	Sauveterrer, 264.
253. Phillip Beque, and	of Salliers, 265.
254. John L'esterneau,
255. Simeon Faget, of	Carresse, 266.
256. James Majendu the Son, of	La Bastide, 267.
257. John Estandeau, of	Oray and its annexed Churches 268.
258. Raymond Toulouze, of	St. Gladie, 269.
259. Benjamin Bourgade, of	Aranjuson, 270.
260 Peter Sabbatier, of	Chares, 271.
261. Peter Guillemin, of	St. Palais, 272.
262. Bustanoby, of	Mauleon in Soulé, 273.
Audans and its annexed Congregations destitute, 274.
2. Colloquy of Orthez.
Pastors.	Churches.
263. Anthony Vispalie, of	Orthez, 275.
264. Bernard Majendu, the Father, of	Masloe, 276.
265. La Fite, of	Logor, 277.
266. Samuel Remy, of	Pardies, 278.
267. Disserotte, of	Gouzé, 279.
268. Minuielle, of	Artez, 280.
269. La Pouble, of	Castillion, 281.
270. Martyn, of	Castetins, 282.
271. John Carsusin, of	Bereuy, 283.
272. Tartan, of	Bellock, 284.
273. Codelougne, of	St. Susanne, 285.
274. Capelle, of	Castenay, 286.
275. Cousture, of	Ville Segure, 287.
3. Colloquy of Pau.
Pastors.	Churches.
276. John D'abadie, and	Ministers of Pau, 288.
277. John de la Fiste,
278. Vidal, of	Lescar, 289.
279. Stephen Fabes, of	Morlas, 290.
280. Palobe, of	La Seube, 291.
281. Gruyer, of	Cescau, 292.
4. Colloquy of Olleron.
Pastors.	Churches.
282. Casse Bonne, and	Ministers of Olleron, 293.
283. Casse Major,

284. Andrew Majendu, the Son, of	Navarreins, 294.
285.La Tourette, of	Castelnay, 295.
286. Chandieu, of	Mouveins, 296.
287. Bedora, of	Viëille, 297.
288. La Placette, of	Aradi, Valeé de Sau, 298.
289. John D'abadie, Minister in the Town of	Aspe, 299.
290. Eusebius Barrubieres, of	Barretons Valle, 300.
5. Colloquy of Nay.
Pastors.	Churches.
291. Cabanes, of the Church of.	Nay, 301.
292. John Salfranquer, of	Arros, 302.
293. Clavel, of	Nostin, 303.
294. La Placette, of	Pontac, 304.
295. Cassou, of	Assa, 305.
296. Theophilus Brun, of	Asson, 306.
6. Colloquy of Vibil.
Pastors.	Churches.
297. John de la Garrigue, of	Lambeys, 307.
298. James de la Puyade, of	Garlin, 308.
299. Peter Rival, of	Noye, 309.
300. David Abadie, of	Mouvans, and Couches, 310.
10th. Province of Provence.
Pastors.	Churches.
301. Paul Maurice, of	Eguieres, 311.
302. Peter Maurice, of	Lormarin. 312.
303. Andrew Bernard, of	Merindol, 313.
304. James Recent, of	La Costé, 314.
305. James Recent, of	Veleaux, 315.
306. Anthony de Crosse, of	Cabrieres & La Motte, 316.
307. Paul Godemar, of	Riés, 317.
308. John Bernard, of	Auluc, 318.
309. Peter Challier, of	Sené 319.
310. Andrew Genoyer, of	Manosques, 320.
Gordes, 321.
Churches Destitute.	Jocas, & Muëtt, 322.
La Charge Curban, 323.

11th. Province of Sevennes.

1. Colloquy of Anduze.
Pastors.	Churches.
311. John Soleil, and	Pastors ;of Anduze, 324.
312. Arnaud,
313. John Bony, of	St. John de Gardonenque, 325.
314. Paul Paul, of	Generarges, 326.
315. Anthony Imbert, of	Meclet, 327.
316. John Reboutier, of	La Sale, 328.
317. Daniel Guerin, of	Sadorgnes, 329.
318. Laurens Aymard, of	Lezan, 330.
319. Guy Chavanon, of	Le Dignan, 331.
320. _____ _____ Robert, of	Vezenobres, 332.
321. _____ _____ Bouton, of	Alez, 333.
322. John Poussac, of	St. Paul, 334.

2. Colloquy of Sauve.
Pastors.	Churches.
323. Louis Guischard, of	Sauve, 335.
324. Louis Couraut, of	Lueissoe, 336.
325. Guissart, of	Combas, 337.
326. Daniel Lorand, of	Dufort, 338.
327. Esaiah Lorand, of	Concairal, 339.
328. Joseph Pouyade, of	St. Hipolyte, 340.
329. _____ _____ Lelat, of	Monoblet, 341.
330. Henry Lacombe, of	La Cadiere, 342.
331. _____ _____ Du Bruët, of	Granges, 343.
332. Samuel Blare, of	Samene, 344.
333. _____ _____ Tubere, of	Mandagourt, 345.
334. John Surville, of	Le Vigan, 346.
335. Moses La Combe, of	St. Laurence & Montdardier, 347.
336. John Nouis, of	Aulas, 348.
337. _____ _____ Guillaumene, of	Auze, 349.
338. James Berlier, of	Breu, 350.
339. Peter de Dieu, of	Aumassas, 351.
340. _____ _____ Villaret, of	Vallarogues, 352.
341. Anthony Vincent, of	Meirnez, 353.
342. Francois du Mas, and	both destitute of Church.
343. La Coste,
5. Colloquy of St. Germain.
Pastors.	Churches.
344. Graigner, of	St. Germain, 354.
345. John Barzan, of	St. Stephens, 355.
346. _____ _____ Pascal, of	St. Roman & Val Francesque. 356.
347. Henry Guischard, of	Le Collet, 357.
348. _____ _____ Pontier, of	Castagnols, 358.
349. Paul Ivo, of	Le Pont Montrueil, 359.
350. Sauvage, of	Bapre, 360.
351. _____ _____ Guissart, of	St. Croix, 361.
352. Barba, of	St. Andrew Valborgne, 362.
353. Pelet de la Carriere, of	St. Julian, 363.
354. _____ _____ De la Bastide, of	Saumane, 364.
355. Simon de Villars, of	St. Hillary, 365.
356. Tubert, of	Le Pompdoux, 366.
357. Repasseau, of	Forac, 367.
358. Roux, of	Marnejoles, 368.
359. Rouvre, of	Cassegnas, 369.
360. James du Mas, of	Vebron, 370.
361. _____ _____ Guyon, of	Brenoux, 371.
362. _____ _____ Dumas, of the Church at	Aumegnet 372.
363. Abraham de St. Loup, of	St. Marcell, 373.
364. Des Essars Emeritus, by reason of his great Age.

12. Province of Lower Guyenne.

1. The Colloquy of Lower Agenois.
Pastors.	Churches.
365. Daniel Ferrand,	Pastors of the Ch. of Bourdeaux, 374.
366. _____ _____ and Goyon,
367. Misaubin, and	Pastors of St. Foy, 375.
368. Constantin,

369. De Monceaux, of	Coutras, 376.
370. Bessotis, of	Moncard, 377.
371. _____ _____ Denis, of	Duras, 378.
372. Ricotier, of	Poujols & Rozan, 379.
Castets, 380.
Langon, 381.
Gironde, 382.
373. Cartier, of	Villeneufve & Theobon. 383.
374. Bordieu, of	La Sauvetat, 384.
375. Privas, of	Castillon, 385.
376. Pinet, of	Miramont, 386.
377. _____ _____ Renaud, of	Castelmoron, 387.
378. Abraham Darnazae, of	Gensac, 388.
379 _____ _____ Augier, of	Pellegrue, 389.
380. _____ _____ Gasey, of	Libourne, 390.
381. _____ _____ Planteau, of	Faussignac, 391.
2. Colloquy of Condomois.
Pastors.	Churches.
382. Vignier, and	Ministers of Nerac, 392.
383 Aaron Tinel,
384. D' Aubus, of	Montagnac, 393.
385. La Rivoir, of	Cannubin & Meillan, 394.
386. Boutet, Minister of	Coulonges, la Mas d'agenois, Vie∣fensesac & Montreal, 395.
387. _____ _____ Sauvage, of	Labardat & Fauquerolles, 396.
388. Du Luc, of	Castel jaloux, 397.
389. _____ _____ La Guchay, of	Monheur, 398.
390. Du Luc, of	Puch & Gontaut, 399.
391. D' Artigues, of	Monterabeaux, 400.
392. Duffau, of	Geaune, 401.
393. Laffite Solon, of	Hastingues, les Landes & Chalosse, 402.
3. Colloquy of Higher Agenois.
Pastors.	Churches.
394. John Alba, of	Agen, 403.
395. Abel Denis, of	Grateloup, 404.
396. Eraste de la Cave, of	Lasepede, 405.
397. D'aubos the younger, of	Monpron & Lustrac, 406.
298. Persy, of	Montflanquin, 407.
399. Bernardin, of the upper	Tonneins, 408.
400. Betoul, of the lower	Tonneins, 409.
401. Brinhol, of	Laparade, 410.
402. Sallettes, of	Gontaut & St. Berthommeau, 411.
403. Dozé, of	Tournon, 412:
404. John Costebadie, of	Clerac, 413.
405. Vanquelin, of	Pujols, 414.
406. Mathurin, of	Castelsagarat, 415.
407. La Barre, of	Castelmoron, 416.
408. Maures, of	Castelgrate, Combe & Montault, 417
409. Testas, of	Puymirol, 418.
410. Jarlan, of	Gavaudan, 419.

4. Colloquy of Perigord.
Pastors.	Churches.
411. Pyneau,	Ministers of Bergerac, 420.
412. Beaujardin,
413. Bereau,
414. Eymer, Minister of	Monpassier, Suirac, and Barbig∣nieres, 421.
415. Bereau, the younger, of	La Mongie, Isigiac & Ponpoit, 422:
416. Potet, Minister of	Eymet, 423.
417. DupuyMinister of	La Force, 424.
418. Freron, Minister of	Benac, 425.
419. Touton, Minister of	La Linde, & Badefol, 426.
420. Pages, Minister of	Monbazillac & Piles, 427.
421. La Tané, Minister of	Mussidan, 428.
422. Melan, of	Parriere, 429.
423. Boutin, of	Langurey & Cleraux, 430.
424. Chauveton,	Ministers of Sigoules, 431.
425. Pelon
426. Barthe, Jun. Minister of	Lisle, 432.
427. Baisse Laned, Minister of	Millevil & Bugol, 433.
428. Borduc, Minister of	Montignac & La Tagnac, 434.
429. 〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉	〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉
5. Colloquy of Limousin.
Pastors.	Churches.
429. Peter Huton, Minister of	Turennes, 435.
430. Barthe Sen. of	Limoges & Rochecouart, 436.
431.Barthe minimus natu, Minister of	Froignac & Chastiauneuf, 437.
432.Claude, Minister of	Beaulieu, 438.

13. Province of Dolphiny.

1. Colloquy of Gapensois.
Pastors.	Churches.
433. Samuel Charles, Minister of	Gap, 438.
434. Hugh Rollin, Minister of	Veines, 439.
435. Charles Desnau de la Croix, of	Orpierre, 440.
436. Andrew Serré, Minister of	Scoye, 441.
437. Benjamin Sausé, Minister of	Laraignac, 442.
438. Mark Felix, Minister of	Rozan, 443.
439. Joshua Ripert, Minister of	Valpronier, 444.
440. David Piffart, Minister of	St. Bonnett, 445.
441. John Bonnett, Minister of	Talard, 446.
2. Colloquy of Diois.
Pastors.	Churches.
442. John Aymin,	Ministers of Die, 447.
443. David Eustache,
444. Stephen le Blonc,
445. John Manuel, Minister of	Pontaix, 448.
446. John Gros, Minister of	Chastillon, 449.
447. James Matthew, Minister of	Beurieres, 450.
448. John Cherubin, Minister of	Beaufort, 451.
449. Raphael Gabet, Minister of	La Mote, 452.
450. Benjamin Vacher, Minister of	Quint & Paillant, 453.

3. Colloquy of Viennois.
Pastors.	Churches.
451. John Cuchet, Minister of	Chasteau Double, 454.
452. Peter Piffart, Minister of	Larbon; 455.
453. Michael Januier, Minister of	Beaurepair, 456.
454. Daniel Maillefand, Minister of	St. Marcelin, 457.
455. Peter Murat, Minister of	Romans, 458.
456. Isaac D'herrieu, Minister of	Pont in Royans, 459.
457. John Imbert, Minister of	Beaumont, 460.
4. Colloquy of Valle Luson.
Pastors.	Churches.
458. Samuel Clement, Minister of	Rouvré, 460.
459. Samuel Paschal, Minister of	Montoules, 461.
460. David Jourdain, Minister of	Fenestrelles, 462.
461. Peter Savrin, Minister of	Ʋxeaux, 463.
462. David Pastor, Minster of	Praguella, 464.
463. Phillebert de Joux, of	Chaumont, 465.
464. Thomas Comte, a Pastor,	Emeritus.
5. Colloquy of Graismaudan.
Pastors.	Churches.
465. Denis Routeroue,	Ministers of Grenoble, 466.
466. Francis Muret
467. David Millefaud, of	St. John d'Herans, 467.
468. Isaac Feraud, of	La Mure, 468.
469. David Gontier, of	Corp, 469.
470. Abraham Jourdain, of	Treminy, 470.
471. John Budelle, of	Menet, 471.
472. Bartholomew Durand, of	Clelses, 472.
473. Simeon Cony, of	Besses, 473.
474. John Terasson, of	Misson, 474.
Vif. 475.
Barraux, 476.
Espagne a Pastor	Emeritus.
6. Colloquy of Valentinois.
Pastors.	Churches.
475. Adrian Chamler, and	of Montlimard, 477.
476. Creguts,
477. Paul Guyon, of	Dieu le Fit, 478.
478. John de la Faye, of	Lauriol, 479.
479. Gervase Alexis, of	Livron, 480.
480. John de Gilliers, of	Bordeaux, 481.
481. Alexander Dizé, of	Crest, 482.
482. John Cordel, of	Manas, 483.
483. Sebastian Gray, of	Vesq, ••84.
7. Colloquy of the Baronny's.
Pastors.	Churches.
484. James Penichon, Lord of Cham∣brun, and	of Orange, 485.
485. David Sylvi••s,
486. Salomon Fauvré, of	Nions, 486.
487. Isaac Challier, of	St. Euphemia, 487.
488. Gabriel Boulle, of	Vinsohres, 488.
489. James Piolet, of	Condorcet, 489.
490. James Bouvier, of	St. Paul trois Chasteaux, 490.

491. Francois Valaneon, of	Toillignac, 491.
492. Gaspar Martin, of	Courtezan, 492.
493. George Mauguis, of	Tulette, 493.
Monbrun, 494.
8. Colloquy of Ambrunois.
Pastors.	Churches.
494. James Bailly, of	Ambrun, 494.
495. Daniel Bec, of	Mellines, 495.
496. Peter Bouvat, of	Aruyen, 496.
497. John Giraud, of	Abries, 497.
498. Daniel Sarret, of	Guillestre, 498.
499. Salomon Jallifier, of	Froissiniere, 499.
Chasteau Dauphin, 500.

14. Province of Normandy.

1. Colloquy of Rouen.
Pastors.	Churches.
500. David de Caux, Minister of	Ponteau de Mer, Quilleboeuf, Bois-roger, Honfleur & Pont L'evesque, 501.
501. John Maximilian de Lange, of	Rouen, 502.
502. David Primrose, and	of Rouen, 502.
503. Lucas Jence,
504. Peter Le Tellier, of	Eureux; 503.
505. John le Marchand, of	Gisors, 504.
2. Colloquy of Caux.
Pastors.	Churches.
506. Abdias de Mondenis,	of Dieppe, 505.
507. Peter Laquel, and
508. Louis de Forquinbergue,
509. James de la Rey, of	Bosebec, and Lutd 506.
510. John de la Motte, of	Ivitot, 507.
511. David Guelode, of	Fescamp, 508.
412. John Boudouins, of	La Havre de Grace, 509.
513. David Hebert, of	Baqueville, Lislebaeuf & Live∣roy, 510.
3. Colloquy of Caén.
Pastors.	Churches.
514. Peter Bayeux, of	Bussy, 511.
515. Mark Maurice, of	Veez, 512.
516. Stephen le Sage, of	St. Vaast, 513.
517. John de Belle Hache, Lord of Beaumont,	of Caén, 514.
518. John Bridou, and
519. Samuel Bochart,
520. John Topin, of	Frevieres, Coulombieres & les Effars, 515.
521. Anthony Basnage, of	Bayeux, 516.
522. Peter Basnage, his Son,	Destitute of a Church.
4. Colloquy of Constantin.
Pastors.	Churches.
523. Benjamin Basnage, of	Sle Mere Eglise, 517.
524. Anthony Philippomeau, and	of Pont Oyson & Dusé, 518.
525. Charles Giorn.

