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 PRIVAS.

In the Name of God.

Acts of the National Synod held at Privas in Vivaretz, in the Year of our Lord, One thousand six hundred and twelve, begun the 14th of May, and continued for several days af∣ter, even until Wednesday the fourth of July.

CHAP. I. Of the Deputies to the Synod.

There appeared as Deputies,

FOR the Province of Vivaretz, Master John de la Faye, Pastor of the Church of Aubenas, Mr. Michael le Faucheur, Pastor of the Church of Annonay, Paul de Chambaud, Lord of St. Quintin, Elder of the Church at St. Fortunate, and Isaac Gautier Advocate, Elder of the Church of Annonay.

For the Churches of the Principality of Bearn, Mr. John d'Abadie, Pastor of the Church of Nay, and Mr. Raymond Thoulouze, Pastor of the Church of St. Gladie, and the Lord David de Brassalay, Elder of the Church of Maslay, and Master David de Saliens, Lord of Hairdultant, Advocate for the King in Navarre, Elder of the Church of Baigter, or Baiglé.

For Provence, Monsieur James de la Planche, Pastor of the Church of Lor∣marin, and Mr. Peter Huron, Pastor of the Church of Riez, Peter de Villeneufve, Lord of Espinouze, Elder in the Church of Riez, and John Feurandy, Elder of the Church of Manosque.

For Dolphiny, Mr. Daniel Chamier, Pastor of the Church of Montlimard, and Mr. John Paul Perrin, Pastor of the Church of Nions, and Mr. John Julian Advocate, Elder in the Church of Grenoble, and Francis de la Combe, Elder in the Church of St. Marcellin.

For Burgundy, Mr. David du Piotay, Pastor of the Church of Gex, and Mr. Anthony le Blanc, Pastor of the Church of Lyons, Mr. Job Bonnett Advo∣cate, Elder in the Church of Chaalons, and Humbert Perreau Advocate, Elder in the Church of Bussy.

For Berry, Orleans, Blesois, Dunois and Nivernois, Mr. Stephen de Montsang∣lard, Pastor of the Church of Corbigny lez St. Leonard, and Mr. Simeon Jurieu, Pastor of the Church of Chastillion upon Loir, and Jerom Groslott Lord de l'Isle, Elder in the Church of Orleans, and Elias du Bois Lord of Seinerreves, Elder in the Church of Chasleaudun.

For the Lower Languedoc, Mr. Andrew de la Faye, Pastor of the Church of St. Germain, and Mr. Peter Rossel, Pastor of the Church of Bedarieux, and Peter de Malmont Advocate, Elder in the Church of Nismes, and John Breny Lord of Hommes-Sargues, Elder in the Church of Albiez.

For the Upper Languedoc, Mr. Bernard de Sonis, Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban, and Mr. Hector Joly, Pastor of the same Church, and Levy de Barjac, Lord of Biraul, Elder in the Church

of Brueil, and James du Croix Advocate, Elder in the Church of Castres.

For the Lower Guyenne, Mr. Moyses Ricotier, Pastor of the Church of Clerac, and Mr. Moyses Ferrand, Pastor of the Church de la Parade, and John de Verteil, Lord of Maleret, Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux, and Stephen Maniald Advocate, Elder also of the same Church.

For the Province of Xaintonge, Aulnix, and Augoulmois, Mr. Paul Bonnet, Pastor in the Church of Saujon, and Mr. Samuel Petit, Pastor of the Church of Xaintes, and Samuel de Campet, Baron of Saujon, Elder in the Church of Saujon, and Elias de Glatignon Advocate, Elder in the Church of Angoulesme.

For Poictou, Mr. Isaac de Camille, Pastor of the Church of Cobe, and Mr. George Tompson, Pastor of the Church de la Chastaignoraye, and Moyses Su∣zannes Lord de la Forest Breduliere, Elder in the Church of Marevil, and Peter de Cognac Advocate, Elder in the Church of Fontenay.

For Anjou, Tourain, le Mayne, &c. Mr. Peter Perillan, Pastor of the Church de l'Isle Bouchard, and Mr. John Vigner, Pastor of the Church of Mans, and James de Laufernat, Lord of Villiers, Elder in the Church of Audenay, and Daniel Fevron Advocate, Elder in the Church of Loudun.

For Brittany, Mr. John Parant, Lord of Preau, Pastor of the Church of Vitré, and Mr. Bertrand d' Avignon, Lord of Souvigné Pastor of the Church of Rennes, and Stephen le Maistre, Lord de la Reignelaye, Elder in the Church de la Roche-Bernard, and Gaspard Ezille, Lord of Coign, Doctor of Physick, Elder in the Church of de la Moussay.

For Normandy, Mr. Moyses Cartaud, Pastor in the Church of Dieppe, Mr. John Bonvier, Lord de la Fresnaye, Pastor in the Church of Caen, and John de Bradefer, Lord de la Maneville, Elder in the Church of Fontaine Grougny, and Paul du Vivier, Elder in the Church of Bajeux, but absent by reason of his sickness; which excuse was accepted.

For the Isle of France, Picardy and Champagne, Mr. Peter du Moulin, Pastor of the Church of Paris, and Mr. John Carre, Pastor of the Church Despense, and Anthony de Cormons, Lord of Villeneufve, Elder in the Church of Sezanne, and Elias Biggott Advocate, Elder in the Church of Paris.

The second day after the opening of this Synod, there came also unto it James de Jacourt, Lord of Rouvray, Deputy General for the Reformed Churches of France, residing with their Majesties, who had his priviledge of Voting in this Assembly.

After Prayers offered up to God, the whole Assembly elected Mr. Daniel Chamier Moderator, and Mr. du Moulin Assessor, and the Sieurs de Monsang∣lard and Maniald Scribes.

CHAP. II. Orders about the Election of Moderator and Deputies. A Deputy censured for bringing his Election.

1. LEST in chusing the Moderator any one should give his vote who had by undue ways and crafty designs gotten his Deputation unto these National Synods, it was unanimously resolved by this whole Assembly that the first thing which shall be done in it, before ever the Moderator be chosen, shall be the reading of the Letters of Commission granted by the Provinces unto their Deputies to represent and act for them, and the Pastors of that place in which the Synod shall be Assembled, shall admini∣ster the Oath unto the respective Deputies, who shall swear by the Eter∣nal God, that they have not themselves in their own persons, nor do they know that any other for them, or that any of their Colleagues hath Craftily or by any undue means and under-hand dealings procured his or their De∣putations.

2. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved, that before we passed unto any other business, Inquiry might be made, whether any of the Provincial Deputies, since their Election, had not Committed such Acts as merited Ex∣clusion from this Assembly. The motion was accepted, and order Given for the Examen that the unworthy might be Censured.

3. The Lord of Barjac was Censured for not adhearing to the Resolutions taken in the Assembly of Saumur by plurality of suffrages, Anno 1611. And for joyning himself unto their private Cabal, who would have made the Lesser number carry it from the greater, contrary to the Natural Order of all Synods. But the said Lord of Barjac giving publick Testimony of his sor∣row for this Miscarriage, and protesting seriously for the future never in any wise to depart from the Universally received order of being Concluded by the Majority of Votes, his Censure was taken off, and his offence remitted to him. To prevent all divisions in the Reformed Churches of this King∣dom, this National Synod framed an Act or Oath of Union to be taken by all the Deputies.

CHAP. III. The Oath of Ʋnion sworn by all the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France assembled in the National Synod at Privas in Vivaretz, and subscribed by them all, the day, month and year above-mitten.

WE whose Names are here under written Deputies for the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in a National Synod at the Town of Privas in the Province of Vivaretz, knowing by past-experience, that nothing is more needful to preserve the Weal, Peace, and good Estate of the said Churches than an holy Union and unviolable Concord both in Doctrine, Discipline and their Dependencies, and that the said Churches cannot long subsist without a good, intimate and mutual Conjunction one with the other, and better kept than formerly. Being for this cause desirous to remove all seeds of disunion and occasions of divisions which may hereafter trouble the said Churches, and to prevent all Impostures, Calumnies, private Factions, Plots and Practices, by which divers persons ill-affected to our Religion, do endeavour to dissipate and ruine them: Which quickens us more than ever to find out by joynt accord, and Common Consent, the proper and most effectual means of our just, lawful and necessary conservation in the aforesaid Union, under that obedience due unto his Majesty our Soveraign Lord and the Queen his Mother. We have in the Name of all our Churches, and for their good, and for the service of their Majes∣ties Sworn and Protested, and we do Swear and Protest, (Promising also our utmost Endeavour that these very self-same protestations shall be ratified in and by all our Provinces,) to remain inseparably united and conjoyned in that confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom read in this Synod, approved and ratified by every one of us, Swearing not only in our own Name, but also in the re∣spective Names of all the Churches of our Provinces, which have Deputed us unto this Synod, that we will live and die in it. As also we Protest in our own and their Names to keep inviolably that Ecclesiastical Discipline Established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom, and to see its Canons observed, for the better Government of these our Churches, and the reformation of life and manners: Acknowledging that it is Most agreeable to Gods holy Word, whose Authority is Supream; And we Protest and Swear to yield all obedience and fidelity to their said Majesties, desiring nothing else, but that under the Protection of their Edicts, we may serve our God with Liberty of Conscience.

CHAP. IV. Observation on Reading the Confession of Faith.

1. WHereas there is mention made in the 14th Article of the Here∣sies of Servetus, some of the Deputies desired that the specifying of them might be removed, because those his Heresies are now as it were dead and buried, and the Deputies of the Provinces, in pursuance of that Decree past in the last National Synod of St. Maixant, having brought with them the Judgment of their respective Provinces upon this Subject, it was thought meet, that nothing should be innovated in that Article, but that it should be entirely left as we found it.

2. That Union in Doctrine may be preserved among us, and no Errors may be suffered to creep into our Churches: All Pastors in actual service, and all Proposans who are to be received into the Ministry, shall sign this following Article,

I Whose Name is here under-written, do receive and approve the Contents of the Confession of Faith of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom, and do promise to persevere in it until death, and to believe and teach agreeably there∣unto. And whereas some persons contend about the sense of the eighteenth Article, treating of our Justification, I declare and protest before God, that I understand it in the same sense in which it is received in our Churches, approved by our Na∣tional Synods, agreeably to the Word of God, which is, That our Lord Jesus Christ was obedient to the Moral and Ceremonial Law, not only for our good, but also in our stead, and that his whole Obedience yielded by him thereunto is imputed to us, and that our Justification consists not only in the forgiveness of sins, but also in the Imputation of his Active Righteousness; and subjecting my self unto the Word of God, I believe that the Son of Man came to serve, and that he was not a Servant because he came into the World. I do also promise, that I will never de∣part from the Doctirne received in our Churches, and that I will yield all Obe∣dience to the Canons of our National Synods in this matter. And this Article shall be religiously observed in and by all the Provinces.

3. Our Printers be forbidden henceforward to print the Confession of Faith with this Title, The Confession of Faith revised and amended by the National Synod.

4 The Confession of Faith being read, and heard, was approved by all the Deputies, who protested that by the Grace of God, they would live and die in it: As was manifest by their Act in swearing the said Union.

CHAP. V. Observations upon Reading of our Church-Discipline.

• Article 1. IN reading and revising the Discipline of our Churches, this Na∣tional Synod voted, That whereas in the close of the second Canon of the first Chapter, the time and manner of admitting Novices lately converted from Popery to the Reformed Religion, are particularly spe∣cified: Now instead of these words, [Unless in a Provincial Synod] these en∣suing shall be inserted, Unless by the Advice of Provincial and National Synods; and the said Canon shall be finished with this Sentence, Nor shall they be Ordained by Imposition of Hands no more than if they were unknown persons with∣out the Advice of Provincial and National Synods.
• ...

• ... Article 2. On the third Canon of the first Chapter, after these words which do almost conclude it, [And after long experience had of his Repentance and Godly Conversation] There shall be nothing added, but the last clause shall be blot∣ted out; viz. He being found meet and sit, and sufficiently qualified to teach the Church, may be chosen and called unto the Sacred Ministry.
• Article 3. The Deputies of Burgundy demanding that they might not be bound by that Canon of the Synod of St. Maixant, that seven Pastors should be present at the Examination of that person, who is called unto the Ministry, because there is so great a distance between the Churches of their Province, which renders its observation impossible and impracticable, as also because the most of their Colloquies are composed but of five Pastors. This Assembly, for many and weighty reasons, would not in the least change that Article; and therefore advised them to defer the Examination of the Candidate until the Meeting of their Provincial Synod.
• Article 4. On the eighteenth Canon of the first Chapter, which enjoyned Mi∣nisters to press their People to Modesty in their Garments, and by themselves and their Families to be patterns of it unto their Flocks, great complaints were made and brought in against many Ministers, not only of their neg∣lects, but also of their opposition to it, and that their Wives and Children were very vain and immodest in their Garbs and Dresses. This Synod ear∣nestly desiring to remove so great a scandal, doth give express order unto all Moderators of Colloquies and Provincial Synods to reform those Excesses by the severest Censures; and the refractory shall, by the Authority of this Synod, be suspended from their Ministry, until such time as they have removed this scandal. And that this Canon may be better and more strictly observed, permission is given unto private persons, according to the Rules of our Discipline, to inform their Consistories of those aforesaid Ex∣cesses, and to demand a reformation of them, which in case it be denied; they may address themselves unto the Colloquies, who shall enforce them to it by Censures, even both the Consistories and their Abettors.
• Article 5. The fourth Canon of the fourth Chapter shall be couched in these terms: That those disorders may be prevented which daily happen through Certificates given unto the Poor, every Church shall endeavour to maintain its own Poor; and in case any poor person should be constrained through the urgency of his Affairs to travel abroad, then Ministers shall carefully examine him in their Consistories, about the causes of his Journey, and give him Letters directed to the next Church, lying in the right way that he must go, specifying his name, age, stature, hair, and place whereunto, and the cause of his Travel, and that assistance which was given him, toge∣ther with the date of the day and year; which Letters that Church where∣unto he is directed shall keep by it, and give him others unto the next. And all Certificates formerly given shall be torn in pieces.
• Article 6. These words shall be added unto the 28th Canon of the fifth Chap∣ter, Unless in case of High Treason, according to the known Judgment of former Synods.
• Article 7. Unto the same words in the 30th Canon of the same Chapter, Unless in case of High Treason, these words following shall be added, Revealed unto the Magistrate.
• Article 8. The Deputies of the Isle of France demanded an exposition upon the 18th Canon of the fifth Chapter of our Discipline, about Appeals from pub∣lick Suspensions, that they might know whether a Consistory having decreed a publick Suspension against a delinquent Member or Minister, and he ap∣pealing from it, they might, notwithstanding his Appeal, yet proceed unto Suspension. This Synod determineth, that the Consistory ought not to proceed any farther, but shall admit of the Appeal, unless it be in case of publick Crimes, notoriously known unto the whole Church.

