The journal of Monsr. de Saint Amour doctor of Sorbonne,: containing a full account of all the transactions both in France and at Rome, concerning the five famous propositions controverted between the Jansenists and the Molinists, from the beginning of that affair till the Popes decision. / Faithfully rendred out of French. ; A like display of the Romish state, court, interests, policies, &c. and the mighty influences of the Jesuites in that church, and many other Christian states, being not hitherto extant.

THE SEVENTH PART.

Containing what passed at our departure from Rome, and afterwards till our arrival at Paris; and what particu∣larities I have observed since our return till the Conclusion of this Journal.

CHAP. I.

Containing the Popes Constitution a∣gainst the Five Propositions; Our departure from Rome; our Arri∣val at Florence; a Letter which we writ from thence to our Bishops; some Reflection upon our departure from Rome; our departure from Florence; our arrival at Venice and stay there.

I Cannot precisely affirme when the Popes Consti∣tution was expos'd to sale in Rome, nor when we saw the first copy of it; but I know that neither the one nor the other was sooner then the Eve be∣fore, or the very day of our departure. Wherefore I think I cannot in∣sert it in a more proper and natural place then this, after which I have nothing more observable con∣cerning it to mention, saving what concernes the point of our departure or what I understood by the letters which I receiv'd afterwards. The Con∣stitution followes.

Sanctissimi in Christo Patris ac D. N. D. INNOCENTII Divina Providentia Papae X. Constitutio, qua declarantur & definiuntur quin∣que Propositiones in materia fidei. Romae ex Typographia Rever. Came∣rae Apost. 1653.

INNOCENTIƲS Episcopus ser∣vus servorum Dei; Universis CHRISTI Fidelibus sa∣lutem & Benedictionem Apostolicam.

CƲm occasione impressionis libri, cui ti∣tulus, Augustinus Cornelii Jansenii Episcopi Iprensis, inter alias ejus opiniones orta fuerit, praesertim in Galliis, controversia super quinque ex illis, complures Galliarum Epis∣copi apud nos institerunt, ut easdem Propositi∣ones nobis oblatas expenderemus, ac de unaqua∣que earum certam ac perspicuam ferremus senten∣tiam.

Tenor verò praefatarum Propositionum est prout sequitur.

Prima. Aliqua Dei praecept•• hominibus

justis volentibus & conantibus, secundum prae∣sentes quas habent vires, sunt impossibilia; de∣est quoque illis gratia, qua possibilia fiant.

Secunda. Interiori gratiae in statu naturae lap∣sae nunquam resistitur.

Tertia. Ad merendum & demerendum in statu naturae lapsae non requiritur in homine liber∣tas a Necessitate, sed sufficit libertas a Coacti∣one.

Quarta. Semipelagiani admittebant praeveni∣entis gratiae interioris necessitatem ad singulos actus, etiam ad initium fidei; & in hoc erant Haeretici, quod vellent eam gratiam talem esse, cui posset humana voluntas resistere vel obtempe∣rare.

Quinta. Semipelagianum est dicere, Chri∣stum pro omnibus omnino hominibus mortuum esse aut sanguinem fudisse.

Nos, quibus inter multiplices Curas, quae animum nostrum assidue pulsant, illa in primis cordi est, ut Ecclesia Dei nobis ex alto commissa, purgatis pravarum opini∣onum erroribus, tuto militare, & tan∣quam navis in tranquillo mari, sedatis omnium tempestatum fluctibus ac procellis, secure navigare, & ad optatum salutis portum pervenire possit;

Pro rei gravitate, coram aliquibus S. R. E. Cardinalibus ad id specialiter sae∣pius congregatis, à pluribus in sacra Theo∣logia Magistris, easdem quinque Propo∣sitiones ut supra nobis oblatas, fecimus singillatim diligenter examinari, eorum∣que suffragia, tum voce, tum scripto rela∣ta mature consideravimus, eosdemque Ma∣gistros variis coram Nobis actis Congre∣gationibus, prolixe super eisdem ac super earum qualibet disserentes audivimus.

Cum autem abinitio hujuscemodi discussi∣onis ad Divinum implorandum Auxilium multorum Christi fidelium preces tum pri∣vatim tum publice indixissemus, postmo∣dum iteratis eisdem ferventius, ac per nos implorata Sancti Spiritus assistentia, tan∣dem Divino Numine favente, ad infra∣scriptam devenimus declarationem & defi∣nitionem.

Primam Praedictarum Propositionum; Ali∣qua Dei praecepta hominibus justis volentibus & conantibus, secundum praesentes quas habent vi∣res, sunt impossibilia; deest quoque illis gratia, qua possibilia fiant; Temerariam, Impiam, Blas∣phemam, Anathemate damnatam & Haereticam, declaramus, & uti talem damnamus.

Secundam. Interiori Gratiae in statu Naturae lapsae nunquam resistitur; Haereticam declara∣mus, & uti talem damnamus.

Tertiam. Ad merendum & demerendum in statu Naturae lapsae non requiritur in Homine li∣bertas a Necessitate, sed sufficit libertas a Co∣actione; Haereticam declaramus & uti talem dam∣namus.

Quartam. Semipelagiani admittebant prae∣venientis Gratiae Interioris necessitatem ad sin∣gulos actus, etiam ad initium Fidei, & in hoc erant haeretici, quod vellent eam Gratiam talem esse, cui posset humana voluntas resistere vel ob∣temperare; Falsam & Haereticam declaramus, & uti talem damnamus.

Quintam. Semipelagianum est dicere, Chri∣stum pro omnibus omnino hominibus mortuum esse aut sanguinem fudisse; Falsam, Temerariam, Scandalosam; & Intellectam eo sensu, ut Chri∣stus pro salute duntaxat Praedestinatorum mortuus sit, Impiam, Blasphemam, Contumeliosam, Di∣vinae Pietati Derogantem & Haereticam decla∣ramus & uti talem damnamus.

Mandamus igitur omnibus Christi fide∣libus utriusque sexus, ne de dictis Propo∣sitionibus sentire, docere, praedicare ali∣ter praesumant, quam in hac praesenti nostra Declaratione & Definitione contine∣tur, sub Censuris & poenis contra Haere∣ticorum & eorum fautores in jure expres∣sis.

Praecipimus pariter omnibus Patriarchis, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis, aliisque loco∣rum Ordinariis, nec non Haereticae pravi∣tatis Inquisitoribus, ut Contradictores & Rebelles quoscunque per censuras & poenas praedictas, caeteraque juris & facti reme∣dia opportuna, invocato etiam ad hoc (si opus fuerit) Auxilio Brachii Saecularis, omnino coerceant & compescant.

Non intendentes tamen per hanc Decla∣rationem & Definitionem super praedictis Quinque Propositionibus factam, approbare ullatenus alias opiniones, quae continentur in praedicto libro Cornelii Jansenii. Da∣tum Romae apud sanctam Mariam Majorem, Anno Incarnationis Dominicae millesimo sexcentesimo quinquagesimo tertio, pridie Kal. Junii, Pontificatus Nostri Anno Nono.

• Hi. Datarius.
• G. Gualterius.
• P. Ciampinus.

Anno à Nativitate D. N. Jesu Christi Millesimo Sexcentesimo Quinquagesimo tertio, Indictione sexta, Pontificatus Sanctissimi in Christo Patris & D. N. D. JNNOCENTII Divina Providentiae Papae X. Anno ejus Nono, die vero nona mensis Junii, supradicta Constitu∣tio affixa & publicata fuit in Ecclesia Lateran. ac Basilicae Principis Apostolorum de Ʋrbe, nec non Cancellariae Apostolicae valvis, ac in acie Carupi Florae per me Hieronymum Mascellam Sanctissimi D. N. Papae Cursorem.

Pro D. Mag. Cursorum P. Paulus Desiderius Cursor.

VVhen we had bidden Adieu to as many of our Friends as we could in the short time ap∣pointed for our departure, which was to be on Tuesday June 17. divers of them came to us that morning to wish us a good journey. And in the afternoon by the hour that we were to set forth, there met so many who would accompany us to Ponte-mele, where our Horses expected us, that they fill'd six Coaches. So that when we went out of Rome about the hour that the Promenade begins, through the street which goes from the Colledge de propaganda fide to the Gate del Po∣polo, our Equipage seem'd something Trium∣phant, and if I mistake not, the Count de Roch∣fort was one of those that saw us passe by in this manner, out of their windows. I mention these particularities because our departure being sud∣den, in regard of the approaching hot weather, some persons took occasion thence to vent this falshood, that we were constrain'd to flye and make our escape assoon as the Pope's Constituti∣on was publish'd. I know not, as I said before, whether we saw it on the day before or the very day of our departure, because it was not sooner printed and expos'd to sale at the Apostolical Printing-house, and none of our friends had a Copy of it before. But after we knew of it, both by the publick voice and in the following Audience which the Pope gave us, we resolv'd to depart, whether we saw it first or not.

We took Horse at Ponte-mole, and there parted with our friends who accompany'd us thither. That night we lay at Monte-rose, from whence we went to Siena. We travelled according to the usual stages, and had a very favourable time to be∣gin our Voyage, considering the season and the Countrey. For the intermixture of Rain and a cool Wind, made this time resemble an Autumn of France, rather then a Summer of Italy. Ne∣verthelesse, F. Des-mares found some indisposi∣tion upon himself at Siene, which oblig'd us to stay one day there in attending him. And yet he could not continue the Journey with us to Florence but in a Litter, which we hir'd at Siena for that pur∣pose. M. Manessier also was indispos'd when he came to Florence, in which place while we staid there three or four dayes in expectation of his a∣mendment, the reflexions we made upon the Popes Constitutions, which decided nothing of the mat∣ters, whose decision we had so importunately de∣manded of his Holinesse, gave us a little scruple that we had departed from Rome without first re∣ceiving order from the Bishops who sent us thi∣ther, and induc'd us to write the ensuing Letter to them.

My LORDS,

WEE departed from Rome the 17th. of this Month, as we signify'd to you by our Let∣ter of the 16th. that we purposed to do. We in∣tended to return with what speed we could, being very desirous to inform your Lordships perso∣nally of many things which cannot be so exactly written, and that those of us who are Doctors of the Faculty of Paris might be present at its Assembly, when the registring of the Decree pass'd upon the Five Propositions should be pro∣pounded, to the end we might at the same time acquaint the Faculty with the Popes intentions, as we signify'd the same to you. So that our Re∣port being likewise enter'd into the Register, no person might presume, either now or here∣after, that S. Augustin's doctrine and Grace Ef∣fectual by it self were prejudic'd by that De∣cree.

VVe design'd, My Lords, according to the computation we made of our Journeys, to have been in this City on Saturday. But we were not strong enough to undergo such speedy tra∣vel, and could not reach hither before Munday; besides, that the indisposition of some of our Company has constrain'd us to repose here at the present, and will oblige us to make but short Journeys during the rest of our Voyage. This slowness, My Lords, has induc'd us to write to the Faculty for the purposes above-mention'd; and the exact account we owe to you of all that we do in this Affair, obliges us also to acquaint you with it and send you a copy of it. We hope, My Lords, you will approve our procedure and intentions, which aim at nothing but the peace of our body, the honour of the H. See, and the defence of Truth; and we conceive that when you shall have join'd his reason to the others, which oblig'd us to depart from Rome without your express orders, you will not dislike our presu∣ming that herein we did nothing but what you would approve. For although during all our stay we could not obtain of the H. Father what we demanded of him by your order, to wit the establishment of a solemn Congregation, where∣in the matters which are the sole Contests in the Church, might be throughly examin'd, and with the conditions you appointed us to insist upon: Nevertheless, we conceiv'd there was no reason to continue our sollicitations for the same, after what is come to pass; since if the Pope had been dispos'd to enter into the Examen and discussion of these matters, there was no more justice, rea∣son and apparence to do it before pronouncing any thing upon the Five Propositions, then after such a Judgement as that which is publisht. In∣deed, My Lords, when the Pope declar'd to us that he meant not to meddle with the matter of Effectual Grace, or do any prejudice to S. Au∣gustin's doctrine, and consequently, that he had