526. Ionachin le Moyne, Minister of	Gavré & Cerisy, 519.
527. Isaac de Ve••emes, of	Chefresnos, 520.
528. Luke Pavoquett, of	Fontenay & Chassanay, 521.
529. Michael Caru, of	St. Loo, 522.
530. James Lohier, of	Groussy, 523.
531. David le Bourgeois, of	La Hay du Puy, 524.
5. Colloquy of Alenson.
Pastors.	Churches.
532. Paul Baudart, of	Mongouert, 525.
533. Louis Heraut, and	Ministers of Alanson, 526.
534. Matthem Bochart,
535. Stephen Le Prevost, Lof Buisson, of	Courtaumer, L'aigle & Sees, 527
536. Stephen le Foience, of	Croissy & Fontaine Meinil, 528.
6. Colloquy of Falaise.
Pastors.	Churches.
537. Peter Baudrin, of	Moulins & Mesuier, 529.
538. Noel Gassat, of	St. Silvain & St. Pierre on the Dine, 530.
539. John Blanchard, of	Vires & Condé, 531.
540. James Tinard, of	La 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 532.
541. Benjamin du Clos, of	Fala••••e & la Motte, 533
Peter Morin, Lord of Launay, a Pastor	Emeritus.

15. Province of Higher Languedoc, and Lower Guyenne.

1. Colloquy of Lower Quercy.
Pastors.	Churches.
542. Le Voyer, of	Senencrie & Cajare, 534.
543. La Roche, of	Cardaillac & Figeac, 535.
544. Candris, of	La Tronquiere, 536.
545. Bonnefons, of	St. Sere & Issenac, 537.
2. Colloquy of Higher Quercy.
Pastors.	Churches.
546. Peter Beraud,	Ministers of Montauban, 538.
547. Peter Ollier,
548. Peter Charles,
549. Timothy de Long,
550. Anthony Garissoles,
551. Le Grand, of	Caussade, 539.
552. Verdier, of	Negrepelisse, 540.
553. Cruniel, of	Bourniquel, 541.
554. Moynéer, of	St. Lehofaire, 542.
555. Abel Bicheteau, of	Mensac, 543.
556. Bardon, of	St. Antein, 544.
557. Mark Montaine, of	Albias, 545.
558. Reynault, of	Realville, 546.
559. Bourdin, of	Verlac, 547.
3. Colloquy of Albigeois.
Pastors.	Churches.
560. Peter Sauris,	Ministers of Castres, 548.
561. Paul Charles,
562. Josiah Daneau,
563. Peter Combelasse, of	Realmont, Vene, la Fenasse, & Lombeis, 549.

564. John Balarand, Minister of	La Hangle, 550.
565. John Stephen Balarand, of	La Cauve, 551.
566. Nathanael Nadal, of	Castelnau & Sableirolles, 552.
567. John Grassett, of	Viaine, Gigomes, & la Capelle, 553.
Descroux, 554.
Senaux, 555.
568. Joseph Grassett, of	Briaste & St. Paul de la Miat∣te, 556.
569. David-Vignier, of	Rouquecourt, Monpignier & la Bessiere, 557.
570. Tercise Grau, of	Caze, Sengaste & Plaisance, 558.
571. Francois Regail, of	Vabres & Ferrieres, 559.
572. Jacob Audebert, of	Brassac & Aubais, 560.
573. Stephen Carries, of	La Cabarede & la Bastide, 561.
574. John Maillebron, of	Montredon, 562.
575. Peter Baschet, of	Paulin & Teillet, 563.
576. _____ _____ Raisart, of	La Vaoute, 564.
577. Honorus Ligonnier, of	La Croissette, 565.
578. Philip Nautonnier, of	Esperance & Berlatte, 566.
4. Colloquy of Armagnac.
Pastors.	Churches.
579. Matthew de Tiffier, of	Mauvesin, 568.
580. Stephen Rigault, of	Lisle Joudain, 569.
581. John Tourron, of	Puy Casquettes, and its annexed Congregations, 570.
582. Isaac du Mas, of	Masgravier & Lestoure, 571.
5. Colloquy of Rouergus.
Pastors.	Churches.
583. Isaac du Teil, and	Ministers of Milhaud, Cressel, & Senerat, 572.
584. Peter Bonnefons,
585. John Gerard, of	St. Africque & Vicquion, 573.
586. Samuel de Jacques, of	St. Baulise, St. Paul, Cormis, & St. Phelix, 574.
587. Philip Marroules, of	Peaux, & Pont de Montrodets, Montagnac & Brusque, 575.
588. Peter Marroules, of	St. Rome de Tarn, Auriac, & les Ribais, Roquetaillade, de St. Rome, & Cernon, 576.
589. Balthazar Jacques, of	St. John du Brueil, Montmejeau, & Dourbie, 577.
Anthony Remirol, a Pastor,	Emeritus.
6. Colloquy of Lauragais.
Pastors.	Churches.
590. Peter Espinasse, of	St. Amard, Villemage & Ville∣moindre, 578.
591. Moses Baux, of	Mazamet, Hautpoul & Pont de Lart, 579.
592. Abel Vialla, of	Auxillon, Aiguefonde, St. Abby & Cancellare, 580.
593. John Bonnefons, of	Puy Laurens & Pechandier, 581.
594. Paul Gaillard, of	Rouvel & Palleville, 582.
595. Peter Cazail, of	Goreze & Massaquel, 583.
596. Philip Laraysse, of	Carmaigny, 584.
The Church of St. Paul and D'aunnatte, is destitute of a Pastor.

7. Colloquy of Foix.
Pastors.	Churches.
597. John Ollier, Minister of	Mas D'azil, Gauré, & la Bour, 585.
598. John Morsallan, of	Camebade, 586.
599. Joseph de la Fontayne, of	Carlat Savarat, 587.
600. Paul Gausides, of	Mazé & Caumont, 588.
601. Laurens Rival, of	Saverdun, 589.
602. Charles Bourdin, of	La Bastide Leyreau, Betats, & Limozac, 590.

16. Province of the Isle of France.

1. Colloquy of Paris.
Pastors.	Churches.
603. Michael le Faucheur,	of Paris, 591.
604. John Mestrezat,
605. 〈1 span left blank〉〈1 span left blank〉 Aubertin,
606. John Daillé,
607. Charles Drelincourt,
608. Stephen le Blanc, L. of Beaulieu, of	Senlis, 592.
609. John Perreaux, of	Meaux, 593.
610. Peter du Prat, of	Liesy, 594.
611. Isaac de Nagentel, of	Chasteau Thierry & Sarponay, 595.
612. Ferdinand de Pied, of	Fontayrbleau, 596.
613. David Bloudel, of	Rouss••▪ 597.
614. John Miqueau, of	Toquin & Galandes, 598.
615. Peter Belot, of	Amain, Villiers, & Claye, 599.
616. John Sueur, of	La Ferte on the Jouaire, 600.
2. Colloquy of Picardy.
Pastors.	Churches.
617. John Baptiste,	Ministers of Calais, 601.
618. Peter Cartier,
619. Buguet,
620. Francois Becade,
621. Ezechiel de Avois, of	Boulonois, 602.
622. Peter Poynet, of	Amieus, 603.
623. Daniel Boucherel, of	Cifemont, 604.
624. Claudius le Vineux, of	Chauny & Coussy, 605.
625. John Mestayer, of	St. Quentin, 606.
626. Paul Georges, of	Laon, 607.
627. Peter Lambour, of	Leval & Gercy, 608.
628. John Nicollay, of	Compiegne, 609.
3. Colloquy of Champagne.
Pastors.	Churches.
629. Benjamin Augenet,	Ministers of Vini in Champenois, 610.
630. Simon Gascher,
631. Benjamin Massin, of	Chaalons, 611.
632. John Pasquet, of	Espance, 612.
633. Honorius de Candemere, of	Netancour, 613.
634. John Rainet, of	Langres, 614.
635. Samuel de la Cloche, of	Aychastelnay, 615.
636. Abraham Jacquelot, of	Sezame, 616.
637. Sigebert Alpeé, of	St. Mars, 617.
638. Aaron Blondel, of	Jinecour, 618.
639. Isaac Juigné, of	Vassy, 619.

640. John Carre, Minister of	Heiz le Mauron, 620.
4. Colloquy of the Land of Chartres.
Pastors.	Churches.
641. Louis de Forquembergue, of	Houdan, 621.
642. Louis Foulé, of	Laons & Faviers, 622.
643. Philip Falbergue, of	Chartres & Joinvilliers, 623.
644. Benjamin Tricotel, of	Mantes & Auvergne, 624.
645. Maurice de Lauberaut,	of Le Plessis & la Jorville, 625.
646. Dablon de Montigny,
647. James Couronne, of	Autun, 626.

The end of the Catalogue of the Pastors of the Churches of France and Bearn, as it was brought into the Seven and Twentieth National Synod of Alanson, in the year, 1637.

Hereafter follow divers Acts and Letters, which were not in∣serted into the Body of the Acts of this Synod; but, for the com∣pleating of its History, are in this place Registred and Related.

CHAP. XXIV. The Speech made by Monsieur Ferrand, Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux, Deputed by the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France, Assembled at Alanson, the 27th. of May, 1637. unto His Majesty.

SIRE,

IF the Rivers having their Source from the Ocean, do return again with their Tribute to it, 'tis much more Just and Reasonable that Your most Humble and most Obedient Subjects, the Ministers and Elders As∣sembled by Your Authority in a National Synod, should come and render into Your Royal Bosom, the Profound Resentments and Eternal Thank∣fulness of their Souls for those numberless Favours they have received, and do still enjoy by Your Majesty's, most Gracious Protection, and Royal Liberality; which being superadded to those Duties of our Birth and Conscience, do so bind us unto Subjection, Fidelity and Obedience to Your Commands, that no future Events can or will be able to dissolye or cut them asunder. These, Sire, be the Loyal Protestations of those that sent us, who desire nothing more, than to Engrave in the hearts of Your most Dutiful Subjects of our Religion, the Holy Maxims of an inviola∣ble and Religious Obedience. For we, Sire, are those very Persons who Believe, and Teach, that the Royal Authority is not of Humane, but Di∣vine Institution, unto which every Soul ought to be Subjected; and we are those who Believe and Teach the Sovereignty and Independency of Your Crown, which, resembling those higher Mountains, whose Lofty Heads being exalted above the middle Region of the Air, are never frighted with Thunders nor Lightnings. No, Sire, You hold it from God only,

and it is solely depending on him, and You are next in Power unto him, the Sun of this Heaven, the Soul of this vast Body, the Heart of this Gallick Monarchy. Yea, Sire, once more, we be those very Persons, who next unto the Service of our God, have no greater Motive nor Principle, than the Conservation and Augmentation of Your Majesty's Grandeur; and these are our daily Vows and Prayers unto God, Your Majesty being his most lively Image: And therefore, Sire, we are em∣boldned to hope for Freedom of Access unto Your Majesty, because our God loveth to be importuned with our Supplications, and that Your Majesty will not reject these most Humble Petitions which are laid at Your Majesty's Feet, with all imaginable Respect by many thousands of Souls, who desire the Liberty of their Conscience and Religion, for none other end, than that by serving God, they may also the self-same instant de∣mand of him in their Prayers for Your Majesty, a most immovable Prosperity, a long Reign, a most Happy Life, a most Faithful Council, Victorious Triumphant Armies, and an innumerable People going and coming at the first beck and motion of Your Majesty. Sire, This Liber∣ty shall never be abused by Your most Humble Subjects of the Reformed Religion, unto Licentiousness; no, Sire, they will imploy it as they have always done, in Prayers and Fastings, when as the precious Life of Your most Sacred Majesty, lay exposed to all Hazards and Dangers (a Life upon which depends all the Lives of Your Kingdom) and You were Jeoparding it in the high places of the Field, to acquire unto Your Sub∣jects a durable Repose and Tranquility. And forasmuch as Your Ma∣jesty's Sword is ever Glorious and Invincible against Strangers; May it please Your Majesty to suffer us to form our Complaints against those, who endeavour at home, in the very Bowels of France, to render Your Edicts Illusory, and do blunt the Point, and dull the Edge of Your Laws relating to our Liberties and Subsistence, which are all founded upon the Observation of Your Edicts and Royal Commissions. The Adversaries envying our Peace, have made an infinite number of Gaps and Breaches in them. Yet nevertheless, Sire, we perswade our selves, that Your Edicts will remain Sacred and Inviolable, and that Your Powerful Hand will cause the words of Your Royal Mouth, to be exactly and punctually performed; because you be the Judge and Father of Your People, and that in Your Sacred Person, Justice and Mercy shall Kiss and Embrace each other; that so none may attempt to put asunder what our God hath joyned together. This Hope replenisheth our Hearts with Joy, and doth more ardently excite our Affections to pay unto Your Majesty all the Duties of Subjection and Loyalty; and with inflamed Devotions we Address our selves to the Divine Majesty, that he would inlarge the Bounds of Your Empire, and accomplish all the desires of Your Royal Heart, as being,

Sire,

of Your Majesty, the most Humble, and the most Obedient Servants and Subjects, the Pastors and Elders Assembled in the National Synod, by Your Gracious Permission, at Alanson, and in the Name of them all.

• Basnage, Moderator of the Synod.
• D. Couppe, Assessor.
• D. Blondel, Scribe, and
• De Launay, Scribe.

CHAP. XXV. 2. Instructions given unto Monsieur Ferrand, Gigord, and Cerisy, Deputed unto the King by the National Synod Assembled by His Majesty's Permission at Alanson, 1637.

THe Sieurs, Ferrand, Gigord, and Cerisy, Deputed by us unto the Court, immediately upon their Arrival, shall wait upon Monsieur de la Vrilliere Secretary of State, to whom they shall deliver our Let∣ters, and assure him of our most humble Services; and shall intreat him that by his means, they may, as soon as possible, have the Honour of waiting upon, and Saluting His Majesty, and Present Him with the Let∣ters of this Assembly, and shall follow His Orders when, and after what manner they ought and may speak unto the King, and to the Lord Cardinal, and to the Lord Chancellor. And having paid their Duties to the King, the Lord Cardinal, and to our Lord the Principal Ministers of State, they shall give them to understand with what Respect and Thank∣ful Acknowledgments we have received from the mouth of the Lord de St. Marc, His Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly, those assurances given us in His Majesty's Name for preserving us the Privilege of His Edicts, and to continue to us His Royal Favours.

But they shall not conceal, that all the Members of this Assembly were exceedingly surprized and astonished, that immediately after those afore∣said Assurances given us by the Lord Commissioner, he made such Propo∣sals to them, as had no agreement at all with these Promises of His Majesty's good Will unto us; as when He declared, That he was charged by the King, to forbid all Ministers to serve their annexed Congregations, which tends to the utter Ruine of the far greatest part of our Churches, and depriveth a vast multitude of the Professors of our Religion of their Spiritual Consolation.

As also when he propounded as from the King, That it was his Majesty's desire, That we should ratisie Baptism Administred by Midwifes, and others, who have no Call so to do, which is formally contrary to our Belief.

They shall also insist on this, That His Majesty be acquainted, and from their own Mouths, with that Rigorous Decree of the Council, concerning the hanging forth of Tapistry, and Adorning of our Houses on that Festival which they call by the Name of The Holy. This be∣ing a matter directly contrary to the Edicts, made in our Favour.

They shall take care also, to Petition our Lord the Cardinal, and the Lords of the Council; and especially the Lord de Buillon, That they would be pleased to supply this Assembly with Moneys for the defraying of our Charges and Expences, during the Sessions thereof, as hath been always accustomed to be done by His Majesty. And the rather, because for a very long time, notwithstanding His Majesty's Promise, we have not received one Farthing of His Bounteous Liberality.

The Assembly leaveth it to the Prudence of these our said Deputies, either to prolong or shorten their abode at Court, according to the Suc∣cess of their Negotiation; and they be ordered to acquaint us upon all occasions, of what is necessary to be done by us.

CHAP. XXVI. 3. Monsieur Ferrand's Speech made unto my Lord the Cardinal, Duke of Richelieu.

