under the penalties provided by Law in such Case And requires all Printers and Stationers to keep and observe the Rules and Orders made about the matter of Printing under penalty of being fin'd at pleasure Lastly 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 forthwith sent into all Bailywicks and Precincts throughout the Realm Given in Parliament the 15th of May One thousand Six hundred Forty seven Signed Du Tillet CHAP. II. Of what pass'd in the Assembly of the Faculty on the first of March 1647. concerning a scandalus Libel against Petrus Aurelius AMongst the Libels publisht this year by the Jesuites 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 calumnies charging that famous Writer with errors directly contrary to his sentiments and fixing the name of Error upon Catholick Truths In the Assembly 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 hundred Propositions most of which were drawn intire and word for word out of the Works of Petrus Aurelius 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 every 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 examination 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 consequence drawn from them according to their accustomed 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 Faculty 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 another 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 Christians it was fill'd with so many injuries and calumnies and was so apt to trouble the publick Tranquillity 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 purpose he sent for the Syndic and Jurates of the Booksellers forbad them to sell it and gave order that the said Prohibition should be printed and fixt up in publick places F. Veron was rather exasperated by this Prohibition 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 Cordelier 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 Confession 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 before 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. Guillebert Doctor of Sorbonne made complaint in the Assembly 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 debated upon this businesse the Doctors who had given the Licences might be sent for to give account of what they had done Whereupon the Faculty demurr'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 vehemence 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 peaceably 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 several 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 being elaps'd and having been spent in several altercations which clearly appear affected for that end it broke up after they had given charge to M. Guillebert to make an Extract of the Propositions of the said Libel which he should find most dangerous and represent
1646. my time of Licentiate being accomplish'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 thereunto 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 conceiv'd they had so clearly evidenc'd to divers Cardinals the validity of the passages of the said Book which establisheth in the two Princes of the Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul the Authority in question that they believ'd it now out of all danger of Censure In these very termes I inform'd of this matter divers of our Confreres who requested intelligence thereof at my return which was in the moneth of August the same year And in September following 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 pretended to be Delegates from the Faculty for the maintaining 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 against 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 other 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 Faculty speaking after the Assembly with the Doctors to whom upon the assurance given by M. Bourgeois and M. Duchesne I had signify'd that I conceiv'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 reputation 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 Faculty 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 Conclusion pass'd M. Pereyret went to visit him according to the commission given him so to do and although 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 communicating any thing thereof to the Faculty The term of publishing the Decree of the Inquisition of Rome which appear'd against the mention'd Book consequently to the Declaration of the Faculty 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 observe 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 places 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 containing one sheet of Paper which Writing is contrary 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 Company and their reasons for opposing the enterprise of the Popes Nuntio who goes about to establish a new Jurisdiction in this Realm After which discourse 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
part were bent only upon the several Courts of the Pope the Cardinals Ambassadors Princes and Princesses whereof there was a great number at Rome That they there studied nothing but the different interests and designs of this or of that yet few did no more but study them but the general practice was to mingle their own therewith and seek means and occasions of advancing the same to which the taking part in these contests or seeming to understand them was so far from conducing that on the contrary it was an obstacle That besides should every one apply themselves to these matters as much as they avoided them it would be hard to find many otherwise inform'd thereof then according to the intelligence given them by the Jesuits these Fathers having gained the Passes made sure of those whom they saw might be imploy'd in these affaires byass'd them and form'd them to such conceptions of us also as they pleas'd presented their own Books to them and took care to have the Book-sellers provided therewith so that if I should go for example to M. Blaise the French Book-seller at Rome and ask for F. Petau's Book Of Publick Pennance I should not fail to have it shewn me presently but if I should ask for M. Arnauld's Of Frequent Communion against which that of F. Petau was written I could have no account of it And therefore no body having hitherto spoken in our behalf nor taken care for the dispersing of our Books there as the Jesuits have to keep them from being seen I ought not to wonder that F. Barelier and infinite others lesse capable and laborious then he have either had no knowledge at all of our affairs or if they have been never so little inform'd thereof it hath been to our disadvantage Cardinal Ludovisio then Grand Penitentiary at Rome a little time after this visit confirm'd to me the truth of what was told me concerning the scarcity of our Books there For hearing after my coming to Rome that there was a Doctor of Sorbonne in the City he sent one to me to tell me he desir'd to see the Book Of Frequent Communion which he understood was to be translated into Latin and to ask me whether it were so I told the Messenger that it was translated above three years ago and that I was sorry that I had lost in my Journey two Copies which I took of it in that Language at my coming from Paris because it would have been a contentment to me to have been able to gratifie the Cardinal's desire of seeing it In the mean time this shews the scarcity there is in that Country of the most Excellent Peices which sute not with the gust of the Jesuits Besides this difficulty which concern'd all the world there was another on the part of the Cardinals who might be employ'd about these matters For the Pope could not likely make any resolution upon this businesse without first having debated the same with my Lords the Cardinals nor could there ascend much light to the Throne of his Holinesse to illuminate the same in this particular but what must be transmitted to it by their means Now it was certain that they were not much better instructed about these matters then the rest of the Romans but rather something lesse inclin'd to admit any information thereof The continual diversions which they are oblig'd to suffer by so many audiences as they must give to such as have businesse with their Eminences by so many Congregations as they must be present at by so many active and passive visits from which they cannot free themselves and by so many publick Administrations and other external occupations to which they are subject leave them farre lesse time and leisure for it Very much care had been taken to prepossesse them to our disadvantage and against the truths we might have to defend they were very little inclin'd to undertake the paines which is necessary to search the bottome of them not having been brought up in this kind of study and they were much more jealous for the authority of Decrees issu'd from their Tribunals the preservation or destruction of whch they were told was concern'd in all such things as had the least relation to these matters CHAP. VI. Letters written to Paris containing the reasons of believing that it would be advantageous to send to Rome with those of fearing that it would be unprofitable or prejudicial concluding nevertheless that it seem'd best to send thither THE summe of all my reflexions upon this posture of affaires was that if on one side the intelligence I had given by former letters might move my Lords the Bishops to write and send some Ecclesiasticks to represent the importance of our businesse and the circumspection and diligence wherewith it requir'd to be handled on the other I consider'd that the above-mention'd reasons might increase the necessity of a delegation for that purpose but withall that they must needs cause it to be fear'd that such delegation would be unprofitable unlesse it were powerfull enough to overcome all those perplexing conjunctures and to supply all those needs above mention'd I writ therefore once again about this mattet with more care then I had done before and layd down as exactly as I could all the reasons I conceiv'd possible to perswade or disswade such a delegation to the end that all of them being weigh'd those might be follow'd which should be found best and most urgent I added to those above which make against a delegation that perhaps it would not have any good effect because that the Pope lik'd not at all to handle such matters that he would not hear any speech of them and perhaps would imploy in their examination persons not very intelligent therein That the Jesuites had a great influence upon most of the Officers of the Inquisition Cardinals and others and bore a greater sway amongst them then was imaginable That all these conjunctures being so contrary and the Pope much advanc'd in age it was perhaps expedient to let his Pontificate passe over with the most silence and least stirre possible in expectation of another more favorable during which time this affair might come to more maturity Lastly that this reason was of great moment with me in regard of the fear we ought to have of injuring the affairs of God by handling them which affections and precipitations a little too humane and not what that humble respect and Christian patience which ought to be had for his holy Providence On the other side I alledg'd that the mischief was great and urgent that the Decrees obtain'd every day at Rome as that lately against the Catechism administer'd matter of triumph to the vain glory and ignorance of the Jesuites and brought the disciples of S. Augustin and his doctrine into some state of oppression and always more and more engaged the Court of Rome That it was further to be fear'd M. de Vabres's letter might extort some ill-digested
understand from him as secretary of that Congregation what he might have to tell me concerning what was resolv'd upon that which I represented and partly to make an excuse to him that I could not present the Memorial to him sooner by bringing it to his house He answer'd me nothing but that 't was enough that I inform'd the rest In the afternoon I went to wait upon Cardinal Pamphilio whom I had not yet saluted I told him that I should come at the first opportunity to inform him of the principal motive of my return to Rome besides what he might have already understood thereof by the Letters of the Bishops which I presented to the Pope but in the mean time I came to acquaint him with the affair of the Hours An account of which I aecordingly gave him but in few words being oblig'd to be brief in regard of the great number of persons who were at the door of his Antichamber and desir'd audience of his Eminence The same afternoon I visited Cardinal Barberin again I presented a Memoral to him I told him of the Hours lately published by F. Adam which he intitled Catholick in opposition to the former as if they were Heretical using much bitterness and calumny against those who had a hand in their translation His answer imply'd as if all the Cardinals were sufficiently enlightned and satisfied as to the Objections which I remov'd and as if there remain'd no other scruple concerning the Hours but their being in the vulgar tongue I reply'd That translation into the vulgar tongue was forbidden only of the whole intire Scripture in regard of some particular places whereby the simple may be misled and ill edifi'd but it was never prohibited to extract and translate such principal places of it as may serve for the edification of the people That in particular the Hours of F. Adam were in the vulgar tongue as was as the other upon which nothing could be charg'd but what might also be charg'd upon those of the said Father which besides may be justly accus'd amongst other things of having alter'd and corrupted in the Translation all the Collects in which the power of the Effectualness of Grace is express'd in the Latine Then we fell to speak of the audience which I had had of the Pope the day aforegoing of which I related all the partâ—cularities to his Eminence Upon which occasion among other things which he said I remember he repeated what he had formerly often told me namely That he wonderd the Pope laid so much stresse upon the Bull of Vrban VIII as if it were decisive of any thing whereas for certain it was only provisional not for the condemning of the Doctrine of Jansenius but barely for the forbidding or prohibiting it till it should be examin'd and approv'd Neither Cardinal Spada nor Catdinal Panzirolo were at la Minerve on Wednesday morning nor could I meet with them in the afternoon Wherefore holding my self assur'd that the affair of the Hours would be spoken of before the Pope on Thursday morning and it having been told me that the sentiments of those two Cardinals were in great estimation with his Holiness I went to their Palaces to wait upon them both before they repair'd to the Assembly which was to be held that day in the presence of his Holiness The first I went to was Cardinal Spada I told him two things whereof I had not spoken at my visiting him nor said any thing in my Memorial One was what I had represented the day before at la Minerve out of the Catechism of the Council of Trent about Images The other The information which I had receiv'd of the impression of the Hours of F. Adam I added that word was sent me that they were full of falsities detractions which he mingled with the prayers of the Churth that he intitled them Catholick as if the other were Heretical that he had translated the Hymns into burlesque and ridiculous Verses that though I receiv'd this News but the last Post yet it was signifi'd to me that they had been publick three or four months and that I pray'd him to consider what might be said in case the other were compris'd in a Decree because they were in French and these latter exempted The Cardinal answer'd me That if I had the Hours of F. Adam and complained thereof to their Tribunal as others there accus'd those which I defended they would not condemn the one unless they condemn'd the other also I reply'd That I had them not that if he desir'd to see them I would procure them to shew him that so by comparing them together he might understand more clearly and judge more certainly of the Justice of my Remonstrances And for this purpose I beseecht him to procure time for it by causing the intended Judgement upon the former to be suspended and defer'd but as for bringing my Complaints against those of F. Adam to their Tribunal I saw no benefit of so doing that if the Hours which I defended must be impeached by a Decree wherein they were compris'd I had as lieve they were so alone as in the company of those of F. Adam because it was not fit to accustome those Fathers to make a bad Book assoon as they saw a good one which they lik'd not upon hope to get both condemned under colour of holding the balance equal and restoring Peace between both sides nor to give their Eminences occasion to proceed in such a manner When I was come from Cardinal Spada I went to the apartment of Cardinal Panzirolo which was down at Monte Cavallo where the Pope then resided I could not be admitted to speak to him before he came forth of his apartment to go up to the Pope He was encompass'd with many persons of quality Bishops Gentlemen and Prelates of Rome who were with him to court him and accompany him from his own apartment to that of the Pope I address'd to him in the midst of all that multitude because I could not otherwise and presenting my Memorial to him I told him according as the place permitted that I came to implore his protection for a Book whose Excellence and general approbation had drawn some Maligners upon it who not being able to blame any thing considerable in it were reduc'd to very weak objections as he might find by the memorial which I presented to him and as I hop'd he would hear in the Assembly which was going to be held before his Holiness I had no sooner done speaking but the Cardinal instead of answering me turn'd towards M. Albizzi who was one of those that accompany'd him and askt him what was the business whereof I spoke to him M. Albizzi answer'd with a very high and earnest tone saying these words twice Si burla il signor sant-Amor si burla c. M. de saint-Amor jests he 's in jest These offensive and disparaging words would not have much troubled me if M. Albizzi
pass'd on Thursday between M. Albizzi and me whose animosity and power to hurt me I consequently ought to fear his Office of Secretary of their Congregation affording him so many occasions of speaking to the Pope and their Eminences about affairs of that nature the Cardinal acknowledged that he had done amisse yet excus'd him with greater kindnesse bidding me not heed it saying that it was his humour that he acted very often with their Eminences so impetuously and that I must not forbear to visit him as if what was past had never hapned The third was Cardinal Lugo to whom I omitted not to carry a Memorial notwithstanding his alliance wiâ—h the Jesuites Saturdayes Sundayes and Mondayes were not usual dayes of much sollicitation with me because the Courrier departing on Saturdayes for all the titles of Italie almost all persons whom I could go see were employ'd about their dispatches and the Courrier of France going away on Monday I many times began the Letters in Sunday afternoon which I was to write to give account of what pass'd about the affaires wherewith I was encharged Wherefore I could not before Tuesday July 11. continue the sollicitations which I had began in the behalf of the Houres having been oblig'd the foregoing dayes to send word exactly to the Bishops and the other persons who recommended the same to me how all pass'd hitherto about that matter I also drew a second Memorial touching the Houres by which the Cardinals of the Congregation of the H. Office were entreated to give way to the justification of the right faith and sincere intention of those who put them forth and for this end to cause the whole Book to be read and an Extract to be given of all that could be found blameable in it that so if after the objected difficulties were explicated they thought meet to correct any thing in the Book or add any explication to it for taking away the slightest suspitions and clearing the least doubts performance might be made of whatever their Eminences ordain within a set time and that with all the diligence which their Eminences can expect from persons perfectly full of submission and obedience The desigâ—… of this second Memorial I communicated on Tuesday July 18. to persons very intelligent of the management which ought to be us'd in that Country in those kind of affaires It was assur'd to me that according to the Lawes and Customes of the Tribunal of the Inquisition they could not deny what I requested by this Memorial nor proceed further before they do right to it So I was counsel'd to deliver it but told it would be sufficient to carry it the next morning to Cardinal Roma for the whole Congregation before he came forth of his Palace to repair thither I had also time that day to visit Cardinal Barberin and he permitted me to read to him the Copy of the Letter which I told him I had writ the day before to the Bishops concerning what had pass'd hitherto touching the Houres which I could not but think very advantageous for their defence in that this Cardinal might consider and tell the rest what interest was taken in this Work by Persons so Illustrous throughout all France for their dignity and merit and how all that was done at Rome about this matter was punctually signify'd to them On Wednesday morning I went to carry the second Memorial to Cardinal Roma He told me that it was not yet time to give it to him because my businesse would not be spoken of that day but that I should bring it to him against the next day that the private Congregation which he told me of before was to be holden I learnt that it would be the next day in the afternoon and so did not fail to carry the Memorial to him half an hour before the Congregation was assembled I waited patiently for justice to be done upon all that I had represented but on Friday afternoon July 21. as I was going to Cardinal Barberin to fortifie what I had said to him in favour of the Houres by undeniable examples of Books which I procur'd at Rome I saw fixt up at the Apostolical Printing-house the new Decree of Books prohibited by the Inquisition during the course of that year the publishing of which I knew was defer'd only in expectation of what should be ordain'd touching the Houres At first I was very glad to see it fix'd up in no wise imagining that they were compris'd in it but on the contrary perswading my self that they were wholly exempted or that at least the publishing of this Decree was resolv'd upon only for that it was foreseen that the discussion of what concern'd the Houres would take up more time then was fit according to their custome to delay the publication but my reading of the said Catalogue of prohibited Books inform'd me that the Houres were comprehended in it 'T is in vain to speak of the extreme astonishment wherein I was at so unexpected an Event but how great soever it was it did not hinder me from presently considering the use that I ought to make of it and the benefit which I might draw from it in reference to the principal affair wherewith I was encharged And whereas it is no little advantage to understand as wel as possible the people we are to deal with I respited my intended visit to Cardinal Barberin and return'd back to Cardinal Roma I spoke to him as if I knew nothing of the publishing of the Decree and ask'd him plainly whether he had lookt upon my two Memorials and whether I might hope for justice from what I had represented to him The Cardinal answer'd me with perfect sincerity That the businesse was order'd and concluded nor would it be any more spoken of and of his own accord he related to me how the matter past in the Conference which they had about it He told me that there was no more mention of the title B. given to M. de Barule in the Calender nor of the Translation of Redemptor omnium but that the speech was about Images and that seven or eight French Catechisms were produc'd amongst others that of Cardinal Richelieu in which the Commandment is not translated in the words that it is in the Houres that on the other sâ—de an Heretical Catechism was lookt into and there it was translated just as in the Houres But for all this it was acknowledg'd that the version of the Houres in this point might have a good sense and be well understood He told me in the second place that the bare Title of the Hours styl'd The Office of the Church taken in the rigour displeas'd and was judg'd worthy of blame because the Office of the Church properly cannot be other then what is ordained by the Church it self and that a collection of Prayers through all the Churches made by any one whatever without the order and allowance of the Church it self cannot be call'd The Office
the day of Pentecost M. de Valcroissant and my self went to M. Albizzi to desire the expediting of those Apostilles and I carri'd with me the sheet of the above mention'd small Volum wherein was the Epistle of S. Celestine intending to take back that of M. Vitre in case he had not yet dispatht it that so he might have nothing in his hands but of the same Impression of Flanders Assoon as he saw us he told us he had not had time to peruse what we came for but he would do it before the Festivals were past That in the interim he advertis'd that Questi signori had found very much to dislike in an Apostille of Celestine's Epistle which was in these words Defensores liberi arbitrii nocentissimi sunt It is at the third Chapter of that Epistle and the 803. page of M. Vitre's Impression That the Defenders of Free-Will are very culpable This Apostille surpris'd us a little because indeed we had not observ'd it before having design'd nothing else in this Impression of S. Augustin but the Impression it self simply and sincerely Yet we answer'd M. Albizzi That though the Propositions contain'd in that Apostille might have a bad sense nevertheless it was clear that it was to be understood with reference to the Text which speaks only of those Defenders of Free Will who think they cannot defend the same but by advancing it above and ruining Grace who indeed are very culpable M. Albizzi reply'd two things First that it was distastful and that these Apostilles gave grand fastidio à questi signori great disgust to those Signori and that it was requisite to reform them he meant after his own way and according to the shifts and distinctions which the Jesuites lik'd to give them And secondly that it was still judg'd more expedient not to print this book di non stampare il libro Yet he said he would make observations upon those Apostilles and deliver them to us on Wednesday or Thursday following Whereupon we departed and when we were come away I remembred that we had not left with him the sheet of the Flanders Impression wherein that Epistle was I drew it out of my pocket and looking upon it we found that the Apostille whereof he complain'd was not in this Edition so I returned to give it him and shew him that we meant no subtilty but proceeded fairly herein and if we had been suffer'd to finish our Impression without disturbing us that Apostille had not been heard of because we purpos'd to follow that of Flanders as the best in which the said Apostille was not found I cannot omit here the remark which he made upon this Apostille in the paper which he deliver'd to us afterwards sign'd with his own hand Apostilla quae habetur pag. 803. Defensores liberi arbitrii nocentissimi sunt videtur esse scripta propria ipsius Lutheri vel Calvini manu continetque manifestissimam sensûs Caelestini corruptionem sufficeret sola ad damnandam hanc editionem selectorum S. Augustini opusculorum It is evident as I said before that this Apostille speaks only of those who so defend Free will as that they destroy Grace whom S. Celestin calls in this place Nocentissimos liberi arbitrii defensores And yet because it pleas'd M. Assessor of the Inquisition or those who set him on to take this Note in a wrong sense he said it was alone sufficient for the condemnation of this Edition of S. Augustines select Works which shews by the way what account is to be made of the Condemnations of books at Rome since according to the express testimony of this Assessor there sometimes needs no more for condemning the best but such a misconception We were so afraid of his delayes that lest the four other little Treatises would be printed before he had regulated the Apostilles of those which were still in his hands and lest he should injure our Printer and retard our work we resolv'd to sollicite him incessantly till he deliver'd the same to us Wherefore on Thursday the 23d M. de Valcroissant and M Angran repair'd to him and he put them off again for three or four days On Sunday the 26. to lose no time we went to him again He deliver'd us a Memoire containing four pages of alterations to be made in the Apostilles of these works and told us it was that which was appointed by those Cardinals questi signori Cardinali When we were come home and consider'd this Memoire we found there were Additions of new Apostilles not before printed in any Editions as this which was to be set at the eight Chapter of Celestin's Epistle though there was nothing like it in the Text Romanus Episcopus omnibus aliis totius orbis Episcopis praescribit quid sit sentiendum in materia fidei some there are that evidenc'd the design of the Jesuites to diminish St. Augustine's authority as much as they could as this which he set to the second Chapter of Celestin's Epistle ad cap. 2. Necessarium videtur notare ad marginem quod est in sensu Augustinus inter Magistros optimos habitus à sede Apostolica ut constet judicio Caelestini non unicum esse optimum sed unum ex optimis Some there were wholly corrupted and alter'd as when instead of that which is at the end of the second Chapter of Celestine's Letter where this Pope tells the Bishops that they ought to restrain and chastise the temerity of ignorant and presumptuous Ecclesiasticks who exalt themselves against the Faith and cause dissentions to arise amongst the Faithful whereof the words are Cuhibendae dissentiones ex Ecelesiis per Episcopos he would have us put this new Apostille Indisciplinatae questiones Presbyterorum per Episcopos exhibendae sunt to take away from the Bishops their authority and jurisdiction over their Ecclesiasticks by reducing them to carry their complaints to some other superior Tribunal which could be no other according to his pretension then that of the Court of Rome And upon the fifth chapter of the same Letter of S. Celestin instead of this Apostille which was there Bonitas nostra Deo debetur which answers to these words of the Text nam quid nos de eorum post hac mentibus rectum aestimemus qui sibi se putant debere quod boni sunt nec illum considerant cujus quotidie gratiam consequuntur this Assessor would have us put this Damnandi qui sibi putant deberi quod boni sunt non considerantes Dei gratiam insinuating thereby that provided a man acknowledge the Molinistical kind of Grace he is not blameable in thinking that he is beholding to himself for his goodnesse Moreover he would have us put this at the end of Cap. 5. De Praedestinatione Sanctorum Credere vel non credere in arbitrio voluntatis humanae est supposita scilicet divina gratia meaning thereby to establish the Molinistical Grace of the Jesuits which is such
it or me that therefore I need not be afraid of any rumors or menaces and of this I I might assure our General Upon my mentioning the abuse which the Jesuites made of this Declaration he told me their General had written to their Fathers to forbear doing so That himself had written to F. Annat to that purpose whose printing of his book at Paris Jansenius à Thomistis damnatus he did not approve nor that which he printed de incoacta libertate with the decree and approbation of the H. Office that had no esteem at all of these books but that one of his intitled Augustinus à Baianis vindicatus was a book of great learning whence you may judge how requisite it is to have an answer made to it and seen here The day before I was with Cardinal Ghiggi to complain to him of the threatnings of the Jesuites and assure him that our Congregation would be alwayes obedient to follow the doctrine of the Church and the H. Councils And having also told him that because our Congregation adher'd to the doctrine of S. Augustin and Thomas this gave occasion to the Jesuites to calumniate our doctrine He answer'd me that he had heard nothing of it that indeed he had heard a talk of some union of F. Bourgoing our General with the Jesuites touching doctrine but of nothing besides To which I reply'd that this union was only an union of charity and not of doctrine that we adher'd in Divinity and doctrine to S. Augustin and S. Thomas and should not recede from them in regard his Holinesse had plainly declar'd to have a great respect for this doctrine and that he intended to do nothing against it But the Cardinal answer'd me with sufficient coldnesse that his Holinesse intended not to do any thing against it and that so long as we follow'd the Scholiastick authors approved by the H. Church we should never be blam'd By his discourse I judg'd that he was one of those who had done most hurt to the truth and contributed most to this decision I am inform'd that amongst many other praises which F. Tartaglia gave this Cardinal in a certain company for his wit learning and piety one was that he was the penman of this admirable Constitution in which he said nothing could be added or whereof every word was as so many oracles of the H. Ghost c. I must confesse to you I have been much mistaken in this Cardinal and the credit respect and esteem which I formerly had for him is much abated I forgot to tell you that I found M. Hallier with this Cardinal before me to whom himself and some others of his family made great caresses whereby I perceived that the Molinists were more wellcome there then the Augustinians His Holinesse gave M Hallier this week a Priory of 800. Crownes motu proprio that is to say this Priory which is in Bretegne and known by the name of the Priory de Rieux having been desired of his Holiness by some persons potent in credit of which some were Cardinals the Pope askt what it was worth and being answer'd that it was worth 800. or 1000. Crownes his Holinesse said he would have it for M. Hallier and accordingly commanded the Datary to expedite the same for him This will encrease the number of his Benefices but not of his merit 'T is said He looks for a Mitre as the reward of his glorious labours for defence of the Church They lodge still at the three Kings in a hir'd chamber c. F. Reginald is talkt of to be Divine and Preceptor to the young Cardinal Barberin If his General stirre in it he may have this employment otherwise the Jesuites will obstruct him I wish it him for the benefit which would thereby arise here to Truth I shall adde one reflexion here which I hear was made upon the Censure by a person of capacity viz. he saith he found in a Canonist that when ever his Holinesse us'd the word declaramus in his Bulls and Decrees 't was an infallible token that his Holinesse by such Bull or Decree non constituebat novum jus censuram sed tantum confirmabat stabiliebat jam factum stabilitum licet adderentur ista verba definimus quae semper considerantur ut habentia ordinem ad declaramus And consequently in the Censure of the Five Propositions this word declaramus being repeated at every Censure of every one of the said Propositions 't is an infallible sign that by it his Holiness hath not made a new Censure of these Propositions but onely declar'd or renew'd those which were formerly made against them in the Council of Trent onely in the sense of the Calvinists and Lutherans and no-wise in the sense of S. Augustin S. Thomas or of him whom you follow The Eleventh was of July 18. and contain'd no other newes saving that the Pope was much displeas'd with the Spaniards and amongst other causes thereof complain'd that the Bishops of Flanders refus'd to obey him and contemn'd his authority which he threatned to revenge and made great complaints of it to Cardinal Trivultio in the last audience which his Holinesse gave him Non ho cosa particolare di nuovo salvo che il Papa si da per disgustatissimo da spagnoli è frà l' alhe occasioni del suo disgusto si duole che li Vescovi di Fiandra non obediscano è s' avanxano al dispreggio della sua autorità onde minaccia sissentimenti è nell ' ultima audienza data a Trivulsio fece longa dolianza The twelfth is of the 19th of July written by F. Petit wherein after some private affair he tells me thus As for the Menaces of Jesuites I care little for them by God's help I shall dissipate them without their doing me any mischief Neverthelesse I shall follow your counsel and endevor not to fall out with any person about these matters although I shall have much ado to forbear from quarrelling with those who take advantage of this Censure to say that the doctrine of S. Augustin and Thomas touching grace effectual by it self is censur'd and that you are condemn'd considering that ever since your first arrival and since the Decision the Pope plainly protested the contrary and that you never held these Propositions but with reference to Effectual Grace three days ago I had a brush about it with F. Marinari who asking me news of you fell to tell me that you were condemn'd I could not suffer it but answer'd him that you never held these Propositions otherwise then in the sense of S. Augustin and of S. Thomas and of Grace effectual by it self which his Holinesse profess'd he meant not to prejudice by this decision but I could get no more reply from him saving that they were condemn'd absolutely and without exception of Effectual Grace And when I press'd him to tell me whether S. Augustin S. Thomas and Effectual Grace were condemn'd he
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 Assemblies 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 printed 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 Superiors 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 Daultruy 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 alwaies been in the Church even for other causes than heresie as for faults committed by them in case it were expedient 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. Ambrose 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 after arose divers Persons even of the body of the Faculty who endeavour'd to get the said Censure revok'd or at least mitigated The sollicitations and canvasings which agitated the Faculty upon that design and which at length prov'd ineffectual continu'd almost a year But that which makes to my purpose is that there was no hopes of such revocation 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 residence Hereupon thirty antient Doctors of the Faculty amongst which was M. Hardivillier afterwards Archbishop of Bourges M. Hollandre Curé of S. Saviour M. Faiet Curé of S. Paul and M. Fonnellier Curé of S. Eustache last deceas'd seeing this extraordinary concourse of Mendicant Doctors resolv'd consequently to a Conclusion of the Faculty on 15. June 1626. to have recourse to the Court of Parliament 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 obtain 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 Order assoon as they had taken the Cap and to know of the said Court whether it did not intend that the said Monastick Doctors sojourning at Paris in regard of any Offices 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 Letters 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 * Item jurabitis quod sine fraude aut dilatione vos recipietis in Conventum in quo professionem fecistis 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 commenced and so be incapable of being present in the Assemblies of the Faculty Consentaneously to the said Statute to the custom observed in all times in the Faculty since the admission 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 confirmed 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 passed in the Council Nov. 2. 1626. whereby the cognisance of the matter was interdicted to the Parliament 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 insert it intire here to that purpose A Letter of M. Fillessac to Cardinal Richlieu My Lord 'T Is not onely your Place of
after the first Assembly retir'd dissatisfy'd and repair'd thither no more M. Chappellas withdrew himself after the second conference because he having gainsay'd him that gave his opinion before him and branded the First Proposition of Heresie the said M. Chappellas maintaining the same to be Catholick and S. Augustines neverthelesse the plurality concluded that it was heretical M. Gauquelin arriv'd at the meeting in the middle of the examination 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 Result in the presence of M. the Dean who was present there to conclude though he had not been at the other Assemblies 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 commission 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 during 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. Augustini 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 under pretext of the heretical senses which they might include and that when under the said pretext 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 wherewith the disguise and artifice of those deceitfull propositions and the deplorable sequels of the whole attempt is therein laid open neverthelesse the beginners 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 doing 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 sometimes 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 divers 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. article 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 ignorant which are the greatest number for absolutely condemn'd as well in the sense of S. Augustin which is that which they chiefly design to ruine 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 handled and excellently explicated it by a multitude of clear and indubitable passages hath no other meaning but this that the Righteous are not alwayes 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 continual 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 Commandments 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 * * Theses Claromontanae An. 1644. Jan. 4. Concl. 18. Sacriâ—ega est impia Calvini Lutherique 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 impossibilia eam impotentiam etiam in fidelibus reperiri nec tantum quando nolunt praecepta implere sed etiam quando volunt Calvinus in Antid Concil Trid. Sess 6. cap. 12. Mihi sufficit nominem extitâ—sse unquam qui legi
which I could by no otherways understand any certainty at Rome I was in this perplexity between the desire of having audience of his Holiness and the consideration which depriv'd me of the confidence to request it till the beginning of the year 1651. when having in a visit made to the Ambassador understood that he was satisfi'd with having acquainted the Court with the proceedings he disgusted that he expected an answer thereof and that till then he would not inflame matters nor drive them to a rupture I thought fit not to let passe this interval without indeavoring to obtain an audience For which purpose I went two several times to the Presence Chamber of his Holiness but I could not obtain it though my Lord Torreiani Archbishop of Ravenna who was the introducer of strangers conducted me thither once purposely and did what he could to procure it me and from that time no occasion being offer'd to request it till the arrival of the King's letter abovemention'd and the Ambassador's consequently retiring to Tivoli I did not any more think of presenting my self but with the Gentleman whom I accompani'd in his journey a few days before we should leave Rome to return into France as I shall relate in due place In the mean time I neglected no other means which I could devise to finde some remedy to the inconveniences which were feared Cardinal Barberini offer'd me a very advantageous one for his Eminence whose esteem and Authority are so great in Rome that seldome any businesse can miscarry if he favour it remembring an ancient correspondence which I had had the late honour to contract with him by letters when I writ to the late Pope Vrban VIII against the design of the Jesuites to invade the priviledges of the University of Paris whil'st I was Rector of it had now the goodness to desire to renew the same and sent for me to dyne with him on the 10. of January He invited at the same time M. the Abbot Antenore a very accomplisht Roman Gentleman who had studied at Paris in the Colledge of Clermont and spoke French so naturally that it was not easie to distinguish his Country as also Lucas Holstenius whose worth is well known by all that have seen the translations he hath publish't and the Works he is Author of Our discourse before and in the time of dinner was about Books of which his Eminence hath a very vast and general knowledge and about the divers contests which were arisen between Learned men M. Pereyret's trip was not forgotten who took the Count Boniface to whom S. Augustin writ so many Epistles for Pope Boniface which occasion'd the said Doctor to say that Pope Boniface gave S. Augustin charge to write for the Church against the Pelagians because they had been friends whilst the Pope was a soldier That I might draw the discourse to the Letter of M. de Vabres of which I was desirous to learn some tidings I bethought my self to mention the raillerie lately made upon that Bishop for boasting in one of his Works That he had written more Ecclesiastical History then his Adversaries had read because indeed it was granted that he had written some which no body ever read But this mov'd not Cardinal Barberini to speak any thing of that Letter whether it were that he knew nothing of it yet or that he was pleas'd to be silent of it The rest of the day also would have pass'd without my making any advantage of it had I not resolv'd to speak to him a little more plainly about the new Hours in his Library whither he lead us after dinner and where there is so great convenience to imploy one's self with as much satisfaction as profit amongst so great a number of good books and plac'd in so good order that after that of the Vatican which hath no equal there is none in Rome to be compar'd therewith Card. Barberini told me concerning the Hours that they were very much spoken of and found fault with for two things The one by reason of the Calendar which is put into it the other because this Epithete Redemptor omnium is not exprest in the translation of the Hymnes where it is in the Latin I could not but answer him in reference to the Calendar that having read it throughout I found not any thing to be blam'd therein He reply'd that there might be several Impressions of the Hours and that perhaps there was that in the other Editions which was not in mine I answer'd that I knew not whether there were more Impressions of them that I had taken the Copy I had as soon as they were put to sale a few dayes before my departure that I might read it during my journey without knowing any thing of them at that time otherwise then by the great esteem which I heard was made of them by divers persons of worth whilst they were printing The Cardinal ask'd me whether I had the book still and told me himself had it not and should be glad to see it I promis'd to bring it to him and in the mean time as for the Epithete Redemptor omnium I told him he should see that it had been omitted without design in the translation of the Verses which answer to the Latin in which it is but only through the necessity which ariseth in Verses for which the Author also makes some excuse in the Preface for in the first hymn where it was omitted in the first couplet it is exprest in equivalent words in the second and fourth besides that it is exprest in several other places of this Translation and even in those which have it not in the Latin I added that he might find that the Title of Creator of all things was not exprest in more general terms then this of Redeemer of all and that this of Redeemer of Believers whereby that of Redeemer of all might have been restrain'd had there been any thing of design was also express'd in such a manner as abundantly evidenc'd there had been no thought of taking advantage by this Translation in reference to the matters in contest We spent the rest of the afternoon in other discourses The Sunday following I went to carry the Cardinal my Copy of the Houres and offer'd it his Eminence to put into his Library He accepted it on condition that I would send for it as often as I had occasion and for any other of his books which offer he made me before but with so much goodnesse and civility that nothing can be imagin'd more obliging With the book I deliver'd him a little Note wherein I had set down the pages where he might see all that I had spoken in its justification after some other discourses we descended from his Chamber and he took me into his Coach to go with him to take the air I had now time and opportunity to tell him all that had been signify'd to me concerning the Letter of M. de