not pass'd his judgement upon the Propositions which we presented to him in explication of those which were fram'd by our Adversaries, (since those propositions are necessarily linked with Effectual Grace, and expresse the doctrine of it without any equivocation according to the indubitable sense of S. Augustin;) it may seem that we might reasonably have represented to the H. Father, that his Decision did not clear what was in dispute, nor establish peace; and therefore we might still have demanded his Ho∣liness's judgement upon the controverted sen∣ses. We might have beseecht him with all sort of respect, that (the Five Propositions remain∣ing condemn'd by his Decree, so far as they are consider'd according to the evil, impious and he∣retical senses which may be given them, and ac∣cording to which we our selves condemn'd them first in his presence,) at least he would please to consider the controverted senses, to examine in a solemn Congregation the clear Propositions which we had presented to him, and their con∣traries which our Adversaries maintain'd against us; to hear us fully upon those senses in pre∣sence of such as impugned them, to peruse the Writings which we had presented concerning this cause, and to make such a distinct Decision of those Propositions as might appease the troubles of the Church. And we had the more occasion to renew so equitable a suit to his Ho∣linesse, inasmuch as he treated us with singular courtesie and esteem; But at the same time he seem'd so averse from condescending to this Mo∣tion; we found during the whole course of this Affair, that he had so great a repugnance to it, partly through his own dispositions, and partly through the false suggestions of persons about him, and in whom he hath confidence; and we perceiv'd so many reasons which your Lord∣ships know of, and so many others which we have still to tell you, that we had no hope left of any effect (notwithstanding all the advan∣tages and urgent reasons we had to make it) and consequently none of us judg'd it expedient. However, My Lords, since his Holinesse hath declin'd neither to examine or define what is in contest between the Catholicks, which was ne∣cessary to be done for the glory of Truth, the peace of the Faithful, and the honour of the Church, we cannot but tell you, that if you think it fit to renew your instances upon this matter, we are still ready to go & represent them to the Pope again. For the strengthning of of which, if the Body of the Clergy, or the King himself, or both together, would interpose their Authority for obtaining a solemn and regular Congregation, in which all things might be done according to formes accustomed in the Church, We are prepar'd to maintaain again before the H. See against any opposer whatever the in∣dubitable truth of the Five Propositions, con∣ceiv'd in the terms into which we reduc'd them and defended them, which are free from all equi∣vocation and obscurity, assoon as such a Congre∣gation shall be establish'd with the conditions we demanded at first, so just and necessary in the whole course of the Affair. But so far as we are able to judge of things, we perceive not that it is easie to obtain such a congregation of the Pope without new and earnest instances from the King and the Clergy: Neverthelesse, My Lords, be∣ing unwilling to omit any thing in our power which may contribute to the good of peace be∣tween Catholicks, and to the clearing of Truth, we resolve, My Lords, not to stir out of Ita∣ly before we receive your Orders in this business, that so in case you finde any likelyhood in the proposal we make to you, we may be in readi∣ness to put the same in execution, and may fur∣ther testifie to you our obedience and zeal. We hope, My Lords, to hear from you within five weeks according to the directions we send to him who delivers you this Letter. We shall punctually obey you in whatever you shall pre∣scribe to us. In the mean time, we shall conti∣nue our Voyage by little and little towards France in expectation of your Orders; which, whether you will permit us to re-enter there, or command us back to Rome, we beseech you to send us as speedily as may be, (especially if you recall us into France) and to continue to us the honour of being esteem'd,

My Lords,

Your most humble and obedient Servants,

• De la Lane, Abbot of Valcroissant.
• Des-mares, Priest of the Oratory.
• ...De Saint Amour.
• ...Manessier.
• ...Angran.

F: Guerin did us the favour at Rome to take up∣on him the care of selling our moveables, (of which we could not have acquitted our selves in so short a time) and to agree with the Owner of the House on what conditions he should take it again. Therefore after the above-mentioned Let∣ter, I writ to F. Guerin, to desire him to defer both those good Offices till he heard further from us.

VVe came to Florence on the 22d. of June, and the same day being S. John's day, saw the great ceremony of that Festival: VVe departed from thence on the 27th. to Bologne, whether we reach'd the next day. VNe intended to have staid and rested a little there, but the excessive heat which we found there on the 29th. caus'd us to go from thence towards evening, and we took boat at Francolin upon the Poe, to go down to Ve∣nice the next day: but the rain and the contrary winds forc'd us to lye one night in our boat upon the Channels which are between the Poe and the Marshes of Venice; and having staid a day or two at Chiosa till the fair weather return'd again, we set forth for Venice, and arriv'd there on Friday the fourth of July.

On Sunday the 6th. we went to pay our re∣spects

to M. d' Argenson, who was the Ambassa∣dor for the King to this Republick. He did us the honour to send to invite us to dinner with him on Tuesday following; as also to visite us himself on Thursday; and during all our stay at Venice, he gave us upon all occasion testimonies of singular goodnesse and courtesie. He saw also in several free Converses which we had the honour to have with him, how frankly we acquiesc'd in the con∣demnation made of the Propositions by the Popes Constitution, and in what manner we were per∣swaded that this Constitution did not prejudice the opinions which we maintain'd, and had main∣tain'd before the H. See. So that he told us once that he had written as much to M. Coqueret, and assur'd him, that we did in no wise take our selves to be condemned by it, nor yet the Doctrine which we hid defended.

The day before he came to see us, we were vi∣sited by one M. Du Puy a Frenchman of good age, who had dwelt at Venice almost all his life, after he had quitted the employments he had had in the Affaires of France, a man of learning and parts, but he had the unhappy engagement to make pro∣fession of the pretendedly Reform'd Religion. In this Visit we had much Discourse with him con∣cerning the unity of the Church, and the obliga∣tion never to break the same, what cause and pre∣text soever a man may think he hath to do it. F. Des-mares spoke so vigorously of this matter, though with all the familiarity of a private Visit, that the honest man was touch'd therewith, inso∣much that tears were sundry times seen in his eyes. Nevertheless he plausibly & stoutly defended him∣self from the charitable reproach which we made to those of his Religion, agreeing with us as to the strict Obligation to preserve that sacred Unity, but maintaining that 'twas not themselves that broke it, but those who would not receive them into their Communion upon conditions essential and sufficient thereunto, but exacted others which were not requisite. To which F. Des-mares re∣ply'd, that although there might be abuses in the Church, yet most of the things which the pretended Reformers of the Church had taken for causes of their separation, were not abuses, but the ancient practise of the Church, as Invocation of Saints, veneration of their Reliques, and other like things. And moreover, that without entring into these contests, it suffic'd to tell them generally, that all the pretexts that could be alledg'd for breaking the unity of the Church, were not justifyable be∣fore God, since there is no just one for it, accord∣ing to the Fathers, Praescindendae Ʋnitatis nulla est necessitas; as the Prophets never attempted to make a Body of Religion separate from that of the Synagogue, how deprav'd soever it were, but were contented with preaching against those Cor∣ruptions, even so far as to expose themselves to death for their condemning the same from God; That the like ought to have been done by those who pretended to reform the Church; If they found themselves call'd of God for so great a work, they ought to have undertaken the same in the Church it self, whatever should have befallen them; but if they knew themselves too weak to venture martyrdom, they ought to have been contented with reforming and correcting them∣selves, but not have medled with the abuses which they could not amend in others.

Upon occasion we told the Ambassador what was spoken concerning this matter on either side between M. Du Puy and our selves. He was sor∣ry that he was not present at the Conference, and desir'd us to give him notice, in case we could fore∣see a like occasion for another: But for that we staid at Venice only till the great Heat was pass'd, and had receiv'd an answer to the Letter which we writ from Florence to our Bishops, and were not certain of seeing this M. Du Puy again before our departure (for he would not tell us his Lodg∣ing, although we askt him to the intent to repay his Visit) we told the Ambassador, that it would be great contentment to us to procure what we de∣sir'd, but we saw no great probability of it. Nor indeed had we any opportunity to do it during all our stay at Venice, which lasted till about the mid∣dle of August.

In all which time nothing memorable occur'd, but the Letters which I receiv'd, both from Paris and from Rome touching the Popes new Constitu∣tion, which I shall insert here, in regard of the further light which they give of the manner how it was pass'd, of the Popes intentions in passing it, and of the sincerity and humility wherewith we submitted thereunto. I shall begin with those of Rome, because they were the first which were written to me, and appear to me the most consi∣derable.

CHAP. II.

Containing the Letters which I receiv'd from Rome during our residence at Venice, touching the Popes new Con∣stitution.

THe first of the 30th of June, written by a per∣son of one of the most considerable Orders in the Church, and one of our most intimate friends, whom I had encharged at our departure to make our excuses to some of those of whom we had not time to take leave, or did not meet withal.

He told me in his Letter, That the next day after our departure he began to acquit himself of what he had promis'd us: That he had seen the F. Li∣brary-keeper of the Augustines, who accounted himself much oblig'd for some books which we promis'd to send to him for the service of the publick in that Library: That he had seen F. Lez∣zana, who was solliciting for the Permission for∣merly promis'd him to print a book which he had made concerning Effectual Grace, and that upon telling him what the Pope said to us in our last Audience, he answer'd him that Cardinal Pimen∣tel told him as much before, as having understood it from the Pope himself.

Il giorno dopo che V. S. si parti con gli altri suoi signori compagni e miei padroni, comminciai ad esseguire i suoi ordini. Par∣lai co'l Bibliotecario Di S. Agostino il quale restò appagatissimo del suo buon desiderio di compiacerlo di

qualche cosa per la sua libraria, perche può servire per util publico e far vedere qual cosa di buono e bello a chi vi va à studiare, mastime contra inimicos gratiae Christi, &c.

Ho perlate co'l Padre Lezzana, e l' ho riscal∣dato a procurar la licenza di stampare la sua pri∣ma secundae colla materiè della Gratia efficace, e gl' ho suggerito molti motivi per disponere, &c. Gl' ha appresi e già hà duo to un memoriale a Ghiggi & a nostro Signore. Lo riscaldero, &c. Li rigratia della memoria, &c. Havendoli raccontato quel ch' è suc∣cesso col Papa e Coro Signori, mi hà replicato ch' al∣tre tanto gl' hà detto il Card. Pimentelli, che gl' hà detto nostro Signore.

The same friend sent me word also by the same Letter;

that they could not conceive at Rome that the Constitution could have good sequels; That one of the Consultors, whom he nam'd to me (but I conceal) told him, that the Jesuites com∣plain'd of F. Palavicini, conceiving that he had not succeeded in this Affair as they expected; and that he gave thanks to God, that he had had no hand in making this Constitution, though he had been invited to it. That M. N. M. writ to him, that at his return he would tell him his thoughts of it, and that he was very joyful to see that it did not at all touch the doctrine which we defended. That Cardinal Pimentel told F. Nolano, that he would desire the Pope to declare for which senses he had condemn'd the Proposi∣tions; That F. Luca Vadingo said to F. Reginald, that he could not conceive how so rigorous a Censure came to be pass'd upon the Propositions, since not any of the Consultors censur'd them so vigorously in the Congregations, not even F. Palavicini himself. He told me also that the same day he writ to me, the Nephew of Barberini was made Cardinal. And lastly, he saluted us all heartily, and made an humble reverence to the Bishops, the undaunted lovers of the perfect Grace of Jesus Christ.

Qua à nissun piace la Costitutione per più capi; ne si sà capire che posse apportar buon essito. Il P. D. N. N. mi diste che li Padri della Compagnia si lamentano assai del P. Pa∣lavicinii parendoli che non sia riuscito in questo ne∣gotio come pretendeano. Rigratia Dio di non esser stato à parte in stabilir la'Costitutione, come gl' era stato significato. Il signor M. N. mi scrive che nel ritorno mi manifestarè i suei sentimenti intorno la Costitutione, il era tutto allegro perche li per che non tocchi, &c. Il Card. Pimentelli hà detto hieri al Pa∣dre Nolano che vuol far instawza à nostro signore che dictriari il senso delle Propositioni. Il Padre Va∣dringhi hà detto al Padre Reginaldi che si sia fatta la Censura con tanto rigore, perche nelle Congregationi niuno l' hà censurate con tanto rigore, ne meno il P. Palavicini, &c. Questa matricas' è fatto Cardi∣nale il nepote de' Barberini. Riverisco è salato tut∣ti ex toto corde è fo humilissima riverenza à i Ve∣scovi intrepidis perfectae gratiae amatoribus.

The second is of the same date, written by F. Petit Priest of the Oratory, who likewise assur'd me

that divers of the Consultors affirm'd, that in their suffrages none of them, not even F. Pala∣vicini himself, qualify'd the Propositions with those rigorous terms which are in the Cen∣sure.

The third was dated June 28. and written by F. Guerin, who amongst a thousand other good Of∣fices which his inexhaustible charity and singular affection to Monseigneur d' Angers and to us, in∣duc'd him to do for us, both during our residence at Rome and after our departure, acquainted me with some, which I shall here relate in his own words.

I have presented your books (to wit, our little tomes of S. Augustin) to the Cardinals Franciot∣ti, Trivultio and Omodei, who receiv'd them with great joy and expressions of acknowledgement, especially the first and the last. But the two first, particularly Trivultio profess'd, that they were much surpriz'd when he saw the Popes Cen∣sure, forasmuch as there was great likelyhood and reason that you should be heard. Trivultio said, he did not think that it would any wise con∣duce to the establishment of peace, but rather the contrary, because though his Holiness seems in appearance not to have touch'd S. Augustin, yet he hath done it indirectly, and will cause much trouble. The two others earnestly prest the Oration and the Dictinction of the senses of the Propositions, which all three judg'd should have been in the Censure. Franciotti hath made them already, and I shall carry them to Omodei after∣wards.

