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. V.

Of the Visites which we made during the first dayes of March, as well to the sacred Colledge, as to the Con∣sultors and Qualificators who are u∣sually employ'd at Rome in matters of Doctrine.

I Learnt on the first day of March a very re∣markable thing, namely that before the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. Cardinal Barberin himself took the paines to make sundry accusations against the book of Jansenius in the Assembly of the H. Of∣fice, and that his Eminence caus'd it to be brought thither on divers occasions to shew that assem∣bly the erroneous opinions whereof he accus'd it: That one time amongst the rest he accused him for having written that Original sin was the sole cause of the damnation of the reprobate, as if it were the only cause, and actual sins contribu∣ted nothing at all thereunto. But that it always hapned that it was evinc'd to his Eminence by ex∣amination of the places which he cited, that the Memoires deliver'd to him against that book were not well grounded, and that in this point parti∣cularly they were without any appearance; since, as Cardinal S. Clement, who was then but Ma∣ster of the sacred Palace, shew'd in a full assem∣bly, that Bishop expresly saith that actual sin is the radical cause thereof, causa radicalis damnati∣onis; which is very true. Whereupon during some time, that book was no more spoken of in the said Congregation; but a little after, when it was least thought of, the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. decreed against the same book was publisht.

In the afternoon we visited Cardinal Giori, to whom we had scarce begun to speak, but one came to advertise him that the Pope was going to S. Peter's Church, whither he was oblig'd to repair to receive his Holinesse; and so we were constrain'd to take leave of him without further communication. My companions and I went to visite F. Modeste, who made as if he were igno∣rant of our affair and of the Five Propositions, though I had formerly acquainted him therewith whilst I was at Rome alone. He gave us but ge∣neral and popular answers, concerning the di∣versity of Hereticks with whom S. Augustin had to deal, and said that the vehemence wherewith he opposed them making him sometimes speak with Exaggeration, all his sayings were not to be lookt upon as if they were Scriptures. He said also that the Pope was not oblig'd to hear the Parties, in order to making of a Decision. To which we answer'd, that at least it suted with his prudence and his justice when it was requested as it was by us in the name of persons whose worth and quality gave them right and authority so to do. Having continu'd with him till one a clock in the night we departed.

On Saturday we visited Cardinal Ghiggi, who receiv'd us standing, and excus'd himself that the day being then Post-day made him in hast. He spoke of his Promotion with great sentiments of piety and modesty. He told us that he did not de∣serve that dignity, nor had he sought it; that he follow'd the Maxime of the Bishop of Geneva, To aske nothing, To refuse nothing, and To complain of nothing. On which occasion he told us that he always wore upon his breast a Meddal, on the one side of which was the Pourtrait of that great Bishop, and on the other that of S. Augustin. Touching our affair, he said that it was best to de∣liver Propositions very clear and exact; and that sometimes great stirre and opposition about a businesse occasions the establishing of what we would overthrow; for which he cited the same verses of Horace, Ventus ut amittit vires, &c. which he had done formerly in a letter to M. Da∣quin Doctor of Physick at Paris, who sent him the book Of Frequent Communion during his Nun∣tiature i•• Germany, upon occasion of the com∣plaints and Writings which the Adversaries of that Excellent book publisht against it, as M. Brous∣se remembred him when he utter'd them in this audience. I shall repete them here with four or five of the preceding lines of that Letter. Ego sanè non video quid contra librum de Frequenti Com∣munione scribere sit opus, cùm in eo adeò attempera∣ta videantur ea dogmata quae affert, ut nihil in eis peccatum dicas. Tota nam{que} moles difficultatis ad praxim devolvitur, in qua quidem non tam facile est praescribere leges, cum unica auricularis secreta confessio examen sit quo ad actum deducitur tota in∣structio, & in ea confessione servatur maximum om∣nium arcanorum. Spreta obsolescunt, si irascaris, agnita videntur, dicebat ille; dum aliàs,

Ventus ut amittit vires, nisi robore densae Occurrunt Sylvae, spatio diffusus inani; Ʋt{que} perit magnus nullis obstantibus ignis, Sic hostes mihi deesse nocet —

Leaving Cardinal Ghiggi we went to visit Car∣dinal Cechini, who caus'd seats to be set for us round the Table where he was, and after he had heard M. Brousse's discourse, he answer'd us, that if he receiv'd any commands from his Holiness as to this matter, he would acquit himself thereof pun∣ctually.

