Scripture provided always that there be nothing indecent in them XXXII Such as receive from His Majesty's Royal Bounty a Sine Curâ a Benefice without Cure of Souls shall be exhorted to dispose of a considerable part of its Revenue to pious and charitable Uses as towards the Maintenance of God's own holy instituted Worship and Relief of the Poor otherwise we will proceed against them by Suspension from the Lord's Table XXXIII The 9th Canon in the 12th Chapter of our Discipline binding Pastors as much as possible to distribute the Cup at the Lord's Table shall be in full force Pastors and Elders must communicate at the same Time and Table XXXIV Elders of the Church shall communicate together with the Pastors at the Lord's Supper in the first place and the residue of the People in such order as the Consistory judgeth most expedient for the Churches edification In Case of Appeal from an Inferiour to a Superiour Judge Marriage may not be celebrated Nicodemites are in the same Classis with Infidels XXXV Altho' the Parties cannot obtain the Consent of Parties yet if they that have that of the Magistrate unto their Marriage by his Judicial Sentence the Pastors in our Churches may celebrate such Marriage unless there lie an Appeal in the Case XXXVI To the Case propounded by the Deputy of Berry and Orleans this Synod returns its Answer That the Churches shall declare it publickly that whosoever whispereth in private that he is a Protestant and of the Reformed Religion altho' he do not make an open profession thereof that this Person is to be accounted no better than an Infidel until such time as he he have totally renounced the Superstitions and Idolatries of the Romish Church XXXVII The Deputies of Xaintonge having declared the Inconveniences arising in several Churches from Promises of Marriage expressed by words de praesenti and that it were better that for time coming all such Promises should be uttered in words de futuro The Decision of this difficulty is remitted over to the next National Synod whereunto the Provinces are required to come with due preparation XXXVIII The 12th Article of the 13th Chapter of the Discipline is remitted over to the consideration of the next National Synod and in the mean while Mr. Beza and Mr. Daueau are intreated to couch in Writing their Arguments about it that they may be perus'd and examined by that Synod that so we may know Whether it be lawful for a Brother to marry the Widow of his Wife's Brother Whence proceeds Impotency and tying of the Point and its proper Remedy XXXIX When divers Persons in our Churches are afflicted with that Plague of Impotency by those who tie the Point the Pastors shall remonstrate to them in their Sermons that the cause of this Evil is Unbelief in some and weakness of Faith in others and that Charms used to untie them are detestable as also the means used by others in consulting Witches the Devils Ministers this Remedy being worse than their Disease whenas Fasting Prayer and Reformation of Life thorough the Blessing of God would effect the Cure XL. In the Form of Excommunication pronounced publickly at the Lord's Table next after the word Idolaters there shall be added All Sorcerers Charmers and Inchanters as also upon another account after the word Mutinous there shall be added Murderers XLI Whereas Publick Notaries in divers Churches keep open Doors on the Lord's Day and pass all manner of Contracts and Transactions whereby very many Souls are taken off together with themselves from the Religious Sanctification of the Lord 's holy Sabbath It is decreed by this Synod That for time to come the said Notaries shall pass no manner of Contracts on the Lord's Day unless it be Contracts of Marriage Last Wills and Testaments Articles of Agreement between dissenting Parties and the amicable terminating of vexatious Law-Suits and such other business as cannot possibly be delayed under which head fall in Matters of Necessity and Mercy and such Contracts may be dispatcht on the most Holy Days provided always that such Writings be not drawn up nor executed during the time of Divine Service and of the Publick Worship of God and their Offices shall be shut if possible whilst they be thus employed XLII Nothing shall be changed in the first Article of the 14th Chapter of our Discipline but all endeavours shall be used to prevent those Abuses which are usually committed XLIII The Deputies of Gascony demanded Whether it were lawful to take a new Lease of the Lands and Demeans belonging to the Popish Church-men upon condition of bringing them their Rent home unto their Convents and other Houses of those Ecclesiasticks To which it was answered That there was no inconvenience in it provided that it were not in any matters relating unto Idolatry as the carrying of Incense Wax to make Torches and other such-like things XLIV The second Article in the 14th Chapter of our Discipline concerning Patronages shall not be altered Yet notwithstanding Lay-Patrons may enjoy their Priviledge of laying claim by Protestation unto their Rights and Emoluments that so their Title to them may be preserved grounding their Protestation upon this that the present Collation is contrary to our Religion against which they dare not in Conscience act And this is according to the Edicts of Pacification And this Affair shall be further debated in the Assembly of St. Foy XLV The 26th Article of the same Chapter shall remain entire only the word Poincons a Houpe shall be left out and because now that Habit is wholly out of Fashion among us and such as paint and shew their naked Breasts shall be dealt with more severely than heretofore and weaker Persons shall be born withal as much as possibly we can for their edification or in case they be censured it shall only be by a simple suspension from the Sacrament that so they may be reduc'd unto Christian Modesty XLVI The Deputies of Xaintonge moved well and this Synod decrees upon it that whosoever are received hereafter Members into Communion with our Churches shall subscribe if they can write the Act of their Reception and a Register shall be kept in all the Churches of their Names and of the time of their Deaths XLVII Upon another motion of those Deputies it was decreed That exiled Members from their Churches refug'd in another shall yet notwithstanding contribute to the subsistence of their ancient Pastors if so be they are fled only with an intention of returning to their former Habitations but in case they resolve to remove elsewhere it is not reasonable they should be compell'd thereunto XLVIII Upon another motion of the same Deputies concerning Proposans Candidates for the Ministry who having been for some time maintained at the Churches Charges in order to their future Service in the Ministry not meeting with a Call unto it or having since upon other grounds altered their minds and took up another Vocation the Synod
Cause and Sin must he confessed VIII There shall be no publick Penance done in the Church without express Confession of the Cause and Crime committed by this publick Penitent They shall not be chosen Elders nor Deacons who have Popish Wives IX For the future none shall be chosen if possible into the Eldership or Deaconry whose Wives are of a contrary Religion according as the Apostle Paul hath ordained Nevertheless that the Church may not be deprived of the Service of divers godly and well-deserving Persons who by reason of past ignorance have Wives of another Religion they may for this present necessity be tolerated provided they do their endeavour by Instructions and Counsels to convert their Wives and to bring them into Communion with the Church X. Neither Ministers nor Elders may give Attestations without an express and punctual Declaration of the Places and Persons Names and the way which they intend to travel who obtained these Certificates at their hands And if any Attestations are presented to them without these Circumstances they are required to vacate and tear them in pieces and those who granted them shall be censured in the next ensuing Colloquy or Synod CHAP. III. An Act for a National FAST IX FOrasmuch as the Times are very Calamitous and that our poor Churches as are daily menaced with many and sore Tribulations and for that Sins and Vices of all sorts are risen up and growing in upon us in a very fearful manner a general Day of Prayer and Fasting shall be published that our People may humble themselves before the Lord and all the Churches of this Kingdom shall observe it on one and the self-same Day which shall be Tuesday the 25th of March next following and if it may be done the Lord's Supper shall also be administred in all the Churches on the ensuing Sabbath XII According to the 2d Article in the Chapter of Consistories and Book of Discipline about Common-Prayers The Churches shall be exhorted where Morning and Evening Common-Prayers are publickly used to conform themselves unto those others which have none and where this Custom was never introduced And Ministers shall advise all Governors of Families to Worship God by Morning and Evening Prayers in and together with their respective Housholds and Families XIII Churches refusing to defray the Expences of their Ministers in going to Classes and Synods Churches shall defray their Ministers expences at Collâ—quies and Synods shall be admonished of their Duty and in case of non-performance and that their Ministers be inforced to travel to those Sessions at their own Costs and Charges they shall be deprived of their Ministers unless they remind themselves of their Duty and reimburse them those Sums they had so expended Moreover Colloquies shall reassume their disused Exercise of Propositions on the Word of God as they were formerly handled to their very great Profit and Edification That so Ministers may better know their Duty and grow in the Study and Understanding of the Holy Scripture and be more Methodical in their Sermons and Divinity Discourses XIV God-mothers shall be equally bound to the Religious Education of those Children for whom they be Sureties as their God-fathers And Ministers shall charge them to see that they conscientiously fulfil their Promises XV. The Synod having been acquainted that in divers Places during the Celebration of the Lord's Supper Ministers do vary in their Expressions it judgeth that nothing shall be innovated in particular Churches but that herein they be left unto their Liberty for the present only the Provinces shall be advertised to come prepared about this Matter unto the next National Synod XVI His Majesty shall be Petition'd to approve of those Marriages which have been celebrated among us during the last Civil Wars according to the Tenor of the former Edict against the Laws of the Romish Church in that particular Article of Consanguinities and Affinities CHAP. IV. Cases of CONSCIENCE A Man may nâ—t marry his dead Wife's Aunt XVII IT being Queried Whether any one might Marry the Aunt of his deceased Wife Answer was given That such a Marriage was altogether Incestuous and in case any Church had permitted it the said Church deserved Censure See the Synod of Bergeraâ— Art 2. XVIII This Case being propounded A Maid was betrothed unto a Man by words de presentl and with the usual requisite Solemnities The Resolution of this Case was to be given by the Magistrate but afterwards this Man happens to be condemned unto the Gallies during Life yet by some how or other he escapeth out of them and returning home doth demand and summon his betrothed Spouse to marry him according to her Promise What shall be done herein The Synod doth advise That because Marriage is a mixt Alliance the Parties concerned shall apply themselves unto the Magistrate according to whose Decree the Church shall be governed XIX Although the holding Temporalities of Benefices in France be an indifferent Matter yet the Faithful are admonished to intermeddle as little as may be with such Purchases because of their evil and dangerous Consequences and Consistories and Colloquies shall use a great deal of Prudence in their Opinions and Actings in and about them Scripture-stories must be handled with modesty by Poets XX. Such as shall put into Verse or Poems Scripture-stories are admonished not to blend nor mingle Poetical Fables with them nor to ascribe unto God the Names of false Gods nor to add or diminish from the Sacred Scriptures but to confine themselves strictly to the Scripture-Terms Modesty in Apparel See the Synod of Paris Gen. Mat. Art 33. XXI That Article concerning the immodest Habits and Fashions of Men and Women shall be observed with the greatest Care imaginable And both Sexes are required to keep Modesty in their Hair and every thing else that no Scandal may be given to our Neighbour See the Synod of Bergerac Art 9. upon reading the Discipline XXII A Minister may not together with his Ministery practice Physick But yet out of Charity he may give his Advice and Assistance unto the sick Members of his Church and to the Neighbourhood without diverting himself from his Function nor shall he draw Advantage from it unless in time only of Trouble and Persecution when as he cannot exercise his Ministery in his own Church XXIII Fathers and Mothers are exhorted to be exceeding careful in Instructing their Children which are the Seed and Nursery of the Church and they shall be most bitterly censured who send them to the Schools of Priests Jesuits and Nuns As also the Gentry shall be reproved who place them Pages or Domesticks in the Houses of Lords and Noble-men of the contrary Religion XXIV Such as commit enormous Crimes as Incests Murders or the like shall be without any more ado cut off from Communion at the Lord's Table and their Suspension shall be published in the Church XXV If there arise any difference between a Church and
and admitted of all kind of Evidence and Witnesses against him though they were never so passionate and Parties in the case and some also who were not legally to be admitted unto a Deposal against a Minister And as for the said Sieur de Richelieu This Assembly judgeth him worthy of a very grievous Censure for neglecting his Duty and not keeping up Order and Discipline in his Church for not holding Consistories nor passing Censures as ought alwayes of course to have been done and practised before Communion days at the Lords Table and for leaving his Church before the time appointed and without having demanded or obtained his License of departure in due form and above all for expressing too much levity in his imaginations and for giving too much way unto his passions and for speaking disadvantagiously of other Persons and insulting over the dead whom he took for his Enemies and who could not speak for themselves And whereas this Assembly could not at present be fully and satisfactorily informed of the State of that Church of Plouer the Colloquy of Constantine in the Province of Normandy is ordered to visit it by their Deputies who are Authorized by this Assembly to provide for that Church as they shall judge meet and to order all matters for its edification in Godliness and if they see cause for it they shall remove and discharge the said Sieur de Richelieu from his Ministry and the Expences of these Deputies shall be defrayed by that Province of Britain 13. The Church of Die and the Sieurs Martinett and Huron appealed from two Judicial Sentences denounced in the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny against them to witt Monsieur Martinett complained for that the said Synod had ordained his removal from the said Church of Die upon pretence of ease and quieting his Spirit though he had been preferred unto that Church by some former Synods And Monsieur Huron appealed for that the said Synod had forbidden him the Exercise of his Ministry within the Province of Dolphiny whereunto he had retired in time of the late troubles And the said Church appealed for that the said Synod had refused and rejected their endeavours to get Monsieur Huron for their Pastor Whereupon the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny were heard give in their Report of the causes and occasions moving their Synod to pronounce those Judgments and the aforesaid Martinett and Huron were heard in their reciprocal Accusations and Apologies and in like manner the Messengers of the said Church were heard speak for it and the Acts relating to these Affairs were all produced and perused upon the whole This Assembly doth ratifie the Judgment of the said Province of Dolphiny and dischargeth the said Monsieur Martinett from his Pastoral Office in the Church of Die purely for his ease comfort provided alwayes that the said Church do pay him if they have not already done it all his Arrears due unto him from the very first day that he was set at liberty from them by the aforesaid Synod and he is at full liberty to accept of any other Church And as for the maintenance of the said Martinet since that time he was first of all discharged and set free of serve the Church Beaumont This Assembly exhorteth and intreateth the said Province out of Charity to pay him the one half of his Salary And forasmuch as Monsieur Huron has been convicted to have left his Church for little or no just cause and to have brigued his Election into the Church of Die and to have fomented the Divisions in it betwixt the Church and Monsieur Martinett in whose expulsion out of it he had the greatest hand and part having consented to divers irregular Actings and Contentions and adhered to the Rebellions of several Members of the said Church to the contempt of its Consistory and of the Decrees of many Ecclesiastical Synods and for that he kept Conventicles private Meetings Proclaimed Fasts and Days of Prayers and Writt Books contrary to the Analogy of Faith and Form of Sound Words and hath done many other things contrary to the Order and Discipline Established in the Church of God and that honourable Calling of the Holy Ministry This Synod aggravating the Judgment of the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny suspends the said Huron from the Sacred Ministry for the space of Three Moneths and sets him at liberty to be imployed in some other Province than that of Dolphiny And forasmuch as in their endeavours to get the said Huron to be their Minister the Consistory and Pastors of the Church of Die have too much adhered to the unruly motions of some private Persons and strangely supported their insolencies and proud irregular actings This Assembly doth judge them also worthy of a very sharp censure and exhorts them for the future to testifie and express more Vigour and Zeal for the Discipline of our Churches and to maintain it in theirs and to see the Decrees and Canons of our National Synods put in Execution And that all these Censures may be performed the Sieurs Paulet and Berlie Pastors Deputies for the Province of Sevennes are appointed by this National Synod to pass over unto the said City of Die as they return home unto their Province and in the Consistory of that Church there to make denunciation of them 14. The said Sieur Huron the next day came into this Synod petitioning that his suspension might be taken off and that some maintenance might be provided for him until such time as he were presented unto another Church But the Synod confirmed his suspension and ordered that some small matter should be allowed and given him for his present Relief 15. The Church of Sauve and Monsieur Rossel Pastor of the Church of Montlimart appealed from a judgment of the Synod of Dolphiny by which his Ministry was refused to that of Sauve and confirmed in that of Montlimart though the former did most earnestly re-demand him After hearing the Deputy of the Church of Sauve and Monsieur Rossel speaking for it as also Monsieur Chamier for the concern of the Church of Montlimard and the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny and Sevennes This Synod ordains that Monsieur Rossel shall be lent unto the Service of the Church of Sauve in the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments until the next National Synod and injoyneth the Colloquy of Montlimart to take care that the said Rossel be then restored unto his Office again in that Church 16. Monsieur de Gouvernet Lord of Mirabel appealed from a Decree of the Synod of Dolphiny concerning Monsieur Perrin Pastor of the Church of Serres After that the Deputies of that Province had been heard who reported that there was nothing to this purpose spoken of or handled in their Synod at Mure This Assembly because of the absence of Monsieur Perrin and their want of Acts needful to determine this Affair hath given full Authority to the Province of Burgundy to judge therein and the Province of Dolphiny is
that by his means they may as soon as possible have the Honour of waiting upon and Saluting His Majesty and Present Him with the Letters of this Assembly and shall follow His Orders when and after what manner they ought and may speak unto the King and to the Lord Cardinal and to the Lord Chancellor And having paid their Duties to the King the Lord Cardinal and to our Lord the Principal Ministers of State they shall give them to understand with what Respect and Thankful Acknowledgments we have received from the mouth of the Lord de St. Marc His Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly those assurances given us in His Majesty's Name for preserving us the Privilege of His Edicts and to continue to us His Royal Favours But they shall not conceal that all the Members of this Assembly were exceedingly surprized and astonished that immediately after those aforesaid Assurances given us by the Lord Commissioner he made such Proposals to them as had no agreement at all with these Promises of His Majesty's good Will unto us as when He declared That he was charged by the King to forbid all Ministers to serve their annexed Congregations which tends to the utter Ruine of the far greatest part of our Churches and depriveth a vast multitude of the Professors of our Religion of their Spiritual Consolation As also when he propounded as from the King That it was his Majesty's desire That we should ratisie Baptism Administred by Midwifes and others who have no Call so to do which is formally contrary to our Belief They shall also insist on this That His Majesty be acquainted and from their own Mouths with that Rigorous Decree of the Council concerning the hanging forth of Tapistry and Adorning of our Houses on that Festival which they call by the Name of The Holy This being a matter directly contrary to the Edicts made in our Favour They shall take care also to Petition our Lord the Cardinal and the Lords of the Council and especially the Lord de Buillon That they would be pleased to supply this Assembly with Moneys for the defraying of our Charges and Expences during the Sessions thereof as hath been always accustomed to be done by His Majesty And the rather because for a very long time notwithstanding His Majesty's Promise we have not received one Farthing of His Bounteous Liberality The Assembly leaveth it to the Prudence of these our said Deputies either to prolong or shorten their abode at Court according to the Success of their Negotiation and they be ordered to acquaint us upon all occasions of what is necessary to be done by us CHAP. XXVI 3. Monsieur Ferrand's Speech made unto my Lord the Cardinal Duke of Richelieu My Lord SIth that in our days and under the Incomparable Wisdom of Your Government Peace and Justice are so Gloriously preserved that the Greatest Monarch of the Vniverse is not only known to be the Just King but also the King of the Just by the strict Observation of His Edicts and Sacred Orders The Ministers and Elders Assembled in a National Synod under the Favourable Authority of His Majesty and the Good Counsels of Your Eminency have took the Boldness to send us unto His Majesty as to the Common Father of His Subjects to render to Him Their most unfeigned Thanks and to Present Him Their most Humble Requests and in all Humility to demand His Royal Protection against those Violences which do every day Rob and Spoil us of His Favours and have most expresly charged us to Implore on this Account the Succours and Assistance of Your Eminency And that Experience we have formerly had hereof filleth our Hearts with Hopes for the future Because the Stedfastness of God and the King's Word are visible in the Face of Your Eminency You being Their most lively Protraiture We cannot be ignorant My Lord That Your Eminency is that Intelligence who moves this admirable Monarchy with the greatest Regularity That Assistant Spirit of this Great Body which heretofore was like one of the Floating Islands but now Your most Admired Conduct hath bound it so fast with the Chains of the Royal Authority that in the Greatest and most Astonishing Tempests it abideth firm and immovable And it will be with France as with the Land of Licia which tho' subject unto Storms and dreadful Earthquakes yet no sooner are those Tempestuous Winds which caused them dissipated but that the Inhabitants thereof do enjoy for Forty Days together 〈◊〉 most Wonderful Calm and Tranquility but these days of our Tranquility shall be Prophetical a Year for a Day and may Your Eminency's Life be prolonged to a full Century of those Years And we do protest in the Presence of God that we own our selves bound Eternally to Obey His Majesty by the Laws of our Birth and Conscience and for His Majesty's Favours continually accumulated upon us And therefore we do Address our Prayers without intermission unto the Sovereign Lord of Heaven and Earth that he would be pleased to keep his Anointed as the Apple of his Eye His Majesty being the very Heart and Life of His Kingdom and that he would take from our days to add unto His and to add unto Yours also My Lord whom we reckon next to God and the King our surest Sanctuary hoping for some Rays and Beams of Your Eminency's good Will to be imparted to us that may quicken us under those disconsolating Troubles with which we are menaced and be a most meet and proper Remedy for those Afflicting Evils which press in sore upon us from every part and quarter of the Land And Your Eminency's Reward for this signal goodness of Yours extended to us will be the continuance of that Glory You have most justly acquired in all Christendom and we shall beg of God in our Prayers and may the Divine Majesty actually fullfil them to pour down upon Your Eminency an abundant Confluence of his best Blessings and that we may obtain this Consolation to be believed by Your Eminency that with all sincerity of Heart and Soul we are My Lord Your Eminency's most Humble and most Obedient Servants Banage Moderator of the Synod Coupe Assessor Blondel and de Launay Scribes CHAP. XXVII A Copy of the Bill of Grievances presented unto His Majesty by the Sieurs Ferr and Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier and De Cerisy an Elder Deputed by the National Synod of Alanson May the 7th 1637. unto the King SIRE THe Deputies of Your Subjects of the Reformed Religion Assembled by Your Majesty's Permission in a National Synod at Alanson do most Humbly Petition That according to Your wonted Goodness and Justice continued to them You would be pleased to vouchsafe us the enjoyment of Your Edicts and Declarations of Peace which have to their very great prejudice been broken and violated in every Article and particularly in divers places of Your Kingdom nor can we get our Damages repaired
the said Article in which case they shall be admitted to stand Sureties And the like regard shall be had and observed as to Marriages 9. The Province of Bearne demanded whether they might suffer the Lord's Supper to be administred on any other day besides the Christian Sabbath This Assembly judgeth that although Religious Worship be not tied up to the circumstances of time and place yet nevertheless it was needful because of the Importance of so sacred a Ceremony that it be celebrated if possible only upon the Lord's Day and not on any other unless upon very great and weighty considerations whereof the Provincial Synods Colloquies and Consistories shall take cognizance 10. That for the future Deputations unto National Synods may be compleat over and above those Canons already made This Assembly Ordaineth that such Persons who being deputed shall be absent from them shall inform this Synod of the causes of their absence and of that care they had taken to give notice unto those who were substituted in their Places to appear for them and the Synod of that Province shall judge herein But and if they shall not give this Notice and Information the Provinces are injoyned strictly to inspect the matter and to proceed against such Defaulters without sufficient Reason by suspending them from their Offices And an Account hereof shall be given unto the next National Synod 11. The Provinces having rendred an Account of the care taken by them to oblige their Pastors to reside on their respective Churches This Assembly confirmeth the former Canons on this occasion and enjoyneth all Synods and Colloquies to concern themselves in it and upon an exact knowledg of the state of their Churches and Pastors they be charged to proceed against the Refractory with all kind of Censures 12. It being reported to this National Synod that the word Damnation in the Tenth Section of the Catechism hath been changed in the sundry Editions of our Psalms into that of Condemnation The Synod judging those Two Words for Substance to signifie one and the same thing doth leave the Printers at liberty to use which of them they best like 13. To prevent that diversity found in the Editions of the Bible and Psalms of our Liturgy and Catechism This Assembly Ordaineth that every Province shall remark and observe those Changes which have been made and what others may be needful to be done that they may be sent unto the Consistory of Paris which shall chuse out of them according to their Prudence and notifie them unto the Provincial Synod of the Isle of France which shall issue out those Orders necessary for a more correct Edition of the Holy Bible Psalms Liturgy and Catechism unto which the Printers shall conform themselves in their future Impressions Moreover the Consistories of those Places where there is a Printing-Press are charged to be very careful in this matter and the Sieurs Bochard of Caen Jassaud of Castres De Chandieu Eustache Taby Boudan Bernard De Veloux Le Blois Guitton Amyraud Daille Gommare Dize Riccotier Cazamajor and Homel Pastors are appointed a Committee to see this present Act put in Execution 14. Forasmuch as the Sins of Men especially of those whom God hath separated from the World by a most Holy Profession and whom he hath honoured above all others with the Glorious Title of his Children do very often and lowdly summon the Church of God unto extraordinary Humiliation Publick Prayers Fastings and Repentance This Assembly recommendeth unto the Provinces the Observation of that Article of our Discipline which enables the Provincial Synods to proclaim publick Fasts every one of them within their Divisions according as they shall judge needful And ordaineth that the Province which hath the Priviledge of calling the National Synod shall take care to publish a National Fast to be universally observed in all the Churches of this Kingdom according to the Intelligence it shall receive from the other Provinces and especially from those that border nearest to it according to the same Article of the Discipline that so the fierce Anger and Judgment of God may be prevented and avoided 15. Such as defer the Baptizing of their Children shall be sharply censured according to the Rigour of our Discipline and if any Children are come unto Years of Discretion and were never Baptized they shall be first Catechised and well instructed in the Principles of Christian Religion before they be admitted unto Baptism 16. The Deputies of the Isle of France having remonstrated the wicked Practices of some Professors of our Religion such be forbidden upon pain of the last and greatest Censures to lend their Names unto Persons of the Romish Communion that they may draw their Affairs tho but indirectly and in which they have in effect no concern at all before the Courts of the Edict 17. The Deputies of the Province of Brittaine requesting it this Assembly ordaineth that in case Errors be not divulged among the Common People they who undertake to refute them shall write in the Latin Tongue 18. The Provincial Deputies of Normandy petitioning for it this Assembly ordained That all Consistories shall take care that those Portions of the Holy Scripture be read and Psalms sung during the Celebration of the Lords Supper which are most suitable to the Nature of that Ordinance that so the Devotion of our Communicants may be raised add inflamed and not flatted nor diverted 19. A motion was made that whereas many particular Churches of ours had an undoubted Right to exercise our Religion by vertue of the Edicts in sundry Cities Towns and other places in the Country and yet do meet together for Religious Worship in very ill and unconvenient places this Assembly exhorteth all the Churches either to accommodate them better or to build new Temples which may be more fit and commodious and only to employ them in Religious Uses and the Sacred Exercises of our Religion And all Lords and Gentlemen Members of the said Churches are more particularly exhorted to promote this excellent Work as much as in them lieth 20. At the Request of the Provincial Deputies of Dolphiny all Colloquies are exhorted to cause the Acts of all our National Synods to be transcribed that so they may be useful to them in their Exercise of Church-Discipline 21. The Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge and Poistou moving it that that Canon of our Discipline and Decrees of our National Synods which forbad the publishing of any Treatise of Religion till it had been first examined and approved by those Persons who were appointed to it by the Provincial Synod might be extended unto Sermons also and to any other kind of Writings in matters of Religion Their Desire was granted them accordingly 22. This Assembly being informed that in certain Provinces Pastors are given unto Churches for an Year by way of Tryal and that they be removed from their Cures with too great Facility This Assembly condemning these Disorders enjoyneth all the Provinces to conform
