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.

THE FIRST PART.

October 1646. Containing what pass'd at Paris concerning the affair of The Five Propositions, particularly in several Assemblies of the Faculty of Divinity, held in the Years 1646, 1647, 1648, 1649.

CHAP. I.

Of what pass'd in the Assembly of the Fa∣culty, 1 Octob. 1646. Of a Speech pronounc'd in the Grand Chamber by M. Omer Talon Advocate General, on Fri∣day 10 May 1647. and, Of the Arrest issu'd from thence on the 15^th, upon his Remonstrances.

AT the beginning of the year 1646. my time of Licentiate being ac∣complish'd, and the Ceremonies of conferring Degrees deferr'd till after Easter, I thought fit to employ that interval of time in a journey to Italy, invited there∣unto by the company of M. de Souvré, Chevalier of the Orders of the King, and first Gentleman of his Chamber, and of M. the Abbot de Bassompierre, now Bishop of Xaintes, and of some other persons of quality whom I had the honour to know at Court. M. Bourgeois Doctor of Paris, and M. Duchesne an antient Professor in Philosophy, were then at Rome by Order of my Lords the Bishops who had licenc'd the Book Of Frequent Communion, to defend the same against the prosecutions us'd by the Jesuites there to get it censur'd. During the short abode I made there, M. Bourgeois and M. Duchesne told me the Book Of Frequent Communion was wholly acquitted, but the Jesuites had turn'd all their forces against another Book, to which That had given occasion, namely, that Of the Greatnesse of the Roman Church. Neverthelesse that they con∣ceiv'd they had so clearly evidenc'd to divers Cardi∣nals the validity of the passages of the said Book, (which establisheth in the two Princes of the Apo∣stles, S. Peter and S. Paul, the Authority in question) that they believ'd it now out of all danger of Cen∣sure.

In these very termes I inform'd of this matter di∣vers of our Confreres who requested intelligence thereof at my return, which was in the moneth of August the same year. And in September follow∣ing, having receiv'd the Doctor's Cap, the first time I had the honour to enter into the Assembly of the Faculty, (which was 1 Octob. 1646.) M. Cornet, then Syndic, acquainted the Faculty that the Nuntio had told him, that certain Manuscript Gazettes [or Mercuries] were come to his hands from Rome, which spoke two Doctors there who preten∣ded to be Delegates from the Faculty for the main∣taining a Book as Orthodox, which undertook to shew, That there may be two Heads in the Church; Of which he advertis'd the Faculty in regard of their concernment therein, and intreated them to declare to him, whether they had sent the said Doctors to Rome for the defence of such Book. This proposal was made after a manner so odious and captious a∣gainst the said Book, that M. Chastellain (who was friend to M. Bourgeois, and was satisfy'd of the goodnesse of the Book defended by him at Rome, in which also he knew it was not maintain'd That there may be two Heads in the Church) conceiv'd that enough would be done both for the Book and for M. Bourgeois, if it were declar'd to the Nuntio, That no person of the Faculty had so much as heard speech of any Book written to that purpose; and accordingly he nominated M. Pereyret and some o∣ther Doctors to carry this answer to the Nuntio. This disowning of an Imaginary Book, was very well pleasing to the enemies of the True Book which M. Bourgeois defended. For they saw well, it would not be difficult for them to involve the true one in it. So this advice was universally assented to, though with different ends and aims.

My turn of suffraging came not till the last: but I did not forbear to give some intimation of the ill

use I fear'd would be made of this Declaration; which when I saw ratifi'd by the Conclusion of the Fa∣culty, speaking after the Assembly with the Doctors (to whom, upon the assurance given by M. Bour∣geois and M. Duchesne, I had signify'd that I con∣ceiv'd the Book out of danger of Censure) I told them that after this Declaration of the Faculty, I judg'd the Censure would indubitably follow, and believ'd two Moneths would not passe before its appearance. Moreover, because I saw the repu∣tation of M. Bourgeois and M. Duchesne unjustly impeach'd, I gave such a testimony of them in this Assembly as I believ'd I was bound to do, being so lately return'd from Rome, where I had seen (as I assur'd the Assembly) that they took not upon themselves the quality of Delegates of the Fa∣culty, that all people of honour that knew them, look'd upon them as sent by those of my Lords the Prelates of France who had given approbation to the Book Of Frequent Communion; and that none but framers of Gazettes [or Mercury-mongers] could speak otherwise of them.

However, upon that Gazette which came to the Nuntio, and from him to the Faculty, the Conclu∣sion pass'd. M. Pereyret went to visit him, accord∣ing to the commission given him so to do: and al∣though he had receiv'd none to leave any thing in writing with the Nuntio, yet he declin'd not to give him a Memorial of what he said to him, which he drew up as himself pleas'd, without communi∣cating any thing thereof to the Faculty.

The term of publishing the Decree of the Inquisi∣tion of Rome, which appear'd against the mention'd Book, consequently to the Declaration of the Fa∣culty, was longer then I imagin'd it would have been: for it was deferr'd till the 25th. of January the following year 1647. being the very day of the Conversion of St. Paul, which I cannot but ob∣serve here, because I doubt not but it was design'd by the authors of the Decree.

Some time after, this Decree came into France to the Nuntio, with command from the Pope to cause it to be printed, and sent to the Ordinaries of pla∣ces; by which order, and for which purpose it was printed by Sebastian Cramoisy. I shall mention no other particulars of this Decree, but what are in the Speech of the deceased M. Talon Advocate General, whereof, and of the Arrest which follow'd it, I had a Copy; which I shall insert here to preserve the same to posterity, though they have been printed since in flying and perishing pamphlets.

A Speech deliver'd in the Grand Chamber by Mons. Omer Talon, Advocate General, on Friday 10 Maii 1647.

Gentlemen,

VVE receiv'd on Wednesday an order from the Court to make inquiry concerning a Bull printed a few dayes since, and a Sentence issued forth by the Provost of Paris on Monday last; whereby he hath condemned a small Writing and Book con∣taining one sheet of Paper; which Writing is con∣trary to the authority of the said Bull. Moreover the same day we heard what pass'd in the presence of the Queen touching the same affair, where you were pleas'd, Sir, (addressing himself to the first President) to expresse the sentiments of the Com∣pany, and their reasons for opposing the enterprise of the Popes Nuntio, who goes about to establish a new Jurisdiction in this Realm: After which dis∣course, the Queen having called us and heard from our own mouths something of the particulars of this affair, and afterwards conferr'd of it with M. the Cardinal Mazarin, M. the Chancellor gave us to understand, that there was a difference to be made between a Bull issu'd by authority of the Holy See, for the printing and publishing of which there is the King's Privilege, and one set forth by the Mandate or Certification of the Nuntio, who makes no part of the Bull.

Whereupon, Gentlemen, to tell you our thoughts concerning this Bull, we have found in it three things especially to oppose;

First, that there ha's been printed in France, pub∣lish'd, and endevour'd to be executed, a Decree of the Congregation of the Inquisition of the Holy Of∣fice, and that it hath been intitul'd, Decretum San∣ctissimi D. N. D. Innocentii divinâ providentiâ Papae, under pretence that the Pope assisted and was present at that Congregation. For in France we acknowledge the authority of the Holy See, and the power of the Pope head of the Church, common Fa∣ther of all Christians. We owe him all sort of respect and obedience. This is the belief of the King, eldest Son of the Church, the belief of all Catholicks, and of all such as are within the true Communion. But we acknowledge no Authority nor Jurisdiction of Congregations held in the Court of Rome, which the Pope establisheth as seems good to himself. But the decrees and arrests of these Congregations have no authority nor execution in this Kingdom; and when upon occasion of contentious businesses such decrees have been presented (as in the matter of Dispensations, Nullity of Vowes, translation of Religious persons, and the like), the Court hath declared such Briefs null and abusive, with a salvo to the parties to have recourse to the ordinary wayes, that is to say in the Chancery, in which Acts are expedited in the Name of our Holy Father the Pope, in whose person the lawfull authority re∣sides. And for what concerns matters of Faith and doctrine, they ought not to be determin'd in these Congregations, except by way of advice and counsel, not of power. 'Tis true, in these Congre∣gations are censur'd Books suspected of Heresie and bad doctrines; here is made the Index Expurgato∣rius, which encreases every year; and here have sometimes the Arrests of this Court been censur'd; as namely the Arrest issu'd against Jean Chastell, the History of Thuanus, the Liberties of the Gallicane Church, and all others which concern the preserva∣tion of the sacred persons of our Kings, and the establishment of Regal Jurisdiction.

Now, were the Decree in question, and others of the like nature publisht and authoriz'd in this Realm, it would be in effect to receive the Inquisi∣tion into it, and that for this Remark, which seems to admit of no answer. The Congregation write themselves Generalis & Ʋniversalis Inquisitio in Ʋni∣versa Republica Christiana adversus Haereticam pravi∣tatem; hence they assume a power of making pro∣cess against the Kings Subjects, and think they have a right to do the same against Books printed within the Kingdom. Wherefore having examin'd the Title of the Decree issued from the Inquisition in the aforesaid terms, which testifie a pretension to Uni∣versal authority, we thought our selves oblig'd to notifie the same to the Court, that we might make

our protestations thereupon according to the duty of our Offices.

The second thing we observ'd, is the Mandate or Certification of the Nuntio to the King's person at the foot of the said Bull, wherein he styles himself Nuntio to the Kings person, and the whole Realm of France; which is a Title unusual and extraordinary: for the Nuntio performing the Office of an Ambassadour in France, and being capable of executing no other, it follows that he hath no other in this Kingdom: be∣sides that, if he thought fit to speak of the Kingdom, he ought to have mentioned the Kingdoms of France and Navarre; it being certain that the omission of the latter is ordinarily affected, and that not with∣out design.

There is a second observation to be made upon this Commission, and it consists in one word, viz. That the Nuntio saith he receiv'd the Pope's com∣mand to cause the said Decree to be printed. Now Printing being a thing purely temporal, and relating to policy, cannot be allowed but by the authority of the King or his Magistrate.

The third Consideration ariseth from that he saith, That the Original of the Decree aforesaid remaineth in the Records of his Nuntio's Office; which man∣ner of speaking agrees not with our Customes; be∣cause the Nuntio hath neither Court nor Records in France, no more than the Ambassadors of other Princes, or than the King's Ambassador hath when he is at Rome.

In the last place he hath added, That this Bull shall be sent to the Bishops and Archbishops within his Nuntiature; as if the Office of Nuntio had any cer∣tain and limited Territory. Now in as much as this manner of speaking is a new and springing incroach∣ment, we think there is reason to provide against it.

This Speech was follow'd by an Arrest compris'd in the following words.

An Extract of the Registers of the Parliament of 15. May 1647.

THis day the Court having deliberated upon the Remonstrance and Arguments of the King's Advocate General contain'd in the Registers of the tenth of this Month concerning a certain Paper enti∣tuled, Decretum Sanctissimi D. N. D. Innocentii X. divinâ providentiâ Papae adversus propositionem istam [Sanctus Petrus & Sanctus Paulus sunt duo Ecclesiae Principes qui unum efficiunt] & libros in quibus ista propositio asseritur & defenditur, printed at Paris by Se∣bastian Cramoisy, the King's Printer in ordinary, this present year 1647. at the end of which is the Copy of an Instrument made at Paris on the thirteenth of March last, signed, Nicholaus Archiepiscopus Athenarum, whereby the said Archbishop of Athens stiles himself Apostolical Nuntio to the most Christian King, and the whole Realm of France, and declares, that by special Mandate of his Holyness given at Rome, he hath caused to be printed the Copy of the said Decree according to its Original kept in the ar∣chives of his Nuntiative to send the same to all the Ordinaries within the said Nuntiative, and others to whom it might appertain: which is an innovation and incroachment upon the authority of the King; wher∣fore the aforesaid Decree made in the Roman Inqui∣sition on the 25th. of January last, and other Bulls and Briefs having taken into consideration, The said Court prohibits and forbids all Archbishops and Bishops, their Vicars and Officials, Rectors and Deputies of Universities to receive, publish, or put in execution the Decrees and other Acts of the Con∣gregation of the Inquisition of Rome, as also any o∣ther Bulls or Briefs whatever, without the King's permission confirm'd in this Court. Provided ne∣vertheless, that the supplying of Benefices and or∣dinary Dispatches concerning the affairs of particu∣lar Persons, which, according to the orders of this Realm and laws of State, are obtained in the Court of Rome, be not included in the abovesaid Prohibition. Moreover, this Court hath ordained, and doth or∣dain, That all the Copies of the said Decree of the Inquisition bearing date on the 25th. of January last shall be seiz'd on at the sute of the Attorney Gene∣ral, and brought to the Bar of the said Court to be suppressed. Also, it forbids all Persons to have, keep, or retain any Copy of the same under the penalties provided by Law in such Case. And re∣quires all Printers and Stationers to keep and observe the Rules and Orders made about the matter of Prin∣ting, under penalty of being fin'd at pleasure. Last∣ly, The Substitute or Deputy of the said Attorney General is hereby required to be diligent in causing this Arrest to be put into execution, and to certifie the Court thereof within a Month, to which end it shall by the care of the said Attorney General be forth∣with sent into all Bailywicks and Precincts through∣out the Realm.

Given in Parliament, the 15th. of May, One thousand Six hundred Forty seven.

Sign∣ed, Du Tillet.

CHAP. II.

Of what pass'd in the Assembly of the Fa∣culty on the first of March, 1647. con∣cerning a scandalus Libel against Pe∣trus Aurelius.

AMongst the Libels publisht this year by the Je∣suites or their Partisans, there was one in Latin, intituled, The Divinity of Petrus Aurelius, or, His principal Errors against Faith and Good Manners, a Libel full of abundance of falsifications and calum∣nies, charging that famous Writer with errors di∣rectly contrary to his sentiments, and fixing the name of Error upon Catholick Truths. In the Assem∣bly of the Faculty on March 1. M. Pereyret, according to appointment formerly laid upon him to read the said Libel, and make his report of the same that day, declar'd, that he had found that It contain'd a hun∣dred Propositions, most of which were drawn intire and word for word out of the Works of Petrus Aure∣lius, and the rest made up of his words taken out of several places, and so put together as to make perfect sense: that the Author of the said Libel had to eve∣ry one of those hundred Propositions added as many Conclusions, by which he attributed sundry Errors to Petrus Aurelius. That moreover it would be not only unprofitable but prejudicial to set upon the ex∣amination of the said Libel, because it would cost the Faculty not only some Months but even many years, multos annos, to discusse the sincerity of the extracted Propositions, and the truth of the conse∣quence drawn from them, according to their accu∣stomed diligence and fidelity, and to the rules of Theology; Wherefore he concluded that he judg'd it suitable to the interest and dignity of the Faculty to bury the whole Matter in silence, especially seeing the Epistle prefixt to the Libel was already torn by

the Hangman's hand, and the Book condemned by a sentence of the Lieutenant Civil at the request of the Agents of the Clergy. This subtilty M. Pereyret made use of to engage the Faculty to abandon him who had so generally defended them. And for that men are easily led to such course as exempts from trouble, this Motion met with no opposition.

CHAP. III.

Of what pass'd in the Assemblies of the Fa∣culty on the second of May, the first of June, and the first of July, in the year 1648. upon occasion of a Libel of F. Veron.

IN the year following (1648.) was publisht a∣nother Libel, intituled A Gag for the Jansenists and Arnaudists, whereof F. Veron was the Author. It was sold by all the News-Sellers of Paris in the end of Lent. It contain'd Maxims so scandalous and prejudicial to the salvation and edification of Christi∣ans; it was fill'd with so many injuries and calum∣nies, and was so apt to trouble the publick Tranquil∣lity, that the Lieutenant Civil having taken notice of it, thought himself oblig'd not to fail in the duty of his Office to cause it to be suppressed. To which pur∣pose he sent for the Syndic and Jurates of the Book∣sellers, forbad them to sell it, and gave order that the said Prohibition should be printed and fixt up in pub∣lick places.

F. Veron was rather exasperated by this Prohibiti∣on, than convinc'd of the mischief his Libel might do. He had publisht it at first without any Licence, and therefore sought to get one; but not finding any at Paris, he procured one from a Cordelier Doctor of Tours, and forg'd another of another Doctor a Cor∣delier at Chartres; with which approbations he caus'd his Book to be publisht and distributed again after Easter.

Amongst the Errors and Calumnies wherewith this Libel was fill'd, especially against the antient Fathers and Councils, in the sixth Page of the first Impression he writes, That antiently many judg'd that it was not commanded by Jesus Christ to make Con∣fession even at the time of death, much less that there was any Precept to do it before Communicating, even by such as had sinn'd mortally; conceiving that Contrition alone was sufficient: And that there was in those times no Precept to confesse every year; but that it was so ordain'd only by the Fourth Council of Lateran in the year 1215. And Page 7. That the use and practice of the Sacrament of Pennance, and Confession for Mortal Sins, either be∣fore the Communion, or at the time of Death, appears very rarely in Antiquity.

The new publication of the Libel, with the said approbations being likely to propagate the seditious Maximes contained therein, and do wrong to the Faculty, by reason of the approbations of those of their Body wherewith it was authoriz'd, M. Guille∣bert Doctor of Sorbonne made complaint in the As∣sembly of the second of May following against the said Libel and the Doctors that appear'd Licencers of it.

Assoon as they who were in the Assembly heard M. Guillebert read one or two of the Maximes of the Libel, they were so mov'd thereat, that they were ready to nominate certain Persons to read it, and make report thereof, according to Custom, in the Assembly following. But M. Cornet diverted them from so doing, by desiring that before they de∣bated upon this businesse, the Doctors who had gi∣ven the Licences might be sent for to give account of what they had done. Whereupon the Faculty de∣murr'd, and gave charge to F. Lavaux, who was then Warden of the Cordeliers, to write to them to that purpose.

In the Assembly of June, F. Charruau appear'd and justified his Approbation with all imaginable boldness, proceeding from the assurance he had of a Party in the Faculty sufficiently potent to protect and bring him off. He discours'd with great vehe∣mence against the Book Of Frequent Communion, and that of Jansenius; so long as he pleas'd to speak, he was not interrupted by any one, but heard peace∣ably. But when M. Guillebert offer'd to represent with singular moderation and few words some of the principal Points, and most pernicious Maximes he found in the said Libel, he was interrupted seve∣ral times by divers Doctors, and particularly by M. Cornet who omitted nothing he could do to disturb him every moment, to disorder the coherence of his Discourse, and to keep him from being heard and understood. At last, the time of this Assembly be∣ing elaps'd, and having been spent in several alterca∣tions, which clearly appear affected for that end, it broke up, after they had given charge to M. Guille∣bert to make an Extract of the Propositions of the said Libel which he should find most dangerous, and represent the same to the Faculty in the Assembly following, which was to be on the first of July.

M. Guillebert perform'd his Charge, and on that day presented to the Faculty a Paper, in which he had reduc'd what he found worthy of Censure in the said Libel, to three principal Heads; The first of which contain'd what F. Veron had there written to destroy Confession; The second what he had urg'd against Pennance; And the third what he maintain∣ed against the authority of Councils. M. Cornet made himself likewise in this Assembly F. Veron's Protector, as he had done in the former. He took upon him to justifie F. Veron, in that he oppos'd the Propositions of the Bishop of Ipre; which, he main∣tained, it would also be necessary to examine, if this Libel were examin'd, (although that which M. Guil∣lebert reprehended therein, had no affinity with those Propositions.) Which also he formally made a request for, for fear, if the Faculty should examine and disallow the Libel alone, it might be a kind of Fore-judgement in favour of those against whom it was written. Hereupon M. Pereyret failing not to represent at large, as he had done in the foregoing year, the length of time and greatnesse of pains it would be requisite to spend in that examination; in∣somuch (said he) that to do it well, Jansenius, S. Augustin, and sundry other Books must be read from one end to the other; and after ten years imploy'd therein, there will be no great Progress made: The Faculty concluded, that for the interest of peace it was fit to forbear examining both F. Veron's Libel, and the Propositions opposed.

I have lightly passed over this affair, omitting sun∣dry very considerable Circumstances, that I might not stay upon any thing but what makes to my pur∣pose: yet Two there are which I cannot passe in si∣lence. One, that M. Cornet drew up the said Con∣clusion on the first of July, 1648. as he liked him∣self;

and when it was read on the first of August following, M. Guillebert moved the Assembly that the same might be corrected, as being neither true, nor correspondent to what he had represented to the Faculty, touching the Libel. Yet this was hin∣dred by the artifices and slights of M. Cornet.

The other is a clause annex'd to the said Conclu∣sion, importing that if notwithstanding the difficul∣ties which render'd the examination so laborious at that time, that it was not to be thought on, it should please God to inspire any one to present to the Fa∣culty any Propositions to be examined and decided by them, it should be free for him to do so after two months. In which, besides the manifest contra∣diction appearing in the thoughts of these people, who make semblance of being lovers of the tran∣quillity of the Faculty, and neverthelesse are ready to disturbe the same within two months; who at this present judge an examination so difficult, which yet they are at the same instant dispos'd to under∣take two months after. It is visible that they had already in their breasts a setled purpose of attemp∣ting the Five Propositions, the performance of which they deferr'd till July, in the following year, only by reason of the broyles of Paris. For when the proposal thereof was made in Sorbonne, on that day M. the Abbot de l' Isle, Marivault Doctor of Navarre, told one of his friends from whom I learnt it, that M. the Bishop of Rhodez had told him before the Kings departure from Paris, on the day of the Three Kings 1649. that the said Propositions had been already shewn him, to be censur'd on the first day by the Faculty.

CHAP. IV.

Of sundry things which pass'd in several Assemblies of the Faculty, in the same year 1648. touching the number of such of the Mendicant Orders as might be admitted into Licenses and Assem∣blies.

IN the same Assembly of the second of May 1648. wherein complaint was made of F. Veron's Libel, another seed of division brake forth, which was of much longer continuance. Almost all the Religious Mendicants, Doctors of the Faculty, were so link'd to M. Cornet and Pereyret, that they had no other rule of judgement in any matter under debate, but the opinion of the said two Doctors, insomuch that their Suffrages were almost alwayes conceiv'd in these terms, Sequor sententiam Domini Pereyret; Idem cum Domino Pereyret. In acknowledgment of which good offices, and to multiply voyces they were so well assur'd of, these Doctors conspir'd with such other Secular Doctors as they could draw to their party, to get receiv'd into Licenses, and advanc'd to the degree of Doctor, as many Religi∣ous Mendicants as they could introduce, above the number prescrib'd by the Statutes of the Faculty, and Arrests of Parliament. In this Assembly, two Jacobins desir'd to be receiv'd as Supernumeraries, besides three Cordeliers and another Jacobin who had been already receiv'd as such. I signified to the Assembly, the Statute which hindred us from doing them this favour, and declar'd that if they proceed∣ed to effect it, I would oppose it; neverthelesse it was carri'd by the plurality of voyces. I oppos'd the Conclusion, and M. de Roux Doctor of the house and society of Sorbonne, joyn'd with me in the op∣position.

We presented our Petition to the Parliament, and an Arrest pass'd thereupon, whereby the parties that pretended to take benefit of the said Conclusion; were summoned to the Court on the first day; and in the mean time prohibited to make use of it.

