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.

CHAP. XVI. Cases of CONSCIENCE.

III. THe Brethren of Normandy requesting, that the eighteenth Article of the Synod of Paris might be altered, where it was ordained, That no beneficed Persons, or other such-like, should be received into the Ministry without long Experience had both of their Life and Doctrine; this present Assembly decreeth, That the Article shall remain intire and in its full power, without any Relaxation or Alteration, and therefore that it be more diligently observed.

IV. Such as hold Church-lands, provided they do not pollute themselves in any manner with Idolatry, and do their endeavour to root out all Super∣stition, at least that there be none committed by their consent and authori∣ty; and also protesting that they disclaim all Right that they might have from the Pope, if also those Lands and Goods be visibly imployed in holy and lawful Uses, forasmuch as the King grants Liberty of Conscience to enjoy them; these Persons shall not be refused Communion at the Lord's Table.

V. It having been proposed, Whether Maids above ten Years old, should answer the publick Catechism. This matter is left to the Prudence of the respective Consistories, who shall act herein as will make most for Edifica∣tion.

VI. The Church of Issoudun demanding. Whether besides the Consisto∣ry, it were not needful that the Church should have a Council to determi∣nate all matters of difference arising in it. After diligent consideration, this Synod judgeth, That it is the Duty of Consistories to determine all Church-Affairs, and that it's needless on this account to have an other standing Coun∣cil besides those who are Officers in it.

VII. The Brethren of Nismes having desired our Advice about Morning and Evening Prayers; this Assembly dismisseth it over unto the Provincial Synods.

VIII. Our Brethren of Normandy having propounded this case, Whether a Magistrate might be called into Office by the Consistory? This Assembly re∣solveth, it may be done, provided that the exercise of the one doth not hin∣der the other.

IX. Concerning Interest of Money, it is advised, That the King's Edicts herein shall be universally observed, as also the Rule of Charity.

X. The Minister of Normandy demanding, Whether a Cousin-German re∣moved, might be married? The Synod answers, That if there be no Scandal taken by such a Marriage, it may be done.

XI. 'Tis the joynt Opinion of all the Brethren, That a second Marri∣age contracted by him who had forsook his Wife because of Leprosie, is null; and therefore till he be separated from his second Wife, and the Scan∣dal given by him be repaired, he shall not be admitted unto the LORD's Table.

XII. It's lawful, though not necessary for Protestants to publish their Banes of Marriage in Popish Temples.

XIII. A Minister demanding our Advice, Whether a Person begging his advice and comfort under inward Perplexities, and confessing to him secretly great Crimes, he ought to discover them unto the Magistrate? We answer, That it is left wholly to the conscience of the Minister, who must prudently consider all circumstances.

XIV. Ministers contracting unfitting Marriages which beget Scandal, the Brethren in this Synod do judge, that Consistories shall proceed in such a

manner against these Delinquents by Church-censures, that all occasion of Scandal for the future be prevented.

XV. To the case, Whether a Promise made by a Maid at the Age of ele∣ven, with the consent of her Parents, to which before twelve she had renoun∣ced, might be dissolved? This answer was given, That such a Promise was Null.

XVI. It being moved, Whether Ministers might marry them who were downright Papists? The Synod answers, That it may not be done, unless they do positively renounce the Mass.

XVII. Gentlemen or other renting Benefices from Priests, where Idolatry is not as yet purged, shall be seriously admonished to abstain from so doing within a certain fixed time; and in case of final Disobedience to this Admoni∣tion, they shall be cut off from Communion at the Lord's Table.

XVIII. As to the difficulty propounded by our Brethren of Nismes, Whe∣ther a Minister may with a good Conscience leave his Church, when his Wife, after that he hath done his Duty in order to her Conversion, will not live with him? It is answered, That all circumstances considered, he shall renew his Endeavours for the Conversion of his Wife, and in the mean while he shall have his liberty to resume again his Charge, as soon as he shall have reduced his Wife unto her Duty.

XIX. Our Brother of Xaintes having demanded what is to be done in this case, A Man having done publick Penance in the Church for divers Faults committed by him, yet again and again returns unto the same Sins, ought he to be excommunicated or not? Our Judgment is, because he hath not truely hearkned unto the Church, that he be excommunicate.