He had put off our House to Monsignor Caffa∣retti, and sold our furniture presently after our departure; and therefore understanding our offer to the Bishops to return to Rome if they pleas'd, he offer'd us his own in that case till another could be provided, in this obliging manner; If you return to Rome, be sure you alight nowhere else but at my house, if you will have me your friend.

The fourth is of the same date, June 28. written by F. Petit Priest of the Oratory, and superior of these which are at Rome in Saint Lewis's Co∣vent.

Sir,

I Have received yours of the 21. of June with the inclosed which I have distributed. I have seen as many of your friends as I could, and pre∣sented your recommendations to them; they are all glad to hear of your health, and pray our Lord Jesus Christ to continue strength and health to you till you come to the end of your Voyage, where I doubt not but you will have great En∣counters to undergo for the cause of Truth. Now F. Dinet is grown so potent at Court by his gui∣dance of the Kings conscience, he will not fail to make use of that Authority for persecuting the Truth and those who defend it.

As for newes here, none is spoken of, saving that your Adversaries walk with something more stateliness, and carry their heads higher then they did formerly. The Jesuites proclaim openly, that you are condemn'd together with S. Augustin and the whole School of the Thomists; and a Di∣vine of the Romane Colledg hath begun to argue from the Censure of the third Proposition, that Jesus Christ had indifference in reference to his actions: to prove which, when he alledg'd the Censure of the third Proposition, they say, a Student answer'd him, Sed illa propositio est de na∣tura

lapsa, in qua non erat Christus: which put him to a nonplus. Nevertheless, the intelligent sort of people have no great respect for this Cen∣sure, they see so much partiality and passion, and so little justice in it. 'Tis affirm'd to me, that F. Aversa & some other Consultors never saw your Writings, and was not call'd after your Audi∣ence, and that this Censure is certainly the same which was made towards the beginning of Lent. The same person assures me too, that the first be∣ginning of the Congregation, 'twas a fixt and determinate resolution to censure the Propositi∣ons at what rate soever. And therefore 'tis no wonder that the Jesuites spoke of it so confident∣ly from the first. He tells me likewise, that none of the Consultors, at least the Molinists, care not much for S. Augustine's Authority; but I hope that God and his Church will uphold the same a∣bove all those who go about to diminish it. At Rome this whole week hath been spent in Bonfires and publick rejoycings, both for solemnity of the Mariage, and alliance of the Pamphilian Family with that of Cardinal Barberin, and for the Pro∣motion made on Monday of the Prince Prefect, who took the Hat on Thursday last, but with the publick Panegyricks of the Pope and Cardinals. Tis believ'd that Cardinal Barberin shall resume the Helm of Government. Cardinal Antonio is certainly reported to be at Sea, and is expected every day. M. Hallier and his Collegues make no shew of departing yet. 'Tis said, they stay here to see how the Censure will be receiv'd at Paris and in your University, that so they may sollicite his Holinesse for such course and means as shall be necessary to enforce its reception.

The fifth was written to me on June 29. by that person, without whose counsel I have said in one place of this Relation, that I did very few things. Both the Original and the Translation are here subjoin'd.

Il pensiero di non uscire d' Italia fin che habbiano riposta di Francia, à me & all' amico piace somman∣nente.

E la parterera Di Roma come fu' necessarea così non può essere ripresa; ne il fermarsi poteva pasto∣rire niuno buon effetto, è nella presente congiuntura si è cavato della bacca ai Papa, quel piùs che si può sperare; è sarà sempre imprudenza tentare la cogni∣tione d' una causa presso un giudice che non intende li termini.

Si che non bisogna riguardare quello che ponno dire gli auversarie circa la partenzi ma li sogna con pru∣denza ponderare li nostri disvantaggi & li loro van∣taggi altro che l' Aliero in tutti li circoli; dove si trova, predica che ei tiene la gratia efficace de se, è la dottrina di sant' Agostino, è che la decisione del Papa non effende ne l' una ne l' altra; è che li Mo∣linisti sono in errore, come ancora quei della prede∣terminatione physica; & si riscalda in modo sopra di ciò che più non si può dire, è chi l' hà sentito più volte à me lo riferisse & è persona à Giesuiti affectio∣nata.

Che il Decreto sia per fape rumore in Francia non si crede, perche il Rè adopreà la forza & autorità, perche sia ricevuto con race, che così hà promisso; è lo so io.

Che il campo sia aperto in Roma è meglio; perche sino che qui si stava, la Corte perretrava tutto l' in∣temo di vosignoria, è sprezzava Memoriali, come sè berrissimo; ma estendo absenti, se sentiranno ru∣mori, potranno forzi comparire magiori è più consi∣derabili, è mi credache bisogna preoccupare qualche favore ulla corte di Parigi, che questo paventarà più che altro, perche il brazzo regio è stato quello che hà triato il Papa à quella risolutione à che non saria mai venuto.

In fatti l' amico conclude, che il partire sia stato prudente, il ritorno infrutuoso, è senza un giudice ch' intenda la materia, ogni causa sarà sempre pie∣nadi disorenie.

Roma li 29. Giugno.

Which sounds thus translated:

Your intention not to leave Italy till you re∣ceive an answer out of France, is extreamly ap∣prov'd by me and also by our friend. Nor can your departure from Rome be reprehended, be∣cause it was necessary. To have stay'd longer here, could have been to no advantage; and in the present conjuncture, you have drawn the ut∣most from the Popes mouth that could be hop'd for. 'Twill ever be imprudence to bring a cause to be examin'd before a Judge who understands not the terms of the matter in question.

So that it need not be regarded what the Adver∣saries may say of your departure, but our disad∣vantages and their advantages must be weigh'd with prudence. Besides, M. Hallier in all Com∣panies where he comes, preaches to all the world, that he holds Grace Effectual by it self and S. Au∣gustin's Doctrine, and that the Popes Decision hurts neither the one nor the other; and that the Molinists are in the error, as also those who hold Physical Predetermination. A person who hath heard him several times, and who is well affected to the Jesuites, assures me of this.

As for the Constitution, 'tis not likely that it will cause any stir in France, because the King will make use of force and authority to cause it to be receiv'd; for so he hath promis'd, I am certain of it.

Whereas your Adversaries at Rome are absolute masters of the Field, 'tis the better; for all the while you stay'd here, the Court penetrated in∣to your secret thoughts, and made mock of your Memorials, as you know full well. But now you are absent, if any stir be heard from any place, it will appear to them greater and more conside∣rable. Have this perswasion, that you must en∣deavor to find some favour and support in the Court of France, and this will frighten them more then any thing else, because 'tis meerly the Kings authority which drew the Pope to this De∣cision; otherwise he would never have made it.

In a word, our friend concludes, that your de∣parture was prudent, that your return will be unprofitable, and so long as there wants a Judge that understands the matter in contest, all will be in disorder.

From Rome June 29.

The sixth is of the 4th. of July, written by the same person who writ the first. The sum of this was

That the Jesuites made no great exultati∣ons of the Constitution at Rome, either because no body applauded them upon it, or because ma∣ny, and particularly the more intelligent persons, said openly that it was not any wise advantageous

to them. Quà i Giesuiti non si vedono troppo tri∣pudiare, o perche non si applaudisce â loro per la Costitutione uscita, o perche si dica che non è a lor favore per niun conto, e cosí dicono i dotti.

The seventh is of the fifth of July, written by F. Petit. Amongst other things which he signify'd to me, he told me these.

Your differences are scarce any more spoken of here, so little care there is of Truth and what con∣cerns it. M. N. M. who salutes you, told me yesterday, that the Jesuites are not very much pleas'd with this Decision, and that one of the hottest of them in this contest before the Deci∣sion, with whom M. Hallier had many conferen∣ces, having been with him two or three days ago, he found him very cold and little pleas'd with this Decision, as conceiving that no great advantage could be made of it in reference to the Contro∣versies concerning which you were here, nor a∣gainst Effectual Grace. F. Annat's book De li∣bertate incoacta, is sold publickly. The Master of the sacred Palace made some scruple to give him his Publicetur, but he was constrain'd to do it by his Holinesse's Order. Cardinal Barberin grows every day to be of great power and consideration with the Pope. The Marquis del Buffalo is fallen out of his Holiness's favour, who 'tis believ'd in∣tends to give his place of Captain of his Guard to the Commander Colonna, because the Mar∣quis follow'd the motions and inclinations of the Cardinal of Florence, who would not make any rejoycing and Bonfires at the promotion of the Cardinal Prefect Barberin, wherewith his Holi∣ness was extreamly offended.

I fail not to receive every day new intelligence of threatnings by the Jesuites and their adhe∣rents to send me to the H. Office. F. Richeosme related a pleasant story the other day to some of his friends, which was, That in the House of S. Louis a wench was found in mans cloaths; and that upon examination of the authors of this prank, they had no other excuse but to say, That they had not the grace of chastity. And hereup∣on he said, You see what what an ill effect this is of the Jansenian Doctrine in the Fathers of the Oratory; 'tis fit they were expell'd, least they infect others. One that was present and heard this abominable fiction and calumny, came in kind∣ness and charity to advertise me of it. Now, af∣ter such a loud untruth, judge what they may not attempt; since neither the Majesty of the place, nor the presence of the H. Sacrament, and the bodies of the Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul, and the Tribunal of Truth where he was sitting on the part of Jesus Christ to condemn sinners and lyars, hinder'd him from relating such a falshood. But I neither fear him nor all his adherents, God be thanked. I hope God and Truth will be strong∣er then their lyes and impostures. Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to make my complaints hereof to the Cardinals Barberin and Ghiggi, and to the Commissary of the H. Office, in order to prevent their malice.

The 8th hath no date, but I believe it was about the same time with the former. It was from a very able and prudent Dominican, who testify'd much satisfaction in hearing of our welfare: and touch∣ing the Affair writ the following words;

Quanto al negocio, nel Collegio Romano si lege de merito Chri∣sti, & subito si stabilisse la necessità della indifferen∣za con la terza propositione. Quindi si deduce che niuno atto di Christo era meritorio se non per quella circonstanze rispetto alle quali era indifferente. S' è fatto penetrare al Papa, e questo hà mandato ordine al Generale Giesuita che scriva per tutta la Compa∣nia e faccia osservare nelli studii che niuno si vaglia della Bolla sua per stabilire niuno punto Controverso fra le suole. Ma quest' ordine essendo privato, non sodisfa. Noi habbiamo scritto per tutte l' Ʋniver∣sità che siano raccolte tutte le consequenze de Gie∣suti o d' altro, & siano mandata à Roma, perche in∣tendiamo movera la controversia se havremo in mano cosa che dia motivo, come credo che havromo, & è impossibile che il Giesuita si tratenga fra termini della modestia, essendo Pedante pervicace. Così il fatto farà conoscere a nostro signore quello che non ha voluto credere per le nostre istanze. Del resto, la Corte passa con discorsi di marritaggi e con dissegni che non passano i confini della famiglia Panfilia, de quali non voglio inbrattare il folio; e li faccio ri∣verenza con compagni.

That is in our language:

As to the affair, in the Roman Colledge (which belongs to the Jesuites) there are readings concerning the merit of Christ; and presently after the Cen∣sure of the third Proposition, they took occasi∣on thence to establish the necessity of Indiffe∣rence, in order to merit; Concluding that no action of Jesus Christ was meritorious, ex∣cept upon account of the circumstances in refe∣rence to which it was indifferent. The Pope was inform'd of it, and he sent order to the General of the Jesuites to write to all the Socie∣ty and forbid all persons to make use of his Bull to the establishing of any point controverted in the Scholes; and to enjoyn observation hereof in all his Colledges. But this order being par∣ticular and secret, do's not satisfy. For our parts, we have written to all Universities to get a collection made of all the consequences which the Jesuites or others can draw from this Bull, and to have it sent to us at Rome; because our de∣sign is to renew the Controversy, in case we can get any thing material, as no doubt we shall, it not being possible for the Jesuites to keep them∣selves in the bounds of modesty, considering what insolent Pedants they are. The result where∣of will be to cause the Pope to know that, which he would never believe upon our remonstran∣ces. Nothing is talkt of at the Court, but ma∣niages and designes pertaining to the Pamphi∣lian family, wherewith I will not fill my paper. I kisse your hands and those of your Col∣legues.

The Nineth is of the 12th. of July, written by F. Guerin, and amongst other things containes these.

The last Week M. Hallier came to seek me as himself said, several times; and F. de Ver∣tamont, one. But neither of them finding me, they went severally to F. Placide to whom they made heavy complaints against me, for all that I have done and continue to do for you, which is to uphold so bad a cause, &c. But in particu∣lar for that I visited Cardinal Trivultio, and told him, as they most falsely alledg'd, that the Bishops would never receive the Bull, &c. Af∣terwards

I met F. de Vertamont, and told him the occasion of my visiting the said Cardinal, which was, to present S. Augustin's book to him; and that I had spoken nothing else of what was imputed to me; With which he professed himself satisfi'd But seeing M. Hallier shortly after, he added that I had confessed to this Fa∣ther that I had said to Cardinal Trivultio that there ought to be a Council for deciding these questions; which is as far from truth as the other calumny. These two persons, viz. Vertamont and Hallier, told F. Placide that I might perhaps receive a personal affront, unlesse I took heed to my self. You see what this tends to. They say, I ought not to have presented your books to the Cardinals. I have so much to tell you concerning this businesse that the paper and the day would fail me, should I go about to tell you all, and therefore I shall be silent.

