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 Saumur.* 1.1 (Book 14 (Saumur))

SYNOD XIV. (Book 14 (Saumur))

Acts of the National Synod held at SAUMUR, the Fifth Day of June, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand five hundred ninety and six.

CHAP. I. Of the DEPƲTIES.

• Monsieur De la Touche, chosen President.
• Monsieur Pacard, Assessor. And
• Messieurs Vincent, and Chalmot, Scribes.

At this Synod there appeared these Pastors and Elders hereafter named:

FOR Brittany Master Peter Merlin, Minister of the Church and Fami∣ly of the Lady of Laval, and Monsieur de Landauran, Elder of the said Church.

* 1.2For the Higher Languedoc, and the Higher Guyenne, Master John Bapti∣sta Rotan, sub-delegated by Monsieur Balarand, who was deputed by the Provincial Synod held at Figeac in May last, 1596. But because of his Sickness he could not be present in the Assembly; and the said Monsieur Rotan was accepted in that Quality, but with this Proviso, That it should not be made a Precedent; and the Provinces are charged to acquaint their respective Deputies with it, that they ought not to delegate another in their slead.

I cannot pass by Monsieur Rotan, without a Remark, which may be read at large in Monsieur D' Aubigny's Histoire Univers. liv. 4. cap. 11. & liv. 5. cap. 2.

He, and one Marlas, who afterward revolted, with de Serres, Cayer, the Apostates, and de Vaux Ministers, finding no Gains nor Preferments to be had in the Reformed Churches of France, projected for their own Advance∣ment, the Re-union of the two Religions, Protestant and Popish: they com∣municate their Design to the Lord of Sansy (who afterward turn'd Papist) to du Fay, Grand-son of the Chancellor L' Hospital, to Benoist Parson of St. Eustache, to Perron Bishop of Eureux, to Dr. Chauveau, and to Berangé a Dominiean Fryar, and to the Arch-Bishop of Bourges. Rotan got himself

deputed with some others to the King at Mantes, in the Year 1595; and there promised, that in a Publick Dispute, he would subtilly betray the Cause of the Reformed unto the Romanists. But when it come to the push, whether it were that out of vanity he would not yield, or through re∣morse of Conscience, he drew back, and feigned himself sick. Monsieur Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban, entred the Lists in his stead, and stoutly maintained the Truth against the Adversaries, about the suffici∣ency of the Scriptures. Monsieur de Vaux, who was brought off with three Bills, one of Two thousand five hundred Crowns, and the other two of les∣ser Sums, falls into terror and horror of mind, hath no rest night nor day, and under this great anguish discovers the whole Plot for their Prevarication unto several Persons of Note and Quality, but with dreadful Cries and Groans, yet withal assureth them, that God will have mercy upon his poor Soul, not∣withstanding the greatness of his sin, for he should die very suddenly, which he did the next Lord's Day: For having preached to his Congregation, and supped with some Friends, he took a solemn leave of them, and leading his Wife into his Bed-Chamber, he pronounced this Stave of the Fifty first Psalm.

Lo, also, Lord, thou lovest Truth within, Within the Heart, within the Soul sincerity, Therefore to me so gracious thou hast been, To make me know thy inward Wisdom's verity.

And immediately died in the very place.

Monsieur D' Aubigni relateth, how that he unbosom'd himself unto him with many sighs, and having confessed his heinous Offence, he delivered to him the three Bills; which, after his Death, he gave back again unto his Heirs.

For Poitou, Master Dominick de Losse, Lord de la Touche, Minister of the Church of Mouchant, and St. Fulgent, Master Francis, L'Oystau, Minister of the Church and Family of the Lord Duke la Tremouille, and Mons de Fontaines El∣der of the said Church. Their Temple in which they worshipped God was at Melle.

For the Lower Guyenne, Monsieur de St. Hilary, Minister of the Church of Nerac, without an Elder, Monsieur de Chastelet was excused upon the ac∣count of his sickness; and the Provinces shall be informed, that in case of sickness, they ought to substitute another, as also to depute unto these Synods one or two Elders.

For Orleans, Berry, &c. Master John Vian Minister of the Church of An∣geau, Master Adam D' Orival Minister of the Church of Sancerre, and Ma∣ster Giles d' Albert Junior, Citizen of Blois, deputed by the said Pro∣vince.

For Dolphiny, Provence, and the Principality of Orange, Master Daniel Chamier Minister of the Church of Montlimart, Master John de Serres Mi∣nister of the Church of Aurenges, and there was joyned with him Monsieur Hulson an Elder of that Church; but thô he was chosen by the said Province, yet he was not present at this Synod.

For Lower Languedoc Master Laurence Brunier Minister of the Church of Ʋsez, and Theodorick de Combez Baron of Fons, Elder of that Church.

For Normandy Master Giles Gautier Lord of la Bansenie, Minister of the Church of Caen, and Master Robert du Perron, Elder in the Church of Rouan.

For Lyonnois, Forest, and Beaujolois, Master Lewis Tourquet, Elder in the Church of Lyons.

For Anjou, Touraine, &c. Master Felix du Tronchay Lord of la Noue, Mi∣nister in the Church of Beaufort, Master Francis Greliere Lord of Macefer, Minister in the Church of Saumur, and Master Briant Niotte, and Master Peter Coignet Lord of la Plante, Elders in the said Church of Sanmur:

For Xaintonge, Augoulmois and Aunix, Master George Pacart Minister of Rochefoucald, and Monsieur Chalmot Elder in the Church of Rochel.

The Provinces of Higher and Lower Vivaretz, and their Synod shall be censured for neglecting to send their Deputies unto this Assembly; and Ma∣sters Brunier and Chamier, are appointed to declare in their next Synodical Meeting, this very Censure by word of mouth unto them.

