The journal of Monsr. de Saint Amour doctor of Sorbonne,: containing a full account of all the transactions both in France and at Rome, concerning the five famous propositions controverted between the Jansenists and the Molinists, from the beginning of that affair till the Popes decision. / Faithfully rendred out of French. ; A like display of the Romish state, court, interests, policies, &c. and the mighty influences of the Jesuites in that church, and many other Christian states, being not hitherto extant.

CHAP. XI.

Of divers Works publisht at Paris by Molina's Partisans during the same Month of February. Of sundry ru∣mors and menaces which they dispersed there. And of the Letters which were writ to us from Paris during this whole Month and the beginning of March, both touching the Matter and our An∣swers to Cardinal Spada's Offer.

THe Letters writ to me from Paris this Month gave me intelligence of divers Books newly printed, amongst the rest of one which M. Pignay complain'd of in the Assembly of our Faculty pri∣mâ mensis, to the end the Faculty might nominate Doctors for examining it, and after an extract and report made of it, proceed to its condemna∣tion in the ordinary forms. One of the antientest Doctors deputed for its examination sent me word that 'twas a Book injurious to the living and the dead, to the King and the State, to the Church, to the Bishops, to the Faculty, to the Parliament, to the Archbishop then living, to Cardinal de Retz; in fine, to all sorts of persons. And notwithstanding sundry Doctors M. Cornet's Adherents, amongst whom were M. Charton and M. Morel, were very stiff against M. Pignay's motion; and to hinder the nomination of Deputies for examining the Book, caused M. Mulot Dean, and M. Grandin to rise from their places, and to go out of the Assembly with them, conceiving it would break up by their absence; Yet the Doctors who remain'd finding it was not just that a Dean and a Syndic should thus bafflle the Faculty, and break its As∣semblies when they pleas'd, held the Assembly in their absence, and did justice upon M. Pignay's Supplicate, by nominating Deputies for examinati∣on of the Book complained of. It was composed by a Fueillant, and intituled, Chronicon seu Con∣tinuatio Chronici Ademari Monachi Engolism ab Anno 1032. ad Annum 1652. Authore D. Petro à Sancto Romualdo Engolism, &c.

Two others were publisht under F. Annat's name, which were nothing else but the very wri∣tings which M. Hallier and his Collegues present∣ed at Rome to the Cardinals and Consultors of the Congregation, and of which mention is made a∣bove; the one being intituled Jansenius à Tho∣mistis condemnatus; the other, Augustinus à Baianis vindicatus. But which was most strange, besides the unworthy abjectness to which Doctors of Paris debased themselves in being the Pamphlet∣venters of the Jesuites, in a cause wherein those Doctors appear'd outwardly the principal parties; the same work was printed and publisht a fortnight before as M. Hallier's, with the extract of a Let∣ter in French by him written at Rome in December preceding; wherein that Doctor sent word that the Propositions would be shortly condemn'd, that the Pope and Cardinals judg'd us unworthy to be heard, and that the condemnation would be pase¦sed nevertheless. And the same Book was pub∣lisht afterwards under the name of the abovesaid Jesuite with a Latine Preface, in which according to his wonted confidence and shamelesness, he af∣firm'd that we had been heard as much as we would.

But leaving aside this spirit of duplicity and ly∣ing, which caus'd both of them to speak so diffe∣rently of the same thing; they shew'd evidently thereby, what we were taking pains to prove at Rome, that M. Hallier and his Collegues were in this affair only the Agents of the Jesuites, and those Fathers our right Adversaries; who conse∣quently ought to appear before the Congregation to defend themselves, and neither they, nor such as were known devoted to them, (as F. Modeste, and M. Albizzi) to have seats amongst those who were to hear and pronounce upon our differences.

The above-mention'd Writing, Jansenius à Thomistis, &c. gave occasion to two printed Let∣ters which were directed to F. Annat touching its being one while attributed to M. Hallier, and ano∣ther while challeng'd back by that Father. One of these Letters was dated, Febr. 7. and the other Febr. 12. both excellent. But I am so much an Enemy to the least Faults which escape even inno∣cently against the Truth, that I cannot but correct one here which I observ'd in the reading of them. In pag. 23. it is said that the transient audience which we had of the Pope in his Presence-chamber at the presentation of our Writings and Memorials to him, lasted a very considerable time. VVhich by what I have above related, is convinc'd to be a mistake in the Author's intelligence.

The same month another came forth, not quite new, but a second Edition. 'Twas the Antitheses of F. L' Abbé the Jesuite between Jansenius and S. Augustin, upon which he had conferr'd and been confounded by M. de S. Beuve, as is before men∣tion'd; and yet this Father caus'd the same to be printed again, as if he knew not the weakness and falshood of his work. He follow'd blindly the pas∣sion which inspir'd him with this incredible bold∣ness, and crown'd it with no less an outrage a∣gainst S. Augustin. For at the end of his Antithe∣ses he added an Advertisment to the Reader, wherein he tells him confidently, that those testi∣monies of S. Augustin which he cited, shew the falshood of the Five Propositions of the New Do∣ctrine, or Jansenius abstracted and contain'd in those Five Propositions; and that if after all this, the Opinions of S. Augustin seem still obscure to any one, he need but be a little patient till Rome declares what S. Augustin's Opinions were, or what they ought to have been. Ex allatis divi Augustini testimoniis refutatas habes quinque The∣ses novae doctrinae, seu, ut loquuntur aliqui, Janseni∣um in quinque Theses digestum. Si cui tamen post tot testimonia, obscurus adhuc videbitur Augustini sensus, expectet tantisper, BREVI LOQVETVR ROMA QƲID SENSERIT AUGUSTINUS, AƲT QƲID SENTIRE DEBƲERIT.

