following the date hereof in the Town of Alanson but on this condition that there be none other Matters debated in it excepting those only which are allowed by the Edicts and that the Lord of St. Mars Counsellor to his Majesty in his Council of State be Personally present in the said Synod in Quality of his Majesty's Commissioner as hath been usual and customary in such Assemblies In Testimony whereof his Majesty bath commanded me to expedite this his present Writ which he hath seen and signed with his own Hand and caused to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State and of his Commandments Signed LOVIS And a little lower Phelippeaux Article 2. There came unto the said Assembly on behalf of the Provinces and Churches these Pastors and Elders deputed by them whose Names follow Article 3. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Ste Mere and John Maximilian de l'Angle Pastor of the Church of Rouen together with the Lords John Richer Lord of Cerisy Elder of the Church of Gaulé and Lawrence le Febure Advocate in the Parliament of Normandy and Elder in the Church of Rouen Article 4. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of Dieu le fit and Stephen Blanc Pastor and Professor in the Church of Die together with the Sieurs James de Beaucastell Esq Lord of Auges Elder in the Church of Courtezon and Gaspard du Baeuf Advocate in the Parliament of Dolphiny and Elder in the Church of Grenoble Article 5. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Aymedeé de Bons Pastor of the Church at Chaloons and Heliodorus du Noyer Pastor of the Church at Bussy together with the Sieurs John Roy Advocate in the Parliament of Burgundy Elder in the Church of Arnay le Duc and Charles Perreau Advocate in the said Parliament Elder in the Church of Autun and Couches Article 6. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs Samuel Petit Pastor and Professor in the Church of Nismes and John Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier together with the Sieurs Francis de Fonfrede Counsellor to the King in the Presidial Court of Nismes and Deacon of the said Church and John Browns Lord of Roussares Elder in the Church of St. Ambroise Article 7. For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs Daniel Chesnel Pastor of the Church of Marans and * * * There be two of his Sons Ministers and Exites here in England John Commarc Pastor of tie Church of Vertueil together with the Lords René de Saint Leger Esq Lord of Boiscond Elder in the Church of Clan and Mr. George Reveau Counsellor to the King and his Advocate at Rochel Elder of the Church in that City Article 8. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church of Aigueres and John Monestier Elder in the Church of Lormarin Article 9. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John de Gardonengue and John Surville Pastor of the Church at Vigan together with the Sieurs Peter de Fons Lord of des Sabbatieres Elder in the Church of Quissac and Thomas Serre Esq Elder in the Church of Sauve Article 10. For the Province of Higher Languedoc the Sieurs Peter Charles Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Matthew Tissier Pastor of the Church of Mauvoisin together with the Sieur Sebastian de St. Fauste Elder in the Church of Mauvoisin and the Sieur David Fournes Advocate and Elder in the Church of Montauban who was absent having fallen sick on the way Article 11. For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Daniel Couppé Pastor of the Church of Loudun and John Vigneux Pastor of the Church du Mans together with the Sieurs George Rabbotteau Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Pruille and Peter de Ceriziers Counsellor of the King in the Borough of Loudun and Elder of the Church in the same Town Article 12. For the Province of the Isle of France the Sieurs David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Roussy and John Daillé Pastor of the Church of Paris together with the Sieurs Peter de L'aunay Lord of La Mote and Peter Marbault Counsellor and Secretary to the King Elder in the Church of Paris Article 13. For the Province of Brittain the Sieurs Daniel Sauvé Pastor of the Church of Villevigne and Giles Lovyer Esq Lord of la Grestiere Elder of the same Church Article 14. For the Province of Orleans the Sieurs Jacob le Brun Pastor of the Church at Romorantin and John Taby Pastor of the Church at la Charité together with the Sieurs Claudius Bernard Bailiff of Chastillon upon the Loir and Elder of the Church there and Timothy Baignoux Elder in the Church of Mer. Article 15. For the Province of Poitou the Sieurs Samuel le Blanc Pastor of the Church at St. Maixant and Daniel Pain Pastor of the Church of Chastelheraut together with the Sieurs Charles de Gourgeaud Esq Lord of Pannieure Elder of the Church of Mougon and Francis Mauclere Esq Lord of la Mezanchere Elder in the Church of la Jandouiniere Article 16. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay and Simeon de Hosty Pastor of the Church in St. Fortunate togethe◠with the Sieurs Andrew Paget Elder of the Church of Couxnear Privas and Anthony Regnet Doctor of the Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Aubenas Article 17. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs John d' Alba Pastor of the Church at Agen and Daniel Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux together with Daniel Descayrac Lieutenant in the Court of Justice at Pugeols Elder of the Church in the same place and James Charron Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder in the Church of Bergerac Article 18. For the Province of Bearn the Sieurs Simon Fuget Pastor of the Church of Carresse and Peter Margendie Doctor of Physick and Elder in the Church of Orthez Article 19. After Invocation of the Name of God the Reverend Mr. Benjamin Basnage was by plurality of Votes chosen Moderator and Mr. Couppé Assessor Mr. Blondel and Mr. Launay Scribes CHAP. II. The King's Commission to the Lord of St. Mars AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were chosen his Majesty's Letters Patents were read giving a Commission to Monsieur de St. Mars Counsellor in his Council of State to represent his Person in it the Form and Tenour of which was inserted into the Acts of this Synod A Copy of his Majesty's Letters Patents Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre To our beloved and trusty Counsellor in our Council of State the Lord of St. Mars Greeting WE having permitted our Subjects of the pretend Reformed Religion to hold in our Town of Alanson the 27th of May
was dim-sighted a very pious and prudent Man He hath commented upon Job and Esther in Latine He was a very dear Friend of Mr. Snape and Mr. Cartwright two Eminent English N. C. Ministers and who read his Exposition on Job and made some Animadversions on it in the Isle of Jersey He presided also in the National Synod of Vitre 1583. THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE X. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At FIGEAC the Second Day of August 1579. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. The Deputies Names Monsieur La Faye Moderator Covel and La Nouaille Scribes Chap. II. General Matters Impotent Persons may not marry The Aunt of a dead Wife may not be married Apostates censured Of Names given Children in Baptism Care taken for a Succession of able and worthy Ministers General Matters 5. Synods to be held annually Pastors must come with an Elder to them Sureties must consider their Engagements at Baptism Some Crimes to be always Registred Scruples about communicating with sickly Persons Chap. III. Several Cases of Conscience as about a Monk's Wife who returned to his Vomit Ministers Words at the Lord's Table Of Benefices Of Farmers of the Clergies Temporal Estate Of Godly Parents having Idolatrous Children who will marry Idolaters How Publick Penance is to be inflicted No Scripture the Subject of Plays The Orders of particular Churches and Provinces must be for substance the same with the Canons of the Discipline Ministers cannot promise themselves to any Church Canon for Ministers out of Employment Tythes possessed by Protestants must be devoted to pious Vses Art 24. Of Burials Dances forbidden Suspended Persons cannot be Sureties for Children at Baptism Reading of Psalms line by line before Singing condemned Bare Head and Kneeling in Prayer Legal Terms and Formalities banished out of all Acts of Church-Discipline A kind of Censure forbidden 3. Care taken for their Ministers Stipend Canon of Marriage explained 35. A Vagrant Minister deposed and notified to the Churches 36. The Confession of the Dutch Churches approved Call of the next National Synod Chap. IV. Remarks THE Synod of FIGEAC 1579 Synod X. SYNOD X. Of the Tenth National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Figeac the Second Day of August and ended the Eighth Day of the same Month in the Year of Grace 1579 being the Sixth Year of the Reign of Henry the third King of France and Poland CHAP. I. The Names of the Deputies unto this Synod THere appeared as Deputies from the Provinces unto this Synod the Pastors and Elders whose Names arc hereunder written 1. For the Province of the Isle of France Monsieur de la Maison Neuv Minister in the Church of Paris and his Commission bore date the 28th of June 1579. 2. For the Province of Burgundy Mr. James Covet Minister in the Church of Villarmont and Monsieur du Chasteuverd Elder of the Church of Dijon Their Commission was dated May the 15th 1579. 3. For Champagne Monsieur Teuans Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Recours without an Elder His Letters of Deputation bore date the 28th of May of this self-same Year 4. For Xaintonge Monsieur John Cochois Minister at Jonzac and Guy Filleul Esq Lord or La Cousture Elder of St. Fort. His Commission was signed the 22d day of July 1579. 5. For Britain Monsieur du Gricq Minister of Morlais His Commission was dated the 2d day of April of the same Year 6. For Gascegny and Perigord Monsieur Trumpols Minister of La Motte and Monsieur Francois de la Novoeille Elder in the Church of Jersac Their Commission was dated the 29th of July 7. For Anjou the Maine Loudunois and Touraine Monsieur de Clairville Minister of Loudun And his Letters of Deputation were dated the 26th day of June 8. For Normandy Monsieur Echeron Minister of God's Holy Word and Sacraments in the Church of Ponteau de Mer and his Commission was dated the 23d of March 9. For the Upper Languedoc and Guienne Monsieur de Raisse Minister of Figeac and Monsieur Rousset Minister of the Church in Mazamet Their Commissions were dated the 24th of April and the 19th of June 10. For the Lower Languedoc Monsieur Perron Minister of Merues and his Commission bore date the 22d day of April 11. For Augoumois Monsieur de la Billitierre Minister of Aubeterne and his Commission was dated the 23d of July 12. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Cayer Minister of Poitiers and Monsieur de St. Eustache Elder in the Church of Niort Their Commission was dated July the 6th 13. For Provence Monsieur de Poussilles Elder in the Church of Forceilinis His Letters of Deputation were dated the 22d day of July 14. For the Principality of Bearn Monsieur de la Pierre Minister in the Church of Navarrins And his Commission bore Date the 21st day of July which was also ratified and authorised by the Letters of the King of Navarre dated the thirtieth of the same Month. 15. The Province of Picardy excused its absence by Letters of the 8th of June 16. For the Churches of Berry Beauce and the adjacent Countries Monsieur John Miner born at Orleans and Elder his Commission was dated the 25th of July 17. The Province of Dolphiny excused its absence by Letters of the 23d of July 18. The Province of Vivaretz was absent but sent no Letters of Excuse 19. The Province of Lower Anvergne and Forest absent 20. There sate also in this Synod the Noble Anthony de Paramelle Lord of St. Colombe Viguier and Governour of the said Town of Figeac 21. After Prayers were ended the Assembly chose Monsieur de la Faye Pastor of the Church of Paris Moderator and Monsieur Couit Assessor and Monsieur Francois de la Nouaille Scribe CHAP. II. General MATTERS ARTRTICLES Eunuches may not be married I. FOrasmuch as the first and principal End of Marriage was the Procreation of Children and to be a Preservative from Fornication he then that is a known Eunuch shall not be married in any of our Reformed Churches The Aunt of a dead Wife may not be married See St. Foy G. M. art 5. II. No Man shall marry the Aunt of his deceased Wife For such Commixtures are incestuous and altho' the Civil Magistrate may permit it yet such a Marriage shall not be solemnized in any of our Churches And all Pastors are warned carefully to observe this Canon See the Synod of Rochel art 22. III. Such as Apostatize from the Reformed Religion unto Popery and embrace the Idolatries of the Romish Church and all Endeavours used to reclaim them proving useless and unsuccessful in case they persist in their Apostacy they shall be declared Apostates publickly before the Congregation unto which they did belong IV. In giving Names unto Children let all Preciseness on the one hand and Superstition and Scandal on the other be avoided Because Matters of
knowledge might be had of their Call who sate and voted in this Assembly Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars was chosen Moderator Monsieur John Chauve Assessor Pastor of the Church of Sommieres Monsieur John Jammet Pastor of the Church of St. Amand in Bourbonnois and Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Court of Parliament of Paris and Elder of that Church were chosen Scribes 2. The Synod examining the Letters of Commission Impowering the Deputies of the Provinces to sit and act in it began with those of the Isle of France Picardy c. for which appeared Monsieur John Baptist Bugnet Pastor of the Church of Compiegne Samuel Quinson Pastor of the Church de la Ferté au Vidame together with Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church there and Philip de Cormieres Esq Lord of Fromentieres and of La Haye Elder in the Church of Chaltray 3. For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Obadiah de Mondenys Pastor of the Church of Fescamp Peter Paris Pastor of the Church of Pontoison together with Samuel le Cal Esq Lord of Beurevil Elder in the Church of Gisors and Michael le Petit Lord of la Joisiere Elder in the Church of St. Lo. 4. For the Province of Brittaine Monsieur Peter de la Place Pastor of the Church of Sion Guy le Noir Lord of Crevain Pastor of the Church of Roche Bernard and Croisis together with Elias de Goulaine Esq Lord of Laudouiniere Elder of the Church of Viellevigne and John Ravenell Lord of Boistillenil Elder in the Church of Rennes 5. For the Province of Berry Orleans c. Monsieur Daniel Jammet Pastor of the Church of St. Amand John Guerin Pastor of the Church of Baugeney together with John de Bussieres Controller of his Majesties Salt-Granary at Sancerre and Elder of the same Church and John du Plessis General-Assessor of his Majesties Subsidies at Pithinieres Elder of the Church of Chilleure 6. For the Province of Anjou Tourain c. Monsieur John Vigneu Pastor of the Church of Mans Renatus Conseil Pastor of the Church of Lassay together with Giles Bouchereau Lord of la Mothe Advocate at Saumur and Elder of the same Church and Hannibal de Farsy Lord of St. Laurence Attorney in the Exchequer of the Lordship and County of Laval Elder of the Church there 7. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars Paul Geslin Lord of la Pilletiere Pastor of the Church at Chastelheraut together with Giles Begaud Esq Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Mountague and Samuel Maucler Esq Lord of Marconnay Elder in the Church of la Ganache 8. For the Province of Xaintonge and Aulnix c. Monsieur Samuel L' ommeau Pastor of the Church of Rochel William Rivet Lord of Chanvernon Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg together with John Preverant Lord of Piterne Judge of Montignac and Elder of the Church there and Monsieur Elijah Dieu the Lord High Justice his Attorney in the Lordship of Soubize and Elder of the Church in the same place 9. For the Province of Lower Guyenne Monsieur Peter de la Musse Pastor of the Church of Nerac Peter Hefperian Pastor of the Church of Ste Foy together with John de Geneste Lord of La Tour Advocate in the Court of the Edict at Nerac and Elder of the Church of Sauvetat and Peter de Pichard Captain of Gironde and Castelmoran Elder of the Church of Gironde 10. For the Province of the Principality of Bearn Monsieur John de Capdeville Pastor of the Church of Navarrins together with John de Angerre Advocate in the Parliament of Pau and Elder of the Church in the same place 11. For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommieres James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Nismes together with William de Girard Lord of Moussac Elder of the Church in the same place and Peter de Calviere Lord of St. Cesaire Elder in the Church of Nismes 12. For the Province of Dolphiny Monsieur John Felix Pastor in the Church of Romans Denys Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Grenoble together with Peter Guyon Lord of Salbetter Elder in the Church of Manars and Salomon Vulson Lord of Villette Elder in the Church of Mené 13. For the Province of Vivaretz Forest c. Monsieur Peter * * * He after revolted and prov'd a True Turn-Turk Marchat Pastor of the Church of St. Stephens John Mozé Pastor of the Church of Annonay together with James de Serres Doctor of the Civil Law Elder in the Church of Aubenas and whereas the Lord of Cussons Elder of the Church of Annonay was also chosen and named in the Letters of Commission but did not appear his absence was not approved by the Assembly Yet afterwards on the third of June the said Lord of Cussons returning from his Depuration unto the Assembly at Rochel was received into this Assembly 14. For the Province of Sevennes and Gevaudan Monsieur Lewes Courant Pastor of the Church of Anduze and Andrew de la Faye Pastor of the Church of St. German together with John de Barjac Lord of Villeneufre Elder in the Church of Vigan and John de Barjac Lord of Gasques Elder in the Church of St. Martyn 15. For the Province of Burgundy Lionnois Charlois and Gex Monsieur Lewes de la Coste Pastor of the Church of Dijon Peter Boulenat Pastor of the Church of Avalon instead of Monsieur Eliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Duke whose excuses were admitted and in case he should afterward come unto this Assembly the said Boulenat might if he please return together with Albert du Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church * * * Another Copy reads of Maringues of Vesle and Monsieur John Gravier Advocate in the Parliament of Dijon and Elder of the Church there 16. For the Province of Provence Monsieur Peter Maurice Pastor of the Church of Lormarin together with Charles de Bachy Esq Lord of St. Stephens Elder in the Church of Thouars And whereas Monsieur Samuel Toussain Pastor of the Church of Luke and Monsieur John Clement called Captain Cadet Elder of the Church there appeared also with Letters of Commission from the Synod held at Cabrieres the fifteenth of April last This Assembly having heard the said Deputies declared the Deputation of Monsieur Maurice and St. Stephens to be lawful and that of Monsieur Toussain and Clement illegal as being done contrary to the Canons and Forms of our Church-Discipline Yet nevertheless for divers important Causes and for the service of the said Province the said Toussain and Clement were both admitted as Members of it only the said Toussain was censured for accepting of the said Deputation and the rather because it appeared by the acts of St. Maixant that he is relapst into the same fault for
COUNCILS Z VOL. II. By JOHN QVICK Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed by J. Richardson for Thomas Parkhurst at the Three Bibles and Crown in Cheapside and for Jonathan Robinson at the Golden Lyon in St. Pauls Church-Yard MDCXCII THE CONTENTS OF THE National Synod OF ALEZ Chap. I. DEputies to the Synod Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. Letters from the Duke of Rohan The Pastors of Alez sit in the Synod Oaths taken by the Deputies that they had not procured themselves to be Elected 3. Monsieur Turretin no Deputy yet hath the priviledge of a Deputy in this Synod Letters from the D. of Lesdiguieres and from the Lord of Chastillon Chap. III. Oaths of Union Chap. IV. Observations upon the Confession of Faith Confession sworn Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline A Case about a Solemn Fast on Dayes of Ordination 2. About Proposans fit for the Ministry 3. Catechising enjoyned 5. A Cannon about Habits and Fashions especially of Ministers and their Families 6 7. About Deposed Ministers 9. A Case about the Readers in Churches 12. A Cannon of the N. S. of Privas inserted into the Discipline 16. Whether the Banes of Strangers may be published 17 18. The Discipline approved and sworne Chap. VI. Observtions on the National Synod of Vitre Elders without the Pastor cannot suspend a Person from the Lords Table 2. The Case of Mr. Beauchamps Pastor to the D. of Rohan 3. A Select number of Pastors to be chosen out of the Churches to be made Professors upon a Vacancy in the Universities 4. The prudent care of the Synod against pragmatical Ministers 6. Non-Residents declared Rebels against the Discipline 8. Samuel de Fresnay incouraged by the Synod 9. The Case of Mr. Chauveton 10. Of Mr. D' Anglade 11. Of Mr. Guerin 12. Of the Booksellers of Geneva 14. Chap VII Mr. Chauve reports why neither himself nor the Sieurs Du Moulin Chamier and Rivet went not to the Synod of Dort 16. The Case of Mr. Bennet 17. Chap. VIII Of Appeals Of Mr. Gaussens 3. Of Mr. La Coste 4. Of Mrs. De Sales 5. Of Mr. Rossens 6. Of Mr. De la Fage 11. Of Mr. de la Garie 12. Of Mr. de Rieu 13. Of the Church of Privas 17. Of the Baron of Ganges 19. Of Mr. Gallpin 20. Of Discipline severely but justly exercised upon Two Scandalous Ministers 24 25. The Case of Mr. Des Maretz 29. A Cannon made against filling of Consistories with Relations 31. The Case of Mr. De Monsanglard 36. Cottelier a Scandalous Minister Deposed 50. Of Mr. Mahaut 56. Discipline exercised upon a Scandalous Minister 65. Chap. IX Of General Matters Ministers may not intermeddle with any Political Affairs 1. Palot's Business 4. Act for the National Fast 5. About Proposans 6. Huberus cometh to this Synod again with his Petition 10. Care for Ministers Maintenance 17. Advice to the Pastors of Geneva 20. Chap. X. Form of Excommunication Chap. XI The Cannons of the Synod of Dort incorporated with those of the Churches of France Chap. XII The Oath taken by the Deputies against Arminianisme An Order to the Lord of Candals Deputy Chap. XIII Particular Matters Mr. Martin's Relation of his Book Le Capuchin Reformed 1. A Minister Emeritus cared for 2. The sad case of the Church of Privas 7. A Spanish Protestant cared for 11. The sad State of the Church of Issoire 20. Chap. XIV Of Canons for the Province of Provence Chap. XV. Of Colledges and Universities Chap. XVI Of Accompts Chap. XVI Of Laws for the Universities of the Reformed Churches in France Chap. XVIII Of Dividends of Moneys amongst the Provinces Chap. XIX Of the Lord of Candal's Accompts Chap. XX. Of Moneys which the Synod ordered the Lord of Candal to pay to Provinces and particular Persons Chap. XXI Of the Catalogue of Apostates and Deposed Ministers The Synod of Alez 1620. The 23th Synod SYNOD XXIII 1620. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in France and Principality of Bearne held at Alez in Sevennes the First Day of October and the Dayes following in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty CHAP. I. Deputies and Officers of the SYNOD 1 IN which there met for the Province of the Isle of France Monsieur Peter du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris Isaac de Juigne Pastor of the Church of Vassy and Thomas Papillon Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church there gathered Monsieur de Marolles Elder in the Church of Vitry was nominated in the Letters of Commission but absent however he did by Letters written under his own hand excuse his absence which Letters were remanded back unto his Provincial Synod to judge of them 2. For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Samuel de L' Escherpiere Lord of Riviere Pastor in the Church of Rouen Daniel Massys Pastor in the Church of Caen Antony Bridon Esq Lord of Boisleroy Elder in the Church of Fescamp and James de Montbray Esq Advocate in the Court of Vires and Elder in the Church of Conde 3. For the Province of Brittain Monsieur Ezechiel Marmet Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of My Lord Duke of Rohan and Philip de Vassaut Esq Lord of Pennonstet Elder of the Church of Roche Bernard 4. For the Province of Orleans and Berry Monsieur Daniel Jammet Pastor in the Church of St. Amand Nicolas Vigner Pastor in the Church of Blois John de Bennis Advocate Elder in the Church of Gien and Galliot de Gambris Esq Lord of Soussesse Elder in the Church of Romorantin 5. For the Province of Tourain and Anjou Monsieur Samuel Bouchereau Pastor in the Church of Saumur Matthew Cottieres Pastor in the Church of Tours George Rabboteau Advocate Elder in the Church of Pruilly and Monsieur de la Plante Elder of the Church of Saumur being absent and excusing himself by Letters his excuses were admitted 6. For the higher and lower Poictou Monsieur John Chauffepied Pastor of the Church at Niort John Carre Pastor of the Church at Castelheraud Giles Begand Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Mountagu and Esajah du Mas Esq Lord of Montmartyn excusing his absence because he fell sick upon the way unto this Synod his Excuse was admitted 7. For Xaintonge Mr. Daniel Chanet Pastor of the Church or Ars in the Isle of Re John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons Peter Packquet Elder of the Church of Rochefoucault Peter Fromentin Elder of the Church of St. John D' Angaly 8. For the lower Guyenne Mr. James du Luc Pastor of the Church of Castlejatoux James Privat Pastor of the Church of Chastillon Francis Joly Counsellor and Secretary to the King and his Auditor in the Chancery of Bourdeaux and Elder of the Churchthere and John Guillim de Boutieres Esq Lord of Artigues Elder in the Church of Grateloup 9. For Vivaret Mr. David Agard Pastor in the Church of Valence Daniel
which reason we are more bound than ever to use by an Unanimous consent and agreement such means as will most and best contribute to our just lawful and necessary preservation in the aforesaid Union under the Authority of Our Sovereign Lord the King and the Queen Regent his Mother We have in the name of all those Churches and for their wellfare and for the Service of Their Majesties sworne and protested and do swear and protest promising that we will see these our Protestations ratified in all our respective Provinces to continue inseparably United and Conjoyned in that Confession of Faith owned and professed by the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom confirmed approved and ratified by us all We swear as well in our own names as in the names of the Churches and Provinces which have Commissionated us to be their Deputies unto this Assembly that we will live and die in this Confession Moreover we do profess that we will keep inviolably that Ecclesiastical Discipline which is Established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and observe its Cannons for the Government of the said Churches and the Reformation of manners owning and acknowledging that it is agreeable to the Word of God under whose Supream and Inviolable Authority we protest and swear to yield all Obedience and Fidelity to Their Majesties desiring nothing more than through the favour of their Edicts to serve our God without any violence offered to our Consciences Sworn and Subscribed by Peter de Moulin Moderator of the Synod Minister of the Church of Paris and Deputy for the Isle of France Picardy Champaigne c. By Lawrence Brunier Assessor Minister of Christ in the Church of Usez Deputy for lower Languedoc By Nicholas Vignier Minister of Christ in the Church of Blois Scribe of the Synod and Deputy of the Province of Orleans and Berry By Thomas Papillon Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of that Church Deputy for the Isle of France and Scribe of the Synod Sworn and Subscribed by Isaack de Juigne Pastor of the Church of Vassy and Deputy for the Isle of France Picardy Champaigne c. 2. By Samuel de L' Escherpiere Lord de la Riviere Minister of the Word of God at Roan by Daniel Massys Pastor of the Reformed Church in Caen by James de Montbray Elder of the Church of Conde upon Noireau and by Anthony Bridou Lord of Boissleroy Elder in the Church of Fescamp Deputies for the Province of Normandy 3. Sworne and subscribed by Paui Guyon Minister of the Word of God in the Church of Dieu le fit by Peter de la Croze Minister of the Holy Gospel in the Church of Courtozen in the Principality of Orange by Moses du Port Esq Doctor of Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of la Mure By James Bernard Doctor of Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Montlimart Deputies for the Province of Dolphiny 4. Sworne and subscribed by Paul Huron Pastor of the Church of Riez by Elijah de Glandeves Lord of Ajon Elder in the Church of Puymichel Deputies for the Province of Provence 5. Sworne and Subscribed by Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan by Peter Guillaumine Pastor of the Church of St. Andrews de Valborgne by John de Vignoles Lord of St. Bonnet and of Colegnuc Elder of the same Church by John Baudouin Doctor of the Civil Laws and Elder in the Church de la Salle Deputies for the Province of Sevennes 6. Sworne and subscribed by Ezechiel Marmet Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of my Lord Duke of Rohan by Philip de Vassaut Esq Lord of Penmoncel Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard Deputies for the Province of Britain 7. Sworne and subscribed by Daniel Jamett Pastor of the Church in St. Amand in Bourbonnois by Galliot de Combis Lord of Soustelle Elder of the Church of Romorantin by John de Benes Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church of Guyan Deputies for the Province of Orleans and Berry c. 8. Sworne and subscribed by Peter Heliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Due by Francois Perreault Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Mascon by Noel du Noyer Lord of Joncey Elder in the Church of Bussy Deputies for the Province of Burgundy Lyonnois Bresse c. 9. Sworne and subscribed by Daniel Chanet Pastor of the Church of Ars in the Isle of Re by John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons by Pasquet Elder of the Church of Rochefoucault by Peter Formentin Esq Lord of Chastinat Sheriff of the City of St. John d' Angely Deputies for the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois 10. Sworne and subscribed by John de Voisin Pastor of the Church of Realmont in Albigeois by Anthony Garissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent in Lauragais By Paul de Luffee Lord of Maravaut and Governour of Maulterin in Armagnac Elder of the same Church by James du Puy Elder of the Church of Montauban Deputies for the Province of higher Languedoc and the higher Guyenne 11. Sworne and subscribed by J. Chauffepied Pastor of the Church of Niort by John Carre Pastor of the Church of Chastelheraut by Giles Begaud Lord of la Begaudiere Elder of the Church of Mountagu Deputies for the Province of Poictou 12. Sworne and subscribed by Samuel Bouchereau Pastor of the Church of Saumur by Matthew Cottiere Minister of Gods Word at Tours by G. Raboteau Elder in the Church of Pruylly Deputies for the Province of Anjou Touraine and le Main 13. Sworne and subscribed by Peter de Abbadie Pastor of the Church of Pau by John de la Coste Lord of Badett Plaisance and of Monheim Elder of the Church in Monheim now mentioned Deputies for the Principality of Bearn 14 Sworne and subscribed by John du Luc Pastor of the Church of Castel jaloux by James Privat Pastor of the Church of Castelle upon the Dordogne by Francois Joly Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux by John de Boutiers Squire of the Kings Body and Lord of Artigues Elder in the Church of Grateloup Deputies for the Province of the lower Guyenne 15. Sworne and subscribed by David Agard Pastor of the Church of Vaylance and of Soyon by Danlel Richard Pastor of the Church of Chedard in Batiere by John de la Blache Lord of Blesset Elder of the Church de la Bastie by John de Rovre Doctor of the Civil Laws Lord of Esbonaud Elder in the Church of Aubenas Deputies for the Province of Vivaretz 16. Sworne and subscribed by Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier by Anthony de Raques Lord of Claussonnes Elder of the Church of Montfrin by Charles de Bouques Lord of Pons Doctor of the Civil Laws Elder of the Church of Montpellier Deputies for the Province of Lower Languedoc 17. Sworne and subscribed by John de Chal'ais General Deputy for the Reformed Churches of France near His Majesty The Sieurs Des Marez
years old heretofore Pastor in the Church of St. Stephens in Forest tall of Stature Chestnut-colour'd Hair Head lifted up he was deposed for Adultery by the Province of Vivaretz 3. John Pressac alias Martin born at Montauban formerly Minister in the Church of Brieteste in Albigeois an Apostate of mean Stature about thirty years old he hath little eyes sunk deep into his Head and purblind brown Chestnut Hair pale Visag'd great Nose rash and haughty in speaking 4. N. Laurens an Apostate born at Montpellier a little dwarfish Fellow about thirty years old bald headed black Beard little Eyes great Lips pale-Visag'd formerly Pastor in the Church of Aymargues in Lower Languedoc publickly accused of Adultery 5. Hector Joly formerly Pastor in the Church of Montauban in the Higher Languedoc about Nine and forty years old pretty tall of Stature black Hair'd was deposed by this Synod for the hainous Crime of Fornication 6. Stephen Giraud heretofore Pastor of the Church of Gemauzac in Xaintonge about two and thirty years old high enough of Stature black Hair red Fac'd his Eyes sunk into his Head was deposed by the Synod of Xaintonge with hopes given him and a promise of being restored but he was totally deprived and deposed by this Synod for Drunkenness Adultery and Theft 7. John Cottelier sometimes Minister in the Church of Nismes in the Lower Languedoc about Five and thirty years little of Stature but a well compacted Fellow bald headed black Hair scarce any Beard high Forehead he was deposed for Fornication and other Crimes 8. Paul Daude formerly Minister in the Church of St. John of Gardonenque Deposed by the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes and his Deposition was confirmed in this for divers notorious Crimes he is a Fellow about two and thirty years of Age of a flaxen colour'd Hair red Beard a long and ghastly Visage great Nose Ferrets Eyes sunk deep into his Head and yet poreing upon the Earth and short of Stature 9. N. Philippin born at Newcastle in Switzerland tall enough and great necked red Beard a bald uplifted Head wide open Nostrils lame of his right hand he was sometimes Pastor of the Church of Chasteau Dauphin but interdicted the Ministry for divers Natural Infirmities by the Synod of Dolphin and now a Vagabond Done and Decreed in the National Synod of Alez which sate from the First day of October till the Second of December 1620. Signed in the Original by du Moulin Moderator Brunier Assessor Vignier Scribe Papillon Scribe and by all the rest of the Deputies The Synod of Alez began on a Thursday and ended on a Wednesday The Original was lodged in the Archives of Rochell THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIV NATIONAL SYNOD OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE AND OF BEARNE HELD IN The Town of Charenton St. Maurice near Paris the First day of September and ended the First of October in the Year of Our Lord 1623. By the Authority and Permission of Lewis XIII King of France and Navarr being the Sixty Fourth King of this Realm in the Fourteenth Year of his Reign In which Sate the First Commissioner for His Majesty the Lord Augustus Galland a Member of the said Communion according to His Majesties Letters Patents of the 17th of April 1623 verified in Parliament the Second of May following it being His Majesties Pleasure that alwayes in all Colloquies and Synods for the future there shall be present an Officer of the King professing the Reformed Religion to represent his Person and see that nothing but Ecclesiastical matters were Treated and Debated in them as had been Decreed by the Edict The CONTENTS of the Synod of CHARENTON Chap. I. THE first Commissioner from the King in a National Synod the Lord Augustus Galland Deputies to the Synod Election of Officers Chap. II. The Kings Commission to the Lord Galland Chap. III. A great Debate about this Commission Chap. IV. Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. VI. Observations upon the Synod of Alez Chap. VII Reflections upon those Observations made by the Synod of Alez on two Acts of the National Synod of Vitre Chap. VIII Reflections upon their Appeals Chap. IX Reflections upon their Chapter of General Matters Chap. X. Reflections upon that of particular Matters Chap. XI Reflections upon their Colledges and Vniversities Chap. XII One Observation on their General Laws for the Vniversities Chap. XIII Appeals unto this National Synod Chap. XIV Of General Matters Chap. XV. A Remarkable passage about Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Reformed Church of Bourdeaux and Arnoux the Jesuit See G. M. 16. Chap. XVI A Canon passed in Obedience to the Kings Letter that no Ministers should be Deputies unto Political Assemblies See G. M. 17. Chap. XVII The Causes of the French Kings unwillingness to suffer Monsieur du Moulin to be Minister in the Church of Paris or elsewhere in the Kingdom A Catalogue of du Moulins Works Dr. Twisses Testimony of him and them Chap. XVIII Particular Matters Chap. XIX An Expedient to preserve the Churches Peace P. M. 11. Chap. XX. An Account of Curcellaeus another Ecebolius P. M. 17. Chap. XXI Mr Camerons Address unto the Synod P. M. 33. Chap. XXII Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXIII The Lord of Candals Accompts Chap. XXIV A Dividend of Moneys among the Provinces Chap. XXV The Roll of Apostates Chap. XXVI The Decision of the Arminian Controversies Canons about Predestination Election and Reprobation Errors rejected Chap. I. Of Christs Death and Mans Redemption by it Errors rejected Chap. II. Of Mans Natural Depravedness Conversion and Gods Method in it Errors rejected Chap. III. The Saints perseverance Errors rejected Chap. IV. all subscribed by the Moderator and Deputies XXVII Remarks upon some of the Members of this Synod THE FIRST Synod of Charenton 1623. The 24th Synod SYNOD XXIV 1623. In the Name of God Amen The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Charenton near Paris the First of September and divers Dayes after in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and Three CHAP. I. The Kings First Commissioner Deputies and Synodical Officers THE Lord Augustus Galland Councellor of the King in His Council of Estate and Attorney-General of the Kingdom of Navarre was Commissionated by His Majesty to open this Synod by his Royal Authority and to be present in all its Sessions as shall be afterwards Declared There appeared as Deputies for the Province of Normandy Mr. Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Charenton John Maximilian de Baux Lord de L' Angle Pastor in the Church of Roan John Lewis Mustel Esq Lord of Boisroger Elder in the Church of Ponteau de Mer and James de la Loys Elder of the Church of St. l o. As for the Province of Orleans and Berry Mr. Simon Jurieux Pastor of the Church of Chastillon on the Loir James Imbert Durant Pastor of the Church
of Orleans Elijah du Bois Esq Lord of Senelieres Elder of the Church of Chasteaudun and John du Four Counsellor to the King and his Judge in the Sessions of Blois and Elder of the Church there For the Province of Anjou Mr. John Vigneux Pastor of the Church of Mans Isaac le Pelletier Pastor of the Church of Vandome George Rabboteau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Pruilly and Samuel Pruchieur Lord de la Mesnerie and of the Waters and Forests in the Sheriffdom of Anjou Elder of the Church of Bange For the Province of the Higher and Lower Poictou Mr. Isaac Caville Pastor of the Church of Cove James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poitiers Claudius Gourjault Esq Lord of Venoars Elder in the Church of â—usignun and Michael des Roulins Esq Lord of Bois St. Martyn Elder in the Church of Mouschamp For the Province of Xaintonge Mr. William Rivett Lord of Chauvernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg Theodore de â—ignon Judge Assistant in the Town of Rochefoucaut and Elder of the Church there and John Thomas Judge of Mirambeau Elder of the Church there as for Michael le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Rochell and deputed at the same time together with the said Lord of Chauvernown he fell sick just as he came to Paris and departed this Life on Wednesday the Thirteenth of this instant September and was buried the next day in the Church-yard of Charenton aforesaid For the Province of the Lower Guyenne Mr. John Alba Pastor of the Church of Tonneins James Berdolin Pastor of the Church of Duras Seigneron Buffoon formerly Lieutenant in the Seneschally of Castlejaloux Elder of the Church there and Mathias Capduroy Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder of that Church For the Province of Lower Languedoc Solomon Crubelier Pastor of the Church of Vauvert and John Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Nismes and Professor of Divinity in that University James â—esquet Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Montpellier and du Mas Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Lunel absent never came unto the Synod For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne Mr. Peter Beraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Montauban Peter Savoys Pastor of the Church of Castres John Mauzy the Kings Attorney in the Judicature of Ville â—ongue Elder in the Church of Puylaurens and James Herauldy Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Figeac For the Province of Burgundy Mr. Isaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of â—ions James Clerk Pastor of the Church of Sessy Peter de L' Oriol Esq Lord of Zarlac Elder in the Church of Bourg and Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church of Maringues absent and did not come unto this Synod For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Orange Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimart Moses du Port Esq Captain and Constable of the Castle of Lamure Elder of the Church there and Daniel Bois Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble and Elder of the Church in that City For the Province of Sevennes Mr. James Berlie Pastor of the Church of Quissac Paul Paulett Pastor of the Church at Vazenobre Andrew du Crois Esq Lord of Vazenobre and Elder of the Church of St. German and Calbergue and Anthony Despeces Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Alez For the Province of the Isle of France Mr. Samuel Durant and Mr. John Mestrezat Pastors of the Church of Paris Peter de Launay Counsellor and Secretary to the King Elder of the said Church and James de Herouard Esq Lord of â—osseuse Elder in the Church of Baillolett The Lord of Montmartyn Deputy General for the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom to His Majesty took his Place and sate personally in this Synod according to the Canon of our Churches in this case provided Eight Dayes after the opening of the Synod there came and craved admission into it The Sieurs Bertrand d' Avignon Lord of Souvigne Pastor of the Church of Rennes and John de Gennes Lord of la Baste Elder in the Church of Vitre Deputies for the Province of Britain and being demanded the reasons of their delay and late coming they answered that it arose hence that their Provincial Synod could not be held early enough because that His Majesty having given Order to some particular Persons to send an Officer who might assist in Person in it they put off his Nomination and Commission so long that they have lost all this time which Excuses of theirs were accepted by the Assembly Twelve dayes after the Synod had sate there came into it Mr. John D' Isserotte Pastor of the Church of Moneings Deputy for the Principality of Bearn who declared that the Letters of Convocation unto this present Synod came not into their Province but very lately so that they could not assemble their own Synod timely enough for the Deputies to meet at the opening of this Assembly and that Mr. Samuel Campaigne Elder in the Church of Olleroon who was deputed together with him fell sick just as they were beginning their Journey so that he had not time to acquaint the other Person with it who was ordered in case of such an Accident to succeed him in this Office and therefore he humbly requested this Synod to accept of these his Excuses which it also did and gave him his priviledge of sitting and voteing in it But forasmuch as in his Letters of Commission the clause of submission was couched in those very self-same terms and under those conditions wherewith the Deputies of the said Principality had been hitherto admitted into these Assemblies and that the Synod of Alez had suffered those Conditions because of the juncture of Affairs then and by provision only until this present Synod therefore this Assembly doth ordain in pursuance of the limitations and restrictions made in the foregoing National Synods the Provinces shall have full liberty to require that the said Sieur D' Isserotte may not in some cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom not be permitted either his deliberative or decisive Vote and that before the breaking up of this Synod he do produce the reasons why the Churches in the Principality of Bearne have so long deferred their full and intire subjection to the Discipline of the Churches in France and of which this Assembly will consider and give judgment The Sixteenth day after the Synod had sate there came unto it for the Province of Vivaretz Mr. Joseph Villou Pastor of the Church of Chambon Solomon Faure Pastor of the Church of Privas Anthony Perrottin Advocate Elder in the Church of Villeneusve de Berg and John Faure Lord of Champlas Elder in the Church of Tournon near Privas who related that through the delays and difficulties caused by the Governours and
of Lower Guyenne The Sieurs John Mizaubin Pastor of the Church of Sainte Foy and James du Fort Pastor of La Bastide in Armagnac together with Mr. John Joan Lord of Loullan Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux Elder in the Church of Duras and Mr. Isaack Grenouelleau Advocate also in the same Parliament and Elder of the Church of Castelsmoron in Albrett For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons and David Belot Pastor of the Church de la Rochechalais together with John Besne Esq Lord of Angoulins Elder in the Church of Rochell and Elijah Marlat Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder of the Church of Mirambeau For the Province of Poictou The Sieur Peter de la Vallade Pastor of the Church of Fontenay la Conte and Isaac du Soul Pastor of the Church of Lusignan accompanied with Gilles Begaud Esq Lord of La Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Montague and James Coxdel Lord of Soignon Elder in the Church of St. Maixant For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Daniel Couppe Pastor of Loudun and Stephen le Bloy Pastor of the Church of Anger 's without any Elders because those who were Commissionated fell sick on their Journey which Excuse was admitted For the Province of Orleans and Berry The Sieurs John Guerrin Pastor of the Church of Baugency and John Taby Pastor of the Church of La Charite accompanied with James Pasquier Counsellor and Comptroller for the King in the Town of Baugency and Elder of the Church there and Peter Longuet Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder in the Church of Issoudun For the Province of Normandy The Sieur John Baunier Lord of La Fresnage Pastor in the Church of Caen and Peter Erondelle Pastor in the Church of Roan Accompanied with Peter du Pertuis Esq Lord of Eragny Elder in the Church of Gisors and Mr. Francis Quillel Lord of La Briere Counsellor and Assessor in the Vi-County of Alenson and Elder of the Church gathered in that City For the Province of the Isle of France The Sieurs John Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris and David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Houdan Accompanied with John de Gravelle Esq Lord of Beauterne Elder in the said Church of Houdan and Isaack d' Huisseau Elder in the Church of Paris For the Province of Bearn The Sieurs Peter Rivall Pastor of the Church of Nay and John de Pommarede Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder in the Church of Mourlans who not having inserted in their Letters of Deputation that clause of submission required by the former National Synods were told that for this time they were born withal on those Conditions expresly mentioned in the Canons of the last National Synod but for the future they should not be admitted into these Assemblies nor have a consultive Vote in them excepting only when as the Confession of our Faith should be read in which indeed and nothing else they retain Union with our Churches The Second of October the Lord of Montmartyn General-Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom unto His Majesty came into this Synod and took his place and voted in it according to the Canons of our Churches and the usual practise of former National Synods After Invocation of the Holy Name of God in Prayer Monsieur Chauve was chosen Moderator and Monsieur Bouteroue Assessor and Messieurs Blondel and Petit Scribes CHAP. II. The Kings Writt for the Calling of the Synod and ordering of Matters in it AS soon as the Synod was formed and the Election of its Officers past the Lord Galland presented His Majesties Letters Patents which being read they were transcribed and the Copy inserted into the Acts of this Synod the Tenour whereof was as followeth The Kings Letters Patents Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our Beloved and Trusty Counsellor in our Councils of State and Privy Council and Attorney General for our Dominion of Navarre the Lord Galland Greeting We having permitted according to our Edicts our Subjects professing the P. Reformed Religion to convocate and keep a National Council in our City of Castres in the Province of Languedoc this next September that they may as usual take care about matters of Discipline appertaining unto their Religion wherefore it being needful that there should be present in the said Council a Commissioner from us who might watch over our said Subjects that they do not treat of any other Affairs but such as are allowed them by our Edicts and knowing by past Experience that we could not pitch upon a more Worthy Person than your self of whose Fidelity and Affection to our Service Sufficiency and Abilities we are very well satisfied and remembring your singular care and vigilancy manifested in the last National Synod held at Charenton by our said Subjects in the Moneth of September and Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three to the general contentment both of us and them also For which causes we have Commissionated Deputed and Ordained and do Commissionate Depute and Ordain you by these presents to go unto our said City of Castres and to sit in the said National Council in our stead and as our Representative and personally to be present at all their Consultations and Resolutions and to see use and exercise our Authority that nothing be proposed or debated but what doth truly concern the Discipline of the Religion aforesaid according to the Tenour of our Edicts and Declarations and particularly of those made and published by us in September Sixteen Hundred Twenty Three about their holding of Colloquies and Synods and you shall look to it also that none of our Subjects do keep any private Conventicles in that our said City You shall also have a special care that nothing be moved or debated in the said Council but what may contribute to the benefit of our Service and the upholding of our Authority and preservation of the Peace of our Kingdom And in case there should be any actings contrary hereunto we command you immediately to suppress them and in our Name and Authority to Act or to make such interdictions and prohibitions as you shall judge needful of which as generally of all Matters transacted in the said Council you shall form a good and ample verbal process That it being brought unto us upon your return we may advise of what shall be most expedient for our Service and the Tranquillity of our Subjects And for the doing hereof we impower you with full Authority and give you our Commission and especial Warrant by these presents For such is our Will and Pleasure Given at Nants Another Copy has the Tenth day this Twentieth day of July in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Six and of Our Reign the Seventeenth Signed Louis And a little lower By the King Philippeaux And Sealed with Yellow Wax CHAP. III.
obedient Brethren the Pastors and Elders in the Reformed Church of Paris and for all Drelincourt Pastor Bigot Tardif Dinets Massanes Millet Raillard and Mandat Elders And in the Margin We most earnestly beseech you to give Audience to Monsieur Mestrezat who is ordered more particularly to report this Affair unto you The End of the Synod of Castres SYNODICON IN Galliâ Reformatâ OF THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Four Last National Synods OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE The Second Part of the Second Volume By JOHN QVICK Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed by J. D. for Thomas Parkhurst and Jonathan Robinson 1691. THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty sixth Synod HELD BY The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE and BEARN The second Time at CHARENTON Under the Authority and Permission of LOUIS XIII King of FRANCE and NAVARRE In the twenty second Year of his Reign begun September the 1st and ended Friday the 10th of October In the Year of our Lord 1631. The General CONTENTS of these Synodical Acts in several Chapters Chap. I. THE Lord Galland the King's Commissioner The King 's Writ for calling the Synod Deputies Names Election of Synodical Officers Chap. II. The King's Letters Patents and Commission to the Lord Galland Chap. III. The Lord Galland's Speech to the Synod Chap. IV. The Moderator's Reply to this Harangue Chap. V. Deputies and a Letter sent from the Synod unto the King Chap. VI. The Cahier or Bill of Grievances sent by the Synod to the King Chap. VII The Deputies Return from Court with the King's Answer and Letter to the Synod Chap. VIII Election of General Deputies Chap. IX Monsieur Beraud admitted at Deputy to sit and vote in the Synod Chap. X. A second Letter from the Synod unto the King Chap. XI The General Deputies make Report of their Audience and the King's Answer to that Letter Chap. XII The Sieurs Bouteroue and Basnage admitted as Deputies to sit and act in the Synod Chap. XIII The King's Letter unto the Lord Galland about it Chap. XIV Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. XV. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. XVI Observations upon the National Synod of Castres Chap. XVII A great Debate about incorporating the Churches of Bearn with those of France opposed by the Lord Commissioner Chap. XVIII The Synod's Reply unto his Lordship Chap. XIX The Synod's Protestation upon this Conjunction of the Churches of Bearn with those of France Chap. XX. General Matters Chap. XXI An Act for a publick National Fast Chap. XXII An Act in favour of the Lutheran Brethren Chap. XXIII Particular Matters Chap. XXIV Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXV An Act for an Assessment upon the Provinces for maintaining the Vniversities Chap. XXVI A Dividend of our borrowed Charities to maintain the Vniversities Chap. XXVII The Provinces Accompts about their Maintenance exhibited to the Colledges and Vniversities Chap. XXVIII The Lord of Candall's Accompts Chap. XXIX A Dividend of sixteen thousand Livers among the Provinces Chap. XXX A blank Dividend Chap. XXXI Roll of Apostate and deposed Ministers Chap. XXXII An Act for calling the next National Synod at Alanson Chap. XXXIII Remarks upon three of the Deputies The Second Synod of CHARENTON 1631. the 26th Synod SYNOD XXVI 1631. In the Name of God Amen Acts and Decrees of the twenty sixth National Synod held by the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn the second time at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris in the Province of the Isle of France under the Authority and Permission of Lewes the Thirteenth King of France and Navarre in the twenty second Year of his Reign begun September the 1st and ended Friday the 10th Day of October in the Year 1631. CHAP. I. The Lord Galland the King's Commissioner The King 's Writ for calling the Synod Deputies Names Election of Synodical Officers Article 1. AT the opening of this Assembly the Lord Galland Counsellor to his Majesty in his most honourable Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his Dominion of Navarre appeared in Person as Commissioner deputed by his Majesty unto it and presented his Majesty's Warrant signed with his Sign Manual for the convocating of it 2. This 29th Day of January in the Year of our Lord 1631. The King being at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the pret Reformed Religion that they might be permitted to meet and assemble in a National Synod there not having been one held since that of Castres in the Year 1626. His Majesty being very willing to gratify those his Subjects aforesaid and to give them some Marks of his Royal Favour hath granted and permitted and doth grant and permit unto those his aforesaid Subjects the Power and Priviledg of holding a National Synod the first Day of September next at Charenton near Paris but with this Condition that none other Matters shall be debated in it but such as are allowed them by his Majesty's Edicts and that the Lord Galland Counsellor to his Majesty in his Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his House of Navarre shall assist personally in the said Synod as his Majesty's Commissioner as hath been accustomed and practised heretofore In Testimony whereof his Majesty hath commanded me to issue out this present Writ which he was pleased to sign with his own Hand and commanded it to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of Estate and of his Commandments and of his Treasury Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower Phillippeaux 3. There appeared on Behalf of the Churches in the several Provinces of this Kingdom the Pastors and Elders whose Names are hereafter mentioned For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Peter Boullenat Pastor of the Church of Vaux and Alexander Rouph Pastor of the Church of Lyons together with the Lords Timothy Armet Advocate in the Privy Council Elder in the Church of Conches and Lazarus du Puy Counsellor for the King in the Presidial Court of Bourg and Elder of the Church gathered in that Town 4. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church at Aiguires and Peter de Peyre Lord of Retardet Elder in the same Church 5. For the Province of Orleans and Berry the Sieurs Daniel Jamett Pastor the Church of Gien upon the Loir and James L'amy Pastor of the Church of Chasteaudun accompanied with Master Claudius Bernard Elder in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loir and Bailiff of the said Town and Henry du Four Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Blois 6. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs Isaac de Cuville Pastor of the Church in Couhé and John le Masson Pastor of the Church of Civray together with the Lords René de Lauvrignac Esq Lord of Miauvray Elder of the Church of St. Maixant and Giles Begaut Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Montague 7. For the Province of Xaintonge
the Lords William Rivet Lord of Champrernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg and Peter Richer Lord of Vaudelincourt Pastor of the Church of Marennes accompanied with the Lords Denys Pasquett Esq Lord of Large Baston Elder in the Church of Angoulesme and Charles Constant Comptroller for his Majesty in the Election of St. John d'Angely and Elder of the Church in that City 8. For the Province of Brittain the Sieurs Josua de la Place Pastor of the Church of Nantes assembling for Religious Worship at Suffé without an Elder for the Lords Daniel de la Tousche Lord of la Ravardiere Elder in the Church of Ploer and Daniel Chastaigner Lord of la Grolliere Elder in the Church of Vielle vigne who was substituted in his Place did both send their Letters of Request that they might be dispensed with for their non-Attendance at the Synod and their Excuses were admitted and accepted 9. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs James de Berdoline Pastor of the Church of Duras and Charles d'Aubus Pastor of the Church of Nerac accompanied with the Lords John de Mazilieres Advocate in the High Court of Parliament of Bourdeaux Lord of Grave and Elder in the Church of Nerac the Lord John Aymé de Friginet Advocate also in the same Parliament and Elder of the Church of Bergerac was chosen but fell sick and therefore was excused and in his stead there appeared Isaac de Geneste Lord of la Tour Advocate in the same Parliament and Elder in the Church of la Sauvetat who was substituted by the Suffrages of the Provincial Synod in his stead 10. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieur Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar and Louis Santel Advocate and Elder of the same Church The Province excused it self for sending but two Deputies and their Excuses were admitted for this time and they were injoined for the future never to omit the Clause of Submission which was not sound in their Letters of Deputation tendred by them unto the Council 11. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs Moses Blasehon Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne and Antony Vincent Pastor of the Church of Merneys together with Stephen de Billanges Lord of Blanqfort and Elder in the Church of Vigan and Claudius d'Airebeldoze Esq Lord of Clairan Elder in the Church of Canoblet 12. For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Matthew Cottiere Pastor of the Church of Tours and Moses Amyraud Pastor of the Church of Sanmur and Professor of Divinity in that University together with the Sieurs Philip Niett Counsellor of the King and Warden of his Majesty's Salt-garners in the said City of Saumur and Elder of the Church there and Josiah Poize Advocate in Parliament Elder of the Church at Previlly 13. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieur Peter Pittard Pastor of the Church of Alben with the Sieur Francis de Montauban de Rambault Esq Lord of Villars Elder in the Church of Gap and the Sieur Stephen Gilbert Advocate Elder in the Church of Die the Sieur Denis de Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Greenoble though chosen â—id not appear because of his Majesty's Prohibition yet afterwards he obtained leave to assist in this Council as will appear by its Acts and Records 14. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Cuurch of Montpellier and John de Croy Pastor of the Church of Bezieres together with the Sieurs Peter Cheyron Advocate and Elder in the Church of Nismes and Andrew Bruneau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Bagnols 15. For the Province of Higher Languedoc the Sieur Timothy Delon Pastor of the Church of Montauban with the Sieurs Peter de Villette Lord de la Jongniere Elder in the Church of St. Antonine and Paul Constans Counsellor for the King and Elder in the Church of Montaubon Master Peter Beraud Pastor of the aforesaid Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University did not appear at first because of his Majesty's Prohibition but afterward when it was taken off he did accordingly take his Place in this Council 16. For the Province and Principality of Bearn there appeared the Sieurs Peter Labadie Pastor of the Church of Pau and John de Pommerade Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder of the Church in Morlas 17. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Abdias de Mondenis Pastor in the Church of Dieppe together with Laurence le Fevre Advocate in the Parliament of Normandy and Elder in the Church of Rouan and John Cardell Lord of Marettes Counsellor of the King and his Comptroller in the Election of Alencon and Elder of the Church in the same Place and the Sieur Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Quarentin though chosen yet did not at first appear because of his Majesty's Prohibition but as soon as it was taken off he came and took his Place in the Synod as will appear in the following Acts. 18. For the Province of the Isle of France the Sieurs John Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris and David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Roussy together with the Sieurs John de Gravelles Esq Lord of Banterne Elder in the Church of Houdan and Charles Mayland Advocate Elder in the Church of Montdidier 19. The fifteenth Day of September the Lord Marquess of Clermont General Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom unto his Majesty came according to the usual Order of these National Synods and took his Place in it having Precedency given him according to his Degree and Quality and as it was afterward decreed in the eleventh Article of General Matters 20. Prayers having been offered up unto God Monsieur Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris was by Plurality of Votes chosen Moderator and Monsieur Jamet Assessor and Monsieur Blondel Pastor and Monsieur Armet an Elder Scribes of the Synod CHAP. II. The King's Letters Patents 21. AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were chosen his Majesty's Letters Patents were read a true Copy whereof is here inserted 22. Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our beloved and trusty Counsellor in our Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for our House of Navarre the Lord Galland Greeting We having given leave unto our Subjects professing the pret Reformed Religion to hold a National Synod at Charenton near our City of Paris the first Day of September next in which the Deputies of all the Provinces in this our Kingdom shall meet and consult about Matters concerning their Religion and we being to choose a Person sufficiently qualified and of approved Loyalty who may be present in the said Council as our Representative and Commissioner and calling to Mind the many Services you have done us in sundry and very weighty Imployments with which we have intrusted you both at home and abroad within and without the Kingdom all which
the Church of Rome in the Article of Justification 17. The Dutchess of Tremoville appears in the Synod Differences between two Pastors and a Church made up 21. A Church Projector Censured 27. Chap. XII Of General Matters A Decree against Swearing of young Scholars 2. All Deeds and Evidences belonging to particular Churches carefully to be preserved 3. No Canon to be made about things indifferent 6. Care for the Redemption of poor Captives in Turkey 7. A Canon against Independents 9. Chap. XIII The Heads and Articles of Agreement between the Presbyterians and Independents Chap. XIV Books and Manuscripts against Original Sin Censured Act 10. Of General Matters An Act against any manner of Worship yielded to the Popish Host when carried in Procession 11. An Act for a National Fast 12. Chap. XV. Millitiere and his Business before the Synod His Excommunication Particular matters 1. The Province of Normandy may not be divided into two 11. Mr. Drelincourt hath the Thanks of the Synod for his Book against the Worship of the Virgin Mary 18. A poor Minister and Emeritus relieved but with a Check 23. The Case of Mr. Arnaud a Persecuted Minister 24. An Account of Mr. Blondel his Works Office and the Synod's Honour for him 26. Monsieur Gauter Compiles the Canons of the National Synods into one Body and applieth them to the Canons of the Discipline 28. Monsieur Catelon doth the same 29. Chap. XVI Of Vniversities Care taken for the Vniversity of Montauban and the other Vniversities 1. The Province of Bearn Exposed for neglect of their Duty and Promise 2. The Generosity of a Professor in Divinity 10. An Ordinance of the Synod to several Ministers and Professors to compleat Monsieur Chamier's Works and to Publish their own 23. The Contribution of the Provinces to the several Vniversities 25.6.7.8 Chap. XVII Accompts of the Vniversities Chap. XVIII An Act for calling the next National Synod Chap. XIX A Decree about the Validity of the Synodical Acts. Chap. XX. The Roll of Apostate and Deposed Pastors Chap. XXI Remarks upon some of the Deputies to this Synod D. Blondel c. THE Synod of Charenton 1644. and 1645. The 28th Synod SYNOD XXVIII 1644. 1645. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the Eight and Twentieth National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled by His Majesty's Permission at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris on Monday the Six and Twentieth Day of December 1644. and ended Thursday the Six and Twentieth Day of January 1645. CHAP. I. 1. Monsieur Drelincourt Pastor of the Church of Paris opened the Sessions with Prayer and then the Lord Marquis of Clermont General Deputy Presented the Writ given forth by His Majesty's Command for calling the Synod The Tenour of which is as followeth THis day being the Twelfth of February 1644. The King being then at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion to permit them the Calling and Holding of a National Synod there having been none since that of Alanson in the year 1637. His Majesty by the advice of the Queen-Regent His most Honoured Lady and Mother desiring to Gratifie and Treat Favourably His said Subjects hath permitted and doth permit them the Convocation of a National Synod in December next at Charenton but with this Condition that they Treat in it of none other matters but of those which be allowed them by Their Majesties Edicts and that the Commissioner whom His Majesty shall please to appoint be Personally present in the said Synod as hath been accustomed In Witness whereof His Majesty hath Commanded me to Issue out this present Writ which he hath Signed with His own Hand and caused to be Counter-signed by me His Councellor and Secretary of State and of His Commands Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower Phelippeaux 2. There met in the said Assembly with Letters of Commission which were read by my Lord le Coq Elder in the Church of Paris sitting at the Table together with another Elder the Sieur Caillard who were both Chosen by Common Suffrages unto this Office these Persons hereafter named Article 1. For the Province of Anjou Monsieur Isaac Pelletier Pastor of the Church of Vandome and Stephen le Vacher Pastor of l' Isle Bouchard together with the Sieurs George Raboteau and Joseph Roisay Advocates and Elders in the Church of Previlly Article 2. For the Province of the Isle of France Monsieur David Blondel Minister of God's Holy Word and formerly Pastor of the Church of Houdan but now residing in Paris by express Order of his Provincinal Synod and of this Assembly and Charles Drelincourt Pastor of the Church of Paris and Theodorus le Coq Elder of the said Church He was alone because the Lord had called home unto himself the Sieur John Bazin Elder of the said Church who was joyned in Commission with him Article 3. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Ste. Mere Eglise John Maximilian de L'Angle Pastor of the Church of Rovan Daniel Guesdon Elder of the same Church and Isaac Caillard Elder in the Church of Alanson Article 4. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Francis Murat another Copy calls him de Maras Pastor of the Church of Grenoble Simon Coin Pastor of the Church of Bessey Peter du Clog Esq Lord of Chastillon and du Serres Elder in the Church of Veyne and David Albert Elder in the Church of Brianâ—on Article 5. For the Province of Sévennes the Sieurs Nicholas Blane Pastor of the Church of Sumaine Anthony Button Pastor of the Church of Alez the Noble John de Bringniere Lord de la Roque Elder in the Church of la Salle and David Rouviere Doctor of Physick Elder of the Church of Alez Article 6. For the Province of Bearn the Sieurs John de la Fitte Pastor of the Church of Pau and the Noble Alexander de la Fibre Baron of Riquam and Lord of Cadellon Elder in the Church of Couches Article 7. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs James Privas Pastor of the Church of Ste. Foy Simon de Goyon Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux the Sieurs de Cazes and de Sauvage tho' they were Deputed by their Synod appeared not the Cognisance whereof was remanded back unto that Province Article 8. For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs Philip Vincent Pastor of the Church of Rochel Theophilus Rossel Pastor of the Church of Xaintes Stephen Soulard Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux Elder in the Church of Xaintes and Daniel Texeron Lord of Cresper Counsellor nominated by His Majesty for the Circuit of St. John d' Angeley and Elder of the Church in that Town Article 9. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay Paul Annard another Copy calls him Accaurat Pastor of the Church gathered near Privas James Gautier Esq Lord of Gourdanel Elder in the
Church of Beaulieu and Abraham Homel Elder of the Church of Soyon Article 10. For the Province of Berry the Sieurs John Taby Pastor of the Church of la Charité Daniel Jurieu Pastor of the Church of Mer Henry de Chartres Esq Lord of Clebes Elder in the Church of Marchenoir and Simon Milhommeau Lord of Barandieres Bayliff of Chastillon upon the Loin and Elder of the Church in that Town Article 11. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poictiers John Chabrol Pastor of the Church of Touars Sir Charies Gourjaut Knight Lord of Panieure Elder in the Church of Mougon and Peter Pesseurs Attorney Fiscal of the Dutchy of Touars and Elder of the Church in that City Article 12. For the Province of Bretaign the Sieurs John Boucherean Lord of La Masche Pastor of the Church in Nantes and Samuel de Goullaines Esq Lord of the Landoviniere Elder in the Church of Viellevigne Article 13. For the Province of Higher Guyenne and Higher Languedoc the Sieurs Anthony Garrissoles Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University Peter Ollier Pastor of the said Church Substituted in the place of Monsieur John Grasset Pastor of the Church of Viane who was hindered by reason of Sickness Anthony Ligonuiere Councellor and Secretary to the King Elder in the Church of Castres and John Darassus Councellor for the King in the presidial Court of Montauban and Elder of the said Church Article 14. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs John de Croy Pastor of the Church of Beziers Abraham de Lare Pastor of the Church of Cauvisson the Noble Mark Dardouin Lord of la Caumette Elder of the Church of Nismes and the Noble James de Brueis Lord of Bourdie Elder in the Church of Blanzac Article 15. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Peter Bollenat Pastor of the Church Assembling at Vau Salomon Roy Advocate in the Parliament of Dijon and Elder of the Church of Bussy and Francis Armet Advocate in Parliament and Elder of the Church of Loches the Sieur John Viridet was hindered by a very sore Sickness from coming unto the Synod Article 16. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Francis Vallanson Pastor of the Church de la Coste and the Noble John de Castellane Lord of Caillez and Rigan Elder in the Church of Manosques 3. The Sieurs Drelincourt Pastor and le Coq Elder of the Church of Paris were chosen together with the Sieur Caillard Elder of the Church of Alanson and the Lord Deputy-General to gather the Suffrages of the Deputies in this Assembly which were taken in written Billets by each of them for Electing the Moderator Assessor and Scribes which was done Successively those Officers being Chosen one after another and by plurality of Billets Monsieur Garrissoles was chosen Moderator Monsieur Basnage Assessor and Monsieur Blondel and Monsieur le Coq Scribes and took their Seats in Order as they were Chosen CHAP. II. As soon as these Officers of the Synod were chosen the Lord of Cumont Councellor for the King in His Council of State and Parliament of Paris Deputed by His Majesty presented Letters Patents which did Commissionate him to Represent His Majesty in this Synod These being read were inserted into the Register of the Acts of this Synod The Tenor and Form of which is as followeth 4. A Copy of the King's Letters Patents containing His Majesty's Commission to Monsieur de Cúmont Lord of Boisgrollier LOUIS BY the Grace of God King of France and Navarré To Our Beloved and Trusty Councellor in Our Councel of State and Court of Parliament at Paris the Lord of Cúmont Greeting We having Granted our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion to hold a National Synod in the Town of Charenton near Paris on the Six and Twentieth day of December next coming Composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of Our Kingdom to Treat of Affairs concerning their Religion and being to make choice of a meet Person and of approved Fidelity to Vs who may preside in the said Assembly as Our Commissioner and Represent Vs in it We knowing the Services you have rendered Vs in sundry Honourable Imployments with which We had intrusted you which you have most Worthily and Faithfully discharged We thought We could not choose a fitter Person than your self being well assured that you will continue the Testimonies of your Affection unto Vs and Our Service as aforesaid Wherefore by Advice of the Queen-Regent Our most Honoured Lady and Mother We have Commissionated and Deputed you and We do Commissionate and Depute you by these Presents Signed with Our Hand to go unto the Town of Charenton and to sit in the said Synod there Assembled and to Represent Our Royal Person in it and to Propose and Determine whatever matters We shall give you in Command according to those Memoirs and Instructions We have now delivered unto you and you are to take heed that none other Affairs be there debated but such as ought to be in those Assemblies and which are permitted by Our Edicts And in case the Members of the said Synod should attempt to do any thing contrary thereunto you shall hinder them and interpose therein with Our Authority and give Vs speedy and timely notice of it that such course may be taken to prevent those inconveniencies which would arise as We shall Judge to be most convenient For the doing whereof We give you Power Commission and special Commandment by these presents Given at Paris the 28th of November in the year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Four and of Our Reign the Second Signed in the Original LOUIS And a little lower Phelippeaux The Speech of the Lord Commissioner unto the Synod together with his Propositions and Complaints made in Their Majesties Name against divers Churches Messieurs AS it is a very great Honour to me to be Commissionated by His Majesty to assist in your Synod and to acquaint you with His Will and Pleasure so also have I a great deal of Joy and Satisfaction to behold this Illustrious Assembly chosen out of all the Provinces of this Kingdom and that I can tell you by word of Mouth what was expresly Charged and Commanded me by the King and the Queen His Mother which is to assure you of Their Good Will unto you and Protection of you and of all your Churches and of the intire Execution of the Edicts of Pacification so long as you continue your selves within those bounds of Duty Subjection and Fidelity which you owe unto Their Majesties they being the Higher Powers set over you by God intrusted with the Supream Authority and your Lot and Portion being the Honour of Obedience to Them whereunto you stand Obliged by your Birth the Dictates of your own Conscience and the Favours you continually receive from Their Majesties and by all kinds of Considerations both General and
be none other Affairs debated in it than such as are warranted by the Edicts and that a Commissioner whom his Majesty shall be pleased to appoint do assist in Person in the said Synod as hath always been practised In testimony hereof his Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writ which he was pleased to sign with his own Hand and caused to be conntersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of his Commandments and of his Treasury Signed LOVIS And a little Lower PHELIPPEAVX There appeared in the said Assembly with Letters of Commission from the Provinces which were read by the Sieur Des Loges and the Sieur de Fresnay Elder of the Church of Loudun and the Sieur de Mâ—â—sonâ—als these Persons following 1. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs John Manimilian de L' Angle Pastor of the Church of Rouan and Samuel Boschart Pastor of the Church of Caen accompanied with the Sieurs Daniel Guesdon Elder of the Church of Rouan and Peter de la Musse Esq Lord des Roquettes Elder of the Church of Caen. 2. For the Province of Higher Guienne and Higher Languedoc the Sieurs John Louis Joussauld Pastor of the Church of Castres and Theophilus Arbussy Pastor of the Church of Milhaut accompanied with the Sieurs John de Besnes Esq Lord of Laseron Elder of the Church de Beraux and Master John Brassart Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Montauban 3. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Amedeus de Chandieu Pastor of the Church at Pont de Velles and Peter Mussard Pastor of the Church of Lyon accompanied with Master Samuel Gentis D'anthial Advocate in Parliament Elder in the Church of Chaalons and Master Phillebert de Sage Advocate also in Parliament Elder in the Church of Autan 4. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs David Eustache and Isaac de Bourdieu Pastor in the Church of Montpellier accompanied with the Noble Francis de Toulonge Lord of Foissac Elder in the Church of Vsez and Master Philip Besse Doctor of the Civil Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Beziers 5. For the Province of Orleans and Berry the Sieurs John Perâ—â—ult Pastor of the Church of Orleans and John Taby Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church de la Charite accompanied with the Noble Denis Papin Counsellor to his Majesty and Receiver General for the Demeans of the County of Blois and Master Paul Tonnois Lord of Champs Advocate in Parliament Elders in the Church of Orleans 6. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs Henry Bâ—udan Pastor of the Church de la Salle and Stephen Broche Lord of Mejannes Pastor of the Church of St. Hippolite accompanied with Edward de Charlot Esq Lord and Baron of S. John de Gardonenque Elder in the Church of the same Place and Peter de Gallieres Esq Lord of Pont d' Arti Elder in the Church of Merveil 7. For the Province of Brittain the Sieur Isaac Guitton Pastor of the Church of Sion accompanied with Monsieur John de la Rochelle Lord of Mornay Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard 8. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs Stephen le Blois Pastor of the Church of Fontenay le Compte and John Chabrol Pastor of the Church of Thouars accompanied with Sir Peter Prevost Knight Lord of La Javeliere Elder in the Church of Chantonnay and Puybelliard and Charles Prevost Esq Lord of La Simonie Elder in the Church of Champagne and Mouton 9. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs John Bernard Pastor of the Church de Velots and Marvelle and John Morius Esq Lord of Espasson and of La Bastide Elder in the Church of Manosque 10. For the Province of Anjou Touraine Le Maine Loudunois Vandosme and the Greater Perche the Sieurs Moyses Amyraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Saumur and James de Brissac Lord des Loges Pastor of the Church of Loudun accompanied with the Sieurs Daniel de Goyett Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Angiers and Master Stephen des Landes President in the Extraordinary Assizes of Vaudomois and Elder in the Church of Vandome 11. For the Province of the Isle of France Brie Picardy Champagne and the County of Chartres the Sieurs John Daille Pastor of the Church of Paris and Benjamin Tricotell Pastor of the Church of Calais accompanied with Master Thierry de Marolles Advocate in Parliament and Judg in the Praesidial Court of Vitry Elder of the Church in that Town and Peter Loride Lord of Galiniers Advocate in his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council and Elder in the Church of Paris 12. For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois the Sieurs John Gommarc Pastor in the Church of Vertueil and Isaac Marchand Pastor in the Church of St. John d' Angely accompanied with John de Morell Esq Lord of Thiac of Vigier and of Salle and Francis Lacons Esq Lord of Courelles and Elder in the Church of Cognac 13. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimard and Alexander Dize Pastor of the Church of Grenoble accompanied with Master Francis Goudran Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble and Elder in the Church of Grenoble 14. For the Province of Lower Guienne the Sieurs John Riccotier Minister of Bourdeaux and Jeremiah Viguier Pastor of the Church of Nerac accompanied with Master Jacob Maysonnais Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Bourdeax and with Sir James de Laumont Knight Marquess of Baisse Caumont Elder in the Church of Nerac 15. For the Province of Bearn the Sieur Arnald de Cazamajore Pastor of the Church of Olleron 16. For the Province of Vivaretz Velay and Forrest the Sieurs Isaac Homel he Died a most constant Faithful Martyr Pastor of the Church of Sajon and Valance and Peter January Pastor of the Church at La Gorse accompanied with Sir James D' Arlande Kt. Lord of Mirabel and Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Bergues and with Master Timothy Baruil Doctor of the Civil Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Privas The Provinces of Bearn and Dolphiny shall inquire into the Causes why the Sieurs de Labadie Elder in the Church of Luibeite and Deputy for the Province of Bearn and de Montelar Elder in the Church of Beaufort Deputy for the Province of Dolphiny have absented themselves from this Assembly and shall give an Account thereof unto the next National Synod The said Sieurs des Loges and du Fresnay Elder of the Church in Loudun did together with the Lord Marquess of Rouvigny General Deputy gather the Suffrages of all the Deputies in this Assembly in Two Bills in Writing each of them having One for the Election of the Moderator Assessor and Scribes and there were chosen by plurality of Votes the Sieur Daille for Moderator the Sieur de L' Angle Assessor and the Sieurs Des Loges Pastor and de
Effigies Reverendi Viri IOHANNIS QUICK S ti Evangely Ministri an o Aetat 55o. SYNODICON in GALLIA REFORMATA SYNODICON IN Gallia Reformata OR THE Acts Decisions Decrees and Canons Of those Famous National Councils OF THE REFORMED CHURCHES IN FRANCE BEING I. A most Faithful and Impartial History of the Rise Growth Perfection and Decay of the Reformation in that Kingdom with its fatal Catastrophe upon the Revocation of the Edict of Nants in the Year 1685. II. The Confession of Faith and Discipline of those Churches III. A Collection of Speeches Letters Sacred Politicks Cases of Conscience and Controversies in Divinity determined and resolved by those grave Assemblies IV. Many excellent Expedients for preventing and healing Schisms in the Churches and for re-uniting the dismembred Body of divided Protestants V. The Laws Government and Maintenance of their Colleges Universities and Ministers togeâ—â—er with their Exercise of Discipline upon delinquent Ministers and Church-members VI. A Record of very many illustrious Events of Divine Providence relating to those Churches The whole Collected and Composed out of Original Manuscript Acts of those Renowned SYNODS A Work never before Extant in any Language In Two VOLUMES By JOHN QUICK Minister of the Gospel in London LONDON Printed for T. Parkhurst and J. Robinson at the Three Bibles and Crown in Cheapside and the Golden Lion in St. Paul's Church-yard 1692. TO THE Right Honourable WILLIAM EARL of BEDFORD BARON of THORNHAVGH Lord Lieutenant of the Counties of Middlesex Cambridge and Bedford Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and one of the Lords of Their Majesties most Honourable Privy-Council May it please your Lordship SEals as Coats of Arms an a kind of Hieroglyphicks Those Mother-Churches in the Valleys of Piedmont where our holy Religion hath been conserved in its Power and Purity during that long black night of Popish Superstition and Idolatry had this for their Common Seal A Taper burning in a golden Candlestick scattering its glorious Beams in a Sable Field of thick darkness It is a truth incontestable that most of the European Nations do stand indebted to them for that comfortable Knowledge of the blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus which is now shining forth in its Meridian-Glory in the midst of them The Famous Waldo of Lions was their near Neighbour and received his most Excellent Instructions together with that Book of Life the Holy Bible from them And Lollard that famous Preacher in England from whom God's Saints and Martyrs with us four hundred years ago were denominated was one of their Barbes I have met my most Noble Lord with another Seal as Illustrious an Hieroglyphick as the former appertaining unto the National Synods of those Renowned and once Flourishing though now Desolate Reformed Churches of France which was Moses's Miraculous Vision when he fed his Flock under the Mount of God viz. A Bramble-Bush in a flaming Fire having that Essential incommunicable name of God Jehovah engraven in its Center and this Motto Comburo non consumor in its Circumference I burn but am not Consumed With this those venerable Councils Sealed all their Letters and Dispatches A sacred Emblem of their past and present Condition Whilst Mystical Babylon Spiritual Sodom and Egypt where our Lord hath been in his most pretious Truths and Ordinances and in his dearest Saints and Members for many Ages successively Crucified did swim in the calm Ocean of Worldly Riches and Grandeurs in the pacifick Seas of secular Felicities and Pleasures Poor Zion in that bloody Kingdom of France hath been in the storms and flames hath passed from one fiery Tryal unto another from Cauldrons of boyling Oyl into burning Furnaces heated with fire seven times hotter than before she hath been driven from populous Cities and the pleasant Habitations of Men unto the cold snowy Lebanon to the high craggy tops of Amana and Shenir to the frightful Dens of Lions and to the horrid Mountains of Dragons and Leopards Why their Heavenly Father should afflict and exercise so frequently and so severely these his Children and Churches he himself informeth them by that weeping Prophet All thy Lovers have forgotten thee They seek thee not for I have wounded thee with the Wound of an Enemy with the chastisement of a cruel one for the multitude of thine Iniquities because thy Sins were increased Why criest thou for thy Afflictions Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity because thy Sins were increased I have done these things unto thee And in truth the mournful Relicks of these Calamitous Churches do justify God in all the evil that is befallen them do condemn themselves and kiss his Rod accepting patiently the punishment of their Iniquity But this Bramble-Bush though always burning is not consumed This is a Miracle of divine Mercy entailed upon them for many Generations I will mention the loving kindnesses of Jehovah and the praises of Jehovah according to all that Jehovah hath bestowed on them and his great goodness towards the House of Israel which he hath bestowed on them according to his Mercies and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses In all their affliction he was afflicted with them and the Angel of his presence saved them in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and he bare them and carried them all the days of old When they passed through the Waters he hath been with them and through the Rivers they have not drowned them and though they have walked through the fires yet they have not been burnt up those Flames have purified and refined but not devoured them And though these last storms like the Fluctus decumani have been the worst and forest yet they have not been without Illustrious tokens of God's gracious presence with them and most merciful providence over them He hath made the Earth to help the Woman he hath spread a Table for their sustenance in the Wilderness and provided for them in their flights dispersions and banishments a most quiet habitation and in this last and greatest persecution that ever did befal them they have found in this Land as well as in other Protestant Countries an inviolable Sanctuary and which cannot but be observed it was in that very juncture when those two smoaking Firebrands Rezin with Syria and the Son of Remaliah were in a joint Confederacy totally to extirpate the blessed Gospel as out of France so out of these Fortunate Islands they met with a safe Harbour in Great Brittain The pernicious Plot was carried on as vigorously here at home against the Reformation as it was cruelly Executed in Kibroth Hattaavah that Land of Graves from whence they fled and where thousands of God's Saints were buried alive When the Bartholomaean Massacre was projected in the last Age there was a design to have tricked over some of our most Noble Patriots unto that unfortunate Marriage in which more Blood was drunk than Wine who should have been Sacrificed together with that Valiant Lord