to my knowledge but by particular good hap without which the whole intrigue had remain'd under the veils of obscurity which hid it till then that whatsoever inquiry I could make about the Letter perhaps I should not be so fortunate in its discovery as I had been in that of the Censure and that I conceiv'd there was no reason to doubt of its having been sent because it was not likely that after so strange a boldnesse in promoting so farr a false Censure framed in the name of eight or ten particular Doctors notwithstanding such publick complaints as had been made thereof they would leave behind a true Letter sign'd as was reported by fifty Bishops against which no person appear'd to complain In the second place I advertis'd them that they saw how many disguisements delusions and calumnies it might be presum'd our Adversaries had set on work at Rome to obtain what they had obtain'd hitherto if one might judge by enormities of their proceeding in this last action in which they had laid aside all kind of modesty and decorum trampled upon all lawes not only of Christian conscience but even of purely civil honesty and violated the faith of the H. See for which they professe themselves so zealous the most essential Duties whereunto Infidels are bound towards the meanest of men namely of not surprising them by what they say to them of not lying to them of not disguising things to them but representing the same to them such as they are And that they might hence conclude how much it would be for the interest of the H. See and of the service of God who founded it as also for that of the Church whereof it is the center that all those cheats calumnies and impostures were discover'd to it how much the same would then be abhorr'd at Rome as well as all those who were found culpable thereof and what advantages were to be hop'd thereby to the holy truths which these people every day cover'd more and more with such thick darkness and struck at with such outrage and violence The Letters writ to me from Paris about the same time of my writing these at Rome were not very remote from the sentiments to which mine might lead those Bishops which were solicitous about this affair and earnestly waited for those discoveries which they were told might arrive from me For it was signifi'd to me that a person well seen in the designes of the Jesuites and much devoted to truth had assur'd them that the Jesuites hop'd for a wonderfull effect of the letter of M. de Vabres that the Pope or some of his principal ministers had told their Fathers at Rome that if they could get a letter signed only by a dozen Bishops his Holiness would particularly censure the Five Propositions that five and twenty Bishops had signed it already that the Nuntio had further confirm'd to the Jesuites that it would not be long before there were an expresse Censure upon that letter Neverthelesse those Bishops which were anxious about the effect which the said letter might produce could scarce be perswaded that Rome would suffer it self to be so easily cajoled in the most important affair of the Church and of the Christian Faith and that they had some thoughts of writing to the Pope about it or sending some person thither on purpose to represent to his Holiness the dangers of this business and the precautions with which it was necessary that his Holiness proceeded therein to conclude it advantageously for truth and the edification of the Church Notice was given me by letters at the same time touching the Decree made against the Catechisme of Grace that the said decree had been put by the Nuntio into the hands of one of the Agents of the Clergy to propound the same to the Assembly and to bring it about that they might ordain the publishing of it through the Provinces that this Proposal had been made there but the Assembly was not dispos'd to condescend to this recommendation of the Nuntio That on the contrary they resolv'd not to meddle with it and likewise ordain'd that nothing should be register'd about the Proposal which their Agent made to them Moreover that this Decree had not only been thus refus'd but also that excellent Reflections had been made upon it and that the Court of Parliament had issu'd a notable Arrest against it upon the remonstrances made to them thereupon by the Kings learned Counsel after they had receiv'd at their barre the complaints of the Rector of the University who presented himself there for that purpose CHAP. V. Divers visits in which the Five Propositions were discours'd of and of a remarkable circumstance touching the same How few at Rome well understood these matters and whence it came to be so BUT before I receiv'd those letters and mine were arriv'd at Paris I continu'd to take all possible opportunities at Rome with the least noise to inquire further into the posture of affairs Amongst others I visited the General of the Augustines whose great zeal for S. Augustine we had understood at Paris by the Letter he writ to F. Alipius of the same Order presently after M. Cornet's attempt I discours'd with him chiefly concerning the two wayes wherewith S. Augustine was struck at one by openly rejecting the Authority of his Doctrine as M. Pereyret and many others did the other by making shew of owning his Authority and yet teaching and maintaining a Doctrine in effect contrary to his and driving at a condemnation thereof as theirs who really defended it I intimated to him as much as I could the necessity there was of his courage and prudence being equally arm'd against both these sorts of Enemies which S. Augustine had in this age He very well receiv'd my discourse and profess'd himself ready to do so according to his power upon all occasions I told him of the Condemnation made at Vallidolid of two and twenty Propositions extracted out of the Jesuits Books against S. Augustine but he was inform'd of it before having receiv'd notice of it from Spain I made a second visit to the Cardinal whose resistance hinder'd the Pope from confirming the Facultie's pretended Censure of the Propositions as otherwise he would have done In this second visit we discours'd of the grounds of Doctrine which they concern'd I spoke thereof in the same manner as we had alwayes done in France from their first publishing by M. Cornet namely as Propositions equivocal ambiguous capable of different senses both Heretical and Catholick But the Cardinal conceiv'd that this was to speak too little advantageously for their defence Particularly concerning the first he said that considering it well the words whereof it consists which are found in the Book of Jansenius restrain'd it clearly enough to the Catholick sense That the righteous men to whom it is there said some of God's Commandements are impossible are suppos'd to have already fullfill'd many of them being arriv'd to
such Holinesse as denominates them just that these Commandements are not absolutely impossible to them but only in respect of the state wherein they are having yet but weak and imperfect Grace which they are suppos'd to have volentibus conantibus and which gives them no other power for performance of the same but imperfect desires and weak endeavours which is yet more clearly exprest by the remainder of the Proposition from which the beginning ought not to be consider'd as separate but as referring thereunto Deest quoque illis gratia quâ possibilia fiant And that the Grace namely Effectual such as is necessary to the Commandments in question which renders them possible is not yet given to these just persons in the state of weaknesse wherein the Proposition supposes them in the time and circumstances of those first Graces with which they only will and endeavour weakly that this is the whole Doctrine of Effectual Grace according to the mind of S. Thomas and S. Augustine his Master That the four other Propositions cannot be consider'd but with relation to the first together with which they are presented for examination and that if there be any obscurity in the other four it ought to be clear'd and judg'd of according to the first and the interpretation put upon it The solid reasons which led this learned and pious Cardinal to speak and judge so favourably of the Propositions by taking them as he did in the sense of Effectual Grace I cannot so well repeat as himself deduc'd them to me for I remember he did it with a strength of reason perfectly great but I expresse his conceptions the best and the most faithfully I can as well as those of all others which I mention and I know he attributed the speaking of these Propositions after another manner then his own only to the little understanding there was of these matters either at Rome or Paris Indeed he spoke of them with so great energie and affection that I ceas'd to wonder at what was told me of his having defended them so stoutly before the Pope and if I could have doubted of the intelligence or sincerity of him who inform'd me how that story pass'd before the Pope the vigour wherewith this Cardinal himself discours'd with me would have perfectly confirm'd me therein Wherefore having this full perswasion of the truth of the businesse I went again to him that first acquainted me with it and he told me a circumstance which he had omitted in his first narration believing perhaps that I was not then fitting to hear it He told me that the Pope who although he highly esteem'd this Cardinal had neverthelesse a little secret jealousie against him seeing him speak of the Propositions with so much heat and vivacity on this occasion and considering himself backt by all the rest that were present being of contrary sentiments his Holinesse in a manner rang'd himself on their side by saying Guardate il Cardinal N. chi dice che nostri Consultori sono Eretici Take notice of Cardinal N. who sayes that our Consultors are Hereticks To which the Cardinal without being mov'd made answer Vostra Santità mi scusi Beatissimo Padre non dico questo Non dico che questi Signori Consultori siano Haeretici mà che le loro Censure sono Haeretiche Mà è ben vero che loro lo sarebbono se vi fossero pertinaci I beseech your Holinesse to excuse me most Blessed Father I do not say that I do not say that my LL. the Consultors are Hereticks but that their Censures are Heretical But withall 't is true that they also would be Hereticks should they continue obstinately therein Which according to his sense was most true for being he took all the Propositions to be meant of Effectual Grace he had reason to accuse those Censures of Heresie which should condemn the said Propositions in this sense This particular not having been told me at the first time of our discourse about the debate before the Pope is wanting in the account given above of what stopt his Holinesse in the quandary they had put him in for the confirmation of the false Censure so often mention'd About this time other news was written to me from Venice namely that the Pope's Nuntio there had caus'd the Decree against the Catechisme of Grace to be printed there in great numbers and sent the Copies into all the Monasteries not only of Venice but of the whole Venetian state I was surpriz'd at this news both for that the Jesuits do not reign in that place and because neither of the Books condemn'd by that Decree having appear'd there at all I did not see what ground there was for publishing this Decree there with so great diligence and by the reading of it I could not find any instruction or edification afforded thereby unto the faithfull But I let this intelligence passe as well as many others without being more scandaliz'd thereat and continu'd my inquiry into affaires at Rome as far as my condition gave me liberty so to do In the Covent de la Minerve I occasionally saw a very devout upright and judicious Monk nam'd F. Barelier who was assistant for France to his General We discours'd together of our concernments with such caution as is us'd by persons that do not yet well know one another and he spoke with as great prudence and equity as was possible for a man that till then had had no light of all the things that were pass'd Afterwards as I was professing to one better inform'd my wonder how it was possible that F. Barelier a man of great parts of an Order so much engag'd as the Dominicans for the opinions about Grace and of so considerable an imployment in that Order should be so much a stranger to all the contests in the Church touching the same He told me that I had much more reason to wonder that I found any that were not so in the place where I was That F. Barelier for example was indeed in a considerable imployment in that Order but that this imployment so wholly took him up in receiving all the Letters concerning the businesses and contests of Monasteries and particular persons of the Order dispers'd through France that being scarce sufficient thereunto he could not give much heed to other things not alli'd to his own affaires That others besides their occupations which requir'd their care and personal attendance had designs of advancing every one himself to the several degrees whither they aimed which taking up likewise a good part of their time left them not much to mind other matters Moreover that since the last Congregations de Auxiliis which after so long and diligent examination concluded only upon imposition of silence to the parties there was great care us'd to keep such matters husht and in oblivion lest the like feuds might arise which make much stir and bring no profit That the minds of the greatest
till my comming to Paris and I have been extreamly displeas'd to see how many artifices are us'd by the Molinists to hinder a solemn examination of all the Questions about Grace which are in dispute tâ—e only way as I conceive to procure Peace and to clear up the truth We have here amongst us inquir'd what means were fit to be us'd for remedying the mischief which that Letter may produce contrary to the intention of Our Lords the Prelates who subscrib'd it and we thought expedient to speak with my Lord the Nuntio and desire him to write to his Holinesse about it Accordingly on Monday 22 Febr. my Lords the Archbishop of Ambrun the Bishops of Agen Chaalons Orleans Cominges and my self went to wait upon the Nuntio We declar'd to him that it was not the Clergy of France which sign'd the said Letter but only some of our Lords the Bishops did it by themselves and in secret without speaking thereof to the Assembly although the Clergy being assembled at Paris it is an unheard of thing to write to his Holinesse about an affair which concerns the whole Church and particularly this of France without acquainting the Assembly therewith My Lord Archbishop of Ambrun represented to him the importance of this businesse and the danger there was in judging of these questions without summoning and hearing the parties That many things were to be said concerning the Propositions presented to his Holinesse and that for decision of the same it was requisite to examine and understand exactly all that hath pass'd here about that affair to see in what sense the Disciples of S. Augustin maintain them to distinguish S. Augustin's sense first of all for fear of involving that Holy Teacher of Grace in a Censure which would give occasion to our Hereticks of saying That the H. See condemns that which it hath alwayes approv'd and that the antient Tradition of the Fathers touching the points of Grace is deserted in the Roman Church The Nuntio promis'd to let his Holinesse know of our visit and what we represented to him he testify'd to us that he believ'd his Holinesse would not deliver any Judgement seeing it was not the Body of the Clergy which writ to him but only some Prelats by themselves My L. Archbishop of Sens who was to have gone with us to the Nuntio having been hindred then went to him eight dayes after with some other Prelat and declar'd as I have understood that if the proceeding at Rome in this affair were not with all the forms requir'd by the Canons and according to the order of Ecclesiastical Judgements neither himself nor many other Prelates of France would have any regard for what should be done We have conceiv'd that besides this it would be requisite that we writ to his Holinesse to tell him our minds our selves To morrow will be sent to you our Letter which hath been signed by eight or nine Prelats Were there time enough to send into the Provinces as the other Letter was carry'd about five months we should undoubtedly have a great number of Prelats that would subscribe it But being we are inform'd that the Businesse hastens at Rome it will be requisite to send it thither when you with some others of your Province have sign'd it and to be contented with the fewer subscriptions by reason of the little time we have Although I cannot believe that the H. See will be led to pronounce in such a manner upon questions of so great importance I conceiv'd it would be pleasing to you to understand all that we have done and that having so great a zeal for sound doctrine justice and the dignity ef our Function you will approve all that we have acted only out of a spirit of peace and truth and out of the duty of our Ministry This is from My Lord Your most humble and most obedient Servant and Brother LEBERON Bp. of Valence Die But before my receiving at Rome either M. de Valence's Letter or two others which inform'd me of what I have above recited touching the visits to the Nuntio I received one which had been written ever since the 27. of January in which several newes was signifi'd to me first that there was talk at Paris of a Conference before my L. the Archbishop and some other Prelates and Magistrats That it was demanded to have six persons there and offer'd the Molinists to come in as great number as they would That M. de Rhodez Tutor to the King had been sollicited by F. Paulin his Majestie 's Confessour to subscribe the Letter of M. de Vabres and that he refus'd it That M. de Saint Flour did the like though extraordinarily press'd to it by ths Jesuites That M. de Viviers confess'd that he had signed it but that he meant not to cast any blot upon Jansenius or the Propositions but only desir'd a judgment for the sake of peace and that the Pope was not intreated in that Letter to appoint a Conference because it was not to be doubted but he would according to his wisdom call together the most able Divines on either side and make a solemn examination of the question which cannot otherwise be well determin'd before he pronounce any thing therein In sum that this was certainly the mind of most of the Bishops who subscrib'd the said Letter The same hand writ to me again on 17. February wherein speaking of the Congregations held under the Popes Clement VIII and Paul V. he hath these words It must be incessantly inculcated to those of Rome that our disputes are wholly the same and that the Question is solely about Effectual Grace and sufficient Grace subject to Free will and that neither Jansenius nor we further hold the said Propositions then as they are reduc'd to the point of Effectual Grace CHAP. X. That the Haereo fateor is that which hath render'd Jansenius so odious at Rome Several Declarations of Cardinal Barberini that the Bull of Urban VIII is only provisional and reacheth not the grounds of Jansenius's Doctrine The Zeal of the Generals of the Dominicans and of the Augustines in behalf of S. Augustin mix'd with fear of giving dissatisfaction thereby IF it be true as the abovemention'd Letters affirme together with many learned and judicious persons who have carefully read Jansenius's book that he holdeth no other doctrine but that of Effectual Grace which is wholly S. Augustin's and which as we shall see in the sequel hath alwayes been in general approbation and esteem at Rome there is no little ground of wonder how it could come passe that his name and his opinions have become so odious and suspected by the Romans I observ'd about this time one of the capital causes thereof if not the onely one namely That place of his book where objecting to himself against S. Augustin's doctrine the Bulls of Pius V. and Gregory XIII he answers that truly he is surpris'd at those Bulls Haereo fateor and that
on the other side he seeth not what can be reply'd to S. Augustin's doctrine which hath been so often approved by the H. See This doubt and seeming combat in which he placeth on one side the Bulls of these two Popes and on the other the doctrine of S. Augustin so often approv'd by the H. See though he really accords and reconciles together those Bulls and this Doctrine sufficiently and with a very particular respect towards the H. See hath given so great advantages to the Jesuites against him and his book that it not onely facilitates any meanes which they will use to make him lookt upon as a declar'd enemy of the H. See by persons preposses'd with the false zeal of those Fathers but also they have thereby render'd him suspected by others whom I found very intelligent judicious equitable and likewise well affected towards this Prelate in all other things so that expressing their dislike of this point alone they have testifi'd their sorrow that he expos'd himself to this disadvantage so powerfull is the conceipt of the Pope's infallibility over the minds of the Romans and so heynous a crime and mortal offence in their eyes is every thing that grates upon it more or lesse But having seen how admirably the said Bishop is clear'd from it by Aurelius Avitus in the 22. Dissonance of his Molinomachie which was lent me by a Cardinal to whom it was sent by the Post I as often wish'd I could dispel those suspicions and dislkes entertain'd at Rome against that place of Jansenius's book as I heard it spoken of which was very frequently but this was a work reserved for others The Prejudices hereupon were so great and strong that should I have said all I could in Apology for the Bishop of Ipre touching this matter I should rather have made my self criminal then justifi'd him And indeed 't was a thing I abstain'd from the more willingly and necessarily for that not being at Rome for that purpose nor otherwise engag'd in any thing that had affinity therewith I contented my self with speaking of those which were recommended to me or fell into discourse according as the visites I hapned to make permitted I made one to Cardinal Barberin on 27th of January in which he spoke among other things something largly of the great services which S. Bernard did to the H. See and the ardent affection wherewith he was always animated towards it I acknowledg'd to the Cardinal the truth of those commendations and withal beseech'd him to observe that that affection having been the primum mobile which set a going all his other motions and actions in behalf of the H. See he used a notable liberty and franknesse towards the same H. See when he saw himself oblig'd to admonish the Popes that fill'd it of such things as might give cause to complain of their government and Decrees I added also that all such as are zealous for the service of the H. See ought to testifie the same cheifly in such occasions wherein its interest lyes so much in understanding the things in which it hath been or may be surprised That the Popes themselves for remedying mischiefs possible to arise from surprises have ordain'd in the Cannon Law C. 5. de rescriptis that their Decrees be not yeilded unto when there is difficulty in them but that the same be represented to themselves to the end they may use such order and remedy therein as is necessary The Cardinal profess'd to like this discourse and confirm'd it by a decision or Maxime which he said is follow'd in the Rota Yet he added that the books of S. Bernard De Consideratione are not those of his works which are most in esteem at Rome having sometimes been in danger of being if not condemned at least suppress'd or retrench'd which possibly might have been done had it not been for the consideration of his eminent Sanctity I gave him another visite on the 17. of February and left with him the Observations made upon M. de Vabres's Letter which he sent me back after two dayes seal'd having read and made his extract out of the same Ten dayes after I gave him another he then professed to me that he approv'd those observations but made more account of the Reflections upon the Censure of the Catechisme He said also that himself was made to speak well therein that is to say that he was well pleas'd whith what was there related of him but that the Letter of M. Albizzi which is produc'd there and the other things spoken of that Assessor troubled him and his Eminence gave me to understand that they were mutually concern'd for one another and reputed the offence done to one of their Officers as done to their proper persons To which I answer'd that no doubt it was with unwillingness that M. Albizzi was reflected upon and that it had not been done if he had not given ground for it and the writer conceiv'd himself constrained so to do Happing to be in the company of the same Cardinal in the beginning of March he told me plainly enough that when themselves or their officers are not treated with the respect which they think their due they are apt to become rigid and suspicious and to find fault with many things of which otherwise they should take no great notice c. That it behooved so to order the matter in the present case as not directly to thwart Decisions and amongst others the Bull of Vrban VIII of happy memory but to shew that what the Adversaries pretend to be contained therein is not there indeed and that the same is to be understood with this or that restriction c. That it is fit to allow something to Popes great incumbrances which hinder them from being so exact in every point c. To which I answer'd two things First that sometimes there is no way to deny the words which are expresse therein nor to admit the same but by alledging a surprise Secondly That S. Augustin's disciples are full of great love and sincere respect towards the H. See and the Popes That I doubted not but that they are alwayes ready to interpret their meanings and words in the most benigne sense that is possible That if his eminence would think thereon and give me light of a fit expedient how to put a favorable exposition upon that Bull at Rome I doubted not but it would be accepted most willingly by all the disciples of S. Augustin provided it be not prejudicial to truth which with them is absolutely inviolable Our discourse of this businesse pass'd so far and the Cardinal profess'd himself so satisfi'd therewith that I believ'd he would think in good earnest of procuring a clear declaration from the H. See of the motives and extent of the Bull of Vrban VIII which he had explicated to me before on several occasions and also of making use of my mediation to bring it about that they who found difficulties
promis'd me that he would keep himself from being prepossess'd by any calumny I beseecht him that he would vouchsafe to let me advertise his Holinesse upon occasion of all that I should find necessary to be represented to him in this affair which I should always do with truth and moderation yet with that Christian freedom which the justice of the cause for which I pleaded and the service of the Church requir'd He answer'd That he would alwayes hear me very willingly I held in my hand the Letters which I was to present to him The Pope offer'd to take them and lay them upon a low Stool near him where he had already layd the Memorials which he had receiv'd that day but I plac'd my Letters there my self which as I was doing the Pope presenting his hand to receive them told me the Bishops who subscrib'd the first Letter were a very great number I answer'd that the Letters which I presented to him would as I conceiv'd be as acceptable to his Holinesse and appear to him more necessary then those which he had receiv'd After which falling upon my knees and receiving his benediction I withdrew It must be confess'd that these audiences of the Pope are very pleasing and agreeable One is admitted to him alone and so long as they continue there is no person but the Pope present or that can hear what is said so that a man may open his heart to him and speak to him about any businesse with full liberty all that he conceives necessary to represent to him There is no fear of being too long or tedious to him For 't is so far from being requisite to offer to retire and make an end that on the contrary it would be an incivility and a fault to do it before the Pope himself signifie his pleasure to end the audience by the benediction which he gives when he finds there is no need or no time to hear more CHAP. V. A Relation of all that pass'd concerning the Houres An Answer to all Objections made by the Jesuites against them That they were put into the Index only because of a Bull of Pius V. alledg'd to prohibit all Translations of the Office of the B. Virgin into the Vulgar tongue The Asperities of M. Albizzi IT was the tenth of July that I had the audience of which I have now given account I would have gladly spoken to the Pope touching the businesse of the Houres by reason of what I learnt about them the day foregoing But it not being the principal affair for which I was return'd and I not being confident that it was needfull to speak to his Holinesse for remedy in it I thought fit to forbear What I learnt concerning them was thus viz. That there was sent about two moneths before to the Secretary of the Congregation of the Index a Catalogue of Prohibited Books amongst which the Houres were That M. Albizzi had for some time since much urg'd the said Secretary to expedite the publishing of it That it had been hindred from being so among other impediments by the sollicitations us'd by the Jesuites to get exempted a book of one of their Fathers nam'd Amceius who was Author of a Work wherein sundry pernicious Maximes especially concerning Murther are taught but all they could obtain was that the title of Jesuite should not be mention'd in the Decree but this clause be added to the condemnation of his book donec corrigatur That the businesse being made up thus the Catalogue was at the Printing-house and ready to be publish'd every day and that the Houres were in it Then it was that I well understood what Card. Roma meant when he told me that perhaps the Houres would be spoken of no more in the Congregation of the H. Office but only in that of the Index but I did not so easily understand to what purpose were the sollicitations and general recommendations which Cardinal Barberin advis'd me to make to their Eminences in behalf of the said Book Wherefore I repair'd to his Palace and not daring to tell him plainly my knowledge of the posture in which the businesse was for I came to it by a very particular and secret way after I had given him an account of the Visit which I made to Card. Panzirolo who cut me off so short that he gave me not time to speak to him about the Houres I ask'd him whether it were yet time and sitting for me to speak thereof to Card. Cechini when I found him so little employ'd as to hear me for his office of Datary oblig'd him to answer so many persons that is often as I went to him I alwayes found him surrounded with a croud of people Card. Barberin answering me hereunto neither Yes nor No. I proceeded and told him that the Jesuites continued to boast that they were confident of a Censure of the Houres if not from the H. Office at least from the Congregation of the Index I told him further that I had heard say that M. Albizzi speaking of a Catalogue of Prohibited Books which was to be published within some time said it should be so before the following week were past I also signify'd to him what Cardinal Roma said to me viz. that perhaps that affair would not passe before the Congregation of the H. Office but before that of the Index that all this put together made me fear that the Service which he had intimated he would do the Bishop of Anger 's would be unprofitable if perchance the said Book were amongst those contain'd in the Catalogue to be publish'd a few dayes after that I was inform'd that the businesse depended absolutely upon Cardinal Spada who was the head of that Congregation who could produce the said Catalogue see whether the Book were in it and blot it out if it seem'd good to him Cardinal Barberin answer'd me to all this That he was not present at all the Congregations and that it was requisite for me to go to Cardinal Spada to represent to him the same that I did to himself and also to repeat all that could be said for defence and justification of the Houres I reply'd that I would willingly wait upon Cardinal Spada to acquaint him with all that he pleas'd but that if he would make this businesse his own as he had testify'd to me it would be better for his Eminence to speak with Cardinal Spada then for me and that that Cardinal would more regard the least thing spoken to him by his Eminence then all that I could represent to him Neverthelesse I could not obtain of Cardinal Barberin to promise me to visit Cardinal Spada what ever importunity I us'd to him but I was fain to depart without his giving me any assurance that he would speak to the said Cardinal on the contrary he told me clearly that he remitted the whole businesse to my management This so unusual indifference which Cardinal Barberin shew'd for a businesse which he had
had spoke them in some private audience where I might have reply'd to him before those that heard them but in a place so publick as this was before so great a multitude and at a time when there was no room for much reply for it was in the middle of the way and we were already almost at the foot of the stairs which leads up to the Pope they were a sufficient rude taste of the haughty and imperious treatment which I was to look for when I should be oblig'd to visit M. Albizzi But notwithstanding the just commotion which they caus'd in me yet through a secret fear I had lest he spoke them only to incense me and force me to some more vehement answer as indeed he deserv'd but from which he might have taken advantage against me I did not address my answer to him but to Cardinal Panzirolo though so loud as to make it heard by most of those that took notice of the affront telling him that his Eminence would see whether I jested or no when he perus'd the Memorial which I presented to him That I address'd my self to him to beseech him to acquaint his Holiness that some of the Bishops whose Letters I had presented to him and who knew what the Book was would account the treatment it received as done to themselves and that I did not mention the same to the Pope when I presented him their Letters because I did not then fore-see that it was fit to speak of it at least so soon to his Holiness Whilst I was speaking this to Cardinal Panzirolo M. Albizzi was still behind him a little on one side and having taken hold of a corner of the Book he held it up very high and shew'd it to all the company shaking it and threatning saying I had spoken of it what seem'd good to me but they were going to see above whether I had reason or no. Leaving Cardinal Panzirolo to pass on I answer'd M. Albizzi That that was it which I waited for but I wonder'd in the mean time at this his usage both of the Book and of my self M. Albizzi angerly reply'd That I thought I had done a great matter yesterday when I had spoke of the above mention'd Catechism but I ought to have first lookt all along the place I cited which is clearly expounded as the Catholick sense requireth which the Author of the Hours hath not done I answer'd That the Catechism was more large and extendeth it self further in the exposition of the said Commandment then the Translation of the Hours doth yet in the few words it containeth it is well enough and clearly enough explicated without needing other comment to make it more intelligible M. Albizzi reply'd That the generality of the world could not well understand it being so compendious I told him That it was very easie for any person to understand of how mean capacity soever He reply'd That women did not understand it I said That the meanest women understood it well and that all such as teach the Catechism every day to little Girles and Children were too carefull in expounding it to leave obscurity in it and that in France there was no Catholick ignorant of it He continu'd speaking to me in a muttering way and as offended at the care I took for the defence of the Hours as if I went about thereby to do some violence to Religion and to the H. See and to oblige it to tolerate a thing which might not be I answer'd That it was not my intention nor thought to engage the H. See to any thing whatever against its inclinations and interests but to serve it by letting the Pope know the ambushes prepar'd against it by the equivocal Propositions whose Decision is pursu'd and by informing him the most carefully I could of the true state of all the things wherewith I was incharg'd And as for himself I beseecht him that he would vouchsafe to hear what I had to say to him with some kind of equitableness and not reject the evident justification which I could make both of the purity of the Doctrines contain'd in the Hours and of the purity of their intentions who publisht them which is very easie to be judg'd since even in the whole Book there can hardly be found any rational ground for the least suspition M. Albizzi reply'd That it was too manifestly seen how bad that Authors intention was and that all that is reported of the evil designs of such people against the Holy See whereof they are enemies is but too true Finding by this Answer that he was absolutely corrupted against us and that the moderation and patience which I us'd in all this discourse did only exasperate him and make him break out the more against me I fell into the just indignation which his carriage constrain'd me to and told him with confidence That what he said would not be found true and that I would never endure that any person do such a high Injury as he had done to the worthy persons whose sound Piety and sincere intentions I was acquainted with without protesting against the Injustice shewing the wrong done them by so false and prejudicial a belief which can have no other foundation but calumnies and frauds M. Albizzi reply'd not to this discourse but mutteringly between his teeth so that hearing none of his words and seeing mine very unprofitable with him I stop'd there which silence was more easie to me for all that we spoke was upon the way going up to the Popes apartment where we arriv'd when we ceas'd speaking On Friday July 14. I was present at Masse with the Cardinals in the Chappel of the Cordeliers in the place Colonna upon occasion of the Feast of St. Bonaventure and I heard an Oration in Latin made there by a young Cordelier at the end of Masse in praise of the aforesaid Saint In the afternoon I went to visit three Cardinals to whom I spoke about the affair of the Houres The first was the Cardinal of S. Clement in conference of whom I discover'd two remarkable things First that what I said represened in the Congregation of the H. Office on Wednesday was very well receiv'd there yet that I had better not have appear'd in person in that Congregation and that for keeping the greater circumspection and gravity in my Conduct And secondly that the grand occasion of complaints and prosecutions made against the Houres was not any ill observ'd in them but the bad opinion taken up against those people who put them forth The second Cardinal whom I visited was Roma who told me that my Memorial was not read in their Congregation on Wednesday but it should be in a private one held in his House for that purpose to be reported afterwards to the General but in the mean time I should not trouble my self that nothing would be done but after mature and serious deliberation And as I took occasion to tell him what
of the Church But yet it was seen well enough too in what sense the Authors meant it and though the words were in the rigor bad yet they were not the principal ground of the Resolution taken in their Congregation In the third place he told me That it was not lik'd that certain Prayers and Oraisons amongst others some to be said before and after Confession and Communion which use to be in other Houres were omitted in these that it was inconvenient for every one to take the liberty of making them after his own fashion and that this diversity of Prayers was not for edification That he perceiv'd well neverthelesse that this was not unanswerable and that he did not tell it me as such but only to inform me of what was spoken and how the matter pass'd and also to let me know that it was well examin'd that if the Conclusion was to the disadvantage of the Book it was not without having had regard to my Remonstrances In a word that which at length absolutely fix'd them and oblig'd them not to suffer the Houres without condemning them was the Bull of Pius V. which was recited and represented to their Eminences by which that H. Pope made express prohibition of printing in the vulgar Tongue in what manner soever the Office of the Virgin that this Bull being to them an inviolable Rule which they ought to follow and one of the principal parts of the said Book consisting in the translation of that Office it was not possible for them to let it passe without condemnation This reason surpris'd me at first and I imagin'd it convincing as well as the Cardinal wherefore all that I could readily answer having never had knowledge of that Bull of Pius V. was that I wonder'd how the case being thus so many other Houres in which the said Office is translated into the vulgar Tongue are not condemned To which the Cardinal reply'd that they had no knowledge of it no person accusing them and prosecuting their condemnation as was done to these which hinder'd not but that these deserv'd it though the other which are equally culpable scape free just as a thief added he is sent to the punishment which he deserves though others much more guilty then he are free from it because they have not been prosecuted before the Judges as he was whom they condemned that as the Judges would likewise condemn those Thieves whom they leave still in liberty were they once accus'd before them so none of those Houres in which the Office of the Virgin is in French would escape condemning by their Tribunal were they there accused This seem'd to me not to agree with what M. Albizzi said to me viz. That in matter of Doctrine there were no parties I found also by this that it was easie for the Jesuites to get what Books they would condemned they being alwayes at Rome to play the part of Accusers but on the contrary it was very difficult for their Books to be condemn'd such as might accuse them not being at Rome Lastly I understood how when the Question is Whether there be any particular thing bad in a Book it is requisite that some be found to advertise the Inquisition of it But in a thing so notorious as to know whether the Houres be translated into French I saw not wherefore an Accuser is necessary nor could I doubt but that the Inquisition of its own accord condemn'd an infinite number of Books without any persons medling therewith besides its own Officers But I dissembled all these thoughts and thought it enough to testifie to Cardinal Roma that I was beholding to the goodnesse wherewith he enform'd me how the matter was carried about the Houres which was no more to be thought of after its being thus determin'd I took occasion to put him in mind of what I had said to him touching that of the five Propositions which I told him was of other consequence then that of the Houres and could not be compos'd without a more exact and longer discussion Wherefore I beseecht him to employ his Authority to bring it to passe that there might be assign'd time and place to all the Catholick Divines that concern'd themselves therein and minded to make their Remonstrances to the H. See touching the matter in question to do it and particularly to those who were to come after me and to be at Rome in October following Cardinal Roma bid me not trouble my self about this telling me that this affair would certainly be drawn out in length that it would not go as that of the Houres that when a Determination is intended there is care taken of not hastening too much That there needed other studies and preparations for making a decision of Faith then for making a Prohibition according to an Ordinance of a Pope That such as would represent to the H. See what seemed good to them either by word of mouth or writing it should always be welcome heard most willingly and their service acknowledg'd by the H. See which cannot take too much evidence in a businesse of such importance That belong'd to the H. See to judge and decide matters contested amongst Christians but after they are decided by it all Christians and others take upon them to judge of its decisions and this obliges it to use all possible precaution to prevent being deceived That for certain I should have more time then I could wish that I now fear'd lest any thing might be precipitated but the day would come that I should complain of not hastening enough so that I ought to be at rest in this businesse and signifie to the Divines that they might come with all assurance and that they should at their coming finde things in the same posture in which I now beheld them I departed from Cardinal Roma well satisfied with my Visit especially in reference to this Affair and even to that of the Houres too because of the information he gave me and the chief essential reason upon which he told me their Prohibition was grounded Some time after I had the curiosity to be further instructed and I confessed the Bullarie There I found the Bull of Pius V. which forbids the Office of the Virgin in the vulgar Tongue but after I had better examin'd it I found not that the said Prohibitions could be extended to the Houres which were in question That which gave occasion to the said Prohibition was that the Avarice of some Booksellers and the malice or brutishnesse of some others leagued with them in that designe put them upon publishing out of emulation one against another several Offices of the Virgin or rather little Books under that name in which there were divers Prayers which they forg'd and which were full of superstitions and other follies to circumvent the simple and promote the sale of their Books Pius V. taking notice of this abuse and considerng how scandalous this exorbitant license taken by some persons in