XX. As to that Question, Whether the Promises of Marriage may be gi∣ven before a Priest, because the Mother will have her Daughter contracted by a Priest? It is answered, Forasmuch as the presence of the Priest is only re∣quired that the Espousals should be performed by him, 'tis our Advice, that it ought not to be done.

XXI. A young Man promiseth Marriage unto a Maid, with this express Condition inserted in the Contract, That he promiseth Marriage, provided the Maid consents to be married in the Reformed Church; the Maid pro∣miseth and consents for a time; afterward seeing the Troubles arising for Re∣ligion, she will not yeild unto it, and saith farther, That she will never have this young Man. It's demanded, Whether he is hereby freed from his Pro∣mise? We answer, The young Man shall endeavour by his diligent Sollicita∣tions to perswade her; and 'tis left to the prudence of the Consistory to judge of the Diligences used by him, and accordingly to proceed to a Declaration of the Nullity of the Marriage, if need be.

XXII. Such as bearing Office in the Reformed Church having in times of Persecution fallen into Idolatry shall be deposed from their said Office, and be∣fore they be again received unto the Lord's Table shall undergo publick Pe∣nance. And if private Persons are guilty of the same Crime, they shall do the same Penance enjoyned them by the Consistory; all which shall be per∣formed with Christian Charity and due Moderation, according to the Rules of our Ecclesiastical Discipline.

XXIII. The case being moved, Whether it be sufficient that the Fornica∣tion of a Man be proved by his Harlot, and the Testimony of some worthy Person, who shall depose that he heard the Fornicator acknowledge his Crime, and that those belonging to the House do testifie of theit frequent∣ing each others company? 'Tis our Counsel, That the Consistory of the Church would exhort the Accused to confess the Truth, confronting him, the Harlot, and Witnesses together, and to examine well all Circumstances: And if he persist in his Denial, yet to suspend him from the Lord's Supper, provi∣ded the Witness be an honest Person, and without reproach.

XXIV. The Churches shall be advertised, not to celebrate the Marriage of strange Persons, who dwell not in the places where those Marriages are to be solemnized, unless they bring Certificates from those Churches whereun∣to they do belong.

XXV. A Maid brought from among Salvages, and not instructed in the Principles of Christian Religion, ought not to be baptized before she can give a rational account of her Faith, and that by a publick Confession.

XXVI. In the Province of Berry, whenas over and above the Synodical Assemblies and Propositions, (to exercise the Gifts of young unordained Preachers in order to their Approbation for the Ministry) there shall be o∣ther Assemblies specially convened to consult about necessary and emergent Affairs, they shall be held by the common Agreement of the Churches Con∣sistories, and not by any other Authority, that so that Article of our Discipline may not be thwarted, which expresly ordaineth, that no Church shall usurp any Authority over another.

XXVII. The Minister of Memiot desiring our Judgment in this case, A Gentleman caused his Child to be baptized by a Priest, who continues practi∣sing his Idolatry: Shall this Child be rebaptized or not? It's answered in the Negative.

XXVIII. The Minister of Chasteneauef and Mazon desired Resolution unto this case, Whether he may with a good Conscience lend another his Name, that under the covert thereof he might enjoy the Profits of a certain Bene∣fice? We answer, That he ought not to do it in any wise.

XXIX. Forasmuch as the Minister of New castel, in Normandy, hath of his own accord forsaken his Ministry, induced thereunto by the perswasions of his Wife, as he protested before the Colloquy at Diep, it is resolved, that the Brethren Ministers of that Colloquy shall censure him according to his De∣servings, and put him in the Catalogue of Desertors.

XXX. It being demanded, Whether it were only a Prohibition of Hu∣mane Laws, That the Widow of the deceased Brother might not be married to his surviving Brother? The Council answered, That such Marriages were also forbidden by the Word of God: And though under the Law of Moses it was ordained, That when the elder Brother died childless, the younger Bro∣ther should raise up Seed unto him; yet this was only a temporary Law to God's Ancient Israel, and intended only for the preservation and distinction of their Tribes.