said Auditory shall be expresly charged That if any one of them do know any impediment for which his Ordination who shall be then mentioned by his Name may not be compleated or why he may not be accepted that they do then come and give notice of it unto the Consistory which shall patiently hear the Reasons of both Parties that so they may proceed to Judgment The Peoples silence shall be taken for a full consent But in case contention should arise and the afore-named Elect be pleasing to the Consistory but not unto the People or to the major part of them his reception shall be deferred and the whole shall be remitted unto the Colloquy or Provincial Synod which shall take cognizance both of the justification of the before-named elect Minister and of his reception And although the said Elect should be then and there justified yet shall he not be given as Pastor unto that People against their will nor to the discontentment of the greatest part of them nor shall the Pastor be imposed against his will upon that Church and the difference shall be terminated by order as above at the Costs and Charges of the Church that shall have demanded him CAN. VII Who so consenteth to be chosen unto the Sacred Ministry ought to accept of the Office with which he shall be invested and in case of his refusal he shall be solicited thereunto by fitting Exhortations but he shall in no wise be constrained CAN. VIII The Election of Ministers shall be confirmed by Prayers and Imposition of Hands always avoiding all Superstition and according to this ensuing form The Form of Ordination usually observed in the Churches of France at the Reception of their Ministers All things before-mentioned having been observed two Pastors deputed by the Synod or Colloquy to lay their Hands upon the Minister elect being come into that Church one of them who preacheth the Sermon shall discourse briefly of the Institution and Excellency of the Ministry alledging Testimonies pertinent to this occasion from holy Writ such as Ephes 4.11 12. Luke 10.16 John 20.21 22. 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20. 1 Tim. 3.8 or others of the like nature admonishing every one to see to it that both Minister and People do perform their respective Duties The Minister to acquit himself of his Charge the more carefully because he knoweth it to be precious and excellent in the sight of God and the People with all humility and reverence to receive the Word of God which shall be declared by him who is now sent unto them Then shall be read in the hearing of the whole Congregation what is written in 1 Tim. 3. and 1 Tit. where the Apostle teacheth what kind of Man a Minister should be And that it may please God to vouchsafe Grace unto this elect person to acquit himself worthily and faithfully of his holy Calling a short Prayer shall be conceived to this purpose in which the said Pastor shall insert these or the like words O Lord God we beseech thee to endow with the Gifts and Graces of thy holy Spirit this thy Servant lawfully chosen according to that Order established in thy Church and abundantly to enrich him with all Abilities needful for his acceptable performance of the Duties of his Office to the Glory of thy holy Name the Edification of thy Church and his own Salvation whom we now dedicate and consecrate unto thee by this our Ministry And then the Minister that prayeth standing upright below the Pulpit shall lay his Hands upon his Head for whom Prayer is now made he being humbly on his knees And the new Pastor arising the two Deputies sent from the Colloquy or Synod shall give him before the People the right hand of fellowship And this Form and the above-mentioned Canon shall be unanimously observed in all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom CAN. IX Our Confession of Faith and Church-Discipline shall be subscribed by such as are chosen in the Ministry both into the Churches in which they shall be ordained and in those unto which they shall be sent CAN. X. No Ministers shall be ordained without appointing them unto a particular Flock and they shall be the peculiar Pastors of those Churches unto which they be assigned And no Church shall pretend right unto any Minister by vertue of a particular promise made by him without the authority of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod CAN. XI Such as shall be chosen unto the Ministry of the Gospel must know that they be in that Office for term of life unless they be lawfully discharged upon good and certain considerations and that by the Provincial Synod CAN. XII The principal Duty of Ministers is to Preach the Gospel and to declare the Will of God unto their People and they shall be exhorted to forbear all strange ways of teaching which have no tendency to edification and they shall conform themselves to the simplicity and common stile of God's Spirit taking heed that there be nothing in their Sermons prejudicial to the Authority of holy Scripture and they shall never Preach without having for foundation of their discourse a Text of holy Scripture which they shall ordinarily follow and they shall handle and expound as much of that Text as they can forbearing all needless Enlargements all tedious and unseasonable Digressions all superfluous heapings up of Scripture-Quotations and vain recitals of various and different Expositions They shall very rarely alledge the Writings of the Fathers nor at any time prophane Histories and Authors that so they may reserve unto the Scripture intirely its own Authority Moreover they shall not handle any Doctrine in a scholastick way of Disputation nor with a mixture of Languages In one word they shall avoid whatsoever may serve for ostentation or in any wise occasion doubts or scruples And that this Canon may be more carefully observed and practised Consistories Colloquies and Synods shall put to their helping hand CAN. XIII Churches are admonished to use more frequently the Ordinance of Catechising and Ministers are to treat and expound it by short plain and familiar Questions and Answers accommodating themselves unto the capacity of the meanest People without expatiating themselves into common places Yea all Ministers shall endeavour to catechize every one in their Flocks once or twice a Year and shall exhort them to conform themselves thereunto very carefully CAN. XIV Ministers and their Families shall actually reside on their Churches on pain of being deposed from their Sacred Ministerial Office CAN. XV. Those Persons to whom God hath given Talents and Abilities for Writing are advised to use them in a modest manner suitable to the Majesty of God's Word and therefore consequently they shall not write after a ridiculous or injurious rate and in their ordinary Sermons they shall express this self-same modesty and gravity And they who are endowed with gifts for writing shall he chosen by the Provinces and if it happen that any Books
any or supplied them by vertue of their Orders shall be hereafter or at present sued for and they shall be acquitted both they and their Agents from all management and administration of the said moneys they producing for their discharge within four Months after the publication of this present Edict made in our Court of Parliament in Paris Acquittances duly expedited by the Chief Commanders in the said Religion or of those who were Commissionated by them to audit and finish those Accompts or of those who bore Office and Command in those said Corporations and Towns during the said troubles Moreover they shall be acquitted and discharged of all Acts of Hostility raising and leading of Souldiers coining and valuing of money done in Obedience to the Orders of the said Chief Commanders melting up and taking of Artillery and Ammunition making of Gun-powder and Salt-Peter Surprizals of Fortifications Dismantlings and demolishing of Towns Castles Boroughs and Villages Attempts upon them burnings and demolishments of Churches and Houses Establishment of Justice Judgments and their Executions whether in matters Civil or Criminal Policy and Reglements made about them Voyages and Intelligences Negotiations Treaties and Contracts made with all Foreign Princes and Communalties and Introduction of the said Strangers into the Cities and other parts of our Kingdom and generally of all that hath been done acted and negotiated during the said troubles since the Death of the late King Henry the Second our most Honoured Lord and Father-in-Law by them of the said Religion and others who have followed their Party as if it had been particularly exprest and specified LXXVII Those also of the said Religion shall be discharged of all general and provincial Assemblies made and held by them whether at Mantes or since that time at any other place until now as also of Councils by them Ordained and established for the Provinces of Ordinances and Reglements made in the said Assemblies and Councils placing and increase of Garison Assemblies of Men of War levy and raking of moneys whether in the hands of general or particular Receivers Collectors of the Parishes or otherwise in whatsoever way and manner it might be done Decrees about Salt Continuance or new erection of Tolls Customs and their receits at Royall and upon the Rivers of Charante Garonne the Rhone and Dordonne Armings and Fights at Sea and all accidents and excesses fallen out about paying the said Tolls and Customs and other moneys Fortifying of Towns Castles and Places Impositions of moneys and services receits of those moneys rejection of our Receivers and Farmers and other Officers setting up of others in their Places and of all Unions Dispatches and Negotiations made both within and without the Kingdom And generally of all that hath been done deliberated written and ordained by the said Assemblies and Council without suffering those who have given their advice Signed Executed caused to be Signed and Executed the said Orders Reglements and Deliberations to be sued nor their Widows Heirs and Successors neither now nor for the future although the particularities be not here amply declared And our General-Attorneys and their Substitutes and all those who may claim any Interests in whatsoever fashion or manner it might be shall for ever forbear all Prosecutions notwithstanding all Decrees Sentences Judgments Informations and Proceedings done to the contrary LXXVIII Moreover we do approve strengthen and authorize those Accounts which have been heard examined and shut up by the Deputies in the said Assembly We will that they and their Acquittances which were brought in by those Accountants shall go and be carried into our Chamber of Accounts in Paris three Months after the Publication of this Edict and shall be put into the hands of our Attorney-General to be delivered in and kept in the Books and Registers of our Chamber that upon all needful occasions there may be recourse had unto them nor shall those Accompts be ever revised nor those Accomptants be bound to appear nor shall there be any Correction of them unless in Case of omitting the receit or of false Acquittances And our Attorney-General shall not at all act or proceed although there be very many defects and the formalities have not been duly kept nor observed And we forbid our Officers in the Chamber of Accompts in Paris and in all the other Provinces in which they be established to take any manner of Cognisance whatsoever of them LXXIX And as for those Accompts which have not been yet brought in we will that they be Audited Examined and shut up by our Commissioners who shall be deputed by us who shall without any difficulty pass and allow all the parts payed by the said Accomptants by vertue of the Orders made by the said Assembly or others that were in Power LXXX All Collectors Receivers Farmers and all others shall be duly and legally discharged of all summs of money which they have paid in to the said Agents of the said Assembly of whatsoever nature they may be until the last day of this Month. And 't is our Will and Pleasure that all their Accompts which shall be brought into our Chamber of Accompts shall be passed and allowed purely and simply by vertue of the Acquittances which shall be produced by them And if any shall be hereafter expedited and delivered they shall be all null and those who shall accept or deliver them shall be condemned in a Mulct and Fine for mis-employment of them And if in some Accompts already rendred there shall be found rasures and charges we have upon this respect removed and taken them away we have restored and do restore the said parts intirely by vertue of these Presents without any need for all abovementioned of particular Letters or other matters except the Extracts of this present Article LXXXI The Governours Captains Consuls and Persons Commissionated to recover moneys to pay the Garisons of the places held by those of the said Religion to whom our Receivers and Collectors of the Parishes may have lent moneys upon their Bills and Obligations whether it were by Compulsion or out of obedience to the Commands which were given them by the General Treasurers of all these necessary summs for the maintenance of the said Garrisons until that time when we agreed about the state of that Accompt which we dispatched in the beginning of the year 1596. and the augmentation we have since granted they shall be acquitted and discharged and for what is already paid to the purpose above mentioned although and for what is already paid to the purpose above mentioned although that the said Schedules and Obligations do not expresly mention them which shall be yielded up unto them as if they had been null And that they may be satisfied the General-Treasurers in every Generality shall furnish the said Collectors by their particular Receivors of our Taxes with Acquittances and by the Receivers-General their Acquittances for the Receivers particular and for the discharge of the said General-Receivers
and the Consular Town-Clark and all those mentioned by name in that Decree past in the Court of the Edict at Beziers about the proceedings of the Sieurs de Suc and Maussac who were Counsellors there and of their prosecution by reason of the said Consulship of Nismes and the Decrees thereupon made both in our Privy-Council and said Court of Parliament Court of the Edict and Court of Aids sitting at Montpellier And the Inhabitants of Anduze of their Murder of the Sieur de Mantaille and the Sentences of Condemnation issued out against the Consuls and particular Inhabitants of the said Town during those Commotions The Inhabitants of Milhaud their fact against the Sieur de la Roquesavas and the restitution of the summ of 4000. Livers unto the Jacobine Fryars The Sieur de Gasque for his Imprisoning of sundry the Inhabitants of Alez the violations of safe-conduct Impositions and raisings of money erecting of Courts of Justice of Officers and Councils by the Provinces and Executions of Judgments ordered by them in Civil or Criminal matters Government and Regulations made among themselves and their exercising those Offices in the said Towns whilst they were in Rebellion against us and the Attorneys demanding Justice when as they exercised their Offices before the said Judges Officers and Counsellors established in the said Towns yea and those who had Licence from us to sojourn and act during the said time in those Towns aforesaid Journeys Intelligences Negotiations Treaties and Contracts made with the English by the said Towns and Inhabitants and by the said Dukes of Rohan and Lord of Soubize as well with the said English as with the King of Spain and Duke of Savoy and the Letters written unto the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland and the Sieurs Clausell and Du Cros who have been imployed All Sales of Goods Church Furniture or other things felling of Timber on other Mens Lands Fines carrying away of Plunder Ransoms or Moneys of any other nature taken away by reason of the said Commotions melting down and seisings of Artillery and Ammunitions making of Powder and Saltpetre Takings Fortifyings Dismantlings or demolishing of Towns Castles Boroughs and Villages yea the taking of Meruez Aymargues and other burnings and demolishings of Churches and Ecclesiastical Houses and others by order and authority of the said Duke of Rohan and all Criminal Prosecutions thereupon without prejudice unto the Civil Interest of the said Religious Ecclesiasticks for which they shall have recourse unto the Chamber of the Edict We discharge them also of all Farmings of Benefices and Church Lands Goods of which they were spoiled by those who Commanded under their General We will likewise that they injoy the benefit of the whole Contents of all former Acts of Indemnity and for whatsoever hath been done or negotiated since the time aforesaid notwithstanding all Proceedings Decrees and Condemnatory Sentences had and passed against them yea those very Decrees in the Parliaments of Tholouze and Bourdeaux against the said Duke of Rohan who shall be preserved in all his Honours and Dignities which he formerly injoyed nor shall he for those aforesaid matters be in the least sued or prosecuted for which we do impose a perpetual silence on all our Attorneys-General and their Substitutes excepting always all Cases execrable which were reserved in the Edict of Nantes and others depending on the Civil Interest about matter of fact happened at Vezenobre and Tournac and for Houshold-goods which are found to be the very same and were taken away from those who were in Obedience to the King V. And in pursuance of our Intention to maintain all our Subjects professing the said pretended Reformed Religion in the free exercise of the said Religion and injoyment of the Edicts accorded to them We Will that all those aforesaid shall intirely enjoy the said Edict of Nantes and other Edicts Articles and Declarations Registred in our Parliaments and that in pursuance hereof they shall have the free Exercise of the said Religion in all those places in which it hath been granted to them VI. And all those Temples and burying places which were either taken away from them or demolished shall be restored to them with Licence to rebuild them if they think it needful VII We Will that all Fortifications of the said Towns and places shall be intirely rased and demolished except it be the whole compass of those Walls within three Months and this to be diligently dispatched by the said Inhabitants and because of our confidence in them for so doing we do not place any Garisons nor any Cittadels among them And the said demolitions shall be made according to the Orders and Directions of those Commissioners which shall be appointed by us and according to those Orders and Instructions which they shall have received from us And in the mean while for greater assurance that this our Will shall be performed Hostages shall be given by the said Towns who shall be kept in those places ordained by us until the said Demolishments be fully accomplished VIII We Will that these aforesaid have their Estates Moveable and Immoveable their Priviledges Titles Rights and Suits Ordered and restored to them notwithstanding all Condemnations Gifts Confiscations and Reprizals which may have been made and granted excepting only the Profits and Revenues of their said Estates and those Houshold-Goods which are not now in being the Woods which are cut down the Debts which have been received unto this present day actually and without fraud after judicial Prosecution and Compulsion Yet nevertheless we will that the precedent Declarations given upon the fact of the said Reprisals until these present Commotions Decrees given forth contradictorily and matters transacted in and upon them shall take place and be Executed notwithstanding all Decrees to the contrary We will also that the Heirs of the Sieur de Mormoirac shall be restored unto their Estates IX We do permit these aforesaid to return again unto their Houses and if there be need to rebuild them yea and we do permit them as to our good and faithful Subjects to dwell in such Towns and Places of our Kingdom as shall best please them excepting in the Isles of Olleron and Ré and Rochell and Privas We do also permit those Inhabitants of Pamiers who were not in that City at the time of its taking to re-enter into it and to injoy all their Estates they yielding all obedience to us and taking the Oath of Fidelity to us before our Commissioners whom we have appointed to receive it X. Our Officers dwelling in those Cities who have not payed their annual Fee shall be admitted to pay it within two Months both for the time passed and the year now current And as for those who are dead in case they have paid the said Annual Fee those Offices of which they were provided shall be conserved for their Widows and Children And as for those whose Offices we have filled up with other Persons by reason of the
near him any more they should be hanged These poor Creatures terrified with these and other Persecutions which they had already suffered fled into the Woods not daring to return to assist their afflicted Father In their absence the old man stands his ground stoutly against all the Assaults Temptations and Vexations of this Irreligious Curate and Sexton and finding they could not prevail upon him they at last forsake him This poor man was now left succourless and dies of famine For when he was found dead he had eaten the flesh off his Hands for hunger SECT XXVII I should never have done if I should set down all the Histories of their Sufferings by the Tricks and Quirks of Law but I will add one more Monsieur Mandeville de Fanue a Gentleman of an ancient Family was kept in the Common Gaol of Normandy three Years and was there in the Year 1674. He married a Gentlewoman bred up in the Popish Religion By her he had several Children the first was a Daughter and his Wife's Kindred intended to carry her away by force to be baptized according to the Romish Superstition To that end his Mother-in-Law procured from the Judges of Caen an express Command to the Ministers of the Protestant Church not to baptize the Child on pain of five hundred Livers This is directly contrary to the King's Declaration Anno 1669. Article 39. expressed in these very terms We Order and Command That the Children whose Father is a Protestant shall remain in their Parents Custody and those that shall take them away and detain them shall he constrained to restore them Hereupon he was constrained by night to avoid the insolency and fury of the common People to carry the Child as far as Bayeux five French Leagues distant from Caen there to be baptized after the manner of the Reformed Churches As he was going to baptize his third Child at the Protestant Temple near Caen the Vicar of St. John's Church stopped him and took him by the Throat suddenly in so violent a manner that he almost choaked him and to avoid the fury of the common People who began to stock about he returned to his House The last Child being a Daughter was carried away by stealth by the forementioned Vicar and was Baptized in the Romish way The Mother of these Children dying a short time after although by the Custom of the Country the Father hath the right of being Guardian and Tutor of his Children yet most unjustly and contrary to the 39th Article of the Edict The Relations of the deceased Gentlewoman who were all Papists chose her Brother who being a Minor needed a Guardian himself to take the care of these Children And thereupon he was Condemned to give up his Children into the care and custody of this young Guardian from this Sentence he made his Appeal to the Parliament of Rouen But his Adversaries by their false Witnesses and a Counterfeited Contract before Marriage allowing the Education of his Children in the Superstitions of the Romish Church which he proved forged got two Judgments passed against him and executed enjoining him to deliver up his Children under the penalty of eight hundred Livers French money Upon this he Petitioned the Privy-Council and obtained a Letter under the Kings Seal to Monsieur Chamilla Intendant of Caen Commanding him to put a period unto this Affair But he being wholly governed by the Bishop of Bayeux and other of the Clergy and rigid Papists This poor Gentleman was made a Prisoner and at the taking of him they miserably abused him beating him tearing his Cloaths breaking his Sword dragging him in a brutish manner through the streets and in all probability had not a Gentleman named the Viscount of Caen come by and took him into his Coach and conducted him with his Guard to the Prison he had been Massacred by the bloody Rabble Over and above all this bad usage some Debtors to him have obtained an injunction upon any proceeding at Law against them until he shall have delivered up his Children His Estate is all seized and he kept at the Kings allowance that he may thereby be compelled not having wherewithal to buy Bread for his Children to deliver them up This Order was Confirmed and given forth by six Ecclesiastical Councellors All that these inhumane Wretches have to alledge for this barbarous usage is this That they hold it just and equitable to deprive a Man of all the goods and comforts he enjoys provided it be for the advancement of their Religion which ought to be prefer'd before all private Interests whatsoever according to their Maxim Summa enim est ratio quae pro Religione facit And by this goodly Maxim of theirs was this worthy Gentleman for not prostituting his poor Children to their Diabolical Idolatries and Superstitions more than three years Imprisoned and placed among the most notorious Rogues who for their Villanies are under Restraint without any hope of deliverance unless by Death SECT XXVIII We shall add but one method more under this first head and that is a general Inundation of Criminal Processes against the Reformed Writings were Printed at Paris and sent down from thence to all Cities and Parishes in the Kingdom Impowering Curates Church-Wardens and others to make an exact inquiry into whatsoever those of the Reformed Religion had either said or done for twenty years past as well upon the occasion of Religion as otherwise and to give information of it unto the Local Magistrates that they might be prosecuted without delay and punished without remission So that for divers years together in the execution of these Orders the Prisons were every where filled with new kind of Criminals with the most Innocent Persons in all France Nor were false Witnesses wanting and which was most horrible though the Judges were convinced in their Consciences that they were Knights of the Post yet they maintained and abetted them in their horrid Wickedness Thus they Condemned innocent and godly Persons to be scourged to be Chained in the Gallies to Banishment and publick Penances And this kind of Persecution fell chiefly upon Ministers Pastors of Churches For a long time they might not Preach without having for their Auditors and Observators a swarm of Priests Monks and Missioners and such kind of Cattel who made no scruple to charge them with things which never entered into their thoughts and to turn others into a contrary meaning Yea they went so far as to divine thoughts and to make Crimes out of their own imaginations For as soon as ever any Minister spake of Egypt Pharaoh the Israelites of good or bad People These Spies had their forced Innuendo's and accused these poor Ministers for slandering the Catholicks and that they meant by the Israelites the Reformed The Judges concerned themselves in this and which is most strange The Ministers of State construed these Interpretations of thoughts as real evident and undeniable proofs On these grounds the Magistrates filled the
LVIII There were nine and twenty National Synods celebrated by these Churches within the space of one hundred Years they met in this order and at the times and places mentioned in this ensuing Catalogue 1. At Paris May 25. 1559. 2. At Poictiers March 20. 1560. 3. At Orleans April 25. 1562. 4. At Lyons Aug. 10. 1563. 5. The 2d at Paris Octob. 21. 1565. 6. At Vertuil Septemb. 1. 1567. 7. At Rochel April 2. 1571. 8. At Nismes May 8. 1572. 9. At St. Foy Feb. 2. 1578. 10. At Figeac Aug. 2. 1579. 11. The 2d at Rochel June 28. 1581. 12. At Vitré May 26. 1583. 13. At Montauban June 15. 1594. 14. At Saumur May 13. 1596. 15. At Montpellier May 26. 1598. 16. At Gergeau May 9. 1601. 17. At Gap May 18. 1603. 18. The 3d of Rochel March 1. 1607. 19. At St. Maixant May 26. 1609. 20. At Privas May 23. 1612. 21. At Tonneins May 2. 1614. 22. The 2d of Vitré May 18. 1617. 23. At Alez Octob. 1. 1620. 24. At Charenton Septemb. 1. 1623. 25. At Castres Septemb. 15. 1626. 26. The 2d of Charenton 1631. 27. At Alanson May 27. 1637. 28. The 3d of Charenton 1654. 29. At Loudun Novemb. 10. 1659. The next National Synod was appointed to be held in the City of Nismes but when that will be Peloni Palmoni the wonderful Numberer can only and most certainly inform us THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE First National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At PARIS in the Year of our LORD 1559. The Contents of the Acts in this Synod Chap. I. The Lord of Callonges Minister in the Church of Paris Moderator Eleven Churches send their Deputies to the Synod Chap. II. General Matters The first Draught of the Church-Discipline in Forty Canons Chap. III. Particular Matters Twenty Five Cases of Conscience resolved 1559. First Synod THE First National Synod Henry the Second died the tenth of July 1559. SYNOD I. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost The Decrees of the National Synod celebrated in Paris the Five and Twentieth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred fifty and nine and in the Sixteenth Year of Henry the Second King of France CHAP. I. Monsieur De Morell Lord of Callonges was at that time Minister of the Church of Paris Publick Matters FRancis de Morell otherwise called De Callonges presided and there assisted at it on behalf of the Reformed Churches of France the Pastors of Diep and St. Lo in Normandy of Paris of Angiers of Orleans of Tours of Chastelherand of Poitiers of Xaintes of St. John d' Angeli and Marennes CHAP. II. The First CANON I. NO Church Discipline Cap. 6. Art 1. nor Church-Officer be he Minister Elder or Deacon shall Claim or Exercise any Jurisdiction or Authority over another In every Synod there must be a President chosen His Office in the Synods II. A Moderator shall be chosen by general Consent in every Synod who shall give Notice of the Days and Places of Meeting and of the Sessions of the Synod And he shall gather the Suffrages and declare which is the greater Number and pronounce the Synodical Decisions Moreover he shall see that Order be observed in Speaking without confusion and impose Silence on such as are eager and contentious and in case of Disobedience he shall cause them to withdraw that Advice may be taken how to Censure them Moreover he shall preside at the Censure of every Person and make the Remonstrances As also to give Answers in case of Counsel demanded or unto Letters sent unto the Synod yet therein always observing the Advice of the Assembly And he himself also shall be subject unto Censures The Office of the Moderator shall expire with the Synod and the next Synod is at liberty to chuse him or any other A Pastor may bring with him an Elder unto the Synod III. Ministers that are sent unto the National Synod may bring with them one or two Elders or Deacons but not more and those chosen by the Body of their Consistory who also shall have their Votes in the Synod As for the Elders and Deacons of that Church where the Synod shall be assembled they may be present also and speak in their Order yet to avoid confusion two of them only shall have Power of Voting in it And no Person shall depart from the Assembly without leave first had and obtained IV. National Synods shall meet according to the Necessities of the Churches and in them there shall be an amicable and brotherly Censure of all its Members The Lord's Supper to be administred at the end of every National Synod and at the closing up of the Synod the Lord's Supper shall be celebrated to testifie their Union not only by the Ministers and Elders of the Synod but in general with that whole Church V. The Ministers with one Elder and Deacon at the least from every Church in all the Provinces of this Kingdom shall meet together once a Year and choose such a Time and Place as shall be most convenient for their Synodical Assembly The manner of Receiving a Minister VI. No Minister for the present shall be chosen by one only Minister or by his Consistory but by two or three Ministers and their Consistories or by the Provincial Synod or by the Colloquy which in those Places where they be already established shall be if possible called together for this purpose And the Elect-Minister shall be presented unto the People for their Approbation but in case there be opposition the Consistory shall judge thereof and if neither part do consent the whole shall be Reported to the Provincial Synod which shall take Cognisance thereof as well for Justifying of the Minister as for his Reception provided the major part of the Consistory and People do consent thereunto No Minister may be sent unto the Synod wâ—â—hout sufficient â—owers VII Ministers shall not be sent from the Churches without Authentick Letters or some other sufficient Testimonials from those Places whence they come and if having no such Commission they should offer themselves to be Received they shall not be Admitted unless their Conversation be fully known and upon what Account they have quitted their Church And in case of opposition they shall be dealt with as was before determined The Elect Deputy must subscribe the Confession of Faith VIII The Deputies Elect shall subscribe our Confession of Faith both in their own Churches in which they were chosen as in those also from which they be sent and their Election shall be confirmed by Prayers and Imposition of Hands by the Ministers yet without Superstition or Opinion of Necessity How Intruders into the Ministry are to be proceeded against IX Such as shall intrude themselves into the Ministry in those Places where the Ministry of the Word of
in it then this Council commands that Province in which the said David shall be and reside to Formalize itself against him and upon this account the Church of Paris shall be obliged to furnish the said Province with Proofs which it hath now or may have had heretofore lying by against the said David that so he may be proceeded against in such a manner as shall be thought most advisable for the Repose of the Church III. Touching the matter propounded by the Minister of Paris the Council is of Opinion That the Marriage pretended to be broken by reason of Spiritual Kinred doth remain firm and in its full power and therefore the second Marriage which hath since intervened is null and these second married Persons are excommunicated because of their Adulteries until such time as they have done publick Penance and shall have duely evidenced their Repentance IV. Whereas our Brother the Minister of Varennes in Picardy doth usually administer the Lord's Supper every Month the Council doth advise That our Brother of Mont-mejor do admonish him in the Council's Name to follow the general Practice of our Churches that so there may be no Diversity among us and our Uniformity may be preserved V. The Churches are advertised to take notice of a Fellow called Frederick Thierry formerly an Augustin Fryar as also of another called Marmande as being Vagrants VI. 'T is the Judgment of this Council That a Minister being imployed in the Church may not ordinarily exercise any other Calling nor receive Wages for it Our Brother of Britain moved this Question VII As to that Book entituled A Treatise of Christian Discipline and Polity composed and published by John Morelly the Council judges That as to the Points concerning the Discipline of the Church by which he pretends to condemn and subvert the Order received in our Churches sounded upon the Word of God that the said Book contains wicked Doctrine and tends to the Confusion and Dissipation of the Church and therefore the said Council cautions the Faithful to take heed of the aforesaid Doctrine VIII A Remonstrance being made by the Church of Poictiers about an Appeal brought by the People of the City of Loudun from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Poictou held at Niort concerning the Fact of Maturin Sibileau the said Appeal having been signified to the Church of Poictiers on behalf of the said People of Loudun the Decrees both of the Provincial Synod held at Partinay and of the Synod of Niort were read and considered Whereupon this present Council hath and doth send back the Knowledge of the said Cause unto the next Provincial Synod of Touraine which by the Authority of this Council shall pass a Definitive Judgment upon these Persons although they were absent provided their Absence be not out of Contumacy and they had been duely informed of the meeting of that Synod And in the mean while it is ordained That both the said Sibileau and the said People of Loudun shall yeild Obedience to the Synod of Niort And to this purpose the Church of Poictiers is required to signifie this present Sentence and the Church of Tours is to Assemble the said Provincial Synod IX A Petition being presented by Madam Margaret de la Voirie concerning a Marriage pretended to have been contracted between her and the Noble William de Schilhant The Council has approved and doth approve of that Sentence given by the Provincial Synod of Touraine held at Mans the last October by which the said Marriage was declared Incestuous because the said De Schilhant had formerly espoused the Sister of the said Petitioner whereunto it does injoyn the said Lady quietly to submit and to observe it with Repose and Tranquility of Conscience moreover the Council exhorts her to return unto her own Church there to make such Acknowledgment of her Fault as the Consistory shall think meet X. Having heard the Remonstrance made by our Brother the Deputy of Poictou concerning Peter Boulay who had intruded himself into the Ministry of the Church of Niort The Council ratifies and approves the Determination of the Provincial Synod held at Niort by which the said Boulay was declared uncapable and insufficient to be chosen into the Ministry of the Gospel until such time as he had given proofs of his Sufficiency before the Provincial Synod of Poictou Moreover this present Council hath ordained That this very Advice shall be signified both unto the said Boulay and to all those who do abett him by our Brethren La Forest and De Thire who making report unto the next approaching Synod of Poictou of the Obedience or Rebellion of the said Boulay and his Abettors a final Period shall be put unto this Affair according to the Rules of our Church-Discipline And the Council leaves it to the Wisdom of the next â—ynod whether it be expedient for the common Edification of the Church that our brother De la Fayole be not also removed from Niort XII There shall be no Alteration made in that Article of our Discipline touching the Choice of Ministers and the Council hath ordained That * * * In the Book of Niort he is called M John Viâ—ier Mr. John Rebitt do sign the Confession of Faith and Articles of Discipline and moreover doth expresly forbid him so Teach in his Lectures Doctrine contrary unto them that so there may be no Disunion in the Church and if he should refuse Submission to this Advise of the Council he shall be sent back to the Consistory of that City to be dealt withal according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline XII As to that Question moved by our Brother of Orleance the Council hath and doth leave it to the liberty of the respective Consistories to judge of those who may be sit to assist at the Examination of Candidates for the Ministry as may be most expedient for their Edification yet so as they shall not suffer any besides the Members of the said Consistory to examine them XIII The Council judgeth it inconvenient to publish from the Pulpit the Articles of our Discipline yet they may be given unto such as desire them by the Consistories XIV Whereas the Letters sent unto this present General Council of the Reformed Churches of France assembled at Orleance by * * * The Book of Niort calls him Jodâ—â— Maurice Joequin are fraught with heavy Complaints against David Vivian Minister of Bourges and divers others of the Consistory of the said Church and because both Parties are absent the said Council remands them unto the next approaching Provincial Synod Berry that there the said Vivian and the other Members of the Consistory may be dealt withal as is just and sitting In the mean while considering the outragious and prophane Words mentioned in the said Letters and the Contumacy of the said Joequin disdaining to come unto this present Council after he had been lawfully summoned and the Threatnings contained in his Answer divers of our
by another XXII If a Minister die in the service of his Church it shall take care about the Maintenance of his Widow and Children and in case of the Churches inability the Province shall be obliged CHAP. V. Of Particular MATTERS I. IT is resolved That Ministers Appealing unto this Synod shall withdraw when their Matters are to be debated unless their Matters be such as may bring them dammage and they also who Appeal or be Appealed upon the account of their sinful miscarriages shall not at all be admitted into it but when they are to be heard in their own defence II. This Assembly doth judge that Monsieur de la Rogevay was justly inrolled in the Catalogue of Vagrants and yet no person shall be obliged to tell him who delated him But because the Church of Bergerack hath since that time given an honourable Testimonial of his Godly conversation it is ordained that his name be now razed out of that Catalogue Onely let him carefully mind the Protestation now made by him of containing himself within due bounds and living holily according to Gods blessed word and the Discipline of our Church III. It 's decreed That John Clopet alias Child shall not be tollerated nor reputed for a Minister until such time as he shall have purged himself from those Crimes and Heresies charged on him And four Months time having been assigned him to justifie himself both in Bearn and Montauban if within that space appointed him he neglect to do it he shall be totally deposed from the Ministry IV. The Brethren of Dolphiny make report how that certain Priests and Monks professing the Christian Reformed Religion after they had been Married in the Church revolted from it and entring again into their Monastâ—â—ies did sing Mass and polluted themselves with Idolatry and desired our thoughts about these Marriages whether they were lawful and valid or no. This Assembly defers the Decision of this Case until the next General Conference that after mature deliberation and debate about it they may definitively determine thereof Yet in the mean while Whether the Marriage of a Monk when converted and after revolted and returning to his Vomit of Idolatry be valid they advise these Women to refrain their Company because considering the present Juncture of Affairs in this Kingdom they cannot converse with them honourably as married Wives with their Husbands V. When Fasts are to be celebrated let all the Churches be uniform if possible in the manner of its Observation and keep themselves free and pure from all Superstition VI. If Women whose Husbands upon the account of Trade are a long time absent from them do desire to be married they shall apply themselves unto the Magistrate Windows shall not be permieted Marriage but according to the time prefixed by Law VII Let Ministers of the Gospel take heed that they do not marry Widows within the times forbidden by the Civil Laws VIII Information being given us That in certain Towns there be other Councels besides those of the Consistory which assume unto themselves the management of Church-Affairs we expresly order That the Sixth Article about Consistories unanimously approved in the Synod of Poictiers Orleans Lions and Paris be signified unto them and that it be most exactly and punctually observed and in case of Disobedience they shall be accordingly censured IX Notice shall be given unto the Churches that in Certificates given unto Travellers that Article be strictly observed and they shall be dated not in Cyphers but in Words at length X. The Canon made to the National Synod of Orleans concerning our Deputies at Court shall be punctually observed by the Provincial Synods CHAP. VI. XI OUR Brother * * * He is called in another Copy John de la Traissel Deacon of the Church of Rochel de la Chaise having complained to us That he was branded by the Deacons of Geneva because in his Impression of Mr. Calvin's Sermons upon Deuteronomy he had left out the Preface to them This Assembly being well satisfied of his Innocence and that he did not of his own head leave out the Preface neither in that Book nor in Calvin's Sermons upon Daniel but by the Advice of our Brethren the Ministers of Rochel nor that from the hopes of Gain he did thereby rob the Poor we order that the Provincial Synods shall be informed of his Innocence and that Letters be sent unto the Brethren of Geneva not only to purge him but that in their next Impression of Mr. Calvin's Sermons they would be pleased to give him an honourable Testimony of his Innocence XII The Churches shall be acquainted with the extream Affliction of our poor Brethren at Pamiers that so their Christian Bowels of Charity may be enlarged to them XIII As also that one called Roberty who was formerly on the List of Vagrants is now took off the File XIV And also that they would beware of a certain Fellow going by the Name of Fontaines du Baut of Vellay in Languedoc a lean Man who hath been often taxed for having no Call unto the Ministry and being unordained yet preacheth CHAP. VIII The Roll of Vagrants I. ONE Chartir or Charles who says of himself that he was a Counsellor of Grenoble and that he solicited at Court for the Profits of his Office a Man of mean Stature his Beard waxing grey deposed from the Ministry at Vsanchez by the Brethren of Limoges for Lying Cheating Forgeries Roguish Tricks Drunkenness unchast Kissings and at Pamier for Dancing and Contumacy against the Church This Fellow intrudes himself into all places where he can get admittance to Preach II. Simon du Plessis going by the Names of Mr. Peter Grueill La Mulle Nevill Grand-champ La Jauniere formerly a Franciscan Fryer deposed at Orbec by the Classis of Eureux because that without any Call or Ordination he had usurped the Ministry of the Gospel quitting and retaking at pleasure his Fryer's Weeds convicted of and condemned for Adultery by the Provincial Synod of Normandy accused also of being Confederate with Robbers he came into Xaintonge but is now at Auranches a Fellow of great stature yellow Beard and hath lost two of his Fore-teeth III. It is ordered that the Neighbour Brethren shall have their eyes upon Monsieur Sylvester's Conversation whether it be conform to the Discipline of our Churches and the Brethren of Normandy shall do their utmost to discover the Crimes whereof he is accused and send the whole Charge against him to the Brethren of the Province However in the mean while he may continue in the Exercise of his Function IV. The business of Mathou is referr'd to the Inhabitants of Jarnac and to our Brethren Du Moulin and San-Germain V. John Clopet alias Child a Wretch full of Heresies a Champion for the Mass asserting its goodness in two Points only excepted viz. Prayers unto the Saints and for the Dead maintaining that the good and bad have equal Priviledge to communicate in the
of Maiâ—ant 1609. 4th Article of Observations upon the Discipline Then shall be read in the hearing of the whole Assembly 1. Tim. 3. and 1. Titus Where the Apostle delivers the Characters and Qualifications of a true Minister and that the Elect Person may be enabled by divine Grace faithfully and conscientiously to perform the Duties of this holy and honourable Office a pithy and fervent Prayer suitable to the occasion shall be powred out before the Lord for him in the close of which he shall Impose his hands on the Head of the Elect Person beseeching God that as he is consecrated unto his Service So that from the year 1559. to the year 1609. there was no stated Form of Prayer to whose words the Minister in Ordination was tied up necessarily and invariably so he may be replenished with the Graces of his Holy Spirit and that he would vouchsafe to bless his Ministery and pious Labours unto the Glory of his great Name the Edification of his Church and the Salvation of this elected Minister V. Under the Ninth shall be added And the Church-discipline and Confession of Faith shall be signed and subscribed by the Minister Elect. VI. The Tenth and Eleventh Articles shall be explained and conjoyn'd in one and after these Words They shall be Ministers during life there shall he this Addition If they be not lawfully discharged upon good and sufficient Grounds and those approved by the Provincial Synod Moreover there shall be added And deserters of the Ministery shall be excommunicate by the Provincial Synod in case they repent not And after these Words And as for those who be sent unto any Church shall be added for a time VII The Twelfth which was the Thirteenth shall be thus corrected Altho ' a Minister do tell it publickly that he was forsaken of his Church or persecuted yet shall he not be received by another Church without evidencing unto the Colloquy or Synod his conduct in this Matter and the said Colloquy or Synod shall act therein according to their best judgment and discretion VIII Under the Fourteenth after these words Such who intrude themselves into the Ministery in lieu of Places shall be inserted Provinces IX Under the Seventeenth after these words or expecting the Determination instead of the Council there shall be put in of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod and before instead of Sent there shall be Lent X. To the Eighteenth shall be added with the good Will and Consent of the said Minister XI The Two and twentieth Article shall abide unchanged only with this Addition And all Advises and Letters shall be sent unto one particular Church and not unto any one particular Person This Article iâ— the 37th of the Chapter of Ministers in the Book of Discipline XII Under the Twenty Seventh in lieu of those words After he was summoned there shall be put Three Months being past the first Summons Also after those words It may be lawful for him to joyn himself unto some other Church shall be added by the Advice of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod which shall consider both the Poverty of the Church and the Estate of the Minister And in case of urgent necessity the said Colloquy or Synod may shorten the said Term of Three Months and it shall be lawful for them to censure those ungrateful People even with Excommunication CHAP. IV. Acts passed on Wednesday the Fourth day of the said Month. This Article is the 19th in the Chapter of Ministers in the Book of Discipline I. UNder the 11th Article of Ministers which had been lain by whilst the Princes sate among us there shall be these Alterations for General shall be put Provincial and National and at the end there shall be added As shall be Advised on in an amicable Conference of Ministers of both sides that so what is most expedient may be followed And this Article was approved by the Queen of Navar and by the Princes of Navar and Conde and by my Lords Count Lodwick and the Admiral II. Under the 31st there shall be this Addition The Provinces shall be informed by each other of the deposed Minister that so the Deposed may not be received into other Churches III. Under the 32th after those words During the time of his Ignorance shall be added And this in case the said Minister abiding in his Ministry do bring greater scandal than Edification unto the Church whereof the Synods shall take Cognizance IV. On Article the 38th Monsieur Beza having propounded according to the Commission given him by our Brethren of Geneva that there might be some certain Person chosen to answer those many Books published against our Doctrine and that those Answers might be brought into the Provincial Synods and there perused by them and so to be Printed either with or without the Author's Name as the Synod should judge most convenient This Motion was well approved by the whole Assembly And it was also ordered That in whatsoever Churches there were sound Books Printed against our Doctrine they should be sent unto the said Deputies CHAP. V. V. THE Catalogue of Vagrants being read the Names of these following Persons were rased out of it Torteveau P. Bouleu La Tornevie Roberty and there were inserted into it Le Breuil of Lazan together with Merillo Paul de Haye Rouseau John Bougayott Bavillardy an Albigensis And the Churches were warned by Monsieur Beza to beware of them and of John Tevignon a Burgundian c. Claudius Alexius who bore about him a Certificate under the Hand of Mr. Melancthon deceased and yet both deposed by the Classis of Monbelliard VI. Ministers must use no other Calling but their Ministery This Article was added unto the former concerning Ministers Ministers shall be forbidden to practice Physick or any other Calling Trade or Vocation whatsoever VII Another Article was also subjoined That Ministers who had Estates of their own might nevertheless receive Wages from their Churches but in so doing they ought to consider the Necessities of the Church and the Rules of Charity CHAP. VI. A particular Matter about Elders and Deacons VIII MOnsieur * * * He is called in two other Copies Vires and in a fourth Virel Vercelle Deputy of Brie declareth unto this Synod that the Elders and People of Meaux are dissatisfied with the first Article of particular Matters and complain that they be deprived of their Freedom and Priviledge in Elections Whereupon it was advised that inasmuch as they had been divers times heard and particularly that by the Synod of La Ferte under Joarre they had been largely instructed in the Will of God from his Holy Word in this Article Letters should be dispatcht unto them from this Assembly exhorting them to acquiesce in the Order of Discipline received in our Churches of France and in case they will yet have the Business heard over once again they shall apply themselves unto their own Provincial Synod about
Churches But in case of lesser miscarriages after publick Satisfaction given by them unto the Congregation they may be restored by the Provincial Synod but to serve in another Province and not otherwise There were present at this Synod of Rochel Joane by the Grace of God Queen of Navar the high and mighty Prince Henry Prince of Navar the high and mighty Prince Henry de Bourbon Prince of Conde and the most illustrious Prince Lewis Count of Nassau and Sir Gaspar Count de Colligny Admiral of France and divers other Lords and Gentlemen besides the Deputies who were Members of the Church of God At Rochel in the Month of April 1571. in the 12th Year of the Reign of Charles the 9th King of France Subscribed thus Theodore de Beza Moderator of the Synod Nicholas de Galars and Scribes Elected John de la Rogeraye Scribes Elected The End of the Synod of Rochel Mr. Beza's Life is written by Melchior Adamus where you have a Catalogue of his Works THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE VIII National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD IN The City of Nismes in Languedock the Sixth Day of May and in the Year of our Lord 1572. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Monsieur de la Place Moderator and Scribe Chap. II. Observations upon the Discipline Confession of Faith and last Synod of Rochel Chap. III. A Case about Apostates turn'd Persecutors More Observations upon the Disciplines and Canons made Chap. IV. Method of dealing with Contentious Persons quarrelling with Doctrine Discipline Worship Catechising and Marriage Chap. V. Manner of Electing Ministers Chap. VI. General Matters Various Cases of Conscience about Elders Colloquies Rights to a Minister Marriages restoring of Apostates Magistrates c. to the Churches Peace Of Marriage-Promises a great Case Art 8. Incest Creating of Doctors of Divinity Banes opposed by those of the Romish Religion A Father's Composition with the Murderers of his Son Whether Dignities and Knight-hoods may be counted among Beneficed Persons and such admitted to the Lord's Supper Chap. VII Particular Matters about the Province of Normandy Cozain's Books Ramus du Rozier Bergeron and Morellius History of the Albigenses to be translated by Monsieur D'Alier Chap. VIII Catalogue of Vagrants THE Synod of NISMES 1572. Synod VIII SYNOD VIII CHAP. I. Canons Ordained in the National Synod held at Nismes the Sixth of May One thousand five hundred seventy two in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of Charles IX John de la Place President and Scribe AFter Invocation of the Name of GOD John de la Place was elected President and Scribe CHAP. II. Observations upon the Discipline the Confession of Faith and the last National Synod of Rochel I. IT 's unanimously resolved That the Seventh Article of the Discipline shall abide in its full Power II. Instead of those words extracted from the Acts of the National Synod of Rochel in the Year 1571. We reject their Opinion who will not receive the word Substance See Synod of Rochel Gen. Mat. art 6. shall be put Without prejudicing those Forreign Churches who for reasons best known to themselves do not use the word Substance we retain the word Substance in that sence expressed in the Article And then towards the close in lieu of those words That we may derive Life from him shall be inserted That by Mystical and Spiritual Communication with him we may derive that true eternal life And the Lord's Supper is principally ordained for the Communication of it althô the same Lord Jesus be offered to us both in his Substance and Gifts in the Ministry of his Word and Baptism and received by Believers 'T is the Fourteenth Article in the Chapter of Baptism and Book of Discipline III. It was resolved that the Ninth Article concerning Baptism shall abide in its full power And the Ministers of Province shall be admonished to carry themselves with more condescension and not to raise so many Difficulties about Names IV. It 's also resolved That the Fourth Article concerning the Lord's Supper shall remain unchanged CHAP. III. See the First Synod of Rochel Particular Matters Art 1. V. THE Churches of Poictou upon reading the Canon concerning Delinquents demanded What course should be taken with those who in times of Persecution having revolted had been censured by the Church but could never be regained yea and were become Enemies and Persecutors so that if they should be mentioned by Name in the Publick Congregation in order to Excommunication How we are to use Excommunication See the Second Synod of Paris Art 2. of Particular Matters they would certainly grow worse and would rage more bitterly against the Church and do her more and greater mischief as was manifest by woful experience The Synod upon Advice answered That Excommunication was ordained for them who are Members of the Church and not for those who are not and that its natural design and tendency is for her edification and not for her destruction that so the Flock of Christ may not be infested by scabbed Sheep and that the Person thus cut off being humbled and confounded for his sin may be finally recovered and received and that others terrified by his example may be preserved And that when Apostates are mentioned by Name in the Church 't is not properly an Excommunication of them for they have already abandoned her Communion but 't is to declare their Rebellion and Apostasie that so the whole Church may beware of them as of incorrigible Offenders yet nevertheless the best endeavours shall be used for their reduction and reformation and God shall be intreated whilst there is any hope to give them Repentance unto Life And if any such are found who instead of humbling and repenting do harden themselves in their sins and growing worse and more furious do plot and conspire the destruction of the Church or of its Pastors especially understanding that they are to be mentioned by their Names in the Publick Congregation it were far better to forbear all Naming of them it being but a meer formality and our End may as well be obtained by some other means which is by Notifying unto the People those desperate Apostates that every one may shun and avoid their Conversation And this may be done with ease and safety by the Elders and Deacons who shall inform their several Quarters of it that so none may pretend ignorance And whoso converse familiarly with these contumacious Rebels shall be censured according to the Canons of our Discipline Moreover this may be confirmed by the General Doctrine of the Ministers who without naming any Person may give sufficient Notice of them and those prudent Intimations may be advantagiously improved And Ministers and Consistories are warned in Proceedurs of this nature to use all moderation and prudence because that Church-Censures and Canons of Discipline are only used for edification and not for destruction remembring often that
from the King and without any mixture of Superstition or Idolatry they may do it lawfully enough But and if they hold them with Idolatry or Superstition be it either from the King's Gift or the Pope they cannot do it there is sin and guilt in the case nor shall they be admitted to Communion with us at the Lord's Table For this would be a professed owning of the Pope's Tyranny who hath no rightful Dominion nor Authority in these matters but Kings and Princes only who are robbed by the Pope's Usurpation of their just Rights Power Priviledges and Authority CHAP. VII Particular MATTERS Art I. IT is now concluded that the Province of Normandy may be divided into two Provinces in case they cannot conveniently meet in one and all the Ministers shall come unto them accompanied with their Elders according to the Canon of our Discipline and not by deputies from the Colloquies Art II. As for Cozain upon reading those Letters sent us from our Brethren the English Ministers it was ordered That the two Books written by the said Cozain and dedicated to some particular Members in the Church of Bourdeaux and brought unto this present Synod by Monsieur de la Sauls should be put into Monsieur Beza's hands for his perusal and who should make report of their Contents unto us and an Answer shall be returned to our Brethren of England Art III. The Deputies of the Isle of France craved our Advice about those Points of Church-Discipline now controverted by Monsieur Ramus du Rosier Bergeron and some others Whereupon an Order was made That Monsieur de Chambrun should read in this Assembly that Abridgement made by our Brethren of the Isle of France and extracted out of Morellius's Answer to that Book De la Confirmation de la Discipline and sent by them unto this Synod together with the Book of the said Morellius in answer to it and for decision of those Points and Arguments therein contained as also Ramus and De Rosier's Books which shall be delivered unto Monsieur Cappel to be examined by him And in case there be any other Arguments found in them besides those formerly urged by Morellius these shall be also answered And Messieurs de Beza De Roche Chandieu and De Beaulieu are chosen to reply unto them And as for the Decisions and Decrees they shall be made only by the Provinces Yet liberty is given unto the By standers in case they think good to make opposition and to this purpose the Doors of the Synod shall be leâ—t wide open and silence shall not be imposed upon any Man in this matter for this time Only it shall not be made a Precedent Art IV. But this Affair having been since considered examined disputed debated and put to the Vote as it was ordered in the last mentioned Canon a Decree passed That our Church-Discipline as it hath been all along to this very day observed end practised among us so also shall it be for the future without any change or innovation in it as being grounded upon God's Word And as for those Positions asserted by Monsieur Ramus Morellius Bergeron and others 1. About the Decision of Points of Doctrine 2. About the Election and Deposal of Ministers 3. About Excommunication out of the Church and Reconciliation with and Re-admission into it 4. And lastly about Prophesying None of these shall be received among us because they have no Foundation in the Word of God and are of very dangerous consequence unto the Church as the whole hath been verified and made appear in the presence of this Synod in which all the Arguments of those Books of Ramus Morellius and Du Rozier were most narrowly sifted and discussed and this was unanimously assented to by the Declaration of all the Provincial Deputies who affirmed That they had maturely and duly considered of those Points of Discipline controverted by those Gentlemen before-mentioned And Monsieur De la Roche Chandieu was ordered to reduce and set down in writing all the Answers and Resolutions made by this Assembly unto the said Treatises and Arguments and to communicate them with the Colloquy of Lionnois that they may be printed and published Only the Relation of these Synodâ—cal Answers and Resolutions shall be writ with the greatest moderation and without mentioning the Names of any Person Art V. The Colloquy of Limmigny shall be advised to get the Memoirs of their Synod to be razed nor may they make any particular Canons of their own but shall be governed by those of our Discipline Art VI. Monsieur Berauld and his Colleagues in the Church of Montauban are charged to recover from Monsieur Comerard of Tholouse the History of the Albigenses written in their Langùage and Monsieur D' Acier shall translate it into French and having done it shall communicate it unto their Colloquy according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline and then cause it to be printed And Letters shall be written to this purpose unto the said Sieurs de Comerard and D' Acier from this Assembly Art VII The County of Messin and City of Metz shall be joyned to the Province of Champagne according to the particular Canon of our Discipline and Letters concerning it shall be sent unto them from this Synod Art VIII The Lord Admiral de Chastillon having writ a Letter unto this Synod the Churches were all admonished of their Duty to his Majesty and an Answer should be returned to this effect unto his Lordship Art IX A Vote passed but without any prejudice to the liberty of Monsieur de Saules and without debating the Merits of his Cause that a Letter should be written unto the Magistrates of Geneva thanking them for their Love and Good-will and they shall be desired to continue it unto all the Churches of France in general and particularly to those of Bearn and we do grant Monsieur de Saules tor one Year more unto the Queen of Navarre and Letters also shall be written unto her Majesty and to his Highness the Prince her Son Art X. The Churches shall be excited to assist with their Charity the poor Members of the County and Church of Orange who are in extream poverty there being no less than Twelve hundred Families of these Refugees in the single Province of Dolphiny Art XI Before that Mr. John le Gagneur shall be admitted Pastor into any one of our Churches he shall give good Evidence of his Repentance and of his Reconciliation with the Church of Geneva and we will have some considerable space of time for proving the truth of his Repentance Art XII Upon the Censure of Ramus Morellius and their Companions it was voted That Letters should be writ in the Name and Authority of this Assembly unto the said Ramus Morelly Du Rozier and Bergeron and to give them all severally to understand what was concluded by this Assembly against their Books and to re-mind them of their Duty according to God's Holy Word and a Letter
its Minister and that Church having been twice informed which is suffered of the Day and Place when the Colloquy and Synod shall meet refuseth to appear The said Colloquy or Synod may proceed farther and determine finally about that difference notwithstanding the Absence of one of the Parties The Union of the Church must not be quitted for any Persecution XXVI The Churches and particular Persons shall be admonished never to depart from the Sacred Union of the Church whatever Persecutions may befal them nor shall they procure for themselves a separate Peace and Liberty distinct from the whole Body of our Churches And in case of failure â—â—â—â—in they shall be censured as the Colloquy or Synod shall judge expedient XXVII Appellants from Provincial Synods unto the National shall be bound personally to appear at those very National Synods â—â—â—â—as Appâ—â—al unâ—â— Synods must â—â—ther appear in Person or send their most â—â—â—le Meâ—â—â—rs or to send thither their most ample Memoirs and in case of default the Sentence of the National Synod shall he ratified And this Rule shall hold good in all Appeals from Consistories unto Colloquies and from Colloquies unto the Provincial Synods XXVIII Ministers shall be bound to Assist personally at Colloquies and Provincial Synods If Pâ—â—stors do not attend on Colloquies and Provincial Synods they may be deposed by them or to send their Memoirs and lawful Excuses and in case of disobedience to this Order the said Colloquy or Synod may judge difinitively of their neglect and dispose of their Persons CHAP. V. XXIX THE Province of higher Languedoc is ordered to call the next National Synod in the beginning of May 1579. However the said Province is intreated if the Lord be pleased to grant the Churches any further liberty to have respect unto the Conveniences of the far distant Provinces Which also their Deputies have promised shall be done XXX The fourth Canon in the Chapter of the Lord's Supper shall be couched in these words Beneficed Persons who bear the Name and title of their Benefices and do either directly or indirectly communicate with Idolatry and receive the Revenues of their Benefices either immediately with their own hands or mediately by the hands of others shall not be admitted to communion with us at the Lord's fable But such as enjoy those Benefices by his Majesty's Gift or Toleration and are downright Professors of the true Religion and do visibly own and maintain it they shall have the same priviledge with all other Members of our Churches to sit down with us at the Lord's Table Only they shall be exhorted to apply the Revenue of their aforesaid Benefices unto pious Vses And the Management of this Exhortation is left wholly to the Prudence of the Colloquies and Consistories CHAP. VI. XXXI UPon perusal of the Memoirs and Instructions produced in a late Assembly of many Deputies from sundry famous Reformed Churches Kingdoms and Provinces who met at Francfort and were invited thither by the most Serene and Illustrious Prince Elector John Casimir Prince Palatine and Duke of Bavaria in which were laid down several Means Expedients and most proper and effectual Remedies for uniting all the Reformed Churches of Christendom in one common bond of Union as also for suppressing and terminating the Differences which are risen up and fomented by their common Adversaries among them and for hindring some hot-headed and bigotted Divines from condemning and as they had menaced and protested they would condemn and pronounce an Anathema against the greatest and soundest part by far of the Christian Reformed Churches Now that such imprudent and wicked Designs might be obviated and prevented they did after mature Advice and Consultation had among themselves unanimously resolve and agree to draw up a Petition unto their most Illustrious Highnesses the Princes of the Empire who adhering to the Confession of Ausbourg Moreover they had given an express charge that one uniform Confession of Faith should be framed which was to be taken and accounted as the general and common Confession of all Protestants and to send several Copies of it unto all those Kingdoms and Provinces in which those Churches were gathered to be examined and approved by them and to be crowned with their joynt common and unanimous Consent and Approbation And they had also agreed upon the time when and place where the Deputies of those Kingdoms and Provinces might be convocated and particularly they had invited the Churches of this Kingdom to send thither some prudent Persons of great Experience well approved for their Piety and and Integrity and impowered by all the Churches with ample Authority to treat agree and decide all Points of Doctrine and other Matters concerning the Union Peace and Conservation of the Churches and of the pure Worship of God This present National Synod of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom blessing God for so good a Motion for such an excellent Proposal and applauding the Care Diligence and good Counsel of those worthy Deputies in the fore-mentioned Assemblies and approving the Remedies and Expedients propounded and prescribed by them doth now ordain that if the Copy of the said Confession be sent timely enough unto us it shall be examined in each of our Provincial Synods or in some other place and manner as will best consist with the Conveniences of our respective Provinces and in the mean while four Ministers most verst in all Ecclesiastical Affairs are constituted a Committee to intend this business to-wit Mr. Anthony de Chandieu Mr. John de Estre Ministers of the Word of God in the Church of Paris and Mr. Peter Merlin Minister of the Church of Vitre in Britain and Monsieur Gabert late Minister of the French Church at Francfort and they be expresly charged and commanded to meet at the day and place appointed with their Letters of Deputation and with a most full and ample Commission from all the Ministers and Elders deputed by the Provinces of this Kingdom and there will accompany them the most illustrious Lord Viscount of Turenne that so they may do all Matters as were above designed But in case the Provinces should neither have opportunity nor conveniency to examine the said Confession in their respective Synods 't is lest unto their Prudence and soundest Judgment to agree and come to a conclusion about all those Matters which shall be debated by them whether they be Points of Doctrine or any other Articles relating to the Peace Union Weal and Happiness of all the Churches XXXII These same Commissioners deputed as in the immediately foregoing Article unto the Conference in Germany are ordered to peruse that Treatise of Monsieur de Chandieu Intituled La Confirmation de la Discipline des Eglises Francoises and to prefix their manual Approbation of it and to dedicate it with a Preface unto the Church of Christ and to hasten with as much Expedition as they can its Publication XXXIII Monsieur Esnard having according to the Commission given him
in the Month of June the last Year 1577. by divers Churches of this Kingdom rendered an account of his said Commission unto this Assembly produced and read the Acts and made an ample Relation of what was done and transacted in that general Synodical Meeting at Frankford in Germany the last September 1577. in which were gathered the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of Christendom and in which he assisted also as a Deputy from our Churches This Assembly was very well pleased with his whole Negotiation accepted and approved of it and doth now discharge him of his said Commission and all Instructions and Blanks signed and given him by our Churches relating to his said Commission were vacated and disannulled as being altogether needless for the future and all Duplicates of the said Commissions and Instructions which he was bound under his own Hand and Seal to observe and follow were in like manner cancelled and disannulled that so he might be intirely acquitted freedand discharged and we do also now discharge him without ever demanding any Matter or farther account from him for the future Given at St. Foy this 13 th Day of February 1578. The first Appeals mentioned in any of their Synods CHAP. VII Appeals and Particular Matters Art N. B. One Book calls this the 34th or 36th Article of General Matters HIS Excellency the Prince of Conde appealed from the Consistory of Rochel for disswading him from communicating at the Lord's Table because of a Prize taken at Sea by his Commission after publishing the last Edict of Pacification embraced by the said Prince Unto which his Excellency made this Answer That the said Prize was taken before the forty Days for divulging the said Peace were expired and it was from the sworn Enemies of the King of Navar and of himself also That it being a meer Civil State-Matter the Consistory had nothing to do with it To which the Consistory replied That the whole Church and City of Rochel were greatly Scandalized hereat because they were accounted Infractors and Violators of the publick Peace of the Kingdom and that they were commonly taxed and reproached for such Prizes as Harborers and Concealers of Pirates and piratical Goods and that for their parts they could not foresee any thing else but that divine Vengeance would light down upon them if they did not oppose such unlawful Practices proceeding from certain Persons who maliciously abused the Name and Authority of his Excellency the Prince So that they could not do less in Duty and Conscience considering their Office in the Church than to endeavour by all good means to extinguish the Fire of such a blazing Scandal and they most humbly beseech his Excellency the Prince to take kindly this their Admonition as done net out of any ill will or bad design against him and that he would be pleased to exert hit Authority in such like Matters so that the Peace sworn by him may be kept and observed This Assembly having maturely considered the whole Affair doth own acknowledge and approve of the Zeal and good Affection of the Church and Consistory of Rochel especially in opposing it self against scandalous Sins and that herein they have not acted beyond the Line of their Duty for they be supported and maintained in it by the holy Word of God which ought to be the Rule of all our Actions whereby they are either to be approved or rejected and that denounceth a Curse upon all those who shall offend but the least of Men and unto this divine Word all of us must yield Obedience if we intend to have and hold communion with the Lord Jesus Yet notwithstanding this Assembly could have wished that the said Consistory had suspended and deferr'd their Judgment in an Affair of so great Importance and had not been so hasty and precipitant about it that so all suspicion of Animosities on either side might have been avoided And as for his Excellency the Prince this Assembly doth earnestly beseech him not to misconstrue those Remonstrances made him in the Name of God which we judge were but just and needful and grounded upon the Word of God and therefore we desire his Excellency that he would be pleas'd to remove the occasion of the said Scandal and take in good part the Admonitions of the Church and that he would be reconciled to it and he shall be particularly intreated so to do by our Brethren Messieurs Merlin Bouguet De la Tour and St. Martin who are charged by this Assembly to acquaint his Excellency with this our Request unto his Excellency and to the said Consistory and that we have none other end nor design in it than the perfect Union of our Members to serve God in Holiness and Righteousness not giving any offence to those that are within or without and this being done we decree that his Excellency the said Prince shall be received into Communion at the Lord's Table Given at St. Foy the Great this 14 th Day of February 1578. And thus Signed Francois Loiseau Scribe of the said Synod II. His Grace the Duke of Rohan requesting by Letters that this Assembly would grant Monsieur de Claville Minister of the Church of Loudun to be Pastor of the Church in his House and Family or at least to serve it in course four Months every Year and that the Sieur de la Tousche Minister of St. Fulgent may take up his Residence at Monchamp The Ministers of those Churches being now absent it was thought good to dismiss this Affair unto the Provincial Synods to which those Churches do appertain that they may judge of it that his said Grace the Duke of Rohan may be gratified in his demands by those Synods III. Monsieur De Spina Minister of the Gospel shall be sent Pastor unto the Church of Anger 's only the Churches of Paris and Saumur have still their Right in him reserved to them And in case that through the difficulties of the Times he should not be able to subsist at Anger 's the Neighbour Classis or Colloquy to that City shall take care of his maintainance and provide it for him and they may also lend him as they shall see good for the Glory of God IV. Monsieur du Lygne shall be lent six Months longer unto the Church of Agen in which time the Province of Anjou shall do their Duty to redemand him and there shall be a Church given him wherein to exercise his Ministery and to make provision for his Subsistence And in case the said Provincial Synod should not recal him within the term prefixed he shall be fully settled in the said Church of Agen. CHAP. VIII V. JOhn Bonniot or Bouquier styling himself Gaultier exercising the Ministery at present at San Bouchard near unto Great St. Foy because that he hath temerariously intruded himself into the Ministery without any Call for that he hath forged divers Letters clipped his Majesty's Coin melted down his Clippings into base Silver Lingots and vended them
they should carry and behave themselves wherefore leaving unto Notaries to follow their ordinary business in the way and manner prescribed to them nothing hinders but that the Church may make Espousals by words de proesenti XLIII All excessive and scandalous Usuries shall be severely forbidden and condemned Usuries forbidden XLIV After these words The Superstition of the Romish Church in the second Article of particular Orders there shall be these added And the said Printers and Booksellers are exhorted not to sell any scandalous Books relating to Idolatry or Impudicity or such at have a tendency to corrupt good manners Not lawful to marry the Widow of the Wise's Brother XLV As to that Case propounded Whether a Man might lawfully marry the Widow of his Wife's Brother we judge That over and above what has been determin'd by others formerly in this matter that there is a secret affinity between such Parties because in the sight of God the Man and Wife are accounted but one flesh and therefore decency and civility will not permit it Licenses to marry may be taken from the King thô not from the Pope XLVI It is in no wise lawful for any Member of our Churches to address themselves unto the Pope for Dispensations to marry within the degrees prohibited and to remove any present or after Impediments which may or do occur in that holy Estate because in so doing there is an owning and subjection to his Tyrannical Authority But yet in degrees not forbidden by the Word of God which are now forbidden by our Civil Magistrate we may lawfully address ourselves unto the King tor his License XLVII The Faithful shall be admonished both in Sermons and private Conferences not to defer Baptizing their Children unless there be some very great cause inducing them thereunto XLVIII None of our Members in Communion with us shall assist at their Weddings or Wedding-Feasts who that they may marry a Popish Wife do revolt from the Reformed Religion But as for those who have a long while ago left the Profession of our Religion or have been ever Papists it 's left to the prudence of the Faithful to consider what will be most expedient for them and if they go let them take heed of approving the Evil in those Meetings and that they bear no part in the Dances and other Dissolutions which are commonly found and committed at them XLIX For time to come neither Ministers nor any other of the Faithful shall print or publish any of their Writings or private Works without having first obtained the express leave and approbation of their respective Colloquies L. There shall be this clause added to the 12th Article of Figeac And the said Fathers shall make it appear unto the Consistory that they have been diligent in their Duty to hinder as much as in them lay the said Marriages LI. The Province of Brittany is ordered to convoke the next National Synod and shall give Notice thereof three Months before unto all the Provinces as also to the Ministers of Bearn Metz and Sedan and to the Ministers of Princes professing the Reformed Religion The Original of the Acts of this Synod was lodged up in the Archives of the City of Rochel out of which this present Copy was extracted and it was thus signed De Nort Moderator De L'Estang and Scribes chosen and deputed thereunto by the Synod Chauveton Scribes chosen and deputed thereunto by the Synod The End of the Second Synod of Rochel THE ACTS DECISIONS 1583. Synod XII and DECREES OF THE XII National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Vitrè in the Castle of the Right Honourable GVY Earl of Laval on the 15th Day of May and ended the 27th of the same Month in the Year 1583 being the Ninth Year or the Reign of Henry the Third King of France and Poland THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Deputies Names Deputies from the Churches in the Netherlands 18. Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. General Matters Deputies to be sent from the Reformed Churches of France unto the Dutch Synods and from theirs unto the French Synods 1. Their Confession and Discipline mutually signed Ministers to be lent reciprocally Assessments of Members to be in Churches not Provinces A Case of Conscience 6. Another about Prayer to be used at the Baptisms of Children born in Incest 8. Promises of Marriage by words de praesenti indissolvable Notorious Sinners cast out of the Church 12. A weighty Case of Conscience 13. Baptism to be administred before the last Psalm 14. A Case about Patronage 15. All the Deputies to communicate in the end of the National Synod 16. Whether a Popish Bride may be accompanied to her Church 17. A Case about Womens Habits 18. A Case about Prohibitions against Church Censures 19. Acts for a Synodical Seal and a National Fast 21 22. A Case about ungraceful Church-Members about Ministers delegated out of their Colloquy or Provinces about visiting of the sick 24 25 26. Chap. III. Canons removed from changed in and added to the Discipline Chap. IV. Of particular Matters A deposed Minister petitioning to be restored unto his Office is rejected A Case of Conscience 2. A whole Church deprived of the Ministry for not maintaining their Pastor 4. A Case of Conscience 5. An Apostate Minister exposed and excommunicated 6. Censures upon two other such Delinquents 7. A Minister practising Physick censured 10. the Harmony of Confessions approved 14. A Case about confronting Witnesses 15. A Case about a dissolved Marriage 17. A scandalous Minister deposed 18. A Case about a Pension upon a Benefice 21. King of Navarr's Message unto the Synod 26. A motion for Vnion between the German and French Churches The Appeal of a scandalous Minister rejected 31. A Case about a Man's Marriage with his Wife's Niece 32. Broccard's Book on Genesis again condemned 33. Bellefleur for writing against the Discipline censured An Act for calling the next National Synod THE First Synod of Vitre SYNOD XII CHAP. I. The DEPVTIES There appeared in this Synod on behalf of the Provinces and as their Representatives the Pastors and Elders hereafter named viz. 1. FOR the Province of the Isle of France the Land of Chartres Picardy and Brie Monsieur Matthew Virell Minister in the Church of Marchais in Beavoisis within the said Isle of France accompanied with Claudius de Hames Lord of Felnoy Elder of the Church at Dieppe 2. For Champagne and the Land of Messin there should have served Mr. Fleuret Minister of the Church of Esparnon in Champagne but he fell sick by the way and sent Letters of excuse unto the Synod which were accepted But the Province was censured for not sending an Elder with the said Minister 3. Fox Normandy M. William Feuguero Minister of Basqueville and John de Lamare Deacon of the Church of Veinieres 4. For Brittaine M. Peter Merlin Minister of the Church gathered in the House of the
Earl of Laval and Vitré and M. Mathurin L' Hommeau Lord of Gravier Minister in the Church of Rennes and William le Moine Elder in the Church of Vitré For Orleans and Berry M. William Sauvage Minister of the Church of Mer upon the Loire and Christopher Elder of the Church at Chastelnaudun 6. For Anjou Tourain Le Main Vandomois Loudunois and the lower Perche John Malesousse and De la Durelleric Ministers of Chasteau-Gontier René Pineau Minister in the Church of Craon in Anjou and Mathurin Peju Elder of the Church at Augers 7. For the upper and neither Poictou M. Nicholas Gorré Minister of Flontenay le Conte and Peter Guittaud Elder in the Church of Chastel-heraud 8. For Xaintonge Aunix the City and Government of Rochel Andrew de Mazieres called also Peter de la Place Minister at Thoire in Aunix aforesaid and Hierom Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel 9. For Augoumois M. Guy du Pou Minister of Vertueil without an Elder 10. The Deputies of Gascogny Perigort and Limousin were absent but excused themselves by Letters because they wanted timely Notice of the sitting of the Synod and there was no Money gathered to defray the charge of their Journey 11. The higher and lower Vivaretz and Vellay were absent without excuse 12. For the lower Languedoc Nismes Montpellier Vsez Basques Beziars and Givaudan inclusively M. John de Grores Minister of Nismes and Andrew D'Alguillonnet Elder of the same Church 13. For the higher Languedoc And Guienne M. John Gardesi Minister of St. Antonin ill Quercy and M. Amand le Gros Elder in the Church of Castres M. Gardesi was a severe Nathan to Henry the Fourth 14. For Bourbonnois and lower Auvergne Lyonnois Forest La Marche and and Beaujolois there were no Deputies they being absent nor did they send any excuse 15. The Deputies of Provence were indeed absent but sent their Reasons for it which were not accepted 16. The Deputies of Burgundy were absent and inexcusable 17. The Deputies of Dolphiny and Orange were absent but excused themselves by their Letters 18. There appeared also and sate and voted in this Synod the Deputies of the Churches in the Low Countries who brought with them their Letters of Commission viz. Michael Forest Minister of the French Church at Machlin and Doctor Joannes Boulins Minister of the Church of Gant and John Charan Minister of the Church of Bruges 19. After Invocation of the Name of God M. Peter Merlin Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church at Vitré and Laval was chosen Moderator and Master Matthew Virel Minister in the Church of Marchais in Beauvoisis Assessor and M. Renatus Pineau Minister in the Church of Craon and Mr. Jerome Faureau Elder in the Church of Rochel were appointed Scribes unto the Synod to Collect and Register all its Acts. CHAP. II. Canons made and decreed in the National Synod held at Vitré in Brittany at the Castle of the Lord De la Vall on Monday the 16th Day of May in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred eighty and three Monsieur Merlin being President and Monsieur Pineau Scribe General MATTERS The means of uniting our Churches with those of the Nitherlands I. OUR Brethren of the Low Countries having requested that some good course might be taken and means used that the Deputies of their Churches might for time to come be present at our National Synods and ours at theirs This Assembly doth now ordain That as often as the Synods of the said Low Countries shall be convened two Provinces of this Kingdom shall be obliged to send their Deputies to wit two Ministers and one Elder who shall be expresly named by those two Provinces in every National Synod and their Charges born by all the Provinces of this Kingdom and for this present approaching Synod of the Low Countries the Provinces of the Isle of France and Normandy are appointed to send the Deputies II. And whereas the Brethren their Deputies have tendred unto this Synod the Confession of Faith and Body of Church-Discipline owned and embraced by the said Churches of the Low Countries this Assembly having humbly and heartily blessed God for that sweet Union and Agreement both in Doctrine and Discipline between the Churches of this Kingdom and of that Republick did judge meet to subscribe them both and it did also request those our Brethren their Deputies reciprocally to subscribe our Confession of Faith and Body of Church-Discipline which in obedience to the Commission given them by their Principals they did accordingly thereby testifying that mutual harmony and concord in the Doctrine and Discipline of all the Churches in both Nations III. Moreover this Assembly having to its great grief understood the miserable Condition of the greater part of the Churches in the Low Countries how that they be exceedingly pester'd with divers Sects and Heresies as of David George Anabaptists Libertines and other Errors contrary to the purity of God's Word and against which they cannot use those Remedies that are most desired And yet on the other hand this Synod did exceedingly rejoyce at the glad Tidings of their care and diligence in opposing and refuting those Anti-scriptural Heresies subversive of Divine Doctrine Order and Discipline and it did most earnestly intreat them to persevere in the confutation and condemnation of them as it would also on its part cordially joyn with them in so doing and would give as it doth now give an unquestionable proof thereof by subscribing unto their Confession of Faith and Church-Dilcipline As a Pledge of their Union the Churches of both Nation shall communicate to one another their Ministers IV. And forasmuch as this holy Union and Concord established between the Churches of France and those of the Low Countries seems necessarily to demand their mutual Loves and Assistance This Assembly doth judge meet that the Churches of both the Nations shall lend and borrow their Ministers reciprocally according as their respective Necessities shall require V. That all Contentions may be avoided this Assembly doth ordain That every one shall be assessed in that Church of which he is a Member towards all Charges ordinary and extraordinary without any respect had to the distinction of Provinces A Man may not marry another Woman his Wife being yet alive thô leprous VI. A Case was propounded Whether a Man might lawfully marry another Woman his Wife being alive but infected with Leprosie This Synod judgeth according to the Rule given us by our Lord Jesus That no Man may marry another Woman his Wife as yet living unless she were an Adulteress And therefore he that demands this License to re-marry must give himself to Prayer and Fasting and contain himself during his Wife's Life and he must conscientiously give all possible assistance and relief unto her necessities VII The observation of the 33d Article of the 5th Chapter of the Discipline shall be carefully recommended to all the Churches in every Province That Article begins
