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.

A visit to Cardinal d' Este, who gives me to understand, that it is not safe for me to tarry at Rome. My immo∣bility at it, with divers Visits con∣cerning the cause of my Return. Dis∣course with F. Annat.

I continued without stirring out of my Chamber till Saturday evening following (17 June) when being assur'd all my Equipage would be rea∣dy by the next morning, I went to salute Cardinal d' Este; to whom I conceiv'd I ow'd that respect in the first place, both for that there was at that time no Ambassadour at Rome, and because he was Protector of France, as also out of a design to make him mine as much as I could. I presented to him M. d' Angers's Letter sent to me for his Highness, and I acquainted him with the oc∣casion of my Return: He seem'd much surpris'd to see me in that Country, and that partly out of his affection for the Nation and my self, and part∣ly out of the danger which he saw I incurr'd: for he was present at the Assembly of the H. Office, in which I was spoken of before the Pope, and knew what had pass'd thereupon.

After he had read M. d' Angers's letter, and, as he was reading, consider'd what to say to me, he pro∣fess'd much affection and esteem for M^. d' Angers, and told me, he conceiv'd, I believ'd, he had some for me too; of either of which he could give no other assurance then by doing for me all that should lie in his power: But he asked me, whether I had well cons••der'd of the resolution which I took when I determin'd to come back, and that about such matters as these: He represented to me that I had spent the four or five months that I

was at Rome with honour and success: that the affairs for which I return'd thither, were very odious and apt to render all persons suspected that meddle therewith; but as for me in particular, for reasons he had, and could not declare to me, he de∣sired me to take it well that he told me, that there was no person less fit to meddle therewith then I: That to advise me as a friend, he conceiv'd himself oblig'd to advertise me that I must not appear a∣gain, but resolve to return back, and that with all speed.

Had I before understood the reason which mov'd Cardinal d' Este to speak in this manner, I should have been more surpris'd therewith then I was: yet I forbore not to testifie some astonishment to his Highness, because on the one side I was glad to find how far he would discover what had pass'd before the Pope; of which I still kept my self from seeming to have any light: And on the other, I was not at all willing to acquiesce in his counsel: For though I was sure of the affection, sincerity and generosity of him that gave it, yet I was also sure that he gave it me without having examin'd things to the bottom, and only considering my interest and safety: wherefore I told the Cardi∣nal that I had so great respect and yieldance to his sentiments, as to submit mine to them readily, were the affair occasioning my return particularly my own; but it concern'd the most illustrious Bi∣shops of France who intrusted me with it, and pro∣mising themselves from my submission to their Orders, that I would punctually follow them when I had receiv'd them, rely'd upon me therein without looking out any other person more capable of dis∣charging the same, as they would have done, had they not depended upon me, and therefore I could not fail in answering their expectation in a busi∣ness so important as they accounted this which they had committed to me. To shew him in what terms they had treated me, I drew out of my Poc∣ket the Letters which they writ to me: The Car∣dinal thereupon answer'd, That those Prelates in France did not so understand the state of things at Rome as they do who are there, and have a clearer insight into those affairs; that he would return M. d' Angers an answer, and would assure him, and desire him to assure all the other Bishops of my good will and forwardness, and that I had not de∣sisted execuing the Commission they gave me, but upon reasons to which it was impossible not to yield: I reply'd to the Cardinal, That I did not know those reasons; that he would oblige me in telling me them, if there were any, as I doubted not; but I could not imagine there were any pre∣valent enough to countenance such a desisting as his Highness spoke of; being convinc'd as I was of the importance of the affair intrusted to me: That besides I did not fear being blam'd for it at Rome, when it was once consider'd; being certain that the H. See is more interested therein then a∣ny, and that in the prosecution I was to make, the service of that is more concern'd then of the Pre∣lates who oblig'd me to return.

The Cardinal seeing me so firm, bid me do as I would; but he said, I had best take heed; That for his own part, he was convinc'd of the neces∣sity of the advice he gave me; That he exhorted me again as a friend to follow it, and before my de∣parture to speak with the Cardinals Spada and Bar∣berin; whom he believ'd well affected towards me; and to see what their Eminencies would say to me. I answer'd, that I would wait upon my LL. the Cardinals Spada and Barberin, but not in order to change my purpose; for were I so minded, it should be upon what his Highness had said to me: wherefore intending not to fail to present to his Holiness the Letters which my LL. the Bishops had sent to him, I beseecht his Highness to procure for me assoon as possible an audience for that end.