In the Letter in which M. Brousse gave me no∣tice of this second Edition, he concludes after

these words; Behold, according to this Adver∣tisement, S. Augustin eonvicted, and nothing more remaining but a Bull to declare him a Heretick, and remove him out of the Litanies as the Jesuites have already remov'd him out of the number of the Doctors of the Church, by putting S. Nicolas in his place in the proud Mausolaeum which they have erect∣ed in the Court of their Colledge of Clermont, to the memory of Cardinal de la Rochefou∣caut!

M. de S. Beuve about three weeks after writ to me two reflexions upon the same advertisement. The first was concerning the three last lines about S. Augustin, to whom, he said, this Discourse was highly injurious; that 'twas to accuse him of having err'd, and by extreme arrogance to pronounce before Rome, by saying that within a little while she will speak and declare what ought to have been the senti∣ments of that H. Doctor. The second was upon the former part of the sentence; Ex allatis D. Augustini testimoniis, &c. for (said M. de S. Beuve) he thereby openly declares that their design is to in∣volve in the Censure of Five Equivocal Propositions of which themselves are the Authors, the whole Do∣ctrine of Effectual Grace so strongly made good by M. d' Ipre against Molinian novelties.

M. le Maistre Doctor and Professor of Divinity our Confrere hapned to be very sick; upon which occasion the Abbot Ollier made a Sermon at the Church of S. Sulpitius (the Cure whereof he had resign'd a little before) which deserves to be reckoned amongst the extraordinary Pieces which appear'd this month. The business was thus. M. le Maistre caus'd his usual Confessor to come to him, who was one of the Carmelites of the great Covent: He desir'd the H. Viaticum, which was brought to him from the Parish of Sulpitius. Up∣on the ordinary exhortation which the Priest made to the sick person, he out of sentiments of sincere Christian piety testify'd some fear of the dreadful and hidden judgements of God. The Priest spoke largely to the contrary, and perhaps a little too much concerning the inexhaustible abysse of his mercy. But being a man of less abilities then M. de Maistre he could not free him from this holy fear which is inseparable from solid Christian piety; and therefore went away displeas'd and angry; su∣specting also that some body from Port Royal or the House of the Incurables had infus'd this fear into him. He made report in the Church of S. Sulpiti∣us of what he had seen, and heard, and of his su∣spition that the sick person who was a Priest, was almost besides himself, and reduc'd to despair by him who had ministred to him, and that he spoke of nothing but repentance and God's iudgement. Upon this occasion the Abbot Ollier made a Sermon at S. Sulpitius, in which he shew'd at first extra∣ordinary commotion and grief that all was lost. And then alledg'd in the first place that the cause of this his vehement affliction, was, that a sect of people was risen up in the Church who drew the people into error with themselves; which error consisted in their standing upon external repen∣tance alone, so far as to contemn internal; and that nevertheless they continu'd puff'd up with pride. After divers injuries suggested to him by his zeal against those people, he instanc'd (as an example of the pride whereof he accus'd them) in a man whom he affirm'd that he saw cruelly mangle his whole body. Secondly, He said that these new Sectaries held for an undoubted Maxime, That Absolution is never to be given to any but those in whom perfect Contrition is found; which he said was an Error condemn'd by the Council of Trent, and of which he brought no other proofs, saving that he was ready to dye for it. In the third place he accus'd the same people of believing that Absolution is unprofitable & did not remit sins; and that external pennance alone remitted them. Fourthly, That they generally believ'd it was ne∣cessary to salvation to forsake Cities and retire into Deserts. Fifthly, Himself affirm'd, that for ob∣taining remission of sins in the Sacrament of Pen∣nance, there was no more preparation or repen∣tance necessary then is requir'd in adult persons for Baptism; and that this was the pure doctrin of the Council of Trent. And in the sixth place, That for the direction and amendment of life, it is not re∣quisite to make use of the rules of the antient Fa∣thers of the Church, but of those of the Doctors of the present times who had converted so many souls to Jesus Christ.

This was the substance of his Sermon, in which appear'd so many errors and calumnies. He who gave me this account of it in a Latin Letter of Feb. 22. had exactly taken it. Which Letter contain∣ing this judgement touching our refusal to appear in Cardinal Spada's Congregations, but upon such conditions as we demanded, I shall here insert at length, and with it two others, conceiving them worth the Reader's pains to peruse.

