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. X.

That the Haereo fateor is that which hath render'd Jansenius so odious at Rome. Several Declarations of Cardinal Barberini that the Bull of Urban VIII. is only provisional, and reacheth not the grounds of Jansenius's Doctrine. The Zeal of the Generals of the Dominicans and of the Augustines, in behalf of S. Augustin mix'd with fear of giving dissatisfaction thereby.

IF it be true, as the abovemention'd Letters af∣firme together with many learned and judi∣cious persons who have carefully read Jansenius's book, that he holdeth no other doctrine but that of Effectual Grace which is wholly S. Augustin's, and which (as we shall see in the sequel) hath alwayes been in general approbation and esteem at Rome; there is no little ground of wonder, how it could come passe that his name and his opinions have become so odious and suspected by the Romans. I observ'd about this time one of the capital causes thereof, if not the onely one; namely That place of his book where objecting to himself against S. Augustin's doctrine the Bulls of Pius V. and Gregory XIII. he answers that truly he is surpris'd at those Bulls, Haereo fateor; and that on the other side he seeth not what can be reply'd to S. Augustin's doctrine which hath been so often approved by the H. See. This doubt and seeming combat in which he pla∣ceth on one side the Bulls of these two Popes, and on the other the doctrine of S. Augustin so often approv'd by the H. See, (though he really accords and reconciles together those Bulls and this Doctrine sufficiently, and with a very particu∣lar respect towards the H. See) hath given so great advantages to the Jesuites against him and his book; that it not onely facilitates any meanes which they will use to make him lookt upon as a declar'd enemy of the H. See by persons pre∣posses'd with the false zeal of those Fathers, but also they have thereby render'd him suspected by others, whom I found very intelligent, judicious, equitable, and likewise well affected towards this Prelate in all other things; so that expres∣sing their dislike of this point alone they have testifi'd their sorrow that he expos'd himself to this disadvantage; so powerfull is the conceipt of the Pope's infallibility over the minds of the Ro∣mans, and so heynous a crime and mortal offence in their eyes is every thing that grates upon it more or lesse. But having seen how admirably the said Bishop is clear'd from it by Aurelius Avitus in the 22. Dissonance of his Molinomachie which was lent me by a Cardinal to whom it was sent by the Post; I as often wish'd I could dispel those suspicions and dislkes entertain'd at Rome, against that place of Jansenius's book as I heard it spoken of, which was very frequently: but this was a work reserved for others. The Prejudices here∣upon were so great and strong, that should I have said all I could in Apology for the Bishop of Ipre touching this matter, I should rather have made my self criminal then justifi'd him. And indeed 'twas a thing I abstain'd from the more willingly and necessarily for that not being at Rome for that purpose, nor otherwise engag'd in any thing that had affinity therewith, I contented my self with speaking of those which were recom∣mended to me, or fell into discourse according as the visites I hapned to make permitted.

I made one to Cardinal Barberin on 27th. of January, in which he spoke among other things something largly of the great services which S. Ber∣nard did to the H. See, and the ardent affection wherewith he was always animated towards it. I ac∣knowledg'd to the Cardinal the truth of those commendations, and withal beseech'd him to ob∣serve that that affection having been the primum mobile which set a going all his other motions and actions in behalf of the H. See, he used a notable liberty and franknesse towards the same H. See, when he saw himself oblig'd to admo∣nish the Popes that fill'd it, of such things as might give cause to complain of their govern∣ment and Decrees. I added also that all such as are zealous for the service of the H. See, ought to testifie the same cheifly in such occasions, where∣in its interest lyes so much, in understanding the things in which it hath been or may be surpri∣sed; That the Popes themselves for remedying mischiefs possible to arise from surprises have or∣dain'd in the Cannon Law C. 5. de rescriptis, that their Decrees be not yeilded unto when there is difficulty in them, but that the same be re∣presented to themselves, to the end they may use such order and remedy therein as is necessary. The Cardinal profess'd to like this discourse, and confirm'd it by a decision or Maxime which he said is follow'd in the Rota. Yet he added that the books of S. Bernard De Consideratione are not those of his works which are most in esteem at Rome, having sometimes been in danger of being, if not condemned, at least suppress'd or retrench'd; which possibly might have been done, had it not been for the consideration of his eminent Sanctity.

