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 Montpellier.* 1.1 (Book 15 (Montpellier))

SYNOD XV. Acts and Articles of the National Synod held at Montpellier, the Six and Twentieth Day of May, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand five hundred ninety and eight. (Book 15 (Montpellier))

CHAP. I. Deputies and Officers of the Synod.

• ...
  • Monsieur Berault was chosen President.
  • Monsieur De Montigny, Assessor. And
• ...
  Scribes.
  • Monsieur De Macifer, and
  • Monsieur Cartau

There assembled at it the Pastors and Elders whose Names are underwritten.

• FOR the Isle of France, Picardy, and Champagne, Monsieur Francis de Lauberan, Lord of Montigny, Minister in the Church of Paris; and Moyses Cartau, Elder of the said Church.
• For Orleans, Berry, Blezou, and Dunois, Master Michael le Noir, Minister of Chastillon on Loire, and Esaias Fleureau, Elder in the Church of Or∣leans.
• For Dolphiny, and the Principality of Orange, Master Andrew Caille, Mi∣nister of Grenoble, and Master William Vallier Minister of Die, and Master Sebastian Julian Minister of Aurange, and Master Felix Elder in the Church of Montlimart.
• For Normandy and Brittany Master William Claud Picheron, Minister at Ponteau de Mer, without an Elder.
• For the Higher Languedoc, and the Higher Guyenne, Master Michael Be∣raut Minister of Montauban, Master John Baptist Botan Minister of Castres, Master Gabriel Turonier Doctor of the Civil Law, and Master John Lisandre Doctor of the Civil Law, both Elders.
• For the Lower Languedoc Master Christopher Barjac, Lord of Gasquetz, Mi∣nister of Vigan, Master John Gigord Minister of Montpellier, together with Daniel Darnand, Lord de la Cassagne, and John de Boyere Lord of Camion, Elders.
• For Vivaretz Master Anthony Mercier, Minister of Chasteuneuf, and of Cha∣lencon, and Master John Valeton, without Elders.
• ...

• For the Lower Guyenne, Master Moyses de Ricotier, Minister of Clerac, Master Signeron du Fon, His Majesties Advocate in the Court of Casteljaloux.
• For Xaintonge, Aunix, and Augoumois, Master Fresnon du Vigier, alias du Vergier Lord of Moustier, Minister of St. John (d' Angely), and Master Mi∣chael Texier Elder.
• For Poictou Master Jonas Chesneau, Minister of St. Maixant, and John Re∣noy,Esq Lord of Braconnier, Elder in the Church of Poiré and Belleville.
• For Anjou, Tourain, and Maine, Master Francis Grelier, Lord of Macefer, Minister of Saumur, without an Elder.
• For Provence, Balthazar de Villeneuve,Esq Lord of Tortonne, Syndick of the Churches in the said Province.
• No person appeared at this Synod for Burgundy, Lyonnois, and Forrest.

The Synod being opened by solemn Invocation of the Name of God, Mon∣sieur Berault was chosen President, and Monsieur de Montigny Assessor, and Monsieur Macifer, and Monsieur Cartaub Scribes.

Monsieur Du Moulin, Deputy for Orleans, being sick, divers Churches of that Province, together with the Deputies of Normandy, and the Isle of France, substituted in his stead Monsieur le Noir, which was well approved by the Synod, and a Decree passed in it, that the Provinces should nominate three or four Persons for the future, to represent them in these National Assemblies, that in case of sickness, or any other accident which might hinder their at∣tendance, there might be some others to supply that default.

The Provinces of Normandy, Anjou, and Vivaretz, were censured for not sending Elders together with their Ministers.

Because of the great Desolations and Dispersions of the Churches in Pro∣vence, the Synod granteth unto their Deputy his Vote in all Debates, contro∣verted Cases between the Provinces only excepted, and this for that he want∣ed his Letters of Deputation.

CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith.

OUR Confession of Faith being read, was universally approved in all its Articles, by the whole Assembly.

Printers are admonished to prefix no other Title than what is usual, unto this Confession; and for time to come, they shall not add these words, Re∣vised and Approved, in such and such a Synod.

CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-Discipline.

I. THE Second Article in the First Chapter, concerning Ministers, being read, That instead of these words, In a Provincial Synod, these shall be inserted, By and with Advice of the Provincial or National Synods.

II. The Churches shall be exhorted to observe exactly the 4, 5, 11, and 13 Articles of this First Chapter, together with that Ceremony of Imposing Hands in Ordination, and the Refractory shall be censured.

III. The last clause of the Article concerning Printers shall be struck out, because it is comprised in the fifteenth Article of Particular Orders.

IV. The Churches of the Isle of France desiring an Explanation of the 38th Article of the first Chapter of the Discipline, the Synod adviseth, That difference be made between Ingratitude and Inability, and that where the In∣gratitude on the Churches part is visible, the Article shall be observed, but not otherwise.

V. And that the 45th Article of the first Chapter, and the eleventh Article in that of Provincial Synods may be more carefully observed, this Assembly injoyneth the Provincial Synods to bring with them unto the National, an Attestation of their Duty performed unto their Pastors, who through Sickness are disabled from Exercising their Ministry, as also of what hath been done by them for the Widows and Orphans of such as are deceased, that in case a Church-Colloquy or Province have not wherewithal to relieve them, Provi∣sion may be made for them by the National Synod.

VI. After these words in the* 1.2 43d Article, Great and small, there shall be these subjoyned, Of whatsoever Condition or Quality they may be.

VII. For the better keeping of the fourth Article in the second Chapter, and that all Obstructions may be removed▪ the Synod enjoyneth all Deacons to bring unto their Colloquy or Provincial Synod, the Accounts given by them of the Poors Money, that we may know whether the Fifth Penny hath been defaulked, and laid by for tho maintenance of our Proposans.

VIII. Instead of these words in the fourth Article of the second Chapter, It were good, shall be inserted, It is necessary.