any one blam'd me for this fault I might render it in some measure excusable by pleading that what concern'd the above mention'd Author is but very lightly touch'd therein and promising to do my utmost that there be no more medling therewith Moreover I aim'd by giving them about to prevent that blame according as I saw fit having regard to such as I presented them to and if perchance there was any one whom I fear'd lest receiving them from my hand he should take them as an information which I had to deliver touching the Propositions I roundly explain'd my self before giving them by saying expresly that I did not give them for that cause and that which I gave was not that which we had to say before the Congregation which I desir'd when it should be establisht but only a slight draught of our sentiments publisht in France to disabuse the world of the Calumnies spread abroad against us and I desir'd precisly that it might not be received from me but upon this condition The F. Commissary of the H. Office receiving from me the Latin Manifesto and having heard what I proposed to signifie to me in two words that he understood my meaning told me that I gave it him and he receiv'd it amicè non juridicè I had already contracted so much friendship and good correspondence with the whole order of which this Father was and they accounted all that I propounded to them touching this affair so judicious and just that upon a naked overture which I made to them of what importance it was for the preservation of the Doctrine of St. Augustin and St. Thomas in our Faculty to choose in October following a Syndic well affected to this Doctrine the General writ expresly thereupon to the Religious of his order who were Doctors of our Faculty He sent the Letter to me assoon as it was written on the ninth of September for me to dispose of and cause to be delivered to the hands of such of his Fryers as I should think fit when the time of the Election came I went to thank him for it the same day and by the same means I saw one of his most eminent and commendable Fryers in whose Conference I learn'd that a Gentleman who came heretofore frequently to visit F. Lemos and one day brought him a Breviary which Clement VIII presented to him as a small pledge of his good Will and the value he had of his Ability and Vigour to defend against the Jesuites the sentiments of S. Augustin S. Thomas and the Church touching Grace testifi'd after the death of that Pope which hapned in March that his design and resolution was to publish on the Eve of Pentecost following at the end of Vespers his Bull against Molina and then to create F. Lemos Cardinal in presence of the Jesuites and the Dominicans That the Cardinal Monopoli to whom Clement VIII open'd his mind also about this particular in like manner declar'd the same after the Popes death That during the time that he labor'd and caus'd others to labour in the examination of these matters besides the care he took to be inform'd thereof by solid study and the reading of St. Augustins works as well the Writings presented to him both in behalf of the Jesuites and of the Dominicans which he weighed with singular diligence he was sometimes found early in the morning goeing a foot without followers cloth'd in Penitents saccloth from Monte Cavallo to S. Maria Maggiore and that many times too he spent two or three hours in the night at Prayers upon his knees ad limina Apostolorum These particularities this learn'd and zealous Dominican had told Cardinal Roma before he told them to me and the Cardinal was much affected and edifi'd therewith and presently out of the satisfaction which he had with the same cry'd out with his ordinary plainness in these words O Santi sensi digni d' un Papa sarebbe stato questo un Santo se non havesse lasciato tanti bien◠a' sui parenti O holy thoughts worthy of a Pope this man might have been a Saint if he had not left so much wealth to his kindred On Sunday morning Sept. 10. I went to Cardinal Barberin to shew him a Letter written to me from Paris August 25. and brought to Rome by an extraordinary Courier who came thither upon a vacancy This Letter was written to me from the Prelates by whose order I was return'd and contain'd amongst others a thing which I conceiv'd would be well pleasing to this Cardinal It was that those Prelates were resolv'd to admit the Bull of Vrban VIII but never to consider it as other then provisional and as an act of policy by which the Pope upon the first complaints made to him of that Book without having examined or judged of it but having regard to those complaints and to prevent the ill Consequences which they caused to be fear'd from that book stopt the course of it and forbad the reading of it till after mature examination of it it were otherwise ordain'd which is in effect the same thing that Cardinal Barberin had said to me twenty times And indeed he was very glad of this good News and as I added that it was requisite also if it were possible to oblige the Jesuites to keep themselves within these bounds and to cease from pretending as they had done hitherto that that Bull prohibited the said Book not only upon a political account but condemned the Doctrine of it as evil and pernitious the Cardinal answer'd that we ought not to trouble our selves about what the Jesuites say but rest upon and hold to what the Bull saith Lasciateli dire voi stiate à quello che dice la Bolla Let them talk c. That we ought to be satisfi'd since we knew that it was made only of that extent and for such effect that no person knew better then himself what intentions his Uncle had in making and his Eminence likewise in procuring it that indeed it might be a little more clear then it is but all things are not always done with so great circumspection and in the perfection that they ought to be Cardinal Barberin's Library-keeper to whom his Eminence gave order to send me the Books which he desir'd I should see occasionally confirm'd to me what the Cardinal had told me so often and so many others besides him That the Bull of Vrban VIII in the bottom of it and really doth not prejudice the Doctrine of any Author in particular but that it was alike decreed against all those as well on one side as the other who had written of the matter de Auxiliis without permission of the H. See For this Library-keeper nam'd Signor Carlo Moroni a man of parts and very civil sending me by his Masters order the Book of Ripalda he did it with the same precaution as if he had sent me Jansenius's works advising me not to read it unless
I had permission to do it because it was compris'd in the general prohibitions made at Rome touching that subject 't is probable he did not give me this advertisement without receiving some little order for it from Cardinal Barberin as well as for sending me the Book I know not precisely at what time it was for there is no date to the Letter which he writ to me when he sent it but I am sure that it was much about this time that I am now upon See the tenor of it Molto illustre e reverendissimo Signore mio osservandissimo L'Eminentissimo Signor Cardinale Barberino in hà commendato che io mandi a V. S. questo tomo del Ripalda Mà perche l' Eminentissimo si ritrova impegnato di doverlo prestare fra tre o quattro giorni ad un personaggio la supplico à volerlo rimandare in tempo Quando questo libro s' intende compreso nella prohibitione credo che V. S ne haverà la licenza Ne altro in occorre se non di rassegnarmi a V. S. molto illustre e reverendissima Humillimo Servitore Carlo Moroni Right Worshipfull and Reverend THe most Eminent Lord Cardinal Barberino hath commanded me to send you this volume of Ripalda Which for that his Eminence is engag'd to lend it elsewhere within three or foure dayes I desire you to return in time Whereas the book is compris'd within a Decree of Prohibition I presume you have leave to peruse it I have nothing else but to subscribe my self c. In the afternoon I went to see the General of the Augustins but I could do nothing with him by reason of the distrust he had of F. Morel whom he lookt upon as M. Albizzi's spie about him from whom he knew the said Father had receiv'd some good offices and particular favours in recompense for the Writing which he made and of which I have above given account On Tuesday September 12. in the morning I went to see M. the Abbot de la Paix who in regard to his profession of being a disciple and Monastick of S. Augustin told me he would willingly employ himself to help me in the cause wherein by the Account by me given him he saw the Doctrine of that great Doctor of the Church was so unworthily and maliciously impeach'd In the afternoon I went to see Cardinal Vrsin who as concern'd for the satisfaction of the Kingdome and Church of France could have wisht with me that these contests were compos'd and terminated as I came to request but he intimated several Political and Theological reasons which in his judgment render'd the discussion and decision of them in a manner impossible And as he was Protector of Poland he told me that he understood that these Disputes were ready to arise into heat there too and he mention'd also though with some obscurity a certain Letter from the King of Poland to the Pope touching the Queen's Confessor who was said to be an Arnaudiste and ingaged in the opinions which divide the Church at this day I told this Cardinal that I knew him to be a very able and honest man Doctor of our society of Sorbon and who would alwayes defend himself very well from the vain accusations that may be made against him This Cardinal Vrsin receiv'd with his accustom'd civility and told me I should do him a pleasure in shewing him some Writings which might inform him more particularly of the state of our Controversies At my coming from him I went again to F. Campanella to whom I lent our Latin Manifesto till Sunday following he held himself oblig'd and receiv'd it with contentment but on condition that when he restor'd it I should dispense with him for telling me his sentiments of it On Wednesday Septemb. 13. in the afternoon I met M. Fernier who was with another Canon of Auxerre I went with them to Cardinal Barberin's Library and from thence to walk abroad M. Fernier inform'd me that a certain Cordelier nam'd F. Mulard of whom I shall give account hereafter was arriv'd at Rome the day aforegoing and that himself was much scandaliz'd at the unworthy speeches which he heard that Cordelier utter since his arrival in contempt of the Bishops whose Letters I brought to the Pope for example of M. d' Amiens that he was a good Beer-drinker and of the rest the like vile and shameful injuries On Thursday Septemb. 14. I went to give notice of this Cordelier's arrival to that good Fryer who inform'd me of M. Hallier's long Letter of which I have spoken above and also that others were coming of which this Cordelier was the bearer This Fryer confirm'd to me that what he had told me of M. Hallier's Letter was true that he had since been better inform'd of it that it was written to M. Albizzi but was also show'd to the Pope that it consisted of six Pages in which he had put many petty trifles all which tended but to represent to his Holinesse that Jansenism was imbrac'd in a manner by all the Preachers that it was also follow'd by the Confessors that all the world was ingaging in it that the whole Church of France was endeavor'd to be drawn to it and that if the Pope took not heed ere ten yeares hence the mischief would be past remedy I understood that the four Cardinals whom Cardinal Barberin nam'd and injoin'd me to visit Roma Spada Ginetti and Cechini continu'd to assemble together every Thursday afternoon with some Divines at Cardinal Roma's Palace but being uncertain whether or no they had begun to take the Propositions in hand I wish'd to be resolv'd and that they also knew that the Assemblies which they made would be accounted in France as Beginnings of the Congregation which I came to desire that so on one side they might think themselves more engag'd to establish it and withall conceive themselves lesse free to regulate any thing in this matter before hearing the parties on either side by word of mouth and writing as I sollicited openly and publickly For this reason I determin'd that afternoon to go see the Cardinal Roma to take him at the breaking up of that Congregation and to be in his Palace at the time that they who compos'd it went away I did so and after they were gone and I was introduc'd all alone to Cardinal Roma as 't is the custome I told him That I came to congratulate with him for those first dispositions towards the erection of the Congregation which I came to request of the Pope that I conceiv'd my self oblig'd to send word to the Bishops of France in whose name I was at Rome what I knew thereof and the hope I conceiv'd from thence for the perfect accomplishment of their desires and the request which they made to the Pope by their Letters which certainly they would rejoyce very much to understand by reason of the grand importance of which they knew the Affair to be in
likewise the Book When I had seen the title of it I pray'd him to let me go up but to my Chamber and take a note of it He would not condescend to it saying that he was afraid I made that pretence to keep his Book and that he had businesse to do with it as also with another Copy which he had lent to Fryer Archangel and that he came abroad on purpose to show the same to such persons as he was oblig'd to impart them to That it was a Fundamental Piece which serv'd him as an Arsenal from whence he could draw the chief Armes which he needed to make use of for the discharge of his Commission For as for the Bull of Vrban VIII he made sport with that it was his word but he meant no more by it then that he did not pretend to draw so great advantages from it as from the little Book having had it in my hands during that short Conference I retain'd the title in my memory which he would not let me take in writing and it contain'd very near these words Jansenius de sancto Augustino ac de Ecclesia Catholica de sancto Thoma ac de Theologia scholastica pessimè meritus Apud ............ Meturas c. He mention'd again his preparation to return into France I told him I could scarce believe that he would go so suddenly He answer'd me that he must obey his General I reply'd True if his General would have it so but he F. Mulard might represent to his General the importance of the affair for which he was at Rome entrusted with the orders and interests with such an eminent Faculty as that of Paris had therein He told me that on the contrary That some affair induc'd his General to oblige him to return because as he said it was to be fear'd that the solicitations made by him in it might render his Order odious to another considerable Order in the Church with which he desir'd to live in good intelligence and also to very many eminent persons in France who concern'd themselves for the affairs for which he came These were almost the last words wherewith we ended this Visite That which he made to me a few dayes after was on Sunday October 22. in the morning He came all alone but met there at the same time two persons worthy of credit who the next day depos'd an Act or Memorandum before Notaries as I desired them of all that they heard spoken on either side He came to me full of trouble and resentment for an Order to return into Franee which his General had given him the foregoing evening He said that he beseecht his General to permit him to stay yet some dayes at Rome to take leave of some of the Cardinals to whom he had brought Letters and that his General had granted him that permission but besides he could not depart till he had first receiv'd the answer of M. Hallier Syndic of the Faculty of Divinity who sent him thither and till some Doctor or other person were come in his place to take care of the affaires wherewith he was entrusted That he could not do otherwise notwithstanding his General 's Order since he was at Rome on the behalf of the said M. Hallier Syndic of the Faculty as the said Syndic had testifi'd in the Letters which he writ to the Pope and to some of the Cardinals but especially in that which he writ to Monsignor Albizzi wherein he saith formally speaking of the said F. Mulard Audies illum nostro id est totius Facultatis nomine loquentem which words totius Facultatis were not in the other letters as they were in these This F. Mulard expressely repeated several times being mov'd thereto by the little difficulties which I made to him about it to give him occasion to confirme it and to such as were present to observe it well After which I told him that I shar'd in his regret notwithstanding a slight suspition which he had that I had contributed to his dismission by a visite which I made the day before to his General and I assur'd him that it was a thing indifferent to me whether he were at Rome or no that though he term'd himself Deputy from the Faculty yet I had no ill will to him for his own part considering that he acted under the good faith of the persons who gave him that Commission and that he conceiv'd they would not have given him the same unlesse they had had authority But as for M. Hallier who gave it him and writ those Letters without having any power so to do I could not excuse his proceeding F. Mulard reply'd to this Ipse viderit as for my part I do not trouble my self he knows well enough how to maintain what he ha's done One of the two persons that were present having said to F. Mulard that he thought he had told him that 't was not only M. Hallier that charg'd him with his Commission but also the Dean and the Subdean and that the whole power of the Faculty was in the hands of those three persons the Father answer'd that he did not say so but indeed beside the said M. Hallier there was also another Doctor named M. Amiot who were two of the four which the Faculty deputed for this affair and who as well in behalf of themselves as of the others gave him charge and instruction concerning all that he had to do but besides said he addressing to me were there none but M. Hallier I should have as good a title as you because M. Hallier is more esteem'd there then a Bp. lookt upon as the most learned man in Europe I reply'd to F. Mulard that granting all which he said in M. Hallier's commendation were true yet it did not give him power to have a Deputy at Rome in the name of the Faculty and that the Office of Syndic gave him no more power to meddle with those affairs in the name of the Faculty unless the Faculty gave him express order so to do then the youngest of all the Doctors hath F. Mulard quitted M. Hallier and betook himself to aske me by what authority I was at Rome I answer'd him that I was there in behalf and by order of some of my LL. the Bps. of France namely of those whose Letters I had presented to the Pope F. Mulard insisted and askt me to what end and whether it was against the Bull of Vrban VIII or for Jansenius's book I answer'd him that it was for neither that there was nothing either in that Bull or in those of Pius V. and Gregory XIII which was contrary to what I pretended and as for the book he mention'd that it was wholly unconcern'd in my Commission because the same was barely upon occasion of the five Propositions which had been presented to the Pope and which being all contriv'd in ambiguous termes might have according to the explication of those termes senses very
persons declar'd to me that sow'd those falsities calumnies for fear of engaging such persons too far but that at least the particulars wherof we are accus'd and blam'd might be told us because perhaps we might bring such evidence as would evince our innocence and justifie the Candor of our sentiments and of our sincere respect and affection for the things and the persons to whom endeavours were us'd to render us suspected And for that I consider'd him as one of the most knowing and prudent of the Cardinals I beseecht him for this favour hoping that in the mean time that what I said to him would cause him to suspend his belief and that of others also as to any thing that might be secretly and craftily suggested to our disparagement The Cardinal let me speak all that I would upon this matter and when I had done he arose up telling me He would remember what I had said to him Monsignor Sacrista about this time brought me to the knowledge of a Father who was keeper of the Library belonging to the Augustines and recommended me very much to him to the end that if in their Library which is publick for all that will to repair to in the forenoon and make use of what books they needed there were any book or manuscript that I needed for assisting me in the cause I was to manage which he saw wholly in behalf of S. Augustin's doctrine and authority he would do me the favour to accommodate me with it The said Father promis'd me very willingly and that I might more conveniently see all that he had to shew me he desir'd me to take the afternoons to come in because then there would be no person there but our selves Accordingly I went thither on Tuesday Octob. 10. He show'd me some manuscripts remaining in that Library of the Congregations which were held under Clement VIII and Paul V. For Fr. Gregorius Nunnius Coronel who was one of the two Secretaries of those Congregations and of the Order of Augustines had privately kept them till his death after which they were taken into this Library and plac't amongst the rest That afternoon I copied out one my self which at first view I conceiv'd worthy of that labour because I saw at the foot of each page the subscriptions of the Divines of whom those Congregations consisted In every of those Pages was seen the resolutions of those Divines against the errors of Molina and that resolution was subscrib'd with the original signatures of those Divines who set thereto their Ita sentio and subscrib'd it with their own names They were but nine at first and towards the end but eight and their names were Petrus Lombardus Archiepiscopus Ardmacanus Archiepiscopus Fr. Jo. de Rada Episcopus Pactensis he subscrib'd always thus begining with Archiepisc Fr. which is very unusual Fr. Julius Sanctueius Episcopus S. Agathae Gothorum Laelius Laudus Episcopus Neritonensis Fr. Hieronymus Pallantus Episcopus Bizontinus D. Anastasius a Brixia Abbas Farfensis who as it appeares by the twelfe of these subscriptions was also one of the secretaries Fr. Joannes de Plumbino Ordinis Eremitarum S. Augustini Procurator Generalis Fr. Gregorius Nunnius Coronel Secretarius so he always subscribes himself Fr. Jacobus le Bossa Religiosus S Benedict in Francia Doctor in Facultate Theologiae Parisiensi The title of this last calls to my mind that there was also a Doctor of the Faculty named M. de Creit who was of those Congregations as I have seen in some other Manuscripts and Memoires of that time but what ever cause sickness or other hindred him from being of the number of those that subscrib'd the Resolutions of this Manuscript I found them subscribed only by those whose names I have mention'd A present Copy of the said Manuscript shall be annex'd to the end of this Journal that the learned may see what it was and I doubt not but it is still I shall only say here before hand that the Effectualness of Grace by it self and its necessity to all the good motions of Christian piety its dominions and infallible power over the Will of man which nevertheless consists with the perfect liberty thereof The gratuitous Election and Predestination whâ—ch God maketh of men to eternal salvation depending on his pure liberality and mercy and not on the praevision of their merits and the good use which they will make of his Grace The certainty of the eternal Prescience which he hath of all those which shall be saved in all times founded solely upon that Election and upon the Power and Vertue of his Grace and the effectual motion which he giveth it to subdue and subject to itself the most rebellious Wills of those on whom he pleaseth to bestow that Grace which is all that we pretend and have ever pretended to defend against the Authors of the Five Propositions who never invented them but as an Artifice to ruine and stifle those holy Truths are very fully and evidently establisht in that Manuscript against the errors of Molina I receiv'd that day too a Complement from the Abbot of St. Peter in vinculis who a little time after was made Archbishop of Manfredonio in the kingdom of Naples he signified to me that having understood that I had been several times at his house to see him he desir'd me to send him word when he might come visit me I pray'd him without Ceremony not to take the pains to come to see me but to do me the favour to expect me on Thursday following which was he 12th of October Accordingly I went to see him and laid open my whole business to him which he took very well and seem'd a man of capacity and study and full of zeal for St. Augustin and perfectly impartial The same day a friend came to me and brought me the Book intitled Jansenius de Ecclesia c. pessimè meritus of which I made mention above M. Guiffier had given it to this friend of mine not knowing what to do with it and told him F. Mulard presented the same to him which shows that that Cordelier had a good number of them to distribute since he gave them to persons that had no need and could make no use of them The day preceding I receiv'd another visit from a Dominican who told me that being two or three days before with Cardinal Lugo the Cardinal said thus to him It is necessary that we unite together against the Jansenists at least in the things in which they thwart both you and us equally as in Sufficient Grace whereto this Dominican answer'd as another did sometimes to F. Annat who blusht to have made so frivolous a Motion to a very intelligent Divine that there was much difference between the sufficient Grace held by the Jesuites and that which is held by the Dominicans That the pretended Jansenists did not oppose any but that of the Jesuites the good or bad use whereof depended absolutely on Free-Will
as for himself it was not necessary to speak to him di questa robba of those things but I must advertise M. Albizzi of them whose office it was to take care thereof I reply'd That I had inform'd M. Albizzi of the same but I was oblig d also to inform his Eminence thereof as I had likewise done the Pope himself As I was proceeding further the Cardinal made shew of going to rise up from his seat and therefore I was oblig'd to rise from mine which when I had done I told him that the Congregation whose Erection I came to sollicite conjointly with other Doctors that were shortly to arrive at Rome was very just and very important for Truth the Peace of the Church of France the Honour of the Holy See and the preservation of its authority The Cardinal answer'd that I must not doubt but the Pope would have all imaginable care of an affair of that quality In the afternoon I lighted upon a book at a Book-sellers Shop intitled Gemma sententiarum S. P. Augustini de Auxiliis selectarum ex omnibus tomis libris ipsius Patris Augustini a fratre Nicolao de Gracchis Romano Ordinis Eremitarum S. Augustin Mag. Doct. in S. T. J. V. Professor Ad sanctiss Dominum nostrum Vrbanum VIII P. M. Romae apud Andream Pheum MDCXXVI superiorum permissu I bought several of those Books though it was not of the most commendable for it self but because in the few sentences therein extracted in very few words out of S. Augustin there were a good number which suted with the Catholick sense of which the Propositions were capable and having been dedicated to Vrban VIII and printed with permission of superiours in the year 1626. and ever since publickly expos'd to sale in Rome till the year 1651. without any complaint having been made thereof there was great apparence that neither Clement VIII nor Paul V had impos'd perpetual silence upon the matter de auxiliis as the Pope and many besides him endeavoured to perswade me On Thursday morning I went to visit Cardinal Vrsin I shew'd him our Latin Manifesto and gave him an account how our inducement to procure the impression of it was to let the whole Church now the Catholick senses which we maintain'd in the matter of the five Propositions and which oblig'd us to endeavour to hinder their condemnation for fear those senses might be involv'd in the same and it might be extended and applyed thereunto by the very Contrivers of the said Philosophical Discourse which we had to this purpose the Cardinal acknowledg'd that the Jesuites had strangly corrupted Divinity and amongst other examples that he alledg'd thereof he mention'd two Jesuite Authors nam'd Pelissarius and Amicus who taught That one might kill a man that was ready to slander him though he were a Religious or Monk perhaps not by giving him a wound with a Sword or Pistol but by a way that seem'd to them more gentle and moderate namely by starving him per subtractionem ciborum He told me also that the Jesuites offer'd to undertake the defence of those Authors of their Society before the Congregation of the Index whereof he was a member but that they were condemned there At the end of this Conference he pray'd me when I should have any other Books Latin or Italian touching the matters which were the subject of our Contestations with those Fathers to lend the same to him to read On Sunday Novemb. 12. I was at a Divinity Act held at the Augustines who invited me thither There I saw answer and dispute well amongst others F. Alvarez a Fryer of the Order of the Dominicans and Professor in Divinity at la Minerve The names of others I do not remember On Tuesday November 14. I went to the Ambassadors whilst he was hearing Mass I had heard it before Cardinal Barberin arriv'd at the same time and I went with him into the Ambassadors Chamber expecting till Mass were ended but it was then but beginning The Discourse I had with the Cardinal in the interim was only concerning the Book of Frequent Communion and the purity wherewith it behoveth to approach that holy Table When the Ambassador came to us he saluted him very pleasantly threatning to tell F. Mulard that he had found him with me which signified that there needed no more to make his Eminence pass for a Jansenist in the opinion of that Cordelier I dined that day with the Ambassador who after many several discourses of Moral and Christian matters as well during Dinner as after told me that he lately saw in F. Mulards hands a Letter signed by M. Pereyret and many other Doctors touching the matters in contest This gave me occasion to reiterate to him the request which I had formerly made to him for a sight of M. Halliers whereof he had given me hope and also to beseech him to let me see this new one if he could assuring him that on my part I had nothing that I would keep secret but contrarily should be always ready to produce all to the publick light and particularly to such as might find themselves interested therein But I could never get a Copy or so much as a sight of those Letters either by this means or otherwise On Wednesday Novem. 15. afternoon I went to Cardinal Barberin I found F. Mulard coming out thence with a Letter and a written paper which he held in his hand I pray'd him to let me see that Paper he refused to do it but yet condescended so far as to open it It was very fairly written and contain'd four pages I cast my eye upon the Title and there read these words An sitâ— sopienda quae jam fervet Jansenistarum controversia imposito utrique parti silentio which was a sufficient Item to me having gotten a Copy of it afterwards that this man was made use of to distribute and impart here and there such kind of Writings which were works of darkness wholly fill'd with calumnies and falsities as well as that of F. Morel F. Mulard told me that he was going to carry that which he had in his hand to Cardinal Spada with intent after he had read it to bring it again to Cardinal Barberin I recovered that Writing afterwards as I shall relate in its due place but I shall here set down what I found it to contain The design of those who caus'd it to be dispers'd was to show that it behoved not to impose silence to the two parties but to condemn Jansenius They prov'd it 1. because said they Jansenius was already condemned by the Bull of Vrban which declares that he renews the Doctrine of Bavis It hath been seen in several places of this Journal even by the acknowledgement of Cardinal Barberin that there is nothing more false then this pretension the said Bull being but provisional 2. Because if Silence were impos'd it would be no longer lawfull to say that the Commandements are
possible and that the H. Spirit may be resisted But this is ridiculous too it being alwayes lawfull to utter such truths as are certain and not contested by any person 3. Because the Church was already engag'd to find errors in Jansenius Quia jam Ecclesia oppignorata est cùm definierit multas ex Jansenianis Propositionibus esse damnatas damnabiles proinde hujus controversiae materia non est amplius indifferens It appears hence that the principal artifice of the Jesuits hath alwayes been to engage the Pope and the Bishops to make ambiguous Decrees and afterwards to drive them further then they desir'd at first by supposing that it is a thing decided They obtain'd at first a little Decree against Jansenius then they engag'd Pope Vrban VIII to make a provisional Bull into which they procur'd ambiguous words to be slipt By favour of the ambiguity of which provisional Bull themselves have made a Doctrinal Bull of it and at length have begun to seek for errors in Jansenius because as they pretend the H. See hath affirmed there were some in his book 4. Because those Propositions were maintain'd in France which is very false the Propositions having been fram'd by themselves and no person there having ever maintain'n them saving so far as they may be reduc'd to the sense of Effectual Grace which is not to maintain them but to maintain Effectual Grace 5. Because it was meet not to let passe the occasions of confirming to the H. See the possession of defining controversies touching Faith Expedit non praetermitti opportunas occasiones hujus possessionis confirmandae And that this occasion was the more favourable for that the King was ready to cause obedience to be given to the Pope and the Principal persons of the Parliament had likewise declar'd that his Decision should be obey'd It is not improbable but this reason hath been considered as much or more then the rest Lastly to take away all scruples they maintain'd that there was nothing in this controversie that had reference to the controversie de Auxiliis Hanc esse causam Thomistarum Jesuitarum qui dicunt errant toto coelo Nihil proponitur Summo Pontifici de quo fuerit contentio inter illos duos Ordines nihil quod non sit inter ambas familias summo consensu constitutum We shall see in its due place how farr the Dominicans were from this thought When I had quitted F. Mulard I went up to Cardinal Barberin but because he had many audiences to give and I had not much to say to him I continu'd with him but a moment After which I went to visit F. Delbene who told me he believ'd there would be erected a full and solemn Congregation and that when he gave me the advertisement which he did from Cardinal Barberin it was out of the affection which his Eminence had for me and that he had also render'd his Eminence very advantagious testimonies of my deportment and discourse with him in all the conferences that we had had together Yet it is certain that those charitable advertisements gave occasion to the Jesuits to spread the rumor in many parts of Rome that I was already become suspected by the Inquisition which rumor seem'd to me so unreasonable and importune that I was sometimes in the mind to make a free and authentick complaint thereof to those Officers but persons more intelligent then my self in the genius of the Country whom I acquainted with that thought counsell'd me not to do any thing about it but to lift my self above such false reports On Thursday after noon I return'd to Cardinal Barberin and finding that he was gone abroad I went up to the chamber of M. Holstenius I found him with a book in his hands which the Pope had given him a few dayes before at an audience which he had of him wherein he told me his Holinesse spoke very advantagiously of me and that he was well pleas'd therewith As for the Five Propositions he pray'd me not to take it ill if he freely told me his thoughts of them which were that he wonder'd that we would maintain the same absolutely because of the Catholick sense which they might admit notwithstanding the Heretical inherent in them and he spoke as if our intention were not draw out of each of those Propositions a clear and plain Proposition expressing in evident and unsuspected terms the sentiments we had upon each I answer'd him that he had reason to say that it ought to be so done and assur'd him that it was our intention I told him that it behooved to unravell and put into the fire those Propositions and of each to make two whereof one to contain explicitly the Catholick sense which we held the other the Heretical which was worthy to be condemned and then to apply to each of those Propositions so express'd and exempted from all ambiguity and obscurity the judgement which it deserved I told him that if he would take the pains to read the book of Victorious Grace and our Latin Manifesto he should find that we had no other aim then what I had declar'd to him He answer'd me that he would willingly see them and upon occasion he fell to speak of the book intitul'd De Ecclesia praesentis temporis which he accounted highly of I agreed with him as to the goodnesse of the book so farr as it pretended to prove the unity and perpetuity of the Church and as to the stile and manner of expression but as for the false suppositions which it made in attributing to us such opinions as we own'd not thereby to take occasion to impugne them I told him that Author was a falsifier and a wicked person M. Holstenius reply'd as if we were much too blame then that we did not discover those falsities and complain of those calumnies and as if that silence had been an effect of the difficulty we had to manifest our sentiments I answer'd him that we desir'd nothing more cordially then that they were known by all the world for such as they are that we wisht they were written with letters as visible as the Sun-beams that in occasions that seem'd worth it we complain'd of the impostures and accusations invented to blacken us but we had not so many hands nor so much authority and friends as the Jesuites to divulge our books throughout Rome where those Fathers disperst theirs We ended this conference with a new assurance that he gave me more positive and indubitable then formerly that the Pope would not make any new determination telling me that we ought to comply with that inclination of his Holinesse and ought not to presse the H. See further to take part in those contests and become engag'd in the toiles and cares that the discussion of the same required The next day Novemb. 17. I went to carry our Latin Manifesto to M. Holstenius and not the book of Victorious Grace because I
We went on Fryday to see the master of the Pope's Chamber and know of him when we might be admitted to the audience of his Holinesse He desir'd one of us to take the pains to repair to him within a few dayes and then he would satisfy our question We intended to visite all the sacred Colledge after we had saluted the Pope but in the mean time we thought fit to visite the Cardinals of the French Faction as we had done the Ambassador Wherefore we visited the Cardinals Barberin and Vrsin The latter first gave us audience on Fryday Decemb. 15. Assoon as he saw us he shew'd us the book of Jansenius de S. Augustino c. pessimè meritus We spoke of it to him as of an iâ—famous Libel and nothing but a heap of falsities and impostures which would have been easy for us to prove because in realty it was such One amongst the rest I shall take notice of here by the way to shew how the boldest lyes and most artifical impostures sometimes destroy one another For at the same time that they imputed to the Bishop of Ipre the second Proposition which is That in the state of corrupted nature a man never resisteth internal grace they attribute to him in that libel with no lesse falsity an Error wholy contrary viz. That sinners resist divine Grace through an impossibility not to resist it This is the second of the Propositions which they there charge upon Jansenius Peccatores omnes qui divinae gratiae resistunt illi resistere ex impossibilitate assentiendi quam habet similiter adjunctam status in quo tunc reperiuntur quando resistunt But in stead of noting to Cardinal Vrsin particularly any of the Calumnies of that book we contented our selves to tell him in general that we had no more design to complain of that then of many others the same nature which were daily printed because all the commission which we had receiv'd from the Bishops who sent us was onely to advertise the Pope of the Dis-ingenuity wherewith the Equivocal Propositions presented to him were fram'd to represent to him what danger there was lest the holy truths included in those Propositions might receive some wrong if the said Propositions were absolutely censur'd because of the Heretical senses whereof they were also capable without having first separated and distinguisht the different senses which they may admit and to beseech him not to suffer the H. See to be circumvented nor Truth to be oppressed in this cause but to provide both for the one and the other by establishing a solemn Congregation in which the whole affair might be discuss'd with care and the parties heard vivâ voce and by writing touching the matter of the Propositions before his Holiness made any decision thereof The Cardinal apprehended all this very equitable and askt whether there were not a Congregation establisht already I answer'd him that we had understood so and that we knew at least four Cardinals that were designed to be of it He askt who they were I named them to him viz Roma Spada Ginetti and Cechini He said he believ'd there would be Divines joyn'd with them I answer'd that I had heard some nam'd Hereupon he nam'd to me the Father Procurator of S. Marcel and F. Aversa as it were to aske me whether they were not the persons whom I had nam'd I told him they were It being late and we disposing our selves to take leave of his Eminence he told us that for his own part he wisht the affair were terminated in the manner we desir'd and if he could do any thing in it he offer'd us his service and his recommendation That little book of Jansenius pessimè meritus was in great vogue at Rome and it had been distributed to abundance of people For going that morning to la Minerve one of their Eminent Fathers spoke to me about it and told me we must have a care of it for it would produce very evil effects But I answer'd him that that was not our businesse at all that if Jansenius had vented the Propositions which that book imputed to him they might condemn him if they would we were not concern'd that we were at Rome onely to obtaine of the Pope a solemn Congregation for examining the affair of the five Propositions before the Pope made any decision upon them Which this Dominican was well pleased with and that we declar'd our selves openly in this manner and took no part in the defence of Jansenius On Saturday the 16. I was in the Pope's presence-Chamber and spoke with his Maistre de Chambre something more particularly touching the subject of my Commission He told me that there came a Cordelier thither F. Mulard to present certain Propositions in a printed book to the Pope and that before he introduc'd him he desir'd to know what it was That Cardinal Cecheni told him there was no danger in offering it to the sight of his Holinesse He said also that the Cordelier told him that he was one of the Sorbon I answer'd him to this that most certainly he was not and so took occasion to give him an account of the whole Fraud He admonisht me also to take heed of giving the Pope alcuni travagli any cause of disturbance and pains I told him that we would be as careful in that respect as possible and that this consideration had already been the cause that I had represented to my Collegues that between that day and the Festivals there was onely the Tuesday following in which we could hope to have audience that the Pope would be much incumbred that day and that if we would stay till after the festivals we should with more ease and conveniency be admitted The Maistre de Chambre was well pleas'd with this moderatenesse and proms'd me to procure audience for us assoon after the Festivals as he could Sunday the 17. we went to the Pope's Chappel and Monsignor Sacrista placed on one side of the Altar just upon the passage where the Pope was to come in and go out so that his Holinsse casting his eye upon us considered us very wistly both at his coming in and going out M. Cosimo Ricciardi de Alcoltis Cure of San Salvato della Copella and Qualificator of the Congregation of the Index sent to me to come to him in the afternoon which I did He gave me notice that F. Annat was about to print a Book against the five Propositions and that the book was committed by the H. Office to some persons to examin it and see whether it were fit to give it approbation and permission to be printed which might prove of very great prejudice in this affair as I shall relate hereafter when I come to mention what we did to hinder it On Tuesday the 19. we went to waite upon Cardinal Barberin who fell into high commendations of the Faculty which were seconded by our applauses but least the same might be constru'd as if we
took upon us to be at Rome in its name I told his Eminence that the degree of Doctor being inseperable from the persons that have the honour to be of it I conceiv'd he consider'd the same in us though we were not imployed by the Faculty but by some of my LL. the Bishops of France for the purposes I had formerly had the honour to signifie to his Eminence Our conference continu'd not long Cardinal Rapaccioli coming to call his Eminence to go abroad and so it concluded in complements We went on Wednesday the 20. to visit the seven Churches Going to S. Peter's in the morning I met F. Mulard in the street of the Hat-Sellers who was buying some to return into France he told me would not go now the season was so far spent were it not that he was constrain'd by people that had power to command him but he hoped he should come back shortly to Rome with M. Hallier That the Pope would for certain passe a Judgment in the case That it was reported that he would be contented with imposing silence as to our matters but his mind was now otherwise I desir'd him to remember me to M. Hallier and assure him that himself could not be more desirous to be at Rome then I was to see him there When we were return'd from the seven Churches F. Mariana came to put me in remembrance of some visits which he thought expedient for us to make He told me when I askt him the question that people seem'd very joyfull for the arrival of our Collegues and spoke very well of it But he said he heard from a certain person that there had escap'd from one of us some word against the Council of Trent but he had answer'd that it was a slander and a falsity as indeed he had reason there not having been the least pretext or ground for that accusation On Fryday the 22. M. Brousse and my self went to see the General of the Augustines Amongst other things he told us that F. Mulard came to visit him as Envoy from the Faculty of Divinity at Paris and wonder'd when we assur'd him that he was neither a Deputy nor a Doctor of it He advis'd us very earnestly to forbear speaking of Jansenius and promis'd to contribute with us what he could do for the interest of S. Augustin's doctrine In a Visit I made in the afternoon to F. Barelier he told me his General could not be spoken with till after two dayes because of a hundred or sixscore letters which he was to prepare against the next day for Italy but he had already mention'd our businesse to him and said that we could not but be very welcom provided we spoke of none but S. Augustin and S. Thomas All the Festivals were spent in Devotions Ceremonies and Visits active and passive of our particular friends I saw one thing at Vespers at the Church of S. Lewis where we were on Christmasse day which deserves in my judgement to be set down here The prayers of 40. hours had been there and ended that day At the end of Vespers a Procession was to be made and the H. Sacrament was to be carried about in order to being shut up after the procession and accustomed ceremonies We had the honour to carry the Canopy As we were comming out of the Church Card. Giori was passing by He caus'd his Coach to stop the boot to be taken down and fell upon his knees while the Procession was passing When the Sacrament appear'd he alighted accompanied it and enter'd with us into the Quire and there stay'd upon his knees till all the prayers and ceremonies were ended When the Festivals were over I went to the Popes Maistre de chambre who for that the Venetian Ambassador newly arriv'd was to have his first audience that morning and Cardinal Raggi was afterwards to present to the Pope the Conservators of the people of Rome newly elected referr'd us for our audience to the Tuesday ensuing Having quitted him I went to the high Masse in the little Church of S. Thomas of Canterbury at the end of which approaching to Cardinal Barberin in the Sacristie we fell to speak of the Abbot of Bourzeis his not enduring that any thing should be spoken in the printed books about our contests against the Bull of Vrban VIII whereupon Cardinal Barberin rejoycing O said he to me M. de Bourzeis è mio grand amico On Saturday the 30th going in the afternoon for recreation to see the more considerable places of Rome as we pass'd by Ara coeli we met Fryer Archangel who told us that F. Mulard was gone and that he was gone encharg'd with Procurations and letters of recommendation from Card. Barberin to negotiate in France about the affair of the Five Propositions to return speedily and bring M. Hallier with him I askt him concerning M. Hallier's letter which F. Mulard refus'd to shew me he told us it was a thing not hard to be seen for he had given Copies of it to several Cardinals and he nam'd Roma and Ginetti that he Fr. Archangel transcrib'd them to present to their Eminences but had kept no Copy for himself they being too long and in a very small hand and requiring five or six hours to transcribe one And by all that he told me I found that what had been signify'd to me thereof by others not so clearly inform'd as Fr. Archangel was neverthelesse very true CHAP. XV. An Account of some Sermons which M. Brousse made upon the way of Die against the Calvinists of that City touching the possibility of God's Commandements AMongst the particularities which my Collegues related to me of their journey they told me of the stay which the Abbot of Valcroissant made at his Abbey during which M. Brousse had occasion to hear preach at Die a considerable Minister of that City which is almost wholly Calvinistical and to refute what he had said in his Sermon That which I heard mention of in familiar discourse seemed to me so considerable that I desir'd the Abbot of Valcroissant to set it down in writing for preserving the remembrance of it He did so and the account he gave of it deserves as I conceive to have a place in this Journal In our journey from Lyons to Marseilles in order to take Sea we pass'd through the City of Die in Dauphine where the Calvinists have a Colledge one of the most considerable that they have in France We stay'd there some dayes by reason my Abby is a league distant from that City During which time M. Brousse seeking occasion to evince the truths of the Catholick faith against the Hugonots went to the Church on Sunday the 22. of Octob. to hear the Sermon of the Minister nam'd Dise who took for the Theme of his Discourse the 6. verse of the 8. chap. of the Epistle to the Romans Nam prudentia carnis mors est prudentia autem Spiritus vita pax From which