• And the next Colloquy or Provincial Synod shall judge finally of that Ap∣peal.
• Article 9. Express order is given unto the Provinces to see that the 33d Article of the fifth Chapter of our Discipline be punctually observed and obeyed.
• Article 10. In pursuance of the Observations made by the National Synod of Rochel, on the ninth Article of the fifth Chapter of our Discipline, after these words, Pastors and Elders, these shall be added, nor shall there be any Appeals admitted from full Consistories, nor from the greater part of them, yet the said Ap∣peals shall be in force against particular members of the said Consistory, whether Pastors or Elders, provided those Appeals be received by the Consistory, and being approved by it they may proceed farther: Notwithstanding any Appeal brought in to the contrary upon the admission or rejecting of the said Appeals.
• Article 11. A Case was moved, whether in those Churches where there is but one Pastor, and an Appeal is brought against him, the Elders may judge of this controversy. This Synod determines, that Elders may judge of all emerging differences, yea so far as of suspension from the Lords Table, matters of Doctrine and of Excommunication only excepted; In which two points Elders may not judge without their Pastor.
• Article 12. The Deputies of Berry demanding how we should carry it towards malefactors accused of unpardonable Crimes by the Civil Laws, and yet giving Laudable Testimonies of their Repentance, did Demand the consolati∣on of communion with us in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: This Synod judgeth that the Criminal giving plenary satisfaction unto the Church, he may be received into Communion with us at the Lords Table, although he cannot expert from the King any Pardon of his Crime: One Jurisdiction not clashing with the other.
• Article 13. The 24th Canon of the 5th Chapter shall be thus worded; He whose suspension had been declared unto the Congregation, and afterwards evidencing his repentance before the Consistory by good works, and a godly life, and sufficient Testimonies, shall be received unto the peace and fellow∣ship of the Church upon the acknowledgment of his offence.
• Article 14. A difficulty was moved whether Promises of Marriage made in words de Futuro were as obliging and indissolvable as those by words de praesenti. This Assembly judgeth they be not of equal force and vertue, there being as great a difference between words de praesenti and de futuro, as between pro∣mise and performance, word and deed. For 'tis a clear case, Espoused per∣sons may on divers accounts be separated, which cannot dissolve a Marriage already consummated, as, difference in Religion, unknown before the pro∣mises, impotency fallen out by some accident since the promises: And this is farther evident by the publication of Banes after Betrothings, which is therefore done, that any one may have Liberty to bring in his reasons against it, which are never admitted when Marriages are celebrated, but only when they be designed and promised. And often times it so falls out, that one of the Espoused Parties retracting its promises, takes up a Resolution never to marry, whence it would follow, that if Betrothed persons were bound by words de futuro, then the Innocent and wronged Party should ne∣ver marry, which would intangle Conscience in very great Temptations; and tho God hath ordained, that whom he hath joyned together Man shall not in any wise part asunder, yet they may be separated by the Civil Magi∣strate; And that Authority of the Magistrate will in some Cases oblige us to hold them separated, whom God had once joyned together in this holy ordinance. 'Tis true that Betrothed Persons in Scripture are called Husband and Wife, not that they be so already in very truth and deed, but only because the Scripture oftentimes styleth things shortly to be done as if they had been already done. And though a Betrothed Wife committing Whore∣dom be by the Law of Moses as severely punished as a Married Woman

• that commits adultery, yet it doth not thence follow that she is an Adultoress. For in the same Chapter, a Daughter playing the Whore in her Fathers House is also punished with death. Therefore for these and other causes, and for that the Laws of the Kingdom do decree that Promises of Marriage shall be made in express words de futuro: This Assembly ordaineth, that from henceforward All the Members of our Churches shall Universally and Uni∣formly conform to the Laws and Customs of this Kingdom, not only as to the bare words, but also as to their sence and meaning, and that the words de futuro shall not be reckoned by the parties as obliging and dissolvable as words de praesenti: So then for time coming the fifth Article in the Chapter of Marriges shall be Couched in these words.

  Henceforward in Promises of Marriage the words de futuro shall be used, as also in all Espousals, nor shall those words be taken as indissolvable as the words de praesenti, because words de praesenti do not Promise, but effect and perform Marriage, yet those words and Promises de futuro shall never be dissolved without very great and lawful causes.

  And therefore that Custom of divers Churches, celebrating the Espousals by the Ministry and Benediction of the Pastor, and gift of bodies with words de praesenti, is expresly condemned: For this Sy∣nod reckoneth that by this Ceremony the parties be truly and actually joyned together in Marriage, and that consequently all Banes are preposterous and useless, because done after Marriage, and the Blessing of the Church thereby render'd altogether needless. Yet we don't count it ill for Ministers to assist at Espousals, nor that they should by prayer implore the Divine Blessing on the intended Marriage, nor that they should exhort the Betrothed Persons to mutual Love, Unity, Faithfulness and the fear of God; only, that they ought to forbear those other formallities, which sometime render a bond indissolvible, which we be afterwards necessitated to break and untye, be∣cause of those oppositions which are made at the publishing of the Banes, and for divers other Causes that may then happen. And the Churches of Rouen and Dieppe who solemnize Espousals in the Temple after the same manner as publick Marriages, are exhorted to abandon this usage, and to conform unto the received Custom in the Churches and Provinces of this Kingdom.
• Article 15. Whereas formerly the 16th Article of the eighth Chapter of our Discipline contained the distribution of the Provinces, it shall be hencefor∣ward the 15th, and the Provincial Synods shall be thus distributed.
  • 1. The Isle of France.
  • 2. Normandy.
  • 3. Brittany.
  • 4. Berry.
  • 5. Anjou.
  • 6. Poictou.
  • 7. Xaintonge.
  • 8. Lower Guyenne.
  • 9. Higher Languedoc.
  • 10. Bearn.
  • 11. Lower Languedoc.
  • 12. Provence.
  • 13. Dolphiny.
  • 14. Sevennes.
  • 15. Vivaretz.
  • 16. Burgundy.
• Article 16. The Church-Discipline being read, was unanimously approved by all the Deputies then present, who promised to observe it, and see it obser∣ved in their respective Provinces. And this Assembly gave an express charge to Monsieur Valleton, Pastor of the Church of Privas, to get the Confession of Faith, and the Book of Discipline transcribed, that so the Copies of them might be signed and subscribed by all the Deputies of this Assembly, and the subscribed Copy shall be deposited in the hands of the Deputies of that Province which is appointed to summon the next National Synod.

CHAP. VI. Observations made on Reading the Acts of the next National Sy∣nod of St. Maixant.

1. IN pursuance of the Decree made by the National Synod of St. Maixant in their Observations on the 11th Canon of the first Chapter of our Church-Discipline, all the Provinces are strictly enjoyned, on pain of Censure, to have a very careful Eye over their Ministers, that they preach not up any new Doctrines, and that they affect not in the Pulpit, nor in Writing, nor in any other Discourses, any phrases or modes of speech which be strange and forreign to the Sacred Scriptures, and that they intersperse not Latine, Greek, nor Hebrew sentences in their Sermons, nor surcharge them with many pro∣phane Histories. And those Deputies who shall be sent by the Provinces unto the next National Synod, are charged to bring their Memoirs with them, whether this Decree had been observed or not.

2. Monsieur Chamier having presented his Controversial Writings unto this Synod, according as he was enjoyned by the last National Synod, he re∣ceived the thanks of the whole Assembly for the great progress he had made in them, and he was earnestly intreated and encouraged to finish his de∣signed Labours, and that he would be pleased to print the three first Tomes at once, and to assist him in the great and necessary Charges he must needs be at, the sum of two thousand Livers is ordered to be paid him now in hand.

3. Monsieur Perrin also presenting his History of the Albingenses and Wal∣denses, it was put into the hands of Messieurs Roussett, Cuville, de Preaux, Petit and Joly, Ministers of the Gospel, who were ordered to bring in their Opinion of it, and in consideration of his Charges, this Synod orders him the sum of three hundred Livers.

4. The Provinces which have not observed that Decree of the above∣mentioned Synod, which forbad all additions to be made at the close of Pro∣positions and Colloquies are exhorted conscientiously to obey it.

5. In the observations made by the same Synod upon the Acts of the for∣mer National Synod held at Rochell, in which there was great discourse and debate about Monks, who quitting their Cloysters, did joyn themselves to the Communion of the Reformed Churches; but Information being now given of divers Scandals arriving from the publick declaration made by these Monks in our Churches: This Assembly judged that it was in no wise expedient for the said Monks to make any declarations publickly until such time as we have good experience of their abilities sincerity, and discretion. However their simple and unfeigned Abjurations shall be admitted either publickly or in the Consistories.

6. That Article of the same National Synod about those Remonstrances which should have been made in the Chamber of Nerac, shall be razed.

7. Nothing shall be altered in that Article of the aforesaid Synod, which had approved the administration of Baptism before Sermons, and at the or∣dinary publick Prayers, excepting in that clause, which specifies the law∣fulness of this Action, in case there be apparent danger of death, and that the Consistory do attest it, or at least some of the Elders, because this clause seems to favour that Opinion of the necessity of Baptism: And the remain∣ing part of the said Article shall be in force until the next National Synod, and in this Interval the Provinces are charged to Study the point diligently, and to come prepared with the judgments of their respective Consistories, Colloquies and Provincial Synods, and to send them in writing confirm∣ed by solid Arguments; that so after mature consideration had of the whole,

the Case may be finally decided by plurality of Votes gathered from the se∣veral Deputies of that Synod. And that this may be the more easily effected, Monsieur Sonis, du Moulin, le Faucheur, and la Faye, are nominated to put in writing the reasons both of the one side and other, which have been here urged, and a Copy of them shall be carried hence together with the Acts of this present Assembly unto their Provinces by the Deputies.

8. The Deputies of Berry requesting that some course might be took to avoid the violating of that Canon made at St. Maixant, which forbad all Professors in Divinity to intermeddle with Political Assemblies: This Synod ordaineth, that it be punctually observed, and in case any of them do ac∣cept of such a Deputation, whoever he be, shall be punished with Suspen∣sion from his Professorship for the space of six months.

9. Information being made of the great disorders in the Provincial Synods of Higher and Lower Languedoc, of the tricks and subtle under-hand dealings (fitter for Attorneys and Petty-Foggers, than for such grave Assemblies) commonly practised by them, and of the contempt of Church-Discipline, from whence have sprung up very many and grievous scandals: This Synod doth most strictly enjoyn all Provincial Synods, and most especially those now mentioned, that for the future they do reform and conduct themselves better, on pain of being dealt withal as violators of the Discipline, and that in the severest manner; and particularly it threatens the Moderators in those Meetings with Suspension from their Charges, in case they connive at them, and do not their utmost to redress these irregular and scandalous actions.

CHAP. VII. Of Appeals.

1. THE Church of Orange complaining by her Deputies, that they were excluded from the Political Assembly held in Dolphiny. This As∣sembly remands them unto the next General Political Assembly, unto which they shall present their complaint, if they judge meet.

2. Master Gautier complained on behalf of the Church of Annonay, that they had never been reimburst their Expences, which they were necessitated to make in getting supplies, during the absence of their Pastor Monsieur Faucheur, who was deputed to the Assembly of Saumur. This Synod order∣eth the Province of Vivaretz to see the said Church of Annonay be paid an hundred Livers, including in that sum the six and thirty already received by them.

3. The Church of Armagnac appealed from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Florac, which had imposed on them the Sieur Thevond to be their Pastor against their consent. And the said Mr. The∣vond also appealed from the Synod of Montpellier for removing him against his will from Aigues-mortes. This Assembly after, hearing of all Par∣ties; and perusal of the Acts of both these Synods, judgeth that the said Pro∣vince hath very much transgrest the Discipline, by lending the said Thevond unto the Church of Aigues-mortes, and by restoring the said Pastor unto the Church of Armagnac; and therefore ordaineth, that the next Colloquy or Synod shall provide the said Thevond of another Church, and that he be re∣moved from that of Aigues-mortes, or of Armagnac, and the Church of Armagnac is sharply censured for her strange proceedings in obstructing the return of the Sieur Thevond to them, as also Benezet, Elder of that Church, and his Companions, who without any just cause given, did pro∣secute the Expulsion of the said Thevond from among them. Moreover, we do very greatly condemn him the said Thevond, for his pragmaticalness, and

unnecessary intermedlings with Civil Affairs, as also for his unhandsome act∣ings in the celebration of his Marriage, that he might avoid the Tying of the Point, a notorious Character of his Infidelity and Distrust of God, de∣serving a Deposal from the Sacred Ministry, and the Sieur Chambrun, Pastor of Nismes, who blessed that Marriage, is liable unto the same censure. But this Assembly contents it self with that softer Reprehension given him by the Colloquy, hoping that it will redound unto his future benefit: And in case he hath not as yet fully satisfied the Censure imposed on him by the said Colloquy, he is ordered immediately to fulfil it, on pain of being suspended from his Ministry.

4. The Deputies of the Church of Aigues-mortes complained of that Article of the Assembly at Saumur, which authorized the prosecution of Monsieur de Berticheres at the instigation of the Lords General Deputies, and the said Deputies of Aigues-mortes remonstrated that the said Assembly was surprized for otherwise it had been impossible for the said de Berticheres to have been admitted into the said Church. The Synod refused to take cognisance of this Affair, it having been determined by the said Assembly of Saumur; and because it conceived that a subsequent Assembly of the same nature could best judge of its own preceding Sentence, and of whatsoever might be pro∣posed with reference unto that subject; and therefore remands the Plaintiffs thither; but it charged our Lords the General Deputies at Court, to give order, that this Affair be remanded unto that Assembly there to be deter∣mined, and in the mean while nothing shall be innovated or altered in that Article.

5. Monsieur Benoist, Pastor in the Church of Moutauban, and de la Vialle Lieutenant Criminell in the same City appeared in this Assembly, craving Remedies against those Dissentions which have arisen about the Ministry of the said Benoist in the said Church. This Assembly deputed the Sieurs Perrin and Ferrand Pastors, and de Mallerett, Glatignan and Bonnett Elders, to pass over unto Montauban, and after hearing of the several Parties, to find out some means of reconciling them, and to contrive some expedient whereby their Differences may be composed; and upon report of the whole matter by these Deputies, the Synod declared, that of right Monsieur Benoist belongs unto the Church of Montauban, he having been adjudged as such by the National Synod of St. Maixant: Yet nevertheless, in regard of the present Disposition of that Church of Montauban, it decrees the said Benoist to continue in his Ministry of the Churches of Realville and Albyas until the next Provincial Synod; in which, if the said Benoist be not de∣manded by the Church of Montauban by their general and unanimous Con∣sent, according to the Discipline, the said Provincial Synod is enjoyned to provide the said Benoist of some other Church, wherein he shall make his Residence; and the whole shall be so managed, as that the honour of his Ministry may be kept unblemished, because he is not discharged from his Church for any fault committed by him, but meerly for the peace of it.

6. The Elder of of the Church of Aulais in Sevennez complaining of the Synod of Lower Languedoc for imposing Monsieur Jarry as Pastor upon their Church against their will, and this testified by him openly in their Synodi∣cal Metting: That Province is censured for breaking of our Discipline: And the next Colloquy which shall sit is to provide the Church of Aulais of ano∣ther Pastor, and the Sieur Jarry of another Church, and the said Province shall defray the Charges of the said Jarry, amounting to the sum of two hundred Livers.

7. The Agreement made betwixt the Church of St. Antonine and that of Verfeuil upon their Appeal brought hither, is approved by this Assembly, which doth also confirm Monsieur Guerin in the Pastoral office of the said Church of St. Antonine.

8. Monsieur Bayly Pastor in the Church of Lyons presented in this Assem∣bly an Account of the difference between his Church and the Province of Burgundy: And the Deputies of that Province being heard requesting that the Decree of their Synod concerning the fifth penny of the poors Money might be observed by the said Church of Lyons: This Assembly ordered that they should punctually observe and practise that Canon of the National Synod of Rochell relating to this matter, and it should also be done in and by all the other Churches of that Province.

9. The Colloquies of St. Germain, Anduze, and Saulne demanding A sepa∣ration from the Synod of Lower Languedoc, that for time to come they might make a distinct Province; The whole affair having been Seriously weighed and considered, as also that the Synod of Lower Languedoc composed of an hundred Pastors and as many Elders, are of an exceeding distance, and that their great number brings the greater Confusion: This Assembly judgeth the said separation to be very needful for their Ecclesiastical meetings; And that for the future, the six aforesaid Colloquies shall be divided into two Provincial Synods, whereof the one shall consist of the Colloquies afore-men∣tioned, viz. of St. Germain, Anduze and Saulne, and shall be called the Sy∣nod of Sevennes and Gevaudan, and the other three Colloquies shall make another Synod called by the Name of the Synod of Lower Languedoc.

10. Monsieur Gautier did by his Proctor Captain Pascall Appeal unto this Assembly from the Judgment given in the Synod of Bagnals against Mon∣sieur Bansillon Fastor of Aiguemortes, who considering his notorious Crimes, had not dealt severely enough with him. This Assembly approveth of his Appeal, and judgeth that the Province for their lenity and gentle Censures of him, are themselves worthy of the sharpest Censures. And therefore it de∣creeth, that upon this very account, and for what hath been transacted in this Assembly concerning the said Bansillon, and because he hath positively denied those matters, which since his Repentance he owneth and acknow∣ledgeth, that he shall be suspended from his Ministry for the space of three months.