IX. To prevent those Disorders which daily happen from Attestations gi∣ven unto the Poor, the Synod decreeth, That all Churches do their endea∣vour to maintain their own Poor, and in case any one through necessity be obliged to travel from home, the Ministers shall carefully examine the grounds thereof, whether just and valid, and so shall give them Letters Recommen∣datory unto the next Church, leading directly unto that place whether their Affairs call them, specifying the Name, Age, Stature, and Hair of the Dearer, and the Place whereunto they be going, and the Cause of their Travel, and the Relief that hath been given them, which said Certificate the Ministers to whom they apply themselves shall keep by them, and give them another di∣rected also unto the next Church; and whatever Attestations have been gi∣ven formerly, or may be in time to come any otherwise than as now prescri∣bed, shall be null, and torn in pieces.

X. To those words in the 16th Article of the fifth Chapter, And which giveth great scandal to the whole Church, there shall be subjoyned, And those also who contrary to the godly Counsels given them, do marry according to the Popish manner, and Parents who consent unto such Marriages of their Children, and they likewise who carry their Children unto Popish Priests to be baptized by them, or become Sureties for those Children so baptized.

XI. The Church of Castres moved this Case, Whether an Extract of some few, or more Articles of our Discipline might lawfully be communicated unto the Magistrates of both Religions, for their better Conduct in the Exercise of Justice? This Synod resolveth affirmatively; yea, and that the whole Bo∣dy of our Discipline may be presented them; there being nothing in it, but what ministreth unto edifying.

XII. Because of the present Distress and Poverty of bur Churches, and till such times as the Lord shall have blessed us with greater abilities, it is or∣dained by this present Synod, That the National Synods shall be convened only once in three Years, unless it be in case of very great necessity, as of Heresie and Schism, whereof the Province charged, to convene it, shall take special Cognisance, and on this Condition, that every Province do send their full number of Pastors and Elders, as they be obliged by that Article of our Discipline, otherwise they shall have no power of Voting in that Synod.

XIII. In explaining the fifth Article of the tenth Chapter of our Discipline concerning Funerals, it was decreed, That Ministers should hinder the distri∣bution of the Deceased's Alms at their Interrments, that so those inconveni∣ences, which would otherwise fall out, may be prevented.

XIV. That Article of the Synod of Saumur, concerning the Administrati∣on of Baptism, after Singing the last Psalm, before the Blessing shall be inserted into the eleventh Chapter of our Discipline.

XV. Having read, and carefully examined the Memoirs sent from the Pro∣vinces, concerning the fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter of our Disci∣pline, about the Form in which Promises of Marriage are to be conceived and uttered, this Assembly ordereth, That both that Article of the Discipline, and of the last Synod of Saumur shall be amended, and that the Churches be left to their own liberty and discretion, either to use the words de praesenti or de futuro.

XVI. In explaining the tenth Article of the same Chapter, this case was propounded by the Colloquy of Foix: A Man espoused the Widow of the Deceased, who was married to his own Sister in a former Marriage: The Synod judgeth, That such a Marriage is not incestuous, nor comprised in the said Article, forasmuch as Affinity ceaseth by Death, and proceedeth not be∣yond the Persons conjoyned by that said Affinity.

XVII. A Question was moved upon reading the 16th Article of the 13th Chapter, Whether it were lawful to give them a Certificate to be married out of their own Churches, Who desired it for this reason only, that they might avoid Bewitching and Impotency procured by tying the Point? This Assembly ordaineth, That it shall not in the least be granted them, and advi∣seth them not to give way unto such fears, proceeding from their weakness and unbelief, and the Faithful are exhorted to arm themselves against such Attempts by an entire confidence in God's Holy Word, and by fervent Pray∣ers to vanquish such Illusions; and to come unto the Ordinance of Marriage, when blessed in our Churches, with more Reverence, Attention, and Devo∣tion than is usual.

XVIII. The Assembly decreed about the 23d Article of the same Chapter, concerning Widows Marriages, That they shall not be admitted to contract Marriage, till seven Months, and fourteen days be fully expired after their Husbands Death.

XIX. The 21st* 1.3 Article of the same Chapter being examined, the Church in the House of her Highness the King's Sister, craved Advice for their Con∣duct in that great Concern of her Royal Highness's Marriage with the Prince of Lorrain; because, althô she had employed the Authority of the Provincial Synod, and of divers famous Persons both within and without the Kingdom, yet she cannot any longer hinder it. This Synod approving their Duty judgeth this Marriage utterly unlawful, nor shall it be permitted in any of our Churches, and Letters to this purpose shall be written to her, and all Ministers are enjoyned carefully to observe this Article, otherwise they shall be suspended and deposed from their Ministry. And this Injunction shall be annexed to the Articles of our Discipline. N.B.

She would not be married after the Popish way, and could not after the Protestants: Henry IV. her Brother, found out a temper, got the Archbishop of Roven, his Natural Brother, to pronounce only the formal words of Marriage in his Cabinet, the King him∣self joyning their Hands, and the Duke of Barr went immediately to Mass, and she to a Sermon at Court.

* 1.4XX. A Case was propounded upon the Article of Incests: A Maid was married in her Nonage to one who in his first Marriage had espoused her Aunt, by Papal Dispensation, and had Children by her, now she is since come to the knowledge of the Truth, embraceth and makes open profession there∣of, but not her Husband, she also hath born him Children; may this Woman

be received into Communion with our Churches. This Assembly distinguish∣ing between Affinity and Consanguinity, and considering the time wherein the said Marriage was contracted, and that the Dispensation, such as it was, is reputed a Law in this Kingdom, and because the Husband is of the con∣trary Religion, adviseth, That without approving the said Marriage, she be received unto Communion with us in the Sacraments. And this shall be published unto the People.