the Man first contracted to her according to the liberty given us by our Lord Jesus should declare that he doth repudiate and reject the said Wise because the had violated her Faith given to him and is joyned unto another And after such a declaration if so be the Delinquent Parties return unto their Duty according to our Discipline the Consistory may approve and confirm the Second Marriage and the rather because a Child begotten in the said Marriage hath been baptized in our Church the Father having devolv'd his Right in it upon the Surety who presented it III. The Differences fallen out on the Promises of Marriage between Monsieur John Herisson and Mary the Daughter of Monsieur Moutier Minister of Orbec are dismissed to the Colloquy of Beauvoysie where they shall be fully and smally determined and the Brethren of Feugeray and Paris because they well understand the Matters of Fact relating to it shall be present thereat This present Synod having given no Judgment in the Case because the'fore-mentioned Parties were never summon'd to nor appeared before this Synod and for divers other particularities and circumstances relating to this Affair which merit a longer and more diligent enquiry than the time allotted for our Sessions would admit of IV. As touching the matter proposed by our Brethren the Deputies of Augoumois What is to be done with the Church of Angoulesme who for refusing Maintenance unto their Pastor had together with all the Haeads of its respective Families been deprived of their Minister and of Communion at the Lord's Table by the sole Authority of their Provincial Synod until such time as they had given full satisfaction unto their said Minister It is decreed by the Authority of this Assembly That this whole Affair shall be dismissed unto the Synod of Xaintonge which shall duly summon both Parties to appear before them and having heard them shall put a final period by their Sentence unto all their Differences V. Our Brother the Deputy of Picardy demanding Advice on this difficulty A Woman refuseth to cohabit with her Husband pretending that he was a Monk thô she was well acquainted with it long before she married him and adds scoffingly when she is exhorted to re-unite herself to him That they must be married as if they had never been It is the Judgment of this Synod That for this deserting of her Husband she shall be proceeded against by all Church-Censures and the Husband is advised if he think it fitting to summon her before the Civil Magistrate VI. Master Julian de Lande an Apostate who being formerly displaced with Reputation to himself from the Sacred Ministry hath since revolted from the true Religion and wallows in Debauchery and Idolatry refusing to hearken to the Advice and Orders of his Consistory and hath drawn also a Nephew of his into Apostasie this Assembly ordaineth That the Sentence of Excommunication be publickly denounced against him and that without delay VII This Synod having understood of the Revolt and Apostasie of one Crosse formerly a Minister in the Province of Normandy and that he is plunged Head and Ears in Idolatry persisting obstinately therein As also the defection of one Saint Martin from the Truth who was a Minister of the Gospel in the same Province This Synod remits these Matters of Fact relating to both these Revolters unto their own Provincial Synod with full Power to proceed against them both according as it shall judge most expedient for the good and edification of the Church VIII The Deputy of Higher Languedoc having formed a Complaint against the Colloquy of Armagnac for separating itself from the Province of Higher Languedoc and joyning itself unto the Condonnois thereby to make up one entire Province a part from the other This Assembly ordaineth That it shall be remonstrated to the Colloquy of Armagnac that by this their separation they act contrary to the Distinction of Provinces established by the former National Synods and that they ought to return unto their first condition and become as heretofore One Synod with that of Languedoc and this Order shall be observed until tho meeting of the next National Synod whereunto the Colloquy of Armagnac shall be summoned to exhibit their Reasons for this their separation and if upon mature deliberation it be found necessary the said Distinction shall be then ordained IX Monsieur Le Sage Minister of Mimbré in Maine being re-demanded by the Province of Normandy this Assembly defers the Judgment of this Affair till the next National Synod because the Province of Anjou had no Notice given it of the Difficulties propounded by the Deputies of Normandy as also that the said Le Sage may have warning given him to prepare his Answer to them X. The Remonstrance of the Deputy of Augoumois being heard upon an Appeal from their Synod by our Brother Monsieur De la Croix Minister of Jarnac which Synod forbad the said De la Croix the Practice of Physick together with his Ministry and having also heard the Reasons urged by the said De la Croix for his said Practice as his Abilities for it the Publick benefit by it and the great Charge lying on him by his numerous Family This Synod ratifies the Sentence given against him according to our Discipline by his own Provincial Synod And the Consistory or Jarnac are to procure another able Physitian to dwell there and the said De la Croix shall be admonished wholly to addict himself unto his Ministry and as for his Practice of Physick that he do fully conform himself unto the Articles of our Discipline XI The Lady De la Blanchardaye hath liberty granted her to get a Minister that may set up the true Worship of God and Exercise of the true Religion in her House called The Wood of Mayne provided that the Neighbouring Colloquy do allow and approve of the said Minister and in the mean while our Brother Le Fresne shall continue to discharge his Office in the Church of Lacay and in case he cannot do it because of the aforesaid Establishment the Colloquy or Provincial Synod shall provide another Church for him XII All the Provinces are desired to take Notice in what place Monsieur Du Croy formerly Minister of Perigueux may be now residing and whether he doth exercise his Ministry or not and that Province wherein he is found shall be intreated to exhort him instantly to return unto his own Church XIII Forasmuch as those of Higher Languedoc have permitted some of their Members to Farm Tythes and other Ecclesiastical Goods upon this Condition that they give them a certain Sum of Money This Assembly ordains That for time coming this rigorous manner of dealing shall be wholly disused only that the said Farmers be exhorted according to their Duty to contribute some considerable Portion of their Gain towards the Relief of the poor Churches whereunto the said Revenue was originally designed XIV This Assembly gives its Approbation to that excellent Work of our
Emendations Chap. IV. General Matters One chosen in every Province to answer the Adversaries of the Truth 1. Care taken about Poor Schollars destined to the Ministry 2. The last Translation of the Bible to be used 3. Mr. Calvin's Catechism to be used in the Churches 4. No particular Set-Form of Prayer necessary to Ordination 5. The Complaints of Pastor and People one against another not to be regarded 7 8. Ministers must be resident on their Churches 10. Apocrypha not to be read in the Churches 11. Deacons may put the Poor's Stock out to Interest 12. A Canon about publishing of Apoâ—â—ates Naâ—es 14. Prayers for the King 's Contâ—eâ—sioâ—â— 15. Madam's Perseverance congratulated by the Synod 16. A Case of Conscience about Publick Penance 17. No Consistory shall be compelled to witness in Criminal Matters before the Judge 18. No alteration shall be made in the Liturgy 19. The Provinces to bring in their Quota's to which they were assessed for the Assemblies of â—â—aâ—tes and Sâ— Foy â—2 The 〈◊〉 of Maâ—tes to be sâ—orâ— â—3 Advice about Circular Letters 24. Ministers not coming to Colloquies and Synods censured 26. Infants tho' brought late unto the Church yet to be baptized 28. Vnscriptural Names may be given in Baptism 31. The Revenue of a Sine Curâ to be given to Pious Vses 32. Elders communicate with the Pastors 34. Children may marry if they have the Magistrates thô they have not their Parents Consent 35. The Case of Nicodemites 36. The Rise and Remedy of Marriage-Impotency 38. Publick Notaries to sanctifie the Lord's Day 41. A Case about taking Leases from Popish Landlords 43. The Case of Patronage 44. Painting and Naked Breasts'censured 45. The Names of all Church-Members to be Registred 46. A Case about Proposans diverting from the Ministry 48. The Ministers nominated for a general publick Disputation 49. Canon about deposed Ministers 50. Holy-days 51. Orders about Mr. Daneau and De Serre's Works 51 52. About Moneys collected 53. Case of publick Penance 55. Chap. V. Of Appeals A full Year of Vacation granted to Monsieur Beraud 5. Chap. VI. Particular Matters The Isle of France censured for proposing a politick Vnion with the Romanists 4. Two Delinquent Ministers censured 6. Corneille an Heretical Minister deposed 12. The Ministry interdicted by this Synod in the whole Colloquy of Rovargne 14. The Case of Duellers 16. Chap. 7. The Roll of Vagrants and deposed Ministers An Act for calling the two next National Synods THE Synod of Montauban 1594. Synod XIII SYNOD XIII Acts of the National Synod held at Montauban the Fifteenth Day of June in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred ninety and four in the Fifth Year of the Reign of Henry IV. King of France and Navarre Master Michael Berault chosen Moderator Master John Baptiste Rotan Assessor Scribes Master John Gardesy and James Thomas CHAP. I Of the DEPVTIES High Languedoc and Guyenne THere appeared for the Higher Languedoc and the Higher Guyenne Master Michael Berault Minister of the Church of Montauban and Master John Gardesy Minister in the Church of St. Antonin and Master Bernard Lovis Minister of Lectoure and Master Anthony D'Arroles Elder of the Church of Figedo James Thomas Elder of the Church of Montauban and John Bertrand Elder in the Church of Renel and Lauragais Xaintonge Aunis and Augoumois For Xaintonges Aulnis Augoulmois Master John Baptiste Rotan Pastor and Doctor in the Church of Rochel Master German Chauvetan Lord of Beauvais Minister in the Church of St. Martin's in the Isle of Reé chosen extraordinarily by the Colloquy of Aunis and approved by the Synod and Elijah Festineau Elder in the Church of St. John D'Angely Lower Guyenne For Lower Guyenne Gascony Perigord and Limousin Master James Lamqert Minister of St. Foy and Amanien de Beaupuy Elder in the Church of Toneins Poictou and Brittany For Poictou Master Francis Lóyseau Minister of Thouars and the Lord De la Cheuratiere Elder in the Church of Lusson who also by Procuration appeared for the Province of Brittany Berry Orleans Dunois and Nivernois For Berry Orleans Dunois and Nivernois Master John Berger Minister of Chasteaudun without an Elder for which they excused themselves and their Excuses were admitted though they were exhorted to come better assisted next Lower Languedoc For Lower Languedoc Master William Andrew de Villette Minister of Vallerague and John Chalais Elder in the Church of Nismes Anjou Touraine Maine and Vendomois For Anjou Touraine Le Maine Vendosmois M Felix du Tronchay Minister of Beaufort in Valeé and Monsieur Peter Coigneé de la Plante Elder of the Church in Saumur For Provence there appeared no one Provence And the exiled Members of the Churches there which had refug'd themselves in the Lower Languedoc excusing themselves by the Deputies of that Province 1594. Synod XIII the Synod resolved that Letters of Consolation from it should be written to them Forasmuch as the Deputies of Vivaretz and Vellay were absent and without excuse on their part Vivaretz and Vellay the Synod ordained Censures against them as also that they be advertised by the same hand to send their Messengers unto the General Assembly convened at St. Foy Notwithstanding their Excuses Dauphiné the Deputies of Dolphiny shall be most severely censured because of their absence as also of the Isle of France Those of Normandy did not appear Normandy but only excused their absence by Letters for which they shall be grievously censured Lyonnois and Auvergne Those of Lyonnois and Lower Auvergne did earnestly crave excuse by their Letters and their Excuses were received and approved The Deputies of Burgundy being absent Burgundy and no Letters of Excuse on their behalf shall be severely censured After Prayers Master Michael Berault was chosen Moderator and Master John Baptist Rotan Assessor and Mr. John Gardesy and James Thomas Scribes to Collect and Register the Acts of this Synod It was also decreed That the Lord's Supper should be celebrated in this Church before the breaking up of the Synod to testifie our Union in Doctrine and Church-Discipline CHAR II. OBSERVATIONS made upon reading the Confession of Faith of our Churches 1. THE Printers shall be informed that instead of Invincible they do place Invisible in the first Article because the Text of Scripture from whence 't is quoted doth require it 2. In the 18th Article the word peaceably shall be changed into that of Peaceable according to the Original and because the Adjective is more full and significant than the Adverb 3. In the 24th Article instead of this That there is there shall be altered according to the Original these words Whereby Men are turn'd out of the true way of calling on God 4. The word Vnity in the 26th Article shall be left out and that of Vnion placed in its stead as better explaining the Antithesis which is Those that keep themselves secret and worship God alone by
made this Decree That if through want of will on their side they were not employed in the sacred Ministry they shall be bound to make restitution unto those Churches which had furnished them with necessary Supplies towards their Education as soon as God shall enable them XLIX The present Synod returns Thanks unto Monsieur Beraud Rotan and the other Pastors for their pious endeavours in maintaining the Truth at the Conference held at Mants with Monsieur De Perron and other Popish Theologers and ratifies their whole proceeding and that offer made by them to continue the said Conference at the pleasure and commandment of His Majesty In pursuance whereof the Synod hath nominated twenty Pastors out of whom twelve shall be chosen to confer with those of the Romish Church that so the Provinces may have notice and come prepared for the said Conference And in case the Provinces would recommend any other they are required to do it speedily and shall acquaint the said Beraud and Rotan with it Catalogue of those nominated for the General Conference The twenty Persons nominated are Monsieur Rotan of Xaintonge Monsieur Ceovt of Bourgogne * * * Mr Chauve See the Synod of Saumur Gen. Mar. 12. Monsieur De L'Estang Godion of Poictòu Monsieur D'aneau of Higher Languedoc Monsieur Pacard of Xaintonge Monsieur De la Noue of Anjou Monsieur Constans of Lyonnois Monsieur Cazenave of Bearn Monsieur De la Banserie of Normandy Monsieur De la Faye of Geneva Monsieur De Beaulieu of France Monsieur Des Alâ—ues of Tourain †††Another Copy hath Monsieur De Serres Monsieur Chamier of Dauphine Monsieur De Chambrisé of Brittany Monsieur Ricotier the Son of Gascony Monsieur Gigord of Lower Languedoc Monsieur Berault of the Higher Guyenne Monsieur | | | But Baron's Name was razed out Baron of England Monsieur Melanez of Gascony and Monsieur Junius of Leyden in Holland L. The Province of Lower Languedoc demanding our Advice What course should be taken with those Ministers who having been deposed did afterwards live soberly and religiously without giving any the least offence tho' a long time had past since their Deposition whether it were lawful to employ them again in the Dispensation of the Word and Sacraments in that self-same Province where they had been deposed or not This Synod answers That it is in no wise expedient because contrary to the very Letter of the Canons of our Discipline LI. The same Deputies having moved That there might be nothing innovated as to the Observation of Holy-days such as Christmas and the rest the Synod doth accord unto it LII This Assembly having seen Monsieur Daneau's Answer unto the first part of Bellarmin's Works doth judge them worthy to be made publick whereof Notice shall be given our said Brother by Letters from this Synod and he is entreated to intimate in his Preface that he designed brevity in his Answer because others had been more large and ample LIII Monsieur De Serres having requested by his Letters written to this Synod See Synod of Saumur Part. Mat. 3. that some learned Men might be appointed to revise his Collection out of the Fathers a Work undertaken by him to prove our Religion to be the most Ancient Catholick Religion and the Romish to be New and Particular This Synod hath ordained That the said De Serres shall cause three Copies of his Collection to be fairly transcribed whereof one shall be sent into the Lower Languedoc and from thence into the Higher Languedoc Guyenne and Gascogny another into Xaintonge and from thence into Poictou and the Churches beyond the River of Loire and the third shall be sent unto Geneva that care may be taken about its Impression And till it be thus revised the said Monsieur De Serres is expresly ordered neither to print nor publish any thing of the said Collection LIV. The Synod being informed that several Sums of Money were collected in the Churches for their Service whereof no account hath been render'd This Synod ordereth That all Receivers of those Collections made in the said Churches do bring in their Accompts of those Moneys unto the next National Synod notwithstanding any Agreement past between these Receivers and particular Churches to the contrary And the Province of Lower Languedoc shall give Notice to Monsieur De Serres and John Chalais that they come and yield up their Accounts and pay in the remaining Moneys in their hands at the time appointed them before the six Ministers and six Elders or other Persons well skill'd in matters of Accompt which shall be deputed by the Synod of Lower Languedoc and these Accounts shall be audited in the City of Monpellier And in case the said Monsieur De Serres refuse so to do he shall be suspended from the Ministry and the said John Chalais from the Sacrament And both of them are required to appear in Person before the next National Synod But De Serres died the very day before it sat LV. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc demanding Whether Sinners who had committed certain Crimes for which by Sentence of the Magistrate they were punished with Brands of publick Infamy ought also to be censur'd by the Church so far as to do publick Penance in the face of the whole Congregation The Synod resolved affirmatively because they be two distinct Matters the Jurisdiction of the Civil Magistrate and the Ecclesiastical Cognisance taken by Consistories this relating to the Conscience and the interiour concerns of the Soul and that only to the Body and outward Man CHAP. V. Of APPEALS I. WHereas the Church of Rochel hath brought an Appeal from the Province of Poictou about Monsieur Esnard whom the said Church claims for its Minister by Vertue of an Order granted it by the National Synod celebrated in the Year 1581. It is now decreed That because the. said Church hath not produced the Grant of that Synod Monsieur Esnard shall remain where he is at present in the Province of Poictou and moreover the said Church shall be censured for having used Terms of Law in the said Appeal II. An Appeal being brought by the Colloquy of Angoulesme against the Church of St. Mesme about a Judgment past in the Synod of Xaintonge This Article was razed out in the Synod of Saumur Part. Mat. 4. this Assembly doth confirm that Judgment in the whole and in every part of it denounced by the said Synod which is also charged by the Authority of this Assembly to censure Monsieur De Bargemont and his Associates for troubling us with their Impertinencies III. The Church of Cognac and Monsieur De Bargemont having appealed from a Judgment given in the Synod of Xaintonge held at Pons This Assembly decreeth That the said Monsieur De Bargemont shall be appropriated to the Church of Segonsac with this Proviso that he serve alternatively the Church of Coignac and Segonsac and that
Such as marry within the Degrees prohibited by God's Word shall not be admitted to the Lord's Table 26. The Revelation not to be expounded without leave from the Colloquy or Synod 27. Such as marry their Children to Papists shall be suspended 28. Cousin-Germans may marry 32. Ministers to be in the Armies 33. Vmpires among Protestants to compose Differences 35. Chap. V. Of Appeals The Case of Monsieur D'Amours a Minister 3. Ou Puy an Erroneous Minister deposed restored again unto his Office 6. Chap. VI. Of Particular Matters De L'Escale an Heretick censured 1. A censured Minister restored 4. The Case of two deposed Ministers revised 5 6. Letters from the Synod to the Church of Metz 8. Letters from Sedan unto the Synod 9. The Petition of a deposed Minister for his Restoration rejected 13. Letters from the Countess of Laval to the Synod 18. Letters from the Synod to the Duke De la Force and Parliament of Pau 19. Cahier to be declared publickly an Apostate Minister 21. M. De Lessars a poor Minister freed from a Bond of Ten Crowns 22. Monsieur De L'Espine Emeritus 23. A deposed Minister not restored 25. A penitent deposed Minister restored 26. Olaxa a deposed Minister how to be dealt with 28. The Case of Monsieur D'Espoir a Minister 30. Chap. VII Roll of Deposed Ministers A Remark upon Cahier the Apostate THE Synod of Saumur 1596. Synod XIV SYNOD XIV Acts of the National Synod held at SAUMUR the Fifth Day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand five hundred ninety and six CHAP. I. Of the DEPVTIES Monsieur De la Touche chosen President Monsieur Pacard Assessor And Messieurs Vincent and Chalmot Scribes At this Synod there appeared these Pastors and Elders hereafter named FOR Brittany Master Peter Merlin Minister of the Church and Family of the Lady of Laval and Monsieur de Landauran Elder of the said Church Mr. Rotan was born at Geneva Minister first at Rochel and then at Castres and there he died For the Higher Languedoc and the Higher Guyenne Master John Baptista Rotan sub-delegated by Monsieur Balarand who was deputed by the Provincial Synod held at Figeac in May last 1596. But because of his Sickness he could not be present in the Assembly and the said Monsieur Rotan was accepted in that Quality but with this Proviso That it should not be made a Precedent and the Provinces are charged to acquaint their respective Deputies with it that they ought not to delegate another in their slead I cannot pass by Monsieur Rotan without a Remark which may be read at large in Monsieur D' Aubigny's Histoire Univers liv 4. cap. 11. liv 5. cap. 2. He and one Marlas who afterward revolted with de Serres Cayer the Apostates and de Vaux Ministers finding no Gains nor Preferments to be had in the Reformed Churches of France projected for their own Advancement the Re-union of the two Religions Protestant and Popish they communicate their Design to the Lord of Sansy who afterward turn'd Papist to du Fay Grand-son of the Chancellor L' Hospital to Benoist Parson of St. Eustache to Perron Bishop of Eureux to Dr. Chauveau and to Berangé a Dominiean Fryar and to the Arch-Bishop of Bourges Rotan got himself deputed with some others to the King at Mantes in the Year 1595 and there promised that in a Publick Dispute he would subtilly betray the Cause of the Reformed unto the Romanists But when it come to the push whether it were that out of vanity he would not yield or through remorse of Conscience he drew back and feigned himself sick Monsieur Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban entred the Lists in his stead and stoutly maintained the Truth against the Adversaries about the sufficiency of the Scriptures Monsieur de Vaux who was brought off with three Bills one of Two thousand five hundred Crowns and the other two of lesser Sums falls into terror and horror of mind hath no rest night nor day and under this great anguish discovers the whole Plot for their Prevarication unto several Persons of Note and Quality but with dreadful Cries and Groans yet withal assureth them that God will have mercy upon his poor Soul notwithstanding the greatness of his sin for he should die very suddenly which he did the next Lord's Day For having preached to his Congregation and supped with some Friends he took a solemn leave of them and leading his Wife into his Bed-Chamber he pronounced this Stave of the Fifty first Psalm Lo also Lord thou lovest Truth within Within the Heart within the Soul sincerity Therefore to me so gracious thou hast been To make me know thy inward Wisdom's verity And immediately died in the very place Monsieur D' Aubigni relateth how that he unbosom'd himself unto him with many sighs and having confessed his heinous Offence he delivered to him the three Bills which after his Death he gave back again unto his Heirs For Poitou Master Dominick de Losse Lord de la Touche Minister of the Church of Mouchant and St. Fulgent Master Francis L'Oystau Minister of the Church and Family of the Lord Duke la Tremouille and Mons de Fontaines Elder of the said Church Their Temple in which they worshipped God was at Melle For the Lower Guyenne Monsieur de St. Hilary Minister of the Church of Nerac without an Elder Monsieur de Chastelet was excused upon the account of his sickness and the Provinces shall be informed that in case of sickness they ought to substitute another as also to depute unto these Synods one or two Elders For Orleans Berry c. Master John Vian Minister of the Church of Angeau Master Adam D' Orival Minister of the Church of Sancerre and Master Giles d' Albert Junior Citizen of Blois deputed by the said Province For Dolphiny Provence and the Principality of Orange Master Daniel Chamier Minister of the Church of Montlimart Master John de Serres Minister of the Church of Aurenges and there was joyned with him Monsieur Hulson an Elder of that Church but thô he was chosen by the said Province yet he was not present at this Synod For Lower Languedoc Master Laurence Brunier Minister of the Church of Vsez and Theodorick de Combez Baron of Fons Elder of that Church For Normandy Master Giles Gautier Lord of la Bansenie Minister of the Church of Caen and Master Robert du Perron Elder in the Church of Rouan For Lyonnois Forest and Beaujolois Master Lewis Tourquet Elder in the Church of Lyons For Anjou Touraine c. Master Felix du Tronchay Lord of la Noue Minister in the Church of Beaufort Master Francis Greliere Lord of Macefer Minister in the Church of Saumur and Master Briant Niotte and Master Peter Coignet Lord of la Plante Elders in the said Church of Sanmur For Xaintonge Augoulmois and Aunix Master George Pacart Minister of Rochefoucald and Monsieur Chalmot Elder in the Church of
the preservation of their mutual Union and to obtain a commodious Peace it was very well accepted and approved by this Synod who farther declared the necessity of a punctual and general Observation of it at least until such times as it shall please God to incline the Heart of our King to grant us the Free Exercise of our Religion by a Royal and Favourable Edict which may be embraced and approved by all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom And that the said Union and Order may be carefully preserved all Pastors Colloquies and Provincial Synods are earnestly intreated to put to their helping hand XXXV Professors of our holy Religion having Law-suits or Differences among themselves be it either in Matters Civil or Criminal shall be seriously exhorted by their Pastors to compose their Quarrels by Arbitrators of our own Religion without impleading one another at the Bars of Popish Judges CHAP. V. Of APPEALS I. AN Appeal being brought by the Deputy of the Church of Dangeau re-demanding Monsieur Vian who by certain Colloquies was Licensed and sent unto the Church of Marchenoir and whereunto the Provincial Synod had also consented Upon hearing the Deputies of both Churches and the said Monsieur Vian this Assembly ordered That the said Vian should be appropriated unto the Church of D'angeau and that as he returned homeward he should preach some Sermons at D'angeau aforesaid and then return unto Machenoir where he shall remain by the space of one Month and if within that time the Church of D'angeau do not pay him all the Arrerages of his Stipend which they owe him he shall be affixed wholly unto the foresaid Church of Marchenior and if he be satisfied and return to D'angeau he shall be paid hereafter duly every Quarter his Salary and in case the said Church should again fail in her Duty as formerly in not satisfying the said Vian within three Months that Order of the Provincial Synod shall be confirmed and the said Monsieur Vian shall be appropriated unto the Church of Marchenior II. An Appeal being brought by the Church of Fescamp concerning the Person of Monsieur Lazarus Robert their Pastor who by the Provincial Synod of Normandy was lent unto the Church of Pont-dorson it is ordained That the said Monsieur Lazarus shall remain with his Church of Fescamp provided they take care for his better maintenance III. The Church of St. John d' Angely brought an Appeal by the Advice of the Synod of Xaintonge wherein they declare That * * * Monsieur D'amours was a mighty Man in Prayer and Chaplain in Ordinary to Henry IV. before his last Apostasie The very Papists in the Army and the greatest Lords and Commanders in it were melted by him in that Duty and would call upon the King That before they went to fight that the Minister who prayed yesterday might pray again Monsieur D'amours was sent unto the Church of Barbezieux the Letters and Memoirs of the Consistory and other Writings having been read this Assembly determined That the Synod of Xaintonge had very good and sufficient grounds for their disposal of Monsieur D'amours but Madam the King 's only Sister having requested of this National Synod by her Letter That the said Monsieur D'amours might be Pastor to the Church in her Family this Assembly granteth unto her Royal Highness the said Monsieur D'amours for the Service of her Church and Family and forasmuch as the said D'amours doth ordinarily reside at St. John the said Church is intreated to help that of Barbezieux and in case they do not the Provincial Synod are ordered to make provision for them Monsieur Turquet Deputy for the Church of Lion entred his Protest against this Ordinance concerning Monsieur D'amours as prejudicial to the Church of Lions which claimed him of Right as their own IV. An Appeal was brought by the Church of Marianges from the Provincial Synod of Languedoc which had adjudged Monsieur Moinier to the Church of Nismes the Church of Nismes requesting That in regard of her great Needs Monsieur Moinier might be left unto her This Synod de creeth That forasmuch as the said Church of Marianges hath not appeared to defend its Appeal the Order of the Provincial Synod of Languedoc shall stand in force V. Complaint being made by the Church of Aymet against a Decree passed in the National Synod of Montauban which adjudged Monsieur Balarand unto the Church of Castres the Deputy of Aymet requiring that the said Decree might be revers'd and the said Balarand restored unto the Church of Aymet for the Reasons assigned by them and Monsieur Rotan being heard on the behalf of the Church of Castres it is ordained by this present Synod That Monsieur Balarand doth of Right belong unto the Church of Aymet and that he shall be restored again unto the said Church which may recal him within three Months counting from this 14th of June 1596 and in case of his Disobedience unto this Order he shall be interdicted the Exercise of his Ministry VI. An Appeal was brought by Monsieur Simon L'hermite Lord of Puy deposed from the holy Ministry by the Colloquy and Classis of Fontenay held at St. Germain in March last the causes and grounds of his Appeal having been reported to us and the motives inducing the said Colloquy to depose him to wit his pertinacious asserting That the Humane Nature of our Lord Jesus Christ was destroyed in his Death This Synod appointed Master Merlin Rotan de Serres and the Lord du Plessis to confer with the said du Puy and to convince him of his Error who relating to us That the said du Puy doth own and approve our Confession of Faith and that he had offended and fallen into an Error as above-mentioned which also the said du Puy confessed openly before this Assembly That he had held that erroneous Opinion but doth now acknowledge the Humanity of our Lord Jesus to have been ever conjoyned to his Divinity in Life and Death yea whilst his Body lay in the Grave and he doth abjure all other Errors contrary unto this Truth now subscribed by him The Deputies also of the Province of Poictou having been heard upon the whole matter this Assembly approveth the Proceedings of the said Colloquy as just and equitable But because the said du Puy hath abjur'd that his Error and earnestly desireth to serve the Church of God and promiseth for the future to carry himself with greater modesty and humility this Assembly doth restore the said du Puy unto his Office of the Ministry yet ordaineth That for three Months he shall be silent and not exercise any of the Publick Duties thereof which time expired he getting a Certificate of his pious Conversation from that Church wherein he liveth he may be by the approbation of the Colloquies sent unto any Congregation which shall give him a Call CHAP. VI. Particular MATTERS I. THE Theses of Anthony de L' Escale being presented unto this Synod
having perused several Letters written from some particular Persons in the Presidial Court of Justice and Sheriffs of the City of Rochel demanding the restitution of Monsieur de Rotan to them it decreeth That there shall be no Notice at all taken of them because that none of the Magistrates as the Mayor or Common Council have signed them and that the Differences about this Affair may be supprest Messieurs de Moutier and Chesneau are commanded to go unto that City and by the most powerful and cogent Arguments to perswade them unto Peace and to return them all Letters and Papers that have been written on both sides that they may be cancelled and torn in pieces IX Letters shall be written unto Monsieur Covett who is now at Basil intreating him to accept of the Pastoral Office in the Church of Rochel X. Letters shall be sent to Monsieur Cassegrain informing him That his Writing to the Bishop Perron was unadvised and to little purpose done with too much Complement Vanity and Flattery that however we require him to answer Cahier the Apostate which Answer he shall first communicate before it be printed unto the Synod of Dolphiny and he is farther intreated to incorporate himself with that Synod XI This Assembly having heard Monsieur Peirol declareth That he is not yet sufficiently qualified for the Sacred Ministry and exhorts him to a more careful reading and study of the Holy Scriptures and other Writings of God's faithful Servants which have been published in this last Age and Orders are given unto the Colloquies of that Province wherein he dwells to consider of a proper time for his Employment in the Service of God's Church XII Master John Seillade is dismissed unto the Colloquy of Agenois or Synod of Lower Guyenne to take care about his Call and Ordination XIII Messieurs Tollosain and Villemur are dismissed unto their respective Colloquies who shall consider how and where to employ them in the Ministry as soon as they be fitted for it XIV Monsieur Roussel Pastor of the Church in Mazamett requesting That some other Person of the Province may be substituted in his place because of his great Age and Weakness this Assembly judgeth That his Petition is most just and reasonable and Orders therefore are given unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc to endeavour an Exchange for him provided always this be done by the consent of his Church and of the Synod of Higher Languedoc XV. Monsieur Falquet declaring his mean and low Condition attested also by the Deputies of Dolphiny this Assembly hath thereupon judged his Petition but just and reasonable and exhorts the Churches of Dolphiny Provence and Lower Languedoc to assist him in his present Necessities because he hath faithfully discharged his Ministerial Office in the Churches of Christ XVI Monsieur Caille complaining of the little care taken by the Church of Grenoble for his Maintenance and considering the Decree of his Provincial Synod in his favour setting him at liberty from that ungrateful People if within three Months they do not fully satisfie him all Arrears of Wages due unto him from them this Assembly decreeth That Letters shall be dispatcht unto that Church and to the Lord D'Esdigueres particularly intreating both his Lordship and the Church to provide accordingly for him and in default hereof the Provincial Synod shall assign him unto some other Church XVII Letters also shall be written unto the said Duke D'Esdiguiers about the 17000 Crowns which the Province of Lower Languedoc had sent unto Guyenne to be laid up in stock for the maintenance of their Proposans there being no reason at all for his appropriating that Sum of Moneys unto his own private profit whatever he may pretend of a Grant from the King for his so doing which was dedicated unto so good and pious Uses and the forementioned Monsieur Caille shall second the said Letters by word of mouth remonstrating unto his Grace the Duty incumbent on him in Honour and Conscience to restore and see it fixed according to its primitive design and intendment and in case he refuse to hearken unto reason we farther ordain That he be sued at Law for it before the Syndic in the Chamber of Castres and in like manner all others shall be prosecuted also who having received the Churches Moneys do not yield up their Accounts for it XVIII This Assembly having heard Monsieur Julian and Monsieur the President of Orange doth earnestly exhort and beseech them to do their utmost endeavours that the Church of Orange may be kept in peace and unity and Orders are given to Messieurs de Montigny Picheron and le Noir to pass over to them and to dispose Monsieur de Blaconis and the Inhabitants of that City to it XIX The Colloquies and Province of Lower Languedoc shall contribute towards the Charges which the Church of Bedarrieux have expended in managing the common Affairs of our Religion XX. Monsieur Berault shall write Letters from this Synod unto the Colloquy of Sauveterre in Bearn intreating their consent that Monsieur du Prat may be continued in bis Ministry in the Church of the Isle of Jourdain and this Assembly decreeth That the said du Prat shall remain with the said Church of the Isle of Jourdain XXI A Petition was read from the Church of Blois praying That Monsieur de la Noue might be given them absolutely and without Conditions This Assembly having heard the Deputy of Anjou decreeth That he shall belong unto that Province as also that he shall be only lent unto the Church of Blois for six Months to begin from the first of June next during which time they shall do their endeavour to procure Monsieur Bede who is now at Heidelburg for their Pastor and this Assembly will joyn with them by writing in their own Name unto him to effect it XXII The Church of Pamiers craving Counsel in this Case A Man would espouse the Cousin-German of his deceased Wife This Assembly advised them to have recourse unto the King for a License XXIII The Inhabitants of the Town of Aubenas complaining That they were not comprehended in the number of those Garrisons which were assigned for our security This Synod doth ordain That Letters shall be written unto His Majesty humbly intreating him That He would give out His Royal Mandate to continue it in its present Condition that so they may be Partakers of the common Repose and Tranquility of the Kingdom XXIV Assistance shall be given unto the Churches of Provence now destitute of Pastors by the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny until such time as they can be provided XXV The Proceedings against Monsieur Vaissy having been revised and the Articles of the Provincial Synod relating to his Deposition from the Ministry and a most accurate enquiry being made into his Conversation since his Deposal this Assembly hath restored and doth restore him unto his Office in the Ministry and the Colloquy of Vigan is enjoyned to
provide a Church for him XXVI This Assembly upon hearing the Difference risen betwixt Monsieur Jarey and Voisin Ministers of Millaud hath ordained for the Peace of that Church That neither of those Ministers shall continue in it longer than till the meeting of the next National Synod and Monsieur Brunier and Monsieur Gasques are intreated to take their Turns in serving the said Church and Monsieur Brunier is to hasten thither as soon as possible he can farther that an exchange shall be made of the Person of Monsieur Voisin with that of Monsieur Remirat Minister of the Church of St. Afrique and Monsieur Jarey hath leave given him to joyn himself unto the Churches of Pamiers or Merueir at his own election until the next Provincial Synod XXVII This Synod revising the Decree of the National Synod of Montauban in which Monsieur Balarand was by their Gift appropriated to the Church of Castrees as also that Article of the National Synod of Saumur ordaining the said Ballarand to return unto his Church of Aymett and the Deputies of both those Churches having been heard on behalf of their Principals and considering the great importance of that of Castres do ordain That the said Monsieur Ballarand shall remain appropriated Pastor unto the Church of Castres which yet is obliged according to Agreements between them to re-imburse the said Church of Aymett the Sum of One hundred Crowns expended by them in their procuring of another Minister XXVIII A Petition was presented by the Church of Castres praying That Monsieur Rotan might be granted them for their Pastor This Assembly hath ordained That he shall remain with the Church of Castres until the next Provincial Synod who may as they think fit dispose of him respect being first had to the health of the said Master Rotan so as will most contribute to the edification of God's Church XXIX The Church of Castres desiring that Monsieur * * * In another Copy it is de Sossias in athâ—r Somaltuâ— Souls might be given them they were sent back to their next Provincial Synod XXX Monsieur Julian is ordered to recover out of the hands of the Heirs of Monsieur de Serres deceased all his Manuscript Memoirs that they may be produced and perused by the next Provincial Synod XXXI The Advocate-General of the Chamber of Castres having saluted and assured this Assembly in the Name of the said Chamber professing our Religion of their faithful and sincere desires to maintain the Rights of our Churches Thanks was given him and by him to that honourable Court represented by him and they were desired not to Complement with us but in good earnest to pursue that end for which they were established and for which each of them respectively were recommended by the Churches XXXII License is granted to the Churches of Cormis and St. John of Bruel to incorporate themselves with the Colloquy of Vigan because it lieth so very convenient for them XXXIII The Synod having heard the Deputles of the Church of Loudun and Pamiers concerning the Call of Monsieur Frogets determines that of Right he doth belong unto the Church of Loudun which however must pay unto that of Pamiers fifty Crowns disbursed by them in Books for the said Froget and they are also ordered to defray his Charges in coming unto this Assembly XXXIV This Synod not having at present a Pastor sufficiently qualified for the Church of Bourdeaux and considering the great consequenee of its Establishment ordaineth That the Colloquies of Albrett Higher Agenois and Perigord shall each of then in course for four Months supply that Church and Monsieur * * * Renault Renault is to begin the Exercise there XXXV Letters shall be written to my Lord the Ambassador of England and to Monsieur de la Fontaine Minister of the French Church in London to inform them of those injurious Writings publisht against our Churches by Sutcliffe and Saravia and they be desired to apply themselves to the Queen that such Writings may not be printed XXXVI This Synod intreateth both the Provinces of Languedoc to bear the Charges of a Criminal Process depending in the Chamber of Castres about the Oppressions exercised upon the Arnolds by the Seneschal of Ville Franche in Rouergue XXXVII The Church of Nions in Dolphiny petitioning for a Pastor Monsieur du Jay alias du Gasleur was granted to them till the sitting of the next Provincial Synod of Vivaretz CHAP. VII Of Private ACTS I. GOvernours are exhorted to improve their Interest that the Edict be not executed in their Jurisdictions till such time as it hath been first executed in those places possessed by them of the contrary Religion II. The Churches of Languedoc are required to oppose those Novelties introduced at the Interment of their Dead and in particular this that Maids be carried to their Graves by Maids wearing Garlands of Flowers III. And it being their Duty who govern the Church by all lawful means to procure the benefit and advantage of their Poor this Assembly ordaineth That whenas there shall be any considerable Sum of Moneys belonging to the Poor in the Deacons hands they may warrantably put it out to Interest that so in case of great necessity the Poor may receive the more and greater Relief and Comfort CHAP. VIII An Extract of the Acts of the General Mixt Assembly of the Churches of France held at Chastel-heraut and approved by their National Synod held at Montpellier the 26th Day of May 1598 and the Days following Rules for such as bring the King's Orders granted for any Command or Government in the Cautionary Towns given us for our Security THE Provincial Assemblies which shall be called upon the Return of the Deputies now at Chastel-heraut shall out of every Colloquy name some able and faithful Persons of the Nobility and Cities who yet shall be changed or confirmed by every Provincial Synod or General Assembly if need be to be present at Colloquies whenas an Attestation shall be desired by a Gentleman who hath gotten His Majesty's Grant of any Government or Place of Trust And in case the Person having the Grant be a Member of that Colloquy in which the vacant place lieth the said Colloquy meeting together for signing the said Attestation shall invite all those who were named by the Provincial Synod or Assembly that they may joyntly consult whether they ought to give it or inform His Majesty to the contrary If the time of sitting for the General Assembly be near the said Colloquy shall defer till they have first had their Judgment about the said Attestation And in case the Person who hath the Grant be of another Colloquy than that of the vacant place the Person who is charged to convocate the Colloquy whereunto the Grantee belongeth shall take some sufficient time to inform the Assembly or Province in which the vacant place lieth but at their Charges of the Quality Family Religion and Morals of
him who hath the Grant and in case the said Assembly shall meet it shall give Notice thereof unto the Colloquy wherein the Vacancy is and also inform the said Colloquy of the vacant place and place of abode of him that hath the said Grant And when they give their Attestation they shall cause the Union of Mantes to be signed by him who brings the King's Grant for the vacant Government according as it hath been ordained in all such Cases The Form of Attestation agreed upon in the General Assembly to be given by Colloquies or Synods unto them whom His Majesty shall recommend unto vacant Governments in our Cautionary Towns WE Ministers and Elders met together in Colloquy in the Province of N. do certifie unto His Majesty That Monsieur N. de N. applied himself unto us desiring our Attestation of his sincere Profession of the Reformed Religion he being chosen by His Majesty unto the Command of such a Place N. lately vacant by the Death of N. We therefore do attest and certifie That the said Monsieur N. doth actually profess the Reformed Religion communicates with us in the Sacraments living Religiously as a Man fearing God and discharging the Duties of his said Profession with a good Conscience For which reasons we give him this our Certificate by these Presents which we hope will be of use and advantage to him according to his desire Dated c. The Province of Normandy is graced with the Priviledge of calling the next National Synod which shall be held within Three Years in the beginning of June And the succeeding National Synod shall be held in the Province of Dolphiny These Acts and Articles were thus subscribed De Montigny Assessor Moyses Cartaut Scribe The End of the Synod of Montpellier THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XVI National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Gergeau the 9th Day of May in the Year of our Lord 1601. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. The Deputies of the Provinces We Officers of the Synod Chap. II. 3. Observations on the Confession of Faith Chap. III. Observations on the Discipline The fifth Penny of the Poors Money to be laid by for our Proposans 18. Rules for Disputes with our Adversaries 23. The Churches of Sedan incorporated with the Synod of the Isle of France 31. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. Appeals Affairs of Monsieur D'amours a very eminent Minister 1 2 3. Severity of Discipline upon Monsieur Gerard a Minister 22. A censured Minister restored 24. The Case of Farmers of Tythes 29. Chap. V. General Matters No recompence to them who write without the Authority of the National Synod 1. Attestation from their Churches when they remove their Law-suit s into the Courts of the Edict 2. Vnordained Preachers not allowed 4. The Sacramental Elements to be given by the Pastor only 7. The Court of Madarn to be supplied with able Ministers 10. Letters to the Professors of Leyden 14. Four Books to be perused Elenchus Novae Doctrinae Apparatus ad Fidem Catholicum Avis pour la paix de L'Eglise and Veu par le Roy. Chap. VI. Particular Matters A Case of Conscience Whether Lords of Benefices may repair the Fabricks of the Popish Temples in which Mass is said 11. The Names of Romish Ecclesiasticks who were inverted to be conserved 12. Advice given unto the Consuls of Montpellier 20. An answer to Monsieur Casaubon 21. A Letter to the Lord du Plessis 23. Care taken of a worthy Minister 25. An Answer to the Dukes of Bouillon and Tremouille 27. A Case about an Incestuous Marriage 28. Passages between the King and the Synod 31 32. The Synod ordereth Letters to the King about Geneva 36. Schools and Colledges to be erected 37. A Dividend of Moneys 40. Palot Receiver-General of the Churches Money dodgeth with them 42. Chap. VII The Roll of Vagrants and Deposed Ministers An Act for calling the next National Synod Palot sends 3000 Crowns to the Synod 1601. Synod XVI THE Synod of Gergeau SYNOD XVI Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Gergeau the Ninth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand six hundred and one CHAP. I. Of the DEPVTIES Monsieur Pacard was chosen Moderator Monsieur Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Assessor Monsieur Chamier and Scribes Monsieur Mercier Scribes There assembled in it the Pastors and Elders hereafter named FOR the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Antony de la Fay Minister and Pastor of the Church of Paris Monsieur John Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Minister of the Church of Auverne in Vexin le Francois and Monsieur Josia Mercier Lord of Bordes Elder of the Church of Paris and Peter de * * * Alias De Naudet Neuelet Lord of Doscher Elder in the Church of Vitry For the Province of Orleans Berry Blefoiis and Nivernois Monsieur Adam D'Orival Minister of the Church of Sancerre and Joachim Du Moulin Minister of Orleans together with Monsieur Samuel de Chambaran Elder of the Church of Romorantin and Claudius Mesland Elder of the Church at Orleans For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Rene Bouchard Pastor of the Church of Rouau and John Eude Pastor of Bayeux together with Monsieur James du Hamel Lord of Parke Elder of Alencon and William de Maintu Elder of Boislebecque For the Province of Brittany at present united with that of Normandy there came the Tenth of May Monsieur John Parent Pastor of the Church of Vitre For the Province of Dolphiny and Principality of Orange Monsieur Daniel Chamier Pastor of Mountlimart and John Perryn Pastor of St. Bonnet with Monsieur Mark D'Vre Elder of Courtaison and Francis de la Combe Elder of St. Marcelin For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur John Gigard Pastor of Montpellier and Simeon Codur Pastor of Vsez together with Monsieur Isaac Chairon Elder of Nismes For Lower Guyenne Monsieur John Nodon Lord of Montbaron Pastor of Issejac and Jeremiah Bauconis Pastor of Tonius with Monsieur Christopher Forton Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux For Poictou Monsieur James Clemeneau Pastor of Poictiers and Andrew Rivet Pastor of Touars with Monsieur Isaac Vettors Elder of the Church of Poictiers For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of Privas and Daniel Mison Elder of Salenac For Xaintonge Augoumois and Aunix Master George Pacard Pastor of Rochefoucald and Monsieur Laurence Polette Pastor of Ironsac with Monsieur Peter Bernard Lord of Janserac Elder of the Church of Cognac For Anjou Touraine and Mayne c. Master Francis Greliere Lord of Macifer Pastor of Saumur and M. Abel Bede Pastor of Loudun together with Monsieur John Doucher Elder of the Church of Anger 's For Provence Master Peter Chalier Pastor of Seines and Monsieur Honore Brignoles Elder of Brignoles For Burgundy Forest Beaujolois c. Master Peter Colinet Pastor of Paray le Moyneau and Anthony
Brocard Elder of the Church of Dijon and President of the Exchecquer in that Parliament and Province And for Lyonnois Monsieur Levis Turquet Elder of the Church at Lyon For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne there came the Tenth Day of May Master Michael Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Master John Gardesy Pastor of Villemur with Monsieur John de Lupe Lord of Maraval Elder of the Church of Puy Caskay and Henry le Renier Lieutenant particular in the Seneschalsee of Armagnac and Elder of the Church of Lectoure Moreover there appeared for Sedan Master Eusebius Gantois Minister of the Church of Sedan and Anthony Drelincourt Elder of the said Church Prayers being ended Master George Pacard Pastor of Rochefoucauld was chosen President of the Synod and Master John Lieuin Lord of Beaulieu Assessor he was Pastor of the Church of Auverne and Master Daniel Chamier Pastor of Monlimard and Josiah Mercier Lord of Bordes Elder of the Church of Paris were by common Suffrages chosen Scribes CHAP. II. Observations on Reading the Confession of our Faith I. ON reading the Confession of Faith the Title of the Epistle to the Hebrews was noted to have been changed in the last Impressions of the Geneva Bibles wherefore Letters were ordered to be written unto our Brethren of Geneva about it and about several Annotations affixed on the Sacred Text in those Bibles II. The Confession of Faith being read the Pastors and Elders did all unanimously protest to live and die in the said Confession and that it is the Doctrine taught in the Churches of their Provinces III. Monsieur Chamier propounded That the Jesuits and other Doctors of the Romish Religion having charged our Doctrine especially among the People with divers Calumnies it were convenient to justifie it from those Slanders by printing an Apology together with this Confession as hath been done in England and Germany It was decreed That whoso of our Brethren would undertake it should bring it with them unto the next National Synod CHAP. III. Observations made on Reading of our Discipline I. BEginning with the first Article after those words Of their Doctrine shall be added And if they be fit to teach II. Instead of those words in the third Article During the times of their Ignorance shall be put The times past III. The fourth Article shall be couched in these words A Minister of the Gospel shall be chosen by the Colloquy or if it may be by the Provincial Synod and in Times of Persecution or other great Calamity by two or three Ministers together with the Consistory IV. In the same Article instead of these words The said Election shall be suspended shall be placed The said Reception shall be delayed V. And that Article shall be thus concluded As also the Pastor shall not be imposed upon a Church against his will VI. After these words in the fifth Article To another Church there shall be put For to be employed in the Holy Ministry and a little lower these shall be subjoyned And also they shall examine them if ever c. VII There shall be this addition made unto the beginning of the Eighth Article The Ceremony of Imposing Hands in Ordination and receiving Ministers shall be always observed VIII Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories are all charged to see that the 12th Article in every part and tittle of it be most punctually observed and there shall be this clause added to it Nor shall their Doctrine be handled in the manner of Scholastick Disputation and they shall carefully avoid an intermixture of Languages and also Consistories Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall see to it that in the ordinary course of their Ministry they beginning with a Text or Portion of Scripture shall not break off till they have finished the whole Paragraph IX After these words in the 18th Article Physick shall be added in both places Nor the Civil Law and in the end of that Article Whereunto Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories shall bear a most vigilant and careful eye yea and may suspend them from the Ministry X. After these words in the 43d Article Great and small these also shall be added Of whatsoever rank or degree they are XI The word As shall be left out in those words of the 44th Article As those who being convicted of Heresie XII These words shall be razed out of the 4th Article Even such as enjoy Ecclesiastical Revenues XIII Touching the execution of that clause of that aforesaid Article it was decreed That Ministers should inform their Churches that the Fifth Penny of all Moneys collected for the Poor is to be laid by for the maintenance of our Proposans XIV This addition shall be made to the end of the Fifth Article In which the Pastors shall be present both as Judges and Orderers of the said Propositions XV. Richer Churches and great Lords shall be intreated to erect Libraries for the benefit of their Ministers and Proposans XVI This addition shall be made to the fifth Article of the third Chapter According to the appointed Form XVII After the word Ordinary in the sixth Article these shall be added By the Schollars that are Proposans XVIII There shall be this addition to the first Article of the fourth Chapter And according to what had been decreed and ordained by the Consistory XIX The word Punishment shall be changed into that of Censure in the end of the fifteenth Article of the fifth Chapter XX. these words shall be struck out of the sixteenth Article And in case of Appeal that said Appeal shall be notified unto the Church without mention made of the Person or declaration of the Censure ordained by the Consistory XXI This addition shall be affixed to the end of the twentieth Article Althô he had been punished by the Magistrate XXII This also shall be inserted into the thirty first Article For administring of Marriage and the Sacraments XXIII This following Order shall be the fourth Article of the sixth Chapter Disputes about Religion with our Adversaries shall be so managed on our part that we be not the first Aggressors and in case it be a Verbal Disputation they shall only stand to the decision of the Sacred Scriptures which is our Rule and not to the Writings of the Fathers who are no competent Judges in Points of Doctrine nor shall they undertake any regular Dispute without Articles of Agreement first mutually given and subscribed nor shall they enter upon any publick Disputations without advising previously with their Consistories and a certain number of Ministers who shall be thereunto chosen by the Colloquies and Provincial Synods nor shall they enter on a general Conference or Dispute without the consent of all the Churches assembled in a National Synod And in case any Ministers do otherwise they shall be denounced Deserters of and Apostates from the Vnion of our Churches XXIV This following addition shall be counted the sixth Article of the seventh Chapter And a
Censure shall be given among themselves by the Pastors and Elders in the * * * Breaking shutting up of every Colloquy XXV These following words shall be added to the second Article of the Eighth Chapter Churches having several Ministers shall send them by turns XXVI These words shall be inserted into the fourth Article Shall be deprived of the Ministry XXVII To the sixth there shall be this inserted The Days Hours and Places as also he shall gather the Votes of every Member And to the close of that Article these words shall be added And after this self-same manner the Moderators of Colloquies shall be governed XXVIII This shall be inserted into the seventh They shall have like Votes as the Pastors XXIX The eighth Article shall be struck out and transferr'd unto the following Chapter where also the word Provincial shall be razed and That of Confession of Faith inserted XXX This shall be put into the tenth Article The change of Pastors from one Province unto another and of one Church unto another and of the Churches of one Colloquy unto another XXXI In reading the Division of the Provinces and after hearing Monsieur Gantois Minister in the Church of Sedan who was seconded in his Discourse by his Elder it was decreed That the Churches of the Principality of Sedan and Rancourt for time coming shall be united to the Synod of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne and be reputed Members of the Colloquy of Champagne XXXII The Province of Orleans and Berry demanding That Bourbonnois might be incorporated with their Province and the Deputies of Burgundy and Lyonnois opposing this their motion it was decreed That the said contending Provinces should bring with them the Memoirs and Opinion of those of Bourbonnois unto the next National Synod that there it may be regulated XXXIII This addition shall close up the third Article of the Ninth Chapter And that there may be no default three or four Pastors and as many Elders shall be nominated that in case the first named Pastors should be hindred from their Journey there may be others to supply their places XXXIV This Article shall follow next in order unto the fourth The first Act in the first Sessions of our National Synods shall be the reading our Confession of Faith and the Book of Discipline XXXV Towards the close of the fourth Article of the tenth Chapter in stead of Abolished there shall be read Removed XXXVI These words shall be added to the ninth Article of the eleventh Chapter Provided that the Sureties undertake for its maintenance and also that there be no presumption XXXVII The third Article of the 12th Chapter shall be couch'd in these words Priests Monks and other Ecclesiasticks of the Romish Religion shall not be admitted to the Lord's Supper till they have first in the face of the whole Church acknowledged and repented of their former Life and Profession XXXVIII The fourth Article shall be thus worded Incumbents bearing the Stile and Title of their Benefices and others intermedling with Idolatry directly or indirectly whether they receive the Profits thereof with their own or by the hands of others shall in to wise be admittted to communicate with us at the Lord's Table And the rest shall be razed out XXXIX The fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter shall be put into these words It 's left to the discretion of the Churches either to use the words de praesenti or de futuro in Marriage-Promises However such Promises be they de praesenti or de suturo are in themselves indissolvable unless in case of some lawful Impediment And the Article next in order unto this shall be that which begins thus As concerning Consanguinities XL. The eighth Article shall be conceived in these words Spiritual Kindreds as they be termed are not comprised under the Titles of Consanguinity and Assinity in the King's Edict nor upon these Accounts may the Parties be hindred from contracting Marriage XLI This clause shall be inserted into the twelfth Article Promises of Marriage shall neither be receiv'd nor published in the Church c. Item He shall renounce all Idolatry Superstition and particularly the Mass XLII This shall be the first Article of the fourteenth Chapter in these words No one shall be received into the Communion of our Churches till he have first renounced all the Superstitions and Idolatries of the Church of Rome and particularly the Mass XLIII These words shall be razed out of the close of the fifth Article Vnless in case of abolishing the Preaching of God's Word and setting up of Mass XLIV To the fourteenth Article this shall be subjoyned And such as send their Children to the Schools of Priests Monks Jesuits or Nuns shall be prosecuteâ—â—ith all Censures of the Church XLV These words shall be struck out of the 26th Article Poinecons de Houpe and Fardingals as hath been decreed in former Synods XLVI These words shall be razed out of the 28th Article Or the setting up of Maypoles XLVII Because of the great Inconveniences of Lotteries set up in divers places of this Kingdom the 30th Article shall be finished with this clause Lotteries also ought in no wise to be approved whether they be appointed by the Magistrate or not and Godly Magistrates are intreated by their Authority to suppress them After these words Notorious Avarice these following shall be inserted into the same Article Obsceneness or loss of time XLVIII Such as challenge or put others upon challenging to fight a Duel and they also who accept the challenge c. These words shall be put into the 33d Article XLIX 'T is left to the liberty and prudence of Consistories after what manner to proceed against the ungrateful Members of their Churches whether by those compulsory ways allowed us by his Majesty or by particular Obligations or by Church-Censures even by suspension from the Lord's Table after grave and solemn Admonitions and Summons have been given these Delinquents by their Consistories or any other course they shall judge advisable L. The Pastors and Elders deputed from their Provinces unto this Assembly have sworn and protested in the Name of their Provinces to cause the Discipline ordained by this Synod to be used and observed to the utmost of their power CHAP. IV. Of APPEALS I. AN Appeal being brought by the Town and Consistory of St. John d' Angely from the Synod of Xaintonge who had appointed Monsieur D'amours he in no wise belonging unto the said Church of St. John to serve the Church of Chastleheraut until the meeting of the National this Assembly declareth That the Appeal was ill laid and the Ordinance of that Synod good and valid And whereas the said D'amours complaineth of the Terms couched in that Ordinance and of the Letters written in the Name of the said Synod this Assembly judgeth That the said Monsieur D' Amours was the true and lawful Pastor of the said Church of St. John for the time in which he
served them as this was ever the sence and judgment of the said Synod of Xaintonge II. Whereas both the Church of Paris and Lions do lay claim unto the said Monsieur D'amours as theirs and engaged to them This Assembly having heard the said D'amours open the whole Affair and weighed the Arguments on both sides doth find that he is not obliged either to the one or other but is at full liberty to accept of any Church presented to him by the Synod III. And forasmuch as the Church of Chastelheraut have presented their Petition That the said Monsieur D'amours should be setled among them after hearing what was urged to the contrary by the Church of St. John and the declaration of the said Sieur D'amours leaving himself wholly to the disposal of this Assembly it is decreed That the said Sieur D'amours shall be given unto the Church of Chastelheraut IV. The Consistory of Havre de Grace appealing from an Order of the Synod of Normandy which had ordained our Brother Monsieur * * * Another Copy calls him Maâ—â— Dinnis de la Mathennie Pastor of Cricquetot to be their sole Pastor he having served them faithfully in the Ministry ever since he first gathered their Church and and that the two Churches should be united into one and their Pastors Joynt-Pastors and that the Churches should make but one common Purse for their maintenance And the demand of those of Cricquetot being heard urging that the said Monsieur de la Mathennie was first of all sent unto them and that they always had and would continue to him his Stipend It was voted That the said Monsieur de Mathennie should continue with the Church of Cricquetot and those of the Havre have six Months time given them to provide themselves of another Pastor during which time the said de la Mathennie shall remain as he hath done in the Town of Honsleur and shall serve both the Churches and as to the Annexation of the Church of Beauvillier it shall be determined by the Colloquy of Caux and the Church of Hauvre is exhorted according to their Duty to pay double Honour unto the said Monsieur de la Mathennie as they have done heretofore V. The Appeal of Master Michael Mercier from the Synod of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne was rejected because he appeared not in Person to prosecute it in this Assembly and that Order of the Church of Paris ratified by their Provincial Synod concerning the Exercise of Religion in the place ordained by His Majesty is approved also and confirmed by the Consent and Authority of this present National Synod VI. The Sentence past by the Synod of Lower Guyenne against Messieurs Chauveton and Baduel is ratified and because of the great importance of that Affair we do further decree That he of the two who shall first endeavour his Restoration unto the Church of Bergerac shall be totally deposed from the Ministry VII The Appeal of the Church of Nerac about the concern of Monsieur John Renaut is declared null and the Sentence of the Synod of Lower Guyenne confirmed and how the said Monsieur Renaut shall be for time coming disposed of is left wholly to the Wisdom of that Synod But since that the said Renaut was yielded up entirely unto the Church of Nerac VIII The Appeal of the Church of Chaume from the Synod of Poictou was not admitted because the matter in debate between them is of the nature of those things which ought to be determined in their own Province IX The Appeal of the Colloquy of Poictiers from that Order of the Synod of Poictou is good and valid and it is decreed That Monsieur Menestoier Pastor of the Church of Sancay Monstreuill Bonninll and L' Artillier shall incorporate himself with the Colloquy of Poictiers X. Monsieur de la Millie reappealing from an Order of the Synod of Poictou who had setled Monsieur Favre in the Pastoral Charge of the Church of Vigean this Assembly approveth that Order and the Province is exhorted to take care that the Church of the said de Melliere be provided for as soon as possible XI That Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc from which the Church of Macilargues and de Nager had appealed is confirmed And Letters shall be dispatched unto the said Synod requesting them out of hand to provide an able Minister for the Church of Macilargues XII An Appeal was brought by the Church of Nismes from a Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had given Monsieur Terond to the Church of St. Martyn whereupon this Assembly decreed That in case the Church of Nismes did not send the said Monsieur Terond unto his own Colloquy within the space of one Year that then he should be wholly setled in the Church of St. Martyn nor shall that Church be provided of any other Minister for a full Year unless the said Monsieur Terond be recalled back again in which case all his Charges shall be defrayed by those of Nismes XIII The Church of Nismes appealed from the Synod of Dolphiny because they refused to grant them Monsieur Chamier though carnestly desired by them to be Professor of Divinity in their University This Assembly is of Opinion That the said Sieur Chamier cannot be removed from the Church of Montlimard without the express consent of his Church and Province XIV The Appeal of the Elders in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loire from the Censures of the Synod of Orleans and Berry is rejected and they shall be again censured by Letters from this Assembly more sharply XV. That Order of the Synod of Dolphiny concerning Monsieur Felix from which the Church of Niort hath appealed is confirmed XVI The Church of Cognac appealed from an Order of the Synod of Xaintonge about Monsieur de la Nusse The Assembly examining the matter finds that of Right the said de la Nusse belongs to the Church of Cognac but because of the Covenants between them it decrees That the said Sieur de la Nusse shall at the sole Charges of the Church of Nerac come and serve one Year in the Church of Coignac during which time those of Nerac shall endeavour to procure for the Church of Coignac such a Minister as shall be approved by the Colloquy of Augoumois and in case of their non-observing this Order Monsieur la Nusse shall be wholly appropriated to the Church of Coignac XVII Monsieur Bourguignon appealing from the Synod of the Isle of France enjoyning his return unto his own Province this Assembly considering the great Services done by him unto the Church of God and his manifold Losses have and do adjudge him absolutely unto the Church of Mets. XVIII The Father of Monsieur Olivier appealing from the Synod of Higher Languedoc it was ordered That the said Olivier shall be setled in the Church of Lectoure and Letters shall be written unto the Father to this purpose XIX Upon the Appeal of
our King directed unto this Assembly being read wherein she demanded a Supply of Ministers for her Court it was voted That the Church in her Royal Highness's House should be supplied from the first Day of July next unto the first Day of October following by the Province of Normandy and from the first of October to the first of April next following by the Church of Sedan and from the said first of April 1602 by the other Provinces who in their turns should each of them send a Minister who shall be in actual Service six Months according to this Order now declared viz. The Lower Languedoc Orleans Dolphiny Anjou the Higher Languedoc Poictou the Lower Guyenne Xaintange Vivaretz and Burgundy unless the said Church be not before-hand provided of two able Pastors particularly appropriated to it And her said Royal Highness shall be by our Letters sent to her expressy to this purpose advised to get them and that the Moneys she bestows upon the Schools of Bearn may be employed by her Royal Highness towards the maintenance of a competent number of Proposans And that the Church in her Royal Highness's Court may not at any time be left unprovided the Provinces are all obliged to supply her with two Ministers that in case one should be detained by some lawful lett or hindrance the other may be always ready to serve in his stead XI In answer to the Letters of the Churches of the Low Countries this Assembly decreeth That the Province of Normandy shall continue to give them Notice of the Time and Place of our National Synods XII Letters shall be written to Monsieur de la Fontaine intreating him to use his endeavours for begetting a right understanding between Dr. Sutcliffe Saravia and our Churches XIII It is decreed That for time coming the Province authorized to convene the National Synod shall be so impowered to publish the General Fast which is to be observed in all our Churches upon emergent Providences XIV Letters shall be written to the Doctors and Professors of Divinity in the University of Leyden intreating them not to ordain our French Proposans Students in their University but whenas they have finished their Course of Theology to send them into France that here being called unto the Ministry they may receive Imposition of Hands in the face of our Churches XV. The Book entituled Elenchus Novoe Doctrinoe is dismissed over to the perusal of the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny and in case they approve of it and prefix a Preface to it it may be Printed XVI The Church of Paris is required to examine Three Books the one called Apparatus ad Fidem Catholicam the other Advice for the Peace of the Church and the third having this Title Seen by the King And in case the Propositions which some have extracted out of them be not contained in them then the Acts of the Synod of Montpellier relating thereunto shall be razed out and the Provinces by the Authority of this Assembly are enjoyned to raze them out CHAP VI. Particular MATTERS I. THE Differences between the Synods of Higher Languedoc and Lower Guyenne concerning the Churches of Nerac Leyrac and others of the Lower Armagnac which had been sent up to this Assembly by the last Synod of Montpellier it being impossible now to determine them because the Deputies of the Lower Guyenne had neither Orders nor Instructions about them are remanded back unto the next Provincial Synod of Xaintonge finally to determine them and that by the Authority of this Assembly And the said Synod of Lower Guyenne for not sending Instructions unto their Deputies concerning those Affairs is hereby censured II. The Province of Normandy reporting the extream Poverty of the Church of Lunere being utterly disabled from ever satisfying their old Debt unto Monsieur Vatble the said Province is exhorted to do their utmost endeavour that it may be satisfied by them III. That Decree of the Synod of Montpellier concerning Monsieur de L' Espoir having never been put in execution this Assembly enjoyneth the Province of Higher Languedoc to see it executed and in case of their neglect that then the said M. de L'Espoir shall return to the Church of Boslebec Since this Ordinance the Deputies of Higher Languedoc agreed with those of Normandy to re-imburse the Church of Boslebec whatever Charges they may be at in getting a Pastor one half whereof was to be born by those of Pamiers and another half by the said Province of Higher Languedoc or else to maintain for them for two Years space a Proposan in the University of Montauban or if they pleas'd to give them an hundred Crowns to be employed by them to this very purpose in ready Money IV. The Demand of Monsieur Caille is turn'd over to the Synod of Dolphiny to take care about it But this Article was struck out by the following National Synod of Gap V. Letters shall be once more written to the Duke de L'Esdigueres about the 17000 Crowns belonging to the Churches of Lower Languedoc and the Article of the Synod of Montpellier declaring those Moneys to have been raised towards the maintenance of Proposans shall be corrected and amended VI. In pursuance of what was decreed by the same Synod of Montpellier the Churches of Cormes and of St. John du Bruil shall be incorporated with the Colloquy of Vigan and the Synod of Lower Languedoc shall see that this Order be observed VII The Church of Lions desiring a Pastor and that one may be given them out of Dolphiny which hath several of their Ministers residing in the Churches of that Province it 's ordered That the said Province of Dolphiny do furnish that Church of Lyons and if possible to lend them at least for some Months Monsieur Chamier VIII The French Translation of The Harmony of Confessions done by deceased Monsieur Saluart is dismissed to the Synod of Higher Languedoc to be perused by them and if they judge it expedient then to Print it but with the Latine Annotations of Monsieur Goulart IX The Province of the Isle of France demanding Messieurs de L'Estang and de la Valleé to be restored to them who are now in Poictou have a Grant given them to prosecute their Right in the next Provincial Synod of Poictou X. This Assembly judging Monsieur Pellart to belong of Right unto the Isle of France ordaineth the Church of Marans in which he now serveth to yield up unto those of the Isle of France such a Proposan as they shall best like of within four Months otherwise that time being laps'd the said Monsieur Pellart shall be surrendred unto the said Province XI To the Case propounded by the Deputy of Brittany this Assembly gives it in as their Judgment That the Lords and Gentlemen Patrons of Churches and Chappels wherein Mass is sung cannot with a good Conscience repair them no although by not doing it they forfeit their Right of Patronage and Presentation to them XII The
at Paris and having heard Monsieur Colinet Deputy from the Province of Burgundy declare That he had no express Order to demand him but inasmuch as he belonged unto that said Province altho' his Synod could not provide him with a Church at present yet he ought not to be taken from it without the consent of the Province It leaveth both Parties to agree lovingly among themselves and impowers the Church of Paris to endeavour if they can the getting the said Monsieur Covet for their Pastor they giving also due satisfaction unto the Province of Burgundy XXXIV This Assembly judgeth That three Pastors shall make up the Quorum of a Colloquy and that all Acts done by these Three shall be reputed lawful and valid yea even to the Suspension of Ministers XXXV The Differences risen betwixt the Colloquies of Puy Gasquay and Lower Quercy about the Church of Mets and Verdun is dismissed over to the next Synod of Higher Languedoc finally to be decided by it XXXVI Letters from the Seignory of the City and Pastors of Geneva being presented by Monsieur de Sully-Anjou-man This Assembly ordereth That our Deputies at Court do take the most fitting time to recommend the Churches of Geneva and those adjoyning unto his Majesty XXXVII Whenas the Provinces shall in their respective Synods make a Dividend of those Moneys assigned them for his Majesty's Grant unto us they shall consult of some course for the erecting of Schools and Colledges as also how to maintain those which be already erected within their Division And as for Universities the Decree of the Synod of Montpellier shall stand good for those of Saumur Montauban Nismes and Montpellier over and besides which there shall be given from the General Funds of the said Moneys the Sum of Five hundred Crowns per Annum for the furtherance and encouragement of that at Sedan and the Neighbour-Provinces And the Colloquy of Quercy is charged to take special Care that Montauban be furnished with most able Professors who may reputably and conscientiously perform their Duties as also the other Colloquies are to put too their helping hand that the like be done for their Universities And that the said Universities may not be compelled to dismiss their Professors for want of maintenance this Assembly doth ordain for the time past and to come that they shall be payed their Quota and Proportions by advance of one Year not at all to be allowed in the next And that all Fraud herein may be prevented that Decree of the Synod of Montpellier shall be most exactly observed to wit that both the Churches and Universities shall bring unto the next National Synod an Accompt of all the Moneys received by them together with the Acquittances of the Pastors and Professors in actual Service This Article being injurious to the poorer Churches was corrected in the next National Synod XXXVIII This Assembly declareth That the Moneys granted by His Majesty are granted for the Relief of the Churches and maintenance of the Ministry notwithstanding which Order the Division for time to come shall be made by Poll so that if divers Churches be served but by one Minister they shall be counted but for one Church and the Church which hath divers Pastors shall have a Dividend according to the number of its Pastors XXXIX See the Synod of Rochel G. Maâ— art 39. The richer and more potent Churches are exhorted to have respect in their Provincial Synods so to divide and distribute His Majesty's Money that the poorer Churches may be comforted and relieved by it XL. A new Dividend being made of the Moneys granted us by His Majesty deducting the Sums ordained for the Universities of Saumur Montauban Nismes and Montpellier by the last Synod of Montpellier and the Sum of Five hundred Crowns to that of Sedan the rest amounting to the Sum of Nine and thirty thousand five hundred Crowns was distributed in this manner To the Province of Anjon Tourain Le Main Vendomois Loudunois and Lower Perche for 28 Churches there shall be distributed 1468 Crowns 46 Sols and 4 Deniers To the Province of Normandy for 51 Churches the Sum of 2675 Crowns and 14 Sols To the Province of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne for 68 Churches the Sum of 3566 Crowns 58 Sols and 8 Deniers To the Lower Languedoc and Lower Auvergne for 116 Churches 6084 Crowns 50 Sols and 8 Deniers To the Province of Orleans Berry Blesois Nivernois and Bourbonnois for 40 Churches 2098 Crowns 15 Sols and 4 Deniers To the Province of Dolphiny and Orange for 92 Churches 4826 Crowns 52 Sols and 8 Deniers To the Province of Vivaretz and Vellay for 30 Churches 1533 Crown 40 Sols To the Province of Higher Languedoc Higher Guyenne and Higher Auvergne for 95 Churches 4983 Crowns 16 Sols and 8 Deniers To the Province of Burgundy Lyonnois and Forest Beaujolois Maconnois and Bresse for 28 Churches 1468 Crowns 45 Sols 4 Deniers To the Province of High and Lower Poictou for 50 Churches 2622 Crowns 46 Sols and 8 Deniers To Provence for 20 Churches 1049 Crowns 16 Sols and 8 Deniers To the Province of Brittany for 15 Churches 786 Crowns and 40 Sols To the Province of Lower Guyenne for 70 Churches 3671 Crowns 53 Sols and 4 Deniers To the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoumois for 50 Churches 2622 Crowns 46 Sols and 8 Deniers The Number of all the Churches is 753. and dividing their whole Sum among their respective Ministers is 52 Crowns 32 Sols and 4 Deniers to each of them XLI Letters were read from the Governour Mayor and Consistory of St. John d' Angely directed unto this Synod complaining That Monsieur D' Amours was taken from them against their Wills and sent to the Church of Chastleheraut This Assembly decrees That what had been already ordained in the Affair of Monsieur D' Amours should hold good and Messieurs Gardesy Banconis and Forton were charged to pass over to St. John and in case that said City did not treat Monsieur De la Vitamerie according to his worth the Synod of Xaintonge were enjoyned to make better Provision for him XLII Monsieur Palot Commissioner-General for receiving the Moneys granted us by His Majesty having not appeared in Person nor by Letter in this Assembly as he was desired and had promised to inform us of what had been done about the Receipt and Disbursements of the said Moneys This Synod gives orders unto Monsieur Chamier Pollot Rivet Perrin de Marevat Le Venier La Combe D' Euvre to visit and discourse the said Palott in the Name of this Synod and to re-mind him of his Duty and the Church of Paris is required to take care that the said Palott be farther prosecuted according to Instructions that shall be given them CHAP. VII The ROLL of Vagrants 1. THE Vagrants are one that goes by the Names of Rochempre alias Darcey alias Abraham Cheron alias Peter de la Roche this Fellow intruded himself into the
Brittany Orleans and Berry For Orleans and Berry Monsieur Nicholas Vignier Minister of the Church of Blois and Samuel de Chambaran Minister of the Church of Baugency Lorges and Marchenoir Tourain Anjou Maine For Touraine Anjou and the Maine Monsieur John Eleury Minister of the Church of Bougay and Peter de la Primaudaye Lord de la Bareé Elder of the Church of Chasteau du Loir For the upper and nether Poictou Monsieur John Bonnavet Minister of the Church of Lusson Poictou and John Chauffepied Minister of the Church of Niort and René de Lumont Lord of Fiefbrun Elder in the Church of Sansay Xaintonge Aunix c. For Xaintonge Aunix c. Monsieur Samuel L'Hommeau Minister in the Church of Rochell and Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouillé and Querray Elder in the Church of Tonné Boutonné and Daniel Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes Gascony Perigord and Limousin For Gascony Perigord and Limousin Monsieur Antony Renaud Minister of Bourdeaux Peter Esperian Minister of the Church at St. Foy James du Brueil Lord de la Garde Elder of Tonneins and Peter du Bazats Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux For Vivaretz and Vellay For the upper and nether Vivaretz and Vellay Monsieur Peter Labat Minister in the Church of Vabon la Gorce and Salvais John de la Faye Minister of the Church D'Aubenac and James Oliver Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Berg. For the Lower Languedoc Monsieur Jeremiah Ferrier Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Nismes Isaiah Bailly Minister in the Church of St. Martin d' Anduze and John de Barjac Lord of Gasque Elder in the Church of St. Martin Lower Languedoc and John d' Aguerre Elder in the Church of Sauve Higher Languedoc and higher Guyenne For the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne Monsieur Bernard Sónis Minister and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Montaubon John Josion Minister in the Church of Castres and the Lord Du Bovry Governor of the Isle of Jourdan and Elder of the Church there and Daniel de Belujon Elder of the Church in Villemure Burgundy Lyonnois c. For Burgundy Lyonnois c. Monsieur Peter Collinet Minister of the Church of Parrey Samuel de Trucis Elder of the Church of Bourg in Bresse and Job James Bonnet Elder in the Church of Chaalons upon Saone For Provence Provence Monsieur Anthony the Croase Minister of the Church in Cabiers and Peter de Villineufve Lord d' Espineuse Elder of the Church Dolphiny and the Principality of Orange For Dolphiny and the Principality of Orange Monsieur Claude Perron Minister in the Church of Pragelet Daniel Chamier Minister of the Church of â—ontlimart and Jacob Archmart Elder of the same and Jacob Videl Elder in the Church of Brianson For Normandy there was no Deputy but Monsieur du Moulin was entrusted with their Memoirs by the Brethren of that Province The Lords of St. Germain and des Bordes General Deputies for our Churches at Court and Mr. Joseph des Fountaines commissionated by Monsieur Palott to give in his Accounts of the King's Moneys granted our Churches were personally present in this Synod The Lords of St. Germain and des Bordes appeared in their Quality of General Deputies according to the Office conferred upon them by the General Assembly of St. Foy and Mr. Joseph des Fontaines was deputed by the same Assembly of St. Foy and to audit the Accounts of Monsieur Palott Prayers being ended Monsieur Chamier was chosen Moderator and Monsieur Ferrier Assessor and the Sieurs Vignier and Roy Scribes The Provinces which have not sent their full number of Pastors and Elders ordained by our Discipline are excused for this time but for the future they shall all oâ— them conform unto the Canon of the Synod of Montpellier otherwise they shall forfeit their right of Sitting and Voting in our National Synods The Powers given before Publick Notaries unto the Deputies of Brittany and attested by secular persons is tolerated for the present but that Province is required to abstain from them for time to come and are ordered to get their Letters of Commission signed by the Moderator and Scribes of their Provincial Synod Monsieur * * * In another Copy he is written Givoult Gueran Minister of the Church of Dindeveuf Deputed by the Province oâ— Normandy excused his absence from this Synod which was accepted but that Province shall be censured by Letters from us for their neglect in not sending other Deputies CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith 1. THE Province charged to call our National Synod is charged also to bring with it the Original Confession of Faith which shall to this purpose be subscribed by this Assembly and sent unto that Province 2. The Synod reading over the Confession of Faith and explaining the 18th 20th and 22d Articles of the said Confession concerning our Justification before God expresseth its detestation of those Errors which are now-a-days broached to the contrary and in particular their Errors who deny the Imputation of Christ's Active and Passive Obedience by which he hath most perfectly fulfilled the whole Law unto us for Righteousness Our Righteousness by the Imputation of Christs active and passive Obedience And therefore Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories shall have a careful Eye on those persons who be tainted with that Error be they Ministers or private Christians and by the Authority of this Assembly shall silence them and in case of a wilful stubborn persistency in their Errors to depose them if they have a Pastoral Charge in the Church from the Ministry And Letters shall be writ unto Master Piscator to intreat him not to trouble the Churches with his new-fangled Opinions as also from this Assembly to the Universities of England Scotland Leyden Geneva Heydelberg Basil and * * * In another Copy Ziguen Herborne in which Piscator is Professor requesting them to joyn with us also in this Censure And in case the said Piscator shall pertinaciously adhere unto his Opinions Master Sohnius and Ferrier are to prepare an Answer to his Books and that it be ready against the Meeting of the next National Synod And this Article shall be read and in all points most exactly observed by the Provincial Synods 3. The Provinces are exhorted seriously to debate in their Synods how to word the five and twentieth Article of our Confession and to bring with them their maturest thoughts about it unto the next National Synod because in expressing our Faith about the Catholick Church mentioned in the Creed we have nothing in our Confession concerning the Church Militant and Visible As also they are intreated to consider whether it would not be fit to subjoyn ths word Pure unto those of the True Church which is in the nine and twentieth Article The Call of our first Pastors and Reformers was