The Tenth is also of the 12th of July, written by F. Petit; in which I find these termes.

The grace of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you for ever. I have distributed all those which were in the pacquet, and particularly that of P. A. to whom I deliver'd the same with my own hand. He brought me his answer to it this morning, and I send it here inclos'd. He bid me tell you something which he purposely omitted in his letter, to wit, that his Cardinal was yesterday inform'd by the Cardinal of Florence or Trivultio that he was assur'd by letters out of Flanders that the Bishops of that Country would not receive his Holinesses declaration upon the Five Propositi∣ons, saying, that they acknowledg'd nothing for a Decision of Faith but what the Pope deter∣min'd cum suo Clero, and not what he determin'd with three or four Cardinals, and in such a Con∣gregation as that which made this Declaration. Were our Bishops of France and your Doctors thus magnanimous, the Molinists would not have whereof to glory. This would render this Court more circumspect in the making of such de∣cisions.

F. Reginald salutes you and your Collegues, and desires me to tell you that in a visite which he made this week to Cardinal Barberin, they dis∣cours'd concerning his Holinesses declaration and the certainty that the Jesuites would make use of it against Effectual Grace; but the Cardinal told him they would not, and that he had signifi'd his Holinesses order to the General of the Je∣suites, enjoyning him to write to all their Fa∣thers, Houses and Colledges that the Pope for∣bad them to make advantage of this Censure a∣gainst the doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Thomas, or against Grace effectual by it self. The same Cardinal told me neer the same thing yesterday in a conference of half an hour which I had with him, upon occasion of my going to him to de∣sire his protection against the menaces of the Pe∣nitentiaries of S. Peter to put into the H. Office, as a person disobedient to this Censure. I assu∣red him that I receiv'd the same as a Condemna∣tion of the heretical senses of the Propositions, but not as a condemnation of S. Augustin's do∣ctrine touching Grace effectual by it self neces∣sary to every good work of Christian piety, be∣cause his Holiness had solemnely assur'd you that he designed not to prejudice this doctrine in any wise, &c. He acknow edg'd that this was most true; but added, that we ought to keep as far as may be from the manner of speaking us'd by hereticks, and that although the thing express'd by such manners of speech be true, yet because Hereticks use the same manners of speech in ill part, therefore we ought to abstain from them. The conclusion of all his discourse was, that this Censure is rather a condemnation of termes and words, then any thing else. That, as for the doctrine of our Congregation, so farre as we stuck to S. Augustin, S. Thomas, and the man∣ner of speech of the ancient Scholiastick Thomists, as Bannes, Alvarez, Lemos, &c. nothing could be said against it or me; that therefore I need not be afraid of any rumors or menaces, and of this I I might assure our General. Upon my mention∣ing the abuse which the Jesuites made of this De∣claration, he told me their General had written to their Fathers to forbear doing so. That him∣self had written to F. Annat to that purpose: whose printing of his book at Paris Jansenius à Thomistis damnatus he did not approve, nor that which he printed de incoacta libertate with the de∣cree and approbation of the H. Office, that had no esteem at all of these books; but that one of his, intitled Augustinus à Baianis vindicatus was a book of great learning (whence you may judge how requisite it is to have an answer made to it and seen here.) The day before, I was with Car∣dinal Ghiggi, to complain to him of the threat∣nings of the Jesuites, and assure him that our Congregation would be alwayes obedient to fol∣low the doctrine of the Church and the H. Coun∣cils. And having also told him that because our Congregation adher'd to the doctrine of S. Au∣gustin and Thomas, this gave occasion to the Je∣suites to calumniate our doctrine; He answer'd me that he had heard nothing of it; that indeed he had heard a talk of some union of F. Bourgo∣ing our General with the Jesuites touching do∣ctrine, but of nothing besides. To which I re∣ply'd that this union was only an union of charity and not of doctrine; that we adher'd in Divinity and doctrine to S. Augustin and S. Thomas, and should not recede from them, in regard his Ho∣linesse had plainly declar'd to have a great respect for this doctrine, and that he intended to do no∣thing against it. But the Cardinal answer'd me with sufficient coldnesse, that his Holinesse in∣tended not to do any thing against it, and that so long as we follow'd the Scholiastick au∣thors approved by the H. Church, we should never be blam'd. By his discourse I judg'd that he was one of those who had done most hurt to the truth, and contributed most to this decision. I am inform'd that amongst many other praises which F. Tartaglia gave this Cardinal in a certain company, for his wit, learning, and piety, one was that he was the penman of this admirable Constitution, in which he said nothing could be added, or whereof every word was as so many oracles of the H. Ghost, &c. I must confesse to you, I have been much mistaken in this Cardinal, and the credit, respect, and esteem which I for∣merly had for him is much abated. I forgot to tell you that I found M. Hallier with this Cardinal be∣fore

me, to whom himself and some others of his family made great caresses; whereby I per∣ceived that the Molinists were more wellcome there then the Augustinians. His Holinesse gave M, Hallier this week a Priory of 800. Crownes motu proprio; that is to say, this Priory, which is in Bretegne and known by the name of the Pri∣ory de Rieux; having been desired of his Holiness by some persons potent in credit, of which some were Cardinals; the Pope askt what it was worth, and being answer'd that it was worth 800. or 1000. Crownes, his Holinesse said he would have it for M. Hallier, and accordingly comman∣ded the Datary to expedite the same for him. This will encrease the number of his Benefices but not of his merit. 'Tis said, He looks for a Mitre as the reward of his glorious labours for defence of the Church. They lodge still at the three Kings in a hir'd chamber, &c.

F. Reginald is talkt of, to be Divine and Precep∣tor to the young Cardinal Barberin. If his Gene∣ral stirre in it, he may have this employment; otherwise the Jesuites will obstruct him. I wish it him for the benefit which would thereby arise here to Truth.

I shall adde one reflexion here which I hear was made upon the Censure by a person of capacity; viz. he saith he found in a Canonist that when ever his Holinesse us'd the word declaramus in his Bulls and Decrees, 'twas an infallible token that his Holinesse by such Bull or Decree non con∣stituebat novum jus & censuram, sed tantum con∣firmabat & stabiliebat jam factum & stabilitum, licet adderentur ista verba, definimus, quae semper considerantur ut habentia ordinem ad declaramus. And consequently in the Censure of the Five Pro∣positions, this word declaramus being repeated at every Censure of every one of the said Propositi∣ons, 'tis an infallible sign that by it his Holiness hath not made a new Censure of these Propositi∣ons, but onely declar'd or renew'd those which were formerly made against them in the Coun∣cil of Trent, onely in the sense of the Calvi∣nists and Lutherans, and no-wise in the sense of S. Augustin, S. Thomas, or of him whom you follow.

The Eleventh was of July 18. and contain'd no other newes, saving

that the Pope was much dis∣pleas'd with the Spaniards, and amongst other causes thereof, complain'd that the Bishops of Flanders refus'd to obey him and contemn'd his authority; which he threatned to revenge, and made great complaints of it to Cardinal Trivultio in the last audience which his Holinesse gave him. Non ho cosa particolare di nuovo, salvo che il Pa∣pa si da per disgustatissimo da spagnoli è frà l' alhe occasioni del suo disgusto si duole che li Vescovi di Fi∣andra non obediscano è s' avanxano al dispreggio del∣la sua autorità, onde minaccia sissentimenti, è nell' ultima audienza data a Trivulsio fece longa doli∣anza.

The twelfth is of the 19th of July written by F. Petit, wherein, after some private affair he tells me thus;

As for the Menaces of Jesuites, I care little for them; by God's help I shall dissipate them, without their doing me any mischief. Neverthelesse I shall follow your counsel, and endevor not to fall out with any person about these matters; although I shall have much ado to forbear from quarrelling with those who take advantage of this Censure, to say that the do∣ctrine of S. Augustin and Thomas touching grace effectual by it self is censur'd, and that you are condemn'd, considering that ever since your first arrival, and since the Decision, the Pope plainly protested the contrary, and that you never held these Propositions but with reference to Effectual Grace: three days ago I had a brush about it with F. Marinari, who asking me news of you, fell to tell me that you were condemn'd; I could not suffer it, but answer'd him, that you never held these Propositions otherwise then in the sense of S. Augustin and of S. Thomas, and of Grace effectual by it self, which his Holinesse profess'd he meant not to prejudice by this deci∣sion; but I could get no more reply from him, saving that they were condemn'd absolutely and without exception of Effectual Grace. And when I press'd him to tell me whether S. Augustin, S. Thomas, and Effectual Grace were condemn'd, he answer'd me plainly, that they are absolute∣ly condemn'd. Yes, said I, in the bad and here∣tical sense which they contain, but not in the Ca∣tholick. You see hereby what evil consequence the enemies of the Grace of Jesus Christ draw from this Censure — Cardinal Antonio hath been receiv'd here with the publick acclama∣tions of Vivat le Card. Antonio. His Holinesse receiv'd him with open armes— All your friends salute you, and desire me again to put you in mind that 'tis necessary that you make a brief Narrative or History of all which hath pass'd and you have negotiated in your affair, of the In∣stances, Memorials and writings which you pre∣sented to his Holinesse, the audience which you had, and all the rest of the transactions in the de∣cision of the Consultors and Cardinals, &c. al∣so what your Adversaries both spoke and acted; and this plainly, yet respectfully speaking of the H. See and this Court, though without omission of any thing of the truth, and of the repulses which were given you. The History may be con∣cluded with the Decision and what the Pope said to you at your taking leave of him; and as for the Decision it self, you must allow it in the sense and meaning which his Holinesse put upon it, which is against the sense of Luther and Calvin, wherewith your adversaries and the malice of the Jesuites have alwayes falsely charged you.

The Thirteenth of the same date, in which F. Guerin tells me of

some calumnious extravagant discourses which M. Hallier and his Collegues made concerning us. The Molinists, (saith he) still lodge at the three Kings, a place of suffici∣ently ill note, but the good men know not so much, as I believe, although in the little time that I was there, I was but ill pleas'd with it. They have many untoward discourses of what (they say) the Pope said to them concerning your behaviour in Rome and theirs, your ex∣pence and theirs, their poverty and your riches, by help whereof you have spent in Rome thirty seven thousand Crownes, &c. That you en∣devor'd to corrupt by presents one of his Offi∣cers of the Palace, that you brib'd one of the

Consultors; That his Holinesse knew whom you frequented, and who came to you; That you were call'd the rich Doctors, and they the poor Doctors, with a thousand other fopperies. I cor∣dially salute your Collegues, and am, &c.

All that I learnt considerable out of the Four∣teenth, which is of the 26th. of July, is, that the face of Cardinal Antonio's affairs was already a little chang'd, and that the kindred of the new bride fell very short in performance of the con∣ditions promis'd in reference to her marriage; That some persons, being incensed at the excesses of F. Adam's book and that of F. Annat against S. Augustin, indevor'd to get them Censur'd; and that the number of the Disciples of this great Doctor of the Church encreas'd every day in that first City of Christendome. Non so che me der altro per fine, ch' i Discipoli di sant Agostino non minuiscono ma crescona qua.

CHAP. III.

Containing the Letters which were writ∣ten to me from Paris, assoon as the certain intelligence of the Pope's Constitution arriv'd there; and the Answer of F. Morin Priest of the Oratory to one of his Confreres who consulted him concerning the said Constitution.

I Have four Letters dated the fourth of July. Neither my Lords, nor our friends understood any thing concerning the Constitution at first but by the rejoycings of the Molinists, which good people being wont to tell wonders of their Affairs, the rumours which were spread abroad thereof were not believ'd, because it did not appear how the same agreed with the state of ours and what we had written; but assoon as the newes became cer∣tain, I receiv'd these four Letters.

The first of which was written by the order and command of my Lords, who conceiv'd us still at Rome, whereby they sent us word to return the most speedily we could, and to testifie their sub∣mission to the Bull in very general terms, al∣though they made no difficulty upon the condem∣nation of the Propositions, because they sent us not to maintain them as they are condemned in the Bull, but only to hinder least by occasion of the five equivocal and maliciously contriv'd Pro∣positions, the doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Thomas might be condemned chiefly in what con∣cernes the necessity of Effectual Grace.

The second was from the most ancient and con¦siderable Doctor of our Faculty; and is here sub∣join'd.