Thomas at Cambridge in the Year 1586. The Confession which is commonly added to the End of the Bible and bound up with it and with the French Psalm-Books consists of Forty distinct Articles Yet there is an Edition of it by Justus Livius a Printer of Leyden and dedicated to the States-General of the Netherlands which hath Monsieur Chamier's Preface and is distinguished into Thirty five Articles in the Year 1616. I have consulted and compared several Printed Editions of the Confession as that of Hawtyn of Rochell in the Year 1616. and he was Printer to the National Synods which exactly agreed with several others printed since and with the Latin Edition in the Corpus Syntagma Confessionum printed by Chouet at Geneva in the Year 1654. And at Geneva was kept one of the three Parchment Originals of this Confession as the other two were reserved one at Paw in Berne and the third in the Archives of the City of Rochell and unless my Memory fail me there is one of these Originals in the City of Leyden in Holland and in the Custody of the French Church there But I will not be peremptory Sect. 11. The next thing which was done by this first National Synod was a Draught of their Church-Discipline The Canons of which at first were but a few yet they did in three and twenty Synods alter add amend augment and meliorate their first Plat-form 'till they had brought it to that compleat Form and System of Articles which was the established Order for the Conduct and Government of all their Churches I have heard very many of their most grave learned and judicious Divines magnifie it as a Master-Piece In truth their pious Reformers saw a great necessity of reviving and restoring the ancient Discipline and therefore at the same time that sound Doctrine and pure Scripture-Worship was introduc'd into their Churches they did also set up Discipline and that it might be effectually practised they did in the Synod of Orleans the sixteenth Article of General Matters ordain That the Canons of Church-Discipline should be read in the Consistories of the Reformed Churches in France on those Days when as the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administred and all Pastors Elders and Deacons all Moderators Assessors Scribes and Deputies of their Synods National and Provincial and all Members of Colloquies were expresly injoined according to their solemn Promises when they were first received into their respective Offices to see that it was diligently faithfully and vigorously executed And O! that the Generation which succeeded the first Reformers had not lax'd the Reins how happy might they have been In the Morning of the Reformation they were fair as the Moon clear as the Sun and terrible as an Army with Banners The greatest Princes of France submitted their necks to this golden Yoke of Christ A National Synod was formidable to the most daring Sinner Their Discipline duly and prudently managed preserved the Purity of Doctrine Worship and Morals among them And now I shall present it to me Reader SECT XII The Discipline of the Reformed Churches of France CHAP. I. Of Ministers CANON I. THAT such Persons may be chosen into the Ministery as are meet for so sacred an Employment Chap. I. Of Ministers let the standing Canon of the Apostle be observed That inquiry be made into their Doctrine whether they be apt to teach and also into their Conversation with all possible Diligence CANON II. Novices lately received into the Church especially Priests and Monks shall not be admitted unto the Sacred Ministry without a long and diligent inquiry and experience had both of their Life and Doctrine approved at least by the space of two Years since their Conversion and confirmed by good Testimonials from the places of their abode nor shall they be ordained no more than unknown Persons without the Advice of Provincial and National Synods CANON III. If any Bishop or Curate should desire to be employed in the Ministry of the Gospel he cannot be admitted till he be first a true Member of the Church and renounce all his Benefices and all other Dependencies on the See of Rome and make acknowledgment of all his Offences formerly committed by him according as he shall be advised by the Consistory and after long proof and experience had of his Repentance and godly Conversation CAN. IV. A Minister of the Gospel unless in times of Difficulty and Cases of very great necessity in which he may be chosen by three Pastors together with the Consistory of the Place shall not be admitted into this Holy Office but by the Provincial Synod or by the Colloquy provided that it be at least composed of seven Pastors which number being found in a Colloquy some of the Neighbour Ministers shall be called in to concur with it and the Minister elect shall be presented with good and valid Testimonials not only from the Universities and particular Churches but also from the Colloquy of that Church in which he had been most conversant CAN. V. The Minister presented shall be examined in this manner First by Propositions from the Word of God upon such Texts as shall be given him the one necessarily in French the other in the Latin Tongue if the Colloquy or Synod shall judge it expedient One whole day shall be granted him to prepare himself for each of these Exercises If by them he give satisfaction unto the Assembly there shall be tendered him a Chapter of the New Testament by which his skill in the Greek Language shall be known and as to the Hebrew they shall be careful to see that at the least he can serve himself of good Books for the understanding of the Scripture in that Original Unto these there shall be added an Essay of his skill in the most needful parts of Philosophy let the whole Examen be managed with singular Charity and without Affectation of any thorny or unprofitable Questions Finally he shall compose a brief Confession of his Faith in Latin on which he shall be opposed by way of Disputation And if after this Examination he be found capable then the Assembly remonstrating to him the Duty of that Office whereunto he is called shall further declare that Power which is given him in the Name of Jesus Christ See Obs 1. upon the Discipline in the Synod of Tonneins to minister both in the Word and Sacraments and he shall be fully and solemnly ordained in that Church unto which he is sent and the said Church shall be informed of his Election by the Act or Letters of that Synod or Colloquy which shall be delivered and read unto them by a Pastor or Elder CAN. VI. He whose Election shall be declared unto the Church shall Preach publicity the Word of God on three several Sabbaths but without power of administring the Holy Sacraments or of solemnizing Marriages in the audience of the whole Congregation that so they may know his manner of Teaching and the
together with our Church Discipline shall be subscribed by them CAN. IV. That our Churches may be always furnished with a sufficient number of Pastors and of other Persons fit to govern them and to preach the Word of God unto them they shall be advised to chuse those Scholars who be already well advanced in good Learning and be of the most promising hopeful Parts and to maintain such in the Universities that they may be there prepared and fitted for the Work of the Ministry ever preferring the Children of poor Ministers if ingenious before all others of which the Colloquies shall take a most especial care Kings Princes and Lords shall be exhorted and petitioned particularly to mind this important Affair and to lay by some part and portion of their Revenues towards their maintenance and the richer Churches shall do the like Colloquies and Provincial Synods shall as they see meet notifie and sollicit this Affair and take the best courses that matters of so great necessity may be successful and if single Churches cannot do it their Neighbours shall joyn with them that one poor Scholar at the least may be maintained in every Colloquy and rather than this design should miscarry the fifth Penny of all our Charities shall be set apart if it may conveniently be done to be imployed in this service CAN. V. A Proposition out of the Word of God shall be made by the Scholars of every Church as time and place may conveniently bear it at which Exercises Pastors shall be present to preside and order the said Proposans N. B. There were general Statutes made for the Vniversities of the Reformed Churches of France in the National Synod of Alez By whom they were drawn up is now out of my mind but those for the Vniversity of Montauban were composed by Monsieur Beraud the Father who was the first Divinity-Professor in it Those for the Vniversity of Die in Dolphiny were composed by the great Chamier which I have lying by me written with his own hand and which I shall publish if the Lord lend me life in his Icon. CHAP. III. Of Elders and Deacons CANON I. IN those places where the Order of our Discipline is not yet set up Elders and Deacons shall be chosen by the joynt Suffrages of Pastors and People but where it hath been already established the power of chusing them and that with pertinent Prayers unto the occasion shall reside in the Consistory together with the Pastors and they shall be nominated with an audible Voice in the said Consistory that they may know in what businesses they are to be employed If they consent they shall on two Lord's days following be declared to the People that so their consent also may be obtained and if on the third Sabbath there be no opposition made they shall be then publickly received with solemn Prayers standing upright before the Pulpit and be thus ordained unto their Offices they subscribing our Confession of Faith and Church-Discipline but if there fall out any opposition it shall be determined in the Consistory and in case it cannot be there composed Chap III. Of Elders and Deacons it shall be wholly remitted to the Colloquy or Provincial Synod CAN. II. Henceforward if it may be possibly avoided none shall be chosen Elders or Deacons of the Church whose Wives are not of the true Religion according to the Apostles Canon Yet notwithstanding that the Church may not be deprived of the Labours of several worthy persons who in the days of their ignorance espoused Women of a contrary Religion they shall be tolerated because of the present necessity provided that they do produce good evidence of their serious endeavours for instructing of their Wives in that Faith and true Worship of God practised in our Churches CAN. III. The Elder 's Office is together with the Pastors to oversee the Church to gather and keep up the solemn Assemblies and to take care that the Members in communion do personally appear at those holy Congregations to make report of Scandals and Offences in Consistory and with the Pastors to take cognizance and pass censures on them In general it is to have the same care with them in all concerns about the Order Maintenance and Government of the Church Moreover in every Church there shall be reserved in Writing a Breviate of the particulars belonging unto their Office according as the circumstances of time and place may call for it CAN. IV. The Deacon's Office is to collect and distribute by the advice of the Consistory Moneys unto the Poor Sick and Prisoners and to visit and take care of them CAN. V. It doth not belong unto the Deacon's Office to Preach the Word of God nor to Administer the Sacraments yet because of our present distress the Consistory may chuse certain Elders and Deacons to catechize the respective Families of the Church as also in the Pastor's absence Elders are permitted on Week-days if chosen thereunto by the Consistory to Pray publickly with the Church and therein they shall use the ordinary form and in reading of the Scriptures none other but the Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament shall be read And whereas in divers Provinces it hath been a custom for Deacons to catechize in publick the Inconveniences which have already and may hereafter happen from it being well considered the Churches are exhorted where this custom is not introduc'd not at all to admit it and those in which it hath took place to forsake it and to endeavour that the said Deacons if of competent abilities do enter as soon as may be into the Ministry CAN. VI. Elders and Deacons may be present at Propositions of the Word of God which are made by Ministers besides their ordinary Sermons or by Scholars that are Proposans and at those Censures which shall be past upon them and shall give their judgment of these Exercises but the decisive judgment in point of Doctrine is principally reserved unto Pastors Ministers and Doctors of Divinity who be duly called into that Office CAN. VII The Office of Elders and Deacons as it is now in use among us is not perpetual yet because changes are not incommodious they shall be exhorted to continue in their Offices as long as they can and they shall not lay them down without having first obtained leave from their Churches CAN. VIII Neither Elders nor Deacons shall claim any primacy or jurisdiction over one another whether in nomination unto the People or in precedency Chap IV. Of The Office of a Deacon or in order of voting or in any matters depending upon their Offices CAN. IX Elders and Deacons shall be deposed for those very crimes and causes for which the Ministers of God's Word are and if being condemned by the Consistory they should make an Appeal they shall yet notwithstanding continue suspended from their Offices until such times as the Colloquy or Provincial Synod shall have decided their affair CAN. X. Elders
if it be done out of contempt and through fear of being obliged to renounce all Idolatry after divers admonitions given them and they not reforming they shall be cut off from the Body of the Church but if it be through infirmity they shall be born withal for some space of time till they be more established in the Faith CAN. XII Such as care not to come unto our publick Christian Congregations but only upon those days when the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is Celebrated shall be reproved and admonished of their duty and to this purpose they shall join themselves unto one certain particular Church N. B. This last Clause is only in my Edition of Paris and Rouen 1663. CAN. XIII The Faithful who make a trade of hearing the Word of God in one Church and of receiving the Sacraments in another shall be censured and by the advice of the Colloquy or Provincial Synod they shall be appointed to join themselves unto that Church which is nearest and most convenient for them N. B. Provincial Synod is only in my Parisian and Quevilly Edition CAN. XIV Chap. XIII Of Marriages Although it hath not been the Custom to administer the Lord's Supper in the greatest part of our Churches more than four times a year yet it were to be desired that it might be oftner so that the Reverence which is needful for this holy Sacrament could be kept up and observed Because it is most profitable for the Children of God to be exercised and grow in Faith by the frequent use of the Sacraments and the Example of the Primitive Church doth invite us to it And therefore our National Synods shall take that care and order in this matter as is requisite for the weal and happiness of our Churches CHAP. XIII Of Marriages CANON I. SUch as are under Age shall not Contract Marriage without the Consent of their Parents or of those other Persons under whose power they be Howbeit if their said Parents should be so unreasonable as not to yield unto so sacred and needful an Ordinance yea and refuse their consent meerly out of hatred to Religion the Consistory shall advise the Parties to apply themselves unto the Civil Magistrate CAN. II. Such as are of Years and in possession of their Estates shall be admonished by the Minister in the publick Church-Assemblies not to make any Promise of Marriage but in the presence of their Parents Friends Neighbours and Persons in reputation for Godliness And such as do otherwise shall be censured for their lightness and contempt of the said admonition And it were very meet that those Promises of Marriage were performed with solemn Prayers CAN. III. The Faithful that are of Age although they have been Married shall notwithstanding so far honour their Parents as not to Contract Marriage without having first acquainted them therewith and in case of failure herein they shall be censured by the Consistory CAN. IV. Fathers and Mothers professing the Reformed Religion whose Children being Idolaters would marry themselves unto Idolatrous Women shall be advised if possibly they can do it to hinder their said Children from Contracting such Marriages especially if they be not as yet emancipated from under their Authority and Fathers shall employ their Paternal Power to prevent and hinder them but and if they cannot so far prevail yet at passing the Marriage Contracts they shall protest their abhorrency of that Idolatry into which their Children will deeper plunge themselves And this being done the Parents may consent unto the Promises and Conditions about the Dowry and other such like matters and they shall give in evidence unto their Consistory of those endeavours they have used to hinder such Marriages CAN. V. For time to come all Promises of Marriages and Espousals shall be performed by words de futuro which shall not be counted as indissolvible as words de praesenti Because words de praesenti do not so much promise Marriage as in effect consummate it Yet nevertheless those promises by words de futuro shall not be dissolved without very great and lawful causes Wherefore the Custom of those Churches is condemned which celebrateth Espousals betrothings by the Ministry and Benediction of their Pastors with gift of Body and words de praesenti For by such Solemnity the Parties are truly and actually conjoined in Marriage so that the Banes are preposterous and published after the Marriage is Consummated and a second Benediction is rendred needless and superfluous True indeed 't is not thought evil that Pastors should assist at Espousals and pray and exhort the Parties unto mutual love faithfulness and the fear of God provided that they forbear all other formalities which are of none other use than to make a Bond indissolvible which oftentimes we are constrained to break again upon oppositions made when the Banes are published and because of other accidental hinderances For these reasons also those Churches which solemnize Espousals in their Temples with the same publick Benediction as at Marriage are exhorted to lay down this their Custom and to conform themselves unto our Churches in all the other Provinces of this Kingdom N. B. The addition unto this Canon which is Printed in another Character is only found in my Parisian and Quevilly Editions of the Discipline yet grounded upon very many Acts of several National Synods See Syn. of Poictiers Art 2. of Partic. Matters 1560. The Syn. of Saumur 1597. Art 25. concerning Observations upon the Discipline The Synod of Privas 1612. Art 9. of Observations upon the Discipline The Syn. of Alez 1620. Art 14. of Observations upon the Discipline CAN. VI. In Consanguinities and Affinities the faithful may not Contract Marriage but with the Kings Licence according to the Edict CAN. VII It is utterly unlawful to Petition the Pope for a Dispensation of the Impediments of Marriage which is already or may be hereafter accomplished because in so doing there would be an owning of his Tyranny Yet we may warrantably address our selves unto the King for a Dispensation in degrees not prohibited by God nor by the Civil Government CAN. VIII Spiritual Kindred as they be called are not at all comprehended nor understood by those words of Consanguinity and Affinity in the Kings Edict nor do they hinder any Marriage-Contracts CAN. IX It is not lawful for any Man to Marry the Sister of his Deceased Wife for such Marriages are prohibited not only by the Laws of the Land but by the word of God And although by the Law of Moses it was ordained that when the Brother died without Children his Brother should raise up Seed unto him yet that Law enacted for the Children of Israel was temporary relating only to the preservation of the Tribes of that People But the Marriage of a Sister of a Betrothed and Deceased Wife is of another Nature because that Alliance was not Contracted by a Commixture of Blood therefore such a Marriage may be admitted and approved Yet notwithstanding
all possible care shall be taken that neither the Civil Magistrate nor weak Christians may be offended CAN. X. A Man may not marry the Mother of his Deceased Spouse to whom he was betrothed without an Order from the Civil Magistrate which shall be waited for both by the Pastor and the Parties Contracting that Marriage N. B. This last Clause of the Canon is only in my Parisian and Quevilly Editions CAN. XI Likewise a Man may not marry his Wife's Aunt such a Marriage being Incestuous and although the Magistrate should permit it yet shall it not be Solemnized in our Assemblies And therefore all Pastors are carefully to keep themselves from it And by parity of reason the Marriage of an Uncle with his Niece or with the grand Niece of his deceased Wife is also Incestuous CAN. XII Although Civility and Decency may oppose the Marriage of a Man with the Widow of his Wife's Brother yet in case the Civil Magistrate do authorize the Contract the Churches shall not make any difficulty to bless such a Marriage Provided that there be good evidence that the said Contract hath been first allowed and approved by the authority of the Civil Magistrate N. B. These last Clauses of this Canon Printed in another Character are only in my Editions of Paris and Rouen CAN. XIII No Man after his Wife's Death shall marry her with whom he had committed Adultery during her Life unless that such a Marriage were authorized by the Civil Magistrate CAN. XIV Forasmuch as the principal end of Marriage is to procreate Children and to avoid Fornication the Marriage of an Eunuch that is so known shall not be admitted nor solemnized in any of our Reformed Churches CAN. XV. All Marriages shall be propounded unto the Consistories with a sufficient Certificate of the Promises CAN. XVI The Banes of Matrimony shall be published in those places where the Parties dwell and if they have a mind to celebrate their Marriage elsewhere they shall carry with them a sufficient Certificate that the Banes have been thrice published CAN. XVII The Banes shall be published on three Sabbath-Days following in those places where the Word of God is Preached and in other places when as Common-Prayers are read However it be yet there shall be the space of fifteen days between the Publication of the Banes and the Solemnizal of the Marriage in the Congregation which may be performed on the third Sabbath CAN. XVIII Such as live in those places where the publick Exercise of Religion is not established may cause their Banes to be published in the Popish Churches because it is a matter purely Political CAN. XIX The Churches shall not suffer any Persons to be Married without an ample knowledge and approbation of them CAN. XX. If one of the Parties be of a contrary Religion the Marriage-Promises shall not be received nor published in the Church unless that Party of the contrary Religion have been sufficiently instructed and have publicity protested in the Church of that place where the said Party shall be known that from a good Conscience he doth renounce all Superstition and Idolatry and particularly the Mass and that he will through Divine Grace persevere the residue of his days in the pure worship of God of which instruction the Consistory of that Church shall take Cognisance in which that Protestation shall be made And it shall not be lawful for any Pastor or Consistories to do otherwise on pain of being Suspended yea and deposed from their Offices CAN. XXI If one of the Parties who would Marry be Excommunicate the Marriage shall not be permitted to be Solemnized in any one of our Churches unless that the Excommunicate Person shall have acknowledged and done Penance for his Offences But as for suspended Persons from the Lords Table the Consistories may permit them to marry notwithstanding their Suspension but yet not without taking Cognisance of their Cause CAN. XXII The Banes of Widows who desire to marry again shall not be published in the Church till at least seven Months and an half be expired after their Husbands Death that so all Scandals and Inconveniencies which might afterwards fall out may be prevented unless in such a Case in which the Civil Magistrate hath interposed his Judicial Sentence to the contrary CAN. XXIII All Marriages shall be publickly Solemnized in the Religious Assemblies of the Faithful according to the word of God and by the Ministry of the Pastors and not of any others N. B. That middle Clause in another Character is only in my Parisian and Quevilly Editions of the Discipline CAN. XXIV For the good order of our Churches no Marriage shall be Solemnized on those days in which the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is Administred And this Canon shall not be broken but upon very great Considerations of which the Consistory shall take Cognisance Moreover no Marriages shall be Solemnized on Days of publick Prayer and Fasting CAN. XXV Such as being betrothed shall cohabit together as Man and Wife before they be lawfully and solemnly Married whether their offence do come to light before or after the Solemnizal of the Marriage they shall do publick Penance for this their Offence or at least they shall acknowledge it before the Consistory either way as the discretion of the Consistory shall appoint And if it be discovered before Marriage then shall there upon the Wedding day before they do proceed to compleat the Marriage be such Ceremonies and Censures used as the Consistory shall judge fitting unless those Persons had cohabited together in the days of their Ignorance without despising or contempt of our Church-Government And those also who cohabited as Man and Wife when as there was no Church erected in the places of their Habitation or in the Province and all these shall only be called into the Consistory that so their Marriage may be ratified and Celebrated in the Church of God if the Consistory shall judge it to be expedient CAN. XXVI That those inconveniencies may be avoided which fall out through over-long delays of Solemnizing Marriages the Parties and those Persons under whose power they are shall be advised not to defer the Consummation thereof any longer than six Weeks after publication of the Banes if it be possible CAN. XXVII All Marriages shall be Registred and carefully kept in the Church-Books CAN. XXVIII The Faithful whose Partners are convicted of Adultery may be admonished to a reconcilement with them but in case they will not do it that Liberty which God in his holy Word hath granted them shall be declared to them But if it be the hap of a Church-Officer he shall not take his Wife again or if he do he shall lay down his Office CAN. XXIX This course shall be taken about Divorces for Adultery The Innocent wronged Party shall prosecute at Law before the Civil Magistrate the Delinquent so long till that by his definitive Sentence and final Judgment she be duly Convicted which Sentence the