11. An Appeal was brought in the Name of the Lord Mareschal de Lesdi∣guieres, Viscount of Villemur, from an Order of the Provincial Synod held at Revel, which in pursuance of a Decree past in the preceding Colloquy, had ordained Monsieur Charles, Pastor of the said Town of Villemur, to abide and live there, notwithstanding the instant desires of the people to the contrary. This Assembly having heard the Commissioners deputed to examine this Affair, and perused their Evidences produced by them, and having heard both the said Charles, and the Lord of Bellujon, Governour of the said Ville∣mur sent by the said Lord Mareschal, who also joyned with him in this Appeal; it judgeth that the said Sieur Charles hath incurred the Censures of the Church for his pragmaticalness in intermedling with State-matters, and for carrying unto the said Lord Mareschal a Libel fraught with defa∣matory Articles against the said Governour de Bellujon; as also for bringing away with him Memorials of the said Mareschal, quite contrary to his inten∣tion. And in like manner is the said Governour de Bellujon censured for not having first of all formed his Complaints in the Consistory, and thence gra∣dually prosecuted them in the Colloquy and Synod, according to the Rules of our Discipline, and for that he suffered his Family to separate themselves from the Body of the Church of Villemur, and to go and joyn themselves in Communion elsewhere. And inasmuch as there is little hopes that the said Charles may for the future live quietly, and exercise profitably his Ministry in that said Church, it is ordered, that the next Provincial Synod shall pro∣vide it of another Pastor, and him of another convenient Church, and this without any impairment to his Reputation or Ministry. And these several Parties were mutually reconciled, pledging their words to bury in oblivion

the remembrance of all past-matters, and that they would live for time to come in all Brotherly Love and Concord. And whereas the said Charles complained, that the Expences in this Appeal and Cause, were too heavy a burden for his Church, the Province was ordered to provide therein ac∣cording to Charity.

12. The Sieur Isaac Boiteux Minister in the Church of Bussy in Burgundy appealed; His Father, Mother, and the Pastors of the Church of Geneva joyned with him in the said Appeal, craving that he might be restored unto his aged Father, who is a Pastor in the said City of Geneva; their Letters also were tendered unto this Synod, grounded upon this, that he was only a Loane unto the said Province, which yet avows the contrary, and that the said Boiteux promised without any restriction or reservation to serve them during life. But he not appearing in person in this Assembly, the whole affair was dismissed over to the Province of Vivaretz, with full authority from this National Synod to make a final decision of it.

13. The Colloquy of Higher Poictou Appealed, complaining of the Sy∣nod of Poictou held at Thouars, for dismembring the Church of Marcillac from their Colloquy, and joyning it to the Colloquy of middle Poictou: Upon a full hearing of the matter, this Assembly approved the Judgment of the said Synod.

14. The Sieur Peyrol Pastor in the Church of Montpellier complained of an Order made by the Synod of Lower Languedoc, importing that the Pastors of Montpellier should have a careful Eye over his Sermons in the Church, and Lectures in the School. But the Deputies of the said Province protest∣ing that it was never the Intention of the Synod to make any such Order, or that it should be executed, and that they having razed it out of their Synodical Register, (which also was ratified by the very next subsequent Synod) might well content him. This Assembly judgeth, that this Attesta∣tion of the Deputies may suffice him, because for that good and laudable Testimony given him, we believe that the Article was null both before and after the razing of it. And the said Sieur Peyrol is exhorted to under∣take couragiously, and to discharge faithfully his Professorship of Divinity according to the desire, approbation and expectation of his Province.

15. The Sieur de Sousais appeared personally in the Synod, and having been heard in his defence against the Accusations of the Province of the Isle of France, who proved that he had deserted his Church of Bordes with∣out leave, and that he had been already absent from it the space of eighteen months. This Assembly dismissed the final Judgment of his Case unto the Provincial Synod of Berry, with full Authority to determine it; in which he shall justifie himself, as also from all other Crimes whereof he is suspected and accused, and the time and place of that Synods meeting shall be signi∣fied to him; till which we judge it also expedient that he shall not exercise his Ministry.

16. The Complaints and Accusations brought in against Mr. Jeremy Fer∣rier, Pastor of the Church of Nismes, were heard, as he was also in his De∣fence and Answers. This Assembly over-looking many of his miscarriages, for which he had been dealt withal particularly, and by word of mouth privately reproved, and for which he deserved a very sharp Censure; it doth now admonish and charge him to give glory unto God by a penitential Ac∣knowledgment of his sins committed both in his Office of Pastor and Pro∣fessor, and in his management of Civil matters, and more especially for his abandoning the Church of Paris without leave from it first obtained, con∣trary to the promise made by him at his Admission into the Ministry there, that he would always continue in their service: Item, he was reproved for his great neglect of his Professoral Office ih Divinity, which he could not discharge whilst he made several Journeys unto Court, and to Political

Assemblies, contrary to what had been decreed in the National Synod of St. Maixant, and for not taking care about the supply of his Place, and dis∣charge of his Office by some fit person during his Absence; and farther, for his intermedling with the Moneys of the University, And appropriating more of them than was his due, even the sum of three thousand one hun∣dred and three Livers, five Sous, and six Deniers to his own private use. Item, for giving his consent to the publication of Captain Gautier's Letters, which he should rather have suppressed; they having caused such conten∣tions as lie not now in his power to allay, unless he imbark himself in tricks and shifts utterly unbecoming his Ministerial Calling. For which causes it was ordained, that he should by Letters written with his own hand, give full satisfaction to the Church of Paris, and clear his hands of the aforesaid Moneys belonging to the University; and farther, to obviate and stifle all fears, jealousies, reports and suspicions concerning him, he is expresly forbidden to present himself in any Political Assemblies, be they Provincial or General, for the space of six years. And out of kindness to him, and that the honour of his Ministry may not be blasted, it is decreed, that he shall exercise it in some other Province, as may be judged most con∣ducing to the Glory of God, and the Edification of the Church.

17. The Church of Mussaye brought in their Appeal from a Decree of the Synod of Brittany held at Blain in the month of November last, for that they were deprived of their portion of Moneys granted unto the Churches by the King. This Assembly reverseth that Decree, and ordaineth that the said Church shall injoy her part and share of those Moneys as well as the other Churches of the Province, and the payment that hath been now made her upon this order shall be allowed in the Accounts of the Receiver of that said Province: And the Lord Baron de le Moussaye is praised for his singular zeal and good affection testified by him in the advancement of Gods glory and the Settlement of the Churches.

18. The Province of Lower Guyenne is obliged to see that order of the Synod of St. Maixant better observed; for it ordained that Monsieur Salmon, who was lent by the National Synod of Rochel for two years unto the said Province, shall be restored unto the Province of Berry: And the said Pro∣vince of Lower Guyenne is injoyned to Restore the said Monsieur Salmon, or to reimburse the Province of Berry their charges expended by them in his Education at the University: And in case they neglect to execute this De∣cree, the Receiver General shall detain in his hands three portions of His Majesties Moneys belonging unto that Province, until such time as this Or∣der be performed. And in case the said Salmon be disobedient, refusing ei∣ther to return unto them, or make them satisfaction, as is before ordained, he shall be, as he is now declared, suspended from the Ministry.

19. The Appeal of Monsieur Maillard from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Berry concerning the Sieur Alix, is disannulled: Because an Appeal brought by a private person, who hath no Office in the Church, against a Synod, is utterly unworthy of any consideration.

20. This Assembly remanded back again the Appeal of Monsieur de Mont∣sanglard (Pastor of the Church of Corbigny St. Leonard, from a Decree of the Synod of Berry held at Castillion upon Loir) unto the same Synod, which is commanded to provide him for his yearly maintenance the sum of five hundred Livers, comprizing in it the Rent-charge of his house. And in case his Church through poverty be not able to pay him so much, then the said Synod shall make it up unto him from the Moneys granted us by His Majesty.

21. The Church of Saint Loo in Normandy complained, that whereas the Inhabitants of Hauteville going to the Church of Havre for the Worship of God, had formerly contributed towards the maintenance of their Pastor;

they now were by the Provincial Synod discharged from the said Contribu∣tion: This Assembly doth ratifie the Decree of the said Synod.

22. The Sieur Mazett, one of the Pastors in the Church of Metz, in the Dukedom of Lorrain, appearing in this Assembly, reported the Divisions fallen out in his said Church on this occasion, that the Deacons having by an antient Custom distributed to the Communicants the Cup in the Lord's Supper, with these words, This Cup is the Communion in the Blood of Christ, omitted these words, which we bless. Also there were read Letters from the said Church of Metz, containing their Arguments upon which they ground∣ed their observation of that Custom. This Assembly having maturely pon∣dered whatever was said by both Parties, doth confirm the Sentence given by the National Synod of St. Maixant, which allowed Elders and Deacons in case of necessity to deliver the Cup, but without speaking, founding this their Decree upon the example and practice of our Lord Jesus, who only himself spake at his last Supper, but yet permitted his Apostles to distribute among themselves the Bread and the Cup. And as to the abridgment of these words, which we bless, this Assembly judgeth, that none should be em∣ployed, but such as can authoritatively utter all the words of Institution. Nor can the Example of the Church of Geneva any ways relieve the Church of Metz, because that at Geneva, in their delivery of the Cup, the Deacons are silent, but not so the Pastors. For which causes, and that the Authority and Reverence due unto this holy Sacrament, may be kept up and maintained, the said Church is exhorted to conform it self in this matter unto the Example and Practice of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the general Custom of our Churches, and this to be done by the sweetest ways possible, without any thing of violence.

23. This Assembly was informed, how that the Consistory of the Church at Orleans, and in particular a certain Elder of it called Mesmein, did, (but with a previous Protestation to declare unto the Supream Magistrate, and to the Kings Attorney the matters transacted in it) set themselves against an Or∣der of the Provincial Synod held at Blois, ordaining a General Colloquy in pursuance of the Decrees of their former Provincial Synods, as also that the Sieur Eruet Doctor in Physick had writ a Defamatory Libel against that Canon of the Assembly of Saumur, which enjoyned all the Provinces to estab∣lish Counsels for their mutual safety, and against that Decree of the said Synod held at Blois: This Assembly reproving and condemning all these Proceedings, as being contrary to our Discipline, and to the Union of all our Churches, did Depute the Sieurs du Moulin, la Fresnaye, and Cartaud Pastors, together with the Sieurs Bigot, Manevill, and du Bois Elders, as they return in their way homewards to pass unto Orleans, and there to Assemble the Con∣sistory, and notify unto them the pleasure of this National Synod, which is, that the Canons and orders of Saumur be observed, as best agreeing with our duty unto their Majesties, and what had been practised during the life of Henry the Great of Glorious memory; and full Power is given unto the said Commissioners to determine finally in the Name and Authority of this Assem∣bly, of this affair, and to suspend and remove all past excesses in and about it whatsoever, and the Charges of the said Deputies, during their abode at Or∣leans, shall be defrayed by that Province.

24. The Appeal of Master John de Vassan Pastor of the Church of the Castel upon Loir who stands accused of several Crimes, and suspended by the Commissioners, which were Deputed by the Provincial Synod of Anjou, is dismissed over to the next approaching Synod of that Province, and in case he do not appear in person to justify himself, he is from this very instant declared to be deposed from the Sacred Ministry.

25. The Sieurs d' Arguillon and Barnier two Magistrates of the City of Nismes, together with Arnold Guyrand second Consul, and Vestric Favier a

Member of their Common Council, as also the Sieurs Suffren and Chambrun Pastors of the said Church of Nismes deputed by their Consistory unto this Assembly, did instantly and most importunately intreat that their Pastor Monsieur Ferrier might not be removed from them, notwithstanding what had been before resolved about him in this Assembly, as also that he might at their request be restored to them, and that leave might be granted him to assist personally in Political Assemblies, in case he were commissionated thereunto. Whereupon the said Deputies of Nismes being demanded if they had any thing to offer from the said du Ferrier, answered, that he had charg∣ed them with nothing as from himself. The Assembly having maturely debated the Remonstrances and Petitions of the said Deputies, and applaud∣ed their Zeal and great Love to Monsieur Ferrier, gave them to understand, that forasmuch as the causes moving them to transport the said Ferrier out of the Province, were still valid and in being, they could not depart from their former Resolution, which was not taken up on design of reflecting on, or interesting the said Church of Nismes; for which they have as high an esteem and value, as for any other Church of Christ in the Kingdom, and they hope that the whole Church will submit it self unto this Synodical Decree. Whereupon the said Deputies, and particularly the Sieur d' Arguillon speaking first, renewed with great vehemency his desires, adding very in∣jurious words, full of menaces, threatning us with the confusions that would arise hereupon in the Church of Nismes, and that he would give them notice of it. He was seconded, according as it had been concerted among them in private, by the Sieur Vestrie Favier with discourses full of Arrogancy and Threats, with a Protestation of Appeal unto another Synod, and let this do what it pleased, they would never part with the said Mon∣sieur Ferrier, and that he should continue to exercise his Ministry both in Nismes and in the Province also. Accusing this Assembly of passion and par∣tiality in its Judgment: Whereupon the Assembly desiring an Act of Record for such injurious Language, and to know whether the said Deputies would avow or disavow it, the said Vestrie returning again into the Synod to evidence his owning of all his former discourses, gave us Memoirs of them stuft with falshoods and calumnies, all subscribed and attested with his own hand; the which Copy was ordered to be safe kept, and forth-com∣ing, in case of need, at the next National Synod.

26. And the Sieurs Suffren and Chambrun are sharply censured for becom∣ing the Bearers of such Libellous and injurious writings against this Assem∣bly, to whom it was declared that they might and ought to have excused themselves from any conjunction in such a Deputation; because by their de∣parture from the City of Nismes, the whole Church was left without a Pastor; and this their offence was judged so grievous, and their contempt of this Assembly so intolerable, that they deserved a very long suspension from their Ministry. Yet nevertheless out of pure respect unto the Church of Nismes, and that it may not be left destitute of its Ministers: The Synod doth Mercifully pardon them their offence, and injoyns them most strictly upon their return unto Nismes to do their utmost that this Synodical decree be put in execution against the said Ferrier, and that they do their utmost endeavour to prevent whatever Murmurings or troubles may hereupon fall out, and that they keep their Church in peace. And in Case after the dissolution of this Assembly they presume to act contrary to what is now commanded them, the next Colloquy of Lions is authorized to proceed against them, and all other Pastors and Elders, Complices with them in the same Rebellion, even to suspension, yea and deposition from their respective charges. And as for Monsieur Ferrier this Assembly will provide him a Church out of the Province, which shall be signified unto him; and if af∣ter notice given him he continue to preach at Nismes or within the Province,

He is from this very instant declared suspended from the Ministry, and not to be restored but by the next National Synod.

27. The Church of Vallence Appealed from the Provincial Synod of Viva∣retz held at Annonay, and from the Synod of Dolphiny held at Veyners, for re∣moving from them the Sieur Murat their Pastor. The Memoirs and Acts of the said Synods, and of the Colloquy of Nismes being read, and both par∣ties having been heard speak upon this present Case: Monsieur Murat was sharply Censured for his over-forwardness in closing with the Invitations of the Church of Nismes, and for urging by dishonest ways the Church of Vallence to give him his Dismission, and this extorted also under the pre∣tence, and with the plausible Attestation of his singular prudence. And the Church of Nismes is severely censured for all its proceedings, and particu∣larly that contrary to the Decree of St. Maixant in the first Article of Ge∣neral Matters; it sought a Pastor for it self out of the Province without first consulting with their Colloquy or Synod. And the Synod of Vivaretz also was blamed for acting contrary to the Discipline, in judging (notwithstand∣ing the Appeal of the Church of Vallence, lay neglected by them) that the said Murat was at liberty. And the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny held at Veyners is also censured, for suffering themselves to be surprized and in∣veigled into this present Act, and passing too slight a Judgment on it, where∣as they should have been more reserved, and done as the Colloquy of Nismes, which dismissed the whole Affair unto this Assembly. For these causes, and after mature deliberation upon the whole, this Assembly enjoyneth the said Murat to return unto his Church of Vallence within three months, and in case of contravention unto this Ordinance, we do presently denounce him suspended from the Ministry.