Sir my dear Friend,

AT length the thunder is fallen and has dis∣charged its bolt. The allarmes former∣ly given us have been follow'd with their effect, and the success shews that our Adversa∣ries have had more interest then you in the secret Counsel, and made the better part of it, if at least they did not wholly model it by their manage∣ment and subtilty. VVe wait impatiently for Monday, to understand from you the order and series of the whole Affair, whilst in the mean time we hear in the streets, houses & Companies, no other noise but that of Molinistical triumphs; and for my part I believe, artificial Fire-works will be made thereupon in the Colledges of Sor∣bon and Navarre, as well as at S. Louis, not to mention S. Germain, de l' Auxenois and S. Sul∣pitius. The Pamphleters have not yet cry'd up and down the streets, but I look to hear them to day or to morrow. You see I have been a Pro∣phet, and that when I told you this back-blow-would be given upon pretence that you were not parties, because you were not accus'd by any bo∣dy, and 'twas only about the Propositions in ge∣neral that his Holinesse was consulted, who might answer by himself; it seems the H. Ghost spoke by my mouth. Well, Sit nomen Domini benedi∣ctum. I know not in what estate Rome is, but I desire to understand from you. I assure you that in this Countrey, the news doth not dismay us; on the contrary, 'tis an Antiperistasis which redoubles strength in the true Defenders of E∣vangelical Truths, to defend and maintain the same more vigorously then ever, both by speech and writing, in spight of the intrigues of their enemies, and the persecutions wherewith they threaten us from the temporal Powers. The Pro∣vidence of God seems not to have deserted us in this occasion. For before this news, we printed the Distinction of the senses of the Propositions which you presented to the Pope in a full Con∣gregation; which made almost all the world judge of the effect of this Bull before they saw it; and, as I am told, even M. the Penitentiary and A∣miot have been heard to say, that it was in such a manner as it did no hurt, saving among the vul∣gar and ignorant. But, this is enough for them; and if they triumpht upon a Decree of the Inqui∣sition, no doubt they will make Bonefires with invented squibs, when the Pope, as they think, hath spoken so well in their favour. All this moves not me, and I can truly tell you, that since our contestations I never found my mind more calm, nor offer'd the H. Sacrifice with more quiet and peace of spirit, then I have done since the Monday that that news came hither. I believe the like of you and our friends, whom I salute and embrace with all my heart, &c.

The third was from M. de Sainte Beuve, as fol∣lowes.

Sir,

We have had a copy of the Bull by the help of the Bankers. And upon good consideration of it, we finde that it contains nothing which is not agreeable to our judgements. We shall receive it with all submission. It cannot be express'd how greatly the Molinists rejoyce; but I think their joy would be greater then it is, if we were lesse submissive to the Popes Orders. That which troubles them amidst their joy is, that we do not make lamentations for the condemnation; that we say, his Holinesse hath done nothing but what we did long ago; and that we protest to hold for true henceforth what the Pope hath declar'd such, not only because it is so in it self, and we account∣ed it so before, but particularly because he hath declar'd it, In brief, our joy is, that we have so perfectly explain'd our minds, that none but the blackest malice can accuse us of holding the condemned sense. I shall say nothing to you of the Jacobins and the Augustines, saving, that 'tis time that they get the Pope to declare, whe∣ther he had any intent to lay any blemish upon Effectual Grace, S. Thomas, and S. Augustin. M. Gueffier writes to the Count de Brienne, that the Jansenists said they would a 7.1 appeal to a Coun∣cil. 'Twas fit this kindness should be done us, to make up the other calumnies. Others have said, we intended to have recourse to the Parlia∣ment; which is as false as the former. If we meant to recur any whither, it should be to the Pope, to conjure him to define the Controversie, since hitherto he has onely pronounced upon a thing which was out of all contest. But his not having done it, is a sign that he was unwilling to do it, and that it would be in vain for you to sol∣licite him to it. I see nothing therefore that you have to do but to return with the most speed you can, and to rest confident that our Lord will al∣wayes preserve his Truth. In whom I am with all my heart, &c.

The fourth was from a Doctor of our Society who alwayes writ to me in Latin, and contain'd these words.

De Bulla, cujus hic exempla quaedam vidimus, ni∣hil habeo quod dicam donec a vobis aliquid certi acce∣perim. Si vera est, optarem vos in Gallia esse. Ti∣meo versipelle & ferox adversariorum vestrorum in∣genium; nihil est moderatum apud ipsos; forte et Christianum nihil apud multos. SS. Oraculum ve∣neramur; atque ideò apertiùs doceri petebamus. Nec unquam dubitavimus, quia Propositiones damnari deberent tam malitiosè contextae, ut eum qui pessimus est, sensum per se ferant. Itaque interpretatione egere ultrò concessum est. Plura dicere necesse non est. Vi∣deant Dominicani quo modo se tueantur; videant E∣piscopi quâ ratione compescant in posterum tumentes Jesuitas. Videant Christiani universi quomodo a corruptissima morum doctrina caveant, quam certè Jesuitae eidem cum Molinismo currui triumphali im∣positum populis ostentabunt. Hoc fulmen Romanum adversus eos ipsos intentatum jam est, & torquebi∣tur deinceps, qui etiam odio habentes Jansenium, cor∣ruptelam morum & usurarium aut simoniacum pal∣pum execrabuntur. Accepi M. Nuncium Bullam Regi obtulisse hesterna die,&c.

After our sending word of our last Audience, and purpose to return as speedily as we could, few Letters were written to us. Yet the same Doctor who usually writ to me in Latin, by the next Post writ to me in French, which he con∣ceiv'd would meet me at Lyons, and it here fol∣lows.

The Bull is publish'd here by the Kings Order with much eagernesse. The difficulty which long hinder'd the Bull of the Jubilee, did not obstruct this: and although the Brief bears only Franco∣rum Regi and not Francorum & Navarrae, yet it was not consider'd for this time, that this omissi∣on was prejudicial to the Kings Rights; but on the contrary it was said, That there was nothing in it contrary to the Liberties, and I extreamly desire your return, &c.

By the next Post the same friend told me, That the Jesuites there made great triumph, and their insolencies were so excessive that their own friends blam'd them. That their Affiches (or Notes con∣taining the Questions to be discuss'd) were con∣demn'd by Councils and by Popes. It seems their joy put them out of their wits, &c.

Assoon as the person who writ to us in the name of My Lords the Bishops had receiv'd the Letter which we writ to them from Florence, and shewn it to them, he return'd an answer upon the 14th. of this Month, continuing his instances to hasten our return.

Vpon the receit of his Letter at Venice we re∣solv'd to depart from thence; but the fear of him who writ it, least it should miscarry by the way, caus'd him to write others to us every week, by which he continually press'd us to return. I shall insert one here to conclude this Chapter:

You are desir'd to put your selves upon the way towards France, assoon as you receive the pre∣sent. Our friends are so impatient to see you that they suffer very much during your absence. We have heard no newes of you these five weeks, as for this fortnight I have been in great anxiety, but God be thanked, your Letters of the 12th. have given us ease. Have a great care of F. Des∣mares, and tell him, his good friends wait to em∣brace him, and testifie to him the resentments they have of the good services he hath done to Truth. Be not melancholly during your Voyage. The Constitution has rather made more disciples of S. Augustin then diminisht their number; all our enemies are extreamly crank, and will make the most they can of the Popes Declaration. You did well in speaking to his Holiness as you did in the last Audience; and 'tis a blessing of God that his Holiness explain'd his mind so, Had you been here, the Prelates who deputed you, would be∣fore this time have written a Letter to the Pope, to thank him for his Declaration; which advan∣tage your delay makes us look upon as afar off.

Hasten, therefore, because 'tis almost the only consolation which we expect in our present con∣dition; although this condition has not chang'd us, and we are undaunted as ever. I salute all our friends, and embrace them a thousand times, &c.

Now what conceit the ablest persons even a∣mong those, who were not suspected to favour Jansenius, had of the Constitution, may be seen by this Letter of F. Morin Priest of the Oratory, and one of the most learned men that have been of that Congregation. 'Tis inserted in the Letter of another Father of the Oratory, who having con∣sulted with F. Morin, communicated his answer to one of his friends, by which means it became very publick and fell into my hands since my return. Take it at length.

The Letter of F. Souvigny to his Friend, July 24. 1653.

I am well satisfy'd with your perfect submission to the Decrees of the H. See. I acquiesce there∣in with the same resignation. But having taken time to examine Tradition concerning Grace, and seriously study'd the Popes Constitution, I have at length perceiv'd that S. Augustin's Di∣sciples are rather humbled before the ignorant, then condemn'n before capable and dis-interessed persons.

Many reasons incline me to this belief, especial∣ly the Churches interest to preserve to her self the Authority of S. Augustin, of his Disciples, S. Prosper, &c. and not to abandon it to the Hu∣guenots, and embrace the protection of the upstart Contriver of Scientia Media. The Molinists, by what I alwayes perceiv'd, make not so great ac∣count of verity as victory; but the Holy Church neither loves nor deserves conquest but in re∣gard of Truth. Yet I would not make an Idol of my own conceit, nor espouse it rashly without consulting more knowing persons then my self, for fear of mistaking in an Affair of such impor∣tance, which consists in taking the true judgement of his Holiness, and the right sense of the Propo∣sitions. Wherefore I writ to F. Morin, and de∣sir'd him to clear my doubt, either by approving or disabusing my apprehension. I never preacht concerning these knotty matters, and F. Morin hath lately publisht something against some Ma∣ximes of the Jansenists; in which regards we are less to be suspected, he of engagement, and I of temerity; and I believe his testimony ought to be more authentick, and my belief less culpable. Be∣hold therefore his answer to my question, and the copy of his Letter.

F. Morin's Letter.

Assoon as I had read the Popes Bull upon this famous Question, and having understood eight dayes before how the Jansenists argu'd four hours together before his Holiness, deliver'd Writings to him, and publickly & juridically signify'd, that the Five Propositions contriv'd by their enemies were ambiguous, and admitting divers heretical senses; and one Catholick; that the heretical sen∣ses were those of the Calvinists, the Semipelagi∣ans and the Molinists [for F. Morin understood hereby the senses of the Semipelagians and the Molinists in the Propositions] and that the Ca∣tholick sense was that of S. Augustin and their own; and that not contented to have said and declar'd this, they also distinguish'd and laid o∣pen those several senses to the Pope in Writing. After, I say, I had consider'd all this, I conclu∣ded forthwith and told all those who shew'd me the Bull, that the opinion of the Jansenists was not condemn'd by it, but there was a strong pre∣sumption in it against the opinion of the Jesuites, and one as great for approbation of that of the Jansenists. For the Pope in condemning the Five Propositions of heresie, hath done no more but confirm'd the Censure before made of them by the Jansenists who are at Rome. They condemn'd the opinion of the Molinists of heresie in pre∣sence of the Pope and the Consultors; and the Pope who heard it in a judicial way, spoke not a word to the contrary. 'Tis therefore to be pre∣sum'd, that he approves the sentence which the Jansenists pronounc'd against the Five Propositi∣ons to the prejudice of Molina. Moreover, they told the Pope juridically, that the interpretation which they gave according to their own senti∣ments is Catholick and S. Augustin's Doctrine; the Pope speaks not a word hereupon, and dero∣gates not expresly by his Constitution from their interpretation: therefore he approves it; for in such case he is oblig'd to speak concerning the same, and not leave us to mistake. Therefore his silence is to be taken at least for a presumptive ap∣probation. Add hereunto, that after the pub∣lishing of the Bull at Rome, the Jansenists went to take leave of the Pope, by whom they were well receiv'd and commended, and he assur'd them that he had in no wise intended to condemn S. Augustin; that, Ʋbi est Augustinus, ibi est Ec∣clesia, and that he had as little design'd to preju∣dice Grace Effectual by it self; and after a long Discourse he gave them his Benediction and ma∣ny Indulgences. All which hath been written not only by themselves, but also by the Ambassa∣dor, who testify'd the same in Letters to his Emi∣nence Cardinal Mazarin, and the Count of Brienne Secretary of State. This is my judge∣ment of this Bull, and I have declar'd it several times to such as have spoken to me about it. Some alledge that the Pope saith, the Propositi∣ons are taken out of Jansenius's book, but the words in the beginning of the Bull shew, that he only repeats things as they were presented to him. Now such relations made by Princes are not conclusive according to either Law, as we are taught by the Title of Concordat in the Pragma∣tick Sanction de sublatione Clementinae. C. litteris. On the contrary it falls out many times, that a violent presumption is equivalent to a definitive sentence; Extra de Praesumptione, cap. Offerte mi∣hi. Therefore this Bull being consider'd by any person vers'd in the Law, will in my judgement appear more disadvantageous to the Jesuites then to the Jansenists.

Hactenus. R. P. I. M.

You see here's a strange a 9.1 Cooling-Card for the Molinists, who triumph under the shroud

of popular ignorance, and dare not present them∣selves to the Popes face to justifie against the five Doctors that they wrongfully accus'd them of heresie before the Throne of S. Peter; which they ought to do if they were as well skill'd in the knowledge of the Saints, as in the policy of the world, &c.