M. de Vabres and will not passe Judgment of them at all They adde that the first Proposition is censur'd already and declar'd Heretical and that the others are under examination That when the Censure is finished before it be declared to you you shall be called for to be heard in private and after that the Censure shall be publisht Accordingly they are more briske then usuall Be pleased to inquire into the grounds of this newes which comes not from one alone but from many hands In the end of this year a Censure was past by the Archbishop of Paris upon a book of F. Brisacier a Jesuite intitl'd le Jansenisme confonda c. Jansenisme confounded The Cause was for that the Author therein chargeth the Monastery of Religious Women or Nunnes at Port-Royal with abundance of calumnies and scandals so far as to accuse them of heresie in doctrine and heinous disorders in manners That according to the Rules prescrib'd to the Virgins of the H. Sacrament there will be a new Religion made that they shall be call'd Impenitents Asacramentaries Incommunicants c. For which the Archbishop condemned the said book as injurious calumnious and containing many lyts and impostures He delar'd the said Nunnes pure and innocent from the Crimes wherewith that Jesuite went about to soile the candour of their good manners and traduce their integrity and Religion of which the said Archbishop declar'd that he was assured with full certainty This Censure he order'd to be publisht in all the Parishes of Paris and caus'd the same to be printed and fix'd upon the gates of all other Churc es Which was perform'd with the applause of all good men and a strange madnesse of the Jesuites who had fruitlesly imploy'd all their credit to hinder the said Censure which made them passe everywhere for publick calumniators THE FOURTH PART January 1652. Containing what pass'd during the first six Moneths of the Year 1652. CHAP. I. Of what pass'd at Paris and at Rome during the first three weeks of January THE first thing which we did this year was to go on Tuesday January 2. to the Pope's Presence-Chamber in order to being introduc'd to audience which we could not obtain that day because the Prince of Luneburg who had the first and Cardinal Vrsin who had the second took up all the time We repair'd thither every day afterwards that we could hope for it till at length we obtain'd it on the 21. of the same moneths as I shall relate in its due place In the mean while we employ'd our time as the necessity and advantage of our affair or the rules of Decorum required That Tuesday afternoon I went with M. Brousse to M. le Cavalier Pozzo a person of note in Rome and of great worth He told us in his entertainment a pleasant Conceit of a Jesuite whom he formerly knew and who was the present Pope's Confessor This Jesuite maintain'd and would needs print his Opinion That the Pope might choose his successor before his death and establish him as a Coadjutor in that highest Ecclesiastical dignity The same day at Paris a person nam'd Sanguiniere who had been a Jesuite but thrust himself into the Faculty of Divinity so far as to maintain a Thesis in a Tentative Question haveing demanded in the Assembly Letters concerning his time of study was deny'd though he was backd by the favorers of the Jesuites and more then any by M. Hallier The same Doctors appear'd also very displeas'd with the News which they receiv'd at that time of the arrival of my Collegues at Rome but yet they comforted themselves for all that by publishing abroad that that whould not hinder but the Pope would speedily pronounce a Judgment against the Propositions and that if he gave us a hearing before he pronounc'd it would be but as I had been heard in the businesse of the Houres Which coming to the ears of the Bishops who deligated us they enjoyn'd us again by a Letter which they caus'd to be written to us on the fifth of that moneth to beware of engaging in a secret or private Conference but to coniinue suing for a solemn one like those which had been held under Clement VIII and Paul V. before which we should not be contented with answering for the Catholick sense which the Propositions imputed to us might admit in which alone they were to be maintain'd as Orthodox but also should accuse the erroneous sentiments of Molina and demand the condemnation thereof against the Jesuites On Monday the 8. we accompani'd Cardinal Barberin to the Consistory and he did us the honour to desire us to dine with him the next day Accordingly having treated us with very great magnificence he carried us to spend the afternoon in his Library and afterwards himself conducted us home On the 11. M. Brousse and I went to see the Ambassador and accompani'd him to the Palace of S. Mark to the Ambassador of Venice and from thence to the profess'd House of the Jesuits call'd le Giesu which is not far from his Palace The Ambassador as he told us went thither to speak with one of those Fathers with whom the King was not well pleas'd which he did after he had heard Masse I observ'd that assoon at F. Annat received notice of the Ambassador's coming he went away without staying for him to get audience of the Pope On Fryday the 12th we began to visite the Cardinals who we knew were design'd for our Congregation That day we visited Cardinal Spada who receiv'd and entertain'd us very well But this was considerable in the audience he gave us that there was not spoken so much as one word concerning our affair on one side or other After which I going alone to see the Cure of S. Saviour he gave me a very remarkable Item which we alwayes endevor'd to Practise viz. That the half of an Affaire especially at Rome consisteth in the manner of well managing it La Meta d' un negotio consiste nel modo di ben portarlo This good Cure was great friend and countryman to Monsignor Ghiggi who was lately return'd from his Nuntiature at Munster He gave me an account of him as a man of great piety and learning much in favour with the Pope and one of his Secretaries of state who would not fail to be Cardinal at the next promotion and perhaps one day Pope when there was pass'd another Papacy after the present For these reasons he advis'd me to visite him asson as I could to informe him of the state of our affaires Upon his motion I went for that purpose on Saturday the 13th of January but finding that he gave no audience I went tot S. Maria Maggiore There I saw the Dominican Confessor of the French Nation who told me that the next day there was to be a Chappel of Cardinals to celebrate there a Masse of the Trinity for Pius V. That this Pope dy'd in such opinion of Sanctity that on the
was told by one of the H. Office that he to whom F. Annat's book de Incoacta libertate then under the Presse was committed to read had made his Report of it eight dayes ago that M. Albizzi mov'd there might be given to it not only a Licence for printing but also a kind of Approbation that there was nothing in it contrary to the Faith but the Members of the H. Office considering it was not their Custom M. Albizzi could not bring them to his intended innovation and so the book was only remitted to the Master of the Sacred Palace I went to visit him on Saturday the 19. and represented the Prejudice which the Cause of Grace Effectual by it self would receive by the Approbation which F. Annat endeavour'd to get from the Congregation of the H. Office for the Book he was printing and the advantage which the Jesuites would make of it for the upholding of their Molinistical Grace subject to Free Will which could not be establisht but upon the ruines of many Christian Truths The Master of the Sacred Palace presently agreed with me as to the prejudice which those truths receive from that Molinistical opinion and particularly mention'd many truths that are subverted thereby But he told me that he did not believe F. Annat's book was writ in defence of that opinion That were it so it could not afford any consequence as to the matter of the Doctrine which would not fail to be maintain'd when they came to the Decision but till it were come to that the Pope had prohibited writing of these matters without permission of the Congregation of the H. Office That the said Congregation had given F. Annat such permission and him the Master c. permission to peruse the book and give his consent to the impression That he had done so and could not have done otherwise That those people were Almighty Ognipotenti That he was in an office in which it was necessary to obey By which I saw that we must be contented either to behold that book publisht with whatever advantagious Notes of Approbation it could be authoris'd or else stop its course by our complaint to the Pope against it if we could get audience of him before it came forth CHAP. II. Of the first Audience which we had together of the Pope Jan. 21. 1652. at the end of which we deliver'd to him our first Memorial AT length we obtain'd that so much desired Audience on Sunday Jan. 21. After we had made the usual kneelings at entrance into the Chamber where the Pope was and kiss'd his feet we placed our selves all four before him in a Semicircle and being upon our knees M. Brousse our Senior spoke in Latin to his Holinesse what followeth in the Translation Most Holy Father THE Joy we resent this day is so great that no words are capable to expresse it For what could happen more desirable and more happy to Sons of the Church to Priests and Doctors then to see our selves prostrate before the Common Father of Christians the Visible Head of the Church the Vicar of Jesus Christ and the Successor of S. Peter to kisse his feet and receive a benediction from his hand and mouth So that we doubt not but the sequel of this Year will be favourable to us and the successe of our Commission fortunate since we begin both the one and the other with your Holinesse's benediction Behold us most H. F. at the feet of your Holinesse sent from many most illustrious Bishops of France who excited with an ardent Zeal for the Mysteries and Articles of Faith and animated by their respect to the Holy See and particularly towards your Holinesse have delegated us hither to beseech you in their Name according to the laudable custom of the Church in the like occasions to please to ordain a Congregation for the Examination and Discussion of five Equivocal Propositions fraudulently and subtilly contriv'd and whereof the Authors themselves sollicit a Censure with all kind of artifices to the end that after the Parties shall have been heard in presence one of the other their proofs and reasons reciprocally produc'd subscrib'd and communicated the whole being weigh'd and examin'd as the importance of the matter requireth your Holinesse may pronounce and declare by the supreme authority which you have in the Church what ought to be follow'd and what avoided which is the true sense of those Propositions which we are oblig'd to hold and which the false which we ought to abhorr as we understand by publick and authentick Acts to have been practis'd under Clement VIII and Paul V. of hâ—ppy memory with so great glory to those two great Popes so much lustre of the truth and so great advantage to the H. See Our Confrere here present hath formerly propounded the same more largely to your Holinesse when he had the Honor to present to you the Letters of our LL. the Bishops and therefore I shall not repeat it for fear of being tedious to your Holinesse reserving my self to speak further thereof when your Holinesse shall please to command me For your Holinesse may easily judge by that strength of mind which it hath pleased God to give you of what importance this Suite of ours is for the preservation of truth for unity for peace and for the authority of the Church Forasmuch as the said Propositions being capable of divers senses true and false Catholick and Heretical and having been cunningly fram'd by those who are the Authors of them with design if once they be condemned in general and according to the rigor of the words to attribute to themselves the judgement of such Equivocal Censure and under pretext of defending it to take the Liberty of applying it as they please to all the kinds of senses and so by mingling the true with the false and error with the Catholick faith to excite envy and hatred against many both Bishops and Doctors of very great piety and excellent learning to accuse them to your Holinesse as guilty of spiritual Treason and to traduce them by their injuries and calumnies in the minds of the ignorant common people as they have not been asham'd to do already to the great scandal of all good men In which regard most H. F. there is none but sees how necessary the clearing of those Propositions is for Vnion for peace and for the good of the Church to the end that the parties having been heard on either side all the equivocations and ambiguities of words being unfolded and all the odious cavills dispell'd and rejected falsitie may become sever'd from truth error from the faith and bran from the flower to use S. Gregorie's Words I passe over in silence most H. F. that so I may not abuse the grace which your Holinesse doth me in hearing me that all this dispute concerns the dignity authority and doctrine of S. Augustin whom the supreme Pontifs and the whole Church have alwayes held in so great
to M. Puilon Doctor in Physick of the Faculty of Paris his Countryman and friend That we had nothing to do with Jansenius That he was an Author in whom we were not concern'd no more then the Bishops who deputed us that we barely requested the examen and discussion of the Propositions in question in regard of the diversity of senses whereof they are capable to hinder that the Censure which was to be made of them as we acknowledg'd they deserv'd it in one sense might not be reflected upon the doctrine of S. Augustin as the enemies of that Saint profess'd to desire having purposely fram'd them equivocal and with different senses As for the Congregation de Auxiliis that we would abstain from the word Auxilium saving so far as it would be necessary for the understanding of the Propositions we knew the Pope was so firmly resolv'd not to renew the examination of that matter that lest we should at the first addresse receive from his Holinesse a precise and absolute refusal of the Congregation for which we supplicated we were forc'd not to unfold to him so openly how it was contain'd in each of the Propositions well understood Wherefore to render our Motion the more passable M. Brousse was oblig'd to tell him in general as his letter rehearseth that we should abstain from the term Auxiliis saving so far as would be necessary for the understanding of the Propositions And because his Holinesse spâ—ke of what pass'd under Clement VIII as if after his time nothing had been done in this affair and that the thing remain'd undecided he prayed his Holinesse to permit him to revive in his memory that point of history and he told him that after the death of Clement VIII when the choice of his Successor was in agitation it was determin'd in the Conclave before proceeding to Election that he who should be chosen should finish what Clement had begun touching the matter de Auxiliis That therefore Paul V. who succeeded Leo XI whose Papacy lasted but a few dayes immediately after his promotion to S. Peters Chair reassembled those Congregations that the matters having been examin'd anew at the instance of the Jesuites for defence of their Molina who they said was ill understood and ill dâ—fended to the Congregations under Clement the matter was at length so terminated after many Congregations that fifty Propositions of Molina were condemned that the Bull was prepar'd and ready to thunder forth but that which hindred it was the quarrel of Venice from whence the Jesuites being driven pray'd his Holinesse not to publish that Bull which would quite overwhelm them promising him what they have not kept to renounce Molina and no longer teach those evil Maximes M. Brousse added that this being a matter of fact and history which pass'd at Rome we should not only be imprudent but also deserve punishment for averring it at his Holinesses feet if it were not true but we were certain that the Acts of those Congregations with the Original of the Bull of Paul V. were in Castello in the Castle S. Angelo and that if it pleased his Holinesse to cause the same to be publish'd there would be no longer need of a Congregation for the terminating of all these contests The Pope signified his satisfaction in this point of history and answer'd that he would think on it M. Brousse had the liberty to say many other things to him among others concerning S. Augustins doctrine that we adher'd to that alone not as the Pope might fear we misconstru'd it but as it would be found to be really his That when it came to be examin'd it would be found clear and uniform and that it must needs be so since the Fathers and whole Councils have embrac'd it and commended it to the whole Church as that which ought to be follow'd and with which the Church had already triumph'd over so many Hereticks We having there concluded it meet for me to speak to his Holinesse if I could have time I took occasion in this place to say That it would be one of the principal things in which his Holinesse would by God's help one day have the satisfaction to find who were mistaken our adversaries or we when he had examin'd it and caus'd it to be examin'd in the solemn Congregation for which we came to supplicate That he should see by the sequell of that examination whether our adversaries or we had the true understanding of St. Augustin's sentiments That we now declar'd to him that we would only adhere to what was acknowledg'd without contradiction and with perfect evidence to have been taught by that great Doctor as the pure doctrine of the Church and approv'd for such by Popes and that it was for this purpose chiefly that we beseecht his Holinesse to establish the Congregation desired by the Bishops upon occasion of those Five Propositions whereof every one understood in the Catholick sense of Effectual Grace contain'd an abridgement of his whole Doctrine so connex'd together were these matters and dependant all upon one and the same principle After this I took occasion from the Silence which the Pope so much insisted on to complain to him of F. Annats book which was printing I represented to him that that silence was so far from having been enjoyn'd to Divines for ever that at the same moment we were speaking to him that book was printing in Rome That M. Albizzi not content to have obtain'd permission from the Congregation of the H. Office for that Jesuite to break this silence by publishing his book us'd his endeavours to have it come forth with the Approbation of that Congregation and the authority of his Holinesses name thereby to engage the H. See unawares in the interests and sentiments of that Society because upon the determination of one single point on one side or other depended all that was to be held pro or con in the whole matter de Auxiliis The Pope answer'd me that it was a great mistake to think that all that was printed at Rome was the sentiments of the H. See but the approbation or Imprimatur requisite for the impression of books was not granted nor required but to hinder least any might be printed that were contrary to the Law of God and to Religion or against good manners Omitting what might have been reply'd to the Pope as that the sentiments of the Jesuites touching Grace were wholly contrary to Religion and to the good manners of true Christians I answer'd that F. Annat had designed not only to get the usual and general Imprimatur to his book but to have it examin'd by the Congregatiom of the H. Office to the end they might authorize the doctrine of it and so the H. See become insensibly engag'd in the unhappy cause of their Molina that it wat only this consideration and fear of the engagement of the H. See that made us anxious about the impression of thar book that
France to verifie whether it were the writing of M. Bouvot the Faculties Register or not and to make me undergo such punishment as he pleas'd if he found that I impos'd upon his Holinesse The Pope told me that he believ'd it sufficiently upon what I said to him that he did not take me for a person likely to impose upon him and he bid me read the said Conclusion which I held in my hands before him In obedience to his Holinesse I read the same throughout in Latin as it here followeth ANNO Domini Millesimo Sexcentisimo Quinquagesimo primo Die quarta Mensis Novembris Sacra Theologiae Facultas Parisiensis post Missam de Spiritu Sancto sua ordinaria habuit Comitia in aula Collegii Sorbonae in quibus honorandus Magister noster Martinus Grandin Syndicus exposuit se ante paucos dies cum honorando Domino Messier Prodecano vocatos fuisse per Illustrissimum D. Nuncium Apostolicum ipsumque ab iis quaesivisse an Facultas Romam legasset D. Abbatem de S. Amando seu de S. Amore seque respondisse Neminem Romam à Facultate deputatum esse Quo audito honorandus M. N. Petrus Deschasteaux Sorbonicus asseruit corà m Facultate Dominum de S. Amour Romae non se gerere neque gessisse pro Deputato Facultatis suam Assertionem literis sibi ab ipso Domino de St. Amour dudum transmissis quas exhibuit comprobavit Iis expositis Censuit Facultas referendum esse ad Illustrissimum D. Nuntium per eosdem Magistros nostros Messier Grandin neminem hactenus ex parte Facultatis fuisse Romam deputatum Dominumque de St. Amour significasse se non agere ut deputatum ejusdem ut literis Domino Deschasteaâ—x ab eo scriptis in Congregatione exhibitis CONSTAT quas eidem Illustrissimo Nuncio communicandas decrevit In quorum fidem subscripsi die primâ Mensis Decembris Anno Domini quo suprà De Mandato DD. Decani Magistrorum praefatae Facultatis Sacrae Theologiae Parisiensis Signed Ph. Bouvot Major Apparitor When I had done reading this Conclusion the Pope askt me how the Nuntio came to have a hand in this business Hé come è intervenuto in quesio Monsignor Nuncio I told the Pope that I was unwilling to have mention'd that circumstance though it may serve to make their insolence and detraction the more publick and notorious because I fear'd his Holinesse would not be well pleas'd to hear what hand the Nuntio had had in it but having been oblig'd by his command to read the Conclusion I could not adde to or diminish from it That indeed I wonder'd together with his Holiness how the Nuntio came to interpose in the matter but his Holinesse saw that it was so and all that I could conjecture was that he must needs have been surpris'd and made to believe things otherwise then they were that however his Holinesse might find thereby that the Nuntio was lyable to be surpris'd too in other things and consequently that his Holinesse ought not to give credit to all that he might signifie against us since others have deluded him by making him believe such things in France as he might have sent to his Holinesse how false and calumnious soever In the discourse about the Authors of that unworthy accusation mention was made of M. Hallier Syndic of the Faculty and Cosin to F. Mulard who possibly had been the principal promotor of it The Pope told us that he did not know him but had heard him spoken of as a very commendable person Whereupon I told the Pope that whatsoever esteem was had of him his Holinesse might judge whether he deserv'd it and know what temper and conduct he was of by comparing the Letters which he had written and were at Rome with the Conclusion of the Faculty which I had read unto him The Pope remain'd astonisht at this Intrigue Yet he told us that without this conviction the thing spoke sufficiently of it self that indeed he had given audience to that Cordelier and heard him as the Deputy of the Faculty of Paris yet he could never think that he was so indeed and that so eminent a society as that was and as he had found it whilest he was in France consisting of many learned and worthy persons would send to him for Deputy un tal Fratre such a pitifull Fryer as F. Mulard was I beseecht the Pope to remember all this history so contrary to sincerity and to the respect which is due to the H. See and to consider how little credit those people deserv'd in their private accusations and secret libels of which themselves were so asham'd as not to bring them out of obscurity who had the forhead to venture to commit publickly actions lyable to so many reproaches so odious and so easy to be refell'd The Pope answer'd that we ought not to fear that he would suffer himself to be posses'd by calumnies and that as to the maine of our affair he would take time to consider it more maturely that it was of such a nature as admitted not much speed I answer'd him that we should attend upon it and yet we hop'd his Holinesse would not have so much trouble in it as might be imagin'd I added that in the like case Clement VIII employ'd the whole year 1597. in assembling the Consultors whom he chose for his Congregation That the first time they were seen together was the second day of the year 1598. That that year and the four following all pass'd without the Pope's being present in those Congregations That the first time their Congregation was held in his presence was March 20. 1603. That to know how things went during those five years he caus'd what pass'd amongst the Consultors to be reported to himself from time to time by persons sure and faithfull The Pope was here pleas'd to object against what I said telling me that in the year 1598. Clement VIII went to Ferrara for the recovering of that Dutchy I answer'd that I knew Clement VIII made that journey in that year but his Consultors tarry'd at Rome and ceased not to labour there during his absence The Pope express'd himself somthing pleas'd with this discourse and we all began to put our selves in a readinesse to withdraw after having been about an houre in this audience but before we arose up I told the Pope again that we should attend his resolution and orders upon what we had represented but in the mean time the thing that was urgent and admitted little delay was F. Annat's book in which care was to be taken that the publishing of it might not be with any mark of the H. See's approbation which the Pope testifi'd he would see to He gave us a plenary Indulgence in forma jubilei upon visiting the four Churches in favour of my Collegues who were not at Rome during the H. year As we withdrew from the Pope's presence we presented
is in Jansenius's book Ptopositions condemned by Jansenius that is to be understood as they were condemn'd by the Pope and not otherwise but amongst those which he there condemnes there are some excepted and it was not said that those which were excepted were not the same that Jansenius taught So that the difference not having been made by the H. See there was reason to forbid the book and the reading of it by provision till it were made But yet all that was in it might be true to the least line and yet the said Bull have its full and intire execution Thus this learned Monastick engag'd us to speak much of Jansenius but before we parted we told him let the affaires of that Bishop go as they would it was nothing to us who had nothing to propound either for his defence or against the Bull and that we stuck onely to the affair of the five Propositions in question Of which we gave him the reasons namely the Catholick sense concerning Effectual Grace included in them which we explicated to him He was well pleas'd therewith and acknowledg'd every one for Catholick which we mention'd telling us he believ'd they could be in no danger as to that sense And at last he invited us to come the fourth sunday of Lent to see those rare and precious Reliques which are in that House whereof he is Superior The same day Fryday the 16th we went to visite Cardinal Rapaccioli according as we were advised He professd much desire to be instructed concerning our affair whereof we inform'd him punctually enough and when we told him we were not come for the defence of Jansenius's book but onely for the clearing of the different senses which might be given those Propositions he answer'd that we did prudently because Jansenius malè audiebat Romae That in this affair he should be set aside and the Propositions examin'd without taking notice of him To which we reply'd as we had done in former visites That when the senses of those Propositions were distingush'd and cleared and the Pope had pass'd a particular judgment of them it would be easy to find whether the doctrine of Jansenius upon this subject were Catholick or Heretical onely by comparing those senses so cleared and judged with what is contain'd in the book of that Bishop We also visited Cardinal Ludovisio who heard our account of this affair with great civility Besides the general things which we represented every where else we testifi'd to him that notwithstanding the necessity of it yet we were very backward to bring this new incumbrance upon the Pope besides those which molested him already To which he answer'd that the Pope was not a temporal Prince but by accident that God had not establisht him such but as for matters of Faith and Truth they ought to be his first care We beseecht him to remember the justice of our sute for a Congregation for the discussion of this affair and to favour this sute with his approbation and recommendation in such occasions as he might have to do it He told us that by what we had said he sufficiently understood the importance of it but the same would be more apparent when the Pope had appointed Judges to examine it and if he were of the number he would do all in his power in behalf of truth and justice The Procurator General of the Augustines receiv'd the next visite from us we instructed him soundly and amply of our intentions and confirm'd to him altogether what I had formerly acquainted him with alone The same day I endevor'd to speak with Monsignor Ghiggi but was told some other houre in the day would be more proper then the Evening yet I could not obtain to have one expressely assign'd me because Monsignor they said was not at his own dispose I durst not go thither again on Saturday in regard of the Dispatches for Italy but I design'd that day for some particular visites amongst which one was to F. Dinel the Jesuite we talked much more of the ancient acquaintance which he and I had at Court while he was the late King's Confessor and of the singular good will which he acknowledg'd his Majesty had for me then of the affairs of the time saving that we spoke something about my return and my Commission to Rome of which he acknowledg'd with me the fruit could not be but advantageous to all the world On Sunday the 18th after we had been to accompany the Ambassador to Chappel I went to Monsignor Ghiggi's house but not finding him I return'd thither in the afternoon and stay'd to speak with him till six a clock at night I told him we were constrain'd to have recourse to him for our Memorial by reason of the difficulty and delay of audience from the Pope and the fear lest the book should come forth in the mean time He said it was a matter that did not belong to him yet he had spoken of it to the Pope who told him he had given order that the book should not come forth without having been first well perus'd c. I did not think fit to give Monsignor Ghiggi such an answer as would have been more material then that which I made him I ought to have told him that it was difficult to weigh the consequences of the impression of that book without having first examin'd things to the bottome as we desir'd they might be and the parties heard But having thank'd him for his good office I onely said That with what ever care it might be perused we had to do with people that had many wiles and subterfuges that explicated their writings on way to the Examiners before printing and afterwards understood them another and made what use of them they pleas'd That for instance they took this course to draw the Dominicans into the same complotment with themselves perswading them that they both defended the same kind of Grace which they call sufficient though they knew very well that that which the Dominicans hold besides which learned Divines maintain that there is requisite Effectual Grace to determine the Will to a good action is wholly different from their own which they so subject to the Will as to make the good or bad use of it wholly to depend upon that Faculty Monsignor Ghiggi fell upon the Political reason that there was not to permit either side to print such sort of books and that it was requisite to forbid all the world equally so to do I answer'd that it would be good in the interim but at length it was requisite to manifest which side had reason which defended the Truth and the Faith and so come to a solemn decision which would bring all parties to accord He made great difficulties as to this in regard he saw that while the H. See remembred and consider'd that Clement VIII Paul V. had labour'd so much in these matters without determining any thing it would be loth to reassemble
book He bid me represent the same boldly and said he had scarce had time to peruse it and it was not in his power to read it exactly Afterwards M. Brousse and I went to the Ambassador who told us that in the end of his audience asking the Pope How his Holinesse lik'd our Doctors The Pope express'd himself well satisfy'd with us That then he signify'd to him that we desir'd to have an audience touching a book that was printing whereof we complain'd But the Pope seem'd surpris'd at our solliciting for audience and lookt upon our complaint as a thrusting of our selves to intermeddle with the order and discipline of Impressions which are made at Rome and to reform the same That the said the book had been seen by the Master of the Sacred Palace that all the ordinary Ceremonies had been observ'd about it and if there were any thing that ought to hinder the Impression the Dominicans were adversaries sufficiently to the Jesuites not to let it passe without complaining of it As M. Brousse was going to reply the Ambassador of Malta arriv'd and interrupted the conference We retir'd into another chamber where after the Ambassador had done with him of Malta he came to rejoyn us We told him that we should condemn our selves had we the thought as the Pope imagin'd to cause the least change in the Regulation accustom'd to be kept at Rome for the printing of books but that whose impression we oppos'd being directly upon the subject of the difficulties to be debated amongst the Divines upon which we came to supplicate the Pope to hear them in a solemn Congregation before any Decision of them consequently to prevent the H. See from being engag'd on one side or other before hearing them it was our duty to represent to the Pope what prejudice the Impression of that book authoris'd as we were inform'd by the H. See or some of its principal members might bring to our cause and to the H. See it self We told him he might see the same more clearly set forth in our Memorial if he pleas'd to take the pains to read it He accepted our offer to leave the same with him and he promis'd that he would not sleep before he read it He stay'd us to dine with him and at the table F. Mulard's deputation was spoken of and the real accusation that had been made against me which the Ambassador acknowledg'd to be so groundlesse that he told me himself would be my witnesse wherever I pleas'd that I had never given the least cause for it On Thursday the 22th the Ceremony of giving the Hat to the new Cardinals was solemnis'd and we were present at it On Friday the 23d M. Brousse and I went to the Ambassador to wait upon him to the Pope and to remember him of our Memorial He shew'd us his Note of the things of which he was to speak to the Pope amongst which our affair was written and he drew our Memorial half out of his pocket to shew us that he had not forgotten us While the Ambassador was at audience we waited in the Presence-chamber to be ready in case we should be call'd He stay'd till noon and when he came forth we reconducted him home in his own Coach Where in few words he told us that he had represented our affair very zealously and punctually to the Pope but found him not disposed to conclude any thing upon it That he told the Pope that it was urgent and requir'd a speedy Order to stop the Impression That his Holinesse knew well that be had never spoken to him in favour of us but on the contrary had made many recommendations to him in behalf of the Jesuits yet he lookt upon this affair as likely to have troublesom consequences and capable unlesse his Holinesse prevented it to raise some combustion in France which would not be pleasing to him That the printing and authorising of a book of that nature whilst we were solliciting for the examination of things to the bottom could not be well resented That he had hitherto advis'd the Pope to delude us if he thought good and do all that he pleased against us but yet to content us at least in apparence by granting the Congregation which we su'd for and holding such things as these which were not decisive in aequilibrio in the mean time but all his discourse could noc prevail upon the Pope whose mind he found biass'd and prepossess'd in this affair against us That neverthelesse he left our Memorial with him that very probably he would read it that he had commended it to him and said that his Holinesse no doubt would be well pleas'd with it excepting perhaps for some few positive words wherwith we spoke of our opinion as constant and indubitable That he could not procure audience for us that day in regard other Ambassadors were to be admitted nor could we have any the next day because it was the day for the Card. of the H. Office that Sunday would be taken up at Chapel Monday Tuesday with the Signature of Grace that this was great delay but he hoped the Pope would in the mean time relent and become favourable to our request when he had read our Memorial and ruminated upon it That for all this hope which he gave us we should not account our businesse done but continue what other diligences we could use in it That for his part he had forgot nothing that he could alledge to the Pope in this cause but the Pope instead of concluding any thing still did what he could to wave the subject and come to an end of the audience We returned our most humble thanks to the Ambassador for the good office he had done us and left him to prepare for his departure to Tivoli in the afternoon I should here insert the Memorial which I have so often mention'd and shall speak of in the sequel of this Narrative but for that it contain'd onely the same reasons more at large which we had represented to the Pope in few words at the audience we had of him Jan. 21. it would be tedious to recite it here I shall only note that among other things we declar'd in it 1. That we impugned only the Sufficient Grace subjected to Free-Will which the Molinists hold 2. That we maintain'd only Effectual Grace as to the Five Propositions 3. That we did not undertake the defence of the book of Jansenius The same day we made a second Visit to Cardinal Spada in which we represented our affair to him giving him an account of what had pass'd in the audience which the Pope had given us Jan. 21. After M. Brousse had ended his discourse the Cardinal answer'd us in these words Hò caro d'haver sentito quel c'hà detto suo Santità quando veno qualche cosa ordinata da essa lo farò c. M. Brousse was about to adde something to the Narrative which he had made
heard and consider'd all the Pope might passe judgment thereof and his decision might be receiv'd peaceably with the satisfaction of both parties and with the respect that shall be due thereunto We rose up and Cardinal Lugo told us as he accompany'd us that he was glad for his not being concern'd in this affair nor employ'd in it and we told him on the other side that we wisht his Eminence were employ'd in it Ending this visite we went to Cardinal S. Clement who assoon as M. Brousse had begun to lay open the subject of our coming told us he understood the businesse well enough but he would acquaint us with some particularities that had pass'd at Rome He said the Nuntio had sent thither a certain Censure made by the Sorbonne in which those Propositions were condemn'd That the Pope appointed four Divines to write their sentiments upon those Censures that three of the four plainly and fully confirm'd those Censures but the fourth spoke a little more uncertainly That himself being upon occasion oblig'd to speak what he thought of them he had said freely That the Censures were Heretical and not the Propositions For he constru'd them all to the sense of Effectual Grace That the Pope hearing his opinion said See Cardinal S. Clement saith our Divines are Hereticks and that he reply'd to the Pope that he did not say that his Divines were Hereticks but the Censures and yet if they persisted obstinate in avowing the confirmation which they made thereof they would be Heretical too as well as the Censures He spoke something about the earnest study of these matters which was requisite for the right understanding of them whereby he gave us to know that he understood the same well He began to enter upon the discussion of the first of the Propositions when one came to advertise him that the Prince of Lunebourg was coming to take leave of him being to return into Germany which broke off our conference The Cardinal made an excuse to us and testif'd his regret for this interruption We told him we could come again to see him he answered that it was not needfull and that he was sufficiently inform'd of all that had pass'd and was daily acted as to this affair We went in the afternoon to accompany the Ambassador to the Cardinals Homodei Santa Croce and Corrado At his return he askt us whether any thing was done touching our Memorial We told him we had heard no tidings of it He reply'd that nevertheless he conceiv'd the Pope had taken order in it and as he was told had charg'd the General of the Jesuites to hinder those of his Order from Writing upon these matters during these contests and this posture of things without the Books be first seen and examin'd at Rome We answer'd That it was contrary to what we wisht because the Jesuites made no books but whaâ— furnish'd us with new Arms and so the more they writ the more they fortif'd 〈◊〉 but our sole intent in this maâ—ter was that their books might not be review'd at Rome forâ—…ar the H. See shâ—uld suffer it self to be engag'd in their sentiments and surpris'd by their Artifices M. Guâ—ffâ—…r did us the honor to invite us to dinner on Wednesday the sixth and in the afternoon we accompanied the Ambassador in the Visits which he continued to the new Cardinals Ottobone and Lomelino On Thursday the seventh the Cardinals held a Chappel at la Minerve for the solemnity of the feaâ— of S. Thomas where they were all present except those of the H. Office who on another day then Thurday would havâ— been there rather then the rest but now prefer'd their usual Assembly held before the Pope before that Ceremony We were invited in the afternoon to the Covent of the Bare-footed Carmeliets where an Oration and a Dispute were to be made for the celebration of the same Festival The Abbot of Valcroissant and M. Angran were there and M. Brousse and I continued to accompany the Ambassador in the rest of the Visits which he was to make to the new Cardinals Aldobrandino and Ghiggi Friday the eight being the ordinary day that Ambassadors have audience of the Pope regularly every foâ—tnight we presented a little Memorial in French to our Ambassador as he was going to the Pope partly to remind him of that which at our instance he had left with his Holiness at his former audience and partly to inform him more expresly of the reasons which induc'd us to present it which tended in no wise to hinder the Jesuites from writing and publishing Books but only from doing it with the owning and approbation of the H. See And to shew him that it was no vanity that we said that we could have advantages against the Jesuites out of their own Books and particularly out of that whose publishing we endeavour'd to obstruct we shew'd him a printed sheet of it in which F. Annat either by a gross error or obstinate malice which could not but turn to his own confusion cited Pelagius's confession of Faith as a work of S. Augustin containing his Doctrine The Ambassador took our little Memorial and the sheet we left with him to shew the Pope if he found it meet He told us he was mindful of us and that we were already in the Note of what he had to say to his Holiness At his Return we enter'd into his Chamber and he told us the Pope said It was a strange thing we should oppose the Impression of that book that it had past through the ordinary forms if it contain'd any thing to be dislik'd after it was printed it should be censur'd and they who did not do their duty should be reproved That the same course should be taken as was about M. Hersents book after the impression and publication of which a French Dominican who licenc'd it was confin'd six or eight months in la Minerve and the Master of the sacred Palace in danger of being cashier'd till both of them clear'd and justifi'd themselves of what they had done But besides if the Pope must take care of the printing of Books he would be overwhelm'd with infinite new incumbrances thereby That he had fifty thousand other Affairs without that and therefore we must have patience if he could not meddle with it The Ambassador told us that he reply'd to the Pope that it was more expedient to hinder a mischâ—ef before it were done then to stay till it were done to remedy it and that it was easier to quench a taper that was ready to set fire on a Woodpile then to extinguish the fire when the Woodpile was flaming This he said he represented to the Pope not as interessing himself in the businesse but by way of advice which he receiv'd from us He added that notwithstanding these considerations did not alter his mind but he continu'd still in that which he had declar'd to us that he took not the part of that book