This Arrest was signified to the Faculty on the third of June, and all the Secular Doctors (except∣ing perhaps M. Cornet and his intimates) who had consented to do that favour to the said Religious Mendicants, only out of complyance, and had not been instructed in the matter, follow'd joyfully with one voyce the judgement of M. Messier; which was, That the Arrest was to be obey'd, leaving the Religious to present themselves, if they thought good, before the Kings Ministers, and re∣present to them their reasons if they had any.

The four Mendicant Orders interpos'd in behalf of their Batchelors, who were concern'd in the cause, which was pleaded on the eleventh of August. The said Arrest was confirm'd, and besides it was enacted, That without regard to our Petition, but in justice, according to the Arguments of the Kings Attorney General, the Arrests of the year 1626. (whereby, conformably to the Statutes and other Arrests, the number of Mendicant Doctors that might be admitted into our Assemblies, is restrain'd to two of each Order) should be read every year on the first day of October in our Assembly, to the end the memory and performance of the same may be per∣petual, with injunction to the Dean and Syndic to see to the observation of the same, as they would answer the contrary at their peril.

The University having heard the report of this Processe, and consider'd the importance of it, con∣cluded on June 13. to interpose therein, if need were; but the Arrest pass'd without mention made of their interposing, or concerning themselves in the cause.

This last Arrest of the eleventh of August, was signifi'd and read in the Assembly of the first of Sep∣tember. But it was so far from being executed by the Religious Mendicants, that on the contrary, not only they, but also divers Secular Doctors, sway'd by M. Cornet, became together opposers of its exe∣cution. They were summon'd to the Court upon this opposition, and September 3. appeared at the Palais with the said Mendicants, to the number of eighteen, amongst whom were MM. Pereyret, Morel, le Moine, Amiot, Grandin, Bail, Denis, Guyard, and others. The Mendicants were heard by their Speaker Fryer Bernard Guiart, a Jacobin, and the Secular Doctors by M. Pereyret. The Re∣sult of the day was, that they should be heard more at large about their causes of opposition, on the first day after the feast of Saint Martin, but in the mean time the abovesaid Arrests should be observ'd.

Which yet they were not in the Assembly of the first of October, though the said Result was declared there, and notwithstanding all the instances M. de Roux and I could use to procure the execution of the same. On the contrary, there arose new resistance on the part of the Mendicant Doctors, and those Se∣culars who joyned themselves in the cause with them. Of this, M. de Roux and I having made new

complaint to the Court of Parliament, another Arrest pass'd on the 27. of October, by which it was again enacted, that the aforesaid Arrests should be observed; that to that end MM. Viole and Broussel should with one of the Substitutes of the Attorney General, repair to the Assembly of the Faculty, which was to be held on the fourth of November following; and that what should be done and or∣dained by the said Counsellors, should be executed, notwithstanding any oppositions or appeals whatso∣ever, but without prejudice to the same.

On the fourth of November following the said MM. Broussel and Viole, accompanied with M. Becheser, Dean of the Substitutes of the Attorney General, and M. Boisleau, Clerk of the Court, and two Ushers, repair'd accordingly to our Assembly in the Sorbonne. There they caus'd all the Arrests I have spoken of above, to be read by M. Boisleau, and afterwards added sundry arguments and in∣junctions to oblige the Mendicant Doctors to obey those Arrests, and M. Cornet to procure the execu∣tion of the same, according to the duty of his place. But neither the Mendicants nor Cornet yielded to any thing said to them, or enjoyned by Broussel and Viole; but on the contrary, they and some other Secular Doctors made replyes to them very little re∣spectfull, which obliged them, after signifying their displeasure therewith, to professe that they would charge them with a verbal Processe for it, and in∣form the Court of the disobedience they found to their Arrests in this Assembly. Hereupon they arose, and by name forbad M. Cornet to continue the Assembly after their departure, judging the same unlawfull, because there were in it more then two Mendicants of each Order. However he did not forbear to continue it after they were departed.

Divers Doctors, to the number of above fifty, amongst whom were M. Messier, Dean of the Fa∣culty at present, M. de Heu Curé of S. Severine, M. de Mincé, M. Hennequin, M. the Curé of S. Roch, M. Duchesne of Sorbonne, M. Breda Curé of S. Andrews, M. Dabes, M. Sachot, M. Renier, and several others, who were not suspected of any adherence to the doctrine decry'd for new, to purge themselves from the reproach they conceiv'd the resistance offer'd to the Arrests of the Court in the face of the Com∣missioners, sent by it to cause them to be executed, deserved: after the Assembly declar'd, that they were so far from bearing a part in such resistance, that on the contrary their will and intention was to observe the said Arrests, and that they accounted it very important for the glory of God, the honour of the Church, the preservation of the authority of the Pope and other Ecclesiastical Prelates, the ser∣vice of the King and State of France, the peace and perfect liberty of the said Faculty, in all its resoluti∣ons and conclusions concerning doctrine, as also for its policy and discipline; that the above-mention'd Arrests should be maintain'd, kept, and executed inviolably, as the words of the Writing run, sign'd for that purpose by them on 4. November 1648. and the dayes following.

The purpose of MM. Broussel and Viole was, to make report to the Court of all that pass'd in the Assembly, before the first of December following, to the end the Court might as they thought fit, take for whatever course they should find necessary to be obey'd, and get their Arrests put in execution. But so great a number of unusual and strange things pass'd in the Assembly, that M. Broussel, who besides his slownesse and ordinary exactnesse, was incum∣bred with multiplicity of other affaires, had not per∣fectly framed his Processe verbal before the end of November, and could not make report of it in the few dayes which pass'd till the first of December, when the Parliament had assembled again after the feast of Saint Martin.

Thus was the Report deferr'd till the month fol∣lowing. But in the mean time M. Cornet made his, I mean, the conclusion or relation of what pass'd in our Assembly of the fourth of November, which he drew up according to his own pleasure, to cause it to be read according to custome in the Assembly of the first of December, which was accordingly done; but it was so full of falsities and calumnies, that M. de Mincé complain'd of it, and desir'd a copy of it of M. Bouvot, the Register of the Faculty, who deli∣ver'd him one forthwith; and that M. de Roux and I thought our selves bound to present a new Petiti∣on to the Court, against the injurious words M. Cornet had put into his relation or conclusion to our d••sadvantage, wherein we beseech the Court to or∣dain them to be ras'd and expung'd; that by doing this, the said conclusion would be reform'd and re∣duc'd to the termes of the Processe verbal, drawn up by the said MM. Broussel and Viole, referring our selves moreover to the Court for meanes to hinder M. Cornet from using hereafter such like falsifications and enterprises as we complain he had us'd since our first opposition of his designs, to multiply more and more Religious Mendicants in our Faculty.

This request was suddenly follow'd by another, which M. de Roux and my self found it requisite to present, against a Libel compos'd and dispers'd by the Mendicant Doctors, in which we complain'd were contain'd many things scandalous and oppro∣brious, not only against our selves and the antient Doctors who joyn'd with us in prosecuting the exe∣cution of the Arrests, against the Notaries that made the Processe verbal of what pass'd in the Assembly of the first of September, and against the Usher of the Court, who made that of the first of October, but also against the honour and respect due to the Court and its Arrests.

But before the report of all these things could be made in the Court, that sad Division hapned which made a combustion in the whole Kingdom, and held Paris besieg'd the three first months of the year 1649. for which cause a more calme and favourable time was to be attended, to provide for the particular concerns of the Faculty.

CHAP. V.

Of what pass'd heretofore in the year 1626. touching the number of those of the said Orders admitted into the Facultie's As∣semblies; and of M. Cornet's antient conjunction with them and the Jesuits.

BEfore I proceed further in my design'd relation, it will be worth considering what was the principal ground upon which M. Cornet withstood all the said Arrests, and all the arguments us'd by MM. Broussel and Viole, to move him to see to the execution of them in the Assembly; for though it may seem a little remote from my principal matter,

yet it may be somewhat contributory to the perfect elucidation thereof.

In the year 1626. appear'd in France a Book prin∣ted at Rome, compos'd by a Jesuite nam'd Sanctarel; which Book was dispers'd there, and is still, to this day, with the permission and approbation of the Su∣periors. Assoon as it was seen in France, and the sentiments of the said Author were found seditious and contrary to the respect, obedience and subjection due to Kings, the Faculty Assembled extraordinarily on 16. March 1626. and deputed MM. Rumet, Daul∣truy, Dupuis and Chappellas to examine the said Book and make report thereof at the ordinary Assembly of the first of April following.

On which day they reported that in the 30, and 31. Chapters they found these Propositions, That the Pope may punish Kings and Princes with penalties temporal, and dispence with the obedience which their Subjects owe unto them. That this custom hath al∣waies been in the Church, even for other causes than he∣resie, as for faults committed by them, in case it were ex∣pedient, in case Princes were negligent, in cases of their incapacity, and in case of unusefulness of their Persons; with some other of the like strain to these; all which were censur'd both by the Deputies and the other Doctors of the Faculty assembled on the 1. of April, as containing a Doctrin false, erroneous, contrary to the word of God, giving ground of hatred of the Papal dignity, opening a way to Schisme, derogating upon the Soveraign authority of Kings dependant only from God, and apt to hinder the conversion of infidel and heretical Princes, to disturb the publick tranquillity, to avert Subjects from the obedience and subjection due to their Princes, and excite Rebellions, Seditions and Parricides.

This Censure was confirm'd on the day of S. Am∣brose, April 4. in an extraordinary Assembly, and publish'd forthwith, to the great satisfaction of King Lewis the Just of glorious memory, and with the applause of all France. But within a short time af∣ter, arose divers Persons even of the body of the Fa∣culty, who endeavour'd to get the said Censure re∣vok'd or at least mitigated. The sollicitations and canvasings which agitated the Faculty upon that de∣sign, and which at length prov'd ineffectual, conti∣nu'd almost a year. But that which makes to my purpose, is, that there was no hopes of such revoca∣tion but by the aid of the Mendicant Doctors which were caus'd to come for that end to Paris from the most remote Provinces by commands sent to them from the places where their Generals make their re∣sidence.

Hereupon thirty antient Doctors of the Faculty, (amongst which was M. Hardivillier, afterwards Archbishop of Bourges, M. Hollandre Curé of S. Sa∣viour, M. Faiet Curé of S. Paul, and M. Fonnellier Curé of S. Eustache last deceas'd) seeing this extra∣ordinary concourse of Mendicant Doctors, resolv'd, consequently to a Conclusion of the Faculty on 15. June 1626. to have recourse to the Court of Parlia∣ment for the execution of the 15. and 16. Articles of the Statutes, to become formally Plaintiffs, and have a pleading in their own names, if need were, to ob∣tain the Court to cause its Arrest of the year 1552. to be put in execution; which Arrest appoints the Religious Mendicant Doctors to retire into the houses of their Or∣der assoon as they had taken the Cap; and to know of the said Court whether it did not intend that the said Mo∣nastick Doctors sojourning at Paris in regard of any Of∣fices they might have there in their Covents, or because their Professions had been made there, or otherwise, should be restrain'd to a certain number, as to two at most, to have a Vote in Assemblies; and this to the end the Faculty might be at peace, and retain its rights in all freedom for the accompleshment of the service of God, of the King, and of all France. These ate the words of the Writing signed upon this matter by those thirty antient Doctors on the 16th. of July, 1626.

The arrest of the year 1552. which they mention, was issued upon occasion of a Brief obtained by the Cordeliers of Pope Julius the 3d. for the adding of two more to the number of Batchellors which might be admitted to Licences, and upon the Kings Let∣ters Patents for the verification of the said Brief; Both which, the Brief and Letters were entered into the Register, but with a charge that (conformably to the * 2.1 Oath taken alwaies and at this day by all the Mendicant Doctors so soon as they have received the Cap, to retire into the Covents of their Profession without fraud or delay) they should not fail to retire thither assoon as they had com∣menced, and so be incapable of being present in the Assemblies of the Faculty.

Consentaneously to the said Statute, to the cu∣stom observed in all times in the Faculty since the ad∣mission of the Religious Mendicants thereto, to the said Arrest of the year 1552. and to the purport of the above-mentioned Writing of the 6th. of July, an Arrest was issued by the Parliament on the 24th. of the same Month, which was explained and con∣firmed by another of the first of August following, by which the number of Religious Mendicants capable of entrance and a deliberative voyce in the Assemblies of the Faculty was restrained to two of each Order at the most.

To the invalidating of those Arrests one was pas∣sed in the Council Nov. 2. 1626. whereby the cog∣nisance of the matter was interdicted to the Parlia∣ment, and it was ordained, That notwithstanding those Arrests of Parliament, all Mendicant Doctors might be present at our Assemblies in what number they pleased.

There is come to my hands the Copy of a Letter written by Fillessac Dean of the Faculty to Cardinal Richlieu touching the said Order of the Council, which may inform the Reader in what manner and by what instigations the same was passed. I shall in∣sert it intire here, to that purpose.

A Letter of M. Fillessac to Cardinal Richlieu.

My Lord,

'TIs not onely your Place of Superintendent of the Sorbonne, whereof I am the least, but your na∣tural Goodness, which every one acknowledges, and of which all good Servants of the Kings and true French∣men are daily sensible of, that gives me boldness to repre∣sent to you our just complaints and real apprehension of the persecution intended against us. The Arrest of Council given in favour of the Religious Mendicants some daies since, wherewith all Paris rings, furnishes us with most certain proof, and undoubted ground of be∣lief of the mischief which is projected against us. Your in∣comparable gentleness and benignity will give me full li∣berty to represent to you freely & without dissembling any thing, that which most of all grieves us. Inimici nostri sunt Judices; M. the Keeper of the Seals is our Judge

and Adversary too. This is verified by sundry reasons. First, it is known how that above twenty years ago he contracted a strict amity and familiarity with Doctor du Val. The same hath been cemented and diligently continued by the common administration wherewith they are intrusted by the Carmelites; the one for temporal, the other for spiritual concernments. I omit what other correspondences they have usually together; every one knows that the said Doctor du Val is our principal Ad∣versary, and hath raised all his tempests in favour of the Religious for the accomplishment of his designs. The first President hath informed some of our Doctors that the said M. du Val came to him to recommend the Religious Mendicants. On the other side, every one knows that Cardinal Spada persues this affair with all eagerness, and hath so perfect a correspondence with the Keeper of the Seals, that when his Majesty placed him in that Office, the Cardinal being informed thereof, said in the presence of some Bishops, Io non temo piu, per∣che Marillaco a i Sigilli Reali, I am out of fear now since Marillac hath the Royal Seals. Moreover we see in the Sorbonne the daily commerce of the said du Val with the said Cardinal, who according to the instru∣ction he received at his comming into France could not do otherwise. For, as I understand by Letters from Rome, one of the Nuntio's Instructions was, that he should lodge as near as might be to the Sorbonne, and have perpe∣tual correspondence with Doctor du Val whom he might make use of as a Spy upon the Sorbonne. Lastly it hath constantly been observ'd that the Keeper of the Seals is one of the most resolute Defenders and Protectors of the Jesuites: and that, whenever the said Fathers have had need of his assistance. Now that these Fathers are not profess'd Adversaries of the Sorbonne, no Person can deny; all Paris having seen the experience thereof in their Sermons, Pasquils and defaming Libels, I shall adde that they have Doctor du Val amongst us who serv'd them as a powerfull instrument in our Assemblies when the question has been about securing us amongst them; and he being admonish'd that he acted against his Oath and against his Mother the Faculty, answered that he could not act against the said Fathers, quia, said he, commiserunt mihi secretum suum. Furthermore, we are not ignorant how the Keeper of the Seals is extremely confirm'd in his aversion towards us by Father B. who hath great influence over him, either by occasion of the common imployment they have had from the Carmelites, or for other reasons. Now this Father cannot patiently bear the particular Decree made in the Colledge of Sor∣bonne for execlusion of such Doctors from the said Col∣ledge as have enter'd or shall hereafter enter into the Congregation of the said Father; which is also the grievance of the said Doctor du Val, who, as intimate Friend of the aforesaid Father B. hath perverted and sollicited seven Doctors of the College of Sorbonne; to found and establish the said Congregation by becoming the first associates of the same, to the great scandal of the College. You see, my Lord, our just fear of ruine, which is pursu'd by our enemies with so great violence and eagernesse. You see our adversaries openly profess'd, without comprehending those who out of interest dare not declare themselves; in the number of which I shall rec∣kon a Cardinal, who speaking of your most generous de∣sign for the building of your Sorbonne, said, he estee∣med it highly for it self, but was sorry it should be in∣tended for Schismaticks. However, my Lord, if that pretended Arrest must be signify'd to us, We most humbly beseech you, that it be not done publickly in our Assembly on the next day after the Holy-dayes, which will be Wednesday. To conclude, what ever victory our Adversaries may gain over us, this glory will re∣main ours to posterity, that we thirty who were depress'd for being faithfull to our King, and true Frenchmen, signed this common cause in behalf of the King and France.

This Remonstrance of M. Fillessac to Cardinal Richelieu did not hinder the Arrest from having its course; after which, the sollicitations and canva∣sings to get the abovemention'd Censure revok'd, were renew'd more then ever. But the Parliament check'd the torrent of those canvasings and sollicita∣tions, by several Arrests issued forth to maintain it, and by an order given to the President le Jay, and four Counsellors of this Grand Chamber to repair to the Sorbonne (as accordingly they did) to hinder all innovation touching this affair in the Assembly of the moneth of February 1627. in which it was to be fear'd one might happen, unlesse the Parlia∣ment interpos'd its authority to prevent it.

Matters stood in this posture till the year 1631, when the University of Paris having maturely weigh'd the prejudice it receiv'd as well from the said Arrest of the Council of 2 Novemb. 1626, as from another of the same Council of 18 July pre∣ceding, concerning the same matter; and having gravely consider'd what necessity there was both for its own interest and that of the King and State to provide against the said Arrests, they repair'd to the late King at St. German's to present to him a Petition, in which they complain'd of those two Arrests, as having been pass'd by surprise, contrary to all right, and upon false suppositions; for which reasons they beseech'd his Majesty the same might be vacated. M. the Rector went to wait upon the King with this Petition, and spoke to his Maje∣sty concerning the importance of this affair three quarters of an hour. The King heard him with attention and pleasure. He receiv'd himself the Petition which the Rector held in his hand, and caus'd it to be reported in his Council in his own pre∣sence; Whereupon on 8 July 1631, an Arrest was pass'd, whereby the aforesaid two of 18 July & 2 Nov. 1626, and all others prejudicial to the Statutes and Privileges of the University were an∣null'd; and hereof Letters Patents were expedited for the University.

M. Cornet could not be ignorant of all this; for I reviv'd the memory thereof to all the world in the Assembly of 1 Octob. 1648. when it was needfull to mention the same in answer to those two Arrests of the Council of 8 July, and 2 Nov. 1626. which had been signify'd to me anew that day by the Order and at the desire of the Mendicant Doctors. Ne∣verthelesse he forbore not in the Assembly of 4 Nov. to oppose those very two Arrests to the in∣junctions which M. Broussel and Viole us'd to him to see to the execution of those of the Parliament, ac∣cording to the duty of his place.

But it seems there is no great reason to wonder that M. Cornet so little valued those Letters Patents of 8 July 1631. sixteen years after they had been granted to the University; seeing that so soon as they were granted he set himself with all his might to hinder the effect they might have, causing him∣self by a party wholly of Mendicant Doctors to be install'd before the end of three Moneths in the Of∣fice of Syndic; in which he would not want means to requite the good turns which he should receive from them, and to continue the fidelity and corre∣spondence

he had sworn with them. I shall menti∣on nothing that pass'd in that election besides what I have learn'd from another Letter of M. Fillessac to Cardinal Richelieu dated Nov. 5. 1631. the Copy of which is come to my hands, together with the Cardinal's answer. And here they follow.

Another Letter of M. Fillessac, Dean of the Faculty, to Cardinal Richelieu.

My Lord,

ACcording to the command you were pleas'd to lay upon me, to give you an account of the election of our Syndic, I shall tell you in the first place, that God having visited me with his merciful justice by afflicting * 4.1 one of my Domesticks, I was constrain'd to leave Paris; and in my absence on the first of October, according to our Sta∣tute, the election of a Syndic was ta∣ken into consideration, the term of the former be∣ing expir'd. In this Assembly fifty Doctors were present. But when I return'd to Paris, I was de∣sirous to know how the business pass'd. Divers Doctors of our Fraternity coming to see me, re∣presented to me two considerable defects; one, in the person; the other, in the form of the ele∣ction.

As to the first, they represented him to me as a young Doctor of about five years standing, unac∣quainted with our Statutes, Customs and Forms; besides which, he ha's alwayes been train'd up and instructed by the Jesuites, having once purposed to enter into that Society, and to that end put himself into their Novitiate, where he was indo∣ctrinated for some time; and had it not been for a sickness that befell him, he would perhaps be now of their Society, to which neverthelesse he remains allied by affection. And every one knows how little reason we have to be well pleas'd with Them, considering the scandalous Libels they have written against us heretofore, and those they publish'd lately against our Censure pronounc'd against two Books compos'd by two English Je∣suites; Now it may here be presum'd, that when ever there comes forth such like Papers from the said Society, this new Syndic will not fail to crosse the businesse, and generally all others relating to that Society, (as it hath hapned too often) which will be a perpetual cause of trouble and division amongst us. Our said Confreres make it appear, that the Syndic of our Faculty is nothing else but a Censor; and what Censure can he passe being ig∣norant of our Lawes and Customs? And besides, how will one more antient then himself take in good part any reproof or check from him, who hath no credit and authority, being a young Do∣ctor. — As for the second defect; of the fifty Doctors present at the election the first of October, four and twenty voted it fit to stay till the return of the Dean, the other twenty six chose this new Syndic; and in this number there were eighteen Religious Mendicants suborn'd by the Nuntio, and of them two were interdicted by the Faculty. You may consider, my Lord, if you please, that it was never known that his Holiness's Nuntio had any thing to do with our affairs, or to attempt to give us Syndics, to the prejudice of the Rights of the King, the Liberties of the Gallicane Church, and the Maximes of France. Now if this procee∣ding be allow'd, and this power of the Nuntio confirm'd, I think in conscience I ought to dis∣charge my self of the Deanship, before I see with my eyes the evident ruine of our Faculty by the losse of its liberty. It had been better to have re∣tain'd the former Syndic, an antient Doctor, very well vers'd in our affairs, and who knew how to maintain our discipline. These things I have re∣monstrated to the Nuntio, who is obstinate for re∣taining the new Syndic. I conceive it to as little purpose to send M. de Nantes, seeing the Abbot of St. Mark your Almoner having come to our As∣sembly hath declar'd it your intention that the said Syndic be retain'd in his office, and perform the du∣ties thereof; which neverthelesse seems not to a∣gree with the words of your Letter, which speak only of Superseding the businesse, till you be more punctually inform'd of the state of it. Giving power to the Syndic to execute the place, is a confir∣ming of him, and thwarting the tenour of the Let∣ter. Wherefore it should seem there is no more room left for Remonstrances, but much for com∣plaints, which I shall continue in my retirement, where I shall not cease to the last breath of my life to pray God for your prosperity and health, as being

Your most humble and obedient Servant, J. FILLESSAC.

Paris 5 Nov. 1631.

The answer of Cardinal Richelieu to the fore∣going Letter.