Bourbonnois, Auvergne, and the Province of Burgundy, having at present but one constituted Church in it, are excused for this time, and Monsieur de Serres is ordered to write unto the scattered Churches of those Dukedoms, that they rally and re-unite again together, and encourage the Faithful which are among them to re-assemble.

Monsieur de la Touche was chosen by common Suffrages Moderator, and Monsieur Pacart Assessor, and Master Vincent and Chalmot Scribes, to Col∣lect and Register the Acts of this Synod.

The Assembly ordered, That the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper should be celebrated in this Church on the Lord's Day, June the 16th of this pre∣sent Year 1596.

CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith.

THE Confession of Faith was Read, Approved, and Sworn to by all the Deputies of this present Synod.

Once again the Printers shall be required to put the word Ʋnion, instead of that of Ʋnity, in the 26th Article.

As also,* 1.3 That in the close of the Eight and thirtieth Article, these words of Institution in the Lord's Supper, Take, eat, and drink ye all of it; shall be added, according as it had been decreed by the last National Synod of Montauban.

CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-Discipline.

The Discipline of our Church was read, and all the Deputies approved it, and sware to see it carefully observed.

I. THE Provinces are advised to see that the Sixth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Articles of the first Chapter, especially the Twelfth, be punctually observed, according to the Decree of the Synod of Montau∣ban.

II. The One and twentieth Article in the Second Chapter, beginning with these words, Forasmuch as, shall be wholly removed from the Body of our Discipline.

III. The First Article in the Third Chapter of Elders shall be strictly ob∣served. And the word Especially in the Sixth Article of this same Chapter shall remain.

IV. The Provinces are exhorted to maintain as great a number of Pro∣posans as possibly they can, and Princes, Lords, Gentlemen, Corporations, and such as to whom God hath given fair Estates in the World, and espe∣cially such as enjoy Impropriations, are bound in Conscience to employ a considerable part of their Revenues in so pious a work.

V. In reading the Chapter of Schools, it was decreed, That the Provinces should be advised to do their utmost, that a Colledge be erected in each of them, and that by them all joyntly, at least two Academies, the places of the Colledges and Academies shall be named by the Provinces. And the present Synod judgeth this City of Saumur a most convenient place for a Colledge, and whenever God shall bless us with ability, for an Academy al∣so; and entreateth the Lord du Plessis Governour of this place, to continue the Tokens of his good-will and kindness to this Noble and most Godly De∣sign, which he hath so much affected, and the Deputies of this Assembly are intreated to excite their respective Provinces to promote it vigorously.

VI. The 8th Article in the Chapter of Elders and Deacons shall remain as it is, leaving the Consistories at liberty to make what changes they in their prudence may judge to be most expedient.

VII. The 8th Article in the Chapter of Consistories, recommending the reading of the Discipline, shall be better observed.

VIII. On the 22d Article of the same Chapter it was decreed, That in Publick Confessions made by Penitents before the whole Church, those Crimes which would expose them unto Death, or brand them with Infamy, shall not be specified.

IX. The Provinces are advised to see that the last Article of the same Cha∣pter be most exactly observed.

X. The Fifth and Last Article of the Sixth Chapter. The Provincial De∣puties of Guyenne, Xaintonge, and Normandy craved, That this Article might be moderated, because of its very great rigour. Whereupon it was advised, that after those words, Continued and maintained, there shall be these added, And in case any Churches or particular Persons refuse to contribute to the defray∣ing of their Expences, who are to meet in those Ecclesiastical Assemblies, they shall be severely censur'd, as Deserters of that holy Ʋnion, which ought to be upheld among us, for our mutual preservation. And Ministers neglecting this Ordinance shall be liable unto the sharpest Censures.

XI. On reading the first Article of the Eighth Chapter, those Churches which have divers Pastors, are advised to send as many of them as they can alternatively unto their Provincial Synods.

XII. The Second Article of the same Chapter shall be most strictly obser∣ved. In the last Article of the said Chapter, the Deputy of Champagne de∣clared unto the Synod, That the Church of Chaloons is the only one in that Province. Wherefore it was decreed, That the Church of Chaloons for the present shall be annexed unto the Isle of France, and there being left in the Province of Brittany, none other than the Church of Vitré, that also shall be joyned unto Normandy.

XIII. The Deputy of Higher Languedoc demanding, That other Ministers present in our National Synods, though not deputed, might have their Votes in Consultations, unless in those Matters wherein they were personally con∣cerned; it was decreed, that the third Article of this eighth Chapter should not be changed in the least tittle.

XIV. The fifth Article of the tenth Chapter. The Deputy of Normandy read the Memoirs of the Colloquy of Constantine, moving, that Exhortati∣ons might be permitted at the Interring of the Dead. The Synod past this Decree, That there should be nothing innovated in that Article.

XV. On reading the fifth Article of the eleventh Chapter, about bapti∣zing of Gypsies Children, it was decreed, That the said Article should remain in its full force, only with the addition of these words, That the Surety do bind himself to maintain and educate the said Child in the fear of God.

XVI. It was decreed, That the sixth Article of the same Chapter shall a∣bide unaltered, to wit, That no Baptisms shall be performed but in those places, and at those hours, when and where the Churches do ordinarily meet together for God's Publick Worship. However, in Churches where there is no Sermon, this Sacrament may be administred according to their conveni∣ency, but yet not without some kind of Exhortation. And in case a Parent should through infirmity urge the baptizing of his Child before Sermon, the Pastors shall advise what will make most for the edification of the People, and inform the Parent of it. And where Churches have their Meetings only on the Lord's Day, they are exhorted also to appoint some other Day of the Week for Publick Christenings. On the eighth Article of the same Chapter, Parents shall be advised to choose such Sureties for their Children, as are Persons of Understanding, and capable of making good their Promises.