28. Monsieur Isaiah Ferrier appeared in person before this Assembly (he was Minister of St. Gyles in Lower Languedoc) to answer those Accusations which were brought against him by the Sieur de Beauvoysin, who appealed from the Synods of Vigan and Baignols; and that the truth of those Accu∣sations might be proved, Commissioners were ordained to receive and exa∣mine them; who having heard them, and seen the Evidences produced by the said Sieur de Beauvoysin, and upon their Report made of them, and of matters confessed by the said Ferrier, the Assembly pronounced this Sentence, viz. that the said Ferrier be suspended from the holy Ministry until the next National Synod. And forasmuch as among those many Articles of which he stands accused, several cannot be fully proved, because of Processes yet hanging in the Court of Castres: The Assembly doth order the said Ferrier to appear before the Synod of Vivaretz, and to justifie himself, if he can, in their presence; and the said Synod shall transmit his Defence of himself, whatever it be, over unto the next National Synod, that so he may be either restored, or more severely censured; and in case he cannot justifie himself between this and the next National Synod, he is now, as he shall then be denounced, Deposed from the Ministry of the Gospel. And in case he should be restored by the National Synod unto the Ministry, yet shall he not be sent back unto his Church of St. Gyles, nor to any other in that Colloquy. Nevertheless there shall be allowed him betwixt this time and the next National Synod, a yearly portion of the King's Moneys towards his subsistence. And also the Province of Lower Languedoc is sharply censured for their long connivance at so great a wickedness, and for not doing their duty in endeavouring to suppress the scandal, and throughly to purge the House of God from such defilements.

29. The Appeals of the Sieur Conain from the Decree of the Synod of Parey le Moyneau, as also that of the Sieur Truchis, (who yet did not send his Appeal unto this Assembly) are declared null and void, and the Judg∣ments

past in the Provincial Synods of Burgundy against them are by this pre∣sent Act ratified and established.

30. The Appeal of the Church of Avalon from the Province of Burgundy being not prosecuted by any one in this Assembly is declared Null.

31. The Appeals of the Colloquy of Gex from the Synod of Bussy, and al∣so that of Pont du Velle, were wisely and rightly judged by the Synod of Burgundy, and the said Colloquy, is exhorted to conform it self for the fu∣ture unto the Orders thereof.

32. The Church of Manosques appealled from an Ordinance of the Synod of Provence held at Lire, September 1610. And complained, how that by the said Ordinance an yearly grant of sixty Livers formerly accorded to them by a preceding Synod, was then reversed. This Assembly doth con∣firm that Article of the said Synod of Lire. Yet nevertheless it recommends the said Church of Manosques to the care of that Province.

33. An Appeal was brought by divers Churches of the Lower Guyenne from a Judgment of the said Province, importing, that the more opulent and wealthy Churches should be deprived of their portions in the King's Moneys, and that their shares should be employed to the comforting of poorer Churches, that so they might be kept up, or restored. And where∣as the Deputies of the said Province requested that the Judgment of their Synod might be confirmed; This Assembly leaveth that Province wholly to their liberty, either to follow the aforesaid Expedient, or those other Over∣tures particularly notified unto those Deputies, and it recommends with the greatest earnestness their poor Churches unto the Charity of those, which flourish, and are in a better condition as to the World.

34. That Book written by Monsieur de la Viennerie, Pastor of the Church of Tonne Boutonne in Xaintonge, entituled, A Commentary upon the Canon of the Mass, having been read and examined as to its chiefest Points, to wit, Invo∣cation of Saints, Justification, Predestination, and divers others, there was observed in it several odd expressions and phrases, which were not only ob∣scure, but also doubtful, suspicious and erroneous: Whereupon in pur∣suance of the Judgment given by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge, the said Manuscript was ordered to be supprest; and farther, the Province was exhorted to watch carefully over the Doctrine delivered from the Pulpit by the said de la Viennerie.

35. Whereas there is a great Dissention sprung up in the Church of Mon∣tauban about the Sieurs Loupiat and Gouze, who are Elected Elders; This Assembly condemns the proceeding of the said Sieur de Gouze, as being full of vanity, and for insisting on it, that he ought to be preferred to the Sieur Loupiat in their nomination unto the people: Also the said Gouze is blamed for his animosity in searching out crimes and persons to accuse Monsieur Loupiat, who yet could never make proof of those matters laid by them unto his charge. Moreover, the Consistory there is also censured for not restraining those proceedings by a strict and severe exercise of the Discipline, and for not executing the Judgment of the Colloquies and Sy∣nods of their Province, given forth on this occasion: And the said Con∣sistory is enjoyned to see to it, that the said Gouze and all his Partners do make satisfaction, as in reason they are bound, unto the said Sieur Lou∣piat, for the injuries they have done him: And in case they so do, the said Loupiat shall be intreated to desist from all prosecutions at Law against the said Gouze; but in that matter we leave him to his liberty. And the said Loupiat at the next Election shall be received into the Eldership according to the Canons of our Discipline. And as for the said Gouze, we do not conceive him qualified at present for the Office of an Elder.

36. The Province of Lower Languedoc, assembled at Florac to provide a Pastor for the Church of Meruez fit for their service, did lend the Sieur

Ollier, Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne; Whereupon the said Church brought their Appeal into this National Synod; Which having heard the whole matter did approve of the Loan made by the aforesaid Provincial Synod, but withal gave them to understand that when as the six Months for which he is lent shall be expired, that then the said Sieur Ollier shall return again unto his Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne.

CHAP.VIII. His Majesties Proclamation of Pardon.

BEFORE we proceed unto General matters, we shall first exhibit his Majesties Letters Pattents, concerning their Pardon, who have held Provincial Political Assemblies since that National one, which was convened at Saumur in the year, 1611.

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

To our Beloved and Trusty Counsellors sitting in our Court of Parliament and of the Edict, Greeting.

When God called us to the Government of this Kingdom, to Wear the Crown, and weild the Scepter of our Ancestors, we took up a fixed resolution to follow that form and order in management of State Affairs, which was Established by the Deceased King our most Honoured Lord and Father, whom God absolve; Believing that we could not better secure the Kingdom which he had left us, than by imitating his example, who had raised it from the deepest desolation to the highest Pinnacle of Glory. And we have met with that success and happiness herein, that none of our Subjects have had any the least occasion to complain of us; For we have took such an effectual course in the Administration of our Government, that we have given general satisfaction unto all Persons whom God hath Subjected to us, and particularly unto those of the Pretended Reformed Religion: for we have not only graciously answered their Petitions and Bills of Grievances, which they had presented to us, but we have also sent divers Persons of Quality into all the Provinces of this Kingdom with Commissions and Authority to see the Edict of Nantes executed in all its Articles, and particular Orders, and other Priviledges Granted and Accorded in the Reign of our Deceased Lord and Father to them, and in all other cases whatsoever in which it might be executed, that so by this means we might free them from all fears and apprehensions of troubles; which have been formerly the grounds and pretences used by those our said Subjects for holding extraordinary Assemblies without our Royal Permission, and would have made others of a different perswasion to suspect and grow jealous of them. Where∣fore we being most desirous to provide against those evils, and to preserve that Peace, Union, and good correspondence most Happily Established and kept up by the Edict and its exact observation, we do by and with the Advice and Consent, and in the presence of the Queen Regent, our most Honoured Lady and Mother, and of the Princes of our Blood, and with the Princes and Officers of our Crown, and being fully assured of the good Will in general of our said Subjects, of their zeal and fidelity to our service, and designing to deal favourably with them, We have of our mere and special Grace, Plenary Power, and Royal Authority remitted and abolished, we do remit and abolish by these Presents their offence committed by them who have called, or assisted in person at those Assemblies aforesaid, which have been held without our Permission in sundry Provinces of this Kingdom, and also of all matters fore-passed, or done in Consequence of them, and we will that they be all fully acquitted, cleared, and discharged from them; and we expresly forbid our Attorney general and his Substitutes in any wise to make any Inquiry, Suit, or Prosecution for them. Yet nevertheless that we may prevent for the future the Li∣centious calling of such Assemblies forbidden by the Edicts, and special Orders

made on these accounts by the Late King our most Honoured Lord and Father, in the Obedience of which 'tis our Will and Pleasure that those our said Subjects shall continue, and in pursuance of the eighty second Article of the Edict of Nantes, and of the Ordinance of the fifteenth of March, 1606. at also of that Answer given the nineteenth of August next following unto their Bill of Grievances presented by the General Deputies of the said Religion, the Extracts of which are fastned unto these Presents under the Seal of our Chancery, We have prohibited, and do prohibit and forbid all those our said Subjects of the said Religion for the future to make any Congregations or Assemblies for treating or debating of holding any pub∣lick Assemblies, without having first got our Royal License and Permission expresly to this purpose, upon pain of being punished at breakers of our Edicts, and Disturbers of the publick Peace; However we do give them full Liberty of holding their Consi∣stories, Colloquies, and Provincial and National Synods, at hath been formerly granted to them, but with this condition, that they admit none other persons into them but Ministers and Elders to treat of their Doctrine and Church-Discipline, upon pain of losing their Priviledge to hold these Assemblies, and on all Moderators of an∣swering for it in their private and personal Capacities. And we do command that these our present Letters Pattents be read, and recorded, and that you cause those our said Subjects to enjoy the benefit of their contents, and farther that you see them exactly and punctually observed in the whole extent of your Jurisdiction, without permitting or suffering them in the least to be transgressed. Moreover we com∣mand and enjoin all Governors and Lieutenant Generals, Particular Governors, and their Lieutenants in the Governments of our Provinces, and Cities of their Ju∣risdiction, and the Mayors, Bayliffs, Sheriffs, and Consuls of them to see that they be very carefully kept and observed: And the first of our Beloved and Faith∣ful Counsellors, and Master of the Ordinary Requests of our Houshold, and Coun∣sellors in our Court of Parliament in those places, and others our Justices and Offi∣cers to make informations of those transgressions aforesaid, and to give us speedy advice of it; and in the mean while to proceed against such at shall be found Delin∣quents according to due course of Law, and the Tenour of our Edicts and Ordinan∣ces For such is our Will and Pleasure. Given at Paris the 24th day of April in the year of Grace, 1612. and of our Reign the Second.

Signed LOUIS, And a little Lower by the King in his Council. De Lomenie. And Sealed with Yellow Wax, the great Seal appendant at the bottom with a single Thread.

CHAP. IX. The Synods Declaration against this Proclamation.

1. HIS Majesties Letters Patents were read, containing his Royal Pardon unto them, who had called Political Assemblies since that General one held at Saumur; which exceedingly surprized and astonished this National Synod; and that there might be some remedy provided in time against such Impendent Storm, it was judged needful by all the Deputies unanimously to prepare a Declaration on this occasion, which should be inserted in this place among our Acts, and forth-with Printed, that so by this Imprinted Act, the Innocency of our Churches might be attested and published to the whole Christian World.

Here followeth the said Declaration.

THE Reformed Churches of this Kingdom Assembled in a National Synod at Privas, having, as it usual, took the Oath of Fidelity and Humble Obe∣bedience to their Majesties Command and Service, and being informed by divers Deputies of the Provinces that the Kings Letters Pattents were directed to the Parliaments and Courts of the Edict, containing an Abolition and Pardon of the faults pretended to have been committed in calling of Particular Assemblies in the several Provinces, as also a Pardon for what hath been heretofore, and since trans∣acted in them; they could not be unsensible of such an horrid dishonour as this done unto them, so great, so contrary to their Intentions, and to that Loyalty they have ever upon all occasions exprest both to the service of his Majesty, and the happiness of his Government; and they could not but be pierced with a most just grief to see themselves blasted with so great a reproach on the account of the said Provincial Assemblies, which have been always held as they were in the Reign of Henry the Great of most happy Memory, and since also by a Priviledge granted the said Churches in a Letter Written by her Majesty unto the General Assembly of ••aumur the 22th of August, 1611. by which they were commanded every one of them to break up, and depart unto their respective Provinces, and carry back unto their Principals, who had Deputed them, the good Intentions of their Majesties. Ʋp∣on which the said General Assembly inferred their Right and Priviledge of Meet∣ing in particular Assemblies, and voted the Congregating of them, and ordained that the Deputies of every Province should bring with them their Cahiers to be per∣used, and what reflexions had past upon them, and answers given to them; which was a matter well-known unto the Lords of the Council, nor could they be∣lieve it or judge it unreasonable, because that in those very Instructions given un∣to the Commissioners sent by their Majesties into the Provinces, about the inexecu∣tions and transgressions of the Edict, they were commanded to return home immediat∣ly, and without delay, that they might be in the Provinces before the meeting of those particular Assemblies: and 'tis a most certain truth they were for the most part either Authorized by the summons of his Majesties Lieutenants, or by the con∣duct and direction of some one or other of the Presidents in the Soveraign Courts, and ever in the Magistrates presence. The Kings Officers and other persons of Quality having express charge from their Majesties to be there upon the place, and sit with them; or otherwise some one of the aforesaid Commissioners sent by the said Provinces did moderate and preside in them. None of which would ever have plunged themselves in so much guilt, in case there had been any as is now pretended. Yea so far were our Lords of the Council from judging us guilty, that on the contrary they received all our Cahiers, Remonstrances, and most hum∣ble Petitions, framed in those Assemblies, with the greatest kindness, and have since answered them. Insomuch at they never esteemed them Criminal, nor needing

Abolition and Pardon. This grieveth, and woundeth deeply the very Souls of all who do Profess the Reformed Religion in this Kingdom, because it fastens the blot and brand of a Crime upon them, which that they might evade, they have on all occasions hazarded both their Lives and Fortunes.

But they have another and farther ground of Grief and Affliction, which it that these Letters Pattents look at if some ill men had a design of kindling again those Flames, and reviving once more those old hatreds and animosities of their Fellow Citizens and Countreymen against them; which have lain Dead and Buried these many years, and that they are seeking a new pretext, wherewith their most inve∣terate Enemies may be hereafter furnished to assault and ruine them, and finally to render them odious and execrable to all sorts of persons both at home and abroad, within and without the Kingdom. Such consequenoes as these cannot but involve them in great troubles, cannot but shake and unsettle the repose and tranquillity of the Government, and grievously augment their fears and sorrows, being compelled after this manner to ease their burdened Spirits, and to express their sense and resentments of such great indignities; because they cannot but avow themselves the best and most Faithful Subjects that ever their Majesties had, or shall have in their Kingdoms and Dominions.

For which cause the said Churches, conformably to those humble Addresses, made by their General Deputies unto the Council, and to their Petition presented unto the Court of Parliament of Paris, the 14th of May last, do declare as they have done, that they never requested, nor demanded, nor did by any Letters of theirs endeavour to obtain that Abolition or Pardon, that it was never done by them, nor are they so much as in word or thought guilty of those imaginary Crimes presupposed in them, and that they be ready all of them jointly and singly to be responsible for their actions, and to publish them to the whole World, openly, and at noon-day, counting all manner of torments far more easie to be born, than that they and their Posterity should be stigmatized with such a shameful brand of In∣famy, which might hereafter deprive them of that true honour and glory, which was ever ascribed to them, of being true French-men, and to be reputed and ac∣counted by strangers the most Loyal and most Faithful Subjects of His Majesty, in the worst times, persons uncorruptible, and the best and most affectionate unto His Government.

Moreover, they do farther declare, that they will not in the least either help themselves, or make use in any manner of way of those aforesaid Letters of Aboli∣tion and Pardon, and that they disavow those persons, if there be any such, as have accepted, and consented to them. And whoever shall demand or approve them, we declare those persons to have acted contrary and prejudicial to the sincerity of their Intentions, and to their approved Loyalty and Fidelity: All which we do once more publish, not out of vanity or vain-glory, but to give Testimony unto the Truth; and that we are ready to adventure our Honours, Estates and Lives in the per∣formance of those Duties, Services and Obedience, which Their Majesties may ex∣pect from us, who are, their most humble, most faithful and most obedient Ser∣vants and Subjects.

From Privas in Vivaretz, the first of June, 1612.

Signed by

• ...
  • Chamier, Moderator.
  • Du Moulin, Assessor.
• ...
  Scribes.
  • Monsanglard, and
  • ...Manjald,

CHAP. X. General Matters.

2. THE Consistories of those Towns in which Printers professing our ho∣ly Reformed Religion do live, are exhorted to look carefully to the Impressions of our Psalm-books, that nothing be inserted into the Calendars trenching upon the honour of any particular persons. And our Brethren, the Pastors of Geneva, are desired to bear a strict hand over the Printers in their City, that this Canon be punctually observed by them.

3. Proposans maintained by the Provinces shall not be received into the Ministry without the consent of their respective Provinces; nor shall any Proposans maintained by particular Churches be received into a Pastoral Charge without the consent of those very Churches from whom they re∣ceived their Exhibitions.

4. The Deputies of the Province of Aujou queried at what time after their Conversion from Popery to the Communion of our Reformed Churches, such persons might be called into the Office of Elders and Deacons. This As∣sembly ordained that it might be about the same time, that other such might be admitted into the Ministry, to wit, after two years tryal and experience had of them, and of their sincerity.