SIR,

I Have seen the Letter you writ to me, in which there are very considerable reasons. When we come to Paris, I shall be glad that you take the pains to see me, that I may advise with you about what will be necessary to be done in this matter. In the mean time, I can as∣sure you, there is no person that desires more to maintain your College in its liberty, and procure its advantage upon all occasions then my self, who am in particular, Sir,

Your most affectionate to serve you, The Cardinal de Richelieu.

Chasteau-Thierry, 15 Nov. 1631.

And is it to be wonder'd, after this Letter written with so great resentment by so eminent a Dean of the Faculty, whose remonstrances were receiv'd and esteem'd by the prime Minister of State, whose worth was so highly acknowledg'd by the Commis∣sioners of Parliament when they came into Sorbonne, Feb. 2. 1627. that in the draught of their Process verbal they professe to be sorry in behalf of the interest of France that his years were so far advanc'd; Is it to be wonder'd, I say, since this Letter and Remon∣strances became ineffectual, that M. Cornet hath al∣wayes had so great an adherence both with the Je∣suites and Mendicant Doctors, who rais'd and main∣tain'd him in the office of Syndic; and that he hath so successfully labour'd the ruine of the Faculties li∣berty in doctrine and discipline, notwithstanding any obstacles the most sagacious and faithfull Do∣ctors have endeavour'd to oppose to his dangerous practices. But when it pleases God, for the execu∣ting of his secret judgements, (many times inscruta∣ble,

but alwayes just) to humble the most great and illustrious Societies; he knowes how to •…•…ave them under the administration of such as are capable to destroy them; nor is it in the power of any mor∣tal to hinder the revolution and downfall thereof.

CHAP. VI.

Of what pass'd in the Assembly of the Faculty on the 1 of July 1649. in which M. Cornet propounded the Five Propositions, to get the same cen∣sur'd.

WHen Publick tranquillity was restor'd to the Kingdom, by the Peace concluded at Ruel, in the begining of April 1649. we desir'd nothing so much, as to see this Blessing accompani'd with the particular benefit of establishment of good order in our Faculty, by the execution of its Statutes, and of the A••rests of Parliament, which I have spoken of. For which end it was requisite for a survey to be made of all that had pass'd in our Assemblies, to the infringement thereof, and of the Petitions which M. de Roux and I had presented, for obtain∣ing reparation of injuries, done us by M. Cornet in the Conclusions of the Faculty, which he penn'd and drew up according to his own pleasure. But the remembrance of the particular divisions and animosi∣ties which had been rais'd amongst the Doctors, by occasion of the prosecution us'd by us for the execu∣tion of the said Arrests, and establishment of our Statutes and discipline, causing us to fear if we be∣gan the same prosecutions again, they would a∣waken our division, and raise a new combustion, (wherewith we were threatned by the Mendicant Doctors, who dar'd to tell M. Brousel and M. Talon Advocate general to their faces, that they would dye martyrs rather then consent to withdraw from our Assemblies, and that ere they would be brought to it, there should be made new barricadoes, which perhaps would prove more dangerous then those made the foregoing year) we thought our selves oblig'd to defer our prosecutions, till we saw the minds of men more calmed from the storm which was but begun to cease.

We continu'd living with this restraint and cir∣cumspection, and prefer'd the sweetness of the tran∣quillity in which the faculty seem'd to breath, before its greatest interests and our own; when M. Cornet wholly disturb'd this peace by the Propositions, which he produc'd in the Assembly of 1 July 1649. and requir'd the Faculty to debate upon.

Though this design had been fram'd above a year before, as I observ'd by the Clause put at the end of the Conclusion, made the same day of the foregoing year, concerning the affair of F. Veron; yet it was not taken notice of till this day, when the concourse of Doctors both regular and secular, whom M. Cornet had drawn from all parts (themselves not knowing for what cause) began to cause suspicion that they were not thus resorted in so great a number, but for some considerable matter to be done. M. Cornet himself seem'd more musing and pensive then ordinary; and although he had as much leisure as needed to make that extraordinary resolution familiar to himself, yet he hesitated & seem'd at a losse when he was upon the point of putting it in execution; as if God thereby gave him some presage of the dreadful mischief he was about to cause to the Church by the said propo∣sal. When he was beginning to break the matter assoon as the usual supplicates and relations were finish'd, after he had half open'd his mouth twice or thrice, he stop'd and cast his eyes upon the ground, then lifting them up again, he turn'd to∣ward the door of the Assembly from which he was very distant (for this Assembly was held in the great Hall of the Sorbonne) and seeing the door a very litle open, he commanded him that kept it to shut it close.

At length, after he had remain'd a good while in suspense, and held the Assembly a sufficiently long time in expectation of what he had to propound, he began and said, That he had for the time past us'd his utmost endevour to maintain quiet and unity in the Faculty, and that his affection to preserve the same perpetually, had made him condescend to sign several Theses, in which it was well known some went about to introduce new opinions; but he had conniv'd thereat, and comply'd as much as he could, in hope to remedy the same by gentlenesse; have∣ing, to a void dissatisfyng any, contented himself onely with adding to such Theses what he judg'd necessary to keep the truth from being injur'd, and the decrees of the Faculty from being violated. That at present he saw all his fair carriage and pati∣ence were unprofitable; that the same were abus'd against his intention; that his own silence, and that also of the Faculty, was taken for a tacite ap∣probation of the said opinions. Wherefore he conceiv'd he could not in conscience connive longer at such disorders without advertising the Faculty thereof, and beseeching them to apply thereto such remedies as were necessary: That the mischief was proceeded so far, that in June last, after he had cor∣rected a Thesis of a Bachelor, the said Bachelor did not, in his Act, defend it as it was corrected and printed, but as himseif had fram'd it at first; and that the President of the Act did not dispute against him upon the said Thesis as it was corrected and printed, but according to the declaration made vivâ voce by the Bachelor of his sence in maintain∣ing the same. That there hapned in the same Act, a thing not wont to be done in the Faculty, name∣ly, for a Doctor to speak from the Hearers seats when there is a President of the Act, and that M. de Sainte Beuve had not forborn to do it in this. That the liberty taken by the Bachelor had gone yet further, in as much as the said Bachelor had caus'd a Thesis to be printed otherwise then it had been corrected for him. That unlesse the Faculty remedied this unheard of boldnesse, neither order nor submission was longer to be hop'd for among the Bachelors. That he hop'd they might be all reduc'd to the terms of their duty, if the Faculty would please to declare their judgement concerning some Propositions which occasion'd all the disorders, and excited all those heats and contentions. That the propositions of that kind were few, and he con∣ceiv'd might all be reduc'd to six or seven principal ones; which he also rehearsed. The five, which have since made so great a noise, were the first. There was also this, Omnia Infidelium opera sunt peccata; and another touching Repentance. At the end of his discourse, he requir'd the Faculty to deliberate upon what he had propounded, and en∣treated

that for Commissioners to be nominated they would principally choose the Professors.

M. de Sainte Beuve being present at this Assem∣bly, and finding himself accus'd by M. Cornet of have∣ing spoken from the Hearers seats in the said Act, thought himself oblig'd to informe the Fa∣culty in what manner he had done so.

M. Mulot presided as Dean at that time, and as∣soon as M. de Sainte Beuve made shew of going to speak, he interrupted him in anger, and told him he should do better to teach (as he ought) the receiv'd Doctrines, then to give scandal to the world by his writing and make a combustion, as he did.

When M. Mulot had ended, M. de Sainte Beuve resum'd his speech, and said, that it hapning in that Act that a Bachelor disputing (who is since known to have been set on purposely to raise that quar∣rel) had divers times call'd the Respondent Per∣fidious and Perjur'd, because as said the Disputant, the Respondent's Thesis was full of doctrines con∣demn'd by the Faculty; he thought himself oblig'd (being the most antient Doctor present in the Audi∣tory, and the others intreating him) to tell the Disputant, that the Faculty took it ill that he gave the Respondent ill language, and condemn'd Propositions contain'd in a Thesis signed by the Syndic and the President of the Act. That which M. de Sainte Beuve did, happens not every day, but hath been often practis'd, when occasions made it necessary and convenient; as when silence was sundry times impos'd by the Auditory to F. Arnould the King's Confessor, whom the deceas'd Prince of Condé would cause to dispute in a Tentative Question.

M. de Sainte Beuve having thus justifi'd what he had done, M. Mulot reply'd some cholerick words against him, and then betook himself to put M. Cornet's proposals under deliberation.

M. Messier advis'd that the Propositions men∣tion'd by M. Cornet should be examin'd, and to that end nominated for Deputies or Commissioners out of the Colledge of Sorbon, M. Hennequin, M. Morel, and M. Grandin; out of that of Navarre, M. Pereyret, and M. Capellas, and moreover M. Bail, M. Pignay, and F. Nicholaï a Jacobine. M. Messier in nominating these Deputies, hesitated like a man that sought them in his memory, and to whom they had been suggested before, and indeed he forgot one of them. M. Henriot who spoke second, re∣dress'd the inconvenience; for having been desir'd at his going out of the Chappel, to go up to M. Mulot's Chamber, and there told that it was mate∣rial, in relation to an affair which M. Cornet had to propound, to nominate such and such Deputies; for fear lest his memory should fail him, he desir'd their names in writing, which were given him in a Note written by M. le Moine's hand, as the Doctors behind him perceiv'd, (and amongst others M. Hodencq) in which Note (which he drew out of his pocket when he was to speak) besides those nam'd by M. Messier, was also written the name of M. Gauquelin of Navarre, whom M. Messier had forgotten. Him M. Henriot nam'd with the other, and upon this sole nomination, he was, by the Con∣clusion, taken into the number of Deputies, though he was at that time in the Country, and almost all the other Doctors that nominated Deputies for this businesse, not observing the difference between the votes of M. Messier and M. Henriot, had in theirs barely follow'd M. Messier. M. Pereyret who voted the third, took better notice of the difference; for in his vote he nam'd those that were nam'd both by M. Messier, and by M. Henriot; but so it was, that the Doctors his adherents did not observe it. For had they markt it, they would not have fail'd to have said the same. M. Pereyret added besides, that he doubted not but amongst the Propositions men∣tion'd by the Syndic, there were some manifestly Heretical, and which needed no examination in or∣der to their being condemn'd.

M. Coppin said, that if these matters were to be examin'd, it behov'd that it should be by all the Doctors in general; that it was not an affair for Deputies; that it was fit every particular Doctor should have a copy of the Propositions given him, to examine the same at leisure, and come prepar'd to deliver their Judgements thereof.

Some there were so zealous in seconding M. Cornet, that they gave advice for an extraordinary Assembly on the 15. day of the month, wherein to receive the report concerning the Propositions, and determine the whole controversie. On the other side, M. Chappellas and F. Nicholaï seem'd very re∣serv'd, and said, Nothing was to be done with preci∣pitancy. M. Bourgeois said, he conceiv'd that the affair whereof the Syndic made proposal, was per∣haps the greatest and most important the Faculty ever had; that M. Cornet had set afoot Propositions upon which General Councils and the Holy See had abstain'd from pronouncing a definitive judgement, though the same matters had been ventilated before them; that there needed very much study, reading, meditation, leisure, and prayers to understand the same perfectly, and far more to passe any judgement upon them; that therefore his advice was, that every one would imploy himself seriously in study∣ing them, before they spoke of making any determi∣nation upon them, or of nominating Deputies to make report thereof to the Faculty.

M. de Hodencq testifi'd some indignation at the precipitancy and partiality with which they went about to handle this affair; and because he saw a de∣sign in the choyce, which was made of persons all addicted to one side, he aim'd to make them sensible of the injustice by a quite contrary nomination; and therefore said, that if the Propositions must be examin'd, he should depute to that imployment M. Chastellain, M. Coppin, M. Bachelier, M. Bourgeois, and M. Retart.

M. de Launoy also nominated Deputies wholly different from both sides; he chose persons whose names I will not relate, because they were all so little capable of such matters, that one of them, otherwise a very honest and intelligent man, hear∣ing himself nam'd for this businesse, became offend∣ed at it, and pray'd M. de Launoy not to mock him.

M. de Sainte Beuve said, the motion of M. Cornet to bring the Propositions he spoke of under exami∣nation, was made without any necessity; since, having no other foundation but the carriage of the Batchelors he complain'd of, it was certain that if at any time they put any thing ill into their Thesis, the Syndic had full power to expunge it before they caus'd the same to be printed; and if afterwards they let any thing fall in their Disputations con∣trary to the correction of their Thesis, it was the duty of the Syndic to complain thereof, and of the Faculty to punish them; That as for the matter of

the Propositions produc'd by M. Cornet, it was not lawfull for us to pronounce judgement thereof, but that we ought to leave liberty to Divines, ac∣cording to the determination of Paul V. conse∣quently to the Congregation de auxiliis, this very matter being then under consideration, though it was endeavour'd to be disguis'd. Neverthelesse if the resolution of the Facul••y tended to take them in hand, he desir'd that some Propositions which him∣self should propound, should likewise be examin'd; and accordingly he forthwith mention'd divers. M. Cornet instantly accepted the offer, and sundry others by his example signifi'd their assent there∣unto. After which M. de Sainte Beuve spoke against the artifice wherewith M. Cornet had made his motion, and said, that it was not necessary to pronounce concerning the possibility of keeping Gods Commandements by the righteous, it being concluded de fide by the Council of Trent, that they are possible; that all Catholicks were agreed here∣in, because, Possibile est quod per gratiam possibile est. Now, said he, none but a Heretick denyes that by grace they are possible. That the Question was, Whether all the righteous have alwayes all grace necessary to keep them, and without the which it cannot be done. That in this point the Schoole was divided, Molina holding the Affirmative, and the Disciples of S. Augustine and S. Thomas (who ac∣knowledge grace effectual by it self, necessary to every action) holding the Negative. That the case was the same concerning that other Proposition, about resisting Internal Grace. In respect of Infi∣dels, he said it was de fide, that Infidels can dispose themselves for the Grace of Baptism; but that the Question was, Whether without grace they can do any thing morally good, or any virtuous action; non solum quantum ad officium, sed etiam quantum ad rectum finem. As for the point, Of Satisfaction, that there was no Divine but acknowledg'd it an error to say it ought of necessity to precede Absolu∣tion; that Sextus IV. had condemn'd it; but that the Question was, Whether it be not convenient in many cases not to give Absolution immediately after Confession. To conclude, M. de Sainte Beuve so clearly and in so Orthodox a sense explain'd the Propositions, that the Dominicans, who spoke after him, especially F. Bernard Guyart, being convinc'd that he had reduc'd them all to the Capital point of Grace effectual by it self, necessary by it self to every pious action, and consequently that it was that Grace which was struck at, nam'd him to be one of the Deputies.

M. Retart in his advice, recall'd the memory of F. Veron's affair, spoken of above: He said, that when the several maximes and scandalous injuries vented by that Father in his Libel, were question'd, M. Pereyret and most of those in this Assembly that nam'd Deputies for the examination of M. Cornet's Propositions, were of opinion that the said Book could not be medled with, because the censure of it could not be made without holding the Faculty im∣ploy'd above ten years, by reason of the connexion of F. Veron's Propositions with the matters of Grace and Repentance, upon which nothing could be pro∣nounc'd without first examining S. Augustine, Jan∣senius, Petrus Aurelius, M. Arnauld, the Gospel; and that he wonder'd how this was become in a years time so easie to decide. This argument very much press'd M. Pereyret and the rest of his party. M. Pereyret went to wave it off, by interrupting M. Retart about the word Gospel, denying that he com∣pris'd it amongst the things he then said were requi∣site to be examin'd. M. Retart on the contrary maintain'd that he did comprise it; whereupon M. Pereyret held his peace, and M. Retart concluded that the same reasons which at that time induc'd the Faculty to lay aside the examination of F. Veron's Libel, still holding and being much more valid and evident in the case of the Propositions produc'd by M. Cornet, in which S. Augustine's doctrine is con∣cern'd, it was his advice that the examination there∣of be deferr'd.

M. Guillebert said, that to perform the examina∣tion aright, requir'd a man of great leasure, great labour, and great reading; that M. Coqueret, who complain'd that M. Launoy nam'd him for the em∣ployment, and so excus'd himself from it, had acted with very great prudence, in regard of his great businesses; and that his modesty deserv'd to be commended, and to serve for an example to others.

M. Marcan press'd again very vigorously the ar∣gument from the Conclusion made the foregoing year, upon F. Veron's Libel, which M. Retart had us'd against M. Pereyret. He represented, as also divers others had done, the importance this affair was of, it concerning the doctrine of S. Augustine, so often authoriz'd by Popes and Councils, and so generally follow'd in all ages by all Catholick Di∣vines, which it was just before all things to put out of danger of all impeachment. He said, (as also some Doctors had done before him) that it was not the custome of the Faculty to examine Propo∣sitions without noting the places from whence they were taken, and mentioning the Authors which deliver'd them, to the end every one might under∣stand in the places themselves the meaning of the Authors. That M. Cornet did not declare whence he took those he produc'd, which he desir'd him to declare; and that till he had done so, he could neither consent to their examination, nor take any more expresse resolution upon his motion. He added, That it was neverthelesse well enough dis∣cern'd, that under pretext of those Propositions Jansenius was aim'd at, and that the design was to cause the censure to fall one day upon that Author. But M. Cornet (who desir'd to divert and stiflle this thought in the Faculty as much as he could) being surpris'd to hear M. Marcan speak in that manner, and making use of some sway of authority which he had formerly had, and thought he had still over him, conceiv'd he might hinder him from speaking fur∣ther of it, by intimating to him in one word, that he was not pleas'd therewith. Wherefore as soon as M. Marcan had nam'd Jansenius, M. Cornet was mov'd to tell him hastily, though civilly too, That the Question was not about him, and consequently that he ought not to speak of him; Non agitur, (said he to him) de Jansenio, Domine mi. But M. Marcan notwithstanding his very modest and respectfull temper, had no regard to what M. Cornet said to him; he did violence to himself by proceed∣ing, in behalf of the truth which he knew, beyond the respects which engag'd and subjected him to M. Cornet, and continu'd firm in his opinion, which he reiterated in answering to what M. Cornet said to him, which thing as much astonish'd M. Cornet, as any other that pass'd in this Assembly.

To what was spoken by all the rest he held his peace: They might represent what they would, he

continu'd silent, letting the Suffrages passe along; and being well assur'd that such as were come to this Assembly to promote his design, consider'd not what others might say, but only what themselves came to do, and what the intentions were of those that sent them.

When I deliver'd my sentence, I said that M. Cornet's care would have been much better imploy'd in seeing to the publication of the censure of Father Bauny's Book, (which was pass'd so long agoe, as was so necessary in this age to stop the enormity of Usuries which that Author teaches so confidently) then to require a new one upon the matters he pro∣pos'd. But if it were necessary to make any exa∣mination hereof, I should not gain-say it, provided all things were done according to our Statutes, Customes, and the Arrests of Parliament; because should those be violated in any thing (I us'd that passage, Nisi omnia fiant in pondere, numero & men∣sura, which I repeat here, because M. Cornet who cited it in the Conclusion he drew up, left out the word numero; which related to the excessive num∣ber of Religious Mendicants that were there) I should think my self bound to make opposition thereunto upon every occasion; and that I saw at that present sundry things that gave me cause to do so; I accordingly oppos'd the same as far as was needfull.

M. Mulot the Dean, however, concluded, accor∣ding to the plurality of Suffrages, that the Proposi∣tions should be examin'd, and that the persons no∣minated by M. Messier and M. Henriot were deputed to that purpose. It was further added, that a copy of them should be given to every Doctor to debate thereupon at the next Assembly of the first of August; that in the mean time the Deputies should conferre together about them, and should summon before them the Bachelor of whom the Syndic complain'd for having printed in his Thesis the Pro∣positions which he had corrected for him.

CHAP. VII.

Of what pass'd during the rest of the month of July, consequently to the de∣putation of the Doctors nominated by the Faculty for examining the Propo∣sitions.

I Have not hitherto set down the six or seven Pro∣positions, to which M. Cornet said all the contro∣versies might be reduc'd, because I judg'd it better to reserve them for this place, and represent them as they were printed in the Chartels distributed to the Doctors five or six dayes after at a Doctor's Act, which occasion was made use for the more commodious distribution. But I took notice of that concerning the works of Unbelievers, which he mention'd and requir'd the examination of, Omnia infidelium opera sunt peccata; because its not being found in these distributed Chartels, is a certain evi∣dence of the liberty M. Cornet took to adde or dimi∣nish in the Faculties Conclusions. The like dealing he us'd in reference to the Propositions which M. de Sainte Beuve demanded to be examin'd also, in case the Faculty would examine the former; for he put but one of them into the Ticket, which is the last, and concerns Attrition; but M. de Sainte Beuve was so far from restraining himself to that alone, that on the contraty, he propos'd sundry more upon the place; and yet all were but a sample, and as it were a spark of such as he thought more necessary to be examin'd, then those of M. Cornet. Where∣fore after M. Cornet himself, and almost the whole Faculty with him, had consented to the examination of M. de Sainte Beuve's Propositions, it behov'd ac∣cording to order and justice, to have desir'd a copy of them from him, and added the same to that of M. Cornet.

However see here the form in which they were all printed and distributed in the Tickets I spoke of, there being no intimation of a pretence that they were taught and deliver'd by any Author, M. Cornet not only not naming any in the Assembly, but also declaring that he did not meddle with Jansenius.

• 1. Aliqua Dei praecepta hominibus justis volentibus & conantibus secundum praesentes quas habent vires, sunt impossibilia: deest quoque iis Gratia, quâ possibilia fiant.
• 2. Interiori Gratiae in statu naturae lapsae nunquam resistitur.
• 3. Ad merendum & demerendum in statu naturae lapsae non requiritur in homine libertas à necessi∣tate, sed sufficit libertas à coactione.
• 4. Semipelagiani admittebant praevenientis Gratiae interioris necessitatem ad singulos actus, etiam ad initium fidei; & in hoc erant Haeretici, quod vellent eam Gratiam talem esse cui posset humand voluntas resistere vel obtemperare.
• 5. Semipelagianorum error est dicere Christum pro omnibus omnino hominibus mortuum esse aut san∣guinem fudisse.
• 6. Sensit olim Ecclesia privatam Sacramentalem poenitentiam pro occultis peccatis non sufficere.
• 7. Naturalis Attritio sufficit ad Sacramentum poenitentiae.

The accusations made by M. Cornet against the Bachelors he spoke of, were nothing but vain pre∣texts, upon which he endeavour'd to ground his de∣sign of getting these Propositions condemn'd, which he sought to colour by some seeming occasion. For indeed the Bachelor he complain'd of, had main∣tain'd nothing at all in his answers but what M. Cornet had approv'd in expresse termes by his signa∣ture or subscription; and so far was it from being true, that he had caus'd any other thing to be prin∣ted in his Thesis but what M. Cornet had sign'd for him, that on the contrary M. Cornet having, long after he had sign'd for him a Proposition of very great importance, bethought himself to bid him ex∣punge it; the said Bachelor obey'd him without any repugnance, though a great part of his Thesis were already printed. Whence the said Deputies, though so chosen as I have declar'd, and sifting very narrowly in their private Assemblies the busi∣nesse about the Bachelors, found nothing reflecting upon them to make report of to the Faculty.