QƲid sit de Cardinalis Eminentissimi Spadae nu∣perrima denuntiatione sentienda, haud satis mihi liquet. Multi multa variáque dicunt, nec idem est ac constans omnium hac de re judicium. Si tamen licet in re tam difficili aliquid suspicari, arbitror virum in rebus gerendis versatissimum, hanc tentas∣se viam dirimendae litis illius maximae, quae omnium brevissima videbatur, si vos consentientes habuisset. Ita enim & satisfaciebat Ignatianis qui nihil pejus decollatione oderant, nec vobis videbatur facturus injuriam, si rationem illam judicii probasse••is. Ete∣nim mihi persuadere nunquam potui, prudentissimos viros, tanti momenti quaestiones, in quibus totius fi∣dei Christianae cardo vertitur, ex praeconceptis opinioni∣bus & praecipiti judicio definituros. Et quanquam Eminentiss. Cardinalem Spadam illi sententiae quae Jansenio tribuitur, infensum non unus pridem mihi nunciavit, publicéque dicere habere se argumenta duo quae Jansenistarum nullus solvere valeat, arbitratus sum tamen illum non adeò sic adhaesurum privatae sententiae, ut cum se judicem intelligeret, uon expe∣riretur an qui aliter sentiunt, nihil habeant, nihil aut excogitarint aut à Deo acceperint, quo veritas illu∣strari posset. Sit enim persuasus licet dum privatum gerit, privatis rationibus, quas ut plurimùm quasi partus quosdam animorum plurimum diligimus; at ubi judicem induit, aequus esse debet, & antequam ad judicandum accedat, omnibus se prejudiciis exuere. De Traditione quaestio est quaenam vera sit, quaenam à Christo per Apostolorum, per Augustini, per sum∣morum Pontificum manus Ecclesiae concredita; quid illi conforme, quid illi adversum sit, res est obscu∣rata pristinis contentionibus; multa per humanam

Philosophiam & complicationis superbiam inducta sunt, quae sinceram Christi fidem involverunt: Enu∣cleanda sunt illa, separandum est humanum à divino, falsum à vero; quod fieri non posse, nisi concertatione mutua oppositarum partium, ac utriusque doctrinae explicatione comparationeque certum est. Itaque li∣cet Apostolica sedes, licet Concilia divinam gra∣tiam in definiendis articulis Fidei semper sperare de∣buerunt, quae nunquam ipsis deerit, licet ad illa per∣fidia habere non possit accessum; Audire inter se Di∣sputantes semper in more positum fuit, ut ex illa ve∣luti collisione veritas excitaretur, cujus scintillae sese postea in universum orbem dispergerent. Istud non schismaticis, non haereticis negatum est, quanto ma∣gis Catholicis concedi oportet; qui se Pauli, Augu∣stini, Thomae, veterum recentiumque Pontificum, adeóque discipulos Ecclesiae profitentur, & Sedis A∣postolicae vocem toties gratiae Christi vindicem iterum audire gestiunt clarè loquentem, vera falsáque di∣stinguentem, atque à Molinianis tricis atqué argu∣tiis, quibus tamdiù veritati illuditur, sinceram fi∣dem & Christi doctrinam eruentem! Quod quidem ut maximi momenti est, ita & servatâ quantum li∣cet legitimi judicii formâ fieri debet, ut quemadmo∣dum olim dum Concilium generale cogi non poterat, Romanus Episcopus convocatis vicinioribus & sub∣urbicariae regionis Episcopis de fide consultabat, & disquisitione facta discernabat; sic etiam hisce tempo∣ribus pro ea qua pollet auctoritate, pro ea qua urge∣tur charitate, ad pacem inter fideles stabiliendam, ad tuendam veritatem, summus Pontifex Innocentius X. collationem instituat solennem, ut pollicitus est, quaestiones ventilari & examinari jubeat; ut maturè examinatis omnibus, discordiae semina penitus aufe∣rantur. Neque aliam mentem esse arbitror Eminen∣tiss. Cardinalium deputatorum & Consultorum. Quî enim sibi in animum inducant, se tam exactè novisse omnia quae ad fidem Traditio nemque pertineant, ut nullam aliunde lucem haurire possint! Nam egent lectione, studio, meditatione diligenti, ut quotidiè discant quod priùs ignorabant, & apertè videant quod apertum & obscurum apparebat; sed an ea lege∣re, meditari, & videre unius aut etiam paucorum est, nisi disputatione & contrariorum oppositione, quae opti∣ma discendi Methodus est, adjuventur? An credere Spiritum sanctum immediatè cujuscunque hominis ingenio illabi, & revelare quae fidem explicant, nisi omnem in exquirenda veritate sollicitudinem adhibe∣ant; Cum ne totius quidem Ecclesiae Concilia id un∣quam speraverint à Deo obtinere, nisi & prolixas preces & maximam diligentiam adhibeant? sed ista prolixiùs quam putaram de re minime dubia, quamque firmissimè credere Romanos Cosultores non ignoro.