Churches of ordaining Elders by imposition of hands shall be abolished 10. On the fourth Article of the fourth Chapter The Provinces are required to see that this Article be punctually observed in every part and clause of it and in case of transgression Provincial Synods and Colloquies shall censure those Elders and Deacons exceeding sharply 11. On the eight and twentieth Article of the fifth Chapter These words which conclude that article Unless it be by the advice of the Consistory shall be razed out 12. The thirtieth Article of the fifth Chapter shall run in these words When Crimes are privately confessed by Penitents unto their Ministers that they may be holpen with their Counsel and Comfort Ministers are forbidden to discover them unto Magistrates lest the Ministry should thereby he blamed and sinners hindred from Repentance or making a free confession of their Offences And this shall be a standing Canon in all Crimes revealed to them excepting those of High Treason 13 On the third Article of the seventh Chapter The Brethren of Burgundy demanding whether those Propositions made by Pastors in their Colloquies should be done in a Scholastick or Popular manner This Assembly judgeth that they ought rather to hold of the Schools because the design and end for which they be instituted is that Ministers should give a satisfactory proof of their usefulness and proficiency in their Studies and Ministerial labours among their people So that their Doctrine ought to be well opened and proved and a short application only made unto manners As concerning those additions which are afterward subjoyned by the Pastors they shall be managed with all soberness and in as much as may be to the edification of the whole Church And this Article shall be exactly observed by all Colloquies 14. Upon the fifteenth Article of the eighth chapter The Brethren of Brittany shall consider whether they can provide a sufficient Number of Pastors to make up a Provincial Synod And in case they cannot care shall be taken in the next National Synod to incorporate them with some convenient Province 15. The Church of Metz shall be intreated by Letters from this Assembly to send a Deputy unto some one of our Ecclesiastical Assemblies and to join themselves unto one of the nearest Provincial Synods of this Kingdom 16. A Declaration from the Churches of Nivernois Bourbonnois La Marche having been presented by the Brethren of Berry it was ordained that those Churches should be Incorporated with the Synod of Berry 17. The Pastors and Churches in the Baylywick of Gex are exhorted to conform themselves in all things unto the Discipline of our Churches and that they may more easily be enur'd unto it a decree passed in this Synod for their being Incorporated with the Province of Burgundy at present and in the next National Synod farther care shall be had of them 18. In the third Article of the ninth Chapter these words As much as may be shall be razed and in the same Chapter the last clause of the seventh Article after these words The Provinces having shall also be blotted out 19. On the eleventh Article of the same Chapter Monsieur l'Oyseau was charged to inquire whether the Acts and Papers of our National Synods were at Vitré or not And Monsieur Ferrier was to make inquiry whether they were not in Languedoc and to see that they be sent unto that Province which is impowered to call the next National Synod and in case they be not sent unto it the said Province shall intreat those before-named Gentlemen Mr. l'Oyseau and Bayly that they would seek diligently for them 20. The word Common after that of piety in the first Article of the tenth Chapter shall be razed out and in the second Article of the same Chapter these words also As much as may be And the Churches are exhorted to a strict observation of it 21. Upon the fourth Article Some of the Brethren because of divers inconveniencies which have already and may hereafter happen through oppositions made against this Article moved that whereas the continuing of publick solemn Prayers which had been appointed in the times of trouble and calamity drew with it a contemptuous neglect of Sermons and of the Worshiping of God in their private houses and a superstitious opinion of their present necessity now in times of peace that therefore the Pastors of Churches should be advised to dispose their people by degrees to the observation of this Article and the Consistories should wisely consider of what herein would most contribute unto edifying 22. Upon the fifth Article of the same Chapter the Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this doubt whether Pastors ought to attend at Funerals This Assembly considering the condition of our Churches and the manner of Burying doth leave it wholly to their discretions 23. The sixth Article of the eleventh Chapter shall hold good according as it was formerly decreed by the National Synods of Poictiers and Saumur And as for Preaching in the houses of Gentlemen when their Children are Baptized Ministers shall Act therein prudentially and in such a manner as will most promote the edification of their Churches And as for that word Infirmity 't is not to be understood of the Infants but of their Parents 24. Instead of those words in the tenth Article of the same Chapter It were well these shall be inserted It ought to be 25. On the fifth Article of the twelfth Chapter The Churches are required punctually to observe it 26. On the fifth Article of the thirteenth Chapter All kind of censures shall be inflicted upon the breakers of Marriage-promises whether expressed in words de praesenti or de futuro 27. On the six and twentieth Article of the same Chapter to the word ratified which is in the close of that Article there shall be this added and blessed 28. On the first Article of the fourteenth Chapter after these words Till he have first renounced there shall be added publickly The Discipline being read all the Deputies of the Provinces did swear unto its observation and that they would seriously and sincerely indeavour that it should be religiously observed in their respective Provinces in all its Articles CHAP. IV. Observations made on reading the Acts of the Synod of Gergeau 1. THE Town and Church of St. John d' Angely desiring that the Decree of the National Synod of Gergeau might be disanul'd and that Monsieur d' Amours might be restored to them This Assembly doth ratify that Decree of the aforesaid Synod and ordaineth farther that the said d' Amours shall remain with the Church of Chastelheraut and chargeth the Province of Xaintonge to provide out of hand another Pastor for the Church of St. John 2. Monsieur de Bargemont petitioning by Letters that the Censure inflicted on him by the Synod of Gergeau might be reverst and razed out of the Acts of the said Synod This Assembly replied that they were very desirous that the said de Bergemont would clear
up his Innocency and justify himself fully before the World and therefore did ordain him to produce the Evidences of his Innocency and Integrity before the next Provincial Synod of Poictou that it may be thence transmitted unto the next National Synod and then all requisite care should be taken about the razing of the aforesaid Censure 3. Upon the difference between the five Colloquies of Xaintonge and that of Aunix This Assembly judgeth that it is but just and reasonable that the Colloquy of Aunix should bear a fourth part of the Charges of the Provinces of Xaintonge notwithstanding the determination of the Provincial Synod of Poictou to the contrary 4. The appeal brought by the Church of Beaune and Vannés from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy past in favour of Monsieur Manissier is made null and void because the said Church appeared not to prosecute it 5. That debate on behalf of Monsieur Claudius Jobart concerning Festivals and which had been inserted among the appeals in the Synod of Gergeau shall be transfer'd unto the head of particular matters in the said Synod the aforesaid Jobart protesting that he never brought any appeal against the Province of Burgundy 6. The Church of Orleans complaining that it was oppressed by a Decree of the Synod of Gergeau which had adjudged unto the Church of Gergeau the Moneys granted by his Majesty which belonged to it till the meeting of this present Assembly This Assembly considering all circumstances finds no reason to alter the Decree of the aforesaid Synod And for time coming ordaineth that the Provincial Synod shall do in it as they think fit 7. Upon the difference between the Synods of Poictou and Xaintonge about the Churches of Montignac Marsillac and Villefagnon The Churches of Montignac and Marsillac are adjudged unto the Province of Poictou and that of Villefagnon is left to its oâ—n choice to which of the Provinces it will be Incorporated but being once Incorporated the said Church shall not at its pleasure depart from it And this their choice once made shall be notified unto the next Synod of both the Provinces However the Province of Xaintonge shall retain their right in the Minister of Marsillac Proposans may not Preach nor Administer the Sacrament without Imposition of hands See Act. 6. of the 3d. Synod of Rochel 8. Letters shall be written to the Pastors and Professors in the Church of Geneva intreating them not to send our young Students in Divinity to Preach and Administer the Sacraments in Country Villages before Ordination principally the Students who are hereafter to be employed in the Churches of this Kingdom because it 's contrary to our Discipline and to the Practice and Custom of the Primitive Church and for that we feel already the inconveniences hereof 9. If Deacons of the Church of Bearne in Switzerland should come into this Kingdom and have not been first duely examined and ordained by imposition of hands or have not had elsewhere any Pastoral charge and should yet notwithstanding as they have done in other places take upon them to exercise the Ministerial office Of the Deacons of Bearne coming into France and exercising the Ministry to Preach the Word to administer the Sacraments as the Mode of some Forraign Churches is so to do they shall first subject themselves to a new examination here and be received into the Ministry among us in that very self same manner as Proposans are who never were Ordained And for other persons who were duely examined and to whom the right hand of Fellowship hath been given in Forreign Churches and are now called to a Pastoral Charge in some one of our Churches in this Kingdom they shall be admitted by the Provincial Synods according to the manner prescribed by our Discipline 10. The Church of Paris shall be censured for not revising that Book styled Apparatus ad fidem Catholicam not the others as they were injoined by the last Synod at Gergeau And that Church which is charged to call the next National Synod is now by this appointed to review and examine those books 11. The differences fallen out between the Synods of Higher Languedoc and Lower Guyenne concerning the Churches of Montagnac Leyrac and some others and which had been dismissed by the last Synod of Gergeau unto the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge and by that of Xaintonge to the decision of this Assembly shall be thus determined Full power is again given unto the said Synod of Xaintonge to perform that Article of the National Synod of Gergeau and to this purpose the said Province of Xaintonge shall take care that notice be given unto the said Provinces of the time and place of their next Synod 12. In pursuance of that Decree of the national Synod of Gergeau the Province of Normandy shall give full satisfaction unto Monsieur Vatablé for whom nothing at all hath been yet done 13. The Article of the Synod of Gergeau being read which ordered Letters to be written unto the Duke de Lesdiguieres about the 17000 Crowns See the Synod of Montpel partic matt 17. And the Synod of Gergeau partic matt 5. being Moneys of the Churches of Lower Languedoc We have thought fit that both the Articles of the Synods of Monpellier and Gergeau relating to this matter be razed out Provided that the Deputies of Languedoc have first of all the sight and perusal of those Acquittances pretended to by his Lordship 14. Whereas differences have sprung up between the two Provinces of the upper and neither Languedoc about the Churches of Cormes and St. John du Brueil The Decree made in the Synod of Gergeau for their determination is now again confirmed by this present Assembly and they be censured who did not according to their duty put in execution the said Decree And therefore the Deputies of both these Provinces shall give notice unto those Churches to appear in the Colloquies and Provincial Synods of the Nether Languedoc 15. John Mussidan Bordaires presented his humble Petition unto this Synod requesting that his name might be blotted out of the Catalogue of Vagrants into which it was inserted by the last Synod of Gergeau and that he might be permitted to make a Proposition from some text of the Holy Scripture in order to his re-admission into the Ministry This Assembly having received several relations from divers of our brethren concerning his insufficiency for so great and weighty a Calling did advise him to lay by all hopes and thoughts of re-entring into this Sacred Office because the Lord did not think him fitly qualified for it nor would own or accept of his service in it But that he might not be totally disheartned the Province whereunto he retires himself is intreated to assist him with their Charities and to employ him as a Schoolmaster in the teaching of youth 16. The Synod willing to express their affectionate respects to Monsieur Berger and intending as the former Synod of Gergeau to
Provinces according to the Accompt before-appointed by three equal portions at the Terms prefixed allowing him a Sous in the Liver What shall become due unto the Provinces of the Isle of France Normandy Orleans Anjou Poitou Higher and Lower Guienne shall be paid into the Consistories of Paris Rouen Orleans and Poitiers and for the Higher Languedoc and Guienne unto Mr. J. Bardon and what shall be due unto the Province of Burgundy unto Mr. J. Le Gras Merchant in the City of Lions And in case it should so fall out that our Lords the General Deputies should not receive either the whole or part of their Assigned Stipend from the Lesser Accompt according to agreement It is now resolved that what may be wanting to make it good one half of it shall be taken out of the Total Sum of 135000. Livers which were to be paid in unto the Provinces in the three Quarters and shall be deducted from every one of the Provinces with the allowance of a Sous in the Liver unto the Lord of Candal and the other half shall be deducted out of the Moneys appointed by His Majesty for payment of the Garrisons and to this purpose an Order shall be given unto the said Lord of Candal and our General Deputies shall be paid before all other persons And this same course shall be taken for all payâ—ents in the year 1605. And this Rule shall be in force till the Meeting of the next National Synod CHAP. XI A Roll and Catalogue of all the Reformed Churches of France as well those which are actually supplied with Pastors as of those which shall be before the Meeting of the next National Synod to be held at Rochell in the Year 1607. otherwise the Provinces will be enforced to make Restitution of those Moneys ordained for them out of the Stock given us by His Majesties Royal Bounty There was tackt unto this Roll the Names of those Pastors and Proposans who are to be maintained by the Provinces The First Roll of Pastors and Proposans in the Isle of France Picardy Beausse and Champagne Isle of France Churches Ministers Paris Monsieur de Montigni Francois de Lauberan Mr. de la Faye Mr. du Moulin the eldest Son Mr. Couett Mr. Durand 2. Le Plessis Mr. du Bois the elder 3. Claye Mr. d'Aronde 4. Mantes Mr. Chaurim 5. St. Averne Mr. de Beaulieu 6. Fontainbleau Mr. Voulas 7. Tequin Mr. du Val. 8. Meaux Mr. Choquett 9. Peju Mr. Conouailles 10. La Fere Artenay Mr. Marlette 11. Senlis Mr. Beaulieu Lord of le Blanc Picardy Churches Ministers Clermont Mr. de Losses the younger Lord of La Touche Le Villy Mr. Richard Laon. Mr. Morell Guise Mr. de Vaines Compiegne Mr. de Losses the elder Lord of La Touche St. Quentin Mr. Richier Oistimont Mr. Blanchard Estaples Mr. le Baulne junior Boulognes Mr. Calais Mr. Teslier La Ferte au Vidame Mr. du Bois La Beausse Churches Ministers Houdan Mr. Biolott Blainville Mr. Gravelle Ampon au Perche Mr. Couronne Moulons Mr. Rougihaut Ay. Mr. Brisbard Colloquy of Champagne Churches Ministers Von Mr. de Gastine Chaalons Mr. Viriot Virtry le Francois Mr. Yoland Helmauric Mr. Cousin Vassy Mr. Chevilette Nefancour Mr. Candemiere Espances Mr. de Beauvois senior St. Marc. Mr. Carre Sedan Mr. Fornelle Mr. du Tilly. Mr. Gantois Mr. Mr. Canelle There were threescore and two Portions ordered unto all these Pastors being six and forty in actual service and ten Churches destitute of Ministers three of which belong to the Colloquy of Champagne and six Proposans one of which shall be appropriated to the said Colloquy The whole Sum for those sixty and two Portions amounted to 3748 Livers seven Sous and six Deniers The Second Roll of the Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Brittany Churches Ministers Viellevigne Mr. Ferguson Nantes Mr. Oyseau Croisie Mr. le la Prote Sion Mr. de la Place Blain Mr. David Richier and Mr. René de Losses Lord of La Touche Arche-bernard Mr. Andrew le Noir Ld. of Beauchamps Rennes Mr. Fautrat Vitré Mr. Merlin senior and Mr. Pazault Dinan Mr. Pallori Yet when the Synod of Gap sate there were no more than seven Pastors in actual service and four Churches and four Proposans to be provided for and maintained ad fifteen Portions were allotted them out of the Kings Moneys but since God increased the number of their Ministers and this Province had assigned it 906 Crowns 48 Sous 4 d. The Third Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Orleans Berry Blaisois and Nivernois Orleans and Berry Churches Ministers Orleans Mr. du Moulin the Father Sancerre Mr. Dorival Gian Mr. Fontaines Gian Mr. Pinette Blois Mr. Vignier Chastillon sur Loin Mr. Melett Chastillon sur Loire Mr. Le Noir Boisgency Lorges Marchenoit Mr. Samuel de Chambaran Espenille Mr. Giraud Aubusson Mr. Vermer Argenton Mr. de Rieux Mer Mr. Bourguignon Chasteausdun Mr. Simpson Gergeau Mr. Boucher Pisons Seneu Mr. Charretier Romorantiâ— Mr. Brun La Chustre Mr. Granier Ginvelles Luneau Mr. de la Roche disione St. Leonard Mr. de Monsanglar Chirac Mr. Jurieu St. Amont Mr. Jamet Issondun Mr. de Beauval Mr. Berger was Emeritus and had four Portions assigned for his subsistence Mr. Granier liveth at Sancerre There be six Churches and six Proposans to be provided for The Fourth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Anjou Tourain and Maine Tourain Churches Ministers Tours Mr. des Aigues Mr. Coupe Loches Chastillon Mr. Grevon Previlly Mr. Rogier Chinon l'Islebouchard Mr. Pevillaud Vandôme Mr. Salomeau Montoire Mr. Didier Anjou Churches Ministers Saumur Mr. Bouchereau Anger 's Mr. de Blois Beaugé Mr. John Fleury Loudun Mr. de Clairville he died in the year 1608. Loudun Mr. Bede died 1607. Choupes Mr. Goudry Gaon Vandelles Mr. Besnard Le Mans Mr. Vigneu Belesme Mr. Notman La Haye Mr. de la Combe Chasteau du Loir Mr. du Fresne Mont Gobert Mr. de la Noue Monsieur de Lessard is Emeritus In all twenty Pastors four Churches destitute and three Proposans so there was assigned to this Province of Tourain and Anjou twenty seven Portions which amounted to 1632 Crowns fourteen Sous and nine Deniers The Fifth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of the Upper and Nether Poictou Colloquy of the Vpper Poictou Churches Ministers Poictiers Mr. Clemenceau Chastetheraud Mr. d'Amours he died lately Mr. Picard suspended Touars Mr. Andrew Rivett senior Parteney Mr. Ricourt lately deceased Mr. Manceau Lusignan Mr. Mazieres he died at Talmond Mr. Mestayer succeeded him Sansay Mr. Monnestier Cové Mr. L'Estang Mr. Cuville Civray Mr. de la Roche Croizé Le Vigan Mr. Favre La Trimoville Mr. Brun Chauvigny Mr. Florand Roche Choart Mr. Roche and since Mr. Forgeau Le Boucheron Mr. Joubert Colloquy of Niort and St. Maixant Churches Ministers Niort Mr. de la Blaschiere senior Mr. Chauffepied St. Maixant Mr. Chesneau
Chamdenis Mr. Guillermett Mougon Mr. la Blascheire old Son St. Gelais Mr. la Blascheire the youngest Son Melle Mr. Manceau who died at Partenay and since him Mr. René Forest Aulnay Mr. de L'Estang Issoudun Mr. de la Valleé Chefboutonneé Mr. Olliver he lately revolted since Mr. John Chalmot of Niort Colloquy of the Nether Poictou Churches Ministers Fontenay Mr. de la Vallade Luson Mr. Bomaud St. Benoist Mr. Textor who died lately Mr. Daniel Guermeau a Rocheller Mr. de la Place who is since dead Talmont upon the Jard Mr. Masseres deposed Mr. James Prunier was received in the mixt Assembly held at Fontenay before St. Johns Fair. 1614. Monne Mr. Vatablé St. Giles upon Vic Mr. Prascisault Le Poiré Mr. de Bonvouloir since sent unto St. d'Angely Mouschamps Mr. de Losses Lord of la Tousche the elder but since dead Chantonneé Mr. Tirenu Marevil Mr. Marchand St. Ermine Mr. Papin a Rocheller Mouilleron Mr. Berny Pausanges Mr. Moreau Vaudoré Mr. Champanois La Chastagneraye Mr. Texier and since Mr. George Tompson a Scotch-man Colonges les Reau Mr. Dantonnet In all thirty nine Pastors eight Churches to be provided for and three Proposans which made up fifty Portions for the whole Province of Poitou amounting to 3022 Crowns 40 Sous and 10 Deniers The Sixth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Propasans in the Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoulmois 1 Colloquy of St. John d'Angely Churches Ministers St. John d'Angely Mr. Fremond de Vigier Lord of Moustier now dead to him succeeded Mr. Japhet de Vigier Lord of Bessay his Son Mr. du Bon Vouloir Taillebourg Mr. William Rivett the younger Brother Lord of Chanvernon St. Savinian Mr. Alix Tonna Charante Mr. Jouanneau and since Mr. Ferry Tonnay Boutonneé Mr. de la Viennerie Matta Mr. Rousseau 2 Colloquy of the Islands Churches Ministers St. Peters of Olleron Mr. de la Croix he died in the year 1610 since St. Peters of Olleron Mr. Guilielmi Castell of Olleron Mr. Petit the younger Royan Mr. Deschareves dead but since Mr. Heraud Mornac Mr. le Coq Aruert la Tremblade Jonin is since separated from them Monsieur Rossignol La Tremblade Mr. Papin Marennes Mr. Jeremy Boisseul he died 1609. since Mr. Zachary Crispin Lord of Chabosselay an Anjouin and Mr. Richier Lord of Vandelin Cour a Britton Saujon Mr. Paul Bonnet junior St. John Dangles Mr. Berger deceased since Mr. de la Forest Soubize Mr. Chevalier Moize Mr. Beauja sent to St. Mesmes since Mr. Thomas Guyot Lord of Chappeauvert St. Just Mr. Tolouse a Rocheller Third Colloquy of Aunix Churches Ministers Rochel Mr. Du Mont. deceased Mr. James Merlin Mr. Samuel L' hommeau Mr. Jerome Coulommies Born in Bearn Mr. Louis Le Ceueler Lord of la Chappeliere an Angevin Mr. Daniel Goiré a Rocheller Mr. Gideon de Montmartyn Lord of La Turpiniere he died 1609. Mr. John Peter Salebert a Rocheller received into the Ministery in the Colloquy of Aulnix held at Nieul on Thursday the 6th of Feb. 1613. but he was Ordained at Rochell by Mr. James Merlin on the Lord's Day in the Afternoon March 3. 1613. in the Great Temple with most solemn and extraordinary Prayers St. Martins in the Istle of Rhé Mr. German Chauveton Lord of Beauvois he died in the latter end of year 1604. Mr. Fautrard and Englishman I suppose he was Born in the Island of Guernzey for one of his Name was Minister there in the year 1647. but he died of the Plague a Fortnight after Mr. de Beauvois Since Mr. Lewes Aubyneau a Rocheller Ars in the Isle of Ré Mr. Daniel Chanett La Flotte in the Isle of Ré Mr. Daniel Gorré who was after sent unto Rochell La Flotte in the Isle of Ré Mr. John le Chatre a Rocheller Marans Mr. Pillard Marans Mr. La Violette Bourneuf and Dampierre Mr. Febrve Surgeres Mr. Tagaut Nieul Mr. James Guibert a Rocheller sent to Archiac and Jonsac he afterward turn'd Apostate Nieul Mr. Peter Menanceau a Rocheller Mauzé Mr. Andrew de Mazieres Lord of La Cave Laleu l'Ommeau and Lozieres Mr. Samuel Veupillet a German Sales Toré and Mortagne Mr. Toussainet a German The Fourth Colloquy of Xaintes Churches Ministers Xainctes Mr. Bonnet senior dead since Mr. Petit senior Pons Mr. Londe removed to Mortagne Mr. Heraud of Rochell sent to Royan Mr. Peris Archiac and Jonsac Mr. Menanceau sent to Nieul in Aulnix Plassac and Clan Mr. Calbert and since Mr. Choquet Mortagne Mr. Chastaigner dead since Mr. Londe Gemouzat Mr. Gabart Rieax Mr. Marcon Mr. du Perche and since Cozes Mr. James Chalmot of Rochell The Fifth Colloquy of Augoalmois Churches Ministers Stelaud de Lindoire Mr. George Pacard the Elder sent unto Rochefoucald he died in the year 1610. La Rochefoucaud Mr. Hog sent to Angoulesme and since Mr. Pacard senior La Rochebeaucourt Mr. Pitard Jarnac Mr. Pacard the Eldest Son Cognac Mr. Barjemont removed Mr. Bizett removed Mr. John Perreau of Rochell Vertueil Mr. Colladon since deceased Mr. Trochereg a Baron of Scotland but removed to Saumur Mr. Peres sent to Pons Vertueil Mr. Comareg The Sixth Colloquy of Jonzac Churches Ministers Jonzac Mr. Pollot dead since James Guibert who revolted after him holy Mr. Welch a Scotch Minister who spent eight hours every day in Prayer Barbezieux Mr. Petit the Elder sent to Xaintes Mr. Theophilus Rossell of Nantes St. Mesmes Mr. Beaujan Baigné and Chaux Mr. Boyannat La Roche Chalais Mr. Bellot There be forty eight Pastors in the whole Province of Xaintonge six Churches destitute and six Proposans without including Mr. Herauld lent unto the Church of Marsillac so that it had sixty Portions amounting to 3627 Crowns and 13 Sous The Seventh Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Lower Guienne The First Colloquy of Higher Agenois Churches Ministers Tonneins Mr. de Monjone Mr. de Beaucons Clerac Mr. Ricotier the Father Mr. Ricotier the Son the Grandson was I think Minister also in the Church of Tonneins and exiled with the other Ministers 1685. Castelmoron Mr. Bausty Pathe Mr. Mermet the Son Monflanquin Mr. Freron the Father Tournon Mr. Freron the Son Monheur Mr. Scillade Leyrac Mr. Sylvius the Son La Parade Mr. Fevran Grateloup Mr. Vidouse an Apostate Puymirol Mr. de La Fayole The Second Colloquy of Lower Agenois Churches Ministers Bordeaux Mr. Renaud he died 1610. Mr. Primrose a Scotchman Libourne Mr. de la Vallade Castillon Mr. Baduell Ste. Foy Mr. Hesperian Ste. Foy Mr. de Bessoly Aniche Mr. D'Anglade Jouzac Mr. Majence Parole Mr. Lamy Morancour Mr. Zamett Bazas Mr. Goudon Velines Mr. Vassar Duras Mr. Peniot The Third Colloquy of Condomois Churches Ministers Nerac Mr. Mermet the Father Mr. Masparrault Mr. de La Nusse Mozin Mr. Luillier Casteljaloux Mr. du Luc Caumont Mr. Villebon La Bastide Mr. Sylvius the Father Le Mont de Moisin Mr. de Palloque Gouse Mr. Melet Bifesensac Mr. Guynier Tartas Mr. Pourrat Sos Mr. du Mier The Fourth
a Professorship in the Universities determined 6. Pecuniary matters may be determined by another Province 8. two Deputies shall be sent and no more from contending Churches 12. Such at Marry Popish Wives shall bear no Office in the Churches 13. Two Canons about Monkes 15 16. The Baptism of Midwives null 18. Three cases about Marriage 19 20 21. Orders about Scholars Pensioners 24 Elenchus novae Doctrinae supprest 25. Professors of Divinity shall finish their course in three years 31. Cases about accused persons 37 39. Chap. VI. Of Accompts A Dividend of 135000 Crowns among the Churches and Universities and General Deputies Chap. VII Other Accompts of Moneys to be paid by the Lord of Candal Chap. VIII Memorials and Instructions given to the Lords General Deputies Chap. IX Appeals Two divided Churches healed 1 2. The Appeal of a Deposed Minister rejected 15. A great contention composed 19. Chap. X. Particular matters 3. Non resident Pastors ordered to their Churches 1 2. A great contention composed 6. Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux recalled into Scotland 9. Dissentions in a Church made up 19. A case of Witchcraft 21. A case about a Donative 22. Moneys of two Churches for the Exiles of Salluces 23 24. A case about a Childs Baptism 35. The Insolency of a Capuchin Fryer 37. A poor Minister relieved 39. Censures taken off from a Church and Minister 43. A Petition to the King 52. Chap. XI Particular matters relating to the Isle of France Chap. XII The Roll of Deposed Ministers Chap. XIII Orders about Legacies Chap. XIV Political Acts the King's Letter to the National Synod 4. Chap. XV. The Lord of Candals Accompt The Third Synod of ROCHELL SYNOD XVIII 1607. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France held at Rochell the first day of March and continued till the two and twentieth day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and seven CHAP. I Names of the Deputies and Synodical Officers Monsieur Beraut chosen Moderator Monsieur Merlin Assessor Scribes Monsieur Andrew Rivet and Monsieur Roy. THERE appeared in it as Deputies from their several Provinces the Pastors and Elders hereafter named For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois Monsieur George Pacard Minister in the Church of Rochefoucaud Master James Merlin one of the Pastors of the Church of Rochel Monsieur Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille Elder in the Church of Tonney-boutonne and Mr. Daniel le Roy Elder in the Church of Xaintes with Letters from the said Province Mr. Gigord was a man of most singular Piety holy in his Life happy in his Death He died full of Peace and Joy in Believing ravished with the consolations of Gods Spirit For the Province of Lower Languedoc Master Christopher de Barjac Lord of Gasques Pastor of the Church of Vigan and Master John Gigord Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montpellier and Tristram de Brueis Lord of St. Chappe Elder in the Church of Nismes and Stephen du Vergier Ordinary President in the Chamber of Accounts of Languedoc Elder in the Church of Montpellier with Letters of Commission from their Province For the Province of Orleans Berry Blesois and Nivernois Master Joachim du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Orleans and Master Nicholas Vignier Pastor of the Church of Blois together with the Lords Daniel de St. Quintin Baron of Bellet Elder in the Church of St. Amand and Michael de Launay Lord de Filaines Elder in the Church of Blois Mr. Joachim du Moulin was the godly Father of that excellent man of God Mr. Peter du Monlin impowered with authority from their Province For the Province of the Isle of France Picardy Champagne Brie and the Land of Chartres Master Francis de Lauberan Lord of Montigny Pastor of the Church of Paris and Master Tobias Yoland Pastor of the Church of Vitry le Francois and Paul de Charites Lord of Plessis Chennelle Elder of the Church of Chartres commissioned by Letters from their Province For the Province of Lower Guienne Perigord and Limousin Mr. Paul Baduel Minister of the Church of Castillon Mr. Gilbert Primrose Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux together with John du Puis Lord of Cazett Elder of the Church of Castillon and Mr. Stephen Manial Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux For the Province of Anjou Touraine and the Maine Monsieur Abel Bede Pastor of the Church of Loudun and Master Peter Solomeau Pastor of the Church of Vandosme together with James Ridouett Esquire Lord of Sanzay Elder of the Church of Bauge and Bartholomew de Bruges Elder of the Church of Loudon For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne Master Michael Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban Daniel Raphin Pastor of the Church of Realmont John de Periott Elder of the Church of Montauban and Peter Philippin Elder in the Church of St. Antonine For the Higher and Lower Vivaretz and Velay Monsieur John Valeton Pastor of the Church of Privas and Master Christopher Gammon Elder of the Church of Nonnay bringing with them Letters of excuse for not having sent the number of Deputies prescribed by the Canons of former Synods which were in no wise admitted and therefore the said Province was censured However their Deputies were received for this time This Assembly declaring it should not be made a president for future neglects as also that if in time coming they did not send the full number of four Deputies they should have no power of Voting and this in pursuance of what had been decreed in the National Synod of Gap For Provence Monsieur Daniel Chanforan Pastor of the Church de la Coste and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin with Letters of excuse for not having sent the number above-mentioned which because of the paucity of Ministers in their Province was for this time only received And they were enjoined for the future to send four Deputies or to incorporate themselves with some other Province For the Province of Higher and Lower Poictou Master James Clemencean Minister and Pastor of the Church of Poictiers and Andrew Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars together with Samuel Mauclerc Lord of Marconny Elder of the Church of Poire and Belleville and Monsieur Joseph des Fontaines Elder of the Church of Mesle Mr. Perriâ— writ the History of the Albingezses He dedicated the Second Part to the Duke of Candale Eldest Son of the Duke of Espernon who became a Protestant For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. John Paul Perrinâ— Pastor of the Church of Nians and John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere Pastor of the Church de la Mure together with Charles de Veze Lord of Coucy Elder of the Church de Dieu le fit and Lord of the said place and Francois de la Combe Elder of the Church of St. Marcellin For the Province of
Burgundy Lionnois Forrest Bresse Beaujolois and Gex Monsieur Esaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of Lion and Daniel de Piotay Pastor of the Church of Gex together with John de Jaucourt Lord of Villarnoul Elder of the Church of Avalon and Master Claudius Cotereau Elder of the Church of Dijon and Counsellor in the Parliament of Burgundy For the Province of Normandy Mr. John Gueroult Pastor of the Church of D'Indebeuf and John Boudrier Lord de la Buissonniere Pastor of the Church of Alencon and Samuel de L'Escherpiere Lord de la Riviere Pastor of the Church of Rouan together with Nicholas Le Febvre Elder of the Church of Caen with their Letters of Commission The Synod of the said Province and the Colloquies of the Higher Normandy were all censured for leaving the Nomination of their Deputies unto the Colloquy and for not sending an equal number of Pastors and Elders according to the Canons of our Discipline however the four fore-mentioned Deputies were admitted For the Province of Brittany Master Rene de Losse Lord de la Touche Pastor of the Church of Blain and Master Peter de la Place Pastor of the Church of Sion together with Lewes d'Avangour Lord of Bois de Cargrois Elder of the Church of Nantes and Elias de Goulaines Lord de Loudoniere Elder in the Church of Vielle Vigne There came also with Letters of Commission from the Countrey of Bearn Master Isaac Balldraind Pastor of the Church of l'Escar and principal of the Colledge of the same place craving admission and priviledge of Voting in this Assembly which was granted him But the said Churches were exhorted for the future to join an Elder in Commission with that Pastor whom they shall depute unto our National Synods Master James Capel called otherwise du Tilloy Pastor of the Church of Sedan and the Lord Peter de Bury Elder of the same presented themselves as Deputies from the Churches of the Sovereignty of Sedan in this Assembly but were not admitted as representing a particular Province because they were Members of the Colloquy of Champagne yet it was granted them to assist in this Assembly when as matters concerning Doctrine and Discipline in general were debated and that they might in their turn propound what did particularly concern their Churches and University Prayers being ended and the Assembly proceeding to the choice of their Moderator Assessor and Scribe there came into the Synod the Deputies of the Commonalty and City of Rochell demanding to be admitted and to give their Vote in that Election as constituting a Province together with the other Provinces of the Kingdom especially when as any Affairs not relating to the Doctrine or Discipline of the Churches but for our common preservation should be treated This caused a very great debate and at last it being judged that this Assembly was purely Ecclesiastical and it being utterly uncertain whether any matters of another nature might be handled in it it was finally determined that the Moderator Assessor and Scribe should not be chosen but by such persons as were purely Ecclesiastical However those Deputies were admitted into the Synod and had their priviledge of Voting in it according to the Decree at Chastelleraut in case other matters fell under consideration Monsieur Beraut was Elected Moderator and Monsieur Merlin Assessor and to Gather and Record the Acts of this Synod Monsieur Rivet and Roy. In the Letters of Deputation that Clause of Approbation and Submission unto the Decrees of the Synod in no wise to be left out In reading the Letters of Deputation it was observed that those of certain Provinces wanted that clause which promised Approbation and Submission unto the Decrees and Resolutions of the Synod Whereupon they were all admonished In no wise for the future to omit it as being very necessary for the ratifying the Decrees of these Assemblies and of this our Brethren of Bearn are particularly to be informed Whereas the Pastors and Elders of divers Churches not deputed unto this Synod were yet very importunate to be admitted to the seeing and hearing of all matters transacted in it This Assembly considering that their number did daily and excessively increase which might at last cause confusion and other evil consequences in case every one should be indifferently received it was resolved that entrance should not be granted to any other besides the Deputies unless when as the General matters of Doctrine and Discipline should be debated And this Order shall hold good for the future nor shall they be suffered to be present at these debates who have no business calling them unto these Synods unless they produce a Certificate of Leave had from their Churches together with the time limited for their tarrying No Appeals shall be consider'd till the 7th day after the meeting and sitting of the Synod For as much as divers persons at the opening of the Synods are very importunate and thereby disturb the Order of Affairs pressing impatiently the dispatch of their own particular concerns because of the Expences they are inforc'd to make by a long Attendance Notice shall be given to the Churches that for time coming no Appeals shall be medled withal till the seventh day after the sitting of the Synod that so the parties concerned in them may not be over-hasty and that they may have fit time for their Appearance The Answers of his Highness the Prince Elector Palatine return'd unto the Letters of the Synod of Gap by which he had been intreated to endeavour the Uniting of the Protestant Churches being read as also those others from the Ecclesiastical Senate of the Palatinate from the University of Heidelberg from the Provincial Synods of Holland and Zeland from the County of Hannaw and the Classis of Lauzanna Morges Iverdon from the Canton of Bearn and Church of Geneva This Assembly having found evident Testimonials in them of their sincere affection to the seeking and procuring the Common Good How the Lutherans may be re-united see the Synod of Vitré part mat 27. and of Gap Gen. matt 11. and in special an intire Approbation of the Confession of Faith owned and received in the Churches of this Kingdom doth render most hearty thanks unto God for vouchsafing us so great a benefit well-hoping that by their persisting in it the Lord will be pleased graciously to touch the Hearts of them who as yet dissent from us and disagree with us to imbrace it also And all persons are exhorted to be mighty Wrestlers with God in humble and ardent Prayers that it may be effected The Letters also of Monsieur Regnault Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux were read who was charged with those of the Synod of Gap when he went into Germany about his own private Affairs to be delivered unto those to whom they had been directed And because that such a Negotiation was not a little Incommodious to him and that upon his return he was summon'd personally and at his own charges
to appear at Court and that he was at the Expence of printing the Confession of our Faith This Assembly gives him the Sum of seventy Crowns to reimburse his Charges and thanketh him for his care and faithfulness in the delivery of those Letters and for having communicated with Monsieur Piscator and brought back with him his answers But order is given unto the Synod of Lower Guyenne to examine him upon some certain points mentioned in the aforesaid answers as for styling himself the Messenger or Ambassador of the Churches and for submitting the Confession of Faith of the Churches of this Kingdom to the Censures of Forreign Universities and in case these can be proved upon him he shall be censured And forasmuch as the Letters of Monsieur Piscator have been communicated to others before they were tendered to this Assembly the said Synod shall make a strict inquiry into this matter and know whether Monsieur Regnault were guilty of it or no. CHAP. II. Observations on reading the Confession of Faith 1. ON the tenth Article in which it 's said that the whole off-spring of Adam are infected with Original Sin The Pastors of Lauzanna by their Letters request that our Lord Jesus Christ may be excepted But it was not found needful to accord it to them because that it 's expresly mentioned in another Article of the same Confession and for that in this place it is to be understood of other persons as also for that the Scripture expresseth this in plain terms 2. Whereas the Synod of Gap had charged the Provinces to consider in what terms the twenty fifth Article of the Confession of Faith should be couched and to come prepared for it unto the present Synod and to judge whether any mention should be made of the Catholick Church spoken of in the Apostles Creed as also whether it would not be expedient to add the word pure to that of true Church in the twenty ninth Article and that all in general should come ready to debate that Question of the Church The Provinces having been heard speak by their Deputies it was finally resolved by common unanimous consent that nothing should be added to or taken from these Articles and there should be no more discourse had about that point of the Church 3. It was Decreed that nothing should be added unto the eighth Article of our confession which treats of Justification because it 's couched in the very express words of Scripture and in its own common phrase Those Explications and Amplifications desired by some may be received either from Doctors in our Universities or Pastors of our Churches 4. Whereas Doctor John Piscator Professor in the University of Herborn by his Letters of answer to those sent him from the Synod of Gap doth give us an account of his Doctrine in the point of Justification Concerning Man's Justification in the Opinion of Piscator as that it 's only wrought out by Christ's Death and Passion and not by his Life and Active Obedience This Synod in no wise approving the dividing causes so nearly conjoined in this great effect of Divine Grace and judging those arguments produced by him for the defence of his cause weak and invalid doth order that all the Pastors in the respective Churches of this Kingdom do wholly conform themselves in their Teaching to that form of sound words which hath been hitherto taught among us and is contained in the Holy Scriptures to wit That the whole Obedience of Christ both in his Life and Death is imputed to us for the full remission of our Sins and acceptance unto Eternal Life and in short that this being but one and the self-same Obedience is our entire and perfect Justification And the Synod farther ordains that answer shall be made unto the Letters of the said Doctor Piscator propounding to him this Holy Doctrine together with its principal foundations yet without any vain jangling and with that devotion as becomes the singular modesty expressed by him in his Letters to us wherein there is not the least bitterness or provoking expression leaving it unto God who can when he pleaseth reveal unto him the defects which are in the Doctrine of the said Piscator as also to assure him that he hath exceedingly satisfied this Assembly in his Explications on that Topick of Repentance The suppression of the Book of Felix Huguet on the point of Justification for being written without the Warrant tho' in the name of all our Churches against Piscator 5. Letters were sent by Mr. Felix Huguet Minister of the Gospel together with two Copies of a Book writ by him in Latine concerning Justification which said book he had for some time past caused to be Printed at Geneva without the knowledge of the Pastors of that City or the Approbation of the Pastors of the Province of Dolphiny where he resides Upon report made of it by several Brethren Pastors of Churches ordered to peruse the said Book both as to its style and matter The Synod judgeth the said Huguet to have incurred a most grievous censure first for writing in the name of the Synod in a matter of General concern without any warrant from it for so doing and secondly for giving a publick answer to a Book which was never published and lastly for having Printed his Book contrary to the Canons of our Church-discipline And therefore it ordaineth that the said Book be suppressed and that thanks be returned to the Magistrates of Geneva for their preventing of its publick sale and to intreat them that for the future they would totally suppress it And farther the Synod hath thought good that in the Letter which shall be written unto Dr. Piscator he shall be acquainted that Huguets Book was writ without the order knowledge and consent of our Churches and only attempted by him upon a private caprice of his own without any publick Warrant or Authority for so doing Monsieur Sohnis answers orthodoxly and in the name and by order of the Churches unto Piscator 6. Whereas Monsieur Sohnis Pastor and Professor of the Church and University of Montauban hath at the desire and in the name of this Assembly written Letters and an Answer unto those of Piscator which upon perusal are found very orthodox It 's ordered that thanks be returned unto the said Sohnius for his labour and diligence but yet for peace and concord 's sake it 's thought good to detain them by us for a while and Monsieur Sohnis is intreated to suspend the publication of his Treatise about Justification for some short time till we see what fruits the sweet and gentle procedures may produce and the next National Synod shall then license it 7. Monsieur Regnault Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux having sent us the Copy of Letters written to him by the most Illustrious Lord John Earl of Nassau in which he expresseth his desire of maintaining the Peace and Union of the Church and
prefixed by the National Synod was expired when they might have lawfully redemanded their Pastor Moreover these Appellants themselves cannot be justified nor wholly absolved from guilt and miscarriages for they have testified too much animosity against a Reverend Minister of the Gospel for slight and trifling matters only and there be some of them who have merited a very smart and sharp reproof because they having at first endeavoured his restauration amongst them have since by an unaccountable Levity destroyed the Work which they were building and have attempted his total and perpetual exclusion But for as much as the infinitely Wise God hath extracted good out of all these evils and made all these Feuds and Animosities all these Heart-burnings and Contentions wonderfully to contribute to the advancement of his glory the propagation of the Gospel the conversion of many Sinners and the singular edification of both these Churches of Usez and Beziers This Assembly doth judge meet to accommodate and compound all these differences in manner and form following First Monsieur Brunier is presented unto the Ministry in the Church of Usez and the Province of Lower Languedoc is ordered to provide him an assistant out of hand And Monsieur Codur he also is conferred upon the Church of Beziers to be from henceforth their ordinary Pastor and the Sieurs Brunier de Janas and de la Rouviere were all actually reconciled one unto the other in the presence of this Synod and they did all solemnly promise that they would use their best endeavours to reconcile and reunite their several and respective parties now absent And that this might be more easily effected and attained the Sieurs Bayly Perrin de la Colombiere and Valeton are charged as they return home to their own Churches that they pass over to the City of Usez and compose the differences between the opposite parties in it And Monsieur Codur is also charged to bear them company and to deal with his Friends and Allies and Acquaintance there that they may embrace this sacred and desireable peace And Letters shall be written unto all the Appellants in the name of this National Synod and signed by Synodical Officers to press and exhort them to be at peace among themselves to put a period unto all their divisions and dissentions and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace 2. The Consistory and far greater part of the Church of Tonneias appealed from a Judicial Sentence given by their Provincial Synod held at Nerac for that they had freed and discharged Mr. Francois de Monjoux Pastor of their Church from his Ministry in it and relation to it and given him unto the Church of Bazas and its Annexes and for that he the said Mr. Monjoux had acquiesced in the said Sentence And the said Church complained that this was done without ever hearing them and that they did disown and disavow that Person who had been sent by some of the Jurates and Magistrates of their Town nor did they in the least approve of their Elder 's Silence in that Synod when as this matter was under debate This Assembly judgeth that the Synod had acted too precipitantly in giving Mr. de Monjoux his Dismission without a more ample hearing of his Church and therefore ordereth that he shall continue as formerly their Pastor but the said Church of Tonneias shall also for their part take care as in Conscience they are bound that his necessities be supplied and a comfortable maintenance be provided for him And in the mean time their Actings and Proceedings who procured his Congé and Dismission are very much blamed as also their Deputies and Monsieur Monjoux who were all present in this Assembly were censured and their Clubs and private Cabals about Church-matters out of Consistory were all reproved and particularly that Chicannery and contentious humour of theirs in getting all their Acts expedited and dispatched before Publick Notaries and Secular Judges Wherefore this National Synod doth advise and conjure them in the name of our Lord Jesus to be reconciled and at peace among themselves which these persons now present did readily yield and accord unto and as a pledge and token thereof did mutually take each other by the hand promising that they would deal and mediate effectually with their absent Parties to be at peace also and the Pastors of Lower Languedoc as they return homeward shall ride over unto Tonneins and labour to make up and conciliate all these differences And whereas the Parish of Dunet was heretofore incorporated with the Church of Tonneins it shall be conjoyned and reunited to it And in case any new difficulties should be started about it the next Provincial Synod is charged by the Authority of this Assembly to assoil and remove them And it the said Parish yield its consent to be united with that of Tonneins the said Church shall take an especial care about the safe going and coming of their Pastor in the exercise of his Ministry among them And as for that particular fact of John Carrier who complains of his being deposed from his Office in the Eldership without any just occasion the afore-mentioned Deputies are charged to hear him upon the place and to do him right by a final Judgment on his Cause and they shall do the same for the Deacon who also makes the like complaint as the Elder And it is farther decreed that there shall be twenty Crowns paid out of the common Stock of the said Church and Town unto the Sieurs Fassas and Carrier to defray their Expences and to recompence them for their Costs and Trouble in this business which could not amount upon a moderate computation unto a lesser sum 3. The Church of Angoulesine together with their Pastor Mr. Hog complained of the Synod of Xaintonge for condemning the said Church to pay unto the Heirs of Monsieur Mauget Vivian their late Pastor the sum of six hundred and twelve Livers and that it should be paid out of their portion of Moneys given by his Majesty unto the said Church This Assembly judgeth that the said Mr. Hog hath done very well in thus appealing because those Moneys granted us by the King are only appropriated unto Pastors in actual service so that the Provincial Synod did wrong the said Church of Angoulesme by that their Judgment And upon consideration had of the Heirs of Mr. Mauget Vivian deceased and their great poverty and the deep poverty of the said Church and the right that it hath unto the Moneys of his Majesties Bounty there was adjudged unto those Heirs the sum of three hundred Livers and the said Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoumois is ordered to make payment of it unto them out of the Moneys which are in the hands of the Receiver General for the fourth quarter of the years 1604 and 1605. 4. The Church of Saujon appealed from the last Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held in their Town for that it
had obliged the said Church to give twelve Sermons every year unto the Parish of Medis and to celebrate once in the year the Lord's Supper in it the said Parish paying the sum of an hundred Livers towards the maintenance of their Pastor the Church of Saujon declaring that through the goodness of God they were well able to maintain their own Minister without any assistance from the said Parish This Assembly ordained That those of Medis should ordinarily attend upon Divine Service in the Church of Saujon but that Mr. Bonnett should sometimes visit them as his conveniencies and occasions may suffer him without obliging him to time But and if the said Parish of Medis should rather like to incorporate it self with Meschiers or any other Church or would have a Pastor of its own which is left wholly to their own choice and liberty then the Church of Saujon shall be acquitted and discharged of all relation to them and Medis unto them respectively nor shall the one lay claim or pretend unto any thing of or from the other 5. Monsieur Vaissé Pastor of the Church of Campagnac appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne held at Realmont by which the said Church of Campagnac was joyned unto the Colloquy of Lower Quercy in case it provided it self of another Pastor or if it would keep the said Vaissè then the said Church was joyned unto the Colloquy of Albigeois yet not hindering the said Church to contest its rights and priviledges before this Assembly Monsieur Benoist Deputy for the Colloquy of Lower Quercy in which quality his Commission was approved without obliging him to demand leave of his Church of Montauban was heard speak on behalf of that Colloquy Whereupon this National Synod confirmed the Judgment of the Provincial Synod judging that it was in no wise expedient that the said Vaissé should be turned over to the Colloquy of Lower Quercy and ordained that he should continue in his Pastoral Office and Relation unto the Church of Campagnac which should be joyned to the Colloquy of Albigeois which is ordered to bear with the said Mr. Vaissé although he cannot come so often as he would unto the said Colloquy especially if the places be far distant one from the other 6. Monsieur Tenans Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Rector of that University appealed from an Ordinance of the Synod of the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne which having deputed extraordinarily some Pastors to examine two Candidates for the Profession of the Greek Tongue had devolved the Expences of their Journey and abode upon the Stock of the said University and had deprived him the said Rector of his Vote in judging of the Capacities of the two Competitors This Assembly judged that the Rector had done very well in thus appealing For as to the first point it is but just that the Costs should be defrayed by them who through their contentious temper do draw persons before extraordinary Judges And as for the other Article the Rector could not be deprived of his Vote unless they had just causes to except against him whereof the rest should take cognisance 7. The Church of Benet and St. Maixiere appealed from a Decree of the Synod of St. Maixant confirmed by the Provincial Synod of Poictou for returning back again unto the Church of Champdenys those Members which had left them since the gathering and setling of the Church of St. Maixant This Affair was remanded unto the Provincial Synod to be revised by it and when as they have well considered all circumstances of the conveniencies and inconveniencies relating to those Churches the said Synod shall pass a final Judgment thereupon and provide for one without any ways in the least prejudicing or damnifying the other 8. The Colloquy of Lower Poictou appealed from an Ordinance of their Provincial Synod which had incorporated the Church of Maillezay with the Church of Benet for a time But this Appeal was rejected and the Order of the Synod was confirmed as long as it made good for the Edification of both Churches 9. An Elder of the Church of Marans appealed from the Synod of Xaintonge held at Saujon for lending the Sieur de la Violette one of the Pastors of the Church of Marans unto the Church of St. John d'Angely for one whole year after which term he might return again to Marans which made Monsieur Pillard hereupon to leave them Several of the Inhabitants of Marans were called in yea and those of the best quality and account among them who offered unto this National Synod that they would maintain two Pastors without ever in the least taxing or burdening those persons who desired the departure of Monsieur Pillard from them above what they were ordinarily rated and assessed or what they would freely give and contribute of their own accord This Assembly approving and applauding their Zeal and finding their offers to be very just and equitable and contrariwise blaming and condemning the Ingratitude of that other party who would force away their Antient Pastor doth ordain that both those Ministers shall be and continue to be the ordinary and standing Pastors of that Church which shall pay unto each of them a like equal stipend without leaving one behind in Arrears when and whilst the other is paid totally and entirely And in case they do not obey this Decree and that one of these Ministers should come to be lent or removed it shall be the Sieur de la Violette who shall tarry yet three months longer at the Church of St. John d'Angely over and besides that year which the Provincial Synod had determined and that term being expired he shall return unto the Church of Marans 10. Monsieur de Bontoux Minister of the Church of St. Africk appealed from the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc Guyenne for that they had suspended him the exercise of his Ministry a whole month because he went out of their Assembly against their positive prohibition This Appeal was vacated and the Colloquy which abetted him in this his groundless Appeal was also censured 11. Whereas Monsieur Raffin hath executed an Order of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne in the City of Milhaud that the Elders of the Church there should communicate at the Lord's Table before the Judges and Consuls and this conformably to the Decisions and Decrees of our former National Synods this Act of his was approved and ratified and the Appeal of the said Magistrates disannulled nor indeed did they insist much upon it but gave up their Cause 12. Whereas the Provincial Synod of Lower Guyenne had restored Monsieur Reynauld unto his Pastoral Office in the Church of Bourdeaux this their Judicial Decree is confirmed by the Authority of this present Assembly and the rather because that those persons who had appealed from it have dropt their Appeal and seem to be well satisfied 13. Monsieur des Fontaines appealed from the
Provincial Synod of Poictou held at Chastelheraud for that they had judged he was sufficiently reimburst by the Churches of that Province all the Charges expended by him in his Journey unto the General Assembly of Saumur held in the year 1596. And whereas he pretended other summs to be owing to him for several other journeys they sent him unto the Governours of our Cautionary Towns to be recompensed by them because he was their Deputy unto that Assembly and that they received two thirds of the Moneys granted us by his Majesty Upon hearing this whole affair this Assembly did also judge that he was sufficiently satisfied by those Churches of Poictou who yet were exhorted to intreat those Governors to perform their duties and pay their just debt unto the said Mr. des Fontaines 14. The Appeal of the Church of Nage and it's Annexes about what is owing unto their late Pastor Monsieur Terrond was dismissed over to the Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc who by their judicial sentence shall put a final period unto that controversie 15. Theophilus Bluett Lord of la Combe formerly Pastor of the Churches at Lassay in the Province of Mayne and of Rouelle in Normandy having certified under his own hand that he acquiesced in that judicial sentence past upon him by the Deputies of the Synod of Anjou Touraine and Maine who had deposed him from the Ministerial Office and all acts and exercises thereof tho now he brought his Appeal from them This Assembly doth confirm that sentence of the Deputies and deelareth the said Bluett to be totally deposed from the holy Ministry of the Gospel and that notice hereof shall be given unto all the Churches 16. The Synod of Dolphiny having past another Vote that Monsieur Chamier should be once more importunately sollicited to accept of the Professors Chair in Divinity in their University of Die The Church of Montlimart brought their Appeal from if unto this Assembly which did thereupon revive and ratify the former Decrees of those two National Synods of Gergeau and Gap which had left unto the Churches their Pastors and the Pastors unto their Churches and that they should and be divided one from the other but by their joint and mutual consent and the said Provincial Synod was censured to have insisted again upon this affair after that it had been determined by two National Synods 17. The Church of Lions appealed from the Synod of Burgundy which would constrain them to pay the fifth penny of all Charities received by them to the maintenance of Proposans notwithstanding those many reasons arguments and exceptions they had urged and brought against it This Assembly having heard both parties doth leave the said Church in full liberty freely to dispose of their own Poor's Money but yet it adviseth them seriously to consider what is expedient to be disbursed by them in charities and whither they can keep a good Conscience in neglecting a work of so great necessity 18. The Lord of Rochefort and the Inhabitants of that Town professing the Reformed Religion appealed from the Synod of Xaintonge held at St. John D'Angely for adjudging Mr. Chevalier to the Pastoral Office in the Church of Soubize Upon heating of both parties and perusal of all Articles of Agreement made first and last between them This Assembly confirms Monsieur Chevalier in his Ministry to the said Church of Soubize whereof he is now the fixed Pastor and the Members of the Church of Rochefort have full liberty to compound the matter with the Church of Soubize upon those terms imported in their second Agreement made with that Consistory or else they may Incorporate themselves with the Church of Tonnay-charante and both the said Chevalier and that Consistory are Censured for using them of Rochefort so rigorously as to refuse Communion with them at the Lords Table and to hinder the Baptizing of their Infants in their Church Assembly 19. The Churches of Barbezieux and Xaintes contended about the Ministry of Monsieur Petit who pretending that the Colloquy of Janzac held at Pons had discharged him from the Church of Barbezieux because of their great ingratitude to him and in case they did not satisfie him all Arrerages of Sallary due unto him for his service among them in two months time and for that the judgment of the said Colloquy had been confirmed by the Synod and the said Petit not having been intirely payed what was owing him he had therefore left Barbezieux and settled at Xaintes to which he was lent by the Synod for a month and now he had contracted with the Church there And the Church of Barbezieux complaining of this matter unto the mixt Assembly held at St. John d' Angely a Decree was there made that Monsieur Petit should return unto the said Church of Barbezieux and that the Church should come to accompt with him before the Colloquy And Monsieur Roy Elder of the Church of Xaintes did hereupon bring in his Appeal because the said Synod declared to him that according to the Canons of our Discipline it had full power finally to determine this matter and that the said Petit did not in the least repugne or oppose it Who being after summoned unto that Colloquy which was ordered to examine his Accompts did yet nevertheless make no appearance for which cause the said Colloquy had enjoined him to return unto his Church on pain of being suspended from which he now appealed and hath ever since continued his Ministry in the Church of Xaintes notwithstanding all Counsels and exhortations given him by the Colloquy of Xaintonge to be advised and ruled by them And in this state hath this affair stood till the last Synod of the Province held at Saujon unto which it had been remanded and by that Synod it was dismissed over unto this Assembly Now altho the ingratitude of the Church of Barbezieux be very notorious and well known unto this Assembly yet because the pretended Liberty was only conditional and threatned the said Monsieur Petit could not make use of it as he hath done yea tho it had been absolute he ought not to have usurpt that power so as to ally himself unto another Church without having first consulted the Colloquy and till he had first obtained Letters Testimonial from it and the Church in which he last served and therefore the said Mr. Petit was most sharply censured and he was told to his face that if ever he fell into the like offence a second time he should be deposed from the sacred Ministry And the Church of Xaintes also was judged worthy of a severe Censure for practising by unlawful means to deprive the Church of Barbezieux of its Pastor and the said Church of Barbezieux was justly condemned for their ill treatment of and unworthy carriage to the said Mr. Petit. Upon which account and because both those Churches are faulty and blame-worthy the said Mr. Petit was removed from both and neither of them should enjoy him
directly repugnant unto our Discipline to call only the Deputies of the Colloquies and the said Province was censured for that irregular practice and the Higher Normandy is forbidden to Congregate and pack up into one their two Colloquies as they have done heretofore 11. The Church of Cormes and that of St. John du Brueil petitioning to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Rovergue and separated from that of Sauve This Assembly having heard Monsieur Gasques speaking on behalf of the Lower Languedoc that they did not oppose it their Petition was granted them provided that the Synod of Higher Guyenne would carefully inspect and watch over them 12. The Church of Foix and Tarascon complained of their utter inability to maintain a Pastor by reason of the excessive poverty of the Inhabitants of those places This Assembly did therefore add two Portions more out of the Kings Money to that which they already had and intreated Monsieur de Montigny to perswade Monsieur du Mattellet to accept of the Pastoral Charge of that Church and to assist and incourage him in it 13. The Petition of the Church of Bourg Argentall was granted and they shall be henceforward incorporated with the Church of Bonlieu in Vivaretz but on that condition mentioned in the Act of the Provincial Synod of Burgundy that when as by the good providence of God they may be inabled to maintain a Pastor of themselves that then they shall be returned back unto the said Province The Deputies of the Lower Guyenne petitioning that the Decree of their Provincial Synod might be confirmed that all their Churches might be obliged to put the moneys Collected by them for the poor Exiles of the Marquisate of Salluces into the hands of Monsieur Bernardin Elder in the Church of Thonneins that he might be reimbursed the four hundred Crowns lent by him upon his Majesties Grant of that sum unto the Deputies assembled at Chastechelaud and who had already paid it in to the Brethren of the said Marquisate This Assembly hath confirmed and doth now by this present Act ratifie and confirm that Decree aforesaid and it shall be accordingly executed and performed but so that every Church shall be taxed according to its ability and the said Collection thus assessed shall be levied according to the said Rate and Tax 15. Madam la Faye being fallen blind is recommended to the Charity of the Church of Bourdeaux which is intreated to continue their wonted Relief and Assistance to her 16. Monsieur Haulier Pastor of the Church du Mas d' Assier is injoyned to ride unto Vivaretz and in obedience to the Synodical Decree made at Gap to Account with the Church of Annonay and to give them full satisfaction within six months time all delays and excuses being set by 17. Monsieur Baldran Deputy for the Churches of Bearn petitioned that Monsieur Esperian the younger Minister of St. Foy might be restored unto their Province and to serve in one of their Churches The Elder of the Church of St. Foy was heard who produced a Letter written by the Father of the said Monsieur Esperian declaring that his Son if he pleased might continue where he was This Assembly did not approve that the said Esperian should be any wise obliged unto the Churches of Bearn to the hindrance of his abode at St. Foy and this was so determined by the National Synod of Gap and is now ratified by this present Synod And the said Esperian by our authority is now fixed and appropriated to the Church of St. Foy yet with this restriction that in case of great and indispensible necessities he may assist the Churches of Bearn as a Pastor as they also shall in like manner assist ours by vertue of that holy Ordinance of Communion betwixt the Churches of our Lord Jesus 18. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers did by his Son acquaint this Synod of that great Affliction God had laid upon him in depriving him of his Eye-sight together with very many domestick troubles befallen him partly by Persecutions in former times and grievous Sicknesses and that the Church of Pamiers is not of sufficient ability to maintain another Minister Wherefore the Province of Higher Languedoc is enjoyned to deal kindly with him in their Dividends of his Majesties Liberalities and to provide for him under his pressing necessities 19. That all Dissensions arising in the Church of Xaintes about Church-Offices may be prevented for the future this Assembly doth judge fit that as soon as the said Church shall be provided of a Pastor one third of their Consistory shall be changed and another third at the years end and the residue the year following and the Election of the two thirds who are to continue and enter into Office shall be made by majority of Votes of the said Consistory and those who have a mind to be discharged shall enjoy their Liberty And this Canon was made for the said Church at the request of the Province of Xaintonge and to be perpetuated in the said Church but without any prejudice in the least unto other Churches 20. Our Brethren in the Baylywick of Gex shall subscribe the Church-Discipline yet with this Restriction that they shall not be obliged unto some particular Canons which shall be excepted by name in their subscribed Copies and this because of their present estate and circumstances 21. The Deputies of Poictou craved resolution unto this Case Some persons lately married were tied up from Conjugal performances by Witchcraft and thereupon separated one from the other and the Wife was since married unto another Man and afterward her first Husband unto another Woman May these persons be admitted to the Peace and Communion of the Church This Assembly remits the Judgment of the matter of fact unto their Provincial Synod which is ordered particularly to examine all circumstances 22. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved this Case whether a Colloquy might refuse payment of a Donative given by the Provincial Synod unto the Widdow of a deceased Minister upon this pretence that the said Widdow died before the time of paying the said Donative became due and whether her death may cause a Revocation of that Relief from the indigent Heirs of the said poor deceased Widdow This Assembly resolves in the negative and censureth that Colloquy for making a needless stir and opposition 23. The Church of Rochell having collected eight hundred Livers for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces this sum of Moneys was ordered to be paid in to the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny which was done accordingly and the said Province shall bring in their Account how they distribute it unto the next National Synod 24. The Church of Bourdeaux delivered unto the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny four hundred Livers collected in it for our Exiled Brethren of the Marquisate of Salluces and the said Province is to bring in their Account how they have distributed it unto the next National Synod 25.
Monsieur Pynaud brought in his Accounts of Moneys received for the Pastors in the Province of Aujou Touraine and Main This Assembly did not judge sit to examine the particulars of that Account but left it unto the Pastors and Elders deputed by the said Province to make report how many Ministers and Proposans they had in their District according as was ordained for the other Provinces 26. The Province of Xaintonge petitioned that the Church of Bourdeaux might be compelled to perform their promise made unto them of giving them a Proposan instead of Monsieur Primrose This Assembly judging the demand of the said Province to be but equitable doth yet notwithstanding exhort it to acquit that Church of its Obligation because it hath none assurance of the Ministery of the said Mr. Primrose he having obtain'd his Congé and License of departure from this present Synod 27. The Decree of the Synod of Pons in Aulnix made in the year 1605. for the conjunction of the Consistory of Rochell with the Province of Xaintonge in all Ecclesiastical and Political Affairs is confirmed by this present Assembly 28. That Petition of the Church of Roffec about its separation from the Church of Vertueil and being couched upon the Roll of separate and distinct Churches is remanded back unto their Provincial Synod to be finally determined by it 29. The Petition of the poor Widdow of Monsieur Roussepeau is dismissed over to the consideration of the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge to whose Charity she is recommended and that Synod is authorized to oblige the Church of Pons to assist her with some relief answerable to her necessities 30. A difference arose between the Province of Normandy and that of Anjou Touraine and Mayne about the Church of Monjoubert which is made up of divers Burroughs and Villages lying partly in the County of Perche and partly in the Dukedom of Normandy upon which account one of those Provinces demands the said Church to be incorporated with the Colloquy of Alanson and another with the Colloquy of Mayne This Assembly considering the present State of the said Church and being very desirous of its preservation and because its Pastor was presented to it by the Province of Normandy and he is now residing there doth decree that it shall continue joyned unto the Colloquy of Allanson until such time as the Quarters of Monjoubert and Allieres can maintain a Minister of their own And then those Churches shall return unto the Colloquy of Mayne 31. Monsieur de Bonvouloir at present Pastor of the Church of St. John d'Angely having obtained License of Departure from the Province of Poictou upon this condition that he should reimburse the Church of Poiré and and Belleville the sum of four hundred and fifty Livers which they had spent upon him at the Schools and University This Assembly at the request of the Deputies of Poictou ordaineth That the said Sieur de Bonvouloir shall come to account with the said Church within the space of two months about the Moneys they pretend due unto them from him and before an half year is ended he shall make them full satisfaction for all Arrears which he oweth to them or on default hereof he shall return again and be subject to the Authority of that Province of Poictou who have full power to dispose of his Ministry 32. The Deputies of Provence demanding of this Assembly one or more Pastors to supply their vacant Churches and this Assembly at present not knowing where to find them doth intreat and exhort the Provinces of Dolphiny and Lower Languedoc to assist those Churches with some of their Ministers until such time as God shall have in his good providence provided a sufficient number for them 33. Upon the petition of Monsieur Perrin this Assembly decreed that the Quarters of the upper and neither Cedron shall be joyned to the Church of Mombrun till such time as they can get and maintain a Pastor of their own 34. Monsieur Durdes Pastor of the Church of Pamiers writ Letters unto Monsieur de Beauvois a Gentleman of Normandy in which he acknowledgeth that the said Gentleman had lent him a certain summ of Money during the time of his Exile in London These Letters shall be communicated to him by the Deputies of Higher Guyenne and the said Durdes shall bring in his exceptions against them unto the Colloquy of Foix at their next meeting and in case those exceptions of his be not of any force or value he is injoyned to give full and speedy content and satisfaction unto the said Gentleman 35. The Provincial Deputies of Normandy moved this Case from the Church of Caen Whether a child born in marriage disallowed by our Discipline being presented unto Baptism by Godly Sureties who had formerly presented others unto this Sacrament issued from the same married persons might be Baptized Answer was given them that the Parents fault cannot prejudice the Children so that there is no difficulty at all in the case nor should they make any scruple in the least of admitting such Infants unto Baptism especially when as Godly persons will become Sureties for their Religious Education Yet nevertheless the Church should at the same time testify that they do not approve of the said Marriage 36. Monsieur de la Buissonniere petitioned in the name of the Colloquy of Caen that Monsieur le Seneschal Minister of the Gospel might be at their disposal notwithstanding the Provincial Synod had granted him unto the Church of Orbec contrary to the intention of Monsieur de Lasson deceased by whose Legacy he was educated unto the Ministry The Last will and Testament of the said Mr. Lasson deceased being produced and read in this Assembly there was this clause expressed in it That he had ordained the Churches of Caen and Lasson should be called together to dispose of that Proposan who was maintained at the University by the Moneys and Legacy he bequeathed to that intent and purpose Wherefore this Assembly judged that the said Synod ought not to have presented the said Le Seneschall unto the Church of Orbec contrary to the advice and consent of those two Churches it being a great prejudice yea and a downright infraction of the Will of the said Testator However those two Churches are intreated not to be over urgent for the Recalling of the said Pastor till that Church of Orbec have time to provide it self of another 37. Monsieur de la Buissonniere informed this Assembly of the Insolencies and Seditious Challenges of a certain Capuchin Fryar affixed by him to the publick view of the world in some publick places of the City of Allanson but that for peace sake he refused to do the like in answer to him This Assembly commended his modesty and prudent carriage for time past and exhorts him to persist in it for the future upon the like occurrences And our General Deputies are ordered to insert this among others into our Bill of Grievances to be
Paris And the two Writings prepared upon the aforesaid Memoirs presented to and answered before his Majesties Council together with the Letters Patents for the executing of those Answers with which Writings to wit Memoirs of Castelheraud Letters of Exemption and the Original of the answered Writings Monsieur de Mirande was intrusted to whom those who may need them shall apply themselves And the said Monsieur de Crois was acquitted and discharged of all those Writings and he farther engaged to put into the hands of the said Monsieur de Mirande the other Writings which remain at Paris and particularly those concerning our Affairs with Monsieur Palott of all which upon his delivery of them he shall be discharged These Acts were subscribed by Beraud Moderator Merlin Assessor Scribes Andrew Rivett and Roy The End of the Third Synod of Rochel THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XIXth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in the Town of St. Maixant in the Province of Poictou In the Year of our Lord 1609. The Contents of the Synod of St. Maixant 1609. The 19th Synod Cap. 1. DEputies to the Synod The Provinces of Dolphiny and Vivaretz censured Deputy of Sedan excluded Synodical Officers chosen A Canon about Pastors not deputed Cap. 2. Observations on the Confession approved and sworn Cap. 3. Observations on the Discipline A Canon for receiving proposans into the Ministry 2 3 4. Ministers not to study Chymistry 6. A Case about Baptizing of sick Children Notes on the 20th Article of the 14th Chapter 12. the Discipline sworn Cap. 4. Observations on the National Synod of Rochel Of Monks quitting their Convents 4. Monsieur Chamier commended 6. Mitigation of a Canon in favour of the Children of poor Ministers 8. Monsieur Vignier commended for his Theatre of Antichrist 9. Cap. 5. Of Appeals A deposed Minister never to be restored 1 13. A Deputy and no Deputy 5. the case of Monsieur le Blanc Minister of Lions 8. The Widdow of a deceased Minister shall be paid her Annuity from the day of his death 12. A difference between two Ministers composed 20. Three Churches to be visited 23. Divisions in the Church of Orleans cemented 27. A scandalous Minister censured 28. Cap. 6. General matters A Case of Conscience 4. Canon about briguing for Deputations unto Synods 5. A deposed Minister most severely censured 7. An Order for maimed Souldiers having the Cross on their back 10. Of Attestations 11. Act for a National Fast. 12. A subtle and crafty Schismatick to be carefully watched 14. A Case about Baptism administred by a deposed Minister whether valid 16. What to do when Marriage-banes are forbidden 17. A Pocket-Bible designed for the Press 18. Whether a Minister may press a person to discover a secret crime unto the Magistrate 20. Ministers appointed to study some particular Controversies in the several Provinces Cap. 7. Of Universities The Universities of Montauban Nismes and Montpellier censured 1 2. The Duke of Sully's Colledge of Boisbelle 8. Cap. 8. Particular Orders Letters unto the Judges in the mixt Court of Castres 5. A poor Minister relieved 8. the Seignory of Geneva can pretend no right to the Natives of their City Ministers in France 11. Complaints against the Ministers of Mants and Fontainbleau 23. Copies of the Acts of the National Synods not to be communicated 26. A Controversie moved by de Royer and terminated by this Synod 35. Cap. 9. An Order for calling the next National Synod Cap. 10. The Roll of deposed Ministers Cap. 11. Moneys divided among the Churches Cap. 12. A Catalogue of the Churches having portions out of the King's Money Cap. 13. Account of the Dividend for the three first Quarters Cap. 14. Account of Moneys given upon particular occasions THE Synod of St. Maixant In the Name of God! CHAP. I. The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France held at St. Maixant the 25th of May and divers days following in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and nine wherein presented themselves as Deputies from all the Provinces the Pastors and Elders who are hereafter named to wit FOR Provence Provence Monsieur Peter Chalier Pastor of the Church of Seynise and Bartholomew Recener Pastor of the Church or Merindol together with Elias de Glandevez younger Son of the House of Puymichell Lord of St. Ajon Elder of the Church in Puymichell and Peter Texier Elder of the Church of Lormarin or Rouangis For the Province of Dolphiny Dolphiny Master John Vulson Lord de la Columbiere Pastor of the Church de la Mure and John Felix Pastor of the Church of Grenoble together with Charles Martyn Lord of Champoleon Elder of the Church of Champoleon and Francois de la Combe Elder of the Church of St. Marcelin chosen in the last Synod of their Province and the said Lord de Champoleon not appearing Monsieur Jacob Videl Elder of the Church of Brianson presented himself who was chosen in the preceding Synod but was not informed of the alteration made in its last Sessions Whereupon this Assembly judged the said Province worthy of Censure for not having acquainted the said Videl with their change And there having been given an honourable Testimony unto the said Videl by the Deputies of the Province he was admitted to give his deliberative Vote until the coming of the aforementioned Lord de Champoleon after which he may return to his own home but the expences of his jourrley shall be defrayed by the Province Yet at his intreaty the Synod gave him his choice either to tarry or depart Vivaretz and Vellay For the Province of Vivaretz and Vellay Monsieur Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Choillar and John du Roure Elder of the Church of Aubenas who Reporting the excuses mentioned also in the Letters of their Province for their repeated failure in the number of their Deputies they not sending four the Synod did not at all approve of them but upon promise made by them in the name of their Province to perform their duty in time to come they were on this condition admitted for this time though censure was past upon the Province and accordingly executed on them the said Deputies that for the three first days of Session they should be deprived of their deliberative Votes in it Lower Languedoc For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur Jeremy Ferrier Pastor of the Church of Nismes and Monsieur John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommiers together with William Girard Lord of Moussac Elder of the Church of Nismes and John James du Crois Lord de la Combe Elder of the Church of Mompellier For the Province of Lower Guyenne â—erigort and Limousin Monsieur Jeremy Bauconis Pastor of the Church of Tonneins and Isaac Sylvius Pastor of the Church of Clerac together with John de Vertueil Lord of Mallerett Elder in the Church of Burdeaux and Jacob des Mais
Elder also of the same Church Lower Gayenne Perigart and Liâ—â—â—sin Burguâ—dy and Gix. For the Province of Burgundy and Baylywick of Gex Monsieur Peter Colinett Pastor in the Church of Parey le Moynean and Anthony le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Lions with James de Jaucourt Lord of Rouvray Elder of the Church of Chastillion seated upon the Seyn and John le Gras Elder of the Church of Lions whose reasons having been heard inducing them to transfer their right of calling the National Synod unto the Province of Poictou as was decreed by the last Article of the Synod of Rochel they were accepted and approved And they demanding that the priviledg of Convening the next Synod might another time be granted to them answer was returned that in due time they should be considered when as they could present us with a commodious and safe place Higher Languedoc and Guyenne For the Province of Higher Languedoc and the Higher Guyenne Monsieur William le Nautonnier Lord of Castelfranc Pastor in the Church of Venez and Mark Antony Benoist Pastor in the Church of Montauban with George du Bourg Senior Elder in the Church of Isle Jourdain and Levy de Barsac Lord of Breuil Elder in the Church of St. John du Breuil which said Lord du Bourg neither appeared in person nor sent his Excuse for Non-appearance whereof the Province shall have notice given it For the Province of Brittany Mr. David Richer Brittany Pastor of the Church of Blain and Andrew le Noir Lord of Beauchamp Pastor of the Church of Roche-bernard with Louis d'Avangour Lord du Bois de Cargrois Elder in the Church of Nants and Elias de Goulevez Lord of Loudauinieres Elder in the Church of Vielle Vigne For the Province of Normandy Mr. Abdias Denis Lord of Mondenis Normandy Pastor of the Church of Fescamp and Benjamin Banage Pastor of the Church of St. Mere Eglise with Charles de Fouquerett Lord de la Haye Elder in the Church of Rouen and John de la Rey Lord of Narsouquett Elder in the Church of Montivillier The Isle of France Beausse Picardy and Champagne For the Province of the Isle of France Beausse Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Samuel Durant Pastor of the Church of Paris and John Baptist Bugnet Pastor of the Church of Compeigne with Gideon de Serres Lord of Pradett Elder of the Church of Paris and James de Harderet Lord de Bijanette Elder of the Church of Blainville But the said de Bijanett neither appeared in person nor sent his excuse for non appearing whereof the Province shall have notice given them Orleans Blesois Berry and Nivernois For the Province of Orleans Blesois Berry and Nivernois Mr. Stephen de Mont-sanglard Pastor of the Church of Corbigny and Samuel de Chambaran Pastor of the Church of Lorges and Marchenoir with Francois Semelle Elder of the Church of Corbigny and Josiah Perrinett Elder of the Church of St. Amand. Anjou Tourain and Mayne For the Province of Anjou Touraine and the Maine Monsieur Samuel Boucherean Pastor of the Church of Saumur and Daniel Couppe Pastor of the Church of Tours and together with them Toussainct Lord of * * * Leard Leard Elder of the Church of Bauge with whom was deputed Bartholomew de Barge Elder of the Church of Loudun who yet neither appeared in person nor excused his absence by any Letters unto the Synod whereof notice shall be given unto the Province Xaintonge Aunix and Augoumois For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoumois Monsieur John Merlin Pastor of the Church of Rechel and Paul Bonnett Pastor of the Church of Saujon together with Arthur de Partenay Lord of Genouille Elder of the Church of Tonnay Boutonne and Peter Babouett Elder of the Church of Saujon But the Lord of Genouille being absent by reason of sickness Elias Glatinon Elder of the Church of Augoulesme being substituted in his stead was personally present at this Synod and afterward the said Lord de Genouille being recovered and coming to it the other returned unto his own habitation Higher and Lower Poictou For the Province of Higher and Lower Poictou Monsieur Jonas Chesuean Pastor of the Church of St. Maixant and Andrew Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars together with Rene de Caumont Lord of Fiebrun Elder of the Church of Sansay and Stephen Chesneuert Lord de la Miletiere Elder of the Church of Talmond General Deputy Moreover the Lord de Mirande one of the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom appeared personally in this Synod and had his place and priviledge of voting in it according to the former Decrees passed in favour of those our said Deputies There also offered himself Monsieur d'Or Sedan one of the Pastors of the Church of Sedan with Letters from the Mareschall Duke of Bouillon and from the Pastors of the Principality of Sedan and Raucourt craving to be received into this Assembly to have priviledge of voting in it as well as the other Deputies But the Assembly gave them the self same answer which had been given them by former Synods that forasmuch as the said Churches were incorporated with the Colloquy of Champagne and the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France they judged it in no wise fit to grant them their demand Only they were Suffered as other Pastors not deputed unto the Synod to be present when points of Doctrine and Discipline were Debated but should not be otherwise heard in any other matters propounded by them than speaking by the mouths of the Pastors and Elders deputed by their Province And the said Churches were Censured for importuning the reception of this R. person among us because of their private deputation given to him after that an Order had past to the Contrary in the last National Synod And Letters shall be writ unto the Lord Duke of Bouillon to intreat his Highness that the order of our Churches may not in the least be interrupted but most inviolably observed yea and in those affairs which do more especially concern his own Principality Prayers being ended Monsieur Merlin was chosen Moderator and Monsieur Ferrier Assessor and Monsieur Rivett a Pastor and the Lord du Pradell an Elder were chosen Scribes of the Synod It was also decreed for the future that Pastors and Elders who were not deputed by their Provinces should not be admitted into the National Synods but only when as the Confession of Faith and Discipline should be read and observations made upon them during the said reading and that they should be excluded from all other affairs both General and Particular and this Ordinance should serve as a Declaration of the mind and sence of foregoing Synods about those Articles and Canons relating unto the said Pastors and Elders Non-commissionated And the Provinces shall be admonished that for great and weighty reasons they do henceforward by their own authority retain