They were lesse favourable to the Propositions. For in some private meetings which they had during the said moneth to advise amongst themselves about them, almost all concluded upon their condemnati∣on. But it is material to consider, in what manner

they proceeded to their examination. My know∣ledge of which I gather'd partly out of two Letters still in my hands, partly out of an Article touching the Abusive Courses joyn'd to a Petition mention'd hereafter, which we presented against the said De∣putation; and partly out of what M. Hennequin, the Dean, spoke about that subject upon a remarkable occasion in the face of the Parliament, as I shall re∣port in due place.

The first of those Letters was written by a Do∣ctor who was in a Coach with M. Chappellas one day as they return'd from S. Denis, where they had been present at a Service which the Masters and Boursers of the College of Navarre are accustom'd to celebrate every year in that Church for the re∣pose of the souls of the King and Queen who foun∣ded their College. M. Brousse, M. Taignier, and M. Tallendier were there, and 'tis one of these three that writ it. See what it saith. — It was signifi'd of M. Chappellas, of what consequence the Judgement was, which all the Deputies nam'd with him for exami∣ning the Propositions, were about to make. It was told him, that it was a shamefull thing to go about determi∣ning an affair of that consequence in so little space, and exposing S. Augustin to the Censure at a time when Hereticks would not fail to heighten all faults commit∣ted by Catholick Doctors. Hereunto M. Chappellas answer'd, That he very well understood the consequence of such a Judgement; that himself had made a display thereof to all the Examiners in an Assembly held at M. Bouvot's house, in declaring to them, that the Propositions not being taken out of any Book that ap∣pear'd, and having much affinity with opinions not con∣demn'd but still receiv'd in the Church, it would be very difficult to passe any judgement upon them, un∣lesse they were compar'd with those opinions, and the books explicating the said opinions were examin'd; that for his part, he conceiv'd it necessary for this reason that the examination of the Propositions should proceed in that manner. He answer'd further, that he very well un∣derstood the connexion of these Propositions with the doctrine of S. Augustin, and of the first amongst the rest (it being that, whereof they had already debated) that he had represented the same to the Examiners, and shewn, that in the doctrine of the said Saint it behoo∣ved to acknowledge a Differencing Grace which comes from God, and consentaneous to the truth of that sacred Oracle, Quis te discernit? Quid habes, &c. That this Grace is not given to all the Just, but only to such as fulfill the Commandements, by which Grace they are made to differ from those that do not fulfill them, that it behooveth also to acknowledge that this Grace is absolutely necessary to perform the command of God; seeing that without the same, he that performs it cannot be made to differ from him that performs it not, saving by the strength of his own will; which is a manifest er∣ror: and consequently that it was necessary to use very great circumspection in this Proposition. — He told us further, that here he was interrupted, and told that he was not to trouble himself, whether the Proposi∣tions were S. Augustines, or had any affinity with his doctrine, or with that of any other Catholick Doctors; that it suffic'd to consider the same according to the de∣terminations of the Council of Trent, and the Holy Scripture, and to find what affinity they have with the Doctrine of such Hereticks as have been condemned by that Sacred Council; that this was the sole rule which it behooved them to follow in their judgement up∣on those Five Propositions; that to stand upon S. Au∣gustin's or any other Catholick Doctor's doctrine, were to engage in such inexplicable difficulties, as would hinder them from making any judgement at all thereof: That to this, he remonstrated that the judgements of the Church were not made otherwise then by considering what the Holy Scriptures, and the Councils, and the Holy Fathers had said concerning the matters to be judg'd of, that the Church alwayes thought her self ob∣lig'd to follow the doctrine of the Holy Fathers as con∣stituting a part of Tradition; that the Faculty was not higher then the Church, and therefore it behoov'd it to conform to the rules of its mother, and to consider the Holy Fathers as well as she doth; and because this first Proposition's affinity with the Doctrine of S. Augu∣stin, he persisted in his first sentiment, that it behoov'd to consider S. Augustines doctrine, together with the Holy Scriptures and the Council of Trent. Ʋpon this Remonstrance some of the Examiners seeming willing to proceed, as if what he said were nothing but his single opinion, he assur'd us that he insisted upon the maintai∣ning what he had deliver'd, and hinder'd them from passing further. Whereupon the Examiners, seeing him resolute to have S. Augustin's doctrine consider'd as a rule (in part) of the Censure they design'd to passe upon the Propositions, broke up this Assembly.

I shall adde one thing very considerable, namely, that he told us one of the Examiners brought into this meeting the determination of the First Proposition, and the condemnation he intended to make thereof. And upon my telling him that I believ'd it was M. Perey∣ret, he reply'd nothing to me; So that it's easie to judge that the said determination of the Five Propo∣sitions was before-hand fram'd by them who maliciously compos'd them. I intreat you to make use of this te∣stimony, and averre it before whom you shall think meet; I assure you it is very sincere, and I will make it good in presence of any person whatsoever.

The second Letter speaks of another Occurrence in the auditory of the Sorbonne, between M. Launoy and F. Nicolaï, at which M. Grandin was present also. Take it as it followeth. — I think my self oblig'd to give you some intelligence which may be usefull in the cause you defend. I have amongst my Notes one remark which lately I made, namely that the Deputies who were to censure the Five Propositions within a moneths time, triumph'd in the Auditory of the Sorbonne, as being assur'd of the carrying of their cause, for that they had made themselves the Judges thereof. Father Nicolai a Dominican, and one of those Deputies, discoursing with M. Launoy a very eminent Doctor of our Faculty, said, That the intention of the Deputies was not to consider whether the Five Proposi∣tions had affinity with the doctrine of St. Augustin or no, but only what affinity they have with the doctrine of the Hereticks that have been condemned by the Council of Trent; that there is no obligation to receive S. Au∣gustines doctrine or propose it to themselves for a Rule in the judgement of the Faculty; and therefore it is not to be stood upon. Ʋpon M. de Launoy's answer∣ing him, that S. Augustin's doctrine was never con∣demn'd, and that it was twelve hundred years old, and that therefore it was not fit that Doctors who were not seventy five should undertake to condemn it; That Fa∣ther reply'd, that what ever was contrary to the Coun∣cil of Trent, and the Holy Scriptures, was likely to be condemn'd; and that there would be no speech of any particular persons doctrine, but only the Five Proposi∣tions. M. de Launoy gave him an account how S. Augustine's doctrine stands in reference to the first Pro∣position; and told him after his pleasant way, That S. Augustin was too old to be plac'd upon the seats of

the Doctors in Divinity of the Faculty of Paris, F. Ni∣colai answer'd, that this doctrine taken in the sense of Hereticks deserves to be condemn'd; but that the busi∣nesse in hand is only about censuring or judging of Five Propositions.

M. Grandin said that there was no obligation to follow S. Augustin; and mention'd some opinions of S. Augustin which ought not to be follow'd now. Which is a shamefull evasion, and unworthy of a Christian man. Thus you have what is in my memory; make use of it as of a thing very certain, and testify'd to you by him who is, &c.

As for the Abusive Courses upon which we grounded our Petition, of which I shall speak be∣low; amongst ten compris'd in a Memorial annex'd to that Petition, the third ran thus. The Faculty hath not given power to the said Deputies for any of them to act in the absence of the rest, and neverthelesse they never are together, and have not forborn to pro∣ceed. M. Pignay after the first Assembly retir'd dis∣satisfy'd, and repair'd thither no more. M. Chappel∣las withdrew himself after the second conference, be∣cause he having gainsay'd him that gave his opinion be∣fore him, and branded the First Proposition of Heresie, (the said M. Chappellas maintaining the same to be Catholick and S. Augustines) neverthelesse the plu∣rality concluded that it was heretical. M. Gauque∣lin arriv'd at the meeting in the middle of the examina∣tion, and having seen the proceeding held therein, would be present at it no more. M. Hennequin assisted not at the last Assembly where the Deputies sign'd the Re∣sult in the presence of M. the Dean, who was present there to conclude, though he had not been at the other As∣semblies. For there is a Law which begins, Si duo ex tribus, &c. which forbids some Commissioners to proceed in the absence of the rest, unlesse their commis∣sion expresly allow it. Duo ex tribus Judicibus, uno absente, judicare non possunt; quippe omnes judicare jussi sunt. D. de re judicata, L. 39.

CHAP. VIII.

Of the Writings which were publish'd du∣ring the same moneth of July by the Disciples of S. Augustin touching the Propositions.

BEfore this moneth expir'd, books were publish'd concerning the subject of the Propositions which M. Cornet had presented to the Faculty. One was intitul'd, Molinae Collatorumque adversus S. Au∣gustini doctrinam apparatus. Another began with these words, In nomine Domini. And a third had this title, Considerations upon the enterprise made by Master Nicholas Cornet. In each of those three Works complaint was made of the maliciousnesse wherewith these Propositions were fram'd, and render'd capable of divers senses very opposite, of which some were certainly Catholick, and the other evidently Heretical; to the end that being expos'd to examination, they might be condemn'd un∣der pretext of the heretical senses which they might include; and that when under the said pre∣text the authors of the said design should have obtain'd a censure thereof, they might apply the same as should seem good to themselves, and cause it to fall upon the Catholick sense, which they also admitted; and which M. Cornet and his Complices principally aim'd at, though they durst not declare themselves against the same.

Of these books, especially The Considerations, some were given to the Examiners before they had ended their private meetings; they were likewise given to all the Doctors they could be deliver'd to, before the first of August. And I cannot sufficiently wonder, how, (considering the clearnesse where∣with the disguise and artifice of those deceitfull pro∣positions and the deplorable sequels of the whole attempt is therein laid open) neverthelesse the be∣ginners of it could be more obstinate in it, then at first; and how such as they had perverted could be as inclin'd as themselves to conclude in the assembly of the first of August, upon a condemnation not lesse ambiguous then the Propositions themselves, had there been nothing else to hinder them from do∣ing so, but these Books.

Those Works might deserve to be inserted here intire, for the importance of the things contained in them, and especially for the undeceiving of such as have ben kept in a belief, that we have some∣times absolutely maintain'd the said Propositions. For they might see in every page of them, that we spoke at first of the Propositions as we have done since, namely, as equivocal, fallacious, ambiguous, fram'd with cunning, to render them capable of di∣vers senses very opposite, whereof some are most certainly Catholick, and the other most evidently heretical. But I will content my self with reciting some lines out of that of the Considerations, which shall clearly manifest what I say, even to persons most obstinate and prejudic'd. The 22. & 23. ar∣ticle of those Considerations run in these terms.

XXII.

Moreover, it is clear that they have gone about to encounter. S. Augustin like Foxes, not like Lions; and that to cover the shame of making themselves Masters and Censors of the greatest Master of the whole Church next S. Paul in these matters, and together with him of the Popes, Councils, and of all antiquity, they have express'd the Propositions in ambiguous and confus'd words; that so being true in one sense and false in another, they might excuse themselves to intelligent men, by saying, that they intended only to condemn the evil that was in them without purposing to wound S. Augustin, and at the same time decry them before the simple and ig∣norant (which are the greatest number) for abso∣lutely condemn'd as well in the sense of S. Augu∣stin, which is that which they chiefly design to ru∣ine, as according to the other.

XXIII.

This is seen clearly in the first Proposition, Aliqua Dei praecepta, &c. which according to S. Augustin and the Bishop of Ipre (who hath hand∣led and excellently explicated it by a multitude of clear and indubitable passages) hath no other meaning but this, that the Righteous are not al∣wayes in one and the same disposition, nor in the same internal vigour, but that they are sometimes so weak that they cannot prevail with themselves to do those things which are their duty, although they know God commands the same, and they have a desire to do them, as it is manifest by S. Paul, who cryes out, that he cannot do the good

which he would, according to the explication of the Fathers. In this sence, so true and so conformable not only to S. Augustin and the Scripture, but also to the ordinary Prayers of the Church, and the con∣tinual experience of the greatest Saints, and of all such as endeavour to serve God faithfully, this Proposition cannot receive any impeachment from envy it self. But being taken after another sort, and according to the Letter, it may signifie another thing, namely that there are Commandments of God which the righteous can never keep by the strength which is given them in this present life, what grace soever God communicates to them, and whatsoever will they may have to performe the same, which is an Error and a Heresie advanc'd by Calvin, in as much as it makes the Command∣ments of God absolutely impossible in this world: In the mean time, this is one of the sences intended to be put upon this Proposition to render it odious, and to make the people and ignorants believe, that it is what S. Augustine and his Disciples teach. For it was propos'd in the same termes under the names of Luther and Calvin, in the * 6.1 infamous The∣ses of the Colledge of Clermont, which the Nuntio caus'd the Je∣suites to retract. And 'tis clear, that Calvin in the same place which is cited in those Theses maintains only the er∣ror and heresie before observ'd; namely, That 'tis impossible, not on∣ly for the generality of believers, but even for the greatest Saints, the Prophets and Patriarks to keep the Law of God, however strong a will they have to perform it, and whatever ayd they receive from the spirit of God, Ʋtcunque Dei spiritu adjuventur; and that there never was a person who did or was able to do that which God commanded him, nor ever shall be any such. So that of a Proposition which is particular in all its points, is made a Proposition universal in all the same points; and instead of saying that some Righteous are sometimes under a disability of performing some Commandement, which themselves have done, and perhaps will do soon after; and that such disability proceedeth from their willing but weakly, and God's not strengthning them with his grace, (as he hath done and will do hereafter, as it is always to be hop'd) S. Augustin and the Bishop of Jpré are made to say with Calvin, that all the Righteous are allwayes under a disability towards God's com∣mandments, and that no grace ever delivers them from it, how great soever such grace be, and what ever desire they have to accomplish the same. And this is one of the branches of conformity which those good Judges finde between the do∣ctrine of S. Augustin and that of Calvin.

And in the continuation of this Article beginning to speak of the other Propositions, the mention'd Work saith of the second, that it is as captious as the prece∣ding; of the third, that it is yet more openly fallacious; of the fourth, that it is as full of obscurity and dark∣ness as the rest; of the fifth, that it containes an arti∣fice and subtlety so visibly borrow'd from the Semipela∣gians, that it is strange they have not been asham'd to make use of it publickly in so important an occasion. After which it explicates particularly the diversity of sences whereof they are contriv'd capable. It declares in such expresse terms both those which it maintaines to be Catholick, and those which it acknowledges to be false and heretical, that it is hard for one to speak more clearly upon any sub∣ject. It showes next that those ambiguities and ob∣scurities wherewith the Propositions are cover'd and intricated, have been affected, to surprise the Faculty and ingage it in a Censure, in which the Doctrine of S. Augustin would be involv'd. It layes open the exorbitancy of this Attempt which strikes not only at S. Augustin, but at the Popes, the Holy Fathers, the Councils, and the whole Church in general, of which that Saint was the voice and instrument against the Hereticks he in∣counter'd. It explicates the dismal consequences which are likely to happen from a condemnation of this nature, if it be made. It offers to verefy all that it delivers, in order thereunto to enter into a fair conference vivâ voce or by writing, before all sorts of persons not only learned, but barely rational and intelligent. And lastly it consents to hold for refuted and condemn'd the whole book of Jansenius, if they will only examine the Chapter from whence it taxes them to have taken the first Proposition by making notable alterations thereof; if they will undertake an exact confutation of that single Chap∣ter; if they can show any difference between that which Jansenius mantaines there, and the Doctrine of S. Augustin, out of which he there recites a great number of passages upon which that Author grounds all that he saith; and if they can answer any thing to those passages which is not ridiculous and impertinent in the judgment of learned men. But this Work and two other were to as little pur∣pose as if they had not been written; they were not consider'd at all; they were answer'd only with silence; and all the strength there was in them serv'd only to render the Authors and partisans of this enterprise more inexcusable before God and men.

CHAP. IX.

Of what pass'd in the Assembly of the Fa∣culty on the first of August following and the rest of that moneth, touching a Petition which we presented to the Parliament against the enterprise of M. Cornet.

VVHen I perceiv'd that such bright and illustrous evidences produc'd no change, that the Deputies continu'd acting after the same manner in their private meetings, that they were prepar'd to make their Report on the first of Au∣gust, and that many other Doctors impatiently wait∣ed for that Report and day, that they might see the Propositions condemn'd without any distinction or explication of sense; I believ'd my self oblig'd to prevent it by turning the opposition I had made a∣gainst that Designe on the first of July, and wherein

I continu'd all that moneth, into an Appeal against Abuses. I made the same accordingly on the last of the said moneth by an Act which I took thereof be∣fore Notaries, the Draught whereof remain'd with M. Hervi, one of those before whom it was pass'd.

On the Monday following, being the second of August, I caus'd the said Act of Appeal to be signi∣fy'd to the Assembly which was held in the Sorbonne by M. Tassin Junior Bedle of the Faculty, who gave notice thereof to all the Doctors then present. Of whom, sixty, all seculars, and one Monastick Au∣gustine, judg'd this Appeal so just and important, that they not only approv'd it, but themselves joyn'd therein by another Act pass'd likewise before Notaries. But this was not it chiefly which hin∣der'd the Deputies from making their Report, and the Doctors perverted by M. Cornet from conclu∣ding the Censure with them that day. The obstruction was, that M. Loysal Curé of S. Jean en Greave and Chancellor of Nostre Dame pretending a right to be President in our Assemblies when any Censure is in hand, was present at this, and took the first place before the Dean was come, who finding it at his comming possess'd, demanded it as appertaining to himself: and in the contest which arose between them about this matter all the time of this Assembly was spent, without possibility of speaking concerning any other thing, notwithstanding all the endeavors M. Cornet and his adherents us'd to bring the Propo∣sitions under debate, in order to their condemnation.

Some days pass'd after, which were imploy'd only in drawing up the Petition which we judg'd necessary to present to the Parliament, in order to stop the resolution in which M. Cornet and his Adherents persisted of condemning the Propositions, without making any distinction of the different senses where∣of they were capable. It was drawn up and put in∣to the hands of M. Broussel to present the same, as it here followeth.

To our Lords of Parliament.

HƲmbly supplicate, Anthony de Heu first Arch∣priest of Paris and Curé of S. Severin, Francis Ytier Chastellain Canon of the Church of Paris, Provost of Normandy in the Church of Chartres and Principal of the Colledge of Fortet; Claudius Eme∣rets Canon of the Royal Church of S. Quintin, Pe∣ter Copin Curé of Vaugirard lez Paris, Elias du Fresne de Mincé Curé of S. Peter de Gonesse, John Rousse Curé of S. Roch, Jerome Bachelier Coun∣sellor and Preacher to the King, Archdeacon and Ca∣non of the Cathedral Church of Soissons, and Counsel∣lor in the Court of the Ecclesiastical Chamber at Paris, Peter le Gendre Curé of Aumale, James Brousse Ca∣non of S. Honoré, Anthony de Breda Curé of S. An∣drew des Arcs, Charles Meusnier Dean and Canon of the Cathedral Church of Orleans, Nicolas Drujon Canon of the Collegiate Church of S. Bennet at Paris, Alexander de Hodencq Canon of S. Firmin at Ami∣ens, John Bourgeois Precentor and Canon of the Ca∣thedral Church of Verdun, and Prior of S. Catherine de Loseliere, Henry de Creil Canon of the Cathe∣dral Church of Beauvais, James Tirement Canon of the same Church, Francis Heron Prior Commendata∣ry of our Lady of Champ Arien, Francis Blondel Curé of S. Hippolite in the Suburb of S. Marcel at Paris, Lewis le Noire Curé of S. Hilary at Paris, Henry Holden, James de Sainté-Beuve Kings Pro∣fessor of Divinity in Sorbonne, James de Paris, Pe∣ter Sarrazin Canon Theologal in the Cathedral Church of Chartres, Robert Constantin Canon and Arch∣deacon of the Cathedral Church of Angiers, Elias Foujeu Descures Archdeacon of Dreux, and Canon in the Cathedral Church of Chartres, Fran∣cis Castel Curé of Compan, Claudius Vacquet∣te Curé and Prior of Clermont, James Maleude Curé of Groslay lez Paris, Nicolas Gosset Canon and Curé of S. Opportuné, James Esmard, John Guillebert, Michel le Blanc; Renatus de Robbe∣ville Canon Theologal; and Chanter of the Cathedral Church of Amiens, Claudius Grenet Curé of S. Ben∣net, John Callaghan, Henry du Hamel Curé of S. Mederic, George de Nuilly Canon of the Cathedral Church of Beauvais, Fryer Alipius Roussel a Religi∣ous Augustin, Professor of Divinity in the Covent of the lesser Augustins, in the Suburb of S. Germain with the licence of his Provincial, Nicolas D'aignauln Ca∣non of S. Cloud, Claudius Taignier, Noel de Lalane Abbot of Valcroissant, John Bapt. de Chassebras Archpriest and Curé of La Magdelaine at Paris, John Banneret Canon of the Cathedral Church of Reimes, Francis Retart Curé of Magny-Lessart lez Paris, Michel Taillandier, John James Dorat, Matthew Feydeau, John L'Abbé, John Bapt. Gaultier, Mathurin Queras, Thomas Fortin, Lewis de Saint-Amour, Michel Dobbaires, John Perou, Claudius le Cappellain, Philip Marcan, Gabriel Dabes, Pe∣ter Renier, Michel Moreau Canon of the Cathedral Church of Noyon, Philip de Longeran, Peter Bar∣bereau, John Martin, all Doctors in the sacred Facul∣ty of Divinity at Paris, to the number of above sixty; SHEWING, That on Thursday the first day of July in the ordinary Assembly of the said Faculty of Divi∣nity of Paris, held in the Great Hall of the College of Sorbonne, the said Lewis de Saint-Amour one of the Petitioners oppos'd a Proposal made by M. Nicolas Cornet Doctor and Syndic of the said Faculty to de∣bate and condemn the Propositions hereunto annex'd, the said Cornet having to that end caus'd to come in∣to the said Assembly many Doctors, Religious and Secular, which he the Syndic and his adherents had summon'd on purpose from their respective houses, in∣tending by their number to represent the said Faculty. That notwithstanding the opposition of the said Saint-Amour, the said Cornet and his adherents pass'd on to the said debate, deputed some amongst them to pre∣pare the determination and condemnation of the said Pro∣positions, and by the said Deputation made and drew up an Act which they endevour to make passe under the name of a Conclusion of the said Faculty; and in pur∣suance thereof have had sundry private Meetings, the issue whereof cannot be other then a division very de∣structive to the said Faculty: That of the said Opposi∣tion an Act hath been made before Notaries by the pro∣curement of the said Saint-Amour on the 31. of July last, and by him persisting in the said Opposition, an Appeal also against Abuses hath been made against all that hath been done and pass'd, as well in the said Assembly of the first of July, as in other private ones; and therein charging the same upon both the said M. Nicholas Cornet who propounded and requir'd the de∣bating of the said Propositions, and M. John Mulot Doctor and Dean of the said Faculty, who put the af∣fair into deliberation; with protestation on the part of the said Saint-Amour to have recourse to the Parlia∣ment, to whom alone appertaineth the cognisance and jurisdiction of the said Appeal against Abuses, which Act of Appeal hath also been signifi'd to the said M. Mulot, and Cornet, and to M. Maugin Tassin

Junior Bedle, performing the office of Scribe, by Casault Ʋsher of the Parliament on the second day of this present month of August; and neverthelesse the said M. John Mulot Dean, and M. Nicholas Cornet Syndic, with their Adherents, have not forborne to use their utmost endeavours to cause the said Propositions to be debated and condemned in the ordinary Assembly of the second of August aforesaid, which would have been of very dan∣gerous consequence, and put all the said Faculty into great trouble, if the greatest part of the Doctors thereof had not for preservation of the peace and honour of their Body, hinder'd the said debate by a better management. And forasmuch as the said M. John Mulot, Nicholas Cornet, and their Adherents, may still continue in the same attempts, and by that means put the said Faculty of Divinity into Division, notwithstanding the said Appeal against Abuses, unlesse provision be made against their so doing; the said Petitioners (whom the said Tassin performing the office of Scribe did in the said Assembly of the second day of the present month of Au∣gust advertise of the notice given to him of the said Act of Appeal) have enter'd into communication thereupon, and to prevent the disorders threatned by such attempts, have thought fit to joyn with the said Saint-Amour, and joyntly with him becoming Appellants to this Court, to set forth (as they will do in time and place) the causes and grounds of the said Appeals against Abuses, to the end they thereby be reliev'd upon the whole, according to its accustom'd prudence. Which being consider'd, most honour'd Lords, and withall that it may appear to you by the Propositions hereunto annexed and printed by the procurement of M. Cornet, of what consequence they are; as also that in prejudice to the said Opposition there could not and ought not to have been further pro∣ceeding to the said Deputation and private Assemblies; and that all that hath been done is Abusive, as being contrary to the Holy Decrees, and Canonical Constitu∣tions, and to the Statutes of the said Faculty, and Ar∣rests of this Court confirming the same; That moreover the Petitioners aime at nothing but the preservation of the honour and peace of the said Faculty, which the said Mulot, Cornet, and their Adherents go about to vio∣late: May it please you to admit the Petitioners as Appellants against the abuse of the said pretended Con∣clusion of the first of July last past, and of what follow'd thereupon, to allow the said Appeal for valid, to permit the Petitioners to cause the said Cornet and Mulot to be cited and su'd in this Court by their proper and ordinary names, together with all others concern'd, to the end to proceed upon the said Opposition and Appeal against Abuses, and to ordain that the Parties shall come and plead thereunto on what day it shall please the Court; and in the mean time to prohibit further proceeding or reading again and registring the said pretended Conclu∣sion of the first of July, or any other Act made by the pretended Deputies and their Adherents, or passing on in any other manner, till this Court shall have de∣termin'd concerning the matter: And you shall do well, &c.