CHAP. IV.

Of our Voyage from Venice to Paris; and our passage through Suizzer∣land.

BEing the feast of the Assumption was near when we receiv'd the first Letter at Venice, which oblig'd us to return into France, we resolv'd to passe this Festival at Padua, and depart from thence in the afternoon. We prepar'd all our Affairs ac∣cordingly. We thankt the Ambassador for his ci∣vilities; we bid adieu to our other friends; and the above-mention.d M. du Pui coming to see us a∣gain, desir'd me to take a Letter with me for Mr. Ʋbric, from whom I had brought him one above three years before.

We departed from Venice two or three dayes before that of the Assumption, and from Padua on that day at four a clock in the afternoon. We continu'd our Voyage to Zuric without any inter∣ruption, and during the day of Rest which the Venetian Messengers use to take there, I went to visit M. Ʋbric, as well upon the account of former civilities which I had receiv'd from him, as of M. Du-Puy's Letter. I could not prevail with my Collegues to accompany me, and therefore I went alone. M. Ʋbric made me new offers of his ser∣vice, both to my Collegues and my self, and askt me, if they would not come at some hour of the day to see the Library? I answer'd him, that I believ'd they would take a turn about the Town to see the curiosities of it. He reply'd, that when they came to the Library, he would give order that there should be some persons there to receive them and to serve them. I thankt him for his cour∣tesie, and returning to our Lodging, I acquainted my Collegues herewith.

I know not whether they went abroad in the forenoon or no, but in the afternoon we all went to see the Library, where we found some of their Professors ready to receive us. M. Ʋbric also came to us, and we discour'd for some time with him of things purely civil and indifferent.

When we offer'd to take leave of them; M. Ʋ∣bric accompany'd us into the street and went up a∣gain to the Library, but the rest accompany'd us to shew us the Arsenal; after which they con∣ducted us to their new Fortifications. We thankt them for all their civilities, and took leave of them to return to our Inne: but it was impossible for us to oblige them to suffer us to go thither alone; and whatever resistance we made (which yet was not suitable to the civility of the Country, but they excus'd it in strangers) we could not hinder them from going along with us. They enter,d into our Inne with us, and continu'd to entertain us till Sup∣per, which being brought, they sat down at the Table with us, intending, according to the custom in such cases, to pay their shot as well as we. 'Twas an honour they would needs do us, and we could not hinder it, no more then that which they did us during Supper, of sending wine to us from the Seigneurie.

Amongst the indifferent things we talkt of du∣ring the time they were with us, something was interpos'd concerning the Controversies between their Religion and ours, whereof every one spoke with civility according to their principles and ca∣pacities. We disputed against them in an honest freedom and sincere charity about Justification, the Popes Primacy and some other matters. F. Des∣mares spoke the most on our side, and can remem∣ber the things which we said on either side better then I. That which I remember best concerns the subject of this Relation; they triumpht upon the Popes Constitution against the Five Propositions; and we answer'd as much as was possible in defence of it. The Declaration which his Holinesse made to us of his intentions in our last Audience, which we open'd at length, was the best Argument we could use to this purpose; but because nothing was set down in writing concerning it in his Con∣stitution, wherein the Propositions were con∣demn'd in writing, this Argument did not seem to them available to justifie the Popes proceed∣ing.

We intended to enter France by Dijon, and so go to Paris the shortest way, according to the coun∣sel given us by M. du Plessis Presanzon at Venice; but we turn'd half a dayes Journey out of the way to see the goodly and great City of Basil; and being the Cantons were then assembled by their Deputies at Baden, which was upon the Road, M. Ʋbric gave me Letters of recommendation to both these places.

I have forgot to whom he recommended me at Baden, but I remember his recommendation was much accounted of there, and was the cause that we were invited to Supper with the Deputies of the Cantons (who did us great respect) and lodg'd as friends for that night, which otherwise we had been but very inconveniently, in regard all the Innes were full of people.

He gave me a Letter to Basil, directed to M. Buxtorf, that famous Author and Professor in the Hebrew tongue. My Collegues went to see the Town and visit the Booksellers shops; but I would not lose the occasion of seeing a man so learned in that Language. In a quarter of an hours time that I was with him at the most, he made such ra∣tional reproaches to me of the vogue given in the Roman Church to the novel opinions of Molina a∣gainst Effectual Grace necessary to all actions of piety, that I cannot but bear testimony thereof. He said, (and I still wonder at it) that were the Doctrine of Grace solidly establisht, and gene∣rally assented to by all the Faithful, it would alone be sufficient to compose all differences, because then every one would contribute to recall their brethren to the center of the Faith and of the Church, and employ all their time therein, and sacrifice all their interests to that end. I answer'd

that I agreed with him, that this Capital Doctrine being one of the most fruitful sources of Christian piety, humility and charity, it was certainly ca∣pable to cause men to watch and pray one for another; and such as are already in the true faith, to sigh sincerely for the return of their Brethren, without imposing upon them the necessity of ac∣knowledging any thing essential to the Faith, which is not so indeed; but I still saw a great Chaos between them and us which kept us asunder, and hath no reference to this matter of Grace; to wit the mysterie of the Eucharist, and the reality of our Lords Body in the Holy Sacrament of the Al∣tar. He reply'd that was true, this appear'd still a great cause of separation and division; but yet if this Doctrine of Grace were well establisht eve∣rywhere and unanimously acknowleg'd, means might be found to regulate and overcome the diffi∣culty which I mention'd. And me thought he spoke with an accent, which shew'd in him a sincere and cordial desire of so great a good.

He enquir'd of me concerning some of my Con∣freres of Sorbonne the Kings Hebrew Professors, (who were not taken for Jansenists) and having some commerce with them by Letters, desir'd me to deliver his to them: Which I readily promis'd, as well that I might perform this office to so emi∣nent a man and to my Confreres, as be above the ridiculous difficulties and impertinent calumnies of certain people in this Age, who take upon them to blame the best and most sincere Catholicks for the least duties of civil Society towards those who are not of our communion, as if the same were hainous conspiracies against the Faith and the Church.

We came from Basil by Franche-Compté to Di∣jon, where we left the Horses which we had ta∣ken at Padua. At Dijon we took a Coach which brought us to Auxerre, where we desir'd to see M. Percheron and M. Venier, and to go by water the rest of our Voyage to Paris. M. Percheron told us newes of what pass'd at Paris according to a Letter of the 9th of August written to him by M. Brousse, which he read to us, and I desir'd him to give me. It was directed to M. M. Percheron Doctor in Theology of the Faculty of Paris, Arch-Deacon and Grand Vicar of Auxerre. And within it contain'd the following words.

Paris, August 9. 1653.

Sir,

I Have receiv'd great consolation by the Letter you pleas'd to write to me of the 3d current, for which I thank you with all my heart. Touching our Messieurs who are at Rome, I have had no newes of them since their departure from thence, but I believe by this time they are in France. I know not whether M. de la Lane will go to his Abbey of Valcroissant before he come to Paris: for he hath business there, and he had so resolv'd when we pass'd that way. As for the rest, I believe you have heard how neither the Jesuites nor M. Hallier would enter into dispute; that their in∣trigues having obtain'd this Bull (which sayes no∣thing but what we said ever since these goodly Pro∣positions were first contriv'd, as you will see in the book Of Victorious Grace) the Pope, before their departure from Rome when they went to take leave of him, assur'd them that he had no intention to touch S. Augustin's Doctrine, which is inviolable in the Church, nor Grace Effectual by it self, which is the center of all the difficulties; Whereupon our Friends answer'd, that they would all their lives defend the same Doctrine, even to the shedding of their blood; and one of them added, that it should be dearer to them then the apple of their eyes. The Pope made the same Declaration to M. Hallier with a sensible te∣stimony of the learning, modesty and zeal of our Friends; insomuch that he said, he knew they had liv'd at Rome like Saints. He made the same De∣claration to the Generals of the Augustins and the Ja∣cobins, and also to the Ambassador who certify'd the King of it; & likewise writ word of it to the Nuntio, and we saw the Original of the Letter. So that we receive the Bull with joy, because the sense of Saint Augustin not being condemn'd (as indeed it could not be) 'tis an evidence of its confirmation, after all the intrigues of its enemies; and that which kept the Pope from pronouncing upon the Distinction of senses, was, that he could not do it without condemning Molina, which the faction of his Partisans hinder'd. For these reasons, S. Augustin is more zealously adher'd to then ever; the Bull hath only healed mens minds to defend him, and gain'd him many disciples who before were indifferent. Many Philosophical Acts in the Ʋni∣versity contain no other Doctrine touching Liberty, Predestination, the state of pure Nature, the vertues of the Pagans; and nothing is heard but Elogies of Saint Thomas and Saint Augustin his Master. The Chancellor of the Arts goes every Sunday to give the Cap of Master in Arts to the Respondents, and makes admirable Elogies of those two Angels of Di∣vinity, Saint Augustin and Saint Thomas. The Je∣suites misse of their Markets there, and lately when in an Act of Philosophy at their Colledge, the Regent sayd Transeat to an authority of Saint Augustin, he was hiss'd by the Company; whereupon some Bishops who were present, told him he was an impertinent per∣son, and rising up immediately, went out and made great complaint hereof to their Rector. You see in what condition we are; and we thank God this Bull hath yet made no Molinists, nor is it likely to make any. I believe you have seen the Distinction of the senses of the Propositions which our Friends presented to the Pope. However I send you two copies of it in French for your self and M. Verrier, because I have it not in Latin, but I will endeavor to get one for you upon thr first occasion. 'Tis a piece which deserves to be kept, and which stops the mouthes of the most obstinate Pelagians. I hope our modesty and restraint will obtain in time what our zeal could not.

I am, &c.

The shallownesse of the water in the River which goes from Auxerre to Paris, and the con∣trariety of the wind kept us long from arriving at Paris; but we got thither at length, thanks be to God, in good health towards the middle of Sep∣tember. So many things have pass'd concerning the Constitution since our return, that if I should undertake a Relation of them, I should engage my self upon a new Work, or at least add a new Part to this, which would be larger then any of the rest. Therefore I shall adjoin none of those

things which are come to publick light, the Memo∣ry whereof may be preserv'd to Posterity by the paines of other persons as fit or fitter to transmit the same then my self. I should not have taken upon me to collect those which I have related in this Journal, had I known any one so well in∣form'd of them and able to do it so exactly. I at∣tempted it because it seem'd a Work reserv'd for me alone, and I thought my self accountable for it to God and the Publick. I shall keep the same mind in those few things which I shall add of what pass'd since our return to Paris, and setting aside all those which are already known to the world, and of which it cannot be but some hand or other will one day give a Collection to the Publick. I shall speak only of such as are particular to me, and whose remembrance might be lost, if I should not here briefly set down what I know thereof.

CHAP. V.

Of the particular things which came to my knowledge after our return to Pa∣ris. A Calumny spread at Rome that we had printed a book at Venice against the Popes Constitution. The Pope gives notice to the Consistory of his Constitution, and of the submission wherewith it was receiv'd. The im∣prisonment of F. Nolano, falsly at∣tributed to the Doctrine of Effectual Grace.

ONe of the first things that I learnt after our return to Paris was, that our Adversaries, ac∣cording to their old practice of calumniating, gave out at Rome after our departure from Venice, that we staid there so long only to print a Work, to which they gave this Title, Augustinus à Pelagia∣nis condemnatus; in which they feign'd, that we term'd the Pope and his Congregation Pelagians, because he had condemn'd S. Augustin by his Con∣stitution; whereas we took no other care in all places where we found occasion to write or speak of it, but to manifest the respect, which the Pope had alwayes testify'd for S. Augustin, and for his Doctrine of Grace Effectual by it self; and that the Pope had real and positive intentions not to prejudice the same in any thing that he did. However, the same of this Chimerical work was spread at Rome; it came even to the Popes eares, who was greatly offended with it (as indeed he had reason, had it been true, after the satisfaction which he told us he had receiv'd by all that we de∣fended in his presence, and after his so expresse and obliging Declarations to us of his right inten∣tions) but he was much offended, that he gave or∣der to one to collect the Titles of all Books lately writ∣ten by those Messieurs (whom they call Jansenists) saying, he would answer them all. This word, a Father of the Oratory, who heard it from Rome, writ to me from Lions, September 12. in which Let∣ter he likewise tells me, that a Bookseller of Lions told him that a certain person assur'd him, that he had seen some leaves of this fantastical Book, which never was (not even in Idea) saving in the head of those who invented this Calumny.

A few dayes after, viz. October. 4. the Pope held a Consistory, in which we acquainted the whole sacred Colledge with this new Constitution, and the submission and reverence wherewith he heard it was receiv'd in all parts (excepting Flan∣ders) and particularly in France: and his Holiness testifi'd great satisfaction thereupon. All the Car∣dinals, excepting foure or five who spoke not a word, congratulated the Pope for the content∣ment which he took therein, and gave great ap∣plauses to his Holinesse.