On Sunday the third, the Abbot of Valcroissant and I visited Cardinal Ʋrsin▪ before his going to Chapel, whither we accompanied him. After Cha∣pel we went all together to see Cardinal Cornaro, who was standing and uncover'd all the while we were speaking to him, which we did largely enough. Mention was made of one of the causes which cau∣sed Paul V. to suspend his Bull against Molina, namely the banishment of the Jesuites by the Com∣monwealth of Venice, which happening upon occa∣sion of his Interdict, when he was upon the point to publish his Bull, he was willing to spare them that second mortification, in hope that without it they might of themselves return to Orthodox sen∣timents, from which all that had pass'd in those mat∣ters, ought to have convinc'd them that they were gone farr astray.

In the afternoon we visited Cardinal Ginetti, to whom we gave an account of our audience with the Pope, particularly of the falsities and calumnies of which we complain'd, and of F. Annat's book which was printing. Touching the former, He acknowledg'd that I had never spoken to himself but in the name of the Bishops, and that F. Mulard had address'd to him as the Faculties Deputy, and touching the book, that we should do well to speak about it to the other Cardinals of the Holy Office. We reply'd, that we intended it, though we were no further concern'd, then that the name of his Holinesse or their Eminences might not be engag'd in it; that we had spoken first to him, partly be∣cause of the singular benevolence which he had te∣stify'd to us, and partly in regard of a particular authority which we knew he had as to the printing of books.

We visited Cardinal Lomellino next, whom we entertain'd very familiarly; He answer'd us, that his various employments had much diverted him from the study of those matters; and thought he had been always oblig'd to apply himself there∣unto, yet conceiving himself more oblig'd by his new dignity of Cardinal, he should willingly do it. Whereunto we excited him by the satisfa∣ction which we told him he would receive in it.

After which I went alone to carry Card. Roma a copy of our Memorial against F. Annat's book. The Cardinal told me it was not the intention of their Congregation to give F. Annat permission to write of the matter de Auxiliis. I answer'd, that never∣thelesse his book was upon that subject; but we were not much troubled at that; and if he pleas'd to cause the Printer to give us a Copy of what was already printed, we would deliver his Eminence such observations thereupon as should shew that it was not our own interest that induc'd us to obstruct the publishing of it, but the sole consideration of the H. See, which the Jesuites would proclaim to have authoris'd the pernicious sentiments of that Libel.

I learnt the same day that the Consultors and Qualificators which were to have met last week, did not assemble; the cause of which was the sub∣tilty of one of the principal and best meaning men, who alledg'd that he could not yet meet anywhere to consult of these matters till he had employ'd more time in studying them. And he said this, to the end the rest might follow his example, and not be asham'd to say and do the same.

The same friend that gave me this intelligence, counsell'd me to take some care to inform one of the Consultors whom he nam'd, and who deserv'd it, both because he needed it, and because he was a well-meaning and treatable man. But I answe∣red, I could not do it, because we had no Order to inform any person in private and secretly, and all that was done in this manner was suspected by us and little troubled us: That we must first see the Congregation which we desir'd of the Pope, well open and well setled, before we resolv'd upon in∣forming any one. This done, we would take all possible care and necessary pains to inform every one both in private and in publick; but till th•• were done, we could proceed no otherwise then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had done hitherto, namely to make known to all such as were concern'd for the interests of the H. See, Consultors and others, with what malicious subtilty they who fram'd those Propositions en∣deavor'd to circumvent it. That yet I did not re∣fuse to give in a friendly way, but not as to a Judge, such light as an honest man could desire in the things which I knew, and he was willing to understand; which office, provided it were thus receiv'd, I should not decline to do, though it were to a Consultor; (although lesse willingly to such then to another) but withall in such a way, that all I said to him should in no wise passe for an Instruction upon the grounds of the Propositions, which requir'd greater study and attention, and much other solemnity. My friend approved this course, and acknowledg'd that we had great reason not to recede from it.

We visited Cardinal Ottobone on Tuesday mor∣ning the 5. of March. He receiv'd our Comple∣ments and made many to us; but our affair was little spoken of.