XXI. On the Article of Publick Penance for Scandals, the Province of Higher Languedoc moved, Whether a Man convicted and condemned by the Civil Magistrate for a certain Crime, which yet he pertinaciously denieth, may be received to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church, without under∣going Publick Penance? This Assembly judgeth, That in the first place, the past Life of this condemned Person be revised and examined, and then the Accusations brought in against him, the Witnesses attesting them, and the Judges passing Sentence on him, and then to ponder all Circumstances and Proofs over and above what were produced before the Magistrate: and if alter the greatest diligence used herein, and Adjurations made him in the Name of God to confess the Truth, he still persists in his denyals, he may be received unto the Lord's Table, provided that the Church be publickly acquainted in his presence, that the Judgment of the whole Process lieth be∣tween God and his own Conscience.

XXII. Instead of those words in the beginning of the* 1.5 26th Article of the same Chapter, Who shall have dwelt, there shall be inserted, Who being espou∣sed shall have dwelt together.

XXIII. A Case being moved, Whether Lands might be purchased on these Terms, That you keep up Divine Service, as 'tis called in the Church of Rome? This Assembly is of Opinion, That we should make a difference be∣tween those who purchase upon Terms of paying such and such Suits and Service unto a Bishop, Abbot, or Curate, and those who in downright Terms scruple the causing Mass to be said or sung: the former of these be not lia∣ble to Church Censures; but the latter must be informed, that they cannot with a safe Conscience neither possess nor acquire such Lands or Leases.

XXIV. Proctors and Advocates, i. e. Attorneys and Counsellors profes∣sing the Reformed Religion, may not take of their own accord Monitories out of the Popish Ecclesiastical Courts: But Judges being Publick Persons, and having Authority to declare what is Law, and ought to be done, may order what they shall do in such Cases.

XXV. The last clause of the 13th Article in the Chapter of Ministers shall be struck out, because 'tis comprised in the 15th Article of the last Chapter of our Discipline, concerning Particular Orders.

XXVI. Divers Provinces complaining of the Licentiousness of Printers in publishing all sorts of Books: Cities and Churches having Printers in them, are advised to suffer no Book to get into the Press, till it hath been first of all seen and approved by the Church.

XXVII. To that Article of Players and Mummers, shall be added Juglets, Players of Hocus-pocus, Tricks of Goblets, Puppet-playing, Morrice-dances, and all Christian Magistrates are advised not in the least to suffer them, because it feeds foolish Curiosity, puts upon unnecessary Expences, and wasts Time.

XXVIII. A Lottery ordained by the Magistrates Authority for the Relief of Minors, Debtors, and poor Merchants, shall not be condemned; but o∣thers of a different nature, such as that called The Wheel of Fortune, and the like, are peremptorily forbidden.

XXIX. The Faithful ought not to Feast at those Banquets made by Priests when they first sing Mass.

XXX. Forasmuch as Whoredom, especially in Women, brings with it a brand of Infamy; this Assembly explaining the 21st Article of the fifth Cha∣pter

of our Discipline, doth decree, That the Penance of such Persons as have been guilty of those scandalous Crimes, shall be left unto the discretion of the Consistory.

CHAP. IV. Of APPEALS.

I. THE Appeals of the Church of Rochel from the Synod, of Anjou, about their pretended Claim to Monsieur de la None, as also that of the Church of Castle-Gautier, are both evacuated and disannulled.

II. An Appeal being brought by the Colloquy of Higher Rouargue, for that the Provincial Synod of Figeac and Castres had ordained the Provincial Synods to be held at this time in the Colloquies of Albigeois, Lauragais, and Lower Quercy only; this Assembly declareth, That for time coming, the Di∣scipline shall be expresly followed, and that the next Provincial Synod shall be held in the Town of Millaud; but on this condition, that unless the said Colloquy do send their Deputies unto the said Provincial Synod, they shall then forfeit their Right.

III. The Appeal of Monsieur Croiseit from the Synod of Guyenne was made void, because it was against the Discipline, and for that he hath not appear∣ed at this Synod in Person.

IV. This Assembly declareth the Appeal of the Church of Metz and Ver∣dun to be good and valid, and ordaineth, that they shall be incorporated with the Colloquy of Montauban.

V. Forasmuch as Monsieur Quentin receiveth a very small Salary from his Church, and hath been many Years in their Service, this Assembly confirms the Decree of the Lower Languedoc, granting him a License to Teach Youth for his better maintenance.

VI. The Differences between the Synods of Higher Languedoc, and the Lower Guyenne, about the Churches of Nerac, Leirac, and others of the Lower Armagnac, are dismissed over by this Assembly to be finally decided by the next National Synod.

VII. Monsieur Galoy shall be returned to his Church of Barjac, provided they pay him within three Months all his Arrears, and therefore the Sentence past by his Provincial Synod against him, is declared null and void.

VIII. The Appeal of the Upper Poictou, pretending Right to the Ministry of Monsieur Caynard was made void, because the Elder of the Church of Fi∣geac desisted of his own accord from prosecuting of his Appeal, and that this Assembly had ordained his continuance in the Church of Fontenay.

IX. The Elders of the Church of Montpellier appealing from their Provin∣cial Synod, because their Judgment was not demanded upon the Proposition made by Monsieur Peyrol their Proposant; this Assembly declares, That the Elders have not any Right of appealing in such a Case, till they have first communicated it with their Pastors in Consistory; and it ordains, that in all Propositions the Suffrages of the Elders shall be gathered; but whenas the Debate is about Points of Doctrine, the decision of them is vested by the Di∣scipline wholly in the Ministers.

X. Those of Florensack bringing their Appeal from the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc, this Assembly judgeth, That Monsieur De Croy doth of Right appertain unto the Church of Florensac as their own Minister, but by reason of the great Necessities of the Churches, it is decreed, That he shall serve both his own, and the Church of Beziers alternatively, so that the Pro∣vincial Synod allow him an Assistant.

* 1.6CHAP. V. Of General MATTERS.

