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.

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.