XXXI. One having renounced his Benefices, demands advice, What he shall do with his Writings, Deeds, and other Evidences belonging unto the Lands and Revenues of those his said Benefices. We advise him to discharge himself by due course of Law, according to the Ordinance of the Magistrate: and he shall cancel his Letters of Presentation.

XXXII. A certain Lady craves our Advice, Whether she may claim her Right and Interests in a Gentleman, who had promised her Marriage by words de praesenti, all usual Solemnities halving been observed, who yet notwith∣standing now refuseth to accomplish the said Marriage, pretending Inequali∣ty of Fortune, and Difference of Religion, and that for these reasons he can∣not comply with her. We advise that before she insist on those things which are consecutive to the interruption and separation of the Marriage, as the de∣manding of her Rights, and other matters of that nature from him, that she procure the accomplishment of the Marriage according to his Promise.

XXXIII. In some Places and Temples where the Word of God is preach∣ed, the Bells being rung to give notice of it, is it expedient, that Men and Women meeting together for that purpose in a certain Chamber of those Temples, should answer Questions propounded to them from the Books, Chapters, and Verses of the Holy Bible by the Minister, and give each of them their Scence and Interpretation of those Texts of Scripture? It was an∣swered,

That this course was evil and of dangerous consequence, and that the Minister of Croissil did very well to oppose himself against it. And the Churches are advised not to bring in any such Practice.

XXXIV. Those of Caen send their Candidates abroad to preach the Word, whence divers Scandals have ensued, because some of them have been Persons of ill Life, and it was contrary to what had been ordained at Rouen: Howe∣ver, the Reasons urged by them are these, That by the Council of Poictiers, Deacons were permitted to Catechize; and they could not suddenly lay hands on any, being as yet Novices, and also because they sent them unto such pla∣ces as had not ability to maintain a Minister: Is this Action of theirs worthy of Reprehension? We answer, That in the National Synod of Poictiers Dea∣cons were indeed permitted Catechising, but it was when they were fully re∣solved to serve in the Ministry of the Gospel; and also by reason of the dif∣ference of Opinions hereabout this very matter had been remitted unto this present Council: But because there was not at that time any thing spoken about Propositions, and that they had been warned of this by the Provincial Synod of Rouen, not to indulge unto this practice any more, they shall there∣fore be censured.

XXXV. A Minister of Caën did so very much importune a Maid that she gave him promise of Marriage, and promiseth to espouse him on this Con∣dition, When the Mass shall be no more used in the City of Caën; where∣upon the Minister gives her certain Rings, and a while after demands the accomplishment of their Marriage. But the Maid will not consent, and saith, That her Father did by Threatnings constrain her to make those Promises; which is also acknowledged by the Father. The Provincial Synod of Caën declared the Nullity of that Promise, because it had been extorted by force, and had it been performed, there would have arisen great Scandal: For some∣time he acquiesceth in the Sentence of that Synod, and receiveth again his Rings: But now, as he saith, being pressed to it by his conscience, he believes himself bound unto her, and therefore makes his Appeal unto this present Sy∣nod, who having seen the causes of this Appeal, orders, That he submit him∣self to the Direction of the Provincial Synod of Caën, which they judge to be most equitable. And the Provincial Synod of Caën also is enjoyned to in∣quire into the Call and Life of this Minister, and in special to discover the means used by him for the obtaining this pretended Promise, and to take knowledge of it, that he may be suspended and deposed if so be necessity do require it.

XXXVI. A Gentleman troubles the Church, and wills that his Wife come up immediately after him unto the Lord's Table before any of the Men: And altho' it had been ordained by the Synod of Caën, That he should fol∣low the general practice of the Churches; yet nevertheless he will not con∣form thereunto. This Assembly orders, a Letter in their Name to be sent him, advising him to walk with more Humility.

XXXVII. It's demanded, Whether those words, You neither need me nor my Goods; uttered upon speech of Marriage, do imply a Promise? This Sy∣nod answers negatively.