that they are of the said Religion and honest Men. ARTICLE L. That Act of Indempnity granted unto those of the said pretended Reformed Religion by the 74. Article of this said Edict shall be of force as to all taking away of Royal Moneys whether by breaking up of Coffers or otherwise yea and as for those which were levied upon the River of Charante although they had been affected and applied unto private uses ARTICLE LI. The 49. Article in the secret Articles made in the year 1577. touching the City and Archbishoprick of Avinion and County of Venise as also the Treaty made at Nismes shall be observed according to their form and tenour and there shall be no Letters of Mark given by vertue of those Articles and Treaties but only by the Kings Letters Patents Sealed with his Great Seal Yet nevertheless such as would obtain them may get them by vertue of this present Article and without any other Commission from the Royal Judges who shall take informations of the contrary actings denial of Justice and iniquity of Judgments propounded by those who shall desire to obtain the said Letters and shall send them together with their advice closed and sealed up unto his Majesty that he may Ordain therein according as he shall see reason ARTICLE LII His Majesty accordeth and willeth that Master Nicholas Grimoul be restored and maintained in his Title and Possession of the Offices of ancient Lieutenant-General Civil and of Lieutenant-General Criminal in the Bailywick of Alanson notwithstanding that Resignation by him made unto Mr. John Marguerit and his admission into it and the Provision obtained by Mr. William Bernard of the Office of Lieutenant-General Civil and Criminal in the Court of Eximes and the Decrees given against the said Marguerit resigning it during the Troubles unto the Privy-Council in the years 1586 1587 and 1588. by which Mr. Nicholas Barbier is maintained in the Rights and Prerogatives of the ancient Lieutenant-General in the said Bailywick and the said Bernard in the said Office of Lieutenant at Eximes whom his Majesty hath cashiered and all others contrary to this Article of the Edict Moreover his said Majesty for certain and good Considerations hath granted and Ordained that the Grimoult shall reimburse within the space of three Months the said Barbier of that Revenue which he paid in unto the Casual Parties for the Office of Lieutenant-General Civil and Criminal in the Viscounty of Alanson and of fifty Crowns for charges and he shall order the Bailiff of Perche or his Lieutenant Mortaigne to do it And the money being reimburst or if the said Barbier shall refuse or delay to receive it his Majesty hath forbidden the said Barbier as also the said Bernard after the signification of this present Article to intrude themselves into the exercise of the said Offices upon pain of being guilty of Cheating and he the said Grimoult is put into the possession of his Offices and Rights unto them appertaining and thus doing those Suits which were depending in his Majesty's Privy-Council betwixt the said Grimoult Barbier and Bernard shall be terminated and suppressed his Majesty forbiding the Parliaments and all others from taking Cognisance and the said Parties from all Prosecutions for them Moreover his said Majesty hath undertook himself to reimburse the said Bernard of a thousand Crowns furnished unto the Casual Parties for his Office and of the sixty Crowns for the mark of gold and costs having to this purpose now ordained a good and sufficient assignment which the said Grimoult shall diligently get in and at his sole Charges ARTICLE LIII His said Majesty shall write unto his Ambassadours that they do importunately desire on behalf of all his Subjects yea and for those of the said pretended Reformed Religion that they be not prosecuted for their Consciences nor subjected unto the Inquisition going coming sojourning trading and trafficking in all Foreign Countries Allies and Confederates of this Crown provided that they commit no offence against the Government of those Countreys in which they shall be ARTICLE LIV. It is his Majesties Pleasure that there shall be no inquiry made after the receipt of those Impositions which were levied at Royan by vertue of the Contract made with the Sieur de Candelay and others who succeeded him and he confirmeth and approveth of the said Contract for that time in which it took place in the whole Contents thereof until the 18th day of May now coming ARTICLE LV. Those Riots which were occasioned about Armand Courtines in the Town of Millaud in the year 1587. and of John Reines and Peter Seigneuret together with the proceedings against them by the Consuls of the said Millaud shall by vertue of this Edict be abolished and supprest nor shall it be lawful for their Widows and Heirs nor for the Attorneys-General of his Majesty their Substitutes or other Persons whatsoever to make any mention Inquiry or Prosecution notwithstanding and without any respect had unto the Decree given in the Chamber of Castres the tenth day of March last which shall be null and without effect as also shall be all Informations and Proceedings both of the one and other side ARTICLE LVI All Prosecutions Proceedings Sentences Judgments and Decrees given as well against the late Lord of La Noue and against the Lord Odet of La Noue his Son since their detention and Imprisonment in Flanders which happened in May 1580. and in November 1584. and during their continual imployment in the Wars and for the service of his Majesty shall be void null and of none effect and whatsoever hath ensued in consequence thereof And both the said Lords De la Noue shall be admitted to defend themselves and be restored unto that Condition and State in which they were before the said Judgments and Decrees they not being obliged to refund the expences nor to pay the Fines if they had incurred any nor shall there be alledged against them any non-suit or prescription during the said time Done by the King in his Council at Nantes the second day of May 1598. Signed HENRY And a little lower Forget Sealed with the Great Seal upon yellow Wax HEnry by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre To our Beloved and Faithful Officers holding our Court of Parliament at Paris Greeting We did the last April cause to be expedited our Letters of Edict for the establishment of a good order and peace between our Catholick Subjects and those of the said pretended Reformed Religion Moreover we have granted unto those of the said Religion certain secret and particular Articles which we will to be of the self-same force and vertue and to be observed and accomplished in like manner as our Edict For these Causes We Will We Command and do most expresly injoin you by these presents That the said Articles Signed with our Hand and attacked unto this under the Counter-Seal of our Chancery you do cause to be Recorded in the Register of our
made them consent to become Catholicks Some they stripped stark naked and after they had offered them a thousand Indignities they stuck them with Pins from Head to Foot They cut them with Penknifes tear them by the Noses with red hot Pincers and dragged them about the Rooms 'till they promised to become Roman Catholicks or that the doleful outcries of these poor tormented Creatures calling upon God for Mercy constrained them to let them go They beat them with Staves and dragged them all bruised to the Popish Churches where their enforced presence is reputed for an Abjuration They keep them waking seven or eight days together relieving one another by turns that they might not get a wink of sleep or rest In case they began to nod they threw Buckets of Water in their Faces or holding Kettles over their Heads they beat on them with such a continual noise that those poor Wretches lost their Senses If they found any sick who kept their Beds Men or Women be it of Feavers or other Diseases they were so cruel as to beat up an alarm with twelve Drums about their Beds for a whole Week together without Intermission till they had promised to change In some places they tied Fathers and Husbands to the Bed-Posts and ravished their Wives and Daughters before their Eyes And in another place Rapes were publickly and generally permitted for many hours together From others they pluck off the Nails of their Hands and Toes which must needs cause an intolerable pain They burnt the Feet of others They blew up Men and Women with Bellows 'till they were ready to burst in pieces If these horrid usages could not prevail upon them to violate their Consciences and abandon their Religion they did then Imprison them in close and noisome Dungeons in which they exercised all kind of Inhumanities upon them They demolish their Houses desolate their Hereditary Lands cut down their Woods seize upon their Wives and Children and mew them up in Monasteries When the Souldiers had devoured all the goods of a House then the Farmers and Tenants of these poor persecuted Wretches must supply them with new Fewels for their Lusts and bring in more subsistence to them and that they might be reimbursed they did by Authority of Justice sell unto them the Fee-simple Estate of their Landlords and put them into possession of it If any to secure their Consciences and to escape the Tyranny of these enraged Cannibals endeavour'd to flee away they were pursued and hunted in the Fields and Woods and shot at as so many wild Beasts The Provosts with their Archers course it up and down the high ways after these poor Fugitives and Magistrates in all places have strict Orders to stop and detain them without exception and being taken they are brought back like Prisoners of War unto those places from whence they fled SECT XLIV But this Storm did not fall only upon the Commons but Noblemen and Gentlemen of the best Quality are exposed to it They also have Souldiers Quartered upon them who do rage and spoil them every way as much as the Citizens and Peasants Their Houses are pillaged and plundered their Goods dissipated and wasted their Castles rased their Woods felled and their very Persons affronted with the Insolencies and Barbarity of the Dragoons They spare neither Sex nor Age nor Quality They practise their Violences upon all Persons who are non-compliant with their Commands of changing their Religion Several Officers and Members of Parliament underwent the very self-same Fate For they were first deprived of their Offices and then the Military Officers who were actually in service are ordered to quit their Posts and to come and Quarter upon them that they may by these new Apostles be necessitated to turn Catholicks Many Gentlemen and Persons of great Quality and many aged Ladies of ancient and noble Families seeing all these Outrages retired unto Paris and hoped that in that Forest of Houses and so near the Court they might find a safe retreat But this hope soon vanisheth For a Decree of Council is Published Commanding them to leave Paris in fifteen days and to return back again without tarrying unto their own homes And whereas some presumed to Petition his Majesty to stop the current of this violent Storm and Injustice they were immediately sent Prisoners to the Bastile The French King about the 6th of October 1685. was heard to say That he hoped by that time his Grandson the Duke of Burgundy came to years of Vnderstanding he should never know what an Hugonot was in France but by History In Sedan a Principality by the Kings Edict annexed but of late unto the Crown the Desolation by the Dragoons is unspeakable The Families of Protestants being inforced to pay unto these Guests Quartered upon them from ten to fifty and sixty Crowns a day till they were totally beggar'd There have been rare and great Examples of Patience and Constancy among these Suffering Protestants I shall produce a few Instances In Guyenne Monsieur de Bergues Lord of Feus ever since the Dragoons came into the Province hath had seventy of them continually lodged upon him at Free Quarters where they made a total Consumption devouring all that he had even to the very Stones and Walls and not content with ruining him they compelled his poor Tenants to contribute also to their Livelyhoods After they had by main force dragged his Lady and Children to the Popish Church they Imprisoned them in several Nunneries and as for that Pious Lord having by their Cruelties and ill usages confined him to his Bed yet they continued their Torments of him in his Sickness four Souldiers guarding him night and day as if he had been some Notorious Traytor and those brutal Wretches treating him with excessive Indignities However they could not shake the Constancy of this Noble and Religious Gentleman Five Citizens of Sedan after these Missionaries had tryed their skill upon them by destroying and eating up all their Substance and Estate and other Hellish ill usage in Prison to induce them to renounce their Religion and not prevailing they at last Condemn'd them to the Gallies Unto which they went most Couragiously Rejoycing at their great Afflictions for the Gospel Two ancient Gentlewomen of Sedan one being the Widow of Monsieur Dreall Seneschal of the City and the other the Relict of Monsieur de Beaulieu who in his Life time had been Pastor and Professor in that Church and Academy they both yielding up their Houses and Estates which were very considerable to be spoiled and plundered by these Dragoons did for some weeks hide themselves from their Violence by climbing from the Tops of Houses from one House unto another and indured those hardships which would have been the bane of others younger and stronger than themselves but hereby being worn out and quite spent with the labours and fatigues of their frequent removes they fell sick and were both seized on by their Persecutors who
Allâ—giance and Obedience to the King their Soveraign This was all his offence but his Function was the greatest For this he must die But he suffers death triumphantly Died Abner as a Fool Monsieur Hommel liv'd a Saint died a Martyr Some Passages of his Martyrdom are fallen into my hands written by an eye and ear Witness of them which for the Reader 's satisfaction are here communicated without addition or alteration I count my self happy said this dying Saint that I can die in my Master's quarrel What! would my gracious Redeemer descend from Heaven unto Earth that I might be lilted up from Earth to Heaven would he undergo an ignominious Death that I might be possessed of a most blessed Life Verily if after all this to prolong a frail and miserable life I should lose that which is everlasting should I not be a most ungrateful wretch unto my God and a most cruel Enemy to my own Happiness No! no! the Dye is cast I am immoveable in my resolution I breath after that Hour O! when will that good Hour come which will period my present miserable life and give me the injoyment of one which is infinitely more blessed Farewel my dear Wife I know your Tears your continual Sighs hinder your bidding me Adieu Don't be troubled at this Gibbet upon which I must expire 't is to me a triumphal Chariot which will carry me into Heaven I see Heaven open'd â—â—d my sweet Jesus with his out-stretched Arms ready to receive me yea he will receive me who is the Divine Spouse of my Soul I am leaving the World in which is nothing but adversity that I may get to Heaven and enjoy everlasting felicity You shall come unto me I shall never any more come back to you All that I recommend unto you is Educate our dear Children in the fear of God and be careful that they swerve not from that way prescribed them in the Holy Scriptures I have bequeathed them a little Formulary for their Instruction that if ever they be brought into the like condition with my self they may undergo it couragiously And be confident in the goodness of our God who will send them the Divine Comforter to strengthen them in all their Straits and Distresses Prepare them for Suffering betimes that so in that great day when we shall appear before the Judgment-seat of Christ we may be able to bespeak him Lord Here we are and the Children which thou hast graciously given us Ah! I shall never have done Ah! why am I hindred from my departure why am I kept so long in this my earthly Tabernacle Farewel my dear People 't is the last Farewel I shall ever give you Be ye stedfast be ye fixed And know that I never preached to you any thing but the pure Truth of the Gospel the true way which leads unto Heaven Some one then told him He spake too much How said he do I speak too much I speak nothing but the very truth I have neither spoken nor done any thing that was in the least offensive to the Sacred Majesty of our August Monarch But on the contrary I have always exhorted the People committed by the Lord unto my charge to render those Honors which are due unto our King and have inform'd them that our Lives and Fortunes are at his disposal and that we are bound to employ them in the defence of his Estate and Crown But as for our Consciences we hold them of our God and must keep them for him Then his Judges leaving him ordered the Executioner to do his office which he did breaking his Arms and his Legs And being then demanded whether he would die a Roman Catholick He answer'd How my Lords Had it been my design to have changed my Religion I would have done it before my Bones had been thus broken to pieces I wait only for the hour of my dissolution Courage Courage O my Soul Thou shalt presently injoy the delights of Heaven And as for thee O my poor Body thou shalt be reduc'd to dust but 't is that thou may'st be raised again a Spiritual Body Thou shalt see things that never enter'd into the heart of man and which are in this life impossible to be conceived He again addressed himself unto his Wife Farewel once more my well-beloved Spouse I am waiting for you But know though you see my Bones broken to shivers yet my Soul is replenished with unexpressible Joys He utter'd many excellent Matters which are now slipt my memory Only I shall not omit that he kiss'd his very Judges who poured out a shower of Tears being astonished at so great a constancy His eyes were always lifted up to Heaven He never gave one Cry for all the Blows that were laid upon him after the first His Life was had in singular veneration and as long as this Earth shall continue his Death will be in admiration Let 's imitate this Great Man of God and persevere unto the end tho' with the loss of our Lives in the true Religion which is that only that will conduct us to the Heavenly Paradise Amen I intended â—â—od willing to write his Life at large and to publish it shortly in my Icones N. B. Every Limb every Member and every Bone in his Body were broken with the Iron Bar forty Hours before the Executioner was permitted to strike him upon the Breast which gave him as they call it Le Coup de Grace the Blow of Mercy that Death-stroke which put an end unto all his Miseries Before we proceed any farther I shall desire the Reader to remark SECT XLVI 1. That in the Head of these booted and armed Apostles besides their own Military Officers and Commanders there marched the Intendants of every Province and District together with the Bishops of the Diocess accompanied with a Troop of fiery Zealots Missionaries Monks and other Romish Churchmen The Intendants gave out such Orders as they conceived would most effectually promote and facilitate the conversion of the Hereticks and suppress natural Bowels and Pity in case any such arise and move in the Dragoons or their Officers The Prelates kept open House to receive Abjurations and to have a strict and careful eye that nothing might be done contrary to the Intentions of the Clergy 2. When the Dragoons had made some to relent and yield by their inhumane Cruelties they presently change their Quarters and are sent to plague those of the Reformed who do yet persevere in their fidelity to Christ and the Gospel So that often times these had at once all the Dragoons quartered upon them which were before dispersed among all the Inhabitants of that place This was a burden insupportable 3. That in the most eminent Cities and Towns of the Province they were careful by the Intendants or some other means to procure some persons to change their Religion before they sent their Troops thither and these new Converts must be aiding and assisting in perverting others So
that when the Dragoons had done their part as effectually as they could the Intendant with the Bishops and the Military Commander do once again assemble these miserable Inhabitants totally ruined and exhort them to obey the King and become Catholicks adding in case of obstinacy most terrible Threats And the new Converts never failed in this juncture to execute what they had promised to entice and seduce them from the true Religion This they could do the more successfully because the Reformed had yet some kindness for and confidence in them 4. When the Master of a Family thinking to get rid of the Dragoons had obeyed and signed an Abjuration yet for all this he was not freed from his Tormentors unless that his Wife Children and the meanest of his Servants did not also follow his example And if Wife or Children or any of his Domesticks escaped their hands and fled for their Lives they renewed their Persecutions upon him till such time as he had brought them back again which being sometimes utterly impossible their change of Religion did not in the lead benefit or avail them The Form of Abjuration imposed upon the Protestants when they turn'd Papists and which they stiled The Mark of the Beast I here offer to my Reader 's perusal THE Mark of the Beast OR The Profession of the Catholick Apostolick and Romish Faith which the Protestants in France were inforced to make and subscribe through the Violence of Persecution in France In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Amen I do believe and profess with a firm Faith all and every thing and things contained in that Creed which is used by the holy Church of Rome to wit I believe in one God the Father Almighty who hath made Heaven and Earth and all things visible and invisible And in one Lord Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God and born of the Father before all Ages God of God Light of Light True God of the True God Begotten not made of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made who for us Men and our Salvation came down from Heaven and was Incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary and was made Man and was Crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate he suffered and was buried and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into Heaven and sitteth on the right hand of the Father and he shall come again with Glory to judge both the quick and the dead whose Kingdom shall have no end And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord and Giver of Life who proceedeth from the Father and the Son who with the Father and the Son together is Worshipped and Glorified who spake by the Prophets And I believe one Catholick and Apostolick Church I acknowledge one Baptism for the Remission of Sins and I look for the Resurrection of the Dead and the Life of the World to come Amen I receive and embrace most firmly the Apostolick and Ecclesiastical Traditions and the other Observations and Constitutions of the same Church In like manner I receive the holy Scripture but with that sence which the holy Mother Church hath and doth now understand it to whom it doth belong to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the Sacred Scriptures and I shall never take it nor interpret it otherwise than according to the unanimous Consent of the Fathers I profess also that there be truly and properly seven Sacraments of the new Law instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ and needful for the Salvation of Mankind although not alike needful to every one to wit Baptism Confirmation the Eucharist Penance Extreme Vnction Orders and Marriage and that they do confer Grace And that Baptism Confirmation and Orders cannot be reiterated without Sacriledge I receive and admit also the Ceremonies received and approved by the Catholick Church in the solemn Administration of all these for-mentioned Sacraments I receive and imbrace all and every thing and things which have been determined and declared concerning original Sin and Justification by the holy Council of Trent I likewise profess that in the Mass there is offered unto God a true proper and propitiatory Sacrifice for the living and the dead and that in the most holy Sacrament of the Eucharist there is truly really and substantially the Body and Blood togâ—â—her with the Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ and that in it there is made a Change of the whole substance of the Bread into his Body and of the whole substance of the Wine into his Blood which Change the Catholick Church calls Transubstantiation I confess also that under one only of those two Elements whole Christ and a true Sacrament is received I constantly affirm that there is a Purgatory and that the Souls there detained are relieved by the Suffrages of the Faithful In like manner the Saints reigning with Jesus Christ are to be Worshipped and Invocated and that they offer up Prayers unto God for us and that their Relicks are to be honoured I do most stedfastly avow that the Images of Jesus Christ and of the Ever-Virgin Mother of God and also of the other Saints ought to be had and retained and that due honour and veneration must be yielded to them Moreover I affirm that the power of Indulgences was left unto the Church by Jesus Christ and that their usage is very beneficial unto Christians I acknowledge the Holy Catholick Apostolick and Roman Church to be the Mother and Mistress of all other Churches And I promise and swear true Obedience to the Pope of Rome Successor of Blessed St. Peter Prince of the Apostles and Vicar of Jesus Christ. In like manner I receive and profess without doubting all other things left defined and declared by the holy Canons and General Councils and especially by the most holy Council of Trent And withal I do condemn reject and accurse all things which are contrary and whatever Heresies have ken condemned rejected and accursed by the Church And swearing upon the Book of the Gospels he must say I promise vow and swear and most constantly to confess God aiding me and to keep intirely and inviolably unto the death this self-same Catholick Faith out of which no Person can be saved which I do now most willingly and truly profess and that I will endeavour to the utmost of my Power that it shall be held taught and preached by my Vassals or by those who shall belong unto my charge So help me God and these holy Gospels So be it I of the Parish of do Certifie unto all whom it may concern that having acknowledged the falseness of the Pretended Reformed and the truth of the Catholick Religion of my own free will and without any Compulsion I have made Profession of the Catholick Apostolick and Roman Religion in the Church of in the hands of In Testimony of the Truth hereof I have signed this Act
in presence of these Witnesses whose names are hereunto subscribed this day of the Month of _____ and in the year of our Lord SECT XLVII When these poor Wretches had signed this Abjuration and hoped thereby to be at rest they were far enough from it for their Consciences flew in their Faces and many of them were driven unto despair Yet their Persecutors never ceased tormenting them they must own and attest it before the World that they embraced the Roman Religion freely voluntarily and of their own accord and that no Violence was offer'd them to move or induce them to turn from the Reformed Religion And if after this they scrupled to go to Mass to communicate after the Popish way to tell over their Chaplet of Beads or if a Sigh escaped from them indicating their Grief and Sorrow for their great Sin in forsaking the Truth immediately there were great Fines laid upon them and their old Guests the Dragoons are sent back again to beat up their quarters and they must entertain afresh those old Guests who had wearied them out of their Faith and Life I have by me a Letter from Mets giving an account of the state of the poor Protestants upon their Abjuration which may not be unacceptable to the Reader My Dear F. YOUR's of the Thirteenth of September is come to my hands by which I perceive you are well informed of all things relating to those Holy Missionaries our Dragoons You cannot for all that imagine what it is to fall into the hands of such Apostles Of all the Families of * * * * * * There were in that Church 10000 Communicants Mets there are left but two Persons which have not subscribed viz. Madamoiselle Goffin who is a Prisoner in the Nunnery of the Female Preachers and Madamoiselle Ferry Sister to Monsieur Le Bachelier the Counsellour who is also clapt up in the Nunnery of St. Clare These are the only two Persons who have refused Subscription yet do not persuade your self into that Opinion that because they have subscribed therefore they must needs be of the Roman Religion nay the very contrary is true for we were never more estranged from it I shall deal plainly with you we ought not to be blamed for our weakness in subscribing for had all the Ministers of France now exiled the Kingdom been resident in it and lain as we have at the cruel mercy of Dragoons I am certainly persuaded that not five in an hundred could have stood it out but must have subscribed as well as we Do not then believe that such as have subscribed have changed their Religion I can give you full evidence that they were never more zealous for the Reformed Religion than now I know we have too too much neglected your Advices but the most eminent among us were too secure even our Ministers themselves who because of the profound peace in which we lived had made Purchaces and richly furnished their houses with the best of Goods And if after all this we have had the Misfortune to expect that ill Hour and Lot of Subscription 't was because there was no means left of saving our selves and whereas we be condemned for our foolish confidence in those golden Promises That neither by word or deed we should be in the least hurt upon the score of Conscience I must reply it was because the Passages on the Frontiers being so strictly guarded we could not possibly escape for on this side of the Kingdom all were so narrowly watched that a poor Cat could not meet with an Hole by which to creep out You writ to me concerning Monsieur N. pray when you see him tell him that Madam N. his Sister-in-law lodgeth at my house with her Family and that already three of her Sons are departed the Kingdom She is one of the sweetest Gentlewomen that may be the Lord bless and assist her in all her designs She ran the same risk with the rest but is little concerned for it There be daily brought into the Prisons of this City Persons of Vitry Chalons and Sedan who are Condemned unto the Gallies or to perpetual Duress Finally on our side we have no means left us of escaping so that we must absolutely resign our selves to the will of our God 'till he open a Door for us Yet I beseech you do not believe that Worldly considerations as of goods and estates do detain us here No no could we but have had liberty of departure we had long e'r this gone away though only with our Shifts about us yea tho' we had left our Children behind us But it is not God's will that we should yet quit this place nay 't is his will that we be patient and that we hinder our Childrens falling into such hands as would educate them in Idolatry in a false Religion and in an aversion for our selves also I must add that we had no preservative from subscribing it was wholly impossible to avoid that Subscription against the Protestant Reformed Religion tho' as yet we are not obliged to go to Mass but expect once more the Dragoons with their Swords in their hands to drive us to it We know we have subscribed but we know also we have not changed our Religion and through Grace we shall never change it I may assure you that so great were our Oppressions that they might have oblig'd us to have been Turks as well as Papists and to have wore a Turban had it been as high again as the Triple Crown Our wisest Catholicks for these last six Months have told us That we should shortly be of one Religion but never be of one belief And they had reason for what they said For we were never more fixed in our Religion than now Sometimes for fashions sake we go unto their Sermons but return extreamly dissatisfied with those Discourses and more confirmed in our first Faith than before Poor Monsieur de Chevenix lies very ill the Curate of his Parish was with him to oblige him to Confession but he positively told him he would not confess himself to any but God who alone could forgive him his sins and not to any mortal creature who was as much a sinner as himself Afterwards he was visited by the Archbishop who would have obliged him to communicate before death which he also as stiffly refused The Archbishop acquainted him with the King's Orders concerning such who being sick refuse to communicate e'er they die He replied that he cared not a Rush for them and that he would never communicate after the Popish manner I know not what may happen hereafter but at present he is mending and I believe he will perfectly recover But the Ordinances of the King or rather of the Clergy are That the sick shall communicate before death and in case they do not their dead Carkasses shall be drawn upon the Hurdle and then thrown into the Common Jakes and all their Goods confiscated and if they