5. Forasmuch as a torrent of Dissolution, Irreligion and Profaneness is broke in upon us, and most shameful divisions are risen up in our Churches, which do visibly and terribly threaten us with the near approaches of God's Judgments, ever since the Death of our late King. This Assembly en∣joyneth all the Churches within the Realm to proclaim an extraordinary Fast, which shall be celebrated the first Wednesday in November next, and be Universally and most Religiously observed by them.

The Provinces are exhorted carefully to collect the History of those Mini∣sters and other Christians, who in these last times have suffered for the truths of the Son of God, and to transmit such Memoirs unto Geneva that they may be inserted into our Book of Martyrs, and published to the World by the Pastors of that Church.

7. Altho a person be chosen Counsellor for the Province, and would thereupon be reputed for, and Act as an Elder, yet shall he not be admitted unto the Office of an Elder, unless he pass through the forms prescribed by our Discipline.

CHAP. XI. The Act of Re union.

8. THE present National Synod▪ of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom desiring to secure the Peace and Union of the said Churches, and inflamed with the Zeal of Gods House and Glory, and griev∣ed to see Satan sowing the Seeds of discord among us, which redound to the Infamy and weakning of the said Churches, and may in after times produce worse and more dangerous effects; moved with charity towards the Members of our body, and being willing to make some provision for a Fraternal concord, the indispensable duty of all the Faithful, hath and doth now resolve to exert it self even unto the utmost for the compassing of a Blessed and Holy peace and re-union among ourselves under their Majesties Authority. And having once again Sworn our Oaths of Allegiance and Fidelity to them, and that this Union may be the more easily effected and

obtained; This Assembly ordereth the Sieurs du Moulin and Durant Pastors, and the Sieur de l'Isle Grossat Elder in the Church of Orleans to be joined as Commissioners together with our General Deputies in Court. And all persons are exhorted to labour that the Memory of past matters be Buried in Oblivion, and in the name of all our Churches to become Peace-makers, that so the several humors and different Opinions risen up in the Assembly of Saumur may be Ballanced, Allayed, and Composed, Declaring that the General desire of the said Churches is to reunite in one their affections, who have been alienated from each other; and this to be done according to the Methods and Counsels given and prescribed by this Assembly, whereunto they may make such Additions as their Zeal and Prudence shall suggest; and they shall diligently and conjointly inform the Provinces of their actings herein, together with the result and success of their Mediation. To this end Let∣ters shall be Written and sent from this Assembly unto the Lords Mareschals and Dukes of Bouillon and de les Diguieres, exhorting and adjuring them in the Name of God, that they would be pleased at the instant intreaties of our Churches to join themselves together with us in an humble Petition and Ad∣dress unto their Majesties, and to testifie by evident effects their Zeal and Affection towards them, and readily to embrace all opportunities that may either publickly or privately contribute to the safety of the State, Quiet and Honour of the Kingdom, as also that they would be pleased to join them∣selves together with our Churches for the procuring an entire removal of those Letters of Abolition, verified and published of late by the Par∣liaments, although never demanded nor deserved by us, and to insist on it that the more important and necessary matters in our Petitions tendred un∣to their Majesties may receive a gracious answer, and to endeavour that for the future all gratifications of persons and parties may be equal, and all marks and notes of division and separation may be removed, demonstrating there∣by their forgetfulness of what is past, and that they do cordially pursue, without partiality, the good of all, and that generally (upon all occasions which may so fall out) they do manifestly express their zeal, care and af∣fection to the common publick Weal of our Churches as they shall be re∣quired, admonished and informed by the General Deputies of the said Churches. Moreover, the said Lords shall be exhorted in our before-men∣tioned Letters, that they would be pleased to resign up their own private Interests to those of the publick, and that they would lay by their own par∣ticular Resentments (which have been very much inflamed by the cunning crafts, artifices and devices of the Enemies of our Religion) and that they would hold a more firm Correspondence and sincere intelligence with the Lords Duke of Rohan, and of Sully, of Soubize, de la Force, and of the Lord du Plessis, and with all others, from whom, by reason of these unhappy dif∣ferences, they have been estranged, that so being all joyntly reunited in the Bond of Friendship, they may more advantagiously promote the common Weal of our Churches, the repose and happiness of the State, and the esta∣blishment of their Majesties Authority. And the like Letters to the same purpose shall be written to the Lords of Chastillion, of Parabere, to the Dukes of Rohan and of Sully, to the Dukes of Soubize, and de la Force, and to the Lord du Plessis, from this Assembly, to acquaint them with our desires and invitations in the name and behalf of all our Churches to joyn in with the Lords Dukes of Bouillon and de les Diguieres, and that as we had exhorted these, so we do earnestly exhort their Lordships also to quit and forego their own particular Resentments and Discontents, and that as formerly they have, so they would be pleased now and evermore to testifie their zeal and affection for the Weal and Repose of our poor Churches; and that they would demean themselves with a generous frankness and integrity in their mutual Correspondence and Re-union one with the other, that being united

in a perfect Bond of Charity, they may with conjoyned Forces promote and advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus. Letters also shall be written un∣to the Lady Dutchess of Tremouille, intreating her in the name of all our Churches, to continue her endeavours in mediating the said Peace and Re-union, and to give her thanks for her singular care in the Education of her Children in the True Religion, and in the Fear of God, and in Love and Affection to our Churches, hoping and praying that they may hereafter prove excellent and useful Instruments of God's glory, and of the Churches good. And it shall be protested to all and every one of those Lords in the name and behalf of our Churches in the said Letters directed to them of our Intention and Resolution to consider, honour and value them according to their Families, Qualities, Dignities, and Merits, as being the most honour∣able Members of our Body. And the said Letters shall be presented them, to wit, unto the Lords of Bouillon and of les Diguieres, of Chastillion, and to the Lady Dutchess of Tremouille by the immediate hands of our General De∣puties: Those for the Lord Duke of Rohan, and my Lord of Soubize, by the Lords Barons of Saujon and Bonnet, Deputies for the Province of Xaintonge, who shall also acquaint them particularly from this Assembly with our sen∣timents, desires and designs, exhorting them to approve of them, and to con∣sent unto them, and they shall be intreated to declare freely their thoughts of the whole, that so the General Deputies may be out of hand advised, and allured of it. The Letter to the Lord Duke of Sully shall be tendered by Monsieur de l'Isle Grossat, Deputy for the Province of Berry. That to the Lord de Plessis by the Sieurs Perillau, Vigneux and Ferrand, Deputies of the Province of Anjou. That for the Lord de la Force by the Sieurs de Brassalay and du Hau, Deputies of Bearne. That for the Lord de la Parabere by the Sieurs de Cuville and Cognac, Deputies of Poictou. And all these Gentlemen are charged with one and the same Message as above-mentioned, only they may make such additions as their zeal and dexterity shall judge to be most conducing to the Weal and Perfection of so glorious a work. Moreover, this Assembly intreateth and exhorteth that for God's sake, and the glory of his great name, and their own salvation, and for the peace and welfare of the Nation; yea it adjures by all that is desirable or commendable, the whole Body of our Communion in general, and every faithful Soul in particular, to divest themselves of all Animosities whatsoever, and to lop off immedi∣ately all dissolutions and dissentions, lest they should be the causes of the dissipation of the Churches of God in this Kingdom, which have been plant∣ed in the Blood of infinite Martyrs, and preserved by the Zeal and Concord of our Fathers; and that they would at length open their Eyes and see, and consider that the Churches Enemies bottom all their designs of ruining us upon our own Intestine Dissentions, and that by reason of these we are become very little, and exceeding despicable with our Adversaries. And all Pastors and Elders of Churches are enjoyned diligently to procure the Re-union of the respective Members of their Flocks, and to lend one another their help∣ing-hand to effect so good a work, and mightily to insist upon it in their pu••lick Sermons, and private Exhortations and Remonstrances: And in case they should meet with contempt, scorn and reproach in the discharge of this their duty, and that any one through an obdurate perverseness should shew himself implacable and irreconcilable; This Assembly, according to that Authority which the Great God gives unto the Ministers of his holy Word, denounceth to them the dreadful Judgments of God, and wisheth that they may be had in Execration among and by all the Faithful; yea, all the (ensures of the Church shall be exerted against such Refractory persons, and the utmost rigour of our Discipline shall be inflicted and executed upon them, lest the good Name of God should be blasphemed through our sins, and that we may not contract upon our selves the guilt of the Churches de∣solation;

but rather that b the Bond of Peace and Fraternal Union, the Church of God may send forth a sweet perfume among our Adversaries, and his holy Name may be blessed and glorified by the Children of men.

9. And whereas in the prosecution of the said Re-union, the several per∣sons before mentioned to be employed in it, must needs be at considerable Expence; this Assembly leaveth that Affair unto the prudence of our Lords the General Deputies, who shall apply themselves to the Lord of Candall, with this our Order, to disburse Moneys for their necessary Charges. And the Lords the General Deputies at Court, are ordered to complain unto their Majesties, that the Moneys granted by them by way of Augmentation unto our Churches are not paid, nor have we the disposal, or management, or receipt of them; and they shall again by word of mouth renew their former Instances, and vigorously importune that the said Augmentation-Moneys, and all other sums belonging to us, may be put into such hands as shall wholly depend upon our Churches, that so according to the Warrants grant∣ed us for the said Moneys, and according to the Promise made us, they may be paid in unto us without any defalcation or diminutions, and that our poor Churches may be cased of that Penny in the Liver (which the Receivers attribute unto themselves,) and their condition bettered, if may be. And as to what sums have been advanced by the aforesaid Lords Deputies, notice shall be given thereof unto the Provinces.

CHAP. XII. A Warrant signed for 45000 l. for the Churches.

FRiday the 22th of June, the Lord de Rouvray produced in this Assembly the Original Grant of Augmentation of five and forty thousand Livers which it hath pleased His Majesty to bestow upon our Churches. And this Assembly ordered the said Lord de Rouvray to return for us and for all the Churches, our most humble thanks unto their Majesties, who have by this their extraordinary Bounty laid new obligations upon us to call upon our God with the greatest Ardency in our Prayers, that he would bless and prosper their Majesties Persons, Crown and Government. And the said Grant was deposited in the hands of the Sieur Bonnet, Pastor and Deputy of Xaintonge, who was to lodge it safely in the Archives of Rochel; whereof he shall give advice by Letters under his own hand unto the said Lord de Rouvray.

The Copy of that Warrant.

This first day of October, One thousand six hundred and eleven, the King being at Paris, assisted by the Queen Regent his Mother in Council, having been well informed for what considerations the late King of glorious memo∣ry had by a Warrant of the third of April, One thousand five hundred ninety and eight, granted unto his Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion, the yearly sum of five and forty thousand Crowns to be employed in some secret Con∣cerns of theirs: And although His present Majesty be not obliged by those secret Articles, Warrants, and Answers unto Memoirs made in favour of those his said Subjects, to increase or augment the said sum; yet nevertheless, desiring as much as in him lieth to gratifie and favour his laid Subjects, and that he may-give them a sense of his good will and love to them, His Majesty, by the advice of the aforesaid Lady the Queen Regent, and of his meer grace and liberality doth grant unto those of the said P. Reformed Religion, the above-mentioned sum of five and forty thousand Crowns, and over and above the same another yearly sum five and forty thousand Livers

as an Act of Bounty, which said Moneys he wills and o future it be issued out of the General Fonds of his Treasury, by vertue of this present Warrant, which to this purpose he hath signed with his own hand, and is counter-signed by me his Councillor in his Council of State, and Secretary of his Commandments.

Signed Louis, and Lower, Philippeaux.

12. This Assembly giveth full power to the Lords our General Deputies to pass a contract with the Lord du Candal about the Receipt and manage∣ment of the five and fourty thousand Livers Augmentation Money, and if possible they shall make but one only Contract of the two sum, to wit, of that first granted, and of the aforesaid Augmentation, and of their Receipt, al∣ways reserving the right of our Churches.

13. The s••me General Deputies are charged to oppose themselves formal∣ly against all persons whatsoever, that shall endeavour at Court to obtain any Relief to the detriment of the body of the Churches in this Kingdom, and contrary to the Union sworn by us, and advice shall be given hereof un∣to the Churches, that so the Pastors more especially, and the Consistories may do their duty in suppressing such like motions and Enterprises, as being scandalous, and menacing the Churches with great confusions.

14. This Assembly injoyneth all the Consistories of those places, where the Courts of Parliament and Chambers of the Edict are established, to remon∣strate unto the Counsellors professing our holy Reformed Religion their timorous luke-warmness in not opposing and resisting the Verification and Recording of those Letters of Abolition, it being their special duty to have opposed them, and to have demanded that their Act of Opposal might be re∣corded: Moreover the Consistories of those self-same Towns are exhorted to present unto the said Parliaments and Chambers of the Edict the General Declaration of this National Synod concerning those Letters of Abolition.

15. This Assembly ordaineth that for the future the Provinces shall send unto the National Synods a Catalogue of their Pastors in actual service, and of the Proposans maintained by them, attested by the Manual Subscription of the Moderators and Scribes of their Synods: Otherwise there shall be no reckoning made of the Rolls brought in, when as the Moneys given us by his Majesty shall come to be distributed.

16. This Assembly yielding to the necessity of the times, and observing that whatsoever Petitions and Addresses have been made unto their Majesties by our extraordinary Deputations, are always ill resented, and misconstrued, and became so very unpleasing and distastful to their Majesties, that they would never vouchsafe a kind or acceptable answer to them; therefore it doth at present conceive it best for us to keep our selves unto the ordinary ways of humble Petitions and Remonstrances, by the mouths of our General Depu∣ties, Hoping that the goodness and clemency of the King and of the Queen Regent his Mother, and that the Justice of our Lords in the Privy Council will by this means, the former having been disliked by them, grant that we shall at last reap and receive the fruit and benefit of them. And to this purpose the said General Deputies shaving rendred our most humble thanks unto their Majesties for their gracious favours conferred upon their most Loyal and most Humble, and most Dutiful Subjects of the Reformed Religion, and particularly for the Augmentation of fifteen thousand Crowns a year granted to our Ministers) are charged most humbly to Petition their Majesties, that they would be pleased to exempt them from that necessity which is imposed upon them (and now with greater severity than ever, and contrary to that Liberty of Conscience promised us) of stiling our selves, of the pretended Re∣formed Religion: Because we had rather and more willingly suffer the great∣est torments, than stand obliged to condemn with our own mouths our

most holy Religion. And their Majesties also shall be requested to grant leave unto us in all Cities and Towns where▪ there be a number of families of our Religion, to keep lesser Schools, for the Education of our Children, and that those Restrictions and Modifications annexed unto the answer gi∣ven to that article in our last complaint and Bill of Grievances may be taken off the file: This being a matter which can never be dismembred nor seve∣red from our Liberty of Conscience. And whereas contrary to the hopes conceived at first by the Churches, when they sent their Commissioners from every Province, this Assembly is fully assured from all quarters, that the far greater part of our demands and remonstrances have been rejected, and that they have been all turned over to the Privy Council, and that it may be truly said, that after all the great coyl and noise made, nothing hath been yielded us, except a few Burying places, and those also in divers places to the detriment and disadvantage of our Religion, the said Deputies are charged to complain thereof unto their Majesties, and most humbly to peti∣tion that it may be remedied and redressed and to this purpose the Memoirs of the Provinces and Churches groaning under these oppressions shall be put into their hands, that so some effectual course may be taken for their re∣lief, and by such methods as they shall judge most fit to effect and compass it; and they shall farther insist on the Revocation of the Letters of Abolition verified in the Courts of Parliament. And whereas it is a matter of great im∣portance and concernment to all the Provinces, that they be duely acquainted with the issue and success of our Renewed and Repeated Supplications unto their Majesties, the aforesaid Deputies are injoyned, that as soon as they shall have received an answer to them, they do immediately transmit it un∣to the Provinces.