Parting from him, we went to Cardinal Lugo; He askt me whether I had continu'd at Rome ever since our last speaking together. Whereupon I gave him an account of the occasion of my re∣turn, and what we four were to sollicite with his Holinesse. He reply'd that he had not yet heard speak of those Propositions. I proceeded to tell him what necessity there was of examining them throughly in a Congregation, in regard of the diversity of their senses. He answer'd that it was reasonable that we should be heard, and our writings seen. That what he could say to us, was, that it was an affair not handled in the H. Office, but reserv'd by the Pope to himself. I reply'd that we waited till the Pope pleas'd to erect a special Congregation for the pur∣pose. He put us upon the business of S. Peter and S. Paul, telling us that the same course was taken for its examination, and that the Pope assembled together the ablest Divines in Rome, as well of the H Office as others, and that himself perswaded his Holinesse so to do. I told him we knew nothing of all that, nor had we heard any talk of it; in∣deed we knew of the Decree pass'd upon the book, but were ignorant of the circumstances which he related. He reply'd in such a manner as tended to lead us to that subject again, but we diverted the discourse of it by bringing him to that of the so∣lemn Congregation whose establishment we pur∣su'd. He told us again that he thought it fit and just

that our writings were examin'd and communica∣ted to the Qualificators and Consultors: but for our going to houses to see them, he durst not adde that he judg'd it bad, but he gave us to un∣derstand that it did not please him. M. Brousse reply'd and said that Commission was not confin'd within such strait bounds, but it enjoyn'd us to desire a solemn Congregation of the Pope in which both parties might be heard both by word of mouth and by writing in presence one of the other▪ and all their writings reciprocally com∣municated. The Cardinal said that it seem'd we intended to have a kind of little Council. M. Brousse answer'd that that was necessary, as well for other reasons, as in regard of the falsities and calum∣nies that were found to have slipt into secret writings. I took this occasion and told him what accusation the Nuntio had made against me in the Faculty, what we had said to the Pope of it, and what the Pope had answer'd us. The Car∣dinal said he believ'd all those difficulties would come to fall upon the point of sufficient Grace: and to perswade us that that was it which was to be defended and would be judg'd the best, he made use of this comparison. He said, it was once indispute, which was the best way of coun∣ting the howres, either by four and twenty be∣gining from the time of one Sun-set to another, as the Italians do; or ••rom twelve to twelve, beginning from Midnight to noon, and from Noon to midnight, as the French and Spaniards do: and that this last way had been judg'd the better, since Nations otherwise so opposite agreed in it. That so, sufficient Grace would undoubt∣edly, be judged the better, since the Dominicans and the Jesuites consented in it. I reply'd, that there were two sorts of Grace, which were cal∣led sufficient; that the Jesuites and the Domini∣cans agreed in the Word, but not in the Thing, and that other Divines, such as our selves, did not impugne all kind of sufficient Grace, but onely that which was made subject to Free-will; and that the Dominicans oppos'd the same as well as we. That therefore when the question is of sufficient Grace, we should not speak of it without di∣stinction, and without knowing of what nature it is, and what it is capable to produce in our hearts by the power which God gives it — Cardinal Lugo suffer'd me not to finish this dis∣course which assuredly was none of the most plea∣sing to his Eminence; but he interrupted it, saying that it behoved to defend the same which S. Augustin defended against Pelagius. The Ab∣bot of Valcroissant reply'd that that which S. Au∣gustin defended against Pelagius, was the Effectu∣al by it self, necessary to every pious action; whereunto the Cardinal answering nothing, I con∣tinu'd my relation of what pass'd in the audi∣ences which we had of his Holinesse, and told him that the Pope in one audience askt me whe∣ther any of the Five Propositions was in the Bull of Pius V. and I answer'd negatively. The Cardinal reply'd that the third was in it. (This agreed ill with what he told us at first, viz. that he had not yet heard speak of those Pro∣positions) I proceeded, that I had told his Ho∣linesse, that indeed the third had some resem∣blance with two or three of those that are in the Bull of Pius V. but yet they were different from it, and that upon my saying to the Pope that there needed but one word to change a Propositi∣on, His Holinesse answer'd me that there need∣ed but a Comma. That I further told the Pope that this third was not condemn'd in the sense that we held it, nor like any of the others con∣demn'd in the sense that we held it, nor like any of the others condemned by that Bull. That we did not oppose it in any thing; nor had any thing to say against that of Ʋrban VIII. publisht against Jansenius. Neither had we ought to plead in defence of his book. That all those things were wholly different, and separate from our affair. That the same was only to beseech the Pope to cause the different senses of the Propo∣sitions to be distinguish'd before passing of judg∣ment upon them, to admit us to declare which we do not hold; and as for those that we do hold, to examine the reasons which we have so to do; to communicate the writings which we should pre∣sent to him upon this subject to our adversaries, and theirs to us; and to hear us upon the whole vivâ voce in presence one of the other; to the end that after having well cleard, heard and consider'd all, the Pope might passe judgment thereof, and his decision might be receiv'd peace∣ably with the satisfaction of both parties, and with the respect that shall be due thereun∣to. We rose up, and Cardinal Lugo told us as he accompany'd us, that he was glad for his not being concern'd in this affair nor employ'd in it; and we told him on the other side, that we wisht his Eminence were employ'd in it.