My Lord,

SIth that in our days, and under the Incomparable Wisdom of Your Go∣vernment, Peace and Justice are so Gloriously preserved, that the Greatest Monarch of the Ʋniverse, is not only known to be the Just King, but also the King of the Just, by the strict Observation of His Edicts and Sacred Orders; The Ministers and Elders Assembled in a National Synod under the Favourable Authority of His Majesty, and the Good Counsels of Your Eminency, have took the Boldness to send us unto His Majesty, as to the Common Father of His Subjects, to render to Him Their most unfeigned Thanks, and to Present Him Their most Humble Requests, and in all Humility to demand His Royal Protection against those Violences, which do every day Rob and Spoil us of His Favours; and have most expresly charged us, to Implore on this Account, the Succours and Assi∣stance of Your Eminency: And that Experience we have formerly had here∣of, filleth our Hearts with Hopes for the future; Because the Stedfastness of God and the King's Word, are visible in the Face of Your Eminency, You being Their most lively Protraiture. We cannot be ignorant, My Lord, That Your Eminency is that Intelligence who moves this admirable Monar∣chy with the greatest Regularity; That Assistant Spirit of this Great Body, which heretofore was like one of the Floating Islands, but now Your most Admired Conduct hath bound it so▪ fast with the Chains of the Royal Autho∣rity, that in the Greatest and most Astonishing Tempests it abideth firm and immovable. And, it will be with France as with the Land of Licia, which tho' subject unto Storms, and dreadful Earthquakes, yet no sooner are those Tempestuous Winds, which caused them, dissipated, but that the Inha∣bitants thereof, do enjoy for Forty Days together, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most Wonderful Calm and Tranquility; but these days of our Tranquility shall be Prophetical, a Year for a Day; and may Your Eminency's Life be prolonged to a full Century of those Years! And we do protest in the Presence of God, that we own our selves bound Eternally to Obey His Majesty, by the Laws of our Birth, and Conscience, and for His Majesty's Favours continually ac∣cumulated upon us. And therefore we do Address our Prayers without intermission, unto the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth, that he would be pleased to keep his Anointed as the Apple of his Eye, His Majesty be∣ing the very Heart and Life of His Kingdom; and that he would take from our days to add unto His, and to add unto Yours also, My Lord, whom we reckon next to God and the King, our surest Sanctuary; hoping for some Rays and Beams of Your Eminency's good Will to be imparted to us, that may quicken us under those disconsolating Troubles with which we are menaced, and be a most meet and proper Remedy for those Afflicting Evils, which press in sore upon us from every part and quarter of the Land; And Your Eminency's Reward for this signal goodness of Yours, extended to us, will be the continuance of that Glory You have most justly acquired in all Christendom; and we shall beg of God in our Prayers, and may the Divine Majesty actually fullfil them, to pour down upon Your Emi∣nency, an abundant Confluence of his best Blessings, and that we may obtain this Consolation to be believed by Your Eminency, that with all sincerity of Heart and Soul, we are,

My Lord,

Your Eminency's most Humble and most Obedient Servants,

• Banage, Moderator of the Synod,
• Coupe, As∣sessor,
• Blondel and
• de Launay, Scribes.

CHAP. XXVII. A Copy of the Bill of Grievances presented unto His Majesty, by the Sieurs, Ferr and, Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux, Gigord, Pastor of the Church of Montpellier, and De Cerisy, an El∣der Deputed by the National Synod of Alanson, May the 7th. 1637. unto the King.

SIRE.

THe Deputies of Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion, Assem∣bled by Your Majesty's Permission, in a National Synod at Alanson, do most Humbly Petition, That according to Your wonted Goodness and Justice continued to them, You would be pleased to vouchsafe us the enjoyment of Your Edicts, and Declarations of Peace, which have to their very great prejudice been broken and violated in every Article, and particularly in divers places of Your Kingdom; nor can we get our Da∣mages repaired, nor Your Edicts, or Declarations executed; although Your Majesty had granted it for the greater part of them, in those An∣swers made by Your Gracious Majesty, unto our most Humble Bill of Grievances, which we tender'd to Your Majesty in the year One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Five.

1. And although that by the Edicts of Peace, and the Answers made by Your Majesty unto our Bills of Grievances in the year 1625. You were pleased to Grant Your Petitioners, That the Exercise of our Religion should be restored in all those places in which it had been settled by the Edict of Nantes, and was in actual being in the year 1620. and that to this purpose, Commissioners had been appointed to see unto its performance; yet nevertheless, we could never get their Commission executed, no not in those places hereafter mentioned in our Bill of Grievances, tho' they were expressed by name in it, viz. Gergeau, Bourgueil, Surgeres, Le Poire, Lu••on, Beret, Coulorges, Les Reaux, St. Malxier, Belleville, Argenton, Beaumont, Letoure, Figeac, Cadenac, Cressol, Foix, Belestat, Lassegue, Lombais, Arligat, Senerat, Bousse, Villefort, Moulaur, Vande∣mian, Villeman, Poussan, Gignac, St. Paragoire, St. Gilles, Geneirac, Bagnals, Digne, Forqualquier, Monfort, Bourbon, L'auriac, and Autun; In all which places Your Majesty is most humbly Petitioned, to cause that Your Will be punctually performed according to Your Answer made and declared upon our Bill of Grievances, and as it is also most expresly and plainly Promised us by the 5th. and 6th. Articles of Your Edict at Nismes, in the Month of July, 1629. Your Majesty then Enacting a Speedy and Real Restitution of the Exercise of our Religion in those places before-mentioned.

2. And whereas the Exercise of our Religion hath been removed by the Wickedness and Violence of those Troublesome times, which have interven'd ever since the year 1626, from divers other places, where it was formerly Established, and that according to the Edicts, as at Virtuell, Teré, La Jarrie, Lalea, L'hommeau, Nievil, Marsilly, Rieux, Le Cha∣steau St. Pié, St. Denis, Le Chasteau D'Oleron, La Flotte, St. Martin, Ards, Loie, and other places of the Isles of Oleron and Ré, Les Herbiers, Moun∣tagu, La Chaume, Louzac, Mortaigne, Saujon, L'Isle Bouchard, Le Croisil, Mazin, Mont de Marsan, Saux in Condomois, Gavandan, Millanén Albret, St. Leger, St. Bazille, Coutras, Florensac, Pamiers, Puymirol, Ribauté,

Combas, Aubenas, Valz, Mirabel, Véllenefue of Berg, Dijon, Burg in Bresse, Paray le Moineau, Corbigny, Navarreins, Benejat, and Ossins; Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned, to give Order, That the Exer∣cise of our Religion may be restored immediately without delay, and that You would be pleased to prohibit all disturbing of us Your Subjects, who do profess it, for the future.

3. And forasmuch as it hath been a perpetual practice in our Churches, for divers Pastors of this Your Kingdom to Exercise their Ministry, as still they do, in several Neighbour places, where the free Exercise of our Religion hath been Established by Your Edicts, and this by the Authority of Colloquies and Synods; and for some times of late, even in the very presence of Commissioners nominated by Your Majesty to assist perso∣nally at them, who never made any Opposition against it. We do most Humbly Petition Your Majesty, That we may be left in the free Possession of this our Practice, which was never forbidden by any Edicts of Your Majesty's Royal Predecessors, nor of Your Own; and that all Prohibi∣tions to the contrary may be revoked, whether made unto us by those Commissioners, who have of late assisted in our Provincial and National Synods, or Decreed in the late Extraordinary Sessions by the new Judges, or by Your Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council, where none of our Religion could ever be admitted to Declare and Defend our Right.

4. And whereas Your Majesty was pleased in consideration of our Bill of Grievances presented to Your Majesty in the year 1625, to or∣dain that the Churches and the Yards (wherein we bury our Dead, which have been taken away from those of our Religion in these following places, Lunel, Sommieres, Florensac, Le Vigan, Mazillargues, Villemur, St. Antonia, and Puymirol) should be restored, and that they should be permitted to re-build their Temples in the same places, which had been accorded us by the Edict; none of which Ordinances of Your Majesty, have been in the least Executed; yea, since this, it hath so fallen out, that the Churches and Church-yards of Vitte Goudon, of Castres, St. Affrick, St. Gelais, Valz, Vallon, Aubenas, St. Estienne in Forest, Senes, and divers other places in Aunix, the Isle of Ré, and Province of Burgundy, have been forcibly taken away and detained from us, and the Building of our Temples, at La Motte of Argues and Caumont, is quite obstructed; we therefore do most humbly beseech Your Majesty to continue unto us that Royal Favour You had before Granted us by Your Edicts, and by Your Gracious Promise upon the Reading of our aforesaid Bill of Grievances, and that You would according to it Ordain, that the aforesaid Churches and Church-yards may be rendered and restored in all those places before∣mentioned, and that Your Majesty would be pleased to forbid all Trou∣bling of us in the Re-buildng and Re-establishing of them, and parti∣cularly at Aubenas, where the Inhabitants are constrained to bury their Dead in the wide Fields, and they will not suffer any more than three persons to accompany the poor Corps unto that uncouth Grave neither.

5. Your most Humble Subjects of the Religion in the Town of Alan∣son, according to the 9th. and 10th Articles of the Edict, and the Or∣dinance of your Commissioners Deputed for its Execution, ratified by Decree of the Council, July the 4th. 1603, having Built their Temple in the said Town above Thirty years ago, are yet notwithstanding, troubled and disturbed, partly by the Clergy, and partly by the Roman Catholick Inhabitants there, who have caused them to be cited before the Lord Tiersaux, who forbids them to continue the Preaching of God's Holy Word in that Town, and the Suburbs thereof; as also, that they shall not bury their Dead in the Church-yard of St. Blazy, nor in

the Suburbs of the said Town; and although Your Majesty was pleased at their earnest Petition, to cause the said Prosecution to cease, by a De∣cree of Your Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council, Dated the 13th. of May last; yet notwithstanding, they are again Prosecuted by a new Summons to appear before Your Privy-Council; from which appearance Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to discharge them, and to for∣bid all persons for the future, to trouble or disquiet them in the Posses∣sion of their said Temple, or place of Burying.

6. And whereas the Lords, Millette and de Brosses, Commissioners appointed by Your Majesty, for Executing the said Edict in the Baily∣wick of Gex, had ordained places of Burial for those of the said Religion in that Bailywick, unto which Ordinance the Lord Bishop of the Dio∣cess, and the Roman Catholick Inhabitants there, did give their free and full Consent, which also was confirmed by a Decree of Your Majesty's Privy-Council, December the 13th. 1612. yet nevertheless, the Lord Machant, Intendant of Justice in the Province of Burgundy, without once hearing any of the Parties concerned, hath by his own private Orders of the 15th. of March, 1636. and by some others of another Date, not only Deprived them of the Burying-place, but also will not so much as allow those of the Reformed Religion in that Bailywick, to share in any of the Common Moneys or Hospitals thereof. Wherefore we most Hum∣bly beseech Your Majesty to cause those Orders of the said Lord Machant to surcease, and to be disannull'd, and to Ordain, that Your aforesaid Subjects in the Bailywick of Gex, may be supported in the Possession of their Burying-place, and in the Ancient enjoyment of their Common Moneys, and Common Hospitals, and of all other Privileges contained in the Edict.

7. In divers places of Your Kingdom Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion, are forced and compelled to act many things contrary to the Li∣berty of their Consciences, granted them by Your Edicts; particularly to hang out Tapistry before their Houses, or to adorn them with some kind of Ornaments on some peculiar Holy Days, although the Third Article of the particular ones in the Edict of Nantes, doth only oblige them to suffer that it be done by others, and that too by the Authority of the Local Officers; nor are they bound to contribute any thing there∣unto. However, your poor Subjects, for refusing to do thus against their Consciences, are condemned in very great Fines at Rennes and Vitre, by a Decree of the Parliament of Brittaine; and the same was lately Ordered in a Judicial Sentence given by the Privy-Council, and signified to the Attorney of the Exchequer at Claye. Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly beseeched to Maintain and Preserve Your Subjects of our Reli∣gion in the Liberty of their Consciences as to these matters, according to your Edicts, and to discharge them of all Fines and Sums of Money, to the payment whereof, they have been condemned on this account.

8. By the Second Article of particular matters of the Edict of Nantes, and by Your Majesty's Answer to the Fourth Article of the Bill of Grievances Presented to You by Your Subjects of the Reformed Reli∣gion, in July, 1625. it was expresly declared, That none of them should be compelled to contribute towards the Repair, or Building of Churches, Chappels, or Priests Houses, nor to the buying of Coapes and Surplices, Ornaments of Mass-Priests, Lights, Founding of Bells, Holy Bread, Rights of Fraternities, nor to the Rent of Houses for Priests, or Religious persons to dwell in, or such like matters; yet notwithstanding John Ozier of Harsleur, hath been Condemned by a Decree of the Parliament of Normandy, to pay unto a Fraternity: As also by another such Decree of the Parliament of Bourdeaux, contrary to that of the

Court of Agen, the Heirs of Charles Motty inhabiting in the City of Bourdeaux have been compelled to pay yearly Contributions unto the Fraternity of the Trade of the Deceased; And those of the Church of St. Ambroise, to pay for the Rent of that House, where the Divine Service after the Mode of the Romish Catholick Church is Solemnized, and those of Souve and Peyrols in the Sevennes, by an Order only of the Praesidial Court of Nismes, and those of Séynes in Provence, to the Building of the Vicaridge Houses and Churches there. Your Majesty is therefore most Humbly Petitioned, to Maintain and Preserve Your Petitioners in. the Liberty of their Consciences, and to Abrogate and Disannul according to the Edicts, those Condemnatory Decrees issued out against them on this account.

9. By the 18th. Article of the Edict of Nantes, all persons, of whatsoever Quality they be, are forbidden to entice, or to take away by force, Children from their Parents, professing our Religion, that they may be Baptized or Confirmed in the Romish Catholick Church, on pain of being punished exemplarily. And yet notwithstanding in divers quarters of your Kingdom Children are violently and by main force ravish'd and taken away from their poor afflicted Parents, to be Baptized and Educated against their Wills in the Religion of the Romish Church; and particularly the Daughter of one Redon an Apothecary, living at Mayniers, and the Child of Giles Connan, being but two years and eight months old, was by the Nuns of Antrigues enticed away from her Mother, and by downright violence de∣tained in their Nunnery, notwithstanding all her cries and importunities to recover her. Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned, to cause that Your Subjects of the said Reformed Religion, may enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences with security, according as it hath been granted them even in this point by Your Edicts, and to cause the Violaters of them to be punished according to Law.

10. By the 13th. Article of the Edict of Nantes, and by the 38 of particular Matters, the Professors of our Religion are permitted to have publick Schools in those Towns and Places where the Exercise of our Religion is allowed. Yet notwithstanding, in divers places where their Schools and Colleges be established according to these very Articles, of the Edict of Nantes, they be disturbed in their Possession of them, yea, notwithstanding that Explication given of them by Your Majesty, in Your Answer to our Bill of Complaint, Presented to You by our Depu∣ties, Approved and Accepted by Your Self, July the 13th. 1621, where∣in Your Majesty did expresly declare, That by the Edict it is permitted to those of the said Religion, to establish Colleges in those Towns and Places where they enjoy the Exercise of their Religion; and Your Majesty did Grant the very self-same Privileges unto these our Colleges, which are enjoyed by the Colleges Erected, Received, and Approved in this Kingdom. Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned, to for∣bid all persons whatsoever, the interrupting or disturbing those of our Re∣ligion in the Possession and Enjoyment of those Schools, Colleges, and Universities aforesaid, which Your Majesty had formerly Granted by Your Letters Patents, and Decrees of Council unto the Towns of Nerac and Coignac, and other places, notwithstanding all Judgments, Orders, and Decrees, and other matters contrary thereunto. And Your Majesty is most Humbly beseeched, that they may be all Abrogated and Disannull'd.

11. The Lords Carlincas and de Lagett, Commissioners Deputed by Your Majesty, to divide the Colleges of Languedoc, which are of Royal Foundation, not being contented to have satisfied the Tenor of their Commission, they would also take Cognizance of the Theological Uni∣versity

of Nismes, maintained by those of the Reformed Religion: And it so happened, that the Lord of Carlincas a Roman Catholick, hath by a Decree of his own, interdicted it, without so much as hearing any of the Parties concerned; and on the contrary, the Lord of Lagett hath Judged and Decreed, That it ought to subsist according to the Edicts: All which Orders and Decrees having been sent unto Your Majesty's most Honourable Privy-Council; although we had not the least notice, nor inti∣mation of it, there is a Decree issued forth simply without any Restriction, confirming the Decree of the Lord Carlincas, to the Prejudice of that Liberty granted us by Your Edicts. Your Majesty is most Humbly Pe∣titioned to cause the said Decree to be Vacated and Repealed, and in Fa∣vour of Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion at Nismes, to Ordain, That their Theological University may stand upon the same Grounds with that of Montauban, both being of the same nature, and this accor∣ding to a Decree of Your Council pass'd on their behalf.