XVII. On the 13th Article of the same Chapter, the Deputies of Poictou demanded, Whether two Names might be given a Child at Baptism? To which it was replied, The thing was indifferent; however, Parents were ad∣vised to observe herein Christian simplicity.

XVIII. On the 5th Article of the 13th Chapter, it was decreed, That in all Espousals the Promises of Marriage shall be made in words de futuro, ac∣cording to His Majesties Ordinance; and that of Right they be indissolvable, unless some lawful impediment do interpose; and thus that Article shall be amended.

XIX. On the 6th and 7th Articles of the same Chapter, about degrees of Consanguinity, it was demanded, Whether in degrees not forbidden of God, and for which the King's. Grant may be obtained (as is promised us by the secret Articles of the Edict) in the third and fourth degree only, Pastors may proceed to the Celebration of such Marriages, without demanding a view of His Majesties License? To which this Synod made answer, That they ought to solemnize the said Marriages without any scruple or difficulty, provided they met with no opposition at the time of their Celebration.

XX. On the 12th Article of the same Chapter, it was resolved, That the said Article should remain,* 1.4 only those words were to be left out of it, Because there is a secret affinity between the Parties, for that the Husband and Wife are reckoned but one Body.

XXI. From the 13th Article of the same Chapter, these words shall be re∣moved, Not without cognisance had of the cause, and mature deliberation of the Consistory.

XXII. The 22d Article of the same Chapter. The Provinces are ap∣pointed to come prepared unto the next National Synod, that this Case may be then resolved, Whether it be not expedient that Widows should abide lon∣ger in their Widow-hood, before they be admitted unto a Second Marri∣age.

XXIII. The Twenty third Article of the same Chapter shall remain as it is.

XXIV. The Second Article of the Fourteenth Chapter shall be left as it is, and the Additions by the Synod of Montauban shall be observed.

XXV. These words, Nevertheless such shall not be condemned; and those which follow to the end of that Article, shall be cut off from the Twenty third Article, and instead of them these shall be inserted, And all of them shall be governed by the King's Law, and that of Charity.

XXVI. The Twenty fourth Article concerning the Sale of Offices shall be totally razed, and removed from the Body of our Discipline.

The above-mentioned Articles of Discipline having been read, and exami∣ned by all the Deputies of the respective Provinces were approved and con∣firmed by unanimous consent.

CHAP. IV. Of General MATTERS.

I. THE Deputy of Champagne shall advise the Church of Paris to beware of a certain Scot, going by the Name of Ottoman, or Homan, who would make an Hodge-podge of both Religions.

II. Monsieur Merlin demanding, Whether Mr. Calvin's Catechism hither∣to received in our Churches should be still retained,* 1.5 and publickly expound∣ed? It was ordered, That there should not be the least alteration in this matter; but the Provincial Deputies are appointed to make Report hereof unto their respective Synods, that in the next National Assembly it may be more maturely debated and determined.

III. The Latin Disputations and Propositions desired by certain Provin∣ces, are judged more convenient for Colledges and Universities than for Col∣loquies.

IV. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc demanded, Whether it were law∣ful to accompany the Papists at their Marriages and Baptism, as far as their Church-doors? Answer was given them, That it could not be done without sin, and therefore such as did, would be liable unto Censures.

V. The Article of the National Synod of Montauban, concerning the Loan of the Poor's Money shall be razed out.

VI. These words shall be added, As much as may be, to the Three and twentieth Article of the said Synod, concerning the Union proposed at Mants.

VII. The Nine and twentieth Article of the same Synod shall be incorpo∣rated with our Discipline.

VIII. The former part of the Thirtieth Article of the same Synod, con∣cerning Presentations by Proctors shall be razed, but the last clause thereof shall abide in force.

IX. The One and thirtieth Article of the same Synod shall abide in its full power.

X. 'Tis dismissed over to the next National Synod, to consider, whether the Scripture-songs, lately put in Metre by Monsieur Beza, shall be sung in our Churches; and the Provinces are requested to study the matter in the interval, that so it may be the more solidly debated.

XI. The Article of the same Synod about Registring the Names of Persons newly admitted into Church-fellowship with us, shall be observed; and as touching the subscribing their own Names, this shall be added, If it may be done.

XII. That Article about nominating Pastors for the Dispute, in case there be one, was approved: But, 1. That the Name of Monsieur Baron be razed out. And, 2. That instead of Monsieur de Serres, that of Monsieur Cha∣mier be inserted, according as it was ordered by their Province. However, 'tis left unto the prudence of the Provinces to recommend any other, if they shall think fitting.

XIII. The Deputy of Lower Languedoc moved, That nothing might be in∣novated in that Article of the same Synod, concerning the Annual Holy-days. The Synod orders, That in those places where they be compell'd to refrain working on such Festivals, that 'tis lawful for the Pastors to preach unto their people, provided their Consistories content unto it, and on such Days when∣as the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper comes to be celebrated, they shall take such Texts of Scripture to treat on, which they believe will best contri∣bute to the edification of their respective Churches.

XIV. That Article concerning Duellers shall be punctually observed, and inserted into the Body of our Discipline.

XV. The Union between the Churches of this Kingdom,* 1.6 and those of the Netherlands shall be carefully maintained; and Monsieur Rotan shall write unto them in the Name of this Synod, expressing our earnest desire to con∣serve this Union by all lawful means: And this Assembly appoints the Pro∣vince of Normandy to receive and answer their Letters, and also, if it be con∣venient to send a Deputy unto their National Synod, who shall receive his Instructions from those Persons who have assisted at our Ecclesiastical Assem∣blies.

XVI. The Churches are admonished not to receive any Persons into Com∣munion at the Lord's Table, who inhabit those places in which there is no Publick Exercise of the True Religion, unless they have Certificates from their Elders.