Ending this visite we went to Cardinal S. Cle∣ment, who, assoon as M. Brousse had begun to lay open the subject of our coming, told us he understood the businesse well enough, but he would acquaint us with some particularities that had pass'd at Rome. He said the Nuntio had sent thither a certain Censure made by the Sorbonne, in which those Propositions were condemn'd. That the Pope appointed four Divines to write their sentiments upon those Censures; that three of the four plainly and fully confirm'd those Censures, but the fourth spoke a little more un∣certainly. That himself being upon occasion ob∣lig'd to speak what he thought of them, he had said freely, That the Censures were Heretical and not the Propositions. (For he constru'd them all to the sense of Effectual Grace.) That the Pope hearing his opinion, said, See, Cardinal S. Clement saith our Divines are Hereticks; and that he reply'd to the Pope, that he did not say that his Divines were Hereticks, but the Censures; and yet if they persisted obstinate in avowing the confirmation which they made thereof, they would be Heretical too as well as the Censures. He spoke something about the earnest study of these matters which was requisite for the right un∣derstanding of them, whereby he gave us to know that he understood the same well. He began to enter upon the discussion of the first of the Pro∣positions, when one came to advertise him that the Prince of Lunebourg was coming to take leave of him, being to return into Germany; which broke off our conference. The Cardinal made

an excuse to us, and testif'd his regret for this interruption. We told him we could come a∣gain to see him; he answered that it was not needfull, and that he was sufficiently inform'd of all that had pass'd and was daily acted, as to this af∣fair.

We went in the afternoon to accompany the Ambassador to the Cardinals Homodei, Santa Croce, and Corrado. At his return he askt us whether any thing was done touching our Memorial. We told him, we had heard no tidings of it: He reply'd, that nevertheless he conceiv'd the Pope had taken order in it, and as he was told, had charg'd the General of the Jesuites to hinder those of his Order from Writing upon these matters during these contests, and this posture of things, with∣out the Books be first seen and examin'd at Rome. We answer'd, That it was contrary to what we wisht, because the Jesuites made no books, but wha•• furnish'd us with new Arms; and so the more they writ, the more they fortif'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but our sole intent in this ma••ter was, that their books might not be review'd at Rome, for•…•…ar the H. See sh••uld suffer it self to be engag'd in their senti∣ments, and surpris'd by their Artifices.

M. Gu••ff•…•…r did us the honor to invite us to din∣ner on Wednesday the sixth, and in the afternoon we accompanied the Ambassador in the Visits which he continued to the new Cardinals, Ottobone and Lomelino.

On Thursday the seventh the Cardinals held a Chappel at la Minerve for the solemnity of the fea•• of S. Thomas, where they were all present except those of the H. Office; who on another day then Thurday would hav•• been there rather then the rest, but now prefer'd their usual Assem∣bly held before the Pope before that Ceremony. We were invited in the afternoon to the Covent of the Bare-footed Carmeliets where an Oration and a Dispute were to be made for the celebration of the same Festival. The Abbot of Valcroissant and M. Angran were there, and M. Brousse and I con∣tinued to accompany the Ambassador in the rest of the Visits which he was to make to the new Cardinals Aldobrandino and Ghiggi.

Friday the eight being the ordinary day that Ambassadors have audience of the Pope regularly every fo••tnight, we presented a little Memorial in French to our Ambassador as he was going to the Pope, partly to remind him of that which at our instance he had left with his Holiness at his former audience, and partly to inform him more expresly of the reasons which induc'd us to pre∣sent it, which tended in no wise to hinder the Je∣suites from writing and publishing Books, but only from doing it with the owning and approba∣tion of the H. See. And to shew him that it was no vanity that we said, that we could have advantages against the Jesuites out of their own Books, and particularly out of that whose publishing we en∣deavour'd to obstruct, we shew'd him a printed sheet of it, in which F. Annat, either by a gross error or obstinate malice (which could not but turn to his own confusion) cited Pelagius's con∣fession of Faith as a work of S. Augustin, contain∣ing his Doctrine. The Ambassador took our little Memorial, and the sheet we left with him to shew the Pope, if he found it meet. He told us he was mindful of us, and that we were already in the Note of what he had to say to his Holiness.