I gave him another visite on the 17. of Fe∣bruary, and left with him the Observations made upon M. de Ʋabres's Letter which he sent me back after two dayes seal'd, having read and

made his extract out of the same. Ten dayes after I gave him another, he then professed to me that he approv'd those observations, but made more account of the Reflections upon the Censure of the Catechisme. He said also that himself was made to speak well therein (that is to say, that he was well pleas'd whith what was there related of him) but that the Letter of M. Albizzi which is produc'd there, and the other things spoken of that Assessor troubled him; and his Eminence gave me to understand that they were mutually concern'd for one another, and reputed the offence done to one of their Officers as done to their proper persons. To which I an∣swer'd that no doubt it was with unwillingness that M. Albizzi was reflected upon; and that it had not been done if he had not given ground for it, and the writer conceiv'd himself constrain∣ed so to do.

Happing to be in the company of the same Cardinal in the beginning of March, he told me plainly enough that when themselves or their officers are not treated with the respect which they think their due, they are apt to become rigid and suspicious, and to find fault with many things of which otherwise they should take no great notice, &c. That it behooved so to order the matter in the present case as not di∣rectly to thwart Decisions, and amongst others the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. of happy memory; but to shew that what the Adversaries pretend to be contained therein, is not there indeed; and that the same is to be understood with this or that restriction, &c. That it is fit to allow some∣thing to Popes great incumbrances which hinder them from being so exact in every point, &c. To which I answer'd two things. First that some∣times there is no way to deny the words which are expresse therein, nor to admit the same but by alledging a surprise. Secondly, That S. Au∣gustin's disciples are full of great love and sincere respect towards the H. See and the Popes. That I doubted not but that they are alwayes ready to interpret their meanings and words in the most benigne sense that is possible. That if his eminence would think thereon, and give me light of a fit expedient how to put a favorable exposition upon that Bull at Rome, I doubted not but it would be accepted most willingly by all the disciples of S. Augustin, provided it be not prejudicial to truth, which with them is absolutely inviolable.

Our discourse of this businesse pass'd so far, and the Cardinal profess'd himself so satisfi'd there∣with, that I believ'd he would think in good earnest of procuring a clear declaration from the H. See of the motives and extent of the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. which he had explicated to me before on several oc∣casions; and also (of making use of my mediati∣on to bring it about that they who found diffi∣culties therein (with whom he conceiv'd I had some commerce) might acquiesce in the extent, and with the Glosses and passable conditions with which he told me the said Bull was made, and which might be express'd in such Declaration. Which was certainly a thought worthy so great and renown'd a Cardinal, as well for the honour of the memory of Ʋrban VIII. his Uncle and the execution of his intentions, as for avoiding pro∣vocation to wrath (according to the Scripture expression) by the continuance of an obscurity and a studied silence, of the most humble chil∣dren of the Catholick Church most zealous for her and the Holy See, and very capable of serving both against their common ene∣mies.

I remember I accounted it a thing resolv'd up∣on by the Cardinal, and so fully conceiv'd that he having undertaken it, the accomplishment must needs follow, and they who profess'd some repugnance to the said Bull being (as I was con∣fident) very ready to imbrace all overtures of peace compatible with the preservation of truth; that at my return from a smal journey taken with the abovementioned Gentleman to Civita Vecchia, the Alum mines, and Caprarola, finding a Citation fix'd up against M. Hersent, in which I observ'd such words as might exasperate minds affected to S. Augustin, I went speedily to the said Car∣dinal to make my complaint thereof to him, and testifie my grief in seeing this new obstacle to the design which he had profess'd of bringing matters to a safe and permanent reconciliation by giving a favorable interpretation to the said Bull. Now this Citation was decreed in the names of the Cardinals, Roma, la Cueva, Spada, Ginetti, S. Clement, Panzirolo, Lugo, Colonna, d' Este, and likewise in the name of Cardinal Barberin; and it mention'd the Doctrine of Jansenius, and of that whereof M. Hersent desir'd the Pope's protection (which is no other then that of S. Augustin) as a doctrine purely and simply con∣demn'd; although as for that of S. Augustin all the world acknowledg'd it at Rome, as a doctrine confirm'd and approv'd by the general consent of the Church in all Ages; and although, as for that of Jansenius, Cardinal Barberin had often told me, that such as it was, it remain'd still in its integrity, and had receiv'd no blow from the Bull of his Uncle. But this Citation which was likely to be carried everywhere to the remotest Provinces, and which gave a suffici∣ently plausible ground to all the enemies of S. Augustin and Jansenius to speak otherwise of the said Bull, gave also occasion to such as were concern'd for either or both, to become aliena∣ted and exasperated; and brought into dispute the honour of the H. See from whence it was lookt upon as proceeding, bearing the names and seals of their Eminences, the most considerable mem∣bers officers and supports thereof.