XVII. The Province of Normandy demanded Advice about that omission in the Form of Marriage; it was resolv'd, That Notice be given unto the Printers to insert again those words, Forasmuch as there is none that doth op∣pose.

* 1.7XVIII. Letters written by the King unto this Assembly, and sent by Mon∣sieur de Serres the 14th of May last, were read, wherein His Majesty giveth us assurance of his good Affection to us, and to maintain his Edict of the Year 1577, and that we should give credence unto the said Monsieur de Serres; as also Letters from the Lord High-Constable unto this Assembly, dated the 18th of May last, assuring us of the like kindnesses, and demand∣ing the like Credence from us, to what should be declared by the said de Ser∣res. It was decreed, That Answers should be returned unto His Majesty with the profoundest Reverence and Thankfulness, and His Majesty should be most humbly and earnestly intreated, to grant us the Gracious Effects of his Royal Favour. And in like manner shall there be Answer returned in Writing unto the Constable.

XIX. Monsieur D' Orival shall write from this Assembly unto the Church of Geneva, to acquaint them with the Frauds committed by their Book-sellers,

who vend in these parts a number of Psalm-Books, and New Testaments of the old Translation, only prefixing a new Title, as if it were a new Impressi∣on and Translation; as also, to return our Thanks unto Monsieur de Beza, for Printing and Dedicating his Sermons upon the Passion, unto the Pastors and Elders of the Churches in this Kingdom.

XX. Monsieur D' Orival propounded, Whether it were, convenient, that our Ministers should be dispatch'd as Deputies unto those Assemblies, where Matters relating to the preservation of our Churches are debated? It was resolved, That because the present Juncture of Affairs did necessarily require it, they might be sent unto them.

XXI. The Deputies of Orleans craved Advice, Whether it were needful that the Contracts of Marriage should be seen before the Banes are published; because in their Province, the Contracts are not published till the Eve of the Marriage? This Assembly determines; That it shall be sufficient to see the Articles subscribed by the Principals concern'd, or attested by the Publick Notary.

XXII. The Province of Gascogny demanded farther, Whether such as made publick profession of our Religion, before their admission into Church-Fellow∣ship with us, ought particularly in the face of the whole Congregation to abjure the Mass? The Synod declared, That it was a matter of indispensa∣ble necessity.

XXIII. The same Province demanded farther, Whether Consuls and Ma∣gistrates professing the Reformed Religion, and living in those places where Colloquies and Provincial Synods are held, ought to be admitted into them? It was answered, They have no Right to be there; but in case they be Per∣sons of eminent Piety, and such as may be useful unto the Assembly, Synods have full Power, if they desire it, to call them in unto them.

XXIV. It was again demanded by the Deputy of the same Province, Whe∣ther a Judge or Magistrate of the Reformed Religion might take a Papists Oath upon the Crucifix, Relicks, Altar, Pixes, and such-like Appurtenances of Idolatry, they demanding it? This Assembly adviseth, That no Prote∣stant Judges do give them their Oaths in such a manner; but that he exhort those Persons to swear only by the true God; but if they will not do it, and are obstinately resolv'd to swear after their own way, the Judge may admit them, provided that they contain themselves within the bounds of His Majesties Laws.

XXV. The Province of Xaintonge craving leave for Monsieur Hautyn of Rochel to print our French Bibles, he engaging his Word, to do it better for Paper, and fairer for Character, and at a cheaper Rate than those of Geneva, which are now become very rare and dear. This Synod doth permit the said Hautyn to print the Bible, and adviseth him to have a singular care that it be done most accurately and correctly.

XXVI. The Deputies of the Isle of France demanded, What course should be taken with those Persons, who having contracted Marriage within the Degrees forbidden by the Word of God, without any Dispensation, and being married according to the Romish Mass-Book, did notwithstanding earnestly desire to be admitted, by doing Publick Penance, into Communion with our Churches? It was resolved, That such should not be received to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church, till they were first separated one from the other.

XXVII. The Province of Lower Languedoc moving, That no Minister might expound the Apocalypse, without the Advice of his Colloquy: it was granted, that no such Exposition should be undertook without the Counsel and Consent of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod.

XXVIII. The same Province demanding, What Censure ought to be in∣flicted on them, who marry their Children unto Papists? It was resolved,

That both they and their Children should be deprived of the Lord's Supper, and do publick Penance for this their Offence.

XXIX. The desire of the Province of Higher Languedoc is very well ap∣proved of, That Churches blessed by God with ability should be, and they be now exhorted to erect publick Libraries for the Service of the Ministers and Proposans of their Churches.

XXX. The Churches are exhorted most carefully to observe in every point that Union which was made at Mantes, by the Deputies of the Churches of this Kingdom, for their mutual help and benefit, and they shall be informed by their Deputies of its necessity, and those Churches which will not conform unto the rest shall be most grievously censured.

XXXI. The Church of Paris is intreated to note and collect the passages in the Sacred Canonical Scriptures and Writings of the Fathers, which have been falsified and maimed by them of the Romish Church. And the Pro∣vinces are charged to send their Observations also to it, that so this desirable Work may be printed and published without any delay.

XXXII. The Deputy of Berry demanding, Whether it be lawful for Cousin Germans to marry, whenas the King hath given his License; it was resolved affirmatively.

XXXIII. The Lord du Plessis moving how expedient it would be, that in the King's Army there should be ordinarily some Ministers, towards whose subsistence, the Governours, Commissaries, and other Officers professing the Reformed Religion, should be exhorted liberally to contribute. This As∣sembly decreeth, That the Provinces, beginning with the Isle of France and Normandy, and following the Order prescribed by the 15th Canon of the Eighth Chapter of our Discipline, shall make choice of two of their Pastors to be sent into the Army, who shall each of them serve six Months, which term expired, the two next Provinces in order shall send two others to suc∣ceed them, and so consequently all the rest. And all Governours and Offi∣cers professing our Reformed Religion, are intreated to take particular care of their Maintenance and Encouragement.