At his Return we enter'd into his Chamber, and he told us the Pope said, It was a strange thing we should oppose the Impression of that book, that it had past through the ordinary forms; if it contain'd any thing to be dislik'd after it was printed, it should be censur'd, and they who did not do their duty, should be reproved. That the same course should be taken as was about M. Her∣sents book; after the impression and publication of which, a French Dominican who licenc'd it, was confin'd six or eight months in la Minerve, and the Master of the sacred Palace in danger of being cashier'd, till both of them clear'd and justifi'd themselves of what they had done. But besides, if the Pope must take care of the print∣ing of Books, he would be overwhelm'd with in∣finite new incumbrances thereby. That he had fifty thousand other Affairs without that, and therefore we must have patience, if he could not meddle with it. The Ambassador told us, that he reply'd to the Pope, that it was more expedient to hinder a misch••ef before it were done, then to stay till it were done, to remedy it; and that it was easier to quench a taper that was ready to set fire on a Woodpile, then to extinguish the fire when the Woodpile was flaming. This, he said, he represented to the Pope, not as interessing him∣self in the businesse, but by way of advice which he receiv'd from us. He added that notwithstan∣ding these considerations did not alter his mind, but he continu'd still in that which he had declar'd to us, that he took not the part of that book; and if we found any ill in it after it was printed, it would be easie for us and all others to complain, and the remedy would not be difficult. We answer'd the Ambassador that since it was so, and after this declaration of the Pope, it would be more ad∣vantageous for us that the book were publish't then suppress'd. The Ambassador reply'd that yet he doubted whether in would come forth, be∣cause though the Pope was averse and made sem∣blance of not much regarding it, yet he perceiv'd that the Pope mus'd upon it, and made some re∣flexion upon our instances; and that he believ'd it would be no ill way for us to continue the same by the mediation of some of the Cardinals. That for his part he could not speak in it any other∣wise then by way of advertisement and repre∣senting to the Pope of what consequence we said it was, but not with that zeal and impor∣tunity which he should have done, if he had re∣ceiv'd order from the King to meddle in it. We gave the Ambassador our humble thanks, and ac∣knowledg'd that he had done all we could hope from a very obliging and equitable person. That according to his advice we would endeavor to speak to some of the Cardinals as we had done al∣ready to Roma and Ginetti, but rather for forme then otherwise; because the Pope having de∣clar'd that he took no part in it, we were satisfi'd, and secure as to the rest.

In the afternoon we went to see Cardinal Bar∣berin. He was ready to go to S. Peter's Church when we came there: however he caus'd us to enter into his Chamber, and askt us whether we would accompany him thither. In the mean

time, before any thing was spoken concerning our businesse, he askt us whether we had in∣structed the persons whom it was requisite. I an∣swer'd that we endevor'd it as much as possible; and M. Brousse added that we had had audience of the Pope, and were well satisfi'd with the re∣ception which he gave us. But without staying to hear any of the particulars, he askt us what was the first Proposition. I told it him, He askt whether we had writ nothing upon that subject. I answer'd that something was written at Paris which he had seen; but for our parts we had com∣pos'd nothing about it but a Memorial which we left with the Pope at the end of our audience, wherein we mov'd his Holinesse for a Congrega∣tion in which the Divines of different opinions might be solemnly heard in defence of their opini∣ons. The Cardinal further put us upon speaking of the different senses of the first Proposition: but to prevent it, I told him we would give the explications thereof when the Congregation was assembled; the Cardinal reply'd that the Italians were molto tristi, that is, very untoward, and è grande la nostra tristitia (added he) that at Pa∣ris they say for accomplishing affaires it is requi∣site to sollicite them well, but at Rome it requi∣red more paines to make those on whom they depended onely to remember them. I reply'd to his Eminence that we had no order to act other∣wise then we did, nor should we, what ever resolution were taken at Rome in this affair. That provided we acquitted our selves of that commission, it was sufficient for us. That it belong'd to the Pope or their Eminences to see to the rest. M. Brousse confirm'd the same, and spoke of F. Annat's book, and our Memorial to hinder its coming forth. Which he said, we re∣solv'd upon cheifly, because of the affront that seem'd to be done to the Bishops who sent us, by letting a book of that nature come forth own'd and approv'd, in which the present contest was de∣termin'd in favour of one of the parties, at the same time that we were suing in the name of those Bishops, for a solemn Congrregation to examine it in pretence of the parties, and to decide it after they had been heard. M. Brousse urg'd this ve∣ry well, when one came to advertise the Car∣dinal that it was time to go to S. Peter's: Upon the way we mention'd the Bishop of Geneva's book, term'd an Introduction to a devout life; I told him that I understood by the Bishop of Belley in what outragious manner many Mendi∣cant Fryers, and the Capucines especially, op∣pos'd it at its first apearance, that their zeal be∣came so vehement against that book, that some carri'd it into their pulpits, and after they had declar'd against it, threw it down in the pulpit, and trampled upon it with great demonstrations of indignation; others carri'd it into the pulpit loose∣stitcht, and after the like declamations broke the thred that held the leaves together and scatter'd them among their auditors; and lastly that others burnt it after the same tragical manner. I told the Cardinal that M. Hallier and M. Hermant were present when M. du Belley told us these passages at a Visite which we made to him together, at the beginning of and concerning the opposition that was made against the book Of Frequent Communi∣on. That therefore it was not to be wonder'd that good books were sometimes disparag'd and per∣secuted by ignorant Fryers; but that the event will be sooner or later like that which the same Bishop told us befell the Introduction to a Devout Life, which having by that meanes been much more read then otherwise it would have been, at length merited so general an approbation, that its Persecutors finding that the laughers were not on their side, became oblig'd to betake them∣selves to that of the laughers, and to be at last themselves the approvers of it with all the rest of the world; which the prodigious multitude of its several Impressions testifi'd. We ended our journey to S. Peter's as we were speaking of the book of the Minister of Groning, of the advantages which the Jesuites might pretend to derive from it, and of those which on the other side we concei∣ved more reasonably might accrue to us, when the answer to it preparing by one of our friends was publisht. Wherewith Cardinal Barberin testi∣fi'd to us sufficient satisfaction.