turned over to the next meeting of the Colloquy of Augoumois which is authorized by this Assembly after hearing both parties to determine finally of that affair 16. The Sieur Salomon a Minister having been lent for two years unto the Church of St. Triers le Perche in Limosin by the last National Synod and being redemanded by the Church of Vanjaux in the Province of Berry by whom he was maintained This Assembly ordaineth that the said Mr Salomon do return within three months unto his said Church of Anjeau at the Charges of the Church of St. Triers and the Provincial Synod of Guyenne shall provide a Pastor for them as soon as possible they can 17. A Petition was presented by divers Gentlemen and others Heads of Families Members of the Church of Montagu in conjunction with the Deputies of Poictou Declaring that forasmuch as they were well able without the Church of Vielle Vigne comfortably to maintain a Pastor they therefore craved that one might be conferred upon them and that they might be reincorporated with the Province of Poictou This Assembly ordaineth that those two Churches of Vielle Vigne and Montague shall continue united together and that the Pastor shall alternatively exercise in both Churches his Ministry and shall appear in person always at the Provincial Synods of Brittany and both these Churches shall remain in this estate till that by the common Consent of them both and of the two Provinces it be otherwise altered and ordained by Authority of a National Synod 18. Letters being writ from the Church of Minerbois meeting in the houses of the Lords de Beaufort and de Paulignan desiring that they might by the authority of this Assembly be joyned unto the Province of Lower Languedoc and that they might be assisted with some Money from the General stock of the Churches for the maintenance of that Minister which shall be assigned them The Synod having heard the Deputies of both the Provinces of Higher and Lower Languedoc adjudgeth the said Church unto the Higher Languedoc and that Provincial Synod is injoyned to provide them of a Pastor and now from this very hour there shall be one portion given to it as to the other Churches of the said Province which shall because of the great number and advantages of its Churches supply that of Minerbois out of its own Stock that so an addition may be made unto the said portion and to what sums may be collected in the said Church to raise a competent subsistence for the Minister that shall be given them 19. The Letters of Monsieur Aubriot Pastor of the Church of Maes Sainctes Puelles were read which related his great Poverty and the lamentable necessities of his Church and he craved two or three supernumerary portions for his Maintenance in the said Church This Assembly ordained that the Province of Higher Languedoc shall add to the portion of the said Aubriot two portions more to be taken out of the Stock of the said Province without drawing any augmentation to themselves from the general Stock of the Churches considering that they have two portions drawn forth under the names of two Pastors and Professors in the University of Montauban 20. The Deputies of Provence propounding several matters not appertaining to this Synod they were dismissed over to the next Political Assembly 21. The Deputies of Dolphiny complained that the Sieur Scoffier educated at their Charges in Geneva was Ordained Pastor to a Church in Berry and craved that he might be again returned unto Dolphiny This Affair was dismissed over to the Provincial Synod of Burgundy with full power of putting a final period to it whether by making restitution of the Moneys disbursed on him or by enjoyning the said Scoffier to return unto the Province of Dolphiny 23. The Provinces of Vivaretz and Dolphiny contending about the Church of Soyon it is decreed that Monsieur Murac Pastor of the said Church shall subject himself as a Member of them to the Synods of Vivaretz until the Church of Valence be provided of a more convenient Meeting-place within the Province of Dolphiny whereunto the said Murac shall be appropriated and that portion given under his name shall continue settled on the Church of Soyon But as long as the Pastor above-mentioned shall actually serve the said Church the portion afore-said shall be allotted to the easing and benefit of both Churches Concerning the Ministers of Mantes and Fountainbleau See Syn. Gap p. m. 32. 23. The Complaint of the Isle of France being again renewed for that the two Ministers of the Church of Mantes and Fountainbleau by command from the Lord Duke of Sully do receive five hundred Crowns out of the portions adjudged that Province This Assembly ordains that the said Synod shall remonstrate unto those Ministers once more their duty and command them accordingly to perform it otherwise they shall be proceeded against by all Censures Yet nevertheless for the support of those Churches and of the Province also over and above the two ordinary portions under the names of the aforesaid Ministers and the five extraordinary granted by the National Synod of Rochel there be two portions more by way of vantage decreed to be thrown into the Stock of the said Province which shall be paid them until the sitting of the next National Synod 24. Considering the deep Poverty and great Burdens of the Church of Maringues by reason of their former very grievous sufferings over and above the two portions assigned unto their Pastors a third extraordinary one is now also bestowed upon them until the Meeting of the next National Synod 25. The two portions formerly granted unto the Church of Aubenac shall be continued to it till the Sitting of the next National Synod 26. Monsieur Poitey having gathered the Acts of our National Synods into one Volume See Syn. Gap p.m. 28. and tender'd it unto this Assembly humbly craving leave that by our Authority the Copies thereof might be distributed we approving the Zeal and good Affection of the said Piotey do not judge it expedient that any Copies thereof should be imparted because of the ill consequences that may happen hereon and therefore advise him to rest contented for the present and to detain by him his worthy Labours for his own private use and benefit 27. There being a difference between the Higher and Lower Languedoc about the Churches of Cormes and St. John du Brueil order was given to those of the Higher Languedoc to demand their remaining Debt of the portions of those two Churches from the Province of Lower Languedoc which had received their Moneys and in case they refuse to give them satisfaction than the Province of Vivaretz by the Authority of this Synod shall judge and determine finally of that Affair 28. The Province of Higher Languedoc is exhorted to consider the Expences that Monsieur Benoist Pastor of Montauban has been at in his just defence against the unjust proceedings of his Adversaries 29. The same
Monsieur Benoist presented the Letters of Monsieur d'Islemade which were recommended to the Lord of Mirande our General Deputy as also the Affair of the Sieur Piloty propounded by the Deputies of Lower Languedoc 30. Whereas the Widdow of Monsieur Quinson deceased complaineth of the Colloquy of Gex for not paying her the Arrears due unto her of her Annuity this Complaint is dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy who shall by their Judicial Sentence put a full and final period to it 31. The Church of Gien Situated upon the Loire being destitute of a Pastor and addressing themselves unto this Assembly petitioned by their Letters and by Monsieur Alix their Deputy that by our Authority they might be provided We Considering the necessities and importance of the said Church Monsieur Francis l' Oyseau now free of I ingagements is granted to them for their ordinary Minister who also accepted of the Charge and was sent unto that Church who were required to take care for his Comfortable Subsistence as being a most faithful and eminent Servant of Christ and one that hath industriously and painfully discharged his Ministry in Sundry and divers places for many years together as appeareth by those honourable Testimonials lying by him and given him from those Churches 32. The Church of Poictiers complaining of the Loan of Monsieur Clemenceau their Pastor for one month unto the Church of Chastelheraut that they could not in the least spare him This Assembly considering their necessities doth nominate in his stead the Sieur de la Roche Crese Pastor of the Church of Cuirey 33. The Deputies of Berry complained in the name of their two Colloquies against that of Orleans about an agreement made by the Church of Orleans and others with the Sieur Fluereau This business was dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy by whose Judicial Sentence a full and final period shall be put unto it 34. The Churches of Vitray in Brittany and of Lassay in the Maine being at variance about the Ministry of Monsieur Conseil sometimes Pastor in the Church of Puylaurens in Lauragais This Assembly having heard the Deputies of both Provinces and what was urged on either hand as argument for them doth censure the said Conseil for his actings in both those Churches as also that Church of Lassay for their secret dealings with him to gain him wholly to themselves yet nevertheless judging that the Church of Vitre had no just title to the said Conseil by vertue of his private promise past unto them the Province of Higher Languedoc having transferred him unto that of Anjou he shall therefore continue Minister in the said Province and be consigned to the Church of Lassay 35. Master James Royer sent Letters and a book unto this Assembly treating of that controversy first started by him in the Church of Geneva and afterwards continued in that of Metz. The Letters of the Pastors of Geneva relating to this matter being read and those also of the Consistory of Metz craving advice from us about that custom of their Elders giving the Cup in the Sacrament unto the Communicants and reciting the words of Institution at their delivery of it from the eleventh Chapter of the first of Corinthians This Synod having already determined what should be done herein by an express Canon inserted into our Discipline in which nothing shall be changed for whatever Difficulties may arise about the delivery of the Cup It cannot by any means approve of the actings of the said Royer nor at all of publishing the said book nor the great passion discovered in his Letters And therefore Ordaineth that Letters be written unto the Church of Metz that by them he be exhorted to follow the things that make for Christian peace and love and we counsel and advise the said Church in answer to their Request that forasmuch as Pastors in Populous Churches cannot without excessive toyling themselves deliver the Cup to every individual Member Communicating at the Lords Table they may use the help of their Eldership but withal they shall injoyn them silence and the Pastors only shall speak when these Sacred Elements are distributed that so it may be generally and manifestly known that the adminstration of the Sacraments is wholly appropriated to the Pastoral office 36. To put an end to the difference between the Sieurs Durdez and de Beaune this Assembly being very well satisfied that the said Durdez is indebted for those summs of Moneys mentioned in his Letters intreateth the said de Beaune to rest contented with one hundred Livers out of one of those portions allotted to the said Durdez CHAP. IX An Order for Calling the next National Synod ORDER is given to the Province of Vivaretz to Assemble the next National Synod and that within two years immediately after the month of May next and it 's left to the prudence of the said Province to chuse the place and to give notice of that day wherein the Synod shall be opened CHAP. X. The Roll of Deposed Ministers THeophilus Bluett and James de l'Obell who were formerly deposed their Deposals is new confirmed without any hope of Restauration and their names were inserted in the National Synod of Rochel at the end of General Matters Henry Dindault whose Deposition was confirmed in the Appeals before-mentioned in this Synod he is about five and twenty or six and twenty years old low of Stature Chess-nut coloured hair pale and meager low visag'd Bertrand Faugier deposed in Dolphiny sometimes Minister in the Church of Vienna is of mean stature black hair beginning to be gray fat and corpulent aged about five and fifty having a very long and large beard and a little short-sighted James Vidouse deposed in the Lower Guyenne about five and thirty years old low of stature Chess-nut coloured hair long and large beard pale and often winking with his eyes One called Senerac or Serverat or Sajerac born at Castres in Albigeois formerly Minister in the Church of Lombert in the same Colloquy is revolted from the Truth of the Gospel unto the Idolatrous Church of Rome he is a fellow short and thick black hair'd he had a full beard but is now shaven wrinkling always his forehead about thirty five years old Vagrants John Rostolon Native of Bearne calling himself a Proposan pretty tall of stature meagre small eyes the hair of his eye-brows very thick not separated black hair little or no beard about four and twenty years old CHAP. XI Moneys divided among the Churches 1. THE Moneys gathered for the Poor of the Marquisate of Saluces were deposited in the hands of Monsieur Videl at the General Assembly of Gergeau by the Sieur Chaussepied from the Province of Poictou amounting to the sum of fourteen hundred four and forty Livers eight Sous and six Deniers and are now in the hands of the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny By the Province of Orleans and Berry one thousand nine hundred Livers By the Province of Brittany seven
and Universities Cap. 15. Roll of Vagrants and Apostates Cap. 16. Lord of Candal's Accounts Cap. 17. A Dividend of Moneys among the Provinces Cap. 18. A Dividend of Moneys among the Universities and General Deputies THE Synod of PRIVAS 1612. The 20th Synod In the Name of God Acts of the National Synod held at Privas in Vivaretz in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and twelve begun the 14th of May and continued for several days after even until Wednesday the fourth of July CHAP. I. Of the Deputies to the Synod There appeared as Deputies FOR the Province of Vivaretz Master John de la Faye Vivaretz Pastor of the Church of Aubenas Mr. Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Annonay Paul de Chambaud Lord of St. Quintin Elder of the Church at St. Fortunate and Isaac Gautier Advocate Elder of the Church of Annonay For the Churches of the Principality of Bearn Mr. John d'Abadie Bearn Pastor of the Church of Nay and Mr. Raymond Thoulouze Pastor of the Church of St. Gladie and the Lord David de Brassalay Elder of the Church of Maslay and Master David de Saliens Lord of Hairdultant Advocate for the King in Navarre Elder of the Church of Baigter or Baiglé For Provence Monsieur James de la Planche Provence Pastor of the Church of Lormarin and Mr. Peter Huron Pastor of the Church of Riez Peter de Villeneufve Lord of Espinouze Elder in the Church of Riez and John Feurandy Elder of the Church of Manosque For Dolphiny Mr. Daniel Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimard Dolphiny and Mr. John Paul Perrin Pastor of the Church of Nions and Mr. John Julian Advocate Elder in the Church of Grenoble and Francis de la Combe Elder in the Church of St. Marcellin For Burgundy Mr. David du Piotay Pastor of the Church of Gex Burgundy and Mr. Anthony le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Lyons Mr. Job Bonnett Advocate Elder in the Church of Chaalons and Humbert Perreau Advocate Elder in the Church of Bussy For Berry Orleans Blesois Dunois and Nivernois Berry Mr. Stephen de Montsanglard Pastor of the Church of Corbigny lez St. Leonard and Mr. Simeon Jurieu Pastor of the Church of Chastillion upon Loir and Jerom Groslott Lord de l'Isle Elder in the Church of Orleans and Elias du Bois Lord of Seinerreves Elder in the Church of Chasleaudun Lower Languedoc For the Lower Languedoc Mr. Andrew de la Faye Pastor of the Church of St. Germain and Mr. Peter Rossel Pastor of the Church of Bedarieux and Peter de Malmont Advocate Elder in the Church of Nismes and John Breny Lord of Hommes-Sargues Elder in the Church of Albiez Higher Languedoc For the Upper Languedoc Mr. Bernard de Sonis Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban and Mr. Hector Joly Pastor of the same Church and Levy de Barjac Lord of Biraul Elder in the Church of Brueil and James du Croix Advocate Elder in the Church of Castres For the Lower Guyenne Mr. Moyses Ricotier Pastor of the Church of Clerac and Mr. Moyses Ferrand Pastor of the Church de la Parade and John de Verteil Lord of Maleret Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux and Stephen Maniald Advocate Lower Guyenne Xaintonge Elder also of the same Church For the Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoulmois Mr. Paul Bonnet Pastor in the Church of Saujon and Mr. Samuel Petit Pastor of the Church of Xaintes and Samuel de Campet Baron of Saujon Elder in the Church of Saujon and Elias de Glatignon Advocate Elder in the Church of Angoulesme For Poictou Poictou Mr. Isaac de Camille Pastor of the Church of Cobe and Mr. George Tompson Pastor of the Church de la Chastaignoraye and Moyses Suzannes Lord de la Forest Breduliere Elder in the Church of Marevil and Peter de Cognac Advocate Elder in the Church of Fontenay For Anjou Anjou Tourain le Mayne c. Mr. Peter Perillan Pastor of the Church de l'Isle Bouchard and Mr. John Vigner Pastor of the Church of Mans and James de Laufernat Lord of Villiers Elder in the Church of Audenay and Daniel Fevron Advocate Elder in the Church of Loudun For Brittany Brittany Mr. John Parant Lord of Preau Pastor of the Church of Vitré and Mr. Bertrand d' Avignon Lord of Souvigné Pastor of the Church of Rennes and Stephen le Maistre Lord de la Reignelaye Elder in the Church de la Roche-Bernard and Gaspard Ezille Lord of Coign Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of de la Moussay For Normandy Normandy Mr. Moyses Cartaud Pastor in the Church of Dieppe Mr. John Bonvier Lord de la Fresnaye Pastor in the Church of Caen and John de Bradefer Lord de la Maneville Elder in the Church of Fontaine Grougny and Paul du Vivier Elder in the Church of Bajeux but absent by reason of his sickness which excuse was accepted The Isle of France For the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Mr. Peter du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris and Mr. John Carre Pastor of the Church Despense and Anthony de Cormons Lord of Villeneufve Elder in the Church of Sezanne and Elias Biggott Advocate Elder in the Church of Paris Deputy General The second day after the opening of this Synod there came also unto it James de Jacourt Lord of Rouvray Deputy General for the Reformed Churches of France residing with their Majesties who had his priviledge of Voting in this Assembly After Prayers offered up to God the whole Assembly elected Mr. Daniel Chamier Moderator and Mr. du Moulin Assessor and the Sieurs de Monsanglard and Maniald Scribes CHAP. II. Orders about the Election of Moderator and Deputies A Deputy censured for bringing his Election 1. LEST in chusing the Moderator any one should give his vote who had by undue ways and crafty designs gotten his Deputation unto these National Synods it was unanimously resolved by this whole Assembly that the first thing which shall be done in it before ever the Moderator be chosen shall be the reading of the Letters of Commission granted by the Provinces unto their Deputies to represent and act for them and the Pastors of that place in which the Synod shall be Assembled shall administer the Oath unto the respective Deputies who shall swear by the Eternal God that they have not themselves in their own persons nor do they know that any other for them or that any of their Colleagues hath Craftily or by any undue means and under-hand dealings procured his or their Deputations 2. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc moved that before we passed unto any other business Inquiry might be made whether any of the Provincial Deputies since their Election had not Committed such Acts as merited Exclusion from this Assembly The motion was accepted and order Given for the Examen that the unworthy
of July The second before the last of this next October And the third before the last of February sixteen hundred and thirteen To wit for Provence Lower Languedoc and Vivaretz in the City of Montpellier For Brittany at Nants For Xaintonge at the City of Rochel And for the Provinces of Burgundy Dolphiny and Vivaretz to the Commissioners which are or shall be named by the said Province at the City of Lions To wit the two first payments at the Fairs in August and All-hallontide of this present year and the third at the Fair of the three Kings in the year 1613. And the above-mentioned Provinces shall be obliged to appoint in each of those before named Towns one certain house unto which the Lord du Candal may come and make payment of those Moneys And the said Lord du Candal shall pay in quarterly unto the said Churches whatsoever he can actually recover of that Quarter unto each of the Provinces equally they concurring to the abatement of a Sous in the Liver within the fifteenth of August of the year 1613. at the places and unto the persons named by the said Provinces And touching the overplus which remaineth to be recovered after the fifteenth of August in the year 1613 he shall give in his notes in writing unto every particular Province who shall come and take them according to the Accompt and Dividend which shall be made by our General Deputies at Court. Of all which summs thus actually payed down by the said Lord of Candal he shall take and keep unto himself a Sous in the Liver which was freely granted him excepting for the Universities from whom he may detain only four Deniers a farthing in the Liver which in truth is not his but the right and due of the Lord de Visouze And as for these Rescriptions of the last Quarter he shall only take three Deniers and the whole shall be managed and dispatched in a full and exact conformity to that agreement past between him and the Deputies of our Churches at the National Synod of Gap and the Regulations made in the following years Moreover the said Lord du Candal is required not to divert unto any other uses the Moneys of our Churches and Universities whatever orders he may receive from other hands without an express order from a National Synod otherwise it shall not be allowed him in the yielding up of his Accompts Done at Privas in Vivaretz the 4th of July 1612. Subscribed by Chamier Moderator Monsanglard Scribes Du Moulin Assessor and Maniald Scribes THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in the City of Lower Tonneins in the Province of Lower Guyenne Begun on Friday the second day of May and ending on Tuesday the third of June in the Year 1614. under the Authority and by the Permission of Louis XIII King of France and Navarre THE CONTENTS OF THE Synodical Acts. 1614. The 21th Synod Chap. I. CAtalogue of Deputies Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. An Order about Letters of Deputation Chap. III. Urgent matters Important advice by the Deputies of the Council of Lower Guyenne given unto the Synod Art 6. Chap. IV. Observations upon the Confession of Faith Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. VI. Observations upon the Synod of Privas The eighteenth Article of the Confession explained Observat 19. Chap. VII Appeals Chap. VIII General matters Chap. IX Of Particular matters Chap. X. Of Colledges and Universities Chap. XI Accompts of Universities and Colledges Chap. XII Lord of Candals Accompts Chap. XIII Dividends of Moneys among the Provinces and Universities Chap. XIV Roll of Deposed and Apostate Ministers Chap. XV. An Act of the Oath of Union Chap. XVI An Act about the meeting of the next General mixt Assembly Chap. XVII The Synods Bill of Grievances Chap. XVIII A Project for uniting all the Protestant Churches which have shook off the Papal yoke◠Chap. XIX Letters from James 1. K. of Great Britain unto the Synod with the Synods Answer and several other Letters Chap. XX. The Excommunication of Jeremy Ferrier an Apostate Minister THE Synod of Tonneins In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in France held at Tonneins within the Province of Lower Guyenne on Friday the first of May and continued till Thursday the third of June in the Year of our Lord 1614. CHAP. I. Deputies Names Officers chosen 1. AFTER Invocation of the Name of God the Letters of Deputation were read that so the Call of every person assisting in it might be known and the Oath taken by them that they had not by any secret under-hand or undue practices gotten themselves Elected Deputies and that they knew not any of this Assembly to have so done after which they chose the Sieur Gigord Moderator and Monsieur Gardesy Assessor and Monsieur Rivett a Pastor and Monsieur Maltret an Elder to be Scribes 2. The Assembly proceeding in their Examination of the Letters of Commission begun with the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne for which there appeared Monsieur John Gardesy Pastor in the Church of Mauvesin and Bennet Balarand Pastor in the Church of Castres with Peter du Puy Lord of Sabournac Elder in the Church of St. Paul la Miate and Denys Maltret Advocate in the Court of Castres Elder of the Church in that City 3. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church at Touars and Peter de la Vallade Pastor of the Church in Fontenay Compte with Jonas de Bessay Lord of Bessay Elder in the Church of Marueil and Giles Begaud Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of St. Fulgentius 4. For the Province of Brittany Monsieur de la Place Pastor of Sion and Andrew le Noir Lord of Beauchamp Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of my Lord the Duke of Rohan with Stephen Groyer Lord of Kerbouchart Councillor of the King and Alloué de Guerrande Elder in the Church of Croisis and James de Beaulieu Elder in the Church of Rennes 5. For the Province of the Isle of France Picardy Champagne and the Land of Chartres Mr. James Imbert Durant Pastor in the Church of la Ferté of the Vidame and Abraham de la Cloche Pastor of the Church of Chaltray together with Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder in the said Church who tendered Letters of Excuse from the Sieur Vauquet Elder of the Church of Laon declaring the Reasons of his absence from this National Synod of which his Province shall take cognisance and they be exhorted to take care that for the future there may be none of their Deputies wanting 5. For the Province of Vivaretz Vellay and Forrest Monsieur Daniel Chanforan Pastor of the Church of Poussin and Monsieur John du Croy Pastor in the Church of Villeneuve de Berg together with James Olivier Advocate in the Court
of that place and Elder in the same Church and James Garnier Elder in the Church of Privas 7. For the Province of the Lower Guyenne Monsieur Jeremy Bancons Pastor in this Church of Tonneins and Ezechiel Marmett Pastor in the Church of Nerac together with Francis de Lusignan Baron of Lusignan Governour for the King in his Town and Castle of Puymirol and Elder of the Church there gathered and John de la Nouaille Elder in the Church of Gensac 8. For the Province of Xaintonge Aulnix and Augoulmois Monsieur Louis le Chevelier Lord of la Cappelliere and Jerom Colomiers both Pastors in the Church of Rochel together with Leon de St. Maure Baron of Montosier Elder in the Church of Bene and Peter de Breuil Lord of Fontenelles Elder in the Church of Barbezieux 9. For the Churches in the Principality of Bearn Monsieur John de Dizerotte Pastor in the Church of Olleron and Peter de Nauguey Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Lescar 10. For the Province of Anjou Touraln le Maine Condomnois Vendomois and the Lower Parche Monsieur Samuel Bouchereau Pastor in the Church of Saumur together with Eleazar de la Primauday Lord of la Barree Elder in the Church of Bourgueil and Abes dit Val Lord of Villiers the King's Attorney in the Election and Granary of Salt at Chasteaugontier and Elder of the Church there who related unto this Assembly that Monsieur Daniel Coupe Pastor in the Church of Tours their Fellow-Deputy was absent through the opposition of his Consistory which also was confirmed by the Brethren that passed through that Town Whereupon the Synod judged the Authors of his absence highly censurable and cannot approve of the said Coupés compliance with their will to the prejudice of what had been decreed in the Provincial Synod And that a meet Censure according to the merits of the Cause may be duly inflicted on them express order is given to the Pastors and Elders of the Isle of France and Anjou that in their return from hence homeward they shall pass unto Tours and particularly inquire into this fact and by Authority of this Assembly shall pass Sentence on them and all their Charges shall be defrayed by that said Church and they shall make report of their duty herein either in Person or by Letters unto the next National Synod 11. For the Province of Higher Languedoc Monsieur John Gigord Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Montpellier and John Bansillon Pastor of the Church in Aiguemortes together with Peter de Massanes Councillor for the King and General in the Court of Assistants at Montpellier and Elder of that Church and Henry de Farrell Lord of St. Privat Elder in the Church of Usez 12. For the Province of Sevennes and Gevaudan Monsieur John Bony Pastor in the Church of Sauve together with James de Combier Lord Baron of Fonds and of Serignac Elder in the Church of Juissac and Peter de Sduorin Lord of Pomaret and of St. Andrew de Valborgne Elder in the Church of the same place who presented Letters from Monsieur John Fitz Pastor in the Church of St. John of Gardenengue excusing his absence by reason of sickness befallen him in his Journey which excuse being warrantable was accepted by this Assembly Since there arrived Monsieur Esaiah du Marez Pastor of the Church of Alez who being substituted in his stead and tendering the Act of Substitution unto this Synod he was immediately admitted 12. For the Province of Provence Monsieur Samuel Toussain Pastor in the Church of Luc with Balthazar Geronte Lord of Verages Elder in the Church of Aiguieres 13. For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. Paul Guyon Pastor in the Church of Dieu le Fit and Denys Bouteroue Pastor in the Church of Grenoble together with James de Veze Lord of la Lo Elder in the Church of Montlimart and Francis de la Combe Elder in the Church of St. Marcellin 14. For the Province of Burgundy Lyonnois Beaâ—jolois Brosse and Gex Monsieur Peter Colinet Pastor of the Church of Paray in Charolois and Peter Eliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Duc together with John de Jaucour Lord of Villarnou Elder in the Church of Avalon and John Grace Elder in the Church of Lion 15. For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Benjamin Banage Pastor of the Church at Karentan and Samuel de l'Escherpiere Lord of la Riviere Pastor in the Church of Rouen together with Paul du Vivier Lord of Beaumont Elder in the Church of Bayeux and James le Noble Lord of la Leau Elder in the Church of Dies 16. For the Province of Orleans Berry Blezois c. Monsieur Daniel Jamett Pastor of the Church of St Amand in Bourbonnois and Samuel de Chambaran Pastor of the Church of l'Orges and Marchenoir together with Lewes de Courcillon Lord of d'Angeau Elder in the said Church and James de Brissay Lord of Jenonville Elder in the Church of Gergeau 17. There appeared also in this Assembly Stephen Chesneverd Lord of la Millitiere General Deputy of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom who was admitted and had both his deliberative and decisive Votes granted him CHAP. II. An Order about Letters of Deputation See the third Synod of Rochel Art 1. after the choice of the Moderator 2. Vitré Art 1. after the Roll. 1. ALL the Provinces for the future are enjoyned to express the proper names and surnames of the Pastors and Elders deputed by them unto these National Synods and to specifie that particular place wherein they exercise their respective Offices And whereas that failure observed by former National Synods about Submission and Obedience is still found wanting in several Letters of Deputation from divers Provinces it is ordained that it shall be promised in express terms without any condition or modification whatsoever unto all things which shall be determined and decreed by these National Synods CHAP. III. Vrgent Matters 2. THE Church of Paris excused its Consistory and Monsieur du Moulin one of their Pastors about his absence from this Assembly tho' nominated thereunto by the Synod of the Isle of France and offered that if he might have speedy notice of it and this Assembly judged it needful he should yet come unto them But upon debate it was found utterly inconvenient for the said Monsieur du Moulin to appear in person among us or that the cause of his trouble should be examined and judged by this Assembly this being no proper place for its tryal for by such an Anticipation we should imbroil our selves with the Civil Magistrates wherefore the excuses both of the Consistory of that Church and of the said Sieur du Moulin were accepted 3. The Letters of the Lords Dukes of Rohan and Sully and from the Lord du Plessis Marli were received and read in this Assembly all tending to assure the Churches of this Kingdom of their holy Resolution immovably to
of Monsieur Chauve at present Pastor in the Church of Sommieres urging for themselves the great importance of their Church and the indispensible necessity they had of a Pastor whose Age and Experience might be able to undergo the burdens of so numerous a Congregation After hearing the Letters of the said Church of Nismes and their request uttered by the mouth of the Sieur de * * * Another reads Pierre d'Or another Pinedon Pucchredon their Deputy and the Arguments of the Provincial Synod by their Deputies to the contrary this Assembly ordained that the said Sieur Chauve should be lent for three months unto the Church of Nismes after which term the Provincial Synod having heard both the Churches and the said Sieur de Chauve may judge whether it be needful or not to dispose of his Ministry and if they find it necessary then by the Authority of this Assembly they shall give him unto the Church of Nismes and they shall provide that of Sommieres with another Pastor either taken from Nismes or elsewhere 33. The Sieur de la Faye This was razed out by the second of Vitré Obs 6. upon this present Synod Pastor of the Church of Aubenas in Vivaretz appeared in this Assembly Appellant from the Judgment of the Provincial Synod which had threatned him with the greatest Censures as if he had deserved them and farther had ordained that the next Synod of his Province should remove him unto some other Church which in their wisdom they should conceive to be more expedient for him and that in the mean while the Colloquy should have a watchful Eye over his conversation But this Assembly condemned all the proceedings of that Province in this Affair particularly for receiving Informations against the said Sieur de la Faye unattested and for censuring him without any cause or Reason and for not having recorded that their Censure nor brought hither any Record thereof and therefore approving the Appeal of the said Sieur de la Faye it doth abrogate that Sentence of the said Provincial Synod as infamous and unjust in every article branch and member of it 34. Certain Inhabitants of Caussade Appealed from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc This was reverst in the 2d Synod of Vitré p. m. 12. importing that the Sieur Grand formerly their Pastor but afterwards suspended for three months and then removed from three years should now at last the term being expired be imposed again upon them This Assembly over-looking the formalities which ought to have been observed in their Appeal but were not did graciously receive both them and it and having heard the Province and seen the Decree declaring several miscarriages whereof the said Grand had been guilty ordained that he be summoned to make his personal appearance before us and to be heard speak with his own mouth what he hath to say for himself and then to be Judged according to the merits of his cause Whereupon the said Sieur Grand having been examined by a Committee appointed for that End and they making report of his confessions and answers this Assembly aggravated his Censure and Judged that he could not exercise his Ministry to the edification of that Church of Caussade and therefore doth ordain that he be disposed of somewhere else by the Colloquy of Lower Quercy at their next meeting and that he be for ever made uncapable of returning to Caussade nor may the said Church ever have power over him or his Father who became bound for him to redemand the Moneys disbursed by them on his Studies because they enjoyed the exercise of his Ministry for some space of time 35. The Colloquy of the Isles Appealed for that Monsieur de la Forest formerly Pastor in the Church of St. John d' Angely was given by their Provincial Synod unto the Church of Mauze in the Colloquy of St. John d' Angely The Sieur Cocq ' a Minister having been heard speak for that Colloquy and the Deputies of the Synod of Xaintonge for the Province this Assembly confirmeth the said de la Forest in the Pastoral office of that Church of Mauzé and ordaineth that the Province shall provide for the Church of St. John d' Angely as soon as possible they can 36. The Church of Agen Appealed because having demanded their portions free of all taxations the Synod of Lower Guyenne had refused it This Assembly rejected their Appeal and dismissed over the affair relating to it unto the said Province which shall provide for their Pastors maintenance as soon as one shall be setled with them 37. The Church of Boislebeque appealing from the decree of the Synod of Normandy by which Monsieur Simson was not only excluded from the said Church of Boislebeque but also from all other Churches of Normandy this their Appeal was made null and void and the judgment of the said Province confirmed which is intreated to take care that the said Church of Boislebeque be supplied with a second Minister in case they shall judge it needful 38. The Colloquy of Albigeois brought an Appeal from the Judgment given in their Provincial Synod of Higher * * * Another Copy Higher Guyenne Languedoc about the affair of Monsieur Josion one of the Pastors of the Church of Castres relating to the Censures past against the said Colloquy and their Deputies After hearing the Sieur Raffin Pastor of the Church of Realmont for the said Colloquy and the Deputies of the said Province together with the said Josion and the Sieur de la Garrigues Deputy of the Church of Castres and the report of the Commissioners deputed to inspect the writings produced by the several parties and who were ordered to examine and hear Witnesses dwelling upon the place and who were particularly mentioned by name unto them this Assembly took off the Censure inflicted upon the said Colloquy and its Commissioners by the said Synod and yet approveth of its judicial sentence in all other particulars and ordaineth that all Papers concerning this business be deposited with Monsieur Gardesy that so the remembrance of them may be for ever forgotten 39. The appeal of Monsieur Raffin Pastor of the Church of Realmont from the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had confirmed an Ordinance of the Colloquy of Albigeois obliging the said Church to visit the annexed Church of la Fenasse every six weeks was disannulled and the decrees of the Provincial Synod and Colloquy were both confirmed 40. The Consuls of Pamiers appealed from a decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc which would not grant them the precedency claimed by them to communicate first at the Lords Table before the Judge of that City But this their appeal was rejected because it was of the nature of those things which might be finally determined by the Synod of their own Province 41. The appeal of Monsieur Graue Elder in the Church of Pamiers from the Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc about Moneys ordered
who consented to pass over unto their Church that they might have a proof of his Ministry and he a tryal of their Tempers and in case of mutual Agreement he intended to settle among them as their Pastor This Assembly approved of this their Reciprocal Transaction and decreeth that after their acceptance of him according to the Discipline of our Churches he shall be confirmed in his Pastoral Office to them 8. The Deputies of the Church of Pons demanding the establishment of a Colledge in their City 2. Vitré Appeal 2. and a supply of Moneys necessary its charges were remanded back to the Province of Xaintonge who should take such care about it as they judged needful 9. The Churches of Soules having deputed the Sieur Bustonoby Pastor 2. Vitré p. m. 19.38 remonstrate the necessity and advantage that would accrew by the personal Residence of Ministers among them which yet they could never effect by reason of their poverty and inability requesting also some little Moneys to forward the impression of a few Manuscripts in the Biscain Language this Assembly over and above the portions received by them from the Province of Lower Guyenne doth bestow upon them two portions quitted free and discharged of all expences taxations and deductions whatsoever and three hundred Livers to be paid at one entire payment towards the Printing of the said Manuscripts And the said Province shall bring in those Moneys upon Accompt unto the next National Synod 10. Mr. Stephen Rochers Pastor of the Church of Monthasillac and Piles having been suspended from his Office by the Provincial Synod of St. Foy until the next Synod of that Province appeared in person before this Assembly petitioning to be restored unto his Ministry and producing laudable Certificates from the Colloquy and Church of Bergerac where he hath since resided as also from that in which he had served his request was granted him and he was declared from this instant Reinstated into the holy Ministry which he was exhorted to discharge with all prudence diligence and faithfulness and whereas he complained of his Churches Poverty the consideration thereof was deferr'd till such times as the Moneys granted us by the King should come to be distributed 11. The Deputies of the Isle of France demanding that another Order might be Issued out against Monsieur de la Touche Pastor of the Church of Mouchamp in Poictou to Account with them about the Moneys owing them for maintaining him several years together in his preparatory Studies for the Ministry 2. Rochel p. 3. m. 4. Privas p. m. 17. to the performance of which he stands obliged by the very orders of one or two former National Synods This Assembly having heard his exceptions and reflecting upon the inconsiderableness of the debt and that his brother hath served in the Ministry in the very self same Province and that he was at great expences in Paris where he fell sick in a Journy which he took on purpose to put an end to this business doth cancel his obligation and intreats the said Province also never to trouble him any more about it 12. The difference in the Church of Mussidan and the Complaint of Monsieur Chabot for that the Publick worship of God had been transferred unto Lunga and the Sieur Latane given without the Consent of the said Chabot unto that Church are dismissed over unto the Provincial Synod to be examined by it and that matter concerning our Cautionary Town there it shall be decided by the next Mixt Provincial Assembly and that things may be brought into a good temper in order to an accommodation some of the Members of this Assembly shall in their way homeward call in at Mussidan and by their best arguments perswade them to a sincere Peace and hearty Union among themselves 13. Phillip Marulles born at Realmont Student in Divinity in the University of Montauban was presented by the Deputies of Higher Languedoc craving some charitable assistance from this Synod who gave him sixty Livers to be paid him by the Receiver General out of the Moneys allowed unto the said Province 14. The Deputies of Vivaretz reported that divers Churches in their Province sending two Elders unto their Synods caused an Inequality in their Votes and the lesser Churches on several occasions do make greatest noises and complaints This Assembly leaveth that Synod In case of contestation full power to gather the suffrages not by Deputies but by their Churches however this shall not be made a precedent unto the other Provinces 15. John Guerin second Regent in the Colledge of Die in Dolphiny requested to be restored unto the sacred Ministry of the Gospel from which he was deposed thirty years ago for a crime committed by him when as he lived at Geneva This Assembly having read and heard the Attestations given him by the Churches of Dolphiny in which he hath since made his aboad and of the University of Die and of his Provincial Synod gave orders unto the said Provincial Synod to write unto our Reverend Brethren the Pastors Professors and Elders in the Church of Geneva to give us their thoughts about it and in case by their answer they approve and consent unto it the said Province having pondered all circumstances and believing that he may be useful in Edifying God's Church is impowered with full authority from this Assembly to restore him unto the Ministry 16. The Deputies of Berry declaring that the Moneys granted unto the Lord Duke of Sully for the Colledge of Boisbelle were laid out and employed in repairing the Colledge of Chastillon Privas p. m. 35. and in divers other pious and requesting that they might be discharged from making restitution of them as they had been injoyned by the National Synod of Privas they being in no wise able to do it by reason of their deep poverty and very great necessities of their Province This Assembly compassionateing their deplorable condition doth for this reason only grant them their request 17. The great necessity and famine befallen the Church of Mas St. Espueilles having been reported in this Assembly St. Maixant P. m. 19. the Lord du Candal w to pay out of the Common Moneys of our Churches unto the Inhabitants of the said City the sum of nine hundred Livers and to Monsieur Aubriot their Pastor charged with a great and numerous family the sum of three hundred Livers the whole being 1200 l. Which sum of nine hundred Livers shall be distributed by the Consuls and Consistory who are to give an Acquitance for it And that the said distribution may be made among the People with the greater Order and fidelity Monsieur Isaiah Lignier Lord de la Menarie Elder of the Churches of Melquel and Lunel who is now personally present in this Assembly and was an Eye-witness of their sore and deep affliction is intreated to see this Charity well-managed and distributed and he shall carry home with him what other Collections he hath
Province of Burgundy for the sixty Livers assigned to their Colledge by vertue of an Ordinance of that Provincial Synod And in case of Non-obedience unto this our Act they shall be proceeded against by all Ecclesiastical Censures 13. The Statutes framed for the conduct and government of our Universities Gap p. m. 18. Privas of Universs 2◠having been read in this Assembly were approved and Provincial Synods Colloquies Consistories and Academical Councils are all exhorted to have a special Eye that they be carefully and punctually observed CHAP. XI The Accompts of our Vniversities and Colledges as also a Dividend of Moneys given by their Majesties unto our Churches Vniversities and Colledges since the National Synod of Privas 1612. 1. THE Accompts of the University of Montauban for Moneys given them by the National Synod of Privas for the years 1612 and 1613 having been presented by Mr. Daniel Chamier and John Bardon were perused and examined and a Decree past that they should be allowed of as to the sums contained in their receipt of those two years a 1612 and 1613 without making it a Precedent for the future nor approving the Expences of the said University over and above their Income assigned them in the Synod of Privas and the books of those Accompts remain in the custody of the said Bardon together with the Copy of the Accompts duly signed whose Original was given unto the Deputies of Xaintonge to be put into the Archives of the Town of Rochel 2. The Accompts of the Universities of Montpellier and Nismes for Moneys given them by the Synod of Privas for the years 1612 and 1613 were brought in by Mr. John Bansillon read and examined and whereas it appeared by them that one of their Professors in Theology at Montpellier had his Wages paid him for half of this present year and the Professor in Hebrew until May last it was decreed that those Accompts or the signed Copy of them should be left in the hands of the said Bansillon and presented unto the next National Synod by the Deputies of Lower Languedoc The Accompts also of the Colledge of Beziers shall be brought unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc there to be audited and afterward tendered unto the National Synod And all this shall be done without making it a Precedent for the future nor as approving the Expences of the said University over and above their Income setled upon them by the Synod of Privas And those Books of Accompts shall be in the keeping of the said Monsieur Bansillon And both the said Universities shall give in their Accompts about the four hundred sixty and six Livers two Sous and eight Deniers remaining in the hands of the Receiver of Lower Languedoc 3. The Accompt of the University of Saumur for Moneys of the years 1612 and 1613. seen examined and shut up by the Synod of Anjou assembled at Saumur the fifth of April 1614. was presented together with the Books thereof unto this Assembly and now revised and cast up by Commissioners ordained to that purpose who made report that the said University had payed all the wages of the Professors Regents and Officers belonging to it unto the first of April last And more those of the two Professors in Divinity one in Philosophy of the four Regents and of their Bedel unto the first of July now coming And that they have yet in Arrears by them for the perfecting the said Accompt the summ of 1062 Livers and eight Sous for which they will be responsible and their Books of Accompts together with the Original of the said Accompt approved in all its Branches were by this Assembly left with Monsieur Bouchereau who brought in the Accompt for this University to be put into the hands of the Deputies of Xaintonge and by them to be laid up in the Archives of Rochel 4. For the future the Universities of the Higher and Lower Languedoc shall bring in their Accompts unto their Provincial Synods to be examined by them and afterward by the Deputies of the said Provinces they shall be presented unto our National Synod 5. The Accompt of the Colledge of Brittany for Moneys from the year 1608 unto the year 1612 having been read examined and shut up in the Synod of Anjou the fourteenth of May 1613. and the summ of 1200 Livers put down to their Receipt for those four years before-mentioned payed into the Colledges of Blain Vitré and Viellevigne it was past also in this Assembly And whereas the said Province was to have accounted for the years 1612 and 1613. by its Deputies they were ordered to bring in the said Accompts unto the Synod of Anjou and thence unto the next National Synod on pain of being deprived of all their Colledge Money for time to come 6. The Accompt of the Province of the Isle of France for the Colledge of Clermont form the year 1607 unto this now current 1614. according to the Decree of Privas having been read examined perfected and approved by the Synod of Berry the seventh of March last and there being omitted in the Heel of the Accompt sixty one Livers and five Sous which have been since made good by the Synod of the said Province of the Isle of France in obedience unto that Order of transmitting it unto Berry the 13th of March last Therefore the whole was approved 7. The Accompt of the Colledge of Berry setled at Chastillon on the Loire for the yeas 1612 and 1613. was past and approved for the eight hundred Livers given to it 8. The Accompt of the Colledge of Poictou was perfected and accepted by the Synod of Xaintonge the ninth of April 1614 and approved by this Assembly but with this proviso that it should not be made a Precedent for time to come 9. The Account of the Colledge of Burgundy for the years 1612 and 1613. was cast up examined and approved 10. The Province of Normandy reporting that through the death of several Regents they had lost their Acquittances and could bring in none other Accompt than the Attestation of their Provincial Synod which inserted a particular Article to this purpose into their Memoirs This Assembly admitting their excuse for what is past injoineth the said Province and all other Provinces to see the Accompts for their Colledges allowed and approved by their respective Synods and from them to be transmitted unto the National Privas of Universities 10. 11. The Accompt of the Colledge of Vivaretz was cast up and accepted 12. The Accompt of the Colledge of Sevennes was examined by the Synod of their Province and approved in this also 13. The Province of Provence having given in none Accompt of the Moneys granted them for their Colledge according to the form appointed them nor set up any Schools according to what was decreed in the former Synods is pardoned for what is past but enjoyned for the future to erect one or two Colledges and to bring in sufficient discharges unto the next National
12 Pastors 3 Proposans 5 portions supernumerary taking in those ordained for Issoire and Maruejolles in all 60 portions and the Colledge the sum of 12184 10 0 14. For Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for 78 Pastors seven Proposans one portion and a half for Leyran 16596 10 0 in all 86 portions and a half the sum of 16989 08 0 15. Lower Guyenne for 78 Pastors 5 Proposans one portion for Soules in all 84 portions 16596 10 0 16. Each 196 03 2 To the Sieurs Suffran and Heeme each a portion 00139 16 4 The total Sum 169973 10 0 All which sums the said Lord du Candal shall pay Quarterly both to the Universities and Commissioners of the provinces and at the terms and manner following To wit that part which belongs to the Provinces of the Isle of France Anjou Normandy Poictou Lower Guyenne Berry and Higher Languedoc taking in the Universities which are in those Provinces into the Commissioners hands whose names have been already or shall be given in unto him by those Provinces And the first payment shall be made the first of July the second on the 15th of October following and the third the last day of January next ensuing for the Isle of France in the City of Paris for Normandy at Roan for Berry at Orleans for Poictou at Poitiers for the Lower Guyenne at Bourdeaux for the Higher Languedoc at Montauban for Anjou at Tours As for the Lower Languedoc Sevennes Brittany Provence and Xaintonge the first payment shall be made at the latter end of July next and the second on the fifth of October following and the third in the end of February next ensuing For Provence Lower Languedoc and Sevennes in the City of Montpellier for Brittany at Nants for Xaintonge at Rochel For the Provinces of Burgundy Dolphiny and Vivaretz at the City of Lions viz. the two first payments at the Fairs in the next August and November and the third at the Fair of Twelfth-Tide which will be in January 1615. And the said Provinces shall be obliged to nominate and chuse some one certain house in each of these Cities whereunto the said Lord of Candal may be directed to make payment of those Moneys And the said Lord of Candal also shall pay in to the said Churches the last quarter of the year 1613 which he shall deliver in unto every one of the Provinces equally they abating the Sous in the Liver before the 15th of August 1615. And he shall give in to all the Provinces desiring it an Answer in writing of the Accompt and Dividend that shall be made by our General Deputies residing at Court Privas of Colledges Art 26. And out of all those sums which shall be actually paid by him the said Lord of Candal he shall detain in his hands a Sous in the Liver which was accorded to him excepting for the Universities of whose Moneys he shall only detain four Deniers in the Liver which is the right of the Sieur Vissouze And as for the Accompts of the last quarter three Deniers only This being according to the Contract and Articles of Agreement past between him and the Deputies of our Churches at the National Synod of Gap Moreover Gâ—gtaâ— p. 11.46 this Assembly enjoyneth the said Lord du Candal not to divert the Moneys of our Churches and Universities which shall be received by him unto any other uses whatever Orders he may receive from other hands but only by an Express Order of a National Synod otherwise it shall not be allowed him in his Accompts CHAP. XIV The Roll of the Deposed and Apostate Ministers 1. IN the Isle of France George Suisse alias Soulais formerly Minister at Fountainbleau suspended from his Office for his vicious and ungodly Life he is since revolted A fellow of a low stature black hair about forty years of age 2. Item one going by the name of Merlette born at Reims in Champagne deposed for his Insufficiency he hath since revolted a fellow tall of stature Chess-nut colour'd hair somewhat brown little or no Beard He was of the same Province 3. Esme de Beauvalet otherwise d'Aix and de Beauval formerly Pastor of the Church at Lavall in Picardy suspended from the Sacred Ministry for his vicious life and wicked conversation he is since revolted a fellow low of stature Chess-nut colour'd hair and bald about 45 years old 4. In Anjou John de Vassan low of stature Eagle-nos'd wide mouth'd little or no Beard deposed for his infamous Uncleannesses he is since revolted aged about 34 years 5. In the Lower Languedoc Jeremy Ferrier a tall fellow black and curled hair of an Olive-greenish Complexion wide open nostrils great lips censured and suspended for his leud carriage and wicked manner of living he hath since deserted the Ministry and was excommunicated out of the Church from which also he hath since apostatized aged about 38 years He was Pastor and Professor at Nismes 6. In Dolphiny Josias Montagne a middle siz'd fellow having a black and tufted Beard mixt hair open and roving Eyes about 40 year old sometimes Minister at Orpierre but since an Apostate The Churches in the Principality of Bearn shall have the priviledge of calling the next National Synod upon condition that they observe the resolutions and decrees of the National Synods of France and bring in their Appeals unto them as also that if any difficulty should arise about the Meeting of the said Synod in the said Principality that they shall within the space of an year give notice thereof unto the Province of Brittany that they may injoy the right of Calling the Synod unto the City of Vitre and no where else and this at the end of two years and about May. Saving always that it may be hastned or deferred as our General Deputies and the Neighbouring Provinces do think fit And in case the Synod be held in Bearn leave is continued unto the Province of Brittany to send but one Pastor and one Elder and the like Priviledge is granted unto Provence unto whatsoever place the Synod shall be convocated All what has been above mentioned was debated resolved and decreed since the second of May unto the third of June inclusively in the year of our Lord 1614. To whom be Honour Praise and Glory for ever more Amen Subscribed by Gigord Moderator Gardesy Assessor Andrew Rivet Scribes Denis Maltrett Scribes CHAP. XV. An Act of the Oath of Vnion Taken Sworn and Subscribed by all the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in their National Synod at Tonneins in the Province of Lower Guyenne in May 1614. WE whose Names are hereunder Written Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in a National Synod held at Tonneins in the Province of Lower Guyenne knowing by past experience that there is nothing more needful for the preservation of the peace and wellfare of our Churches than an holy Union and inviolable Concord both in Doctrine and Discipline and
which he was threatned that if he once more offended in the like manner he should be proceeded against with greater severity The Synod also that commissionated them was censured for assembling themselves irregularly and not observing the Rules and Orders which are usually and necessary to be observed in such Synodical Meetings And sith it appears there be very many and great Divisions in that Province the Province of Lower Languedoc is charged to Commissionate some certain Pastors and Elders who by the Authority of this Assembly shall assemble the Synod of the said Province and meeting with them shall use their utmost power and indeavour to appease their troubles and to reunite those that be divided and to restore and settle Order in those Ecclesiastical Assemblies 17. The twenty second day of May there came into this Assembly for the Province of Higher Languedoc Monsieur John Josion Pastor of the Church of Castres and James * * * Joly afterward turned Apostate Joly Pastor of the Church of Milland together with James de Laureney Baron of Mombrun Provost of Figeac Elder in the Church of Cajars and John de la Viale Counsellor for the King and Lieutenant Criminal in the Seneschalsey of Quercy and Montauban The excuses urged by them for their delays were rejected and their Letters of Commission judged defective And all these four Deputies did take and swear and subscribed for themselves and those who Commissionated them the Oath of Union the Confession of Faith and our Church-Discipline 18. All and every one of these Deputies swore and protested before God Privas Art 1. after the Election of the Moderator Alez Art 3. ibidem that they did not use any indirect nor underhand-dealing nor did any other for them procure as they knew their Deputation nor did they know that any of their Collegues had brigued his or their Election unto this Assembly CHAP. II. Rules and Orders about By-standers and Spectators in the Synod 1. WHereas the Letters of Commission brought by the greater part of the Provincial Deputies do exceedingly differ in that Clause of Submission due and owing by the Churches unto the Decrees of our National Synods And for that very much of our time is spent and wasted in examining and debating of them It is now decreed that for the future All the Provinces should confine themselves unto the words and substance of this ensuing form We promise before God to submit our selves unto all that shall be concluded and determined in your Holy Assembly to obey and execute it to the utmost of our power being perswaded that God will preside among you and lead you by his holy Spirit into all truth and equity by the Rule of his Word Tonneins Art 1. after the Roll of the Deputies for the good and edification of his Church to the glory of his great name which we most humbly beg of his Divine Majesty in our daily Prayers 2. Whereas divers Pastors and Elders chosen by the Provinces have not appeared in their own Persons but by their Surrogates in this Synod the Provinces shall be advertised to take Cognizance of their Excuses and to pass Judgment on them by the Authority of this Assembly 3. The Provincial Deputies of Brittain Tonneins at the â—nd and underneath g. m. 36. did give an Account of their Calling the National Synod unto this place because the Province of Bearn had resigned their priviledge unto them which the last National Synod held at Tonneins had conferred upon them This Assembly approved of what was done by them but yet told them it had been requisite on their part to have been more diligent and careful in acquainting the Provinces more early of the time and place of meeting by their Letters of Advice and Summons And this Advertisement shall serve for all the Provinces that when as any one of them shall have the charge and priviledge of Indicting our National Synods they may so order matters as to free and acquit themselves of all blame and complaint in this particular 4. Monsieur Petré Pastor of the Church of Vitré Petitioned for his Church and Consistory that he together with the Elders of the said Church might be permitted to sit in this Assembly whilst the Confession of Faith and the Ecclesiastical Discipline were reading The Synod granted it for himself and for two Elders chosen and named by the Consistory and unto those other Pastors who having leave from their Churches to attend the Synod about the concerns of their Churches 3. of Râ—chel Art 3. after the Elect. of the Moder St. Maixant the same Alez ibid. or their own private business as also unto Proposans But as for others who would intrude themselves that Canon of the National Synod of Rochell in the year sixteen hundred and seven shall be strictly observed 5. As soon as the Assembly was form'd and setled the first thing they Voted was an Address unto his Majesty to testify the Joy of all our Churches Below g.m. 29. for those many and wonderful Blessings which God hath graciously vouchsafed Him and to protest unto his Majesty from all the Deputies of the Provinces here Assembled and from all the Churches of this Kingdom that we are and ever will be his most humble most loyal most affectionate and most obedient Subjects and Servants And to this purpose there were deputed from among the Pastors Messieurs Hesperien and Bouteroue and from the Eldership Messieurs de Balene and de Moussac who had Letters given them to present unto his Majesty together with a particular Message which they were to deliver him in the name of this Assembly Of which the Lords Deputies who are now sitting in the Town of Rochel shall have notice given them and Letters shall be sent to the Lord du Candall to furnish these our Deputies with a supply of Monies to defray the Charges of their Journey 6. The Oath of Union of all the Churches of this Kingdom Priâ—as Art 4. after the Elect. of the Moderat under our most humble obedience due unto the King was renewed sworn and subscribed by all the Deputies in this Assembly both for themselves and the respective Provinces from whom they were Commissionated CHAP. III. The Confession of Faith THE Confession of Faith of these reformed Churches in the Kingdom of France was read word by word from the beginning to the end and approved in all its Articles by all the Deputies as well for themselves as for their Provinces that sent them and all of them sware for themselves and Provinces that they would teach and preach it because they believ'd that it did perfectly agree with the Word of God and they would use their best endeavour that as it had been hitherto so it should be ever more received and taught in their Churches and Provinces CHAP. IV. Observations on reading of the Church-Discipline Containing matter of advice given unto certain Provinces 1. THE Deputies of Anjou
the Church of Loudun Anger 's Touars of the Isle Bouchart and Saumur and the late Monsieur Craig Professor of Divinity in the University of Saumur had been called in by him unto his Assistance in this affair from which at last there resulted a good Accord between both the Parties who were mutually reconciled in points of Doctrine notwithstanding that some harsh words if rigorously taken and badly understood might be drawn contrary to their avowed sense and sentiments Thanks were ordered in the name of this Synod to be returned unto the Illustrious Lord Du Plessis and to the R. Reverend Monsieur Rivet our Moderator now present and the same also should be rendered unto his Collegues by the Deputies of their Province and special notice hereof should be given by every one of them unto their Synodical Assemblies that so thanks might be offered up unto God unanimously and as it were with one mouth and humbly to beg of his most glorious Majesty that this sacred Concord might not only be confirmed by an uniform judgment between these two Eminent Members but also betwixt all the rest of our Body However afterward Tilenus deserted the Communion of our Churches and died in that of the Arminians 8. Letters shall be written from this Assembly unto the Lord Mareschall Duke of Lesdiguieres Gap g. m. â— Tonneins p. m. 39. intreating him to recommend unto his Royal Highness the Duke of Savoy the poor Protestants banished out of the Marquisate of Saluces beseeching him that he would be pleased to permit them out of his Royal Favour to return unto their Houses and Inheritance and that he would grant unto them their former Liberty of Conscience in the Service and Worship of God CHAP. VI. Appeals 1. AN Appeal being brought by the Church of St. Fulgent from the Sentence given out against them in the Provincial Synod of Poictou held at Touars which had ordained that Monsieur de la Beguadiere should continue with the Church of Montague This Assembly having seen the Memoirs of the said Church of St. Fulgent produced by the Provincial Deputies of Brittain and heard the said de la Begaudiere speak for himself judgeth that the Appeal ought not to be admitted and confirmeth the Decree of the said Provincial Synod of Touars yet it doth also ordain that the Province of Poictou ought to consider the necessity of that Church of St. Fulgent lest it should be at last dissipated for want of a Pastor 2. The Church of Rochefoucault Tonneins p. m. 8. appealing from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held at Rochel which had ordained that the Colledge there established should be transferr'd unto the Town of Pons and the City and Church of St. John d' Angely appealing from the said Ordinance and demanding that the Colledge might be fixed with them This Assembly judgeth that the said Province ought not to have made the said Translation and therefore confirmeth unto the Church of Rochefoucault the Colledge until the sitting of the next National Synod when in case it shall appear that the said Colledge hath not been well-maintained nor the youth duly educated and instructed The said Synod may remove it unto that place where they conceive it will be most beneficial to the Church and Province and the Church of St. John d' Angely are exhorted to erect of themselves a Colledge since God hath blessed them with means and ability for so doing and the National Synod taking notice of their duty in this particular shall give them such Incouragement as in its wisdom shall be judged needful 3. Alez Observ upon this Synod Monsieur Beauchamp Pastor of the Church of Belin appealed from the judgment of the Province of Brittain and his Appeal was received although his affair were of that kind which might be decided finally by the Neighbour Province This Synod therefore amending the Judgment of the aforesaid Province ordaineth That Supplicatory Letters shall be written unto the Lord Duke of Rohan that the Intendant of his Houshold do perform the Agreement which was made with the said Monsieur Beauchamp and in case it be not done that then the Province shall see him satisfied because that during these four years wherein the said Sieur Beauchamp hath officiated as Minister in the Family of the said Lord Duke the Province received that portion of Moneys from the Kings Bounty which belonged to the said Monsieur Beauchamp This Mahaut afterward revolted 4. The Sieur Mahaut had his Appeal admitted against the Judgment of the Province of Brittain although he was freed from it and set in the Catalogue of Pastors to be disposed of and provided for by this National Synod and in case before the breaking up of this Assembly he be not presented unto a Church he shall be wholly at his own Liberty to dispose of himself in any Province of this Kingdom where God shall be pleased to call him And the Lord of Candal is requested to retain in his hands a portion belonging unto Ministers to be paid into that Province where ever he shall be imployed as a Pastor And for as much as the Province of Brittain hath received in his name the moneys granted us from his Majesty's Bounty they shall make him restitution and reimburse him all the arrears of his portion free of all Costs Taxes and Charges whatsoever deducting only what he hath received of that money from the time in which he quitted the Church of La Mussaye until now 5. The Church of St. Martyn appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Sevennes which had separated it from the Churches of Brenons and La Molouze This Assembly approved of that their Decree but yet injoineth the said Province to take care that the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ be constantly kept up in the Church of St. Martyn and that they do give them all necessary supplies out of the monies of his Majesties Bounty assigned unto the said Province 6. Monsieur Clemenceau Pastor of the Church of Poictiers appealing from the Synod of Poictou which in prejudice to the Colloquy of Higher Poictou had ordered 50 l. to be taken out of the 150 Livers assigned by the said Colloquy to the Son of the said Sieur Clemenceau and given unto the Son of Monsieur de Faure Pastor of the Church of Aubenas This Assembly ratifying the judgment of the said Colloquy reverseth that of the Synod which is injoined out of their own stock attributed to them to raise fifty Livers for the young le Favre Tonneins Observ 7. on the former Synod 7. The Church of Niort appealing from the Judgment of the Province of Poictou which refused to allow them their charges which they had disbursed in getting a supply during the absence of Monsieur Chauffepied their Pastor who was sent unto the last political Assembly This Synod declares that this affair is of that kind which ought to be finally determined by a Neighbour Province but yet
whereas the Deputies demanded another Portion for the Church of Ouchant at present served by the Ministers of Blois it being necessary that they should have a Pastor of their own this Assembly would not grant them because the said Church may be conveniently supplied by the aforesaid Ministers and in consideration of the great Necessities of the said Province there were seven supernumerary Portions appointed for them whereof two shall be given free of all Taxes and Charges unto Monsieur Guerin Pastor of Baugency for divers good and valid Reasons moving this Assembly thereunto 5. The Province of the Isle of France was injoyned to provide the Church of Langres of a Pastor to which purpose there was assigned it one Portion and moreover because of the multitude of poor Churches in it there were twelve supernumerary Portions more granted to be disposed by them for the relief of the most necessitous and indigent Congregations 6. The Province of Burgundy shall make proof of their Care and Duty in providing for the Church of Noyers an able Pastor at the next National Synod to which purpose they had one Portion assigned them and those two formerly granted were ordered to be continued to the Churches of Maringues and Paillac and over and above this seven supernumerary Portions 7. Pour Portions were granted unto the Province of Xaintonge that the Churches at present destitute of Pastors there might be provided for viz. a second Pastor for St. John D' Angely one for Villefaignan one for Tonnay Boutonnay and another for Genonsac And whereas they demand another Portion for Baigne Chenonceaux and Monlieu when as they shall have brought in their account for these before-mention'd Portions unto the next National Synod then care shall be taken about some provision for the said Church it so be it be supplied by a Pastor Moreover the said Province shall have two supernumerary Portions comprising in them that Moiety granted by the Synod of Tonneins for the relief of Messieurs Rossignol Gabard Paris du Plot Velez and Toussain who were Pastors Emeriti by reason of their Age and Infirmities and otherwise very much afflicted with Wants 8. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc protested that these ten Churches were become lately vacant by the death of their Pastors or by some other accident and that there be several others to be provided for by that Province as soon as may be to wit Castelnau Brassac Cormies Aisones Caumont Manosques Pairasque Figeac Sevenieres and la Tronquiere to every one of which there was a Portion assigned provided they were really vacant and care taken they be supplied And that Portion and half assigned them by the Synod of Tonneins is continued to them on this condition that the whole Portion shall be imployed for the relief and assistance of the Church of Leyran and the half unto Monsieur Aubriot a Pastor Emeritus 9. The Province of Anjou declared that they were just now presenting a Pastor unto the Church of Chasteau du Loir and another unto that of Mondoubleau for which cause two Portions have been adjudged to them and another under the name of Monsieur Gomarus Professor of Divinity in the University of Saumur and two supernumerary Portions were added by way of augmentation unto the poorer Churches and whereas Monsieur de la Coste late Pastor of the Church of Dijon is given unto the University of Saumur for a Professor in Divinity another Portion is also granted the said Province 10. One Portion was assigned the Province of Sevennes for the Church of Maruejols and another shall be divided between the Churches of Combes and St. Basilc 11. Seven Portions were appointed unto the Province of Normandy one for the Church of St. Peter on the Dine another for the second Minister of St. Lo another for the Church of Cheffreine another for that of Gauré another for that of Gisors another for that of Fescamp and lastly another for that of Havre de Grace all which are lately become vacant by the decease or removal of their Pastors and these shall be supplied with able Men as soon as possible whereof the next National Synod shall take cognizance and six Portions shall be farther added for the relief of the poorer Churches 12. The Deputies of Vivaretz protested that these five Churches following are lately destitute of Pastors and that the Province will see they he supplied out of hand to wit St. Saviour La Bastide de Viral St. Pons de Mirabel Rochers and lastly le Poussin For every one of these this Synod ordained a Portion on condition that the Province should notifie their Care and Duty in providing able Ministers for them unto the next National Synod and six Portions more were added including those two for St. Stephen's which had been allotted it by former National Synods and of the four remaining a half Portion shall be given unto Monsieur Chanforan because of his great poverty In the Province of Provence there were three Churches to be provided for viz. la Coste Sederac and la Charse and that Provincial Synod was ordered to give unto each of them a Pastor and therefore three Portions were added to them for which they shall be accountable unto the next National Synod and there were given them more to be distributed among their poorer Churches six Portions 14. The Deputies of Lower Guyenne assured this Assembly that they were now getting Pastors for these Churches following viz. for Nerac a third Pastor for Beaune Benac Condom Espiens Sause de Misné Hastingues Bayonne Le Mas and Caumont and Pellegrue all which are lately become vacant for which there were assigned nine Portions and the Province shall give account of them unto the next National Synod 15. Two Portions were laid by for the Province of Dolphiny to wit for the Church of Montbrun and Beaurepaire and because of the great poverty of divers Churches in the said Province this Assembly hath granted them seven supernumerary Portions 16. The Province of Brittain had the Priviledge of taking out one Portion under the Name of Monsieur Marmet Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of the Lord Duke of Rohan and because of the great poverty of the Churches in that Province there were eight supernumerary Portions more allotted to it whereof one shall go to the Church of Nants free of all charges and out of the seven others shall be taken an hundred and fifty Livers to be thus employed to wit one hundred Livers to the College of vielle Vigne and fifty Livers to the relief of the said Church 17. The Deputies of Lower Languedoc reported Alez p. m. 72. that in the dividend of the Portions for the said Province there was but one Portion only assigned to Monsieur Scoffier an ancient Pastor and Emeritus altho' there was formerly allowed him one and an half This Assembly gave order to the Lord of Candal that he should give annually a Portion and half unto the said Scoffier who shall give an Acquittance
Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar John de Blache Lord of Blesset Elder of the Church in Bouffres and John de Roure Advocate Elder of the Church of Aubenas 20. For the lower Languedoc Mr. Laurence Brunier Pastor of the Church of Vsez Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier Charles de Bouques Lord of Pons Doctor of the Civil Law and Elder of the Church of Montpellier and Antony de Roques Lord of Clausonne Elder in the Church of Montfrin 11. For the higher Languedoc and Guyenne Monsieur John de Voysin Pastor of the Church of Realmont and Antony Garissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent Paul de Luffee Lord of Maraval Governour of Mavesin and Elder of the Church there James du Puy Deputy-Lieutenant in the Seneschalsy of Montauban and Elder of that Church 12. For â—urgundy Mr. Peter Helliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Due Francis Pereault Pastor of the Church of Mascon and Noel du Noyer Elder of the Church of Bussy Monsieur Salmasius was nominated Deputy unto this Assembly but excused himself by Letters as also did Monsieur Guichard and Forest who beigg Elders were both substituted in his place whose excuses were remanded back unto their Province that it might judge of their validity 13. For the Province or Provence Mr. Peter Huron Pastor in the Church of Reis Elias de Glandeviâ— Lord of Anjou Elder in the Church of Puymichel 14. For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of Dieu le sit Peter de la Croze Pastor of the Church in Courtezon James Bernard Advocate Elder of the Church in Montlimart and Moses du Port Elder of the Church de la Meure the Lord of Champoleon was also nominated in the Letters of Commission but excused himself by Letters unto this Assembly 15. For the Province of Sevennes Monsieur Peter Guillamin Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan John de Vignoles Lord of Bonnet Elder in the Church of Colegnac and John Baldwin Doctor of Laws Elder in the Church of la Salle 16. There came also for the Churches in the Principality of Bearne Monsieur Peter L' abbadye Pastor of the Church of Paw and John de la Coste Lord of Padet Elder of the Church of Moneing In whose Letters of Commission there being wanting the clause of Submission that Article of the Synod of Vitre was read unto them relating to it Whereupon they offering their reasons why they could not intirely subject themselves unto the Discipline of our Churches in France principally because of the present juncture of Affairs They were admitted to a consultive Vote under the limitations expressed in that Act of the Synod of Vitre that it should be left to the Will of the Provinces Whether they should have a decisive Vote in certain Cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom and this by provision only until the next National Synod 17. The Sieur Chalas one of the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom near His Majesty was present also in this Assembly according to the Charge given the said Lords General Deputies in the last general Assembly held at Loudun and Order of our Church After Invocation of the Name of God the Reverend Monsieur Peter du Moulin was chosen Moderator Mr. Brunier Assessor and Messieurs Vignier and Papillon Scribes CHAP. II. Remarks and Passages of the First Session LEtters were presented from the Lord Duke of Rohan unto this Assembly whereby he assured them of the continuance of his Zeal and Affection to the Glory of God and to the weal and happiness of our Churches for which he had the thanks of the Assembly returned him in their Letters 2. Messieurs des Maretz and Ollyer Pastors of the Church of Alez petitioning to be admitted into this Assembly and to assist at the reading of our Confession of Faith and Church Discipline it was granted them as also unto two Elders whom the Consistory should appoint but as for such Ministers as were not commissionated hither by their Churches and all other Persons the Canons of the Third Synod of Rochel and that last of Vitre should be punctually observed Vitre Act 4. after the List of the Deputyes 3. Every one of the Deputies in this Assembly took the Oath according to the Decree made in the Synod of Privas that they had not brigued their Deputation unto this place neither directly nor indirectly Privas Act. 1. after the Names of the Deputyes neither for themselves nor for any others And this shall be observed in like manner for the future in all our National Synods 4. Monsieur â—uretin Pastor and Professor in Divinity in the Church and University of Geneva having brought Letters from the Pastors and Professors there fully testifying and expressing their Holy Affection to the Churches of this Kingdom and of their most near and intimate communion with us was intreated by this Assembly to give us his presence during his abode in this City and to take place among us and to communicate his Counsels and Votes in matters that should be proposed which he also did And after mature and exact consideration of the several clauses in those Letters tender'd by him an Answer was made unto them 5. The Letters of the Lord * * * But he somtime after revolted Duke of Desdiguieres were also presented unto this Assembly expressing his desire for the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Letters of Thanks were ordered to be sent unto His Excellency 6. Monsieur Bansillon Pastor in the Church of Aiguemortes having brought Letters from the Lord of Chastillon and by word of mouth given this Assembly the Protestations of the said Lord after the Heroick Example of his Famous Ancestors to spend himself and Estate in the advancement of Christ's Kingdom was desired to carry back Letters of Thanks from this Synod unto that Noble Lord. CHAP. III. An Act of the Oath of Union subscribed by all the Deputyes both Pastors and Elders The same Oath was Enacted at Tenneins 1014. WEE whose Names are hereunder written Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France assembled in our National Synod in the City of Alez in the Province of Sevennes knowing by experience of what is past that there is nothing more necessary to preserve the peace and wellfare of the said Churches than an holy Union and inviolable consent both in Doctrine and Discipline and their dependencies and that the said Churches cannot long subsist without a good strict and mutual Union and Conjunction of one with another and this better kept and maintained than heretofore Therefore being desirous for the future to remove all seeds of Division and occasion of partialities between the said Churches and to obviate all Impostures Plots Calumnies and Practices whatsoever by which divers Persons ill-affected to our Religion do indeavour its ruine and destruction for
and in the respective Consistories of the Churches of those fore-mentioned Ministers by the Deputies of the Province of Lower Guyenne at the Charges of the Province of Higher Languedoc and they shall be allowed Six and Thirty Livres to defray their Charges which shall be payd them in by the Lord of Candal out of the Moneys belonging to the Province of Higher Languedoc And that Province is commanded to see the Discipline more exactly observed especially in the point of Pastors Residence in their Churches 9. Samuel du Fresne Student in Divinity in obedience to the Order of the last Synod held at Vitâ—e presented himself before this Assembly bringing with him Testimonials from the Consistory of the Church of Saumur certifying of his Piety Religious Conversation Soundness in Doctrine diligence in visiting and comforting the Sick and of his Silence when admitted to assist at their Consistorial Sessions and the Rector and Proâ—â—ssors of the University attesting the same things also and that on all occasions whether by Theses publickly defended or private Conferences and Discourses and by Propositions from the Word of God he hath manifested his good Learning and Proficiency in the Languages and Divinity This Assembly giving Credence to his Attestations hath granted to the said Samuel du Fresne the Summ of One Hundred Livres for his Journey hither and Two Hundred Livres more for his maintenance for One Year in which time he may be called out unto the Ministry in some one of our Churches 10. The Sieur Chauveton having been condemned by the Synod of Vitre to pay the Summ of Three Hundred Livres to the Province of the Isle of France 2. Vitre p. m. 17. which had maintained him in his Studies or in case of his default the Provinces of Lower Guyenne in which he is now Minister was to make satisfaction for him The Letters of the said Chauveton were read by which he humbly requesteth to be discharged from paying that great Summ because it was not long of himself that he returned not within the time prescribed unto his Church of Claye where he once served but because of the many heavy Domestick Burdens that lay sore upon him And the Province of Lower Guyenne being heard in their Remonstrances made by them upon this Account The Assembly confirmed the Decree of the former National Synod and that it might be Executed the Lord of Candal is ordered to keep the said Summ of Three Hundred Livres in his own hand out of the Moneys belonging to the Lower Guyeune from the Kings Liberality that so they may be restored unto the Province of the Isle of France and Monsieur de Chauveton may be acquitted from all Payment because of his great Poverty which was fully notified unto this National Synod 11. On that Affair of the Sieur d' Anglade concerning Arrearages of Sallary pretended to be due unto him by the Province of Lower Languedoc for his possession of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Nismes 2 Vitre p. m. 18. his Letters having been read and the Judgment of the Province of Seventies on the Accompt produced by him This Assembly decreeth Four Hundred Livres unto the said Sieur d' Angtade to witt Three Hundred Livres to be paid him out of the Moneys appropriated to the University of Nismes and owing to him as Professor of the Hebrew Tongue there and an Hundred Livres more out of the Common Stock of the Province of Lower Languedoc and these Monies arising from both these Funds shall be paid in unto him by the Lord of Candal 12. Whereas the Province of Berry hath yielded that the Church of Moulins should be incorporated with the Province of Burgundy this Act of theirs is confirmed by the Authority of this National Synod And as to that difference between the said Church of Moulins and the Province of Berry about Moneys due unto it from the Province 2. Vitre p. m. 22. as Monsieur John Durand their Pastor had made report thereof unto this Assembly They shall accompt with the Deputy of the said Province at their next Synod who shall come into Burgundy on purpose to terminate this Affair And in case they should not agree the Province of Anjou shall put a final period to it by the Authority of this Assembly 13. Reading that Article concerning the Sieur Guerin Pastor of the Church of Baugencey who together with divers other Persons of the Province of Orleans and Berry stand bound in a very great Summ of Money 2. Vitre p. m. 26. The Deputies of the said Province having remonstrated that notwithstanding all their Urgencies and Importunities with the Marquis of Rosny and the repeated instances of our General Deputies at Court with the said Lord they could never get from him so much as one Farthing by reason whereof the said Monsieur Guerin and his Sureties are in great trouble and threatned that they shall be compelled will they nill they to make payment or else to lie and die in Prison Wherefore they most humbly petition this Assembly to have compassion on the said Guerin and his Suretyes and to continue unto him that self-same Charitable Assistance until the next National Synod which was granted him in the last This Assembly would most cordially have complyed with their Desires But being bound up by His Majesties Order It cannot divert the Moneys given our Ministers for their Ministerial Labours unto any other Uses 14. Upon that complaint of John le Febure Bookseller and Citizen of Geneva against the Sieur Menuielle the younger 2. Vitre p. m. 21. at present Minister and Pastor of the Church of Orthez whose Judgment had bin dismissed to the Synod of Bearn which also was advised to injoyn him to go unto Geneva and there to justifie himself from the Crime imputed to him before the Magistrates of that City and in default thereof that Synod was to suspend him from the Ministry Now after hearing the Relation of all passages done at Geneva both before the Magistrate and Consistory at the instance of the said le Febre and the Mediation of the said Menuielle's Friends to compound the matter with him and the Letters written by the said le Febure unto the Synod of Bearn the Shifts and Subterfuges of the said Menueille and the Reasons inducing the Synod of Bearn not to suspend him being all urged by their Deputies This Assembly not brooking that a Man blasted in his Reputation and accused of the Crime of Fornication should be Countenanced in his Sin and incouraged in the Functions of the Sacred Ministry to the great Dishonour and Reproach of so High and Holy a Calling doth once more Exhort the Synod or Colloquie of Bearn to interdict the said Menuielle the Exercise of the Ministry until such time as he shall have fully cleared himself from the Crime imputed to him And notice hereof shall be given by Letters in our name unto the Synod of Bearn as also of some other matters
Chauffepied and Bernard shall immediately visit them and deal with the Consistory and the private Members of the said Church to incline and work over their Hearts and Spirits to embrace it 12. Monsieur de la Garie Minister and Professor of Philosophy at Losanna brought his Appeal against the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Puylaurent which would not suffer him a Scholastick Tryal for the Professors Chair of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Montauban though he offered it and yet at the same time they confirmed Mr. Abel Bicheteau in the said Professorship without any previous Examen or Disputation However this Assembly could not but observe an evident default in the settlement of the said Monsieur Bicheteau both on his part and that of the University of Montauban and on the Synods also which had confirmed him yet doth it ratifie the Decree of the said Synod of Puylaurent and fixeth Monsieur Bicheteau in his Profession and recommends Monsieur de la Garie to the Province of Higher Languedoc not only to defray the Charges of his Journey hither as is just and reasonable but to prefer him also unto the Pastoral Office in some vacant Congregation he submitting himself first unto an Examination according to the Decree of the National Synod of Gap Moreover it enjoyneth the said Province to observe more exactly the Canons of our National Synods in the reception of Publick Academical Professors for time coming 13. Monsieur Isaac de Rieu Pastor of the Church of Pont de Royans appealed in his own Name and in the Name of divers others Ministers and Elders now absent from a Sentence denounc't against them in the Synod of Dolphiny held at Briancon the 18th day of June One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty about a Commission which they together with the Colloquy of Ambrun had joyntly executed This Assembly not in the least approving the Action of these Appealers in granting Letters of Attorney before a Notary Publick unto the said de Rieu as if there had been a cause to be pleaded in a Civil Court of Judicature It doth dismiss them over for the substance of their business unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc which shall judge definitely thereof and the rather because the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny had not brought with them those Papers which was necessary to discuss it and because it was utterly unfit that Monsieur de la Croze should upon his own Charges although he did generously offer it ride into that Province to fetch those Memorials 14. Monsieur Olhagaray Minister in the Church of Mazeres presented an Appeal of the Colloquy of Foix from the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Puylaurent the 18th day of June One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty for that they had defaulked from the Portions belonging to the Church of Foix which were granted them by the Synod of Rochell though not mentioned in the last Synod of Vitre and the said Province refused to make payment of them This Assembly promised to take care of this Matter when as they should distribute the Churches Moneys and that in the mean while it would make Inquiry into what had been ordained by the former National Synods And whereas the Deputies from the Council of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne requested on behalf of the said Colloquy of Foix That they might be assisted with some Moneys to Erect a Colledge in the City of Pamiers they were answered That what had been decreed as to this purpose by the Synod of Vitre should be confirmed by this of Alez 15. The Inhabitants of the Town of St. Aignan appealed from a Judgment past against them in the Synod of Xaintonge held at Tonnay Charente by which they were annexed to the Church of St. John d' Angely but this their Appeal was rejected because it was of such an Affair as might be finally decided within the Province 16. Monsieur Philip Pinauld appealed from the Provincial Synod of Anjou who had conferred his Office of Receiver for the University of Saumur on Monsieur Bouquett because he would discharge it freely and demanded nothing for his pains therein saving only for the Transcribing of his Accompts This Assembly leaveth the whole Affair to the disposal of that Province provided they give General Releases unto the said Pinault 17. The Church of Privas appealed from the Synod of Vivaretz held the last August at Chasteauneuf for abridging them of their Liberty in the choice of their Pastors which they ever had before and did by the consent of their Colloquy allwayes chuse them either from within or without the Province whereas now the Provincial Synod takes unto it self an Absolute Authority of providing for them and hath farther declared That the Portion of the Kings Money which was wont to be payed in unto the said Church doth now of right belong unto Monsieur Lubac although he be none of their Minister nor doth them any Service This Assembly blaming the said Province of Vivaretz for those words of permitting them to choose in times past which seem to condemn those Worthy Ministers who so affectionately served the Church of Privas in its necessity as if they had been guilty of some grievous fault whereas they be every way worthy of Commendation and Thank and not of a Toleration or Connivency And farther blaming that Synod for those words of Absolute Authority which it had arrogated unto it self It ordains that the Church of Privas shall enjoy its free Liberty and may for the future provide it self of a Pastor any where as the Lord shall give them opportunity taking always with them the Approbation of their Colloquy and Synod And forasmuch as this Assembly hath heard talk of Monsieur Lubac an Order shall be sent him to appear before them and to give an Account of himself And in the mean while the Portion due unto the said Lubac shall be stopped in the hands of the Province of Vivaretz until such time as he shall have cleared himself of matters laid unto his charge 18. Several Elders and other the Inhabitants of the Town of Gignac petitioned that they might have a Pastor appropriated to them because of those continual assaults they meet with from the Adversaries of the Gospel they appealed also from the Synod of Lower Languedoc which had imposed upon them against their wills Monsieur duChacornas to be their Pastor And yet contrariwise divers Elders and other the Inhabitants of the said Town of Gignac and St. Andrew Petitioned that the said de Chacornas might be confirmed by the Authority of this Synod to be their Pastor The Assembly reproving those Inhabitants of Gignac for their levity and unserious temper which ingageth them in heats and disputes exceeding prejudicial unto their Consciences and repugnant to the Edifying of Gods Church and Exhorting them to an Holy Union Concord and Perseverance in the profession of the Truth without wavering did promise to provide them a Minister for Six Moneths time who should make