recover they shall however be condemn'd unto the Gallies and all their Goods confiscated You may see by this to what a woful pass we are reduced till the Lord our good God shall be pleased to turn the Wheel better for our advantage Our whole Family here salutes you We are wholly busied in gathering in the Vintage but never with less pleasure inasmuch as we know not for whom we toil our selves Monsieur Ancillon hath left Hannaw for Berlin whither he is called to be their fourth Minister Madamoiselle Morgue with two of her Sisters are gotten safely out of the Kingdom after that they had been hid from the Dragoons Farewel Octob. 2. 1686. I am Yours E. N. B. Monsieur Chevenis who is mentioned in this Letter was a venerable and ancient Gentleman a person of eminent Prudence illustrious for Learning and Godliness and Counsellor to the King in the Court of Metz. He persisted faithful to death and when dead they dragged most inhumanly his dead Carkass upon a Hurdle and buried it in a Dunghil He hath a Brother a very Reverend Minister of the Gospel refugied in this City of London SECT XLVIII Whil'st the Dragoons do thus ravage and ruinate the Provinces causing Terrors and Desolations where ever they come Orders are dispatched to all the Frontier Countries and Sea-port Towns strictly to guard the Passages and to stop all persons who are departing the Kingdom So that there was no hope lest of saving themselves by flight None could pass unless he brought with him a Certificate from the Priest of his Parish or the Bishop of the Diocess in which he lived that he was a Roman Catholick Others are put in Prison and treated like Traytors to their King and Country All Ships of Foreigners lying in the Ports and Havens of the Kingdom are diligently searcht for Passengers the Coasts Bridges Passages unto Rivers and the Highways are all strictly guarded night and day and the neighbouring States are imperiously required not to harbour any more Fugitives and to dismiss or send back again such as they had already received and Attempts were also made to seize and carry away some who had escaped into foreign Countries I have lying by me a Letter from Geneva giving a doleful Account of the poor Refugees who had fled thither Possibly the Reader will not be displeased at the reading of it From Geneva Nov. 1685. SIR IT 's a good while ago that the French Protestants began to secure themselves both here and in Switzerland yet it was but very slowly e'er they retired hither there being not on this side of France those conveniencies for them as in England and Holland However their number increased with their Persecutions and this Honour is due unto Geneva that tho' at first whil'st we supposed there was not an indispensable necessity upon our Protestant Brethren for their flight we seemed somewhat cold as to their reception yet having at last too great cause to believe it I may speak it without vanity that Geneva exercised a charity towards these Fugitives which will recommend her to posterity I shall give you an undeniable proof hereof and that presently Ever since the first Troubles at Montauban and the great consternation of the other Provinces Geneva never failed to receive and relieve with Monies and other Supplies all that had recourse unto her and for more than two Months together there passed not a day over our heads in which Geneva did not daily receive and supply 30 50 80 90 Personâ— of all Ages of both Sexes and of all Conditions But as we had an occasion of satisfaction from the Charity of Geneva so we must also avow that it was utterly impossible not to be affected with such a multitude of pitiful Objects as daily presented themselves unto us and especially since the passages were guarded some arriving disguis'd on foot in a deplorable condition who would they have left their God might have been as to this World very happy Women and Maids came to us in the Habits of Men Children in Coffers packt up as Cloaths others without any other precaution at all than in their Cradles tied about their Parents necks some passing this others that way all stopping either at the Gates or Churches of the City with Cries and Tears of Joy and Sorrow mingled together some demanding where are our Fathers and Mothers others where are our Wives and Children not knowing where to find them nor having learnt any News of them from the time they departed from their Houses In short every one was so affected with these miserable Objects that it was impossible to refrain from weeping Some had no sooner passed the first Barricado but prostrating themselves upon their Knees sung a Psalm of Thanksgiving for their happy deliverance tho' poor Creatures they had not wherewithal to get themselves a Meal's meat and might have gone to Bed that Night supperless had not the Lord of his great goodness extraordinarily provided for them Thus we spent two Months every day affording us new Adventures fresh and eminent Examples of Self-denial and that divers-ways I shall give you a few Instances Among others a Lady of great quality the Mother of ten Children whose Husband Monsieur d' Arbaud had revolted from the truth at Nismes this Lady I say forsook eighteen thousand Livers of yearly Revenue without ever having been able to make a Purse to defray her Journey and maugre all the Cares and Endeavours of her Husband and the Bishop brought with her nine of her Children and the youngest of them about seven Years of age yet when she came here she had but two Crowns left her to maintain herself and them It was but two days since that I bad Adieu to my Lord the Baron of Aubaye who forsook above five and twenty thousand Livers of yearly Revenue for the Gospel and all his Stock was but thirty Pistols I gave Letters of Recommendation to the Baron of Temelac who is banisht for eight and twenty Years This Nobleman forsook eight thousand Livers of good Rents and departed hence with a very small Supply to seek some Employment where ever he can meet it for his subsistence My Lord de * * * * * * One of the mostillustrious Noblemen of Languedoc Bougi departed hence some few days ago with eight or ten Gentlemen for Germany I cannot reckon unto you an infinite number of other persons whose Names are unknown to me Six or seven came hither about five days since who seemed to be the Servants of a Commander of Malta bearing upon his Breast the great Cross There came also a far greater Troop who met at the Passes a multitude of poor People with their Wives and Children that had been stopt by the Guards these force a passage for them with themselves and conveyed them with their Baggage hither in safety The City of Lyons hath given illustrious Examples of remorse of Conscience in particular no longer than
were most cruelly disciplin'd A Lady of eminent Quality gave this Relator this Account That when they had seized all her Estate clapt her up in Prison Arraign'd and Condemn'd her to Death for Murdering five of her Children because she had conveyed them away that they might not be trained up in Popery they took her two youngest one of five and the other of two years and put them into Nunneries They could never get that of five to kiss a Crucifix or bow to their breaden God though they kept her from meat and drink eight and forty hours and having scourged the poor young Heretick unmercifully they returned her with her young Sister whom they had also tormented with Famine and Whipping to the poor Mother in whose Arms one of these Innocent Lambs died a few hours after That very day the Edict was published the Attorney-General and some other Magistrates send for the Protestant Heads of Families who lived in Paris to appear before them and when they came they declared to them That it was the King's absolute Will and Pleasure that they should change their Religion that they were no better than the rest of his Subjects and that if they would not do it willingly his Majesty was resolv'd to compel them to it At the same time by Letters under the Privy-Seal they banished all the Elders of that Consistory together with some others in whom they found more constancy and resolution and they dispersed them into those places which were remotest from all Commerce and Business and have since used them with unparallel'd Cruelties When as the diligence of Mr. Attorney-General and the City Magistrates succeeded not answerably to their desires and expectations Monsieur Seignelay Secretary of State would try what influence he had in his division at Paris Wherefore he gets together about an hundred or sixscore Merchants with some others unto his House and having shut the doors he forthwith presents them a Form of Abjuration commanding them in the King's Name to sign it declaring that they should not stir out of the doors till they had yielded a full obedience The Contents of this Form were That they did not only renounce the Heresie of Calvin and enter into the Catholick Church but also that they did it voluntarily without any force or compulsion This was done after a most imperious manner and with the tone of authority Yet notwithstanding some had the courage to speak tho' they were soon cut short with this reply They were not called to dispute but to obey So that they all signed before they went out SECT LIV. With some of the Ministers they dealt very treacherously fawning upon them with kind words and counterfeit civilities wheedling them into a good opinion of those respects and loves they never had nor intended for them This proved a great and dangerous Snare to two worthy Ministers among others as will appear from this following Letter written to an eminent French Minister in London from Paris October 19. 1685. From Paris Octob. 19. 1685. Monsieur my most honoured Brother SInce you are owner of so much goodness as to interest your self like a kind Brother in those Affairs which particularly concern us and forasmuch as we can avow our Affections for you to be great and sincere and our fellow-feeling of all your Sufferings to be real and very sensible it is but just that when our Brother Du gives you an Account of the state of our Family we should also at the same time acquaint you with that of our Consciences You may then understand my most dear Brother that no sooner was the King's Declaration published which abolishing the Edict of Nants obliged all the Ministers within a Fortnight's time to depart the Kingdom but Monsieur and my self went immediately to seek and take places for our selves and Families in the Brussel's Coach as my Brother went to that of Calais But two or three days after being informed that neither our Wives nor Children should have the liberty of leaving the Kingdom with us and that we should meet with an hundred difficulties in our departure and that we must needs have Certificates from our Intendants which was utterly impossible for us to procure in that short time was now left us we together with divers others went and waited upon Monsieur de la Renie who is the Judge and Civil Magistrate of this City who gave us a Certificate according to the King's Edict which yet in the issue was useless and unprofitable Monsieur de la Renie being particularly acquainted with Monsieur treated us with a great deal of civility and desired us seriously to reflect upon that perplexed condition into which we and our Families were plunged and that we would examine our selves whether with a good Conscience we might not tarry in the Kingdom and whether our presence would not also contribute to the consolation of a multitude of gracious Souls groaning under the pressures of their Afflictions who had been abandon'd by their fugitive Pastours according to the general Complaints brought in against them from all quarters Hereupon we drew up several Projects I formed mine Monsieur framed his and they were both so contrived that any one might easily judge we should never be suffer'd on those terms to live in the Kingdom And to speak the truth they were not approved by my Brother Du who drew up another the Copy whereof we now send you but we must confess most dear Brother that we have found it to be of dreadful consequence and most dangerously insnaring to us But Du having resolutely maintained that we had no other way left us of abiding in the Kingdom than by signing this Writing and if we would not yet he himself would alone in his own person present it to my Lord Bishop of Meaux we did at length sign it Monsieur and my self tho' with extreme repugnancy and with this very restriction that Du should retrieve it out of the hands of the Bishop of Meaux as soon as he had read it which Du solemnly promised us he would do My Lord Bishop perus'd our Writing and having told Du that he conceiv'd the King would never grant us what we desired in it we believ'd our selves oblig'd all three jointly to take our leaves of the Bishop and of Monsieur de la Renie because we were two days after to avoid the Kingdom My Lord Bishop of Meaux dismist us very civilly But Monsieur de la Renie made us a long discourse about our Writing given in to the Bishop of Meaux and that Conference which our Brother had with him telling us among other passages that the King took notice of our Measures that he had approved and praised them that he had a better opinion of us by far than of a great many others who had yet gone beyond us but that the King desired us to continue our Conferences with the Bishop of Meaux and that the King having learnt our intention of going
to Fountainbleau that we might wait upon the Bishop of Meaux which was a truth had the kindness for us as to order him to come to Paris and if after our Conferences ended with my Lord Bishop of Meaux we could not with a good Conscience hold Communion with the Church of Rome he would then give us when ever we should desire it a Licence for our selves and Families to depart the Kingdom and that finally my Lord of Meaux would charily preserve our Writing which had been presented unto his Majesty We all three accepted the Proposals And had several Conferences with the Bishop of Meaux But this very day we are urged to come to a Resolution and upon our refusal of signing the new Formulary we are plainly told That it is ill done of us to recoil after that of our own accord we had advanced so far and they farther tell us That our own Writing obligeth us to far greater matters than the new Formulary and that we declare in the very beginning of it That of all Evils Disunion is the greatest and that by this our Confession neither Transubstantiation nor any of those other Points debated by us could be a bar to our Re-union and that in effect we do formally re-unite ourselves by our very Writing and that by submitting our selves to the Conduct of Bishops and of their pitiful Curates we do subject our selves to the whole Ecclesiastical Discipline and that we intreating the Higher Powers who went unto Mass to believe our Sentiments to be the same with theirs who desired the Cup we were engaged at the same time to do as they did even to wait for that Reformation which was universally desired and which the King incessantly pursued as having resolv'd that the Cup should be delivered unto the People in the Sacrament And thus they boast we are caught by our own Writing which was left imprudently enough in the hands of my Lord Bishop of Meaux and which they say also at the same time is in the King 's This is the truth of our present Estate and for which we conjure you most dear Brother to send us as soon as possible your advice lest c. WE whose Names are here-under written being fully perswaded that among Christians there cannot be a greater mischief than to be divided one from another especially when as the providence of God has made us all Subjects to our King who is the most glorious Monarch in the whole World and being unmeasurably grieved that we are bound to depart his Kingdom and to subject our selves unto the authority of strangers whom we can never own for our Soveraign Lawful Princes Do declare That from this very day we can promise my Lord the Bishop of Meaux that we will subject our selves to the Sermons and Even-Songs used in the Catholick Church thereby giving a sensible demonstration of our Union with the Archbishops Bishops and Curates of France We also intreat That we may be absolutely believed to be in the same Sentiments with the Higher Powers who in conformity to the Liberties of the Gallican Church gave in divers Articles as our Historians relate to my Lord Cardinal de Joyeuse concerning the Council of Trent and until such time as they may be established by the King's Authority and signed by the most Reverend Clergy of France in the sence of the second Article of the last Edict verified in Parliament the 22d of this instant October we most humbly beseech his Majesty to grant us the liberty of abiding within his Kingdom in quality of poor private persons we calling God to witness by our Oaths That we will do nothing against his Majesty's Declarations but contrariwise we shall endeavour by our example to keep the People within those bounds of Fidelity and Obedience which we all owe unto the King and our Superiours I suppose those Articles were the same which had been demanded by the Cardinal of Lorrain and the other French Ambassadours in the Council of Trent as they be mentioned by De Mezeray in his 3d Tome p. 1470. viz. That an Ecclesiastick Person should hold but one Benefice That the Mass being finished Prayers might be celebrated in the Vulgar Tongue That the People might Communicate in both kinds That all Pastors should be capable and obliged to Preach and Catechise That the abuse crept in among the Common People in the Worshipping of Images might be removed SECT LV. Now the Ministers have left the Kingdom and vast multitudes of their People steal away after them as well as they can But the King and Haman the French King and his Cabal sit down and drink whil'st that Paris as Shushan of old and all other places in which the Reformed remain are in great perplexities In every Province whithersoever the King's Commandment and his Decree came there was great Mourning among the Protestants Fasting Weeping and Wailing and many lay in Sackcloth and Ashes Yet among the Sighs and Groans or God's poor Saints who mourn for the Desolations of Zion the Ruines of their Temples and Sanctuary the loss and reproach of their Solemn Assemblies the Prophanations of their Holy Sabbaths their deprival of Religious Ordinances the banishment of their Pastors the dissipations of their Churches and the total extirpation of the pure Evangelical Religion and cannot be comforted the Popish Clergy the Monks and Jesuits have their Jubilees and Triumphs and the Pope sends a Letter to the King congratulating him for his Zeal against the Hereticks in his Kingdom and for repealing the Edict of Nantes It spake this Language The Pope's Letter to the French King congratulating him for Abolishing the Edict of Nantes Innocent the XIth to our dearest Son in Christ Lewes the XIVth the most Christian King of France Our dearest Son in Christ SInce above all the rest of those illustrious Proofs which do abundantly declare the natural inbred Piety of your Majesty that Noble Zeal and worthy the most Christian King is most conspicuous with which being ardently inflamed you have wholly abrogated all those Constitutions that were favourable to the Hereticks of your Kingdom and by most wise Decrees set forth have excellently provided for the Propagation of the Orthodox Belief as our beloved Son and your Ambassadour with us the Noble Duke de Estrées hath declared to us We thought it was incumbent on us most largely to commend that excellent Piety of yours by the remarkable and lasting Testimony of these our Letters And to congratulate your Majesty that Accession of immortal Commendation which you have added to all your other great Exploits by so illustrious an Act of this kind The Catholick Church shall most assuredly record in her Sacred Annals a Work of such Devotion towards her and celebrate your Name with never-dying Praises But above all you may most deservedly promise to your self an ample Retribution from the Divine Goodness for this most excellent Vndertaking and may rest assured that we shall never cease to pour
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
Assembly provided they may come without danger of infecting it The other Copies read it thus That the Wives of Unbelievers may be admitted unto our Church-Meetings provided the Church be not endangered by them That Man who suffers his Child to be baptized by a Popish Priest is not to be received to the Lord's Supper but conditionally It 's not lawful to Appeal unto Ecclesiastic Judges XXII And to another Case propounded by the same Brother this answer was given That the Husband of an Unbelieving Wife was not excusable unless that to the utmost of his power he had hindred his Child's being baptized by a Popish Priest and therefore inasmuch as he was wanting unto his Duty he shall not be received into Communion with the Church at the Lord's Table XXIII Neither the present Bishops nor their Officials nor Arch-Deacons have of right any Jurisdiction Civil or Ecclesiastical Wherefore it is not lawful for Believers to cite any one in any Case to Judgment before them or to appear in Person to answer unto their Citations without a Protestation against their Power of Judging in Matters belonging unto Conscience But as to Civil Causes because we be compelled oftentimes to appear before them that we may recover our Right which otherwise could never be obtained we may Address ourselves unto them as we would unto a Thief that Robs upon the Highway to obtain some Kindness from him However it is more desirable that every one would totally forbear in such Matters XXIV Such as will have their Banes published by the Parish-Priests may do it because it is a thing meerly Civil XXV As for such who waiting upon their Masters enter with them into the Popish Churches though they do not in the least bend their Knee yet because the Weak are scandalized they shall be reproved And whereas they do commonly alledge the Examples of Naaman and the Duke of Saxony they shall be born withal when they give as publick Testimony and Evidence not to defile themselves with or consent unto that Idolatry which is committed in those Temples whereinto they enter as the Duke and Naaman did The End of the First Synod May 28th 1559. Thus Subscribed in the Original By Francis Morell Moderator Elect for and in the Name of all the Deputies unto this Synod THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE II. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At POICTIERS in the Year of our LORD 1560. Contents of the Synod of Poictiers Chap. I. Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. A Memorial for the States of France Chap. III. Observations upon and Emendations of the Church-Discipline in Nine Articles Chap. IV. Sixteen new Canons added to the Discipline Chap. V. General Matters Chap. VI. Particular Matters in which Two and Thirty Cases of Conscience are Resolved THE Synod of Poictiers 1560. Synod II. SYNOD II. General Matters Articles of the Second Synod held at Poictiers the tenth Day of March in the Year of our Lord One thousand five hundred and sixty The first Year of Charles the Ninth a little before Easter and in the first Year of the Reign of Charles the Ninth CHAP. I. Monsieur Le Bailleur Moderator Monsieur Reland Scribe LE Bailleur chosen President Roland Scribe CHAP. II. A Memorial to be presented unto the States of FRANCE MEMORANDUM Extract out of the C. of the Fr. Ch. of L. WHenas the States of France shall be assembled at the Day appointed there shall be this propounded unto the King's Majesty to the Queen Mother and to the Princes of the Bloud That they cannot be in a Capacity to satisfie the Requests tendered by the King of Navar at Orleance till such time as there be a lawful Counsel established for his Majesty Because there will otherwise be no Security for the performance of any Contracts and Ordinances that may pass between the King and his Subjects or between the Subjects themselves as hath been at all times done and by those of the last Assembly who declared That none could be his Majesty's Privy-Counsellors nor in his Council of State for any of his Affairs unless they had been appointed and approved according to Law For the Powers of those in being expired at the Death of the late King so that they are now only in the nature of a Committee nor can they be reckoned among those Counsellors whose Commission is irrevocable as is theirs who are Counsellors in Soveraign Courts and such like invested with ordinary Jurisdiction And at present his Majesty hath no Will in Law being a Minor nor hath his Majesty constituted them of his Council nor hath the Queen Mother any Power to make them such Wherefore none other but the States of the Kingdom can nominate unto the Princes of the Bloud those Persons whom they judge sit to be Counsellors of State nor do the said States hereby in the least design or intend to revoke the Power and Authority of their Highnesses the Princes of the Bloud but only they desire this That they would be pleased to take their Advice in providing fit and worthy Persons Persons of Quality and Honour to take upon them as Privy-Counsellors the Management of the Affairs of this Kingdom who shall be recommended to them and chosen from among the Nobility and Lawyers Nor do the said Estates intend to propose or answer any thing till such time as the said Council be thus constituted by the Wisdom of their Highnesses the Princes of the Bloud and be confirmed according to Law And they do protest That if any thing be attempted or ordained by any others that they will Appeal from them unto the next Assembly of the States which shall be lawfully called of the Nullity of their Powers and Actings And farther they do require That the Lord High Chancellor L'Hospital do forbear acting in his Office as Chancellor because he hath not been nominated and recommended by the Estates nor thereupon chosen and appointed by their Highnesses the Princes of the Bloud CHAP. III. Observations Corrections and Additions to the Church-Discipline couched and comprised in the Acts of the first National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Paris May 25th 1659. ARTICLE I. WHereas the Third Article of our Church-Discipline began with these words Every Minister shall come accompanied unto the Synods Provincial or National with one Elder or Deacon of their Churches or more and they shall all have their Votes in those Synods There shall be this added as is now decreed That Ministers who come unto the National Synod may bring with them one or two Elders or Deacons but not more chosen by their Consistory who shall have their Votes in the said Synod And the Elders and Deacons or others of that Church where the Assembly shall be held may be present at the Debates and in their order they may give in their Opinions and Arguments upon the Question debated but two of them only
