THis assertion will easily be manifested by the bare narration of the affair. Notice is given to the Rector, of Assemblies held in the Colledges of the University for making new Declarations about points of doctrine; and particularly of one held at the Chamber of M. Nicholas Poerus. The Rector sends the grand Bedle of the Nation of France thi∣ther, to forbid such assembling and declaring. They dissolve, yet afterwise sign their Declaration con∣trary to the said expresse prohibition. The Rector is inform'd of this, and a copy of the Declaration brought to him. All this while he remaines very pa∣tient, and is lo••h to use all his authority, so long as he conceives more gentle wayes may serve. In this spi∣rit of moderation and prudence, he sends for the Irish to inquire the truth; in which work he spends almost a whole moneth. He acquaints the cheif of the University with the business, who all agree to check the enterprise and punish this disobedience. At the ordinary Assembly of the University the Irish are interrogated, their depositions writ down: and four or five hours spent in consultation about them. At length after an exact discussion of the affair, all the Deans and Proctors are of advice to make an ex∣emplary Decree. In all which proceeding what can the most severe Censors find to reprehend?
They who complain that an affair of this conse∣quence is determind in one single assembly, consider not that the Rector was a month in preparing it, and the depositions were all heard, that the fact was evi∣dent, as well as the dangerous consequence of it.
But 'twill be said that the Irish submitted to what the University should ordain in reference to their action, and why then should they be punish'd with such severity? These Objectors may be answer'd that 'twas in the power of the Irish to free them∣selves from this pretended severity, after they had receiv'd the judgment of it. For being obligd there∣by only to revoke their signatures, and no punish∣ment inflcted but in case of refusal, let them ac∣quit themselves of their promises, and they are sub∣ject to no penalty. Now this comminatory punish∣ment was only to engage them to performance of their word; and thence forward they could not break it without doubly meriting punishment both for dis∣obeying the lawes of the University and violating their promise. But the truth is, they did not submit as they promis'd; but instead thereof recurr'd to the Parliament and the Faculty.