This Petition was answer'd on the 12. of August, and transmitted to the Attorney General, who put thereunto his own conclusions conformable to those which we had taken.

M. Broussel undertook to make report thereof to the Court a few dayes after: M. Molé, at present Keeper of the Seals, then first President, (and who is alwayes meant when I barely mention the first President in this Relation) was prepossess'd by our Adversaries. Our Petition soon made a great noise in Paris, before M. Broussel spoke of it in the Grand Chamber. For on one side, the Considerations I mention'd having been seen by many inquisitive persons of all qualities; and on the other, the great number of Doctors that oppos'd the design, amongst whom divers were Curées of Paris, made this affair very notorious. Hereupon, as soon as M. Broussel open'd his mouth to make his report of our Petition, the first President was prepar'd to stop it; and with∣out giving him time to set forth the grounds of our Appeal, and the aimes of our Petition, he cut him off, and said, It was an affair to be examin'd more at leasure, before any thing were ordained in it; that we were people that said Jesus Christ did not dye for the whole world; that God's Commandements are impossible to justifi'd persons; all which requir'd narrowly to be lookt into. Thus the first President by the great Authority he had in the Court, caus'd them to passe instantly to another affair, without giving M. Broussel time to reply to him, as he desir'd, which he could not do, though he endeavour'd it once or twice, M. the first President falling to speak as soon as M. Broussel utter'd two words in answer to him. Of this my self was witnesse, the door of the Grand Chamber on the side of the Clerk's Table being for some time half open, and I hapning to come thither at the same moment.

A day or two after, to wit, on the 20. of August, M. Chastellain writ to me at eight a clock at night, that he understood the first President had sent for him to come to him at six a clock; but the appoin∣ted hour being pass'd that day, he resolv'd to wait upon him the next immediately after dinner, and being it was a time when many might be there, he thought fit that I and some other Doctors whom he mention'd, should accompany him thither. But we were of opinion that M. Chastellain having been sent for alone, should go alone, inasmuch as we were not certain that it was about our affaires that the first President had sent for him.

Accordingly M. Chastellain went thither alone the next day, being the twenty first. The first Presi∣dent caress'd him, and with a smiling countenance, yet accompani'd with his accustom'd gravity, ask'd him, Whether there was any means of accommoding this affair? adding, That the division in our Body was much disrelish'd, and made a great noise in Paris; That great inconveniences might arise there∣from; That he had said as much to our Adversaries, and found them inclin'd to peace, and ready either wholly to desist from their enterprise, or at least to respite it for three or four months, without doing more then what was already done; That during that space the distemper of minds might be asswaged, and the means of a solid agreement sought out; for which good end the said terme might be prolong'd after the expiration of those three or four months, in case they should not be sufficient. M. Chastellain testifi'd to the first President, That we were as much inclin'd to peace as our Adversaries; That it was not on our part that the disturbance arose, but on theirs; That for the quieting all, it was necessary that they renounce the cause of it; That their pre∣tended Deputation be no longer accounted valid; and in a word, That all things be restor'd to the po∣sture they were in before the first of July; and that in order thereunto at the new reading on 1 Septem∣ber following the Conclusion which was not read again in the Assembly of the second of August, the same be done without making mention of any thing

but the ordinary Supplicates; That he could give his word for nothing, before he made us acquainted with all this; but that he doubted not that upon those conditions we would be very glad to live peaceably in the exercise of our usual employments. These things M. Chastellain came and acquainted us with; We agreed thereunto: He return'd, to give the first President his word in our behalf, who also gave him his own in behalf of our Adversaries.

Indeed, we something wonder'd at the three or four months Truce which was offer'd us, and sus∣pected the design of it to be only to relaxe our pro∣secutions, and make use of our silence and desisting against our selves; but we did not as yet compre∣hend the mystery of it, as we found afterwards, and I shall relate in due place. It shall suffice to observe here, that we were given to understand, that it was meant only to let the memory of this attempt fairly bury it self, and become wholly lost by time, with∣out obliging our Adversaries to renounce the same on a sudden, whilest they were still in their first heat. But time likewise taught us, that indeed it was to get means in the interval of prosecuting with the Pope the censure of the Propositions, after its miscarriage in the Faculty. They were not ignorant that at Rome they are very jealous of maintaining the Au∣thority of the Decrees which issue from thence, and that this Consideration obliges the makers of them to look very well to the facility and compliance that may be expected in their execution, before they passe any at all. They intended to offer to the Pope a Censure made by the Deputies of the Faculty, as own'd and authoriz'd by the whole Body, that so they might obtain the like from his Holinesse. They fear'd that if our Opposition should become more conspicuous, and the Parliament having regard thereunto should forbid them to proceed, some noise of it would get to Rome, and make the design abortive. Hereupon they were willing to hold us in quiet and silence during those ••hree or four months, which time they judg'd needfull to obtain what they aim'd at at Rome; or in case they should not accomplish the same in that space, they purpo∣sed to prolong the terme of our silence and quiet further, namely, so long till they should have ac∣complish'd their design.

But, as I said, we did not yet perceive the bottom of the artifice, wherefore we clos'd very readily with this Expedient, being well pleas'd to see, as we thought, their Counsels if not wholly quash'd, at least check'd and half broken. Yet how great need soever they had of the said Truce, they were not able to preserve it, but within a few dayes they fail'd in the conditions which they had promis'd, and upon which we had surceas'd.

CHAP. X.

Of what pass'd in the Assembly of the Fa∣culty on the first of September 1649.

THese conditions requir'd that no footstep of what had been done in this businesse in the Assembly of the first of July, and that of August, should remain in our Registers; wherefore the Conclusions of those two months were read again by the Gressier, or Clerk, in the Assembly of the first of September following, without making any menti∣on of what concern'd M. Cornet's Propositions.

But they who manag'd this Accommodation, that they might obtain the Censure which they hop'd from Rome against the said Propositions, were not yet so certain thereof, but that they endeavour'd to reserve one means to themselves (in case that fail'd) of renewing their prosecutions in the Faculty upon a more favourable opportunity: Wherefore being loath to see their pretended Deputation vanquish in smoak, they sought to keep it in being, to the end that when we least distrusted it, they might one day make the Report of the said Deputation, and dispatch in some morning the businesse of the Censure, when there should be no person in the Assembly to gain∣say it.

For which purpose, as soon as the Conclusions of the said two months were read again, M. Amiot stood up and told the Assembly, that no person ought to wonder that there was no mention made of the Deputies which had been nominated on the first of July for examining the Propositions; that the same was omitted, at the desire of the first President, to see if within three or four months there would be a means to reconcile the businesse.

The aforementioned Accommodement was not unknown to any in the Faculty, so that it was visible that M. Amiot spoke not this word of Advertisement to give information thereof to any one, but only to cause it to be inserted in the Registers the month following, when the things that pass'd this day were to be read again. Whereupon M. Chastellain, who understood the subtilty, presently fell to blame M. Amiot for violating the word pass'd to the first Pre∣sident, and the conditions of agreement that were made. He told him, that had there been any report to be made of what pass'd at the first President's house, it did not belong to him (M. Amiot) who was the youngest, to make the same; but were he the antientest, he ought not to have made it before they had agreed together thereupon. M. Amiot reply'd to this, that indeed they had promis'd the first President that they would do nothing till after four months, but that they had not promis'd that they would say nothing. This juggling and equi∣vocal answer was hiss'd at, as wholly unworthy of the place and the businesse treated of, and in this posture matters rested that day.

CHAP. XI.

Of a false Censure against the Propositions, publish'd during the month of Septem∣ber; And of a second Petition which we presented to the Parliament.

TOwards the middle of this month, it appear'd by most strong and considerable evidences, that the Peace we had made, was not at all in the heart of those with whom we had made it. In Paris there was seen running through the hands of abundance of people, a draught of a Censure against the Propo∣sitions; and we likewise receiv'd Copies thereof, all agreeing together, which sundry of our Friends sent us from divers places of the Kingdom, as well to advertise us thereof, as to be inform'd by us con∣cerning the truth of the piece. It was conceiv'd in the same words, and drawn up in the same form which I am going here to insert and represent.

Propositiones Baccalaureorum.	Censura Doctorum.
1. Aliqua Dei praecepta hominibus justis volentibus & conantibus secundum praesentes quas habent vires, sunt im∣possibilia: deest quoque iis Gratia, quâ possibilia fiant.	1. Haec Doctrina est Haeretica.
2. Interiori Gratiae in statu naturae lapsae nunquam resistitur.	2. Haec Propositio est contraria Sacris Scrip∣turis.
3. Ad merendum & demerendum in statu naturae lapsae non requiritur in ho∣mine libertas à necessitate, sed suffi∣cit libertas à coactione.	3. Haec Doctrina destruit rationem meriti & demeriti, & est Haeretica.
4. Semipelagiani admittebant praevenien∣tis Gratiae interioris necessitatem ad singulos actus, etiam ad initium fidei; & in hoc erant Haeretici, quod vel∣lent eam Gratiam talem esse, cui posset humana voluntas resistere vel obtemperare.	4. Hujus Propositionis prima pars est falsa & temeraria; secunda vero, quae asse∣rit Haereticum esse admittere Gratiam cui possit humana voluntas resistere, est Haeretica.
5. Semipelagianorum Error est dicere Christum pro omnibus omnino ho∣minibus mortuum esse aut sangui∣nem fudisse.	5. Haec Propositio est falsa & scandalosa, insimulans Erroris veritatem Sacris Scripturis contentam, & in Concilio Tridentino declaratam.
6. Sensit olim Ecclesia privatam Sacra∣mentalem poenitentiam pro peccatis occultis non sufficere.	6. Haec Propositio vel spectat ad quaestionem juris; & sensus est, [Sensit etiam privatam Sacramentalem poenitentiam reipsa & absolutè pro occultis peccatis non sufficere;] & est Haeretica, Erro∣rem infallibili Ecclesiae affingens. Vel spectat ad quaestionem facti, & sensus est, [Sensit olim Ecclesia, ex illius tem∣poris disciplina, non sufficere privatam poenitentiam Sacramentalem pro pecca∣tis;] & falsa est & temeraria.

7. Naturalis Attritio sufficit ad Sacramen∣tum poenitentiae.

7. Haec Propositio intellecta de Attritione merè naturali ut sufficiente ad Sacra∣mentum poenitentiae cum effectu Gratiae Justificationis recipiendú, est Haeretica.

Ita visum est Doctoribus Magistris,

• Jacobo Hennequin Decano Professorum in Theologia.
• Jacobo Pereyret Summo Moderatori Regii Collegii Navarrae & Professori in Theologia.
• Claudio Morel Doctori Sorbonico & Librorum Censori.
• Nicholaö Cornet Syndico Facultatis Parisiensis.
• Marguarito Gauquelin Doctori Navarrico.
• Ludovico Bail Propoenitentiario Parisiensi.
• Fr. Joanni Nicholaï Primario Regenti in Theologia apud Fratres Praedi∣catores.
• Martino Grandin Professori Theologiae Moralis in Sorbona.

Deputatis in Sacra Facultate in Comitiis generalibus prima mensis Julii 1649. ad examen praedictarum Propositionum.

Having well consider'd this piece, and the flying Paper which M. Pereyret formerly deliver'd to the Nuntio, and which was sufficient to draw after it the Decree and Censure of the Inquisition above∣mention'd, we certainly believ'd that they did not contrive this Censure only to make it run about France, where the Form of the Facultie's Censure is sufficiently known, but that they intended to make use of it at Rome for the purpose I noted. Yet we knew nothing certain thereof, and this was but our naked conjecture. However we thought that it was not to be neglected, but that it was necessary for us to have recourse to the Parliament, as well for provision against the dispersing and authors of this pretended Censure, as against the main of M. Cor∣net's Enterprise, against which we had already pre∣sented a Petition.

Toward the end of this moneth we presented a Second, which we put into the hands of M. Broussel, who receiv'd the former, and annex'd a Copy of the Censure thereunto; wherein, after represen∣tation of what had pass'd between the Framers of the Propositions and our selves since the first, we complain'd that they had not only publisht this Cen∣sure in France, but perhaps also sent it out of the Kingdom; and we concluded with desires for right to be done us upon our first Petition, and that the said M. Nicolas Cornet Syndic, M. James Perey∣ret, Morel, and the rest under whose names the pre∣tended Censure runne, might be summonod before the Court, to acknowledge, own or disown the said preten∣ded Censure, to the end that upon their declaration fur∣ther resolutions might be taken by us.

CHAP. XII.

Of the Arrest which interven'd upon those two Petitions; and Of what pass'd in the Parliament touching that matter.

THere hapned a very Considerable Incident on the first of October in the election of M. Hallier to the office of Syndic: but because it had many se∣quels, that I may not interrupt what concerns this Censure and the Petitions upon which the Arrest in∣terven'd the fifth day of the same moneth; I shall forbear speaking of the affair of M. Hallier, till I have spoken of the said Arrest, and what preceded it and hath connexion with the things I last treated of.

I cannot passe over in silence the desire and care which MM. Tristan, Julien, Guerin, le Fevré, le Blond of Sorbonne, de Sainte Helvine, and Mesni∣dré, had the first and fourth dayes of this moneth to partake in the procurement of these Arrests. For they took an Act, on those dayes, before Notaries, that the appeals against Abuses, interpos'd both by me and the other Doctors nam'd in the Petition, be∣ing communicated to them, they adher'd thereunto, became appellants (as well as we) against all that had been done and pass'd in the assembly of the first of July, and against all that follow'd upon the same; they made M. Cornet and Mulot defendants as we

had done, and purpos'd to have all the prosecuti∣ons requisite and necessary to this affair transacted in their names as well as ours.

M. Broussel having on the 4 of October 1649. spoken in the Chamber of Vacations concerning our two Petitions and the project of the Censure above inserted (a Copy whereof was annex'd to our se∣cond Petition) it was ordain'd that he should cause notice to be given to MM. Cornet and Pereyret and such other as he thought fit of those whose names were subscrib'd to that Censure, with some also of them who complain'd thereof, that either side might appear the next day at the Palais at seven a clock of the morning in the said Chamber, to be heard there.

I went to see M. Broussel at his coming forth of the Palais. He told me this, and that he thought it con∣venient to summon with MM. Cornet and Pereyret, M. Hennequin, who was the antientest of those that had subscribed. I made some scruple thereof at first, and represented to him, that we had not made M. Henne∣quin a Defendant, nor did he meddle in this enter∣prise, but that the authors of it caus'd him to be nam'd, in regard of some dislikes which they knew he had against the truths they struck at; and were willing on the one side to cover (what they could) their Conspiracy and Cabal with the good repute of that antient Doctor's name, who was not to be suspected thereof; and on the other to have him favourable to their designs by the inclination of his sentiments: That his candour made me concern'd for him, and I fear'd it would trouble him to think himself persecuted by us, in case he should be sent for to the Parliament.

This Consideration caus'd M. Broussel to consent to summon only MM. Pereyret and Cornet. After∣wards, having bethought my self, that the Court could not be better and more truly inform'd of the things that had pass'd then by the mouth of one who would speak thereof with plainnesse and ingenuity, (as I knew M. Hennequin would do) and that I might acquaint him privately that it was for no other end that he was sent for; I return'd to M. Broussel to tell him this: He approv'd of it, and fol∣low'd his first purpose: and I assur'd him that on our part M. de Mincé and my self would not fail to appear.

MM. Pereyret and Cornet were the next day more diligent then we. Assoon as they were come, an Usher advertis'd the Court thereof, and they were presently introduc'd; upon a conceit, as I imagine, that both sides were there. They had the advan∣tage of speaking alone to the Court about a quar∣ter of an hour, and a possibility of prepossessing it without our being there to observe what they said; and I did not otherwse come to know the things that pass'd during that quarter of an hour but by M. the President Coigneux, who was in office that week, and told us t••e same assoon as M. de Mincé and I were introduc'd.

He spoke to us very near in these words. The Court, before it pronounce any thing upon the Pe∣titions presented by you, hath thought fit to hear both the one side and the other, to the end to bring you to agreement, and to oblige you to live peacea∣bly. You complain of a certain Manuscript Censure which runs through the world under the name of some Doctors that style themselves Deputies of the Faculty for examining certain Propositions. Your Adversaries here, say they have not given order to any person to publish the same; That it is against their mind that it is publish'd; That they gave it not to any, nor spoke to any to give Copies of it; That they disown all such as have done it: Desire you any thing more, in order to being satisfy'd and living with good understanding together?

M. de Mincé began to speak after this discourse, and answer'd almost in these words. Messieures; About four or five years ago, when the heat began on either side about opinions of Doctrine which concern the Propositions in question, the Faculty, by an universal consent of all the Doctors, for a∣voiding contentions and divisions which might arise amongst them thereby, ordain'd that no Speech should be had thereof on one side or other. From that time, they remain'd in silence and peace till the first of July last, when M. Cornet the Syndic (as I since understood, (said M. de Mincé) for I was not at that Assembly) by a manifest enterprise against that Conclusion of the Faculty, set afoot and requir'd to be debated certain Propositions relating to that doctrine: In which he not only violated the resolu∣tion which the Faculty had taken not to speak there∣of, but also acted contrary to the order receiv'd and practis'd from all time in the said Faculty, which is wont not to debate upon any Propositions, unless the books and places of the books from whence such Propositions are taken, be noted and examin'd; be∣cause the understanding and true sense of them de∣pends very often upon what goes before, and what follows after. Now the Propositions which M. Cor∣net hath made and set afoot in that Assembly of the first of July, are loose and of uncertain sense, neither the places nor authors from whence they might be drawn being signify'd by him. Since that Assembly of the first of July, nothing more hath been said concerning those Propositions; for that of August was spent in a contest arising touching a pretension of the Chancellor of the University. In this of the first of September, the Faculty hath like∣wise spoken nothing more thereof. But for all this there is publish'd this moneth a Censure under the name of pretended Deputies, who have no power so to do; it not appertaining to any but to the Fa∣culty in a formal and legal assembly. Wherefore, may it please you, we desire that that pretended Censure be declar'd of no value and authority, as indeed it is not.

M. de Mincé having ended, and the President turned his head to M. Cornet, who said, That where∣as they disown the Censure, they mean that they disown it indeed as to the publication, but not as to the doctrine. And as to what M. de Mincé had said, namely, that it is not the custom of the Facul∣ty to censure Propositions without first examining the places of Authors whence they are taken, (he said) it was much otherwise: That the Registers of the Faculty were full of Censures which had been so made, upon bare Propositions, without noting the Authors whose they were. Particularly, that this was practis'd during the space of twenty years, from the year 1540. to the year 1560. which was the time when Luther and Calvin began to appear and publish their errors: That even the last year, the censuring of a book being spoken of in the Fa∣culty, they had forborn to touch the Author to this hour, but order'd, that Particular persons who plea∣sed to propound Propositions after two moneths time, should have liberty so to do.

Hereunto it was reply'd by M. de Mincé, that

that which was said by M. Cornet was not true; that the example of the foregoing year which he brought made against him; the case thereof being thus; A Libel had been publish'd the year before under the name of F. Veron, in which many things were judg'd by the whole Faculty evidently mischievous; besides many invectives and injuries against the memory and reputation of M. the Abbot of Cyran, and the two MM. Arnauls: hereupon some persons inti∣mating in the Faculty that there were things in that Libel which had relation to, and connexion with the matters concern'd in the Propositions in question, the Faculty ordain'd that the Censure of the said Book should be deferr'd, for fear mens minds should become heated and divided upon occasion of the said matters which were touch'd upon transiently and by reflexion in that Libel. All which shews with how little reason M. Cornet hath brought that example, and what wrong he hath done by causlesly violating so prudent and necessary a resolution as the Faculty had made for four or five years, not to determine or decide any thing touching those matters on one side or other.

At this time M. Hennequin came and was intro∣duc'd into the Chamber, and as he advanc'd towards the side of the Table where MM. Pereyret and Cor∣net were, Mr. Cornet went a step or two to meet him, as if he meant to tell him somthing in his ear, before he came to the place of speaking. Which M. Henne∣quin perceiving, put his hand before his breast and face to stop him, and signifie to the Judges, that he meant not to speak any thing that M. Cornet purpo∣sed to suggest to him. The President said to him, We have caus'd you to come hither, that we may be inform'd by you concerning a Censure of cer∣tain Propositions, which runs under your name; and here are some of your brethren (pointing at M. de Mincé and me) who have complain'd to the Court thereof.

M. Hennequin answer'd, That he would speak the truth sincerely, as he had alwayes made profes∣sion and was bound in conscience to do. He said, that indeed having been put amongst the Deputies nominated in the Assembly of the first of July for examining those Propositions, he accordingly had divers times met together with them in the house of the Scribe of the Faculty; and that they had noted the places of Scripture and of the Fathers which to them seem'd contrary to the said Propositions, with purpose to make report, and leave the judgement of the same to the Faculty, as to whom it appertaineth, and not to themselves; but as to the having deter∣min'd the Propositions, or sign'd or decreed any Censure, that this they had not done. That in the mean time he had been astonish'd, when being at Troies, whither he lately took a journey, he saw divers Copies of a Censure brought from seve∣ral parts; That likewise on the other side he had seen books written in defence of the said Proposi∣tions; That all this was not well, and that it must be acknowledg'd that there was on either side a little too much heat.