Tacere non possum duo quae Adversarionum tuorum fidem, probitatem & sinceritatem ostendunt. Pri∣mum est, Abbatis Ollierii zelusne imperitus dicam an furor, qui nuper in S. Sulpitii Ecclesia, cujus se cura nuper exoneravit, concionem habens ea dixit, quae non Sacerdotem modò; sed ne hominem quidem pudoris alicujus decerent. Occasionem hanc furori dedit D. le Maistre Socius & Professor noster; aegro∣tabat ille; advocavit Confessarium suum, Carmeli∣tam scilicet ex majori Conventu▪ postea Viaticum petiit; adfertur ipsi ex Parochiali Ecclesia S. Sul∣pitii, accedit ad eum Sacerdos, qui talem agrotum neque ex nomine neque ex vultu nosset, sed confidens ac securus; tum qui decumbebat ex sensu vere Chri∣stiano testari quantum metu Divinorum judiciorum teneretur: alter mihi homo & ad misericordiam in∣clinatior spem ingerere, misericordiam opportunè im∣portunè ostentare; aliquod tempus ea in pugna perdi∣tum est; sed sensit Sacerdos qui ad aegrotum accesse∣rat, quàm impar esset congressus Achilli. Subiratus discessit: inde suspicio aliquem à Portu Regio aut Incurabilium Nosocomio infudisse metum hunc. Re∣fert quod viderat, quod audierat, quod suspicaba∣tur; hominem sacerdotem fere dementatum, & ad∣actum in desperationem, à nescio quo, certe non è se∣minario; nihil loqui nisi poenitentiam, nisi judicium. Excitatur rumor, animatur zelus, succedit indigna∣tio, inde in Cathedram veritatis post aliquot dies; Quid ibi? multa convitia; verberatur aer petulan∣tibus maledictis, haecque docentur & stabiliuntur, Christiana pietatate scilicet plenissima. Primò, tam insolentis iracundiae causa affertur, nempe invaluisse Sect••m novorum hominum populum in errorem indu∣centium, quorum error hic esset, ut Poenitentiae so∣li exteriori adhaererent, ad contemptum usque interio∣ris; qui interim superbia inflati remanerent, &c. Tum post contumelias non paucas, exemplum attulit superbi quem ipse viderat (exempli fides sit penes di∣centem tam sincerum) corpus suum dilaniare. Se∣cundo, nunquam abs••lutionem dandam nisi iis, in qui∣bus perfecta contritio deprehenderetur; quam doctri∣nam errorem volebat à Concilio Tridentino damna∣tum; cujus rei aliud nullum argumentum attulit, nisi quod protestatus est se pro eo mori paratissimum. Tertio illorum quoque opinionem esse, Absolutionem esse mutilam, non remittere peccata, quae sola exte∣rior poenitentia remitteret. Quartò eos universim credere, quod ad salutem consequendam necessarium esset urbes deserere, & in deserta recedere. Quin∣tò ad consequendam remissionem peccatorum in Sacra∣mento Poenitentiae non esse necessarium majorem di∣spositionem neque plus poenitentiae erigi quam ad Bap∣tismum exigitur ab adultis, hancque esse puram doctri∣nam Concilii Tridentini. Sextò, ad directionem & emendationem morum, antiquorum Patrum Regulis utendum non esse, sed hujus saeculi Doctorum qui tot animas ad Christum converterunt. Ista ad verbum ex compendio brevi concionis illius reddiderunt. Al∣terum quod monendum habebam, videbis in Epistola P. Annati, quam ad te missam mox mihi dictum est. Vale.

21 Febr. Anno MDCLIII.

The third of these Letters was from M. de Saint Beuve, and here follows:

Paris, Febr. 1653.

SIR,

WE have understood with wonder; by your last, how Cardinal Spada hath at length a list of the Consultors, and offer'd you a hearing in the Congregation which it pleas'd the Pope to grant to you for the Controversies about Grace. But we have understood with joy in what manner you carried your self in this Occurrence, and all of us extremely approve your answer. It is not fit to appear so long as Palavicini, Modeste and Albizzi are Consultors; all of them carry their exception in their foreheads; and I doubt