to be in Spaine caus'd them to be brought to Rome where being examin'd he soon after declar'd them Apocryphal and forbad having them in any consideration under the usual penalties contain'd in the Bulls and Decrees of Popes That a Dominican who was present at that sermon observing that the Preacher cited those Plates inform'd the Congregation of the H. Office whereupon by order of the said Congregation the Jesuites Papers were seis'd on and verifi'd the accusation That Report being made thereof to the Pope his Holinesse said it was a shame that those people durst in view of the H. See contemn the Constitutions of Popes especially at a time when we who complain'd of them were at Rome That the Pope sent for the General of the Jesuites and told him a little angerly that he was too blame for suffering that Predicator in the functions of the Pulpit a fortnight after he had committed such an exorbitance for letting him celebrate Masse since that time and incurre irregularity that perhaps he would have let him continue in that manner till the end of Lent if his Holinesse had not lookt after it That Generals of Orders ought to be acquainted with the Bulls of Popes that they may cause them to be obey'd by their Societies In fine that his Holinesse interdicted the said Predicator Accordingly he remain'd interdicted till the fifteenth day of March when he made satisfaction for his fault in the Pulpit where he had committed it reading the Recantation prescrib'd him by the Congregation of the H. Office two Notaries of the said Congregation holding a Copy of it at the foot of the Pulpit whilst F. Carlo Salviati da lesse della Compagnia di Giesà so was he call'd read the same publickly It was in these words Havendo io inconsideramente nella predica che feci ligiomi passati sopra la Concettione della beata Virgine preservata dal peccato originale allegato l' autorità di san Tesifone conservata nelle lamine di granata contro it decreto della santa memoria di Vrbano Ottavo fatto acinque di Maggio mille seicento trenta nove e publicato a di tredici Maggio mille seicento quarenta uno E per ciò essendo io caduto nelle Censure e pene fulminate nel detto decreto solamente per haver citato l' autorità di dette lamine di granata mi fù fatto intendere da parte della santità di nostro signare è della sacra Congregatione del sanct Officio che dovessi io astenermi dal predicare è dal celebrare come reo di dette pene ho pienamente obedito Riconscendo il mio errore sono recorso alla clemenza della sua sanctita è della medisima Congregatione da ' quali sono stato begignamente aggratiato di dette pene è reintegrato all' asercitio del predicare ho voluto accennare à questa udienza tutto ciò per remediare allo scandalo che io havessi dato per essermi servito della sudetta autorità contravenendo al fudelto decreto Whereas I have inconsiderately in my late Sermon upon the Conception of the B. Virgin as preserv'd from original sin alledged the authority of San. Tesifone in the copper Plates of Granata contrary to the decree of Vrban VIII publisht 1641. And being therefore fallen under the Censures and penalties thunder'd forth in the said Decree I have been commanded by his Holinesse and the Congregation of the H. Office to abstain from preaching and celebrating Masse as guilty of the said penalties I have fully obey'd And acknowledging my error I have had recourse to the clemency of his Holinesse and the said Congregation by whom I have been graciously releas'd from the said penalties and restor'd to the exercise of preaching All which I signifie to this Auditory by way of amends for the scandal which I may have given by making use of the said Authority contrary to the said Decree Coming from this Visite I went to hear Masse at a little Church of S. Frances where there was also a Chappel of Cardinals and from thence to F. Hilarion to appoint an hour for seeing his Reliques the next day I told him all that had pass'd in reference to F. Annats Book and how the Impression proceeded notwithstanding our Remonstrances Whereupon he alledg'd very considerable reasons to perswade us to go to M. Albizzi saying that he was a man that lov'd justice and was upright in affaires in which he was not prepossess'd and exhorting us to speak to him heartily with demonstration of confidence I told him we would endeavour to acquit our selves the best we could He further represented to me how prejudicial it was to us that we lookt upon the Tribunals of Rome as half contrary to us and half Partisans of the Jesuites who were they alone whom we ought to take for our Adversaries I thankt him for his advice and assented to it but I alledg'd the necessity of our judging so by all the Decrees that were seen to come forth so easily and so frequently against the best books that were publisht on our side and I instanc'd in the Decrees issu'd against the Catechisme and the Houres He answer'd me that all those Decrees were to be consider'd with reference to the Bull of Vrban VIII in consequence of which they were made and that the H. See had no intention either by that Bull or those decrees to innovate any thing or to pronounce upon doctrine one way or other but only to cause its prohibitions of writing upon this subject without permission to be observ'd That those prohibitions which were made to either side equally were so evident a conviction that the doctrine of Jansenius receiv'd no attainder by that Bull that the meerest Peasant might be satisfy'd thereof In fine that the other Decrees were to be interpreted and consider'd in the same manner Amongst the Reliques which he shew'd us the next day the most remarkable was the Title which was upon our Lords Crosse of which there remains in that place but about one half It is of very worm-eaten wood about seven or eight inches broad and ten or eleven long upon which Jesus Nazarenus is written in Hebrew Greek and Latin and these two last Languages written as the Hebrew from the right hand to the left The Characters are fram'd very negligently such as are commonly seen in the names which ordinary people write here and there upon walls and such as the Soldiers or Executioners might frame at that time for a Criminal as they esteem'd our Lord. The Hebrew Characters are almost wholly defac'd and eaten by the wormes and time with the wood so that they are scarce perceivable The Latin is very legible and in the midst of the two other Languages and the Greek which is the lowest of the three is still easie to be read but as I said there is but about half of that piece of wood and not that
present having been introduc'd at the same time about another businesse In the afternoon I accompanied M. Brousse to Cardinal Barberin to take his leave as accordingly he did after a long discourse of sundry things not necessary to be related in this place Sunday the 24th we were at the ceremony of Palmes and receiv'd some from his Holines's hand Monday the 25. the Abbot of S. Peter in vinclis made an Oration upon the sanctity of that season in an assembly of an eminent Academy composed of many Ingenious and Learned persons whereof the Gallâ—cane Prince was one of the principal members if not the chief The Abbot did us the honour to invite us to his Oration We repaired thither and before it began Cardinal Rondanini's brother and one of Cardinal S. Clement's nephews came to us to entertaine themselves with us and promote our acquiantance formely contracted which we mutually promis'd to augment when the Festivals were past On Tuesday morning I accompain'd M. Brousse in his visitation of the four Churches In the morning we went to those of S. Marie Maggiore S. John de Lateran and S. Paul When he went in the afternoon to that of S. Peter he left me at la Minerve where I entertain'd at length F. Capisucci a Monk of that Order and Professor in Divinity with what had pass'd in the affair for which we were at Rome F. du Plantet a Minime very zealous against the sentiments of S. Augustin which he did not understand and much devoted to F. Annat and the Court of Cardinal Spada who was protector of the Minimes had given this Dominican for a full instruction in this affair a Copy of M. de Vabres's letter at the bottome of which were these words Subscripserunt aut suo nomine subscribi voluerunt hi qui sequuntur Leonorius Destampes Archiepiscopus Dux Remensis aliquot mensibus ante obitum De Grignan Archepiscopus Arelatensis Henricus de Bethune Archiepiscopus Burdigalensis Annas de Vanladour Archiepiscopus Pisuricensis Henricus a Sabaudiâ nominatus Archiepiscopus Remensis Sunt alii numero 64. Episcopi I met in the City M. Michel Angelo Recci who told me that F. Pascaligio an able Divine of the same house of S. Andrew de la Val whereof F. Delbene was desir'd to come and see us but seeing that good Father much troubled with the Goute he took the liberty to tell him that he would advertise us of it and we should prevent him I omitted mention that we spent all Saturday the 23. with Signor Pien Cottuen Notary of the Rota and Andreas Albercius and Franciscus Pignocatus expert Jurates for comparing and verifying writings in a most exquisite comparing two Copies which we had caus'd to be made of M. Pegna's history And we were so exact therein that each of those Copies was as usefull and Authentick as the Original it self Our Memorial against F. Annat's book which we no longer thought of after it was declar'd to us that neither the Pope nor the H. Office took part in it had its effect the same day that we compos'd the papers of F. Pegna M. Albizzi sent to the Printer by the Pope's Order to command him to bring to the Palace of the H. Office where M. Albizzi lodg'd where also are the Prisons call'd the Inquisition all the copies of sheets that he had printed of that work with prohibition to distribute any to any person The Letter was in these words Signor Ignatio de' Lazaris Stampatore in Roma In virtù della presente doverà V. S. recare al S. Offitio è consignare à me infrascritto tutti gli essempi dell ' Opera che con licenza della sacra Congregatione del santo Offitio ha fatto Stampatore il Padre Anato della compagnia di Giesù senza darne ad altri alcun essemplare sotto pena arbitraria alla medesima Congregatione Perche così ha ordinato è commandato la sanctità di nostro signore per ordine dato mi à bocca Dato nel Palazzo del S. Offitio questo di 28. di Marzo 1652. Signed Fran. dalli Albizzi The Prâ—er let passe H. Fryday without obeying this Order but on Saturday he carried M. Albizzi all that he had printed of that book and took his Receipt The same day five Jewes and one Turk were baptis'd at S. John de Lateran The Marquis of Bréauté was Godfather to one of those Jewes and I to another to whom I gave the nâ—me of Paul M. Hostier Bishop of Béthleem arriv'd on H. Tuesday at Rome whether he was sent from the Assembly of the Clergy of France to obtain of the Pope that he would fill the vacant Sees of the Church of Portugal with those persons which the King of Portugâ—l had nominated CHAP. VII Of a little Volume of the principal Works of S. Augustin against the Pelagians and Semipelagians which we put to printing after Easter and of the Obstructions rais'd against the Impression SHortly after we gave that poor Printer a better businesse then that of which we had been the cause that he was depriv'd There remained but a few more sheets to print for the finishing of F. Annat's book and we hir'd him to print for us the principal works of S. Augustin against the Pelagians and Semipelagians It was a thing that we had design'd some time a go because we found nothing so proper not only for justifying our pretensions to all Rome and making known the truth of the doctrine which we defended as well to the principal judges with whom we had to do as to a great number of persons whom we found little enough intelligent therein but very desirous to be instructed but also to confirme to our interests which were no other then those of truth many other persons whom we had also found inform'd enough to consider them as their own We had purposed to make several smal volumes one after another according as occasion should permit in the sequel of time but we had already chosen wherewith to make up one first as the most necessary urgent with the greatest diligence we could The Pieces which we intended to put into it were the book De Gratia Jesu Christi that De perfectione Justitiae the 107. Epistle ad Vitalem the 105. Epistle ad Sixtum the book De Gratia Libero arbitrio the 46. and 47. Epistles ad Valentinum the book De Emendatione Gratia the Epistle of S. Prosper and that of Hilarie to S. Augustin the books De Praedestinatione Sanctorum De dono Perseverantiae the Epistle of Pope S. Celestin I. to some Bishops of France the Synodical Epistle of the African Bishops which were banisht into the Island of Sardinia the second Council of Orange and the Letter of Pope Boniface II. for confirmation of that Council On Easter Tuesday the second of April I askt permission of the Vicegerent of Rome to print them and after him of the Master of the sacred Palace who both
and said he would do well to stay I know not why M. Albizzi said so but I answer'd him that M. Brousse was not yet gone but intended it th◠next day without fail his health not permitting his longer residence at Rome When he departed from M. Albizzi I sent a Laquay to Cardinal Spada's Palace to see who came to that Congregation He brought me word at night that only Cardinal Ginetti and M. Albizzi were there that he heard the Cardinals Pamphilio and Ghiggi wete to be there but they came not being oblig'd to accompany the Pope abroad to take the aire that afternoon On Saturday the 20th I went to restore a book to Cardinal Barberin Our conference was very long and we spoke sufficiently at large concerning our Impression He told me the business lay in the hands of the Cardinals Spada and Ghiggi and that for his part he saw no difficulty in it On Monday the 23d I went to the Anti-chamber of Cardinal Pamphilio where I found M. Albizzi I took occasion to tell that since the last visit we made to him I had heard nothing either from himself or Cardinal Spada and that in the mean time our Imperssion stayed without going forward He answer'd me that he would take care of it the next day la sollicitarinò domani I told him the Answer to the Minister of Groning was going forward at Paris that the first letter of that answer was already printed that the Minister was well refuted in it c. M. Albizzi answer'd me that it was well done faranno bene In the afternoon I went again to Cardinal Ghiggi and shew'd him several small Impressions formerly made of those little works of St. Augustin and represented to him with what gentleness and moderation we had govern'd our selves in this matter that so long as we could we set the Printer to sollicite M. Albizzi that so our selves might not appear in it without necessity and that we had not resolved upon presenting our Memorial to their Eminences till we perceived M. Albizzi was inexorable to all the Printers instances and till we fear'd he might give the Pope and their Eminences unhandsome suspitions and diffidences against St. Augustin and our selves The Cardinal receiv'd very pleasingly and courteously what I said to him Turning over these little Volumns of S. Augustin he lighted upon some places which he read with pleasure amongst others upon that of the 14th Chapter of the Book de Gratia where it is said Si ergo sicut veritas loquitur OMNIS QVI DIDICIT VENIT quisquis non venit profectò nec didicit He spoke of that Holy Doctor with very great esteem and gave me hope that we should have liberty to continue our Impression I went also to visit Cardinal Roma but the Gout had confin'd him to his bed On Wednesday the 24th I learnt that the Jesuites had procur'd new instances to be made as from the King of Spain to obtain a Decree from the Pope in favour of the immaculate conception of the Virgin that Cardinal Trivultio had earnestly sollicited all the Cardinals of the H. Office that it would be propounded the next day before the Pope and that his Holiness would have this matter handled in a very secret manner The Abbot of Valcroissant and my self went again to Cardinal Pamphilio to beseech him to get the affair of our Impression dispatcht He answer'd us very civilly but remitted us to Cardinal Spada for a determination The Ambassador came back from Tivolo on Thursday the 25. and civilities to him took up all the morning of the next day The Bishop of Bethlehem whom we had visited excus'd himself to us by the suspition of Jansenism that he had not yet repay'd our visit Monsignor Sacrista told me that the Congregation of the day before which without doubt was touching the business of the Conception lasted three hours and that Cardinal Lugo went away from it with a high colour and discontent in his face The Printer came to tell me that M. Albizzi had signifi'd to him the day before that the Cardinals of the H. Office gave way to the finishing of our Impression but he must review the Apostills On Saturday the 27. we consulted with some intelligent persons what course to take in this matter and concluded for avoidance of new difficulties to treat with Mr. Albizzi about the renewing of those Apostilles Accordingly on Sunday the 28. in the afternoon we went to him for that purpose with the Tome of S. Augustin printed at Paris anno 1635. out of which we intended to take the Treatise de Perfectione Justitiae having as yet only the first Tome of the Impression of Lovain of the year 1647. in which the Treatise is not which first Tome we carri'd too intending to take out of it the book de Gratia Christi and the 105 and 107. Epistles and we left both the books in his hands After which we were present at an Act dedicated to Cardinal Ghiggi at the Covent of our Lady de la Victoire whereunto we were invited But the Cardinal sent to desire that it might be defer'd to another day because the Pope went abroad to take the air and took him with him In the Garden of that Covent we met with the Bishop of Bethlem who told me that the Superior of the Jesuites of Nevers visiting him upon occasion of some affair relating to his Bishoprick which is near that City had in his discourse about the matters in contest drawn from under his Cassoke a Copy of M. de Vabres's Letter to cause him to subscribe it which he refusing they had proclaim'd him a Jansenist On the 30. of April being the day of S. Peter the Martyr the Cardinals and Consultors of the H. Office were at a Mass which was said at la Minerve for the solemnity of that Festival And because it hapned to be this year on a Tuesday and Wednesday would be taken up by that of S. James and S. Philip they held their Congregation at the end of Mass during which the Printer told me that he had spoken to M. Albizzi who said he had not yet done our business but he would dispatch it and give us contentment Vaglio dar gusto à questi signori Wherefore to see whether he would give us the satisfaction he pretended and to win him as much as possible by respects and submissions I went to visit him on the first of May and carri'd him a printed Copy of the first Letter against the Minister of Groning I shew'd him one of the principal places which spoke of the Pope the Council of Trent and the Errors of Hereticks touching the matter of Grace The two books of S. Augustin which we carried to him the Saturday following lay by his Chair he told me he had not yet dispatcht them but he would do it the next day I told him it might be done in a moment He assented and further acknowledg'd that it was a great
that being given to a man he believes or not believes according as it pleases his free-wil whereas S. Augustin speaks the quite contrary in that place ascribing faith to a singular Grace which severs him that believes from him that do's not believe being given to the one and not to the other For this see the intire passage of S. Augustin Natura in qua nobis data est possibilitas habendi fidem non discernit hominem ab homine ipsa vero fides discernit fidelem ab infideli Ac per hoc ubi dicitur Qui te discernit Quid autem habes quod non accepisti quisquis audet dicere Habeo ex meipso fidem non ergo accepi profectò contradicit huic apertissimae veritati non quia credere vel non credere non est in arbitrio humanae voluntatis sed in Electis praeparatur voluntas a Domino And in the Chapter ensuing Multi audiunt verbum veritatis sed alii credunt alii contradicunt Volunt ergo isti credere nolunt autem illi Quis hoc ignoret quis hoc neget sed cùm aliis praeparetur aliis non praeparetur voluntas a Domino discernendum est utique quid veniat de misericordia ejus quid de judicio There were several other Apostilles of the new invention of M. Albizzi or the Jesuites in the Memoire which he gave us and which I have still subscrib'd by him but I have insisted a little upon these that the Reader may judge of their design since they could hinder the Impression of S. Augustin's works at least to corrupt the doctrine thereof as much as they could by their false Apostilles Considering therefore that to debate with M. Albizzi concerning all the Apostilles contained in his Memoire and to enter into examination of the reasons he had to oblige us to print them after this manner which he prescribed and of ours to refuse it was the way to engage our selves in troublesome questions in reference to which we could have no justice and which might perhaps give occasion for some complaint against us as also that either the absolute stopping or at least long retardment of our Impression would follow thereupon which perhaps was the thing they aim'd at by the perplexities and wranglings about these Apostilles we resolv'd to accept one of the two Conditions though rude and displeasing which he had written at the bottome of his Memoire namely either to print all these Apostilles precisely as they were prescrib'd or to print no more through the remainder of the work vel delendae sunt omnes Apostillae vel imprimendae ut jacent in supradictis Annotationibus Signed Fr. d' Albizzi So that having printed the four first treatises with the ordinary Apostilles we were constrain'd for avoiding worse to take the former part of the offer and print no more throughout the rest of the book that so we might secure the Impression from further disturbance And thus it came to passe that it appear'd in publick so imperfect and maim'd as it is in this respect You see what obstacles were to be struggled with in this age at Rome through the ligitiousnesse of this Assessor for the printing those few works of S. Augustin after his doctrine hath been canonis'd there in all preceding Ages by all the Popes that have liv'd since that great Saint and have had occasion to speak thereof and though it be still at this day in singular veneration with all the Divines of Rome excepting a small number of those that are devoted to the interests of the Jesuites CHAP. VIII An incidental History of the exemplary Punishment of the Sub-Datary Mascambâ—un convicted of several forgeries which hapned about this time and whereof I learnt very considerable particularities by a most sure way IT was necessary to lay aside for a while these few remarkable things which pass'd during the time that the businesse of our Impression was in agitation that the Narration thereof might not be interrupted by the intermixture of other things according to the course of my Journal which that being dispatcht it is now seasonable to resume There pass'd one about this time so considerable in it self that though it have no reference to our affair but very indirectly as having onely been the cause that one of the four Cardinals design'd for the cognisance of it was almost wholly layd aside neverthelesse I shall not forbear to report here what I came to know of it by a very certain way as well for the now mentioned reason as that it may serve for a memorable example of the just punishments they sometimes receive who have abus'd the confidence their masters had in their fidelity and counsels when their frauds and miscariages come to be discover'd There was a certain person nam'd Francesco de Canonicis a native of Marca Anconitana who haveing commendably dispatcht the course of his studies in Humanity and the Laws was enter'd with an Eminent Advocate nam'd MascaÌ„brun to help him in his studies copie out the Law-writing which he made for his Clients This F. de Canonicis who was of low extraction and poor having found this occasion of geting money imploy'd his whole industry to grow wealthy Besides the Advocates fee which is ordinarily eight Testons A Teston is worth 18d sterl for every piece of writings his Ajutante di Studio in plain English his Clerk who copies the same hath for his fees a Gros for every page a Gros is the twelf part of a Teston This Francesco de Canonicis put so few lines in a page and so few words in a line that the Draughts of Mascambrun became proverbial in Rome to signifie a thing extraordinarily drawn and stretcht out in length The Advocate Mascambrun finding that Francesco de Canonicis was a dextrous youth and fit for the trade of Law had much esteem and affection for him and at his death bequeath'd to him his name his armes his writings and his Library All this gave a great reputation to Francesco de Canonicis being so dignifi'd by a man that had so much in his time and making his advantage of it he put himself forward as much as he could into the Intrigue of the Barre and sell into great practice The rise of his great fortune was from the accesse which he had to the Pope whilest he was yet but Cardinal Pamphilio This Cardinal had married the eldest of his Nieces to the Marquis Justinian who had a Sute of great consequence in the Rota which this Cardinal tended and sollicited as his own businesse This Processe had been lay'd after an ill sort and two judgments had already past against the Marquis Justinian Cardinal Pamphilio was much troubled for the interest of his House and because he was engag'd in a sollicitation which prov'd unsuccessefull Now it hapned that this Cardinal's Auditor spoke thereof to Mascambrun as of a businesse that much afflicted his Master Mascambrun was this Auditors great
people of Oudenay and recorded in the publick Registers of the City wherewith every one was edifi'd and satisfi'd Some twelve or thirteen years after namely in the year 1563. some persons enemies to the peace of that City as well as to Christian Truths explicated unto them by their Patriarch who was a very learned and pious Bishop began to sow amongst the people Complaints against his Letter they drew Propositions out of it to the number of eight which they accus'd of Heresie In fine they rais'd so much division in the minds of the City of Oudenay and the adjacent Region that to hinder the troublesome consequences of those beginnings of disturbance and misunderstanding they sent Deputies to the Republick of Venice to pray that State to interpose its Authority and Recommendation to the Council of Trent which was then assembled that the cause of their Patriarth might be discuss'd and decided that his Homily so they call'd his Answer to his grand Vicar might be there read examin'd and if it were true and Catholick they might be suffer'd to enjoy the Truth explicated by him to them in peace and quietness but if it were false that it might be condemned I believe this Patriarch had been nominated to a Cardinals Hat by the Republick of Venice that people who aim'd to cross his promotion rendred him suspected of Heresie to Pope Pius IV. by the extracts of his Letter which they delivered to him that the same waa debated of in the Congregation of the H. Office and that the Apology which he writ in behalf of his Letter against those Extracts had been carried thither also but because this was not really clear by the pieces before me I dare not affirm it as the rest which I have already said and am going to adjoyn Accordingly the Ambassadors of the Republick Of Venice represented to the Council the neessity of making a solemn deputation for examining the answer of that Patriarch to his grand Vicar and the Apology made by him about the Propositions extracted out of it It was the last day of July in the year 1563. that this nomination of Deputies was made in the Council who were in number twenty six namely two Cardinals four Ambassadors four Archbishops thirteen Bishops two Abbots and one General of an order They examin'd both of those Pieces they made their report of them the thirteenth of August following in a Congregation which lasted six hours where they spoke all their Sentiments which they said were not theirs alone but also of the Divines of their Nation with whom they had conferr'd in this matter And all agreed unanimously that it was so far from being true that any word in that Letter and Apology was Heretical that on the contrary there was nothing in them but what was taken from S. Augustin S. Prosper S. Bernard S. Thomas and other H. Doctors Which I account the more considerable because the foundation of all the doctrine which we held and of all the Christian truths which we were to defend in case of the Propositions in question is manifestly contain'd in that Letter and its Apology and consequently besides other proofs which we may alledge thereof in all ages we have this advantage that this very doctrine was authoris'd in the last Council by a general consent of all those whom the Council commission'd to examine it and by the unanimous suffrages of all the Divines of Christendom I have in that little Collection 1. The Patriarchs Letter intire 2. His Apology for it 3. The Oration of the Deputies of the Clergy and of the City of Oudenay to the Republick of Venice 4. The nomination and the names of the Deputies or Commissioners appointed by the Council for this Examination 5. The Votum of the Cardinal of Lorrain who was one of them 6. One of his Letters to the Pope about this matter 7. Another Letter of the Presidents of the Council to S. Charles Borromée about the same affair 8. The Sentence of the Legates 9. A Letter of Congratulation of the Republick of Venice to this Patriarch upon the happy successe which his businesse had had in the Council All these Pieces deserve to be here inserted at length but to avoid such frequent and long interruptions I shall reserve them to be annexed to the end of this Journal CHAP. X. Of other lesse important matters which besides those in the three preceding Chapters passed in the Moneths of April and May among the rest of the arrival at Rome of M. M. Hallier Legault and Joysel Doctors of our Faculty and the Declaration which they made to us in presence of the Ambassador that they came to sue for a Censure of the Five Propositions as things already condemned and without admitting any Examen or Congregation TO return at length to our purpose I was told on Saturday the 4th of May that the General of the Dominicans had had audience of the Pope and delivered him the Memorial which I mentioned above that he was to present That he requested therein his Holynesse would please to appoint that before proceeding in this affair things might be resum'd as they were left by Paul V. because that Pope and Clement VIII his Predecessor had determined many things in favour of his Order which might serve for great preparations to what was to be done That his Dominicans had alwaies been the Plaintiffs in this affair and at present they were endeavour'd to be render'd the Criminals Hereunto his Holynesse answer'd that he would have regard to his request which he judg'd very just but he ought to be confident that the matter de Auxiliis should not be medled with I was told that the Pope gave the same answer to the General of the Augustines who had audience of him that he would not have the discussion of that matter enter'd upon at all That besides his Holynesse knew nothing then of the Assembly of Consultors which M. Albizzi endeavoured to procure before Easter but yet was lay'd aside for a while chiefly because of this interposition I learnt also that some dayes after the General of the Dominicans had delivered his Memorial to the Pope he addressed again to his Holyness to present him the works of Albert the Great the Impression whereof was then newly finisht That divers Fathers of this Order accompanied the General to carry the several volumes of that Author that the Pope inquir'd their names and qualities and that F. Fani companion of the Master of the Sacred Palace being one of the number when he was nam'd the Pope bid him take heed for the future what Licences for Printing he gave because when a Book was printed at Rome it was constru'd that the H. See authoriz'd the doctrine thereof It is likely what we had said to the Pope touching that of F. Annat was still fresh in his memory I learnt further that the Monday foregoing a Consistory was holden and that it was the first since the vacancy
sentiments of S. Augustin whom the Church owneth not only as one of its Pillars but as its Master and Teacher particularly in the matters of Grace and he writ his book being a Prelate and Pastor of the Church should all those who writ before and after him have incurr'd the Censure of the H. See yet methinks all these peculiar considerations ought to secure him from it Nevertheless by a most manifest injustice endeavours are us'd to get his book subjected to Censure and to acquit all others Whereas it is alledg'd as you tell me that the other books have not been inform'd against as this hath been and that had they been complain'd of and presented to the Pope they would likewise have been prohibited This is to seem blind in these things and deeds either through ignorance or passion through ignorance and want of understanding in these matters if we admit they speak really through passion and interest if knowing well how the same have pass'd and not believing what themselves pretend they think to make the same credited by others For all the world knows how many complaints have been made how many Petitions have been presented to the Pope against the Jesuites and the books and writings publisht by them about these matters which yet they urge are prohibited to be written of In one single printed Petition have been noted I think twenty Jesuitical Authors who have set forth books since that Prohibition which is urg'd to stop that of the Bishop of Ipre When M. Sinnic pass'd by Paris to go to Rome he took with him a Copy of the Theses of Lovain printed at the foot of the Bull wherein they were expresly prohibited And for all this ignorance is pretended and they say Justice should have been done against those Authors and their writings had complaint been made thereof to the H. See I confess Sir I admire how any dare alledge such excuses in the place where you are as they so confidently do and how they can hold you in hand with c. You see Sir with what liberty I write and expose my thoughts to you in answering to your Letters 'T is an evidence of the sincerity of the friendship I bear you and of the confidence I have in yours Assure your self I do not forget you in my addresses to Almighty God I represent to him your affairs and necessities as my own and beseech him to make me as I desire to be always more and more yours which I shall look upon as his mercy towards me the making me more to be his And I desire you to beg the same of him in my behalf The same day that we desir'd the Pope's Maistre de Chambre to defer the Audience which he was willing to procure for us as I related at the beginning of this Chapter I went in the afternoon to Cardinal Ghiggi partly in reference to M. Hallier and his Collegues partly to make some Remonstrances to his Eminence touching the Consultors and M. Albizzi I told him that I came to speak to his Eminence about some things a little troublesome which concern'd our affair that I was loth to give him disturbance with them but we could not represent the same to him to the end he might take some order therein if he could unless his Eminence were advertis'd thereof that so if the Pope happened to speak to him about them he might be prepar'd to tell his Holiness his sentiments I told him that when we were sent for to Cardinal Roma to hear the Declaration which he was to make to us from the Pope concerning the erection of the Congregation M. Albizzi was present at what the Cardinal said to us that by being so it seem'd to us that M. Albizzi was intended to be Secretary of the said Congregation and that the same appear'd to us very hard to admit considering his great prepossession against us and the extreme partiality which he profess'd as openly in behalf of our Adversaries Now to satisfie the Cardinal concerning his partiality I intended to represent to him 1. What M. Albizzi had done in the business of the Houres 2. That he had told me that my opposing the Censure M. Cornet endeavour'd to get pass'd in our Faculty against the Propositions was a disservice to the H. See 3. That upon a bare suggestion of F. Mulard he had obstinately maintain'd that we were not deputed by several Bishops 4. The manner wherewith being in his Antichamber I had heard him speak of me to two Flemish Cordeliers 5. His insolence at la Minerve upon a very civil visit which we made to him 6. His opposition and rigorous and altogether unjust treatment of us about the impression of S. Augustin 7. What he had done on the other side to get publisht F. Annat's book if he could against the Popes intention and how he quarrell'd with the Printer when he saw that Fathers book prohibited by the Pope 8. The continual correspondence he hath held with M. Hallier and his Collegues since their arrival besides that which he hath always held with the Jesuites 9. VVhat I heard from F. du Plantet that he had wonderful kindness for them and their affair 10. I had also purpos'd to speak to him about the diversity of the Commaes which he had caus'd to be put into the second impression of the Bull of Vrban VIII purposely to comply with the Jesuites But I could not particularly acquaint the Cardinal with any thing but the insolence which M. Albizzi had shew'd us at la Minerve and his dealing with us about our impression of some of S. Austin's works but I did it with great resentment terming it barbarous and un procedere di Turco I added that it was a shame that he should deport himself thus with the countenance of their Eminences and oftentimes acting in their names That I had proofs hereof at hand but it would require an hours time for his Eminence to see them The Cardinal seem'd mov'd at my discourse and almost convinc'd of what I said yet he told me that we might comfort our selves for that the Pope and their Eminences would look exactly into the matter having purposed so to do that he was sorry for our discontent but should a Prince have regard to the inclinations and aversions which one side or other may have against persons nothing would ever be done I assented to him that to do so generally is difficult yet experience sometimes shows that it is necessary and the late History of Mascambrun sufficiently evidences that I had reason Then I proceeded to speak concerning the choice and alteration made of the Consultors attributing the same chiefly to the suggestions of M. Albizzi and adding that we had cause to fear that he would do his utmost to introduce persons engag'd in the sentiments of the Jesuites and exclude such as he saw inclin'd to favour S. Augustin's Doctrine The Cardinal told me by the way that S. Augustin's Doctrin
a quite other manner than he had done in the first The F. Abbot de la Paix at his receiving one from me told me that Cardinal Lugo had counsell'd him to take heed of us for we went about to defend Jansenius under pretext of defending S. Austin When I deliver'd some to Cardinal S. Clement I presented some also to his Nephews whose parts studiousness modesty and civility were in particular veneration with me At my delivering some to M. Eugenio our Advocate I fell into the knowledge of a young Florentine Gentleman nam'd Signor Cosimo Brunetti at his House in whom at that first converse I found a very great vivacity and solidity of Spirit with a free and ingenuous integrity much fine Learning a very prompt open and obliging nature He sojourned at our Advocates House for his improvement in the study and practice of the laws and to observe the way and genius of the Roman Court I offer'd him a Copy which he accepted with great professions of acknowledgement for the civility which I shew'd him CHAP. IV. Of an Audience which I had of the Pope Aug. 9. when I presented our Tome of S. Augustin to his Holiness ON Friday Aug. 9. I went to give one of our Books to the Popes Maistre de Chambre and desired him to procure me audience that morning to present a Copy likewise to his Holiness VVhilst I was in the Presence-chamber I deliver'd some to sundry Chamberlains of Honour and other Officers who all receiv'd the same not only with testimonies of civility but also with professions of an universal and high esteem of the works of that H. Doctor Presently after I was introduc'd to the Pope where having first render'd him our most humble thanks for the Congregation which he had establisht in order to our affair I presented him the Book At first he made some difficulty to receive it not knowing what it was least his particular reception of it might be as he told me interpreted for a publick approbation I signifi'd to him that it was nothing but S. Augustin and that it was not to be doubted but his Holiness had such Sentiments of approbation and esteem for the doctrine and works of that H. Doctor as his Predecessors had given him example The Pope answer'd that there was no doubt but S. Austin's doctrine was authoriz'd by the Church and ought to be embraced as that of the Church it self but every one endeavoured to draw the same to his own side and pretended it congruous and favourable to his Opinions I reply'd that the preventing that disorder and foolish pretension of our Adversaries was partly the design of printing this Collection in which were the principal and last works which S. Augustin had written upon the matter in contest when the greatest difficulties possible to be brought against it had been both by those whom he oppos'd and those whom he instructed improved to the highest degree to which they could be rais'd That we had put into this collection not only some principal passages of those works but the works themselves intire to the end it might be seen more clearly and certainly which was the true and undoubted doctrine of that Saint That they whom a secret light of Conscience convinc'd that they falsly presum'd this heavenly doctrin to be consentaneous to their low and carnal opinions thwarted this Impression purposely to hinder it that it had been retarded a full month by their devices but at length the Tribunal of the H. Office whither we were drawn upon this business judg'd that there was no ground to inhibit the finishing of it That since it had been finished I had presented Copies of it to almost all the Cardinals of whom the said Tribunal consisted and who all receiv'd the same with satisfaction The Pope reply'd and bid me give his to Cardinal Ghiggi and signifie to him that he should deliver the same to his Holiness when it was time for him to read it I answered that I should do what he appointed but I conceived nothing hinder'd but his Holiness might receive it and likewise read it when he thought good That there was nothing at all new in it besides the Preface in which we had collected together the advantageous testimonies of Saints Popes and Cardinals touching these very works which we had caus'd to be printed The Pope reply'd that those who had been at Rome in behalf of Jansenius on the part of the University of Lovain had also made Collections to show the authority of S. Austin's doctrine but it was a thing concerning which there was not any doubt I rejoyn'd that as for Jansenius his Holinesse well knew that we had already declar'd to have nothing to do with him and that we took no side but that of S. Austin but that the Passages in the Preface were not only to show the authority of his doctrine but also to explicate the order and series of those works of that Father which we had caus'd to be printed the matters which were handled in each of these works and the occasion which induc'd S. Austin to compose them Here I opened the Book and read some passages of the Preface as they presented themselves The Pope heard them willingly and among the rest that of Pope Hormisdas wherein it is so expresly declar'd that the Sentiments of the Catholick Apostolick and Roman Church touching the matter of Free-will and Grace are contain'd in sundry of S. Austin's works but chiefly in two De Predestinatione Sanctorum and De bono Perseverantiae After which the Pope receiv'd the Book which I was come to present to him Then he fell to speak concerning our affair and told me we must hasten to do on our part what was necessary for the speedy dispatch of it because he intended on his to set about it with diligence for some reasons which he mention'd I answer'd that we would use all possible expedition that for that purpose my Collegues stay'd at home in order to prepare our Papers lest being uncertain whether his Holinesse's affairs would permit us an audience for presenting the Books they might have lost two or three hours in his Presence-Chamber but had they been sure of admittance they would not have fail'd to have come also and been partakers of the honour and comfort which I received in this conference with his Holiness That his Holinesse might hence see how we manag'd our time and how diligent we were to be in a readinesse to employ the Congregation which his Holinesse had granted to us That I assur'd him my Collegues had since notice of its erection many times spent ten or twelve hours a day about the business The Pope reply'd that so we must do if we would have expedition of him that he was old that he had liv'd fourscore years and that if we hastned him not he should go on slowly I told him I should acquaint my Collegues with his Holinesse's desire of speed and that
Secretary had the direction of every thing I reply'd that I was unwilling to go to M. Albizzi because perhaps his Eminence would be better within two or three days and in case his infirmity continu'd it would be time enough then to consider what course to take He was satisfi'd with this resolution and I was very glad of it being loth to come into M. Albizzi's hands sooner then needs must and partly because we might have leisure for the making of other Copies of our Papers to present to the other Cardinals at the same time that we deliver'd the first to Cardinal Roma To which purpose I went to find out divers Clerks or Copists and excepting the time of my attendance upon the Ambassador on Friday the 30th I spent that day and the next with my Collegues in setting our Clerks to work and comparing what they had written Aug. 31. going between four and five a clock in the afternoon to learn tidings of Cardinal Roma I found that he was gone abroad to make a visit hard by wherefore I staid till his return and saluted him as he alighted out of his Coach congratulating him both for his recovery and the hope it gave me that his health would permit him shortly to look upon our Papers and betake himself to all the rest of our affair He answer'd that he was far from being recover'd that he went abroad only by order of the Physitians to take a little air but as soon as it pleas'd God to restore his health he would willingly imploy it in what concern'd us I reply'd that in the mean time we would offer our prayers to God to return it sufficiently for that purpose and certainly it was much our obligation and interest so to do in regard of the understanding sincerity and uprightness wherewith we knew he would comport himself therein CHAP. VI. Of two Conferences held at Paris during this moneth of August between M. de Sainte Beuve Doctor and Professor of Sorbon and F. l'Abbe the Jesuite Other Letters written to us from Paris during the same moneth enjoyning us not to appear but in presence of our Adversaries I Receiv'd news at the end of this moneth of two famous Conferences held at Paris in presence of some persons of Quality between M. de Sainte Beuve and F. l' Abbe the Jesuite touching the subject of a work publisht by this Father in reference to the controversies of the times The Father receiv'd much confusion therein having been convinc'd of foul dealing or little intelligence of the points whereupon they confer'd which were many in number The Letter which M. de Sainte Beuve did me the favour to write to me about it contains so clear and compendious an account thereof that it may be inserted here at length with the satisfaction of those that shall read it and without much interrupting the course of the principal Narration in hand A Copy of the said Letter From Paris Aug. 2. 1652. SIR THe discourse of F. Annat is the common discourse of the Society Those good Fathers publisht here as well as at Rome that the Pope is to pronounce with all speed and when they are told that there is no Congregation yet setled in which the Parties may be heard they answer that his Holiness will not hear any Parties and that their Society hath resolv'd not to enter into a conference either at Paris or at Rome touching the controverted Doctrine This is what F. l' Abbe said to me in the conference I have had with him when he wisht it might be heard privately for fear as he said it might be disown'd by the Society which hath resolv'd not to confer about these matters Nevertheless I think not to offend them if I acquaint you with some of the particulars of it You shall know then that he hath compos'd a book entitl'd Elogium Divi Augustini Umbra ejusdem Tumulus novae Doctrinae Epitaphium Antitheses Cornelii Jansenii Divi Augustini He presented the same to M. Dugue Bagnols to whom he is known for he liv'd long at Lyons and is Procurator General of that Province M. Dugue surepris'd at the sight of those Antitheses committed the same to the perusal of some friends and by them was assured that they were full of falsifications whereupon he repair'd to the Father and engag'd him to a Conference for which I was chosen The day place and hour appointed in the presence of the Abbots Charrier and de Bernai M. M. de Morangis de Beaumont Dugue the Lievtenant Criminal of Lyons de Pomponne and Croisi at the house of M. de Bernai I offer'd to make good five things 1. That the Author in contriving his Antitheses had made use of many Treatises constantly held not to be S. Austin's 2. That it appear'd upon perusal of them that he had no tincture of the reading of that Father 3. That he had corrupted his words shamefully 4. That he had perverted his sense And 5. That he had falsifi'd M. d' Ipre in the places which he cited for his Antitheses both as to the words and the sense I prov'd the former of these 1. Because he cited as S. Austin's works the book De vera falsa Poenitentia that De Praedestinatione Gratia the Hypognosticon the 191 Sermon De Tempore which is Pelagius's Confession of Faith and the book ad Articulos sibi falso impositos and I justifi'd all this by the testimony of Cardinal Bellarmin lib. de Script Eccles in Aug. Hier. which as you see admits of no reply The second Charge I made good by producing two and twenty allegations ill made among the rest the fifth book ad Simpl. The three Operis imperfecti the ten contra Julianum And to make it appear that it was not through errors of the Printing I desir'd the F. to tell me whether they had in their Colledge the third book of the Opus Imperfectum if they had to let me see it He promis'd I should telling me they had the same of two or three Editions The third was prov'd by confronting the places as he cites him with the plain Text and made horrible things appear as for example that he added a Negation to an affirmative Proposition of S. Austin 's c. I prov'd the fourth only by two places the time enforcing brevity the first of which was an objection of S. Augustin which he cited as if it was his answer and the other was the Pelagian Doctrine which he call'd the Augustinian And for the fifth I contented my self with chusing one place out of M. d' Ipre which he falsifi'd in the citing by putting a negative for an affirmative All this convinc'd the Company who demanded of this good Father whether he had any thing to object against me whereupon apprehending that they were desirous to see me act the Respondent as well as the Opponent I declar'd that I was ready to perform that part too and for the subject of