The President said, that it behooved all of us to labour to moderate the same, and that the Court would on their part contribute their utmost there∣unto; and thus he seem'd to put an end to this hea∣ring, and to dismisse us. Which I seeing, and con∣ceiving that the things which might be spoken for the obtaining of the Arrest we aim'd at, had not been sufficiently unfolded, I began to speak, and told the Court that M. de Mincé had been often absent from Paris during all that pass'd in this af∣fair, and so could not represent to the Court many important circumstances thereof which came not to his knowledge; but that with their permission, I should resume the matter from the beginning, and lay open to the Court the whole Series thereof, if they would vouchsafe me one quarter of an hours audience. The Court with great gentlenesse gran∣ted it, and I made an exact relation of all that had pass'd from the first of July till that time. I added to the things which I have spoken above thereof, that the number of Religious Mendicants which came to that Assembly, beyond what is appointed by the Arrests of Parliament, render'd their Depu∣tation invalid; and hereof I took M. Hennequin to witnesse, who acknowledg'd the same. I also made the Court acquainted how the first President had interpos'd to reconcile us, and how his interpositi∣on prov'd ineffectual for preserving us in peace with our Adversaries, because they violated the word which they hah pass'd to him, and he had given to us in their behalf. I reported the answer which M. Amiot made in the Assembly of the first of Septem∣ber, when he was blam'd for that the Supplicate made then by him was contrary to the word which they had given to the first President, not to do any thing more concerning this affair; Namely, how he said, That it was true they had promis'd the first President to do nothing, but that they had not promis'd to to speak nothing: and I ask'd the Court hereupon, whether the actions that passe amongst us can consist in any thing else but words, and what inducement there could be to rely upon those of people who thus interpreted their own! I concluded, that, to bring us to peace and quiet, it was necessary that the Court would please to bind us thereunto by an Arrest; and that with lesse then this, what ever promises these Gentlemen might make, after the experiences we had had of their carriage all full of disguises and artifices, we could never be secure thereof, but should alwayes be in continual inquie∣tudes and agitations.

The President said to me, How? If these Gen∣tlemen promise you faithfully in presence of this Court, that they will think no more of what is past, and that they will do nothing more for the future; Do you fear that they will fail therein?

I answer'd, May it please you; Should M. Henne∣quin passe such a promise to you, and did the per∣formance thereof depend upon him, we should hold our selves secure, because he is a man of inte∣grity and sincere; But we have not the same conceipt of these Gentlemen, we cannot confide in them.

The President addressing himself to M. Cornet, as'kd him, Whether he would endeavour to con∣tent us, and promise the Court faithfully to re∣main in quiet touching this affair?

M. Cornet answer'd in these very words, Sir, We Promise to make good all that we Pro∣mis'd the First President.

M. le Coigneux reply'd to him also in these very words, Ha, Gentlemen, speak plain French, those loose words and General Promises are not Discourses to be held in this Company: The Sorbonne hath not the Repute of using Equivocations.

The involv'd and ambiguous answer of these Doctors, who clearly convinc'd the Court of the necessity of the Arrest which I mov'd for, gave me

the boldnesse to resume and continue my Dis∣course, by beseeching the Court to remember the Arrest which it was mov'd to issue against a Decree that came from the Inquisition of Rome, concerning a Book which prov'd the equality of authority in S. Peter and S. Paul. I shew'd that that Decree was obtain'd in this manner. The Nuntio sent to the Faculty a Roman Gazette, which related that there were Doctors of it there who maintain'd, That there might be more Heads in the Church; desiring the Faculty to tell him, whether this were true. Upon this proposal M. Pereyret was deputed to go to the Nuntio, and tell him that it was not. The Nun∣tio demanded of M. Pereyret his answer in writing, who gave him such a one as himself pleas'd, with∣out consulting the Faculty about it. This writing of M. Pereyret was at Rome made to passe for a Dis∣avowing of the Faculty against the Book concern∣ing the authority of S. Peter and St. Paul; and this pretended Disavowing drew after it that Decree of the Inquisition, which they durst not have made at Rome before, and against which the Court became oblig'd to issue the Arrest which interven'd. Now, I said, it was not to be doubted, but that they would make the same use of this pretended Censure, which they disown'd not but only as to the publication, and not as to the doctrine, because they could have wisht that it had been secret, to the end it might haue been taken for valid at Rome as an authentick act, and by which they might have extorted again a Decree, which would serve only to trouble and torment us, and which would again oblige the Court to provide against it, as it did in that other occasion.

M. Pereyret cry'd out hereupon in these very words; That all which I said was as false as the Devil,

I reply'd to M. Pereyret, and protested to the Court, That I said nothing but what was most true; That if the Court pleas'd to assign two of the Gen∣tlemen on the bench to inquire thereof, in case any falsitie were found in what I had utter'd, I would submit to all the penalties which Calumniators de∣serve: But that M. Pereyret ventur'd so boldly to say it was false, for that he fear'd the Arrest for which I made sute to the Court, by reason it would be an authentick piece, and destroy the effect which they promis'd themselves from their pretended Cen∣sure, and shew the nullity thereof.

The President here interpos'd, and said that it would be much better that we agreed amongst our selves of our own accord, without the granting of that Arrest, or issuing out any thing in writing: That warr was kindled both without and within the Realm; that we had suffer'd famine; that there were still other scourges which threatned us; that it was a thing of ill relish to see Division amongst the Doctors; that the Court treated us with ho∣nour, acting with us, in this manner, inviting us to be reconcil'd together charitably, and being willing to be contented with our Words; that after this, we ought to agree and live in peace.

I reply'd to the President, That we much acknow∣ledg'd the honour and charity which the Court was pleas'd to shew us, and that if on our part we could not accept it, it was long of the temper of the ad∣versaries we had to do with, which allow'd us not to account our selves in security from them without the Arrest, which we most humbly besee∣ched the Court to grant us.

The President answer'd nothing more, but that the Court would do us justice. As we were de∣parting from the barre to withdraw, M. Pereyret looking fixedly upon me, ask'd me with a very cholerick and high tone, Will you bind the Popes hands? Whereupon I approach'd back again to∣wards the barrre, to desire the Court to take notice how by this word which proceeded from the abun∣dance of his heart, he verified that which I had bla∣med him for, and which he had said was so false; but some of the Gentlemen signify'd to me with the hand, that I had spoken enough thereof. So I ad∣ded no more with my tongue, but pointed at the place where M. Pereyret, who was now gone from it, ask'd me that question; and all the Gentlemen had, as I imagine, without my so doing, sufficiently taken notice of the same. As we were withdraw∣ing, I went close to M. Pereyret, and answer'd him very softly between him and me to the question which he had put to me, and told him, My design was not to bind the Pope's hands, but to hinder them, if I could, from surprising him.

When we were withdrawn, the Court consulted upon our Petitions, and upon what they had heard in this private audience; I call it private, because there was none there besides themselves and us. Take here the Arrest which interven'd

An Extract from the Registers of PAR∣LIAMENT.

WHereas by the Chamber of Ʋacations hath been seen the Petition presented to the Court on the twelfth of August last by Anthony de Heu first Arch∣priest of Paris and Curé of S. Severin, Francis I∣thier Chastellain Canon of the Church of Paris, Provost of Normandy in the Church of Chartres and Principal of the Colledge of Fortet; Claudius Eme∣rets Canon of the Royal Church of S. Quintin, Pe∣ter Copin Curé of Vaugirard lez Paris, Elias du Fresne de Mincé Curé of S. Peter de Gonesse, John Rousse Curé of S. Roch, Jerome Bachelier Coun∣sellor and Preacher to the King, Archdeacon and Ca∣non of the Cathedral Church of Soissons, and Counsel∣lor in the Court of the Ecclesiastical Chamber at Paris, Peter le Gendre Curé of Aumale, James Brousse Ca∣non of S. Honoré, Anthony de Breda Curé of S. An∣drew des Arcs, Charles Meusnier Dean and Canon of the Cathedral Church of Orleans, Grand Vicar and Official of the Bishop of Orleans, Nicolas Drujon Canon of the Collegiate Church of S. Bennet at Paris, Alexander de Hodencq Canon of S. Firmin at Ami∣ens, John Bourgeois Precentor and Canon of the Ca∣thedral Church of Verdun, and Prior of S. Catherine de Loseliere, Henry de Creil Canon of the Cathe∣dral Church of Beauvais, James Thirement Canon of the said Church, Francis Heron Prior Commendata∣ry of Nostre Dame du Champ Arien, John Blondel Curé of S. Hippolite in the Suburb S. Marcel at Paris, Lewis le Noire Curé of S. Hilary. Henry Holden, James de Sainté Beufve Kings Profes∣sor of Divinity in Sorbonne, James de Paris, Pe∣ter Sarrazin Canon Theologal of the Cathedral Church of Chartres; Robert Constantin Canon and Arch∣deacon of the Cathedral Church of Angiers, Elias Foujeu Descures Archdeacon of Dreux, and Canon in the Cathedral Church of Chartres, Fran∣cis Castel Curé of Compan, Claudius Vacquet∣te Curé and Prior of Clermont, James Maleude Curé of Groslay lez Paris, Nicolas Gosset Canon and Curé of S. Opportuné, James Esmard, John

Guillebert, Michel le Blanc, Renatus de Robbe∣ville Canon Theologal, and Chanter of the Cathedral Church of Amiens, Claudius Grenet Curé of S. Ben∣net, John Callaghan, Henry du Hamel Curé of S. Mederic, George de Nuilly Canon of the Cathedral Church of Beauvais, Fryer Alipius a Religious Augustin, Professor of Divinity in the Covent of the lesser Augustins, in the Suburb of S. Germain with the licence of his Provincial, Nicolas D'aignaulx Ca∣non of S. Cloud, Nicholas Taignier, Noel de Lalane Abbot of Valcroissant, John Bapt. de Chassebras Archpriest and Curé of La Magdelaine at Paris, John Banneret Canon of the Cathedral Church of Reimes, Francis Retart Curé of Magny-Lessart lez Paris, Michel Taillandier, John James Dorat, Matthew Feydeau, John L'Abbé, John Bapt. Gaultier, Mathurin Quéras, Thomas Fortin, Lewis de Saint-Amour, Michel Dobbaires, John Peron, Claudius le Cappellain, Philip Marcan, Gabriel Dabes, Pe∣ter Renier, Michel Moreau Canon of the Cathedral Church of Noyon, Philip de Lonergan, Peter Barbe∣reau, and John Martin, all Doctors in the sacred Facul∣ty of Divinity of Paris, to the number of sixty or more; Containing, That on Thursday the first day of July last in the ordinary Assembly of the said Faculty held in the Great Hall of the House and College of Sorbonne, the said Lewis de Saint-Amour one of the Petitioners op∣pos'd a Proposal made by M. Nicolas Cornet Do∣ctor and Syndic of the said Faculty, to debate and condemn the Propositions, the said Cornet having to that end caus'd many Doctors, Religious and Se∣cular, to come into the said Assembly, whom the said Syndic and his adherents had purposely convok'd from several houses, intending by their number to represent the said Faculty. And that notwithstanding the op∣position of the said Saint-Amour, the said Cornet and his adherents pass'd on to the said debate, and like∣wise deputed some amongst them to prepare the determi∣nation and condemnation of the said Propositions, and by the said Deputation made and drew up an Act which they attempt to make passe for a Conclusion of the said Faculty; That of such Opposition the said Saint-Amour took an Act before Notaries on the XXXI. day of July last, and persisting in the said Opposition, made an Appeal against the Abusivenesse of all that hath been done and pass'd, as well in the said Assembly of the first of July; as in other private ones; and also he made Defendants in their own ordinary names as well the said M. Nicholas Cornet, who propos'd and requir'd to be debated the said Propositions, as M. John Mulot Doctor and Dean of the said Faculty, who put the same under debate; with protestation of the said Saint-Amour to seek redresse in the said Court, to which alone ap∣pertaineth the cognisance and jurisdiction of the said Appeal against Abuses: which Act of Appeal was signifi'd to the said Mulot and Cornet, and to M. Maugin Tassin Junior Bedle, performing the office of Scribe, by Casault Ʋsher of this Court, on the second day of August: and that neverthelesse the said MM. John Mulot Dean, and Nicholas Cornet Syndic, with their Adherents, have not forborn to use all their power to cause the said Propositions to be debated and con∣demned in the ordinary Assembly of the said second day of August; which would have been of very dangerous consequence, and have brought all the said Faculty into great trouble, if the greatest part of the Doctors thereof had not for preservation of the peace and honour of their Body, by a better conduct hinder'd the said debate: And for that the said MM. John Mulot, Nicholas Cornet, and their Adherents, may yet hereafter conti∣nue in the same attempts, and by that means bring the Faculty of Divinity into division, notwithstanding the said Appeal against Abuses, if the same be not provi∣ded against; the said Petitioners, to whom the said Tassin performing the office of Scribe did in the said Assembly declare the notice given to himself of the said Act of Appeal, having had communication together thereon, determin'd for the redressing such disorders as these attempts might cause, to joyn with the said Saint-Amour, and becoming joyntly with him Appellants to this Court, to set forth in time and place the causes and grounds of the said Appeal against Abuses, to the end to be redressed of all by the said Court. For these rea∣sons they desir'd to be admitted Opposers with the said Saint-Amour, and Appellants against the abusivenesse of the said pretended Proposal and Conclusion of the first of July last, and of all that follow'd thereupon; to have the said Appeal allow'd for good, and to be permitted to cause the said Cornet and Mulot to be cited and sum∣moned into the Court by their proper and ordinary names, and all others whom it should concern; to the end procee∣dings might be had upon the said Opposition and Appeal against Abuses, and that the Court would order par∣ties to come and plead by such a day as it should please the said Court to assign; prohibitions in the mean time to be made of reading again and registring the said pre∣tended Conclusion of the first of July, or any other Act made by the said pretended Deputies and their adherents, as also of proceeding further, till the said Court should determine therein. Moreover, whereas another Peti∣tion hath been presented by the said Petitioners for the further urging of the former; and that the said MM. Cornet and Pereyret, under whose names a pretended Censure was sent abroad, might be constrain'd to ac∣knowledge, own or disown the said pretended Censure. Also the Acts and Papers annex'd to the said Peti∣tions, and the conclusions of the Kings Attorney Ge∣neral having been seen and weigh'd; And for that the said Cornet and Pereyret, de Mincé and Saint-Amour, and M. James Hennequin an ancient Doctor of Sor∣bonne have been summon'd and heard, and the said Pe∣reyret and Cornet have declar'd that they did not pub∣lish that writing or draught of a Censure made by some particular Doctors commission'd for examining the Pro∣positions therein contain'd, neither give charge to the Scribe of the said Faculty or any other to deliver out any act or copy thereof, but expresly forbid him to com∣municat, publish or divulge the same, disowning the publication thereof, if any hath been made; and also have profess'd that the said Writing was not signed by any of them three, nor by the other Doctors appointed for examining the said Propositions; and that in the said draught deliver'd to the said Scribe, the said Proposi∣tions were not so determin'd as they are in the Copy an∣nex'd to the Petition, but only the passages of Scripture and Fathers, which the said appointed Doctors esteem'd contrary to the said Propositions, were cited by them; all with an intention to make report thereof to the said Fa∣culty assembled; Also whereas they have consented, that all things remain as they are, and give their word to do nothing in this matter directly or indirectly till the Court shall have given order therein: All this being consider'd, the said Chamber hath admitted and doth admit the said Petitioners Opposers and Appellants, hath held and doth hold the said Appeal valid, Ordain∣eth upon the whole, that the Parties shall have a hea∣ring the first day after the Feast of S. Martin. In the mean time, besides the aforesaid Declaration, It hath made and doth make prohibitions and injunctions to the said Parties respectively both on the one side and the

other, as well to publish the said writing and draught of Censure, as to agitate and bring into question the Propositions contained therein, also write or publish anything concerning them directly or indirectly in any sort or manner whatsoever, till it shall be by the Court otherwise determin'd therein.

Given in the Chamber of Vacations on the fifth of October, one thou∣sand six hundred forty nine.

CHAP. XIII.

Of what pass'd during the moneths of October and November touching the Election of M. Hallier to the Office of Syndic.

MOns. Hallier had been of sentiments and in∣terests so different from those of M. Cornet in several things, that 'tis no small wonder that M. Cornet should think of going out of the office of Syndic, in the pursuit of the enterprise which he had contriv'd and hitherto little advanc'd; and that at his going out he should think of having M. Hallier for his successor in that place. Before that time they had never to my knowledge had any thing common, besides adherence and dependance on some persons of the Court of Rome; but in all other things a sufficiently great Antipathy. Neverthelesse M. Hallier was ad∣vanc'd to the Office of Syndic by the whole Fa∣ction of M. Cornet; and indeed the person of the Syndic was of very great consequence for the successe of the Enterprise, whether in regard of the correspondence necessary to be had with Rome for such things as depended thereof, or in regard of undertaking and carrying out those which should be acted in the Faculty.

On one side, M. Hallier's just and disinteress'd management I had observ'd in some Academical Affairs wherein we acted jointly together, kept me from thinking he could possibly resolve to fa∣vour M. Cornet's enterprise; but on the other it was perfectly visible that M. Cornet having in his dispose the suffrages necessary for obtaining the Syndicate, would not have determin'd to give the same to M. Hallier, unlesse he had first drawn from him all possible assurance to second his De∣signes. But to omit what may have been the tye between these two so opposite persons, I consi∣der'd but one thing which I lookt upon as that which ought to serve me for a rule in that Electi∣on after it was come to my knowledge; al∣though I was very loth to make use of it, for that M. Hallier and I had ever been very good friends till that present; and for that when I had the honour to be Rector of the University, I had found him very active against the projects of the Jesuits to ruin it by getting to be incorporated into its body and made partakers of its privi∣ledges.

But knowing that he had approv'd the doctrine of Sanctarel by setting his Approbation to the book of Corn. à Lapide a Jesuite upon the Canonical Epistles the same year that the Faculty condemn'd it, and all the Univesities of the Kingdom receiv'd and confirm'd the Censure thereof; I conceiv'd that to suffer him to enter into the sole Magistracy which is in the Faculty of Divinity, would be to trespasse against my duty towards the King and the publick, especially there being none but my self amongst all the Doctors, as I thought, that knew of his having given the said Approbation. Where∣fore when M. Hallier was nominated for Syndic in the Assembly of the first of October 1649. and the suffrage was come to my turn, and no objection made by any of his unfitness for that place by rea∣son of the aforesaid Approbation, I thought my self oblig'd to object the same, and upon that ground to oppose his election.

I shall not stand here to recite the passages in that Assembly upon this matter, because they are contain∣ed in the Proces Verbal which was drawn up there∣upon and soon after Printed. It shall suffice to sig∣nify that M. de Heu Curé of S. Severin, M. Chastel∣lain, M. Copin, M. de Mincé, M. Rousse, M. Bachelier and M. Brousse joyned with me in the opposition wh••ch I made against the said ele∣ction.

M. Hallier employ'd divers of his friends to the end we might enter into some accommodement with him, and we on our part were as desirous thereof as himself, so far as the nature and circum∣stances of the matter permitted, and provided we might have sufficient assurance that such accom∣modement tended to the honour and publick peace of the Faculty as well as to the satisfaction of the parties concern'd.

The first time he gave me occasion to speak thereof was the 12. of October by a Doctor much his friend and mine, who came to me as we were go∣ing from a Doctor's Act that day, and told me M. Hallier was prodigiously incens'd against me, for that he understood I intended to prosecute in Parliament the opposition I had made against his election to the office of Syndic. That M. Hallier had enjoyn'd him to assure me that he was absolutely dispos'd to live in peace with me, and to do his utmost for that of the Facul∣ty: That he desir'd nothing more then to stifle the divisions arisen upon M. Cornet's enterprise, to re∣concile the different opinions touching the prepositions made the first of July, and to reduce the most exas∣perated minds to a just temper and mutual concord. That he promised in the word of an honest man to use his authority to these ends, and to deport himself to∣wards us in his Syndical so well, that we should have cause to be glad of him, if we would but leave him in quiet and liberty to perform the duties of his place. That should he be brought before the Parlament upon the accusation fram'd by me against him, we ought to expect from him (I, particularly) all such treat∣ments as are to be fear'd from a man justly provok'd and offended in his honour, which was dear to him, and which he resolv'd to maintain with the hazard of all other things: That we knew well what correspon∣dence and credit he had at Rome to obtain or stop a Bull there against us. That he would interest the Pope and the Nuncio in his business; That he would stirre up the Clergy of France whose Agent he had been in the last Assembly of the year 1645. That all this put to∣gether against the Parliament, might be able to balance its authority and make good his attempts. That as for me, he would destroy me, and that informations were promis'd him already against me.

I could hardly believe all these things, did I not take them out of a letter which I writ the next day while they were yet fresh in my memory, to one of our

common friends, whom I thought fit to advertise thereof. And here take the very words of my answer to the menaces of M. Hallier.

I answer'd in summe, that I desir'd peace as much as he, and had always desir'd it; that whatever should happen, I would always act my utmost for it: but I wish'd a good one, safe and honorable. That I was not a man to betray weakly the cause of God and the King for a counterfeit peace. That all the powers wherewith he threatned me terrifi'd me not, in asmuch as I hop'd the justice of my cause and proceeding being known to them, they would approve my doings, and there would be no division for this cause between them and our Lords of the Court of Parliament. That I was sorry that he engag'd in this business; but private intorests are no∣thing to me when the publick are concern'd. That what∣ever he could say or do, I would omit nothing of my duty and of what was in my power for the sevice of God and the King, and for the defence of Truth and Justice.

Some dayes after came the festival of S. Ʋrsula; for the solemnising of which all the Doctors of Sor∣bonne not absent in remote Provinces, resort thither together. M. the Archbishop of Ambrun was to preach there this year, and the Queen was to come thither. My chamber was chosen for the said Arch∣bishop to retire into before and after his preaching; and accordingly he came thither about nine a clock in the morning.

Soon after his comming he began to speak to me of the foresaid agreement in a manner something more gentle then that of the above mentioned message, and to invite me thereunto by reasons not only relating to particular Doctors and all the Faculty, but also to the whole body of the Sate. This Prelate may remember that he found it no hard matter to convince me thereof, because I was per∣fectly prepar'd thereunto not only for publick con∣siderations and the desire which (he said) the Queen had for the agreement to be made, but also for that I had my self as great a desire of it as could be imagin'd. Neverthelesse all the conference the Archbishop and I had about this matter was terminated in general discourses, and we spoke not of any conditions that might be made to that end, neither at that time nor in two or three other converses, wherein he spoke to me of it again that day. There was likewise another per∣son of the Colledge much devoted to M. Hallier, call'd M. Segures, who spoke to me about it in the same manner too without specifying any con∣ditions thereof, and who knew also how desirous I was of it; but I did not find that an accommodation was any thing advanc'd by the discourse of either of them, whilst they remained within those termes.

Wherefore the time urging either to conclude it, if M. Hallier were dispos'd to do such things as were necessary in order to it, or to pursue my opposi∣tion before the Parliament in the few days that remain'd thereof, to the end to get a Rule of Court therein before our ensuing Assembly of the 4. of November, if the publick interests could not con∣sist with the particular aimes of M. Hallier; I re∣solv'd to go the next day to M. Segures, to tell him as much and desire him to advertise M. Hallier thereof, and withall to propound to him what I desired of him, to the end I might have ground to desist from the prosecution I should otherwise be oblig'd to use agninst him; and to know after he had spoken with him, whether he lik'd the conditi∣ons propos'd to him, or not.