not but his Holiness will do you justice if you re∣present to him that 'tis not reasonable in a Cause of the Jesuites for a Jesuite, or an approver of the Jesuitical doctrine contain'd in F. Annat's book, to have a suffrage, and much less he, whom all Europe knows to have been their Agent for oppressing S. Augustin's doctrine. 'Tis notori∣ous that the Jesuites are our right Adversaries, and that the Doctors who appear there as such, are only the Sollicitors of their affairs, lending them their name and service, acting nothing but what they direct, and produce nothing but by their appointment. The last Book which came forth here under F. Annat's name, and this Title; Jansenius à Thomistis damnatus, is a con∣vincing proof thereof; for this Jesuite's Book is nothing else but the Writings which M. Hallier and his Collegues presented to the Congregati∣on. The approbation which F. Modeste gave to the former Book of the same Author, intituled Augustinus à Baianis vindicatus, shews that that Approbator declaring himself thereby for our Adversaries is no longer fit to be a Consultor. And what can be said in the behalf of M. Albizzi, who ingag'd M. Hallier to go to Rome, who writ to him so frequently, and receiv'd his intelligen∣ces and answers, as M. Hallier confess'd in the open Faculty, when he was accus'd of correspon∣ding with the Jesuites in this affair, and subscri∣bing the Letters which he sent by F. Mulard, in quality of Syndic, though he had no order from the Faculty to write? 'Tis necessary, therefore, Sir, that these three persons be excluded from the Congregation; Justice requires it; and the honour of the H. See no less. When they are excluded, then you may appear, but according to order; not to make a harangue or remon∣strance, but first to hear the complaints of our Adversaries, and then answer them by distin∣guishing the bad sense from the good, which we defend and you would establish. To this purpose you must speak, propose and an∣swer. Afterwards 'twill be your part to oppose, and then Rome will see that 'tis not of Propositi∣ons made at pleasure that S. Augustin's Disciples complain. Then will follow the answers of the Molinists, who will do no small matters if they save themselves from Censure. This is the Or∣der, Sir, which is to be held and not departed from. If our Adversaries have carri'd their Com∣plaint to the H. See, we shall also carry ours. They could not find Propositions in our Books worthy of Censure, our Doctrine is so Ortho∣dox, and therefore they fram'd some of their own invention; but we have drawn such out of their Books as they can neither disown or defend. This, no doubt, they foresee; and therefore en∣deavour their utmost not to appear in a Disputa∣tion; which you must insist upon and take the advantage of this Congregation. M. Hallier is to return after Easter, and go directly to S. Ma∣lo, without comming to Paris, as I understand by the Almoner of the Bishop of S. Ma∣lo. And if so, you judge right, that he desires to decline all dispute. He has written to M. A∣myot, that he shall shortly have the Propositions condemn'd, that he has been heard in the Con∣gregation, and that you stand off and dare not appear there. His Letter was publisht in the Sacristie of S. Maderic and read in the seats of the Sorbonne by him to whom it was directed. This vain boasting confirmes me in the same conceit, (besides that understanding persons have inferr'd the same) namely, that it is false that any Proposition is as yet condemn'd, seeing the Parties have not been heard. To think that judgment shall be pro∣nounced without hearing you as you demand, is to think an impossibility. For how can they pro∣nounce upon our sense, if they know not what it is? which they cannot but by our selves. To say that they will pronounce without distinguish∣ing the senses, is ridiculous. For besides that no∣thing would be pronounc'd in this case upon the present controversy, which is not touching the Propositions, but touching the different senses which they have, the Thomists would become in∣volv'd in such an absolute condemnation. So that there's no more to be done, but to keep in the same mind. We will send you help, to the end that in case of sicknesse the Congregation may continue. He will set forth, I hope, the first week of Lent, &c.

The third of those Letters was written to me by order of my LL. the Bishops to whom I had address'd mine of Jan. 27. And the Copy is here subjoyn'd.

Febr. 21. 1653.

The answer to the Letter of Jan. 27.

SIR,

I Have communicated your Letter to my Lords, who were much surpris'd at your being sent for by Cardinal Spada, to appear before an other Congre∣gation then that which it pleas'd the Pope to grant you upon your sute. They remember very well that his Holinesse cans'd the late Cardinal Roma to signifye to you, that having regard to the Letters and Memori∣al which you presented to him, he granted you the Congregation of Five Cardinals, namely, Roma, Spada, Cechini, Ginetti and Ghiggi, for the dis∣cussion and examination of the five Propositions. Since that time my LL. alwayes rely'd upon the esta∣blishment of that Congregation, and perswaded them∣selves that the judgment of the Five Propositions would be pass'd according to all the formes of Ecclesi∣astical justice; that you should be heard in presence of your Adversaries, the Writing communicated, all causes of exception against the declar'd opposers of your cause admitted, and finally that the Pope would decide the questions in such manner as the like have alwayes been decided by his Predecessors, in Councils and particular Congregations. When they were most at quiet, your Letter comes and gives them notice of another Congregation to which you were summoned; this amaz'd them; neverthelesse your judicious answer to that summons comforted them; they extremely ap∣prove the same, and injoyn you to insist upon it, and not go beyond it. M. Hallier will do any thing that he pleases. My Lords pray you to continue in the termes of your answer, hoping that the Pope being just will have regard thereto; and lastly they recommend themselves to you and beseech God to fill you with bles∣sings.

By Command of my Lords N.

After the departure of the Post, my Lords con∣dering the present posture of our affair, and fearing the ill consequences which they foresaw, conceiv'd it befitting their Episcopal care to indeavor the pre∣vention of the same; wherefore those who were then at Paris, writ forthwith a new Letter to the Pope, which came not from them till eight dayes after, and was deliver'd to us at Rome in its due time. The French translation of it is here inserted, the Original Latin in the Collection ensuing. Be∣ing directed To the most H. F. Pope Innocent X. it proceeded thus.

MOST H. FATHER,

BIshops highly affectionate to truth, and the Churches peace could not receive more wel∣come newes then the assurance given us last Summer, that your Holines's paternal affection and Apostolical care had induc'd you to establish that Congregation, so much desir'd by us. Assoon as we receiv'd this intelligence from the Doctors who sollicite this great affair at Rome in our name, we rejoyc'd to understand that they had succeeded happily, that the supreme See of the Church ap∣prov'd and profess'd to embrace that meanes, which may be in some manner term'd the only one likely to re-establish publick tranquillity: From that time we conceiv'd a firme hope, M.H.F. that the clouds of calumnies and humane artifices be∣ing dispell'd, Truth, hitherto outrage'd and op∣press'd by its enemies, would finde as many protectors as judges: and that being an Ecclesi∣astical Judgment was likely to be pass'd for deci∣ding such important questions, relating to the Faith, according as has been alwayes practis'd, we ought to remain quiet in expectation of what so solemn a Congregation should produce. For the Jesuites having caus'd these five Famous Pro∣positions to be contriv'd at pleasuere by persons devoted to them, the structure whereof is so ar∣tificial and the sense so equivocal, thereby to o∣verthrow S. Augustin's authority, and make the novel opinion of Lowis Molina, triumph over the sentiments of the Congregation of Rome, the consent of so many Ages, and the Orthodox doc∣trine of ancient Divines, we could not doubt but the esteem and reputation of that H. Doctor of Grace, would be in safety when it should be ex∣amin'd before that supreme Tribunal, which has made him so renown'd in all the earth, by the glorious elogies which it hath given him. But, M. H. F. as much as we rejoyc'd then at the newes of that Cogregation, so much have we since been surpris'd with the astonishment of the suddain change of which the Divines deputed by us to your Holinesse have inform'd us by their last Letters; to wit, that the proceeding in this grand affair is become very different from what we be∣liev'd, and that this Congregation is not, as was promis'd them, a Congregation in which the par∣ties are heard in presence vivâ voce, and their Writings respectively communicated, for taking away all suspition of fraud; but that a course is held wholly different from what they had infor∣med us that they had obtain'd of your Holi∣nesse.