Chap. V. Of Vagrants Debauched Persons and Councils Chap. VI. Of Imposition of Hands Sureties in Baptism c. Chap. VII Vniformity in Common Prayers No Marriages without Certificates Loane of Ministers Synods and Colloquies Chap. VIII An Abjuration made by a Socinian Chap. IX Secret Promises of Marriage and several Cases of Conscience about Absolution Churches Ingratitude Age of Communicants of Marrying the Sister of a deceased Spouse Accounts of the Poors Money Divorces Chap. X. Method in Calling of National Synods Chap. XI General Advertisements unto the Churches about Printers Elders Books Schollars Lord's Supper Ministers in Noble Mens Houses Censures on Lords Censure upon a certain Book The Second Synod of PARIS 1565. Synod V. SYNOD V. Articles Decreed in the National Synod held the second time at Paris the twenty fifth of December 1565 and in the fifth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Ninth CHAP. I. NIcholas de Galars Minister of the Church of Orleance being chosen President and Lewis Capel Minister of Meaux and Peter Le Clere Elder of the Church of Paris Scribes after the Invocation of the Name of GOD. CHAP. II. An Explication of the Canons of the CHVRCH-Discipline and an Addition of several others General MATTERS I. FOrasmuch as the Church of God ought to be governed by a good and holy Discipline and that no other may be introduced but what is grounded upon the Word of God the Ministers and Elders deputed from the Provinces of this Kingdom to confer about Ecclesiastical Affairs and met together in the Name of the Lord after diligent Perusal of the Book and other Writings of M. J. Morelly concerning the Polity and Discipline of the Church and sufficient Conferences had with him from the Holy Scriptures about it do by this present Act condem his said Books and Writings as containing evil and dangerous Opinions subverting that Discipline which is conformable unto the Word of God and at this day received in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and whereas delivering up the Government of the Church unto the People he would bring in a new tumultuary Conduct and full of Confusions upon it from whence would follow many great and dangerous Inconveniencies which have been remonstrated unto him and he once and again admonished to abandon these Matters which yet he will not do but persists in his Assertions saying That he is perswaded those his Opinions are built upon God's Holy Word We having divers times exhorted him to approve and consent unto that Order which is received and conserved in these our Churches as appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles and proved to him from their Sacred Writings because we hope that the Lord will be gracious to him and also because he does not differ from the Church in any of the fundamental principal Articles of our Faith the Brethren of this Assembly supporting him with Christian Charity are of Opinion that he be received to the Peace and Communion of the Church provided that as he hath formerly promised by Writing and now again protested to ratifie and sign with his own Hand this his Promise so that for time to come he do carry himself peaceably and subject himself to the Order and Discipline established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom without ever any manner of ways publishing those his said Opinions neither by Word of Mouth nor Writing contrary to the said Discipline or to a Treatise in confirmation of it which may shortly be printed provided also that according to his former Promises and at the request of the Lords of the City and Church of Geneva to whom he hath not yet given sufficient Satisfaction though he is bound in Duty to reconcile himself unto them which is evident from his own Letters that he do once more by new Letters of his own Writing confess and acknowledge to have offended them and do beg their Pardon because that being an Inhabitant of their said City he did contrary to the Orders of the Seignory print and publish his said Book without having first demanded and obtained their License and being called both by them and the Consistory of that Church to give an account of that his Contempt he did not appear at the day assigned him These conditions being performed by him and the Consistory of that Church whereunto he shall joyn himself must take knowledge whether he hath fulfilled them or no and they accordingly may receive him as a Member of the Church and admit him into Communion with them or else proceed against him by Ecclesiastical Censures CHAP. III. The manner of Proceeding in Ecclesiastical Censures II. FOrasmuch as Sins committed in the Church ought to be corrected by the Word of God and according to the Rule of Charity and all Sins are not alike grievous and scandalous some being more enormous others of a lesser nature some secret and others publick we must therefore according to their quality and aggravations accommodate the Censure and Reprehension so then secret Sins whereof the Sinner by means of Brotherly Admonitions shall be brought unto Repentance and hath reformed them shall not be brought into the Consistory but those only which these first means cannot reform nor amend or Sins publickly known the cognisance of which belongs unto the said Consistory who must proceed to the Reformation of them by proper and convenient Censures considering these sins with all their circumstances that so according as the case requireth they may apply either a severe and rigorous Reprehension or a more moderate one in the Spirit of Meekness as may be most expedient to bring the Sinner to Repentance who to this end shall by the Authority of the Consistory be for some time deprived of the Lord's Supper if it be needful that so he may be humbled Excommunication must not be used but in extream necessity or finally excommunicated and totally cut off from the Body of the Church according to that Order hereafter declared if so be he shew himself rebellious to the Holy Admonitions and Censures inflicted on him and continue obstinate and impenitent But inasmuch as this is the last and most rigorous of all Remedies it shall never be used but in case of extremity when all fair and gentle Means have proved ineffectual And whereas even unto this day in divers places this distinction between this last Excommunication and temporary Suspension or simple Privation of the Lord's Supper hath not been observed as it ought that both the one and the other may be duely used the Ministers and Elders interpreting these words of Excommunication and Suspension from the Lord's Table The words Excommunication and Suspension explained No Minister of his private Authority can deprive a Man of the Lord s Supper do give it as their Opinion That no Person should be deprived or suspended the Lord's Table by the single Authority of the Pastors or of any other but only by the Consistory which shall prudently consider
transmitted Difficulties shall be maturely examined and the Arguments on both sides urged being fair and carefully written down shall be sent unto the National Synod And forasmuch as our present Circumstances will not admit any great Number of Ministers and Elders in this National Synod we are of Opinion that for this time only and during these Difficulties that the Brethren assembled in each Provincial Synod should choose from among them one or two Ministers and as many Elders of the ablest and most expert in Church-Affairs to be sent in the Name of the whole Province who shall come furnished with good Memorials and premeditated Thoughts upon those Difficulties which had been communicated to them The Provinces shall not prescribe any set time or term unto these their Deputies for returning but shall let them tarry in the said Synod as long as there may be need of them and the Charges of the said Deputies shall be defrayed by their respective Provinces And that the National Synod may be no more imployed in Matters already decided by former Synods the Provinces shall be advised to read over carefully the Acts of the past Synods before they prepare their Memorials and to send nothing but what is general â—nâ— of common concern to all the Churches or else that which merits the Resolution of the said National Synod And the Churches of Poictiers which is charged with the calling of the next National Synod shall be informed of all this that they may intend their Duty CHAP. XI General Advertisements unto the Churches XXIV THE Printers in every Province shall be advised That whereas at the end of Psalm-Books and Catechisms they do add the Confession of Faith of our French Churches that they do especially this which begins with these words We believe and confess that there is but One GOD c. and which hath an Epistle prâ—fixed to it dedicated to the King and not that other Confession which begins thus Forasmuch as the Foundation of Faith c. not but that both are conformable in Doctrine And hereof also Notice shall be given to the Printers of Geneva Elders not to be displac'd without great cause XXV Although the Elders Office as now used by us be not perpetual as is exprest in the 35th Article of the Discipline nevertheless the Churches shall be admonished not to discharge their Elders but for great Causes whereof the Consistories shall take Cognizance that so the Church may be be conducted after the bed manner by Persons well verst in her Government XXVI Ministers in places appointed by the King and in all others are advised not to receive the Members of any other Churches unto the Lord's Supper without a sufficient Attestation produced by them under the hand of their Pastors or Elders if it may be had No Books must be written ridiculously but Modesty is to be observed in them XXVII Ministers and others whom God hath endowed with Gifts and Abilities to write in Defence of the Truth are requested not to publish their Thoughts in a ridiculous or injurious manner but to keep to that Modesty and Gravity which becomes the Majesty of God's Word and to observe that self-same Modesty and Majesty in their Sermons and in their ordinary Stile to use the Language of God's Spirit in the Holy Scripture Schollars to be maintained by the Churches in the Universities XXVIII Because there is every-where a visible decay and a great want of Ministers and that some provision may be made for a Succession the Churches shall be admonished by our Brethren the Provincial Deputies that such as are rich would maintain some hopeful Schollars at the Universities who being educated in the Liberal Arts and Sciences and other good Learning may be fitted for and employed in the Sacred Ministry XXIX Altho' in our Churches for the most part the Lord's Supper is administred only sour times a Year yet the more frequent Celebration of it is very desirable due Reverence in approaching to it being always observed because it 's most beneficial for God's Children to be exercised and grow in Faith which is done by the frequent usage of the Sacraments as also because this was the Practice of the Primitive Church Nâ—â—â—e mâ—n may not carry with them in their Journeys the Ministers of the Churches leaving them â—â—â—upplied XXX Ministers being given to the Service of the Church and not to the Persons and Palaces of Great Lords altho' their Families may equallize in Numbers some Churches yet their Lordships shall be desired not to carry away with them in their Removals or Travels abroad with their Families the Churches Ministers least thereby they be left unprovided XXXI Lords and Gentlemen shall be censured according to the Discipline of our Churches if after frequent Admonitions they entertain in their Houses scandalous and incorrigible Persons especially if they suffer Priests to sing Mass or by Dogmatizing to debauch their Domesticks or if having cashiered them they shall again receive them into their Service XXXII The Churches shall be admonished to beware of a Book written by Mr. Charles Du Moulin Entituled Vnio quatuor Evangelistarum because in it there be divers Errors as about Limbus Free-will and the Sin against the Holy Ghost and the Lord's Supper and in particular about the Calling of Ministers and Church-Discipline which he treats with scorn and would totally subvert The Faithful also are warned not to assist at any of his Sermons or Sacraments it being against the Discipline of our Church Modesty to be kept in Attire See the Synod of St. Foy General Matters Art 2. The Faithful must use Charity towards their Brethren or Sisters that have forsook their Monastries XXXIII Ministers shall exhort their People to be modest in their Habits and that they themselves do in this and all other Matters give them the best Example forbearing all Gaudery in their own Persons and in their Wives and Children XXXIV They whose Brethren and Sisters have quitted their Monastery that they might serve God in freedom of Conscience shall be exhorted to admit them unto a part of their Estate at least they shall be compelled by all Censures to afford them Maintenance and a competent Pension according to their ability For they would otherwise shew themselves void of Natural Affection The End of the Second National Synod of Paris THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE VI. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE Held in the Town of VERTVEIL and Province of AVGOVLMOIS the First Day of September 1567. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Moderator Alterations and Annotations upon the Church-Discipline Chap. II. Marriage of Excommunicated Persons and Infidels Provincial Synods Reading of the Holy Scriptures Bread in the Lord's Supper to be taken by them who can't the Cup Church-Government Loan of Ministers Pastors deserting their Churches Rejection of Church-Officers Chap. III. A Case of Conscience about a Deaf and Dumb Man's
may then be published as if there had been no Impediment at all That so all Frauds which might otherwise be committed in this Matter may be prevented and avoided Article IV. Let no Stranger coming from a Foreign Land be admitted unto Marriage unless he bring with him good and vallid Certificates or undoubted Letters of Credit or that he have a Testimony from Godly Persons here upon the Place who will attest for him that he hath not a Wife elsewhere The Fifth DECREE THE next Query is about Bonds of Marriage and their Dependencies ANSWER Article I. Let the Banes be published on three several Sundays in the the Church before that the Marriage be Solemnized and let the first Syndick give it under his hand that he knoweth both the Parties so that immediately after the third Publication the Marriage may be then celebrated If one of the Parties belong to another Parish let him bring his Certificate from that Parish with him Article II. Let not the betrothed Persons cohabit together as Man and Wife till such time as they be solemnly married in the Church in that manner which is constantly practiced among Christians If any shall have done otherwise let them be imprisoned for three days and fed only with Bread and Water and be called into the Consistory and convinced of their Sin that they may be ashamed and humbled before God The Sixth DECREE THE next Query is about the Celebration of Marriage ANSWER Article I. Let the Parties to be married come upon their Wedding-day modestly unto the Church without Drums or Minstrels demeaning themselves orderly and gravely as becometh Christians and let them come before the Bell hath done Tolling that so the Marriage may be solemnly blessed before Sermon And if they be negligent and should come too late let them be turned away unmarried Article II. Let it be lawful to celebrate Marriages on any day yea upon any working-Working-day which shall seem good unto the Parties themselves provided there be a Sermon or upon the lord's-Lord's-day by Nine in the Morning or on any other day of the Week at the same hour when as the Word of God is Preached excepting only that day when the Lord's Supper shall be Administred that so there may be no distraction in the Worship of God and that all may be the better prepared for Communion with Christ at his holy Table The Seventh DECREE About the Man's dwelling with his Wife ARTICLE LET the Man and his Wife cohabit together in one and the same House having all things in common between them And if either of them separate from the other to live apart let them be called into the Consistory and convinced of their Sin and in case of differences betwixt them let them be made up and return home reconciled each with the other The Eighth DECREE IT is Queried What are the Degrees of Consanguinity which hinder Marriage ANSWER Article I. No Marriage may be contracted in the direct Line between the Father and his Daughter or the Mother and her Son and so consequentially between none other of their Descendants because this is destructive of natural Modesty and Piety and is expresly forbidden by the Law of God and the Civil Laws Article II. In like manner no Uncle can marry his Neice or Grand-niece nor the Aunt her Nephews or Grand-nephews because an Uncle represents a Father and an Aunt the Mother Article III. Nor may a Brother marry his Sister either of the whole or half Blood As for those other Degrees tho they be not forbidden neither by the Law of God nor by the Civil Law of the Romans yet nevertheless because such Marriages have not for many years been practiced and that we may shun all Scandals and that ignorant Persons may not blaspheme God and his Word Let not Cousin Germans contract Marriage together till that time hâ—th gotten a better Opinion of such Marriages among us As for Intermarriages in other degrees let them not be hindered The Ninth DECREE IT is Queried What are those Degrees of Affinity which hinder Marriage ANSWER Article I. Let no Father marry his Son's Widow nor let any Woman marry her deceased Daughter's Husband so consequently in those degrees which descends in a direct Line Article II. Let no Man marry his Wife's Daughter nor her Grand-child nor any in this Line downward Article III. Let not the Woman marry her Husband's Son nor Grand-son nor any in this Line downward Article IV. In like manner let none marry the Widow of his Nephew or of his great Nephew Article V. Let no Man marry his Brother's Widow nor any Woman him who was her Sister's Husband Article VI. A Man having committed Adultery with his Neighbour's Wife if it be afterward discovered he shall not marry the Adulteress because of the Scandals and Dangers that will ensue upon such a Marriage The Tenth DECREE THE next Query is about the Discords Variance and Contentions between married Persons ANSWER Article I. In case a Man doth not live peaceably with his Wife but that there be Strifes and Quarrels betwixt them let them be called into the Consistory and be admonished to live in Godly Concord and Union and Love together and let each of them be reproved for their Faults according as the Exigency of their case shall require Article II. If a Man shall evil intreat his Wife abusing beating and tormenting her or if he threaten outragious Mischief to her and it be known that he is a very disorderly and cholerick Fellow he shall be turned over to the Council who are humbly intreated by their Authority expresly to require him not to beat his Wife and that under some certain Penalty The Eleventh DECREE IT is Queried For what Causes may and ought a Marriage to be declared null ANSWER Article I. In case a Woman should complain that her Husband is bewitcht and naturally impotent for any Congress with his Wife and this shall by Confession or Visitation be found true let the Marriage be then declared null and the Woman also set at liberty from her Husband and the Man strictly forbidden not to abuse any other Woman in this manner Article II. If a Man should make the same Complaint of his Wife that he cannot have carnal Knowledge of her because of some defect in her Body and that she will not suffer it to be remedied and the Truth hereof being well known let the Marriage be declared null The Twelfth DECREE IT is Queried For what Causes may and ought a Marriage to be dissolved ANSWER Article I. In case a Man accuse his Wife of Adultery and prove it by Witnesses and clear Evidence and demand hereupon to be separated from her let him be divorced and also have leave to marry again with whom he best pleaseth Yet may he be exhorted to forgive his said Wife but he may not be urged importunately nor compelled against his will to keep her Article II. Altho in ancient times the Wifes priviledge was
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
Orange shall be joyned to the Province of Dolphiny XXXI This Clause shall be added to the end of the 8th Article of Marriages After which time the Marriage shall be publickly blessed in the Church according to the Word of God CHAP. VI. General MATTERS I. THis Case was moved about the Elders viz. Whether they ought to be presented to the whole Church and in the face of the Assembly to receive their Charge and the Church itself to be reminded of its Duty to them or that they should be presented to the Consistory only The Synod judging it a matter meerly indifferent leaveth the Churches to their liberty herein II. Hath not a Colloquy the same Right to redemand a Minister as his Church It was answered in the Negative for the Colloquy hath not the Churches Right in its Power as was determined by the last National Synod III. A Query was made about Marriages Whether Doctors and Professors of Divinity were not bound by the 18th Canon of our Discipline to put away their Wives if guilty of Adultery or else to be deprived of their Professorship in our Schools and Churches Unto which there was this Answer returned That that Canon did purely relate unto Pastors not unto Professors nor is there a parity of reason for the one as for the other Ministers being Publick Officers in the whole Church are to be exemplary in their Persons and Families for holiness and therefore must not receive again an Adulterous Wife into their Bosoms which would be a Scandal to the Church Moreover Professors of Divinity are not to correct and reprove as Pastors are so that they may if they please pass by the wickedness of their Wives and notwithstanding their Adultery enjoy their Professor's place among us and not be deposed from it IV. This Advice was given to the Deputy of Poictou That such as revolted in the times of War from the Profession of the Gospel in case they bore no Office in the Church shall not make any publick reparation nor shall the Civil Magistrates but only in the Consistory and that too without mentioning them by Name nor shall they stand up But as for others who were publick Church-Officers they shall give publick satisfaction and repair the Scandal given by their Fall in a publick manner before the whole Church and then without any farther severity and with all possible sweetness shall be re-admitted to the Peace and Fellowship of the Church V. Is it necessary that the Confession of Faith should be read before Sermon and upon sacrament-Sacrament-days before we go up unto the Lord's Table We answer The thing is meerly indifferent and therefore no Canon shall be made about it but the Church shall be left unto its liberty VI. The word Senate of the Church shall be changed into that of Consistory VII In case the Children of Believers will contract Marriage with Unbelievers against their Parents will their Parents shall not at all consent unto such Marriages nor by publick Instrument assign them any Dowry nor any other way or manner approve of such a Marriage VIII This Case was propounded After Promises of Marriage had passed reciprocally by words de proesenti one of the betrothed Persons falleth sick of the Leprosie and contracts a most loathsome stinking savour and a Disease utterly incurable may these Espousals be broken and dissolved Unto which there was this Answer returned That in case one of these betrothed Persons had not been informed of the said Sickness when the Promises were made she may not be compelled to accomplish them for there being Errour and Deceit in the Case there can be no Consent so that she may be set at liberty And in this business we must have a double respect 1. To the Publick and then 2. To the Interest of that private Person As to the Publick Special Care must be taken that incurable Vices and Diseases be not multiplied and that their Contagiousness be not propagated nor run in the Blood And if there were no particular private Interest in the Case yet before that this Marriage be consummated it s against all Prudence and Godliness to suffer Persons who have begun ill to be conjoyned together and that they should all their Life after live in a perpetual hatred and abhorrency of each other because of the said loathsome Stench and Distemper IX A Man hath abused his deceased Wife's Sister and got her with Child may he now marry her No for this commixture is incestuous nor may she become his Wife and both of them are to be censured most severely Yet he may marry another X. If a Man hath married a Wife out of his own Church and there be no Evidence of the Marriage he shall be called into the Consistory and prove his Marriage and in case he cannot do it because it was done during the Civil Wars the Consistory shall advise prudently how to censure him whether publickly or only privately within the Consistory for the Churches edification XI May Doctors of Divinity be created and admitted unto their Dignity and Office by Doctors of Law assisted with a Minister of God's Word in the University of Orange or elsewhere It 's answered That Lawyers and Physitians may be thus admitted but not Divines for our Discipline hath expresly provided against such an abuse as this is XII How may Consistories demean themselves about Banes of Marriage whenas those of the Romish Religion do make opposition and will not appear before the Consistory but before the Civil Magistrate We answer That if the Civil Magistrate will take Cognisance of the Fact the Consistory shall not proceed any farther least the Magistrate should thence take occasion of Offence and complain of the Consistory for intermedling with his business and intrenching upon his Authority And this will be direction enough as to that particular Case of Monsieur Cyprian XIII If any of our Brethren in the Ministry have lying by them any Relations of memorable Events relating to the History and State of God's Church in these times they be desired to send them to the Pastors of the Church of Lions who will model them into good order and publish them to the World XIV A Father having his Son murdered compounds with the Murderer for a Sum of Money what course is to be taken with this Father We answer That the Father is bound to prosecute the Murderer in a Court of Justice and to file a Bill of Indictment against him But in case he cannot do it and it so fall out that he and the Murderer do agree the Matter between themselves to his own private advantage he shall only be admonished by the Consistory and that prudently too according as they find Circumstances XV. May those Commanders Places and Dignities of Knighthood in the Orders of St. John of Jerusalem be counted among Benefices and whether these Knights may be kept off from the Lord's Supper We answer That if they hold their Benefices and Commanderships
shall be written unto die Provincial Synod of the Isle of France that they summon these aforesaid Gentlemen before the Colloquy of Beauvoisin and remonstrate to them their Offences but to deal gently and sweetly with them And in case upon their appearance they should reject their Admonitions they shall be proceeded against as Rebels and Schismaticks according to the Canons of our Discipline Art XIII As to the business of Cozin's before-mentioned Monsieur de Saule shall be intreated by the Assembly to answer our English Brethren and to send them Cozin's Book and the Remarks which have been made upon it Art XIV Monsieu de Beze is ordered to answer in the Name of this Synod the Letters of our Brethren of Zurich and to acquaint them with our Synodical Decrees Art XV. The Province of Berry is charged to call the next National Synod two Years hence or before in case of necessity CHAP. VIII The Vagrants styling themselves Ministers but deposed 1. BEauguyot 2. Arbaud 3. John Garambois alias Baremboin 4. Denis Lambert 5. Simon Savin or Savineau calling himself Monsieur De la Marchâ— 6. Monsieur Peter Granade going also by other Names as Sacalay Mercure Salcadry or Secudry All these before-mentioned Articles were Decreed and Verified in the National Synod of the Deputies from all the Provinces of this Kingdom at Nismes May 8. 1572. Signed in the Original John de la Place Moderator THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE IX National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At St. Foy the Great in the Province of Perigord the 2d Day of February and ended the 14th day of the same Month in the Year of our Lord 1578. being the 4th Year of the Reign of Henry the Third King of France and of Poland THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Synodical Officers chosen The Duke of Bouillon sits in it representing the King of Navarre Chap. II. General Matters Care of the Religions Education of the Youth Of Catechising Publicly Pennance No Church-Officers who have Popish Wives Of Attestations Chap. III. An Act for a National Fast About Common-Prayers Ministers Expences to Synods and Colloquies Of God-mothers Chap. IV. Several Cases of Conscience as about Marrying the Aunt of a dead Wife and a very strange Case about Marriage Holding the Temporalities of Benefices Fashions and Habits Ministers way not together with their Ministery Practice Physick c. Chap. V. An Act for calling the next National Synod Canon about Beneficed Persons Chap. VI. A Commission given to several Divines to assist at a Treaty of Vnion between all the Reformed Churches in Europe Chap. VII The Prince of Conde brings the first Appeal unto the National Synods Chap. VIII Discipline exercised upon a scandalous Minister Ap. 5.8.9 Censure upon an ungrateful Church-Ap 10. Fregeville censured Chap. IX A Roll of Ministers provided for and disposed unto Vacant Churches Remarks upon Monsieur Merlin the Moderator THE Synod of St. Foy 1578 Synod IX SYNOD IX Of the Ninth National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at St. Foy the Great in Perigord on the 21st day of February and ended the 14th day of the same Month in the Year of our Lord 1578. being the 4th Year of the Reign of Henry the Third King of France and of Poland CHAP. I. Art I. AFter Prayers made by the Pastor of that Church Master Peter Merlin Minister of the Word of God and Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of the Right Honourable Guy Earl of Laval was by general Suffrages chosen Moderator and Mr. Francois Oyseau Minister of the Church of Nantes and Mr. William de la Jaille Minister of the Church of Saujon were chosen Scribes of the Synod Art II. There was present and voted in it the most Noble and Illustrious Lord Henry de la Tour afterward Duke of Bouillon and Mareschal of France Viscount of Turenne Earl of Montfort Baron of Mountague c. representing as Lieutenant-General His Majesty the King of Navarre in the Province of Guyenne Art III. There fate also in this Synod the Judges Magistrates and Consuls of the said City of St. Foy CHAP. II. General MATTERS I. NO Province shall claim any Primacy or Preheminence over another II. The Deputies of every Province are charged to adâ—ise and press their respective Provinces to look carefully to the Education of their Youth and to see to it that Schools of Learning be erected and Scholastick Exercises as Propositions and Declamations be performed that so their Youth may be trained up and prepared for the Service of God and of his Church in the holy Ministery III. Synods and Colloquies shall proceed against ungrateful Persons to their Ministers by all consures according to the 27th Article of our Discipline under the Title of Ministers IV. Colloquies and Synods shall use their best and utmost diligence that the Tenth Article in the Chapter of Ministers be most punctually observed concerning Forsakers of their Ministery who upon slight and trivial Grounds do abandon it and their Churches For the Widows and Orphans of Ministers see the Synod of Vertueil General Matters 22. V. The Provincial Synods shall keep a Memorial of the Widows and Children of deceased Ministers especially of those who died in their Churches Service that so they may be relieved and maintenance may be given them out of the common Stock of the Churches in their respective Provinces according as their necessities shall require VI. The Synod of Upper Languedoc shall ordain two or three of their Assembly and such as they esteem best fitting for that Service to answer the publick Writings of our Adversaries and in their Replies and Refutations they shall deport themselves according to the Canons of our Discipline in that case provided with all Gravity Piety Civility and Moderation Concerning publick and private Catechisings VII Churches shall be admonished more frequently to practice Catechisings and Ministers shall Catechise by short plain and familiar Questions and Answers accommodating themselves to the Weakness and Capacity of their People without Enlargements or handling of common Places And such Churches as have not used this Ordinance of Catechising are hereby exhorted to take it up Yea and all Ministers shall be obliged to Catechise their several Flocks at least once or twice a Year and shall exhort their Youth to submit themselves unto it conscientiously And as for their Method in preaching and handling the Scriptures the said Ministers shall be exhorted not to dwell long upon a Text but to expound and treat of as many in their Ministery as they can fleeing all Ostentation and long Digressions and heaping up of parallel Places and Quotations nor ought they to propound divers Sences and Expositions nor to alledge unless very rarely and prudently any passages of the Fathers nor shall they cite prophane Authors and Stories that so the Scriptures may be left in their full and sovereign Authority In publick Penance the