12. By Your Majesty's Edicts, and as it is always practised in the Exe∣cution of them; yea, and by Your Answer to the Third Article of our Bill of Grievances presented to Your Majesty in July, 1625. all Pro∣fessors of our Religion; yea, and our Ministers themselves were allowed to dwell and inhabit in any part of your Kingdom. Yet notwithstanding now-a-days, our Ministers cannot be permitted to dwell in divers places, as in Aubenas, Mezin, Saux, Villefranque, Corbigny, and other places, from which our said Ministers have been driven away, which is contrary to your Edicts. Your Majesty therefore is most Humbly Petitioned, to ordain according to your Edicts that our Ministers aforesaid, and all others of our Religion may be suffered to dwell and inhabit freely and quietly in all places of Your Majesty's Dominion.

13. And divers others, tho' not Ministers, are, meerly out of hatred to their Religion, every day vexed and afflicted, as in Your Towns of Bourg, Aubenas, La Voute, Chaalons in Burgundy, and in sundry other places, from whence poor Tradesmen are partly by Threats and partly by actual Violence offered to them, driven away, directly contrary to the Authority and the very Letter, and plain words of Your Edicts. And Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested to Order, That they may enjoy the benefit of them, and to enjoyn Magistrates and all other persons, to observe on their behalf, the first of the Particular Articles of the Edict of Nantes.

14. By the 45. Article of Particular Matters in the Edict of Nantes, and by a Decree of your Council, Dated July the 17th, 1624. and by Your Majesty's Answer to the Bill of Complaints of Your said Subjects, July the 23d. 1621. and April the 12th. 1622. the Ministers of our Religion were exempted from Watching, Warding, Rounds, Lodging of Souldiers, Assessing and Collecting of Taxes, and from payment of their Quota to them, or any other Impositions whatsoever on the account of their Houshold Goods, Pensions, or Salaries. Yet notwithstanding, in divers places of Your Kingdom, they be Assessed to Watch and Ward, to the Billetting of Souldiers, to pay Forest Money for their Lands there, al∣though they have none at all in their hands, but Lett them out to Far∣mers, who pay those very Taxes for them; yea, also in very many places they do compel them and extort from them round Sums for the Payment of Taxes due by the Parishes, and in case of Failure or Omission, their Houshold Goods are Distrain'd, and their Persons Seized and Imprisoned, and amerced in great Fines; as particularly the Minister of Previlly hath been thus misused. Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned, to grant them the enjoyment of those Immunities and Exemptions which have been accorded them by your Edicts, Declarations, and Answers to out

Bills of Grievances, and to forbid all Persons to trouble them; and that the Assessors, Collectors, and Receivers of Taxes may not extort from them any Payments, the Taxes only excepted for those Immovables en∣joyed by them.

15. And whereas there be yet detained many Captives in Your Galleys, who have been there many years, and for none other account than the past troubles, Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested, to cause them to be set at Liberty, and to extend unto them the same Clemency Your Majesty vouchsafed unto others in the year 1613, by Your Answer to the 5th. Article of our Bill of Grievances, which was then presented by Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion, unto Your Majesty.

16. By the 34. and 51. Articles of the said Edict, it was Ordained, that the Courts of the Edict should Judge Soveraignly, and without Ap∣peal from them unto any other Court whatsoever, of all Processes then in being, or that might be moved in time to come, and in which those of our Religion are Parties; yea, and in what concerns the Execution, or Inexecution, or Infraction of the Edicts; yet notwithstanding, sundry Praesidial Courts, as that of Bourg in Bresse, and the Intendant of Justice there do every day attempt, and actually do give Judgment, without admitting of any Appeal from them; as also the Parliaments of Aix and Rennes, do Issue out their Decrees directly contrary to the Letter of the Edict, and in such matters as the Cognizance whereof is interdicted them, and reserved only to Your Mix'd Courts. Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested, to Abrogate and Revoke all those Judgments and Decrees so incompetently given forth by those aforesaid Praesidial Courts, Intendants, and Parliaments, to the prejudice of Your Edicts, and parti∣cularly that Decree of the Parliament of Aix, against the Book written by Monsieur Gaillard, Intituled, Le Proselite Evangelique, and against his Per∣son, and to remand back the matters of Fact contained in them to the Courts of the Edict, who ought of right only to take Cognizance, and Judge of them, with a Prohibition unto all other Judges, nor to intermeddle with any matters properly belonging to your Majesty's Courts of the Edicts.

17. Although that by the 17th. Article of the Edict of Nantes, Con∣firmed by all subsequent Edicts of your Majesty, those who do, or shall make Profession of our Reformed Religion, are declared to be capable of Exercising all Trades, of Holding and Enjoying all Dignities, Offices, and Publick Employments whatsoever; yet nevertheless, they be Excluded in divers parts of your Kingdom, from all publick Charges, Offices, and Dignities, they cannot be received unto the Degree of Doctors, nor In∣corporated into the Colleges of the Faculty of Physick, nor admitted to the Practice thereof, nor to be Masters of those Trades wherein they have served their Apprenticeship; nor may they perform the Functions of those very Offices whereunto they were Privileged by their Patents; Our Publick Notaries and Attorneys of Bailywicks, having been inter∣dicted the Exercise of their Callings by a Decree of your Council, April 28. 1637. Wherefore your Majesty is most Humbly Requested, that their Profession of the Protestant Religion, may not be made a Crime, and that whilst they adventure their Lives and Fortunes in your Majesty's Service, equally with your other Subjects, they may not be deprived of the benefit of your Edicts: And we Humbly beseech your Majesty to Or∣dain, that they may be for the future, indifferently admitted unto all Char∣ges, Dignities, and Masterships of Trades, and that such as have a Patent for them, may be maintained in the full and free enjoyment of their re∣spective Functions, and that your Majesty would be pleased to Abrogate and Revoke all Decrees and Judgments given to the contrary.

18. In the year 1617. by the Edict of Restauration, made in Favour of the Reformed Churches of Bearn, Confirmed by Your Warrant for the Peace of Monpellier, Your Majesty was pleased to maintain those Churches aforesaid of Bearn, in the Liberty and full Enjoyment both of their Doctrine and Discipline, without Changing or Innovating of any Article or Canon in either of them; yet nevertheless, Your Court of Parliament of Navarre, in prejudice of their Liberty of Ordaining and Deposing, of Continuing, or Removing their Pastors from those Churches unto others, where they be sent by their Synods, doth forbid them to Proclame or Celebrate any Fasts without its permission, or to make Appeals in matters purely Ecclesiastical elsewhere than unto the said Parliament, or to Toll any Bell at any time for the Convocation of our Church Assemblies in that Province, as is evident from the Decrees of the said Parliament. Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Requested to con∣tinue unto those Churches their Liberty granted them in those matters, and to forbid the said Parliament of Navarre, from intermeddling with such things for the suture; and that You would be pleased to Abrogate and Disannul all those Decrees which have been made on this occasion.

19. Your Majesty was pleased by all Your former Declarations made in favour of Your said Subjects, to promise the continuance of that Bounty granted them by the late King Henry the Great, of Glorious and Im∣mortal Memory, and divers times since Confirmed by Your Majesty for the Maintenance of our Ministers and Universities, which was in Com∣pensation of the Tythes paid by Your Subjects aforesaid, unto the Popish Parish Curates. Yet nevertheless, for divers years last part, they have been totally deprived of this Liberality. And whereas several Assignments were made them for the former years, there is yet remaining due unto them a very considerable Sum: And although this Favour hath been again and again Promised, and was Granted to them in the year 1629. whenas the Towns of the Lower Languedoc submitted themselves to Your Majesty's Authority, and the said Promise was since confirmed by Your Majesty's Answer at Montauban, to our Bill of Grievances we then tendered You; yet nevertheless, those very Assignations given them for the year 1627. have been revoked, nor have there been any given them for the following years; therefore Your Majesty is most Humbly intreated, in pursuance of Your Royal Promises, to continue unto Your Subjects aforesaid, the enjoyments of those former Favours and Liberalities, and to ordain, and cause them to be paid all Arrears due for the years past, and to continue them for the future.

The End of the Bill of Grievances.

CHAP. XXVIII. The Copy of a Letter from the Pastors and Professors of Geneva, sent unto the National Synod of Alanson, touching the Doctrine and Books of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard.

Messieurs and our most Honoured Brethren,

THe Return of another Holy Synod to be held by you, giveth us a new ground of adoring the infinite Mercy of our God; who having for divers Ages, chosen your Nation above many others, wherein to erect his Kingdom with the Glorious Ensigns of sundry and long con∣tinued

Combats and Sufferings, and with the peculiar Priviledges of Pu∣rity, Union, and a Holy Discipline, doth now also in these woful tur∣bulent times, through that Clemency and Equity, which he hath inspired into your Sovereign Lord the King, vouchsafe unto you that excellent means for your Subsistence, and the Conservation of his unvaluable Gift, the Blessed Gospel, among you, even your Synodical Meetings, whereby your way and course may be kept even without stumbling, and your Possession of the Divine Faith, safe and lasting. And verily all Ages have judged this Ordinance the only Powerful, Profitable, and most Effectual means for the preservation of the Church, and the Redu∣cing of it back again, when fallen from, unto its first, pure, and holy Principles. But yet the best Canons that were ever framed and establish∣ed, have not been so constantly practised nor observed, as among you; tho' it is our daily Prayer, and we hope in God, that through his Divine Grace, those of your Discipline shall be continually observed for many Ages. That part we have in your Communion, and which we have by reason of your singular Affection to us, causeth us to recognize so great a mercy with thankfulness; and the rather, because the dangers of the times had left us quite hopeless of it. And tho' considering your Emi∣nent Abilities, Prudence, Zeal, Godliness and Knowledge, we can con∣tribute very little, if any thing, besides our Consent, Prayers, and Vows unto God for you; yet in as much as you ever accepted kindly of our Lines, we shall presume once more with our wonted freedom, to unbo∣som our selves to you, and to give you the thoughts of our Hearts upon the present State of your Churches, according to that general know∣ledge we have of it, and so leave on Record, as we are perswaded, the mutual Harmony of our Sentiments and inward motions with yours. This offers it self first unto us, that when we contemplate your condi∣tion, and compare it with that of very many other Churches, which for a long time together, have been lying and groaning under deep and extream Oppressions both Corporal and Spiritual, we cannot but bow the knee of our Souls before the Throne of the Heavenly Majesty, who changeth Times, and ruleth Hearts, and turneth them as the Rivers of Waters, which way soever he pleaseth; who bringeth into Temptation, supporteth under it, and granteth a joyful issue and deliverance from it; and who hath shortned the days of your Trial, having seen, as 'tis reasonable for us to believe, the promptitude of his Gracious Remnant among you for Repentance and Conversion, and their improvement of the day of their Visitation, and hath therefore put a period to your Desolations, and not suffered the Fiery Trials of some of your Members to be without seaso∣nable refreshments, nor those terrors which had generally possessed you to be without the dawnings of some renewed Hopes and Comfort. And we cannot but unite our Affections and Zeal with yours, whereby to in∣vite you and our selves to Consecrate this inestimable Mercy of your Peace, vouchsafed you of God, to the Glory of his Great Name, the Celebration of his Wonders, and to the renewal, and reinforcement of our Obedience and Service to him; that as you have been the first in these last General Calamities of the Churches in deliverance, so you may also have this advantage above them all, to walk before them in a most il∣lustrious example of a Serious and Holy usage of it, employing your selves Religiously in all thankfullness unto God, who is the Sole and Sovereign Author of it, and demeaning your selves, according to your bounden Du∣ty, in all Obedience and Subjection to the Instruments thereof, and in an inoffensive, peaceable, and becoming Conversation towards all Men; so that you may remove all former Jealousies and Suspicions taken up against you,

and whatsoever may provoke them to wrong or hurt you, and acquire unto your selves that Praise and Applause which is natural and peculiar to your Faith and Religion, that learns you how to bear and suffer the worst of evils; when God calls you to it, which else you will never be able, nor know how to practise. This will be a Fence and Bullwark both to your Persons and Consciences, against all Accusations, which may be brought in against you before God. We see with Joy and Admiration, how the good Providence of God hath appeared for you in your King∣dom, and what wonderful Salvations he hath wrought out for you in your greatest necessities, and in what a glorious manner he hath owned and blessed the Fidelity and Vertue of many of our dear Brethren; yea, and those of the greatest Quality; so that we are fully perswaded, the mercy will be Universal, and the memory thereof Immortal, and that we shall be suffered to live in peace. Wherefore we will leave it to the good pleasure of God to effect and bring about a perfect Union of mens minds in the Faith in his own time, when he shall cause that great day of his Light to shine forth; and in the mean while, to make bare his Almighty Arm, in setting bounds unto all Hostilities, and putting a pe∣riod unto all Contentions; one only excepted, which will be an Honour and a Blessing to the contending Parties, to strive most one with another in all good Offices of Charity, and Examples of Edification. If there be yet behind any remaining troubles, you are too well fortified in this old War, to demand any great or singular consolation: Possibly they will be none other than the foamings of the Sea after a violent Storm, some frightful impressions upon the mind, when the Ague-fits are over; but whatever they may be, they shall certainly be none other than the insepa∣rable Marks and Badges of the word of Christ's Patience; none other than necessary Exercises for our Faith, than Barriers to rail us in, and guard us from the impure Society of the World, and Amulets to pre∣serve and save us from its contagion, and a Fire to purifie and refine the good Metal, and to separate the Dross from it: And indeed tho' the breaches, which have happened among you by these dispensations, have de∣monstrated this last effect in divers ill-grounded and unsettled Spirits, yet also hath there been daily produced in others, a far greater abundance of the power of Faith, and of the perpetuity of the true Seed of God in their hearts. The sad examples of Foreign Nations and Provinces, which lie rotting in idle and brutish Pleasures, the killing Vices of our Age, should cause us not in the least to envy them this false and ima∣ginary good, or to regret and mourn at the bitterness and severity of that Discipline wherewith it pleased God to exercise us; for he doth thus morti∣fie us unto the World, and to the Concupiscences thereof, and giveth us a taste and relish of the Powers of the World to come, when we shall be fed and satisfied by him with those solid and substantial Blessings in the Palace of his Glory. Yea, the many difficulties and oppositions that God encoun∣ters with to disengage your hearts from the World, should cause you to tremble, lest he should remove that hand of his which seems so heavy and violent upon us: And if he did, we should infallibly lose our peace with him, and tumble headlong into the deep gulph of Destruction, from which we were but a little while since most miraculously delivered. And in as much as by these overturnings of the World, 'tis visible that its last end cannot be a far off, and that our long-look'd and long-hop'd for Re∣demption in the coming of the Eternal Kingdom of the Son of God draw∣eth nigh, for God's sake, Most Dear Sirs, and Honoured Brethren, be not weary of fighting the good fight, with the Weapons of Righteousness on the right hand, and on the left, against the Baits and Charms of this

present World, and against that hatred and fury you shall meet withal, for opposing the Torrents of its general and reigning Corruptions: Re∣vive therefore the Zeal of Elijah; Preach the words of Life and Wisdom; get the Spirit of Might, of Judgment, and of Burning; weild the two edged Sword of the Spirit of the word of God, that it may cut on this side and on that; that it may hew down them, who do actually deceive and poyson Souls with their Erroneous and Seducing Doctrines, that so the true Faith and Religion which we have received from our Godly and Blessed Fathers, may be handed down unto our Children; and we recall∣ing into our personal practise and imitation, that Holiness of their lives, by which they did so nobly justifie their Profession, and exalted to the highest pitch of Evidence, the power of the Gospel, and made it known unto the World to its Condemnation, this very Holiness of our Heavenly Father, may appear more conspicuous in the Holiness of our lives, who are his own sanctified Children.