I. BY reason of the great Difference in the Copies of our Discipline, of the Emendations and Additions by the Synods of Montauban, Saumur, and this now sitting at Montpellier, that it may be reduced into an exact Order, couched in plain and significant expressions, this Assembly ordaineth, That two Pastors out of each Province, whose Names are here mentioned, shall un∣dertake and finish this Work. Viz.

• Messieurs De Beaulieu, and de Montigny for the Isle of France.
• Messieurs Picheron, and Cartaut for Normandy.
• Messieurs D'Orival, and* 1.7 Fontanez for Orleans.
• Messieurs Mermett, and St. Hillary for Lower Guyenne.
• Messieurs Gardesy, and Olivier for Higher Languedoc.
• Messieurs Valeton, and du Croix for Vivaretz.
• Messieurs Gasquetz, and Villette for Lower Languedoc.
• Messieurs Du Mont, and Merlin, for Xaintonge.
• Messieurs Des Agues, and Macifer for Anjou.
• Messieurs Chamier, and Vinay for Dolphiny.
• Messieurs Eynard, and Moureau for Poictou.

And having performed this their Task, they shall communicate it unto their Synods, that so they may come prepared unto the next National Synod to compleat and perfect it.

II. Forasmuch as 'tis the Duty of all the Faithful, heartily to desire the Re∣union of all the Subjects of this Kingdom in the Unity of Faith, for the greater Glory of God, the Salvation of Millions of Souls, and the singular Repose of the Commonweal; yet because of our Sins, this being rather a Matter of our Prayers, than of our Hopes, and that under this pretext di∣vers profane Persons attempt openly to blend and mingle both Religions, all Ministers shall admonish seriously their Flocks, not in the least to hearken un∣to any such motions; it being utterly impossible, that the Temple of God should hold Communion with Idols; as also, for that such Wretches design only by this Trick to debauch easie credulous Souls from the belief and pro∣fession of the Gospel. And whoever attempts such a Reconciliation, either by Word or Writing, shall be most severely censured.

III. This Assembly having read the Letters sent it from the Church of Ge∣neva, and considered the Arguments contained in them, and others offered to us, doth decree, That nothing shall be innovated in the Liturgy of our Churches, in the Singing of Psalms, and Form of Catechising. And where∣as Monsieur de Beza did, at the Request of divers of. our last Synods, translate into Metre the Scripture-Songs, they shall be received and sung in Families, thereby to dispose and fit the People for the Publick Usage of them in the Churches, until the next National Synod.

IV. The Churches of Geneva, Bearn, Basil, the Palatinate, and many o∣thers from divers parts of this Kingdom, complaining of several Writings published on design of Re-uniting the two Religions in one Doctrine, to the apparent prejudice of God's Truth, and in particular, of a certain Book, En∣tituled, Apparatus ad fidem Catholicum: and another bearing this Inscription, Avis pour la paix de L'Eglise & Royaume de France: This Synod having read and examined those aforesaid Writings, and received the Judgment of

the Colloquy of Nismes, and of the Deputies from the other Colloquies in that Province, as also the Censures of the above-mentioned Churches, doth con∣demn them, as containing divers Erroneous Propositions, to wit, That the true Doctrine was kept entire and sound among all that are called Christians: That those of the Church of Rome having the self-same Articles of Faith with us, the same Commandments of God, Forms of Prayer, Baptism, and the same Means and Ordinances to attain everlasting Salvation as we have, are consequently the true Church, and that the Difference betwixt us is only verbal, not real: That they would have the Ancient Councils and Writings of the Fathers to be Judges of the Points in Controversie between us; and that because they quote the Canons of Gratian under the Name of the Catho∣lick Church, therefore we are made the Authors of that Schism, and of those Civil Wars which have happen'd in this Kingdom; and several other such∣like Matters: And all the Churches are enjoyned to beware of them. And whereas there is a Manuscript handed up and down with this specious Title, Elenchus Novae Doctrinae; the Colloquies of Montpellier and Nismes are char∣ged to peruse it, and in case they find nothing in it contrary to the Doctrine receiv'd and taught in our Churches, they may, giving it a Preface, give it also a License to be Printed.

V. This Case of Conscience was propounded, Whether a Soveraign Prince for certain Causes moving him thereunto, may not grant a Pardon unto a Person guilty of those Crimes which had deserved Death, or change his Pu∣nishment into a less, or delay Execution of the Sentence past upon him. This Assembly having carefully examined the Circumstances of this Case doth judge, That by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we be not bound unto the Poli∣tical Laws of Moses, but that all Punishments are now arbitrary, and that from Scripture-Instances the Soveraign Magistrate may very well do it, when the Publick Interest is concerned.

VI. Another Case also was moved, Whether a Parent or Special Friend (whatever his Condition or Quality be, tho' it were that of a Minister of the Gospel) might lawfully petition the Soveraign for his Relation or Friend's Pardon? The Synod answereth, That this Case is decided by the former; for if it be lawful for the Soveraign to give, it is lawful also for a private Person to take out a Pardon, provided it be not by any indirect or sinful means.

VII. Whoever hath maimed another unjustly, so that he is thereby disa∣bled from gaining his Livelihood, or that of his poor Family, if so be the Maimer be a Man of Estate, he shall be urged by Church-Censures to allot him a Pension for his Subsistence, altho' he be not condemned to it by the Civil Magistrate, because he cannot better express the sincerity of his Re∣pentance, than by this Act of Charity.

VIII. Promises of Marriage made by Persons of competent Age to be mar∣ried, and those Promises past with consent of Parents, Tutors, and Guardi∣ans, and by words de praesenti, are indissolvable.

IX. It is not contrary to Christian decency, for espoused Persons to lodge under the same Roof before Marriage.

X. That Obligation laid on Sureties in Baptism doth not only import their Education of the Children in Godliness, but this also, that in case of need, they provide for their maintenance.

XI. Churches having at their own Charges bred up Schollars to the Mini∣stry, and do now enjoy their Labours in the Word and Sacraments, if they carry themselves unworthily towards them, as in not giving them equal Sti∣pends with their Colleagues shall be censured, and in case they do not reform, the Colloquy or Provincial Synod may grant a License unto those Ministers to forsake them, and also to provide them of some other Church, according to the Discipline.