of Sevennes gave in the reasons of their refusal viz. the singular fruitfulness and success of the Ministry of the said Monsieur Ollier among them After all the Assembly confirmed Monsieur Ollyer in his Pastoral Office to the Church of Alez according to the Canons of our Church Discipline and adviseth the Church of Montauban to mind their Duty better for the future than they have done heretofore in maintaining one or more Scholars who may serve them in case of need without being inforced to rob and spoil other Churches See below in the Catalogue of Deposed Ministers Act 7. of this Cottelier 50. Monsieur Matthew Lansard appealed from the Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Vsez in May last which had restored the Sieur John Cottelier formerly Minister in the Church of Nismes unto the exercise of his Ministry upon condition that he should employ himself in some other Province contrary to the Decree of the foregoing Synod in the same Province held at Malquel in the Moneth of May 1619 which had deposed the said Cottelier from the Sacred Ministry as a Person utterly unworthy so Holy and Honourable a Calling The said Cottelier was called in and heard speak for himself against the said Lansard and whatever he could urge in his own Defence and Justification and the Deputies of the Province brought in the Reasons and Motives both of the one and other Sentence and of the Enquiry made about him at Nismes by Commissioners sent thither to that very end and purpose Upon the whole this Assembly did very grievously censure that Province of Lower Languedoc for restoring the said Cottelier again unto the Ministerial Office contrary to the Canons of our Church-Discipline and it doth also censure the Church of Montpellier for suffering him to administer the Sacrament of the Lords Supper among them and other Churches were censured which admitted him to preach in their Pulpits in that Province of Lower Languedoc at that time when as he was interdicted all the Duties of a Gospel Minister in that very Province And forasmuch as the said Cottelier hath by his Vices and Debauches rendred himself utterly unworthy of so Sacred a Function this Assembly doth now totally depose him from the Holy Ministry without any the least hopes of his ever being restored to it 51. The Appeal of the Colloquy of Albigeois from the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Puylaurent about Church Rates is dismissed over to the Colloquy of Montpellier in Lower Languedoc 52. The Appeal of the Church of Realmont against that of la Fanasse brought in at first into the Synod of Puylaurent in the Higher Languedoc and from thence hither is now declared null 53. The Appeal of the Consistory and Church of la Tremblade from the Censure and Judgment given against them by the Synod of Xaintonge held at Marennes was rejected because the contents thereof was of that nature which might be finally determined in their own Province 54. In like manner the Appeal of the Church of Bruillet in the same Province of Xaintonge and that of Monsieur de la Chaussee Elder in the Church of St. Claud brought against the Synod of the same Province held at St. John d' Angely about the Ministry of Monsieur Hog was rejected because the matters of both these Appeals might be finally decided within their own Province 55. The Province of Poictou brought in an Appeal against the University Council of Saumur about their receiving of Monsieur Cameron into the Professorship of Divinity whereunto he was called by them according to a Decree of the Synod of Anjou The Deputies of Poictou were heard in their Arguments and Oppositions made against the Sieur Camerons promotion unto that Chair and the Deputies of Anjou were heard speak for their Province and for the University of Saumur as also Monsieur Vignier who with the Sieurs de la Buissonniter and de la Place had been called in from the Neighbour Provinces by the said University to examin the said Sieur Cameron Although this Assembly believeth that the said Province of Poictou were stirred up unto their Opposition by a Godly Zeal yet notwithstanding it doth approve and confirm whatever hath been done by the Province of Anjou by the University of Saumur and by all the Commissioners of the other Provinces in the Call of the aforesaid Monsieur Cameron unto the Profession of Theology and declares it to have been well and lawfully done by them 56. Monsieur Mahaut appealed from the Synod of Normandy for not approving his Call unto the Church of Roan which had chosen him for their Pastor and he had accepted of it being now out of all Employment and not related unto any Church This Assembly could not approve of the Church of Roans dealings with the said Sieur Mahaut no more than it can of their distinction made between the most eminent Members and the Heads of Families which they are forbidden to use for the future because of many inconveniencies that may ensue upon it And yet forasmuch as the said Sieur Mahaut hath requested to be discharged from the said Church of Roan as is evident from the Consistorial Acts of that Church which were produced he hath no reason to repute himself their Pastor And that the said Mahaut may have an Answer unto his Letters sent unto this Synod he is remanded back unto the next Provincial Synod of Normandy who shall dispose of the Person and Ministry of the said Monsieur Mahaut by vertue of the Authority of this Assembly and in the mean while according to the Decree of the Synod of Normandy he shall go and serve the Church of Ponteau de Mer. 57. The Church of Nismes appealed from the Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Malguiol for denying them Monsieur Chauve to be their Pastor Whereupon the Counsellors Magistrates and Consuls of Nismes as also the Deputies from Sommieres were called in and heard in what they had to oppose against this Appeal of Nismes who pleaded their particular Right unto the Person and Ministry of the said Monsieur Chauve There were Deputies also from the Church of Montauban on the same Errand demanding that he might be conferr'd upon them This Assembly also sounded the inclination of this Reverend Minister who did as ingeniously inform them that there is and ever had been a most sincere and mutual Affection and Correspondence between him and his Church of Sommiers and that the Lord had poured out a singular Benediction upon his poor Labours in it The Deputies also of the Province of Lower Languedoc gave in their Reasons why they had refused him unto the Church of Nismes All which having been maturely debated and considered This Assembly did confirm Monsieur Chauve in his Ministerial Relation unto the Church of Sommieres concurring herein with the judicial Sentence of the said Province and yet compassionating the necessities of that Chrch of Nismes it doth lend the said Monsieur Chauve to them for one year to
begin from that day he shall be chosen by the Church of Nismes and that time expired he shall return again unto Sommieres there to fulfill the Ministry he hath received from the Lord. 58. The Church of St. Martin de Bobaux appealed from the Synod of Sevennes for having assigned them no more than Ten Crowns in liew of all that assistance which was granted them by the National Synod of Vitre This Assembly ordained that the said Church of St. Martyn shall receive a free Portion discharged of all Rates and Taxes out of the Moneys appropriated to the said Province of Sevennes 59. The Church of Ars in the Isle of Re appealed from the Synod of Xaintonge because it had ordered Monsieur Chesnet their Pastor to be removed from them unto that of St. John de Angely The Letters of the said Church being read and the Deputies of the Province and the Sieur Chesnet being heard This Assembly confirms his Ministry in the Church of Ars and leaveth the Province of Xaintonge to take care for the Church of St. John d' Angely and to supply its present necessities by some other Person 60. The Lords Magistrates Consuls and Consistory of the City and Church of Nismes brought in their Appeal from the Synod of Higher Languedoc held at Mazieres for denying them Monsieur Chamier to be their Professor in Divinity The Remonstrances and Petitions of the Deputies of Lower Languedoc being heard as also the Arguments urged to the contrary by the Lords in the Government of Nismes and the Consistory and Council of the University of Montauban and the reasons of the Synod of Higher Languedoc being reported by the Deputies of that Province declaring the grounds of their Refusal This Assembly would not alter any thing in the said University of Montauban and therefore confirmed Monsieur Chamier in his Ministry and Professorship there and exhorts the Lords Magistrates and Consuls of the City of Montauban and the whole Church to give full contentment unto the said Monsieur Chamier that so he may be the more incouraged in his great labours among them and be the more useful to him 61. The Churches of Caen and Santal appealed from the Provincial Synod of Normandy about a certain Summ of Money assigned to the Colledge of the said Province But this Appeal was turned over to the nearest Colloquy of the Isle of France 62. The Church of St. Pons brought their Appeal from the Synod of Vivaretz held at Chasteauneuf for that it had appointed Monsieur de la Motte to be the Pastor of their Church together with that of Mirabel contrary to the desires of the said Church of Pons and that Fourscore Livres which was formerly assigned unto both those Churches in common were now wholly attributed by the same Province unto the sole Church of Mirabel This Assembly considering the many difficulties and obstructions that Monsieur de la Motte conflicts withall in the exercise of his Ministry in that Church of St. Pons doth injoyn the Colloquy of Aubenas to provide the said Sieur de la Motte of another Church and that they may do it the more easily it shall be by way of Exchange translating some other Minister into his place to whom Monsieur de la Motte shall be substituted and so the said Churches of St. Pons and Mirabel may continue incorporated each with the other and mutually enjoy the said Summ of Fourscore Livres an augmentation granted them by their Province towards the maintenance of their Minister And in case the Colloquy cannot provide a Church for the said Sieur de la Motte matters shall remain in the same State as they now be till the sitting of their next Provincial Synod And in the mean while the said Church of St. Pons shall be assisted and supplied by the Pastors of that Colloquy each of them preaching to it in his respective turn 63. An Appeal was brought by sundry of the Inhabitants of St. Lawrence D'aiguze in the Lower Languedoc against certain Orders of the Colloquy of Nismes held at Aimargues in February last and of the Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Vsez in the Moneth of May last for restoring the Sieur Gabriel Tuffan unto the Holy Ministry from which he was suspended by the Colloquy of Nismes held at the said Aimargues in July of the year 1619 though he was never duly absolved from those Crimes of which he was accused and for which he was suspended the Ministerial Office The Deputies of Lower Languedoc were heard declaring the Reasons of their Judicial Sentence and the Commissioners of the Colloquy of Nismes giving in theirs and the said Tuffan speak for himself After which the Assembly debated with themselves the whole Affair and censured the said Province and particularly their Commissioners for their want of gravity and gross self-contradiction in all their proceedings See concerning this Tuffan the 2 d. Synod of Charenton in the Catalogue of Apostates And as for the said Sieur Tuffan he being found guilty of plunging himself Head and Ears in State-Matters and Businesses of this World expresly contrary to the Precept of the Apostle and having thereby contracted on himself much guilt utterly unworthy a Person of his Calling This Assembly suspended him from the Sacred Ministry and interdicted him all the Functions thereof till the sitting of the next National Synod by which he may be restored provided that he bring with him sufficient Testimonials to it of his Repentance and Religious Conversation and of his serious improvement of this Publick Reprehension And in case the next National Synod cannot be conven'd in the year Sixteen Hundred Twenty and Three the Synod of the Lower Languedoc may restore him unto his Office but not to serve within the Precincts of the Colloquy of Nismes And in the mean while a Portion shall given him yearly for his subsistance free of all Rates and Taxes by the said Province And the Church of Bellegarde together with the annexed Congregations shall notwithstanding this Synodical Sentence past upon him give him the said Tuffan full satisfaction for the time that he did them Service as their Minister and the Colloquy shall see them do it 64. An Appeal was brought by the Church of Alez about a Pulpit set up in the midst of the Womens Seats which hath occasioned divers Quarrels Batteries Law-Suits and Suspensions from the Lords Table But the Decision of it was dismissed over to the Colloquy of Vsez in the Lower Languedoc CHAP. IX GENERAL MATTERS 1. THIS Assembly being informed of great Divisions fallen out in the Province of Lower Languedoc 2 Vitre g. m. â— through the multitude of Ministers who are personally present at their Political Provincial Assemblies and of manifold Inconveniencies arising from the Deputation of Pastors about State-Affairs and principally by sending them in business unto Court and designing a remedy for this sad disorder which doth reâ—ect upon the Ministry a world of Reproach and Scorn and diverteth Pastors
Pastors and Elders Deputed unto this Assembly have sworne and protested joyntly and severally that they consent unto this Doctrine and that they will defend it with the utmost of their power even to their last breath The Form and Tenour of which Oath together with the Deputies Names subscribed shall be added to the close of this Article that the consent may be rendred the more Authentick and Obliging to all the Provinces And this Assembly ordaineth that this very Canon be printed and added to the Canons of the said Council and that it shall be read in our Provincial Synods and in our Universities that it may be approved sworne and subscribed to by the Pastors and Elders of our Churches and by the Doctors and Professors in our Universities and also by all those that are to be ordained and admitted into the Ministry or into the Professors Chair in any of our Universities And if any one of these Persons should reject either in whole or in part the Doctrine contained in and decided by the Canons of the said Council or refuse to take the Oath of Consent and Approbation This Assembly decreeth that he shall not be admitted into any Office or Imployment either in our Churches or Universities Moreover this Assembly conjureth by the bowels of Divine Mercy and by the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant all Ministers Pastors of Churches to whom the Cure of pretious Souls is committed that they would walk together evenly and harmoniously in one and the same way that they abstain from all idle unprofitable and curious Questions that they do not pry into the Sacred Ark of Gods hidden and unrevealed Counsels and Decrees above or beyond what is recorded in his written Word the Holy Scriptures of Truth but rather that they would humbly own and acknowledge their ignorance of those profound and unfathomable Mysteries than intrude themselves into things unlawful and that they would so order their Discourses and Sermons concerning Predestination that it may promote Repentance and Amendment of Life consolate wounded Consciences and excite the practice of Godliness that by this means all occasions of Disputes and Controversies may be avoided and we may abide united in one and the same Faith with our Brethren of the Netherlands and other Churches of our Lord Jesus without the Kingdom as maintaining together with them and contending for one and the same Faith assaulted by the same common Enemies and called to one and the same hope through our Lord Jesus Christ to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be Honour and Glory for ever and ever Amen CHAP. XII The Forme of the Oath taken in the National Synod and which is to be administred unto all the Members of Provincial Synods I N. N. do Swear and Protest before God and this Holy Assembly that I do receive approve and imbrace all the Doctrines taught and decided by the Synod of Dort as perfectly agreeing with the Word of God and the Confession of our Churches I Swear and Promise to persevere in the Profession of this Doctrine during my whole Life and to defend it with the utmost of my power and that I will never neither by Preaching nor Teachings in the Schools nor by Writing depart from it I declare also and I protest that I reject and condemn the Doctrine of the Arminians because it makes Gods Decree of Election to depend upon the mutable Will of Man and for that it doth extenuate and make null and void the Grace of God it exalteth Man and the powers of Free Will to his destruction it reduceth into the Church of God old ejected Pelagianisme and is a Mask and Vizard for Popery to creep in among us under that disguise and subverteth all Assurance of Everlasting Life and Happyness And so may God help me and be propitious to me as I swear all this without any Ambiguity Equivocation or mental Reservation Sworn and Subscribed by Peter du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris Deputy for the Isle of Franse and Moderator of the Synod Laurence Brunier Pastor of the Church of Vsez Deputy for the Province of lower Languedoc and Assessor of the Synod Nicholas Vignier Pastor of the Church of Blois Deputy for the Province of Orleans and Scribe of the Synod Thomas Papillon Elder in the Church of Paris Deputy for the Isle of France and Scribe of the Synod Isack de Juigne Pastor of the Church of Vassy and Deputy for the Province of the Isle of France Picardy c. Samuel de L'Escherpiere Pastor of the Church of Roan Daniel Massys Pastor in the Church of Caen Antony Bridon Elder in the Church of Feschamp James de Montbray Elder in the Church of Conde Deputies for the Province of Normandy Ezechiel Marmet Pastor in the House of the duke of Rohan Philip de Vassaut elder in the Church of Roche Bernard Deputies for the Province of Britain Daniel Jammen Pastor of the Church of St. Amand John de Bennes Elder in the Church of Gien Galliot de Cambirs Elder in the Church of Romorantin Deputies for the Province of Orleans Samuel Bouchereau Pastor of the Church of Saumur Matthew Cottiers Pastor of the Church in Touns George Rabbotteau Elder in the Church of Pruilly Deputies for the Province of Touraine John Chauffepied Pastor of the Church of Niort John Carre Pastor of the Church of Chastelheraud Giles Begaud Elder of the Church of Mountagu Deputies for the Province of Poictou Daniel Chanet Pastor of the Church of Ars John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons Peter Paâ—quet Elder in the Church of Rouchfoucauld Peter Promentin Elder in the Church of St. John de Angely Deputies for the Province of Xaintonge James du Luc Pastor of the Church of Casteljaloux James Privat Pastor of the Church of Chastillion Francis Joly Elder in the Church of Bourdeaux John Guillim Elder in the Church of Grateloupe Deputies for the Province of lower Guienne David Agard Pastor of the Church of Valance Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar John de Blache Elder in the Church of Biuffres John de Rouvre Elder in the Church of Aubenas Deputies for the Province of Vivaretz Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier Charles de Boaques Elder in the same Church Anthony de Roques Elder in the Church of Montfrin Deputies for the Province of lower Languedoc John de Voysin Pastor of the Church of Realmont Antony Garrissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent Paul de Luppe Elder in the Church of Mauvoisin James du Elder in the Church of Montauban Deputies for the higher Languedoc Peter Helliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Duc Francis Perreauld Pastor of the Church of Mascon and Noyer du Noyer Elder in the Church of Bussy Deputies for the Province of Burgundy Peter Huron Pastor in the Church of Riez Elias de Glandeves Elder in the Church of Puymitchel Deputies for the Province of Provence Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of
Dieu le Fit Peter de la Croze Pastor of the Church in Courtezon James Bernard Elder in the Church of Montlimart and Moses du Port Elder in the Church of La Mure Deputies for the Province of Dolphiny Peter Guillamin Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborne Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan John de Vignoles Elder in the Church of La Salle Deputies for the Province of Sevennes Peter L'abbadie Pastor of the Church of Pau and John de la Coste Elder in the Church of Moneins Deputies for the Principality of Bearn De Chalas General Deputy for the Reformed Churches of France Touretin Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church of Geneva 24. Whereas the Deputy of the Lord du Candall hath acquainted this Synod that several of the Deputies unto this present Synod having no Letters of Order unto the said Lord of Candall to pay them the necessary charges of their Journey in case he should pay them the Receivers of the respective Provinces might make some difficulty to allow those payments of his unto the said Deputies in his Accompt This National Synod doth ordain that those Receivers aforesaid shall take the promises and Acquittances of the said Deputies as ready Moneys paid by the said Lord du Candall out of the very first Moneys that be either hath already or shall hereafter receive for the Churches and that they shall ho a sufficient discharge for him the said Deputy and good and valuable in the Audit of his Accompt 25. The Deputies unto our National Synods Privas g. m. 15. shall hereafter bring with them the Catalogues of all the Churches and of all the Pastors in actual Service in their respective Provinces Signed and Subscribed by the Moderators and Scribes of the Provincial Synods And in case they neglect the doing hereof there shall be no Respect nor Care had for them in the dividend of the Churches Moneys 26. All the Provinces which have Supernumerary Portions assigned to them in the General dividend shall give an Accompt how they have employed and to what use they have put those Supernumerary Sums in the next National Synod 27. In pursuance of that debate in this Synod concerning those great Sums of Money remaining due unto the Churches from the Sieur Palot This Assembly did this Thirteenth day of November pass a Letter of Attorney before a publick Notary which was delivered unto the Deputies of the Isle of France with this Express Restriction that they should not put it into the hands of the Sieurs Guidon and d'Huisseau till such time as they have agreed and stipulated by some publick act duely executed in Law that they do approve of the Act past in this Assembly and do solemnly promise that they will most effectually prosecute the said Sieur Palot according to the Conditions and Articles mentioned and declared in that our said Act. CHAP. XIII PARTICULAR MATTERS 1 MR. Gasper Martyn Minister of the Church of Saillans in Dolphiny related the great loss sustained by him in the printing of his Book styled Le Capuchin Reforme a great number of Copies being left upon his hand through the Craft and Knavery of the Booksellers who having printed more Copies than they should took out their own Number and leave him to pay the rest and in truth to stand indebted for the whole Impression This Assembly highly honouring him for his great sufferings for professing the Truth and the usefulness of his Works and in consideration of his present wants do bestow upon him one Portion free of all Taxes and Charges which shall be pay'd him until the sitting of the next National Synod over and above that ordinary Portion allowed the Church of Saillans for him and Monsieur Turretin was now desired to deal with the Printers and Booksellers of Geneva that the said Mr. Martyn may have satisfaction given him for the dammage he sustaineth by their means 2. Monsieur James de la Planche having faithfully served the Church of God for Six and Twenty Years in Provence and being now taken blind and almost broken by the Pthysick and borne down with many other Afflictions occasioned through his past labours and sufferings and through his declining Age for which causes he was declared Emeritus by the Synod of that Province and discharged with a very honorable Testimonial from the Exercise of his Ministry and now conflicting with great wants and needing Relief in his Old Age he petitioned this Assembly that some care might be had of him and a competent maintenance assigned to him yearly The Assembly compassionating his Poverty ordained a Portion free of all Charges for him which shall be pay'd by the Lord of Candal unto Monsieur Gras at Lions who shall see that the said Summe be remitted him unto the place of his Abode and the Summ of Six and Thirty Livres was now given him in hand to defray the Expences of his Journey thither 3. Mr. John Paul Perrin Minister of Nions in Dolphiny presented himself before this Assembly to render an Account of Printing his History of the Vaudois and Albigeois 2 Vitre Observ on the former and he farther declared that he was now writing the General History of the Church from the beginning of the World to this Age in which we live This Assembly applauding him and thanking him for his Pains and Labours in the before-mentioned History leaveth it to his prudence and Conscience to judge whether such a Work as he is now undertaking will be of use and benefit unto the Churches because we would not impose that task upon him which would be needless and unprofitable And whereas the said Monsieur Perryn informed us of the numerousness of his Family and that he had a great charge of Children and humbly requested tha the might have some Relief from us especially for the breeding of a Son of his formerly debauched by the Jesuites but now through Grace brought home again unto Repentance a youth of Excellent parts and yielding great hopes that he may be hereafter eminently useful in the Ministry The Province of Dolphiny was exhorted to take care of him and his Family according to the Laws of Christian Charity and the great Merits of the said Monsieur Perrin 4. Monsieur Albiac Dr. of the Civil Law Living at Velleneusve in Berry petitioned to be reimburst the Summ of Fifty Crowns expended by him in executing a Commission for the Churches of the Four Neighbouring Province viz. of Lower Languedoc Dolphiny Sevennes Vivaretz This Assembly judgeth That the Provinces which imployed him ought to see him satisfied and each of them shall pay him equally their parts of so just a Debt and the quota of their Moneys shall to this purpose be detained in the hands of the Lord du Candal that he may be honestly repayed 5. Mr. Simon Daniel Hoslâ—ie Pastor of the Church of Villenusve in Berry petitioned that some Relief might be allowed unto his Church because of
the great losses it sustained in the Troubles of Privas as also to help defray the Expences they shall be at in a Suit at Court about the Consulship of their Town This Assembly judging that the Moneys granted us by His Majesty ought not to be diverted unto such uses doth notwithstanding recommend their Affair unto our Lords the General Deputies that they might get right due to them by the Lords of the Privy Council and because of the Necessities of the said Church there shall be a supernumerary portion assigned to them when we make the publick Dividend 6. Monsieur Massez Notary Publick and Secretary to the Consul of Montauban in the Higher Languedoc requesting to be reimburst by the Churches the great Expences he was at in prosecuting the wrongs done him by the Parliament of Tolouse It being a business of General Concern because of the Notorious Violations of the Edicts granted us by our Kings This Assembly exhorted the Province of Higher Languedoc to take care that the said Monsieur Massez have satisfaction given him for his past Losses and that he be indemnified for the future and that they extend their Charity to him in a most ample and exemplary manner sith they themselves have judged his case to be of very great Importance to all the Churches 7. The Magistrates Consuls and Consistory of the Town of Privas having represented both by Letters and Word of Mouth by Monsieur Tavernier one of their Elders deputed to us the great Losses Dammages and Afflictions sustained by them since the Death of Monsieur Chambaud whereby they be now reduced to a most lamentable condition and worthy of our most tender compassions which also was confirmed by Letters from the Synod and Political Assembly of Vivaretz and praying some Charitable Relief to be Exhibited to them that so this considerable and populous Church might not be totally desolated and dissolved This Assembly ordained That the Summ of Six Hundred Livres should be given the said Church of Privas for a present supply And all the Churches of this Kingdom shall by their Deputies here in this Assembly as soon as they return unto their respective Provinces be exhorted to open the Bowels of their compassion to the said afflicted Church of Privas and to relieve them by a General Collection upon the Lords Day in their respective Temples The Moneys of which Collection shall be sent unto the Churches of Lions and Nismes to be distributed by them unto that of Privas And Letters also shall be writ to the Lord Governour of Montauban to the Marquesses of La Charse of Montbrun and other the Parents and Kindred of the late Deceased Monsieur de Chambaud desiring them to take special care of the Religious Education of his Children that they may not be diverted from the True Religion and trained up in Popish Idolatry but that they would be pleased to undertake for them and become their Tutors and Guardians according to the known Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom 8. The Heads of Families professing the Reformed Religion in the Baylywick of Orillac in the Mountains of Upper Auvergne petitioned that the Portions granted them by the National Synods of Gap and Rochel might be contined to them This Assembly ordained that the Portion belonging unto the said Church in the Baylywyck of Orillac shall be given it free and discharged of all Taxes by the Province of Higher Languedoc Gap p. m. 18 3. Rochell 9. Monsieur Casaud Pastor of the Church of Lectoure petitioned on its behalf for some charitable Relief to raise it up from that woful Ruin and Misery into which it is now plunged and to sustain it against its Enemies for the future This Assembly compassionating the said Church did order and assign a free Portion out of the Dividend of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne unto it and one part of the Collection which shall be made in the Higher Languedoc and Guyenne for the Church of Privas shall be given unto the said Church of Lectoure 10. The Church of Tulette belonging to the Province of Dolphiny but inclosed on all parts with the County of Venisse humbly requested some relief for its subsistence Because this is a Church of great importance very poor exceeding feeble and unable to resist the many Enemies which do surround it This Assembly ordained that besides the free Portion which it should receive as well as others out of the Dividend for the said Province of Dolphiny It shall have also an half portion free out of the Common Stock of all the Churches until the sitting of the next National Synod 11. Hierome Quevedo a Spaniard escaped out of the Prison of the Inquisition demanded some relief that he might live in the profession of the Gospel This Assembly ordered him an Hundred Livres out of the common Moneys of the Churches which shall be put into the hands of the Consistory of Montpellier to pay him Quarterly a Portion that so he may learn some honest Trade whereby to gain a livelyhood Which Summ shall be continued to him or taken from him as the Consistory of the Church of Montpellier shall judge of his Deportments 12. Lawrence Joly one of the Exiled Protestants of the Marquisate of Salluces having brought Letters from the Church of Guillestre which is composed of the poor Refugees of the said Marquisate unto this Assembly did most humbly petition that they might have a Portion of the Moneys granted us by the King for the maintenance of a Pastor because they are in hopes that it may allure and attract a great many others who are groaning under that sore and heavy persecution in the Marquisate and doe hunger after the Bread of Life and ardently desire the Inlargement of Christ's Kingdom to quit and forsake it This Assembly in the Dividend of its Moneys will ordain a supernumerary Portion for the said Church of Guillestre 13. Monsieur Guingonis shall be assisted with Ten Crown out of the common Moneys belonging to the Province of Province And as for Mr. John Dury Student in Divinity the Province of Lower Languedoc is ordered to provide for him according to the Canons of our National Synods and in the mean while he shall receive Twenty Crowns out of the Moneys appropriated to the said Province of Lower Languedoc that so he may quit this Town and remove to Montauban 14. Anthony Verdier formerly a Priest in the County of Avignon had Six Livres given him that he might depart hence unto Grenoble 15. The Church of St. Paul Trois Chasteaux demanding some Relief to set up a School among them and to help build their Temple were dismissed over to the Province of Dolphiny which is exhorted to have a special care of that Church 16. Monsieur John Perier Pastor of the Church of Paillac in Auvergne did on behalf of his Church complain against the Provincial Synod of Burgundy for not giving him the Portions granted by the National Synod of Privas and requested that
should be of indispensable necessity but they shall send their Accounts fairly written and cleared up with their Acquittances unto the places where they be summoned And they shall take special care that they be not Sollicitors of any Process unless upon very urgent occasion 8. And whereas there is not a sufficient Number of Pastors in that Province to form Three Colloquies and 't will be very inconvenient there should be but Two in case a Controversie should arise betwixt both the Colloquies they shall therefore all meet in one Synod joyntly together until such time as the good providence of God shall have augmented their Numbers 9. And that these Canons may be observed in the said Province of Provence Monsieur Brunier Pastor of the Church of Vsez shall sit in Person in the next Synod of the said Province and it shall alwayes as often as their Synods be called give timely Notice thereof unto the Provinces of Lower Languedoc and Dolphiny that they may depute some of their Pastors unto the said Synod as iâ— is usually practised in the other Provinces for the upholding and better conservation of a mutual Correspondence 24. Whereas a proposal was made of Incorporating the Churches of Provence either with the Province of Lower Languedoc or with that of Dolphiny and the many difficulties arising about it have perswaded us to lay it by for the present yet because of the great multitude of Churches and Ministers which are in Dolphiny and because that the Borders of many of them are contiguous with the said Province of Provence which if united to it would constitute a convenient Synod The Province of Dolphiny is therefore exhorted to consider which of their Churches may be adjoyned unto Provence and to make report thereof unto the next National Synod 25. A Petition from the Church of Senerac was presented by Monsieur de Cahuzac craving Advice and Counsel how to govern themselves under that Interdiction of the Holy Ministry and Exercise of the Reformed Religion thrown out against them and some Relief for their Pastor Their case was recommended to the Province of Higher Languedoc to take care of them according to their necessities and the Lords our General-Deputies at Court are desired also to use their utmost endeavours for the taking off that wicked Prohibition laid upon them of Worshipping God according to his Appointment 26. Mr. Paul Daude formerly Pastor in the Church of St. John de Gardon neque but deposed from Ministry by the Province of Sevennes presented his Petition to be restored again unto it according to those hopes given him by the Synod held at la Salle But when as the Crimes for which he was deposed had been related in this Assembly It confirmed his Sentence with this addition and aggravation That he should be for ever Deposed and never meddle any more with any of the Acts and Functions of the Sacred Ministry exhorting him withal to betake himself to some other Calling for he must not flatter himself with false hopes of being readmitted unto this Sacred Office 27. The Church of Paris complained that whereas they had out of mere bounty quitted to the poorer Churches of the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne the Four Portion assigned unto their Pastors the said Province would now have them absolutely and peremptorily to be at their disposal and not suffer the Church of Paris to finger One Farthing of that Money This Assembly judgeth that according to the distribution made in our National Synods those aforesaid Portions do properly belong unto the Church of Paris and they shall be wholly and solely at their disposal But yet we intreat the said Church to extend their usual Charity unto that Province and generously and christianly to refresh the bowels of its poorer Churches 28. Monsieur Piloly brought Letters from the Assembly of Loudun 2. Vitre p. m. 20. craving that the Portions granted him by the National Synod of Vitre might be continued to him This Assembly consulting the Judgment of the said Synod of Vitre professeth that the whole Representative Body of our Churches is not obliged unto any such Recompenses nor may the Moneys assigned for the Relief of our poor Ministers be diverted unto such uses considering the miserable condition whereunto the greatest part of them be now reduced But yet the said Monsieur Piloly shall have paid him his Four aforesaid Portions unto the First day of January next coming in the year 1621. 29. Monsieur Lubac being summon'd to give an account why he laid down his Ministry in the Church of Privas and doth not care to exercise it though he was called thereunto This Assembly having heard the Report of the whole proceedings upon which the Colloquy of Privas grounded their Sentence of Suspension against him and which was since confirmed in the Synod of Vivaretz and the said Monsieur de Lubac speaking in his own defence and clearing himself from the Crimes whereof he was accused and not understanding plainly and sufficiently the proofs of the said Accusations on the one hand nor of his Justification on the other doth nevertheless confirm his Sentence of Suspension and dismisseth this whole Affair over unto the Colloquy of Valentinois in the Province of Dolphiny And the Sieurs de la Croze and du Port Deputies of Dolphiny and the Sieur Richard of Vivaretz shall personally assist in it and revise again all former passages and take new Informations and particularly hear what Monsieur de Couches Minister of Tournon can either alleadge for or against him and all this at the sole Costs and Charges of the Province of Vivaretz which shall be rated by the Colloquy of Valentinois to make payment unto the said Deputies that so Monsieur de Lubac may be absolved if innocent or condemned if guilty by the Authority of this present Synod for the matters already brought in against him or which may be now afresh offered by the Consistory of Privas who shall make a careful and faithful Report of all Ecclesiastical Acts that have past on this occasion that so the Sacred Ministry may be purged and acquitted of all Reproach and Jnjust Reflections And although the said Monsieur Lubac should be justified yet shall he not serve in the Province of Vivaretz any more 30. Whereas the Lords Governour Magistrates Consuls and Consistory of the City of Orange petitioned that Monsieur Chambrun might be presented to the Pastoral Office in their Church The Lords Magistrates Consuls and Consistory of Nismes were heard speaking of their Right and Interest both in the Person and Ministry of the said Monsieur Chambrun moreover the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny and of the Lower Languedoc do contend to retain him and Monsieur de Chambrun desiring to be discharged and to be at liberty for his Healths sake which was mightily impaired and broken within these Two last years and had diverted him very much from the Duties of his Calling This Assembly having very great Respect
own Language and Opportunity and Advantage they never had before This Assembly desiring to inlarge the Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus ordains that Three Hundred Livres a year shall be allowed the Province of Lower Guyenne to set up a Church in the aforesaid Country of La Boure upon condition that they render an account of the Imployment of the said Moneys unto the next National Synod 58. The Remonstrances of the Churches of Monredon of L' Isle in Jourdain St. Severe St. Seve and Aysseins are disinissed over to the Province of Higher Languedoc who shall look carefully into those matters specified by them and act for them as it shall judge most beneficial to them 59. The Judgement past by the Colloquy of Anduze about the Differences and Quarrels that hapned in the Church of St. John de Gardonengues through the dis-placing of their Seats and which was ratified by the Provincial Synod of Sevennes being none of those matters that are to be brought before our National Synods is remanded back again to the said Province of Sevennes to see it Executed 60. Concerning that difference fallen out in the Church of Alez since the Decree of this Synod the Relation of which concludeth the Chapter of Appeals This Assembly having heard the Magistrates Consuls Consistories and Deputies of the Church and Companies of the Town and Monsieur Ollier particularly did exhort them all to an Holy Concord and Cordial Union which that it might be the better effected the Pensions of both their Ministers shall be equal so that Monsieur Des Maretz shall not have more than his Colleague Monsieur Ollier but they shall each of them receive yearly the Summ of Seven Hundred Livres a piece and that Church shall bear their Charges unto Colloquies and Synods and all those Acts in the Register of the Consistory prejudicial to the Reputation of Monsieur Ollier shall be razed that so all grounds and occasions of Divisions may be removed And in case this present Agreement should be violated then the Colloquy of Vsez is impowered to judge finally of this matter and to remove Monsieur Ollier from his Ministry in this Church of Alez and to dispose of him elsewhere and that by the Authority of this National Synod 61. The Provincial Deputies of Anjou reported that the Portion given by the National Synod of Vitre unto Monsieur du Bois was payed out of the Moneys of that Province and that the Summs mentioned in the Lord of Candalls Account for the said Portion for the years 1617 1618 and three quarters of 1619 ought to accrew unto the said Province because they have already payed them out of their own Purse This Assembly ordains that the Summ of Six Score Livres imployed in the said Account for those years before-mentioned under the Name of Monsieur du Bois and whose payment hath been forborne shall be now payd in to the Receiver of the said Province of Anjou and his Acquittance being produced it shall be allowed the Lord of Candal in his Accompt And the said Forbearance being now discharged The Lord of Candal shall keep one Portion in his hands to be delivered unto Monsieur du Bois at the place of his Abode 62. The Lord of Clausonne acquainted this Assembly that His Majesty had made him his Lieutenant Governour in the Town and Castle of Lectoure and therefore he craved our Certificate of his being a Protestant professing the Reformed Religion and a Member in full and actual Communion with our Churches This Assembly could not in reason deny him especially he being at this Instant a Deputy to it and one of the Elders for the Province of Lower Languedoc 63. This Assembly willing to provide as it had promised a Pastor for the Church of Gignac and considering its great importance and acknowledging the singular gifts with which the Holy Ghost hath richly endowed Monsieur Codur formerly Minister in the Church of Ganges and that he is every way fit and qualified for the Service and Edification of that Great and Populous Church this Assembly intreats him to go and preach in the said Church of Gignac until the meeting of the next Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc which he accepted and promised to remove thither as soon as possible And when that Synod shall meet the said Church of Gignac having a Pastor settled among them for Life he shall be at full liberty to retire himself either into the Colloquy of Anduze or into the Synod of Sevennes who are ordered to secure a Church for him or else he may accept of the first Call which the Providence of God may vouchsafe him And that the said Church of Gignac may be able to subsist The Portion appropriated to it from among the Churches of Lower Languedoc shall be payd in free of all Taxes and Charges to it by the said Province and an half supernumerary Portion out of the Common Stock of the Churches 64. Whereas the Church of Montagnac craveth help and assistance against a process in which they be intangled about the demolishing of their Temple in the late unhappy Civil Wars This Assembly recommends unto the Province of Lower Languedoc the said Church and ordereth them to relieve it out of those great means which God hath given them And the Lords Deputies at Court are requested to interest themselves particularly in their Affair 65. The Colloquy of Gex petitioned leave that they might send only but two Pastors and two Elders unto the Provincial Synods But this their Petition was dismissed over to the Province of Burgundy to decree in it what they judged would be most expedient And whereas the said Colloquy craveth an augmentation unto the Moneys already given them this Assembly desires them to rest contented because it could not be granted 66. The Deputies of the Church of Montauban petitioned that Monsieur Guyon at present Pastor in the Church of Dieu le fit in Dolphiny might be given them to be their Pastor Upon hearing of the said Monsieur Guyon and the Deputies of Dolphiny this Assembly declared its unwillingness to dispose of the Person of the said Guyon and of his Ministry especially sith that his Church in which he is now settled hath not been in the least acquainted with this motion 67. The Colloquy of St. German in Sevennes was censured for their levity and rashness in condemning Monsieur Toussain upon so groundless an Accusation and for their suspending him from the Exercise of his Ministry and the Province of Sevennes was censured for conniving at this great Offence And that the Sacred Ministry may be discharged of all blame and ill reports the said Monsieur Toussain shall appear in Person at the next Provincial Synod of Lower Languedoc there either to be justified or condemned as the case requireth and this according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline 68. The Letter of Monsieur Marbais was read and the Assembly remitted his Affair unto the Province of Poictou to give him
Tilloy Pastor in the Church of Sedan decreeth that he be intreated to write the said History and the Provinces are exhorted to send him whatever Memoirs they have on this Subject 13. On that Canon concerning Monsieur Pilotis the Deputies of Sevennes requesting that he might be reimburst the losses which he had heretofore suffered in the Service of our Churches This Assembly agreeing with the Synod of Alez hath answered that the Moneys attributed unto the Churches can not be diverted unto other uses 14. That Canon condemning the Province of Higher Languedoc to make restitution of the Summ of Five Hundred Livres unto that of the Isle of France the Province of Languedoc requesting that it might be discharged from paying the Two Hundred Livres which yet rest due This Assembly judged that it ought not to change a Tittle in the said Canon and that the said Province should apply it self unto that of the Isle of France to whose Charity they be recommended 15. On the next Canon concerning Monsieur Richer this Assembly having seen the Judgment of the Consistory of Saumur Deputed to clear up his Accounts doth confirm the said Judgment yet nevertheless it intreateth the Province of the Isle of France to deal charitably with the said Richer according to the Canon of the Synod of Alez and the advice of the Consistory of Saumur 16. The reading of particular Matters being over it was observed that divers Provinces though they were ordered by the foregoing Synod to execute several Canons yet had not brought with them any proof of their care and diligence in so doing The Synod therefore ordained that for the future the Provincial Deputies should produce the Acts of their Provincial Synods and other needful Evidence of their having performed the Matters which were injoyned them CHAP. XI On the Chapter of Colledges and Universities 17 THE Synod of Anjou petitioned that the Fourth Canon concerning Professors of Divinity and the Hebrew Tongue who are Ministers to be reputed Pastors of that Church wherein the University is seated might be explained This Synod confirming the decree of Alez declareth this to be the sence and meaning of it That the Churches are not obliged to give them Wages nor imploy them in such frequent services as their ordinary Pastors but leaveth it to die prudence and discretion of Consistories to agree with the said Professors about their work and maintenance as they shall judge most consonant to reason and equity 18. In that Fifth Canon by which the Province of Higher Languedoc is censured after those words And for not having observed all the Formalities required by the Discipline in the reception of the said Monsieur Beraud into the Professors Chair of Divinity shall be added these following When as the said Sieur Beraud had submitted himself unto the most Rigorons Examen even as the Deputies themselves of that very self-same Province had attested 19. On the Eleventh Canon which had setled the Colledge of the Province of Sevennes in the Town of Anduze by provision only till the meeting of this present Synod This Assembly ordaineth that since by their silence both that Province and the City of Alez do seem to consent unto it things shall continue in that Estate in which they are at present 20. Reading that Article about bringing in the Accompts of our Colledges and Universities Monsieur Basnage and le Clerk Pastors and Du Port and du Four Elders were constituted a Committee to examine all such Accompts CHAP. XII Observations on the Chapter of General Laws for our Universities 21 THE Synod after Debate had of what Classick Authors should be read in Schools doth order all Tutors and Regents of the Lower Classes on every Saturday to read unto their Scholars a Section of the greater Catechisme either in French Latin or Greek according to their Capacities and to cause them to get it by heart and to give them a plain and familiar Exposition of it CHAP. XIII Appeals unto this National Synod of CHARENTON 1 WHereas the Church of Mesnil-Imbert appealeth from the Sentence of the Synod of Normandy which had ordained that the said Church should be joyned to that of Falaise The Deputies of that Province being heard they did declare that they had no notice nor intimation given them of this Appeal till this very moment and Monsieur de Beaufiel Deputy for the said Church being heard praying that they might be joyned unto that of Orbec This Synod injoyneth the Province of Normandy to procure the re-union of the Church of Mesnill-Imbert with that of Falaise and in case that the said Church of Mesnill will not consent unto this re-union then to conjoyn them with that of Orbec And the Province shall annex that of Falaise unto such a Church as will with the greatest ease and readiness admit of it and in the mean while the said Churches shall be served by the Neighbour Ministers according to the Ordinance of their last Provincial Synod 2. Monsieur Belon Pastor of the Church of Gevaudan in the Lower Guyenne appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had declared that the Church of Montauban should not give him any recompence for his labours among them during the time of his Retreat and Sojourning in it The Synod ordaineth that the Judgment of the Province shall hold good 3. An Elder of the Church at St. Savinian appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Xaintonge which had set Monsieur des Oullieres at liberty so that he might joyn himself unto the Church of Tailleburg and contribute towards the Ministry there This Synod for divers reasons doth reserve to it self the cognisance of this Matter and reforms the said Sentence and confirmeth that of the Colloquy of St. John d' Angely held at Jarnac the Two and Twentieth day of April last 4. The Lord of Lodde together with the Consistories of the Churches of Treviers and Collumbieres appealed from the Decrees of divers Colloquies and Synods held within the Province of Normandy which had assigned the Pension given by the Lady of La Hay du Puy for the maintenance of a Proposan in Divinity unto the Son of Monsieur Basnage who had not as yet attained unto that Degree The Synod being not in a capacity to judge of this Affair because the Acts and Evidences necessary to be perused before a judgment can be given on it are not produced hath left it to the Consistory of the Church of Paris finally to dâ—â—ermâ—nâ— it within one Moneths space after the breaking up of this Synod And the said Province is ordered to send that Act of the said Ladies gift and the resolutions of the Colloquies and Synods thereupon thither unto that Church of Paris that so they may judge of it by the Authority of this Synod And whereas Monsieur Basnage declared that he would decline acceptance of the said gift the Synod confirming the payments which have been already made ordaineth that for the future no Money shall
seventy and nine Pastors in actual Service one Pastor Emeritus five vacant Churches to be supplyed eight Proposans and ten Portions supernumerary whereof La Mure Another Copy 15600 l. Barraut Raconis Romans Ambrun Guillestre shall have each of them one and Jallutte another Copy has Tullette an half of one and four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 15626 05 09 To the Province of the Isle of France for threescore and one portions viz. For six and forty Pastors in actual Service four Pastors discharged one vacant Church to be supplyed four Proposans and six Portions supernumerary and four hundred Livres for a Colledge is 09245 15 03 To the Province of Sevennes for Seventy Portions Another Copy 10550 l. 17 s. 6 d. viz. for one and fifty Pastors in actual Service one Pastor discharged four Churches to be provided three Proposans and eleven supernumerary Portions whereof five for the Churches of Auvergne for Quissac and Combras two four hundred Livres for a Colledge is the Summ of 15550 17 06 To the Province of Britain for twenty Portions viz. for ten Pastors in actual Service three vacant Churches to be supplyed two Proposans and five supernumerary Portions and four hundred Livres for a Colledge is the Summ of 03302 18 03 To the Province of Vivaretz for eight and forty Portions viz. two and twenty Pastors in actual Service one Pastor to be maintained two Pastors discharged i. e. Emeriti six vacant Churches to be applyed three Proposans and fourteen Portions supernumerary whereof two are allotted unto Monsieur Villon and to Monsieur Vinay and des Maretz each of them one and to the Churchs of Vals Vallon and Villeneufve de Berg to each of them one and four hundred Livres for a Colledge the Summ of 07360 11 00 To the Province of Provence for one and twenty Portions viz. Fourteen Pastors in actual Service two Proposans and five Portions supernumerary and four hundred Livres for a Colledge is the Summ of 03445 05 03 To Monsieur Bustonaby for three Portions whereof one shall remain in the hands of the Lord of Candal until such time as another Pastor can be provided for the Churches of Soules and tht Stock shall be deposited with the Province of Lower Guyenne the Summ of 0435 08 09 The Total Summ of these Three Quarters is 168750 00 00 For the Fourth Quarter amounting to the Summ of six and fifty Thousand two hundred and fifty Livres  l. s. d. There belongeth to the Province of Normandy 3121 13 00 To the Province of Berry 2312 06 08 To the Province of Anjou 1849 17 04 To that of Poictou 3641 18 06 To the Province of Xaintonge 4913 14 02 To the Province of Lower Guyenne 6127 14 08 To the Province of Lower Languedoc 5723 06 00 To the Province of Burgundy 2196 14 04 To the Province of Dolphiny 6069 17 06 To the Province of Sevennes 4046 11 08 To the Province of the Isle of France 3526 06 02 To the Province of Britain 1158 06 08 To the Province of Vivaretz 2754 16 00 To the Province of Provence 1218 19 06 To Monsieur Bustonoby 0173 08 06 The Summ of the said October Quarter is 56250 00 00 The Province of Higher Languedoc of Normandy Berry and Burgundy petitioning that they might have the Priviledge of Calling the next National Synod this Assembly granted it unto that of Higher Languedoc which shall Convocate it in May Sixteen hundred and twenty six CHAP. XXV The Roll of Apostate and Deposed Ministers Another Copy read 1 JAmes * * * Merchant Mahaut formerly Pastor in the Church of Haure de Grace in the Province of Normandy a middle siz'd Fellow black Hair a little Beard roaving Eyes about forty years of Age. An Apostate 2. John Guillemart formerly Pastor in the Church of Chandenier in the Province of Poictou about Fifty years of Age having a black Beard beginning to wax gray low of Stature his Eyes looking downward after a Melancholly manner an Apostate 3. Anthony le Blanc born at Beaune and Minister in the same place about five and forty years of Age tall of Stature a fair flaxen colour'd Beard eagle Nos'd a thin slender Fellow small Crane Legs an Apostate 4. John * * * Balsull Balsull sometimes Minister in the Church of Pragela in the Province of Dolphiny about two and thirty years old low of Stature black Hair a Melancholly Fellow thin and Meagre his Head stooping downwards blubber Lips Deposed for Arminianisme by the Synod of Dolphiny 5. Henry de * * * Labac â—ubac formerly Minister in the Church of Privas in Vivaretz about thirty years of Age mean of Stature bald Headed but that little Hair he hath is a dark brown chestnut colour of a wandring look his Eyes sunk into his Head and shaking it upon all occasions fierce in his Carriage Deposed by the Colloquy of Valentinois for Adultery and other Crimes 6. James * * * Repusseau Repasseau formerly Pastor in the Church of Livron in the Province ef Dolphiny about Five and forty years of Age Deposed by the Synod of the said Province for attempting to commit Adultery but yet hopes were given him that he might be restored unto the Sacred Ministry after some years of Pennance provided he could then bring valid testimonials of his Godly and Religious Conversation and of his continued sincere and serious Repentance which hath been observed by very many to be begun in him already he lives for the present at Montlimart He was restored by the National Synod of Castres after ten years of pennance 7. John de Dieu about thirty years of Age born at Sauve tall of Stature fair flaxen Hair long Visage great Nose his Eyes sunk into his Head his Face very red Deposed by the Synod of Sevennes for divers Crimes and since turned Apostate 8. Peyreille formerly Pastor in the Church of Cabarede in the Province of Higher Languedoc five and thirty years old black Beard great Head and Nose short feet very low of Stature Deposed by the Synod of that Province for attempting to commit Adultery for prophaning Gods Holy Word and divers other Crimes 9. John de Fondevill formerly Pastor in the Church d' Osse in the Principality of Bearne low of Stature fair flaxen Hair fierce Carriage great Eyes about thirty years old Deposed by the Colloquy of Olleron for Adultery Contempt of his Ministerial Calling extraordinary Vanity and since Apostate 10. Samuel * * * Ceurrad Pourrac formerly Pastor in the Church of La Bastide Villefranche in the Principality of Bearne middle Stature red Hair and yet already turning gray about Five and fifty years of Age crump-shoulder bald-headed Deposed for Adultery by the Synod of the said Principality held at Nay the last August 11. Peter Palocquz formerly Pastor in the Church of Luc in the Principality of Bearn of a low dwarfish Stature cole black thin Hair small Crane-Leggs
born again not of corruptible Seed but of that which is incorruptible CANON IX Who teach That our Lord Jesus Christ did no where pray for the infallible perseverance of Believers in the Faith for they contradict our Lord himself Luke 22.32 I have prayed Simon Peter that thy Faith may not fail And the very Letter of St. John's Gospel chap. 17.11 where Christ saith that he did not pray for his Apostles only but also for all them who should believe by their Word Holy Father keep them in thy Name and ver 15. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the World but that thou shouldest keep them from evil CANON X. We Pastors and Elders whose Names are hereunder-written Deputies for the Reformed Churches of France unto the National Synod of Charenton St. Maurice near Paris in the Moneth of September 1623. do declare with all possible sincerity the Articles and Canons above-mentioned to be grounded on the Word of God and agreeable to the Confession of Faith owned and received in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom from which in the presence of God we do protest that through his Grace we will never depart In confirmation whereof we have hereunto affixt our Names at Charenton aforesaid this 30th day of September 1623. Signed by the Pastors and Elders of the said Synod Durand Moderator De Baille Assessor Faucheur and Scribes De Launay Scribes Berbie Pastor of the Church of Quaissac J. Clerc de Chambrun Chamier Pastor of Montlimart J. le Pelletier Pastor in the Church of Vandome Savoys Pastor in the Church of Castres Sir John Embelier Jurieu Pastor of Chastillon on the Loir Villon Faures J. M. de Langle Pastor of Rouen P. Paulet Pastor of Vezenobre Avignon Pastor of Rennes P. Beraud Pastor and Professor in the Church of Montauban Lottiby Pastor at Poitiers William Rivett Pastor of Taillebourg in Xaintonge CHAP. XXVII Remarks upon some of the Deputies Commissionated unto this Synod 1 MOnsieur Durant the Moderator was first Minister to the Landgrave of Hesse and after to that Excellent Princess Katharine Dutchess of Barr only Sister of Henry the Fourth and at last Pastor of the Church of Paris He was a very Holy Man of God a most Eloquent and Zealous Preacher he was like Lightning and Thunder in the Pulpit There be Three Excellent Sermons of his in print upon the Nineteenth Verse of the Fifth Chapter and First Epistle to the Thessalonians He grew sickly after his return from this Synod and dyed in the Year 1626. 2. Peter de Launay who was the Lay-Scribe in this Synod was a very Learned Gentleman and of great Reputation in the Churches of France He hath written Commentaries upon all the Epistles of Paul in French which are printed in Two Volumes in Quarto He Commented also but under another Name upon the Prophesie of Daniel and the Apocalypse of St. John 3. Adrian Chamier was the Worthy Son of the Great Chamier the Third Minister successively from his Grandfather a Pious Minister in Dolphiny I knew five of his Grandsons all Learned and Godly Ministers and Exiles for Christ The Ministry hath been in this Family for Six Generations Monsieur Leger that was a Pastor in the Churches of the Valleys of Piedmont writes that the Ministry had been in his Family for above Four Hundred years and that his Grandfather preached when he was above an Hundred Years Old See Legers Histoire General des Vaudols Livre 2. pag. 360. Adrian Chamier was for his great Prudence and Ability to manage Synodical businesses chosen Deputy to several of their National Synods He succeeded his Father in the Pastoral Office in the Church of Montlimart Of whom God lending me Life I shall say more in my Icones 4. Jurieu he was the Father of Monsieur Jurieu the Learned Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the French Church and Illustrious School of Rotterdam 5. Beraud he succeeded his Father in both Functions as Pastor of the Church and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban 6. Monsieur William Rivet he was Brother to Andrew Rivet Professor of Divinity at Leyden distinguisht from him by the Title of Lord of Champvernon He would never remove from his Church of Taillebourg He was very dear unto the House of Tremouille Deputy to several National Synods a Man of singular prudence and dexterity in the management and dispatch of the Synodical Affairs insomuch that when he died there was a great lamentation for him because of that great loss the whole Province sustained in his Death But God made it up in Two years time by raising up Twenty Ministers capable of doing all Services in their Provincial Synod as I have been credibly informed by some Ancient and Eminent Pastors of Poictou He was a Man of great Learning He hath writt de Justificatione and another Book de Invocatione Adoratione Sanctorum defunctorum I have seen another piece of his in French of the Authority of the Scriptures in Quarto and there is a Fourth in Octavo Des droicts de Dieu Sir Augustus Galland was the first Commissioner for the King in any of their National Synods He represented the King in this I suppose he was born in Bearn or Navar. He was a great Lawyer and Antiquary his Works are printed in one Folio viz. Memoirs pour L' Histoire de Navarre de Flandre par Guillemot Paris 1648. 8. Monsieur de Baux Lord of L' Angle Pastor of the Church of Caen The Reverend Dr. L' Angle Prebend of Westminster is his Son 9. Monsieur Mestrezat Of him see the Second Synod of Charenton in which he presided THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIV NATIONAL SYNOD OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE AND BEARNE Assembled in The City of Castres in the Country of Albigeois In the Year of Our Lord 1626. The CONTENTS of the Synod of CASTRES 1 Chap. THE Lord Galland produced his Commission from the King to sit and represent His Majesty in this Synod The Commission it self Deputies to the Synod Election of the Synodical Officers Chap. II. The Kings writ for calling of the Synod and ordering of Matters in it Chap. III. The Commissioners Speech to the Synod Chap. IV. The Synods Answer to it Chap. V. The Kings Writ for Election of a new General Deputy upon the Death of the former Chap. VI. The Debate about that Writt Chap. VII The Synods Letter to the King about this Election Chap. VIII Their Deputies return with His Majesties Answer verbal and written The Kings Letter Monsieur Herbaut Miwister of State his Letter to the Synod Chap. IX The Lord Commissioners more ample Declaration of His Majesties Will and several points demanded by their Deputies Chap. X. The Kings Warrant and Order unto the Synod for the Nomination of their General Deputies without any Previous Political Assembly Chap. XI A Conference between the Synod and the Lord Commissioner Chap. XII A Remonstrance of the Lord of Angoulins on
behalf of the Mayor Sheriffs and Free Burgesses of the City of Rochell Chap. XIII Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. XIV Observations on the Discipline Chap. XV. An Act against Debauchery Chap. XVI Observations upon the Acts of the last National Synod Chap. XVII No Minister to depart the Kingdom without the Kings License Chap. XVIII A Deposed Minister restored Chap. XIX Appeals Chap. XX. Discipline Exercised upon a Scandalous Minister App. 34. Chap. XXI Discipline exercised upon a Delinquent Minister App. 44. Chap. XXII A Scandalous Minister Deposed App. 51. Chap. XXIII Discipline exercised upon a vitious Minister App. 53. See also the very next Appeal Chap. XXIV General Matters Chap. XXV An Act to preserve Deeds Writings Evidences belonging to the Churches G. M. 13. Chap. XXVI An Act for a Publick National Fast G. M. 16. Chap. XXVII Differences between the Cities of Rochell Montauban and Castres composed G. M. 28. Chap. XXVIII Particular Matters Chap. XXIX Care taken for a poor Persecuted Church P. M. 29. Chap. XXX A Donative to Monsieur Chamier P. M. 44. Chap. XXXI Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXXII The Accompts of the Lord du Candal Chap. XXXIII The Synods Letter to the King Chap XXXIV Dividends of Moneys among the Churches and Provinces Chap XXXV The Roll of the Deposed Ministers Chap XXXVI An Act for Calling the next National Synod Chap. XXXVII Catalogue of all the Churches and Ministers in Actual Imployment together with the Vacancies Chap. XXXVIII Letters from the Church of Geneva The Synods Answer to them and from the Church of Paris THE Synod of Castres 1626. The 25th Synod SYNOD XXV 1626. In the Name of God Amen The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France and Bearne Assembled at Castres in Albigeois in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and Six the Sixteenth day of September and the days following to the Fifth of November in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of Louis XIII King of France and Navarre CHAP. I. AT the opening of this Synod there appeared the Lord Galland one of the Lords of His Majesties Most Honourable Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his Dominion of Navarre as His Majesties Commissioner Deputed by His Majesty unto this Assembly with this Letter following By the KING Dear and well beloved we being fully resolved to keep and observe and see that our Edicts and Declarations be inviolably kept and observed and that you may injoy those Favours and Priviledges which are granted you by them we have freely and willingly suffered you to meet together in this National Synod Convocated by you in our Town of Castres September next where you shall only debate of such Matters as concern the Discipline of your Religion and have also at the same time made choice of our Trusty and Well-Beloved Counsellor the Lord Galland One of the Lords of our Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for our Dominion of Navarr to meet you from us and on our behalf in your said Assembly and to assist in person at all your Consultations and to give you plenary Assurance of our good and sincere Intentions for your Peace and Comfort Wherefore we will and require you to give him credit in all things and to rest assured that as long as you contain your selves within the Bounds and Limits of your Fidelity and Obedience which you owe unto us we shall alwayes treat you as good and Loyal Subjects and shall give you to resent the Effects and Fruits of our Favour and good Will unto you on all occasions that may occur as the said Lord of Galland shall in our Name more particularly informe you Given at Nantes this 24th of July 1626. Signed â—eveâ— and Lower Phillippeâ—ux And superscribed To our dear and well-beloved the Deputies of the National Synod of the P. Reformed Churches called by our permission unto the Town of Castres There appeared in the said Assembly for the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church of Aiguieres and James Franc Notary Publick Elder of the Church of Lormarin For the Province of Vivaretz Forrest and Vellay the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay and Paul Accaurat Pastor of the Church of Aubenas and Daniel Arcajon the Kings Notary and Elder in the said Church of Aubenas and Daniel Sabatier Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Berg. These Persons were requested to see that for the future their Provincial Synod suffer not any Letters of Commission or Memoirs which shall be brought before the National Synods by the Deputies of the said Province to be form'd out of their Synodical Assemblies nor that they be subscribed by any others besides the Moderators or Assessors in case the Moderators of the said Synods shall be chosen Deputies For the Province of Britain the Sieurs Andrew le Noir Lord of Beauchamp Pastor in the Church of Belin and Philip de Vassant Esq Lord of Martimont Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard For the Province of Sevennes The Sieurs Nicolas le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Barr and Lawrens Aymard Pastor of the Church of Lezan together with Claudius de Gabriac Lord of Beaufort Elder in the Church of Avez and Charles de Calvet Lord of Aires Elder in the Church of St Privat For the Province of Dolphiny Denis Bouteroue Pastor of the Church in Grenoble and John Corel Pastor of the Church of Ambrun with David Chaluett Elder in the Church of Die and Anthony Brissett Elder in the Church of Montlimart For the Province of Burgundy The Sieurs Peter Bollenatt Pastor in the Church of Avalon which meets for Religious Worship at Vaux Alexander Rouph one of the Pastors of the Church of Lions together with Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Baleines Elder in the Church of Maringues and Lazarus du Puy Counsellor for the King in the Presidial Court of Berg in the Province of Bresse and Elder of the Church in the said Town For the Province of Higher Languedoc The Sieurs Peter Ollier Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Moses de Baux Pastor of the Church of Mazamet together with Mr. John de Portes Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate in Parliament Elder of the Church of Castres and the Lord John Brassar Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate in Parliament Elder in the Church of Montauban but he was detained by Sickness in the said City and whereas another was substituted in his place He also came not for want of Notice given him For the Province of Lower Languedoc The Sieurs John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommieres and Michael le â—aucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier with Francis Petit Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Nismes and Theophilus Ranchin Secretary of the Kings Chamber and Elder in the said Church of Montpellier For the Province
voted a Decree that the Censure past on the Church of Paris in that Synod of he Isle of France shall be reversed and that the Church of Paris shall be advised precisely to observe the Canons concerning the re-search of Pastors Moreover to comply with their instant urgent Importunities Monsieur Daille is purely and absolutely resigned to them 3. Whereas John Mellier having opposed the Election and Reception of the Sieur John Celaris into the Office of an Elder and brought his Appeal unto this Synod it is remanded back unto the Province of Higher Languedoc who have full power to determine it 4. The Synod ratifying the Judgment of the Province of Xaintonge from whence the Church of Montendre had appealed This Assembly ordaineth that for the future Provincial Synods shall judge soveraignly and finally in all causes about dismembring and conjoining of Annexed Churches 5. And therefore according to this Canon the Appeal of the Church of St. Hillary in the Province of Poictou is declared null notwithstanding what hath been remonstrated to the contrary by the Lord de la Begaudiere 6. For the same reason the Appeal of the Church of St. Fulgentius in the same Province is disanulled 7. The same Sentence was given on the Appeal of the Church of Quissac from the Decree of the Province of Sevennes 8. And for the like reason the Church of Sauve in the said Province having brought an Appeal had it rejected 9. Although the differences about the distribution of His Majesties Liberality granted us to our Churches ought not to be brought before these National Synods yet that the contestations in the Churches of the Lower Guyenne may be terminated the Deputies of that Province are commanded to confer with the R. R. Mr. Belot and de Baux Ministers of the Gospel and with the Sieurs Marlat and la Briere Elders that in case they should hit upon an expedient of accommodating Matters it may be ratified by the Authority of this Assembly not that we would have a precedent made hereof And once again that Ancient Prohibition against our Ministers is now revived That not one of them shall touch a Denier of His Majesties Bounty assigned to and distributed by the Provinces unto their particular Churches because the said Churches ought solely to receive it and it must remain wholly at their disposal and because our Pastors shall not have an uncertain but a most certain and determinate Pension for their subsistence from their Churches 10. The Appeal of Monsieur Perez Pastor of the Church of Cajarre was vacated and the Assembly injoyned the Province of Higher Languedoc to put forth their hand that the said Perez may receive for time coming greater satisfaction from his Church than heretofore And in case the said Church do not fully content him and pay him his just dues betwixt this and the next Synod of that Province they shall be deprived of his Ministry and he shall be assigned to some other Flock yea and though they should give him all possible satisfaction yet shall he not be compelled to serve a Church against his Will whereunto he was not sent but for a time 11. This Judgment past upon the Appeal of the Church of Angles that it was very needless and ill layd the Sentence of their Province being founded on Equity and Charity 12. The Appeal of Monsieur Peter Prevost a Pastor Emeritus is declared null 13. The Church of Bergerac appealed and petitioned that forasmuch as the Sentence of the Province of Lower Guyenne hath been invalidated the Twelve Hundred Livres formerly granted unto their Colledge might be continued The Letters and Memoirs of that Church being read and the Deputies of that Province heard this Decree was made That the Four Hundred Livres given unto every Province for their respectiye Colledges shall be continued unto that of Bergerac until the next National Synod unto which they shall give a clear and good account of what has been done by them for the re-establishment of their Colledge on default of which that Sentence of the Provincial Synod for translating the said Colledge to the Town of Nerac shall be confirmed And as for the remaining Eight Hundred Livres Four Hundred of them shall be detained by the Lord of Candal in his hands and the other Four Hundred shall be accorded to the Church of Nerac but on this condition only that the Town of Bergerac do find out some means for the re-establishment of their Colledge And our National Synods may hereafter give them sensible pledges of their accustomed Love and Kindness 14. Monsieur des Marests suspended the Holy Ministry by the Province of Vivaretz petitioned in his Appeals that they might be obliged to restore him unto the Publick Exercise of his Office and come to an account with him upon hearing the Deputies of that Province this Synod voted that his suspension should be removed and that the said Province should accompt with him for the Moneys owing to him before the Consistory of Alez and that Monsieur Cuper shall pay him presently in ready Moneys Three Hundred Livres out of what might accrew unto the said Province and to repair the want of Charity which those of that Province have been notoriously guilty of towards him they shall for the future take special care to incourage him in his Ministry 15. Mr. George Arbaut formerly Pastor of the Church in Boiscoiran appeared in Person before this Synod to maintain his Appeal But upon hearing the Deputies of the Province of Lower Languedoc by which he was Deposed and Monsieur Paulett Pastor of the Church of Vezenobre who gave in Evidence against him on one of the Principal Articles for which he was condemned the Letters and Acts produced both for and against him having been perused The Synod confirmed the Judgment denounc't against the said Arbaut and declareth him for ever unworthy of Employment in the Sacred Ministry and decreeth farther that he shall not be admitted to Communion in the Sacraments till such time as being toucht with a deep remorse and serious Repentance for his Sin he do fully freely and ingenuously Confess his Offences before that Church in which he constantly resideth 16. Monsieur Beraut Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Professor in that University appealed from a Decree of the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc and consequentially from the Actions of the Delegates of that Synod and of the Colloquy of Lower Quercy Letters from the Magistrates in the Sheriffdom or Montauban were read as also from the Four Consuls of the said City The Lords de la Roche and Bardon Counsellors in that Sheriffdom the Lords de la Rose and Auglas first and second Consuls and the R. Mr. Charles a Minister one of those Delegates were all heard speaking of this Affair and Monsieur Beraud also declaring his grievances as also did the Deputies of the Province The Synod did hereupon take unto it self the cognisance of this Case and voted that the R. R. Mr.
not verified in their Synods 1626. The 25th Synod and which were transacted in private Caballs nor ought they to have hindred the Church of Mer from Assembling to consult about joyning with their Pastor in his Appeal and as for the said Monsieur Peju the Council advised him to stand upon his Guard and conscientiously to use and exercise that moderation becoming his Age and Calling and decreed that the two next Pastors to the Church of Mer in the Province of Anjou shall visit that Church and censure very sharply those of its Members who have threatned and abused the Provincial Synod and shall commune with them about their desires and wants that so a report thereof may be made unto the approaching Synod of Anjou which is impowered to judge of all those Matters which are objected against Monsieur Peju and to dispose of his Ministry either by freeing him from the Church of Mer or continuing him in it as they shall upon due and diligent Inquiry find will most contribute to the Service and Glory of God and the Repose and Edification of that Church unto which the said Monsieur Peju is remanded back again there to continue his Ministerial Labours until such time as this Affair shall be finally judged and determined 36. There were Letters from the Consistories Heads of Families and Monsieur Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux as also from Monsieur Percy Pastor of the Church of Monflanquin directed unto this National Synod read in it as also certain Memoirs were produced by the Provincial Deputies of Lower Guyenne The aforesaid Deputies and the Sieurs Roberdeau and d' Herbaux sent by the Churches of Monflanquin and of Bourdeaux were all heard After which the Synod ratified the Judgment of that Province and finding Monsieur Percy by reason of his Irresolutions and Inconstancy very much deserving Censure decreed that those Letters and Memoirs should be carried by the Deputies of Lower Guyenne unto their next Provincial Synod where the said Monsieur Percy shall in like manner appear in Person and give a full account of all his Actions 37. Monsieur Le Vineux Pastor of the Church of Bazas being Plaintiff this Synod to do him right ordained that the Province of Lower Guyenne shall restore unto him his Portion granted by the National Synod of Charenton in consideration of the great dammages and losses sustained by him during the last troubles And whereas that Church of Bazas appealeth from the Judicial Sentence of its Province for depriving it of the augmentation which was formerly given it The Synod not judging their Appeal worthy to be received commands that Church to apply it self unto one of the Neighbour Provinces which shall take cognisance of their Petition and do them Justice according to the Canons 38. It being necessary that Monsieur Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John of Gardonengue should in person answer unto those many Articles of which he is impeached and accused This Synod commanded that within five dayes after the signifying of this present Act to him he should come unto this City on pain of being declared guilty and convicted of those Crimes imposed on him And the Deputies of the Church of Anduze shall out of hand give him notice hereof 39. The Church of Bourdeaux appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Lower Guyenne by which Messieurs Alba and Percy were confirmed in their Pastoral charge of the Churches of Agen and Monflanquin but their Appeal was vacated and the Sieur Roberdeau Deputy of the said Church petitioning that an Order might pass for these Reverend Persons Monsieur de la Fite Pastor in the Church of Bigorre de Baylin Pastor in the Church of Villemur Another Copy calleth him la Fort. * du Fas Pastor in the Church of de Baylin in Armagnac and de Raynall Pastor in the Church of La Fite near Clairac to serve the Church of Bourdeaux quarterly upon condition that the charges of those Four Churches in getting themselves supplyed during the absence of their respective Pastors and Service of that of Bourdeaux be defrayed by it The Council told him that they did not judge it equitable to dispose of the Ministry of those Reverend Ministers de la Fite and Bailin till the consent of their Churches and Provinces of Bearn and Higher Languedoc was first obtained because they depend upon them And forasmuch as the said Sieur de Roberdeau presented another and new request and most importunately urged that it might be lawful for him instead of the fore-mentioned Ministers de la Fite and Baylin to have recourse unto Monsieur Berdolin Pastor of the Church of Duras and D' Aubus Pastor of the Church of Nerac to come and help the Church of Bourdeaux upon those same terms before-mentioned The Council closed with his Offers and condescending to his Demand enjoyneth the Churches of La Bastide la Fite Duras and Nerac punctually to observe this present Ordinance and to permit their Pastors to serve the Church of Bourdeaux quarterly as it shall call for them 40. There being many difficulties fallen out in the discussion of that Affair concerning Monsieur Espagnac The Sieurs Taby and Longuet were appointed to pass unto the Church of Vsez and impowered to examine Monsieur Noguiere about Matters relating to him and to know of him whether he owneth those Papers that are put into their hands and to interrogate Witnesses that may be brought before them and shall cite him personally to appear before this Council and to answer such matters as shall be objected against him and in case he refuse Obedience-unto this Order then he shall be immediately suspended the Holy Ministry 41. The Synod doing Justice on the Appeal of the Colloquy of Albigeois decreeth that the Churches of the said Colloquy shall remain united as heretofore 42. The Synod forbad Monsieur Recens to bring any more unto our National Synods Petitions about pecuniary Matters on pain of being prosecuted with the utmost rigour of Church-Censures and dismisseth the consideration of those Petitions unto the Province of Lower Languedoc which shall put a final period to them by the Authority of this Synod 43. Monsieur Fabry Pastor of the Church de la Caune was commanded by the Council to come into this City the very next day after this present Act should be signified to him or else he shall be proceeded against with the utmost rigour of our Church-Discipline and the Deputies of Higher Languedoc shall with the greatest diligence notifie it to him CHAP. XXII Discipline Exercised upon a Delinquent Minister 1626. The 25th Synod 44 THE Acts and Memoirs produc't against Monsieur Peyroll as also his Declinatory Letters written unto this Assembly on design to elude his citation and appearance being all read and the Sieurs Astier Carlincas and the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc being heard it was judged that the Provincial Synod and Consistory of Montpellier had been too indulgent to the
new against this unworthy Fellow CHAP. XXIV Discipline Exercised upon a Vitious Minister 53. WHereas James Jolly sometimes Pastor of the Church of Milhaud appealed from a Sentence past against him by the Synod of Higher Languedoc which had deposed him from the Holy Ministry Upon hearing the Deputies of that Province and the said Jolly himself who having been divers times summon'd to clear himself of the Crimes laid unto his charge though to no purpose for he could never do it The Synod ratified the Sentence past against him in every article and particular and because the qualities of his Crimes proved upon him are very hainous and atrocious as tempting and solliciting of Women to Adultery abominable and profane Speeches professed resolves and purposes to Apostatize from the True Religion and Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus perswading and enticing like the Devils other Ministers of Christ to joyn with him in his Revolt and Apostacy from all which horrible and scandalous Accusations he was bound in Honour and Conscience to purge himself and had he been innocent or had he but the least spark of Grace or one grain of the fear of God been lest in him he would have done it Moreover the said Jolly having discoursed with a great deal of impudence hardness and ungodliness in the very presence of the Synod and betook himself unto business utterly inconsistent with the Sacred Calling of a Minister for which had he none other guilt upon him he would have merited a Deposal from that Honourable Office The Synod seized with a just horror at his impenitency and aggravating the Sentence of his Provincial Synod denounceth the said Jolly utterly unworthy and altogether uncapable of any imployment in the Sacred Ministry of the Gospel deposeth him and doth now from this Instant declare him to be deposed from the Ministerial Function and for ever uncapable of being restored to it and depriveth him of all Communion in the Sacraments unto which he shall not be admitted 'till we have had a very long proof and some years Tryal and Experience of his Repentance and Reformation and that he have publickly and penitently acknowledged those great and hainous scandals he hath given unto the Church of God and in case he persist in his Rebellions then the Consistories and Colloquies being assembled together shall deliver him over unto the Devil by that dreadful Sentence of Excommunication 54. The Overseers of the Poor in the Church of Anduze appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and the Lord Aldebert Judge of Sauve complained against the Sieur John Bony Pastor of the Church of St. John of Cardonengue Master Cailou was heard speak in behalf of the Church of Anduze and Mr. Aldebert the younger opened the reasons of their Appeal and Mr. Bony together with the Provincial Deputies Apologized for themselves against thorn The Council having accurately considered all the Accusations and Matters of Offence included in those proceedings judgeth that Mr. Bony deserveth a very heavy Censure for notorious Avarice and dishonest Gain the guilt of which is apparent and visible upon him for that he disposed of the Goods of Pernette Andouyne to his own and his Childrens profit contrary to the Will and Testament she had once made in favour of the poor Members of the Church of Anduze Moreover the Council declareth that the said Master Bony cannot with a good Conscience detain and appropriate unto his own use the Goods aforesaid but ought immediately to restore them and to this purpose he was exhorted to choose Arbitrators as the said Overseers of the Poor would also to compose the differences between them and to agree upon the terms of restitution And it was farther intimated to him that in case the Execution of this Decree were in the least hindred or delayed by him the said Bony that the next Colloquy of Nismes was Authorized to proceed against him and to Depose him from the Ministry And forasmuch as he hath exprest his Repentance with grief and shame for his Sin and promised the Synod to give full satisfaction as before and for that he hath patiently and penitently borne the Suspension from his Office inflicted on him some Moneths ago The Synod doth restore him to the Exercise of his Ministry And whereas Monsieur Aldebert before-mentioned had been suspended from the Lords Table that Censure together with his being taxed for a Calumniator are both ordered to be taken off from him but he shall be first publickly reproved in the Person of his Son for that excessive Passion manifested by him in his Accusations Prosecutions and bitter Expressions in his Letters all which exasperated the Province of Higher Languedoc against him and were the true meritorious causes why he was so severely judged by them And both of those Gentlemen Bony and Aldebert are exhorted to a mutual reconciliation and forgetfulness of what is past and particularly the said Aldebert is advised to demean himself for the future with more Candor and Charity towards the said Bony And in case there should happen any new matter of Accusation against him that he do prosecute him according to the Forms and Canons of our Church Discipline Moreover Master Melucis and Berle Pastors and Witnesses to the aforesaid Testament shall be examined by their next Provincial Synod about their hand in this matter that so they may be dealt withal according to their demerits And whereas Monsieur de Surville another Minister could have given in a material Evidence against the said Bony but was sworn to Secrecy he also shall be called to an account and Justice shall be done upon him CHAP. XXV GENERAL MATTERS These poor Churches prayed for and rejoyced at the birth of the greatest Scourge and Plague that ever was upon them 1 WHereas all Pastors and Heads of Families and Members of our Churches ought dayly to implore the Throne of Grace for all Spiritual and Temporal Benedictions to be poured down upon the Person of His Majesty Our Dread Soveraign and for the Glory of His Crown the Peace and Prosperity of His Kingdom and Government they be all Exhorted in their Publick and Private Prayers importunately to beg of God that he would be graciously pleased to bless the Kings Majesty with Children of his own Body and to this purpose all the faithful shall with one accord joyn together in Common Prayers and Supplications that the Lord would hear and Answer the Requests of his poor Children who live under the Sh dow of his Anointed that the Scepter may be strengthned in his hand his House established from Generation to Generation and that over and above those Divine Graces and Favours which he hath already vouchsafed to him he may after a long and happy Life be honoured in succeeding Ages with the Glorious Title of Father of Kings as he is now with that of Father of his People 2. The Synod considering that through the Soveraign Mercy of God inclining His Majesties heart by