XXXIV. Letters were presented unto this Synod by Monsieur Vulson, from the Gentlemen assembled at Loudun, which being read, and after hear∣ing what he was charged to deliver us by word of mouth, viz. The Order established among the Churches for the preservation of their mutual Union, and to obtain a commodious Peace; it was very well accepted and approved by this Synod, who farther declared the necessity of a punctual and general Observation of it, at least until such times as it shall please God to incline the Heart of our King to grant us the Free Exercise of our Religion by a Royal and Favourable Edict, which may be embraced and approved by all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom. And that the said Union and Or∣der may be carefully preserved, all Pastors, Colloquies, and Provincial Sy∣nods, are earnestly intreated to put to their helping hand.

XXXV. Professors of our holy Religion having Law-suits, or Differences among themselves, be it either in Matters Civil or Criminal, shall be seri∣ously exhorted by their Pastors to compose their Quarrels by Arbitrators of our own Religion, without impleading one another at the Bars of Popish Judges.

CHAP. V. Of APPEALS.

I. AN Appeal being brought by the Deputy of the Church of Dangeau, re-demanding Monsieur Vian, who by certain Colloquies was Licen∣sed and sent unto the Church of Marchenoir, and whereunto the Provincial Synod had also consented. Upon hearing the Deputies of both Churches, and the said Monsieur Vian, this Assembly ordered, That the said Vian should be appropriated unto the Church of D'angeau, and that as he returned home∣ward, he should preach some Sermons at D'angeau aforesaid, and then return unto Machenoir, where he shall remain by the space of one Month: and if within that time the Church of D'angeau do not pay him all the Arrerages of his Stipend which they owe him, he shall be affixed wholly unto the foresaid Church of Marchenior; and if he be satisfied, and return to D'angeau, he shall be paid hereafter duly every Quarter his Salary; and in case the said Church should again fail in her Duty, as formerly, in not satisfying the said Vian within three Months, that Order of the Provincial Synod shall be confirmed, and the said Monsieur Vian shall be appropriated unto the Church of Mar∣chenior.

II. An Appeal being brought by the Church of Fescamp, concerning the Person of Monsieur Lazarus Robert their Pastor, who by the Provincial Sy∣nod of Normandy was lent unto the Church of Pont-dorson; it is ordained, That the said Monsieur Lazarus shall remain with his Church of Fescamp, provided they take care for his better maintenance.

III. The Church of St. John d' Angely brought an Appeal, by the Advice of the Synod of Xaintonge, wherein they declare, That* 1.8 Monsieur D'amours was sent unto the Church of Barbe∣zieux; the Letters and Memoirs of the Consistory, and other Writings having been read, this Assembly deter∣mined, That the Synod of Xaintonge had very good and sufficient grounds for their disposal of Monsieur D'a∣mours; but Madam, the King's only Sister, having re∣quested of this National Synod by her Letter, That the said Monsieur D'amours might be Pastor to the Church in her Family, this Assembly granteth unto her Royal Highness the said Mon∣sieur D'amours, for the Service of her Church and Family; and forasmuch as the said D'amours doth ordinarily reside at St. John, the said Church is in∣treated to help that of Barbezieux; and in case they do not, the Provincial Synod are ordered to make provision for them. Monsieur Turquet, Deputy for the Church of Lion, entred his Protest against this Ordinance, concern∣ing Monsieur D'amours, as prejudicial to the Church of Lions, which claim∣ed him of Right as their own.

IV. An Appeal was brought by the Church of Marianges, from the Pro∣vincial Synod of Languedoc, which had adjudged Monsieur Moinier to the Church of Nismes; the Church of Nismes requesting, That in regard of her great Needs, Monsieur Moinier might be left unto her. This Synod de creeth, That forasmuch as the said Church of Marianges hath not appeared to defend its Appeal, the Order of the Provincial Synod of Languedoc shall stand in force.

V. Complaint being made by the Church of Aymet, against a Decree pas∣sed in the National Synod of Montauban, which adjudged Monsieur Balarand unto the Church of Castres, the Deputy of Aymet requiring, that the said Decree might be revers'd, and the said Balarand restored unto the Church

of Aymet, for the Reasons assigned by them, and Monsieur Rotan being heard on the behalf of the Church of Castres; it is ordained by this present Synod, That Monsieur Balarand doth of Right belong unto the Church of Aymet, and that he shall be restored again unto the said Church, which may recal him within three Months, counting from this 14th of June, 1596; and in case of his Disobedience unto this Order, he shall be interdicted the Exercise of his Ministry.

VI. An Appeal was brought by Monsieur Simon L'hermite, Lord of Puy, deposed from the holy Ministry by the Colloquy and Classis of Fontenay, held at St. Germain in March last, the causes and grounds of his Appeal having been reported to us, and the motives inducing the said Colloquy to depose him; to wit, his pertinacious asserting, That the Humane Nature of our Lord Jesus Christ was destroyed in his Death: This Synod appointed Master Merlin, Rotan, de Serres, and the Lord du Plessis, to confer with the said du Puy, and to convince him of his Error; who relating to us, That the said du Puy doth own and approve our Confession of Faith, and that he had offended, and fallen into an Error as above-mentioned, which also the said du Puy confessed openly before this Assembly, That he had held that errone∣ous Opinion; but doth now acknowledge the Humanity of our Lord Jesus to have been ever conjoyned to his Divinity in Life and Death, yea, whilst his Body lay in the Grave: and he doth abjure all other Errors contrary un∣to this Truth now subscribed by him. The Deputies also of the Province of Poictou, having been heard upon the whole matter, this Assembly approveth the Proceedings of the said Colloquy as just and equitable. But because the said du Puy hath abjur'd that his Error, and earnestly desireth to serve the Church of God, and promiseth for the future, to carry himself with greater modesty and humility; this Assembly doth restore the said du Puy unto his Office of the Ministry; yet ordaineth, That for three Months he shall be si∣lent, and not exercise any of the Publick Duties thereof; which time expired, he getting a Certificate of his pious Conversation from that Church wherein he liveth, he may be, by the approbation of the Colloquies sent unto any Congregation which shall give him a Call.

CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS.

I. THE Theses of Anthony de L' Escale being presented unto this Sy∣nod, and diligently perused by it, they were found to contain di∣vers erroneous Points of Doctrine, contrary to the analogy of Faith; yea, and contrary to the point of Justisication. Whereupon the said de L'Escale was interrogated, Whether he would receive Instruction in those Points which are contrary to the Confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom; but he answered in the Negative, and that he would not sub∣mit himself to the Judgment of this Synod, nor be instructed by it, but bold∣ly demanded, that we would either approve or reject his Theses. And al∣though our Brother Mr Rotan, who was first deputed to confer with him be∣fore the Lord du Plessis, Governour of this City, and two Elders of the Church, had non-plust and silenced him, so that he knew not what to answer, yet nevertheless he did obstinately persist in his Errors and Self-conceitedness; Whereupon this Assembty having remonstrated to him his gross spiritual

Pride, and wicked pernicious Errors, doth now ordain, That this Act shall be inserted into the Articles of the present Synod, that so the Reformed Churches of France may be cautioned against his false Doctrine, which hath been condemned by the Churches of Suitzerland; and Intelligence of this shall be given unto Monsieur Beza in Geneva, and to the French Church of Basil.

II. The Deputies of the Isle of France and Normandy, declaring, That they had only prosecuted the Verification of the Edict in 1577, for themselves; this Assembly was satisfied therewith.

III. Whereas Monsieur de Serres hath informed this Synod,* 1.9 concerning the Printing of his Harmony, and how impossible it is for him to transcribe three Copies, as he was ordered by the last National Synod held at Montauban: This Assembly hath therefore thought fitting, that this present Work be Print∣ed either at Geneva or Rochel, or any other place where they may be conve∣niently communicated unto the Pastors deputed by the Synod of that Pro∣vince in which it shall be printed.

IV. The Censure denounced in the second Article of the National Synod of Montauban, against Monsieur Bargemont, shall be revoked,* 1.10 and struck off the File, because he hath given satisfaction unto his Province.

V. The Fact of Monsieur de Croix, heretofore Minister in the Church of Perigneux, shall be examined by the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny.

VI. Monsieur de* 1.11 Vielbancque complaining by Letters unto this Assem∣bly, that he was deposed from the Ministry by the Colloquy of Berry, who were impowered to it by Authority of the last National Synod held at Mon∣tauban, and requiring that a Committee might be appointed to hear what he had to say in his own defence; a Vote passed, that his Cause should be dis∣missed over to the Provincial Synod of Gascoigny.

VII. The French Church in London, by their Letters to this Synod, ear∣nestly requested, That Monsieur de la Fontaine might be continued among them; and the said Minister moved also by his own Letters to the same pur∣pose: Whereupon Monsieur D'Orival, Deputy from the Province of Or∣leans intreated, That in case Monsieur de la Fontaine were yielded up unto the Walloon Church of London, that then Monsieur du Moulin might be gi∣ven, during life, unto the Church of Orleans, and his Mission to it ratified by the Authority of this Assembly. The Deputy of the Isle of France also did consent, that on those Terms Monsieur du Moulin should be perpetually affix∣ed to the Church of Orleans. This Assembly decreeth, That Monsieur de la Fontaine may remain in the Service of the Church of London, always that Right reserved which our Churches of France have unto him, and that Mon∣sieur du Moulin be given for ever unto the Church of Orleans.

VIII. Our Brethren, Pastors in the Church of Metz, excusing themselves for not sending a Deputy unto this Synod, by reason of their present Circum∣stances, and craving Advice about the dissoluteness of Habits: Monsieur de Serres is ordered from this Assembly to write unto them, That they do their endeavour to come unto the Synods of this Kingdom, and that they con∣form themselves unto that Article of the Discipline concerning Habits, with∣out any the least difficulty: And this self-same Order shall serve also for the Provinces of Gascogny and Orleans, which demanded a larger liberty as to that Article.

IX. Letters were read from the Pastors of Sedan excusing their inability of deputing one from their Body unto this Synod, and craving Advice about the Marriages of such as were lately received into Fellowship with our Chur∣ches, whether their Nuptials might be solemnly blessed in our Assemblies be∣fore they had communicated at the Lord's Table, and claiming Monsieur Ca∣pel Lord of Tilloy, and some others, as their own Ministers, requesting also, that they might be assisted by a Collection in this their extream necessity. After

mature deliberation, it was resolved, That they should conform exactly as to their first demand unto the Articles of our Discipline without any the least repugnancy; and for the Second, they were dismissed over to the Sy∣nod of Champagne; and for the Third, we will endeavour to gratifie their desires, and the Provinces shall be exhorted liberally to contribute to them, and the Monies of the said Collection shall be remitted unto Monsieur de Menilles, and de la Gourmandiere, Elders in the Church of Paris.