accompany him thither When he was enter'd into the Popes presence we stay'd in the Antichamber during that Congregation And Monsignor Sacrista who entertain'd us there a good while told us among others two remarkable things First That M. Hallier and his Collegues had long ago deliver'd their Writings touching the Propositions to the Cardinals and since begun to deliver new ones to them which related only to our persons and designs Secondly naming some of the Consultors appointed for our Congregation he told us that F. Luca Vadingo would be one of them and that he was well inform'd of the whole intrigue of the affair particularly touching the Book of Jansenius that in the beginning when he was first sounded he said Let us see whether it be contrary to S. Augustin and then condemn it or if they will not examine it all that can be done against it is to prohibite it for having transgressed the Prohibitions of writing concerning this matter That the cause stood thus when it was reported to Vrban VIII and that after it was dispatcht by the Pope some persons had added what is found in his Bull That Jansenius had reviv'd the Propositions condemned by Pius V. When the Congregation was ended we went to Cardinal Ghiggi's Apartment where we waited for his return and though it was sufficiently late yet he prevented us in speaking to us first and caus'd us to enter into his Chamber We told him that our Writings were ready Which word we had no sooner spoken but O sia lodato Dio God be thanked said he to us I think we have heard some mutterings about them The meaning of which in his mouth was that great complaints had been made about them VVe answered that it should be manifested that we had not been faulty of any delay Indeed 't was an extraordinary thing that we could get our two pieces ready in so little time and I think no person ever labour'd at any work with more assiduity and speed day and night than M. de Valcroissant and M. Angran did to dispatch them and when they were done to get Copies of them quickly ready for their Eminences we employed for some dayes together twenty Amanuenses whereof some transcrib'd one Quire and some another The Cardinal reply'd that he did not say that we had caused any delay but that he exhorted us to endeavour to act in such sort that there might be no appearance that we had nor ground to suspect it Ma al meno que questo non apparisca He told us also that if Cardinal Roma's sickness should prove long Cardinal Spada would be the person to whom we ought to addresse our selves as Dean à chi bisognarebbe far capo I went in the afternoon with much anxiety to enquire the condition of Cardinal Roma's health Cardinal Barberin arriv'd there almost at the same time that I did VVe were answer'd that he was a very little better whereupon Cardinal Barberin return'd without seeing him for fear of disturbing him From thence I went to see the person whom I had entreated to procure that Cardinal Roma's Auditor might inscribe the Communicetur upon our Papers for I had understood that that was sufficient to authorise the imparting of them to the Doctors our Adversaries and he told me that Signor Francesco which was the name of his Eminence's Cousin whom I spoke of had told him that his Auditor could not write the Communicetur without first receiving his Master's order that himself Signor Francesco could not speak that day nor the next to Cardinal Roma to cause him to give his Auditor such order but in case his health continu'd in the condition wherein he beheld it he hop'd that he might do it by Saturday or Sunday following Friday the 13th was the day of the Ambassador's usual audience and before he went to it I entreated him that in case the Pope spoke to him about the delay of our Writings whereof complaint had been made he would tell his Holinesse that that which hinder'd us for a fortnight in which we could have deliver'd them was Cardinal Roma's sicknesse The Ambassador answer'd me nothing touching our Writings but askt me immediatly whether I had heard tidings of his health that day and told me with a most sincere sentiment of esteem and grief that if that Cardinal should be taken away the Church would have a signal losse in him We sent about noon to know what newes of him and understood that he was very much better then the day before In the afternoon we went again to Cardinal Cechini to give him the same information concerning our Writings that we had given to others but we were refer'd till that day seven night to speak with his Eminence On Saturday in the afternoon I went to Cardinal Roma's house where I learn't that his health still grew better and better and in the joy and hope that his Maistre de Chambre had of it he told me that M. Albizzi coming thither the Thursday before to the Consistorial Congregation which was held there he had said to him with a free aire Questi Dottori Francesi vengono sempre qui l' Eminentissimo non può attendere à sto negotio per hora. Fra tanto bisognarebbe far qualche communicatione di scritture c. Those French Doctors are alwayes comming hither and his Eminence cannot at present intend their affair It may be requisite in the mean time to make some communication of the Writings of one side to the other to employ them But he had no sooner opened his mind to M. Albizzi and done speaking but M. Albizzi told him Non si vuol disputare quì di questa cosa It is not intended to dispute that point here VVhich averseness of M. Albizzi from what he propos'd to him kept him from speaking any thing more to him about it On Sunday the 15th I accompany'd the Ambassador to the solemnity of the Chappel which was performed that day as the Anniversary of the Popes election and whilst Cardinal Barberin was renewing to him the ceremony ad multos annos there came a very great rumour of Cardinal Roma's death VVhereupon believing that God had dispos'd of him we went in the Afternoon to Cardinal Spada to tell him that when he pleas'd we were ready to appear before the Congregation and to deliver our Writings The Cardinal told us that he would give us an answer on Wednesday or Thursday at the furthest and that in the mean time we might visit those other Messieurs to the end they might read our Writings I did not believe that by questi altri Signori Cardinal Spada meant Messieurs the other Cardinals of our Congregation but the Doctors our Adversaries and that his Eminencie's intention was that we might communicate our Writings to them in the mean time M. the Abbot of Valcroissant understood it also in this manner and he and I having reply'd to the Cardinal that that was our Purpose that so we might
um ex earum lectiene litterarum absolutae fidei Pelagium fuisse Herotem Lazarum delatores Pelagii tanquam calumniatores habitos fuisse ut constat ex Epistolis Zozimi ad Episcopos Africae See where M. Hallier fixes as to this point see his language in the year 1652. See with what boldnesse he dares speak in a Writing which he presents to the Ministers of the H. See in a businesse wherein the Catholick Faith is concern'd affirming a thing for true which himself knew long ago to be altogether illusory and full of falsity and lying For in truth this confession of Pelagius was receiv'd and approv'd by Zozimus for Catholick and those French Bishops were decry'd and defam'd as calumniators by the Letters which that Pope writ upon this subject to the Bishops of Africa But those Bishops of Africa having by their answer given the Pope to understand that he had been surpris'd by the ambiguity of the words of that Heretick's confession of Faith and by the apparence of his submission to the H. See the same Pope afterwards revoked the Approbation which he gave to the said Confession of Faith and those Bishops whom he had decry'd as Calumniators were acknowledg'd for very holy and zealous Bishops Ought M. Hallier to produce before the H. See a Piece as approv'd by a Pope which he knew very well the same Pope afterwards disapprov'd by revoking his Approbation Ought M. Hallier to defame those two Bishops once again in this Writing after himself had justify'd them sundry times in his printed works as well as the Card. Baronius and Bellarmine And how could he resolve to speak of them again in secret as Calumniators in the year 1652. after himself had been in the yeares 1632. and 1644. a publick witness of their innocence and merit He was so in the year 1632. in a Book which he dedicated to Pope Vrban VIII intitl'd Defensio Ecclesiasticae Hierarchiae in the Preface whereof being to show that Bishops have oftentimes censur'd Errors which sprung up far from their Diocesses he proves the same chiefly by the examples of those of France and descending to the two in question behold how he speaks of them in that Advertisement to the Reader p. 34. Quid quod saith he Lazari Herotis Episcoporam Galliae delationibus Celestius Pelagius Heretici qui Africam praesertim suis erronibus infecerant Galliam vix ac ne vix quidem attigerant toti orbi propalati fuerunt Quos tamen cum falsis accusationibus apud Sanctam Sedem Celestius accusasset accusatus ipse ut Catholicus ILLI VERO INJVSTE Ã ZOZIMO PAPA INFAMATI SVNT VT INIQVI ACCVSATORES QVAMVIS HEROTIS NOMEN VT SANCTISSIMI VIRI Prosper Aquitanicus summis laudibus extulerit Vtriusque de Pelagio Celestio fugiendis missas litteras Carthaginensis Concâ—lii sub Innocentio Primo Patres approbarint ZOZIMVS VERO SENTENTIAM POSTEA SVAM DE CELESTIO ET PELAGIO REVOCARIT c. And in the year 1643. the Jesuites exasperated at the zeal which M. Hallier testify'd in behalf of the interests of the University whose Priviledges those Fathers endeavor'd to invade having publish'd a Book under the borrow'd name of the Abbot of Boysic in which they aspers'd M. Hallier's person with calumnies and proclaim'd him an heretick a calumniator and one of the greatest enemies of Religious Life they maintain'd that he was likewise an enemy to the H. See it self and prov'd this last charge amongst otâ—ers by the passage which I have newly transcribed out of his Advertisement to the Reader M. Hallier to answer to the Accusations of those Fathers in the year 1644. publish't a Book intit'd A Defence of the doctrine of M. Fransois Hallier Doctor and King's Professor in Sorbonne By himself And in the 36 page of that Book he answers to the abovesaid Accusation in these words The Accusation saith he wherewith you charge me when yoa blame me for taxing Pope ZOZIMUS as if he had unjustly defam'd two Bishops HEROS and LAZARUS falls upon a person as eminent for his learning as for the Purple wherewith his merits were sometimes acknowledg'd I mean the great Cardinal Baronius who sath the same expresly in his 5th Tome upon the year of Jesus Christ 517. It would be ridiculous in yâ—u to pretend that that Illustrious Cardinal could be injurious to the person of Popes and the honour of the H. See which he hath so worthily upheld Do not finde fault then that I write boldly that which he hath Affirm'd and that without losing any thing of the respect which I shall alwayes inviolably render to the Soveragin Pontiffs I relate one Act which cannot be dishonourable to Pope ZOZIMUS who it is known was surpriz'd in that Affair I might further add here that if the approbation which Zozimus through surprize gave to that Confession of Faith of Pelagius authoriz'd all that it conrain'd the same Pope having likewise by the same surprize approv'd the request which Celestius presented to him containing a Doubt contrary to the Faith in the matter of Original sin it would be lawful to bring in doubt the Catholick Faith concerning Original sin by alledging that Zozimus approv'd the request of Celestius in which he expresly declar'd that he doubted of it as may be seen by that which Saint Augustine saith thereof lib. 2. ad Bonifac. cap. 3. I spoke part of this to the General of the Augustines and observ'd to him many other falsities and extravagances in the other reflections of M. Hallier and his Collegues upon that single passage This good General could scarce believe and comprehend how it was possible that persons of knowledge and probity should suffer themselves to be led into such enormities but he acknowledg'd yet more by this example how greatly the Conference demanded by us viva vice and by writing with people that us'd such practices would be on the one side advantageous to all the Consultors and Cardinals and to the Pope himself since it would save them much trouble which was requisite otherwise to be taken before they could discover in the Writings of our Adversaries the like blemishes which flew into our eyes assoon as we cast sight upon them so present and familiar were these matters to us and which they might all easily acknowledge after we had discover'd them and on the other side how decisive the same Conference would be between our Advesaries and us since it would give us the advantage to reduce them publickly before all the Congregation and in presence of his Holiness to confusion and silence Nevertheless I must adde something here in defence of M. Hallier since I professe to set down as well what I finde favorable as disadvantageous to our Adversaries and likewise to our selves having no other design but exactly to report the truth of all passages I met with both on their part and ours in the course of this affair Now all that can be said to diminish the
his own to the Bull of Vrban VIII He mention'd expresly these three In praejudicum fidei and that a Cardinal St. Clement making great complaints thereof M. Albizzi had recourse to F. Hilarion as thinking himself a lost man unlesse he help'd him That F. Hilarion having seen the said words said it had been better if they had not been there but since they were so it was requisite to endevour to salve them Wherefore in the Congregation of the H. Office having interpreted them in this sense namely That it was a thing which would turn to the prejudice of the Faith if the Pope's Decrees were not better executed c. Cardinal St. Clement's complaints were ineffectual and M. Albizzi scap'd and got out of the mire But this danger wherein he saw himself and the favourable interpretation by which he escap'd did not render him more moderate in this matter nor dispos'd to confine the sense of the words of the Bull within those bounds On the contrary he extended them upon occasion the most he could it being his interest and satisfaction that they might be verify'd if it were possible and that every one might understand them not only according to the explication of F. Hilarion but also in the rigour of his own terms He would be lookt upon as the legal interpreter of them because he had been the Instrument as himself declar'd in the first Visite which my Collegues and I together made to him having fallen into a passion against those who doubted of the truth of the same Bull and telling us that he could better testifie concerning it then any other because it was himself that pen'd it and caus'd to be added in it that Jansenius reviv'd the Propositions of Baius This passage as well as many others I had omitted in my Journal which one of my Collegues perusing call'd it to mind and sent it to me in a Letter as it it is here transcrib'd F. Petit came to see us in the afternoon He told me that after many Sollicitations which he had made to M. Albizzi in the name of M. Hersent to know what was requisite for him to do that he might be absolv'd from the Excommunication which had been fulminated against him by the Congregation of the H. Office M. Albizzi at length answer'd him plainly That M. Hersent must come to Rome to unsay and retract in a publick Sermon and to preach the contrary to what he had preacht there upon the day of S. Lewis and caus'd to be printed in his Sermon He made this answer and yet he knew that the Congregation of the H. Office had nothing to gainsay either in the sermon by it self or in its relation to the Epistle and to Jansenius F. Petit who did not know him so well as he had recourse to Remonstrances and Prayers representing to him the difficulty of the Journey and told him that M. Hersent inquir'd what behoov'd him to do in the place where he was for obtaining absolution and he would perform it punctually At length M. Albizzi yielded a little and answer'd him with much difficulty grumbling and shaking his head they are the very words of F. Petit's Letter to M. Hersent which fell into my hands since That people must not think to delude and abuse the authority of the H. Office thus which us'd not to absolve such contumacious persons by a Procuratour that therefore M. Hersent must repair to the Nuntio and before him make an Act and a Protestation of his submission and obedience to the H. See and declare that he renounc'd all the sentiments and opinions of the Jansenists That when M. Hersent had sent him such an Act he would then see what was fit to be done for him and endeavour to cause satisfaction to be given him but upon any other terms there was no hope Sunday the 24th we repair'd again to the Pope's Presence-chamber there was but halfe or three quarters of an hour's time for audience which was given to the Nuntio newly return'd from Florence and to the General of the Capucines The General of the Dominicans desir'd one as well as we and told us that he was in the same bottom with us sumus in eadem navi He offer'd to perswade us to present informations to the Congregations held at Cardinal Spada's house but we declar'd to him our stedfast resolution and the necessity under which we were not to proceed further then we had done till we saw a Congregation establisht bona fide with all the conditions wherewith we had demanded and which was resolv'd to proceed according to all the usual and requisite formes The new Sub-Bibliothecary told me in the afternoon that the King of Poland had lately written to the Pope to presse the condemnation of the Propositions and that he more apprehended in his Dominions the divisions which might arise about them then the Wars of the Tartars and Moscovites The new Nuntio was arriv'd there not long before and when he went to salute the Queen she askt him newes of what was a doing at Rome touching this matter He answer'd her Majesty That he knew not in what posture this affair was but assur'd her that he was forbidden to speak of it either by words or by writing An admirable Answer in the mouth of a Nuntio speaking to a witty and intelligent Princesse as that Queen is Wednesday the 27th we went to visite Monsignor Canzoni Bishop of Borgo The Book of Jansenius was lying upon his Table He told us among other things that he could not expresse the astonishment and compassion which he had to see how outragiously that Prelate was decry'd and consider'd as a capital enemy of Religion and the H. See when he remember'd with what general applause and consent in the Consistory whereof himself was then Secretary he was promoted to the Bishoprick of Ipre and that the expedition of his Bulls was granted to him gratis And amongst the reasons why this grace was done to him besides his rare learning he told us that it was consider'd that he had been thrice in eminent Conferences with Hereticks against whom he nobly maintain d the honor of the Church and the verity of the Faith And this remembrance encreas d the grief he had for the persecution done to his Book and his memory After which he fell to speak of the Congregations which were held at Cardinal Spada's house We told him expresly that we expected some of another sort and lookt upon those only as such as might serve for preludes and preparations to those which we demanded Thursday the 28th the Sub-Bibliothecary came to see us and tell us he said some newes of what pass'd in Cardinal Spada's Congregations Neverthelesse all that he inform'd us was that Fâ— Palavicini was sufficiently mortify'd at the last which was held and that he the Sub-Bibliothecary heard from the Antichambre where he was that every one cry'd up his own Sentiment vigorously gagliardamente Friday the 29th we went
but all were generally as much against any other book of the same nature and subject as against that But moreover most H. Father the said Sieur Albizzi hath manifested clearly with how great repugnance he executed the orders which your Holiness gave him He hath shown how much more he valu'd his passions and his intimate leagues with the Jesuites then your Holiness's commands We have made it appear that though he executed them yet he did not approve them that his own were very different from those of your Holiness and that indeed if it had been possible for him he would willingly have avoided the necessity of executing them which seem'd so hard to him Your Holiness judg'd by the said Memorial that it was expedient for your service to suppress the said book M. Albizzi made great complaints that your Holiness was advertis'd of its impression he was sorry that the book was not publisht before the news of it came to your Holiness and he was so full of resentment for it that the Printer repairing to him often during that time and above a month after about other business M. Albizzi always made new reproaches sometimes for the unprofitable expence sometimes for other disadvantages which the Jesuites had suffer'd by the suppression of the said book which was not done but because he had not been either secret or diligent enough to get it publisht before we could give notice of it to your Holiness There cannot be imagin'd most H. Father a Minister more opposite and contradictory to the commands and service of his Prince then he and it is not to be doubted but having demean'd himself after this manner in reference to this book he hath as much and mare conniv'd or positively contributed to the other As for F. Annat is it credible most H. Father that when he saw his first book prohibited by your Holiness's order he knew not the reason why That he did not acquaint his Companions with it who were in continual expectation of his work and that none of them had heard tidings of our Memorial which was in the hands of the said Sieur Albizzi who along time hath acted nothing in those Affairs but with their privity Is it credible that when F. Modeste gave his approbation to the second book above three months after the suspension of the first which he had also approw'd he had not the curiosity to know what was become of the first if at least he was then to learn It must needs be acknowledg'd most H. Father that all the persons we speak of have had a hand in this misdemeanor though perhaps not all equally but M. Albizzi more then any It is beyond all doubt that they well enough knew what they did but they never thought that it would come to the ears of your Holiness but perswaded themselves that we would not have either vigilance enough to discover them or resolution enough to advertise your Holiness of their Miscarriage But what can F. Modeste alledge for himself to whose care fidelity and judgement the examination of the said books was committed How can he excuse himself for having made a Panegyriek of the latter as a work most worthy to be publisht and the most agreeable to the H. Fathers to the Councils and to the Doctrine of S. Augustin that can be imagin'd if under vain pretexs there be found in the said Book more injurious contempts towards S. Augustin then in any other if therein Principles are establisht most prejudicial to his authority if therein his sentiments are perverted after a most odious manner and if those of the H. Fathers Councils and Popes are treated therein with disguisments full of deceit and imposture Certainly he will not be excus'd by having pretended to the General-ship of his order nor because M. Albizzi promis'd him as it is publickly reported in Rome to make use of all his credit for his promotion thereby to draw and embark him in the practises of the Jesuites and if this excuse be not receiveable we believe he cannot find any other to justifie what he hath done in this matter Many other reflections most H. Father might be made upon things so important but to avoid being tedious to your Holiness we refer them to your prudence and most humbly beseech you to believe that all which we say is only for your service and that of the H. See and that it will be as easie to make it all good against any whosoever shall be found concern'd therein as it is to promise it provided it please your Holiness either to hear us your self touching this matter or in the Congregation which you have appointed for us when it shall be held or in presence of whatever other Judges who shall hear us aecording as so weighty and difficult a thing requires After which referring all to the good pleasure of your holiness we beseech God to multiply the number of your years and shour upon you all sort of Benedictions Signed thus Noel de la Lane Docto in Diviniiy of Paris and Abbot of Valcroissant Lovis de Saint-Amour Doctor of the sacred Faculty of Paris and of the Society of Sorbonne Lovis Angran Licentiat in the same sacred Faculty of Paris and Canon of the Cathedral Church of Troie CHAP. XVI In what manner we were at length constrained to take occasion of the Pope's return from taking the aire to present our Writings and Memorials to him A Conference with the Ambassadour and other things which I learnt till the Festivals of Christmasse in the year 1652. VVHilst my Collegues waited in the Pope's Presence-chamber for an opportunity to present our Writings and Memorials to him I was with the Ambassador to see whether he intended to go to his usual audience upon Friday following and if so to beseech him to procure one for us in order to the presentation of these Papers and to desire him to read them The Ambassadour told me that he did not know whether he should go to audience on Friday or no and that he would not go without being first assur'd that the Pope would receive him as he ought to receive the King of France's Ambassador but in case he did go he would certainly obtain for us our desired audience I signifi'd to him all that we had formerly said to the Pope and that the Memorials and Writings which we were to present to him were so clear that there was no need of our adding thereunto any thing by word of mouth saving a request to read them for which in case we had no admittance during his audience it would suffice us if we could by his mediation present the said Writings and Memorials to the Pope during the approaching Festivals at the ending of a Chappel or other solemnity After this all that we did out of our Lodging till Sunday the 22d consisted in three familiar visits of which I made one to the General of the Augustins upon Thursday the 18th who told
Opinions Dominicans Iesuites c. had been caus'd to come thither That besides so much had been written and printed on either side touching this matter that it was not possible to be ignorant of any thing that could be said therein That the very writings which we had composed were to passe through so many different hands both of Consultors and Copists that they could not but reciprocally come into the hands of either party and that this gave power enough to each side sufficiently to answer thereunto The Abbot of Valcroissant reply'd that although very much had been written upon this matter yet it might be said that the Propositions had not yet been written upon as was requisite that they had been least of all medled with that besides this matter was so vast so intangled so subject to ambiguities and equivocations that it was more needfull to discuss the same in the presence of the parties than any other whatsoever That for want of so doing great broyles and occasions of division and scandal might arise as it was easie to foresee by the professions of Pelagius and Caelestius which were received as Catholick whilst they were not opposed by Adversaries who understood and discovered the doubleness of their hearts and words I know not how Cardinal Spada constru'd those acts of Pelagius and Caelestius but he told us that our Adversaries had more reason to complain of those equivocations than we but however that it was one thing to say that it would be expedient to hear the parties in that manner if the Pope pleas'd and another to speak of it as a thing necessary and he added one word more to give us to understand that it was unprofitable harping upon the same string to speak of it so much as we did Nevertheless I forebore not to speak two things to the Cardinal which we had hitherto let passe without answering One was touching his repeating this day a question which he had made to us in a former conference namely How we would have done if no Doctors had come of the contrary party Whereunto I answered 1. That they were come and we acted with them as being there 2. That turning over my Papers some dayes before I observed that in a visite which I made to his Eminence Aug. 1. 1651. after I had spoken to him of the hope I had of the establishment of the Congregation and the purpose of the Bishops who sent me to send other Doctors the Autumn following he askt me whether there would also come Doctors of the contrary party and that I answer'd him that it was not necessary for any to come to the end we might have Adversaries because they were already upon the place namely the Jesuites 3. That the affair deserv'd the designing of a time in which the Congregation should begin and in the mean while that notice of it were given in all parts by the Nuntio's which his Holinesse had resident with Christian Princes to the end such learned men as found themselves interessed therein were minded to engage in it might repair to Rome by that time and there represent their reasons their interests The second thing was in reference to the Cardinal 's saying That they knew well that we resorted to inform the Consultors on either side and I told him that we had not visited any of them in that quality That that which occasion'd my visiting them incontinently after my return to Rome was this being come to advertise the H. See of the shamefull and dangerous surprize intended to be put upon it I conceived that after advertising his Holiness and their Eminences of it it was fitting that I advertis'd all persons whom I could understand were usually imploy'd at Rome in affairs of Doctrine by that means to obstruct such surprize as much as I could and make others as diffident as possible who might be tempted for the future by the same people whom I knew to be the Authors of this That in my Visits to them having met with divers able persons and commended them to my Collegues they became desirous of knowing them and thus we afterwards visited them sometimes and were reciprocally visited by some of them who repay'd our visites but we never visited them in the quality of Consultors of our Congregation nor to give them any Information That we had not yet made any upon the Propositions nor produced others besides the two writings and their Summary which we had presented to him and to the Cardinals Ginetti Cechini and Ghiggi in the month of September and to the Pope about ten or twelve dayes before During the course of this audience Cardinal Spada's Maistre de chambre came to advertise him aloud in all likelihood on purpose to hasten us away that several persons attended for him neverthelesse we took no notice of it but continu'd what we had to say and at length as we parted we told the Cardinal that as to the manner of our demanding the communication of Writings and publick audience in presence of our Adversaries we conceiv'd that we did it with all due decorum and respect to the H. See The same day we visited Cardinal Ginetti and gave him account of the contents of our Memorials for which he thank'd us Thursday January 2. we visited Cardinal Barberin before he went to Monte Cavallo He fell to speak concerning books upon which occasion I mention'd that which F. Annat had printed at Paris the Cardinal excused it as if it had been no great matter to have caus'd it to be printed at Paris Stampato in Parigi notwithstanding the orders which the Pope had given that it should be suppress'd at Rome VVe also said something to his Eminence concerning the two Memorials which we had presented to the Pope as well against that Book as for the communication of our Writings But the hour of going to Monte Cavallo being come our conference was broken off In the afternoon we went to see Cardinal Cechini We acquainted him with our two Memorials but had scarce told him the summe of the first but he interrupted us with some compassion telling us that we did not come any thing near the matter which was to be consider'd That he had read all the writings which we had given him from one end to the other but they did not touch the point in question Nolunt said he considerare quid actum est vogliono cercare la verità abstrahendo c. They will not consider what hath been acted in reference to the Propositions but seek the truth nakedly and by abstraction determine them according to the terms whereof they consist and I would to God added he I might tell you with what care intention and sincerity the work is carried on I answered the Cardinal that the affair was of greater importance then their Eminences apprehended That the Propositions which they examin'd were only the occasion but not the principal motive of our comming to Rome That
to him taken from the nature of the affair The Cardinal constru'd all those reasons contrarily to what we hop'd for he consider'd them as if thereby we pretended to give Law to the Pope in a thing whereof he was the Master The like he judged of the certainty wherewith we spoke of the indubitable truth of our opinions and the falshood of the others whom we opposed as if this great confidence was a defect of submission to the Decision which might be made thereof by the H. See On the contrary we gave him what verbal assurances could be given that we had in our hearts as true a submission as this confidence was great and we told him that his Eminence could not consider those two qualities as opposite to one another because they were both natural and ordinary to the defenders of truth as on the contrary they who impugned it wanted both or had the same but falsly and in appearance After which the Cardinal advised us to be short in the Writings we intended to deliver and to explicate our designs and pretensions briefly and yet more than we had done in the summary of the two first Writings which we had presented He also said that we should do well to repair to Cardinal Spada between that time and eight dayes after and make our instances to him if we desir'd to be heard in presence of our Adversaries because he believ'd our VVritings would be receiv'd and audience given us but he gave us to understand that it would be severally one side after the other He ask'd us also whether we had visited Cardinal Pamphilio and testified some desire that we would not fail to go and inform him VVe answered that as for that particular we had done all that we could after we understood that the Pope had made him of the Congregation but our affairs could be only transiently explicated that as often as we had been at Cardinal Pampbilio's house we found it so full of people expecting audience of his Eminence that we were oblig'd to return without demanding any and that we were loath to accost him in his multitude of incumbrances with the least overture of our affair But we had desir'd his Maistre de chambre to procure some time for us in which we might speak with him in a fitting manner that he had given us hope of such an opportunity but not yet effected it though he had seen us often in his Anti-chamber whither we repaired to put him in mind of it Indeed we had been four times at Cardinal Pamphilio's house since the next day after Epiphany and could never find him in a condition fit to be informed But in the mean time we caused a Book of our writings like that which we had presented to the Pope to be transcrib'd intending to present the same to his Eminence either when we should speak to him about our affairs in case the Book were ready when that good hap should arrive or some time after we had entertain'd him therewith if we saw his Eminence first We acquainted Cardinal Ghiggi with all this and he was glad of it having some suspition that we neglected to visit Cardinal Pamphilio probably because he conceiv'd that we did not think him much skill'd in these matters nor much at leisure to be instructed therein At last we acquainted Cardinal Ghiggi with the notorious falshood in M. Hallier's writings of which I had told the Ambassador The Cardinal askt us pleasantly whether the falsity was in those which M. Hallier had given in facto or in those which he had given in jure for he told us instantly that that Doctor had given none but in jure and besides added he they were indeed de communi and little serviceable to the Congregation When we went from Cardinal Ghiggi we repair'd to Signor Eugenio our Advocate to acquaint him with the odde estate of our negotiation and to desire him to visite our Cardinals in our name and beseech them to deliver us from the tediousness and perplexity of those importune and extraordinary solicitations VVe did not meet with him but being return'd home we were told that a Laquay had been there from Cardinal Spada to tell me that his Eminence desir'd to speak with me the next morning CHAP. II. Cardinal Spada 's offer to us in the end of January to hear us in the Congregation held at his House and our Answer that we were ready to appear there when justice was done us upon the conditions demanded by us The Letter which I writ thereupon to the Bishops who deputed us I Failed not to go to him the next morning and because all that he said to me in this visit and two others one in the afternoon of the same day and the other on Thursday the 23d before he went to the Pope was of consequence enough to be signifi'd punctually to my LL. the Bishops who sent us I shall not relate it otherwise than by inserting the Letter though very long which I writ to them thereupon on the Monday following being the 27th I directed the same to the two above-mentioned who were then at Paris and it contain'd these words My Lords VVIthin these eight dayes a thing hath pass'd in our affair of which we conceiv'd our selves oblig'd to give you notice without delay and I am charg'd to do it because I acted most therein and MM. de Valcroissant and Angran being imploy'd about other things which presse us referr'd this care to me They conceive that nothing is to be neglected amongst all the things which I have to acquaint you with and therefore I shall endeavour rather to represent the same exactly to you then in few words VVe hold it our duty to give you account of the least particularities that you may the better understand the main leaving it to your prudence to make relation thereof to my LL. your Confreres according as you shall judge expedient for their satisfaction and the good of the affaire which you have committed unto us On Tuesday last returning to our Lodging in the Evening we were told that one from Cardinal Spada had left word there that his Eminence desired to speak with me Which Order I failed not to obey the next morning and being introduced into his Chamber he told me that he had Order without specifying from whom tengo ordine were his words to let me and my Collegues know that if we had any thing to propound to the Congregation held at his House and would appear there we should be admitted and if we were ready it might be on Monday That the Doctors our Adversaries might be admitted afterwards upon Wednesday and they should be treated in the same manner as we That thus things would be transacted calmly and nothing innovated in the ordinary practice according to which they proceeded I answered the Cardinal that he told me very acceptable news in telling me that the time vvas come in which vve might appear in
your Holinesse This M. H. F. appearing wholly contrary to our hope of seeing the Churches peace re-establisht we could not understand without extreme grief considering what boldnesse it gives to S. Augustin's declar'd enemies with incredible mischiefs will ensue from it of what new troubles it will afford matter to turbulent spirits what dammage the H. See and the whole Church will receive 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 affection 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 wisdom 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 extinguish it by using clear and precise words in passing a judgment on the sense of the Propositions 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 ardour 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 Adversaries who are at Rome to the end to discover their artifices and that what shall be alledged 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 communicate what they advance for the establishing their own or opposing the sentiments of their Adversaries That afterwards the Jesuites being more oblig'd then any others to maintain this contestation in regard they uphold the new doctrine of Molina and are declar'd enemies of that of S. Augustin may enter into the cause inasmuth as they are indeed the principal parties as is evident from hence that the writings presented to the Congregation were made by Fransois Annat 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 Congregation 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 remov'd out of the number of the Consultors having by so manifest a fore-judgment shown how much he favors Molina and is contrary to S. Augustin Your Holinesse M. H. F. sees that these proposals 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 judgment 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 amongst them we be so negligent as to sleep instead of plucking them up God will require a severe 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 Christendome 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 resolution which you have taken not to a a It was not to return into France as I design'd for six Moneths together about my domestick affairs desert God's cause which you have hitherto so vigorously and happily defended as also the b b My Letter of Jan. 27. Narrative 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 fundamental 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 Bishops who demanded Audience of it That since the time of Pius V. Greg. XIII and Vrban VIII there have been no parties that demanded to be heard and to conferre nor can there be any obstacle now since M. Hallier and his Collegues agree to it c c 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 As for the circumstance of the Inquisition we conceive it hath nothing to do in these parts at present It will be good if the Embassador can move in the businesse and give the Pope to understand that the French cannot acknowledge that Tribunal I am more then ever most really 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 't is so clear sincere and comprehensive 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 Perhaps something of my
Condemnation were likely to ensue much to the prejudice 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 Letter written to him of us three who was of the same mind March 7. 1653. Reflecting upon the debate which you have had again with M. D. M. the more I consider the affair the more I am on your side and cannot yield to his reasons I cannot think that if the resolution be taken to censure the Propositions 't is in the power of any thing that you can produce to alter it For the Condemnation 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 consideration of truth be more prevalent then human reasons 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 submit 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 resolution at the beginning of the enterprize but relinquisht 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 importance 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 demand 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 themselves from appearing in your presence to justifie their demand and give account why they pursue the condemnation in such manner as they do If they refuse you must remonstrate to his Holiness 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 judgement may be receiv'd without contradiction CHAP. XII The intelligence of M. Hallier and his Collegues with the Jesuites manifest by the Writings which those Doctors presented to the Consultors and were printed at Paris in F. Annat's name which I endeavour to discover to the Card. Ghiggi and Spada but to no purpose A discovery of another Writing of M. Hallier upon the third Proposition F. Annae's printed Book intituled Jansenius à Thomistis damnatus I receiv'd on the first of March which occasion I took too visite Cardinal Ghiggi whom I had not seen since our great Conference above related This Book and the Title-page fix'd upon the corners of the Streets of Paris I made use of as a manifest proof to let him see a truth otherwise but too certain yet not admitted by him namely That the Jesuites were our principal Adversaries in this affair seeing the Doctors who appear'd against us were supply'd by those Fathers with the Writings which they were to present to their Eminences and the Consultors The Cardinal answer'd me that the Jesuites had not meddled in the business since their defending the Theses in Flanders that he heard indeed that those of France had done some thing but it was not considerable that it behoov'd all star quieto to be quiet I reply'd that it was not we who set a foot the Propositions from whence all this trouble arose but that we were come only to advertise the H. See of the practises against it and the Catholick doctrine of Grace contain'd in the Propositions and to intreat that nothing might be done without hearing us thereupon in a solemn Congregation After which falling to speak of the bad sense which the Propositions admitted I said that we were agreed as to that and that it was not our intention to maintain them in those senses but yet we endeavoured to hinder an absolute condemnation of them in regard of the evil use which might be made of it and least they who pursu'd it might afterwards apply it to the Catholick truths whereof they were capable That a Proposiiion ought to be look'd upon twice and all its circumstances and sequels weigh'd before it be condemn'd that if 't were sufficient to the condemnation of a Proposition that it admitted a bad sense taken in the letter or the evil construction according to which they who dislik'd it pleas'd to understand it many in the H. Scripture would not escape Censure For example of which I alledg'd these Non est justus quisquam Qui in carne sunt Deo placere non possunt Peccatores Deus non audit and those which the Church delivers every day in the Gloria in excelsis addressing to the person of our Lord Tu solus Sanctus The Cardinal answer'd that they consider'd all this that nevertheless we did well to discharge our minds con tutti with all as he believ'd we did The supposition which I perceiv'd he intended apparently to make by this discourse that we had represented all our reasons to all the Cardinals and Consultors too con tutti increas'd my suspition of their proceeding in the two last Assemblies towards the Consultors namely that they would really pass to the condemnation of the Propositions and take the visits which we had made to them to obtain a conference and communication of Writings with our Adversaries as judicial and sufficient informations to condem us formally Wherefore I told his Eminence that what I had now said was only to shew him the necessity and advantage of hearing us according as we desir'd for a thorough examination of all things that we had spoke nothing to them but for this end that his Eminence I believ'd was the only person to whom I had spoken so much