This, M. H. F. appearing wholly contrary to our hope of seeing the Churches peace re-esta∣blisht, we could not understand without extreme grief; considering what boldnesse it gives to S. Augustin's declar'd enemies, with incredible mis∣chiefs will ensue from it, of what new troubles it will afford matter to turbulent spirits, what dam∣mage the H. See and the whole Church will re∣ceive, if Molina's Partisans effect what they have us'd so many slight and artifices to obtain, which is, That it be not plainly declar'd in what precise sense the Propositions be condemn'd, but only that a judgment be pass'd without distinguishing the senses which are proper to them for deciding the capital point of the whole controversy: which would afford means to the enemies of the H. Doctor of Grace, boldly to abuse the said judgment hereafter not onely against him and his disciples, but likewise against the authority and reputation of the H. Apostolick See.

We beseech your Holinsse therefore to admit this complaint, being attended with no lesse af∣fection and respect then grief and anxiety. Some small sparks have already caus'd a great flame on all sides, and the violence of this evils spreads everywhere. The children of the Church are divided, their Mother sighs at it, and the wis∣dom of their Comon Father is alone capable to supply a remedy thereunto. This affair is treated with very much heat, but Y. H. may wholly ex∣tinguish it by using clear and precise words, in passing a judgment on the sense of the Propositi∣ons, which is the whole subject of this dispute; for by this means Y. H. will stop the contests of those who are divided into different opinions, and which both sides have maintain'd with so great ar∣dour. Now to attain to this M. H. F. and that none may alledge any excuse to cause delay, it it seemes necessary in the present state of things, first, that liberty be given to our Deputies to declare their sentiments in presence of their Ad∣versaries who are at Rome, to the end to disco∣ver their artifices; and that what shall be alledg∣ed by either side in defence of their opinions, be respectively drawn up into publick acts, by some unsuspected person, that copies thereof be given to the parties, and that they interchangeably com∣municate what they advance for the establishing their own or opposing the sentiments of their Ad∣versaries: That afterwards the Jesuites, being more oblig'd then any others to maintain this contestation in regard they uphold the new doc∣trine of Molina, and are declar'd enemies of that of S. Augustin, may enter into the cause, in∣asmuth as they are indeed the principal parties, as is evident from hence that the writings presented to the Congregation were made by Fransois An∣nat of their society, who has been so bold as to print the same publickly at Paris under his own name. That M. Albizzi abstaine from the Con∣gregation; since the causes of exception against him are so just and evident that they are known to all the world. And lastly that F. Modeste, who hath not fear'd to approve F. Annat's book assoon as it came from the presse, may be likewise re∣mov'd out of the number of the Consultors, ha∣ving by so manifest a fore-judgment shown how much he favors Molina and is contrary to S. Au∣gustin.

Your Holinesse, M. H. F. sees that these pro∣posals tend not to eschew the judgment of the cause, but seek the meanes of establishing the Churches peace. And we hope, your Holinesse will favorably admit requests, which as things stand, are not only just but necssary; which are full of low respect to Y. H. and which have no other aime but the good of souls which it hath pleas'd God to commiit to us, the authority of your judg∣ment, and the glory of the Apostolik See. We know that one of the principal duties of Bishops is with great care to watch, that the Consciences of their people may remain in peace and Christian tranquillity; and that if when Tares are sown a∣mongst them, we be so negligent as to sleep in∣stead of plucking them up, God will require a se∣vere accompt of us for it. This is it which makes us renew our supplications to Y. H. more then ever, to conjure you not to use a remedy in this occasion lesse then the evil, but to end this grand difference by a Iudgment: which may decide the bottome of the dispute, ruin error in its root, and establish a firme and sure peace. Which will most certainly come to passe, if it please Y. H. to grant us a Congregation like that which Clement VIII. and Paul V. establisht, open and free to all parties, of which no person may complain, and which may be famous for ever. We beseech Our Lord Jesus Christ the Author of all graces to preserve Y. H. in health for the general good of all Chri∣stendome.

We are,

MOST HOLY FATHER, &c.

Y. H. most humble and obedient Sons, N. and N. In the absence of our Confreres.

Paris, Febr. 24. 1653.

By the same return one of the same Prelates sent me the following.