A little while after, viz. Octob. 17. I heard some newes from Rome which I shall insert by the by. The Agent of the Bishop of Angelopolis desir'd me to get the Brief which he had obtain'd against the Jesuites, printed in some work wherein it might be inserted for publick view, because these Fa∣thers had bought most of the Copies at the Apo∣stolical Printing-house, purposely to abolish the memory of it. Moreover this Agent hapned one day to walk in the vineyard of the Augustines, where all those Fathers wisht all sort of benedicti∣ons upon all the defenders of S. Augustin's do∣ctrine. And lastly, F. Campanella seeing divers of the Consultors, who had been of the Congregati∣on for the Five Propositions, rewarded with pre∣ferments for their pains, (as F. Celestin who was lately gone to his Bishoprick of Boiano, which the Pope had given him in the Kingdome of Na∣ples) presented a Memorial to his Holinesse that he might have one likewise in the same King∣dome.

F. Nolano, an able and ancient Dominican, was treated after another sort, Nov. 8. no doubt by the procurement of some persons who charg'd some great crime upon him. M. Albizzi went to la Minerve about 8. a clock at night with other Offi∣cers of the H. Office; and enter'd into this Father's Chamber, to seise upon him and his Papers. There being a Writing upon his Table in the Por∣tuguese language, which some body intended to print, and this Father was perusing at the request of the Master of the sacred Palace, M. Albizzi askt him whether that were the Book which he had made against the Pope's authority? F. Nolano an∣swer'd him that he had been prisoner three several times amongst hereticks for defence of that autho∣rity, and he believ'd this would be the fourth: M. Albizzi took away all his papers with those which he had of F. Lemos, and carri'd him to the prison del Borgo. Whence some dayes after he was re∣mov'd to the prison of the Inquisition; and the good Priest who sent me this newes by a letter of Nov. 24. added that no body could imagine what might be the cause of this imprisonment; that it could be attributed to nothing but an absolute per∣secution of the enemies of Christ's Grace, who had cunningly suggested to the Pope by the inter∣vention of some Cardinals, that this Father talkt and writ against his authority; which not being

found true, 'twas believ'd this falshood would be blown away, and the contrary manifested, since this Father in all his discourses and writings testifi'd greater respect then any other person to the H. See and to the person who fills it: Which caus'd a Car∣dinal to tell F. Fani that their Eminences already perceiv'd that they had committed a great error; which neverthelesse would perhaps be continu'd upon reason of State; but it was hop'd God would protect the innocent, and make the au∣thors of this surprisal sensible of their fault.

Our common Adversaries fail'd not to impute this imprisonmen to the zeal of this good Father in defence of our common doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Thomas touching the necessity of Grace effectu∣al by it self to every act of Christian piety (M. Hal∣lier alledged that it was for that he had distributed some Copies of our writing of the Distinction of senses) to discredit this heavenly doctrine and all its defenders by terrifying simple spirits with what treatment they saw we receiv'd at Rome. But besides the grounds that there are to hope that the sequel will destroy the foundations of all these artificial calumnies, and manifest that these were the sole causes of his consinement; Two or three occurren∣ces at Rome about the same time evidence, that it was not this doctrin which drew this disgrace upon this Father; for the same person who writ this newes to me, tells me in the same letter of a Sermon which himself preacht the day before, viz. on Sonday the 23d. a fortnight after F. Nolano's imprisonment, in which he spoke in defence of this Grace and against the opposite error as openly and with as much vi∣gour as 'tis possible to imagine.

His Letter run's thus, translated.

Yesterday (saith he immediately after the foregoing newes of F. Nolano) I preacht at the Oratory, and up∣on that place of the Gospel, Cum videritis Abomi∣nationem, &c. When you shall see the Abomination of desolution in the midst of the holy place, &c. I shew'd that this abomination is the pernicious and proud doctrine of Pelagius the forerunner of Antichrist; for as when he shall sit in the temple of God, he will have himself acknowledg∣ed as if he were God himself; so the Pelagian Dogma would have it self acknowledg'd as if it were God, since it makes our Free-will not one∣ly God of it self, but also God of God himself, in that it will have his Divine Majesty and power subordinate to and dependant upon its pleasure; and that to sow this error there are already come Antichrists and false Prophets, who by the pro∣digious and surprising things which they do, in∣deavor to lead even the Elect into error; for in∣stead of teaching litle children the Catechisme, they infuse into them the grounds of the Pelagi∣an heresie, as they have lately done at Spoleto. This Discourse (saith he) pleas'd the auditory; I know not whether it will be acceptable to the Molinists, and I fear least they contrive and raise some greater persecution against me then that of F. Nolano; but let his Divine Majesty dis∣pose how he pleases of my person for his honour and glory.

Now to satisfy the Reader what this Preacher meant by those false Prophets, who instead of teaching Children the Catechisme, infuse into them the grounds of the Pelagian heresie, as they had done lately at Spolelo, I must advertise him that it being the humour of the Jesuites to make ostentation to the people of every thing they were not contented to give to children whō they taught the Catechisme, the titles of the Emperor, but to do it with great pomp and fantastical formality in this little City of Italie, at their giving this charge to a Gentleman of this City nam'd il Signor Paolo Bartiletti, they bethought themselves to∣wards the end of last Summer to turn the contents of the Catechisme into a kind of theses which were to be defended at the new election of this Emperor, of the Catechisme by one nam'd Viginisio Campana a native also of Spoleto, in which amongst the Maximes which these Fathers taught these chil∣dren for Christian, were found these two.

The first at the third article of these Theses, and the second at the fifth.

Benche sia necessario l' esser Catholico per salvarsi dopo la sufficiente promulgatio ne dell' Evangelio, è però assai probabile che alcuni Eretici si salva∣no.

Although since the promulgation of the Gos∣pel it be necessary to be a Catholick, in order to salvation; Yet 'tis very probable that some Hereticks are sav'd.

Dopo la sufficiente promulgatione dell' Evangelio, quantunque sia assai probabile che sia necessario neces∣sitate medii il credere di più il misterio della Trinita, Incarnatione, Morte, Risurrettione di Christo, &c. Nondimeno e credibele che ancore tal uno si possa sal∣vare credendo simplicemente solo, quòd Deus sit & remunerator sit.

How probable soever it may be that since the sufficient publication of the Gospel it is necessary necessitate medii to believe moreover the mystery of the Trinity, the Incarnation, death and Re∣surrection of Jesus Christ, &c. Neverthelesse 'tis credible too that some may be sav'd onely by believing simply that there is a God, and he gives recompences.

These Theses of the Jesuites were censur'd by the Inquisitor of Spoleto the 31. of October last, accor∣ding to the Pope's order for that purpose trans∣mitted to him by Cardinal Barberin. I know not whether this Preacher knew of this Censure when he made his Sermon; but the Theses were come to his knowledge; and 'twas these horrible Max∣imes contrary to the first elements of Christiani∣ty, that he complained the Antichrists and false Prophets taught children as their Cate∣chisme.

The second of these things which I said were done at Rome in favour of the doctrine of S. Au∣gustin and S. Thomas touching effectual Grace, is contain'd in a letter which the General of the Do∣minicans writ to one of his Fathers, Prior of the Covent of Caën, who sent the copy thereof to M. de Sainte Beuve in a letter of his own, Nov. 24. Both which are here subjoin'd.

SIR,

I Salute you most humbly in our Lord. Some dayes before my departure from Paris I writ to our most R. F. General, beseeching him to let me know whether it were true, that the Pope had declared that he intended not by his Constitu∣tion to touch the doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Thomas, or of our Schole in the matter of Grace. I received his answer dated Octob. 6. and accor∣ding to my promise send you a copy of it. I must not publish it here, for fear I be taken for a Jansenist; For the Molinists building upon that Maxime, Qui non est mecum, contra me est, have declar'd and stigmatis'd all such for Jansenists in this City who do not follow their opinions touching Grace and Predestination. I beseech you, Sir, to command me if I can do any thing in this country for your service; and to experiment how much I hold it an honour to be

SIR,

Your most humble and obedient Servant in Jesus Christ. N. N. Prior of the F. F. Preachers.

Extractum ex Epistola Reverendissimi Patris Ma∣gistri Generalis Ordinis Fratrum Praedica∣torum.

QƲòd sparsos in Ordinem nostrum rumores male∣volos occasione Constitutionis summi Pontificis supra quinque vulgatis Propositionibus attinet, non est quòd ex iis Fratres nostri turbentur ceu arundines omnem ad ventum agitatae, sed ceu columnae fidci im∣mobiles fundatae supra firmam petram Orthodoxae & sanae Doctrinae Sancti Augustini & D. Thomae Eccle∣siae Doctorum, fluctus illos proprio motu frangendos constanter sustineant, maximè cum tanti Doctores de haeresi aut errore nunquam suspecti fuerint, secùs verò qui eos impugnavere; & ipse summus Pontifex saepe & coram personis omni exceptione majoribus, vi∣vae vocis Oraculo declaraverit, praefatarum Proposi∣tionum examine aut Censura nusquam doctrinam D. Augustini aut D. Thomae, & nostram de gratiâ ef∣ficaci in dubium revocari, vel minimum attingi vel∣le aut debere. Quare non est quòd moveantur, sed si quid in praejudicium doctrinae Sancti Augustini aut nostrae Scholae in lucem spargitur, si impressum est, ad nos erit mittendum ut jacebit; si non impressum, au∣thenticè collatum, ut hic obstruantur ora loquentium iniqua. Sed de his satis.

Lastly, the third of those things was, that the Pope recommended to another Father of the same Order, viz. F. Reginald in presence of the French Ambassador who introduc'd him at his usual audi∣ence, before he went from Rome to Guyenne, (of which his General had made him Provincial) the Pope, I say, recommended to him to maintain and defend the doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Tho∣mas, as I was inform'd by a letter of Octob. 23. written to me by a person who confirm'd to me how the Pope immediatly after his Constitution gave order to Cardinal Barberin to tell the Gene∣ral of the Jesuites in the name of his Holinesse, that he requir'd all the Fathes of his society to be∣ware of taking any advantage of his Constitution against S. Augustin or against Effectual Grace; o∣therwise they would constrain his Holinesse to make some Resolution against them.

CHAP. VI.

The return of M. Hallier and his Collegues. Calumnies which they spread against me. Newes from Rome towards the end of the Year, 1653.

HAving thus exactly related the particularities of our departure from Rome and of our voy∣age till our arrival at Paris, as well as the remark∣able newes which I understood there after our re∣turn; it remaines that I set down what came to my knowledge concerning the departure of M. Hallier and his Collegues from Rome, and their voyage to Paris; it being no lesse my purpose in this Journal to write what relates to them then to our selves in this affair.

One of the most eminent Bankers of Rome and my intimate friend, sent me word by a letter of the 25th of August, that these Doctors kiss'd the Popes feet on the Tuesday before in order to taking their leave; but his Holinesse told them he would see them again before their going; that they intended to have departed on the Sunday following, but he believ'd they would scarce set forth within a fort∣night.

I understood by a letter from Lyons dated Octob. 3. that the letters from Rome of September 8. said, that they went from thence two days before; that their Complices reported that they were high∣ly caress'd by the Pope, for their service to the Church, in purging it by their care from the new doctrines introduc'd into it; That M. Hallier had gotten a good Benefice, and his Holinesses no∣mination for the Bishoprick of Toul; and that his Collegues were enter'd in the Dataries grand Book for Benefices vacant within six Moneths.

There was a talk also of some Medals which his Holinsse presented to them as a testimony of his good will towards them. Concerning which I shall acknowledge it certain that the Pope's Medaller, in favour and upon occasion of the new Constituti∣on, made a new stampe in which the pourtrait of the Pope was on one side, and on the other a H. Spirit with this Devise about, Replevit or∣bem terrarum. But whether they receiv'd these

Medals from his Holiness's hand, or bought them of the Medaller, is a thing very uncertain, nor do the Letters written to me concerning the same, clear the doubt.

However, were it so or no, they set forth for France and travelled by the Country of the Gri∣sons. M. Hallier and M. Lagault came both sick to Coire, which is the chief City, in the beginning of October, and M. Lagault dy'd there in a very short time, for whom a service was perform'd as solemn as the place permitted; the City being wholly possess'd and govern'd by those of the P. Reformed Religion; only the Church and the Bi∣shops Palace and some few Houses which stand like a Cloister, wherein dwell all the Catholicks of ei∣ther sex, are built upon a Hill higher then the rest of the Town. There are Capucines there who perfume the services of the Church. One of them made a Funeral Oration in the ser∣vice of M. Lagault. He took those words of the Prophet Zachary for his Text, Ʋbi suut Patres Ve∣stri? From which he said, he would take occasion to treat of the state of souls separated from the body, not in general, but particularly of that of this Doctor, who truly deserv'd the name of Fa∣ther, because he had beee a Father to the poor by the Almes which he gave them, a Father to mise∣rable persons condemn'd to death by his charitable assistance of them in their sad extremity, and a Father of the Church too, as he had testify'd du∣ring his life, both by his learning, writing and o∣ther Talents, but especially in his last Legation to his Holiness, before whom he had defended the cause of the Church with such zeal, that he tri∣umpht over his enemies the Jansenists. He said, it was to be enquir'd in what place this Father might be; That there were but three into which Souls depart, Hell, Paradise, and Purgatory; that the soul of this Father was not to be sought in the first of these places, because he had not done the works which lead thither; that then it should be sought in Paradise, to which his good works had caus'd him to take the way. But considering that it was improbable, but that during his life he had committed some small venial sins, he must be concluded to be in Purgatory where he was a pu∣rifying, and from whence he exhorted every one to help to deliver him by their prayers.