as I had now done and that we were so far from thinking to inform the others that on the contrary we had avoided all occasions of doing it because we would not do it but to good purpose which could not be but according to the manner and form which we demanded The same day I desir'd our Advocate to go to the Cardinals of our Congregations and press them with the most urgent reasons he could to grant us a Conference We talkt largely together about the consequences which were to be feared in case they should not grant it and he undertook to visit them for the purpose aforesaid except Cardinal Pamphilio whom he said he could not yet addresse to but for each of the rest he took a Copy of the two Memorials which he had presented to the Pope to leave with their Eminences after he had spoken to them what he intended Tuesday the 4th I went to shew F. Annat's book to Cardinal Spada that he might thereby see that the Jesuites were in the cause as well as M. Hallier and his Collegues in as much as these Doctors were but as the Agents and Pamphlet-venters of those Fathers The Cardinal answer'd that he had never told me that those Fathers were not of the same opinions or that they acted not something underhand but that they had not spoken to him about them and that the Pope having put two Dominicans into the Congregation for one Jesuite we were rather favour'd than otherwise VVe heard in the morning at la Minerve that the General of the Domincians was gone to get audience of the Pope to present his Memorial and his Papers to his Holiness and that the Commissary of the H. Office desir'd to speak with M. de Valcroissant as a particular Friend and that we might go to him by the back stairs In the afternnon I accompani'd him thither He propounded to us some difficulties upon the first Proposition in which having receiv'd satisfaction from M. de Valcroissant's answers he told us that it would be good that we could meet together some times but in such a place as might not give jealousie to any body I spoke to him concerning F. Annat's book newly printed I shew'd it him and told him it was the same Writing which M. Hallier and his Collegues had presented to him four or five Months before He answer'd me that he had one of them too but had not had time yet to read it Some dayes before this visit a Writing of good length made by our Adversaries upon the third Proposition fell into my hands we caus'd it to be transcrib'd by several Amanuenses that it might be precisely restor'd by the time at which he who lent it us was oblig'd to return it Afterwards recovering two others one upon the fourth and che other upon the fifth Proposition we apprehended that these three Writings were parts of an intire Treatise upon the Propositions and consequently that we wanted what had been commented upon the two first but we could never light upon them That upon the Third Proposition was nothing but a heap of passages and argumentations out of Ricardus and F. Pelau in his Treatise of Liberty and besides an infinite number of wrested citations it was wholly founded upon a point not at all in question For it pretended to show that according to the Fathers Free-will requires some kind of Indifference Now this was never disputed none having ever deny'd that Free-will is alwayes inseparably in this life joyn'd with the indifference held by the Thomists that is to say with an active power of acting or not acting Nevertheless upon this false foundation all the said Tract is built and falls to the ground by the sole distinction of two sorts of Indifference whereof one which is held by Molina destroyes Effectual Grace because it infers that a man may so act and not act that it sometimes comes to pass that the VVill acts not and consents not to the same Grace which causes it to act at another time in the same dispositions and this is that which we oppos'd The other held by the Thomists does not in any sort destroy Effectual Grace since it so gives the active power of not doing that whereunto Effectual Grace determines us that yet it never comes to pass that the thing is not done And as for this sort of Indifference we not only never rejected it but have formerly admitted it in a hundred places of our Writings But hence it is easie to judge what impression might be made upon the minds of the Cardinals by the noise of a hundred passages pretended to be formally against the opinions of the Jansenists which they understood only by the fabulous and calumnious reports which it pleas'd our Adversaries to make of them in their Writings and Discourses And 't is pleasant to observe that as they attributed to those Utopian Jansenists which subsisted only in their own brains the imaginary Opinion of an absolute Necessity which takes away the power of acting and not acting and destroyes Indifference so they make them speak after their mode and attribute answers to them which no body ever thought of Respondent primò Jansenistae voluntatem hoc quidem posse si velit quia si vellet hoc ipso actu illud faceret sed non posse illud velle propter grntiam qua impedit ne id velit Which is a ridiculous answer sorg'd by them at pleasure for no body denyes that the Will can resist Effectual Grace and hath the active power to will it though it never comes to pass that it doth will it because Grace makes it will the contrary and determines it to will not to use the power which it hath Respondent secundò say they further hoc sensu Voluntatem posse dissentire quatenùs absente gratia non operatur illud bonum ad quod per gratiam excitatur quod eâ praesente necessariò operatur This is properly the ridiculous Chimaera of the Necessitating Grace which destroyes the active power of resisting it self whilst it is present It sprung first in F. Annat's Imagination who diffus'd it into those of M. Hallier and his Collegues and by their means endeavour'd to perswade the Cardinals and Consultors of it 'T is easie to triumph thus over Adversaries by attributing to them imaginary opinions and answers The length of this Writing hinders me from transcribing it particularly I shall only adde that it is concluded with the ordinary Protestation that they do not persecute the Propositions in the sense of Effectual Grace and that the question is not about the points contested between the Dominicans and the Jesuites Colligitur secundo say they in the writing upon the Fifth Proposition quid dicendum sit illis qui hanc esse putant controversiam de auxiliis Divinae Gratiae tamdiù olim dissertatam sub duobus Pontificibus inter Thomistas Jesuitas jamque hoc pretextu Janseniani utuntur ut Censuras eludant cum
The Minor I prove thus The Will cannot receive the inspiration of a most ardent and pure love without it begin to be good But Molinistical grace may subsist without the will 's being good in any sort but the same may alwayes remain bad because this Grace leaves it still in a state to be good or bad Therefore Molinistical grace is not by an inspiration of a most ardent and pure love Hence being S. Augustin affirms in the 31. Chap. de Grat. Christi that he never found Pelagius acknowledge in any of his Writings such help added to Nature and Instruction by the inspiration of a most ardent and pure love And being Molina acknowledges the same no more then he did it followes that he agrees with Pelagius to overthrow the true Grace of Jesus Christ Secondly The Grace of Jesus Christ is an heavenly teaching whereby God so instructs the heart of man with such inexpressible sweetnesse that he who receives that instruction hath not the knowledge only of what he sees but also the will wherewith he desires it and the action whereby he performs it Chap. 14. But the Grace whose use is left to Free-will is not such Therefore c. Thirdly We cannot say of the Grace of Jesus Christ that by it man learns of God what he ought to do but that he will not do what it teaches him Now this may be affirm'd of the Molinistical grace Therefore the Molinistical grace is not the Grace of Jesus Christ Chap. 14. My fourth proof is this Whosoever receives from God the Grace of Jesus Christ comes to the Son of God whosoever comes not to him hath not that Grace Ibid. chap. 14. But many have the Molinistical grace who come not to the Son of God Therefore the Molinistical grace is not the Grace of Jesus Christ and consequently is not that Grace which S. Augustin saith was necessary to be acknowledg'd by Pelagius if he would be a real and not a nominal Catholick Now let any one of the upholders of such Molinistical grace appear in presence of Your Holinesse let him vaunt as much as he pleases that he holds not the opinions of Pelagius let him say I am not a Pelagian because Pelagius acknowledg'd no other grace but an external aid of the Law and Doctrine or Instruction But I moreover confesse an internal and supernatural Grace whereby God enlightens the Understanding and moves the Will but whose use is left to Free-will Certes I should answer him 'T is very brave I am extreamly glad you are not altogether a Pelagian But what are you the better if you depart from Pelagius but cloze not with the sentiments of the Church And what advantage is it to you to reject the Pelagian grace if you do not admit the Christian For how remote soever you are from Pelagius whatever Grace you admit whatever colours you paint it withal and whatever Title you give it of internal and supernatural if this Grace be not the same which S. Augustin saith Pelagius must confesse to the end he may be not only in name but in Truth a Catholick the Confession which you make of such other grace may perhaps keep you from being wholly a Pelagian but it can never make you passe for a Christian For I grant it true as you say and this is no place to dispute it that Pelagius deny'd that there is any internal and supernatural Grace contrary to what S. Augustin maintain'd viz. That there is an internal and supernatural Grace But S. Augustin moreover maintain'd That this Grace is Effectual and subdues the Free-will to it self While you hold against Pelagius that there is an internal supernatural Grace you hold at the same time against S. Augustin that the same Grace is subject to Free-will So that by your acknowledging an internal and supernatural Grace perhaps you are not a Pelagian therein but inasmuch as you acknowledge not that the same is Effectual you are not yet a Catholick You are as yet neither Pelagian nor Catholick or rather you are not at all a Catholick but you are a Pelagian in that you agree with Pelagius to oppose that Effectual Grace which you will not acknowledge to be the true Grace of Jesus Christ Whereunto I add That your sentiment in the confession of this internal supernatural Grace is not far from that of Pelagius which I prove by Chap. 13. of the same Book of S. Augustin He who knows what he ought to do and doth it not is not yet instructed of God by Grace but only by the Law he hath not been taught by the Spirit but only by the Letter And in Chap. 14. Jesus Christ speaking of this manner of teaching saith Whosoever hath heard the words of my Father and hath been taught by him cometh to me And it cannot with truth be said of him that comes not to Christ He hath known and learnt that he ought to come but he will not do what he hath learnt he ought to do No certainly this cannot be said of that manner of instruction according to which God teaches us by his Grace Now he who hath onely the Molinistical grace hath not been taught of God by grace and by the Spirit but onely by the Law and by the Letter and consequently the Molinistical grace is no other then the Pelagian which consists only in the Law and Instruction Whereby it appears that the terms of internal and supernatural Grace are only simple words made use of by the Molinists to cover and hide their Pelagian grace to the end to avoid the indignation which the same would excite against them and by this difference of words to obscure the Truth and to keep themselves from being so easily convinc'd of their Error After this Argument I shall proceed to S. Augustin's third proof taken out of the same book de Grat. Christi where he throughly treats of the assistance of the possibility of the will and of the action which he maintains to be the true Grace of the Redeemer and which was the subject of the whole Dispute between him and Pelagius For see how that great Saint speaks of this Heretick Pelagius establishing three several things whereby he saith Gods Commandments may be fulfilled viz. Possibility Will and Action Possibility whereby a man is able to become Righteous Will whereby he is willing to become Righteous and Action whereby he is actually Righteous He confesses that the first viz. Possibility is given by the Creator of our Nature and depends not upon our selves since we cannot but have it whether we will or no. But as for the two others namely Will and Action He holds that they are in our power and that we have so much the dominion of them that they depend only upon our selves Whence Pelagius concluded that a man deserves to be commended for his good will and his good actions or rather that God and man deserves to be commended for the same because God
them to that purpose in the dayes following We declar'd to their Eminences our purpose to appear before the Pope and that the Pope had given us order by the Ambassador to be in readinesse by the first dayes of the week ensuing Tuesday evening the Ambassador passing by our lodging advertis'd us that the Monday next was the day appointed and that we must be at the Pope's Palace by 20 a clock that is about three after noon Accordingly we repair'd on Monday to the Pope's Palace in Mont Quirinal and were call'd for a little after three a clock and introduc'd into the Pope's presence On each side of his Holinesse's Chair were two Benches upon which the Cardinals sat Spada and Ginetti on the right hand and Pamphilio and Ghiggi on the other The thirteen Divines of several Orders whose names M. de S. Amour signify'd to you by his Letter January 27. stood bare-headed on each side behind the Benches M. Albizzi Assessor of the H. Office was there also to perform the Office of Secretary Besides these no other persons were present at this Assembly At our entrance we made our accustomed genuflexions to his Holinesse who gave us his benediction and made a sign to us to rise and begin We stood in the space between the two Benches right against the Pope it being just capable of us all five afront The Abbot of Valcroissant began and show'd in general the importance of this Affair in a speech of about three quarters of an hour We speak nothing of what it contain'd because we send you My Lords a Copy of it as it was pronounc'd After his speech was ended he spoke of the two first Writings which we had presented the last year the former whereof is concerning what hath been acted about the affair of the Five Propositions and the other is touching S. Augustin authority He spoke succinctly some principal things of the former Writing to let his Holinesse understand the foul dealings frauds and the conspiracy of our Adversaries against S. Augustin by contriving and presenting to our Faculty those captious and equivocal Propositions But conceiving it more material to say something concerning the main businesse of doctrine in this first Audience he did not think fit to be particular in laying matters of fact open to his Holinesse and therefore proceeded to the Writing concerning S. Augustin's authority wherein we shewd that nothing is so much establisht in the Church as this Authority since we justifie it by above two hundred Testimonies of twenty Popes fifteen Councils threescore and ten Fathers of the Church or illustrious Divines of all Ages and the reception of the whole Church with unanimous and universal consent He laid forth the reasons which oblig'd us to deliver this Writing first in imitation of S. Prosper and Hilary of France when they came to Rome against the Priests of Marseille and to tread in the steps which we saw markt out in the first judgement which was made touching S. Augustin under Pope Celestine the first and in the last examen which was made under Clement VIII He added that we did not insist upon proving more largely this authority of S. Augustin being perswaded that his Holinesse was willing that the doctrine of this Saint should serve for a Rule in this whole Dispute of Grace according to the Ordinances of his Predecessors Reserving therefore to speak more at length of what had been done in France upon occasion of the Five Propositions when it should be expedient in the progresse of things and supposing the authority of S. Augustin receiv'd and establisht as we had agreed together M. de Valcroissant proceeded to the Writings then to be presented and told his Holinesse that to let him see that we complain'd not unnecessarily of the Jesuites outrages against S Augustin's authority we had one Writing to present to him into which we had collected above a hundred Propositions against S. Augustin drawn out of the books of Jesuitical Writers since Molina that above fifty of them were publish'd within these last four yeares and that 't was a great evidence of a conspiracy against S. Augustin in the contrivance of the five Pelagious Propositions that F. Adam a Jesuite at the same time was preparing a bloody work against S. Augustin which came forth on the first of January 1650. with the permission of the Provincial of Paris and with the approbation of three Jesuites Divines M. de Valcroissant read to his Holinesse those Propositions of F. Adam wherein the express doctrine of S. Augustin is plainly handled as Heretical and Calvinistical and S. Paul and other Canonical Writers accus'd of having been exorbitant in their Writings and gone beyond the bounds of Truth through humane weaknesse from which as that Jesuite saith They were nor free You may judge My Lords with what astonishment his Holinesse and their Eminences heard these horrible injuries of that Jesuite against S. Augustin which carried to reprehend S. Paul himself and the Prophets He also read this Proposition which is in a book printed at Paris three moneths ago Expecta tantisper Lector brevi loquetur Roma quid senserit Augustinus aut quid sentire debuerit Which as you see My Lords implyes that the Jesuites expect shortly at Rome the condemnation of S. Augustin's Doctrine In the next place M. de Valcroissant explicated the Distinction of Senses and caus'd his Holinesse to observe with how much sincerity the proceeded in this Affair by declaring plainly what we rejected and what we held touching all the Propositions He remonstrated first that they were fram'd by the Molinists in equivocal terms capable of heretical senses thereby to expose them to Censure and afterwards reflect the same Censure upon Grace Effectual by it self and upon S. Augustin's Doctrine to which the Propositions are reducible by being explicated in the particular senses which they may admit as we had done that we were not the authors of those ambiguous Propositions That they could not be shewn in any book in the direct terms wherein they are conceiv'd excepting the first which is mutilated and maliciously separated from the words that precede and follow it which being added to the Proposition as it is found in the Author from whom it is taken is not only not capable of any evil sense but is the Catholick and Apostolick doctrine of S. Augustin and the Church That it cannot be found in any works Latin or French publisht in France within these four yeares that they have been defended purely as they are express'd but that on the contrary it hath alwayes been declar'd that in the generality of their terms they are susceptible of heretical senses and may according to those senses be condemn'd generally as heretical and that never any other sense but the Catholick alone which they admit hath been maintain'd that is to say none ever absolutely maintain'd these five general Propositions but the particular Propositions expressing the Catholick sense of them which we
presented and maintain'd in our Writing Whence he concluded that the Controversie was not about the five Propositions as they appear'd That we do not defend them in their universality and ambiguity which he repeated twice or thrice at several times That therefore to follow the steps which S. Augustin's disciples had alwayes troden since this Dispute according to the first Memorial presented by us to his Holinesse at our first coming to Rome and the demands which we had made eight moneths ago in our first Information de facto we presented to his Holinesse a Writing wherein were contain'd on one side in clear terms the Catholick senses or particular Propositions which we and all S. Augustin's Disciples maintain'd and had alwayes maintain'd and on the other side the sentiments both of the Calvinists and Molinists touching the matter of these Propositions That we desir'd of his Holinesse an examination and judgement of these sentiments That Calvin's opinion was not the thing in controversie between us that we held him for a Heretick as well as our Adversaries do That the two others were those alone in contest That we were ready to demonstrate viva voce and by writing in presence of our Adversaries that our sentiment is most Catholick most agreeable to S. Augustin and altogether indubitable in the faith That on the contrary that of the Molinists is Pelagian or Semipelagian as it hath been already judg'd contradictorily in the Congregation de Auxiliis held by the Popes Clement VIII Paul V. of holy and glorious memory He added That to judge of the Propositions as they are contested between Catholicks 't is necessary to distinguish the senses and make an expresse and particular judgement thereof This he justify'd by the words of the Letter of the Prelates by whom M. Hallier pretends himself commission'd because those Prelates demand a clear and expresse judgement upon the Propositions such as may clear the Truth regulate the present contests amongst Catholicks touching this matter and produce peace in the Church And therefore that although by occasion of these Propositions there is a dispute between Catholicks yet seeing the controversie is not about the ambiguous Propositions as they are fram'd by the Molinists but about the different senses which we presented and are alone in question the Truth cannot be clear'd nor the Controversie terminated but by an expresse judgement upon these several particular senses or rather upon the Propositions exempted from all equivocation as we presented them and upon the contradictories of them which needed to be solemnly and fully examin'd in order to a judgement thereof by a solemn and express Decree as was done by the two Popes Clement VIII Paul V. in their Congregation touching the same matter He said that whereas M. Hallier and his Collegues give out that they are sent by Prelates to sollicite a Censure of the Sentiments or Propositions maintain'd by us they abuse their Letter and intention That those Prelates are as much for us as for M. Hallier since by occasion of the Propositions we demanded in your name as well as they a clear and express judgement such as may regulate our Contests and produce a full and lasting peace in the Church It was not hard to justifie My Lords that you demanded likewise an express judgement upon the distinction of senses and upon the particular Propositions for it appears sufficiently by your Letters and by our first Memorial Then he shew'd the justice of this demand inasmuch as the matter in controversie could neither be judg'd of nor the differences touching these points of Doctrine terminated any other way Secondly Because it is necessary to judge of the sense according to which our Adversaries impugne these Propositions since 't is that of Molina's sufficient Grace which is a source of impieties errors and heresies as 't is easie to make good by the sixty three Errors or Heresies which we deduc'd from it by necessary consequence and plac'd at the end of our Writing of Effectual Grace He demonstrated that the controverted sense of the Propositions is that of Grace Effectual by it self necessary to every good action since all the impugners of the Propositions either by Writing or Teaching impugne them in the sense of Effectual Grace as on the contrary all the disciples of S. Augustin who have writ or taught before or since the contrivance of these Propositions maintain only the pure sense of Effectual Grace nor can other doctrine then that touching the said Propositions be found in any book Here he read the different senses of the Propositions which you have seen in the Writing which we sent to you the last week and pronounc'd word for word all that is contain'd in the three Columes both the different Propositions and our qualifications or judgements of them After the reading of each Proposition which we defended he succinctly shew'd the connexion of it with Grace effectual by it self as it is in the Preface of our Writing of Effectual Grace which we likewise send you He concluded with our most humble instances to his Holinesse that he would please to judge of those controverted senses and said as 't is contain'd in the end of our Writing or Declaration that being perswaded that the senses or particular Propositions which we presented and defended contain'd the principal grounds of the Christian faith and piety we should alwayes believe and maintain that sense or those Propositions to be Catholick till his Holinesse by a solemn judgment condemn'd that particular sense i. e. those particular propositions which were fram'd and defended by us which we conceiv'd he would never do He spoke a full hour upon the writing of the distinction of senses and about an hour and half upon all the rest When he had done F. Desmares according as we had agreed together began to speak and after a short Exordium he said that having clearly reduc'd the Propositions as we defended them to the sense of Effectual Grace necessary to every good action that having show'd that the Propositions contrary according to the sense of our Adversaries contain'd the sufficient Grace of Molina and that having affirm'd that our senses are Catholick and indubitable in the doctrine of S. Augustin and on the contrary those of our Adversaries Pelagian or Semipelagian 't was necessary in the first place to justifie to his Holiness that Grace Effectual by it self is the true Grace of Jesus Christ and the certain belief of the Church This he began to prove and first succinctly set forth the order and senses of writing of Effectual Grace together with the contents of the four Articles In the first whereof he said we demonstrated by sixteen principal arguments drawn out of S. Augustin's works against the enemies of the grace of Jesus Christ that Grace effectual by it self necessary to every good action is according to that H. Father the certain belief of the Church oppos'd to the heresy of the Pelagians and Semipelagians That
that all the Conventual Cordeliers who had chosen their General in the morning came with him in great number to salute the Pope and kisse his Holinesse's feet F. Modeste was of this Order and pretended to this Generalship There was a Statute of the Order which render'd him uncapable of being nominated For the removing of which obstacle he obtained an expresse Brief of the Pope Cardinal Pamphilio was Protector of this Order that is in plain terms according as things are transacted the Master and Soveraign of it and on Friday he went in person purposely to sollicite the suffrages of the Fryers in favor of F. Modeste Now this Cardinal having conferr'd with the said Fathers about the matter held himself so assur'd of this Election that on Friday he told the Pope who concern'd himself therein that the businesse was as good as done On Saturday very early he return'd to speak to those Fathers again that he might keep them in the same mind but several of the Fathers looking upon this proceeding as having some shew of violence there arose a loud cry amongst the multitude Libertà Libertà Liberte Liberte which cry was begun by certain French Hereupon Cardinal Pamphilio who before accounted the thing most certain withdrawing himself that he might avoid giving occasion to those complaints and leave them to make their Election in peace the Fryers chose an other then F. Modeste which being reported to Cardinal Pamphilio he conceiv'd himself oblig'd to give the Pope notice thereof forthwith The Pope seeing this so sudden change of the state wherein this Cardinal told him things were the day before said these words to him perhaps partly in jest and partly otherwise Veramente nuscirete bene in un Conclave 'T is likely you would speed well in a Conclave CHAP. XXVI Of the Letters writ to me from Paris during the month of May and June concerning my relation of what pass'd at Rome during May. SCarce any thing considerable was writ to me by the two first Posts that return'd in May but what was at least reiterated and spoken more expresly by those Letters of the three last Wherefore to abridge and retrench unnecessary repetitions I shall here give an account only of those of the 16th 23d and 30th of this month Those of the 16th spoke of a ridiculous Libel which the Molinists caus'd to be cry'd up and down the streets whereof they were afterwards asham'd See what M. de S. Beuve writ to me about it Since the prank which those of this City had the boldnesse to play last week they have publish'd nothing they blush when they are reproacht with the insolence of causing a ridiculous piece to be cry'd about intitled A CATALOGVE INSTRVCTION SENT BY OVR H. F. THE POPE AGAINST THE JANSENISTS They turn the fault from themselves upon the Hawkers and Pamphlet-venters And neverthelesse 't is certain that M. le Moine was the Approbator of it as I found by a Letter wrii to me by M. Taignier May 9. touching the same The Libel saith he whereof I spoke to M. Valcroissant is publisht under the Licence of M. le Moine who hath written with his own hand at the bottom of the Frontispiece THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS WRITING WHICH MAY HINDER IT FROM BEING PRINTED LE MOINE I have this Writing with le Moine's Original Signature The Molinists absolutely affirm that the Condemnation of the Propositions is most assured and will undoubtedly be receiv'd at the end of this month You will receive F. Annat's book de Ecclesia praesentis temporis by the Messenger who sets forth on Tuesday In his Letter of the 23d M. de S. Beuve speaks thus Sir I understand by your last Letter that nothing has been done since Easter but the reasons thereof are unknown to me only people spend their judgements much concerning this delay I leave policy to the Italians and tell you that you must still act vigorously and pursue the destruction of Molinism It makes me somewhat impatient that the Dominicans have not yet presented their Memorial I know all arts are practis'd to make them desist M. de Marguerie a known disciple of the Jesuites though an antient Counsellor of State proclaims the General of the Dominicans Pragmatical and ignorant and takes this liberty even in speaking to Dominicans from whom I heard it Judge whence such language hath its original M. le Moine lately discoursing in our Court with the Abbot de Bourzeys and my self and blaming the Abbot for imposing upon him in his last book by accusing him of denying Scientia Media after some pleasant discourse amongst the rest the Abbot telling that he did not declare himself for Scientia Media openly till after the printing or at least writing of this book having till the last year avoided the Question but that he saw how he drew near Molina every day inasmuch as he affirm'd that the Grace of Action cannot be explicated but by Scientia Media at length the Discourse fell upon the Declaration of the Dominicans for S. Augustin's Doctrine and M. le Moine let slip this word that only two or three poultry Jacobin's declar'd themselves at Rome I could not suffer this language but took him up and told him that he was mistaken that the whole Order was of that mind that I knew it most perfectly to all which he was silent M. Annat said lately that he conceiv'd M. Hallier would return speedily I know not whether it be because he is to be at the Council of Tours appointed on the first of July but I know certainly that Pass-ports have been sent for him and his Collegues Perhaps they will substitute F. Mulard in their place as a most worthy Deputy an exemplary Monastick and a man of great probity I wish I may be mistaken concerning M. N. but I fear I am not The new-chang'd Propositions are in my opinion a testimony of the weaknesse of our Adversaries Good use must be made of this opportunity and two things inculcated to every one First That they endeavor to put the change upon us and secondly That they have no order from the Bishops to demand the Examen of these Propositions After which they must be urg'd to alledge the Authors of them and his Holiness convinc'd that they abuse the H. See by going about to delude it with their malicious and envenomn'd imaginations For my part I confesse I know not with what conscience M. Cornet contriv'd the first Propositions or our Adversaries there substituted the second Fail not to demand the condemnation of the Propositions injurious to S. Augustin's authority at their first Audience 'T is left to your prudence to propound other Propositions according as you shall judge expedient I think no day in the course of these two years afforded me more Letters worthy of inserting in this Journal then this thirtieth of May I have half a dozen in my hands whereof the first was from my Lord the Bishop of Chaalons Sur Marne
add their calumnies and foul dealing discover'd and known without having been able to lay any blemish upon the truths which they aim'd to get condemn'd with so great temerity and presumption as that they proclaim'd beforehand and affirm'd publickly in many places that they were condemn'd would be a signal victory for you or rather for the Truth and such as in my judgement may be wisht for in the present disposition of minds and affaires If any thing is to be desir'd further 't would be to get it declar'd that S. Augustin's doctrine touching the matters of Grace and Predestination is the doctrine of the Church and to obtain a prohibition or rather to renew the Churches antient prohibitions of condemning any dogmatical points of that doctrine taught by that H. Doctor I might add further to demand the approbation of the same Doctrine in the book of M. d' Ipre who doth no more but rehearse it as it is in that of S. Augustin but I think this last will be more contested and more difficult to obtain then the former which is very easie if the H. See hath any good will for that great Saint and for the doctrine of Grace and whereof there is no fear of missing the same having been done already many times by several Popes 'T is a question of fact about which there needs no great instruction The decision thereof will be glorious to the Pope and no person of whatever party can be offended with it without making himself odious to all the world by declaring himself an enemy to S. Augustin who is approved by the whole Church To conclude assure your self of me as a person wholly yours and believe that I do not forget you before God but daily represent to him your necessities and affaires as my own Now follow those of the month of June The first is from M Taignier written June 5. Some Molinists with whom I have had conference the second of this month told me that I had bad intelligence since I did not agree with them that the Pope had ordain'd the passing of a Censure they assur'd me that it was perfectly ready and that the Pope would undoubtedly publish it at the feast of Pentecost I askt them whether the Propositions were censur'd They answer'd that some of them were condemn'd as heretical that others had the more gentle modifications though such as blemish'd and overthrew them I told them I wonder'd that after what they had said that it was almost impossilbe to learn the particular circumstances of things transacted in any Congregation at Rome yet themselves seem'd so well inform'd of things relating to the Examen and discussion of the Five Propositions that they must undoubtedly hold correspondence with those who penned the Bull. They made no Reply c. You cannot imagine what good effect the Letters by this Post have produced yet the most advised of our friends are in great anxiety for that the Pope will not grant you a Conference because they conceive that the cause now under debate at Rome is one of the most important causes that ever were treated in the Church Were there no parties in it as his Holiness admits none yet he ought to take the Doctors there of different opinions and hear them upon the questions intended to be examin'd and pronounc'd upon since 't is the course alwayes us'd by the Church in it's decisions Truth becomes more illustrious when it is discuss'd in this manner Thus were Decisions made in the Council of Trent after matters had been disputed by the Doctors as may bee seen in the Acts of that Council in which there were no parties they refusing to appear You must make great complaints about the Bull wherewith you are threatned and you may vigorously represent to his Holinesse how little respect some have for him since at the same time that he in goodness promis'd F. Des-mares and M. Manessier and their Collegues to hear them a report is spread abroad that his Holiness caus'd a Bull to be prepar'd against the Propositions which is a thing of great terror This circumstance well exaggerated with great sweetnesse and respect may make some reasonable impression upon the mind of his Holinesse I am c. The second being from M. de Sainte Beuve dated the same 5th of June contain'd the following lines amongst others The newes of the composition of a Bull continues still to the great delight of the Molinists They threaten us with it upon the notice which they have receiv'd of it from our Confreres their good friends The report of it is much divulg'd c. Satisfie me concerning the present state of the Dominicans and in exchange I shall tell you that the draught of a Bull hath been made at the Colledge of Navarre and in order to be sent to Rome See whether the rumor vented by the Molinists be not founded upon that piece The third is from M. Brousse June 13. Take what of it concerns our common Affair Saturday last I went to see M. Prignon and carry'd him your last Memorial as I had promis'd him After the presentation of your commendations to him and the return of his to you and all your company we had not much discourse together by reason M. de Launoy superven'd and interrupted us M. Prignon thank'd him for the Present he had made him a few dayes before of his book intitled De varia Aristotelis in Academia Parisiensi fortuna in which he derides all the world We went out together and being in the street he askt me whether I knew that M. Hallier was coming back from Rome I told him I did not He reply'd that he heard so from a Bishop the day before who said that he was bringing a great Pancart by which word he meant the Bull. I answer'd that this was a thing more unknown to me then the former Yesterday after Vespers I visited M. Prignon again who receiv'd me with extraordinary courtesy and returning your Memorial told me he had read it twice with extream pleasure and admir'd both the solidity of the matter the pureness of your Italian style I told him of the Audience which you had had of the Pope and shew'd him your Letter concerning it He was joyful beyond what I can express and yet sorry too that his Holinesse appoints not the Conference being unable to imagine any reasonable ground of pretext to deny it to you by saying that you have no Parties or Adversaries He charg'd me to present his commendations to you and to those Messieurs who he said have spoken with so much zeal for defence of the Truth A few days ago an honest Father well-affected to S. Augustin went amongst the Jesuites to enquire news from Rome feigning to be of their Party F. Celot to whom he spoke told him the Jansenists were condemn'd and the Bull ready and upon the point to be publisht when the Sieur Des-mares arriving there by the help of 40000
never attempted to make a Body of Religion separate from that of the Synagogue how deprav'd soever it were but were contented with preaching against those Corruptions even so far as to expose themselves to death for their condemning the same from God That the like ought to have been done by those who pretended to reform the Church If they found themselves call'd of God for so great a work they ought to have undertaken the same in the Church it self whatever should have befallen them but if they knew themselves too weak to venture martyrdom they ought to have been contented with reforming and correcting themselves but not have medled with the abuses which they could not amend in others Upon occasion we told the Ambassador what was spoken concerning this matter on either side between M. Du Puy and our selves He was sorry that he was not present at the Conference and desir'd us to give him notice in case we could foresee a like occasion for another But for that we staid at Venice only till the great Heat was pass'd and had receiv'd an answer to the Letter which we writ from Florence to our Bishops and were not certain of seeing this M. Du Puy again before our departure for he would not tell us his Lodging although we askt him to the intent to repay his Visit we told the Ambassador that it would be great contentment to us to procure what we desir'd but we saw no great probability of it Nor indeed had we any opportunity to do it during all our stay at Venice which lasted till about the middle of August In all which time nothing memorable occur'd but the Letters which I receiv'd both from Paris and from Rome touching the Popes new Constitution which I shall insert here in regard of the further light which they give of the manner how it was pass'd of the Popes intentions in passing it and of the sincerity and humility wherewith we submitted thereunto I shall begin with those of Rome because they were the first which were written to me and appear to me the most considerable CHAP. II. Containing the Letters which I receiv'd from Rome during our residence at Venice touching the Popes new Constitution THe first of the 30th of June written by a person of one of the most considerable Orders in the Church and one of our most intimate friends whom I had encharged at our departure to make our excuses to some of those of whom we had not time to take leave or did not meet withal He told me in his Letter That the next day after our departure he began to acquit himself of what he had promis'd us That he had seen the F. Library-keeper of the Augustines who accounted himself much oblig'd for some books which we promis'd to send to him for the service of the publick in that Library That he had seen F. Lezzana who was solliciting for the Permission formerly promis'd him to print a book which he had made concerning Effectual Grace and that upon telling him what the Pope said to us in our last Audience he answer'd him that Cardinal Pimentel told him as much before as having understood it from the Pope himself Il giorno dopo che V. S. si parti con gli altri suoi signori compagni e miei padroni comminciai ad esseguire i suoi ordini Parlai co'l Bibliotecario Di S. Agostino il quale restò appagatissimo del suo buon desiderio di compiacerlo di qualche cosa per la sua libraria perche può servire per util publico e far vedere qual cosa di buono e bello a chi vi va à studiare mastime contra inimicos gratiae Christi c. Ho perlate co'l Padre Lezzana e l' ho riscaldato a procurar la licenza di stampare la sua prima secundae colla materiè della Gratia efficace e gl' ho suggerito molti motivi per disponere c. Gl' ha appresi e già hà duo to un memoriale a Ghiggi a nostro Signore Lo riscaldero c. Li rigratia della memoria c. Havendoli raccontato quel ch' è successo col Papa e Coro Signori mi hà replicato ch' altre tanto gl' hà detto il Card. Pimentelli che gl' hà detto nostro Signore The same friend sent me word also by the same Letter that they could not conceive at Rome that the Constitution could have good sequels That one of the Consultors whom he nam'd to me but I conceal told him that the Jesuites complain'd of F. Palavicini conceiving that he had not succeeded in this Affair as they expected and that he gave thanks to God that he had had no hand in making this Constitution though he had been invited to it That M. N. M. writ to him that at his return he would tell him his thoughts of it and that he was very joyful to see that it did not at all touch the doctrine which we defended That Cardinal Pimentel told F. Nolano that he would desire the Pope to declare for which senses he had condemn'd the Propositions That F. Luca Vadingo said to F. Reginald that he could not conceive how so rigorous a Censure came to be pass'd upon the Propositions since not any of the Consultors censur'd them so vigorously in the Congregations not even F. Palavicini himself He told me also that the same day he writ to me the Nephew of Barberini was made Cardinal And lastly he saluted us all heartily and made an humble reverence to the Bishops the undaunted lovers of the perfect Grace of Jesus Christ Qua à nissun piace la Costitutione per più capi ne si sà capire che posse apportar buon essito Il P. D. N. N. mi diste che li Padri della Compagnia si lamentano assai del P. Palavicinii parendoli che non sia riuscito in questo negotio come pretendeano Rigratia Dio di non esser stato à parte in stabilir la'Costitutione come gl' era stato significato Il signor M. N. mi scrive che nel ritorno mi manifestarè i suei sentimenti intorno la Costitutione il era tutto allegro perche li per che non tocchi c. Il Card. Pimentelli hà detto hieri al Padre Nolano che vuol far instawza à nostro signore che dictriari il senso delle Propositioni Il Padre Vadringhi hà detto al Padre Reginaldi che si sia fatta la Censura con tanto rigore perche nelle Congregationi niuno l' hà censurate con tanto rigore ne meno il P. Palavicini c. Questa matricas ' è fatto Cardinale il nepote de' Barberini Riverisco è salato tutti ex toto corde è fo humilissima riverenza à i Vescovi intrepidis perfectae gratiae amatoribus The second is of the same date written by F. Petit Priest of the Oratory who likewise assur'd me that divers
of the Consultors affirm'd that in their suffrages none of them not even F. Palavicini himself qualify'd the Propositions with those rigorous terms which are in the Censure The third was dated June 28. and written by F. Guerin who amongst a thousand other good Offices which his inexhaustible charity and singular affection to Monseigneur d' Anger 's and to us induc'd him to do for us both during our residence at Rome and after our departure acquainted me with some which I shall here relate in his own words I have presented your books to wit our little tomes of S. Augustin to the Cardinals Franciotti Trivultio and Omodei who receiv'd them with great joy and expressions of acknowledgement especially the first and the last But the two first particularly Trivultio profess'd that they were much surpriz'd when he saw the Popes Censure forasmuch as there was great likelyhood and reason that you should be heard Trivultio said he did not think that it would any wise conduce to the establishment of peace but rather the contrary because though his Holiness seems in appearance not to have touch'd S. Augustin yet he hath done it indirectly and will cause much trouble The two others earnestly prest the Oration and the Dictinction of the senses of the Propositions which all three judg'd should have been in the Censure Franciotti hath made them already and I shall carry them to Omodei afterwards He had put off our House to Monsignor Caffaretti and sold our furniture presently after our departure and therefore understanding our offer to the Bishops to return to Rome if they pleas'd he offer'd us his own in that case till another could be provided in this obliging manner If you return to Rome be sure you alight nowhere else but at my house if you will have me your friend The fourth is of the same date June 28. written by F. Petit Priest of the Oratory and superior of these which are at Rome in Saint Lewis's Covent Sir I Have received yours of the 21. of June with the inclosed which I have distributed I have seen as many of your friends as I could and presented your recommendations to them they are all glad to hear of your health and pray our Lord Jesus Christ to continue strength and health to you till you come to the end of your Voyage where I doubt not but you will have great Encounters to undergo for the cause of Truth Now F. Dinet is grown so potent at Court by his guidance of the Kings conscience he will not fail to make use of that Authority for persecuting the Truth and those who defend it As for newes here none is spoken of saving that your Adversaries walk with something more stateliness and carry their heads higher then they did formerly The Jesuites proclaim openly that you are condemn'd together with S. Augustin and the whole School of the Thomists and a Divine of the Romane Colledg hath begun to argue from the Censure of the third Proposition that Jesus Christ had indifference in reference to his actions to prove which when he alledg'd the Censure of the third Proposition they say a Student answer'd him Sed illa propositio est de natura lapsa in qua non erat Christus which put him to a nonplus Nevertheless the intelligent sort of people have no great respect for this Censure they see so much partiality and passion and so little justice in it 'T is affirm'd to me that F. Aversa some other Consultors never saw your Writings and was not call'd after your Audience and that this Censure is certainly the same which was made towards the beginning of Lent The same person assures me too that the first beginning of the Congregation 't was a fixt and determinate resolution to censure the Propositions at what rate soever And therefore 't is no wonder that the Jesuites spoke of it so confidently from the first He tells me likewise that none of the Consultors at least the Molinists care not much for S. Augustine's Authority but I hope that God and his Church will uphold the same above all those who go about to diminish it At Rome this whole week hath been spent in Bonfires and publick rejoycings both for solemnity of the Mariage and alliance of the Pamphilian Family with that of Cardinal Barberin and for the Promotion made on Monday of the Prince Prefect who took the Hat on Thursday last but with the publick Panegyricks of the Pope and Cardinals T is believ'd that Cardinal Barberin shall resume the Helm of Government Cardinal Antonio is certainly reported to be at Sea and is expected every day M. Hallier and his Collegues make no shew of departing yet 'T is said they stay here to see how the Censure will be receiv'd at Paris and in your University that so they may sollicite his Holinesse for such course and means as shall be necessary to enforce its reception The fifth was written to me on June 29. by that person without whose counsel I have said in one place of this Relation that I did very few things Both the Original and the Translation are here subjoin'd Il pensiero di non uscire d' Italia fin che habbiano riposta di Francia à me all' amico piace sommannente E la parterera Di Roma come fu ' necessarea così non può essere ripresa ne il fermarsi poteva pastorire niuno buon effetto è nella presente congiuntura si è cavato della bacca ai Papa quel piùs che si può sperare è sarà sempre imprudenza tentare la cognitione d' una causa presso un giudice che non intende li termini Si che non bisogna riguardare quello che ponno dire gli auversarie circa la partenzi ma li sogna con prudenza ponderare li nostri disvantaggi li loro vantaggi altro che l' Aliero in tutti li circoli dove si trova predica che ei tiene la gratia efficace de se è la dottrina di sant ' Agostino è che la decisione del Papa non effende ne l' una ne l' altra è che li Molinisti sono in errore come ancora quei della predeterminatione physica si riscalda in modo sopra di ciò che più non si può dire è chi l' hà sentito più volte à me lo riferisse è persona à Giesuiti affectionata Che il Decreto sia per fape rumore in Francia non si crede perche il Rè adopreà la forza autorità perche sia ricevuto con race che così hà promisso è lo so io Che il campo sia aperto in Roma è meglio perche sino che qui si stava la Corte perretrava tutto l' intemo di vosignoria è sprezzava Memoriali come sè berrissimo ma estendo absenti se sentiranno rumori potranno forzi comparire magiori