The Cardinall seem'd astonisht at what I said to him, and answer'd me that he would consi∣der the matter and advertise the aforesaid per∣sons thereof; That he remembred that he signed some thing, but it was without having had any hand in the businesse: That he had been in the Coun∣try the week before, and indisposed this; that all these things were transacted by the Office of the Rota which inserts in these kind of Instru∣ments what seemed good to them, and always interprets things to the worst. After which he proceeded to speak again of the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. and told me that we ought to handle the same tenderly and not thwart it so directly; because that this and others the like were set

forth, and are to be understood, supposing that the books in question contain really the Proposi∣tions of which they are accus'd; which being matter of fact, the Popes may be surpris'd and deceiv'd therein: And that in case such Books do not contain the Propositions imputed to them, condemnations (or rather, prohibitions) as he told me do not touch them nor lay any blot or prejudice upon them. And as for that of Jan∣senius in particular, he added that the Bull of Ʋr∣ban VIII. doth not condemn but only forbid it upon the report made thereof to his Holinesse. I testifi'd that I was very glad to learn from his Eminence the interpretation and extent which ought to be given to those Decrees and Bulls; but I told him that the Jesuites and their Adhe∣rents did not understand the same in this man∣ner, nor confine them within these bounds. The Cardinal reply'd that herein we ought to be firme and hold them to it. I answer'd that that course was taken and is still endevor'd to the utmost; but his Eminence might extinguish many contests of no fruit nor edefication, if in stead of leaving Divines to wrangle among themselves about such punctilio's he would procure some Decree or Bull from the H. See, wherein were made such an open and sincere declaration and explication of those hitherto set forth, as his Eminence did now make to me. But I could not urge this matter further; and the Cardinal have∣ing caused me to return to what I have above re∣lated of the visite given to the Nuntio by the Archbishop of Ambrun and the other Prelates, and to what had pass'd in the University touch∣ching the Irish, he told me that it were good that the Pope had alwayes about him two or three persons of France, and as many of Spaine, to informe his Holinesse of the things which pass'd in those remote countries touching doctrine. I an∣swer'd him that it would be very good; but that besides the difficulties which occurre herein, their manner of handling affairs in secret and covertly much discourag'd those that desir'd to send or come thither. He reply'd that it was the order which was exactly observ'd amongst them, not to reveale any thing of the affaires which they handle daily; but that in those which then divided mens minds, and whereof we had so often dis∣cours'd, nothing could be done publickly with∣out reciprocal communication, and a Con∣gregation established on purpose for that cause.

I had the honour to see Cardinal Barberin the Saterday before this conference, and to accompany him to the Celestines to a Thesis of Divinity de∣dicated to him on Saturday 19. March 1651. The Thesis amongst others was upon the matter of Grace and Predestination to Glory, which was defended there as done gratuitously and effectu∣ally before the Prevision of Merits: of which point that of effectual Grace and all the other Christi∣an Truths maintain'd by us in the Five Propositions, being clear and infallible consequences, I this day took this occasion to make to his Eminence a short reduction thereof to grace effectual by it self, the sole thing for whose defense and esta∣blishment we were engag'd, in exclusion of suf∣ficient Grace subject to Free-will. The Cardi∣nal profess'd himself satisfied with the reduction and declaration, and told me that he conceiv'd that this was the way to bring affairs to a speedy issue.