It would be, not only a rash and needless undertaking in us, to urge motives whereby you might be quickened and excited to the performance of these Sacred Duties, in which you are labouring with so much courage and diligence; but it would be a very inhumane thing also in us, to in∣crease thereby your sorrows, now whenas you can enjoy but a small part of your Edicts and Priviledges, yea and now when you are so frequently di∣sturbed and affrighted with new Alarms, as we have heard to our very great grief and astonishment, how you have of late times been troubled in your own Bowels, by the publishing and spreading of new Doctrines in the highest and most important Articles and Points of our Common Creed, the substance whereof seems to be much wounded and altered, and its Face and native Beauty exceedingly disfigured. This accident hath been the worst and most ill-boding Sign and Token that could be∣fal you; for you had for many years together retained constantly and in∣variably that most Holy Faith taught and established in your Churches in its Purity and Simplicity, the wicked one not being able, during all that time, to mingle any of his Leaven, nor to sow any of his Tares among you, you having therein imitated the most Famous Gallican Church of the best and purest times of Antiquity, which was as free of Heresies as your Land is of Monsters. And tho' these Opinions and Speculations may be reputed slight and venial, by idle, lazy, and unthinking persons, especially if compared with those more ardent Combats, and serious Dis∣putes of our quarrelsom Age, managed by persons abstracted from all ties of Duty, and sojourning among us; yet the faithful Pastors, who know how earnestly their Churches do desire solid and substantial Food, will like Wise and Prudent Physicians, Minister to those necessitous Flocks the most Sovereign Antidotes, for the preservation of their precious Faith, and of their precious and immortal Souls: and like faithful workmen, who having well nigh finished a great Building, well laid in its Founda∣tion, and far advanced to the top of its perfection, do account it absurd and dangerous to rake and dig about the Foundation. Besides, the sad example of our Neighbour Provinces, who have suffered this Canker to fret into their Bowels, should oblige us to keep this Poyson at the greatest distance from us. For since we have once agreed, and seriously and sin∣cerely consented unto the Faith and Canons of the Holy Synod of Dort both by word of mouth, and our own manual Subscription; it seems to us, that we cannot recede from it, without offering a most notorious in∣jury to all the Reformed Churches, and particularly to those of the Ne∣therlands, who have been at vast expence and trouble to give us those clear lights into, and those Pious and Judicious Decisions and Determi∣nations

of these very Controversies; and 'tis a great unkindness in us to thwart and cross them by our contradictions, and to assault and batter their Buttresses and Foundations.

The first essay and attempt of this nature was about those Opinions, which like some certain Simples and Drugs, are more wholsome when taken in the Mass, than when they be minced and subtilized by Dis∣courses, Distinctions, and Disputes, which deprive them of all respect, and enfeeble their Virtue for the instruction and comfort of the Soul, and rob God of the greatest part of his Rights, Glory, and Adoration; and do corrode mortally, producing endless debates and strifes, in no wise edifying, but hugely embarrassing the Conscience, to the disturbance of its peace, polluting the heart by rash Judgments and Discourses about these deep and abstruse points, and cause it to despise and reject that saving Grace of God, which he would have us accept and entertain at, the very first sight and tender thereof. Moreover, we are very much astonished, and our dear Brethren of Switzerland are also extreamly offended, that the Names of the greatest Doctors of our Churches, have been used for the defence of these Novelties. And would Charity suffer it, we should believe, that they were persons not in the least to be credited, because the Novelists do impute and tax them with a very great inconstancy in their Doctrine, the contrary whereunto, notwithstanding their pretended Al∣legations out of them for their darling Opinions, is Universally known: and their different Sentiments from these new Dogmes, will clearly and sufficiently justifie them before the whole World. However we were somewhat comforted in our Spirits, by the Advice given us, That these up∣started Opinions were not at so great a distance from the Truth as was first reported, nor estranged from that Center of Union in the Churches, as the terms in which they were couched, at their first publick appear∣ance did represent; and for that several persons of Eminent Piety had used their best endeavours to quench this Sparkle, before it grew into a Flame, and the Dread and Reverence born your then approaching Assembly, hath happily contributed to the Reduction and Establishment of the Prin∣cipal Truth. And we give due Praises unto those Worthy Persons who first sounded the Alarm, and marched forth against these Tenents; as al∣so unto those who brought the Waters of Moderation to extinguish the fire of this Controversy, and who, in the dressing of this Wound, applied proper Lenitives, whereby they qualified and removed the most dangerous Symptoms, reserving for the more powerful hand of your Supreme and Venerable Assembly, the total extinction of this fire-brand, and the perfect cure of this Malady. And we beseech you, to exert your full Authori∣ty in and about these matters, saving all that lieth in your power, re∣gaining what is lost, retaining Truth and Love as much as is possible, with∣out violencing your own Integrity, without degenerating into any dan∣gerous Connivency, and speedily and solidly repairing the Breach, which otherwise the common Adversaries will not fail to keep open, and come in upon you to your utter Destruction. And tho' we very well know that your Wisdoms will not be wanting to suggest prudent Advice and Counsel, and to prescribe wholsome Remedies, yet we take upon us the bold∣ness to acquaint you, that forasmuch as these questions have been moved without occasion or necessity, and that it will be very hazardous to let them be spread abroad to the scandal of the World, to the raising of Dis∣putes and Controversies among your selves, and to the exasperating of Spirits, who will be exceedingly moved and imbittered by a formal con∣demnation of them; especially sith they have been along time revolved in their most secret thoughts by those, who yet protest, that in the bot∣tom

of this business they consent with you; and sith they be persons who are at present, and may be hereafter, serviceable unto the Church of God, we conceive the safest and most inoffensive Remedy that you can use, will be this, To enjoyn all the Churches and Universities to be wholly silent, and that neither from the Pulpit nor Press, any of these new Doctrines be broached nor vended; And farther to Decree, That when occasionally these matters shall come to be debated, that all persons do keep them∣selves to the simplicity of our Confessions, and to the Canons, concluded and made in the Renowned Synod of Dort, without mingling with them these new Hypotheses, Phrases, and Distinctions. And so doing, you will calm the now troubled Spirits, and you will dispose them to a perfect cure, and to joyn in with you in a full and uniform consent, and divert them from gazing on an Object, whose sparkling Lustre would attract their Affections, and make them addict themselves unto others far more profi∣table and edifying. A Puissant Neighbour Commonwealth did very hap∣pily fleer this course, whenas divers years ago, they were troubled with such Alterations, and Scruples raised on the like points, which were de∣generating into profaneness, and would have raised Factions and Confu∣sions in the State, and Schism in the Church: This evil was nipp'd in the Bud, and the Wound healed as soon as given, by the sole interdiction of any farther Disputes; and to prevent such dangers in time to come, we con∣ceive it very needful, that you Establish, if you have not done it already, an Ordinary Super-Intendant over your Universities; for 'tis in those Schools of Learning, where Leisure, and the Pleasures of Speculation, Va∣riety of Reading, and curious Inquiries into matters out of the common Road, and the bait of Singularity, do transport great Wits with too much facileness after these Novelties; which how tolerable soever they may seem to be in Discourse and Conference, with Learned and Accomplish'd Men, yet ought not at any time to be published, nor thrown into the minds of young Students, who are to be dealt with all after another way; to wit, by a more careful instilling into them the choisest and soundest Truths of the Sacred Oracles; lest by the weakness of their Judgments, and the fervour and instability of their age, which enamours them of Curiosities; they should be intangled in Debates and Controversies, and embrace Factions and Partialities. And indeed, the Butt and Mark of well Edu∣cated Students in Divinity, should not be to be the first Authors and Forgers of Novel and Subtil Opinions, as in the Papacy, where they be plung'd into a gulph of endless Errors; and abastardized by a world of fruitless, use∣less, and endless Inquiries; nor is it that they should be wrangling and worthless Disputants, nor Speculative Doctors without any Savour or Power; but the true End and Design of these our Theological Stu∣dents ought be this, That they may be a Holy Seed-plot of Able and Godly Pastors, Sound in the Faith, Mighty in Word and Doctrine, Wise unto Sobriety, keeping the great Mystery of Godliness in a pure Con∣science, delivering and dividing the word of Truth aright: And in fine, to be Men of God, perfect and prepared for every good work of their Calling; to which Holy and Noble ends, all forts of Subtilties are utterly unserviceable, and have ever marred the Divine Doctrine by wicked Errors; or the Broachers of them by Ambition, Contention, Curiosity, Conceited∣ness; or the Church by a disgust of Scripture Purity and Simplicity, or by Factions and Divisions, which never happen when the common Senti∣ments of the Church are taught, tho' by Ministers of meaner Parts and Talents; whereas these have always happened by means of affected Singularities, which is the true and genuine Food of the Romish Ambi∣tion, which ever laboureth to subdue the common Sentiments, because

they be its greatest obstacles and most obstructing its growth and pro∣gress. The Lord grant that the Sparkles of this Fire in the midst of you, may not spring from the same Source! Poor Germany hath sadly felt the direful effects of the flames kindled by it in its frequent and bitter Schisms. Every Prince would have his University, and every University admired and ex∣alted its own Doctor, as the most Eminent Professor of them all; every Doctor had conceived, and must needs broach and vend his new Notions, and singular Opinions, and these new Opinions are brought upon the pub∣lick Stage of the World, where it hath met with fierce Antagonists, and between these doughty Champions, the poor Church of God hath been torn all to pieces. To this consideration let us subjoin another; for God's sake, keep Philosophy within its due and proper bounds, closely and strictly watched and restrained, that it may only, if we may so ex∣press it, break up the Fallow ground of the Spirits of our youth; but not in the least to take upon her by her Maxims and Assertions, to bring in Seed and Food for the Church and House of God, which must be fed with the pure Manna of the Divine Word, whose Majesty and Liberty was so happily asserted and recovered by our Godly Fathers from that Bondage and Captivity whereinto the School-Divines of the Romish Church had enslaved it, and into which 'tis very likely it will be again insensibly re∣duced, either by a too great fear of their false Weapons, or by a perverse Emulation of them. And yet in the mean while, the Sacred Scriptures will be best understood by a diligent reading of them, by compa∣ring one Text with another, and by Invocation of the Holy Ghost to enlighten our dark minds in the Knowledge of them; and they will be thus more easily digested, and brought home with a greater force and efficacy upon Conscience, in a sober sensing of them according to the sim∣plicity of Faith and Demonstration of the Spirit, than by the most audacious and curious Applications of these false Lights, new Notions, and vain Discour∣ses of Philosophy. Pelagianism in the Low Countrys, was the Plant of the Spanish Metaphysicks, producing not Pious, and Painful, and Pro∣fitable, but Subtile Pastors and Preachings, an infinite Brood of Dispu∣tants, void of Understanding, and corrupt in Points of Faith. Subtilties bring forth Thorns, which never leave the Churches nor Consciences at rest, but scratch and tear them to pieces. And we exhort you to be Jealous and Suspicious of new Methods, and imaginary Hypotheses, and an affected singular way of Teaching, and to avoid them. Arminius took his walks at first in these by-paths, till such time as he had gotten a stock of Credit and Reputation, and had form'd for himself a Party, then he pull'd off his Vizard, and canvasseth all Points of Doctrine, even those which were but accessary, with no little vehemence in his Disputations, and was uneasy till the roots had been searched, and the most Fundamen∣tal Points had been assaulted and shaken. Indeed the one wounds the other; and it was always known, that they who once chang'd their note and language, and the sound Doctrine delivered to them, have been at∣tended by some secret hidden Vice, or else they do engender it in their Followers. Discharge therefore, most Reverend and Honoured Brethren, your bounden Duty unto your Churches, and give this Memorable exam∣ple unto them all, and unto us this singular Consolation, That you do main∣tain inviolably the Faith once Taught, Established, and Sealed among you far more than in any place of the World besides, by a multitude of Di∣vine Witnesses and Approbations, which have rendered you a Spectacle of admiration to Men and Angels; grub up by the Roots every Plant of Heterodoxy, and by your Authority do you re-inforce, as you shall find needful, that Harmony and Agreement of the Reformed Churches,

which was declared in the Synod of Dort, which having been the first General Council of the Churches in our days, wherein God most evident∣ly presided by his Holy Spirit, (and there will be difficulties enough to get such another) doth therefore of right deserve the greater Reverence and Submission, because of the disrespect offered it by the Broachers of these Novelties: And this should be done, unless we intend to be cry'd down as a sort of ungovernable persons, refractary to that Order and Discipline, which God hath Sanctified and Established from the very beginning in the Christian Church. Ponder well how your past actions have been justified; and may it please you to take that care, that you may not hereafter be ne∣cessitated to make use of this Remedy against affected Ambiguities and Ob∣scurities. We very well know that some are charming your Ears with the Re-union of both Religions; but that constancy and firmness you testified in your last Synod, the nature of the points wherewith you be tempted, that cannot admit of any reconciliation, and for that you must make the first Overtures to a Party (which keeps the wound open, and holds the departure from them intolerable) if ever you hope to get from them clear and plain Declarations of their Intentions; and finally, the whole set on foot without any Authority or Warrant, and with apparent marks of ve∣ry little sincerity, and for great Worldly Respects and Interests, freeth us of all fears, that it will ever take with or go down in your Churches or Spirits, and makes us believe that all these little Projects will be resolved into their first Principles of wind and smoak, to the sole prejudice of the Vanity of the Undertakers. Accept, most Reverend and Honoured Bre∣thren, in good part, these thoughts so freely Communicated to you from your Loyal Sister, which owes you her All, and can pay you but Little, ex∣cepting the deep sorrows of her heart for the general Calamities of the Church, and her continual Sighs and Cries unto Almighty God for the Peace thereof; and that he would be pleased to return with his Majesty and Glory unto the many thousands of Israel, and re-edifie his ruinated Zion, and above all to continue his Grace, Protection and Benediction upon you All, with whom she is most intimately united and perfectly conjoin'd in the firmest and most antient bonds of an Holy Love, which together with her most earnest Cares and devoutest Prayers she doth continually offer up unto the Divine Majesty, for the Health and long Life of your Sovereign Lord the King, for the prosperous success of his Affairs, for the re-establishing of Peace and Tranquillity in his Kingdom, in which both ye and we are so very much concerned, and by means whereof we cannot but hope, that our poor afflicted Brethren in Foreign Provinces, may also through the Grace of God, meet with Peace and Settlement. May the good hand of the Almighty make your Assembly a blessed Instru∣ment of your Peace, Union, and Perseverance in the Truth! and fullfil all our Desires and Prayers for the Consolation of all his Churches! and that you may be the first, who shall enjoy the Fruit of your Labours, by the Witness of God's Holy Spirit in your Hearts, and the happy effects of your Holy and Prudent Debates and Counsels! We conclude all with the tender of our most Humble, Faithful, and Cordial Services and Affections, and of our most intire Union with you in Spirit; which we most humbly beg of the Lord to Sanctifie and Consummate in its full and total Perfecti∣on in the Kingdom of his Glory. Your most Humble and most Affectio∣nate Brethren and Servants in the Lord, the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva, and for them all

From Geneva,April 26. 1637.

• ...Diodati.
• ...Tronchin.
• Chabray. Prevost, and
• ...Pauleint.

CHAP. XXIX. The Testimonials of divers Doctors and Universities, unto the Treatise of Monsieur Rivett, against the Books of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard.

To the most Honoured and our most Excellent Colleague, Andrew Rivett Professor of Divinity.

WE did read with singular delight your Remarks on the Writings of Monsieur Amyraud, Pastor and Professor at Saumur, which we had seen sometimes before, and we have found them exactly agreeing, both with the Holy Scripture in all Articles of Faith, and in those wherein our National Synod of Dort, had declared its Judgment; and therefore we ap∣prove of your Writing as being very Learned and Moderate, and count it Worthy of Praise from all Orthodox Divines; and we doubt not in the least, but that this your Labour will be most acceptable unto the now approa∣ching National Synod of France, and will be useful and serviceable for the suppressing and putting a period by due and proper ways, unto these late Con∣troversies, which some certain Pastors, affected and addicted unto Novelties, have to their shame, raised in the French Churches, to the great Offence of very many Godly Persons.

From Leyden,March 14. 1637.

Your Re∣verences most Affectionate Colleagues,

• ...Johannes Polyander,
• ...Antonius Wallaeus,
• Antonius Thysius, and
• ...Jacobus Triglandius.

Extracts out of a Letter sent by Mr. John Bogerman, to Mr. Andrew Rivett, from Franequer, Feb. 7. 1637.

HAving thus concerted that Affair among our selves, we now Write you our present Judgment, which in this Paper is Transmitted to you, begging of God with all our heart, That he would bless your Holy La∣bours, and behold in the Son of his Love, your distressed Churches of France, which have been hitherto as a Pure and Chaste Virgin, and have kept invio∣lably their Oath of Fidelity unto the Truth; but now-a-days begin to be troubled with impure Errors, and of a very dangerous Heterodoxy. My Colleagues could not read that French Book of the Professor Amyraud, because they don't understand the French Tongue, therefore did I most Faith∣fully make those Extracts, which you see, out of his Writings. Our ears could not suffer with any Patience, those Novelties of a double Predestina∣tion unto Salvation, and of a certain general knowledge by the light of Na∣ture of the Mercy of God to all Men, and of another particular knowledge of the same Mercy unto particular persons; of a double Decree of God, without any knowledge of Christ. The good Lord be merciful unto these Brethren, and according to his infinite goodness, grant that they may have but one and the same Mind, and the same Language with all the Churches of Christ; and may he ever watch over you to keep and preserve you for many long years yet to come, to the Glory of his Great Name, and the Edi∣fication of his Church.