XXXVIII. A Minister of Limonsin, whose Conversation was otherwise blameless, by the Threats of Enemies, writ to the Queen-Mother, That he never consented to the taking up of Arms, although he had consented and contributed thereunto: Item, That he promised to preach no more until such time as the King should License him, and that he had promise made him to injoy his Conscience, living quietly in his own House. Since being convin∣ced of his Sin, he did freely of his own accord, without having been solici∣ted thereunto, make publick Confession of it before the whole Congregation, hath lived very holily, yea, with the rare Testimony of a Very great Re∣pentance; and in particular he did acknowledge his Offence upon a solemn

Sacrament-day in the presence of all the Ministers of the Country, insomuch that all the Faithful departed exceedingly edified by his Example: He hath also for a long time together forborn the exercise of his Office. 'Tis de∣manded, Whether this be a sufficient Penance, and he may enter again upon his Charge, the People earnestly desiring it? We are of Opinion that this is sufficient: However, he shall once again write unto D'Escars, who was the cause of his Fall, to give him to understand his Repentance▪ if so be the Con∣sistory and Neighbour-Ministers think it fitting; and he is intreated, if he can, to acquaint the Queen with it. And in case of Scandal taken against his Church for this Action, 'tis left to the Prudence of the Provincial Synod of Lymousin to remove him unto some other place.

XXXIX. The Church of Vivaretz demand, Whether they may without wronging their consciences give the Sacrament unto an Abbess, who having quitted all Idolatry, doth notwithstanding retain the Revenues of her Abbey, and not imploy them to their right uses? 'Tis answered, That they may not admit her to the Lord's Table.

XL. A Minister being sound insufficient, who was put into the Ministry without Examination, what is to be done with him, especially since a Multi∣tude do desire to have him? It's advised, That he go and follow his Studies elsewhere for some time.

XLI. Unto the Question, Whether Marriage may be performed in his private House, who is sick of a Disease, which hinders him from going abroad? It is answered, That it is not lawful, because though he cannot go, yet he may be carried unto the Church.

XLII. A young Man promiseth Marriage unto a Maid, but oftentimes pro∣tests before her Parents and divers others, That he will not take her in Mar∣riage, if she be not a Virgin. They do all give him assurances of the Virgi∣nity of their Daughter, and she also herself avows it: yet it comes to light, that eight Years before she had a Child. It's demanded, Whether he be freed from his Promises, because he says he is cheated by them. We an∣swer, That in case the Whoredom is manifest, and he never had carnal Know∣ledge of her, we are of Opinion that he is free, according to our former De∣cision on the same Article.

XLIII. A certain Abbot in Lymousin professeth himself a Doctor and Preach∣er: the People hear him gladly; nevertheless he maintains his Monks, goes in Person unto the Mass, and does not joyn himself unto a Reformed Church. 'Tis queried, Whether the People may be permitted to hear him; and whe∣ther those Ministers who exhorted him to read his Lectures, have done well, and those also who have assisted at his French Sermons? It's answered, That those Ministers who have been present at his Sermons, or exhorted the Peo∣ple to become his Hearers, or him to Teach, among whom there is one cal∣led Provost, ought all of them to be grievously censured: And the People shall be admonished, according to the Rules of our Discipline, to content themselves with their own Pastors; and that my Lord Abbot be desired to forbear his Lectures, and to subject himself unto the Order of God's Church, and tarry till he be called unto such an Office.

XLIV. Monsieur Pelot craved advice in this weighty Case: A Marriage had been contracted between a Youth of sufficient Age, and a Maid of Thir∣teen, with mutual content of the Parties and their Parents: The Banes were published in the Church; and just as the Minister would have married them, the Maid sate down, and would neither rise nor stand up. But after Ser∣mon, having been admonished of her Duty, she yields unto it, and they were married in the Church, and lay together, yet without any carnal Co∣habitation. She upon second thoughts says, the Marriage is null; and sepa∣rating from her Husband, protests she is not bound to own him for hers in that relation, nor to cleave unto him; and requireth to be divorced from

him; whereunto the Man would freely and willingly consent, provided it might be done with a good conscience. This Assembly declares, That it is a good Marriage, true and indissolvable; and the Parties must be exhorted in the Name of God, to carry themselves as true married Persons. And Monsieur du Verges, and the Consistory of Montlimart, where the Mother which hinders the Marriage dwells, are desired to do their endeavour, that it may be perfected.