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
to several Goldsmiths in the City of Sedan for which the Civil Magistrate inflicted corporal Punishment upon him in the said City all which he could not but acknowledge and confess to be true before this Assembly For these Causes the said Bonniot or Bouquier is deposed from the Sacred Ministery as a Person uncapable and utterly unworthy of it and shall be continued on the Roll of Vagrants and shall do publick Penance in the said Church of San Bouchard However because of his deep Poverty and great and numerous Family of Children we do License him to keep School and to instruct Youth but with this Proviso that the Ministers of the Places where he shall live do watch over him and his Deportments with a very strict and careful Eye VI. An Appeal was brought by Monsieur De la Jaille and the Church of Saujon who complained of the Wrongs done them by the Provincial Synod of Xaintonge held at Saujon which had adjudged him Pastor unto the said Church of Saujon without obliging it to defray his Expences in coming to it This Assembly ordereth that the Colloquy or Synod of that Province shall censure the said Church and Monsieur Royan the Minister for their pragmatical intermeddling in a Business not appertaining to them VII Monsieur Boucquet shall write unto the Colloquy of Aunix that Monsieur Baron may be returned unto the Church of La Guerche in the Province of Anjon there to exercise his Ministery in Obedience to the Call given him VIII The Synod of the Isle of France shall make an exact Enquiry into the Life Writings and Conversation of Monsieur Gibbon sometime Minister of Deippe that Judgment may pass upon him accordingly IX Forasmuch as Mr. Bernard Giraud hath been divers times recalled by his Church of Marceoill in Poictou and by the Synod of Poictou he shall be censured for his disobedience to this Summons and also for that he quitted his Church at first and this according to the Canons of our Discipline And the Colloquy of Annix shall in like manner be censured for admitting him among them without any testimonial Letters of Dismission For which cause this Assembly will remove the said Giraud elsewhere X. This Assembly will take special care of Monsieur Christian for his Subsistance But in the mean while the Church of Poictiers shall be severely censured for their default of Duty baseness and ingratitude to this Reverend Man of God who was one of their first and most ancient Pastors and who laid the very Foundations of their flourshing Church And the said Church shall be summon'd to the next Synod and injoyned to give him full Contentment and Satisfaction and to pay him all Arrerages owing to him for time past and to relieve him now in his old Age. XI The Province of Anjou shall be obliged to provide for the Safety of Monsieur Daniel a Minister of the Gospel who was formerly sent unto them and is now remanded back unto them by this present Assembly and that Church which shall call him unto their Service shall reimburse him those Expences he was at during the last Persecution XII Monsieur Daniel shall exercise his Ministery in the House and Court of his Excellency the Prince of Conde but only for some Months in the Year which being expired he may be redemanded by his own Church and Province And the Church of Bergerac shall likewise lend Monsieur de Borda their Minister unto the said Prince for four Months more of the same Year And this shall hold till such time as some other course be taken And Monsieur Martin shall be the ordinary Minister of his Excellency's House and Family XIII Monsieur de Malescot who was the first Minister of the Church of Montagu in the County of Perche shall be summoned by the Province of Poictou unto which he doth belong to return unto the said Province according to the Canons of our Discipline however without any prejudice unto the said Church of Montagu and the said Province of Poictou is ordered to receive those Informations of the Province of the Isle of France concerning the Deportments of the said Malescot his Writing and his Way and Manner of Preaching XIV The Brethren of the French Church of London in the Kingdom of England sent Letters unto this Assembly petitioning that Messieurs de Villiers Minister of the Church of Rouan and de la Fontayne Ministers of the Church of Orleans might be given to them for their Pastors Their Request was granted and these worthy Ministers of the Gospel were lent unto the said Church till such time as their own dissipated Flocks might be recollected and then they should return and be restored unto their former Churches respectively XV. On sight and perusal of the Writings of Mr. Anthony Fregeville of the Town Realmont this Assembly judgeth them utterly unworthy of any Answer because they are stufft with Errors Lyes and Calumnies and farther the Sentence past upon him by the Provincial Synod was ratified and whereas he was only suspended from the Lord's Table it is now ordered that his said Suspension shall be publickly notified unto the whole Church And in case he continue to sow and spread abroad his Errors and Follies either by Word or Writing he shall be cut off from the Body of the Church by the Sword of Excommunication as a notorious Disturber of the Repose and Union of the Church XVI Monsieur Giraud is sent unto the Town of Mas in Agenois to exercise his Ministery in the Church of Calonges which is now annexed to that of Mas according to the Letters and Request of my Lady of Calonges and of the said Church of Mas in Agenois CHAP. IX The Roll of MINISTERS provided for and disposed by this present SYNOD I. MOnsieur Christian is sent unto the Town of Sancerre in the Viscounty of Turenne 2. Monsieur Quesnel unto Lectoure 3. Monsieur Chaffepied to St Foy yet his Church may recall him at the Years end 4. Monsieur de la Valle at Abbeville in Agenois 5. Monsieur Giraud to the Town of Mas in Agenois 6. Monsieur Du Puy to Le Laigne and Bas de Fon with their Annexes 7. Monsieur Anisse to St. Aulaye ¶ This present National Synod was finished the fourteenth Day of February in the Year of our Lord 1578. Thus Signed in the Original Peter Merlin Moderator Francis L'Oyseau Scribe William de la Jaille Scribe Mr. Merlin the Moderator of this Synod was Minister in the Family of that famous Nobleman the Lord De Coligni High Admiral of France who miraculously escaped with his Life in that horrible Massacre at Paris on St. Bartholomew's Day 1572. He leapt out of a Window and hid himself in an Haylofft where an Hen came and lay an Egg by him three days successively with which he was sustained till the Lord opened a Door for him to get out of this bloody City He was afterward Minister of the Church of Vitre He
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
thus In every Church their shall be Memoirs conserved of The Form of Prayer ordinarily used at Baptism shall not be forborn at the at the Baptism of Infants born in Adultery Fornication or Incest VIII It being demanded Whether the usual Form of Prayer should be recited at the Baptism of Infants born out of Matrimony and in Adultery or Incest because there are in it those words Begotten of Father and Mother whom thou hast called into thy Church This Synod judgeth that there should be no difficulty nor dispute had or made about it because that under the Name of Father and Mother are not only comprised the more immediate and next Parents that begat them but also their Ancestors to a thousand Generations And this also should be considered that tho' the Parents be faulty yet they are not therefore totally excluded God's Covenant IX The 4th Article in the Chapter of Marriages asserting that Promises of Marriage made by words de praesenti are indissolvable Promises of Marriage by Words de praesenti are indissolvable shall not be changed And in case of any Offence taken by one of the Parties thus espoused and that he or she refuse to perform the said Marriage the refuting Person shall be urg'd unto it by Ecclesiastical Censures yea even by Excommunication itself unless the offending and deserting Party have never communicated at the Lord's Table in which case all Admonitions having been given duly in the Consistory his or her obstinacy shall be on three several Lord's Days publickly denounced and signified unto the People And on the fourth they shall be publickly informed that we do repute such a Person by name no Member of our Church And this being done if the deserting Person do still persist in his obstinacy the innocent Party shall be dismissed unto the Magistrate that he may be set at liberty who having obtained it by his Authority he may marry whom he pleaseth provided it be in the Lord and his Marriage shall be publickly blessed and solemnized in the Church And the deserting Party shall not be received into Communion with us nor be suffered to marry any other until we have had by a long space of time a sufficient proof of his Repentance and that he hath given due satisfaction to the Church X. It being queried Whether the Names of Children born out of Marriage should be recorded in our Baptismal Register Bastards may be entred into the Register of Marriage except such as are born in Incest The Answer was Yes that they might be owned except such as are born of incestuous Parents that so the memory of so foul a Crime may be forever buried in the Grave of Oblivion And in this particular case the Mother only shall be named and the Person that presents the Child unto Baptism and whenever illegitimate Births are registred it shall be expresly mentioned that they were born out of Marriage XI A Father tho' suspended from the Lord's Table yea and excommunicated may and ought to be present at the Baptizing of his Child XII No Thieves nor Murderers nor any others guilty of notorious wickedness punishable by the Civil Magistrate shall be received into Church-fellowship with us least the Church should incur blame by it as if it were a Receptacle and Sanctuary of impious Persons XIII What is to be done in this case Whenas a most heinous Crime is committed which deserveth exemplary punishment yea Death itself and it be known unto the Consistory or some one particular Member of it but the Criminal hath not been called before the Consistory nor hath privately demanded their Advice or Counsel shall he to discovered unto the Magistrate or no This Synod is of Opinion That he ought not to be impeached unless before a Magistrate of our Religion and it shall be done by way of Intelligence and not by that of a Delator or Accuser XIV Whereas the greater part of our People do very much offend God by their contempt of Baptism either forsaking the Assembly Baptism to be administred before the last Psalm be sung or carrying themselves exceeding irreverently during the Administration of that holy Sacrament it hath upon mature Advice been judged fitting that for the future Baptism be administred before the singing of the last Psalm or at least before the last Blessing be given and the whole Congregation shall be solemnly admonished to give equal Honour to both the Sacraments the same unto Baptism that they do unto the Lord's Supper Because Jesus Christ is offered with all his Benefits both in the one and other Sacrament XV. Gentlemen and others enjoying Right of Patronage shall not be urged to forsake their just Titles only they shall be admonished that whatever profit accrues unto them thereby that it be employed to pious Uses as for the maintenance of God's holy Service in his Church to help defray the Charges of Colloquies and of the Poor XVI Henceforward that Church in which the National Synod is celebrated shall be obliged so to order their Affairs that their appointed time of celebrating the Lord's Supper may fall in with the closing up of the Synod that so the Deputies may testifie that holy Union between all the Churches of this Nation by their mutual Communion then and at that time and in that Church at the Lord's Table XVII Whether it be lawful to accompany a Popish Bride unto her Church The Deputies of Anjou proposed this Case Whether it were lawful to accompany a Popish Bride unto their Church Advice was hereupon given that this should be done as seldom as possible and provided there were not in that Company any Dissolutions by Minstrels or other Vanities and Disorders which are customary in such Processions See the Synod of Saumur art 4. of Gen. Matters And the same Resolution was given in the Case of accompanying the Corps of deceased Papists at Funerals unto their Graves that it was in no wise lawful to be present at them if there were any kind of Idolatry or Superstition committed in them XVIII The Deputy of higher Languedoc propounded this Case A Godly Woman is married to a Man of the contrary Religion who will have her wear that Apparel which is unbecoming Christian Modesty and in case of Non-compliance with her Husband's Commands there arise Quarrels and great Disserences between them may she be tolerated in the usage of those Habits This Assembly is of Opinion that to avoid the above-mentioned Inconveniencies she may be born withal excepting on those Days when the Lord's Supper is celebrated or she presents a Child to be baptized in which she shall cloath herself modestly and so testifie her Humility and Christian Modesty XIX Our Brother the Deputy of Lower Languedoc presented to us this Case that certain Persons professing the Reformed Religion having been according to the Order of our Discipline censured for their Miscarriages obtained a Prohibition from the Civil Magistrate forbidding all farther Proceedings This
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
that he only accepted of that Call for a time and with this express condition That his Father were contented with it this Assembly doth assign the said Mark Antony unto the Church of Villemure in the Colloquy of Lower Quercy to serve them as their own peculiar Pastor yet on these Terms that he shall assist the said Church of Maruejoles by the space of three Months during which time the Colloquy of Givaudan and the Province of Lower Languedoc shall use their best endeavour to provide another Pastor for the Church of Maruejoles which Church also is ordered to satisfie the said Mark Antony Bennet within six Weeks of his Return all his Arrerages and the whole Stipend of the Quarter now current and in case of failure herein by them the said Bennet is left in full liberty to leave them immediately and to betake himself to the Service of his own Church of Villemure he advising with his Colloquy and they approving it according to the Discipline XVI Divers Provinces having consulted this Assembly what course they should take with those who challenge and with those who accept the Challenge to fight a Duel as also how to deal with the challenged who killing their adverse Party have since obtained His Majesties Pardon or have been afterward legally justified and discharged the Synod made this Decree That every such Person should be suspended the Lord's Table and this their Suspension shall be out of hand published to the Congregation and before ever they be re-admitted to the Churches Peace and Communion they shall undergo Publick Penance for those their Offences XVII The Consuls and Elders in the Church of Montauban petitioned this Assembly that during Monsieur Berault's absence their Church might be supplied for that Year by Monsieur De la Nove Minister of Beaufort in Anjou Answer was given them that according to our Discipline it could not be done 'till such time as both the Church and Province to which he stood related had been first acquainted with it And therefore they should send Letters unto that Church and Province and to the Lady Vaux and to the Lord Du Plessis intreating them because of the great importance of the Church of Montauban that they would be pleased either to grant or at least to lend their Pastor Monsieur De Nove unto the Church of Montauban during Monsieur Beraud's absence And till that the Synod of Anjou have gratified the said Petitioners the Colloquy of Lower Quercy shall take care that the said Church of Montauban be not left destitute without a Pastor but that they do from time to time send able Ministers unto them CHAP. VII The Roll of the Vagrants Deserters and Deposed Ministers 1. THE Vagrants are Isaac and Moyses Bouchars who wander up and down sowing false Doctrines they were of Poitiers the Elder of them is a little dapper Fellow red Face and Beard roaving Eye the younger is much of the same stature but blackish Beard pale and sad and roaving Eyes as his Brother 2. Costa or La Costa of Bearn who preacheth here and there without any Ordination He is a Fellow of low Stature a black Beard a swarthy Countenance a notorious Lyer Impudent and a Thief 3. Commission is given to Master Villette and Master Chalais Deputies of Lower Languedoc to make speedy enquiry about Monsieur Du Croix late Minister of Perigueux who hath forsook his Ministry for the Practice of Physick Vincentius Cordatus being sixty Years of Age a tall lubberly Fellow The DEPOSED 4. In the Province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guyenne Master Bernard Vaissy for preaching false Doctrine 5. Master Gaspar Olaxa a Spaniard for raising Troubles and Seditions in the Church of Castres 6. Master Peter Beaupoil otherwise going by the Name of Dumont or Damont 7. Master James Caza of Normandy Master Gabriel Roul otherwise La Sales De Coucher in Rouargue A Schism having fallen out in the Church of Saint Foy upon the score of the said Roul the Ministers of this Synod who are to meet in the Assembly of St. Foy are impower'd with full Authority from it 1594. Synod XIII to hear and judge fully and finally of that business Because of the Necessities and Dispersions of the Churches on the other side of Loire the Province of Anjou is appointed to call the next National Synod unto the City of Saumur in the Month of May two Years hence And forasmuch as the Province of Lower Languedoc to whom by Order of the last Synod held at Vitré it belonged to convocate this next ensuing Synod hath parted with its Right in favour to and for the benefit of that Province these things considered the next Synod shall be intreated to appoint that the National Synod which shall succeed it may be assembled and held within the Bounds of the Lower Languedoc Given at Montauban the 28th of June in the Year of our Lord 1594. The Original Acts of this Synod are kept in the Archives of the City Rochel and are thus signed Beraud Moderator Gardesy and Scribes of the Synod Rotan Scribes of the Synod The End of the Synod of Montauban THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE XIV National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At Saumur the 15th Day of June in the Year of our Lord 1596. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. Deputies Names An observation past on Monsieur Rotan a Deputy Moderator and Scribes chosen The Lords Supper to be celebrated June 16. Chap. II. Observations and Approbation of the Confession Chap. III. 26. Observations upon the Discipline Provinces to take care of Proposans 4. Colledges and Vniversities to be erected 5. Crimes which may expose Penitents to Publick Infamy or Death not to be confessed by them in their Publick Penance 8. Pastors to be sent alternatively unto Synods 11. Ministers not deputed unto Synods shall have no Votes 13. Gypfies Children may be baptized 15. Baptism must be administred in a Church 16. Two Names unto a Child indifferent 17. Marriage Promises de futuro indissolvable 18. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. General Matters A Caveat against a Scot who would reconcile both Religions 1. Latin Disputations better for Vniversities than Colloquies 3. Church-Members Names to be Registred 11. Ministers may preach on Holy-days 13. Duellers 14. The Vnion betwixt the Churches of France and the Netherlands to be maintained 15. None admitted to the Lord's Table living among the Papists without a Certificate from the Elders 16. The King and Constable's Letters to the Synod 18. Frauds of a Geneva Book-seller 19. A Case about Ministers being Deputies unto Politick Assemblies 20. Whether Contracts of Marriage should be seen before Publication of Banes 21. Idolatry to be abjured before Persons be admitted to Communion with us 22. The Local Magistrates of the Reformed Religion may assist at Colloquies and Synods 23. May a Protestant Judge swear a Papist upon his crucifix 24. Hautyn to print the Bible 25.
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
of Understanding and capable of making good their Promises XVII On the 13th Article of the same Chapter the Deputies of Poictou demanded Whether two Names might be given a Child at Baptism To which it was replied The thing was indifferent however Parents were advised to observe herein Christian simplicity XVIII On the 5th Article of the 13th Chapter it was decreed That in all Espousals the Promises of Marriage shall be made in words de futuro according to His Majesties Ordinance and that of Right they be indissolvable unless some lawful impediment do interpose and thus that Article shall be amended XIX On the 6th and 7th Articles of the same Chapter about degrees of Consanguinity it was demanded Whether in degrees not forbidden of God and for which the King 's Grant may be obtained as is promised us by the secret Articles of the Edict in the third and fourth degree only Pastors may proceed to the Celebration of such Marriages without demanding a view of His Majesties License To which this Synod made answer That they ought to solemnize the said Marriages without any scruple or difficulty provided they met with no opposition at the time of their Celebration XX. On the 12th Article of the same Chapter it was resolved That the said Article should remain See the 2d Synod oâ— Raccel arc 4â— only those words were to be left out of it Because there is a secret affinity between the Parties for that the Husband and Wife are reckoned but one Body XXI From the 13th Article of the same Chapter these words shall be removed Not without cognisance had of the cause and mature deliberation of the Consistory XXII The 22d Article of the same Chapter The Provinces are appointed to come prepared unto the next National Synod that this Case may be then resolved Whether it be not expedient that Widows should abide longer in their Widow-hood before they be admitted unto a Second Marriage XXIII The Twenty third Article of the same Chapter shall remain as it is XXIV The Second Article of the Fourteenth Chapter shall be left as it is and the Additions by the Synod of Montauban shall be observed XXV These words Nevertheless such shall not be condemned and those which follow to the end of that Article shall be cut off from the Twenty third Article and instead of them these shall be inserted And all of them shall be governed by the King's Law and that of Charity XXVI The Twenty fourth Article concerning the Sale of Offices shall be totally razed and removed from the Body of our Discipline The above-mentioned Articles of Discipline having been read and examined by all the Deputies of the respective Provinces were approved and confirmed by unanimous consent CHAP. IV. Of General MATTERS I. THE Deputy of Champagne shall advise the Church of Paris to beware of a certain Scot going by the Name of Ottoman or Homan who would make an Hodge-podge of both Religions II. Monsieur Merlin demanding Whether Mr. Calvin's Catechism hitherto received in our Churches should be still retained Mr. Calvin's Catechism to be retained and expounded publickly in our Churches and publickly expounded It was ordered That there should not be the least alteration in this matter but the Provincial Deputies are appointed to make Report hereof unto their respective Synods that in the next National Assembly it may be more maturely debated and determined III. The Latin Disputations and Propositions desired by certain Provinces are judged more convenient for Colledges and Universities than for Colloquies IV. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc demanded Whether it were lawful to accompany the Papists at their Marriages and Baptism as far as their Church-doors Answer was given them That it could not be done without sin and therefore such as did would be liable unto Censures V. The Article of the National Synod of Montauban concerning the Loan of the Poor's Money shall be razed out VI. These words shall be added As much as may be to the Three and twentieth Article of the said Synod concerning the Union proposed at Mants VII The Nine and twentieth Article of the same Synod shall be incorporated with our Discipline VIII The former part of the Thirtieth Article of the same Synod concerning Presentations by Proctors shall be razed but the last clause thereof shall abide in force IX The One and thirtieth Article of the same Synod shall abide in its full power X. 'T is dismissed over to the next National Synod to consider whether the Scripture-songs lately put in Metre by Monsieur Beza shall be sung in our Churches and the Provinces are requested to study the matter in the interval that so it may be the more solidly debated XI The Article of the same Synod about Registring the Names of Persons newly admitted into Church-fellowship with us shall be observed and as touching the subscribing their own Names this shall be added If it may be done XII That Article about nominating Pastors for the Dispute in case there be one was approved But 1. That the Name of Monsieur Baron be razed out And 2. That instead of Monsieur de Serres that of Monsieur Chamier be inserted according as it was ordered by their Province However 't is left unto the prudence of the Provinces to recommend any other if they shall think fitting XIII The Deputy of Lower Languedoc moved That nothing might be innovated in that Article of the same Synod concerning the Annual Holy-days The Synod orders That in those places where they be compell'd to refrain working on such Festivals that 't is lawful for the Pastors to preach unto their people provided their Consistories content unto it and on such Days whenas the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper comes to be celebrated they shall take such Texts of Scripture to treat on which they believe will best contribute to the edification of their respective Churches XIV That Article concerning Duellers shall be punctually observed and inserted into the Body of our Discipline XV. The Union between the Churches of this Kingdom The Union betwixt our Churches and those of the Low Countries and those of the Netherlands shall be carefully maintained and Monsieur Rotan shall write unto them in the Name of this Synod expressing our earnest desire to conserve this Union by all lawful means And this Assembly appoints the Province of Normandy to receive and answer their Letters and also if it be convenient to send a Deputy unto their National Synod who shall receive his Instructions from those Persons who have assisted at our Ecclesiastical Assemblies XVI The Churches are admonished not to receive any Persons into Communion at the Lord's Table who inhabit those places in which there is no Publick Exercise of the True Religion unless they have Certificates from their Elders XVII The Province of Normandy demanded Advice about that omission in the Form of Marriage it was resolv'd That Notice be given unto the Printers to insert again those words Forasmuch
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
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
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
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