To that most Excellent Person, our most Dear Brother in Jesus Christ, Master Rivett, Greeting.
SIR,

HAving received your Writing, together with the Books of this 21. of January, we perused them very diligently, and were grieved in our hearts, that the Seeds of new troubles were sowen in your Churches of France: Thus Satan, who is always the same and like himself, endeavours by vile Errours to obscure the Lustre of the Truth, and continually disco∣vers himself a most mortal Enemy of the Grace of God. And, Oh that our most Gracious God, whose great Benignity towards us, deserveth our ever∣lasting Praises, would deign to preserve your poor Churches of France from all their Enemies, and from those woful troubles attending on them. These Attacks of the Adversary, are ill-boding signs of some sad Events, which may betide them, unless they be resisted with singular Prudence, and an immovable Resolution in their first beginnings, and that they be stifled in the Birth. For what is it, that Men are hammering out of this multi∣tude of Errors, but a certain new Arminianism, Pelagianism, and Socinia∣nism? That odd and ridiculous Opinion of Vorstius, concerning the changea∣ble Decrees is once again digged out of its Grave, and brought upon the publick Theatre; yea, and that spurious Doctrine of the Jesuits, condem∣ned by the School-men themselves, appears bare-faced before the World. Alas! How many points incompatible one with another, are there to be found in Monsieur Testard his Book? For his latter Theses subvert the former, and so far are these Pamphlets from conciliating Peace, that to the contrary, we believe, the Adversaries are more exasperated by them, animated and strengthened to Combat with us; and that Saying of Mon∣sieur Beza may be justly applied to this Script, He would have forged a Peace, but he hath forged out Dissention.

Sir, You are very well acquainted with the Man, and there∣fore we Judge it your Duty to examine his work, and censure it, and to re∣turn it back unto us, that we also may add our consent unto your performance. What you have already done, discovers a Holy, Religious, and Charitable Affection to the Service of God, and to the Edification of the Churches in your Native Countrey. Your Remarks upon his Errors are very, clear, your Con∣futations of them exceeding Solid, and the Admonitions you have mini∣stred unto our Brethren, express a great deal of Christian Charity; and what you have done in this matter, is highly pleasing to us, and we cannot but Esteem, and Honour you the more for your singular care in defending the Truth, and conserving the Peace of God's Church, and we Praise and Applaud your Pious Zeal for the Service of God, and of his Church. And what Man fearing God, but will cherish in you these good Dispositions, and your Praise-worthy Labours? May our God, who hath breathed into you these Divine Motions and Affections, maintain them in you. And the Lord grant that the Churches of France may acknowledge with due respects and thankfulness your Zeal, and approve of your Writing, and may remove those Errors, which you have detected to them, from among them, and watch over them, that they may not gain ground in the midst them, for they have a tendency to Exclude our Lord Jesus Christ, from being a means of Salvation. And further, we do with all our hearts beseech the God of Bounty and Mer∣cy, that he would lengthen out your days unto many years, to the benefit of our Belgick Churches, and of those in the Kingdom of France; that he would

preserve you from all evil, and accumulate upon you his best Blessings. Amen.

From Franequer, this 15. of February, 1637.

Your most Affectio∣nate Servants and Brethren,

• Johannes Bogermannus, Dr. of Divinity, and chief Professor in this Ʋniversity.
• Menardus Sertaunus, S. S. Theolog. Dr. and Professor.
• Johannes Majomus, Dr. and Professor.

Letters from Monsieur Altingius to Monsieur Rivett, and the Approba∣tion of the Church of Groninguen.

SIR.

IT was very late when the Pacquet you sent me, was received by me; ha∣ving opened it, I found therein closed three Books, written by certain Pastors in France in love with Novelties, the Disciples of Mr. Cameron deceased, together with your Animadversions upon their Doctrines, briefly Collected by you. Indeed, as I am exceedingly desirous of the Peace and Con∣cord of God's Church, which we do more need now than ever; so was I as much sadned and dejected that those Brethren, and others of their Perswasion, should go about to change the Doctrine Established in France, and the Netherlands, against Arminius and his Followers, and trouble the Repose and Tranquility of all our Churches, and grieve weak Consciences; especially those who have no insight into these matters and others of the same Nature. I doubt not but that your Churches of France will find out a convenient and speedy Re∣medy in this their approaching National Synod, that may prevent this grow∣ing evil; according to the laudable Canons of their Discipline, and preserve others from its Infection. I approve and commend your singular Care and Diligence for those Churches, and that tho' you be at a distance from them, yet you do so seasonably assist and help them. I have Communicated the whole unto Monsieur Gomarus, who was very much pleased with your Con∣siderations, and who did not only read the Writings you had stitched with them, but extracted divers things, as I also have done to be of use to me, in case I should hereafter be called out to give my Judgment on these points. You have here added a form of Approbation, brief indeed, but harmoniously agreeing with that of the Professors at Leyden, and which, as we hope, will be sufficient enough for the present. If you desire any thing more, you need only hint it to me, nor use or urge any Arguments with me for so doing. I pray you to inform me, whether Monsieur Capel is a Partner in these No∣velties, for I have held with him a most intire, sincere and inviolable Friendship, more than thirty years. I must confess ingenuously unto you, that I could never well enough understand that Merit of the Covenant of Nature, which contains the Foundations of Pererius his Faith. Could I have met but with a Messenger any one day of this last week, I had sent the whole unto Monsieur Bogerman, which (God willing) I shall do by the very first opportunity. The Lord preserve you, my most Illustrious and Dear Brother, and whom I Honour with my whole heart; and the Lord lengthen out your life many a year, for the Service of his poor Church; and give down his Heavenly Blessing upon your worthy Labours to the Glory of his Great Name.

From Groninguen,Decemb. 27. 1636.

Henricus Altingius.

The Form of Approbation.

WE have Read and Examined in the fear of God, the Theologi∣cal Considerations of that most Famous Divine Monsieur Rivett, upon the Abridgement of the Doctrine of Nature and Grace; which as they do clearly repeat that Orthodox Consent settled against the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians, by the Synod of Dort in Holland, and of Charenton in France; so be they also meet and fit for their singular Prudence, Moderation and Charity, to stop the Progress, yea, and wholly to sup∣press those unhappy Controversies which are lately started by some certain Pastors, who be more in love with Novelties and Subtilties, than with plain and simple Verity. They have shown a great deal of Imprudence in raising them, and have also Scandalized the Churches and Universities of France. We beseech God, through our Lord Jesus, That he would give his Blessing from Heaven, unto the Designs and Labours of this Man of God, and that he would Sanctifie us all, and keep us in the Truth.

From Groninguen, this 27th. of December, 1636.

• Francis Gomarus, Doctor of Divinity, and Professor in that University.
• Henricus Altingius, S. T. P.

The Original of this present Formulary of Approbation being in my Custody, in case any one should call in question the Truth of the Copies thereof, I shall produce it at any time for their satisfaction. I could not get the first Copy which I took from the Original, and sent back to be Subscribed by those Reverend Persons, who had Signed the Original to be Subscribed, because some of them were then absent from the City of Groninguen, and because I was necessitated to dispatch this second Copy so suddenly, that it could not possibly be attested by them. But in case the first Copy should not be delivered to our Reverend Brethren, yet never∣theless, I hope, they will credit these, which in the presence of God, I do avouch to have been most Faithfully extracted from the Original.

From the Hague, in much haste, this 17th. of May, 1637.

Andrew Rivett.

CHAP. XXX. A Letter of Monsieur du Moulin, Pastor and Professor of Sedan, sent unto the National Synod of Alanson, in the year 1637. concerning the Books of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard.

Messieurs, and most Honoured Fathers and Brethren,

UNderstanding from good Hands, That my Pains and Labour in the Defence of the Truth, is very much blamed by persons of a contrary Perswasion; I believed, that as that Treatise Composed by me through the occasion of these new Controversies was submitted unto your Judgment, so it was my Duty to undertake my own Justification, and to wipe off those Reproaches wherewith I had been aspersed. They say that I might have done well, not to have medled with this Quarrel, and that I am a Fellow who love to be embroyl'd, and to fish in troubled Waters, and who do pre∣sumptuously

take upon me, to prescribe my own private Notions as infalli∣ble Oracles. You know, Sirs, that Messieurs Amyraud and Testard, have kindled this fire, which hath caused all this noise and hubbub; and that 'tis they who have fill'd all our Churches with those Books, which in a very ill hour, do remove the antient bounds by their new fangled Doctrines about the most important points of our Religion, and that Monsieur Amyraud hath sent forth his Book of Predestination, without ever submitting it to be examined by his Province, or so much as waiting for its Approbation by them; and that since that time, contrary to the Advice of two Provinces, and contrary to the Promise made by him unto Messieurs Vincent, and du Soul, he hath caused some certain Sermons of his, containing the very self-same Doctrine, to be Printed. It was a long time before I stirred, hoping that this Commotion would have calmed of it self, and have found none to approve it. But being well informed, That this Distemper grew worse and worse, and that this Sparkle might cause a great Conflagration, I fear∣ed, lest my Silence on such an urgent occasion, might be interpreted for want of Zeal unto the Truth, and be taken for an Approbation of their Errors. I have none, nor will I have any Quarrels with the Persons of those Gentlemen, but only with their Doctrines. It cannot be but ill re∣sented, that they should be permitted to Publish unto the World from the Press a new Doctrine, and that it should be a Crime in me to Refute it in Manuscript. I went about this Work with a great deal of Grief, having nothing that lay heavier upon my heart, or was more contrary to my Temper, than to contend with my Brethren in the Work of the Lord; especially now that my Age calls for Repose, and that I am daily waiting for my Dissolu∣tion. But I saw the Evil to be so great, and its consequences so dange∣rous, that I counted my self bound in Conscience to defend the Cause of God, and to endeavour to discover the very bottom of the Imposture, and the hidden Nature of it. I very well know that your Assembly is made up of Persons of clearer and more piercing Judgments than my self, nor would I be so presumptuous as to take upon me to be your Teacher; but in what I have done, I have satisfaction from my own Conscience, nor durst I be wanting in my Duty unto God, and the defence of his Cause. But these Gentlemen, who complain of me, were not contented to keep within these Limits. For besides the Printed Books wherein they have spread abroad their Doctrine, they have now very lately Published a Treatise against me under the Name of Monsieur Vignier, a Copy of which was sent unto the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France. And I do not question but that they have disperst them elsewhere, far and near. I am also advised, That Messieurs Amyraud and Testard, do complain very much of a little Script of mine, dictated not in the Publick School, but in my private Chamber un∣to some few Scholars, wherein I have changed their Names, one of them into Greek, and the other into Latin, which I did out of fear, lest if it should fall into the hands of any of the Romish Church, they might understand my Discourse, and learn out the Persons with whom I disputed; of which little Treatise I never Communicated a Copy unto any one. And understanding that these Gentlemen take this exchange of their Names in ill part, I have Composed another more ample and exact than the former, unto which I have set their Names, that so I might give them content. You be too Prudent not to observe that these Gentlemen do play at Tarriers with you, and whilst they amuse you with Triftes, their design is to take you off from diving into the bottom of their Doctrines, and to divert you with idle Stories of my Practice and Custom, instead of maintaining their own Cause. 'Tis but a small matter to change a French Name into Latin, if compared with what they have done in changing the very Nature

of God, of the Law, and of the Gospel. I am informed, that they make great out-cries, for that, in certain Letters written by me to Monsieur de la Millitierre, I told him they endeavoured to make a new Religion, a Hotch-potch of Popery and Cameronianism. But let me not be misappre∣hended, 'twas never in my thoughts to charge the Doctrine of Monsieur Ca∣meron, who is now at rest, with Heresy, or that he intended to Model out a new Religion: I only spake the Sence and Intention of de la Milletierre, and the mark at which he aimed. For he endeavours from the Doctrine of Monsieur Cameron, to frame a new Religion, and never speaks of him but as of an Oracle, as of a most incomparable Person. When we say that the Lutherans are equally bent, both against Popery and Calvinism, we do not thereby understand that Calvin was the Author of a new Religion. I Honour the Memory of Monsieur Cameron, and when there was need, I defended it. But yet I am truly of that mind, That he had done very well, if he had never over-turned the Order of God's Decrees, as they were Explained and Asserted by the Synod of Dort, and Approved by all the Reformed Churches of Europe, and particularly by three National Synods at home; which he had never done, if he had soberly and seriously consi∣dered the consequences of his own Tanents. For this new Method of his, is that very Foundation upon which the Arminians have built all their Doctrines. Nor can any one deny it, but that one third part at least of all Cameron's Works is spent in the Confutation of Calvin, Beza, and the rest of our most Famous Doctors. Yet notwithstanding these his Blemishes, we are not to despise those Gifts and Graces God had so plentifully bestowed upon him; and when I read his Works, I cannot find that Doctrine, which is now vented by those, who boast themselves to be his Disciples and Fol∣lowers, and cover themselves with the Shield of his Authority. I cannot find where he saith, That the distinct knowledge of Jesus Christ is not ne∣cessary to Salvation, nor that he saith, That Jesus Chrict died equally and alike for all Men; nor doth he Teach, That the Reprobates may be Saved if they will, or that God hath Counsels and Decrees which may be frustra∣ted, and shall never obtain their effect; nor farther can I find where he saith, That God hath taken away from Men their Natural Impotency to be∣lieve, and convert themselves to him; nor that he reduceth the Efficacious∣ness of the Regenerating Spirit to a variable suasion; yea I find most ex∣press Protestations to the contrary, insomuch that these Gentlemen; under pretence of Honouring, do Defame him, wronging his Name and Memory, in making him the Author and Father of these wicked Doctrines. But the most grievous Accusation of all lags yet behind, for these Gentlemen tax me for calumniating them, by attributing things unto them which they never did, spoke, nor thought. Now although this their Complaint be unjust, yet have I great reason to give thanks unto God Almighty, that they be ashamed of their own Doctrine, and that by disavowing these Points so clearly taught by them, they make Semblance as if they were about to give Peace unto the Church, which they have so very much disturbed, and that they were returning once again into the good old way. I shall be exceeding glad that your Holy Assembly may accept of their Explanations of their Sentiments, tho' they will be hard enough, and there be very little appearance of it, and that their Retractation may be taken for an Explication, that so their Ho∣nour may be secured, provided they do re-unite themselves with you; upon these conditions I would willingly suffer them to repute me a Liar, so that they might be found honest men and true. However that I may be cleared from all suspicions of being a Reproacher and Calumniator, I have extracted with very much Faithfulness, some few passages out of their Writings, which I now lay open before you, that you may Judge whether I have Calum∣niated

them, and whether such Doctrines as theirs may be endured. For my part I am of that mind, That I need not at all trouble my self about these Accusations, because that many Provincial Synods, and many Professors and Pastors of Foreign Churches and Ʋniversities do join themselves with me, in making the very self-same Complaints; and do also accuse them of those very Errors; particularly my Reverend Colleagues, the Worthy Pa∣stors and Professors in this our City of Sedan, as you will see by this Writing, unanimously Subscribed by us all, and sent unto you, which we most humbly intreat you to take into your Godly Consideration. For if you should content your selves with a meer allaying of these Controversies, and an Imposal of Silence on both Parties, you will leave the Spirits of Men in suspence, and put Error in the same Rank and Degree of Reputation with Truth; and Foreign Churches and Ʋniversities, who have been concerned for these new Notions, will take your Silence, not for a condemnation of Them, but of the Truth. Nor can you hope, that witty men, who have for divers years together, laboured with an incredible ardor to maintain and promote their Doctrines, should be kept within bounds by a poor, simple Exhortation given them in an Assembly, which is no sooner broken up, but they be freed and delivered from all fear, and will be at liberty to speak and write whatever pleaseth them. If Medicines do not cure the Sick, they make them worse, and do the more irritate and increase the Distemper, We not knowing when or whether the Lord will ever favour you again with another National Assembly, it is very needful that before your Dissolution you should make use of the most Effectual Medicines, which may be useful, and serve as a Warning and Example to Posterity, and to such as under the Shroud and Covert of new Expressions, shall attempt to bring in, and set up new Doctrines. When I consider how that your Assembly is composed of persons endowed with a singular Zeal for the Truth and Glory of God, and who are richly furnished with Learning and Prudence, and who will not suffer themselves to be surprized by little Arts and crafty Sollicita∣tions; and hearing no tidings of these Gentlemens change of Language, or that they have forsook their principal Propositions, I am full of hopes that God will give good Success unto your Deliberations, and that he will use you as effectual Instruments in his hand to corroborate and confirm our Ʋnion, and by the same means to establish Truth and Concord among us all▪ May the Lord God of Truth and Peace preside in the midst of you by his Holy Spirit, and power forth abundantly upon your Persons, and Holy Work, and Ministry his best Blessings. In him I am, most Reverend, and most Honoured Brethren,

From Sedan, April 27. 1637.