XII. The Deputies of the National Synods shall within one Month alter their Return, advertise the Colloquies of their Provinces to take Copies of the Acts of these National Synods, and this at the sole Expence of the said Col∣loquies.

XIII. When a Province desireth some considerable alteration to be made in the Articles of our Discipline, it shall give Notice thereof unto that which is charged to convene the next National Synod, that by it the other Provinces being informed, their Deputies may come prepared for the Debate. How∣ever, we do not hereby mean, that the National Synods should be over-ruled by the Provincial.

XIV. Master Chamier and Brunier having brought Letters from the As∣sembly of the Churches at Chastel-heraut, together with the Edict granted us by His Majesty, and understanding by them, that had it not been for that good Union and Correspondence which is among us, we had never got the Liberty of our Consciences in the Publick Profession of the Gospel and Ser∣vice for our God, nor Justice to be administred to us, nor other needful Secu∣rities for our Lives. This Synod considering former defects in this matter, doth now protest and resolve, That for the future that Union subscribed and sworn at Mants, shall be better and more strictly kept and observed than e∣ver, that so the Articles of this Edict may be performed to us, and all other things needful for our preservation, in our Obedience to his Majesty, and his Edicts: and we will also take care that the Provinces do the same, and that if any Person should in the least transgress them, or prove disobedient to our Remonstrances herein, they shall be prosecuted by all the Censures of the Church.

XV. The Provinces also shall be exhorted to receive and observe the Or∣ders sent them from the Assembly at Chastelheraut, and to defray the Char∣ges of the Deputies, they being necessitated to reside there to see to the Exe∣cution of the Edict, unless His Majesty shall of His Royal Bounty provide for them.

XVI. This Synod proceeding to distribute the 43333 Crowns, and of the one third of them Granted by His Majesty towards the Relief of our Chur∣dies, hath and doth ordain that 3333 Crowns, and one third shall be employed in the erecting of two Universi∣ties,* 1.8 one of which shall be at Saumur, and the other at Moutauban,† 1.9 and towards the Maintenance of each of them, it doth assign 1111 Crowns, 6 Sous, and 8 Deniers, and to the erecting of two Academies in Theology,* 1.10 the one at Montpellier, the other at Nismes, for Montpellier 500 Crowns, and the rest for Nismes. And the remain∣ing 40000 Crowns shall be distributed among the Chur∣ches, as well those which are already, as those which may be hereafter constituted. And a Catalogue was read of the Churches now in being, whose Number was found 760, to wit, in the Isle of France, Picardy, Champagne, and Brie, 88. Normandy 59. Brittany 14. Burgun∣dy 12. Lyonnois 4. Forest, Dolphiny, and Provence 94. Vivarets 32. Lower Languedoc 116. Higher Languedoc, and Higher Gnyenne 96. Lower Guyenne 83. Poictou. 50. Xaintonge 51. Anjou. 21. Orleans 39. Which is for each of them 52 Crowns, 37 Sous, and 10 Deniers.

	Cr.	s.	d.
For the Isle of France	4631	34	10
For Normandy	3105	15	09
For Brittany	0736	50	08
For Burgundy	0538	56	10
For Lyonnois	0210	31	06
For Forest	0105	15	10
For Dolphiny and Provence	4997	22* 1.11	7
For Vivaretz	1664	12	08
For Lower Languedoc	6105	15	09
For Higher Languedoc	5052	37* 1.12	6
For Lower Guyenne	4368	22* 1.13	3
For Poictou	2631	34	08
For Xaintonge	2684	12	07
For Anjou	1105	15	09
For Orleans	2052	38	00

And all the Churches shall be obliged to send their Accounts of Moneys paid by them unto their Pastors, who have actually served them, and the said Accounts shall be then accepted, if the Acquittances be signed by those Mi∣nisters ow••n hands, who received the Moneys, and the over-plus of this Mo∣ney remaining, shall be returned unto the Synod, to be disposed of accord∣ing to their Orders, and by the Ministers to be relieved we understand such also, who through Age or Sickness are uncapable of discharging the Duties of their Calling; and farther, we leave it to the Prudence of the Provinces what Allowances to make unto their Proposans, and to the Widow sand Or∣phans of their deceased Ministers, and to maintain as many of them as they shall judge expedient, whose Names and Number also shall be inserted in these Accounts aforesaid, and their Acquittances subscribed with their own hands, shall be brought unto the National Synod. And the Provinces shall give a demonstration of their care in erecting Academics, and yield up their Ac∣compts in like manner as was before ordained. The Receivers of this Mo∣ney shall be nominated by the Provinces. And the Assembly of Chastelheraut shall be intreated to give us their Advice, for the best and speediest course of getting the said Moneys. And this Order shall hold good until the next National Synod, which shall be called by the Province of Normandy in the Month of June three Years hence, and the Synod next after that shall be held in Dolphiny.

XVII. Letters shall be sent in the Name of this Synod, unto all French Ministers abroad out of the Kingdom, requiring them to return unto the Service of their Churches upon the first Summons, who shall furnish them with necessary Supplies for their Journeys: and whereas divers have depart∣ed without leave first obtained from their Provinces, because of the Troubles and Persecutions, the Synod orders, that they return forthwith, as in Duty they are bound, unto their respective Churches, God having now blessed us with Peace. And hereupon the Church of Paris, according to this Article, required Monsieur D'amours to return back unto his Province.

XVIII. As soon as the Edict shall be published, those extraordinary Times of Prayer ordained in the Churches shall cease; and the Churches are re∣quested, particularly to remember in their Prayers unto the Throne of Grace, those of the Low Countries.

* 1.14CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS.