XLV. Monsieur Vaissé propounds, That Promises of Marriage had been made by two Persons at Marnejoux, both of sufficient Age, and with consent of Parties; the Promises were ratified and confirmed the second time, and that by Contract passed through the hands of a Publick Notary: The young Woman refuseth to accomplish the Marriage, urging for herself, that she was compelled by her Parents to make such Promises; though the contrary is evident from the very words of her Parents: she further alledgeth, That her Party's Breath is very stinking. The Marriage is declared indissol∣vable.

XLVI. A Man having contracted Marriage with a Maid by consent of Parents, maketh other Promises unto another Maid, and passeth Contract of this also, of which he is afterward very penitent, and persisteth in his first Promise. By consent of the Consistory and Magistrate of the Place, 'tis con∣cluded the first Promise shall hold. Nevertheless when the Banes are pub∣lished, the Father of the second Maid forbids them. May the Minister pro∣ceed to celebrate and bless this Marriage notwithstanding the old Man's Pro∣hibition? It is concluded, that forasmuch as the Father of the second Maid opposeth it only out of Interest, and for a sum of Money, which he claimeth due unto him, the Minister may do his Office in marrying them.

XLVII. Monsieur de Lestany proposeth, Whether a Minister who was for∣merly a Popish Priest, and hath none other Estate nor Income but what be∣longs unto his Cure, which may amount to about threescore and five Livres yearly, and yet he cannot recover that sorry Pittance, but by compelling his Debtors to pay him before the Magistrate; and the Magistrate also will not condemn them to Satisfaction, unless he plead in the Name of Priest and Cu∣rate. Is it lawful for him so to do? No; by no means.

XLVIII. An Abbot come to the knowledge of the Gospel, who hath sup∣pressed all Idolatry, burnt his Deeds and Evidences, provided for his Monks, and not suffered for six Years last past Mass to be sung in his Abby, nor done any other Exercise of the Popish Worship, but ever carried himself faithful∣ly, and born Arms in Defence of the Gospel; ought such an one to be admit∣ted to the Lord's Table? Yes, undoubtedly.

XLIX. A Man by the consent of her Father, and of his betrothed Wife, hath carnal Knowledge of her before Marriage: He is afterwards by false Witnesses accused of Fornication, and condemned for falsifying the King's Coyn, and executed in Effigie: He demands that his Marriage may be cele∣brated in the Church. The Brethren are of Opinion, That provided he sub∣mit to publick Penance for his Fornication and other Crimes, it may be law∣ful to marry him, and to admit him to the Lord's Table.

L. The Deputies of Vivaretz propounded this Case: An Abbess, though she hath forsaken the Idolatry of the Church of Rome, doth yet notwithstand∣ing retain her Nuns, and employeth not the Revenues to their right use; may she with a safe conscience be admitted to Communion at the Lord's Table? No; in no wise.

LI. The Brethren in the Church of Rochell are desired to leave off Prose∣cuting their Minister Monsieur de L'Isle, and other of their Fellow-members, because they want sufficient Evidence against them; and they are to remit the whole matter unto our Brethren of Xaintonge, who will take an exact cog∣nisance thereof, and judge in it according to truth.

And whereas the Church of Rochell have petitioned that they might have Monsieur Oded du Nort conferred upon them for their Minister; answer was given them, That he should serve them till such time as the Provincial Sy∣nod of Gascony do sit, who properly can dispose of him; and the said Church of Rochell shall apply themselves to the said Synod to gain their consent; and in case they cannot obtain it, then may they redemand the Monies, if they please, which they paid down for his Ransom.

LII. The Brethren of Paris are intreated to give way that Monsieur de La Forest may be sent unto Bourges, instead of Monsieur de St. Germain: And this Article shall be communicated to our Brethren of Geneva, and to their Church, and they be intreated to write unto the Church of Paris a∣bout it, that so Monsieur de St. Germain may be Minister unto the Family of the Lord de la Rochfoucaud.