17. The Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe were Deputed by this Assembly to prosecute at Law Monsieur Palot, that so the Churches Moneys remaining in his hands, and with which he was intrusted, and which he oweth unto us, and would never render an account of them, may be recovered. And to this purpose it giveth Letters of Attorney unto the said Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe, with full power to receive all offers from Monsieur Palots Partners, and to treat with them in the Name of all the Provinces, and authorizeth them to accquit the said Partners of any summs which may be due by the said Palot even to the one third of the whole, provided the said Partners will make good the other two thirds, if they cannot compound with them upon better terms, that so the two thirds may come free info the Churches hands. But and if they cannot obtain better terms, and that they may be enabled to defray the Costs of this suit, they shall receive an yearly allowance of fifteen Hundred Livers, to be paid them quarterly by the Lord of Gandal, out of those Moneys which are to be paid into the Churches for the octo∣ber quarter of the year one thousand six hundred and Eleven, and this to be done proportionably every year, quarter and day as long as the suit conti∣nues, and we farther promise, that if it shall please God to succeed their care and diligence with his Blessing, to give them a considerable gratuity for their pains. And the said Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe are ordered to advise and consult with the Lords General Deputies, without whose Approbation they may not receive any offers from the Partners, nor act any thing in the said process. And the said Lords Deputies shall deliver unto the said Bi∣got and de la Combe all Papers concerning this matter, and notify unto them at what time they may be in Paris, and the said de la Combe is allowed for his journey thither the sum of one hundred and fifty Livers, which shall be paid him by the Lord du Candal out of the fore-mentioned quarter, of the sum of fifteen hundred Livers.

CHAP. XIII. Of Particular Matters.

Monsieur Archimaud came unto this Assembly with Letters from several persons living in the County of Venisse and Archbishoprick of Avignon, and with Letters also from the Lord of Saint A••ban, requesting that according to a Decree made in their Synod at Montdragon, held by his Majesties autho∣rity, they might be admitted to sit and vote among us as another Province, and farther, that they might be assisted with some Moneys, at least to help forward the meeting of their Arbitrators, as it had been agreed by them. This Assembly accepting of their Agreement with us in the Confession of faith owned in all the Churches of this Kingdom, doth profess to embrace them in this Union as dear Brethren, to whom they are ready to impart all Christian Love, and are sorry that they cannot in this Assembly, which is purely Ecclesiastical, give them the priviledge of being a distinct Province, that belonging properly to a Political Assembly, unto which for this purpose they must apply themselves; and farther, we cannot at present assist them with any Relief Suitable to their necessity, by which this Assembly might give them a solid and substantial token of that good will it bears them: However the effects and fruits thereof according to our ability shall be manifested up∣on all occasions. And their Affair at Court was most affectionately recom∣mended to our Lords General Deputies residing near their Majesties.

2. Monsieur de Vialle Lieutenant Criminal of Montauban tendred Letters unto this Assembly, humbly petitioning that the Sieur Chamier Pastor of Montlimard might be bestowed upon the University of Montauban, to read and Profess Divinity in it. And the Lord du Plessis also at the same time did by the Sieur Perillau demand him for the University of Saumur to be Professor there. But upon hearing the Deputies of the Church of Montli∣mard, and the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny, who produced Letters from Monsieur de Gouvernett by the hands of Monsieur de Chambaud, and presented them unto this Assembly, they declared against the Interests both of Montauban and Saumur, because of their particular right and title unto Monsieur Chamier, and they urged farther that by the Decrees of three Nati∣onal Synods he could not be removed from his Church; And having heard the protestation of Monsieur Chamier, declaring that he had no inclination to remove, and that he would leave himself wholly to the disposal of this Assembly; for divers Considerable reasons, notwithstanding all these opposi∣tions it was resolved that the Sieur Chamier should be put into the distribu∣tion of Pastors and Professors, And the Church of Montlimard should be pro∣vided of another Pastor.

3. There being a very great difference between the Churches of Nismes and Vallence about Monsieur Murdt recalled by the Church of Vallence to be their Pastor, as the Assembly was composing and determining it, the Sieur Mallamont Elder of the Church of Nismes came in, and accused that Act of the Colloquy of Nismes presented by the Sieur Bansillon as false and forged, who yet avouched the contrary, and tendred for proof thereof the whole Act of the said Colloquy, but not signed. This Assembly not being able to Judge of the pretended forgery, remanded back the said Bansillon and Malla∣mont unto the next meeting of the Colloquy of Nismes, there to end the dif∣ference betwixt them, and the said Colloquy is enjoyned on pain of Censure always for the future to see their Acts Subscribed and Attested.

4. Monsieur, Richaud Pastor of Mazac presented unto this Assembly Let∣ters from his Father, broken with age and poverty, requesting that his por∣tion of Moneys from the Kings bounty might be sent unto him into the

Lower Languedoc, where he desires to retire and end his days: This his re∣quest was granted. And the Province of Lower Languedoc is injoyned to pay in the first place before any other Pastor without the least diminution the said Monsieur Richaud his portion assigned him as Pastor, and as every other pastor hath or shall have, according to what may be hereafter de∣creed in this Assembly.

5. Information was given in to this Assembly that in the Province of Higher Languedoc there were divers Pastors, who did not reside in their Churches. Whereupon that Province was expresly injoyned to see to it that every Pastor might have a dwelling house, and personally reside with his Flock, and that they Censure the disobedient, excepting the Sieurs Bichetteau and Richaud, according to the report made in this Assembly by Monsieur Malleret Deputy of the National Synod of St. Maixant, who was Commissionated to go unto the very places, and to take notice of all the dif∣ficulties pretended or real on this Subject.

6. The Sieur du Puy Pastor of the Church of St. Stephen and St. Marcel∣lin in Forrest demanding in the Name of his Church to be separated from the Province of Burgundy, and joyned to that of Vivaretz, and also to be assisted with portions, and some other sums of Money, for the better support of his Church, which is threatned with utter ruine: This Assembly doth rea∣dily grant them their desire, and that they shall be separated from the Pro∣vince of Burgundy, and be joyned to that of Vivaretz, and ordereth that three annual portions be given them for their Relief in cafe of necessity, which shall be paid them without abatements until the next National Synod.

7. The Sieur Mozé Minister of the Gospel, having complained in this Assembly, that he was suspected in the Assembly of Saumur to have driven on some secret designs at Montellimard against Monsieur Chamier, tho without any ground or occasion on his part; and the said Monsieur Chamier having declared that at his return from the said Assembly, he could not meet with any evidence whereby to convict the said Mozé: This Assembly doth as∣sent unto the truth of what is declared by the said Mozé, and it shall be im∣proved as is Meet and Equitable, for his service; but withal it cannot but take in ill part the actings of the Synod of Dolphiny, which discharged him from one Church without giving him another.

8. The Colloquy of Usez is charged to pass over unto Nismes, and to de∣mand of that Consistory the Original Letters of Captain Gautier which Monsieur Ferrier avoucheth to be among the Papers of that Consistory: And to this purpose the Copy which the Sieur Faye deliver'd into this Assembly was put into the hands of Monsieur Chamier, who promised that he would tear in pieces both that Copy and its Original, according to the desire of this Assembly.

9. The Sum of two hundred Livers was ordered unto Andrew Chanforan Son of Monsieur Chanforan Pastor of the Church of Pouzain, and to be paid by the Province of Provence, in lieu of an exhibition which the said Province was obliged to allow the said Andrew as a Proposan, since the last Synod of Rochell until that of St. Maixant; and whereas Monsieur Chanforan the Fa∣ther demands of the same Province certain Arrears of Moneys granted by the King, and received by the Sieur Callian upon the portion assigned to the Church of la Coste, whereof he was a member in the year one thousand six hundred and eight, this Assembly ordaineth that the aforesaid Province shall pay in unto the said Monsieur Chanforan the sum of two and forty Livers, claimed by him both for his Arrears, and from the Church of Muil, which was annexed unto that of la Coste, saving always to the said Church of la Coste their power of producing an Acquittance under the hand of the said Chanforan, and to the Province thereof redemanding six Crowns upon the

portion of the Church of Muil, as annexed to that of la Coste, and the afore∣said sums amounting to two hundred and fourty two Livers, shall be taken out of the first Moneys which become due unto the Province of Provence.

10. Monsieur Perrin is desired to review his History of the Albingenses which hath been perused by our Commissioners, and to present it finished unto the Synod or Dolphiny, that according to the desire of this Assembly it may be printed.

11. The demand of Gilbert Vernoix Printer at Bergerac about a recompense for his having Printed some certain books, is remanded back unto the Sy∣nod of Lower Guyenne, that he may be satisfied, as the said Synod shall think meet.

12. The Deputies of Poictou requesting that the Province of Normandy might fulfil that Promise made by them in the National Synod held at Ger∣geau, for the relief of Monsieur de Vatable, who is overwhelmed with extream poverty, and to whom there is due the sum of an hundred Livers by the Church of Luneray: This present Synod ordaineth that the said Province of Normandy do fully content and satisfy the said Vatable, and pay one half of what is due unto him out of their own purses, and take up the other half from the Church of Luneray, in which he was Minister.

13. The Deputies of Xaintonge redemanding from the Province of Poictou two Churches said by them to have been severed from their Province, are re∣manded back again unto the said Province of Poictou, before whom they shall open their complaints, and in case they cannot agree among themselves, they shall refer the difference unto a neighbour Colloquy or Synod, with full power to compose it.

14. The Deputies from the Churches in the Principality of Bearn, hav∣ing presented their desires according to the Instructions given them by their own Synod in Writing; This Assembly replies unto their first Article, that they cannot approve of the actions of such Provinces, as hinder their Students in Theology from Studying in the University of Bearn, and it accepts also of the Recommendations given by those Deputies of the Church of Bigorre, of Souilles and of Astaingues: And as to their second and third de∣mands, they were advised to observe the Canons of our Church-Discipline; and as to the last Article in their Instructions, this Assembly can give them none other answer than this, that it highly applauds of their Zeal and good affection, and leaveth them to their liberty of sending to our National Sy∣nods either one or more Pastors and Elders.

15. The Sieur Beauvay complaining by Letters of the Province of Higher Languedoc for not fulfilling that decree of the National Synod of St. Maixant, which enjoyned the said Province to pay him the sum of one hundred Livers owing him by the Sieur Durdes a Minister in the said Province: This As∣sembly ordaineth that the said hundred Livers shall be detained in the hands of the Lord du Candall, or of his Deputy, to be given unto the Sieur Carthaud Pastor of Diep in Normandy, that he may pay them unto the said Sieur de Beauvais.

16. The Sieur Champoleon demanding by Letters from this Assembly to be reimburst of his expences of his Journey from Saumur to Dolphiny, and from Dolphiny back again to Saumur, where he found the Assembly broke up, and which Journey he undertook at the command of the said Assembly: This Synod orders him to have recourse unto another Political General As∣sembly for his answer.

17. Relation being made in this Assembly of those unheard of Riots com∣mitted by the Sieur de Tremoulet, in the Church of Servest in Vivaretz, the Colloquy of Annonay is ordered to meet as soon as possible they can, and to examine the matter of fact, and by the Authority of this Synod judicially to censure and condemn it. And in the mean while, the Pastors shall Assemble

the Consistory of that place, and Summon before them the said du Tremou∣let, and all his Partners in that Scandal, and in case of their non-appearance, immediately to suspend them from the Lords Table, and to denounce this their suspension publickly before the whole Congregation.

18. Report being made of the extream Poverty of Mr. William Papin, who was discharged from his Ministry, and is now Emeritus, and at present residing in Dolphiny; this Assembly gives him freely one portion free of all Taxes for his Subsistence, which shall be drawn out of the Province of Vi∣varetz, where he once served, and given unto the Province of Dolphiny, with order that they pay it him punctually.

19. The Churches of the Baylywick of Gex reported by their Deputy the Sieur du Pain, how that they were dispossessed of all their Antient Church-Lands and Stock, and that their Temples wherein they worshiped God, were taken from them, notwithstanding all their Petitions and En∣deavours to preserve them. This Assembly gave express order to our Lords the General Deputies in Court, that they be very urgent with their Majesties, that the twelve hundred Crowns granted unto the said Churches, and ta∣ken from the five and forty thousand Livers of Augmentation lately given unto our Churches, may be paid out of some other Fund, and that the said Augmentation-Moneys may come in wholly and freely without cloggs and defalcations unto our Churches: And farther, that the Churches of Gex may be assisted with some Relief towards their Building of other Temples.

20. The Church of Montpellier was censured for seeking Monsieur de Faucheur to be their Pastor by oblique and very unbecoming ways: And the Church of Annonay also fell under the same Censure for driving that un∣worthy Bargain with the said Church of Montpellier.

21. The Lords General Deputies informed this Assembly how that the Church of Bergerac deserting the Union of our Churches, had by undue means procured to themselves the sum of fifteen hundred Livers out of the five and forty thousand Livers of Augmentation towards the maintenance of their Colledge, to the great prejudice of all our Churches, and especially of their own Province. This Assembly judgeth them worthy of the greatest and severest Censures, and enjoyneth their Provincial Synod to make them yield up that Warrant gotten by them for the said sum: And in case of their refusal, the said Synod shall denounce unto them by the Authority of this Assembly, that their portions out of the King's Moneys shall not be paid them, but detained in the hands of the Receiver General of the Province: And if it be found that any one of their Pastors have tampered in this Disunion, they shall be suspended from their Charges, and all the other Delinquents shall be censured as Schismaticks and Deserters of our Union: And farther, it is ordained, that none of their Pastors or Elders shall be received as Members of the Provincial or National Synods, until such time as they have fully submitted themselves to our common Order, and so receive their portions in the usual and ordinary ways which are appointed them.

22. The Affairs of the Churches in the Principality of Bearn are parti∣cularly recommended to the care of our Lords General Deputies at Court.

23. The Province of Dolphiny having not brought in to this Assembly the Account of their distribution of the Charity-Moneys gathered, and de∣posited with them for the poor Refugees of the Marquisate of Salluces, as they were enjoyned :This Assembly doth once more command and enjoyn them, on pain of Censure, to perfect the said Account, and to bring it in to the next National Synod. And whereas in consequence hereof the Sieur de la Combe presented an Acquittance which the Provincial Synod held at Ambrun the seventeeth day of June, One thousand six hundred and ten, had

given hi Assessor, Guyonne and Jullien Scribes, the aforesaid Sieur de la Combe is discharged by this pre∣sent Assembly of the sums of seventeen hundred fifty nine Livers and eleven Sous, which had been delivered to him in the National Synod of St. Maix∣ant by the Provinces of Berry and Brittain, by whom also the said Sieur is acquitted, he having deposited them in the hands of the Province of Dolphiny.

24. A difference having risen between the Church of Sezane and the Sieur Normund, Pastor of Belesme, about some Moneys which the said Normund had received in the name of the Church of Sezane, he having vi∣sited them in hopes to be called unto the Ministry among them, the De∣puties of the Isle of France were appointed to compose it; which Agreement now perfected by them, is approved and confirmed by this Assembly, and it ordains, that the said Sieur Normund do out of the Moneys received by him, restore sixty Livers unto the said Church, and pay it for their use in∣to the hands of Monsieur Montigny, Pastor of the Church of Paris, and this within three months, within which time also the said Church shall restore unto the said Normund his Books and Clothes in their custody, and so they shall give mutual Discharges and Releases unto one another.

25. The Deputies of Anjou demanding reimbursement from the Province of Brittany of moneys expended by them, and paid by the Church of Sau∣mur towards the maintenance of Giles Drisonieurs formerly a Monk in the Province of Brittany; and the Province of Brittany contesting with them to the Contrary. The whole affair is dismissed over to the Province of Nor∣mandy which is finally to determin it.

26. Monsieur Moulin having tendred unto this Assembly a Latin book made by him upon the controversy with Piscator concerning justification, The Sieurs Sonys, la Fresnaye, le Faucheur, and Bonnett, were ordered each of them to peruse and read it, and make report of it, who gave in a very honourable Account of it, as containing sound and orthodox Doctrine, and contributing very much unto the Churches Edification; whereupon Monsieur du Moulin had the thanks of the whole Assembly given him for his great labours taken in the conference at Paris on this Article in defence of the Truth. Yet nevertheless lest that reunion projected in this Assembly should be retarded, it adviseth him not to publish it, till the sitting of the next National Synod; during which time he shall send a Copy of his book unto every Province, that so this matter being more carefully examined, it may come forth with general Approbation and Satisfaction.

27. The difference between the Isle of France, and le Sieur de le Touche Pastor of Mouchamp in Poictou is dismissed over to the next Provincial Synod of Berry, who by authority of this Assembly shall put a final period to it.

28. A Letter was read from the Inhabitants and Consistory of the Town of Clerac, and their demands heard also by the mouth of Monsieur Rico∣tier their Pastor: But this Assembly devolved the whole matter over to the next General Politick Assembly, then and there to be provided for accord∣ing to the Decree of the last Assembly of Saumur, 1611.