I. LEtters shall be written unto the Churches of the Low Countries, expres∣sing our Grief, for that their Deputies came not unto this Synod, ac∣cording to the Advice that was given them, as also to intreat them to in∣form us of the time when their Synod shall be convocated; and the Province of Normandy is ordered to send the Deputies unto it.

II. Monsieur Chesneau shall write to Monsieur de la Planche, intreating him to deposit with the Church of Paris those Papers which belonged to that A∣postate Cahier, and are in his Custody, and Monsieur L'Esperient shall make enquiry what are become of those Manuscripts of his that were in Bearn, and if possibly they may be retrieved, to send them also unto the Church of Paris.

III. Monsieur Berault is appointed to answer the Writings of du Perron, and Monsieur de Montigny those of Cahier; and as for other Books publisht against us, that Article of the Discipline relating to this head shall be pun∣ctually observed, and the Charges of their Impression shall be defrayed out of the Moneys granted us by the King, and allowed by producing an Atte∣station from the Colloquies.

IV. The Province of Normandy is intreated to mediate with the Church of Lunere, that their former Pastor Monsieur Vatable be paid his Arrears otherwise they shall be censured according to the Discipline.

V. Upon hearing the Differences between the Churches of Boislebec, and Gurville, with Monsieur de Videt d'Espoir, and having pondered all Circum∣stances, this Synod determines, That of Right he belongs unto the said Chur∣ches, because he was maintained by them for four Years together, yea, and when they were driven away one from the other into Foreign Lands, and for that the Term ordained in such a Case by the Discipline is not yet expired. However, in consideration of his Age, and numerous Family, and the distance of Places, and the conveniences he hath near Pamiers; as also, that without great damage unto himself he cannot remove, the Synod declares for his comfort, that he may live in the City of Pamiers, upon condition, that with∣in six Months the Province do furnish those said Churches with a Pastor, and the Church of Pamiers shall bear the one half of his Charges in Travel, which also is censured for enforcing the said Monsieur de Videt to enter himself into Bonds to them in the Sum of sixty Crowns, for re-imbursing them the Ex∣pences of his Journey, in case he should not tarry with them.

VI. Monsieur Franc petitioning to be restored unto the Ministry, was told by this Assembly, That because of the number and heinousness of his Crimes, deserving Corporal Punishment, and marked with a brand of Infamy, and for that he gave in but a very sorry Evidence of his Repentance to us, that therefore he ought not to be restored. However, he wax advised not to slac∣ken his Studies, but to take up with some other Calling.

VII. Madam, the King's Sister, requesting, That Monsieur de la Touche might be given for four Months in the Year to the Church in her Family, this Assembly consented to it until the next National Synod, and this shall be inserted in the Letters of this Assembly unto that Princess, that our Synods shall always carefully provide the most able Ministers for the conduct of her Church, and if Monsieur de Feugerau's Health will permit him, he shall serve her Highness in that Quality the whole time, his Province advising and con∣senting to it. And the other seven Ministers waiting upon her Royal High∣ness, shall bear no other Title than that of ordinary Pastors and Ministers.

VIII. This Synod having perused several Letters written from some par∣ticular Persons in the Presidial Court of Justice, and Sheriffs of the City of Rochel, demanding the restitution of Monsieur de Rotan to them, it decreeth, That there shall be no Notice at all taken of them, because that none of the Magistrates, as the Mayor, or Common Council have signed them; and that the Differences about this Affair may be supprest, Messieurs de Moutier, and Chesneau are commanded to go unto that City, and by the most power∣ful and cogent Arguments to perswade them unto Peace, and to return them all Letters and Papers that have been written on both sides, that they may be cancelled and torn in pieces.

IX. Letters shall be written unto Monsieur Covett, who is now at Basil intreating him to accept of the Pastoral Office in the Church of Rochel.

X. Letters shall be sent to Monsieur Cassegrain, informing him, That his Writing to the Bishop Perron was unadvised, and to little purpose, done with too much Complement, Vanity, and Flattery: that however, we re∣quire him to answer Cahier the Apostate, which Answer he shall first com∣municate, before it be printed, unto the Synod of Dolphiny, and he is farther intreated to incorporate himself with that Synod.

XI. This Assembly having heard Monsieur Peirol, declareth, That he is not yet sufficiently qualified for the Sacred Ministry, and exhorts him to a more careful reading and study of the Holy Scriptures, and other Writings of God's faithful Servants, which have been published in this last Age, and Orders are given unto the Colloquies of that Province wherein he dwells, to consider of a proper time for his Employment in the Service of God's Church.

XII. Master John Seillade is dismissed unto the Colloquy of Agenois, or Synod of Lower Guyenne to take care about his Call and Ordination.

XIII. Messieurs Tollosain and Villemur are dismissed unto their respective Colloquies, who shall consider how and where to employ them in the Mini∣stry, as soon as they be fitted for it.

XIV. Monsieur Roussel, Pastor of the Church in Mazamett requesting, That some other Person of the Province may be substituted in his place, because of his great Age and Weakness; this Assembly judgeth, That his Petition is most just and reasonable, and Orders therefore are given unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc, to endeavour an Exchange for him, provided always this be done by the consent of his Church, and of the Synod of Higher Languedoc.

XV. Monsieur Falquet declaring his mean and low Condition, attested also by the Deputies of Dolphiny, this Assembly hath thereupon judged his Peti∣tion but just and reasonable, and exhorts the Churches of Dolphiny, Provence, and Lower Languedoc, to assist him in his present Necessities, because he hath faithfully discharged his Ministerial Office in the Churches of Christ.

XVI. Monsieur Caille complaining of the little care taken by the Church of Grenoble for his Maintenance, and considering the Decree of his Provincial Synod in his favour, setting him at liberty from that ungrateful People, if within three Months they do not fully satisfie him all Arrears of Wages due unto him from them: this Assembly decreeth, That Letters shall be dispatcht unto that Church, and to the Lord D'Esdigueres particularly, intreating both his Lordship, and the Church to provide accordingly for him, and in default hereof, the Provincial Synod shall assign him unto some other Church.