We left him at S. Peter's, and repair'd to Car∣dinal Lanti, who receiv'd us courteously, heard us and answer'd us prudently & vigorously.

On Saturday the 9th. I made a private visit in which I learnt two considerable things: One, that the Congregation of Consultors and Qualifica∣tors design'd to confer together upon the first Proposition, was appointed to meet again on Thursday following, and that this was the cause that persons well instructed and qualifi'd were employ'd to visite those Consultors and give them some light upon the Propositions. The other that the Preacher of the Jesuites Profess'd House, having a few dayes before taken occasion to speak in his Sermon of the immaculate conception of the Virgin (which he did besides his purpose too) he went about to prove it by certain Plates of Copper that spoke of it, which had been found in a Cave in Spaine during the Papacy of Ʋrban VIII. who being ad∣vertis'd in what veneration they began to be in Spaine, caus'd them to be brought to Rome, where being examin'd, he soon after declar'd them Apo∣cryphal, and forbad having them in any conside∣ration, under the usual penalties contain'd in the Bulls and Decrees of Popes. That a Dominican who was present at that sermon, observing that the Preacher cited those Plates, inform'd the Congregation of the H. Office, whereupon by order of the said Congregation, the Jesuites Pa∣pers, were seis'd on, and verifi'd the accusation. That Report being made thereof to the Pope, his Holinesse said it was a shame that those peo∣ple durst in view of the H. See contemn the Con∣stitutions of Popes, especially at a time when we who complain'd of them were at Rome. That the Pope sent for the General of the Jesuites, and told him a little angerly that he was too blame for suffering that Predicator in the functions of the Pulpit a fortnight after he had committed such an exorbitance, for letting him celebrate Masse since that time and incurre irregularity; that per∣haps he would have let him continue in that man∣ner till the end of Lent, if his Holinesse had not lookt after it; That Generals of Orders ought to be acquainted with the Bulls of Popes,

that they may cause them to be obey'd by their So∣cieties. In fine, that his Holinesse interdicted the said Predicator.

Accordingly he remain'd interdicted till the fifteenth day of March, when he made satisfacti∣on for his fault in the Pulpit where he had com∣mitted it, reading the Recantation prescrib'd him by the Congregation of the H. Office; two No∣taries of the said Congregation holding a Copy of it at the foot of the Pulpit, whilst F. Carlo Sal∣viati da lesse della Compagnia di Giesà (so was he call'd) read the same publickly. It was in these words:

Havendo io inconsideramente nella predica che feci ligiomi passati sopra la Concettione della beata Vir∣gine; preservata dal peccato originale allegato l' au∣torità di san Tesifone conservata nelle lamine di gra∣nata contro it decreto della santa memoria di Ʋrbano Ottavo fatto acinque di Maggio mille seicento trenta nove, e publicato a di tredici Maggio mille seicento quarenta uno. E per ciò essendo io caduto nelle Cen∣sure e pene fulminate nel detto decreto solamente per haver citato l' autorità di dette lamine di granata, mi fù fatto intendere da parte della santità di no∣stro signare è della sacra Congregatione del sanct Officio che dovessi io astenermi dal predicare è dal celebrare come reo di dette pene; ho pienamente obe∣dito; Riconscendo il mio errore sono recorso alla cle∣menza della sua sanctita è della medisima Congre∣gatione, da' quali sono stato begignamente aggratia∣to di dette pene, è reintegrato all' asercitio del pre∣dicare, ho voluto accennare à questa udienza tutto ciò, per remediare allo scandalo che io havessi dato per essermi servito della sudetta autorità contrave∣nendo al fudelto decreto.

Whereas I have inconsiderately in my late Ser∣mon upon the Conception of the B. Virgin as pre∣serv'd from original sin alledged the authority of San. Tesifone in the copper Plates of Granata, contrary to the decree of Ʋrban VIII. publisht 1641. And being therefore fallen under the Censures and penalties thunder'd forth in the said Decree, I have been commanded by his Ho∣linesse and the Congregation of the H. Office to abstain from preaching and celebrating Masse, as guilty of the said penalties; I have fully obey'd. And acknowledging my error, I have had re∣course to the clemency of his Holinesse and the said Congregation, by whom I have been gra∣ciously releas'd from the said penalties, and re∣stor'd to the exercise of preaching. All which I signifie to this Auditory, by way of amends for the scandal which I may have given by making use of the said Authority contrary to the said De∣cree.

Coming from this Visite I went to hear Masse at a little Church of S. Frances, where there was also a Chappel of Cardinals, and from thence to F. Hilarion, to appoint an hour for seeing his Re∣liques the next day. I told him all that had pass'd in reference to F. Annats Book, and how the Im∣pression proceeded notwithstanding our Remon∣strances. Whereupon he alledg'd very conside∣rable reasons to perswade us to go to M. Albizzi, saying, that he was a man that lov'd justice, and was upright in affaires in which he was not prepos∣sess'd; and exhorting us to speak to him heartily & with demonstration of confidence. I told him, we would endeavour to acquit our selves the best we could. He further represented to me how pre∣judicial it was to us, that we lookt upon the Tri∣bunals of Rome as half contrary to us, and half Partisans of the Jesuites, who were they alone whom we ought to take for our Adversaries. I thankt him for his advice and assented to it: but I alledg'd the necessity of our judging so, by all the Decrees that were seen to come forth so easily and so frequently against the best books that were publisht on our side, and I instanc'd in the Decrees issu'd against the Catechisme and the Houres. He answer'd me, that all those Decrees were to be consider'd with reference to the Bull of Ʋrban VIII. in consequence of which they were made, and that the H. See had no intention, either by that Bull or those decrees to innovate any thing or to pronounce upon doctrine one way or other, but only to cause its prohibitions of writing upon this subject without permission to be observ'd. That those prohibitions which were made to either side equally were so evident a conviction, that the doctrine of Jansenius receiv'd no attainder by that Bull, that the meerest Peasant might be satisfy'd thereof. In fine, that the other Decrees were to be interpreted and consider'd in the same man∣ner.

Amongst the Reliques which he shew'd us the next day, the most remarkable was the Title which was upon our Lords Crosse, of which there re∣mains in that place but about one half. It is of ve∣ry worm-eaten wood, about seven or eight inches broad, and ten or eleven long, upon which Jesus Nazarenus is written in Hebrew, Greek and La∣tin; and these two last Languages written as the Hebrew from the right hand to the left. The Cha∣racters are fram'd very negligently, such as are commonly seen in the names which ordinary peo∣ple write here and there upon walls, and such as the Soldiers or Executioners might frame at that time for a Criminal, as they esteem'd our Lord. The Hebrew Characters are almost wholly defac'd and eaten by the wormes and time with the wood, so that they are scarce perceivable. The Latin is very legible, and in the midst of the two other Languages; and the Greek which is the lowest of the three is still easie to be read: but as I said, there is but about half of that piece of wood, and not that. It is that which was in the middle; it being likely that the two ends have been broken off; since neither the word Jesus, nor Rex Ju∣daeorum are found there, but only Nazarenus, which takes up almost the length of the wood.