those Commands and Orders shall be signed and copied out by those now-mentioned Overseers for the Poor And both they and the said Receiver shall be obliged to send the Certificate unto the next National Synod of the faithful Employment of those Moneys unto the common Uses and Necessities of their Poor and that they were not in the least diverted from the Intention of the charitable Donors nor of his Majesty unto the Benefit and private Profit of some few particular Persons either for defraying their Expences in Travel or Deputations or any other occasion whatsoever And the Council shall agree and pitch upon those aforesaid Receivers and Overseers And to facilitate the receiving of those Sums collected and to prevent all Delays Confusions Inequalities in receiving and other Inconveniences which may fall out in case the said Cities should send abroad unto the Provinces and particular Churches to gather in what had been granted them and above all to ease them of those great Charges which they must of Necessity be at in this Case it was thought best to order the Consistories of Paris and Lyons to choose a Person from among them to be the General Receiver of those Moneys And all the Provinces are enjoined to send speedily and if possible they can within a Month's space after the Return of their Deputies the Moneys collected by them viz. the Provinces of the Isle of France Normandy Brittain Anjou Berry Poitou and Xaintonge to those who are ordained to receive them in the City of Paris and those of Burgundy Dolphiny Provence Vivaretz Sevennes Higher and Lower Languedoc and Guyenne to them who shall be appointed in the City of Lions that so these Moneys being received by them may be transmitted to the particular Commissioners of the said Cities either by Bills of Exchange or any other way together with their Acquittances according to the Dividend before ordained 2. In Pursuance of this last-named Article the Lord of Angoulins was nominated to be Receiver for the Town of Rochel and for Overseers Monsieur de L' Hommeau and Monsieur Colomiez Pastors together with Mr. Paul Mervant and Nicholas Chesnell Peers and tree Burgesses and Elders of the City of Rochel And for the City of Montauban the Lord Roques first Consul was declared Receiver and the R. R. Mr. Ollier and Charles Pastors together with the Lords d' Assier Barrampere and du Bois Elders for Overseers And for the City of Castres Mr. Thomas was nominated Receiver and the Lords de la Gasquerie de Servoles de Lissac de Bernard the Elder de Legonier and Rony the Auditor for Overseers And all and every one of these now-mentioned Persons were agreed upon and approved by this Council which also enjoined them who received these Collections and Charities to deliver them unto these Receivers 22. In every Province there shall be reserv'd a Cahier of the particular Complaints and Grievances of particular Churches oppressed upon the score and account of Religion that so those Cahiers may be all transmitted to the Church of Paris which shall compile out of them one general Cahier to be left in the hands of our General Deputies CHAP. XXVIII Particular Matters 1. SOME having very cunningly and maliciously robbed the Deputies of Lower Languedoc of certain Papers quoted in an Inventory which they had brought to this Council giving an account of the Grounds and Reasons of that Judgment passed by the Provincial Synod on George Arbault the Council being well fatisfied of their Integrity and Fidelity and particularly of Monsieur Petit's with whom all those Writings were deposited did think it needful to give them this Attestation and fully to discharge them of all those Papers which were delivered unto Monsieur Aymard one of the Provincial Deputies for Sevennes who will exhibit them upon all Occasions excepting those relating to the Sieur Arbaut before-mentioned which he received from the hands of the Sieurs Mestrezat and du Puy who were commissionated by the Synod to peruse them he having given them a Receipt under his own Hand which was delivered by him unto the aforesaid Monsieur Aymard together with those Papers and two Inventories subscribed by the Sieurs du Cros and Petit. 2. In reading the Accusation of the Sieur Arbaut and some other Acts brought against him the Colloquy of Anduze was ordered to inform themselves of the Deportments of the Sieurs du Cros Pastor of the Church at Blansac and of Raly Pastor in the Church of St. John de Maruejoly and to proceed against them And the Commissioners deputed by the Province of Lower Languedoc were ordered to deliver unto the said Colloquy the whole Relation of their Proceedings And the said Colloquy should judg of those Differences which are risen up between the said Arbaut formerly a Minister and the Colloquies of Montpellier and Vsez all which shall be notified to them by their Scribe 3. Monsieur Tourtelon a Pastor Emeritus came unto the Synod bitterly complaining of his great Poverty and Misery and petitioned for some Relief Mr. Cooper was intreated to advance an hundred Franks before-hand unto this aged Gentleman payable out of that Portion assigned to him and which will become due out of the Dividend for the Province of Lower Languedoc to whose Charity we do in an especial manner recommend him 4. There was again read the Petition of John le Febure 1626. The 25th Synod a Bookseller in Geneva reiterating his former Complaints unto divers of our National Synods against Monsieur Manueill a Minister somewhere serving in the Province of Bearn After hearing the Allegations of the Deputies of that Province on behalf of Manueill the Synod not admitting their Excuses nor being able any longer to suffer that the Advice and Orders of our preceding Synods and the Complaints of the said Febure and of the Church of Geneva should be so wretchedly slighted and despised and that a Fellow blasted in his Reputation for an infamous Crime from which he hath not acquitted nor careth to acquit and clear himself should be continued in the Ministry in that Province and that Provincial Synod to have no regard at all unto the Proceedings had against him by that famous City of Geneva nor to take the least care that the said Manueill should purge and justify himself from the Crime imposed on him that so the Scandal might be repaired either by his compleat Absolution and Discharge or by an exemplary Punishment inflicted upon him for his said Offence A Decree past That in case the Synod of the said Province of Bearn did not give full Satisfaction unto the Requests of this and of the former National Synods of our Churches and produce undoubted Evidence thereof unto the next National Synod by valid Acts of their Duty and Obedience thereunto that then their Deputies should be utterly excluded these Synods nor should they have either admission or session consultive or decisive Votes in them 5. The Deputies of Bearn complaining that the Parliament
Years of Age deserted his Ministerial Calling and is since turned Apostate 5. Nicolas Jacornais formerly Pastor of the Church of Cheilary in the Province of Lower Languedoc a little brown Fellow chesnut-colour'd Hair high-eagle-nos'd short Neck somewhat crook-back'd deserted his Ministerial Calling about thirty five Years old 6. John Garsin Pastor of the Church of Graue in the Province of Dolphiny but a deserter of it and now an Apostate about forty Years of Age of a middle Stature red-favour'd and frowning holding his Head a little side-ways red Hair his Eyes deep sunk into their Holes very rude in his Discourse and Carriage quarrelsom conceited hugely of himself and totally incorrigible he was deposed by the same Province 7. Paul Puy formerly Pastor in the Church of Chastean Queyras having been two Years suspended he was at last finally deposed from the Sacred Ministry by the Province of Dolphiny for Adultery proved upon him 1626. The 25th Synod and Perjury lying Calumnies and divers other atrociou he is now an Apostate aâ—middle-statur'd black and dead-look'd Fellow high Eye-brows wide open Nostrils flat Nose sharp-picked Heard very proud and stately in his Gate aged about thirty six Years 8. George Arbaud formerly Pastor of the Church of Boicoiran in the Province of Lower Languedoc deposed by the Synod of his Province for Usury Theft contempt of his Calling writing of disfamatory Libels and Batteries he is a short thick Fellow brown-favour'd bald-headed cagle-nos'd meagre Face and black Beard about fifty Years old 9. James Joly formerly Pastor in the Church of Millaud deposed by the Province of Higher Languedoc for attempting to commit Adultery for impious and profane Discourses and designing to revolt from the true Religion for solliciting like the Devil other Pastors to apostatize with him for Rebellion against the Order and Discipline of our Churches he is tall of Stature a little small Head and bald red weeping Eyes about fifty five Years old his Beard beginning to turn gray 10. Cousins Vagrants who was born in Haynault heretofore Regent at St. Lo a middle-statur'd meagre-fac'd Fellow his Hair and Complexion black little Eyes and sunk into his Head about thirty five Years old a Vagrant 11. Beauvillier wandring from one Church unto another intruding himself into the Ministry of the Gospel where-ever he hath opportunity he says he was born at Negrepelisse and Son-in-Law to Monsieur Reynault deceased who was late Minister of Bourdeaux by Profession an Advocate a short Fellow chesnut-colour'd Hair meagre Face his Eyes deep sunk into his Head lame of his left Arm about thirty six Years old a Wanderer 12. Bonitons heretofore Pastor of St. Affrick a red-hair'd Fellow half gray his Face and Hands spotted all over with black Morphew a big out-bending Belly low of Stature having been by the Consistory and Neighbour-Pastors of St. Affrick deposed from his Ministry he afterwards turn'd Apostate and is about fifty five Years old CHAP. XXXVI An Act for calling of the next National Synod in Normandy THE Provinces of Normandy and Burgundy craving they might obtain the Priviledg of calling the next National Synod it was by plurality of Suffrages granted unto the Province of Normandy with Order to issue out Letters of Summons unto the Provinces in May 1629. All these Acts and Canons were done and decreed in the National Council of the Reformed Churches of France assembled at Castres the 15th day of September and which continued till the 5th of November 1626. and signed thus in the Original Chauve Moderator O. Blondell Petit Scribes Bouterove Assessor O. Blondell Petit Scribes And by all the other Deputies both Pastors and Elders who were sent unto the Council CHAP. XXXVII 1626. The 25th Synod A Catalogue of all the Churches Reformed in France and Principality of Bearn together with the Names and Sir-names of their Pastors regularly disposed according to the Order of the sixteen Provinces making up so many distinct Provincial Synods and brought by the Deputies of their respective Provinces unto this present National Council held at Castres First The Province of Burgundy THE Province of Burgundy is divided into four Colloquies having thirty two Churches and thirty four Pastors 1. The Colloquy of Chaalons 1. The Church of Chaalons hath for its Pastor Theophilus Cassegrini 2. The Pastor of Bourbon is Bartholomew Garnier 3. Bussy hath Heliodorus du Noyer 4. At Coursac is Jeffery Bruy 5. At Paras is John Veridet 6. At Maringues is Lewes Romph 7. At Cheirac is Paul Canett 8. At Mouleas is Noel Leslege 2. The Second Colloquy of Burgundy is Lyons 9. Esajah Baillé and Alexander Romph are Pastors of the Church of Lyons 10. The Church of Mascon hath Peter Belior 11. Pont de Vellé Jacob Textor 12. Belleville Peter Tannol 13. Bourg Peter Pelet 3. The Third Colloquy is at Dijon 14. At St. John Delesme is David Roy. 15. Cinallin hath Peter Balenat 16. Dijon hath Stephen Gautier 17. Issurtille injoyeth John Durand 18. At Beaune is Francis Renaud 19. At Chastillon upon the Seine is Samuel Rondot 20. At René le Duc is Francis Manget 21. At Noyers is John Compere 4. The Fourth Colloquy is at Gex 22. At Chalais is John Japes 23. At Versoy is Francis Perreau 24. At Crassett is Peter de Preau 25. At Lesly is James Clerk 26. At Gex is James Goutier and Daniel Sauret 27. At Toiry is John Vauralongue 28. At Farnex is Joseph Prevost 29. At Saconey is Francis Borsat 30. At Farges is Amand de Bore 31. At Colonges is Joseph Aubery 32. At Divonne is Paul Bacuett The Second Province and Provincial Synod is the Isle of France divided into four Colloquies having thirty six Churches and forty one Pastors 1. The First Colloquy is that of the Isle of France 33. Wherein is the Church of Paris and its Pastors are Peter du Moulin John Mestrezat and Charles Drelincourt 34. Chasteauthierry hath Mr. Noyensel 35. At Claye is Mr. Jacobé 36. At Fountainbeleau is Depresse 37. At Senlis is Mr. le Blanc 38. At Meaux is Carre 39. At Touguin is Migneau 40. At Lisy and La-Ferte and Spenay is Danois 2. The Second Colloquy is of Champagne 41. At Chaalons is Massin 42. At Vitry is Courselles 43. At Sesannechaltazay is Boucher 44. At Velmora is Beaune Becud 45. At Bar on the Seine is Bilet 46. At Espinet is Rasquett 47. At Netancour is Campdemer 48. At Vassy is Juigne 49. At St. Mars is Alpez 50. At Falaise and Royencour is Richard 51. At Passavant is Rouuel 3. The Third Colloquy is of Picardy 52. At Clermont and its Annexes viz. Compiegne Mondisier and Omecrcour is Mr. Maillard 53. At Chanvierassy is Tricottell 54. At Lain is Icoriges 55. Le Balgensy hath Rambours 56. At St. Quentin is Mestayer 57. At Oysemond is Blanchard 58. At Amiens is Delacloche 59. At Establet is Blondel 60. At Calais are Buguet Laulier and Berard 4. The Fourth Colloquy is of Beausse 61. At
Beneville is Peloguin 62. At Baillolet and Oux is Braud 63. At Houdan is David Blondell 64. At La-Ferte and Laons is â—â—anett 65. At Plessis Norville is Delevereau 66. At Chartres Favieras is Aubertin 67. At Mante Averne is Chorin 68. At Auson is Couronne The Third Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Brittain having but one Colloquy ten Churches and eleven Pastors 69. Vielle Vigne wherein is Pastor Mr. Ferguson 70. At Sion is de la Plate the Elder 71. At Rennes is de Souvigny 72. At Plouer Richelieu 73. At Blain is Andrew le Noir 74. At Roche Bernard is Guido le Noir Lord of Crain and Brother of Andrew Pastor at Blain 75. At Trignier is Lowis Prichel Lord of la Haye 76. At la Moussaye is de la Place the Second * * * Trâ—â—e were three or sour de la Places at this time in the Ministry and I think all of them Sons of â—â—e Minister 77. At Vitre are Depestre and Peter Ortin a Rocheller 78. At Nantes is de la Place the Younger The Fourth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Touraine Anjou le Maine Vaudomois and Great Perche and is divided into three Colloquies having one and twenty Churches and twenty five Pastors 1. The Colloquy of Touraine 79. Tours in which officiates Matthew Cottier 80. At Chasâ—illon upon Eindre and at Lorsat and Busanois is Peter de la Combe 81. At Preuilly is John Rogier 82. At L'Isle Bouchard is Philip Vincent 83. At Montoire is eter de la Combe 81. At Preuilly is John Rogier 82. At L'Isle Bouchard is Philip Vincent 83. At Montoire is Paul Salomear 84. At Vandosme is Isaac le Pelletier 2. The Colloquy of Anjou 85. At Mirebeau is John Gourdry 86. At Lowdun is Daniel Conpé Lord of Desloges 87. At Saumur are Samuel Bouchereau Moyses Amyrand and Lewis Cappel Hebrew Professor 88. At Angiers Stephen le Bloy the Youngest 89. At Chasteau Gontier Cracu and les Landelles is Stephen Besnard 90. At Bauge is John Pyneau 91. At Bourgueil is Francis de la Galere 3. The Colloquy of Moine 92. At La Barre is Daniel Petit. 93. At Laval is Stephen Lâ—bloy the Younger 94. At Lassay is René Conscil 95. At Belâ—sme is René Alain 96. At Minhay and St. Aignan is Abel Amiraud 97. At Le Muns and Ardenay is John Vigneux 98. At Pringé is Abel Charles 99. At Chasteau du Loir is Tricot In this Colloquy liveth Mr. Anthony du Mont a Minister without a Church and unimployed The Fifth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Poictou divided into three Colloquies having forty seven Churches and fifty one Pastors 100. At Poyré and Belleville is Anthony Brail 101. At St. Hillary and Foussey is Peter Mallett 102. At Basanges and Manvilleron is Anne Savonnet 103. At Montague is Samuel Fleury 104. At Brevil Bamett and Lezay is Thomas Johnson 105. At Vandoré is Francis Savonnett 106. At Chantannay and Puybeliard is Jozian Ollivier 107. At la Chastaigneray is Lewes la Varmiere 108. At Mouschamp is René de Losses Lord of la Tousche 109. At la Chaise and Bournezeaux is Abraham des Portes 110. At St. Fulgent and les Herbrieres is Gabriel Boucquet 111. At Poupere and Ponzange is John de la Place 112. At la Garnuche is Daniel Taillard Lord of Rosefleur 113. At St. Giles Survie is Charles Malet 114. At Talmond upon Jard is James Prunier 115. At St. Benoist and le Giare is Daniel Guerman a Rocheller 116. At Marevil is James Ranconnett 117. At St. Hermine and la Chappelle is James Papin a Rocheller 118. At Coulonges les Royaux is John Vatablé 119. At Fontenay le Conte is Peter de la Vallade 2d Colloquy of Middle Poictou 120. At Chandeniers is Peter Pasquier 121. At St. Gelais and Cherveuy is Benjamin de Launay Lord of Gravier 122. At Mougon is John de la Blachiere 123. At Chef Boutonné is John Chalmott 124. At Melle is Mark Fossa 125. At Murcillac and Aigre is Theophilus Lesnier 126. At Niort are John Chauffepied and James de Longnac 127. At St. Maixant is Samuel le Blanc 128. At la Motte St. Heraye is Isaac de la Fourcade 129. At Exoudun is Nathaniel Monastier 130. At Chisay and Aulnay is James Chagneau 3d Colloquy of Higher Poictou 131. At Chauvigny is John Forand 132. At le Vigean is Vincent Paure 133. At Cuiray is John Masson 134. At Lusignan is Isaac du Soul 135. At Coré is Isaac de Cuville 136. At Montreuil Bonnin is Josua de Artois 137. At Partenay is Nicolas Belin. 138. At Touars is Paul Geslin Lord of la Pillaticre 139. At Poitiers are James Clemenceau and James Cottiby a Rocheller 140. At Chastel-Heraud are John Carre and Daniel Pain 141. At Aulbaine and Saubse is Isaac Vergnon 142. At Champagne Mouton is Ferrand Churches destitute of Pastors in Poictou which must be supplied 143. Les Sable d' Olonne and la Chaulme in Lower Poictou 144. Bennet in the Middle Poictou 145. Rochechouard in the Higher Poictou Churches interdicted Cardinal Richelieu was Bishop of Luson 146. Lusson in the Lower Poictou Pastors destitute of Churches in Poictou John Bomaud Pastor in the Church of Lusson interdicted in Lower Poictou James Artuys Lord of Villesaison formerly Pastor of Bennet in the Middle Poictou Pastors * * * i. e. Emeriti discharged in Poictou Gourdery alias de I'stang herofore Pastor of Chisey and Aulnay in the Middle Poictou Emeritus because of Sickness John Brun. The Sixth Province and Provincial Synod is that of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois divided into five Collequies having fifty four Churches and fifty seven Pastors 1. Colloquy of St. John d' Angely 147. St. John d' Angely hath for Pastors John Guillelmy and Japhet du Vigier Lord of Montier 148. Talleburg William Rivet Lord of Chamvernoun 149. St. Savenian William Lundy a Scots-man 150. Tors Fresneau and Mutas Philip Pascard junior 151. Soubize René Chesneau a Rocheller 152. Thomas Guyot a Rocheller 153. Tonnay-Boutonnay Peter Charron 154. Mauzé Samuel de la Forest 152. Fontenay-Labatu Sebastian Baudouin 156. Tonnay Charante Abraham Joyeux 2. Colloquy of the Islands 157. Marennes hath Zacharias Crispin Chabassolaye Peter Richier and Vandelincourt for Pastors 158. St. Just James Toulouze of Rochel 159. St. Denis in Meron Isaac de la Jaille 160. Le Chasteau D'olleron Peter Moyses 161. St. Peters in Olleron is deprived of the Ministry of Mr. John Guillelmy who is sent to St. John d' Angely 162. Meschiers John Gruell 163. Saujon John Perreau a Rocheller 164. Mornac Peter Pouliniés 165. St. John d' Angle Leonard Thevenot 166. Aruert Olliver le Cercler Lord of Lamonnerie 167. Cozat Claudius Heraud a Rocheller 168. Royan James Fountayne a Rocheller 169. La Tremblade James Papin 3. Colloquy of Aunix 170. Surgeres John Tagaud 171. Rochel hath for Pastors Samuel L'hommeau and Hierome Colomies of Bearn Lewes
le Cercler Lord of Chapeliere John Salben a Rocheller Peter Bosquillon to whom by this National Synod was also added Philip Vincent formerly Pastor of Isle Bouchard in Anjou 172. Nieul and Laleu Peter Menanceau a Rocheller 173. St. Martins in the Isle of Ré hath Louis Aubineau a Rocheller and John du Cray of Nismes 174. La Flotte in the Isle of Ré John le Chantre a Rocheller 175. Ars and Lois in the Isle of Ré are deprived of Daniel Chanet who is sent to Marans 176. La sarre Sales and Tairel Isaac Cotant of St. Martyns in the same Island 177. Marans Daniel Chanet a Rocheller 178. Bourgnauf and Angoulins Solomon le Feure 4. Colloquy of Xaintonge 179. Xaintes Theophilus Rossel 180. Pons John Constans 181. Gemozat and Lions destitute 182. Baigné John Marcon 183. St. Severin Peter Chase 184. St. Fort and Mortagne John de Clave the Elder 185. Clambois and Plassac Charles Chocquett 186. Jonzac Elizeus Prioleau Lord of Vienerie 187. Barbezieux Samuel de la Garie 188. Archiac Ezechiel Saget a Rocheller 189. Roche and Chalais David Bellot 190. Ozillac Montendre and Fontaynes John Hamilton a Scotchman 191. Mirambeau vacant 5. The Colloquy of Augoumois 192. La Rochefoucaud and Aindois Thomas Hog a Scotchman 193. Angoulesm Abraham Hyver 194. Cognac James Gaultier 195. Villefagnan Stephen Tixcul 196. Vertueil and Ruffett John Commarc 197. La Rochebeaucourt and Sales Isaac de Claux junior 198. Segonsac and Limieres Stephen de Boyenvall 199. Jarnac and St. Mesmes Isaac Patrus 200. St. Clos Champagne and Courteillas John Ferrand The Seventh Province and Provincial Synod The Province of Lower Guyenne divided into five Colloquies having seventy one Churches and seventy five Pastors 1. The Colloquy of Higher Agenois 201. Tonneins hath for Pastor Monsieur Tinell 202. Clariac hath Riccottier the Father 203. La Fitte Favieres 204. Grateloup Denis 205. La Parade de Betouille 206. Montsanson and Lussac Belon 207. Puymirol Lamoureux 208. Castlemoron Bout 209. Montflanquin Persy 210. St. Berthommiou hath Renerville 211. Montaud and Castlenaud Maturin 212. Govaudan de la Maul 213. Agen John d' Alba. 214. Galapian Decongueres 215. Tournon de la Fresnaye 2d Colloquy of Lower Ageuois 216. Eynuise de Maulans 217. St. Foy Hesperian and Mizaubin 218. La Souvelat Claude 219. Pujols Dulou 220. Pelegru Augier 221. Moncaret Bessotis 222. Saussignac Planteau 223. Castelmoron and Montsegur Renaud 224. Bourdeaux Daniel Ferrant 225. Courtras Monceau 226. Bazas le Vineaux 227. Teobon Salettes 228. Castillon Privat 229. Duras James Bertolin 230. Jensac Pornezac 231. Castels and Gironde Ricottier the Son 232. Miremont hath Bernardin 233. La Rocquette St. André Bauduell 3d Colloquy of Perigord 234. Bergerac hath for its Pastors Messieurs Pyneau and Beaujardin 235. Pomport Langlade 236. Limeuil Baisselance 237. La Linde Castabadie 238. Aymett Potet 239. Langnay David Hesperien 240. Mussidan Latané 241. Sigoules Chauveton 242. La Forcy du Puys 243. Salignac Debordat 244. Baynac Freron 245. Ysfigeac Goyon 246. Berbignieres Laffon 247. Mont Passier Bertau 248. Figeac Gast 249. Cour and Montbazillac Pagez 4th Colloquy of Limousin 250. Limoges de Barte senior 251. Chasteauneuf de Barte junior 252. Argentat Batul 253. Turenne Vition 254. Beaulieu Perecy 5th Colloquy of Condonnois 255. Casteljaloux Dubue 256. Nerac hath these three Monsieur Lanusse and Charles and D' Aubus 257. La Bastide and St. Justin du Fort. 258. Leyrac Sylvius 259. Montrignac Cazaulx 260. Vic and Montreal Brageme 261. Caumont Chardavenne 262. Puch Laguehaye 263. Labardac Monjoux 264. Espignet and Calignac Sassin 265. Mont de Marsan and Geauve du Fay. 266. Vastingues and St. John de Lux Lafite Solone 267. Pigone la Fitte 268. Venga Castilnau and Viellac Bordenave 269. Monserot Faillode 270. Cuse Nadal 271. Montraveau Bedat The Eighth Province And Provincial Synod The Province of Higher Guyenne and Higher Languedoc divided into seven Colloquies having seventy four Churches and sixty six Pastors 1st Colloquy of Castres 272. Castres hath for Pastors John Josion and Peter Savoys and Jonas Daneau 273. Realmont Peter Testas 274. Castelnau John Gerard. 275. Viane Samuel du Fresne 276. Coustat and Fevrierax Francis Rigal 277. Prouthes Peter Cahuzat 278. Brassac John Stephen Baberan 279. La Caze Theocryse Gau. 280. Poul de Lain Phillip Maroul 281. La Canne Francis Fabry 282. Vtabre Peter Comberasse 283. Angles John Balerand 284. Roque Courbe David Vic. 285. Sestigan and its three Annexes Paulin Teillet and Jeannes John Tremblay 286. Montredon Phillippes Rautonnier 287. Cabarade Stephen Cary. 288. Briteste Joseph Grasse the Elder 289. Lombez destitute of a Pastor 2d Colloquy of Rouergue 290. Milliau Isaac du Tail and Peter Bonnefoux 291. Cormu Samuel Jacques 292. St. Lever Peter Bachet 293. Aissence Jacob Aidebert 294. St. Rome Peter Melacarre 295. St. John du Breuil Balthazar Jacques Churches reduced to utter Poverty and thereby wholly deprived of Pastors in the same Colloquy 296. St. Afrique without a Minister 297. Le Pont de Cameretz without a Minister 298. St. Felix without a Minister 299. Severac without a Minister 3d Colloquy of Foix. 300. Pasmiers Paul Gailliard 301. Mezeras Paul Gautbyde 302. Saverdun Peter Violas 303. Caumont Joseph de la Fontayne 304. La Bastide de Leran and Belesta James Molineri 305. Carla David Bourgage 306. Savarac and Camarade John Morsolan 307. Mas d' Azill John Ollier 308. The Church of Fouy is destitute of a Pastor 4th Colloquy of Lauraguis 309. Sourexe Andrew Barangier 310. Puylaurens Paul Gauside 311. Mazamet Peter Violas 312. Reuel Joseph de la Fontayne 313. Carojang James Molineri 314. St. Amand David Bourgage 315. St. Paul Damiate John Villemur 316. Auxillon with its Annexes of Aignesfond and St. Albans Abel Violas 317. Cug Peter Baulx Churches destitute of Pastors in this Colloquy 318. Mas vacant 319. Stes Puelles vacant 5th Colloquy of Higher Quercy and Higher Auvergne 320. St. Cere 321. Glenat and Calumet in the Bailywick of Aurillac in the Higher Auvergne John le Voyer 322. Cazzare Anthony Peres 323. Tronguier as and its Annexes Stephen Candis 324. Figeac destitute 325. Cardillac destitute 326. Servienne destitute 6th Colloquy of Armagnac 327. Mauvezin Matthew Texier 328. Lisle Jourdain John Grasset 323. Leystoure John Dozé 330. Montfort and Puygasque with their Annexes destitute 321. Masgravier John du Mas. 7th Colloquy of Lower Quercy 332. Montauban hath for its Pastors Peter Ollier Peter Charles Timothy Delon and Peter Berauld all three Natives of the City 333. Negrepelisse 304. Le Bois de Realville 335. Caussade 336. St. Antonin 337. Campagnac 338. Bruniquel 339. Berlaic 340. St. Leophaire hath Corbarieux and Reyniers 341. Villemur 342. Meusac Villemade and la Garde 343. Moneng and Ravis destitute 344. Verseil destitute and seven Churches from Negrepelisse to Villamur all destitute The Ninth Province and Provincial Synod The Province of Lower Languedoc divided into three Colloquies having forty seven Churches and fifty seven
Pastors 1st Colloquy ofVsez 345. Vsez hath for Pastors Anthony Noguiers and Monsieur Manuel 346. Navasselles Castagnier 347. St. Venies Isaac Espagnac 348. Vaulx Bouton 349. Fons Arnaud 350. Montfrein Villaret 351. St. Ambroies Andrew Cosnay 352. Blansac du Bros 353. Boycoiran Corniers 354. St. John Railli the Father 355. Bagnols * * * I suppost he was the Father of Peter Ravanell who writ the Bibliotheca Sacra Ravanell 356. Genouillac Artis 357. Lussan Theodorus Brunier 358. Montelin John Davin 359. Baresac Sorbier 360. Montarin Jameshalli the Son 2d Colloquy of Montpellier 361. Montpellier hath for Pastors Michael le Faucheur Daniel Perol de Vidrines and John Gigord 362. Bezieres John de Croy. 363. Pignan Prudhomme 364. Bedarieux Lavil 365. Floransal Masseuvrain 366. Lunel Escoffier 367. Montagnac Hospital 368. Poussain Carnezac 369. St. Pargcoire Second 370. Mesneil Codur 371. Gignac la Faye 3d Colloquy of Nismes 372. Nismes its Pastors are John Faucheur Pastor and Professor Rosselet Samuel Petit Philip Codur 373. Calvisson Quantin 374. Aiguesmortes Banzillon 375. Marsillargues Chanall 376. Sommieres John Chauve 377. Vauvert hath two Pastors Instammond and Salomon Crubelier 378. Galarguat Durand 379. Mellau Gassaguier 380. Vastrie Bertrand 381. Nagier le Sage 382. St. Laurens Roux 383. Aulbais Richere 384. Armargues Sigilori 385. Claransac Fournier 386. Vargesais Pierre 387. Aichar Gaultier 388. St. Giles Brun. 389. Angjargues Rodes 390. Bulignargues Saurin 391. Bellegarde Fillon The Tenth Province and Provincial Synod of Seventies divided into three Colloquies having fifty four Churches and fifty six Pastors 1st Colloquy of St. Germain 392. Monjoux Stephen Rouset 393. Severiette Simon Velares 394. Florac James Gustard 385. St. Julian John Corrigis 396. Barre Nicholas Blun. 397. Pontvan Poltieve 398. Castagnols Isaac Pontier 399. Privat Moyses de la Combe 400. St. Martyn de Boudant Daniel Roussell 401. St. Germains Andrew de la Faye 402. St. Estienne Peter Barjou 403. St. André Anbrose Deyrales 404. Valfrancesque Francis Walnager 405. St. Croix John Gaysar 406. Malezin Peter Tulet 407. Saulmare John de la Bastide 408. St. Marnel John Laurens 409. Vebron John des Essers 410. Le Collet John Guyon 411. St. Andre de la Nusse Bartholomew Rommiere 412. Issoire Moyses Blacon 413. Chavagnus Moyses Boler 2d Colloquy of Anduze 414. Anduze Francis Horlay 415. Alez Esaiah des Muretz and Lewes Courand 416. St. John de Gardonengues John Bony 417. Paul Paulet is Minister of Vezenobre 418. Canobet Anthony de Sienne 419. Lezan Lawrens Vimur 420. Toyras John Boussard 421. La Salle Antony Rudavel 422. Brenonis John Ribochier 423. Lorgues James de Bergues 424. Rivalet Daniel Guerin 425. Le Dagnan Antony Imbert 426. Guenerargues hath two Pastors Guy Chavanon and Peter Barne 3d Colloque of Saulve 427. Vigeay Daniel Vouturin 428. Malanez John Surviulle 429. Alaz John Monxa 430. Breu James Berle 431. Auruelas John Solcil 432. Merneys Antony Vincent 433. Vallenarguas John Gillaret 434. Sumeue Lewis Guychard 435. Mandegas James Tuber 436. St. Laurence Peter Guillammeine 437. Ganges Lewis de la Casse 438. Colognas Abraham de St. Loup 439. St. Hyppolite Abel Merndys 440. Ponpignan Henry de la Combe 441. Sauve Joshua Rossell 442. Quissac Peter Barbat 443. Combas James Alegre 444. Durefort Esaiah Laurens 445. Monoblet Paul Tugurolles The Eleventh Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Dolphiny divided into eight Colloquies having seventy four Churches and seventy five Pastors 1st Colloquy is of Ambrunoys 446. Ambrun John Conel 447. Guillestre Daniel Paschat 448. Sfreillas and Serrat Daniel Bee 449. Chasteau Queyras and Arajeu Raphael Gabet 450. Abnez Aiguillot and Riostolas Jacob Chaglier 451. Moulines Daniel du Protay 452. Chastean Dauphin Isaac Ferrand 453. Voret is destitute 454. Charges is destitute 2d Colloquy of Gappensois 455. Serrat John Paul Perrin 456. Valdronnat Josua Ripert 457. St. Bonnet James d' Esâ—ienne 458. Caprivre Charles de la Croix 459. Asprat James Matthieu 460. Rosans Isaac Ferrand 461. Lareigne John Conebier 462. Orcierat John Bonnet 463. Gap Samuel Kerlet 464. Veines Esaiah Matthieu 3d Colloquy of Valleluson 465. Mantoulat Bernardin Guerin 466. Vscana Thomas Comte 467. Villaret Samuel Clement 468. Fenestelles David Jordain 469. Mean James Gilles 470. Pragueleu Daniel Pastor 471. Briancon Francis Guerin 472. Chaumunt Philibert de Joux 473. Sale Bertrand destitute 4th Colloquy of Diois 474. Chastillon Peter Apex 475. Ponteys David Magnet 476. Quirac Antony Janel 477. Die Stephen Blanc 478. Beaufort Gaspar Martin 479. La Mote John Scharpius a Scotsman 480. Beourietat John Cherubin and John Mauve 481. Saillans vacant 5th Colloquy of Viennois 482. St. Marcelin 483. Pont in Royans 484. Beaumont 485. Chasteaudouble 486. Romans 487. Larbin 488. Beaurepaire Whether all these Churches were vacant I cannot tell none of their Pastors were named in the Catalogue 6th Colloquy of Guezmodan 489. Misoen Henry d' Espagne 490. Grenoble Daniel Bouterove 491. Bessat Francois Murat 492. La Mure John Baruet 493. Mons David Eustache 494. Barroux Abraham Colignat 495. St. John d' Herans Pater Piffort 496. Tresmini Andrew Dhelis 497. Cous Daniel Beuger and John Tudelle 498. Clermont Hugh Rostin 499. Cellat destitute 7th Colloquy of Valentinoys 500. Bourdeaux John Giliars 501. Crest John Petit. 502. L'orial John Toussaincts 503. Vest Sebastian Gay 504. Dieu le fit Paul Guyon 505. Livron Gervass Alexis 506. Montlimard John Vulson and Coulon Badie 507. Manas Adrian Chamier 508. Daussenes John Dragon Lord of Chavienne 509. Sauzet Abraham Jourdan and Peter Bacheler 8th Colloquy de Baronnies 510. St. Euphemie Bartholomew Durand 511. Oranges James de Chambrun and David Sylvius 512. Courtoison John Dragon 513. St. Paul Trois Chasteaux John Armin. 514. Montbrun John Cardel 515. Vantenol and Mons Isaac Chelier and Oliver de Polefix 516. Tublette George Maugras 517. Vinsobre Gabriel Boule 518. Tuilignan Francis Valemon 519. Condorset James Bonnet Twelfth Province and Provincial Synod of Vivaretz divided into three Colloquies having twenty four Churches and twenty four Pastors 1st Colloquy of Privas 520. Privas Salomon Favre 521. Tournon James Decanchet 522. Alissas Andrew Zullon 523. Vivaretz Peter Roboult 524. Bays John de la Faye 525. Marleaux Anthony la Motte 526. St. Fortunat Simeon Dodet 527. St. Albon Daniel Chanforin 2d Colloquy of Annonay 528. Annonay Alexander de Vinay 529. Cheilot Daniel Richard 530. Glurare Peter Merchat 531. Sojon David Agard 532. Desagne Marcelin Cardin. 533. Chasteauneuf David Blanc 534. Bottre Peter de Pierre 535. St. Estienne Isaac Degusize 536. Chamboy Joseph Vilâ—on 537. Barulieu Isaac du Gua. 538. Taleuron John Laurens 3d Colloquy of Aubenas 539. Aubenas Paul Accourat 540. Valoty Daniel Chanal 541. Mirabel Antony Faucher 542. Valet John Imbert 543. Villeneufve de berg Antony Gevaudan Thirteenth Province and Provincial Synod of Provence having but one Colloquy sixteen Churches and sixteen Pastors 544. Esquierres Paul Maurice 545. Seine Peter Challier 546. Velaux Bartholomew
Ressent 547. La Motte Antony de Creze 548. Curban Claudius Marshall 549. Joran Andrew Guerin 550. Lormarin Peter Maurice 551. Riez Andrew Genoyer 552. La coste James Bayly 553. Merindol James Malat. 554. La Charce Andrew Beruard 555. Grasse Peter Mercurin 556. Luc John Durier 557. Soderon John Bernard 558. Manosques Paul Guardinar 559. Velaux James Rescent Fourteenth Province and Provincial Synod of Orleans and Berry divided into three Colloquies having twenty nine Churches and thirty Pastors 1st The Colloquy of Sancerre Gien and Nivernois 560. St. Leonard near Corbigny Stephen Monsanglard 561. Chastillon on the Loing Simon Jurieu 562. Gien upon the Loir Daniel Jamet 563. Chastillon on the Loir Louis Margone 564. Bruion Bennet de la Roche 565. Henry Chemont Dantigny enjoyeth the Ministry of Isaac Babaud 566. Sawerre Paul Alard a Rocheller 567. La Charité John Taby 568. La Scelle and Dolat Anne Poat 569. Despueilles Elijah Semeele 2d Colloquy of Orleans and Blaisois 570. Blois Nicholas Vignier and Paul Testard 571. Romorantin Jacob Brun. 572. Cheleure and Boudara David Horace 573. Boisgency John Guerin 574. Basoches and Denouville Jerom Belon 575. Orleans James Imbert and Durand 578. Chasteaudun James Lancy 579. Dangeau Lewes Tuissard 3d Colloquy of Bourbonnois 580. Argenton Bliseus Saluon 581. St. Amand and Belet Lewis Scoffier 582. Delise Peter Falquet 583. Moudun René Bedé 584. Ambusson William Vignon 585. Gergeau destitute 586. Bourges destitute 587. La Chastre and St. John Verin destitute 588. Suilly destitute Fifteenth and last Province and Provincial Synod of France is the Province of Normandy divided into five Colloquies having thirty five Churches and forty Pastors 1st Colloquy of Roan 589. Roan hath John Maximilian de L'anglé Peter Erondelle and David Primrose 590. Orbes Abraham le Seneschal 591. Quillebaeuf William Cacherat 592. Saucourt Charles De lossat 593. Pont Levesque Stephen Fudes 594. Eureax Peter le Tellier 2d Colloquy of Caux 595. Dieppe Abdias de Mondenis and Moyse * * * The Son of this Cartaud sâ—â—â—â—â—ed his Father and in the Year 1685 he turn'd Apostate Cartaud 596. Boislebec James de Larrey 597. Luncrey and Basqueville Isaac de la Balte 598. Seintet Isaac de la Motte 599. Fescum David Guellode 600. Haure de Grace John Baudowin 3d Colloquy of Caen. 601. Caen John le Boniver Lord of la Fresnay John de Ballehache and Samuel Bochart 602. Baali Samuel Bajeux 603. Bayeneux John le Breton 604. St. Vast Stephen le Sage 605. Trencens Antony le Genevois 606. Geffosse David Chanduret 607. Les Essars John Tappin 4th Colloquy of Falaise 608. Atis Peter Morin 609. Presnat David Bourgat 610. Mezieres Peter Baulran 611. Vire William Blanchard 612. St. Silvain Noah Gallot 613. Condé upon Noireau John Blanchard 614. Falaise Peter Baycux David de Caux a Pastor without a Church 5th Colloquy of Constantin 615. Ste mere Eglife Benjamin Banage and Antony de Lassleur 616. Dulé Mark Maurice 617. St. Lo Vincent Soler 618. Groussy Jeremy Charitier 619. Gaure Jehoiachin le Moyne 620. Cheffresne Isaac de Vennes 621. Chassagne Luke Boquet 622. La haye dupuy destitute 623. Serizi destitute There is in this Province a sixth Colloquy viz. the Colloquy of Alencon but it and its Churches are both omitted in this Catalogue Sixteenth Province and Provincial Synod is the Province of Bearn Which Province being in the Principality of Bearn did always appear by two Deputies chosen by their Synod in the National Synods of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and were in this of Castres represented by the Lords Peter de Rivall Pastor in the Church of Nay and John de Pommerede Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder in the Church of Morlas but the said Deputies did not bring with them the Roll of the Churches and Pastors in their Province so that they could not be registred CHAP. XXXVIII A Letter of the Church of Geneva to the National Synod of Castres Most Reverend Honoured and Dear Brethren THere has not been a National Synod of the Churches for these many Years last past held in France but that we have made tenders of our Duties to them because of that strict and intimate Communion we have with them all in our common Lord. We have also new Ingagements unto Thankfulness and to abound in Thanksgivings for the infinite Mercies of our God which are Day by Day and from one Year unto another accumulated upon and continued to his Churches the Lord renewing his tender Compassions so miraculously in their Preservations But if ever we had any cause for so doing 't is now that we are in a most extraordinary manner obliged to it for his gracious Providence shines forth with a most admirable Lustre in the defence of your Churches and particularly in the free enjoyment of your Religious Assemblies so that at the many strange Accidents which have befallen you for divers Years together and the Tempests with which the Kingdom of France hath been assaulted and battered the sore and grievous Afflictions of many of our Brethren having astonished our Souls and overwhelmed our Hearts with Sorrows had made us almost despair of ever seeing the comfortable returns of Peace unto your Realm and of Repose and Settlement for your poor afflicted Churches and the Exercise of your most excellent Discipline than which a better was never practised in the Christian World And now in this Calm the Divine Wisdom gathers his Children as the Hen doth her Chickens under his Wings and reneweth the Face of his Church in your Congregations as the Eagle doth his Youth And this Mercy should be the more prized and esteemed by us because it is not in this Day a common Favour and Benefit vouchsafed of God unto all those whom he had once honoured with the knowledg of himself in the Gospel For besides that the subversion of so many Provinces the dismal Desolations or those sometimes flourishing Churches in Germany Bohemia Moravia and the Valtoline are yet continued and the Dissipations and Dispersions are still growing and augmenting and the Judgments of God from Heaven are following one upon the neck of another one dreadful Ravage calling upon another to make haste Therefore we lie prostrate night and day at the Feet of our Heavenly Father adoring his rich Grace in Christ Jesus for setting bounds unto the Fire of his Wrath so that all his Churches are not totally devoured by it And we most ardently beseech his Divine Majesty that as he keeps the Hearts of Kings in his own Hands so he would be pleased to inspire your King with Counsels of Favour and Peace for his People and tender Love unto your Churches that under his Government and Authority the Name of God may be celebrated with Liberty of Conscience and Truth may bring forth Faith in the World and Righteousness from Heaven may yield the Fruit of True and Saving Peace Moreover we do also carry upon our Hearts unto the Throne
but with this Proviso that they be accountable for it unto their own Province and this may be done also by the other Deputies Article 25. The Sum of eight thousand Livers paid in by Mr. Palot unto the Lord of Candall shall be delivered out in that manner as this Assembly hath appointed without any Diversion or Diminution of it or Rights for receiving it by him or his Deputy Article 26. This Assembly impowereth the Consistory of the Church of Paris to treat with Mr. Malat and to discharge him from all further prosecuting of Mr. Palot and to content him for his past labour by paying him the Sum of one thousand Livers which said Sum shall be paid him down by the Lord of Candall in full of all Demands either for himself or his deceased Uncle Mr. Malat and the said Malat shall yield up into the Hands of the Lords General-Deputies an Inventory of all Papers Decrees and Memoirs relating to this Affair and which are now lying by him CHAP. XXXIII The Roll of Deposed and Apostate Ministers Article 1. JOseph Aubury formerly Pastor in the Church of Coulonges in the Colloquy of Gex a Fellow of low Stature long Visage his Eyes deep sunk into his Head of fierce Look great Nose Chesnut-colour'd Hair his Legs and Feet crooked turn'd in halting on both sides deposed by the Province of Burgundy for Forgeries Perjuries and other Scandals aged about thirty eight Years Article 2. Anthony Dumont formerly an Augustinian Friar but since Minister at St. Aignan and Myntré in the Land of Mayn deposed for divers Crimes by the Synod of Anjou in the Year 1629 and is since turned Apostate he is low of Stature his Hair almost white roving Eyes high Eagle nos'd short Neck shrub shoulder'd haggardly froward and unsociable in his Discourses Article 3. Andrew Peloquin formerly Pastor of the Churches of Houdan and Fontaines in the County of Chartres but now an Apostate a short Fellow Chesnut-colour'd Hair little Eyes and sunk into his Head flat Nose and a great fat Tongue about eight and thirty Years of Age. Article 4. Tussan formerly Minister at Manduel in the Colloquy of Nismes about fifty Years old a Fellow low of Stature Chesnut-colour'd Hair deposed from the Ministry for his Contempt and total Desertion of it and for abandoning himself to base and most unworthy Occupations Article 5. Pompey de Romerville formerly a Monk but since Pastor in the Church or Gontault in the Colloquy of Agenois but now an Apostate a middle-siz'd Olive-colour'd Fellow disfigur'd with the small Pox having a Pearl in one of his Eyes his Hair and Beard exceeding black he hath lost his Voice after his Revolt he betook himself to sell Wine by Retail in a Tavern but not thriving at that Trade he is now at present the third Regent in the Colledg of Bourdeaux Article 6. Jacob Chaslier formerly Pastor in the Church of Queivas a Fellow not only infected with Arminianism but with divers other monstruous Errors which he hath indeavoured to diffuse abroad clandestinely and being upon the Point of Deposal from the sacred Ministry by the Colloquy of Ambrunois he prevented the Sentence of the said Colloquy by telling them that he quitted both his Robe and Religion he is short of Stature but well compacted Chesnut-colour'd Hair and staring up like Hogs Bristles great Nose and Eye-brows his Eyes deep sunk in and looking down-ward high Fore-head large Shoulders hasty in his Gate as if he were running very rude in his Discourse Article 7. David Bourgade aged about fifty five Years low of Stature gray-hair'd great Eyes a pur-blind squinting Fellow great Nose and somewhat high very violent covetous voluptuous and undisciplinable formerly Pastor in the Church of Carlat in the Colloquy of Foix but since an Apostate Article 8. John Durant alias D'avant heretofore Minister of Araiqûson in Bearn being accused of the Crimes of Adultery he turned Apostate a middle-siz'd Fellow having a plain long bald Head pale of Colour a staggering trembling Voice rotten Teeth ready to laugh upon any occasion looking downward black Hair waxing gray disorderly in his Carriage Article 9. Francis Langelot sometimes Minister of Audaulx in Bearn but now an Apostate low of Stature flat and bald-headed high Fore-head great flat Nose a little Beard and that mixt white Teeth Voice and Hands trembling roaving wandring Eyes and high look'd great Neck and hunch-back'd on one side precipitant in his going Article 10. Theophilus Casamajor Minister of St. Gladie in the aforesaid Province of Bearn mean of Stature little Head few Teeth hoarse Voice and effeminate his Beard red and mingled sad of Countenance and ready on any occasion to laugh he is now an Apostate CHAP. XXXIV An Act for calling the next National Synod 11. THE next National Synod is assigned to the Town of Alanson in the Province of Normandy three Years hence as was before appointed in the 7th Article of general Matters 12. All these Acts above-mentioned were done and decreed at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris by the Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn in the twenty sixth National Synod of the said Churches assembled by his Majesty's Permission at Charenton aforesaid the second time and their first Session was on New-year's-day in the Year of our Lord one thousand six hundred thirty one Signed in the Original Mestrezat Moderator Jamet Assessor D. Blondel Scribe Armet Scribe Also by the Lord Galland Commissioner for his Majesty and by all the Pastors and Elders Deputies for the Provinces unto the said Synod CHAP. XXXV Remarks upon the Deputies 1. MR. John Mestrezat Moderator in this Synod was born of an eminent Family in Geneva which were originally seated at Verona a great and ancient City in Italy but forsaken by them for Religion This famous Divine came young as a Traveller into France about twenty two Years of Age in the Quality of a Proposan or Student of Divinity to visit the Protestant Universities which having done he came to Paris and the Reformed Church there having heard him make a Proposition immediately demanded him for their Minister unto which he consented with this Proviso that they would let him reside two Years at Saumur to compleat his Studies And that term being expired he returned back to Paris and served the Church of God there with a great deal of Pains and Fidelity forty two Years and departed this Life in the Year 1657 being sixty six Years old He had a Conference with a Jusuit of great Reputation call'd Regourd by express Order of the Court and in its Presence to the Confusion of the Jesuit and the great Advantage and Honour of our Holy Reformed Religion I have seen a piece of his concerning the Church what other Works were published by him I am sorry that I cannot inform my Reader of them 2. Monsieur Michael le Faucheur was also born of godly Parents in the same City of Geneva and recieved into the Holy Ministry in the
Maeil Elder in the Church of Dieppe being chosen by the common Votes of the Pastors Elders and Heads of Families there and sent unto the Deputies of the Province of Normandy to move and intreat them to request that Mr. Texier who was freed from the Church of Mauvesin in the Province of Higher Languedoc might be given to them absolutely and the said Lords Deputies having introduced him into the Assembly to make his Demand in which also they joined with him After that Mr. Texier had been heard on the one part declaring how that for the Ingratitude of his Church he accepted of the Call given him by the Church of Dieppe upon Condition that his Province should judg it reasonable to set him at Liberty and with Design to oblige his Church by the Authority of the National Church to give him a full Satisfaction and on the other part the Deputies of Higher Languedoc complained that they were not in due time and place acquainted with his Intention and requesting that the Right of their Province might be intirely secured it having many Churches to be supplied which were destitute of Pastors and particularly the Church of Mauvesin which had sufficiently assured the said Texier that he should be paid the Arrears of his Wages The Assembly decreed that he should apply himself unto his Synod which is exhorted to see that he be fully satisfied and in case he be set free from his Church and that he cannot be commodiously provided for within his Province that then leave shall be given him to depart where he best liketh 3. The Assembly conserving to the Province of Berry the Right they have hitherto had over the Church of la Selle ordaineth that as long as it shall be supplied by the Pastors of the Isle of France it shall be under the Jurisdiction of the said Province which shall continue their Contributions towards the Subsistence of the Colledg of Chastillon 4. Forasmuch as the Assembly is not now in Possession of any Fund out of which those who have Recourse unto it might be relieved by its Charities Monsieur Falquet whose Necessities are very great is recommended unto the Province of Berry to be assisted and comforted by them either by allowing him some certain Portion out of their Alms or by recommending his afflicted Condition to be relieved by the more rich and populous Churches 5. The Deputies of the Province of Vivaretz relating the extream Poverty whereunto Monsieur Zuccond a Pastor emeritus hath been for several Years last past reduced by reason of his great Sicknesses Losses Expences and Imprisonments suffered from the Lord of Chanal and la Motte and that the precedent National Synods had in Consideration of his great Afflictions granted him a free Portion out of the Monies of his Majesty's Liberality and requested this Assembly that they would be pleased to vouchsafe him some sensible Tokens of their Charity and Compassion Answer was made them that forasmuch as the Churches had no Monies at all of their own nor now to be disposed by them the said Province was exhorted to take care of him for his comfortable Subsistence and Relief from among themselves 6. Whereas the Province of Sevennes had formed a Complaint against Monsieur James Pasquier Pastor in the Church of St. John de Breuil this Affair was turned over to the Judgment of the Province of Higher Languedoc 7. The Deputies of Bearn requesting that the Divisions which have been judged and condemned in the Church of Morlas maybe totally and effectually remedied and that there may be an End put unto the Complaints brought in by Monsieur Fabas against his Province and sundry particular Persons on the one hand and of divers others against him on the other that therefore some Deputies may be sent with an express Charge to take Knowledg of and give a final Judgment on all those Articles which could not possibly be examined or clearly inspected into in this Place and at so great a Distance The Assembly accepting the Offer of the Deputies of the Province of Bearn promising to bear their Charges who should to this Purpose be sent unto them did nominate the Sieurs Ferrand and Charles Pastors and Charron an Elder to receive the Information drawn up at the Request of Monsieur Rival by the Lord D'abbadie the Decrees past in Parliament against the Lords D'abbadie Rival and others who by Order of their Colloquy had admitted unto Communion at the Lord's Table some particular Persons of Morlas and generally all Papers whatsoever which have given Birth and Fewel unto this Fewd and Contention that so they may proceed to a final Judgment on the remaining Matters yet under Debate and Controversy And they shall bring in their Accompt hereof unto the next National Synod 8. To regulate the Pretensions of the Churches of Alanson St. Aignan and Mans about the Donative given for their Benefit by the Lady de la Harangere and destined to the Maintenance of some poor Scholars This Assembly ordaineth that according to the Tenor of the said Legacy the Administration of the Monies arising from it ought to be left in the Hands of the Church of Alanson and those two other Churches shall agree with it about the choice of him to whom the Pension shall be exhibited and that the first of these three Churches which shall be unprovided may proceed to receive and imploy him and that the Son of Monsieur Vignier Pastor of the Church of Mans who hath already received some Fruits of the aforesaid Pension shall injoy it and be preferred before all others in the Injoyment of it 9. Forasmuch as the Sieur de la Milletiere hath sent unto the Pastors deputed by the Provinces the first Part of a Book written by him intituled Les Moyens de la Paix Chrestienne en la Reunion des Catholiques Evangeliques sur les differends de la Religion divisé en quatre parties and the Title of the first Volume La Refutation de la procedure de Monsieur Daillé en son Examen and Letters also in which he asserts that he is moved hereunto by the sole Spirit of God for to reconcile the Differences in Religion He takes for granted that what he hath offered or may hereafter offer will be received without any Contradiction by all the Churches and presupposeth that all our first Reformers and their Successors were abused and do abuse themselves through a Misunderstanding which cannot be discovered but by them who shall admit his new conceited Lights And whereas he hath been too long even for the space of three Years tolerated and that the Church of Paris hath used all Endeavours to reduce him unto his Duty and that in the Articles contained in his first Script he hath designedly concealed his Opinions though under the very Phrases used by the Doctors of the Romish Religion and with which they are accustomed to express their own Sentiments and that in the second which he hath sent abroad
Sevennes shall be paid unto those Professors who have served in the University of Nismes aforesaid CHAP. XIX The Accompts of our Universities Article 12. THe Province of Anjou brought in two Accompts for the University of Saumur which were past in the Synods held at Chastillon upon the Lindre in June 1635. and at Saumur in April 1637. for the years 1632. 33. 34. 35. and for one qùarter of the year 1636. which having been Examined were verified and approved Article 13. The Province of Dolphiny exhibited for the University of Die five Accompts passed in the Assembly held at Cort Montlimart Vinsobres Ambrun and Orpiert for the years 1632. 33. 34. 35. 36. which having been Examined were verified and approved Article 14. Whereas the Province of Higher Languedoc hath not brought in the Proofs of their Accompts tendered by them since the year 1631. they shall do it in the next National Synod that so they may be verified and approved A Dividend of those Moneys which shall be hereafter borrowed from the fifth Penny of the Alms gathered in our Churches and to be Employed in the Maintenance of our Universities and Colleges Article 15. That our Universities may be kept up and Maintained it was Advised and Resolved on by the Unanimous Consent of all the Provinces that the Province of Normandy should Contribute yearly the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Livres and the first Payment to be made the first of October now next ensuing 2. and Dolphiny the Sum of 1500 l. 3. Burgundy 161. 4. Xaintonge 960. 5. Lower Languedoc 975. 6. Higher Languedoc 1000 l. 7 Anjou 850 l. 8. Brittain 130 l. 9. The Isle of France 1600 l. 10. Berry 345 l. Poictou 975 l. 11. Lower Guyenne 900 l. 12. Seventies 250 l. 13. Bearn 50 l. All which Sums amounting to Eleven Thousand one Hundred Sixty and Six Livres Five Sous shall be paid in and distributed in manner following Article 16. To the University of Montauban for two Professors in Divinity one in Hebrew and two in Philosophy and for the College 3000 l. of which Sum the Province of Higher Languedoc shall furnish 1000 l. Lower Guyenne 900 l. Bearn 50 l. Xaintonge 385 l. And Normandy 665 l. Article 17. To the University of Saumur for two Professors in Divinity one in Hebrew and two in Philosophy 2606 l. for the Principal of the College 100 l. For the First Regent 400 l. For the Second 300 l. For the Third 250 l. For the Fourth 210 l. For the Regent of the Fifth and Sixth Classis 210 l. For the Door-keeper and Beadle 60 l. In all 4130 l. of which Sum the Province of Anjou shall furnish 850 l. Brittain 130 l. Poictou 975 l. Xaintonge 575 l. and the Isle of France 1600 l. Article 18. To the University of Nismes for two Professors in Divinity whereof one shall receive 700 l. and another but 400 l. because he hath a Stipend also as Pastor of which Sum the Province of Lower Languedoc shall furnish 975 l. and Sevennes 125 l. The whole being Eleven Hundred Livres Article 19. To the University of Die as well for the Professors as the College the Sum of 2936 l. 5 s. whereof the Province of Dolphiny shall furnish 1500 l. Sevennes 125 l. Burgundy 131 l. 4 s. Berry 345. and Normandy 835 l. CHAP. XX The Accompts of the Lord du Candall MR. Cooper Agent of the Lord du Candall having brought in his Accompt the Assembly nominated Mr. John de Survile Pastor of the Church of Vigan and Peter Marbaut Councellor and Secretary for the King and Elder of the Church of Paris Claudius Bernard Bayliff of Chastillon and Elder of the Church of the said Chastillon on the. Loin Lawrence de Febur Advocate and Elder in the Church of Rouen Gaspard du Beuf Advocate and Elder in the Church of Grenoble John Brun Lord of Roussais Elder in the Church of St. Ambrose Daniel Descairae Lieutenant in the Judicature of Pujols and Elder of the Church of Gatherde that Town and Charles Perreau Advocate Elder in the Church of Couches to be a Committee to Inspect and Examine the said Accompt which being done by them they Reported unto the Assembly That it could not be well Audited as it was now Stated without a Personal Conference with the said Lord du Candall because it was not in the ordinary form of Accompts which used to be tendered unto our National Synods The Assembly Discoursing with Mr. Cooper about it ordered the aforesaid Committee or any four of them should go unto Paris and visit the said Lord du Candall and thank him for that good Affection he hath always born and expressed by unquestionable proofs unto the Churches and to intreat him to continue and persevere in it and that he would be pleased to discharge the Churches of the Sum of 25125 Livres 12 Sous of the remaining Accompts rendered by him unto his Majesty on February the third 1633. and of all Interest for Moneys advanced by him or at least that he would be pleased to make some easy and favourable Composition And in case he shall so do that then the said Committee shall by Virtue and Authority of this Assembly give unto the said Lord du Candall an Acquittance and discharge him of all those Sums which he shall make appear to have been paid by him according to the Accompt Stated and Expedited in the last National Synod held at Charenton Afterward they shall proceed to the auditing and finishing of his present Accompt and allow all such Sums as they shall Judge reasonable And farther they shall treat with him or with any other Person that shall offer himself to Deal with them about the Rents Offices and other Rights and Reprisals belonging unto our Churches for such a Price and at such Conditions as they shall Judge meet And also if an opporty should present it self and they conceive it expedient they shall assist at the clearing of the Accompt of the said Lord du Candall with the Lords Commissioners appointed thereunto by His Majesty or else shall substitute in their stead some other Persons whom they shall think proper for it upon the place And they shall demand also of the said Lord of Candall to deliver unto them all the Offices of the Commissioners for Seisures which are yet in his hands that so they may be disposed of to the benefit of the Churches in such a manner as they shall advise on And this Assembly doth promise to allow and approve of whatsoever shall be done or performed by the said Committee in these aforesaid matters or by any four of them for which purpose they give unto them their full Power and Authority but nevertheless without allowing them their Expences And in case they should be obliged to return unto their own homes before they can have dispatched and finished all that is as before intrusted with them this Assembly doth then Impower and Authorise them to sub-delegate in their place and
stead such Members of the Consistory of the Church of Paris as they shall conceive best able to Manage the Affair CHAP. XXI A Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres given by the King for Defraying the Charges of the Synod Article 1. THis Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres granted by the King for the Defraying our Synodical Expences was for Easing and Discharging of the Provinces and whereas there had been paid 450 Livres by the Lord of Candall upon his Debt unto Mr. Ferrand Gigord and de Cerisy who were first deputed unto his Majesty there was only distribution made of 360 Livres of that Sum because the Assembly had given unto the said Deputies the Sum of Thirty Livres for their particular Expences they were necessitated to be at over and above the said Hundred Sous allowed them for every day Article 2. To the Provinces of Dolphiny Burgundy Xaintonge Sevennes Anjou the Isle of France Berry Poictou Vivarets for four Deputies each the Sum of Eleven Hundred Forty and Three Livres Seventeen Sous the whole amounting to the Sum of Ten Thousand Two Hundred Ninety and Four Livres Thirteen Sous Article 3. To the Provinces of Normandy Lower Languedoc and Lower Guyenne the like Sum of Eleven Hundred Forty and Three Livres Seventeen Sous out of which there is deducted the Sum of Six Score Livres received by each of those Deputies from the Lord of Candall therefore there is no more due unto each of those Provinces than One Thousand and Three and Twenty Livres Seventeen Sous all which put together amounts to Three Thousand Threescore and Eleven Livres Eleven Sous Article 4. To the Province of Higher Languedoc for three Deputies and Sixty Livres ordered to a Fourth who lay Sick upon the way Nine Hundred and Seventeen Livres Sixteen Sous and Nine Deniers Article 5. To the Provinces of Brittain Provence and Bearn for two Deputies each the Sum of Five Hundred Threescore and Eleven Livres Thirteen Sous in all amounting to One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifteen Livres and Eight Sous Article 6 All which Sums taking in the 360 Livres received of the Lord of Candall by Mr. Ferrand Gigord and Cerisy do make up the aforesaid Sum of Sixteen Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Livres Tournois CHAP. XXII The Roll of Deposed and Revolted Ministers 1. Salomon Pijeaut formerly Pastor in the Church of Douchamps Deposed by the Provincial Synod of Berry for Adultery a Fellow of mean Stature Black Hair a Tauny Meagre Face great Eyes Eagle Nose a trembling broken Voice and about silty years of Age. 2. William Cacherat formerly Pastor of the Church at Pontean de Mer in the Province of Normandy about Two and Fifty years of Age a small Taper Fellow Chesnut colored Hair speaking very fluently he was Suspended by his Provincial Synod he abandoned first the Exercise of his Calling and since the Profession of his Religion turning Papist immediately upon his Suspension by the Synod at St. Loo He was Deposed for Desertion of his Ministry and sundry other Crimes 3. Leonard Thevenot formerly a Priest that quitted his Frock and Monastry of Poictiers he was afterwards Pastor of the Church at Mallezais in Poictou and of St. John d' Angely and of Bois Clan and Plassac in Xaintonge aged between 56 and 58 years he is a Short Fat Crook-back Fellow Black Hair beginning to wax Gray a Fair Beard great Mouth Lips turn'd in large Red Eyes Ruddy Face an Effeminate Tone in Speaking he turn'd Apostate from the Truth in the Month of July 1634. 4. Paul Falquerolles formerly Minister in the Church of St. Hippolyte near Monoblet in the Province of Sevennes who being Deposed by the Provincial Synod for his Vicious Conversation and Desertion of his Charge did finally Revolt from the True Religion This Fellow is about Threescore and Five years old Tall of Stature and Gray Headed All these Acts were Passed and Decreed in the National Synod Assembled by the King's Permission at Alanson from the 28th of May until the 9th of July 1637. And Signed by Basnage Moderator of the Synod D. Couspe Assessor D. Blondel Scribe D. Launay Scribe CHAP. XXIII An Account and Catalogue of the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn together with the Names of their Pastors hung up in the National Synod held at Alanson in the Months of May June and July 1637. Extracted and Copied out of the Original 1. Province IN the Province of Berry Orleans Blesois Nivernois and the Higher Marche there be these Pastors and Churches hereafter mentioned 1. In the Colloquy of Sancerre Pastors Churches 1 Stephen de Monsanglard in the Church of Corbigny 2. Daniel Jamet Pastor in the Church of Gien upon the Loir 3. John Guerin Pastor in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loin 4. Paul Allard a Rocheller in the Ch. of Sancerre 5. John Taby at La Charité 6. Ayme Pyat Chastillion on the Loir 7. Elijah Semele Grinon and Esparville 8. Paul Guez Suilly and Aubiguy 9. Isaac Babaud without a Church La Selle 10.  Dolot Destitute of Past 2. In the Colloquy of Blesois Pastors Churches 10. Nicholas Vignier Minister of Blois 11. 11. Paul Testard Orleans 12. 12. James Imbert Durand Romorantin 13. 13. Jacob Brun Dangeau 14. 14. John Alix Marchenoir 15. 15. Isaac Garnier Basoches 16. 16. Jerom Belon Chameroll 17. 17. Louis Tuisard Bouderoy 17. 18. Daniel Jurieu Mer 18. 19. Cyrus du Moulin Chasteaudun 19. 20. Phillip de la Pierre  21. Abel d'Argent both destitute of Churches  3. In the Colloquy of Berry and Bourbonnois Pastors Churches 22. Louis Scoffier Belet 20. 23. Renatus Bedé Issoudun 21. 24. Elijah Pejus Argenton 22. 25. John Bonneau Aubusson 23. 2. The Province of Brittain Pastors Churches 26. Bertrant Avignon Lord of Souvigny Pastor of the Church of Christ at Hennes 24. 27. Daniel Sauve Viellevigne 25. 28. Peter de la Place Sion 26. 29. Peter Bouchereau Lord of La Manesse Nants 27. 30. David de la Place Lamussare 28. 31. Andrew Levier Lord of Beauchamps Blain 29. 32. Pruil Minister of Rochebernard 30. 33. 34. Presteré Pet. Jostain Rochellers of Vitré 31. 35 Routel Minister of Ploër 32. 36. Delahay or Delaye without any Church Triguier destitute of a Pastor 33. 3. The Province of Xaintonge Augoumois Aunix and the Islands 1. Colloquy of Aunix Pastors Churches 37. Jerome Colomnies and Ministers of Rochel 34. 38. Phillip Vincent 39. John Flane a Rocheller Minister of Surgere Cire 35. 40. John Jagaut Minister of Augoulins Pont de la Pierre Aytré 36 41. John Salberâ— Lord of Viliers a Rocheler Minister of Rochefort St. Laurence Florrus 37. 42. Daniel Chavet a Rocheller Marais 38. 43. Samuel de la Forest Maze 37. 44. Samuel de Ferre Minister of Bournivet Daump 40. 45. Isaac Coutaut Pastor of Sâ—les Taray la Jarrye 2. The Colloquy of St. John D'Angely Pastors Churches 46. Japhet du Vigier Lord of Montier both Ministers of St.
John D' Angely 45. 47. John du Croy 48. Abraham Joyer Tonnay Charante 46. 49. Peter Charron Tonnay Boutonnay 47. 50. René Chesheau a Rocheller Soubize 48. 51. William Rivet Lord of Chamvernoun Taillebourg 49. 52. Thomas Guyott a Rocheller Pastor of Moise 40. 53. Sebastian Baldwyn Pastor of St. Savinian 51. 54. Peter Menauean a Rocheller of Fontenay Labatu 52. 55. James Morin Pastor of Tors Fresneau c. Mata 52. 3. Colloquy of the Islands Pastors Churches 56. Peter Richier Lord of Vandelincour Marents 54. 57. And Anthony Chardavoyn of 58. Claudius Herault a Rocheller of Cozes 55. 59. John Perreau a Rocheller of Saujon 56. 60. John du Menil of St. Just 57. 61 Anthony Bugnon a Rocheller Minister of St. John D' Angel 58. 62. John Papin At La Tremblade 59. 63. Oliver le Cercler Lord of La Monnerie of Arnot 60. 64. James de la Fontayn a Rocheller of Royan 61. 65. John Gruell Minister of Meschors 62. 66. Elijah Coustans the Younger of Mornoe 63. There be in this Colloquy these Churches interdicted Saujon St. Lierre 64. St. Denis 65. and the Castle of Olleroon 66. 4. The Colloquy of Xaintonge Pastors Churches 67. Theophilus Rossel and Ministers of Xaintes 67. 68. Charles â—â—uet 69. John Costans the Elder of Lons 68. 70. Elijah Prioleau Lord of La Viennerie Jonzael 69. 71. John Hamilton the Father and Ministers of Montendere Fontaynes Ozillae 70. 72. John Hamilton the Son 73. James Gaultier of Archiac 71. 74. Peter Bonyot of Fou St. German 72. 75. John Marcon of Baigne 73. 76. John Baduel of Mizabeau 74. 77. Peter Chaze of St. Severin 75. 78. Louis Aubouieneau a Rocheller of Moulieu and Monhuyon 76. 79. David Bellot of Chalais la Roche 77. 80. Francois Majou of Clanbois Classac 78. 81. Lazarus Cazaux of Barbezieux 79. 5. Colloquy of Augoumois Pastors Churches 82. John Ferran Minister of St. Claude Champagnemauton 80. 83. Isaac Clave Minister of La Rechefoucaud Lindois 81. 84. Isaac Patui Minister of St. Mesme Jarnac Charante 82. 85. Abraham Hivert of Angoulesme Montignac 83. 86. Samuel Lagarie of Cognac 84. 87. Stephen Tixueil of Villefaignan 85. 88. John Comarc of Vertuell Russet Castell Renaud 86. Elijah Constans at Numb 66. now of Bourg Charante 87. 89. Anthony Carrier of Legonzac Ligneres 88 90. Isaac Merchant of La Rochebeaucourt Sales 89. John Pascard without a Church Churches interdicted Mortaigne Lonzac 92. Churches Destitute of Pastors Gemouzac 73. Rieux 94. Niel,95 Hevert au Beterie 96. St. Aulay 97. The 4th Province of Burgundy 1. Colloquy of Gex Pastors Churches 92. John Tapé Minister of Chalais Sarconnay 98. 93. James Clerk the Father of Cessy 99 94. James Clerk the Son Colonges 100. 95. James Gaultier of Gex 101. 96. Dupré Minister of Vivonne 102. 97. Francois Perreaud Minister of St. Hoiry Fargues 103 98. Peter Despreaux of Crosset 104. 99. Joseph Prevost of Ornez 105. 100. David Paget Minister of Versoy 106. 2. Colloquy of Dijon Pastors Churches 101. Joseph Mauvin Minister of Arnay le Duc 107. 102. Isaac Durand of Issurtille 108. 103. Gideon Guyonnet Minister of Chastillon upon Seyn 109 St. John de Laune 110. Dijon 111. 104. Peter Bolenat Minister of Avalon Vaux 112. 105. John Comperat of Neyons 113. 106. Peter Heliot of Baulne 114. 3. Colloquy of Chalons Pastors Churches 107. Amed de Bons Minister of Chalons 115. 108. John Viridet Minister of Paray 116. 109. Noël Angeley Minister of Martingues 117. 110. Peter Jaimot Minister of Pont des Vaux Belle Ville 118. Moulins 119. Bourbon 120. 111. Heliodorus de Noyer Minister of Bussy Clugny 121. 112. Jeffery Bruny Minister of Antun Conches 122. 4. Colloquy of Lyon Pastors Churches 113. Esaiah Bailly and Ministers of the Church of Lions 123. 114. Alexander Rous 115. Senebriet 116. Francois Renaud L. of Mispillac Minist of Mascon 124. 117. Jacob Textor Minister of Bouage 125. 118. John Marcombes Minister of Pons de Voyles 126. Puillac 127. The 5th Province of Lower Languedoc 1. The Colloquy of Nismes Pastors Churches 119. John Bansillon Minister of Aigues Mortes 128. 120. John Chauvet Pastors of Nismes 129. 121. Phillip Codur 122 Samuel Petit 123. Claudius Rosselet and 124. Josiah Darnieu Pastors of 125. _____ Justamen Minister of Masillargues 130. 126. Francois Durand Minister of Galargues 131. 127. Quintin Rennoy and Ministers of Clavisson 132. 128. Abraham de Lare 129. Tobias Roux Minister of St. Laurens 133. 130. Silligorry Minister of Aimargues 134. 131. Andrew Basagne Minister of Bernis 135. 132. Tibaud Minister of Aubars 136. 133. Allegre Minister of Nayett 137. 134. Fourmer Minister of Cleronsae 138. 135. Brun Minister of Vauvert 139. 136. Gaultier Minister of Sommiere 140. 137. Savrin Minister of Aymargues 141. 138. Lichicres Minister of Vergescet 142. 139. Davin Minister of Beauvoisin 143. 140. Bertrand Minister of Bussinarques 144. 2. The Colloquy of Vsez Pastors Churches 141. Rally the Elder Minister of Barjac 145. 142. Arnaud Minister of Fons 146. 143. Nogueyer and in the Church of Vez 147. 144. Manuel Pastors 145. Du Cros Minister of Blansac 148. 146. Ravanel Minister of St. Ginicis 149. 147. Bonnier Minister of Lussan 150. 148. Chabaud Minister of BonCoiran 151. 149. Meinier Castanier Minister of Navacelles 152. 150. Paul Cheyron Minister of Genouillac 153. 151. Ponnier Minister of Les Vaus 154. 152. Desmarets Minister of Chambourrigaud 155. 153. Rally the Younger Minister of Mouteran 156. 154. La Saye Minister of Ambroise 157. 155. Thomas Minister of John de Marneiola 158. 156. Peter Serres Minister of St. Bagnols 159. 157. Ancet Minister of St. Monfond St. Quantin 160. 158. John Sobier Emeritus  3. Colloquy of Montpellier Pastors Churches 159. Vedrines Ministers of Montpellier 162. 160. Moses Baux 161. John Gigord 162. Carsenal 163. John de Croy Minister of Beziers 163. 164. Pucis Minister of Pinan 164. 165. Begon Minister of Clermont 165. 166. Atgé of Lunel 166. 167. Preudhomma Minister of Courvon 167. 168. Lavit of Bezarieux 168. 169. Second of Montagnac 169. 170. Rouze of Malquel 170. Lelache Vendamman 171. Gignac 172. Poussan 173. Forensac 174. 171. Moses Russel a Pastor Emeritus 6. Province of Poictou 1. Colloquy of the Vpper Poictou Pastors Churches 172. John Foran Pastor of Chavigny 175. 173. James Clemanseau Jun. of Courteilles 176. 174. John Masson a Rocheller of Civray 177. 175. Isaac du Soul Minister of Lusignan 178. 176. Isaac de Civille Minister of Couké 179. 177. Nicolas Bellin Minister of Parthenay 180. 178. James Clemanseau Sen of Poictiers 181. 179. James Cottiby a Rocheller 180. Isaac Chabrol Minister of Touars 182. 181. Daniel Pui and Ministers of Chastelheraud 183. 182. John Carre 183. Daniel Jaillard L. of Rosefleur of Aubanie Sause 184. 184. Peter Vinard a Rocheller of Montfermier 185. 185. Andrew Gourdery Minister of Montrevil Bonnin 186. 2. The Colloquy of Middle Poictou Pastors
Churches 186. Second Chauffepied of Champdenis 187. 187. John de la Blacherie of Mougon 188. 188. John Chalmot of Chesboutonné Saveilles 189. 189. John le Chantre a Rocheller of Melle 190. 190. James de Cognac of Niort 191. 191. Jonas Chasgneau and of St. Maixant 192. 192. Samuel le Blanc 193. John Vatablé of Issoudin 193. 194. Nicolas Chagneau of Aunay Chize 194. 195. Theophilus Lesnier of Marsillac Aigre 195. 196. James Chalmot Lord of Tiel St. Gelaise Cherueux 196. 197. James Artuis Lord of Ville Saison La Motte St. Eraye 197. 3 The Colloquy of the Nether Poictou Pastors Churches 198. John Greslant of La Chaume les Sables 198. 199. Joshua d' Artois of St. Hillaire Foussay 199. 200. Anne Savonnet of La Joduiniere Mouilleron Bazange 200. 201. Thomas Johnson of Sezay Le Breuilbarret 201. 202. Josias Ollivier of Chantonay Puibelliard 202. 203. Louis Rocaer Lord of La Bariniere Minister of La Chastagneray 203. 204. René des Closses L. of La Touche of Mooschamp 204. 205. Gabriel Bouquet of La Chaise Bournezaux 205. St. Folgent 206. 206. John de la Place the Father of Bouzanges Bonpere 207. 207. James Prunier of Talmont 208. 208. James Ranconnet of Mareuil Versoy 209. 209. Isaac Vergnon of St. Hermine la Chappelle 210. 210. Charles Chauve Lord of Longechamp Minister of Montague La Forest Perigne Vandore 211.212 211. Charles Mallet of S. Giles Surviers laGanache 213 212. Elijah Boucherau of Fontenay le Conte 214. 213. Peter Cognart of Leguire St. Benoist 215. Belle Ville Aysenay 216. Lusson Coulonge les Reaux 217. Penet le Vigean 218.217.220 214. John Bonnaud formerly Pastor of Lusson but now without a Ch. 7th Province of Tourain Anjou and le Maine 1. Colloquy of Tourain Pastor Churches 215. Matthew Cottiere of Tours 221. 216. John Foran 217. John Roger of Preuilly 222. 218. Peter Fleury 219. Peter de Coudre a Rocheller of Chastillon on the Indre 223. 220. Isaac Le Pelletier of Vandôme 224. 221. Francois de la Gallere of Montoir 225. 222. James De Vascher L. of La Lasse of Lisle Bouchard 226. 2. The Colloquy of Anjou Pastors Churches 223. Stephen le Bloy of Angiers 227. 224. James Brissac Lord of Loges of Loudun 228. 225. And Daniel Coupé 226. 227. Moses Amyraud of Saumur Bourgneil 229. 228. Josuah de la Place 229. Isaac d' Huysseau 230. Peter Lassiere of Mirebeaux 230. 231. John Pyneau L. of LaQuantinage of Bouge 231. 3. The Colloquy of Mayne Pastors Churches 232. John Vigneux of Mans Ardenay 232. 233. Abel Amyraud L. of Beausoudan of St. Agnan Minbray 233. 234. Abel Barbier of Pringé Gallerande 234. 235. René Alin Minister of Belesine 235. 236. Aymé Tricot of Chasteau de Loir 236. 237. Rouveau of Lassey 237. Chasteau Gontier 238. Craon 239. La Barre 240. Pouligny 241. 8th Province of Vivaretz Forest and Vellay Pastors Churches 238. Alexander de Vinay of Annonay 242. 239. Antony Faucheur of Chambon St. Voy 243. 240. Antony La Motte of Chalauçon 244. 241. Blane of Vergnoux 245. 242. Peter Picorre of Baussé 246. 243. Marcelin Jardin of Desaigne 247. 244. Laurant of Vabance Soyon 248. 245. Simeon D' Hosty of St. Fortunate 249. 246. Paul Acorat of Privas 250. 247. Peter Marchat of Glurats 251. 248. Reboulet of Tournon near Privas 252. 249. Peter Guezé of Le Poussin St. Auban 253. 250. Bourset of Bais on the Bais 254. 251. David Chanat of Luccon â Pastor Emeritus Lagorce Vallon 255. Churches Destitute of Pastors Le Choylost 256. Aubenas Vales 257. Touch Metas 258. Villeneufve 259. Mirabel St. Pons 260. De Berg 261. Bonlieu 262. St. Stephen's in Forest 263. 9th Province of Bearne 1. The Colloquy of Sauveterre Pastors Churches 252. John Capdeville Minister of Sauveterrer 264. 253. Phillip Beque and of Salliers 265. 254. John L'esterneau 255. Simeon Faget of Carresse 266. 256. James Majendu the Son of La Bastide 267. 257. John Estandeau of Oray and its annexed Churches 268. 258. Raymond Toulouze of St. Gladie 269. 259. Benjamin Bourgade of Aranjuson 270. 260 Peter Sabbatier of Chares 271. 261. Peter Guillemin of St. Palais 272. 262. Bustanoby of Mauleon in Soulé 273. Audans and its annexed Congregations destitute 274. 2. Colloquy of Orthez Pastors Churches 263. Anthony Vispalie of Orthez 275. 264. Bernard Majendu the Father of Masloe 276. 265. La Fite of Logor 277. 266. Samuel Remy of Pardies 278. 267. Disserotte of Gouzé 279. 268. Minuielle of Artez 280. 269. La Pouble of Castillion 281. 270. Martyn of Castetins 282. 271. John Carsusin of Bereuy 283. 272. Tartan of Bellock 284. 273. Codelougne of St. Susanne 285. 274. Capelle of Castenay 286. 275. Cousture of Ville Segure 287. 3. Colloquy of Pau. Pastors Churches 276. John D'abadie and Ministers of Pau 288. 277. John de la Fiste 278. Vidal of Lescar 289. 279. Stephen Fabes of Morlas 290. 280. Palobe of La Seube 291. 281. Gruyer of Cescau 292. 4. Colloquy of Olleron Pastors Churches 282. Casse Bonne and Ministers of Olleron 293. 283. Casse Major 284. Andrew Majendu the Son of Navarreins 294. 285. La Tourette of Castelnay 295. 286. Chandieu of Mouveins 296. 287. Bedora of Viëille 297. 288. La Placette of Aradi Valeé de Sau 298. 289. John D'abadie Minister in the Town of Aspe 299. 290. Eusebius Barrubieres of Barretons Valle 300. 5. Colloquy of Nay Pastors Churches 291. Cabanes of the Church of Nay 301. 292. John Salfranquer of Arros 302. 293. Clavel of Nostin 303. 294. La Placette of Pontac 304. 295. Cassou of Assa 305. 296. Theophilus Brun of Asson 306. 6. Colloquy of Vibil Pastors Churches 297. John de la Garrigue of Lambeys 307. 298. James de la Puyade of Garlin 308. 299. Peter Rival of Noye 309. 300. David Abadie of Mouvans and Couches 310. 10th Province of Provence Pastors Churches 301. Paul Maurice of Eguieres 311. 302. Peter Maurice of Lormarin 312. 303. Andrew Bernard of Merindol 313. 304. James Recent of La Costé 314. 305. James Recent of Veleaux 315. 306. Anthony de Crosse of Cabrieres La Motte 316. 307. Paul Godemar of Riés 317. 308. John Bernard of Auluc 318. 309. Peter Challier of Sené 319. 310. Andrew Genoyer of Manosques 320. Gordes 321. Churches Destitute Jocas Muëtt 322. La Charge Curban 323. 11th Province of Sevennes 1. Colloquy of Anduze Pastors Churches 311. John Soleil and Pastors of Anduze 324. 312. Arnaud 313. John Bony of St. John de Gardonenque 325. 314. Paul Paul of Generarges 326. 315. Anthony Imbert of Meclet 327. 316. John Reboutier of La Sale 328. 317. Daniel Guerin of Sadorgnes 329. 318. Laurens Aymard of Lezan 330. 319. Guy Chavanon of Le Dignan 331. 320. _____ Robert of Vezenobres 332. 321. _____ Bouton of Alez 333. 322. John Poussac of St. Paul
334. 2. Colloquy of Sauve Pastors Churches 323. Louis Guischard of Sauve 335. 324. Louis Couraut of Lueissoe 336. 325. Guissart of Combas 337. 326. Daniel Lorand of Dufort 338. 327. Esaiah Lorand of Concairal 339. 328. Joseph Pouyade of St. Hipolyte 340. 329. _____ Lelat of Monoblet 341. 330. Henry Lacombe of La Cadiere 342. 331. _____ Du Bruët of Granges 343. 332. Samuel Blare of Samene 344. 333. _____ Tubere of Mandagourt 345. 334. John Surville of Le Vigan 346. 335. Moses La Combe of St. Laurence Montdardier 347. 336. John Nouis of Aulas 348. 337. _____ Guillaumene of Auze 349. 338. James Berlier of Breu 350. 339. Peter de Dieu of Aumassas 351. 340. _____ Villaret of Vallarogues 352. 341. Anthony Vincent of Meirnez 353. 342. Francois du Mas and both destitute of Church 343. La Coste 5. Colloquy of St. Germain Pastors Churches 344. Graigner of St. Germain 354. 345. John Barzan of St. Stephens 355. 346. _____ Pascal of St. Roman Val Francesque 356. 347. Henry Guischard of Le Collet 357. 348. _____ Pontier of Castagnols 358. 349. Paul Ivo of Le Pont Montrueil 359. 350. Sauvage of Bapre 360. 351. _____ Guissart of St. Croix 361. 352. Barba of St. Andrew Valborgne 362. 353. Pelet de la Carriere of St. Julian 363. 354. _____ De la Bastide of Saumane 364. 355. Simon de Villars of St. Hillary 365. 356. Tubert of Le Pompdoux 366. 357. Repasseau of Forac 367. 358. Roux of Marnejoles 368. 359. Rouvre of Cassegnas 369. 360. James du Mas of Vebron 370. 361. _____ Guyon of Brenoux 371. 362. _____ Dumas of the Church at Aumegnet 372. 363. Abraham de St. Loup of St. Marcell 373. 364. Des Essars Emeritus by reason of his great Age.  12. Province of Lower Guyenne 1. The Colloquy of Lower Agenois Pastors Churches 365. Daniel Ferrand Pastors of the Ch. of Bourdeaux 374. 366. _____ and Goyon 367. Misaubin and Pastors of St. Foy 375. 368. Constantin 369. De Monceaux of Coutras 376. 370. Bessotis of Moncard 377. 371. _____ Denis of Duras 378. 372. Ricotier of Poujols Rozan 379. Castets 380. Langon 381. Gironde 382. 373. Cartier of Villeneufve Theobon 383. 374. Bordieu of La Sauvetat 384. 375. Privas of Castillon 385. 376. Pinet of Miramont 386. 377. _____ Renaud of Castelmoron 387. 378. Abraham Darnazae of Gensac 388. 379 _____ Augier of Pellegrue 389. 380. _____ Gasey of Libourne 390. 381. _____ Planteau of Faussignac 391. 2. Colloquy of Condomois Pastors Churches 382. Vignier and Ministers of Nerac 392. 383 Aaron Tinel 384. D' Aubus of Montagnac 393. 385. La Rivoir of Cannubin Meillan 394. 386. Boutet Minister of Coulonges la Mas d'agenois Viefensesac Montreal 395. 387. _____ Sauvage of Labardat Fauquerolles 396. 388. Du Luc of Castel jaloux 397. 389. _____ La Guchay of Monheur 398. 390. Du Luc of Puch Gontaut 399. 391. D' Artigues of Monterabeaux 400. 392. Duffau of Geaune 401. 393. Laffite Solon of Hastingues les Landes Chalosse 402. 3. Colloquy of Higher Agenois Pastors Churches 394. John Alba of Agen 403. 395. Abel Denis of Grateloup 404. 396. Eraste de la Cave of Lasepede 405. 397. D'aubos the younger of Monpron Lustrac 406. 298. Persy of Montflanquin 407. 399. Bernardin of the upper Tonneins 408. 400. Betoul of the lower Tonneins 409. 401. Brinhol of Laparade 410. 402. Sallettes of Gontaut St. Berthommeau 411. 403. Dozé of Tournon 412 404. John Costebadie of Clerac 413. 405. Vanquelin of Pujols 414. 406. Mathurin of Castelsagarat 415. 407. La Barre of Castelmoron 416. 408. Maures of Castelgrate Combe Montault 417 409. Testas of Puymirol 418. 410. Jarlan of Gavaudan 419. 4. Colloquy of Perigord Pastors Churches 411. Pyneau Ministers of Bergerac 420. 412. Beaujardin 413. Bereau 414. Eymer Minister of Monpassier Suirac and Barbignieres 421. 415. Bereau the younger of La Mongie Isigiac Ponpoit 422 416. Potet Minister of Eymet 423. 417. DupuyMinister of La Force 424. 418. Freron Minister of Benac 425. 419. Touton Minister of La Linde Badefol 426. 420. Pages Minister of Monbazillac Piles 427. 421. La Tané Minister of Mussidan 428. 422. Melan of Parriere 429. 423. Boutin of Langurey Cleraux 430. 424. Chauveton Ministers of Sigoules 431. 425. Pelon 426. Barthe Jun. Minister of Lisle 432. 427. Baisse Laned Minister of Millevil Bugol 433. 428. Borduc Minister of Montignac La Tagnac 434. 429. 5. Colloquy of Limousin Pastors Churches 429. Peter Huton Minister of Turennes 435. 430. Barthe Sen. of Limoges Rochecouart 436. 431. Barthe minimus natu Minister of Froignac Chastiauneuf 437. 432. Claude Minister of Beaulieu 438. 13. Province of Dolphiny 1. Colloquy of Gapensois Pastors Churches 433. Samuel Charles Minister of Gap 438. 434. Hugh Rollin Minister of Veines 439. 435. Charles Desnau de la Croix of Orpierre 440. 436. Andrew Serré Minister of Scoye 441. 437. Benjamin Sausé Minister of Laraignac 442. 438. Mark Felix Minister of Rozan 443. 439. Joshua Ripert Minister of Valpronier 444. 440. David Piffart Minister of St. Bonnett 445. 441. John Bonnett Minister of Talard 446. 2. Colloquy of Diois Pastors Churches 442. John Aymin Ministers of Die 447. 443. David Eustache 444. Stephen le Blonc 445. John Manuel Minister of Pontaix 448. 446. John Gros Minister of Chastillon 449. 447. James Matthew Minister of Beurieres 450. 448. John Cherubin Minister of Beaufort 451. 449. Raphael Gabet Minister of La Mote 452. 450. Benjamin Vacher Minister of Quint Paillant 453. 3. Colloquy of Viennois Pastors Churches 451. John Cuchet Minister of Chasteau Double 454. 452. Peter Piffart Minister of Larbon 455. 453. Michael Januier Minister of Beaurepair 456. 454. Daniel Maillefand Minister of St. Marcelin 457. 455. Peter Murat Minister of Romans 458. 456. Isaac D'herrieu Minister of Pont in Royans 459. 457. John Imbert Minister of Beaumont 460. 4. Colloquy of Valle Luson Pastors Churches 458. Samuel Clement Minister of Rouvré 460. 459. Samuel Paschal Minister of Montoules 461. 460. David Jourdain Minister of Fenestrelles 462. 461. Peter Savrin Minister of Vxeaux 463. 462. David Pastor Minster of Praguella 464. 463. Phillebert de Joux of Chaumont 465. 464. Thomas Comte a Pastor Emeritus 5. Colloquy of Graismaudan Pastors Churches 465. Denis Routeroue Ministers of Grenoble 466. 466. Francis Muret 467. David Millefaud of St. John d'Herans 467. 468. Isaac Feraud of La Mure 468. 469. David Gontier of Corp 469. 470. Abraham Jourdain of Treminy 470. 471. John Budelle of Menet 471. 472. Bartholomew Durand of Clelses 472. 473. Simeon Cony of Besses 473. 474. John Terasson of Misson 474. Vif 475. Barraux 476. Espagne a Pastor Emeritus 6. Colloquy of Valentinois Pastors Churches 475. Adrian Chamler and of Montlimard 477. 476. Creguts 477. Paul Guyon of Dieu le Fit 478. 478. John de la Faye of Lauriol 479. 479. Gervase Alexis of Livron 480. 480. John de Gilliers of Bordeaux
481. 481. Alexander Dizé of Crest 482. 482. John Cordel of Manas 483. 483. Sebastian Gray of Vesq â—84 7. Colloquy of the Baronny's Pastors Churches 484. James Penichon Lord of Chambrun and of Orange 485. 485. David Sylviâ—s 486. Salomon Fauvré of Nions 486. 487. Isaac Challier of St. Euphemia 487. 488. Gabriel Boulle of Vinsohres 488. 489. James Piolet of Condorcet 489. 490. James Bouvier of St. Paul trois Chasteaux 490. 491. Francois Valaneon of Toillignac 491. 492. Gaspar Martin of Courtezan 492. 493. George Mauguis of Tulette 493. Monbrun 494. 8. Colloquy of Ambrunois Pastors Churches 494. James Bailly of Ambrun 494. 495. Daniel Bec of Mellines 495. 496. Peter Bouvat of Aruyen 496. 497. John Giraud of Abries 497. 498. Daniel Sarret of Guillestre 498. 499. Salomon Jallifier of Froissiniere 499. Chasteau Dauphin 500. 14. Province of Normandy 1. Colloquy of Rouen Pastors Churches 500. David de Caux Minister of Ponteau de Mer Quilleboeuf Bois-roger Honfleur Pont L'evesque 501. 501. John Maximilian de Lange of Rouen 502. 502. David Primrose and of Rouen 502. 503. Lucas Jence 504. Peter Le Tellier of Eureux 503. 505. John le Marchand of Gisors 504. 2. Colloquy of Caux Pastors Churches 506. Abdias de Mondenis of Dieppe 505. 507. Peter Laquel and 508. Louis de Forquinbergue 509. James de la Rey of Bosebec and Lutd 506. 510. John de la Motte of Ivitot 507. 511. David Guelode of Fescamp 508. 412. John Boudouins of La Havre de Grace 509. 513. David Hebert of Baqueville Lislebaeuf Liveroy 510. 3. Colloquy of Caén Pastors Churches 514. Peter Bayeux of Bussy 511. 515. Mark Maurice of Veez 512. 516. Stephen le Sage of St. Vaast 513. 517. John de Belle Hache Lord of Beaumont of Caén 514. 518. John Bridou and 519. Samuel Bochart 520. John Topin of Frevieres Coulombieres les Effars 515. 521. Anthony Basnage of Bayeux 516. 522. Peter Basnage his Son Destitute of a Church 4. Colloquy of Constantin Pastors Churches 523. Benjamin Basnage of Sle Mere Eglise 517. 524. Anthony Philippomeau and of Pont Oyson Dusé 518. 525. Charles Giorn 526. Ionachin le Moyne Minister of Gavré Cerisy 519. 527. Isaac de Veâ—emes of Chefresnos 520. 528. Luke Pavoquett of Fontenay Chassanay 521. 529. Michael Caru of St. Loo 522. 530. James Lohier of Groussy 523. 531. David le Bourgeois of La Hay du Puy 524. 5. Colloquy of Alenson Pastors Churches 532. Paul Baudart of Mongouert 525. 533. Louis Heraut and Ministers of Alanson 526. 534. Matthem Bochart 535. Stephen Le Prevost Lof Buisson of Courtaumer L'aigle Sees 527 536. Stephen le Foience of Croissy Fontaine Meinil 528. 6. Colloquy of Falaise Pastors Churches 537. Peter Baudrin of Moulins Mesuier 529. 538. Noel Gassat of St. Silvain St. Pierre on the Dine 530. 539. John Blanchard of Vires Condé 531. 540. James Tinard of La 〈◊〉 532. 541. Benjamin du Clos of Falaâ—â—e la Motte 533 Peter Morin Lord of Launay a Pastor Emeritus 15. Province of Higher Languedoc and Lower Guyenne 1. Colloquy of Lower Quercy Pastors Churches 542. Le Voyer of Senencrie Cajare 534. 543. La Roche of Cardaillac Figeac 535. 544. Candris of La Tronquiere 536. 545. Bonnefons of St. Sere Issenac 537. 2. Colloquy of Higher Quercy Pastors Churches 546. Peter Beraud Ministers of Montauban 538. 547. Peter Ollier 548. Peter Charles 549. Timothy de Long 550. Anthony Garissoles 551. Le Grand of Caussade 539. 552. Verdier of Negrepelisse 540. 553. Cruniel of Bourniquel 541. 554. Moynéer of St. Lehofaire 542. 555. Abel Bicheteau of Mensac 543. 556. Bardon of St. Antein 544. 557. Mark Montaine of Albias 545. 558. Reynault of Realville 546. 559. Bourdin of Verlac 547. 3. Colloquy of Albigeois Pastors Churches 560. Peter Sauris Ministers of Castres 548. 561. Paul Charles 562. Josiah Daneau 563. Peter Combelasse of Realmont Vene la Fenasse Lombeis 549. 564. John Balarand Minister of La Hangle 550. 565. John Stephen Balarand of La Cauve 551. 566. Nathanael Nadal of Castelnau Sableirolles 552. 567. John Grassett of Viaine Gigomes la Capelle 553. Descroux 554. Senaux 555. 568. Joseph Grassett of Briaste St. Paul de la Miatte 556. 569. David-Vignier of Rouquecourt Monpignier la Bessiere 557. 570. Tercise Grau of Caze Sengaste Plaisance 558. 571. Francois Regail of Vabres Ferrieres 559. 572. Jacob Audebert of Brassac Aubais 560. 573. Stephen Carries of La Cabarede la Bastide 561. 574. John Maillebron of Montredon 562. 575. Peter Baschet of Paulin Teillet 563. 576. _____ Raisart of La Vaoute 564. 577. Honorus Ligonnier of La Croissette 565. 578. Philip Nautonnier of Esperance Berlatte 566. 4. Colloquy of Armagnac Pastors Churches 579. Matthew de Tiffier of Mauvesin 568. 580. Stephen Rigault of Lisle Joudain 569. 581. John Tourron of Puy Casquettes and it s annexed Congregations 570. 582. Isaac du Mas of Masgravier Lestoure 571. 5. Colloquy of Rouergus Pastors Churches 583. Isaac du Teil and Ministers of Milhaud Cressel Senerat 572. 584. Peter Bonnefons 585. John Gerard of St. Africque Vicquion 573. 586. Samuel de Jacques of St. Baulise St. Paul Cormis St. Phelix 574. 587. Philip Marroules of Peaux Pont de Montrodets Montagnac Brusque 575. 588. Peter Marroules of St. Rome de Tarn Auriac les Ribais Roquetaillade de St. Rome Cernon 576. 589. Balthazar Jacques of St. John du Brueil Montmejeau Dourbie 577. Anthony Remirol a Pastor Emeritus 6. Colloquy of Lauragais Pastors Churches 590. Peter Espinasse of St. Amard Villemage Villemoindre 578. 591. Moses Baux of Mazamet Hautpoul Pont de Lart 579. 592. Abel Vialla of Auxillon Aiguefonde St. Abby Cancellare 580. 593. John Bonnefons of Puy Laurens Pechandier 581. 594. Paul Gaillard of Rouvel Palleville 582. 595. Peter Cazail of Goreze Massaquel 583. 596. Philip Laraysse of Carmaigny 584. The Church of St. Paul and D'aunnatte is destitute of a Pastor 7. Colloquy of Foix. Pastors Churches 597. John Ollier Minister of Mas D'azil Gauré la Bour 585. 598. John Morsallan of Camebade 586. 599. Joseph de la Fontayne of Carlat Savarat 587. 600. Paul Gausides of Mazé Caumont 588. 601. Laurens Rival of Saverdun 589. 602. Charles Bourdin of La Bastide Leyreau Betats Limozac 590. 16. Province of the Isle of France 1. Colloquy of Paris Pastors Churches 603. Michael le Faucheur of Paris 591. 604. John Mestrezat 605. Aubertin 606. John Daillé 607. Charles Drelincourt 608. Stephen le Blanc L. of Beaulieu of Senlis 592. 609. John Perreaux of Meaux 593. 610. Peter du Prat of Liesy 594. 611. Isaac de Nagentel of Chasteau Thierry Sarponay 595. 612. Ferdinand de Pied of Fontayrbleau 596. 613. David Bloudel of Roussâ— 597. 614. John Miqueau of Toquin Galandes 598. 615. Peter Belot of Amain Villiers Claye 599. 616. John Sueur