XVII. Letters also shall be written unto the said Duke D'Esdiguiers about the 17000 Crowns, which the Province of Lower Languedoc had sent unto Guyenne, to be laid up in stock for the maintenance of their Proposans; there being no reason at all for his appropriating that Sum of Moneys unto his own private profit (whatever he may pretend of a Grant from the King for his so doing), which was dedicated unto so good and pious Uses; and the fore∣mentioned Monsieur Caille shall second the said Letters by word of mouth,

remonstrating unto his Grace the Duty incumbent on him in Honour and Conscience to restore and see it fixed according to its primitive design and intendment; and in case he refuse to hearken unto reason, we farther ordain, That he be sued at Law for it before the Syndic in the Chamber of Castres, and in like manner all others shall be prosecuted also, who having received the Churches Moneys, do not yield up their Accounts for it.

XVIII. This Assembly having heard Monsieur Julian, and Monsieur the President of Orange doth earnestly exhort and beseech them to do their ut∣most endeavours, that the Church of Orange may be kept in peace and unity; and Orders are given to Messieurs de Montigny, Picheron, and le Noir, to pass over to them, and to dispose Monsieur de Blaconis, and the Inhabitants of that City to it.

XIX. The Colloquies and Province of Lower Languedoc shall contribute towards the Charges which the Church of Bedarrieux have expended in ma∣naging the common Affairs of our Religion.

XX. Monsieur Berault shall write Letters from this Synod unto the Col∣loquy of Sauveterre in Bearn, intreating their consent, that Monsieur du Prat may be continued in bis Ministry in the Church of the Isle of Jourdain, and this Assembly decreeth, That the said du Prat shall remain with the said Church of the Isle of Jourdain.

XXI. A Petition was read from the Church of Blois, praying, That Mon∣sieur de la Noue might be given them absolutely, and without Conditions: This Assembly having heard the Deputy of Anjou, decreeth, That he shall belong unto that Province; as also, that he shall be only lent unto the Church of Blois for six Months, to begin from the first of June next, during which time they shall do their endeavour to procure Monsieur Bede, who is now at Heidelburg, for their Pastor, and this Assembly will joyn with them, by writing in their own Name unto him, to effect it.

XXII. The Church of Pamiers craving Counsel in this Case: A Man would espouse the Cousin-German of his deceased Wife. This Assembly advised them to have recourse unto the King for a License.

XXIII. The Inhabitants of the Town of Aubenas, complaining, That they were not comprehended in the number of those Garrisons which were as∣signed for our security. This Synod doth ordain, That Letters shall be writ∣ten unto His Majesty, humbly intreating him, That He would give out His Royal Mandate to continue it in its present Condition, that so they may be Partakers of the common Repose and Tranquility of the Kingdom.

XXIV. Assistance shall be given unto the Churches of Provence, now de∣stitute of Pastors, by the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny, until such time as they can be provided.

XXV. The Proceedings against Monsieur Vaissy having been revised, and the Articles of the Provincial Synod relating to his Deposition from the Mi∣nistry, and a most accurate enquiry being made into his Conversation since his Deposal, this Assembly hath restored, and doth restore him unto his Of∣fice in the Ministry, and the Colloquy of Vigan is enjoyned to provide a Church for him.

XXVI. This Assembly upon hearing the Difference risen betwixt Monsieur Jarey and Voisin, Ministers of Millaud, hath ordained for the Peace of that Church, That neither of those Ministers shall continue in it longer than till the meeting of the next National Synod, and Monsieur Brunier, and Monsieur Gasques are intreated to take their Turns in serving the said Church, and Monsieur Brunier is to hasten thither as soon as possible he can; farther, that an exchange shall be made of the Person of Monsieur Voisin, with that of Monsieur Remirat, Minister of the Church of St. Afrique, and Monsieur Jarey hath leave given him to joyn himself unto the Churches of Pamiers, or Me∣rueir, at his own election, until the next Provincial Synod.

XXVII. This Synod revising the Decree of the National Synod of Mon∣tauban, in which Monsieur Balarand was by their Gift appropriated to the Church of Castrees, as also that Article of the National Synod of Saumur, ordaining the said Ballarand to return unto his Church of Aymett, and the Deputies of both those Churches having been heard on behalf of their Prin∣cipals, and considering the great importance of that of Castres, do ordain, That the said Monsieur Ballarand shall remain appropriated Pastor unto the Church of Castres, which yet is obliged according to Agreements between them, to re-imburse the said Church of Aymett the Sum of One hundred Crowns expended by them in their procuring of another Minister.

XXVIII. A Petition was presented by the Church of Castres, praying, That Monsieur Rotan might be granted them for their Pastor. This Assem∣bly hath ordained, That he shall remain with the Church of Castres, until the next Provincial Synod, who may as they think fit dispose of him, re∣spect being first had to the health of the said Master Rotan, so as will most contribute to the edification of God's Church.

XXIX. The Church of Castres desiring that Monsieur* 1.15 Souls might be gi∣ven them, they were sent back to their next Provincial Synod.

XXX. Monsieur Julian is ordered, to recover out of the hands of the Heirs of Monsieur de Serres deceased all his Manuscript Memoirs, that they may be produced and perused by the next Provincial Synod.

XXXI. The Advocate-General of the Chamber of Castres having saluted and assured this Assembly in the Name of the said Chamber professing our Religion, of their faithful and sincere desires to maintain the Rights of our Churches, Thanks was given him, and by him to that honourable Court re∣presented by him, and they were desired not to Complement with us, but in good earnest to pursue that end for which they were established, and for which each of them respectively were recommended by the Churches.

XXXII. License is granted to the Churches of Cormis, and St. John of Bruel, to incorporate themselves with the Colloquy of Vigan, because it lieth so very convenient for them.