stabilire niuno punto Controverso fra le suole Ma quest ' ordine essendo privato non sodisfa Noi habbiamo scritto per tutte l' Vniversità che siano raccolte tutte le consequenze de Giesuti o d' altro siano mandata à Roma perche intendiamo movera la controversia se havremo in mano cosa che dia motivo come credo che havromo è impossibile che il Giesuita si tratenga fra termini della modestia essendo Pedante pervicace Così il fatto farà conoscere a nostro signore quello che non ha voluto credere per le nostre istanze Del resto la Corte passa con discorsi di marritaggi e con dissegni che non passano i confini della famiglia Panfilia de quali non voglio inbrattare il folio e li faccio riverenza con compagni That is in our language As to the affair in the Roman Colledge which belongs to the Jesuites there are readings concerning the merit of Christ and presently after the Censure of the third Proposition they took occasion thence to establish the necessity of Indifference in order to merit Concluding that no action of Jesus Christ was meritorious except upon account of the circumstances in reference to which it was indifferent The Pope was inform'd of it and he sent order to the General of the Jesuites to write to all the Society and forbid all persons to make use of his Bull to the establishing of any point controverted in the Scholes and to enjoyn observation hereof in all his Colledges But this order being particular and secret do's not satisfy For our parts we have written to all Universities to get a collection made of all the consequences which the Jesuites or others can draw from this Bull and to have it sent to us at Rome because our design is to renew the Controversy in case we can get any thing material as no doubt we shall it not being possible for the Jesuites to keep themselves in the bounds of modesty considering what insolent Pedants they are The result whereof will be to cause the Pope to know that which he would never believe upon our remonstrances Nothing is talkt of at the Court but maniages and designes pertaining to the Pamphilian family wherewith I will not fill my paper I kisse your hands and those of your Collegues The Nineth is of the 12th of July written by F. Guerin and amongst other things containes these The last Week M. Hallier came to seek me as himself said several times and F. de Vertamont one But neither of them finding me they went severally to F. Placide to whom they made heavy complaints against me for all that I have done and continue to do for you which is to uphold so bad a cause c. But in particular for that I visited Cardinal Trivultio and told him as they most falsely alledg'd that the Bishops would never receive the Bull c. Afterwards I met F. de Vertamont and told him the occasion of my visiting the said Cardinal which was to present S. Augustin's book to him and that I had spoken nothing else of what was imputed to me With which he professed himself satisfi'd But seeing M. Hallier shortly after he added that I had confessed to this Father that I had said to Cardinal Trivultio that there ought to be a Council for deciding these questions which is as far from truth as the other calumny These two persons viz. Vertamont and Hallier told F. Placide that I might perhaps receive a personal affront unlesse I took heed to my self You see what this tends to They say I ought not to have presented your books to the Cardinals I have so much to tell you concerning this businesse that the paper and the day would fail me should I go about to tell you all and therefore I shall be silent The Tenth is also of the 12th of July written by F. Petit in which I find these termes The grace of Jesus Christ our Lord be with you for ever I have distributed all those which were in the pacquet and particularly that of P. A. to whom I deliver'd the same with my own hand He brought me his answer to it this morning and I send it here inclos'd He bid me tell you something which he purposely omitted in his letter to wit that his Cardinal was yesterday inform'd by the Cardinal of Florence or Trivultio that he was assur'd by letters out of Flanders that the Bishops of that Country would not receive his Holinesses declaration upon the Five Propositions saying that they acknowledg'd nothing for a Decision of Faith but what the Pope determin'd cum suo Clero and not what he determin'd with three or four Cardinals and in such a Congregation as that which made this Declaration Were our Bishops of France and your Doctors thus magnanimous the Molinists would not have whereof to glory This would render this Court more circumspect in the making of such decisions F. Reginald salutes you and your Collegues and desires me to tell you that in a visite which he made this week to Cardinal Barberin they discours'd concerning his Holinesses declaration and the certainty that the Jesuites would make use of it against Effectual Grace but the Cardinal told him they would not and that he had signifi'd his Holinesses order to the General of the Jesuites enjoyning him to write to all their Fathers Houses and Colledges that the Pope forbad them to make advantage of this Censure against the doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Thomas or against Grace effectual by it self The same Cardinal told me neer the same thing yesterday in a conference of half an hour which I had with him upon occasion of my going to him to desire his protection against the menaces of the Penitentiaries of S. Peter to put into the H. Office as a person disobedient to this Censure I assured him that I receiv'd the same as a Condemnation of the heretical senses of the Propositions but not as a condemnation of S. Augustin's doctrine touching Grace effectual by it self necessary to every good work of Christian piety because his Holiness had solemnely assur'd you that he designed not to prejudice this doctrine in any wise c. He acknow edg'd that this was most true but added that we ought to keep as far as may be from the manner of speaking us'd by hereticks and that although the thing express'd by such manners of speech be true yet because Hereticks use the same manners of speech in ill part therefore we ought to abstain from them The conclusion of all his discourse was that this Censure is rather a condemnation of termes and words then any thing else That as for the doctrine of our Congregation so farre as we stuck to S. Augustin S. Thomas and the manner of speech of the ancient Scholiastick Thomists as Bannes Alvarez Lemos c. nothing could be said against
Doctrinal Sentence upon all the Articles in particular which were to be condemned in the said books with qualification of every Proposition The said Censures were sent abroad by order of the said LL. Prelates together with a circular Letter This gave occasion to the said English to compose four other books in confirmation of the Doctrine of the former namely 1. Hermanni Loemelii Spongia 2. Querimonia Ecclesiae Anglicanae 3. Appendix ad Illustrissimum Dominum Archiepiscopum Parisiensem 4. Defensio Decreti All four under the name of Hermannus Loëmelius whose true name is Floid There is no injury or contumely which he doth not vomit against my LL. the Prelates the Faculty and the said Censures Hereupon our said LL. Prelates assembled again to continue their condemnation against the said four books which they apprehended as well as the two first to be composed by Iesuites whereof when the said Iesuites were advertis'd they delivered a Disavowry wherein they declare the said books not to be compos'd by any of their Society being displeas'd that such questions had ever been propounded The said Disavowry was made at Paris the 23 of March 1633. signed by De la Salle Superiour of the Profess'd House Stephen Binet Rector of the Colledge of Clermont Julian Haineufve Rector of the Novitiate and Claudius Maillan the Kings Confessor Now though this Disavowry did not fully satisfie the said Lords yet for that they were lovers of peace they were contented with it for that time But they were much astonish'd when they saw in a book entitl'd Bibliotheca Scriptorum Societatis Jesu Auctore Philippo Alegambe ex eadem Societate Jesu printed at Antwerp apud Joannem Meursium Anno 1643. The Authors of the said Tracts nam'd by their right names and acknowledg'd to be Iesuites and that in the said Bibliotheca they are nam'd with Elogiums and that they speak contemptuously of our LL. the Prelates and the rest who censur'd the said two first books and which is worse that in the Index of the Contents they place under the head of books written against Hereticks two of Floid's books namely Querimonia and Spongia though they are compos'd against our LL. the Prelates Messieurs of the Faculty of Paris and against their Censures This gave occasion to our said LL. to assemble again and after several Conferences they have thought meet to send again into the Provinces the said Censures under the names of their right Authors who are Edward Knot whose true name is Matthias Wilson who was formerly Censur'd under the name of Nicholas Smith and John Floid who was likewise Censur'd under the name of Daniel à Jesu both Iesuites if the said Alegambe in his Catalogue be not mistaken in this particular as 't is said he is in other things the Iesuites of France still persisting at the present in the Disavowry which they heretofore deliver'd that the said Authors are not of their Society and that they cannot answer for the fact of the said Alegambe who is the King of Spain's Subject and also to declare the said four books contumelious injurious against the Honour and Dignity of my LL. the Prelates in general and of the Archbishop of Paris in particular and of the Doctors of the Faculty of Paris besides that they contain the same Doctrine formerly Censured in the two other c. It is good to observe touching the above-mention'd Disavowry of the Iesuites that some more intelligent persons found that they had made use of an Equivocation according to their custome For having set down this Title The Disavowry of the Fathers of the Society of Jesus in France they said in the sequel that the said books were not made by any of their Society meaning in France with reference to the Title because they were made by English Iesuites Moreover the Bishops had so little regard to the said Disavowry that in the same printed piece wherein they speak of it they renew their ancient Censure against the books of England with this Title Epistola Archiepiscoporum Episcoporum Parisiis nunc agentium ad Archiepiscopos Episcopos Regni Galliae super animadversione duorum libellorum quorum tituli sunt Prioris quidem Modesta brevis discussio aliquarum assertionum Doctoris Kellisoni in tractatu de Ecclesiastica Hierarchia Auctore Edvardo Knotto Jesuitarum Anglorum Viceprovinciali sub ementito nomine Nicolai Smithaei Posterioris verò Apologia pro modo procedendi S. Sedis Apostolicae in regendis Angliae Catholicis tempore persecutionis Auctore Joanne Floido Jesuita Anglo sub falso nomine Danielis à Jesu Jussu Cleri denuò in lucem edita Universis per Galliam constitutis Reverendiss Patribus Archiepiscopis Episcopis Dominis Fratribus nostris Religiosi ssimis Archiepiscopi Episcopi Parisiis variis de causis agentes salutem in D. LImites habet Jurisdictio Episcoporum non habet charitas omnes illud Apostoli usurpare possumus debemus Instantia mea quotidiana solicitudo omnium Ecclesiarum quis infirmatur ego non infirmor quis scandalizatur ego non uror Itaque veteri atque Apostolico instituto si qua in nostris Paroeciis schismata oriuntur aut haereses auctoritate compescimus si alibi medemur amore qui tum demum Christo dignus est animarum nostrarum Episcopo cum omnes complectitur sicut pro omnibus ille mortuus est Huc accedit quod ubi de errore agitur qui spectar Ecclesiam sibi prospicit qui aliena curat serpit enim ut cancer error istiusmodi merito cum unum inficit omnes terret His de causis factum est Fratres Reverendissimi ut nostra fuerimus arbitrati quae essent Anglorum nec minus miserandae istius Ecclesiae vulnera sensetimus quam si nobis ipsis essent inflicta Cum enim accepissemus allatos ex ea Insula libellos duos quos linguae periti dicerent pestilentis doctrinae esse plenissimos concurrimus velut ad sedandum domesticum incendium quotquot in hoc orbis theatro versabamur Episcopi donatos Latinitate excussimus diligentissime ac recensuimus iisque tandem inussimus stigmatis quibus facile a scriptis probae ac sanae doctrinae discernerentur Atque hoc judicium nostrum ad vos mittere visum est Fratres Reverendiss ut quorum una est causa unus spiritus una charitas unus quoque sermo sit ac sententia Neque enim ullo modo dubitamus quin ea quae damnanda censuimus sitis damnaturi eandem fidem eadem doctrina totis animis professuri Primum autem in iis libellis finis ipse ac scopus summopere displicuit Id enim agunt potissimum eoque collimant ut quam Dominus auctoritatem Episcopis attribuit elevent quam maxime ac deprimant Tum vero per Episcoporum latus non Divinum tantummodo confirmationis Sacramentum sed Ecclesiae Hierarchiam qua nihil sub coelo est
But this defence is too weak and there must be something more solid alledg'd to cassate a Decree of the University For it hath been said before that these Irish cannot speak in that manner unless they were persons of Authority in the Church To declare that new doctrines are taught that they have resolv'd forthwith to redresse so dangerous a mischief to determine Propositions and brand them as suspected of heresy is not this to passe a doctrinal judgment whether could the enterprise of these Irish go farther 'T is well known that they pretend not to passe a juridical censure nor are they accus'd of so doing but they are accus'd of making and signing a Doctrinal Declaration and a new form of profession of faith without having degrees authority or skill for that purpose Now if that reason which they alledge by the mouth of M. Hallier one of their most zealous apologists were a receivable justification who might not lawfully do the same Who might not make doctrinal Declarations in every matter and professions of faith of a new stamp in order to get them sign'd by all sort of private persons Ecclesiasticks Laymen Seculars Regulars Learned ignorant men and women For according to the reasoning of that Syndic it will be free for every one to declare and signe what he thinks and judgeth upon matters of faith and 't is in the liberty of all particular persons to oblige themselves even under their hands to maintain and teach what they think fit and without countervening the Laws of the Realm and Constitutions of the Church to make Conventicles and Assemblies in order to league themselves together by the publick confederacy of the same opinions and upon mutual engagement to maintain this doctrine and to condemn or reject another And yet they who do thus need not pretend to make juridical Censures as Prelates or Faculties do nor to passe judgments which others are oblig'd to follow Certainly they who reckon the greatest confusion that can be introduc'd into the Church as to faith an manners and indifferent thing may answer in this manner and slight all the sad inconveniences which are natural sequels of so strange a proceeding But such as apprehend that this licence would in a little time produce as many different professions of faith as there are persons cannot approve a course which tends to cause the same mischiefs in France in point of Religion which now make England a theater of division and a sink of all heresies and errors imaginable VIII But lastly 't is very false that this Declaration of the Irish is a private one Cetainly 't is as publick as such a thing can be Six or seven and twenty persons assemble together several times all signe the same writing in three or four Copies which they send into all parts This Writing is so little secret that it is complain'd of to the Rector The very persons who sign'd it caus'd divers copies of it to be printed In fine the Jesuites who set a work the chief springs of this engine have already alledg'd it as an authentick piece Triumphus Catholicae veritatis p. 415. in a book publisht April 1. So that if this Declaration be not publick 't is hard to say what is Mean while M. Hallier who saw and knew all this forbore not to perswade the Faculty that it was onely private and in stead of considering that were what he said true yet being so illegal and injust as it is it cannot come to publick knowledg without being abolish'd He hath us'd all his endevors to maintain before the whole Assembly of the Faculty so unjustifiable and unreasonable a pretension V. That the Rector Deans of Faculties and Procurators of Nations had right to pronounce the judgment in this case which they did AFter having pretended that the Irish might of their own private authority subscribe a new Declaration of Faith their partisans had no other expedient to crown so great injustice but to dispute the jurisdiction of the whole University over its own members and to ravish a right from it which it enjoy'd from its first foundation I. But the Parliament of Paris the perpetual guardian of its priviledges will not endure that jurisdiction to be question'd which it hath alwaies had of regulating punishing and correcting those who offend against its constitutions and discipline This authority hath been preserv'd in it in all reformations from time to time particularly in the last which was made in the first year of this Century by the authority of that August Senate II. If the Gallicane Church be maintain'd in its liberties Recherches de Pasquier l. 3. c. 16. 't is the University of Paris which hath alwayes upheld the same amongst other societies 'T is well known what important services it perform'd for it in the time of S. Lewis Id. c. 18. what care it took to preserve the exemption from Tenths in France when Gregory XII Benedict XIII and Alexander V. contended for the H. See how vigorously it upheld the cause of all France under the Pontificate of John XXIII Moreover the Rector is particularly entrusted to see that nothing be done against the liberties of the same Church which are nothing else but the common right in which it hath always preserv'd it self and 't is founded upon Custome and Arrests for defending the Royal power and Authority Upon this account he makes complaint to the Parliament where any Decree of Rome contrary to the liberties of this Church comes to his knowledge Upon this ancient right was the verification of the Cardinal d' Amboise's Bulls oppos'd by him in the Universities name in full Parliament And lately complaint being made to that Court by him of a Decree of the Roman Inquisition publish'd at Paris the Kings Counsel highly commended him for his good service to the King and Crown III. 'T is certain that the Declaration of the Irish is illegal contrary to the Policy of the Church to the discipline and rules of the University that it violates the peace of the Theological Faculty and the Conclusion which it made not to examin or judge of these Propositions 'T is injurious to the Arrests of Parliament both in reference to the Prohibitions 'T is injurious to the Arrests of Parliament both in reference to the Prohibitions made to the Faculty of doing any thing concerning them and to the Arrests against Sanctarel and others and it invades the sacred authority of our Kings and the lawes of the Realm Whence 't is manifest that the Rector Deans and Proctors had right to cassate the said writings and since they who subscrib'd it are subject to the Universities discipline of which they have the honour to be members it hath right to punish them if they revoke not their signature to exclude the Scholers out its Colleges and debar them of their degrees The Doctor amongst them being a member of the University as well as the rest is also subject to the jurisdicton of
mutilated clauses beget obscurity In confirmation of Predestination and its strength I cited the divine authority of S. Paul to the Ephesians where that instrument of the H. Ghost layes open all the benefits which God hath prepared for the Predestinate His words are clear and gave me occasion to say as I did that Satan cannot prevaile against the structure built with living stones which Edifice is the H. Church and the determinate number of the Elect. And what I said herein is grounded upon the Parable taken out of the mouth of Truth it self Who knows not as S. Paul saith that the Devil hath no power against God's Elect Neverthelesse 't is not to be deny'd that the Devil sometimes prevails against the Elect for indeed he often prevails through their negligence and corruption But what is this to my expression which hath reference to that oracle of S. John chapter 10. My sheep shall never perish My Father which gave them me is greater then all and no man is able to pluck them out of my hand Therefore against these Predestinate who are the Subject of my Treatise I said Satan cannot prevail in that manner which our Saviour and other holy and Catholick Authors understand yet do I not therefore inferre any necessity or compulsion upon the Free-will as if it acted no more then a piece of wood or a stone I onely toucht this matter by the way and could not speak more largely off it in so little time which was the cause that speaking of this Edifice built with living stones I called it the Church and the determinate number of the Elect yet not excluding the Universal Church which would have been the discouse of an extravagant and senseless person denying the clearnesse of divine light since we are oblig'd to acknowledge and believe firmely the H. Catholick Church diffused throughout the whole world under one Head in Heaven Jesus Christ as S. Paul saith and under his lawfull Vicar who is another Head on the Earth of the same Universal Church But I thus term'd the H. Church the structure built with living stones because it may be so call'd although this Church be invisible since S. Augustin calls it so in the fifth book against the Donatists and S. Bernard upon the Canticles chap. 23. and 68. The Elect are gather'd into this Church by faith charity and the Sacraments as in the visible and militant Church the Elect and the other Faithfull are united by the same bonds and although some of them depart from charity yet if they fall not from the Catholick faith they cease not to be and to remain in the same Church VI. PROPOSITION And to enable us to do it he hath left his H. Spirit in the Church which with a secreet but powerfull fire burnes up what ever it findes impure and superfluous and more and more enflames the hearts of his Elect with holy and chast desires so that they become most purified when they are cleansed from the pollutions of this world ANSWER I proceeded in declaring the blessings and favours of God upon the Elect since the H. Spirit is given to them for the purging away of their sins and inflaming their minds with pure thoughts which are the source of the good works which flow forth to the sanctifying of God so that they become most purified Which truth is not to be understood of all the Predestinate but we must believe that this is effected in some who may become most pure according to the state of the present life may advance happily from vertue to vertue as S. Paul notes in his Epistles S. Augustin useth the same word in his first book de Trinitate when he saith that the most purifi'd minds purgatissimae mentes are able to behold the Supreame Good I say most purifi'd as to the affections of the will and not onely as to the thoughts of the mind quantum ad affectum non selum ad intellectum as S. Bonaventure expounds it But to conclude how I might say this S. Thomas must be consulted in scripto quarto super quartum sententiarum where he speaks of Purgatory and explaines what it is to build upon the foundation wood and stubble he that compares the works of the perfect with those of the imperfect and saith that venial sins are burned by the favour of charity and that we must not say that these sins are the wood and stubble built upon the foundation because they remain not habitually in them adding that they are secure and their remaines nothing to be purged in them Now this my opinion does injury to no body because 't is delivered with a condition and comprehends not all the Elect as appears manifestly by the sequel and explication of the word and should it comprehend them all though I have not affirm'd so what hinders but that I may say that the Elect may become most purified in the same sense that S. Paul saith there remaines no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus and when he requires of a man who would be a perfect Christian to put off the old man with all its lusts VII PROPOSITION These are Consequences drawn by those who will not give God the honour which is due to him or those who would divide what belongs to Christ alone and know not the abundance of his mercy which hath been exhibited to us in the death of Jesus Christ who willing to show us the misery of our desperate bondage hath shew'd in himself what is the true liberty of his Children and taught it with his own mouth when he saith If the Son make you free you shall be free indeed ANSWER I had before rejected the false Consequences which they attribute to Divine Predestination because things of the greatest truth may be perverted by such Consequences But now to detest the pride of men who extolling the strength of nature more then they ought pretend to do good works without the assistance of grace I speak against those who knowing not what they are without grace render not to God all the thanks which they ought Now 't is to God alone that glory is to be ascribed because the universal Church sings thus after S. Paul To God alone the immortal and invisible King be honour and glory But to understand how I spoke this there is no more necessary but to consider rhe following words in my treatise where I cite the H. Gospel If the Son make you free you shall be free indeed I say once again that 't is to God alone that glory ought to be given nor can any place of Scripture be found wherein this wholesome confession doth not shine The books of the Prophets are full of it and the whole Scripture teaches us nothing else Moreover from this holy and true acknowledgement all blessings arrive to us the soul falls to reform it self when it humbly considers and sincerely acknowledges before God it own poverty and nakednesse without
had it not but I directed him for it to Cardinal Barberin's Library where I believ'd it was After which I went to see the Father Commissary of the H. Office but findding only his Companion who intreated me to shew him our Latin Manifesto I discours'd with him at the present very copiously and painted out to him the black malice of those who fram'd those miserable Propositions On the 20th I went to deliver the Ambassador a Letter which I had receiv'd for him He told me that he had lately seen another from M. Hallier to a person of eminent rank in which he said that he was not so averse from our sentiments but that which animated him against us was our manner of obtruding them which as this Doctor suggested imply'd that we held the Church had been in an error which was a shamefull calumnie On Tuesday 21. I carryed to M. Holstenius the Latin explication of the Propositions made in July 1649. so soon as M. Cornet first set them afoot to expose them to the Censure of the Faculty Wednesday 22. I happened to meet with one of the most intelligent Divines of Rome as well for his skill in doctrine as in the practices of those that superintend in it he told me that he would not advise us to seek to get a conference with the Jesuites in regard of their great credit and because it was a thing that had been formerly done unsuccessefully I answer'd that Truth was more powerfull then they and if it were once manifested as I hop'd it would be if we could obtain a regular conference with them it might overthrow them He reply'd that it were good to stay till one came that understood it well and knew how to direct the blow and strike home before it were possible for them to see it and provide to ward it off I also met with the Father Procurator of S. Marcel who told me that there was talk of forming a Congregation about our affair and that he hop'd to be a member of it In the afternoon I mer at S. Cecilia F. Malgoirés and F. Loyseau an Augustine and Doctor of our Faculty who overtook me both together F. Malgoirés told me that the Abbot of Comblon inform'd him that being on Sunday last in the presence chamber of the Pope he heard F. Mulard say to the Master of his Holinesses chamchamber these very words Piaccia a vostra Signoria illustrissima farmi havere udienza Son quà diputato dalla Facoltà della Sorbona per quell ' affare contra Jansenio I intreat your most illustrious Lordship to help me to have audience I am delegated hither by the Faculty of Sorbon about the affair against Jansenius F. Malgoirés profess'd himself very much offended at it and propounded an expedient to me to hinder it and that was for all of us that were Doctors at Rome to go together and complain of it to the Ambassador M. Fernier intervening profess'd that he was more displeas'd at it then I. But they did not agree that we should go to the Ambassador about it When I had quitted them within two or three steps I met with F. Mulard told him I came newly from some people that were very much incens'd against him He ask'd me who I did not name the persons but told him it was because he term'd himself Deputy from the Faculty though he was not He answer'd They are sots and fools who offer to gainsay it the Pope shall be the Judge his Holinesse owns me for such the Cardinals hear me in that quality I care little for those that are not pleas'd with it When he parted from me he lighted upon F. Loyseau who came and told me afterwards that F. Mulard quarrell'd with him and charg'd him with having told me what I have above mention'd I had receiv'd a new Letter which oblig'd me to goe to Cardinal Barberin and signifie to him that my LL. the Bishops by whose order I was at Rome were very joyfull to understand that his Eminence did not approve the bad use which the Jesuites made of the Bull of Vrban 8. his Uncle by extending it as they did to the absolute and decisive condemnation of the sentiments which those Fathers impugned I visited him on Thursday the 13. in the afternoon for that purpose and he told me that he could not approve the proceeding of those Fathers in this respect and never had approv'd it Upon my reading a congratulation to his Eminence that those Prelates were resolv'd not to consider that Bull but as provisional for this reason that should they take it otherwise they should have very great ground to complain of it particularly for that the terms of the Bull taken in the rigor seem'd to forbid them to speak of the matter of Grace even incidently though it be not only a right inseparable from their profession but also an essential obligation from which neither themselves nor others can dispense with them to instruct the people committed to their charge solidly thereof The Cardinal reply'd that indeed the said Bull was not to be extended so farr Then I complain'd to his Eminence of the Quality that F. Mulard took upon him at Rome of M. Hallier's unheard-of audacity in giving it him that the same Doctor writ injuriously and calumniously against us to several persons and particularly to M. Albizzi of the secret way that these things were receiv'd and of the difficulty for us to defend and justifie our selves from them whilst they remain'd in that secrecy But the Cardinal seem'd this day more dispos'd to excuse the things whereof I complain'd then to receive the complaints which I made to him At length we fell upon the Congregation which I su'd for and he told me the H. See was not very inclinable to grant it I answer'd that yet it was a thing highly necessary contests being come to such a pitch that it behooved for the sake of Peace and Truth to examine who were in the wrong both being concern'd in it that if the sentiments which we defended were not true I wisht we were convinc'd the next day by a good condemnation but on the contrary if those of the Jesuites deserv'd it they ought to wish it too as well as we that for a little mortification which the condemned party would receive at first for having been too eager in holding sentiments contrary to the truth there would in the sequel arrive both to the one side and the other infinite advantages considerable and important to countervail the same which being well weigh'd and examin'd by the H. See it would assuredly finde that it is oblig'd in justice to take such pains as are necessary to procure so eminent a Benefit to its Children and consequently to establish the Congregation which is esteemed so necessary for that effect The Cardinal desir'd me at the end of this audience to return again to him on Saturday following in the afternoon with M. de Balagni a French
to read our writing of the distinction of senses and lik't it vety well because we explain'd our sentiments very sincerely and clearly He said also that he was very well pleased with two particularities which he took notice of in the last entertainment One that we had shew'd him that the Bishops who subscrib'd the letter of M. de Vabres desir'd onely a Decision upon the Propositions and not a declaration against them VVhat he spoke upon this matter oblig'd us to answer him and the discourse fell insensibly to other reflexions so that he mention'd not the other particularity wherewith he said he was well pleas'd After we left this Cardinal I went to see F. Vbaldino and told him how inclin'd we heard the Pope was to publish a condemnation notwithstanding his contrary judgment of his Holines's intentions but none of these rumors startled this person who well understood his Holines's temper and conceiv'd him so very circumspect and prudent that he could not believe it possible for him ever to be brought to it because said he the least difficulty is enough to stop him Ogni picciola cost a basta per fermare il Papa Cardinal Pimentel who arriv'd at Rome a while before remain'd there hitherto incognito On Thursday the 29. he made his entrance and cavalcade And having been exactly inform'd of what pass'd in our affair since his arrival he resolv'd not to let the opportunity of this ceremony passe without speaking to the Pope of it and beseeching his Holinesse not to precipitate any thing but to give him time to represent what important things he had to acquaint him with concerning it in regard of the dangerous consequences which were to be fear'd from it Accordingly he spoke to the Pope of it privately upon occasion of this ceremony and particularly askt him what a thing it would be if the doctrine of S. Augustin and S. Thomas came to receive any impeachment by this condemnation The Pope answer'd him that the matter had been carefully examin'd in his own presence that he had caus'd prayers to be purposely made for it that the question was found to be neither concerning S. Augustin nor S. Thomas nor their doctrine and it was necessary to do something against Jansenius's book The same morning in the course of this ceremony I met a person very well inform'd of things who told me that the Pope would give no more audience but had given order to prepare the Bull. I askt him since when He answer'd me since the last Congregation which was held on the Tuesday preceding I learn't afterward that M. Albizzi comming to Cardinal Pamphilio in the Consistory presented his Eminence a paper folded up upon which these words were written Expediatur pro festo Pentecostes I apprehended that it was the order which himself had given for it since the Congregation of Tuesday and the Expedition of it render'd to him which he deliver'd to this Cardinal But I knew several dayes before when the Votes of the Consultors were writ down in the house of the Inquisition that it was fully resolv'd upon to expedite this affair in the feast of Pentecost no doubt to make the more show in the solemnity of the descent of the H. Ghost upon the Faithfull and to insult the more highly over such as glory'd in the intention which Clement VIII had the year of his death which hapned in March to publish his Bull against the Jesuites after the Vespers of this day in presence of the sacred Colledge and to create F. Lemos a Cardinal as also to give those Fathers more ground to be quit with such as should upbraid them with it and gloriously to abolish the memory of it by a contrary most favorable successe upon the same day See the Copy of a short letter sent to me by an eminent Dominican whilst those Votes were transcribing in the H. Office wherein he gave me notice of M. Albizzi's urgency for haste 's which mov'd him angerly to tell the Father of that Order who were imploy'd therein but made not speed enough according to his fancy That they were as stubborn as Mules and would be the cause that the businesse could not be ready against Pentecost Si scrivono said he li voti al Saint ' Officio non sono in ordine ancora Albici in colera proruppe disse Questi frati di San Dominico sono ostinati come muli sono causa che non si spedirà questa facenda ne anco alla pentecost I was the more amaz'd to see these preparations for that I certainly knew M. Hallier and his Collegues had not been once heard yet before the Pope and I had not forgot that the Ambassador said they should be heard after us They should indeed though it were but for ceremony and it was so design'd when we were heard but they who manag'd their interests remembring what those Doctors had done in the Congregation held at Cardinal Spada's palace January 27. wherewith neverthelesse they were it that time satisfi'd and whereby they perceiv'd of what they were capable foreseeing the great disproportion there would be between what they could do before the Pope and what we had done and it would be such as would perhaps render them ridiculous and despicable to the Pope and a great part of the Congregation conceiv'd it the safest way for those Doctors and for the accomplishment of their design of extorting a condemnation from the Pope not to stand upon this formality but to dispense with them from appearing before the Pope Wherefore reflecting afterwards upon what F. Guerin had told me in a Visit upon Thursday in the afternoon I did not wonder so much as I had done at the first notice of such shamefull unworthinesse namely their beginning to publish at Rome whereever they came that they did not desire to speak before the Pope nor account it necessary that should they appear they had nothing else to say but what they had said before the Congregation at Cardinal Spada's house January 27. and that his Holinesse was sufficiently inform'd thereof by the relations of such as heard them Neverthelesse for the better colouring of this tergiversation they added that should the Pope desire to hear them and send for them then they would appear but whilest they spoke this they knew they should never be summon'd In the evening I acquainted my Collegues with what I had learn't concerning the preparatious of the Bull which was talkt of to the end I might consult with them whether any thing could be done by us to stop the blow but we all consented that after what we had done there was no more to be done on our part saving to redouble our prayers and sighs before God Yet to omit nothing of what we ought to do before men but to continue acting to the last according as we were oblig'd I went to Card Ghiggi on Friday the 30th in the afternoon I carry'd to him the several
Title pages beginnings of F. Annat's book entitled Jansenius à Thomistis damnatus c. according to my promise the last time we visited his Eminence altogether I told him this Jesuites deceitful way of writing so full of impostures and disguises that the same were not to be unridled and discover'd but by one that was throughly inform'd of the matter I did not dissemble the purity and clearness of his style but withal I presented his Eminence the Preface of that work in which I assur'd him he would of himself discover many lyes touching things which his Eminence understood and this Writer advanc'd with as much confidence and boldness as if they had been most certain truths The Cardinal neglected what I said to him concerning this subject and did not deign to read the Preface though it was but of two little pages I told him also that the body of this book was full of the like falsities and yet it was one of the Writings of M. Hallier and his Collegues presented to the Congregation How said the Cardinal have they presented it to the Cardinals I answer'd that I did not affirm so much of my own knowledge though I could not doubt but they did being I knew that they gave it to a Consultor who lent it to a friend of mine from whom I had it and for fear of never seeing it again copied it out The Cardinal reply'd hereunto with a careless accent as telling me 't was a thing sufficiently superfluous to present Writings to the Consultors because the Pope never intended to admit of a contestation between the Parties in this Affair nevertheless as 't were correcting what he had said he added that yet 't was good that they saw what both the one and the other had to say which I interpreting as if he meant that we had presented two Writings to the Consultors I answer'd that for our part we had not given to any pas mesme un seul morceau de papier not so much as one scrap of Paper Nor any thing upon the Propositions to any one but the Pope at the end of our grand Audience The Cardinal said we presented some at the beginning I answer'd him that we gave none then but that de Gestis and another concerning S. Augustin's authority nor these to any but the Cardinals and that upon a certain presumption that the same would forthwith be communicated to our Adversaries The Card. said that Cardinal Spada had shew'd them to the Consultors I answer'd nothing to this but told him that we had not yet presented to Cardinal Pamphilio the copy which we got ready for him because 't was a long time ere we knew of his being of the Congregation and when we knew it some time was requisite for preparing a copy and since it was ready we had gone several times to present it to him but could not find him at conveniency to receive it till the time of doing it was insensibly pass'd that it remain'd still in our hands and we kept it to present to him in case a fitting time return'd Whereupon I took occasion to ask this Cardinal whether he knew that any thing was appointed concerning the permission to print our Writings which we requested He answer'd that he accounted it a difficult thing I told him what Offices the Ambassador and Cardinal Pamphilio had done for us to the Pope about it and that his Holinesse answer'd He would consult with their Eminences concerning it during the Festivals I reminded him of the conditions and restrictions of our Request and beseecht him to be favourable to us therein whereof he gave me some hopes Then I shew'd him F. Brisacier's Book the Archbishop of Paris his censure upon it and the Letter which the Jesuites publisht against this censure I told him that these Fathers said of those of the Faculty of Paris Non transeant Sequanam of those of Rome Quid Romanae Censurae cum Gallia That they term'd Rome a forraign Power even in matters of Doctrine as I shew'd him that M. Hallier had complain'd in the Defence of this Doctrine which he publisht against them Anno 1644. in which work also this Doctor complain'd that the Jesuites decry'd him as a Calumniator a Heretick and an enemy of Religious life I likewise shew'd him that passage of F. l' Abbè Brevi loquetur Roma quid senserit Augustinus aut quid sentire debuerit Whereunto the Cardinal answer'd that the Jesuites might say that by Augustinus they meant Jansenius in regard of his Book intitled Jansenii Augustinus I shew'd him clearly by the reading of some words both at the end and beginning that this was spoken of the true S. Augustin of Hippo that great Doctor of Grace He read over F. l' Abbe's Advertisement to the Reader and persisted in his ingenuous subtilty and put-off that the Jesuites might say it was meant of the Augustin of Ipre after which I gave his Eminence the good night When I was return'd to our Lodging M. Angran told me that F. Reginald had sent to acquaint him that he understood by two or three hands that the Bull was printing and would come forth the next day Saturday May 31. I learnt in a Visit that the report of the Bull was renew'd on Thursday morning and come to the eares of the Procurator General of the Dominicans by whom his General was advertis'd thereof who seeing Cardinal Pimentel already engag'd in the ceremony of his entrance yet forbore not to go to Monte Cavallo to acquaint him therewith in two words at the end of the Ceremony to the end he might speak to the Pope about it That this General having afterwards sent F. de Terrasanta to his Eminence to know the successe the Cardinal gave him the account above related namely that he had remonstrated to the Pope the danger of this Affair and the sad consequences to be apprehended from it and that the Pope answer'd him that every thing had been carefully examin'd in Congregations before himself That 't was certain the Propositions had no relation to S. Augustin and S. Thomas their Doctrine or the matter de Auxiliis That the Cardinal offer'd to reiterate and presse his Remonstrances but found the Pope so fix'd in this mind and resolution that he saw not how to proceed and that his Holinesse was absolutely perswaded that it was requisite to do something against Jansenius The same Friend told me further tdat he had newly sent to the Apostolical Printing-house to discover whether the Bull was at the Presse but the doors were all shut and he believ'd it was a printing That therefore he had some suspition that it would be publisht after Vespers or in the Chamber of Presence I went to Vespers in the afternoon and to the Presence-Chamber both before and after Vespers to be a witnesse of all that pass'd there in case any thing were done about publishing the Bull but I saw nothing there more then usual saying