LIII. Our Brother de St. Fariol doth of right belong to the Church of Montignac; yet that Church is intreated to accept of our Brother Bordier, who is now sent unto them, that so the Church of Chasteauneuf may not be left destitute. And in case this be granted, Monsieur de St. Fariol shall re∣imburse their Expences in procuring of him to be their Minister.

LIV. Whereas the Church of Die in Dolphiny, have requested that Mon∣sieur Figon might be sent unto them, in case he were at liberty: and for that our Brethren the Sieurs Tempeste and Moranges, have yeilded to it, the Assem∣bly dismisseth this Affair unto the Consistory of Lions, which shall do in it as they see good.

LV. Monsieur Matthew D'Anche offering himself voluntarily to be Profes∣sor of Divinity, was refused till such time as he produced his Attestations and Testimonials from those Churches in which he hath lived, and particularly from Geneva, where he saith he hath lived a very long time: and in case he refuse to do this, the Ministers are bound to hinder him.

LVI. Monsieur Vaisse reported how that he was sent to serve the Church of Ville Franche, which is now dissipated by the Enemies of the Gospel; and in the time of Perfection he withdrew himself unto the Lord of Pieure, wait∣ing for the Restauration of his Church, which is not yet returned: what shall he do? Some were of opinion, that he should continue with the said Lord of Pieure, and that the Church of Ville Franche should be provided of ano∣ther Minister. But the major part of the Deputies judged that he ought up∣on the first Invitations given him by his Church to return unto them, in case he could live among them in safety, and that in the mean while he should continue the exercise of his Ministry in the House of the said Lord of Pieure, who shall by the Classis or Colloquy be supplied with another Pastor, whene∣ver the said Vaissé shall be called back unto Ville Franche.

LVII. Master Damian Joubert, complaining that his Church of Domles neg∣lected to maintain him: The Church of Issoyre upon examination of this mat∣ter, and finding it true, is ordered to set and declare him free from their Ser∣vice.

LVIII. The Church and Brethren of Aubusson yeilded that Monsieur Du Pont their Minister, should be Pastor in the Church of Creuen, but with this Condition, That whenas the said Church of Aubusson should be restored, that they help them to another. This their mutual Agreemant was approved.

LIX. The Province of Berry hath the priviledge granted it by this Assem∣bly, to call the next National Synod within one Year, and to give notice thereof unto all the Provinces three Months before the time, and Place of meeting.

Notes

• Beneficed Per∣sons employ∣ing them to good and pi∣ous Uses, and not partaking in Idolatry, shall not be kept off from the LORD's Table.
• No other Council in the Church but the Consisto∣ry.
• Magistrates may b••••r of∣fice in the ••onsistory.
• In Usuries the Rule of Cha∣rity, See the Synod of Or∣••••••••••••, Art. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉-Ger∣m••ns r••m••∣ved, pr••••••ded there ••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sea 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may ma••ry. 〈…〉〈…〉 m••••∣•••••• the ••e∣••••••d time, and 〈…〉〈…〉 fi•••••• Wif•• ••e∣••••••se o•• her 〈◊〉〈◊〉, this M••••••••••••e is 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the M••nister 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••v••al or not Crimes dis••••ve••ed to him in Con∣fess••••n.
• Ministers con∣tracting unfit∣ting Marriages to be severely censured. Promises of Marriage made by Mi∣nors, though with the con∣sent of Pa∣rents, are null. A Papist may∣not be marri∣ed unless he or she do re∣nounce the Mass. Renters of Be∣nefices where Idolatry is shall within a limited time be excommu∣cate. He that con∣tinues and hardens him∣self in his sins shall be ex∣communicate.
• A Pagan Maid must not be baptized till she have been well instruct∣ed in the Christian Re∣ligion.
• A Man may not marry his Brother's Wi∣dow.
• Candidates must not be sent up and down, to un∣certain places there to preach.
• An enforced Promise of Marriage is null.
• The Lord's Supper m y nor be given to an Abbess who retains the Revenues of her Abby.