XXXIII. The Synod having heard the Deputles of the Church of Loudun, and Pamiers, concerning the Call of Monsieur Frogets, determines, that of Right he doth belong unto the Church of Loudun, which however must pay unto that of Pamiers fifty Crowns, disbursed by them in Books for the said Froget, and they are also ordered to defray his Charges in coming unto this Assembly.

XXXIV. This Synod not having at present a Pastor sufficiently qualified for the Church of Bourdeaux, and considering the great consequenee of its Establishment, ordaineth, That the Colloquies of Albrett, Higher Agenois, and Perigord, shall each of then in course for four Months supply that Church, and Monsieur* 1.16 Renault is to begin the Exercise there.

XXXV. Letters shall be written to my Lord the Ambassador of England, and to Monsieur de la Fontaine, Minister of the French Church in London, to inform them of those injurious Writings publisht against our Churches by Sutcliffe, and Saravia, and they be desired to apply themselves to the Queen, that such Writings may not be printed.

XXXVI. This Synod intreateth both the Provinces of Languedoc to bear the Charges of a Criminal Process, depending in the Chamber, of Castres, a∣bout the Oppressions exercised upon the Arnolds, by the Seneschal of Ville Franche in Rouergue.

XXXVII. The Church of Nions, in Dolphiny, petitioning for a Pastor, Monsieur du Jay, alias du Gasleur, was granted to them, till the sitting of the next Provincial Synod of Vivaretz.

CHAP. VII. Of Private ACTS.

I. GOvernours are exhorted to improve their Interest, that the Edict be not executed in their Jurisdictions, till such time as it hath been first executed in those places possessed by them of the contrary Religion.

II. The Churches of Languedoc are required to oppose those Novelties in∣troduced at the Interment of their Dead, and in particular this, that Maids be carried to their Graves by Maids wearing Garlands of Flowers.

III. And it being their Duty who govern the Church, by all lawful means to procure the benefit and advantage of their Poor, this Assembly ordaineth, That whenas there shall be any considerable Sum of Moneys belonging to the Poor in the Deacons hands, they may warrantably put it out to Interest, that so in case of great necessity the Poor may receive the more and greater Relief and Comfort.

CHAP. VIII. An Extract of the Acts of the General Mixt Assembly of the Churches of France, held at Chastel-heraut, and approved by their Natio∣nal Synod held at Montpellier the 26th Day of May, 1598, and the Days following.

Rules for such as bring the King's Orders, granted for any Command or Govern∣ment in the Cautionary Towns given us for our Security.

THE Provincial Assemblies which shall be called upon the Return of the Deputies now at Chastel-heraut, shall out of every Colloquy name some able and faithful Persons of the Nobility and Cities, (who yet shall be chan∣ged or confirmed by every Provincial Synod, or General Assembly, if need be) to be present at Colloquies, whenas an Attestation shall be desired by a Gentleman who hath gotten His Majesty's Grant of any Government or Place of Trust.

And in case the Person having the Grant, be a Member of that Colloquy in which the vacant place lieth, the said Colloquy meeting together for sign∣ing the said Attestation, shall invite all those who were named by the Pro∣vincial Synod or Assembly, that they may joyntly consult whether they ought to give it, or inform His Majesty to the contrary. If the time of sit∣ting for the General Assembly be near, the said Colloquy shall defer, till they have first had their Judgment about the said Attestation.

And in case the Person who hath the Grant, be of another Colloquy than that of the vacant place, the Person who is charged to convocate the Collo∣quy, whereunto the Grantee belongeth, shall take some sufficient time to in∣form the Assembly or Province, in which the vacant place lieth (but at their Charges) of the Quality, Family, Religion, and Morals of him who hath the Grant, and in case the said Assembly shall meet, it shall give Notice thereof unto the Colloquy wherein the Vacancy is, and also inform the said Colloquy of the vacant place, and place of abode of him that hath the said Grant.

And when they give their Attestation they shall cause the Union of Mantes to be signed by him who brings the King's Grant for the vacant Government, according as it hath been ordained in all such Cases.

The Form of Attestation agreed upon in the General Assembly, to be given by Colloquies or Synods, unto them whom His Majesty shall recommend unto vacant Governments in our Cautionary Towns.

WE Ministers and Elders met together in Colloquy in the Province of N. do certifie unto His Majesty, That Monsieur N. de N. applied himself unto us, desiring our Attestation of his sincere Profession of the Reformed Reli∣gion, he being chosen by His Majesty unto the Command of such a Place N. late∣ly vacant by the Death of N. We therefore do attest and certifie, That the said Monsieur N. doth actually profess the Reformed Religion, communicates with us in the Sacraments, living Religiously, as a Man fearing God, and discharging the Duties of his said Profession with a good Conscience. For which reasons we give him this our Certificate by these Presents, which we hope will be of use and advantage to him according to his desire.

Dated, &c.

The Province of Normandy is graced with the Priviledge of calling the next National Synod, which shall be held within Three Years, in the be∣ginning of June: And the succeeding National Synod shall be held in the Province of Dolphiny.

These Acts and Articles were thus subscribed,

• De Montigny, Assessor.
• Moyses Cartaut, Scribe.

The End of the Synod of Montpellier

Notes

• * 1.1

  1598. Synod XV.
• * 1.2

  It is now the 44th.
• * 1.3

  It's the 20th Article.
• * 1.4

  See the 28th Artic. of Part. Matters of the Nation Synod of G••rg••a••.
• * 1.5

  It is now the 23th Art.
• * 1.6

  1598 Synod XV.
• * 1.7

  Pountaine.
• * 1.8

  In the Copy from which this was translated, the mark over the Sums was,
• † 1.9

  W
• * 1.10

  Which I have rendered Crowns, because a Livre consisting but of twenty Sous, and the French reckoning be Crowns as ••••ll as Livres. I have rendred Crowns rat••er than Livres.
• * 1.11

  3
• * 1.12

  10
• * 1.13

  25
• * 1.14

  1598. Synod XV.
• * 1.15

  In another Copy it is de Sossias, in a∣th••r Somaltu••.
• * 1.16

  Renault.