29. The Sieur Bigot having tender'd Letters from the Church of Paris, earnestly requiring that the Sieur Chauve, Minister of the Church of Som∣mieres, might be given them for their Pastor, as also the Letters of the said Chauve written unto the said Church of Paris. This Assembly judgeth that the desire of the Church of Paris cannot be gratified, considering the great opposition made by the Province of Lower Languedoc, and the Answer made them by the said Monsieur Chauve.

30. The Charges of the Deputies of Higher Languedoc unto this Assem∣bly, shall be defrayed out of the portions of His Majesties Moneys belong∣ing unto that Province.

31. The Sieur Chamier is granted unto the Church of Montauban for Pastor, and Professor of Divinity in their University, upon this condition, that the said Church and University do give him full contentment as to his Stipend; and the said Sieur Chamier shall betake himself within three months unto Montauban, and the Wages of Professor in Theology, and the portion of the King's Moneys shall be counted to him from the first day of July next coming.

32. The Sieur Ferrier is given Pastor unto the Church of Montlimart, and thither he shall transport himself within one months time after the sig∣nification of this present Order to him, and he shall cease Preaching in the Church of Nismes upon the penalties before mentioned.

33. The Church of Annonay had the Sieur Mozé given it for Pastor, and he is charged to mind his duty, as also his Church is required to give him full content, and the Province of Dolphiny shall give a portion unto the said Sieur, Mozé proportionable to the time in which he had nothing assigned him.

34. The Sieur Escoffier, Pastor of the Church de la Chastre in Berry, is ordered, on pain of suspension, to content the Province of Dolphiny for their Charges expended on him whilst he was a Scholar.

35. The Province of Berry being indebted to the Churches the sum of fifteen hundred Livers Moneys belonging to the Academy of Boisbelle: This Assembly forgiveth them the one half, and ordereth that they make resti∣tution of the other half, viz. seven hundred and fifty Livers within three years, they paying a third part of the said sum every year.

CHAP. XIV. Of Colledges and Ʋniversities.

1. THE Church of Clermont in Beauvoysin was censured for not bringing in the Account of the Distribution of the three hundred Livers granted to the Colledge erected in their said Town, and the Province of the Isle of France, shall receive that Account from them, and exhibit it unto the Province of Berry; and in case the said Moneys have been ill managed and dispensed, they shall be deprived of that Right and Priviledge claimed by them for a Colledge.

2. The Province of Guyenne was severely censured for not doing their duty, in making the Church of Bergerac come to account with them, and they be enjoyned to bring the said Account for the time past unto the Synod of Higher Languedoc. And in case they comply with the command of this Assembly, to quit their grant of fifteen hundred Livers, the three hundred Livers which were ordinarily given them, shall be continued unto their Colledge; but if they do not, that Province shall not claim any Right in the said three hundred Livers and Augmentation.

3. The Province of Provence also was censured for not bringing in their Account of the Moneys given them for their Colledge, and they are order∣ed to tender in that Account unto the next Synod of Dolphiny; and in case of failure herein, they shall also forfeit their Right and Claim unto a Colledge.

4. The Province of Poictou also was censured for not having brought in their Account of their Colledge, and they were ordered to tender it unto the Province of Xaintonge; and in case of failure herein, we declare their Priviledge of a Colledge to be forfeited; and farther, they be enjoyned to agree among themselves about a certain place where they may erect a Colledge.

5. The Account brought in by the Province of Berry concerning their Colledge, was accepted and approved.

6. The Account brought in by the Province of Xaintouge for their Col∣ledge, was also allowed and approved.

7. The Account of the Province of Burgundy for their Colledge is re∣manded back again to be more exactly revised by them.

8. The Province of Brittany shall audit their Accounts for a Colledge in the next Synod of Anjou; and in case of failure herein, they shall for∣feit their Priviledge and Claim unto a Colledge; nor shall the said Pro∣vince receive a farthing token of the Moneys granted and designed for a Colledge.

9. The Province of Normandy was censured for bringing in a partial Ac∣count concerning their Colledge, and they are turned over to the next Synod of the Isle of France, there to perfect their Accounts, or else they shall be deprived of their Right unto a Colledge.

10. The Consuls and Inhabitants of the Town of Privas complaining that the Synod of Aubennas had taken away their Colledge which they had maintained for divers years past, by the encouragement given them from the Provincial Synod held at Annonay: This Assembly decreeth, that the said Colledge shall be fixed and settled in this Town of Privas, and be as∣sisted with the same Salary as other Colledges, the said Consuls adding ac∣cording to their promises and offers four hundred Livers of their own common Moneys, and they are desired to discharge their duty in maintain∣ing the said Colledge, as they have hitherto done to their great honour, and their former Accounts are all allowed and approved.

11. All Accounts about Colledges which have been redemanded shall be brought unto the next National Synod there to be revised and approved.

12. It's left to the prudence of the Provinces to erect as many Schools and Colledges more as they can, or else to assist those already in being with some better Maintenance.

13. All the Provinces shall have Colledges, excepting such as have Main∣tenance assigned for Universities, yet nevertheless those very Provinces be∣sides their Universities may erect Colledges at their own Charges; and that of Languedoc shall give unto the said Colledge of Beziers the sum of four hundred Livers to be raised out of the Stock of their University-Moneys, amounting to two thousand six hundred Livers.

14. The Provinces requesting that their Colledges might be enlarged in number, and better provided for with Maintenance: It was resolved that their number should not be augmented, but that every Province which hath Right unto a Colledge shall have four hundred Livers a year allowed them for their Colledge, until the next National Synod.

15. Since that Decree about the Accounts of our Academies at Nismes and Montpellier (which amounted to the sum of sixteen thousand eight hundred and fourscore Livers) the Deputies of Lower Languedoc having remonstrated unto this Assembly, that in the Account of the University of Nismes, there was a resumption of sixteen hundred and four Livers, eigh∣teen Sous, and eight Deniers, owing from the Sieur Palot, whilst he was Receiver General; and seven hundred and twenty Livers in the Account of the University of Montpellier, they petitioned this Assembly, that they would be pleased to allow thereof in payment, and that the said sums might be deducted upon the Debet of the said Account, as also that there might be allowed unto the Sieurs Ferrier and Gigord for the years 1601, 1602, 1603, and 1604, the sum of sixteen hundred Livers wanting to make up the sum of six hundred granted them by an Ordinance of the Provincial Synod of Montpellier, and this both for the time past and to come; and farther, to allow upon the Debet of the same Account unto the Sieur Gigord his Wages

for the years One thousand six hundred and nine, ten and eleven, which were not allowed him upon pretence of his being absent; and far∣ther, that they would be pleased to allow towards the Impression of cer∣tain Books, the sums which were razed out. This Assembly did hereupon ordain, that upon the Debt of the aforesaid Accounts there shall be al∣lowed and deducted the sum of sixteen hundred Livers unto the said Sieurs Gigord and Ferrier for the years above-mentioned, besides what was allow∣ed them for their Wages by the Commissioners, and for the years 1609, 1610 and 1611. And unto the Sieur Gigord (notwithstanding what was álledged against him for his absence) the sum of one thousand and fifty Livers, according to the Account stated in the National Synod of St. Maix∣ant; and farthermore, the said sums owing by Pallot, provided that they make it appear by his Account that they are due unto them, and not re∣ceived from him, and that the over-plus amounting to eleven thousand one hundred and nine Livers, shall be paid out of the Moneys due unto the Churches of the said Province, as it shall be appointed in the Dividend; and for the seven hundred and one and fifty Livers due unto the Heirs of Monsieur Mousnier deceased, who in his life-time was Professor of Divinity in the University of Nismes, as appears from the close and upshot of that Universities Account, they shall be paid out of those Moneys which may be owing the said Province of Lower Languedoc by the Lord du Candall, or his Deputy, he being now at Privas, from the remainders of Moneys to come in for the years One thousand six hundred and four, five and six; And where they cannot be intirely paid, they shall be reprised out of the Moneys which shall hereafter become due.

16. Out of the Arrearages due unto the Churches from the remaining Moneys of the years six hundred and four, five and six, amounting to the sum of two and twenty thousand five hundred threescore and fifteen Livers, the Assembly ordaineth, that the tenth portion of the said Moneys be given unto the Sieur Vignier as a Gratuity and acknowledgment of his Charges and great Pains taken in the Writing and Printing of his Book intituled, Le Theatre de l'Antechrist. And the fortieth part of the said Moneys is freely given unto the Sieur Cuper, Deputy of the Lord du Candal, and the said portions shall be paid, only with an abatement of a Sous in the Liver, unless the said Sieur Vignier be pleased to accept of five hundred Livers clear of all incumbrances or defalcations.

17. Out of the best Moneys of Arrearages due unto the Churches by the Lord du Candal for the years six hundred four, five and six, there shall be given the summ of three hundred Livers unto Monsieur Tompson Pastor of the Church of Chaflaignerey to help to bear his Charges in Printing his book intitled; la Chasse de la Besle Romaine, as also unto the Sieur Sonis Professor of Theology in the University of Montauban there shall be given the sum of three hundred Livers out of the same Moneys, as a gratuity for his worthy Labors.

18. The Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc having given their rea∣sons why the Churches of Sevennes and Gevaudan, tho separated from them should bear one half of the half of eleven thousand one hundred, and some odd Livers, for which the whole Province were joyntly together become debtors unto the General stock of the Churches: This Assembly ordaineth, that both the one and other Synod shall make restitution of the said sums by equal portions, both alike, and this within the term of three years, and they shall bring in their Accounts for it unto the next National Synod.

19. Whereas upon auditing the Accounts of the Province of Higher Languedoc for the University of Montauban in this Assembly it appeared that they owed five thousand, four hundred, and sixteen Livers, thirteen Sous, and four Deniers, it is now decreed, that the said Province shall repay this

Money within the term of three years by equal portions yearly, and the first payment to begin this very year, until the whole debt be fully satisfied; not but that the said Province may take its course in Law against those who have had the management of those Moneys.

20. The Assembly having debated about the number of Universities to be maintained by us, have resolved that till the next National Synod, the Universities of Montauban, of Saumur, of Nismes and Montpellier shall be maintained, but according to those Laws and Orders which shall be hereafter prescribed to them; and in case they do not bring in unto the next Nation∣al Synod a good and satisfactory Account of their Moneys, they shall from this very day be razed and dissolved.

21. In Regulating the Professors for our Universities of Saumur and Mon∣tauban, this Assembly Ordained that there should be two Professors of Di∣vinity in full imployment, and to each of them there shall be given the yearly sum of seven hundred Livers, and they shall also in case of Ability be permitted to serve in the Ministry, the Church compounding with them about their Salary, and the portion of Royal Moneys shall be reckoned as a part thereof: And as touching the other Professors those Orders made by the National Synod of St. Maixant shall be observed, excepting always that the first Regents, if capable of teaching Rhetorick, and Professing Elo∣quence, shall only receive four hundred Livers Salary, and thus there shall be given one hundred Livers over and above the three hundred formerly assigned unto the first Regent at Saumur, and an hundred Livers more un∣to Montauban for their first Regent also, over and above the wages he now re∣ceiveth from the said City.

22. And to every Professor of Divinity in the University of Nismes and Montpellier that is in full imployment, there is ordained the sum of seven hundred Livers, fourteen hundred for the two, and to the Professor of He∣brew four hundred Livers, to both eight hundred: and to the Colledge of Beziers the four hundred Livers before-mentioned, the whole sum thus granted amounting to two thousand six hundred Livers, and in case the Moneys be not thus imployed according to the purpose and intendment of this Assembly, that then they shall be returned and re-entred into the Com∣mon stock of our Moneys.

23. How and After what manner the University exercises shall be per∣formed, and how these Universities are to be governed: This Assembly in∣joyns the Council of these Universities to prepare a Model, as each of them conceiveth best and most expedient for them, and let it be brought into the next National Synod, that then there may be a General Canon enacted and established for them.

24. The University of Montauban demanding the Sieur Gardesy Pastor of Mauvezin to be given unto the said University for Professor of the Greek Tongue, and that their Charges in getting and transporting Professors to them might be considered and defrayed: For the first this Assembly sends them back unto their own Province there to be heard about this their inquiry; and as to the last about paying their charges, it could not in the least be granted them.

25. The Deputies of Dolphiny requesting to be assisted with some Moneys to help to defray their Charges in maintaining their University of Die, this Assembly to gratify them once for all ordaineth that the said Province shall receive out of the Moneys owed us by the Province of Lower Languedoc the sum of three thousand Livers, and they may stop the said sum, it now lying in the hands of the Lord du Candal, who shall make payment of it unto that person appointed by the Province of Dolphiny to receive it out of the porti∣ons that would befal the said Province in the Dividend: And this sum shall be a Fund for the Province of Dolphiny, and the product hereof shall go

to the support and maintenance of their aforesaid University, nor shall the principal be ever alienated; and a just account of the whole shall be brought into the next National Synod.

26. The Lord of Candal shall keep in his hands out of the Moneys to be distributed by him unto the Provinces of Higher and Lower Languedoc, Se∣vennes and Berry, the sums they are found indebted to us in the Arrears of their Accounts for Universities and Colledges, to wit, from the Province of Lower Languedoc and Sevennes eleven thousand one hundred and nine Livers, from the Province of Higher Languedoc five thousand two hundred forty & four Livers, from the Province of Berry seven hundred and fifty Livers, according to the terms prescribed the said Provinces, that so the said sums may be di∣stributed by the said Lord du Candal according to the Order of this Assem∣bly, viz. from the Moneys owing by the Higher Languedoc two thousand Li∣vers to Monsieur Chamier, and from the Moneys owing by the Lower Lan∣guedoc and Sevennes three hundred Livers unto Monsieur Perrin, and these two Ministers shall be paid out of the first Moneys detained in the hands of the Lord du Candal for the first year.

27. The Province of Anjou having brought in their Accounts of Moneys appointed to the University of Saumur, was found behind-hand indebted six hundred sixty and one Liver, and one Sous, which sum the said Pro∣vince shall be accountable for unto the next National Synod, and the Ori∣ginals of those Accounts are ordered to be delivered unto the Deputies of Xaintonge, that by them they may be lodged in the Archives of Rochel.

28. The Account of the University of Montauban having been brought in to this Assembly, together with the difficulties about it for the years One thousand five hundred ninety and eight, and ninety nine, when they had no Professors in their University, as likewise for the following years, in which a part of those Moneys appointed for their University, had been employed towards the maintenance of their Colledge; as also part of the Moneys of the years ninety eight and ninety nine had been thus di∣verted and employed: The Synod thought fit to allow of those Moneys designed for their University for the years ninety eight, ninety nine, sixteen hundred, and sixteen hundred and one, and the others following, which had been profitably employed in the maintenance both of their Colledge and University; and ordaineth with reference to those aforesaid years of One thousand five hundred ninety and eight, ninety nine, and sixteen hun∣dred, that the Moneys which had been employed in the year sixteen hun∣dred, shall only be allowed of, without any regard had unto the employment made of the over-plus in the years following, or to the Account of the Re∣ceipt which the said University should have given for those aforesaid years fourscore and eighteen, nineteen and sixteen hundred, amounting to nine thousand two hundred sixty five Livers, sixteen Sous, and four Deniers, and the Expence to two thousand two hundred forty five Livers, and eighteen Sous; and there was found in the Receipt which should have been made by the said University, that it was indebted in seven thousand and nineteen Livers, eighteen Sous, and four Deniers: Out of which sum deducting two thou∣sand five hundred ninety and nine Livers, which the said University should have received from the Sieur Palot for three quarters of the year One thou∣sand five hundred and ninety eight, and which are brought in by Reprisal, to be recovered by the Churches from the said Palot, the Province of Higher Languedoc remaineth indebted the sum of one thousand four hundred and sixteen Livers, thirteen Sous, and four Deniers, which they shall pay in at the terms appointed by the afore-mentioned Ordinance.

29. This Synod was informed, how that certain Churches in the Lower Guyenne, lying on the Frontiers of Bearn, as Tartar, Mont de Marsan, Lauze, Bigorre, Soulez, and some others, were now and then assisted by the Pastors

of Bearn, and yet were put upon the Catalogue of Churches actually served, that so they might have the portions ordained for every Pastor in the Lower Guyenne. This Synod doth not at all approve or allow that those Churches should be thus inserted into the Catalogue; however, it leaveth the matter unto the consideration of the next National Synod, and commandeth the said Province to provide Pastors out of hand for those Churches, and such as may personally reside among them, and be in actual service to them, and none else, to receive their portions; whereof the said Province shall yield up a good Account, or else be bound to make restitution of every one of those respective portions.