The same day being Sunday March the 10th. all of us visited M. Albizzi together: He con∣ducted us into his Chamber, where having taken our places, we prevail'd with our selves to make him the most cordial Declaration we could, in hope to have him favourable to our designes, when he found how conformable they were to Truth and Justice, which we knew he lov'd. He answer'd us also on his part very civilly, and told us the ser∣vice of the H. See should be alwayes his inviolable Rule, that he should alwayes be a profest enemy to all those that should offend it: but he had much confidence, that we would alwayes have it in great

veneration, and he would do for our service what was possible for him: He interpos'd some very unpleasing things in his Discourse, which we dis∣sembled or mollify'd the best we could: only one thing M. Brousse took up as it deserv'd, namely, that if the Pope heard us before passing his Deci∣sion, he would hear us if he pleas'd tanquam ali∣quos de populo, as he would do any ordinary people. He told us, that should the Pope hear and consider all that we intended to represent, as he conceiv'd his Holiness would do, yet he believ'd that he would not grant us the Congregation which we demanded. We answer'd, that then we had no∣thing to represent, because we could not deliver any instruction by writing or word of mouth but before such a Congregation; that without that, our hands were bound, and we could not go be∣yond our Commission. He told us the Pope had put into his hands the first Memorial which we left with his Holinesse, wherein we supplicated for the Congregation; he spoke also of the second, touching F. Annat's book, in reference to which he said, the Pope did no more but remove the Pro∣hibitions formerly made of writing concerning those matters; that if any thing were found in the book not right, it should be censur'd as well as any other. We answer'd that the case being so, we desir'd nothing more then that it came forth; because it furnisht us with advantageous hold a∣gainst its Author. M. Albizzi added, that him∣self was the Compiler of the Bull against Janse∣nius; that it was made upon a belief that it would appease the troubles and Disputes arisen about those matters, and reduce things to silence and the former peace; That if what hath follow'd since had been foreseen, instead of making a simple pro∣hibition of that book, the doctrine perhaps would have been examin'd and possibly condemn'd too; but that moderate course was thought sufficient, the rather to spare a Bishop who was dead in the Catholick Communion; That it was himself (M. Albizzi) that suggested that Counsel. After this he spoke of the Minister of Groning's book, which he said was sent him from Brussels and from Paris, and having in anger fetcht the Book, he read to us out of the Preface, that the Author saith, they were of S. Augustins opinion touching Grace, as Jan∣senius is too. M. Brousse answer'd, that there was no need of being angry, that we knew nothing of that Book; that Hereticks are not alwayes to be believ'd when they say an Author is for them∣selves; otherwise the Bible must be burnt, which they all say is on their side; that F. Annat in his Book de scientia media, cites four or five Hereticks, who say that St. Thomas is for them; ought they therefore to be believ'd, and S. Thomas to be burnt? Besides that, it behoveth not to be angry if it be true that they are of S. Augustin's mind touching Grace, as they alledge; on the contrary we ought to thank God, because they are Catholicks in this point, and they need only to be instructed in the rest wherein they erre. For, do not you believe (said he) that one is a Heretick because he is not a Molinist; on the contrary, I account that to be a Molinist, is to be an Heretick. But to satisfie him further upon this subject, I shew'd him Letters written to me on the second and 9th. of February, which promis'd an answer to the said Book: of which M. Albizzi profess'd himself glad, and told us that that was done as it should be. He spoke dis∣advantageously enough of St. Augustine, taxing him of excesses or flyings out in his encountring Hereticks. He added, that these matters were not necessary to salvation; That they caus'd despair, &c. To all which we return'd such answers as it deserv'd. He complain'd very much that the Bi∣shops of Machlin and Gaunt, could not be pre∣vailed with to receive the Bull. He spoke also of M. Bourgeois. We told him all those businesses were different from ours, which was only to ob∣tain a solemn Congregation of the Pope, in which these matters might be examin'd in the Ecclesiasti∣cal formes; that besides, we were sorry that the Bull was so ill receiv'd, but the abuse which the Jesuites made of it was the cause of that mischief. Other things were spoken of in this Visite (among the rest, the place of Haereo fateor, in Jansenius, which M. Albizzi objected to us twice, as a cer∣tain conviction of that Prelate's bad sentiments; to which we said nothing) but these are the prin∣cipal; and at last our Conference ended very calm∣ly and civilly, both on his part and ours.

After we left him, we visited the Commissary of the H. Office, who was not there when we ar∣riv'd there, but his Companion receiv'd us, and while he was entertaining us the Commissary re∣turn'd to his lodging. We discoursed with either of them only about Theological matters in refe∣rence to the first Proposition, till night broke off the Conversation.