of La Ferte on the Jouaire 600. 2. Colloquy of Picardy Pastors Churches 617. John Baptiste Ministers of Calais 601. 618. Peter Cartier 619. Buguet 620. Francois Becade 621. Ezechiel de Avois of Boulonois 602. 622. Peter Poynet of Amieus 603. 623. Daniel Boucherel of Cifemont 604. 624. Claudius le Vineux of Chauny Coussy 605. 625. John Mestayer of St. Quentin 606. 626. Paul Georges of Laon 607. 627. Peter Lambour of Leval Gercy 608. 628. John Nicollay of Compiegne 609. 3. Colloquy of Champagne Pastors Churches 629. Benjamin Augenet Ministers of Vini in Champenois 610. 630. Simon Gascher 631. Benjamin Massin of Chaalons 611. 632. John Pasquet of Espance 612. 633. Honorius de Candemere of Netancour 613. 634. John Rainet of Langres 614. 635. Samuel de la Cloche of Aychastelnay 615. 636. Abraham Jacquelot of Sezame 616. 637. Sigebert Alpeé of St. Mars 617. 638. Aaron Blondel of Jinecour 618. 639. Isaac Juigné of Vassy 619. 640. John Carre Minister of Heiz le Mauron 620. 4. Colloquy of the Land of Chartres Pastors Churches 641. Louis de Forquembergue of Houdan 621. 642. Louis Foulé of Laons Faviers 622. 643. Philip Falbergue of Chartres Joinvilliers 623. 644. Benjamin Tricotel of Mantes Auvergne 624. 645. Maurice de Lauberaut of Le Plessis la Jorville 625. 646. Dablon de Montigny 647. James Couronne of Autun 626. The end of the Catalogue of the Pastors of the Churches of France and Bearn as it was brought into the Seven and Twentieth National Synod of Alanson in the year 1637. Hereafter follow divers Acts and Letters which were not inserted into the Body of the Acts of this Synod but for the compleating of its History are in this place Registred and Related CHAP. XXIV The Speech made by Monsieur Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux Deputed by the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled at Alanson the 27th of May 1637. unto His Majesty SIRE IF the Rivers having their Source from the Ocean do return again with their Tribute to it 't is much more Just and Reasonable that Your most Humble and most Obedient Subjects the Ministers and Elders Assembled by Your Authority in a National Synod should come and render into Your Royal Bosom the Profound Resentments and Eternal Thankfulness of their Souls for those numberless Favours they have received and do still enjoy by Your Majesty's most Gracious Protection and Royal Liberality which being superadded to those Duties of our Birth and Conscience do so bind us unto Subjection Fidelity and Obedience to Your Commands that no future Events can or will be able to dissolye or cut them asunder These Sire be the Loyal Protestations of those that sent us who desire nothing more than to Engrave in the hearts of Your most Dutiful Subjects of our Religion the Holy Maxims of an inviolable and Religious Obedience For we Sire are those very Persons who Believe and Teach that the Royal Authority is not of Humane but Divine Institution unto which every Soul ought to be Subjected and we are those who Believe and Teach the Sovereignty and Independency of Your Crown which resembling those higher Mountains whose Lofty Heads being exalted above the middle Region of the Air are never frighted with Thunders nor Lightnings No Sire You hold it from God only and it is solely depending on him and You are next in Power unto him the Sun of this Heaven the Soul of this vast Body the Heart of this Gallick Monarchy Yea Sire once more we be those very Persons who next unto the Service of our God have no greater Motive nor Principle than the Conservation and Augmentation of Your Majesty's Grandeur and these are our daily Vows and Prayers unto God Your Majesty being his most lively Image And therefore Sire we are emboldned to hope for Freedom of Access unto Your Majesty because our God loveth to be importuned with our Supplications and that Your Majesty will not reject these most Humble Petitions which are laid at Your Majesty's Feet with all imaginable Respect by many thousands of Souls who desire the Liberty of their Conscience and Religion for none other end than that by serving God they may also the self-same instant demand of him in their Prayers for Your Majesty a most immovable Prosperity a long Reign a most Happy Life a most Faithful Council Victorious Triumphant Armies and an innumerable People going and coming at the first beck and motion of Your Majesty Sire This Liberty shall never be abused by Your most Humble Subjects of the Reformed Religion unto Licentiousness no Sire they will imploy it as they have always done in Prayers and Fastings when as the precious Life of Your most Sacred Majesty lay exposed to all Hazards and Dangers a Life upon which depends all the Lives of Your Kingdom and You were Jeoparding it in the high places of the Field to acquire unto Your Subjects a durable Repose and Tranquility And forasmuch as Your Majesty's Sword is ever Glorious and Invincible against Strangers May it please Your Majesty to suffer us to form our Complaints against those who endeavour at home in the very Bowels of France to render Your Edicts Illusory and do blunt the Point and dull the Edge of Your Laws relating to our Liberties and Subsistence which are all founded upon the Observation of Your Edicts and Royal Commissions The Adversaries envying our Peace have made an infinite number of Gaps and Breaches in them Yet nevertheless Sire we perswade our selves that Your Edicts will remain Sacred and Inviolable and that Your Powerful Hand will cause the words of Your Royal Mouth to be exactly and punctually performed because you be the Judge and Father of Your People and that in Your Sacred Person Justice and Mercy shall Kiss and Embrace each other that so none may attempt to put asunder what our God hath joyned together This Hope replenisheth our Hearts with Joy and doth more ardently excite our Affections to pay unto Your Majesty all the Duties of Subjection and Loyalty and with inflamed Devotions we Address our selves to the Divine Majesty that he would inlarge the Bounds of Your Empire and accomplish all the desires of Your Royal Heart as being Sire of Your Majesty the most Humble and the most Obedient Servants and Subjects the Pastors and Elders Assembled in the National Synod by Your Gracious Permission at Alanson and in the Name of them all Basnage Moderator of the Synod D. Couppe Assessor D. Blondel Scribe and De Launay Scribe CHAP. XXV 2. Instructions given unto Monsieur Ferrand Gigord and Cerisy Deputed unto the King by the National Synod Assembled by His Majesty's Permission at Alanson 1637. THe Sieurs Ferrand Gigord and Cerisy Deputed by us unto the Court immediately upon their Arrival shall wait upon Monsieur de la Vrilliere Secretary of State to whom they shall deliver our Letters and assure him of our most humble Services and shall intreat him
their free and full Consent which also was confirmed by a Decree of Your Majesty's Privy-Council December the 13th 1612. yet nevertheless the Lord Machant Intendant of Justice in the Province of Burgundy without once hearing any of the Parties concerned hath by his own private Orders of the 15th of March 1636. and by some others of another Date not only Deprived them of the Burying-place but also will not so much as allow those of the Reformed Religion in that Bailywick to share in any of the Common Moneys or Hospitals thereof Wherefore we most Humbly beseech Your Majesty to cause those Orders of the said Lord Machant to surcease and to be disannull'd and to Ordain that Your aforesaid Subjects in the Bailywick of Gex may be supported in the Possession of their Burying-place and in the Ancient enjoyment of their Common Moneys and Common Hospitals and of all other Privileges contained in the Edict 7. In divers places of Your Kingdom Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion are forced and compelled to act many things contrary to the Liberty of their Consciences granted them by Your Edicts particularly to hang out Tapistry before their Houses or to adorn them with some kind of Ornaments on some peculiar Holy Days although the Third Article of the particular ones in the Edict of Nantes doth only oblige them to suffer that it be done by others and that too by the Authority of the Local Officers nor are they bound to contribute any thing thereunto However your poor Subjects for refusing to do thus against their Consciences are condemned in very great Fines at Rennes and Vitre by a Decree of the Parliament of Brittaine and the same was lately Ordered in a Judicial Sentence given by the Privy-Council and signified to the Attorney of the Exchequer at Claye Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly beseeched to Maintain and Preserve Your Subjects of our Religion in the Liberty of their Consciences as to these matters according to your Edicts and to discharge them of all Fines and Sums of Money to the payment whereof they have been condemned on this account 8. By the Second Article of particular matters of the Edict of Nantes and by Your Majesty's Answer to the Fourth Article of the Bill of Grievances Presented to You by Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion in July 1625. it was expresly declared That none of them should be compelled to contribute towards the Repair or Building of Churches Chappels or Priests Houses nor to the buying of Coapes and Surplices Ornaments of Mass-Priests Lights Founding of Bells Holy Bread Rights of Fraternities nor to the Rent of Houses for Priests or Religious persons to dwell in or such like matters yet notwithstanding John Ozier of Harsleur hath been Condemned by a Decree of the Parliament of Normandy to pay unto a Fraternity As also by another such Decree of the Parliament of Bourdeaux contrary to that of the Court of Agen the Heirs of Charles Motty inhabiting in the City of Bourdeaux have been compelled to pay yearly Contributions unto the Fraternity of the Trade of the Deceased And those of the Church of St. Ambroise to pay for the Rent of that House where the Divine Service after the Mode of the Romish Catholick Church is Solemnized and those of Souve and Peyrols in the Sevennes by an Order only of the Praesidial Court of Nismes and those of Séynes in Provence to the Building of the Vicaridge Houses and Churches there Your Majesty is therefore most Humbly Petitioned to Maintain and Preserve Your Petitioners in the Liberty of their Consciences and to Abrogate and Disannul according to the Edicts those Condemnatory Decrees issued out against them on this account 9. By the 18th Article of the Edict of Nantes all persons of whatsoever Quality they be are forbidden to entice or to take away by force Children from their Parents professing our Religion that they may be Baptized or Confirmed in the Romish Catholick Church on pain of being punished exemplarily And yet notwithstanding in divers quarters of your Kingdom Children are violently and by main force ravish'd and taken away from their poor afflicted Parents to be Baptized and Educated against their Wills in the Religion of the Romish Church and particularly the Daughter of one Redon an Apothecary living at Mayniers and the Child of Giles Connan being but two years and eight months old was by the Nuns of Antrigues enticed away from her Mother and by downright violence detained in their Nunnery notwithstanding all her cries and importunities to recover her Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to cause that Your Subjects of the said Reformed Religion may enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences with security according as it hath been granted them even in this point by Your Edicts and to cause the Violaters of them to be punished according to Law 10. By the 13th Article of the Edict of Nantes and by the 38 of particular Matters the Professors of our Religion are permitted to have publick Schools in those Towns and Places where the Exercise of our Religion is allowed Yet notwithstanding in divers places where their Schools and Colleges be established according to these very Articles of the Edict of Nantes they be disturbed in their Possession of them yea notwithstanding that Explication given of them by Your Majesty in Your Answer to our Bill of Complaint Presented to You by our Deputies Approved and Accepted by Your Self July the 13th 1621 wherein Your Majesty did expresly declare That by the Edict it is permitted to those of the said Religion to establish Colleges in those Towns and Places where they enjoy the Exercise of their Religion and Your Majesty did Grant the very self-same Privileges unto these our Colleges which are enjoyed by the Colleges Erected Received and Approved in this Kingdom Wherefore Your Majesty is most Humbly Petitioned to forbid all persons whatsoever the interrupting or disturbing those of our Religion in the Possession and Enjoyment of those Schools Colleges and Universities aforesaid which Your Majesty had formerly Granted by Your Letters Patents and Decrees of Council unto the Towns of Nerac and Coignac and other places notwithstanding all Judgments Orders and Decrees and other matters contrary thereunto And Your Majesty is most Humbly beseeched that they may be all Abrogated and Disannull'd 11. The Lords Carlincas and de Lagett Commissioners Deputed by Your Majesty to divide the Colleges of Languedoc which are of Royal Foundation not being contented to have satisfied the Tenor of their Commission they would also take Cognizance of the Theological University of Nismes maintained by those of the Reformed Religion And it so happened that the Lord of Carlincas a Roman Catholick hath by a Decree of his own interdicted it without so much as hearing any of the Parties concerned and on the contrary the Lord of Lagett hath Judged and Decreed That it ought to subsist according to the Edicts All which Orders and Decrees having been
fears that it will ever take with or go down in your Churches or Spirits and makes us believe that all these little Projects will be resolved into their first Principles of wind and smoak to the sole prejudice of the Vanity of the Undertakers Accept most Reverend and Honoured Brethren in good part these thoughts so freely Communicated to you from your Loyal Sister which owes you her All and can pay you but Little excepting the deep sorrows of her heart for the general Calamities of the Church and her continual Sighs and Cries unto Almighty God for the Peace thereof and that he would be pleased to return with his Majesty and Glory unto the many thousands of Israel and re-edifie his ruinated Zion and above all to continue his Grace Protection and Benediction upon you All with whom she is most intimately united and perfectly conjoin'd in the firmest and most antient bonds of an Holy Love which together with her most earnest Cares and devoutest Prayers she doth continually offer up unto the Divine Majesty for the Health and long Life of your Sovereign Lord the King for the prosperous success of his Affairs for the re-establishing of Peace and Tranquillity in his Kingdom in which both ye and we are so very much concerned and by means whereof we cannot but hope that our poor afflicted Brethren in Foreign Provinces may also through the Grace of God meet with Peace and Settlement May the good hand of the Almighty make your Assembly a blessed Instrument of your Peace Union and Perseverance in the Truth and fullfil all our Desires and Prayers for the Consolation of all his Churches and that you may be the first who shall enjoy the Fruit of your Labours by the Witness of God's Holy Spirit in your Hearts and the happy effects of your Holy and Prudent Debates and Counsels We conclude all with the tender of our most Humble Faithful and Cordial Services and Affections and of our most intire Union with you in Spirit which we most humbly beg of the Lord to Sanctifie and Consummate in its full and total Perfection in the Kingdom of his Glory Your most Humble and most Affectionate Brethren and Servants in the Lord the Pastors and Professors in the Church and University of Geneva and for them all From Geneva April 26. 1637. Diodati Tronchin Chabray Prevost and Pauleint CHAP. XXIX The Testimonials of divers Doctors and Universities unto the Treatise of Monsieur Rivett against the Books of the Sieurs Amyraud and Testard To the most Honoured and our most Excellent Colleague Andrew Rivett Professor of Divinity WE did read with singular delight your Remarks on the Writings of Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor at Saumur which we had seen sometimes before and we have found them exactly agreeing both with the Holy Scripture in all Articles of Faith and in those wherein our National Synod of Dort had declared its Judgment and therefore we approve of your Writing as being very Learned and Moderate and count it Worthy of Praise from all Orthodox Divines and we doubt not in the least but that this your Labour will be most acceptable unto the now approaching National Synod of France and will be useful and serviceable for the suppressing and putting a period by due and proper ways unto these late Controversies which some certain Pastors affected and addicted unto Novelties have to their shame raised in the French Churches to the great Offence of very many Godly Persons From Leyden March 14. 1637. Your Reverences most Affectionate Colleagues Johannes Polyander Antonius Wallaeus Antonius Thysius and Jacobus Triglandius Extracts out of a Letter sent by Mr. John Bogerman to Mr. Andrew Rivett from Franequer Feb. 7. 1637. HAving thus concerted that Affair among our selves we now Write you our present Judgment which in this Paper is Transmitted to you begging of God with all our heart That he would bless your Holy Labours and behold in the Son of his Love your distressed Churches of France which have been hitherto as a Pure and Chaste Virgin and have kept inviolably their Oath of Fidelity unto the Truth but now-a-days begin to be troubled with impure Errors and of a very dangerous Heterodoxy My Colleagues could not read that French Book of the Professor Amyraud because they don't understand the French Tongue therefore did I most Faithfully make those Extracts which you see out of his Writings Our ears could not suffer with any Patience those Novelties of a double Predestination unto Salvation and of a certain general knowledge by the light of Nature of the Mercy of God to all Men and of another particular knowledge of the same Mercy unto particular persons of a double Decree of God without any knowledge of Christ The good Lord be merciful unto these Brethren and according to his infinite goodness grant that they may have but one and the same Mind and the same Language with all the Churches of Christ and may he ever watch over you to keep and preserve you for many long years yet to come to the Glory of his Great Name and the Edification of his Church To that most Excellent Person our most Dear Brother in Jesus Christ Master Rivett Greeting SIR HAving received your Writing together with the Books of this 21. of January we perused them very diligently and were grieved in our hearts that the Seeds of new troubles were sowen in your Churches of France Thus Satan who is always the same and like himself endeavours by vile Errours to obscure the Lustre of the Truth and continually discovers himself a most mortal Enemy of the Grace of God And Oh that our most Gracious God whose great Benignity towards us deserveth our everlasting Praises would deign to preserve your poor Churches of France from all their Enemies and from those woful troubles attending on them These Attacks of the Adversary are ill-boding signs of some sad Events which may betide them unless they be resisted with singular Prudence and an immovable Resolution in their first beginnings and that they be stifled in the Birth For what is it that Men are hammering out of this multitude of Errors but a certain new Arminianism Pelagianism and Socinianism That odd and ridiculous Opinion of Vorstius concerning the changeable Decrees is once again digged out of its Grave and brought upon the publick Theatre yea and that spurious Doctrine of the Jesuits condemned by the School-men themselves appears bare-faced before the World Alas How many points incompatible one with another are there to be found in Monsieur Testard his Book For his latter Theses subvert the former and so far are these Pamphlets from conciliating Peace that to the contrary we believe the Adversaries are more exasperated by them animated and strengthened to Combat with us and that Saying of Monsieur Beza may be justly applied to this Script He would have forged a Peace but he hath forged out Dissention Sir You are very well acquainted with the Man and therefore
should be united as it hath been for divers Years last past with it this Assembly doth approve both of their Reunion with the said Province of Vivaretz and of its being incorporated with that of Bonlieu 2. In Confirmation of the promises made by the National Synods of Charenton held in the Year 1631 the Second time at that Place and of Alenson in the Year 1637 unto Monsieur Chamier this Assembly resolveth stedfastly as soon as God shall have inabled the Churches that they shall be punctually performed 3. A Decree past that the Sieurs Constant and Bellot should be effectually paid what had been promised them by the foregoing Synods as soon as ever the Churches may recover a Fund for it and it shall be returned unto the Province of Xaintonge who had advanced before-hands the said Monies 4. For as much as the whole written Will and Testament of Monsieur Scoffier the Father produced in this Assembly hath not been in the least fulfilled although the National Synod of Alanson had strictly injoyned his Executors to perform it the Consistory of the Church of Nismes is ordered once again to call before them the Widow of Mr. John Scoffier Deceased who had applied to his own private uses the Monies belonging to Jaquemine his Sister tho she was by their own Father made Joint-heir with him that so she may make Restitution of what she had unjustly taken to her self and that by a false Information brought in by her unto the National Synod of Castres And in case she refuse to Discharge her Conscience in this particular then shall the said Consistory prosecute her with all the Censures of the Church according to the Discipline 5. Monsieur du Fresne producing Testimonials from the Province of Higher Languedoc of his Godly Life and most exemplary Conversation ever since the last National Synod and out of respect to his most Humble and Importunate Petition this Assembly granteth him his Desire and restoreth him to the Honour and Exercise of his Ministry of which he had been deprived these Fourteen Years And it was farther Decreed that the Act of the National Synod of Alanson relating to him shall be Rased and whereas his Name was enrolled among the Deposed it shall be now taken off the File and he shall be sent unto the Churches of Issoire Paillac Chazelle and Gazelle to serve them as their Ordinary Pastor All which shall be signified unto him by Letters 6. Complaints being brought in against Monsieur Amyraud Pastor and Professor in Theology at Saumur for Violating the Canons of the National Synod of Alanson by Printing his Book of Reprobation and some other of his Works and the Province of Anjou and the said Monsieur Amyraud who was deputed by the said Church and University of Saumur and charged with the Delivery of their Letters having remonstrated unto this Synod many and sundry Transgressions of those very Canons by several Provinces And the Provincial Deputies of Poictou being heard and also the said Amyraud both as to the Publishing of his Books and the Doctrin contained in them this Assembly being very well satisfied with his Explications and Sense given of his Doctrin agreeable to that of the Synod of Alanson and judging it best to bury in the Grave of Oblivion all those reciprocal Complaints brought in from all Parties hath as formerly dismissed the said Sieur Amyraud with honour to the Exercise of his Professorship wherein he is exhorted to employ himself with Courage and Chearfulness Moreover this Synod desirous for the future to settle a good arid lasting Peace in all the Churches and to satisfy the Requests of all the Provinces which have unanimously demanded the strict and punctual Confirmation and Observation of the Canons of the National Synod of Alanson doth most expressly forbid on pain of all Church Censures yea and of being deposed from their Offices all Pastors and Professors to go beyond those bounds in Writing Preaching or Disputing one against another upon those points declared and explained in the said Synod of Alanson or to publish any Books on those Subjects Moreover the said Professors shall be responsible for all their Lectures Theses and Disputations and their Provincial Synods shall be accomptable for them onto the National And all Students in Divinity are most expresly injoyned upon pain of being declared unworthy of ever serving in the Sacred Ministry to raise any Stirs or Debates about unnecessary Questions as concerning the Order of God's Decrees of Universal Grace by the Preaching of Nature which may lead and bring Men unto Salvation Points only propounded and advanced by pure Curiosity and for the Exercise of Mens Wits And all Examiners of our Proposans in order to the Ministry shall proceed in that business with very much Charity exacting from them nothing but what is demanded by the Canons of our Discipline and provided they give that Satisfaction which is requisite by signing the Confession of Faith the Liturgy of our Churches and the Canons of Alez Charenton and Alenson and this present Act they shall be approved and admitted 7. After Reading of this Canon which Monsieur Amyraud promised to observe and obey he petitioned the Synod that in case his Works might be opposed by Books printed in Foreign Parts without the Kingdom to the blasting of his Reputation License might be given him to defend his own Innocency and to make use of his Natural right in repelling injury and purging himself from all Blame and Reproach An Order passed that if any such thing fell out he should demand leave to vindicate himself from the Provincial Synod of Anjou who shall consider whether it will be expedient for his Consolation and the Churches Edification 8. Monsieur Grace producing his Accompts of Monies received and distributed to the Churches of Rochel Montauban and Castres shall carry them to the next Provincial Synod of Burgundy where upon his Bringing forth of the Acquittances this Accompt shall be concluded and past by the Authority of this Assembly CHAP. XI APPEALS 1. THE Churches of Divonne and Grilby in the Land of Gex appealing from a Judgment in pecuniary matters their Appeal is according to the Discipline sent unto the Province of Burgundy And the Deputies of that Province are Ordered to take into their Custody all Papers of both Sides relating to it 2. That right may be done the Church de la Fite upon their Appeal this Assembly judgeth that the Province of Lower Guyenne hath exceeded the stated Rules First In removing Monsieur de Bourdieu from the Church in that Town unto which he was by a particular Covenant obliged and without hearing the Church as is evident from the Acts of the said Provincial Synod 2. For fixing the said Monsieur de Bourdieu absolutely in the Church of Bergerac notwithstanding the Appeal of that of La Fite 3. That when the said Church of La Fite re-demanded their ancient Pastor they provided for them Monsieur Belon a Person never
desired by them and against whom very many Members of the said Church made their Exceptions as being one by whom they could not profit Wherefore that said Province and all others are forbidden for the future to use any such manner of dealings and the said Province is enjoyned to comfort and accommodate the said Church of la Fite as soon as possibly they can by providing a Pastor for it who may be more pleasing and acceptable to them than Monsieur Belon and to settle the said Belon in some other place where he may employ his Gifts more usefully And whereas Bergerac is a Church of no small importance and its Necessities are very great and urgent and Monsieur de Bourdieu is exceeding Successful in his Ministry there this Synod doth approve of his being in that Station and confirmeth him in the Pastoral Office of that Church And whereas the Lord of Rabas his Majesties Commissioner in the Synod of St. Foy who made this Change hath complained by Letters that the Act of Monsieur de Bourdieu's Removal was passed before a Publick Notary an Answer was Voted to be returned assuring him how great Deference this Assembly hath for his Lordship's Person and Quality and to the truth of that Testimonial rendred by the Deputies of Lower Guyenne concerning what was transacted in their Provincial Assembly and that whilst Judgement was passed upon the said Appeal that Act was not in the least regarded 3. Upon Hearing the report of the Committee who were ordered to inspect the Appeal of Monsieur Reynault Pastor of the Church of Realville and the Proceedings against him by the Synods of Mauvezin and Realmont this Assembly conserving the Honour of his Ministry untainted and confirming the Judicial Acts of the Province to whose care and kindness he is yet notwithstanding particularly recommended doth exhort him to enjoy his Quietus the remainder of his Days that in case his many and frequent Sicknesses shall not permit him to go through with the Duties of his Calling yet he may Edifie the Church of God by his Exemplary Life and Conversation 4. Report being made by the Commissioners appointed to examine the Letters and Memoirs of Monsieur Moysnier who appealed because the word of Censure was not inserted into the Act of the Synod of Higher Languedoc and had formed a Complaint against the Sieur Crubel This Assembly as to the first Article judgeth that his Appeal was ill grounded And as for his Complaint in as much as he never gave notice of it unto Monsieur Crubel it shall be carried unto the Consistory of the Church of Montauban to whom the care of restoring him unto his charge is particularly recommended 5. The Colloquy of Condommois appealing from the Synod of Lower Guyenne for taking to themselves the Cognizance of Monsieur Rival's Complaint and of that of the Province of Bearn and not having ordered any Person to appear for them nor sent any Memoirs whereby to sustain their Appeal this Assembly declareth the said Appeal null and void and the Appealers worthy of the greatest Censures for having by a kind of Chicanery of Law obstructed the final Decision of that Affair and requireth the very next Synod of that Province to give Judgment on it and not only to denounce the Censures but to see them as zealously executed and to exert their Authority that whatever Legacies have been heretofore or may be hereafter bequeathed unto the Church of Marsan be punctually and faithfully applied according to the Intention of the Testators and that the right of Alternation expressly declared in this Testament be kept inviolably for the Province of Bearne 6. Memoirs sent from the Church of St. Hippolite were read in which they maintained their Appeal from the Decree of the Synod of Sevennes who had forbidden them to seek after Monsieur Poujade now in the Ministry of the French Church of Canterbury in England And the Deputies of the Province produced and alledged the Reasons of their Prohibition and the whole affair having been maturely considered and debated this Assembly confirmeth that Decree from which they have Appealed and forbids that Church of St. Hippolyte of ever any more entertaining a Thought for the said Poujade and this also shall be observed as a standing Rule by all the Churches of that Province 7. Although the Appeal of the Consistory of the Church of St. John de Gardonengues be not of the nature of those things which are to be brought unto these Assemblies yet nevertheless this Assembly desirous of the Peace of that Church and for the procuring and effecting of it hath took cognizance thereof and vacating the Judgment of the said Synod of Sevennes which had approved that Monsieur Bony the Younger should erect a Seat for himself in the Temple directly contrary to the advice of the Consistory retaining the ancient Custom of that Church It Declareth that excepting the Lords and Magistrates and Judges of that Place every one should be at liberty to sit where they pleased And it is farther Ordained that in all such like cases every Consistory shall have full Power to Act and Provide what will be most for the Peoples Edifying without any Appeal at all from them And that for the future no Appeals of this kind shall ever be admitted into the National Synods 8. The Acts of the Synod of Sevennes and a Letter written from Monsieur Tubert complaining of his being Deposed from the Holy Ministry without ever confronting of the Witnesses being all read and the Deputies of that Province heard who had no Memoirs given them by their Principals for justifying of their Judgment the Assembly dismissed this Cause to the Cognizance of the next Synod of Lower Languedoc and enjoyneth the Parties to appear in Person before it and to bring with them all their Acts and Evidences that may serve to the clearing up of this matter and impowereth the said Synod to give forth a final Judgment on it 9. The Appeal of the Church of Brenoux concerning their Conjunction with that of Laval is disannul'd because that such Matters as these about Uniting one Church unto another are to be judged Sovereignly without Appeal by every Provincial Synod 10. The Church of Vixan Appealed from the Synod of Sevennes for rejecting their Petition when they craved leave to get for themselves a Second Pastor This Assembly disannulleth their Appeal because that the said Church had not sent any Memoirs for the upholding of their Appeal and because the Ground of it is now wholly removed 11. That Sentence pronounced by the Provincial Synod of Lower Guyenne is confirmed in all its Branches and Articles and the Consistory of Tonneins hath incurred the greatest Censure for having under the pretext of a particular Counsel offered by the same Synod unto the Church of Bergerac and propounded by them as an Example to be followed by all others in the Province deprived Monsieur Fevron who now Appealed of a Right acquired by him through
to which they had been taxed by the said Synod unto that University the Sum of six thousand eight hundred and twenty five Livres Out of which two Sums amounting to 11775 Livres the said Province hath not produced any Acquittances of Payments made by it and therefore is still indebted unto the said University the Sum of 11775 l. 11775 00 00 48. There is due from the Province of Normandy the Sum of 1639 Livres and 3 Sous as appeared upon Accounts stated before the National Synod of Alanson in the year 1637. Whereupon Mr. Daniel Guesdon Elder of the Church of Rouen produced an Acquittance of the Sum of Three Hundred Livres payed out of the said Sum by vertue of a Letter of Attorney from the Sieurs Petit and Codur unto Mr. de Launay Counsellor and Secretary for his Majesty bearing date the 10th of November 1639. So that there is due from the Province of Normandy unto the said University of Nismes the Sum of 1139 00 00 49. The University of Nismes produced no Accounts nor Acquittances of their employing the Revenues belonging to their Professors    50. There is due unto the University of Die from the Province of Normandy the Sum of 5845 Livres for 7 Years ending the first of October 1644. at the rate of Eight Hundred Thirty and Five Livres a year out of which Sum Mr. Daniel Guesdon Elder of the Church of Rouan proved by his Acquittances that he had payed the Sum of 4800 Livres so that there is owing unto the said University from that Province no more than 1035 Livres 1035 00 00 51. The Province of Sevennes stands indebted unto the University of Die in the Sum of 887 Livres and Ten Sous as it was made appear by the Accompt audited in the National Synod of Alanson and more 125 Livres for the year 1637. ending the first day of October and more 887 Livres for seven years at the rate of 125 Livres a year out of which Sums in the gross amounting to 1899 Livres 10 Sous deducting two hundred thirty and four Livres which the Deputies of the said University acknowledged to have received from that Province there remaineth due unto the University the Sum of 1665 10 00 52. The Province of Burgundy is indebted unto the same University of Die the Sum of 264 Livres upon account in the Synod of Alanson and for seven years Contribution ending the first o◠October 1644. at the rate of 131 Livres yearly the Sum of 987 Livres which being added unto the former amounts to 1249 Livres out of which Debt there hath been payed by the said Province as appeareth by Receits the Sum of 226 Livres so that it stands still indebted to that University the full Sum of 1023 00 00 53. The Province of Berry oweth unto the University of Die the Sum of 241 Livres and for seven years beginning at the first of October 1637. to the last day of September 1644. the Sum of 1687 Livres the whole Debt amounting to 1928 Livres of which there hath been payed as appears by Acquittances the Sum of 1467 Livres so that there remaineth due from the said Province the Sum of 0461 00 00 54. The said University presented by the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny seven Accounts two of which were examined and passed at the Synod of Chabres the 7th of November 1639. for the year 1638. and 1639. and another for the year 1640. examined in the Synod held at Dieu le fit on June the 9th in the year 1641. and three others examined in the Synod of Sevre in the year 1643. to wit that of 1641. on the 4th of August in the same year and that of the year 1642. on the 10th Day of the same Month of August and that of the year 1643. on the 19th day of the same Month and of the same Year and that of the Year 1644. at the Synod of Saillans the 29th day of August 1644. all which were now verified and approved    CHAP. XVIII An Act for calling of the next National Synod THE Province of Anjou petitioning that the Priviledge of calling the next National Synod might be conferred upon them This Assembly did freely grant it and ordered That as soon as his Majesty's Writ should be signed and dispatch'd that Province should give notice of the time and place of Meeting which should be in the Town of Loudun CHAP. XIX A Decree about the Validity of the Synodical Acts. A Decree was made That the Acts Signed by the Scribes of this Synod should be of as much Credit and Validity as if they had been Signed by the Moderator Assessor Scribes and the whole Body of the Synod The Black Roll of Deposed and Apostate Pastors 1. Abel D'Argent formerly Minister in the Province of Berry about Five and Forty Years old of middle Stature Black Hair a melancholy Man He changed his Religion 2. Esaiah Laurens heretofore Minister of the Church of Coqlerac and Villesque deposed for Simony and rebellion against the Discipline he is about Fourscore years old and hath a fair clear Beard 3. James Repineau Minister of St. Laurens Lesminures deposed for enormous Crimes and Desertion of his Ministry he is Seventy Years old middle Stature red Visage sore weeping Eyes 4. Gabriel Bouslay formerly Minister in the Church of Vezinobre deposed by the Province of Dolphiny he is tall of Stature Chesnut coloured Hair a little bald rude in his Gate and high coloured 5. John Coultere about 67 years old or thereabouts low of Stature meager Visage little Head formerly Pastor of the Church at Segure in Bearn deposed by the Province of Bearn and afterwards revolted to the Church of Rome 6. Daniel Martyn about Sixty Two Years old a tall square Fellow full Visage swarthy Colour great Eyes black Hair on his Head and Beard formerly Minister of Castel-Tisy near Orthez in the Province of Bearn deposed by the Synod of that Province for very great Sins and then revolted to the Romish Religion An impious Protestant will make a very godly Papist All these Acts and Decrees were done and passed at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris on Thursday the 26th day of January in the year One Thousand Six Hundred Forty and Five Signed by Garrissoles Moderator of the Synod Basnage Assessor Scribes Blondel Le Coq CHAP. XX. Remarks upon some of the Deputies 1. MR. David Blondell born at Chalons called to the Ministry in the Church of Houdun a very Learned Man who had dived deep into the Ocean of Ecclesiastical Antiquities He hath published many things his Pseudo Isidorus Turrianus Vapulantes De Joanna Papissa answered by Des Maretz Professor at Grouinguen Modeste Declaration de la Sincerite Verite des Eglises Reformees de France An Answer to Cardinal Perron and divers other Works He was made Honourary Professor by this National Synod and had an Annual Stipend paid him by his Province of the Isle of France and another assigned him
said Mr. Aymin for drawing the said Professors contrary to the Canous of our Discipline before the Secular Jurisdiction yea and contrary to the Decree of the National Synod aforesaid And in case he shall hereafter offer to transgress that Decree the Provincial Synod of Sevennes is authorized to take Cognizance thereof and to censure him according to his Deserts either by Suspension or Deposal from his Office as it may so fall out And they shall further Question him for what Causes he hath desisted from the Functions of his Ministry and all this shall be done by the Authority of this Assembly nor shall there be any Appeal of his admitted from that Provincial Synod 5. The Fifth Article of Observations upon reading of the Discipline in the Synod of Charenton 1644. which forbad all Proposans going into the Pulpit at those Hours destinated unto Sermons shall be most religiously observed and such as violate them shall be censured by Colloquies and Synods 6. On reading the Thirteenth Article of Appeals in the last National Synod the Provincial Deputies of Sevennes made their Report and the Letter from the Consistory of St. Estienne was produced This Assembly blamed the said Province and Consistory for not having sooner put in execution the Order of the said National Synod for separating the Sieur Michel from his Wife And whereas the said Sieur Michel and his Wife that they may avoid the Censures of the Church do offer voluntarily and of their own accord to separate one from the other and so to remove the ground of the Scandal given by them and taken at them This Assembly ordaineth that after they shall have evidenced their sincere Repentance and Submission to the Rules of our Discipline by a real Separation from each other for the space of Six Months then and not till then are they to be received to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church 7. The Deputies of the Province of Burgundy were heard speak about that Decree of the last National Synod which ordaineth the said Province to examin the Accounts of the Sieur John Gras concerning the Monies received by him for the Churches of Montauban Rochel and Castres The said Deputies declaring that those Accounts were audited and closed in the Synod held at Bussi in the Year 1651. and put into the Hands of the Sieurs Cale and Spons Elders of the Church of Lion and Deputies for the said Church Upon which Relation the Deputies were very well satisfied 8. The Colloquies of Roven and Cauz made a Proposal for separating the Higher and Lower Normandy and to make out of them two Provincial Synods After that Monsieur Bochart was heard speaking for the Colloquies of the Lower Normandy This Assembly judged that the Decree past in the last National Synod should hold good without any change at all and that the said Proposal should be let die away in silence 9. The re-iterated Petition of the Province of Sevennes about the Church of Doubre and D'Auchy shall be tendered to the next Synod of the higher Languedoc which is intreated to consider well of the matter 10. The Assembly revising the eighth Article of General Matters in the last National Synod which enjoyned the Consistories of those Churches that have Printers to take special heed that there be not any Change made in the Translation of our Bible nor in our Liturgy nor Psalms without express Order from that Consistory which is empowred for so doing by the Provincial Synod It doth also recommend the strict Observation hereof and declareth those Persons worthy to be censured who do neglect it and willeth that an account of this be rendred both to the â—rovincial Synods and Colloquies And farthermore all Persons whatso ver be forbidden to print or bind up with our Liturgy and Ordinary Catechism any other Catechisms and Prayers whatsoever 11. On reading that Article of the last National Synod concerning Original Sin divers Provinces demanding with great Importunity that this Assembly would be pleased to moderate it this Decree was made That for the future all Pastors and Proposans who should offer themselves unto the Holy Ministry shall be only obliged to subscribe unto the Tenth and Eleventh Article of the Confession of Faith held by all the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and in the mean while all Persons are forbidden to preach or print any thing against the Imputation mentioned by the said Synod in that Article before named nor shall any thing more or less be changed in it 12. In reading that Article of the same National Synod concerning the Redemption of Captives This Assembly took notice that the Alms collected from the Faithful on this occasion had been employed most beneficially in this pious Work as was made appear by those Accounts brought in and examined and whereas there is a great Necessity for the continuance of this noble Charity this Assembly recommends the continuance of its Practice unto the Provinces according to the intent and purport of the said Article 13. The Deputies of Lower Guyenne gave in an account of what their Synod had done about the absence of two Elders whom they had deputed unto the last National Synod of Charenton and their proceedure in censuring of Monsieur Sauvage for his absence was well approved CHAP. IX Of Appeals 1. MOnsieur Ferrand Pastor of the Church of Burdeaux appealed for that the Synod of Lower Guyenne held at Bergerac had made a change in their first Deputation to the National Synod having put in another Deputy in his stead whenas sixteen Members of the said Synod were absent and out of the way to the wounding of his Reputation Whereupon the Deputies of that Province declared that this Change was made in pursuance of a Rule made in the Synod held at Casteljalonx without any the least suspicion had of the Integrity of the said Monsieur Ferrand whose Fidelity and Sincerity was very well known in all the Province and elsewhere This Assembly judged that the Rule establish'd in the said Province is highly laudable and its observation very profitable Yet nevertheless it were to be desired that the new Election had not commenc'd in the absence of so great a number of their Members and the said Monsieur Ferrand is intreated to rest satisfied with the Testimony given him by the Deputies of his Province in this Assembly that he hath always demeaned himself as a good and Faithful Servant of God 2. The Churches of Beaune Thoire and St. John appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Burgundy which refused to discharge them of those Sums to which they were taxed as the other Churches of the Province for the Colledges and Universities After perusal of the Contents of their Memoirs and hearing the Deputies of the Provinces the Assembly judged those Churches aforesaid most blame worthy for refusing to pay the Sums demanded of them and injoyneth them to submit unto that Order 3. The Sieur Gaultier Pastor in the Province of Xaintonge brought his
Appeal from a Censure which he pretended was inflicted upon him by the Synod of that Province held at Mauze July 5 1656 because he refused to Baptize the Child of the Lord of Cyre at his Castle on an extraordinary Day The Assembly considering the Terms of that Censure which he produced mentioned no Censure at all it could not be perswaded that he had any ground of complaint in the least nor that such an Appeal should have been brought into this Assembly because Pastors should in all Affairs of this nature be guided by their Consistories and the custom of the Provinces And forasmuch as this Assembly is informed that the said Gaultier hath been for a long time without a Church the Province of Xaintonge was commanded to get him some Employment 4. Mademoiselle d' Argier Widow of the Deceased Pastor of that Name complained against the Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Vsez in the Year 1659 which had rejected her Petition and demand of the Annuity of her Widowhood from the Churches of Cormes and Florensac but her Appeal was rejected because the matters of that nature ought to be finally decided in the Provinces 5. The Sieur Bourdieu Pastor of the Church of Montpellier having presented unto this Assembly the Evidences and Memoirs of Mr. Peter Caffarel Syndic of the Inhabitants in the City of Montpellier professing the Reformed Religion by which he defends himself from the Appeals brought by the Sieur John Guillard and Mademoiselle Colombâ— and Esther Thalodiere de Degan about a difference between them concerning Seats in the Temple These Differences were remanded back again unto the Consistory of Montpellier there to be finally determined if they are not so already according to the Ordinances established in the last and in this present National Synod of Charenton 6. There were produced in this Assembly the Memoir of Monsieur David Blanc late Pastor of the Church of Vernoux who departed this Life about Two Years since and presented by his poor Children in behalf of their Dead Father to defend an Appeal of his from the Provincial Synod of Vivaretz held at Vals in April 1650. And they complained that the said Synod had removed him from his Church of Vernoux without so much as hearing him speak for himself so that he was for sometimes altogether destitute of Employment and without any Maintenance or Care had for him or his poor Families Subsistence After that the Deputies of the said Province were heard the Assembly did very much blame the Province of Vivaretz for removing the said Mr. Le Blanc from his Church without suffering him to defend himself and for not providing for his Subsistence all the while he was out of imployment and Ordained that there should be paid in unto his Children within the space of one Year the Sum of Two Hundred Livres by the said Province and by the Churches of Vernoux and of Velay each of them One Third And the Synod of Vivaretz is charged to see that the said Sum be paid in to the Children of the said Deceased Mr. Le Blanc within the time prefixed 7. On sight of the Letters and Memoirs of Monsieur Thubert the Father Pastor of the Churches of Cassagnoles and Marnjolles appealing from a Judgment past in the Synod held at Alez in the Year 1658 against him and for refusing to restore him unto his Church of Vezenobres from whence he was removed without any valid Reason given him and that because he had a right to re-enter into his said Church they to keep him out would pay him Fifty Livres a Year for his Life After that the Deputies of Sevennes had been heard and that the Memoirs containing the Reasons and Grounds of the Appeal brought from the said Judgment by the Church of Vezenobre which was ordered to pay Fifty Livres a Year unto the said Monsieur Thubert The Assembly vacated the said Appeal and hath also vacated the Judgment past against the said Church for the Yearly payment of Fifty Livres and dischargeth it from the said Payment without Restitution of any part of the said Monies to be made by the said Monsieur Thubert in case he hath received any 8. There was an Appeal brought by the Church of Xaintes from an Act of the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held at Cazes in June 1659 for that as they were informed they had over and besides the great Catechism which is ordinarily used every Lord's Day ordained another to be used between the Morning Sermon and the great Catechism for Children in a familiar way by Questions and Answers and yet though this be not practised in any one Church of the Province the Church of Xaintes is called upon to conform to Order and to keep to Uniformity This Assembly being obliged to commend the Zeal and Diligence of the said Church in providing for their Instruction who are committed to its care judgeth that it had been much better if the said Province had left this Church in full Liberty or that when they gave it their Advice upon the difficulty which was discovered in the Order of the said Church and that for a long time hath been upheld and maintained in it about the time chosen by them for their Catechisings the Province it self had found out some other means more meet and fit to produce those good effects and fruits which they have yielded and which might have been exempted from those inconveniencies which it hath found in the said Church and whereunto it might have conformed And therefore exhorteth the said Church and all other Churches in this Kingdom to strengthen themselves and to be incouraged in this laudable Design and to promote to the very utmost of their Power the instruction of particular Members according to that Canon made and established in this present Assembly 9. The Letters and Memoirs of the Sieurs Vulson Des Grands Prez Dâ— Bâ—â—f and Calvet Doctors of Physick Fellows of the Colledg of Physicians Fellows of the Colledge of Physicians at Grenoble and Professors of the Reformed Religion were Produced and Read in this Assembly by which they complained of Monsieur Gros Pastor of the Reformed Church at La Mure for having transgressed the 18th Article of the first Chapter of our Ecclesiastical Discipline which forbiddeth Ministers to practise Physick and that the Synod of Dolphiny held at Vegnes in September last of this Year 1659 had not took an effectual course to restrain him The Letters also of the Sieurs Gros were opened and perused and the Deputies of the Province of Dolphiny were heard speak on this matter After all Parties had been heard this Assembly not finding any proof against the said Mr. Le Gros that he had of late transgressed nor since that Act of the Consistory of Grenoble June 17 1659 he was only injoyned precisely and exactly to observe the sense and intention of that Eighteenth Article of our Church-Discipline under the Penalties therein contained 10. The Sieurs
with divers Slanders not only against private Persons but also against the Provincial Synod and Consistory of the said City and the last Synod of Bauge is very much blamed for permitting the Impression and Publication of a Book entituled Les Pieces Authentiques And this Assembly confirmeth the Judgment of the Synod of Saumur in what concerns the Sieur de Beaujardin exhorting all Parties to lay by all their Resentments conceived one against the other upon the score of those injurious Words and Writings and to declare that they have no Intention in the least of harbouring them any more nor of persisting in them but that contrary wise they do acknowledge one another for Persons of Integrity and Honour and exempted from all Blame and Reproach and in this Quality they shall give each other the Hand of Reconciliation And to prevent all Differences for the future the Provincial Synod of Anjou is enjoyned to proceed against the Transgressors according to the Rigour of our Church-Discipline even to the last Censures and in case an Appeal should be entred the Provincial Synod of Brittaine shall take cognizance thereof and pass Judgment in it which shall hold good till the meeting of the next National Synod And as for those differences in the University of Saumur this Assembly giveth full Liberty unto the said University of chusing its Professors in Divinity proceeding therein according to its ancient Canons and Monsieur Royer Doctor of Physick is confirmed in his Office of Counsellor to the said University and the Sieur Doul in that of Professor of Eloquence without suffering the said Nomination to be made a Precedent and on this condition that the said Professor Doul do every three Months keep a publick Act. And this Assembly hath likewise approved and ratified that Canon of Agreement betwixt the Consistory and the said University for taking cognizance of all Affairs depending upon both those Assemblies And that this present Decree may be put in Execution the Sieurs Guitton and de Bourdieu Pastors and the Sieur des Champs an Elder are deputed to pass over unto Saumur and to visit the said Church which is ordered to defray their Expences 22. The Sieur John Nicholas a Bookseller Deputy from the Company of Merchants and Burgesses Members of the Reformed Church of Grenoble having presented to this Assembly Acts and Memoirs fraught with Complaints against the Consistory of the said Church occasioned by reason of a difference risen betwixt them and the Attornies in the Parliament and Court of the Edict there about Seats in their Consistory and demanded on behalf of their Principles the Merchants afore-named that the 7th Canon in the third Chapter of our Discipline might be observed the Substance of which was That neither Deacons nor Elders should claim any Primacy or Dominations the one over another be it either in their Nomination unto the People or in their place of sitting or in their Order of Voting And the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny being heard and the Committee having made their Report the Assembly remandeth back this Affair to the Consistory of that Church of Grenoble to judge ultimately therein according to that Power given it by the Canons of the National Synods and the said Consistory is enjoyned to see that the said Canon of our Discipline be most exactly observed and censureth those Persons who opposed the said Consistory 23. The Provincial Deputies of Berry having advised the Church of Gergeau of the calling of this present National Synod and ordered them to appear before it to support their Appeal entred by them against the Judgment of their Provincial Synod held at Blois by which the Sieur la Tanne their Pastor was licensed to quit both that Church and Province and no Person appearing for them nor sending any Memoirs in Defence of their Appeal it was declared null and void 24. The Sieur du Vals Pastor of the Church of Aimargues appealed from the Judgment of the Synod of Lower Languedoc held at Vsez about the Differences held between him and the Sieur de Richeres Pastor of the Church of Vielle Ville This Assembly not finding matters as yet ripe for a compleat Decision hath dismissed them over to the Consistory of the Church of Alez who shall judge finally therein and without Appeal from them 25. There was an Appeal brought by the Consistory of the Church of Arvel from those Judgments past in divers Synods of the Province of Xaintonge about some certain Seats in the Temple of the said Church And the Deputies of that Province were heard who declared that they never had any notice given them of the said Appeal nor that it was to be prosecuted in this Assembly And that the Synod of their Province had not any knowledge of this Affair but only the contending Parties This Assembly without demurring on those Judgments passed by the said Synod of Xaintonge remanded back again this Affair unto the Consistory of the said Church of Arvel there to be determined according to the Canons made in this and former National Synods And as for other Affairs mentioned in the Memorial of the said Consistory relating to the Lady of La Monerie and the joyning of the Church of Braize to that of Mornac and that of the Lord of Forgiris to the said Church of Braize or of Arvel this Assembly hath dismissed them over to the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge 26. Mr. James Collin having sent no Memoirs to uphold his Appeal from that Judgment of the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France held at la Ferte au Col in the Year 1657. by which the said Synod declared that they met with nothing in that Act of the Consistory of Vitry dated February the 14th of the same Year which might induce that Consistory to censure the said Collin as he imagineth that they have done or that he was the Author of those matters contained in the Memorials produced by him against the Siuer Anguenet one of the Pastors of said Church of Vitry nor could they find in the said Act any Censure against him the said Mr. Collin for which Reasons they believed that his Appeal was needless All which considered this Assembly declared that the Appeal of the said Mr. James Collin from the aforesaid Judgment of the Synod of La Ferte au Col is null and void 27. Monsieur Paullet formerly Pastor in the Church of Vsez but at present Minister in the Church of Vaux and Province of Lower Languedoc did exhibit in his own Name and on behalf of the Magistrates Consuls and Common Council and of divers Heads of Families Members of the said Church the Reasons of their Appeals brought against the Judgments of the Synods of Montpellier in the Year 1654. and of Vsez in the Year 1659. and of Montpellier in the same Year as also why they opposed the Call of Pastors and Elders here undernamed in the said Church of Vsez The Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc and particularly
D'Espoir a Copy of his Churches Petition that so he may return them an Answer within two Months time by the way of Paris and the Province of Higher Languedoc are charged in their next Synod to know of the said D'Espoir whether the matters contained in that said Petition be true or not and if true they shall enjoyn him out of hand to perform one of those Conditions proposed by the said Church in their Petition and the Province shall give an Account of the whole Affair to the next National Synod XXXI The Decree of the National Synod of Montauban shall be observed in that matter concerning Monsieur Berault Minister of the Gospel and the Deputies of Lower Languedoc are to acquiesce in it XXXII The Deputies of the Province of Poictou requesting That the Church of Luneré in Normandy might be exhorted to pay Monsieur Vatblè who was formerly their Minister his Arrerages owing to him This Synod hath given in charge to the Deputies of Normandy that pursuant to the Memoirs deposited in their hands by the said Vatblé they endeavour to procure him all satisfaction possible XXXIII The Memoirs of Limoges presented by the Deputies of Gascony are sent back again unto the Assembly of Loudun And the Case propounded in those Papers about Marriages contracted with a party of contrary Religion is fully determined by our Discipline which forbids the Blessing of those Marriages in our Churches where one of the Persons refuseth to quit its Idolatry CHAP. VII The Catalogue of the Deposed THE Deposed were Monsieur * * * Cahier was wheedled off from the Reformed Religion with the never-performed Promises of being made an Abbot He was deposed for writing two Books in which he asserted the Necessity and Lawfulness of Publick Stews and Brothel-Houses and that Fornication and Adultery were not forbidden in the Seventh Commandment but only the Sin of Onan 2. For Magick which he had practised This Wretch had one Vertue he never loved nor was beloved by the Jesuites He was once favoured but after slighted and neglected by the Sorbonists A most slovenly nasty Fellow in his Apparel and way of Living Peter Cahier of the Isle of France Vielbancque in Languedoc Peter le Roy otherwise Boilem in Normandy Godfrey de Vaux in Dolphiny and John Cornille The Provinces shall be advised to beware of a certain pernicious Heretick called Anthony de L'Escale who roves up and down scattering his Errors both by Writings and Discourses The Province of Lower Languedoc is charged to convene the next National Synod in the City of Montpellier the First of May in the Year 1598. The Acts were thus Signed by Dominick de Losse Moderator of the Synod Vincent chosen to Collect the Acts of the said Synod The End of the Synod of Saumur THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XV. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Montpellier the 26th of May in the Year of our Lord 1598. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Names of Deputies Synodical Officers chosen A Decree that every Province should choose four Deputies who in case of sickness of the first Deputies might supply their places in the National Synod An Exception for the Deputy of Provence Chap. II. Observations upon the Confession Advertisement unto Printers Chap. III. Observations upon the Discipline Distinction between the inability and Ingratitude of a People to their Minister 4. Case of the Emeriti and their Widows 5. Certificates given to the Poor 9. A Case of Conscience moved by the Church of Castres 11. National Synods to be Triennial 12. No Funeral Doles 13. Marriage-Promises to be made either by words de futuro or de praesenti 15. A Case about one who married the Widow of him who in his first Marriage had married his Sister 16. A Case about Certificates to be married in another Church for fear of Witchcraft 17. Widows not to marry till Seven Months after their Husbands death 18. The Marriage of Madam the King's Sister 19. A Case about Incest 20. Whether a Man convicted and condemned by the Civil Magistrate for a Capital Crime which yet he stiffly denieth may be admitted to the Lord's Table 21. A Case about purchasing Lands to keep up the Popish Worship 23. A Case about Advocates and Proctors 24. About Printers 25. And Lotteries 28. Penance for Harlots 30. Chap. IV. Appeals Judgment in Points of Doctrine appropriate unto the Ministry 4. Chap. V. General Matters A Committee of Ministers to revise the Copies of the Discipline Reconcilers of both Religions to be rejected 2. The Liturgy not to be altered Mr. Beza's Scripture Songs to be sung in the Churches 3. Censure of Books Apparatus ad fidem Catholicam Avis pour la Paix de L'Eglise Elenchus Novae Doctrinae 4. A Case sent by a Soveraign Prince unto the Synod for resolution 5. Another Case depending on it 6. Another about Wounds 7. Another about Marriage-Promises 8. Monsieur Chamier's Advice to the Synod when he brought the Edict of Nants unto it 14. A distribution of the King's Money given the Churches 16. Ministers abroad cited home unto the Kingdom by the National Synod 17. Chap. VI. Particular Matters Letters to the Dutch Churches Monsieur Berand to answer Perron and Monsieur de Montigni Cahier 3. Franc a deposed Minister petitioning to be restored is rejected 6. Ministers for Madam 7. Cassegrain's Answer to Perron slighted by the Synod 10. Peyrol not duly qualified for the Ministry 11. Poor Ministers 14 15 16. Complaint of the Town of Aubenas 23. Ministers in one Church quarrelling are both removed 26. The Court of Castres hath the Thanks of the Synod 31. Chap. VII Private Acts. Chap. VIII Extracts from the Acts of the mixt Assembly of Chastel-heraut An Act for calling the next National Synod THE Synod of Montpellier 1598. Synod XV. SYNOD XV. Acts and Articles of the National Synod held at Montpellier the Six and Twentieth Day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand five hundred ninety and eight CHAP. I. Deputies and Officers of the Synod Monsieur Berault was chosen President Monsieur De Montigny Assessor And Scribes Monsieur De Macifer and Monsieur Cartau There assembled at it the Pastors and Elders whose Names are underwritten FOR the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Francis de Lauberan Lord of Montigny Minister in the Church of Paris and Moyses Cartau Elder of the said Church For Orleans Berry Blezou and Dunois Master Michael le Noir Minister of Chastillon on Loire and Esaias Fleureau Elder in the Church of Orleans For Dolphiny and the Principality of Orange Master Andrew Caille Minister of Grenoble and Master William Vallier Minister of Die and Master Sebastian Julian Minister of Aurange and Master Felix Elder in the Church of Montlimart For Normandy and Brittany Master William Claud Picheron Minister at Ponteau de Mer without an Elder For the Higher Languedoc and the
Higher Guyenne Master Michael Beraut Minister of Montauban Master John Baptist Botan Minister of Castres Master Gabriel Turonier Doctor of the Civil Law and Master John Lisandre Doctor of the Civil Law both Elders For the Lower Languedoc Master Christopher Barjac Lord of Gasquetz Minister of Vigan Master John Gigord Minister of Montpellier together with Daniel Darnand Lord de la Cassagne and John de Boyere Lord of Camion Elders For Vivaretz Master Anthony Mercier Minister of Chasteuneuf and of Chalencon and Master John Valeton without Elders For the Lower Guyenne Master Moyses de Ricotier Minister of Clerac Master Signeron du Fon His Majesties Advocate in the Court of Casteljaloux For Xaintonge Aunix and Augoumois Master Fresnon du Vigier alias du Vergier Lord of Moustier Minister of St. John d' Angely and Master Michael Texier Elder For Poictou Master Jonas Chesneau Minister of St. Maixant and John Renoy Esq Lord of Braconnier Elder in the Church of Poiré and Belleville For Anjou Tourain and Maine Master Francis Grelier Lord of Macefer Minister of Saumur without an Elder For Provence Balthazar de Villeneuve Esq Lord of Tortonne Syndick of the Churches in the said Province No person appeared at this Synod for Burgundy Lyonnois and Forrest The Synod being opened by solemn Invocation of the Name of God Monsieur Berault was chosen President and Monsieur de Montigny Assessor and Monsieur Macifer and Monsieur Cartaub Scribes Monsieur Du Moulin Deputy for Orleans being sick divers Churches of that Province together with the Deputies of Normandy and the Isle of France substituted in his stead Monsieur le Noir which was well approved by the Synod and a Decree passed in it that the Provinces should nominate three or four Persons for the future to represent them in these National Assemblies that in case of sickness or any other accident which might hinder their attendance there might be some others to supply that default The Provinces of Normandy Anjou and Vivaretz were censured for not sending Elders together with their Ministers Because of the great Desolations and Dispersions of the Churches in Provence the Synod granteth unto their Deputy his Vote in all Debates controverted Cases between the Provinces only excepted and this for that he wanted his Letters of Deputation CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith OUR Confession of Faith being read was universally approved in all its Articles by the whole Assembly Printers are admonished to prefix no other Title than what is usual unto this Confession and for time to come they shall not add these words Revised and Approved in such and such a Synod CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-Discipline I. THE Second Article in the First Chapter concerning Ministers being read That instead of these words In a Provincial Synod these shall be inserted By and with Advice of the Provincial or National Synods II. The Churches shall be exhorted to observe exactly the 4 5 11 and 13 Articles of this First Chapter together with that Ceremony of Imposing Hands in Ordination and the Refractory shall be censured III. The last clause of the Article concerning Printers shall be struck out because it is comprised in the fifteenth Article of Particular Orders IV. The Churches of the Isle of France desiring an Explanation of the 38th Article of the first Chapter of the Discipline the Synod adviseth That difference be made between Ingratitude and Inability and that where the Ingratitude on the Churches part is visible the Article shall be observed but not otherwise V. And that the 45th Article of the first Chapter and the eleventh Article in that of Provincial Synods may be more carefully observed this Assembly injoyneth the Provincial Synods to bring with them unto the National an Attestation of their Duty performed unto their Pastors who through Sickness are disabled from Exercising their Ministry as also of what hath been done by them for the Widows and Orphans of such as are deceased that in case a Church-Colloquy or Province have not wherewithal to relieve them Provision may be made for them by the National Synod VI. After these words in the * * * It is now the 44th 43d Article Great and small there shall be these subjoyned Of whatsoever Condition or Quality they may be VII For the better keeping of the fourth Article in the second Chapter and that all Obstructions may be removed the Synod enjoyneth all Deacons to bring unto their Colloquy or Provincial Synod the Accounts given by them of the Poors Money that we may know whether the Fifth Penny hath been defaulked and laid by for tho maintenance of our Proposans VIII Instead of these words in the fourth Article of the second Chapter It were good shall be inserted It is necessary IX To prevent those Disorders which daily happen from Attestations given unto the Poor the Synod decreeth That all Churches do their endeavour to maintain their own Poor and in case any one through necessity be obliged to travel from home the Ministers shall carefully examine the grounds thereof whether just and valid and so shall give them Letters Recommendatory unto the next Church leading directly unto that place whether their Affairs call them specifying the Name Age Stature and Hair of the Dearer and the Place whereunto they be going and the Cause of their Travel and the Relief that hath been given them which said Certificate the Ministers to whom they apply themselves shall keep by them and give them another directed also unto the next Church and whatever Attestations have been given formerly or may be in time to come any otherwise than as now prescribed shall be null and torn in pieces X. To those words in the 16th Article of the fifth Chapter And which giveth great scandal to the whole Church there shall be subjoyned And those also who contrary to the godly Counsels given them do marry according to the Popish manner and Parents who consent unto such Marriages of their Children and they likewise who carry their Children unto Popish Priests to be baptized by them or become Sureties for those Children so baptized XI The Church of Castres moved this Case Whether an Extract of some few or more Articles of our Discipline might lawfully be communicated unto the Magistrates of both Religions for their better Conduct in the Exercise of Justice This Synod resolveth affirmatively yea and that the whole Body of our Discipline may be presented them there being nothing in it but what ministreth unto edifying XII Because of the present Distress and Poverty of bur Churches and till such times as the Lord shall have blessed us with greater abilities it is ordained by this present Synod That the National Synods shall be convened only once in three Years unless it be in case of very great necessity as of Heresie and Schism whereof the Province charged to convene it shall take special Cognisance and on this Condition that every Province do send their full number of
Ministry in Normandy he is of but mean Stature hath a weeping Tone brown Hair 2. As also one called Mussidan alias John Bourdirier who had been deposed in Vivaretz 3. Also one named Des Hameux who had been declared Vagrant by the Provincial Synod of Anjou The Province of Dolphiny is appointed to call the next National Synod three Years hence saving that in case of necessity and that Province do judge it so by reason of extraordinary Occurrences they may convene it sooner Revising that Article concerning the maintenance of Monsieur Berger before-mentioned it was decreed That in lieu of a General Contribution towards it by all the Provinces that of Orleans shall give him in a double Portion from the Moneys granted us by His Majesty to what is assigned unto each single Pastor which Quota of his shall be allowed them in their Accounts to be presented by them at the next National Synod Those of Vivaretz complaining of Taxes imposed on by the Provinces of Higher and Lower Languedoc towards the defraying of Charges spent about Businesses whereunto they had never been invited The Assembly ordains that for what is past it shall be valid but for the future that the Moneys of His Majesty's Grant which were purely Church-Moneys shall not be diverted from their primary design which was the maintenance of our Ministers and in particular that the Provinces shall not usurp upon one another's Right Monsieur Palott before-named having sent unto this Assembly a little before its dissolution the Sum of Three thousand Crowns in ready Money it was divided among the Provinces and Universities defalking one Sol in the Livre upon the whole remaining Debt for the Years 1598 1599 and 1600 according to the Accompts sent by the said Monsieur Palott for every Province and this without prejudice to the Accompt of the said Palott or approbation of it Dated at Gergeau the 25th of May 1601. Signed thus George Pacard Moderator chosen by the Synod De Beaulieu Assessor Scribes Daniel Chamier Josias Mercier The End of the Synod of GERGEAU THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XVII National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in The Town of Gap and Province of Dolphiny In the Year of our Lord 1603. The CONTENTS of the Synod of GAP Chap. I. DEputies from the Provinces The Lords General Deputies des Fontaines Agent for Monsieur Palot Receiver of the Churches moneys Synodical Officers chosen The Provinces censured for not sending their full number of Deputies Brittany censured for a particular fact Chap. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith the Original always to be brought unto the National Synod the 18 and 20 and 22d Articles explained our Righteousness by the imputation of Christs Active and Passive Obedience 2. The Call of our first Reformers was extraordinary and not from the Church of Rome 4. The Pope is the Antichrist 5. Of the word Super-intendant 6. The Confession Sworn and Subscribed 8. Monsieur Chamier to write an Apology for it as Bishop Jewel did for the Church of England Chap. III. Observations upon the Discipline no private Ordination 1. Uniformity in Ordination 2. Irregular Preaching 4. Canons for Professors of Divinity 7. Orders for maintaining young Students in Divinity 8. Elders shall have no Impositions of Hands 9. A Canon about Penitential Confession 12 A Case propounded by the Deputies of Burgundy 13. The Churches of several Provinces Incorporated with those of France 15 16 17. An Inquiry for the Original Acts of these National Synods 19. Publick Common Prayers laid down and why 21. Whether Ministers may attend on Funerals 22. The Discipline ratified by the Oath of all the Deputies Chap. 4 Observations on the Synod of Jergeau Instructions to a censured Minister how to justify himself 2. Letters to the Professors of Geneva about our Proposans 8. A Canon for the Deacons of Bearne in Switzerland 9. the Church of Paris censured 10. The Petition of a Minister deposed for his insufficiency and desiring to be restored is rejected 15. Thanks given to the Lord of Pleâ—â—â—s for his Book of the Eucharist 17. The Petition of a deposed Minister for restoration unto his Work and Office rejected 18. Chap. V. Appeals Two Ministers at Variance reconciled 9. Chap. VI. General matters A petition of the exiled Protestants of the Martquisate of Salluces to the Synod 1. Pastors must not be Non-Residents 2. A Canon about Pastors not Deputed to the National Synods yet sitting in them 3. An answer to the complaint of the Pastors of Geneva 4. That the Pope is Antichrist shall be inserted into the Articles of the Confession of Faith 5. A great case whether the Faithful may say they be of the pretended Reformed Religion 6. Another case of Conscience about a place of Burial 7. Form of Certificates 8. Moneys to begin the University of Die 9 10. A motion and means for reuniting the Lutherans with our Churches 11. A Case whether a Child Baptised by a Proposan should be Rebaptized 12. A Case about Oaths 13. About Theological disputations 14. About a Lord of misrule 15. A Committee to draw up a body â—f Laws for our Schools and Universities 18. Moneys paid unto the General Deputies 21. The King of Spains Bible to be set up in our Universities 300 Crowns given to the Academy of Sedan Chap. VII Particular matters A suspected Gentleman cleared 5. The History of a Possession 9. Letters from the Faithful in the Valley of Barcellona answered 17. Settling of Religion at Issoire 18. Letters sent to the Faithful fallen in Salluces 19. The Synod of Burgundy censured 22. The Poverty of the Church of Aubenas 28. A Book Intituled Hypotoposes Theologicae to be revised 30. the Vniversity of Sedan incouraged 40. Election of General Deputies 44. Chap. VIII A Dividend of 45000 Crowns between the Churches and Universities Chap. IX An Accompt of Moneys allowed the Sieurs Palot du Candal Chap. X. A Dividend of 135000 Crowns among the Churches and Universities Chap. XI A Catalogue of all the Reformed Churches of France Chap. XII Remarks upon three of the Deputies to this Synod 1603. The 17th Synod The Synod of GAP SYNOD XVII 1603. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod held by the Reformed Churches of France at Gap the first day of October and continued to the four and twentieth of the same Month in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and three CHAP. I. Monsieur Chamier was chosen President Monsieur Ferrier Assessor Scribes Monsieur Vignier and Monsieur Roy THERE appeared in it as Deputies for their respective Provinces the Pastors and Elders whose names are here under written For the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne For the Isle of France Picardy and Champagne Monsieur Peter du Moulin Minister in the Church of Paris and Gedeon Petau Lord of the Mollette Elder of the Church of Houdan For Brittany Monsieur Francis L'Oyseau Minister of the Church of Nantes
particularly promiseth to hinder the out-breaking of Piscator's Notions provided he be not provoked elsewhere by any others This Assembly ordaineth John Earl of Nassau his Letters unto Monsieur Regnault that Lettes shall in its name be written unto the said most Noble Lord thanking him for his pious affection and humbly intreating that Prince to continue his endeavours for effecting of that much-desired Union and to take care that none of his Subjects do break out into bitter expressions and to assure him on the behalf of our Churches in this Kingdom that no person shall be suffered to exasperate Dr. Piscator by any publick Writings as also that if any one hath heretofore done it he had no Commission for so doing from us and it was disowned by this Synod and that we shall take special care to prevent it for the future See the first Synod of Rochel G. Mat. 6. and of Montauban observat upon the Confes Art 4. Th' Article concerning Antichrist to be printed and inserted into our Confession 8. Our Printers shall be once again charged according to the Decrees of the Synods of Montauban and Saumur to put the word Union instead of Unity in the twenty sixth Article of our Confession And all Pastors in whose Churches there be Printing Houses are required to oversee the next impressions that so it be done accordingly 9. That Article concerning Antichrist inserted by the Synod of Gap into the body of our Confession and making the thirty first having been in its order read weighed and examined was approved and allowed by general consent both as to its form and substance for very true and agreeing with Scripture-Prophesie and which in these our days we see most clearly to be fulfilled Whereupon it was resolved that it should continue in its place and that for time coming it should be imprinted in all Copies which should come from the Press 10. That word Superintendent in the thirty third Article shall abide according as it was expounded by the Synod of Gap 11. Whereas the Pastors and Classis of Lausanna Morges c. do demonstrate in their Letters that it would be fit to add unto the close of the thirty third Article after the word Appertaining this restriction as far forth as they be grounded on the Word of God This Assembly hath found it needless and superfluous because that the foregoing words For in Excommunication we ought to follow what our Lord hath declared to us do sufficiently express unto us the aforesaid Restriction 12. Whereas some have remonstrated that it were meet to express in the thirty sixth Article more clearly that Union which the faithful have one with another and which is signified to us in the Lord's Supper But this point having been debated it was judged needless for that the Conjunction of the head with the Members there mentioned did necessarily infer the mutual Union and Communion of the Members one with another 13. The Consistories of Churches in which our Printers live are charged for time to come to have a special care that our Printers do not forget those words of our Lords Institution Take Eat c. And Drink ye all c. according as was Decreed in the Synod of Saumur 14. The Province of Higher Languedoc scrupling the word Lieutenant in the thirty ninth Article This Assembly saw no reason for it but that it might continue in it as importing nothing contrary to what is signified by that word when attributed unto Magistrates by the Holy Scriptures and equivalent to those words which the Word of God doth bestow upon them 15. The Confession of Faith having been read over word by word and in every Member Article and Clause of it it was unanimously approved and sworn to by all the Deputies present in the Synod who promised and protested to live and die in this Faith and particularly in what had been determined according to the Scriptures That we be justified before God by the imputation of that obedience of our Lord Jesus which he yielded unto God his Father in his Life and Death Which said Protestation the Deputies of the Provinces will by the Authority of this Synod cause also to be taken by all the Pastors of their respective Provinces which had sent them CHAP. III. Observations on the reading our Church-Discipline 1. ON the Second Article of the first Chapter after these words of their Doctrine shall be added approved at least by the space of two years since their Conversion and confirmed by good Testimonials from those places in which they live 2. On the fourth Article of the same Chapter that alternative of two or three shall be removed and there shall be mentioned three only 3. No Church shall for the future undertake whatever sollicitations may be made it to examine or ordain those Pastors which are to serve out of this Kingdom but herein they shall conform unto the Discipline and the Decrees of former National Synods 4. After these words in the fourth Article which shall be advised there shall be added without being able during that all whole time to administer the Sacraments that so c. See Synod of Gap 4 Art uppon the Discipline 5. That Article of the Synod of Gap concerning the eleventh Canon of this first Chapter shall be most strictly observed and that it may be better kept for the future in all Consistorial Classical and Synodical Censures diligent inquiry shall be made into the Conversation and Manner of Preaching used by every Pastor and an Oath shall be imposed on the Examinant to speak the Truth to the best of his knowledge and that they may the better answer to every point they shall read unto them the said Article of the Discipline 6. On reading the ninteenth Article the Synod ordered Letters should be written unto the Lords of this Kingdom professing the Reformed Religion that they be intreated when ever they are called from their Houses unto Court or when ever they travel that they would not fail to take their Pastors with them 7. The Synod expounding the twenty eighth Article by these words their Churches being heard doth understand the Consistories and Chief of the people and by these words for certain considerations doth understand whatever may fall out in general and not particularly the proceeds of Censures A Colloquy may lend a Minister for three and the Provinc Synod 6 months out of the Province See the first Synod of Vitré g. Mat. 24. 8. On the thirty third Article where speech is had about the consent of Pastors and Churches in case of Loan of Ministers without the Province It is now decreed that notwithstanding any Appeal to the contrary a Colloquy may lend a Pastor for three Months and the provincial Synod for six 9. The means prescribed by the Synods of Gap and Gergeau to prevent their ingratitude who refuse maintenance unto their Pastors are left to be used according to the discretion and charity of the
and ten Sous 10. For the Churches and College of Gex four thousand three hundred Livers 11. More to compleat the Pensions of our Lords the General Deputies three thousand three hundred Livers 12. All which Parcels amount to the sum of four and twenty thousand six hundred ninety and four Livers ten Sous which shall be taken out of an hundred sixty eight thousand seven hundred and fifty Livers being three quarters of the said sum of two hundred and twenty five thousand Livers 13. Therefore there remaineth to be distributed for the said three Quarters among all the Provinces the sum of one hundred thirty nine thousand eight hundred and fifteen Livers ten Sous and four thousand eight hundred Livers more to those that have Colleges among which those are not comprised which have Universities erected and endowed 14. To the Isle of France for fifty Pastors four Proposans and twelve supernumerary Portions in all sixty six Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of eleven thousand one hundred forty eight Livers two Sous 15. To the Province of Poictou for two and fifty Pastors three Proposans and one supernumerary Portion in all six and fifty Portions and four hundred Livers for their College the sum of nine thousand five hundred and nineteen Livers twelve Sous 16. To the Province of Lower Languedoc for sixty four Pastors three Proposans and one supernumerary Portion in all sixty eight Portions and four hundred Livers for the College of Beziers the sum of eleven thousand four hundred and seventy three Livers sixteen Sous 17. For the Province of Berry for thirty three Pastors three Proposans and seven supernumerary Portions in all three and forty Portions and for the College four hundred Livers the sum of seven thousand four hundred and two Livers eleven Sous 18. To the Province of Xaintonge for sixty eight Pastors five Proposans and two supernumerary Portions and one for Monsieur Bonnet in all seventy six Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of twelve thousand seven hundred and seventy six Livers 19. To the Province of Burgundy for twenty four Pastors three Proposans and seven supernumerary Portions for those of Maringues and Paillac in all six and thirty Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of six thousand two hundred and sixty two Livers twelve Sous 20. To the Province of Vivaretz for nine and twenty Pastors three Proposans and six supernumerary Portions including herein two Portions for the Forest in all eight and thirty Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of six thousand five hundred eighty and eight Livers six Sous 21. To the Province of Anjou for eight and twenty Pastors three Proposans and two Portions supernumerary in all thirty three Portions the sum of five thousand three hundred and seventy four Livers five Sous 22. To the Province of Higher Languedoc for fourscore and four Pastors seven Proposans and one Portion and half supernumerary in all fourscore and twelve Portions and an half the sum of fifteen thousand and sixty three Livers fourteen Sous 23. To the Province of Lower Guyenne for seventy and seven Pastors five Proposans in all eighty two Portions the sum of thirteen thousand three hundred and fifty three Livers fourteen Sous 24. To the Province of Sevennes for fifty three Pastors and three Proposans and two supernumerary Portions and five other Portions for the Churches of Issoyre and Higher Auvergne and four Portions for Mounsieur Piloty in all sixty and seven Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of eleven thousand and three hundred Livers and nineteen Sous 25. To the Province of Normandy for four and forty Pastors six Proposans and six Portions supernumerary in all six and fifty Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of nine thousand five hundred and nineteen Livers twelve Sous 26. To the Province of Provence for fifteen Pastors three Proposans and six supernumerary Portions in all four and twenty Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of four thousand three hundred and eight Livers sixteen Sous 27. To the Province of Brittain for eleven Pastors two Proposans one Portion for Nants and eight more supernumerary in all two and twenty Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of nine hundred and ninety Livers fourteen Sous 28. To the Province of Dolphiny for fourscore and three Pastors eight Proposans and seven supernumerary Portions in all ninety and eight Portions and four hundred Livers for the College the sum of sixteen thousand three hundred fifty nine Livers six Sous 29. To Monsieur du Bois for one Portion the sum of one hundred sixty two Livers seventeen Sous Another Dividend of the sum of six and fifty thousand two hundred and fifty Livers which is the fourth Quarter and to be distributed among the Churches only 1. To the Province of the Isle of France four thousand three hundred twenty three Livers 2. To the Province of Poictou three thousand six hundred sixty eight Livers 3. To the Province of Lower Languedoc four thousand four hundred thirty four Livers 4. To the Province of Berry two thousand eight hundred and twenty Livers and ten Sous 5. To the Province of Xaintonge four thousand nine hundred seventy eight Livers 6. To the Province of Burgundy two thousand three hundred and sixty Livers 7. To the Province of Vivaretz two thousand four hundred eighty nine Livers 8. To the Province of Anjou two thousand one hundred sixty two Livers 9. To the Province of Higher Languedoc six thousand fifty eight Livers ten Sous 10. To the Province of Lower Guyenne five thousand three hundred seventy one Livers 11. To the Province of Sevennes four thousand three hundred eighty eight Livers ten Sous 12. To the Province of Normandy three thousand six hundred sixty eight Livers 13. To the Province of Provence one thousand six hundred eighty Livers 14. To the Province of Brittain one thousand four hundred forty five Livers 15. To the Province of Dolphiny six thousand four hundred and nineteen Livers 16. A Portion to the Sieur du Bois sixty five Livers ten Sous Acted and Decreed in the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Vitré the eighteenth day of May and the days following in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and seventeen Signed by Andrew Rivett Moderator Chauve Assessor D. Jammet and Biggot Scribes And by all the Deputies of the Provinces both Pastors and Elders The number of Pastors then actually in service in those Churches were seven hundred and thirty one and of Proposans sixty six The End of the First Volume Synodicon in Gallia Reformata OR THE Acts Decisions Decrees and Canons OF THE SEVEN LAST National Councils OF The Reformed Churches IN FRANCE A WORK never before Extant in any LANGUAGE Collected and Composed Out of the ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT ACTS of those