30. The twelve Pastors in the Land and Bayliwick of Gex, shall receive by way of recompence for the loss of their Church-stock, which was once in their possession, the sum of twelve hundred Crowns out of the Augmen∣tation-Moneys; and although the Joynt-Interest of all our Churches lieth near the heart of this Assembly, yet because of the remonstrances and im∣portunities of the Deputies of Burgundy, it grants over and above the twelve hundred Crowns unto the said Pastors the sum of six hundred Livers to be divided equally among them, but on this condition, that they shall engage their people to contribute according to their ability towards their mainte∣nance; and of this they shall bring in Evidence and good Proof unto the next National Synod, or otherwise they shall be deprived of all manner of Assistance and Relief from us.

31. The Province of Burgundy is enjoyned to provide two Pastors for the Churches of Maringues and Paillac, and to give them both two free portions out of those two and thirty assigned in the dividend unto their Province, and they shall give an account hereof unto the next National Synod.

31. The two portions formerly conferred upon the Church of Aubenas by the foregoing Synods, are now left to the free Disposal of the Province of Vivaretz, which shall receive in full seven and thirty portions, in which are included the three portions assigned unto the Church of St. Stephen's in Forrest.

33. Provence was ordered to provide a Pastor for the Church of Aix, of Laux, and Marseille, and two free portions for him taken out of the porti∣ons assigned in the Dividend unto that Province; as also one portion unto the Sieur Maurice a Minister Emeritus, and furthermore one portion unto the Church of Manosques, and to get it speedily a Pastor, and of all this they shall render an Account unto the next National Synod.

34. There shall be deducted for the Lord du Candal what remains of the thirds taken by the Sieur de Visouze out of the Sous upon the Liver, the said Visouze not liking to do by his portion of the said thirds of the University Moneys as the Lord du Candal hath done by his, who freely and generously bestowed it on our Universities. Therefore he shall draw forth four Deni∣ers out of the Liver of the Moneys belonging to the said University.

35. The sum of one hundred Livers over and above the two hundred Li∣vers assigned by the Synod of St. Maixant shall be paid in unto Monsieur Renault, Pastor of Montauban, and Professor of the Hebrew tongue in that University.

36. The next National Synod God willing shall be held in the Province of Lower Guyenne within the space of two years, and in the Month of May, saving that it may be either hastned or delayed as the Lords General Depu∣ties, or either that, or the neighbour Provinces shall advise of. And the Provinces of Brittany and Provence are left to their Liberty to send more than two Deputies, viz. one Pastor and Elder each, which is only granted them for this next National Synod.

CHAP. XV. The Roll of Apostates.

1. JOSHUA Guibert a man of a mean stature, the hair of whose head and beard is very black, his eyes black, long visaged and staring out, his skin tawny, shaking his head, and spitting at his first approaches, stam∣mering in his ordinary discourses, black teeth, and very Slovenly in his Apparrel, hath quitted Xaintonge, where he was Minister in the Church of Archiac, and renounced the truth of Christs holy Gospel.

2. James Cyespe born at Puy in Velley, twenty six years old, or there-about low of stature, black hair'd, and of a lowring countenance, having been accused of an enormous crime by a Popish schoolmaster when he was at Carpentras in the Jesuites Colledge, he returned again with the dog unto his vomit of Popery, and publisheth himself at present Chaplain and Al∣moner unto the Bishop of Vallence. He was sometimes Minister at Crest in Dolphiny.

CHAP. XVI. The Accounts and Disbursments of our Moneys by the Lord du Candal.

THE Deputies out of every Province appointed to examin the Accounts of the Lord du Candal, and to make a Dividend of the Moneys given us by his Majesty, have reported that they were personally present at the auditing and finishing the Accounts brought in by the Lord du Candal unto the Synod of St. Maixant in the year one thousand six hundred and nine, that he was in Arrears for the years 1604. 1605. and 1606. the sum of fourty thousand, three hundred, and twenty Livers, nineteen Sous, and one Denier, for the payment whereof he presented a Breviate of the sums paid by him, according to the ordinance of the said Synod, amounting to the sum of Ten thousand, six hundred and fourscore Livers, and five Sous, and that he hath yet remaining in his hands to ••e distributed among the Churches, ac∣cording to the Dividend of the said Synod the sum of four thousand, seven hundred, sixty and six Livers, seven Sous. He declared farther, that he could never be paid the sum of two thousand, two hundred, fourscore and seven Livers, ten Sous, razed out of the said Account, and charged upon the Garrisons, nor the sum of two and twenty thousand, five hundred and seventy five Livers, seven Sous and one Denier, which yet remaineth due, to wit, from the Receiver General of the Revenue at Poictiers for the year 1604. the sum of six hundred and one and twenty Livers, nineteen Sous and one Denier, and for the year 1605. Three thousand six hundred Livers, and from the Receivers of Limoges for the years 1604, 1605, 1606. the sum of eighteen thousand three hundred, fifty three Livers, eight Sous, of which sums he made Reprisal in his Account, and saith that he hath given evident proof of his diligence used to recover those sums aforesaid unto the Commissioners appointed by his Majesty for the clearing of his Accounts, which not appearing unto us, the Lords du Rouvray and de la Milletiere our General Deputies are intreated to see those Accounts cleared, and the said Lord du Candal is desired to continue his endeavors for the recovering of those Moneys which are yet due unto us.

They made farther report that for the years one thousand six hundred and seven, six hundred and eight, he was in Arrears the sum of eight and

thirty thousand three hundred and twenty Livers, fifteen Sous, for the pay∣ment of which he brought in an Account attested by the Lord de la Mille∣tierre, amounting to thirty three thousand, seven hundred fourty and eight Livers, fifteen Sous and five Deniers, and declareth that he hath remaining by him the sum of four thousand, four hundred, seventy and seven Livers, two Sous and seven Deniers to be distributed among the Churches, as was before ordered.

Moreover they acquainted the Assembly that they had seen and examined the account tendred them by Monsieur Sulpitius Cuper Deputy of the said Lord du Candal, for the years 1609, 1610, and 1611. Whose Receipt a∣mounts to four hundred and five thousand Livers, and his disbursment for the years 1609, and 1610, and for three quarters of the year 1611, to the sum of three hundred seventy and one thousand two hundred twenty nine Livers, nineteen Sous and four Deniers, and there was time given for pay∣ment for the years 1610, and 1611. For four and twenty thousand nine hundred, fifty and five Livers, nineteen Sous and eleven Deniers, because he could not produce his Acquittances. And therefore their remaineth due for those years the sum of ten thousand Livers and eight Deniers, and for the last Quarter of the year, 1611, three and thirty thousand, seven hun∣dred and fifty Livers, which he must pay according to the order before set∣led by the Synod of St. Maixant. Out of which Moneys this Assembly ap∣pointed that there should be distributed the sum of three thousand Livers formerly given unto the Sieurs Bigot and de la Combe according to that Arti∣cle inserted into their Deputation, and three hundred sixty and six Livers to defray their expences at this present Synod; so that there remaineth of the said sum three and thirty thousand, four hundred Livers and eight Deniers.

CHAP. XVII. Here follows the Dividend of four thousand seven hundred sixty and six Livers arising from the Arrears of the years 1604, 1605, and 1606. according to the Accompt of St. Maixant. In which the Provinces of Higher Languedoc and Lower Guyenne are not contained, they having received the portions befallen them in ready Money, or by Warrants under the hand of the said Lord du Candal.

	L.	S.	D.
FOR the Province of Dolphiny.	0653	12	06
For the Province of Viva••etz.	0267	15	00
For Provence.	0157	10	00
For Lower Languedoc.	0826	17	06
For Burgundy.	0362	00	00
For the Isle of France.	0504	00	00
For Berry.	0283	10	00
For Poictou.	0378	00	00
For Xaintonge.	0559	12	06
For Normandy.	0401	12	06
For Brittany.	0157	10	00
For Anjou.	0212	12	06

Another Dividend after the same manner of the summ of four thousand, four hun∣dred, seventy and seven Livers, two Sous and one Denier, arising from the Arrears of the years, 1607 and 1608.

	L.	S.	D.
For Dolphiny	0614	04	00
Vivaretz	0251	12	00
Provence	0148	00	00
Lower Languedoc	0777	00	00
Burgundy	0340	08	00
The Isle of France	0473	12	00
Berry	0266	08	00
Poictou	0355	04	00
Xaintonge	0525	08	00
Norm••ndy	0377	08	00
Brittany	0148	00	00
Anjou	0199	16	00

Another Dividend among all the Provinces of the summ of thirty thousand three hundred and ninety Livers of the remaining Moneys for the last Quarter of the year; 1611. according to the Regulation made in the Synod of St. Maixant and divers other orders.

	L.	S.	D.
For Normandy	2034	00	06
Dolphiny	3310	05	08
Berry	1435	05	09
Higher Languedoc	3350	13	04
Anjou	1076	16	10
Xaintonge	2831	14	02
The Isle of France	2552	10	04
Poictou	1914	08	00
Lower Languedoc and Sevennes	4187	14	03
Lower Guyenne	2911	09	02
Vivaretz	1356	00	04
Burgundy	1834	12	04
Brittany	0797	13	02
Provence	0797	13	02

There remaineth for the years 1609 and 1610. ten Livers and eight De∣niers, for which the Lord du Candal is to be accomptable.

Another Dividend among all the Provinces of one hundred and fourscore thousand Livers given by his Majesty unto the Churches, for this present year, and for the years following according to the Decree of this National Synod of Privas, and to be observed untill the next National Synod; according to which the Lord du Candal, and the Lord de Visouze shall make payments of those summs at the terms which shall be hereafter appointed.

Deductions which must be made from the said summ of one hundred and fourscore thousand Livers.

In the first place there shall be allowed by the Warrant before-mentioned.

	L.	S.	D.
To the University of Sedan.	4000	00	00
To the Churches in the Baylywick of Gex	3600	00	00
To the Colledge of Bergerac	0600	00	00

CHAP. XVIII. A Dividend for the Ʋniversities.

	L.	S.	D.
FOR the University of Montauban	3000	00	00
Viz. For the two Professors in Theology	1400	00	00
For one Professor in Hebrew being a Pastor	0300	00	00
For a Greek Professor	0300	00	00
For two Professors in Philosophy	0800	00	00
For the first Regent	0100	00	00
For the University of Saumur	4299	00	00
Viz. To two Professors in Divinity	1400	00	00
For a Professor in Hebrew	0400	00	00
For one in Greek	0400	00	00
To two Professors in Philosophy	0800	00	00
To the first Regent	0460	00	00
To the second	0300	00	00
To the third	0200	00	00
To the fourth	0180	00	00
To the fifth	0150	00	00
For the Universities of Nismes and Montpellier	2600	00	00
To wit to the two Professors in Theology	1400	00	00
For two Professors in Hebrew	0800	00	00
For the Colledge of Beziers	0400	00	00
To the General Deputies	1650	00	00

This is but one half of the summ of three thousand three hundred Livers ordained for them, by the preceding Sypods, besides the summ of two thou∣sand two hundred Livers upon the lesser Accompt; The other moyety of the said three thousand three hundred Livers was cast upon the Account of the Garrisons, to make up the summ of thirty thousand five hundred Livers, tho it had been ordered to be paid in yearly unto the said General Deputies.

Wherefore there remaineth to be distributed to the service of the said Churches the summ of one hundred and sixty thousand, two hundred and sixty Livers, which were divided in manner following.

	L.	S.	D.
To the Isle of France for 64 portions and the Colledge	13457	17	4
Normandy for 51 portions and the Colledge	10805	9	9
Brittany for 20 portions and the Colledge	4480	11	8
Anjou for 38 portions	5712	16	4
Poictou for 50 portions and a Colledge	10601	1	2
Xaintonge for 71 portions and the Colledge	14886	1	5
Berry for 36 portions and the Colledge	7745	1	0
Burgundy and its Colledge and Gex for 32 portions, and 600 Livers granted to those of Gex with their Colledge	7528	18	8
Dolphiny for 84 portions with their Colledge	17638	9	0
Vivaretz for 36 portions and a Colledge	7745	1	0
Provence for 20 portions and a Colledge	4684	12	3
Lower Languedoc for 52 portions	10609	10	2
Sevennes and Gevaudan for 53 portions and a Colledge	11213	10	11
Higher Languedoc for 81 portions	16526	7	3
Lower Guyenne for 80 portions and a Colledge	16722	6	7

And all these several summs the said Lord du Candal shall pay in quarterly unto the Universities, Deputies, Commissioners and Provinces at the terms appointed, and in manner following.

What cometh into the Provinces of the Isle of France, Berry, Normandy, Anjou, Poictou, Lower Guyenne, Higher Languedoc, taking in the Universi∣ties within the said Provinces, shall be paid in to such Commissioners as shall be hereafter named.

The first payment shall be made on the first of July.

The second the fifteenth of the next October.

The third on the last of January following, when we date the year 1613.

And for the Isle of France the payment shall be made at Paris, for Nor∣mandy at Rouan, for Berry at Orleans, for Poictou at Poictiers, for the Lower Guy∣enne at Bourdeaux, for the Higher Languedoc at Montauban, for Anjou at Tours.

For the Lower Languedoc, Sevennes, Provence, Brittany and Xaintonge.

The first payment shall be before the last day of July.

The second before the last of this next October.

And the third before the last of February, sixteen hundred and thirteen.

To wit, for Provence, Lower Languedoc and Vivaretz in the City of Mont∣pellier.

For Brittany at Nants.

For Xaintonge at the City of Rochel.

And for the Provinces of Burgundy, Dolphiny and Vivaretz to the Commis∣sioners which are or shall be named by the said Province, at the City of Lions.

To wit, the two first payments at the Fairs in August and All-hallontide, of this present year, and the third at the Fair of the three Kings, in the year 1613.

And the above-mentioned Provinces shall be obliged to appoint in each of those before named Towns; one certain house unto which the Lord du Can∣dal may come, and make payment of those Moneys. And the said Lord du Candal shall pay in quarterly unto the said Churches whatsoever he can actu∣ally recover of that Quarter unto each of the Provinces equally, (they con∣curring to the abatement of a Sous in the Liver,) within the fifteenth of August of the year 1613. at the places, and unto the persons named by the said Provinces. And touching the overplus which remaineth to be recover∣ed after the fifteenth of August in the year 1613, he shall give in his notes in writing unto every particular Province, who shall come and take them ac∣cording to the Accompt and Dividend, which shall be made by our Gene∣ral Deputies at Court. Of all which summs thus actually payed down by the said Lord of Candal he shall take and keep unto himself a Sous in the Li∣ver, which was freely granted him, excepting for the Universities, from whom he may detain only four Deniers, a farthing in the Liver, which in truth is not his, but the right and due of the Lord de Visouze.

And as for these Rescriptions of the last Quarter, he shall only take three Deniers; and the whole shall be managed and dispatched in a full and exact conformity to that agreement past between him and the Deputies of our Churches at the National Synod of Gap, and the Regulations made in the following years.

Moreover the said Lord du Candal is required not to divert unto any other uses the Moneys of our Churches and Universities, whatever orders he may receive from other hands, without an express order from a National Synod; otherwise it shall not be allowed him in the yielding up of his Accompts.

Done at Privas in Vivaretz the 4th. of July, 1612.

Subscribed by

• Chamier Moderator. Monsanglard Scribes.
• Du Moulin Assessor. and Maniald. Scribes.

Notes

• 1612. The 20th Synod.
• Vivaretz.
• Bearn.
• Provence
• Dolphiny.
• Burgundy.
• Berry.
• Lower Lan∣guedoc.
• Higher Lan∣guedoc.
• Lower Guy∣enne. Xaintonge.
• Poictou.
• Anjou.
• Brittany.
• Normandy.
• The Isle of France.
• Deputy Ge∣neral.
• This is now the 19th in one Edit. 1653. and in that of 1663. but that 20th in 1666. and in 1678.
• Bearne.
• He after∣wards revolt∣ed.
• It was com∣monly report∣ed of him, that he was bought off by the Popish Clergy by a Pension of 3000 Crown••; if they were so liberal; but he turned Apostate af∣terward, and was excom∣municate. See the Synod of Tonneins, the last Act.
• The Letters Patents of His Majesty bore date the 13th of April, 1612. And the Sy∣nods Declara∣tion was da∣ted the first of Ju••, 1612.
• Or T••••ant.