X. The Lord du Plessis Governour of this City, desiring that the Lords going into the Army, might be exhorted to take with them a Minister; de∣manding also from this Assembly, that Monsieur de la Noue might be provi∣ded of a Pastor by our Authority. It was resolved, That the Lords now going, and those who are already gone into the Army, should be advised so to do; and Letters shall be written unto the Church of Sedan, that they would be pleased to lend one of their Pastors unto Monsieur de la Noue, who may be sit for such an Employment; and in case of failure herein on their part, then the Colloquies of the Isle of France shall endeavour to get him one.

XII. Monsieur Manthois, according to the desire of Monsieur de la Banse∣ric is granted unto the Church of Pont-dorson.

XII. The Lord Baron of Courtomer demanding by Monsieur de la Banse∣ric, a Pastor for his Church of Courtomer, the Church of Paris was appoint∣ed to use all possible means to procure him one.

XIII. Master Gabriel Raoul formerly a Minister, requesting by his Letters to be restored unto his Office; this Assembly judgeth, That the Deposition of the sai•• Raoul ought to be continued, whereof Notice shall be given him by Monsieur de St. Hilary.

* 1.12XIV. Monsieur de Serres complaining of that Order past against him in the last National Synod of Montauban: This Assembly having with much pa∣tience for a long time together heard both him and the Deputy of Languedoc, finds that the Moneys for which he is questioned are not Ecclesiastical but Royal; as also, that in auditing his Accompts, he produceth not such Ac∣quittances as will be sufficient for his discharge; it is therefore ordained, That he produce his Receipts within the Term prescribed him by His Maje∣sties Commissioner, and that having perfected his said Accompts, Notice thereof shall be given by the Pastors and Elders hereafter nominated to the Synod of Lower ••anguedoc. And the Pastors named are Monsieur de la Noue, and Monsieur de Maceser, the Elders are Messieurs de Niotte, and Le∣stang.

XV. At the desire of Monsieur Turquet, Deputy for the Church of Lions, Letters shall be written unto that Church, to reduce themselves into Order, and to re-establish their Consistory.

XVI. The Letters from Mensieurs Merlin, Rouleau, and other Pastors and Elders of the Colloquy or Aunix, as also from the Judges in the Presidial Court of Rochel being read, importing their unanimous desire that Monsieur Rotan may be detained at Rochel, tho' contrary to the Ordinance of the Pro∣vincial Synod of Xaintonge, and having heard the oppositions made by Mon∣sieur Chalmot, an Elder of the Church against that Ordinance, as also Mon∣sieur Rotan, who submitted himself unto the Judgment of this Assembly, it was decreed, That the said Monsieur Rotan from hence-forward, should be Pastor to the Church of Castres, according to the Resolution of the said Pro∣vincial Synod.

XVII. The Ministers, Elders, and Deacons of the Church of Rochel, sad∣ly complaining unto this Synod, Messieurs de la Touche, and L'Oseau Ministers, and Messieurs de Fontaines, and de la Plante Elders are deputed in the Name of this Assembly unto Rochel, and there to execute the Powers given them by this present Decree.

XVIII. There being Letters from the Lady of Laval, and the young Earl her Son, presented unto this Assembly by Monsieur Tilenus, certifying their great affection to the true and holy Worship of God, an Answer was ordered to be written to them, and the said Master Tilenus was exhorted to continue his careful instruction of the said young Lord, and Thanks also was given him for his Learned Writings in defence of the Truth.

XIX. The Churches of Higher Languedoc requesting it, Letters shall be written to the Lord Duke de la Force, Governour of Bearn, and to the Lords of the Parliament of Pau, to do their utmost endeavour, that Mass be not again set up in Bearn, and the Churches of that Province shall be exhort∣ed to send their Deputies unto our National Synods, in testimony of their U∣nion with our Churches.

XX. The Letters of Monsieur Parent at present Minister in the Church of Jarzay, were read, craving his Dismission unto the Church of Bayeux, in the Province of Normandy; and complaining, That the Judgment given on his behalf, by the Synod of that Province, was never executed; it was de∣creed, That the approaching Synod of the said Province should either provide him of a Church, or declare him to be at full liberty to embrace any other Call.

XXI. The Deputies of the Isle of France moved, Whether Monsieur Ca∣hier, a revolted Minister, ought not to be Excommunicated? and whether some Person should not be appointed to answer his Writings? And also, Whether Monsieur de la Planche should not be intreated to send the Writings of the said Cahier, unto the Church of Paris? It was resolved, That his Apostacy shall be published in the Church and Family of Madam, and that the Church of Paris, and in particular Monsieur de Serres, are to answer his Writings, in case he make any Reply; and Monsieur Clemeucear, shall in∣treat Monsieur de la Planche to deposite Cahier's Manuscripts with the Church of Paris.

XXII. A Petition being presented on behalf of Monsieur de L'Essars late Minister of Loudun, this Assembly re-viewing the Sentence given by the Colloquy held at Nogent, binding the Churches of Vandôme and Montoire, to discharge the said Essars of a Debt of Ten Crowns, which he stood obli∣ged for unto Monsieur Toré, it ratifieth the said Sentence, and adviseth the said Churches to see it executed; and in case of their poverty and inability, the Churches of the Province shall contribute towards the freeing of the said Essars from the aforesaid Debt, and Madam Toré is intreated to forbear it a little longer.

XXIII. The Elders of the Church of Saumur requesting, That Monsieur de L'Espine might be intreated to lay down his Ministry, because of his in∣disposition, they offering also to continue to him, as they have ever done, his present Salary; the Synod concurred with them, and order that he be per∣swaded to become Emeritus, especially sith this Church will continue to him his double Honour, Reverence and Maintenance.

XXIV. Monsieur du Fresne, Minister of the Church of Laissay, com∣plaining by his Letters unto this Assembly, very bitterly against his Church, and humbly intreating that he may be freed from them, his Case was re∣manded unto the Synod of that Province, who are exhorted to suppress those great disorders sprung up in that Church.