M. Segure made several visits to M. Hallier with∣in two or three days, (during which all prosecu∣tions against him were suspended) about the ex∣pedients and conditions which were to be taken in order to concluding the said agreement. I shall not mention the same here, because they are to be set down in a Liste, whereof I shall insert a Copy in due place. It shall suffice to say that M. Hallier made no difficulty to close with them, and to give all the verbal assurances thereof that could be de∣sir'd before persons of honour and authority who were able to constraine him to the performance of what he promised: but he refus'd to subscribe what he promis'd, think••ng either it would be a dishonour to him, or that we distrusted his word, or that it might be said that he contracted for the place by his signature.

We promis'd him that we would keep it very se∣cret, that none but the Coadjutor of Paris, now Cardinal of Retz (to whom M. Hallier had ad∣dress'd to intreat him to interpose in this accommode∣ment) should be the Depositary of it; and that ••t should serve only to have recourse unto and regulate things by, in case that during his Syndicship com∣plaint were made of his having fail'd in any one of the promis'd matters: That his office being expir'd, he should have his signature redeliver'd to him, to burn it. Moreover to remove this scruple, we offer'd him to sign on our part that which we should pro∣mise to him. In fine, we yielded so far, as that we were contented with his writing down the things which should be promis'd on both sides without signing them, to the end the same might remaine a certain rule of Conditions of agreement, where∣unto recourse might be had in case of need. But what ever could be said to him, he would never be brought to consent to sign any thing or leave any thing in writing concerning the said Con∣ditions.

Wherefore seeing there remain'd not above two or three days of the Parliament, and that we could do no good upon M. Hallier, we thought fit to signify to him by M. Segure, that, after his refu∣sal of the accommodation offerr'd to him, he ought not to take it ill if we continu'd to procure a Re∣port of the Petition which we had presented against him.

Accordingly we sollicited a Report thereof, which did not hinder but that M. Segure came again the last day to make us new tender of accom∣modement, of which the Bishop of S. Malio had spoken to him; namely, that the matters promis'd by M. Hallier should be written down and remain in the hands of the Coadiutor, not as if M. Hallier were oblig'd thereto by us, but as if the Coadjutor caus'd them to be written for his own remem∣brance, and reciprocally desir'd the same of M. Hal∣lier and of us.

I willingly accepted this tender; but not till I should have imparted the same to the Doctors inter∣essed in the business with me, without whose ad∣vice I would not conclude any thing therein. But as I was upon the point to impart it to them we understood that the very morning of that day, which was the 27. the Parliament had issu'd an Ar∣rest upon our Petition, by which the Court receiv'd us as Appellants against the election of M. Hallier to the Syndicship, and ordain'd that upon the Appeal the Parties should have a hearing on the morrow after the feast of S. Martin; in the mean time prohibition

was made to the said M. Hallier to meddle or interpose in the said office of Syndic, or execute any part thereof; and injunction to M. Cornet to discharge the duties thereof as he did before M. Hallier was chosen, till the Court should ordain otherwise therein. That moreover the Arrests issu'd against the Religious Mendicants, (who also had contributed with their Suffrages to the said election to the number of above two, though till this occasion there had been an Antipathy and continual feud between them and M. Hallier) should be put in execution.

We lookt upon this Arrest as a new obstacle to our agreement, because we were not so much Ma∣sters of the affair as before; and the discharging of the Syndicship being forbidden to M. Hallier by this Arrest, there would need another to re-establish him in it.

Neverthelesse there was no forbearance of seek∣ing means of reconcilement, especially during the two last Festivals of All-Saints; and M. Des-Chaste∣aux, then Rector of the University, took very great care therein. But in fine, the Doctors with whom I was joyn'd in the businesse, would not hear of ought but of M. Hallier's signing what he promis'd, and of the writing's remaining in the hands of the Coadjutor, for the end and reasons above-men∣tion'd.

The draught of Conditions which we requir'd M. Hallier to sign, contain'd, 1. That whilest he was Syndic he should promise for the restoring such peace as was in the Faculty before the month of July, and preserving the same, to keep an equality between both parties, by letting them enjoy the freedom of their sentiments, as well to utter the same vivâ voce, as to write them in their Theses. Moreover, not to carry on in any manner whatso∣ever the enterprise of M. Cornet, set on foot in the month of July, concerning the examination and censuring of certain Propositions, and nomination of Deputies for those purposes. As also not to re∣ject either in Theses or any other way, the Doct••in and Authority of S. Augustine, as it is contain'd in his Books, and as it hath been taught in the Scholes till then, for example, by M. de Sainte Beufoe. 2. That in case he (whilest Syndic) were oblig'd to go from Paris, he should promise to acquaint MM. N. and N. before he speak thereof to the Faculty, for prevention of such inconveniences as may arise upon the substitution of another, who may design to foment division in the Faculty. 3. That he should bind himself, being Syndic, and promise not to hinder, as such, or otherwise, the execution of the Arrests issu'd for the regulation of the Suffrages of Doctors Mendicants, in Assemblies and Con∣sultations of the Faculty. 4. That provided he deny'd publickly, and persisted to deny his having given approbation to the Book of Cornelius à Lapide upon the Canonical Epistles, and consented to all sorts of condemnations su'd and prosecuted against the Propositions contain'd in that Author, of which complaint had been made to the Faculty: the Doctors who oppos'd his election, promis'd also to desist from their opposition, and to suffer him peace∣ably to exerc••se the duties of his place.

It was eleven a clock at night on the third of No∣vember 1649. when M. Hallier resolv'd to write with his own hand the Conditions of this agreement, to put the same the next morning, before the Assembly, into those of the Coadjutor, and to pro∣mise to him performance thereof, accordingly as they are here express'd. I had notice of it on the fourth, which was the day of the Assembly, between six and seven in the morning, to the end I might re∣pair to the Coadjutor, as accordingly I did with M. Taignier, and found M. Hallier there before us.

After some slight contests which touch'd not the bottome of the businesse, M. the Coadjutor taking him aside and giving him the Conditions to read which he had promis'd to write, to the end they might remain in his the said Coadjutor's hands, M. Hallier having read them, spoke some words very low to him. After which we being drawn near, the Coadjutor told us, that M. Hallier not only re∣fus'd to write, but likewise was not resolv'd to pro∣mise by word the Articles contain'd in that Paper. He express'd to us great regret to see this businesse out of probability of accommodation. For (said he) were there nothing between them but the mode and circumstances of things, some expedient m••ght be sought to facilitate the same; but there is not so much as an agreement about the substance. We testifi'd to the Coadjutor how troubled we were at the aversenesse of M. Hallier, and beseecht him to remember, that we were no wise the cause of the miscarriage of the intended reconcilement.

So we return'd to the Sorbonne, to the end the Arrest, as yet not s gnifi'd to M. Hallier, M. the Dean, and M. Bouvot the Register, might be signifi'd unto them before the Assembly. I will not here report any thing particularly that was done therein, all be••ng contain'd at large in the Processe Verbal, which was soon after printed thereupon, and signed by the Usher of the Parliament, who came to the Assembly to signifie the same there. I shall only say in this place, that notwithstanding the said Arrest which expresly interdicted M. Hallier all the functi∣ons of Syndic, he did not forbear to execute them all in this Assembly; and this, with a strange contempt of the Parliaments Author ty, by himself and all the Doctors who elected him to that place.

The day of this Assembly being pass'd, it be∣hoov'd to wait the resitting of the Parliament, to re∣present to them the infringements that had been made of their Arrests. We presented a new Petiti∣on to them, by wh••ch we besought them to take or∣der therein, and cause the same to be executed. We annex'd to this Petition the Processe Verbal of the Usher, and a Summons made to M. Bouvot on the 18. of November, to declare who had till that day discharg'd the office of Syndic since the Assembly of the 4th. of November, to which M. Bouvot had answer'd that it was M. Hallier.

In the mean time M. Hallier ceas'd not to renew his solicitations for an accord with us, notwithstand∣ing all that was pass'd. He had recourse for that effect to the Bishop of Amiens and the Coadjutor, and again assur'd them, and entreated them to assure us, that he would deal equally with both sides in the matters of Grace, Predestination, and Free-will, and would not in Theses reject the sentiments of S. Augustine.

After what was past we saw no great likelihood of any reconciliation, and little consider'd what might be propounded to us from M. Hallier; nor did we trouble our selves with deliberating what to do in reference to his late offer to the said two Pre∣lates: For before they had acquainted us with it, he went to the Coadjutor and desir'd him to release him of his word, and excuse him if he could promise nothing.

Fryday 26 November, M. Broussel reported our new Petition, to which report the first President spoke thus: See (said he) here's a very conside∣rable businesse, to reproach an honest man for an Approbation given by him ever since the year 1626. Who are the Petitioners? M. Broussel answer'd, the Petition must be read, and then, Sir, you will see who the Petitioners are, and find that this is not an affair of so small consequence as you apprehend. The Petition was read. When I was nam'd, the first President said, There, There's the man that makes all this adoe. However the Petition was sign'd with Soit montre, Let it be admitted. The President de Mesmes seconded the motions of the first Pre∣sident to pacifie matters. But when the Doctors Mendicants came to be spoken of, the President de Mesmes said, We cannot alwayes live in this manner, some course must be taken for redresse.

After ten a clock the first President sent to seek M. Cazaut, and ask'd him whether he had made the Processe Verbal, concerning what had pass'd in Sor∣bonne. M. Cazaut answer'd, Yes, and that that Processe Verbal would astonish him; That never was seen such a Rebellion against the Arrests of the Court. The first President caus'd the first draught of it to be brought to him, the copy being not yet finish'd.

We went the same day to M. Bignon, and told him, that we would cause our Adversaries to be Summon'd to appear the next morning at the Bar of the Parliament, to argue the businesse, and he answer'd us that we should be heard there.

The arguing of other Causes being dispatcht, MM^r. the King's Learned Council caus'd all the people to withdraw saving us. As M. Langlois, the Advocate retain'd on our side, was beginning to open the matter, and we stood towards the window, there appear'd on the other side an Attorney or Pro∣curator, who said, Messieurs, The Cause intended to be open'd to you I am charg'd with, my Clients have had no notice of this hearing till yesterday in the Evening, and they have no Advocate provided. M. Talon thereupon ask'd him, Where his Clients were? He answer'd, In the Hall: M. Talon said; Call them hither, there needs but one word in this businesse, we will hear them by their own mouths. The Attorney said, They are not instructed in their own affairs; and so he withdrew. We continu'd our pleading, and besides the opening of our Case by the Advocate, MM. de Mincé and Brousse dis∣play'd it from the bottom. Amongst other things which were spoken there, we complain'd of the Coriolanus reprinted by M. Bail, containing the same Doctrine with Corn. à Lapide. The King's Learned Council told us, that when such evil books were publish'd, there needed no more in order to have justice upon them, but straitway to bring them to the Bar. Their conclusions were; that on the King's part nothing hinder'd but we might have audience the first day, and they told us that we must repair to the first President, who would sign us a Placet for appearance on Monday morn∣ing.

M. the first President aiming to prevent us of an Arrest, and to reduce us to a Treaty with our Ad∣versaries, made many scruples to award us the said Placet; but we were so urgent upon the rules of Court, notwithstanding the difficulties and refusals he made us, that at length he took his pen and began to superscribe our Placet. Yet as he was writing, a resolution took him, to deny us the same abso∣lutely; he return'd the pen which we had present∣ed to him, and instead of appearing with our Advo∣cates, as we ought to do according to the usual or∣der, he sent us back to our Reporter, by whom (he said) we should be heard on Monday concerning our Petition. Neverthelesse when our Reporter was according to this Rule going to speak thereof on Monday, the first President stopt him by a new diversion to other businesse, and only sent to tell us at ten a clock, that we must come and wait upon him after dinner. We did so; and there met with our Adversaries; in which interview, and many others in the same place, we had divers conferences with them in his presence. It is not material to give ac∣count of them; only I will touch two circumstances, which are too considerable to be omitted. One is, that M. Hallier having in one of those visits told the first President, that he could not obtain peace with us, because he had refus'd to sign the Propositions of Jansenius: We answer'd him immediately, that he had never been spoken to about them. M. Hallier reply'd, that we caus'd the same be demanded of him by the Coadjutor: We answer'd, that it was no∣thing so. But returning again the next morning, M. de Lalane, who in the mean time went to the Coadjutor for the same purpose, said to the first President, Sir, I am commanded by the Coadjutor to tell you from him, that he never from us demanded of M. Hallier to sign the Propositions of Jansenius, as M. Hallier told you yesterday. To which the first President having answer'd, that that was not the matter in question; M. de Lalane reply'd, Sir, it is not just that M. Hallier should impose upon the Co∣adjutor and us, and that we say nothing thereof. — The second is, that whatever instance we could use to bring him to allow that our contests should be decided according to the ordinary wayes by the judgement of the Court, he would not con∣sent thereunto, but told us that we must labour to end the same our selves by agreement; adding, that this was the mind of the Court, which he testifi'd, that he had receiv'd order to acquaint us with.

CHAP. XIV.

Of what was done in the Assembly of the first of December 1649. in order to the Agreement desir'd by the first Pre∣sident.

THe first day of December being arriv'd, M. Charton told the Assembly of the Faculty, that the first President had sent for either side, and signi∣fi'd to us, that the Court of Parliament desir'd we would seek amongst our selves some terms of agree∣ment.

M. de Mincé spoke next, and testifi'd that the first President's meaning was not to remit businesses to the judgement of the Faculty, but only to invite both parties to seek wayes of Accommodation amongst our selves.

M. Hallier spoke something which caus'd a con∣test to arise between M. de Mincé and him, and which was the occasion that M. de Mincé having told him that he ought not to thrust himself into the

Administrations of the Syndicship, M. Hallier de∣clar'd, that he did not pretend to discharge any of them in this Assembly.

M. Mulot put to the Vote that which was pro∣pounded by M. Charton. M. Messier Subdean, de∣livering his opinion the first, said, that for the Pro∣positions it would be fit to nominate two Doctors on each side, to the end they might confer together of what was to be done. But being advertis'd that the Propositions were not under consideration, he alter'd his suffrage, and said, that he judg'd the way of agreement was, to execute the Arrests of the Court.

After which no person spoke more concerning the Propositions, till M. Pereyret, whose advices are usually infallible Prognosticks, and certain rules of the sentiments of all those of that party. He said, that in order to a solid peace, it behoved to discusse the principal cause of the division, to look to that which chiefly had incens'd us, and that was Doctrine. That as for the Syndicship and the other things, they were not the principal, but only accessaries. That it behov'd to apply the remedy to the root of the Evil. That it was this that was chiefly to be ex∣amin'd, and from which we might most expect peace. That all which had been done proceeded from that source. Wherefore it was requisite to give satis∣faction therein, and for that end to take time to deli∣berate again thereupon, and in the mean while to invite all people to examine them. That they who were deputed should do the same. That in the in∣terim it was fit to live in friendship and good intelli∣gence one with another; and for this purpose, to forbear writing or speaking any thing about the said Propositions, and putting the same into Theses. That if in the mean space any Bachelors or Doctors attempt any thing contrary to this rule, either in Theses or Books, it behov'd the Faculty to punish them sharply and severely by its Censures. That not only the first President, but also all the other Presidents and Counsellors whom they had con∣ferr'd with, had advis'd to proceed in this manner; and thus it was that they design'd to act in this Ac∣commodation.

M. Coppin perceiving that this advice tended to renew the enterprise of the first of July, said as well in his own name as in that of a great number of Doctors, (whose mind never was to eschew the examination of those Propositions or others, but who on the contrary alwayes desir'd that it should be set afoot, provided it were done with conditions necessary for the manifestation of truth, and the establishment of a firm peace amongst the Doctors) He said (as I intimated) as well in his own name as in that of the Doctors, that if the resolution were taken to set upon such examination, he demanded that certain conditions should be observ'd therein, such as all equitable persons would esteem just and necessary for the right performance of the same, and which he was going to propound to the Faculty: To do which, he took in his hand a paper, wherein he had written the same; but upon this there was rais'd a great noise, caus'd partly by such as lik'd not the mention of Conditions, and partly by others who dislik'd that we should propose them, because that in this Assembly the question was not about such examination.

We answer'd, that indeed the Dean did not put the same to the Vote, yet M. Pereyret did not for∣bear to debate upon it, and by his discourse give cause to believe that it was intended to turn the de∣liberations of the Faculty that way. M. Pereyret went about to put it off, but he could not handsomly. M. Amiot maintain'd that M. Pereyret had reason to say that such examination was the thing to be consi∣der'd, for that it was requir'd to seek wayes of ac∣cord, and the difference being about Doctrine, it was fit to speak thereof. As M. Coppin continu'd offering to read his paper, (because there would be no time to read it after the examination were con∣cluded upon, and the noise continuing, he could not have a moment of audience) on the one side M. Mulot out of a caprichio by force snatcht away his paper, and M. Pereyret on the other to appease the noise which increas'd more and more, alter'd his former sentence, or at least explain'd it; and con∣cluded no more to examine the Propositions, or to forbid the maintaining of them. M. Mulot also render'd M. Coppin his paper, who gave it into the hands of M. Bouvot, to the end it might be regi∣stred, to be made use of, and had recourse to, as often as it should please those Gentlemen to at∣tempt the examination of the matters in contest.

M. Charton delivering his opinion, did not for∣bear to conclude again upon the examination of the Propositions, without speaking ought, or having any regard to the Conditions presented by M. Cop∣pin. M. Morel advis'd the same with M. Charton, and said that the examination was already made by the Deputies, that there remain'd no more but for them to make their report thereof; that it was re∣quisite to deferre it still, and in the mean time to forbid the Bachelors to maintain those Propositions; but that it was not fit to name other Deputies to discusse the same; and as for M. Hallier, that things ought to be so order'd as that he abide in the office of Syndic.

M. Hallier stood up, and said he would willingly relinquish it, if need were; yet he should advise, that eight or ten Doctors conferr'd together about what was to be done therein; but that it behov'd not to speak of condemning the one or the other.

M. Amiot said, that the time agreed upon to forbear speaking of the Propositions, and of the other transactions of the first of July, was expir'd; that it behov'd now to speak thereof, and to make valid what was till then only suspended.

When I perceiv'd that this advice to take the Propositions in hand again was propos'd by many Doctors, and that it was to be fear'd lest it should prevail, I caus'd notice to be given to an Usher of the Court of Parliament, whom I kept ready to sig∣nifie, in case of need, the Arrest issu'd on the fifth of October, and spoken of before, by which they were forbidden to proceed further upon the business of the Propositions. M. Tassin who receiv'd the charge of signifying the said Arrest, brought it to the Faculty to the Table: They knew not what it was, but had wholly forgotten this Arrest, for the publishing of it had been deferr'd whilst it seem'd not necessary; wherefore it was easily resolv'd that it should be read, to know what it was. Whilest it was reading, MM. Pereyret and Cornet deny'd their having spoken that which the Arrest expresly rela∣ted to have been spoken by them, in presence of the Court, when they were heard there. M. de Saint Roch reply'd to them, that then they needed only to enter a challenge of falsity against the Arrest, and M. Brousse requir'd a Memorandum of the Lye which they gave the whole Court.

After that this Arrest was read, the Suffrages con∣tinu'd on. M. Cornet said the signification of this Arrest disturb'd the peace, and hinder'd them from deliberating of wayes of accord, for that it bound their hands. He was answer'd, that wayes of ac∣cord were sought for upon M. Hallier's businesse; that this Arrest concern'd only the examination of the Propositions, in which it forbad them further to proceed, and therefore did not hinder but that they might endeavour to find means of agreement. M. Cornet continuing his speech, said, that then himself was of M. Chappellas's opinion, and that these con∣tests ought to be taken up according to the desire of the first President, who made the overture of sus∣pending the businesse of the Propositions during three or four months; and that himself should ad∣vise that the said terme be prolong'd; and never∣thelesse because the affair of the Syndic requir'd ex∣pedition, that three Doctors of each side be nomi∣nated, and three in the name of the Faculty, who should all agree about means to accommode the contests.

M. Amiot did not forbear, after this advice, to require a Memorandum of the publishing of this Arrest, as if it had been a misdeed committed against the intentions of the Parliament, by them who caus'd it to be publish'd. And M. Brousse requir'd one likewise of the time in which it was publisht, namely, after divers had given their Suffrages for continuing the examination of the Propositions. He also layd open in general what was contain'd in the paper of Conditions presented by M. Coppin, and requir'd again that M. Bouvot should not fail to re∣gister it.

After the reading of the said Arrest; there was no more speech of proceeding to examine the Proposi∣tions, but only of nominating Commissioners for the businesse of M. Hallier; and at length after di∣vers Expedients mention'd, the plurality of Suffrages concluded that M. Hallier should name three on his own part, M. de Mincé three others, and that as many should be nominated in behalf of the Faculty, as persons indifferent, namely M. Chappellas, M. Gauquelin, and M. du Val, which nine were to meet and consult amongst themselves of means of accord, and make report to the Faculty the seventh of the same month, of what they offer'd in order to an Ac∣commodation.

The proceeding of the Doctors with whom we had to do, was sufficiently strange throughout the whole deliberation. For they debated in the same manner as they would have done if they had been Supreme Arbiters of the Accommodation, and as if the Court had remitted the whole businesse unto them to ordain thereupon. And although we were all divided into two parties, of which some were more heated and others lesse, yet they pretended that there was a third body between them and us, which they call'd The Faculty, (which yet consisted only of themselves) because with the help of the Religious Mendicants their number was unquesti∣onably greater then ours. We did not omit to inti∣mate to them very distinctly upon two or three occa∣sions in this Assembly, that there was not in the Company a third party which compos'd the Faculty; that neither the Court nor the first President had re∣mitted us to be judg'd by themselves, but only to seek between them and us the means of reconciling us, and with charge, that if we did it not, we should have recourse to the Court of Parliament, to be judg∣ed there. Notwithstanding, though we endeavor'd to make this as clear as possible, they could scarce be brought to understand our language, nor to for∣bear acting as if they had been absolute masters of our differences, and as if the Faculty had been some kinde of thing distinct from themselves and us.

Moreover M. Brousse oppos'd this Result as well in his own name as in ours. He said Com∣missioners could not be nominated on behalf of the Faculty, which was no party by it self in this affair, but was wholly divided into two parties. He said, that if it were requisite to nominate Doctors for mediators between such as should be nominated on either side, it would belong to these Doctors to choose them, and to agree about them, in case themselves could not agree together. He said, that particularly the persons nam'd as indifferent, were not so; having declar'd themselves too o∣penly in this assembly for M. Hallier: and he warned the said M. Hallier and the Dean to execute the Arrests publish'd; telling them; that in default thereof he made against them all Protestations re∣quisite in such cases, and persisted in all Oppositions, Appeals and Protestations heretofore made. Ne∣verthelesse the Dean forbore not to warn M. de de Mincé to nominate three Doctors on the part of the Opposers for carrying on the Accord. M. de Mincé answer'd, that without prejudice to the De∣clarations and Protestations made by M. Brousse, he would nominate them that day, and deliver them in writing to M. Bouvot the Register. M. Hallier was likewise warn'd by the Dean, and he immedi∣ately nominated for himself MM. Pereyret, Mo∣rel, and Le Moine. And thus this Assembly ended.