His Hearse was cover'd with black cloth, round about which were Death's-heads painted in paper and fastned thereto, and on the top there was the figure of a heart painted red in paper likewise. He was interr'd in the Episcopal Church amongst the Canons, where he expects the Resurrection, which I pray God may be as happy to him, as I wish it through his mercy to my self.

M. Hallier's indisposition detain'd him some dayes longer at Coire; but M. Joysel continu'd his Journey towards Paris, with the rest of the Com∣pany that came with them to Coire.

They all pass'd by Geneva and came to Lions; and when M. Hallier was there, I was inform'd by a Letter, that he publisht such horrid calumnies there against me and my Collegues, but especially against me, that he who advertis'd me thereof, not daring to mention the same in his Letter to my self, refer'd me to another friend to whom he had written them. 'Twere to no purpose to extract them out of the Letters, for I have hitherto slight∣ed them, and am contented to have suffer'd as no∣torious calumnies from his own mouth in Decem∣ber last when he and I hapned to meet at the house of M. de Souvre Knight of the Kings Orders, and first Gentleman of his Chamber, to whom the next day I writ the following Letter.

Sir,

HAd M. Hallier been contented yesterday in the Discourse we had together in your presence, onely to have given me the injurious and offensive words which you heard he did, I should have already forgotten them, and had no displeasure left for his having been so unmind∣ful of the respect which is due to a person of your quality, and so much exceeding the bounds of the moderation requir'd in all the Actions and words of a man of his age and profession. Had he added to his injuries onely the several falshoods which he asserted with prodigious con∣fidence and affectation, I should have accounted him sufficiently punish'd by being convinc'd, as I convinc'd him of part of those falshoods, & by being urg'd, as I urg'd him divers times (though he would not hear it) to choose any of those facts about which we disagreed, to be discuss'd and prov'd before you, to the end that by what should be found true of that single one, it might appear what judgement was to be made of the rest, and which of us spoke with truth and good grounds. But the horridness of the calumny, which alone I resented as soon as he utter'd it, & told him I could not but challenge him either to prove or retract, or else to pass for a bold and insolent calumnia∣tour, seems to me so important and touches me so to the quick, that I cannot forbear to re∣new my resentments and complaints thereof to you by writing. It constrains me, Sir, to be∣seech you again most earnestly, to suffer me to press M. Hallier by the wayes of honour, either to come and justifie before you so black an accu∣sation as he had the boldness to charge upon me to my face, or else to disown it as spoken in heat and without good information; otherwise, in case he declines to satisfie this my just demand, he must remain in the opinion of your self and all persons who shall hear of this Affair, a per∣son convicted of calumny. Could it be suffer'd as the rest in silence, without prejudice to the e∣stimation of my inviolable fidelity to the Kings service, I should constrain my patience to the ut∣most, to bury it in oblivion. But since M. Hal∣lier hath reproacht me in your presence to my face of having disperst Libels at Rome against the King, he would take my silence for guiltinesse, if I should not resent this hainous accusation and urge him either to retract it or make it good. I have lately perceiv'd by most certain reports of what he hath spoken of me upon several occasi∣ons, that he is so incens'd against me, that I have reason to fear that he seeks to decry and mischief me by all wayes that he can. Nor can I doubt but that in a hundred places where I am not pre∣sent to defend my self, he makes the same dis∣courses which he dar'd to make before me in your

hearing, Sir, who might soon know by the long experience you have had of my deportment and ancient engagements to the Kings service, how little probability there is in this accusation. God grant the distrust I have of M. Hallier's evil de∣signes against me be as ill-grounded, and that his charity towards me, of which he gave you so ample a testimony at the beginning of our dis∣course, be true and solid; but the speeches which he hath utter'd concerning me since his ar∣rival at Paris, the leaven which remains in his heart ever since I went about, as he saith, to make him guilty of high Treason, by accusing him of having approv'd Sanctaret's book, and a design which perhaps he suspected I had at Rome, tending not so much to his advantage, have given me great grounds to conceive this distrust. Where∣fore, I hope, Sir, you will approve my pro∣ceeding in this case, and add this new favour to the many former for which I am oblig'd to you, that this business between M. Hallier and me may be clear'd before you, not so much in reference to my justification in your opinion (for I con∣ceive you are already perswaded of my integrity) as to prevent him from venting the like calum∣nies in other places against me: and I believe you will be ready to afford me the meanes to prove before all the world hereafter (if M. Hallier gives me occasion for it by continuing the like speeches) by the discussion of this fact, I am not only clear from all fault in this kind, but that he hath not the least ground to charge me with any.

But least such as may see this Letter hereafter, should imagine that there is some exaggeration in what I have spoken above in general of the other falshoods which M. Hallier vented before you, and I clearly refuted upon the place, because they see none particularis'd; give me leave to re∣mind you of half a dozen of the principal, of which this good Doctor was convicted. 1. He af∣firm'd as a certain thing, that we have had great intelligence, familiarity and conference with the Ministers of Geneva, and that he was inform'd hereof by the Deputy Syndic of the City; but I cut him short, by telling him, that we came not within three dayes Journey of the place, which I was ready to prove by the Messenger who con∣ducted us, and by the testimony of all the Innes at which we lodg'd upon the Road that we came. 2. He call'd me a seditious person; and to prove it, said, That I had rais'd sedition upon sedition, viz. by moving sedition in our Faculty, when I saw Paris in combustion with the Barricadoes. But to refute this, I alledg'd, that the day when I made my opposition to the violation of the Sta∣tutes of our Faculty (the pretended sedition wherewith he reproacht me) was the second of May 1648. and that the Barricadoes were not made till four Moneths after, to wit, the 26th of August following. 3. He contended most ob∣stinately, that the Faculties Censure of the first of April 1626 against Sanctarel, was revok'd by the Faculty: And I told him, I would put it to the trial, and undertake that he could not shew me any valid act of this Chimerical revocation, but on my part, I would produce this Censure in∣to the day newly extracted out of our Regi∣sters 4. To lessen the shame which he receiv'd by the opposition which was made to his Syndic∣ship, because he had given his approbation the same year to that pernicious Doctrine, which he also solemny approv'd again in your presence, Sir, declaring, that though he believ'd it false, he woule rather depart the Kingdom then sub∣scribe to the Censure which the Faculty had made of it, because it condemn'd the said doctrine of heresie, which he said had been suppos'd, fol∣low'd and practis'd by five general Councils: He affirm'd, that he had the whole Faculty for him, excepting seven young Doctors who oppos'd his Election. But I askt him, whether he accounted the Curé de S. Roch and M. Brousse young Do∣ctors; and I told him that the five others who oppos'd him, were as old as himself, that is to say, of the ancientest of the Faculty. 5. He said, he had right to send F. Mulard to Rome as De∣puty of the Faculty (though he added, that he did not send him) because, the Faculty had given him and three other Doctors power to prosecute the Affair before all sort of Tribunals. And I askt him whether the word quomodolibet, which they had slipt into the Faculties Conclusion, pur∣posely to countenance this pretended power af∣terwards, signify'd all sorts of Tribunals? And I averr'd, that in the Faculties deliberation, the question was never other then about joining in the appeal of the Irish to the Parliament, and that the Faculty had not the least thought of all sorts of Tribunals, much lesse of giving him power to send Deputies to Rome. 6. Lastly, Sir, Assoon as you were gone out of the Room, he complain'd in presence of M. de Sablonniere, and another per∣son who I believe was one of your Officers, that I sent you word in the Letters which I writ to you from Rome, that the Pope had repuls'd him, and that you told the King so; both which things as you know, are equally contrary to the Truth. All the other injuries and Discourse I pass over in silence, (though I penn'd an ample Relation thereof last night, to make use of when need shall be) both because the rest may be judg'd of by those which things I have here mention'd, & because I consider that I ought not to abuse the honour of the Audience which you give me, e∣specially since this Letter is only in order to my justification against the most considerable of the calumnies whereof I complain, in order to the clearing of which, I once more renew my humble Requests to you with as much instance as the dearnesse of my Reputation and my innocence require, with sentiments as full of sorrow and compassion for M. Hallier as his were violent a∣gainst me; and with as much respect to your person as my obligation is to be,

Sir,

Your most humble and obedient servant, De Saint-Amour.

December 16. 1651.

I sent this Letter to M. de Souvré the same day; but he not being at home, I sent it again the next, and the next after went my self to reiterate my

Request to him, that he would oblige M. Hallier to this Conference. He advis'd me to consider the Genius of the person with whom we had to deal, saying, that he was a heady man, with whom there was no pleasure to contend because there was no moderation in him. That therefore it was best to slight what he had said, and the rather for that all who heard it observ'd that he spoke crosly and perversly without reason or discretion.

M. de Mets came to see M. de Souvré whilst I was in this discourse with him, and as soon as he was enter'd, M. de Souvré said to him, I wish, Sir, you had been here two or three dayes ago instead of to day; You should have seen M. de Saint Amour at a contest with M. Hallier, who assaulted him with a hundred frivolous accusati∣ons; 'Twas a comfort and some sort of justifi∣cation to me, that all M. Hallier's unworthy dis∣courses had made no other impression then this. Yet I was troubled to hear this hainous Calum∣ny, which concern'd my respect and fidelity to the King; and therefore I renew'd my complaint of it to M. de Mets. But he had the goodnesse also to comfort me, and tell me that I was well enough known at Court from my infancy, and that none there would entertain the least suspici∣on against me for any of M. Hallier's reproaches. So that having the testimony of this Prince and of my own conscience in my favour, besides that of M. de Souvré, and the company who were with him at his House when I met M. Hallier there, I could not in reason but conform to their senti∣ments.

But M. Hallier was not the onely man from whom we suffer'd in this kind. There were o∣thers who strove to equal him, accusing us par∣ticularly of intelligence, and conformity of opi∣nions and designes with the Calvinist Ministers whom we had seen upon the way: Which Ca∣lumny became so common in sundry places of France, that two Doctors, my Friends, residing farre from Paris, writ to me upon the same day to clear my self of it; I answer'd their Letters with a sincere Account how things pass'd. And one of them was so satisfy'd therewith that he sent me this following.

Sir,

YOur Letters afford me as great contentment by the justification of your procedure with the Calvinists whom you met in your Voyage, as the calumny and imposture of your, or rather S. Augustin's Adversaries, had caus'd trouble and displeasure. They who have seen your Letter, are extreamly satisfy'd with it, not only for the plain narration of the Truth which is enough to stop the mouth of Calumny, but for the delight it affords in the description of your Voyage, and the several entertainments you had with the Hereticks. I am most pleas'd with the Christian moderation wherewith you treat your Calumniators. I pray God give them the like spirit of Charity, and preserve the same in you. 'Tis, in my opinion, the most effectual way to win them, and the best course to defend Truth against those who fight against it with more heat then knowledge.

I am,

Sir,

Your most humble and obedient servant Percheron.

From Auxerre December 9. 1653.

But to end this Work, I shall add no more but the newes which I receiv'd from Rome by the two last Posts in December, 1653. by Letters of the 22th. signify'd to me.

• 1. That F. Nolano was still in prison, though lately in a larger place, which gave more hope of him.
• 2. That M. Albizzi publisht, that the Pope would not so soon have made his Constitution, nor in the manner he did, if we had not insisted so much for a Contradictory Audience.
• 3. That 'twas held for certain, he would be made Cardinal at the first Promotion, and also F. Tartaglia, or he of Saint Laurence in Lucina.

The same person writ me these words by ano∣ther of the 29th.

F. Laurence the Augustin tells me, he heard one of the Consultors for the Five Propositions say; That neither he nor his Companions ever saw the Writings which you presented to his Holi∣linesse; that he knew not what they were. You see how this matter has been examin'd, though it be the most difficult and important in our Re∣ligion. Be not weary of defending the Truth; and though the men of the earth persecute you, yet the Kingdom of Heaven will not fail you.

Notes

• a 7.1

  This is a calumny, of which M. Gueffier was not the Author, but having heard it spoken, advertis'd me of it by a com∣mon friend.
• a 9.1

  F. du Louvigny's Conclusion.