I perceiv'd for certain that my remaining so firm in my resolution, troubled the Cardinal d' Este; that he lookt upon me as one that was going to sacrifice himself, that he heartily wisht he could prevent the unhappiness I was ready to fall into; and that he conceiv'd (as he told me) that did I know what mov'd him to give me such counsel, I would take it of my self without needing any reason to perswade me of its necessity. But the Excommunication under penalty of which he was oblig'd to such religious secrecy as he us'd to the H. Office, made him rather consent to my unhappiness which he believ'd inevitable (not∣withstanding his affection to me) then to violate the same by telling me a word, though my deli∣verance depended thereupon. Wherefore he pro∣mis'd me that in case I met with the least difficul∣ty or delay of the audience which I desir'd to have of his Holiness, he would recommend me to some Officers in whom he had an interest, who should accelerate the same; but he said, he did not believe the recommendation necessary, considering the acquaintance I had lately by his mediation with those very Officers which t'was likely they had not yet forgotten. As for the Prelates who sign'd the Letters which I had to present, he askt me what number there was of them: I avoided telling him, by answering, that their Letters were seal'd, as indeed they were all at that time. And this I did, because I had not yet receiv'd them from all that were to send them: I hop'd they would arrive be∣fore I could obtain audience of the Pope; and I was willing their names should be all known toge∣ther, that so the first apprehension which would be had from their number, might not be disad∣vantageous to the business in a Country where I knew many things are measur'd by the outside and the show. At length I took my leave, more sa∣tisfied with this visit, in regard of the affection testified to me by this Cardinal, in his hearty en∣deavouring to perswade me from proceeding fur∣ther in this business, then he was with my resolu∣tion which I signified to him of driving it on to the utmost, in regard of the danger which his Highness believ'd I incur'd.

On the Sunday morning (June 18) I present∣ed my self in the Pope's Presence-Chamber in my Gown, Cap and Furr'd-hood, to have audience of him; I heard his Mass, and spent all the forenoon there; but audience there was none for me; Car∣dinal Gueva who took leave that day of his Holi∣ness to go to his Bishoprick in Spain, ingross'd it all. Also all the Jesuites Assistants waited for it, to give the Pope notice of the decease of the••r Ge∣neral who dy'd the day before. When I saw au∣dience desperate for me that day, I resolv'd to

return home to my lodging; yet I thought fit before my going, to accost and salute F. Annat. who was with all those other Assistants, and with whom I had contracted some slight acquaintance. I conceiv'd it fit to do so to that Father out of good manners and civility; and withal necessary too, to take from them all the thought of new In∣trigues against me, by letting them see (yet with∣out affectation) that I shew'd my self boldly, and had no fear, being sent as I was for a publick cause, and by persons so considerable in the Church. I told F. Annat. after my saluting him, that he did not think at my departure of seeing me so soon, nor I him: but I had been stop'd by the way, and oblig'd to return, to present the Pope a Letter from some Bishops of France, who know∣ing of my being in that Country, chose rather to charge me therewith, then to send some other person thither on purpose.

When he heard me speak of a Letter from Bishops, (they are the words of the Letter which I writ the next day touching the discourse I had with him) he appre∣hended that it was concerning the Five Proposi∣tions, and I did not at all dissemble it. He answer'd, That it was very well done, that both the one side and the other had recourse to the Oracle. He told me nothing could be more civil then what was desired by those who writ on the other side, (as I remember, he us'd these words, Who writ for us) namely a plain judgement, without speaking either Pro or Con. I reply'd, That they by whose Order I was return'd, desir'd not much more; to wit, That the Divines be first heard, for the distinguishing of the several senses of the Propositions, that so the censure may fall only upon that which is bad, and which all the world acknowledges such; but the Catholick sense may be safe, and exempted from the Censure; that so both sides having been heard, each may receive his Holines's judgement with respect, without stir, and without having cause to complain of not having been heard, and to make new Re∣monstrances, which would renew the Quarrel. He deemed all this just, and yet could not dissem∣ble the design they had of getting the Proposi∣tions condemn'd absolutely. For he added, that notwithstanding the Propositions were capable of a Catholick sense, yet if absolutely and in themselves, they have an Heretical sense, 'tis fit they be condemned in themselves. Without seem∣ing to take notice of his meaning, and to avoid disputing in that place, I only said, That the He∣retical sense ought to be absolutely condemned, and the Catholick absolutely sav'd; after which I took leave of him, and separated civilly.