Pastors for the Colloquy of Gex six Churches destitute of Ministers and three Proposans Which 26 Portions do amount in the full and whole unto the sum of 1571 Crowns 47 Livers and 8 Deniers The Twelfth Roll of the Churches Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Provence Provence Churches Ministers Lormarin Mr. de la Planche La Crolle Mr. de Chamforan Merindol Mr. Ricard Cabrieres Mr. de la Crosse Seyne Mr. Chaslier Manosques Mr. Codur Le Lui Mr. Toussaincts There were sixteen Portions granted to the Province of Provence for seven Pastors and two Proposans which made in all 967 Crowns 17 Sous and six Deniers The Thirteenth Roll of the Churches and Pastors and Proposans in the Province of Dolphiny Dolphiny The First Colloquy of Vanduson Churches Ministers Puigilat Mr. Perron Vieaux Mr. Perrot Fenestrelles Mr. Lanselne Jordan Montoules Mr. Guerin Vilaret Mr. Anastase Meaux Mr. Daniel Nonin Les Cardonnes Mr. Joshua Ripert The Second Colloquy of Ambrun Churches Ministers Ambrun Mr. Matthiew Fessinieers Mr. Andrew Rebert Guillestau Mr. Pascal Arieu and Chaesteny Mr. Jourdain Queirac Mr. Moulines Mr. Giles The Third Colloquy of Gappensois Churches Ministers Gap Mr. Barbier Veisnes Mr. Faugier Serres Mr. Martinet Orpier Mr. Javel Corp Mr. Estienne Vandiomene Mr. Abrau The Fourth Colloquy of Grenoble Churches Ministers Grenoble Mr. Caille Mr. Cresson La Meure Mr. Vulson Mine Mr. Fabry St. Jean D'ambornes Mr. Gubrier Grenin Mr. Magnett Oyan Mr. Espagnet Aumonesteir Mr. Estriem Delbermont Mr. Gap The Fifth Colloquy of Die Churches Ministers Nione Mr. Perria Vinsabre Mr. Persol Le Bins Mr. Petit Talignan Mr. Maugies St. Saveur Mr. du Gaeye Orange Mr. Roussell Mr. Maurice Courtoison Mr. de La Vesne St. Pantheon Chasteau Mr. Felix and Mr. Ollivier The Seventh Colloquy of Valentinois Churches Ministers Montlimart The great Chamier Mr. Canter Lurion and Conol Mr. Vinay Valence Mr. Mercure Crest and Hure Mr. Sagues Bourdeaux Mr. Gillier Dieu Le Fitt Mr. Girard Chasteau neuf du Mazene Mr. Dauphin Beze and Bonnieres Mr. Jay The Eighth Colloquy of Viennois Churches Ministers St. Marcellin Mr. Bouguin Romans Mr. Agur Pont de Royans Mr. Denis Eyrier Beaurepaire Mr. Durant There be two Pastors Emeriti in the Province of Dolphiny viz. 1. Mr Mallet 2 Mr. Dinson In the whole Province there be 59 Pastors 4 Churches destitute and 8 Proposans to be maintained There be 3 for the City and Principallity of Orange so that the said Province had 71 Portions which amounted to 4292 Crowns 12 Sous and 9 Deniers The total Sum of the Pastors Proposans and Churches of the said 13 Provinces is 440. The Province of Normandy was not cast into this Accompt There be 54 Churches destitute of Pastors There be Ministers in actual service 478. There be Ministers Emeriti 11. There be 46 Proposans Although the Province of Normandy did not send any Deputies unto this National Synod so that there was no Catalogue taken of its Churches Pastors and Proposans as there was of all the other Provinces Yet this National Synod of Gap did adjudge unto the said Province 46 Portions which amounted to 2420 Crowns 23 Sous and 10 Deniers out of which Moneys that Province is to assist it's Churches maintain its Proposans according to the number of its Colloqies All these Articles Decrees and Canons before-mentioned were resolved voted and passed in the Seventeenth National Synod of Gap which ended the 23d day of October 1603. And thus Signed in the Original Chamier Moderator Ferrier Assessor Scribes Vignier and Roy CHAP. XII Remarks upon the Deputies of this Synod 1. MR. Daniel Chamier was the Son of a worthy Minister in Dolphiny who riding to a Provincial Synod was drowned His Son Daniel is in common discourse among the French Ministers styled the Great Chamier A man of vast Learning great Prudence and indefatigable Industry very dear unto and highly esteemed by their National Synods to which he was frequently deputed chosen Scribe in that of Gergeau and Moderator in two National Synods of Gap and Privas He was killed at the Siege of Montauban where he was Pastor and Professor of Divinity with a Canon Bullet having a C on it being the Hundredth that was shot against the Town upon the Lord's Day the day as he said of his rest and indeed God took him into his Eternal rest as he did Elijah by Horses of Fire and Chariots of Fire He hath so Learnedly confuted the Papists in his Panstratiâ Catholica that none among them ever undertook to Answer it There be also printed his Epistolae Jesuiticae and his Corpus Theologiae and in French La Confusion des disputes Papists There is also an Answer of his to some Questions of Cotton the Jesuite But of him more in my Icones 2. Ferrier who was Assessor in this Synod was an Infamous Apostate He Writ Hypotyposes Theologicae 3. Monsieur Vignier who was one of the Scribes was the very Learned Son of a most Learned Father His Theatre de l'Antichrist was a grievous tormenting Boyl unto the Papists He Writ a Dissertation in Latine about the Venetians Excommunication by Paul V. against Cardinal Baronius And Theses de Satisfactione Christi THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XVIIIth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held the Third time in The City of Rochel on the 1st day of March In the Year of out Lord 1607. The CONTENTS Of the third Synod of ROCHEL 1607. The 18th Synod Chap. I. The Deputies and Synodical Officers a great debate about the Deputies of the City of Rochel who claimed to themselves the priviledge of a Province The promise of submission wanting in several letters of Deputation censured A Canon against Pastors Non-deputed assisting in this Synod No Appeals to be heard till the seventh day after the opening of the National Synod Letters from the Prince Elector Palatine the common wealths of the Netherlands Switzerland and Geneva read The Synods sence of them The Case of Monsieur Regnault Chap. II. Observations on the Confession Piscators opinion of our Justification by Christs passive Obedience only censured 4. Huguets answer to Piscator supprest 5. Mr. Sohnis answers Piscator by order of the Churches 6. The Count of Nassaws Letter about Piscator 7. The Confession approved and sworn Chap. III. Observations on the Discipline A Colloquy may lend a Minister 3. A Synod 6. Months out of the Province 8. Persons Married by the Mass shall do publick Pennance 16. Particular Churches may celebrate a Fast without asking leave of the Colloquy on extraordinary occasions 21. The Discipline approved and sworn Chap. IV. Observations on the National Synod of Gap Scholars unordained may not administer the Sacraments 6. Four Universities censured for not bringing in their Accounts 10. No private persons nor Consistories can dissolve Marriage Promises 11. Chap. V. General Matters Charities for the poor Exiles of Salluces 3. Proposans admitted at silent Learners into National Synods 5. The case of Competitors for
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
Civil Magistrate and in case any refuse obedience hereunto they shall be prosecuted by all Church-censures 45. Some moved how expedient it would be that our Academies were regulated according to the number of our Provinces and that the summs now demanded for augmentation of the Regents and Professors Sallaries was too great and particularly for that of Saumur But this Synod not having time enough at present to debate this matter doth require all the Provinces to consider of it against the meeting of the next National Synod And that our weaker and poorer Churches may be more comfortably relieved and supplied Those Churches who are better able to maintain a Colledge without any assistance from others or the publick are desired to bring in an Account of what can be done by them That so we may make the best estimate we can how to compleat and perfect our Universities And the Provinces next adjoining to our Universities are requested to have a most careful eye over them and to be responsable for them unto the next National Synod and of the diligence or neglects of duty by its Officers and Professors And till that time we do not judge meet to grant any augmentation to that of Saumur 46. The Deputies of divers Provinces moving that there might be particular Colledges erected in their respective Provinces for the educating of Youth in Humanity before they were sent unto our Universities This Assembly granteth them their request and that the eleven Provinces which have no Academy shall have each of them the summ of 100 Crowns for this very purpose And these Provinces are charged to bring in an Account unto the next National Synod how they have employed the said Moneys 47. Monsieur Vignier is intreated to study well that controversie about the great Antichrist and to bring in his work unto the next National Synod CHAP. VI. An Account of the Dividend of one hundred five and thirty thousand Livers given by his Majesty every year unto the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom Out of which great summ the Lord of Candal and his Commissary Monsieur de Visouze shall make payment of these lesser summs here under mentioned in manner and form following and at the times appointed and this according to those Articles of Agreement made betwixt him and the Lords General Deputies of our Churches in the National Synod of Gap 1603. To the Universities  L. S. D. To the University of Montauban 3333 6 8 To that of Saumur 3333 6 8 To that of Montpellier 1500 0 0 To that of Nismes 1833 0 0 To that of Sedan 2400 0 0 To the L. L. General Deputies To the Lords General Deputies officiating at Court for us 1650 Livers being one half of 3300 Livers which added to 10200 Livers taken out of the lesser Accompt do make up 13500 Livers which is their allotted yearly Sallery The remaining moitay of the said 3300 Livers the Lord of Candal is to receive out of the Moneys ordered for the payment of our Garisons and by him to be paid into the said L. L General Deputies To Ministers To the Province of Provence there shall be paid in the summ of 2181 l. 12 s for 17 Churches including in it 300 l. overpluss assigned to them To the Province of Brittany the summ of 2403 l. for 19 Churches including in it 300 l. overpluss assigned to them To the Province of Burgundy the summ of 4727 l. 4. s for 40 Churches including in it the sum of 300 l. overpluss To the Province of Vivaretz the summ of 3399 l. 2 s for 28 Churches including in it also 300 l. overplus To the Lower Guienne the summ of 8269 l. 4 s for 72 Churches including in it the like summ of 300 l. To the Lower Languedock the summ of 11842 l. 10 s for 107 Churches To the Province of Poictou the summ of 5613 l. for 48 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss To the Isle of France Picardy Champagne and Beausse the summ of 7827 l. 10 s for 68 Churches including the 300 overpluss To the Province of Xaintonge the summ of 7937 l. 6 s for 69 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss To the Province of Anjou for 29 Churches the summ of 3209 l. 16. s To the province of Higher Languedoc and Higher Guienne for 94 Churches the summ of 10404 l. 10 s To the Province of Orleans and Berry for 36 Churches the summ of 4284 l. 10 s including the 300 l. over pluss To the Province of Dolphiny the summ of 8933 l. 10 s for 78 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss To the Province of Normandy the summ of 6166 l. 6 s for 53 Churches taking in the 300 l. overpluss And this whole summ shall be paid in by three equal portions unto the Universities the Lords General Deputies and to the Receivers of the Provinces at the time and manner following Viz. The portions of the Isle of France Picardy Brie Champagne Beausse Normandy Anjou Orleans Poitiers Lower Guyenne Higher Languedoc and Higher Guienne the Universities in the said Provinces being included into the hands of their Receivers who shall be appointed by them The first payment to be made the first of July next coming the second on the second day of October following and the third on the last of January in the year 1608. And for the Isle of France Picardy Brie and Champagne in the City of Paris For Normandy in the City of Rouan For Orleans and Berry at Orleans for Poictou at Poictiers for the Lower Guienne at Bourdeaux for Higher Guienne and Higher Languedoc at Montauban and for Anjou in the City of Tours including in it the University of Saumur And the portions due unto the Provinces of Provence Lower Languedoc Brittany and Xaintonge into the hands of the Receivers who shall be appointed by them at three equal payments the first at the end of July the second at the end of October and the third at the end of February in the year 1608. viz. for Lower Languedoc and the Universities of Montpellier and Nismes in the City of Montpellier for Brittain at Nants for Xaintonge at Rochel for the Provinces of Burgundy and Dolphiny and Vivaretz in the City of Lions The two first payments shall be maid at the Fairs in August and Allhollantide of this present year and the last upon twelfth day immediately after And the said Provinces shall be obliged to appoint and name in every one of those before mentioned Cities a particular House whereunto the said Lord of Candal may come and make payment of the said Moneys October Quarter for Ministers shall be paid out of the Moneys of the said Quarter by the said Lord of Candal  L. S. D. To the Province of Provence for 17 Churches 0756 18 6 To the Province of Brittany for 19 Churches 0846 00 0 To the Province of Burgundy for 40 Churches 1781 00 0 To the Province of Vivaretz for 28 Churches 1246 14 0 To Lower Guienne
other houses whose principal Inhabitants or those who manage the affairs of the said Cities do Profess the Reformed Religion who shall be intreated by the Provincial Synods to do the Church this right as to assign the Rents out of the clearest Common Income and this by good Contracts passed between them and the Deputy of that Church to which the said Legacies had been bequeathed and the Mayors Sheriffs Consuls and principal Burgesses of the said Cities and other persons of note residing in them And the Consistories of those places shall be present at those Contracts to see that no Article or condition which may contribute to the Ratification and security of the premisses be omitted and the Consistory of that Church to whom the Legacy is bequeathed or its Deputies shall be vigilant and carefull that the payment of those Rents be well made and constant and that it be given in either by Bills of Exchange or any other ways with the least charges that may be in the Provinces and that the dividend be made in such a proportion unto every Church as of right belongeth to them And Provincial Synods are injoyned to look to it that the Intentions of the Donors be not diverted but punctually and most exactly observed and followed To this purpose there shall be annually tendred by every Church unto their Colloquy and by the Colloquies unto their Provincial Synod a just and true Account of what has been given by whom and to what uses with an Exhibition of the Contracts that they may be registred And in case there be any considerable sum of Moneys in Stock they shall be carried unto some one of the aforesaid Cities as shall be thought most advisable there to be laid up in Bank for the benefit of the Churches to which the said Moneys were bequeathed 4. And forasmuch as we who live in France are under divers Laws and Customs and that the style and form of contract is very different in several Provinces It 's therefore decreed that in every Province there shall be one and the same form used for Legacies and Gifts which shall be transmitted unto all the Consistories and by them communicated unto the Notaries professing Reformed Religion and unto such others as may be thought expedient The form shall be conceived in these insuing words excepting always a power of changing it in case of necessity I give and bequeath to the maintenance of the Ministry of the Gospel in the Church of N. the sum of N. which my will is that it be laid out in purchasing of a settled Rent or Estate in Land in the Cities of Rochel Montauban or Monpelier c. and this by the advice of the Consistory of the said Cities which Rent or Revenue shall be annually paid in and delivered unto the Consistory of the said place for the better maintenance of the sacred Ministry without ever being diverted to any other use And in case it should so fall out which God of his great mercy prevent that the Ministry of the word there in that Church should be suppressed either by war or any other publicly calamity it is my will that during the said Intermission and until the re-establishing of the said exercise of the Ministry that the said Rent be imployed towards the maintenance of the nearest Church unto that said place or otherwise as shall be judged most fitting by the Consistory Colloquy Provincial or National Synod of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom And I humbly and earnestly intreat the said Synods to have a strict and watchful eye that this Moneys be not diverted unto any other usage than what is now designed and intended by me CHAP. XIV Political Acts of matters treated in the National Synod held at Rochell in the month of March 1607. by His Majesties Writ THE Lords de la Noue and du Crois Deputed by the Assembly of Chastelleraud to reside near his Majesty being present in this Synod delivered us the Kings writ the Tenor whereof is as followeth This 29th day of December in the year of our Lord 1606. His Majesty being at St. Germain in Laye He then granted and permitted that in the National Synod which shall be celebrated by his subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion in the City of Rochell this next ensuing March they may proceed to the Nomination of their Deputies whom his Majesty permits to reside near his Royal Person on condition that the said Deputies shall be Nominated out of six persons who are Members of the same Synod to be presented unto his Majesty out of whom he may and will chuse two to whom that Office shall be given and which shall be continued to them for three full years as also that in the said Synod the Deputies aforesaid shall debate of none other business excepting the aforementioned Nomination and matters purely Disciplinary relating to the well-governing of their Churches as is expresly declared in the Edicts and Grants of his said Majesty on pain of forfeiting those Grants and Priviledges in case they act contrary to this his will and pleasure His said Majesty having commanded me to dispatch the said Writ which he would sign with his own hand and enjoyned me also to countersign it being a Member of his most Honourable Council of State and Secretary of his Commands Signed thus Henry And below Forgett 2. It being moved Whether the Deputies of the City of Rochel be called in to the Debate about the King 's Writ The Assembly considering that they were only summoned as a National Synod under which Quality the Answer given to the 17th Article of the Memoirs last presented unto his Majesty expresly forbids the admission of any other persons Ministers and Elders only excepted into our Synodical Meetings on pain of forfeiting them for the future It was resolved that a Committee of Pastors and Elders should be delegated unto the Mayor Aldermen and Council of the City and represent unto them this difficulty craving their Advice upon it and give them to understand upon what grounds their Deputies sent unto us have not been hitherto received by us Whereunto they gave this Answer That it was their sole Intention to be present only at those Debates which related to the Writ sent by his Majesty down unto this Assembly as being matters purely civil according to that exception made in his Majesties Answer to the 17th Article of the Memoirs last presented him and as by the same Answer they were allowed to be present at Political Assemblies whereupon the Synod having pondered their Arguments and considering their Importunity gave leave unto them to be present with us upon the Debates about his Majesties Writ and accordingly Monsieur de Romagne and de Mirande the two Sheriffs of the City and de Beaupreau and the Bayliff of Aunis Burgesses of the said City were admitted into the Synod 3. The said Writ having been read The Assembly well weighing the Conditions inserted in it judged that
they had no powers to proceed to the Election of any new General Deputies because they found themselves not in the least authorized by the said Writ to give them Commissions and Instructions nor could they discharge those who were here present Whereupon they found it expedient to send unto his Majesty some Deputies from the whole Body of this Synod to get information and direction upon these difficulties and with all humility to represent unto his Majesty the manifold defects in the said Writ and to demand more ample Liberty to treat of all Affairs relating to the execution of his Edicts and the preservation of our Churches and particularly about the nominating of Deputies and matters depending on it as of their number and time of continuance in that Office And to this purpose Monsieur Gigord Pastor of the Church of Montpellier and du Bois de Cargrois an Elder were named and commissioned as Deputies with Letters unto his Majesty and to my Lords the Dukes of Buillon and de Sully and to my Lords de Sillery and du Plessis 4. Monsieur Gigord and Monsieur du Bois de Cargrois returned from Court and presented unto this Synod his Majesties Letters which were couched in these following Lines By the King TRusty and well-beloved we are well pleased with the Deputation you fent unto us by Monsieur Gigord and du Cargrois who are the present bearers of this our Answer to you whom also we have willingly heard upon the matters represented us on your behalf and in special we are exceedingly contented since we understood by them your thankful acknowledgment of that particular Favour and Good-will we so lately testified unto you not only in Granting you our License for your National Synod to be held in our City of Rochel but also by the same means permitting you to Nominate those Deputies who shall succeed those who resided in our Court the last year as also the reasons which we had for our so doing to-wit the Comforting of our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion and to ease them of that burden and extraordinary charge with which had that Election been made in any other form they must needs have been grievously oppressed As to the difficulty raised by your said Deputies and declared by them to have been first raised by your selves about the right understanding of our Writ expedited by us for the licensing of your Synodical Assembly and your desires of being better informed about our will and intentions in it that you might not in the least act contrary thereunto if you had but consulted our Deputies sent by us unto your Assembly they both could and should have delivered you from that uncertainty For we expresly declared to them at their departure and gave them in charge to declare unto you all passages that had been here transacted during the time of their Residence at our Court which we do now confirm unto you as also that if after you have heard them you shall have occasion of representing to us any matters about the observation of our Edict which is a Law by which we our selves will be governed and resolve that it shall be in every point and tittle of it so exactly observed that nothing shall be added to it nor taken from it it is our pleasure that you commit it unto them and that they also accept of that Commission from you unto us As touching the form of the said Election both for the number of your Deputies and the time of their Residence near our Person being matters considered and judged by us very profitable and needful our Will is that nothing contained in our said Writ be changed And if in case one of the said Deputies retained by us in our Court should during the time of his Service depart this Life we shall then order one of those six recommended by you to us to succeed him for the remaining time of his Office And having intrusted your said Deputies to give you a more ample discovery of the special Motives of our said Will and Pleasure we will at present trouble you no farther than to assure you that you shall ever find us propitious and favourable to your just Petitions and Demands as we also expect from you the continuance of your Fidelity and ready Obedience to us whereby you will merit from us new occasions and testimonials of our Antient Love and good Affection to you Dated at Paris this 25th day of March in the year of our Lord 1607. Signed thus Henry And a little lower Forgett And subscribed To our Trusty and Well-beloved The Deputies of the National Synod held by our Royal License in our City of Rochel by our Subjects of the Pretended Reformed Religion 5. Before any consultation or debate was held about the nomination of new Deputies the Assembly heard Messieurs de la Noue and du Crois discoursing of all that had passed during the time of their Deputation and approved of their service praising and thanking them for their great care and pains in it and being discharged from this their Imployment at Court they promised to deposit into the hands of the Deputies that should be nominated to succeed them all the Acts Memoirs and Papers of importance whatsoever that were in their Custody 6. Monsieur du Crois one of our General Deputies tendered in unto this Assembly his Account of 18000 Livers received by him of the Moneys Given and granted by the King to defray the charges of our Deputies at the last Assembly held at Chastel-heraud in the year 1605. and together with the Papers evidencing and justifying his said Account which were rendred unto the Deputies of every Province To wit for the Isle of France unto Monsieur de Montigny for Normandy an Acquittance signed by Monsieur de Courtomer to Monsieur le Fevre for Xaintonge to Monsieur Pacard for the Higher Languedoc to Monsieur Raffin for the Lower Languedoc to Monsieur Gasquers for the Body of the City of Rochel to Mr. de Romagne For Poictou to Monsieur Clemenceau For Provence to Monsieur Chanforan For Brittany to Monsieur du Bois de Cargrois For Anjou to Monsieur Bede For the Lower Guyenne to Monsieur de Primrose For Dolphiny to Monsieur Perrin an Acquittance of 600. Livers the said Monsieur du Crois retaining the sum of 600 Livers more by him as having the Quality of Deputy from the said Province unto the aforesaid Assembly And for Burgundy to Monsieur Bayly And die said Sieur du Crois was acquitted and discharged of the whole sum aforesaid of 18000 Livers 7. Upon the Question moved about the number of Deputies which ought to be sent unto his Majesty and the Commission to be given them the Assembly judged That forasmuch as all Commissions for the greatest part do never exceed the number of two and that there can be no swerving from the Commission given by their Provinces therefore there should be but only two nominated who
shall be charged to represent unto his Majesty that it will be needful to have a General Political Assembly to precede the Provincial ones of the same nature wherein the condition and number of the Six and the three years term of their Charge may be debated and resolved on and till such time as it shall please his Majesty to grant us this our Petition we do most humbly beseech him to accept of the said two Deputies to negotiate our Affairs as the former who within one month after their Arrival shall inform the Provinces of his Majesties pleasure herein And because it 's needful the Deputies should depart immediately without delay they shall be taken from among those who be here upon the place and not chosen by the Deliberative Votes of this Assembly 8. The Deputies which are now going unto Court shall be intreated to assist the Forreign Ministers imployed in the Pastoral Office of our French Churches to get them Letters of Naturalization And Monsieur du Caudal shall be obliged to bring in unto the General Deputies against the 15th of August next a Breviate of his Account together with his Acquittances 9. Forasmuch as divers persons to trouble and vex their adverse Parties do plunge them in infinite Charges and Expences drawing their Processes both Civil and Criminal before other Courts than the Chambers of the Edict Our Deputies are charged to make report of it unto his Majesty and in this particular to be favourable not only to the Bodies of Churches but even unto particular Persons when as necessity shall so require 10. The Lords of Villarnou and de Mirande were nominated by this Assembly to repair to Court and to inform his Majesty with the above-mentioned Causes for which this Assembly could not conform themselves to the terms of his Majesties Writ And in case his Majesty shall accept of them till such time as the General Assembly do meet they shall then attend his Majesty in the Quality of General Deputies of the Churches But and if his Majesty shall not be pleased to grant us speedily a General Assembly they shall continue in that Office a full year during which time they shall in the general name of all the Churches conjoyntly act and prosecute whatever may concern their universal good and welfare as also the particular benefit of every Church and Province and shall make a faithful report of all matters unto his Majesty from the Memoirs delivered to them by this Assembly and shall sollicit an answer to them and govern themselves in all things conformably to the Orders enacted and established for the said Deputies in the Assembly of St. Foy and the Instructions which shall now be given them And the Provinces are advised to have recourse unto them in all Affairs both general and special relating unto the Churches without making any private prosecution by any other persons besides the said Deputies And the said Deputies were sworn and entred upon their Office the 14th day of this present month CHAP. XV. The Account of the Lord du Candall for the Moneys given us by His Majesty 1. THE Sieurs de Genouille Bergier des Fontaines de Burges le Fevre de la Combe and Texier were Commissionated to examine the Account of the Lord of Candall and they made report of the many difficulties in it because he did not produce any Acquittances nor other Evidences proving his Accounts Whereupon the said Lord du Candal pleaded for himself that the true reason why he had not brought with him those Acquittances was because he never imagined that the Provinces would have scrupled the truth of those payments he had made them This Assembly ordained that for this time only the Account should be cleared and finished but it should never be made a President of for hereafter which was done accordingly And the said Commissioners reported that the said Lord of Candal was indebted 55639 Livers 19 Sous and 3 Deniers Allowances being made for summs accounted for but not received which the said Lord du Candall shall endeavour to get in and having recovered them shall pay unto those particular Churches to whom they are owing and become due against the fifteenth day of August next coming and this in ready Money or good Bills of Exchange according to the Contracts made with him at the Synod of Gap and he shall bring with him the Acquittances of those who received the Moneys from him unto the Lords General Deputies residing at Court within fifteen days after And our General Deputies shall bring them a Copy fairly written and collationed of those Acquittances unto the next National Synod unless a Political Assembly should chance to be held before it And the Original of that Account shall be reserved in the Archives of the Consistory of Rochell 2. The said Lords General Deputies shall cause the said Lord of Candall to bring unto them the Acquittances and other Evidences of his Account cleared and finished in this Assembly for 55639 Livers 19 Sous and 3 Deniers which he was indebted for upon the closing up of the said account And to this purpose there was delivered to them the said Deputies a Copy of the whole that so they might be inabled so prosecute if need were the Execution of that Account with all its Apostils and additions as it had been concluded and finished 3. That Obligation of the said Lord of Candall unto the Churches was put into Monsieur Merlin's hands to be reserved in the Archives of the Consistory of the Church of Rochel And a collationed Copy of this Original shall be produced in the next National Synod by the Deputies of that Province 4. Our Deputies at Court shall assist the Pastors of our Churches who are Forreigners by Birth to get out Letters of Naturalization from his Majesty 5. The Lord of Candall Receiver General for the Churches shall deliver in to our Lords General Deputies before the 15th day of August next coming a Breviate of his Accounts together with all Acquittances Evidences and Proofs of it 6. There having been several Writings and Memoirs prepared at Chastelheraud to be tendered unto his Majesty wherewith Monsieur de Crois had been intrusted he surrendred unto this Assembly the Writings concerning Religion Justice the Treasury and our Cautionary Towns in seven dictinct Pieces as also all the Evidences belonging to the said Writings and their Acquittances which were either given or offered by him unto the Deputies of the Provinces to whom they did properly belong Moreover he put into the Archives of the Guildhall of the City of Rochel the Writs concerning the Continuation of the Cautionary Towns As also he delivered into the hands of this Assembly the last Warrant granted for discharge of the Deputies and the nomination of those who were now called into Office And over and above all this he yielded up the Letters Patents for exemption of our Ministers with the Decree of their Verification in the Court of Aids at