I remembred that at my departure from him when I shew'd his Eminence the Letter of M. de Valence, I went to see Lucas Holstenius, and shew'd the same also to him. He esteem'd it so good and so judicious and withal so sutable to the inclinations which he had observ'd in the Pope in a familiar conference which he had with his Holinesse for a whole houre about these mat∣ters, that he desired me to translate it into Ita∣lian, and give him a Copy of it to shew the Pope, thereby to confirm him in the resolution which he had profess'd to have, of hastening and ha∣zarding nothing in their contests. The sub∣jects of these discourse was this; the Pope open∣ing himself to him concerning the trouble he re∣ceiv'd by continual sollicitations from France to make some decision of these matters which he understood not, and to the study of which he had never apply'd himself, M. Holstenius answer∣ed that his Holinesse would do well not to be∣gin at that age to put himself to the trouble of understanding, and much lesse of deciding them; because that they were of themselves very diffi∣cult to comprehend, that they had not onely mov'd great disputes in all Ages of the Church amongst the faithfull since the birth of Jesus Christ, but also had divided all the greatest Phi∣losophers of old in the difficulty they found of conciliating the Freedome of Man with the most clear and infallible knowledge which God hath of future things, and with the most immutable resolution of his eternal Decrees; some of them sticking to these opinions, and others to other, as men do also now adayes and will do as long as there be men in the world. Wherefore being no Decision can be made of these points which is likely to satisfy them, his Holinesse should do better not to think of making any, nor trouble himself about it, but let things slide along as they do till they become calme of themselves, as no doubt they would do, when either side or both become weary of disputing and of indevour∣ing to perswade their Adversaries to their opi∣nions. This was so well lik'd by the Pope, that he congratulated with M. Holstenius for the in∣timation which he gave him thereof, and told him that he would beware of proceeding after any other manner then according to this advice of his.

About the same time a person of honor came to visite me, and told me he had been two dayes before with the Master of the sacred Palace; and that this pious Ecclesiastick had spoken to him with great resentment for the principles of S. Augustin explicated by the Bishop of Ipre, and with a holy abhorrence of the persecution which they suffer'd, promising on his part to retard and obstruct to his power the evil designs which he found were in agitation against those Holy Maxims, and such as defended them; but that he was troubled that we acted so little on our patt for the information of people at Rome, and that whilst we wholly deserted the Field of Battle to our Adversaries, it was no wonder if they

prevail'd as much as they pleas'd.

I thought fit also to go and advertise the Ge∣neral of the Augustines of the Citation fix'd up against M. Hersent, and of the danger there was lest the Jesuites should make use of it in the remote Provinces, as a new Proof that S. Augu∣stin's doctrine was lookt upon and dealt with at Rome as a condemn'd doctrine: I in∣timated to him that the more he dissembled the outrages daily offer'd to the doctrine and authority of that great Saint, the lesse easie it would be to remedy the same. He assent∣ed to what I said, but propounded to me to make the complaints which I suggested to him: of which I making such excuses as he lik'd, and he ac∣knowledging that himself might intermeddle therein with more reason, security, and successe then I, he lift up his eyes and his shoulders, and striking his hands upon the arms of his chair, express'd his grief and his thoughts with these words, which he utter'd twice, Non si può par∣lar, non si può parlar; There is no speaking, there is no liberty to speak. To which I answering, That it was time now to do it, or never would be; (to the end he might consider what course were best to take) I left him a Copy of M. Hersent's Citation, Epistle and Sermon. He accepted the same willingly, but withall askt me what he should answer in case it were demanded from whom he had them. I answer'd, that it was not fit to name me; which he promis'd me not to do. This I observe, to shew what restraint they are under at Rome in reference to these matters; since a man of his quality fear'd being ask'd and oblig'd to declare from whom he had receiv'd such publick pieces, which might have been found in every body's hands. Moreover he signify'd to me what just fear he had to make remonstrances so necessary and well-becomming him, by the example of a Cardinal who (he said) offering to make the like a little while ago about these matters, had fallen into great disgust and mortification for so doing.