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. 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 2.1 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 4.1 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.

Notes

• a 2.1

  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 4.1

  F. du Louvigny's Conclusion.