In the afternoon I went to visit Cardinal Spada in the same habit which I wore in the morning in the Popes-Presence-Chamber. I told him that be∣ing at Genua upon the point to return into France, I receiv'd some Letters from my LL. the Bishops of that kingdom, which oblig'd me to come back to Rome to present one to the Pope which they had writen to his Holiness concerning an affair of high consequence; the effect of which they charg'd me to solicite with all the care and diligence it de∣ser'vd. That it was touching the Five Propositions contriv'd and fram'd in obscure, ambiguous, and equivocal words, so as to be capable of seve∣ral very contrary senses according to the different interpretations which may be put upon them. That some of those senses are evidently Hereti∣cal; others most certainly Catholick, and con∣taining the chief Truths of Faith and Christian Religion. That the Authors of those Propositi∣ons fram'd them in this manner, that so under pretext of those bad senses, they may get a down∣right absolute condemnation of them, and apply the same afterwards to the Catholick Senses and Orthodox Truths which they include. That they did thus because they are possess'd with Sentiments contrary to those Truths; and seeing the same so firmly establisht, that there is no likelyhood of impeaching them with success, should they openly declare against them, they had devis'd and fram'd those Propositions to overthrow the said Truths by involving them in one and the same con∣demnation with the errors contain'd in the said Propositions. That M. Cornet was the man that first broacht them, proposing them to the Facul∣ty almost two years ago to get them censur'd; but a great number of Doctors presently understand∣ing the Artifice, and discovering the dangerous consequences thereof, both to the publick by some Books publisht against that Attempt, and to the Court of Parliament by two Petitions which they were constrain'd to present for stopping its coutse; It incur'd the indignation of all sincere and equi∣table persons that heard of it, and was repress'd by an Arrest of the Court, which prohibited M. Cornet and all others to pursue it. That having miss'd of their design in the Faculty in the year 1649, M. Cornet and such as joyn'd with him, conceiv'd the Assembly of the Clergy held the year after, might be a favourable opportunity to revive it; because the Bishop of Vabres who was ingag'd therein with them, and was to be of the Assembly, might use such practices as were necessa∣ry for it with my Lords his brethren: But many of them which were also of the Assembly, having well understood the business, the memory of which was still fresh and abhorr'd; and M. de Vabres (ha∣ving apprehended, that if he made the least open∣ing of it, there would never be wanting some or other to represent to the Assembly, how great and fruitless a stir it caus'd the year preceding, how remote it was judg'd from sincerity and honour, and consequently how unworthy it would be of their company, and so his Proposal would certain∣ly have no effect;) he durst not attempt to make it. Wherefore the business having fail'd in the Faculty, and being not thought fit to be set afoot amongst the Clergy for fear of the same success, they resolv'd to venture it to the H. See, con∣ceiving all the particularities of its odiousness would not be represented there, and that no per∣son would set forth to his Holiness what a plot there was upon him to engage the Apostolical Authority in a Censure intended to serve for the upholding of error. That they were the more confident of drawing the H. See to such a Deter∣mination (though it cannot but be shameful to it in the end, and beget confusion and greater Dis∣putes in the Church, which yet is the only refuge they have in the miserable cause wherein they are ingaged;) for that they presume the H. See not having any suspition or distrust of those whic••

sollicite it, being persons who have ever professed a singular devotion to its interests and service. But this, as I conceiv'd, would cause in the Pope and their Eminences, greater indignation against the Enterprise, when they should find that its Authors made use of that outside false zeal for the H. See, to circumvent it and bring it more easily into the Ambushes which they have prepared against it. That they cover'd the same with the authority of some Bishops which they have inveigled therein∣to by sundry plausible motives and specious consi∣derations fitted to every one's gust, thereby en∣gaging each of them to subscribe a Letter address'd to the Pope for his Holiness's judgment upon the Propositions. That the fear of those by whose or∣der I was return'd lest this authority and recom∣mendation of their Brethern should prevail upon the Pope's mind, and lest the promoters of this Enterprise should abuse their Letter against their intentions, induc'd them to write another to his Holiness, by which they advertise him of the pre∣judicial consequences likely to insue upon his De∣cision, in case he make it before fully examining all the circumstances of the business, and throughly searching the bottom of the matter in question. Which they conceiving not to be done but in a so∣lemn Congregation, in which all the Divines divi∣ded about these matters may be heard both vivâ voce and by writing, in presence of either side, to represent all their reasons and answer those of their Adversaries; their just care to prevent the troubles likely to arise in the Church, and their affection for the service and interests of the H. See, hath mov'd them to beseech the Pope to erect and establish such a Congregation. That they hop'd this Request would be well-pleasing to his Holinesse, because without such a Congregation it is not possi∣ble either to settle a firme peace amongst the Catho∣lick Divines (whose concord is so necessary to the Edification of the whole Church) or to clear and maintain Truth, the defending and supporting of which are the prime duties and most essential ob∣ligations of the H. See, or to preserve the respect due to its Decrees, the authoriry of which ought to be render'd inviolable by using all circumspecti∣on and diligence possible in the making thereof.