SIR,

I Have read with great joy the generous resolu∣tion which you have taken, not to a 5.1 desert God's cause which you have hitherto so vigorous∣ly and happily defended; as also the b 5.2 Nar∣rative of your transactions with Cardinal Spada. Nothing more weighty and judicious; and I hope you prudence and constancy will at length bring about the Congregation which we wish. I have understood with very much satisfaction how the Order of Dominicans proceeds. Be pleas'd to continue your adherence with them as to the fun∣damental controversy which concerns Effectual Grace. For obtaining a solemn Congregation, I see nothing more conducive, then to persist in urging that the H. See never deny'd to hear Bi∣shops who demanded Audience of it; That since the time of Pius V. Greg. XIII. and Ʋrban VIII. there have been no parties that demanded to be heard and to conferre; nor can there be any ob∣stacle now since M. Hallier and his Collegues a∣gree to it; c 5.3 As for the circumstance of the Inqui∣sition, we conceive it hath nothing to do in these parts at present. It will be good if the Embassa∣dor can move in the businesse, and give the Pope to understand that the French cannot acknowledge that Tribunal. I am more then ever most real∣ly &c.

The same day N. de Sainte Beuve writ one to me which deserves as well as any not to be deny'd the publick light, 'tis so clear, sincere and compre∣hensive.

SIR,

YOU are very obliging in taking so much pains to encourage me, upon supposition that I am very anxious for the successe of our affairs. Per∣haps something of my style may have occasion'd that your judgment; but though otherwise ob∣lig'd to you, I cannot but tell you that I never had any apprehension, knowing the goodness of our Cause, and your vigilant and prudent con∣duct. The reports spread hitherto by our Ad∣versaries have not shaken me, but I hop'd well when I heard that they Decided beforehand, and publisht Judgments before the merite of the cause was known. Neverthelesse I cannot omit what they have vented this week. F. Paulin said at the Louvre that we were in such contempt at Rome, that we were not thought worthy of being heard. You see what a great honor this man does to the H. See, since he judges it capable of Prepos∣sessions to the prejudice of the course of justice which refuses not to hear the most wicked wret∣ches in their own defence. At the Colledge of Navarre, they say you have done as Luther and Calvin did. That first you referr'd your differ∣ence to the Pope, and when he was taking course to pronounce concerning it, you appeal'd to a Council, or rather demanded to be heard in a Council. These people are as knowing in history as they are honest in reporting your actions. In Sorbonne 'tis said that you were upon flight, and that not daring to appear before the Pope, be∣cause your condemnation was inevitable, you de∣manded to have a Council assembled. At the Bi∣shop of Malo's house, it is said that M. Hallier is to set forth in the beginning of Lent for France, and to be at Lyons by Easter, from whence he goes to Roanne, and thence to Nantes for S. Ma∣lo, with design to dedicate himself for the rest of his dayes to the service of M. de S. Malo, more then ever. And upon my objections that it was hardly credible that M. Hallier could be return∣ing so soon, unless he came away before the decisiō of the cause, I was answer'd that he hop'd to have judgment by that time, but would come back howe∣ver, having sufficiently labour'd for a year toge∣ther. Whence I conclude that M. Hallier must sup∣pose

that the business would not be determin'd, by his return; for should he come into France with the least advantage whatsoever, he would come to Paris and to the Court to receive honors and complements for it; and also to demand some recompence, either an Abby or a Bishoprick. But this is enough about them; let's return to our selves. Nothing can be more prudent and com∣mendable then your proceeding with Cardinal Spada; your Narrative of it has fully satisfi'd me. You have nothing left to do but to keep your ground, and insist upon this especially. 'Tis a thing unheard of, that in an important Con∣troversie the Bishops of France demanded a hear∣ing and a conference before the Pope, and were deny'd. That if it be true that our Adversaries desire to be heard coràm, there is no inconveni∣ence in granting, the one side demands, and the other consents to. That 'tis the only means to restore a calm in the Church, without which, whatever else be done, the stirs and contentions will continue. That if an absolute condemnati∣on be pass'd upon the Propositions without di∣stinguishing senses, the Molinists will forthwith make advantage of it against the Thomists; and that the senses be distinguisht without knowing of us which is ours. In fine, Sir, you must ei∣ther be heard contradictorily, or else remain si∣lent, patiently expecting what the determina∣tion will be.

I forget to tell you that M. Hallier and his Col∣legues write that he has been heard, that both he and his Collegues spoke an hour and an half with with great applause; and that the whole Assem∣bly admir'd his abilities and moderation, your de∣nyal to appear having given great advantage to your Adversaries. But for my satisfaction I shall be glad if you signifi'd to me what you have learnt of their Orations. I am,

Sir, &c.

The same day a Doctor of the Faculty deputed for the examen of the new Chronicle of the Feu∣illant, sent me word by two Letters, that after a long Conference thereupon, they found the Book full of impieties and injuries; and (to make short) he signifi'd to me the week after that the Kings authority was interpos'd to forbid the Facul∣ty to censure it, though it was injurious to Kings as well as to the Pope and Bishops, but principally to Kings. Take part of that former Letter written Febr. 18.