Your most Humble and most Obedient Brother and Servant, Du Moulin.

A Letter of Monsieur Diodati, Pastor and Professor in the Church and Ʋniversity of Geneva, unto Messieurs, the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches of France, Assembled by Permission of the King, in the National Synod of Alanson, craving their Licence and Permission for the Printing of his Latin and French Translation of the Holy Bible, together with his Annotations upon it.

Messieurs, and most Honoured Brethren,

GOd be Praised for the meeting of your Holy Assembly, from which we promise our selves an Universal Blessing to be derived down upon all your Churches, and that your Holy Discipline will be preserved and the Union and Purity of your Churches strengthed. Having now an opportunity presented me, I make bold to communicate unto you a private Affair of mine own, which hath made a great noise in the World, and according to the diversity of mens minds, hath been entertained with various and different Censures: It is my Labour on the French Bible, on which having travailed very many years, I have at length, (by the Grace of God) finished it, and after divers Revisals of it, and Conferences about it, have brought it unto Perfection, and do now only wait for a little freedom from the strong opposition of some persons made against it, that I may publish it to the World. These Men pretend the sole Judgment of the Synod of Alez, why it may not be Printed; and therefore their keenness and contradiction cannot be removed by a less Authority, than that of another National Synod, equal to it, which may receive full information, and take full cognizance of the Cause. 'Tis very true, that this being a Labour of Pure, Innocent, and Confessed Orthodoxy, of an unreproachable Fidelity, done by a Man who never ministred the least occasion to have the sincerity of his Faith questioned, and who for many years hath given unto the publick, an Essay of his small Talent in this kind of Work, a Labour only designed and devoted for private Uses and Studies, and which being the Common Right, and the Practice of the Christian Church in all Ages and Nations, methinks it should not have met with so many Oppositions, nor be necessitated to sollicit your Assem∣bly for a Licence; especially sith that the last Translation in 1588. was not only Printed, but immediately, without passing through those forms of Trial, carried up into the Pulpits, and was really the Work of one particular person, as mine is, who in this account had no Prerogative nor Privilege above me, excepting that he was deputed thereunto by our Consistory; nor was his Labour any other than a slight Revisal of what was done before, and which he himself esteemed very little, as is well known and remembred by many persons who are yet alive in this City. I do also confess unto you, that 'tis not without some kind of apprehension, that I bring now this Affair before you, whenas it is loaden with Prejudices, and destitute of those two only means for support of its Dignity, to wit, My personal presence, and a view of the whole Body of the Work. As to the first, were I now in your Synod, I could justifie the uprightness of my Intentions, and add weight and force unto my Arguments, and an∣swer satisfactorily to all Demands and Scruples, resolve Difficulties, ac∣quit and purge my self from all sinister Opinions taken up against me. But I am utterly disabled from doing these things now, and at this distance. Moreover, the sight of the Work would, for its grandeur, have excited Pity and Commiseration for the Work-man; and his faithful∣ness and diligence therein, would have acquired some favourable respect

unto the Work it self. But my fear of losing in a long Journey that one and only Copy which I have, detaineth me from sending it; and ano∣ther unexpected accident of a very long and dangerous sickness hath far∣ther hindred me from supplying that defect, by Printing divers pieces of the Old and New Testament which I resolved to have put into your hands, as an Essay of the whole; so that I have confined my self to a small Specimen of Annotations on the Books of Ecclesiastes and Canticles, which I have chosen from among the rest because of their obscurities, and per∣plexing difficulties, both in the Original Text and Sence of it. Yet not∣withstanding these considerations, that confidence I have in my God, the Author and first mover of me to this Undertaking, and who hath ena∣bled me with his special assistance to compleat the whole, will undoubted∣ly bless me with the means to bring it forth in peace, through your great Prudence and Justice, which only from you could have obstructed it. I apply my self unto you on three accounts, first, to give you a full and faithful information of the State of this Affair. Secondly, to declare unto you the grounds of my proceedings, and to resolve and answer those Objections that have been made against me: and lastly to offer unto you a just and modest request; hoping that you will kindly receive and fully believe the true Narrative of the first, and that I also shall receive reci∣procally from you the effects of the two last, through the abundance of your Charity, and Experience had of your Prudence, and Equanimity, which is peculiar unto your Assemblies. I shall therefore tell you, That the Pro∣vidence of God having inclined me in the first years of my Theological Profession; yea, and almost from my very Youth upward, to Translate and Explain the Italian Bible, I was therein so successful, and the Blessing of God did so wonderfully follow me in it, that both Jews and Christians; yea, those of the Romish Church also, and others of all Professions, con∣ceived a very great esteem for me, and the greatest Persons of this our Age, had my Poor Labours in singular recommendation, which I men∣tion not without blushing; it is the Truth which I publish to the Glory of God only. A multitude of People received instruction by it, and were generally edified; yea, and I am credibly informed from good hands, That many persons owed their Illuminations, and sincere Conversions to it; a most blessed Fruit, which never caused any Scandal or Reproach unto my self, or to any other on my account. I was from that very time, excited by a most vehement inward impulse, to Consecrate my Studies wholly unto this self-same Work in two other Languages, the French and Latin, in which I was equally skill'd, and they were, as to their use, both alike, and as it were natural to me; and Learned Men, with whom I con∣versed, advised me unanimously hereunto, because there were very many things to be added, and amended, notwithstanding the pains and dili∣gence of our Fathers; and that I should reserve the Latin Version unto my later years, because it demanded a more Consummate Judgment. Hereupon, I resolved to begin with the French, the necessity whereof was acknowledged by the National Synod held at Montauban, in the year 1590. and afterward, by very many Persons of Note and Quality. And not hearing, nor understanding that any of those Great and Learned Divines of the French Nation, did betake themselves to expound the Texts of the Sacred Scripture, or to make Annotations on those places, which did need them, excepting professed Commentators, who could but be rarely and seldom consulted with, unless in their Ordinary Lectures; very few of your Pastors having addicted themselves this way, I therefore at first inclined to frame out some brief, and solid, and perpetual Annota∣tions, which should discover at noon-day the Treasures, and hidden Sence

of the Holy Scriptures, and dissolve the knotty difficulties, and reconcile the seeming contradictions in it, and to sum up all, should serve as a guide to the right way of understanding it, and be a Fence and Barrier against Errors, and a Preservative from Seduction. For I was taught by experience, and by the example of many great Men in all Professions, that this was the most assured, shortest, and profitable method of proficiency in all Sciences, and above all in Theology; the mind being by these brief Notes fastened, as it were, unto the Spring and Centre, and not only habi∣tuated to the comprehension of the purest, highest, and strongest Points, but also to the limitation and bounding of Conceptions and Expressions. I had not proceeded far in this Task, before I perceived my labour would be unprofitable, unless I did with the same hand revise the literal Tran∣slation of the Text, that it might be adjusted suitably to those my Anno∣tations, which according to my best Judgment, I had Religiously affixed to the Text. And because I was not furnish'd with Authority to change what was in common and publick usage; and being no ways willing to concur with others in their Glosses, which would have been soon visible and apparent to the World, when we should be compared together, and for that it was easie for me to correct what was amiss in others, and to keep at a distance, by a free dissent from them, and being much displea∣sed with the deplorable deformities and botching and patching of the Vulgar Latin, I resolved to assume unto my self that liberty used by all Interpreters, which was to form the Letter of the Text into one equal Web and Style, and into a Sence agreeable to my Explications; being herein fortified by the example of Blessed Mr. Calvin, who in his French Commentaries, hath either added himself, or suffered additions to be made by his Translators unto the Text, one Text often differing from that, which was then in common use, which yet had been so fre∣quently revised by him, that he might be well reputed the Author of it. And yet I never did thus confine my self, unless in some Contexts, and matters of lesser moment. I have made no alteration in the New Testa∣ment of the best Translation, nor in that of the Old. A second thing which I note unto you, is, That I have not at all, or very little intermeddled with those Dogmatical Passages, which Cotton the Jesuit had so Calum∣niously impugned, and accused of falshood, and were so worthily defen∣ded by our late Reverend Brother, Mr. Turretin of Blessed Memory; and I do expresly mention this, because I would remove a Bug-bear, which if imagined by the World, would affright and deter them from reading these Annotations. A third thing is, That the most remarkable Altera∣tions in my Labour, are drawn from the very Margents of our common Translation, whereof Learned Men, and skill'd in these matters, have observed, that the Margin is more sound than the Text; upon which score, the Overseer of this Work would not insert those plain, common, and edifying Glosses of Monsieur Beza, nor of other great Men, who have thrust in their own, though oftentimes very extravagant, harsh, and unedifying. I should be too tedious and troublesome, most Honoured and Dear Brethren, if that by many words I should go about to perswade you to believe, that either Avarice or Covetousness, moved me to un∣dertake this Vast and Laborious Work, or love of Novelty, or affectation of Singularity, much less had that black and malignant Vice any Influ∣ence or Power over me, viz. to Eclipse and Darken the Glory of our Renowned Fathers in the Reformation, and to arrogate it wholly to my self. I am at this time of day too near the direct line of the Sun, and so disabled from ever casting any great Shadows, or to be wrapt up in such thick Mists; nor can I believe that such an ill report, tho' I have

been sensibly afflicted with its putrid breath elsewhere, should ever blast the Credit of my Sincerity with you, which as I have it imprinted powerfully upon my Conscience before God, so is it much more easie to verifie and make it good before Men, because I have Laboured without Wages, I have Wrought without any Thanks or Favour, my Works have not gotten me any Honour. I aim'd only at this mark, to make clear and limpid this Fountain of Life; my design was to help poor and needy Souls to drink largely and comfortably of it, and to make the way of Sal∣vation plain and easie unto all; and to gather up the stones out of the Lord's Field, out of the Churches Heritage, and to cleanse the Lamps of this Golden Candlestick, and to render this strong Meat pleasant to the taste, delightful, and easie of digestion; and to Consecrate this Heavenly Manna in its pot of Gold. I have Laboured to free the reading of the Holy Scriptures from some certain and yet very common abuses, which was to read it barely without observing it, or seeking out the mind of God in it, as is the practice of idle and superstitious persons; others read it only that they may gather, as in a Garden, the Flowers of some fine Sentences, without entering into the spacious Field of Truth, where they might thrust in their Sickle, and reap a full Harvest of entire and continued Doctrines and Reasonings of the Holy Ghost, to the singular contentment and satisfaction of their Souls, and by an intent Study and Meditation of them, they might store up in the Granary of their minds, an abundance of Spiritual Provisions. I have endeavoured to make it plain and easie to the simple, so that young Scholars might be furnish'd with solid and substantial conceptions, and with lively words, and so have their Spiritual Senses exercised, of which my long and sorrowful experience hath found them destitute; and whereas they were formerly patching together the pieces and labels of Secular Wisdom and Elo∣quence, or freezing in the Studies of unedifying Questions and endless Disputes, it hath been an unspeakable Comfort to me to see how many of them, and those of the best Quality have been rouzed up at the report of my Labour, and have pursued vigorously this blessed Study, hoping for assistance and comfort by my poor Travail: I am sollicited by them from all parts, to Communicate it to them as soon as possible, and they will not, as they tell me, because they love me, leave me at rest, till I have gratified them in their demands. I have made it my business to detain them within the bounds of that uniform and unvariable Analogy of Faith, and to secure them upon the guards of Sobriety and Simplicity, and to furnish them with quick and lively Explications, and to render the Holy Scripture amiable and venerable without any loftiness of expression, and to shield it from all contempt through want of a sensible taste of its great Utility; I have scattered in all parts of this Holy Field a multitude of Fruitful Instructions, and useful for the Grace of edifying; nor have I let any corner or quarter of it lie fallow for want of a familiar exposi∣tion; yea farther, I have freed it from that false Opinion of the Vul∣gar, That it contained those sublime Mysteries which infinitely transcen∣ded their capacities, and could only be penetrated by the Learned; and that it was enough for the common people, if they paid them a blind reverence, and an Ignorant Adoration. I have vindicated it from the Reproaches and Blasphemies of Prophane and Atheistical Wretches, who charge the Sacred Scripture with unreasonable extravagances, and dull, senceless Discourses, designed on purpose to bring Men into an horrid Slavery, under the notion of Divinity. These Monsters are too too frequent in our Age, tho' they mostly lurk in dark and secret places, and are afraid to discover them∣selves openly to the World. However, that these Doctors of Lyes,

together with their sorry Sophisms, might be exposed and confounded, it was necessary to exalt God's holy Word into the Throne, and to display its meridian Light, Majesty and Glory. These were, Most Reverend Bre∣thren, my first Intentions, the successfulness of which, I must leave to be manifested by God and time, the discoverer of all things; and then the oppositions I have met with, will be largely counterpoised, and my Designs and Endeavours will meet with Praise, and favourable Accep∣tance, whenas my inflexible constancy, and indefatigable perseverance shall have brought my Work to its last perfection. I have according to your Order, applied my self unto our Magistrates to gain their Licence for its Impression, and have submitted the whole to a strict and careful Examen and Revision by Judicious and Learned Persons; but with this condition, That if after they had perused it, it were approved, or should be approved upon their amendments, I may have the liberty of Prin∣ting it. For I could not, without this restriction, handsomly consent to such an unprofitable formality, which served only as an entertainment of curiosity and discourse, and to sparkle out new Alterations: And I farther craved the benefit of two Laws in this our Commonwealth, which do not only grant a Licence for Printing, but a Privilege also against all Oc∣currences, and new Translations of the Bible, and Annotations on it, pro∣vided that they have been approved. This was plainly understood from that Judicious Approbation given unto the merit of the Work, and not an Act of Arbitrary Power, or of Absolute Will and Pleasure. To this so just a demand, and of common right, some opposed an Article of the Synod of Alez, which others endeavoured to back and re-inforce by Let∣ters begged from certain Persons of great Name and Merit, who were known to be in the same Sentiments with mine Opponents, and engaged to maintain whatever had once proceeded from them; especially they would have made this pass for granted with all the World, That this Work had been generally rejected by all your Churches, not so much for the substance of it, as for its design; and that therefore it was precisely pro∣hibited. But I made it appear, that they were very much out in their reckoning, and produced several Letters from Persons of as great Qua∣lity, and more in number, who highly approved of my Undertaking, and applauded those Essays, which had gone abroad, and earnestly insist∣ed upon its Impression. I wave that Article of the Synod of Alez, be∣cause there be just exceptions against it. This Affair was only superficially and overtly treated of in it; the Provinces came not prepared for it; yea, they had not so much as been consulted about it: I was never heard, nor any one for me; that my Labour was but then a meer Embryo, as it were in its first Conceptions; that it could neither be seen nor examined; That they took for granted on erroneous supposition, viz. That I designed to eclipse or suppress our common Translation, a thought of which ne∣ver so much as came into my mind, and if I had thought it, I could ne∣ver do it. And lastly, this pretended Judgment, under which I and my Work Laboured, had no foundation in any Law, neither Antient nor Modern, neither Canon nor Civil; and therefore this Article being defective both in matter and order of Juridical Judgment, could only be admitted as a simple prudential Counsel, subject to examination by reason and second thoughts. However our Magistrate bearing a very high respect unto your Churches, and being jealous of what does any wise relate unto you, would not in the least grant me my demand, but desire that this Affair might be put off till the meeting of another Na∣tional Synod, in which I also acquiesced, but with this protestation, That after I had paid you my Duties, informed and acquainted you with my

Reasonings, I did take it for granted, that I might freely enjoy that right, which hath been from time immemorial in the Christian Church, to wit, That it hath been permitted to all those who have the gift and fa∣culty to serve the Church in this kind of Labour, as well as in any other Theological Writings; and that in case the advantage of the Laws on this account, should be denied me here, I would seek for it in some other place, where I might accomplish my design in peace; which would be very easie for me to do, considering the great number of Friends and Favourers of my poor Labours, which God hath graciously given me. 'Twas at this Post that my Affair stuck in this City; and I hope the true Narrative I have made you of it, will discharge and free me from all pre∣judices taken up against me.