The Conditions for examining the doctrine of Grace which M. Coppin presented in our behalf to the Faculty, were not enter'd in our Registers, what ever importunity we could use to have it done, be∣cause M. Cornet ever since that time was Master of our Registers, and put nothing therein but what himself would. Yet they were printed almost as soon as they were presented, and have been so a∣gain; however I shall not omit to give a Copy of them in the Collection of pieces I intend to place af∣ter this Journal. I shall only observe here, that it is said there in expresse terms, that the Propositions presented by M. Cornet to the Faculty for Censure, are equivocal and ambiguous, and are not maintain'd by any one in the sense which they seem to have of themselves. Postquam omnibus innotuit quàm peri∣culosè M. Nicolaus Cornet Propositiones quasdam de Gratia ambiguas & aequivocas, A NULLO AUTO∣RE IN SENSU QUEM PRAE SE FERRE VI∣DENTUR ASSERTAS, vocaverit in medium, & exa∣minandas Facultati exhibuerit, &c.

CHAP. XV.

Of what pass'd after this Assembly till the seventh of December, in reference to the Agreement debated of.

THough we were not bound to follow the Result of the Assembly held in the forenoon, but on∣ly so far as we judg'd it convenient to conform thereunto; neverthesse, not to reject this way of accommodation, in case it might have any good successe, and having consider'd that in particular

conferences about this affair we should alwaies have liberty to accept or reject, as we thought good; M. de Mincé in the afternoon deliver'd a Note to M. Bouvot, in which he nominated M. Chastellain, M. Bachelier, and me, to confer with the Doctors no∣minated by M. Hallier, for accommoding the Process commenced against his pretended Election to the Syndic∣ship, or rather for finding means to bring him fairly out of it; because he (the said de Mincé) alwayes thought that M. Hallier ought not to have been elected to it; for which purpose he made this nomination of Commissio∣ners or Deputies, without prejudice to our Opposition.

M. Chastellain, the antientest of these nine Depu∣ties, assembled us according to the custom of the College of Sorbonne to the lodgings of M. Bouvot on the fourth of December, between nine and ten in the morning. When we were all come thither, he propounded to us the matter about which we were assembled, and put it under deliberation a∣mongst us, as it uses to be in the Faculty, to the end every one might give his advice thereupon.

M. Pereyret, who was the first to speak to the pro∣posal made by M. Chastellain, deliver'd his advice as it shall be reported hereafter. In the mean time it is worth observing, that by all that pass'd in the se∣veral conferences we had with the first President touching our affairs, we found in him so great an a∣versenesse to suffer them to be manag'd by the usual wayes of justice, and so great a resolution to have us labour to terminate them our selves, that we were constrain'd before that Assembly of the first of Decemb. to resolve therupon, and bethink our selves of such conditions as were fit to be offer'd for the reconciliation which we might be oblig'd to make, to the end that by concluding the same, we might live in the Faculty with some kind of peace and free∣dom.

Those Conditions, besides them which concern'd the Syndicship of M. Hallier, hereafter related, were, 1. That the two years of his Syndicship being expir'd, M. de S. André, who had had in the assembly of his election the plurality of legitimate Suffrages, be Syndic, and exercise the functions thereof during the two following years. 2. That during the time in which M. Hallier should have occasion to be absent from Paris, whether for the necessities of his Arch∣deaconry of S. Malo or othewise, M. de S. André exercise the functions thereof. 3. That M. Hallier come to the Sorbonne thrice a week, upon dayes ap∣pointed, to satisfie the Doctors and Bachelors that have any thing to do with him. 4. That M. Hallier have no power to reject out of Theses the Proposi∣tions of the antient Doctrine of the Faculty, and of France, touching the Church, the Councils, the Pope, the Supremacy of the King, and the Li∣berties of the Gallicane Church, for the maintain∣ing of which, the Bachelors who have their The∣ses signed by their chief Masters and Presidents, be left by him in perfect liberty. That likewise he have no power to reject out of them the doctrin of S. Au∣gustin touching Grace, Predestination and Free∣will; nor to keep the said Theses, nor to alter in a∣ny thing the order and discipline of the Facul∣ty. 5. That the Conclusions complain'd of a year or eighteen moneths ago, be review'd and enter'd into the Registers conformably to the truth of the things which pass'd, and in such words as may not injure any one, but may be admitted by such as are concerned therein. 6. That the two Conscriptors nominated contrary to form in the absence of the opposers of M. Hallier's election, being persons al∣together partial, be either both, or at least one of them chang'd, and two others duly agreed upon put in their places; or that one of them quit his of∣fice, and such Doctor put in his room as the Oppo∣sers should choose, to take care as well of the Con∣clusions hereafter to be made, as of the Doctors to be nominated for examining the Bachelors, to the end to hinder, that when it is known that any of them are taken to be of opinions not agreeable to one of the parties, there be not examiners assign'd them of wholly differing judgements, and inclina∣ble to use them ill in their examinations. 7. That the Advocates General be inform'd of all these Con∣ditions of our Agreements, to the end they may adde what we may possibly have omitted con∣ducive to the publick interest, the King's service, and the duty of their offices.

M. Bachelier, who was to speak next after M. Pe∣reyret in this private assembly, propos'd some of these conditions; and before the others declar'd their sentiments, M. Pereyret said, that provided they were agreed upon the Capital matter of these contests, all that M. Bachelier requir'd would admit no scruple, but be very easie to perform. He added further, that these things needed not to have been demanded, being imply'd sufficiently without being spoken of; as also that the expences made on either side in these contests, be reembours'd out of the publick monies of the Faculty.

All the other Gentlemen who spoke after M. Ba∣chelier, till it came to me, were of M. Pereyret's o∣pinion, both as to the substance and as to the cir∣cumstances of what M. Bachelier added thereunto, saving that some alledg'd that it was not in our pow∣er to make Conscriptors, but that they were to be nominated by the Faculty: all agreed that it was just to make them according to these conditions, and that the Faculty would be inclin'd to nominate such as with submission to it we should agree upon.

I was oblig'd to follow the order which all those Gentlemen kept, and I spoke last. I testify'd how great joy I found in their inclinations to our peace; but that the better to judge and speak thereof with more certainty, it would be fit to write down and view the conditions with which it was made, that so they might be perform'd before the peace be judg'd perfectly concluded and agreed upon; That I would for my own part contribute my utmost thereunto; That I had great hopes all these condi∣tions would be perform'd, both for that I account∣ed them just, and because I perceiv'd they were acceptable to them: But yet that in these kinds of transactions it behoov'd not to defer those things till after-Agreements, which ought to precede, or at least accompany them. Every one advis'd me to fear nothing, and told me, that content should be given me; and so way was given to M. Pereyret to dictate to M. Bouvot the Register who was present, the things which he had spoken in his Advice. The Copy thereof here follows, being all fill'd with his own matter, and having, no doubt been complot∣ted before with M. Cornet.

4 Decemb. 1649.

MM. — deputed by the Fa∣culty have agreed, That whereas provision hath been sufficiently made in reference to the Propositions in question by the Ecclesiastical Determinations and anti∣ent

Decrees of the Faculty; It is not necessary to pro∣ceed to an Examination or Censure, but it sufficeth to injoyn the Syndic to see to the execution of the Decrees heretofore made both for doctrine and discipline: And in case any scruples arise touching the aforesaid Proposi∣tions, or others relating to the matter of Grace, & de Auxiliis, That then the said Syndic shall take the ad∣vice of all the Doctors that were his Predecessors in that Charge.

And for what concernes the Syndicship, That after M. Hallier shall have reiterated the declaration which he made in the Faculty on the fourth of November, that he did not approve the book of Cornelius a Lapide, but disallows the doctrine contained therein concerning the power of Temporal Princes; and that he adheres wholly to the doctrine of the Faculty in this point, and to the Censures which it hath made thereupon, and a∣mongst others on the 1. & 4. of April 1626. And after that for justifying his innocence in this particu∣lar, he shall have presented a Petition to the Court of Parliament that Prohibitions be made to all Printers to print the said Book of Cornelius a Lapide with the said supposed Approbation, with penalties against the Offenders: Then with a common consent his Election shall be allow'd.

Signed,

• Chastellain,
• Pereyret,
• Chappellas,
• Bachelier,
• Gauquelin,
• Le Moine,
• Morell,
• Du Val.

After the Gentlemen above-nam'd had signed, M. De Saint-Amour being moved to sign also, demanded time to consider, and a Copy of the present Result.

Signed, Ph. Bouvot.

I was very attentive to that which M. Bouvot writ, whilst M. Pereyret dictated to him, and I very easily perceiv'd the equivocal terms wherein this Accord was drawn in reference to the Propositions. I lookt upon it as a new seminary of divisions upon all oc∣casions, wherein every one might have ground to interpret it to his own advantage. That our Ad∣versaries being more numerous then we, would over-rule its interpretation when ever they pleas'd. And lastly, that the Referring to the antient Syndics such scruples as might arise about The∣ses, was the establishing of a petty Tribunal, and kind of Inquisition in the Faculty, by attributing to them a Jurisdiction appertaining to all the Do∣ctors in a body, which might hereafter put fetters and constraint upon their sentiments, which ought to be preserv'd in the liberty hitherto so advanta∣geous to them. This I accounted so much the more dangerous, for that amongst the Six Do∣ctors formerly Syndics, MM. Pereyret and Cornet being of the number, and M. Hallier the present Syndic, I did not finde so many of them equita∣ble to us, as there were prejudic'd against us. Wherefore upon the motion of signing this Wri∣ting as soon as it was finish'd, before any one had sign'd it, I took M. Chastellain and M. Bachelier a∣side, and beseecht them that they would take one dayes time to review and examine it before-hand, as well for the reasons abovesaid which I partly no∣ted to them, as for that there was no mention therein of any of the conditions which we had de∣manded in order to this agreement, and I thought not expedient to sign any before they were all per∣form'd; That we had to do with people that would never seek reconcilement with us as they do, were it not that they found themselves forc'd to it by the justice of the prosecutions we intend against them, and who would afterwards laugh at us and all that they have promised us, if we should give over those so just and necessary prosecutions with∣out making the benefits thereof which we may for establishing the order, discipline and antient do∣ctrine of the Faculty; That we had reduc'd them to reason about the businesse of the Propositions by the Arrest of the fift of October. That this of the Syndicship would have as good an issue; that it should never be carried without occasioning an information of the infringements made of the Ar∣rests of Parliament touching Religious Mendicants, (especially at the time when M. Broussel and M. Viole came to the Faculty) and without doing al things necessary for repairing the disobediences committed against the authority of the Court, and for procuring the execution of those Arrests which they knew to be so important to the good of the Faculty. I entreated them that for the honour of God they would have one afternoons patience for examining all that was to be consider'd about this businesse. But with all the representations I could use, they were not to be brought to any delay. M. Chastellain was much troubled with the Gout, and had caus'd himself to be brought with very great pain from his own Lodging to that of M. Bouvot, and therefore could not be prevail'd with to come again, nor M. Bachelier to doe any thing but what he saw M. Chastellain do. So all eight sign'd the Writing, as it is set down before; and at the signing of it, the rest assur'd M. Chastellain and M. Bachelier, that they would not fail in the conditions which we had requir'd of them.

I was much surpriz'd to find my self the only person left to sign them, of nine who were much more antient, experienc'd and judicious then my self; I saw that I could not avoid being blam'd as obstinate, the sole cause of the divisions of the Fa∣culty, and willing to keep up the disorder, of which some reproaches had been already made me with lesse apparence then there was in this occasi∣on: but on the other side I could not resolve to avoid this vain reproach by signing a thing which seem'd to me so evidently mischievous.

However, they press'd me to sign it by threat∣ning me to make complaints of me everywhere, and to impute to me all the evil that might arise from our disunion; but I could not be mov'd to do it; and all the expedient I could devise in this difficult conjuncture, was, to require time to con∣sider what I was to do, and a Copy of the Result which they would have me sign as it is noted by our Register at the foot thereof, and is above de∣clar'd.

When I conferr'd hereupon with divers of our Brethren, I found none but was very glad of the resistance which I made thereto; many of them betook themselves to represent the consequences thereof to M. Chastellain and M. Bachelier; who at length became perswaded that I had reason on my side, particularly in reference to the petty Tribunal which was going to be erected amongst us, (con∣sisting of the other Syndics) who were to become the only rules and masters of doctrine; and M. Chastellain resolv'd to summon us together again, to review and put into Latin that which was sign∣ed, to the end it might be fit to be reported to the

Faculty; and for that by reason of his indisposition he was unable to come again to the house of the Fa∣culty, he intreated us to meet at his own.

It was on S. Nicolas's day in the afternoon. When I arriv'd there, the new Result was already pre∣par'd in Latin, and sign'd by all the Deputies ex∣cept M. Chappellas and le Moyne, who were not yet come. It was presented to me ready drawn and signed as I am going to insert it here, to the end I might sign it also.

ANNO Dom. 1649. die 4. mensis Decembris, Honorandi Magistri nostri, Chastellain, Pereyret, Chappellas, Bachelier, Morel Sorbonicus, Gauque∣lin, le Moyne, Du Val, & de Saint-Amour, respe∣ctivè à Facultate deputati in publicis Comitiis ejusdem mensis concluserunt & convenerunt inter se, ad Facul∣tatem referendum esse, Satis provisum fuisse tam circa Propositiones de quibus est controversia, quam circa eas quae tangunt materiam de Gratia & de Auxiliis divi∣nis per Definitiones Ecclesiasticas & Antiqua Decre∣ta ipsius Facultatis, at{que} ideo non esse necesse procedere ad examen vel judicium earundem, sed sufficere, si D. Syndico injungatur ut curet executioni mandanti De∣creta antea facta tàm pro doctrina quàm pro discipli∣na: quòd si aliqua difficultas occurrat circa praedictas Propositiones aut alias circa materiam de Gratia aut de Auxiliis divinis, idem D. Syndicus consultet Facul∣tatem: Si verò res ita urgeat ut non possit commodè convocari, consilium assumet omnium Sapientissimo∣rum Magistrorum qui eum in officio & munere Syndi∣catûs praecesserunt.

Quod vero spectat ad Syndicatum, postquam hono∣randus M. N. Hallier declarationem a se factam die quarta superioris mensis Novembris in publicis Co∣mitiis reiteravit, videlicet se nunquam approbasse li∣brum Cornelii a Lapide in Epistolas Canonicas, at∣que improbare se doctrinam in eo contentam quae tangit potestatem Principum temporalium, seque penitus adhaerere doctrinae Facultatis circa illud pun∣ctum, at{que} etiam Censuris ab eadem de eo factis, & in∣ter alias decreto facto contra Santarellum; ut{que} suam circa illud momentum innocentiam testificetur, libellum supplicem supremae Curiae Parlamenti offeret, eo fine ut omnibus Typographis & Librariis interdicatur sub poenis eidem Curiae reservatis in deficientes aut contra∣venientes, ne imprimant aut vendant dictum librum Cornelii a Lapide cum dicta supposita approbatione. Et in praedictorum consequentiam unanimi omnium consensu ejus electio ad Syndicatum probabitur.

Signed;

• Chastellain,
• Bachelier,
• Gauquelin,
• Pereyret,
• Morel,
• R. du Val.

In reading this result thus new model'd in Latin, I found a new difficulty in it besides those which I had found the first time. For to remedy that which I made of having recourse to the antient Syndics, it was put, that in case there arriv'd any difficulty about the Propositions, the Syndic shall consult the Faculty thereupon: and that if the case be so urgent that the Faculty cannot conveniently assemble, then he shall take counsel of all the antient Syn∣dics. It seem'd to me that on one side this Liber∣ty given the Syndic to consult the Faculty about the said Propositions, was an Impeachment to the Ar∣rest of the fift of October, and gave room for the re∣viving of M. Cornet's enterprise at pleasure; and that on the other, the liberty given him and the ob∣ligation lay'd upon him withall to recurre to all the antient Syndics, when the affair permitted not the Faculty to be assembled, was for ever to erect such a Tribunal in the Faculty, by allowing him to re∣curre thereunto when he pleas'd; and moreover to impose a yoak and inconvenience upon him which our Syndic was not accustom'd to bear; Wherefore I excus'd my self again, with more con∣fidence (though with much more grief) from sub∣scribing this new Writing.

The next day (Dec. 7.) the Faculty assembled extraordinarily to hear the report of what we had done in the businesse. M. Chastellain said that the Result touching the Propositions and the Syndicship was in the hands of M. Bouvot, who should read it; and that none of the other Conditions agreed upon were put into it, (as namely about the new choice of Conscriptors, and review of the Conclusions) because for these it was rely'd upon the word of the Deputies which they had pass'd, and upon the con∣fidence that the Assembly would approve the same. — So M. Bouvot read the Result in the very terms wherein it is transcribed above. — After it was read, I acquainted the Assembly what a trouble it was to me that I could not sign it, and laid forth the reasons thereof with all possible respect to the rest of the Deputies. Which yet did not hinder but that M. Chastellain and M. Chappellas express'd some displeasure against me for it; and touching ambiguity of words complain'd of by me. M. Chappellas said, that there was no subtlety intended therein, nor any design to prejudice any party; but whereas there was to be no more speech of the said Examination, it behooved to find some reason for it; and this in the Preamble was alledg'd to that purpose, so that it might be said on both sides, Causa quam putatis victricem causâ cecidit; he concluded, that in stead of the word Definitiones the word Sanctiones was fit to be put into the Agreement; M. Hennequin ha∣ving intimated the same in his Sentence.

Most of the Doctors also who spoke before me, pronounc'd it fit to retrench out of the said agree∣ment that which I judg'd ill therein; (namely, that in case of difficulties arising, the Syndic should con∣sult the Faculty, or have recourse to the antient Syndics) which was accordingly retrench'd. This being done, and on the other side many of my friends pressing me to acquiesce in the Accord, although I was not yet satisfi'd, yet because it behooved to consider all things, and to accept of the best that was offer'd, when all that was desir'd could not be obtain'd; when it came to my turn to give my sentence, I consented thereunto, and said I was rea∣dy to sign it, with regard had to the things above∣mention'd, and provided security were given for the punctual performance of the conditions about the Conscriptors, and the Review of the Conclusi∣ons whereof M. Chastellain had spoken. After which all nine of us were appointed to go and ren∣der thanks to the first President, the Kings Coun∣sel, and some of the Presidents of the Morter who had interpos'd in our Accommodation; and accor∣dingly we went forthwith. It was also said that the book of Cornelius à Lapide and the Coriolanus should be deliver'd into the hands of the King's Counsel for the discharge of the Faculty.

M. Hallier was not present at this Assembly, and M. de Sainte Beuve delivering his sentence touching the point the Syndicship, said, that al∣though he accounted what was ordain'd about M.

Hallier in that businesse somewhat uncouth, yet he should for his part tell the Faculty that he would do whatsoever it desir'd. M. Cornet officiated as Syndic here, and assoon as we were gone to make our visits, began to infringe the conditions which had been promis'd only by word of mouth. For whereas it was agreed to review the Conclusions register'd within a year or eighteen months past, that the false and offensive words might be expung'd; at the end of this Assembly, after the ordinary sup∣plicates were done, he caus'd the Conclusions of the preceding Assemblies which had not yet been twice read, to be read again. M. the Abbot of Ʋalcrois∣sant who by chance staid till the end of the Assembly, observing something in these conclusions to the pre∣judice of the Opposers, said, he conceiv'd that since peace was made, it was reasonable, according to what had been propounded, that the same Depu∣ties should review the said conclusions, to see what might be amended therein. Most of them which remain'd signifi'd that they esteemed this just. M. Cornet would have put it off, and said there was not company enough to deliberate thereupon, the Assemby being broken up. M. Marcan reply'd that if there was enough for the reading of them again, there was also enough for the deliberating upon them. This press'd M. Cornet home, and constrain'd him to say, that they should be review'd before they were enter'd in the Registers of the Faculty; which all that were present declar'd to be just.

But how unsafe is it in Agreements to defer the performance of conditions wherewith they are made, when the business is with people of little ingenuity and good meaning! For the removing of the ob∣structions of this, we yeilded in several things be∣yond measure; and yet in the very next Assembly after this on Jan. 1. 1650. it was requisite to make many complaints of non-performance of the condi∣tions which had been promis'd. There arose new contests in the Faculty about the Conscriptors whom they would not have chang'd, and about the Con∣clusions which they would not have read again but as MM. Moral and Cornet had fram'd them. It was requisite to make new protestations before the Fa∣culty; it was requisite to present again to it the con∣ditions propos'd on the first of December by M. Copin; it was requisite to enter a complaint before Notaries of their dishonesty and breach of promise with whom this decetfull peace was concluded, and to declare there that if it were no farther kept, then MM. Hallier, Cornet and their adherents were pleas'd to keep it, there would be nothing effected by it but only our renouncing of our Oppositions and prose∣cutions which were so just and so necessary. In brief, it was requisite to enter divers Memorials in the Faculty, and to declare formally that we per∣sisted in all the Oppositions, Appeals and Protesta∣tions hereaftermade; to protest anew that we Ap∣peal'd against all that had been done before and should be done afterwards to the prejudice there∣of, and of the statutes, and Arrests render'd by the Court of Parliament; that we would there, assoon as possible, prosecute for judgement of all the causes depending between the Doctor, and de∣mand reparation of all that had been anew attemp∣ted in the mean time in prejudice of the said Instances, Protestations, and Arrests.

There were divers Doctors who enter'd a Memo∣rial hereof before Notaries the same day, being they could not obtaine the same in the Assembly. And if it had been any thing likely that the Avenues of Justice were not stopt, no doubt we should have presented our selves again there to obtain it. But the difficulties laid in our way lately by the first President, when we prosecuted it, together with all other inseparable from suites, even when the coun∣tenances of the Judges are most favorable, oblig'd us to remain quiet. It behov'd us to leave the Fa∣culty in the hands of those who were made masters of it by stopping the course of our prosecutions when we hoped greatest successe for its reestablishment: and we were forc't to be content with sighing before God for its ruine, and leaving before men such monu∣ments as might tell posterity it hapned not by our fault.

Notes

• * 2.1

  Item jurabitis quod sine fraude aut dilatione vos recipietis in Con∣ventum in quo pro∣fessionem fecistis.
• * 4.1

  One of his Domesticks had the Pesti∣lence.
• * 6.1

  Theses Claromontanae An. 1644. Jan. 4. Concl. 18. Sacri••ega est & impia Calvini Lutheri{que} sententia (Calv. in Antid. in cap. 12. Sess. 6. Luth. in Latom.) qua statuunt, esse in lege gratiae quaedam hom ni praecepta, illi secundum statum is vires in quibus constitutus est, im∣possibilia; & eam impotentiam eti∣am in fidelibus reperiri; nec tan∣tum quando nolunt praecepta imple∣re, sed etiam quando volunt? Cal∣vinus in Antid. Concil. Trid. Sess. 6. cap. 12. Mihi sufficit nominem extit••sse unquam qui legi Dei satis∣f cerit, nec ullum posse inveniri. Ibid. Apostolus proculdubio signifi∣cat impares fuisse ab initio uni∣versos mortales legis observationi, hodié{que} esse.