I added that what I represented to his Eminence, was more largely and clearly set forth in the Let∣ters which I had to deliver to the Pope from my LL. the Bishops who oblig'd me to return; and moreover because it was requisite to adde many things by word of mouth for the more ample dedu∣cing both to his Holinesse and their Eminences, all the particulars and considerations fit to be repre∣sented in so great and important an affair, one man being not sufficient to performe the same fully and perfectly; they would likewise send at Autumne following some Doctors or other Divines, that so nothing might be omitted which they conceiv'd they owe to the H. See and the Church in this occa∣sion. That nevertheless in the mean time their fear lest this affair might be too much hastned at Rome, before the arrival of those whom they intended to send thither, and lest his Holiness not being ad∣vertis'd of the danger there is in decreeing any thing in it before it be throughly examin'd, might grant some Decree upon the Instances made to him for it; understanding that I was still in those parts, and accustom'd to the heats which are oftimes so prejudicial to new-commers, they oblig'd me to come and give him this first advertis∣ment thereof.

I deliver'd the Cardinal a Letter written particu∣larly to himself, by M. d' Angers in recommen∣dation of me to him and of the affair which I was to follow; and I beseecht him to countenance the prosecutions I should use, with his Authority; and to believe that next the service of God, of Truth and of the Church, which principally induc'd me to return to Rome in obedience to persons of so Eminent worth and dignity who oblig'd me there∣to (notwithstanding my particular desire and inte∣rest to go home into France) I became ingaged to do so by the affection which I have for the service of the H. See, which his Eminence would at length find more concern'd in this affair then any other.

I found a great difference (as indeed there was reason) between Cardinal Spada's deportment in this visite, and in another which I made to him of civility in the Lent preceding; for he was as reser∣ved in this, as he was communicative in the for∣mer; he heard all that I said to him (just as I have since experienc'd to be the usual way in Ita∣ly in all audiences) with great silence, attention and gravity. He receiv'd the Letters which I had for him; and after signifying some testimonies of his esteem of the Bishops of France, and particu∣larly of him whose Letter I presented, he told me, He hop'd the Pope would not fail to take such course in this affair as was necessary for its succeed∣ing to the honour of God and his Church; to which end, for his own part, should his Holi∣ness employ him in it, he should contribute his ut∣most care and endeavor.

I arose up from the chair set for me at my en∣trance right against that of his Eminence, in or∣der to depart, and himself arose also to conduct me; which he did from the chamber wherein he receiv'd me till we came into the Dining room, where he left me; although between it and his chamber, there were two Anti-chambers to passe through. When he had quitted me, I was salu∣ted by some of his Court who accompany'd me to the doore. This I take notice of, not as an ex∣traordinary thing, but to intimate to such as know it not, in what manner these audiences use to be given; it being very civil and convenient; for the Visitant is receiv'd alone, and hath time to de∣duce at length and at his pleasure what he mindeth to represent.

At my departing from Cardinal Spada, I went to wait upon Cardinal Barberin, and I was likewise so fortunate as to find him at his Palace, and to declare my mind to him as much as I desir'd the same day. I shall not recite here or elsewhere what I then said to his Eminence touching my re∣turn. For in all the visites which I made to speak of this busines, it was nothing but a continual re∣petition (sometimes amplifi'd more or lesse accord∣ing to occasion) both of I what I said to Cardi∣nal Spada and of what I have formerly related to have been done ar Paris and at Rome about the Propositions. And as for what pass'd at Rome, sometimes I met with people, who hearing me speak thereof, and thereby conceiving me better inform'd then indeed I was, not onely confirmed

to me what I knew before, but also instructed me in some particulars of which I was ignorant; by which means I came to understand things so well as not to fear to assure the Pope even in Pa∣pers signed with our hands, of the truth of all those which I have above related.

But to return to Cardinal Barberin, I told him all that I had said to Cardinal Spada, though not altogether in the same order and without interrup∣tion. For the great familiarity wherewith Cardi∣nal Barberin us'd me in all the entertainments which I had with him during my residence at Rome the foregoing winter, and his more exact know∣ledge of all the things and persons of whom I spoke, caus'd him sometimes to interpose answers and interrogations to me concerning what I said; I was oblig'd to continue my discourse according to the matter and leisure which he afforded me; but I constantly resum'd the series of my affair, and omit∣ted nothing at all in giving him account of what I had said to Cardinal Spada.

Besides which, I spoke something concerning an∣other business, namely about the Houres, touch∣ing which I formerly had some discourse with him; and they were now recommended to me by the Bi∣shop of Angers to take care of, and maintain and justify as much as I could against the prosecu∣tions and accusations which he understood were made against them. Cardinal Barberin answer'd that it was a long while since he heard any speech of them; that he conceiv'd, they were thought of no more; that the Bishop of Angers had re∣commended them to him by a Letter which he receiv'd from him some dayes ago; and that he hop'd the answer which he intended to return thererunto the next day would give M. d' Angers content. I do not at present remember the parti∣culars thereof which he was pleas'd to impart to me, nor can I find what I then writ down in my Notes; but I remember that according to what his Eminence then said, I Judg'd the Houres out of danger and wholly secure from calumny.