XXV. Monsieur Bergam, formerly a Minister, petitioning, That he might be restored to the Exercise of his Ministerial Office, he was advised, to betake himself wholly to the Profession of the Tongues.

XXVI. The Deputies of Dolphiny requesting, That the Sentence given by the Provincial Synod of Die, for re-instating into his Ministry Monsieur Mercure de Salans, because of his exemplary Repentance, and the singular

effects it hath wrought among his People, might be confirmed, this Assem∣bly doth ratifie the said Sentence, and approveth of his restoration unto the Church of Valence; only with this proviso, That it shall not be made a Pre∣cedent, nor be drawn into Practice for time to come.

XXVII. The Deputy of Gascogny desiring, That the Church of Bergerac might be provided of a Pastor, this Synod ordaineth, That the Province do take special care of that matter.

XXVIII. The Province of Gascogny craving Advice, how to demean them∣selves towards Gaspar Olaxa, formerly a Minister, who presented his Petition, that he might be admitted unto Communion with us at the Lord's Table. This Assembly directs the Church in which he resides, to exhort him to fix his Habitation in some certain and known place; moreover, they shall pre∣scribe him a pretty long time of Probation, and that expired, order him in Person to present himself unto the next National Synod, where he shall re∣ceive a full and final Answer.

XXIX. The business of Beaupoil, motion'd also by the same Deputies, is re-manded back unto their Provincial Synod.

XXX. A Petition was presented by the Church of Boslebec, That Monsieur D'Espoir, who is in truth their Minister, might be restored to them, or that another in his stead might be given to them, or that they might be re∣imburst of the Sum of Four hundred Livres, which they had contributed towards his maintenance. The Synod orders Monsieur Rotan, Deputy of Higher Languedoc, to tender unto the said D'Espoir, a Copy of his Chur∣ches Petition, that so he may return them an Answer within two Months time, by the way of Paris; and the Province of Higher Languedoc are char∣ged in their next Synod, to know of the said D'Espoir, whether the matters contained in that said Petition be true or not; and if true, they shall enjoyn him out of hand to perform one of those Conditions proposed by the said Church in their Petition; and the Province shall give an Account of the whole Affair to the next National Synod.

XXXI. The Decree of the National Synod of Montauban, shall be obser∣ved in that matter concerning Monsieur Berault, Minister of the Gospel, and the Deputies of Lower Languedoc are to acquiesce in it.

XXXII. The Deputies of the Province of Poictou requesting, That the Church of Luneré in Normandy, might be exhorted to pay Monsieur Vatblè, who was formerly their Minister, his Arrerages owing to him. This Synod hath given in charge to the Deputies of Normandy, that pursuant to the Me∣moirs, deposited in their hands by the said Vatblé, they endeavour to procure him all satisfaction possible.

XXXIII. The Memoirs of Limoges, presented by the Deputies of Gascony, are sent back again unto the Assembly of Loudun. And the Case propound∣ed in those Papers, about Marriages contracted with a party of contrary Re∣ligion, is fully determined by our Discipline, which forbids the Blessing of those Marriages in our Churches, where one of the Persons refuseth to quit its Idolatry.

CHAP. VII. The Catalogue of the Deposed.

THE Deposed were Monsieur* 1.13 Peter Cahier of the Isle of France, Viel∣bancque in Languedoc, Peter le Roy, otherwise Boilem in Normandy, Godfrey de Vaux in Dolphiny, and John Cornille.

The Provinces shall be advised to beware of a certain pernicious Heretick, called Anthony de L'Escale, who roves up and down scattering his Errors, both by Writings and Discourses.

The Province of Lower Languedoc is charged to convene the next Natio∣nal Synod in the City of Montpellier, the First of May, in the Year 1598.

The Acts were thus Signed, by

• Dominick de Losse, Moderator of the Synod.
• Vincent, chosen to Collect the Acts of the said Synod.

The End of the Synod of Saumur.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1596. Synod XIV.
• * 1.2

  Mr. Rotan was born at Geneva, Mini∣ster first at Rochel, and then at Castres, and there he died.
• * 1.3

  Synod of Montauban. Observat. upon the Confess. art. 4. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 6.
• * 1.4

  See the 2d Synod o•• Ra∣ccel. arc. 4••.
• * 1.5

  Mr. Calvin's Catechism to be retained and expound∣ed publickly in our Chur∣ches.
• * 1.6

  The Union betwixt our Churches, and those of the Low Countries
• * 1.7

  Letters from the King and High-Consta∣ble of the Kingdom, un∣to the Synod.
• * 1.8

  Monsieur D'amours was a mighty Man in Prayer, and Chaplain in Ordina∣ry to Henry IV. before his last Apostasie. The very Papists in the Army, and the greatest Lords and Commanders in it, were melted by him in that Duty, and would call upon the King, That before they went to fight, that the Minister who prayed yesterday, might pray a∣gain.
• * 1.9

  See Synod of Montauban, G. M. art. 52.
• * 1.10

  See the Synod of Montaub. Appeals, art. 2.
• * 1.11

  Two other Copies call him Ville∣nave.
• * 1.12

  De S••••res was suspected to be an Accom∣modater with the Papists, but prevented by Death.
• * 1.13

  Cahier was wheedled off from the Re∣formed Reli∣gion, with the never-performed Promises of being made an Abbot: He was deposed for writing two Books, in which he asserted the Necessity and Lawfulness of Publick Stews and Brothel-Houses, and that Fornication and Adultery were not forbidden in the Seventh Commandment, but only the Sin of Onan. 2. For Magick, which he had practised. This Wretch had one Vertue, he never loved, nor was beloved by the Jesuites: He was once favoured, but after slighted and neglected by the Sorbonists: A most slovenly, nasty Fellow in his Apparel, and way of Living.