I proceed now to report those Reasons with which I have always armed and fortified my Spirit▪ against the many oppositions that have attacqued me. And I most humbly beseech you▪ to bear with me in my relating of them, because I was ever condemned upon meer prudential accounts, with∣out any consideration had of Law, Reasons, or Examples▪ which yet ought to be the ground and rule of all riglit▪ Judgment in matter of Doctrine, Conscience, Necessity, or where the great profit of the Church is con∣cerned, as it is in this now before you, in which it is not permitted to be led and byassed by any respects whatsoever. 'Tis Lawful indeed and Ex∣pedient to endeavour an Accommodation of the whole, by some fitting Temperament and Reconciliation, if such may be found; but in case it cannot be had, we must pass over my first Argument. For sith it hath been the constant practice of all Ages from the very birth of Christianity, that all Nations and Languages have not only suffered, but even carefully Collected and Embraced a Diversity of Translations of the Holy Scrip∣ture, as is evident beyond all possibility of contradiction, they having received some from Jews, others from Hereticks, attested to us by the Famous Hexapla of Origen; there is then no reason why it should be now prohibited, and that I should be▪ made the first Precedent, a new and unheard of instance and example in this old Age of the World. My second is this, That forasmuch as no considerable inconvenience hath ever risen from this Liberty, Time having suddenly suppressed the vicious and ill performed, and given Authority unto good Translations, which by their own strength could bear a Trial; and on the other hand this Liber∣ty having very much contributed to the growth of Light and Know∣ledge, and the defects of one Translation being supplied by the per∣fections of another, it is unreasonable to Judge that there should be other manner of effects now than heretofore; especially when as in this Learn∣ed Age, matters of base allay will be soon discovered, and decried; and what cannot subsist upon the lively roots of Solidity, will suddenly wither and be mowed down. Antiquity reaped much Fruit this way, as St. Augustine and divers others have witnessed; but the Christian Church in our days, hath enjoy'd it most abundantly. For the sweet Odors disperst abroad by the new Translations of the Bible in divers Languages, within these five and twenty or thirty years, is wonderful, and they have largely contributed to the Edifying, Instruction, and Confirma∣tion of Saints. The English Translation for its great Fidelity and Clear∣ness weareth a shining Crown of Glory upon its head: Those two Ger∣man ones of Piscator and Cramerus, for their Noble Qualities and Con∣ditions, are exceeding useful, and have done a great deal of good. The new Polonian, made and Printed at the instance of the Prince of Radze∣ville, is of that esteem as to allure the present King of Poland to read it, and to enamour him of it, tho' he be a Prince of a contrary Religion.

The new Dutch Translation, which is just now coming into the World, sets persons alonging for it, because of the excellency of its Work, the Number and Abilities of its Work-men, the time they have spent in the doing of it, and for the great helps the Lords States-General have afforded them to effect it. And the Old Testament which is now working off at Zurick in the purest Switzer Language, must needs be of a raised worth, by that taste we had of the New, which is already Printed. The new Spanish Translation of Cyprian de Vallera, hath produced incredible effects in Spain, no less than three thousand Copies having pene∣trated by secret ways and conveyances into the very Bowels of that Kingdom. Let others publish the Fruit of my Italian Version, both in Italy and elsewhere. If it were expedient and becoming me, I could bring forth numerous examples of it, and those also attested by persons of unstained Credit and Reputation. Now, although these Nations have their infirmities as we have ours, and as many and perverse Enemies as we have our selves; yet none of them combin'd together mutually to deprive themselves of these Divine Treasures: but using a little patience, the weak were edified and comforted, and the Adversaries confounded in their Invectives. Should any one reply, That the greater part of those Translations were framed by the Authority of Superiors, and by divers persons associated together for it, which circumstances are all wanting to this my present Version; I answer that neither the one nor the other are any thing as to the substance of the work, which may and ought to be examined according to its merit, and not according to the Titles and Appearance of Persons; because God may be pleased to bestow as great a Blessing upon the sole labour of one person singly, as upon that of many; and very many excellent Interpreters, and above all, St. Hierom was never deputed by Authority to this Work, nor had he the assistance of any Companions in it; And the deep fixed Thoughts, settled, conti∣nued Meditations, and studious Inquiries of one single person may not on∣ly equal, but also frequently surpass the latitude of many other mens thoughts, which are often-times ill-match'd, and worse digested: and to say no more, it lay not in my power to get my self deputed, nor to associate another with me unto this Work. Yea, methinks I might for this very reason deserve the more favour, especially should my Labour be suc∣cessful and take in the World, sith that I have alone born the burden of it. And as for those Authorised Deputations, I account them more hurt∣ful than profitable, unless, notwithstanding these Commissions, the Church do enjoy her full Liberty, to spend much time in a mature, and accurate examen of every one of them, before ever She be obliged to a publick Reception of any one Translation, which should She too hastily embrace, She would as suddenly fall from Her Credit. And if the first moulding be good, time will be always refining it, that so it may be finally brought forth unto publick use, and to undergo a general Trial.

The third Reason is, That forasmuch as all our Interpreters, as Calvin, and those of the year 1588. have protested in their Prefaces, that they never designed by their performances, to exclude and debarr any of their Successors from attempting such a Work as this; but rather did invite, exhort, and summon them to contribute what should be in their power for the perfection of that, which according to their Candor and Modesty they said, they had left imperfect. None will believe that they amused us with vain and illusive words, or with Complements and feigned Ci∣vilities. So then, we yield them more honour by following their Coun∣sel effectually, than if through a stupid Reverence of their persons, we should be afraid to enterprize any such matter after them.

My Fourth Reason is this, That we be now necessitated to use this li∣berty because of the great changes which have fallen out in our Vulgar Languages, by means whereof such Words, Terms and Phrases as were seem∣ly and sounded well in one Age, yet in the next following hear ill, are bar∣barous, putid, and intolerable, and cannot be employed without publick offence, and wounding of the Ears with prophaneness. We have experi∣enced enough of this in the moveableness of the French Tongue.

A Fifth Reason is this, That every Interpreter who explains a strange Author by Annotations or Commentations hath this privilege to Trans∣late the Letter of the Text according to the Sence he hath conceived, and which he giveth it. Otherwise he would be handled unjustly: You would make him put a force and violence upon his own Judgment, and cause him speak absurdly, and to turn his Explications into perpetual contradictions and confutations of himself. And on so Sacred a Subject as this, the peril and scandal would be abominable.

My Sixth is this, Forasmuch as in all Times and Languages there have been Translations of the Bible for publick use Authorised by the com∣mon Magistrate, and ordained at that time and by the Custom of the People, and of others for private use and service, from out of which bounds they never departed to check-mate the publick Authorised Tran∣slations; this self-same course may be taken with mine, which may be confined to this lower Classis and Condition, without any complaint of mine, or of any one for me. The example of the ancient Greek Church is very illustrious in this our particular case, and exceeding pat unto it. They esteemed the Translation of the Septuagint to be Divine and Pro∣phetical, and yet notwithstanding suffered several others to live, no fewer than six or eight, which had been Compiled and Collected into one Body by the Industrious Origen. The present Romish Church hath Canonized the Vulgar Latin, and yet notwithstanding, tolerates those of Vatablus, of Pagnine, of Arias Montanus, and of Isidorus Clarius, to be used in the Explication of it. And truly, Sirs, it would be a most absurd thing in us to overvalue one to the disparagement of another, we should by such rigorous actings, exercise that which we condemn in others, to Lord it absolutely over their Minds and Consciences. The Evangelical Churches in Germany, without distinction of Lutheran or Calvinist, do use in the Pul∣pits none other Translation but that of the great Luther; and yet ne∣vertheless, do not forbear consulting with Piscator, Cramerus, and Osiander, of whom they make honourable mention, without any Scandal or Con∣fusion; and the publick Discipline may take sufficient care, that all these be avoided. And I have observed this, because I would satisfie them who object, That such a diversity of Version would engender a World of disorders in our Churches, this Pastor choosing one, and that another: Whenas nothing like this hath happened in those aforenamed Churches, nor was any like it observed when the new French Translation of 1588, was brought into the publick Congregations.

My Seventh Reason is, That all prudentials must give place to the ob∣ligations of Conscience, which are the removing of Stumbling-blocks from the blind and weak, excuses from the lazy, occasions from the Ad∣versary, and the hindrances of profitting in the Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures from all. And this was the only mark at which I aimed. And it is no wise just and reasonable, that we should rest satisfied our selves, or cause others to be satisfied with the Explanation of some clearer and more substantial passages, and leave all the rest buried as it were under ground in a voluntary ignorance: but it's necessary that we should take pains to guide and bring our people into a general knowledge of the

whole, if it may be done. Because all Sacred Scripture is Divinely inspired for these very ends and purposes. And it is the will of God that those sparkling Stars of Dogmatical Passages should be as it were Enshrined, not in a vast and cloudy darkness, but in the midst of that large and ample, and clear-shining Azure of the Sacred Scripture. And this may be noted against those, who sleep in this pernicious Error, that in case any Translation do but give out all our Doctrines in their full nature, its sufficient enough for any people, tho' in its other parts it be dark, ruggid and ill done: They not considering that by these vicious qualities they drive persons from reading of the whole, or imprint upon their minds si∣nister thoughts, whereby they disdain and despise God's Holy Word, or deal something worse by it. So that they do more hurt than good, de∣stroying by this means all that they had built up by others.

My Eighth Reason is, That according to our Doctrine, it's expedient for us to keep possession of this Liberty, for fear lest that the singularity of one Translation always heard, read, and handled publickly and pri∣vately, should come at length to be Canonized, as it hath fallen out in the Church of Rome, not at first by any publick Declarations, but by custom, and length of time the Vulgar Latin hath obtained this Repu∣tation.

The Ninth Reason is, We ought to be very careful by my example, of abating their courage, who have the Gift and Will to employ themselves in this kind of Study, for fear lest they should toil and labour in vain, which is the high-way leading unto despair. And a very foolish Opinion it is, to think, that we are come to such a pitch of perfection, as if nothing among us could be bettered.

The Tenth is, That the permitting of Translations done by Faithful and Approved hands, is so far from increasing, as is pretended, an end∣less number of them, that on the contrary, it is the true means to ob∣struct and prevent it: for at last there shall come forth one which will give a stunning blow unto all the rest, as that of St. Hierom's did. Those innumerable Latin Translations shall daunt the courage of the boldest, who in so vast a Subject, shall hardly find Pasture agreeable to the Palate of their Temerity.

In the Eleventh place, Forasmuch as it's profitable and expedient, that we keep our Liberty in explaining of divers passages not essential to our Cause in our Sermons and University Lectures, it is also as much expedient that we should keep it in our literal Translations of the Bible; lest being too much captivated by one Translation, we should at last meet with all those Defects, Obscurities, and Wanderings from the Scripture-Sence, and take upon us to forge Mysteries at our own wills, which we have justly condemned in the Church of Rome.

Let me but add one Reason more to those I have already offered, That having laboured with all Faithfulness in my Calling, according to the measure of Grace received from the Lord, it is not just, that I should be hindred by your Prohibition, from making my Work publick, bcause it would be an irreparable wound unto my Honour, which would be totally oppressed and ruined by reason of those sinister Judgments, which even many of our own would pass upon me; as that I have done nothing of any worth at all; and our Enemies, with whom I have Fought and Con∣futed, would rail and bawl at me as they begin already to do it in their Preachments, that I subvert and overthrow our own Doctrine: Reproa∣ches which are not only very grievous to me now in my old Age, but also very injurious to that Degree and Station I hold in the Church of God; yea, and would redound to the Scandal and Dishonour of the Churches.

Those oppositions of the Synod of Alez, and of others since that, may be reduced to these two general Heads. 1. To the offence which would be taken by the weak. 2. To those Reproaches and Troubles we should meet withal from our Adversaries. But there is no reason that either the one or other should give a Law unto us in such matters as these are. Our Adversaries will always do their utmost in opposing our Reception of what is good; the weak will always refuse the admission and introduction of new things, tho' they were the best in the World. But I am very much amazed, when I hear that some are of that Opinion with reference to the weak, that to instruct, guide, illuminate and strengthen them, which I do throughout my whole Work, should cause, through their weak∣ness or viciousness, destruction to some of them, or be a means of stag∣gering and wandering unto others. I fear no other Scandal, but what is already given them by so many contradictions as I have met withal: And yet at last it will redound more to the prejudice of my Opposers, than of my self; because of the many requests, with which I am continually importuned from people in all parts Abroad and at Home, who cannot brook with any patience, the delaies in publishing this my Labour; nor are they so much alarm'd nor disgusted as is reported; and I am Ignorant who those weak ones be they so much stand upon; and I am apt to be∣lieve, that some men plead their Cause contrary to their minds and in∣terests; because 'tis easie to presume, they will never be so much Scan∣dalized at those flights, easiness and new sweetness they shall find in God's Word, as they may be distasted with the Difficulties and Obscurities they have so long conflicted with. And as for our Adversaries, I am out of the reach of their shot; for let them do their worst, they shall never alledge one Text in which I have varied from the substance of Doctrine, or of the Dogmatical Passages; for I have industriously deprived them of all occasion and pretext against me: nor shall they be able to wound our Cause, because the Work is of a private person, and done for private uses; unless they should discover a most shameless Malignity, to condemn that in us, the practice whereof they permit freely among themselves, viz: The liberty of private Translations, which may be retorted back upon all their Objections at any time. 'Tis now too late to have any regard to them, who would, from the suppression of my Labour, which is now Universally known, draw out long lines of Invectives, Calumnies, and false, groundless Suspicions, which they will never be able to extract from its publication. By which means, I doubt not, but with my Candor to de∣mulce their humours; and by the representing of the lively Light of God in his Holy Word, to illuminate them; and by the Celestial sweetness thereof, to allure even some of the fiercest Spirits amongst them to the good ways of God; for however they may contradict men, 'tis difficult for them to contradict the Heavenly Sweets of God's Word. Which I speak by experience of my Italian Translation: for having, where I could with a safe Conscience, followed St. Jerom, it was not unsuccessful. If this happiness might now befal me, which is not to be hoped for from our Vulgar French Translation, judged by them over partial, there is no Fear nor Worldly Respect that should weigh down with me. Some tell me the time is unseasonable; but I answer, 'Tis never out of season to do good; and to be too intent upon the times, is the right and ready way to lose all; and these times of ours, which do stupifie our Souls with the horrors of those woful events happened in them, do con∣trariwise seem the most proper for the slipping of this Labour into the World; which feareth no assault, but what may be given it in the birth. Besides, my declining years do call upon me to consider the small time

that is left me to give life unto this Fruit; unless I would have it buried together with me in my Grave, or I must let it come forth into the World all maimed and disfigured after my Decease. For all these Reasons and Considerations, most Reverend and most Honoured Brethren, I shall conclude with two most humble and earnest Petitions to you: One is, That you would not in this Affair make any Reflection upon those Sen∣timents which are now disputed in this Church; for tho' at the bottom, it cannot but have other movements than you have, yet nevertheless, it cannot subsist but under your Shadow, which if removed, it must needs fall to the ground. My other Request to you is, That you would be pleased freely to vouchsafe me what lieth in your power to do for me, which is not an Approbation of a Work never seen by you, and to de∣mand it of you, would be a very unjust thing in me, much less that you should give it with the privilege of a publick usage, which would be an exorbitant Temerity; but this only, not to condemn me, nor to hinder this first Edition, which I desire only to publish unto the World for disco∣very of Mens Opinions of it, and to be farther sifted and examined by them. By this Equanimity of yours, you will consolate me under my Travails and sore Pains, you will renew my Vigour, and raise my Spirits, and incourage me also to publish my Latin Translation at the many in∣stances and ardent desires which are made me. But in case you should be so pre-occupied as to deny me this small favour, I do now beg your par∣don, if I say, with an extreme grief that I shall lock up my self in the Cloister of my own Conscience, and rest quietly in this confidence, that this work will at last be more accepted and approved than at first: and I shall imitate St. Jerome, who out of meer respect to the Union and Charity of St. Augustine with the African Synods, resolved to displease himself for a short time, that he might afterward more happily give con∣tent unto Posterity: and according to the example of all good Servants, who even in some remarkable act of their Duty and Service, do often di∣gest with patience the disdain of their Superiors, and exceed in obedience that they may give them a more certain and better accompt of their Fi∣delity in the upshot of their Work.

I pray God, that if it be his gracious Will, I may receive from your fraternal hands, this Fruit of Peace and Consolation, and that from his Fatherly hands, you may receive his abundant and most powerful Bles∣sing upon all your Holy Deliberations and Actions. I beseech you, grant me that Honour of being avowed by you,

Geneva,May 1st. 1637.

Messieurs, and most Honoured Brethren,

Your most Humble and most Faithful Brother and Servant in the Lord DIODATI.

Notes

• 1637. The 27th Synod.
• There be two of his Sons Mi∣nisters, and Ex∣ites here in Eng∣land.
• 1637. The 27th Synod.