Redeo à privatis Doctorum Comitiis, in quibus Chronici Ademari continuationem à Fulgensi recens editam expendimus. Tot sunt impiè, insulsè, con∣tumeliosè dicta, ut examen nos ad usque multam noctem tenuerit. Hos duos dies, quòd mihi incum∣beret ut aiebant de illo referre, studio ad id necessario consumpsi; quare prolixiùs non vacat.

And part of the latter written to me March 7.

Chronicon Fuliensis omnibus Ordinibus, Pontifici, Episcopis, Regibúsque praecipuè injuriosum, menda∣ciis erroribúsque plenissimum, Censura notari qui Regem obsident non sunt passi. Nec dubito quin Syndieus aliique ejusdem notae homines, prohibitionem hanc à Ministris Regiis extorserint, ita illorum in∣doli bellè convenit cum hoc opusculo tenebrarum.

But they were not successfull in their sollicitati∣ons from the King and his Ministers to the Arch∣bishop of Paris and his Officiate, to hinder the condemnation of it, as they hinder that of the Faculty. For the Archbishop caus'd his to be publisht against it at the end of Parochial Masses on the first Sunday of Lent, in spight of all ob∣stacles lay'd in his way from the Court. And the Keeper of the Seals, having himself conferr'd with the Official about it two hours, receiv'd from him so evident an account of the necessity and obligati∣on which the Archbishop had to condemn it, that he was constrain'd to yield to his reasons. This particularity was signifi'd by M. de Sainte-Beuve in a Letter of March 7. in which he added that he had begun to read S. Annat's Book intituled, Augustinus à Baianis vindicatus; and truly (said he) I pity him, he is so weak, calumnious and injurious to S. Augu∣stin. And in another of March 14. That he found himself oblig'd to refute him in his Lectures, which was easie for him to do, the Father's grounds being nothing but Imposture, and his strength consisting in captious arguments.

'Tis a strange thing that notwithstanding our re∣fusal to appear in the Congregation separately from our Adversaries, and to present other Wri∣tings till our former were communicated, was so equitable and well-grounded; Yet their Eminen∣ces resolution not to admit of either, but to pro∣ceed to judgement in the affair without it, ceas'd not to make us fear ill success, if we continu'd firm in our denyal. Wherefore we fell upon the same Consultation which he had held about three months before, namely, Whether in case that af∣ter all our reptesentations of the justice and advan∣tage of such communication they should continue inexorable, and that a pure and absolute Con∣demnation were likely to ensue (much to the pre∣judice of the Church's truth and to ours) it would not be expedient that we yielded to inform them after their mode, rather then let such a Censure come forth. The reasons for either part, above∣mention'd at large, were again consider'd, with additions of new; but we were divided now, as formerly. We writ therefore severally into France our opinions, and the reasons of them. Not one of our Friends or Bishops thought fit that we should recede from any thing of our demand and proceeding, they judg'd it so equitable, and were so perswaded that if Justice were not done us in this point, we could not hope it in anything. This their judgement I shall extract out of a Let∣ter written to him of us three, who was of the same mind, March 7. 1653.

Reflecting upon the debate which you have had a∣gain with M. D. M. the more I consider the affair, the more I am on your side, and cannot yield to his rea∣sons. I cannot think that if the resolution be taken to censure the Propositions, 'tis in the power of any thing that you can produce, to alter it. For the Condemnati∣on will be concluded upon Politick reasons, to which you shall never be put to answer, and so never cut the knot of the affair. But if on the contrary the con∣sideration of truth be more prevalent then human rea∣sons,

and they will not condemn it, you will be happy in having persisted so stedfast. You see how I incline according to my weakness and little intelligence; but I find not humility enough in my self to say that I sub∣mit to everything. I confess I cannot do it upon the reasons of M. D. M. though I have all imaginable respect for him. Continue firm, I beseech you, and do not all three give out, whatever happens. If you do, you will be lookt upon as persons that had some good re∣solution at the beginning of the enterprize, but relin∣quisht it upon the first difficulties. Christians are not crown'd but upon perseverance.

But to summe up all my intelligence of this Month, I shall here only insert what was signifi'd to us March 21. in the name of the Bishops who sent us.

My Lords are enga'd in an Affair of great im∣portance which concerns the Archbishop of Sens, and hath wholly taken them up this fortnight. All that they had given me in charge to tell you, is, That there are parties enough there, since M. Hallier, Joysel and Ragault are there, who de∣mand an absolute Censure of the Propositions in the name of the Bishops, by whom they pretend themselves sent; and that you defend them in the sense of S. Augustin, which is the Catholick sense. That those Doctors cannot excuse them∣selves from appearing in your presence to justifie their demand, and give account why they pur∣sue the condemnation in such manner as they do. If they refuse, you must remonstrate to his Ho∣liness, what an injury it is to the authority of the H. See; since the grand causes of the Church, amongst which this is one, ought to be treated before the H. See, and consequently according to all the forms of Ecclesiastical Judgements, (whereof the meanest require that the parties be heard to argue their rights) that so the judge∣ment may be receiv'd without contradiction.

Notes

• a 5.1

  It was not to return into France, as I design'd for six Moneths together about my domestick affairs.
• b 5.2

  My Letter of Jan. 27.
• c 5.3

  They profess'd so in words, and Cardinel Spada did them the honour and the kindnesse to say for them that they were ready to do it. So that this is meant but ad hominem.