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
Afflicted Condition and they should not therefore be excluded Communion at the Lord's Table But withall they be advised to take special care that in Church-Meetings they do avoid all occasions of giving offence unto the weak Members Advice for Pastors about Attestations to be granted unto Officers in Garrisons or Courts of the Edict 12. Ministers in giving their Attestations unto them who would be provided of Offices as Governours and Lieutenants of places in our Cautionary Towns the places of Surety granted us by the King or of Offices in the Courts of the Edict shall be exceeding careful that the 23th Article of General Matters in the National Synod of Rochel be fully observed and those who do act otherwise shall be suspended from their Ministry for one whole year 13. Divers Provinces complaining of the general contempt of the blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus of the Blasphemies Debauches and Prophaneness universally abounding among us of the woful decays of Faith and Charity threatning us with a deluge of Divine Wrath ready to break in upon us for the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men and that therefore it 's most needful to appoint a day of solemn publick Prayer and Fasting to be kept in all the Churches of this Kingdom for their extraordinary humiliation before God and the averting of his Judgments from us This Assembly ordaineth that it shall be celebrated in all our Churches the first Tuesday of November next ensuing which will be the fifth day of the same month 14. That hereafter there may be a General Uniformity in the Churches of this Kingdom in the Administration of the Lord's Supper and all scruples by reason of difference and singularity arising in weak but honest hearts uncapable of distinguishing between the Substance and Circumstance of the Sacred Action may be prevented all Pastors are enjoyned to abstain from any new or private Methods of their own as of reading the words of Institution between the ordinary long Prayer and that appointed particularly for this Sacrament which ought indeed to be read after nor shall they whilst reading the words of Institution uncover the Bread and Wine nor shall they bring the people up in ranks unto the Table there to sit or stand whereas they should cause the faithful to pass one after another up unto it nor shall the Exhortations or Thansgivings be made till that the Elements have been distributed among the Communicants of every Table nor shall the Cup be given by the faithful one unto another it being contrary to the express Letter of a Canon of our Discipline which ordaineth Pastors if possible or if they cannot the Elders to assist the Pastor tired by the multitude of Communicants in populous Churches to deliver it And Colloquies and Synods shall have their Eyes over those who act contrary to this Order and reduce them to their duty by all befitting Censures 15. Colloquies and Synods shall use their best discretion in the exercise of Discipline upon those persons who that they may inflame our Churches raise and foment Divisions in them do get into Offices of Judicature do plead for those Incendiaries and procure them Monopolies and secret Subscriptions under Hand and Seal 16. The province of the Isle of France demanding that the poorer Churches might be relieved out of our common Stock The inconveniencies having been well considered in case a General Order about this matter should be enacted This Assembly doth as that of Rochel did before it leave it wholly to the prudence and charity of the several Provinces to see that what is done herein do make for Edification 17. The Deputies of Xaintonge propounding this Question Whether a Baptism administred by a deposed Minister at the request and in the presence of the whole Church were valid This Synod judgeth that in case the deposed Minister had presented his Appeal unto a National Synod the Baptism were valid and ought not to be reiterated But nevertheless if any such Deposed Minister shall hereafter presume to Administer any publick Ordinances he shall be denounced Excommunicate immediately 18. The Deputies of Poictou demanding how they should act where the Banes of Marriage were forbidden before the last time of Publishing This Assembly judged that in case the opposition were made without Authority from the Civil Magistrates the Consistories might continue their Publication but otherwise not unless the Magistrate should only forbid the Celebration of that Marriage and not the Publishing of the Banes 19. The Deputies of Xaintonge informed this Assembly that the Printer of Rochel designed with our approbation a new Impression of the Bible in a Lesser Volume more Commodious and that might be easily carried any where in the pocket and forasmuch as divers Godly persons desired there might be an Index added to it of those Texts which were most proper and pertinent for confirming the Truth and confuting Error This Synod approved the undertaking because of its singular usefulness and intreated Monsieur Merlin to see it accomplished which also he promised to perform 20. The Deputies of Poictou craved remedy against that evil custom in divers Churches of sending their Pastors without Elders unto Colloquies and Provincial Synods This Assembly replied that no general Order could be well decreed in this Case and therefore left the whole unto the prudence of the provinces A Minister may not press any to discover a secret Crime unto the Civil Magistrate 21. A Case was proposed How a Minister might govern himself when injoyned by the Magistrate to press those who were privy to any notorious Crime to reveal it It was answered that he was under no obligation of obedience unto such commands no more than he was to discover the secret passages and transactions of the Consistory Wherefore all Pastors are admonished to take no notice of any such injunctions and the Churches are ordered to stand by them in case for this their refusal their Ministers should be prosecuted by the Superiour Civil Powers 22. The Province of Anjou made this Proposal that it were expedient the Provinces should nominate some worthy Ministers particularly to Study controversies and in every Province some one to be most prepared for the defence of one particular Truth opposed by our Adversaries The Assembly approved and embraced the motion and divided the controversies among the Provinces in this ensuing Order To wit 1. To Poictou de verbo Dei Scripto non Scripto 2. To Anjou de Christo Pontifice Antichristo 3. To Xaintonge de Ecclesiâ Conciliis 4. To Orleans and Berry de Ministrorum vocatione gradibus potestate Clavium 5. To the Isle of France de Monachis Clericis Laiciss 6. To Provence de Limbo Patrum Infantium Purgatorio 7. To Normandy de sanctorum beatitudine Invocatione reliquis Angelorum Hierarchiis cultu Ministerio 8. To the Higher Languedoc de Sacramentis in genere de veris in specie 9. To the Lower Guyenne de sacrificio
it and the Lord of Mirande was immediately upon his coming to Paris to acquaint those fore-mentioned Deputies that as soon as they had spoken with his Majesty their commission was expired and that the very next day after they should all of them return to their several homes and give an account unto the General Deputies of their long tarrying at Court and what retarded their answering of this Synods Expectation from them and our General Deputies shall inform the Provinces of what these Gentlemen have done as to their Deputation Moreover the Lords General Deputies shall acquaint the Provinces with all occurrences necessary to be known by us especially if it be of Common concernment for the Churches CHAP. XIV An Account of those Sums of Money which were given upon particular occasions by the Synod of St. Maixant 1. To the Sieurs Ferrier de Fief-brun and Malleret Deputed by the Synod unto the King to defray the charges of their journey the summ of 500 l. 2. In Charity to the Wife of Theophilus Bluett 60 l. 3. To Monsieur Perrin Minister of the Church of Nyons 150 l. Total Summ 700 l. All which moneys amounting to 700 l. allowing the Lord of Candal his Sous in the Liver the Assembly ordered to be deducted from the october Quarter which is to be paid in to the Provinces the last year 1608. 5. The Lord of Candal is desired to put 250 l. of the 500 l. first mâ—ntioned upon the account of the Governours who are to bear one half of our charges in deputations unto Court 4. Mr. Rivet Pastor of the Church of Touars was ordered to bring in this Ensuing account of the Universities appertaining to the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom unto the next National Synod in Case they should call for it 1. To the University of Montauban the summ of 3000 l. for two Professors in Divinity at 700 l. Sallary by the year each 1400 l and for two professors of Philosophy at 400. Sallary by the year each the summ of 800 l. For one Professor in Greek 408 l. a year and for one Professor in Hebrew 400 Livers a year which is in all 3000 l. 2. To the University of Saumur The sum of 4190 l. For two Professors in Theology at 700 l. Salary by the year each 1400 l. For two Professors in Philosophy at 400 l. Salary by the year each is 300 l. For one Professor in Greek 400 l. For one Professor in Hebrew 400 l. More for the Colledg Erected at Saumur to the first Regent yearly the summ of 360 l. to the second 300 l. to the third 200 l. to the fourth 180 l. to the fifth 150 l. All which summs amount as before to 4190 l. 3. To the Academy of Nismes and Montpellier Equally the summ of 2500 l. viz. For two Professors in Theology at 700 l. Salary by the year each is 1400 l. For two Professors in Hebrew at 400 l. each a year is 800 l. More for other necessary occasions of the said Academies 300 l. For which they must be accountable The whole summ put together amounts unto 2500 Livers Tournois 4. To the University of Sedan the summ of 1500 l. for one Professor in Divinity his yearly Salary 700 l. For one Professor in Greek 400 l. Yearly For one Professor in Hebrew the like summ All which amounts to 1500 l. 5. To the Colledg of Gergeau 1500 Livers Signed thus in the Original June 18. 1609. Merlin Moderator End of the Synod of St. Maixant THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXth National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in the Town of PRIVAS the fourteenth day of May In the Year of our Lord 1612. The Contents of this National Synod 1612. The 23th Synod Cap. 1. DEputies of the Synod Synodical Officers Cap. 2. Orders about Election of Moderator and Deputies Censures upon a Delinquent Deputy unduly Elected 3. Cap. 3. The Oath of Union sworn by all the Deputies Cap. 4. Observations upon the Confession Means for the preservation of Union 2. A Prohibition unto Printers 3. Confession approved and sworn Cap. 5. Observations upon the Discipline Canon amended about Novices 1. Proposans to be examined in the Synod of Burgundy 3. Modest Habits of Ministers and their Families 4. A Canon for the Poor 5. A Case about Suspension and an Appeal 8. A Case about an Appeal from a Pastor 11. Whether Condemned Malefactors may Communicate at the Lords Table 12. A Case about Marriage-promises 14. There be sixteen Provinces 15. The Discipline approved and sworn Cap. 6. Observations on the Synod of St. Maixant A Canon about Ministers Sermons c. 1. Two thousand Livers given Mr. Chamier to encourage him in the study of his Panstratia Catholica 2. Two hundred Livers given Mr. Perrin for his History of the Albingenses 3. A Canon about Monks Abjuration of Popery 5. Children may be baptiâ—â—d before Sermon in case they be very sick 7. Professors not to assist at Political Assemblies 8. The Synods of Languedoc censured 9. Cap. 7. Of Appeals Method for healing the Divisions in the Church of Montauban 5. A Minister imposed upon a Church against his and the Churches will 6. A penitent Minister suspended 10. An Appeal of the D. of Lesdiguieres with its Effects 11. A negligent Minister censured 15. Ferrier a Pastor censured 16. Ferrier a covetous pragmatical Minister severely censured 16. An Appeal of a private person from a whole Synod slighted 19. Elders and Deacons may distribute the Cup at the Lord's Table but silently 22. Divisions in the Church of Orleans how composed 23. A Minister cited and not appearing unto a Synod shall be deposed 24. Intercession for Ferrier and the Synod affronted by those his Intercessors 25 26. A Church Minister Colloquy and Synod censured 27. An Accused Minister suspended 28. A Book against the Mass suppressed 34. An unqualified Elder 34. Cap. 8. The King's Proclamation of Pardon Cap. 9. The Synods Declaration against this Proclamation Cap. 10. General matters Inspection of Presses 1. Of Proposans 2. A Canon about calling of Converts unto Church-Offices 4. An Act for the National Fast 5. Cap. 11. The Act of Re-union Cap. 12. A Warrant for 45000 l. for the Churches Councillors in the Courts of the Edict censured 14. A Catalogue of all Pastors and Proposans must be sent from the Provinces to the National Synods 15. The patience and courage of the Synod 16. Palot sued 17. Cap. 13. Particular matters A Petition from the Protestants in the Arch-Bishoprick of Avignon 1. Monsieur Chamier desired by two or three Universities at one time to be their Professor in Divinity 2. Difference between the Churches of Nismes and Valence 3. Non-residents 5. A Riot in a Church examined 16. The misery of the Churches of Gex 19. The Church of Bergerac censured 21. Mr. du Moulin hath the thanks of the Synod for his Book of Justification against Tilenus 26. Pastors removed 31 32 33. Cap. 14. Of Colledges
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
the common suffrages of their Consistory 3. The like Judgment was past upon the pretended Appeal of Isaac Perrier it being a matter which ought to be determined by the Provincial Synod 4. John Froment suspended from his office of Elder by the Synod of Higher Languedoc in opposition to a decree of his Colloquy which had restored him although neither the Consistory nor his adverse party nor any other had Appealed was now heard upon his Appeal The Deputies of the Province making no answer to the reasons of his complaint this Assembly Censured the said Province for proceeding so unjustly and contrary to all order and therefore re-instateth the said Froment in the Eldership 5. Monsieur Paul Banquemar a Citizen of Rouen complained of the Consistory of that Church for not suffering the Banes of his Daughter to be published after the contract had been past before the Notary unless she were first of all Betrothed by the Pastor he judging this act of theirs contrary to the Canon of the Synod of Privas Privas obs 9. appealed from the Provincial Synod of Normandy held at Sees in the year 1613. by which that Custom of calling in the Pastors before the publishing of Banes tho formerly practised was not confirmed and imposed upon all their Churches This Assembly finds the Consistory of Rouen to be too severe in in this matter and that the Synod should not have made it necessary and for the future it injoyneth them to leave those parties to their Liberty And on the other hand it exhorts the Appellant to be more Moderate than he has been in his Letters remonstrating to him that it is his duty not to revive those old quarrels which through the vigilance of the Consistory and his own silence had been long ago buried in oblivion 6. The Sieur Fevry Pastor of the Church of Tonne-Charante Appealed from a Decree of the Province of Xaintonge for detaining him in the Ministery of that Church notwithstanding the Petition of his Father who redemanded him This Assembly grants him his Liberty provided he make it appear unto the Colloquy or Synod of the Church he serveth that he is called by another Church near unto that of his Fathers according to the methods observed by us whereof the said Synod or Colloquy shall take cognisance within the space of one year at the farthest 7. St. Maixant p. m. 17. 2. Vitré obs 3. on the former Synod The differences between the Provinces of Poictou and Brittany about dismembring the Churches of Montagu and of Viellevigne are dismissed over to the Province of Anjou with full Authority from this Assembly to put a final period to them Because the Church of Montagu was not heard in the Synod of St. Maixant as the Deputies of Poictou do relate it 8. The Sieur Textor being Emeritus a discharged Pastor Appealed from an Ordinance of his Synod of Burgundy for diminishing his portion granted that Province in his Name and for his use See below Art 11. This Assembly injoyneth the said Province to restore him all his Arrears and for time to come to give him the quiet injoyment of the whole And this order shall be of-force not for him only but for all others in the like circumstances with him nor may the Provinces dispose of their Moneys to any other uses 9. The Sieur Collinet having Appealed from the Decree of the Synod of Burgundy Gap App. 15. this Assembly Ordaineth that the Province shall pay the C not only of the said Collinet but also of the Messenger who was sent unto Court with the verbal processes of the Churches of Chaalons Paray c. 10. The Colloquy of Chaalons Appealing from the Ordinance of the Synod of Burgundy which had adjudged the Church of Mascon unto the Colloquy of Lions and by Consequence would dispose of the Sieur Perreaud formerly Pastor of Pont de Vaux This Assembly Decreeth that the Church of Mascon should remain incorporate with the Colloquy of Chaalons until such time as the Church of Pont de Vaux may be provided of another Pastor which shall be done without any delay 11. The Sieur Rigert a Pastor Emeritus in the Province of Dolphiny complained in his Appeal against the Synod of that Province for taking his portion to the common Charges with others See above Art 8. It was Decreed that the said Province should for the future leave his portion wholly free unto him 12. Clement le Servier otherwise le Dauphin having Appealed from the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Dolphiny for deposing him from the Sacred Ministery and not appearing to defend it in this Assembly his Appeal was declared null and void 13. The Church of Val Francesque Appealed from the Synod of Sevennes because it granted unto the Quarter of St. Romans that the Lords Supper should be celebrated amongst them upon a Sabbath day But this Appeal of theirs was declared null for that its contents was of the nature of those things which might be finally determined in the Synod of their Province 14. The Appeal of Monsieur Massouverain Pastor of the Church of Poussin in Lower Languedoc was declared null because he neither appeared in Person nor by Letters to prosecute it And the said Massouverain is injoined to appear before the Province of Sevennes there to answer unto such matters as shall be brought in against him 15. The Appeal of the Church of Teyrac in the same Province about the Ministry of the Sieur Guerin was declared null because none appeared for them nor did they send any Memoirs concerning it 16. The Appeal of the Church of Vigan about the Free School of that Province granted to the Church of Anduze was rejected because it was of the Nature of those businesses which might be determined finally by the Province 17. It was also judged needless to bring into this Assembly an Appeal from the Decree of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes for their refusing to annex the Churches of the upper Rouargue unto their Province 18. Whereas an Appeal was brought in by the Province of Burgundy redemanding Monsieur Margonne formerly a Minister of their's in the Church of Noyers 2 Vitré obs 5. upon the foregoing Synod but at present serving the Church of Chastillon on the Loire And the Deputies of Berry assuring this Assembly that God hath eminently owned and blessed his Ministry there with singular success All which being seriously considered His Call unto the Church of Chastillon was confirmed by the authority of this National Synod and it farther ordained that the Province of Berry should give unto the Province of Burgundy a Proposan meet and sit for the Sacred Ministry and such an one as shall be acceptable unto the said Province and this against the sitting of their next Provincial Synod 19. An Elder of the Church of Castel-Sagrat and Monsieur Tinell the Father appealed from the Synod of Sevennes for refusing to give them Monsieur Tinell his son at present Pastor
to the Decree of the National Synod of Privas the Province of Normandy have payed their debt unto Monsieur Vatablé and the Moneys were deposited for him into the hands of the Deputies of Poictou See the 5th Article after the Roll of names 2 Vitré obs 7. upon the Synod 36. The Letters of the King of great Britain received at the opening of this Assembly and those from the Church of Geneva and those which were since its Session sent from his Highness the Prince Elector Palatine and from the Lord Mareschal Duke of Bouillon to it being read as also the Letters of Monsieur Moulin and Tilenus treating of the difference between them The Assembly deputed certain Pastors to peruse the Inventory transmitted us from the Professor Tilenus and Monsieur du Moulin's Confession of Faith about the effects of the Personal Union who made report that the said Inventory contained certain terms and modes of speech that were uncouth and improper yet imputed unto the said Monsieur du Moulin as his and extracted out of a Conference held with him at Paris whereof they could not make any Judgment unless they had sight of the Original or at least of a Copy of its Acts exactly and well collationed And as for the confession of the said Monsieur du Moulin sent unto this Assembly they do find it for its substance orthodox and wide enough from all suspicion of Eutychianism Nestorianism Samosatenianism and Ubiquitism Wherefore that this difference may be totally extinguished and a most sincere reconciliation effected between the divided Parties this Assembly ordained that all the Printed Copies of the Professor Tilenus his Book and that Manuscript before mention Styled the Inventory as also the Latin and French Books written by the said Monsieur du Moulin relating unto this Question shall be sent to Saumur and deposited with the Lord du Plessis Marly that so the remembrance of this contention may be for ever buried in oblivion And Monsieur du Moulin and the Professor Tilenus are exhorted by this Assembly to meet together on the same day and at the same place in Saumur where the Pastors of the neighbouring Churches together with the Pastors of that Church and the Professors of that University may be summoned in together who with the said Lord du Plessis shall endeavour a firm Union in Doctrine between these two persons and a sincere forgetfulness of all Matters past betwixt them And in the mean while Monsieur du Moulin is exhorted to continue his labors in his Church with that same zeal and greatness of Spirit as heretofore and to take courage and comfort unto himself from that Approbation and Testimonial which hath been and is still given him for the orthodoxy of his Faith and soundness of his Doctrin And report shall be made of these methods and means used by us unto His Majesty the King of great Britain to his Highness the Prince Elector Palatin to the Lord Duke of Bouillon in our Letters of answer to them particularly together with our humble requests unto his Majesty of great Britain to his Electoral Highness the Prince Palatin and to the Lord Mareschal Duke of Bouillon that they would be pleased by their Authority to oblige the said Monsieur Tilenus personally to ingage in this Interview and conference and to command that the before-mentioned Printed Books and Manuscripts which may have past out of this Kingdom into their Dominions may be all called in and suppressed And this also shall be inserted in our answer unto the Church of Geneva 37. This Assembly ordaineth that the portion of the Sieur du Moulin Pastor of the Church at Orleans shall be discharged of all Taxes and Costs upon the Provinces See the 4th Article after the names of the Deputies and paid in unto him full and free 38. Master Hume formerly Pastor of the Church of Duras having found on his return home from Scotland and England his said Church provided of another Pastor and the Province not calling him unto another Church he is declared free by this Assembly to serve in any other place where God shall call him either in the same or in any other Province of this Kingdom 39. This Assembly having been read and heard the Letters and arguments of Achilles Bonhout which prevailed with him not to remove his son from the Jesuites school and that the consistory of the Church of Lions cannot in the least compel him to it doth Judge them null and commands the said Consistory to inflict upon him and all others that shall be guilty of the like scandal the severest Censures of the Church according to our Discipline 40. The Church of Metz by their Letter bearing date the tenth of May and received the second of June petitioned this Assembly to send them such a Pastor out of the Churches of this Kingdom as It Judged would most contribute to their Edification and if It thought good either Monsieur Chevillette Minister of Vitry or Monsieur de la Cloche Minister of the Church of Moysi both of them in the Isle of France This Assembly left the consideration of this matter unto the said Province and prayed them in their next Synod to gratifie the Church of Metz CHAP. X. Of Colledges and Vniversities 1. MOnsieur Joly one of the Pastors of the Church of Montauban made report in this Assembly that for divers months last past he hath took upon him the profession of the Hebrew Language and for the benefit of the University and the assistance of Moniseur Tenant he desires to continue in it requesting that the hundred Livers remaining of the four hundred assigned unto Professors of the holy Language might be granted him Monsieur Tenant receiving only three hundred of those four The Council of the University having joyned with the said Joly in his Petition this Assembly granted them their demand and exhorted the said Monsieur Joly to acquit himself worthily of this his new Employment which he also promised See above 12. obs upon thè former Syn. 2. Monsieur Elias Alba Mayor of Bergerac having on behalf of the Corporation of the said Town performed the Condition proposed to them by this Synod and brought an Act of the Town-house dated the twelfth day of this month by which the whole Bench and Common-Council of that Town assembled together do give him full power to declare that upon our Order for payment of the sum of 1500 Livers out of the Moneys granted by His Majesty unto the Churches of this Kingdom they would yield up their whole Right in the King 's Writ of Grant of the said sum unto the disposal of this holy Synod which also is most humbly petitioned by them to give them the Grant thereof for the maintenance of their Colledge This Assembly commending their submission unto the Ordinance of our Churches and in consideration of their Importunity and for the benefit of their Colledge doth grant unto them the sum of twelve
one kind the Adoration of the consecrated Host Prayer in an unknown Tongue by the Petitioner Errors of this last sort altho in themselves less yet do they most often occasion the greatest divisions and do most venemously exasperate mens Spirits and immediately engender Schism For if a man communicate at the Lords Table with an erroneous person in the doctrine of Predestination or about the Nature of Jesus Christ or who believes that the Body of our Lord is every where in all places at once altho this Error be very great yet may it not trouble him who is a Communicant with him But and if we communicate with one who giveth religious adoration unto the bread or pretends to sacrifice the Lord Jesus Christ such an action would scandalize us and must needs drive us from that Communion lest we should participate with him in his Idolatry or in a false Sacrifice Now we have this advantage together with the Lutheran Churches that all our differences are of the first kind and as for those external Ceremonies used and practised by them we have no such difference but what may be easily composed yea and that too with a wet Finger 18. It were fitting to lay before them on the Table the Concordat of the Polonish Churches made at Sendomir in the year 1570. and since revived in the Synod of Ulodislan in the year 1581. that so we may learn by their example to serve our selves of all things which may contribute unto this Union and are worthy of our imitation And possibly there may be found some Lutheran Churches who for peace sake would not insist upon their Ubiquity but frankly yield it up and part with it 19. The same Order should be observed in this second Assembly as in the first and the same difference paid unto his Majesty of great Britain and it should be opened with a fast and concluded with the celebration of the Holy Supper of our Lord at which both the Lutheran Ministers and ours should communicate together 20. It is very needful that some course should be taken to bring the several Churches and People to embrace and practise the Articles of this Union and that Soveraign Princes and Estates do promise to exert their Authority about it and that those words of Lutheran Calvinist and Sacramentarian Gustazus Adolphus K. of Swiâ—â—dland would have them styled the Evangelical Churches being wicked badges of distinction were utterly abolished and that our Churches should ever after be called the Christian Reformed Churches And all Invectives from the Pulpit or Press or Writings against the Brethren of either side shall be forbidden under the severest penalties And that the Catalogues of Books vended at Frankford maybe no more stuft with injurious Titles as formerly And the German Princes should at some certain days mutually agreed on send their Pastors unto the principal Churches of their Neighbour Princes and also admit and receive of their Ministers into theirs and so communicate together on some set and solemn day at the Lords Table 21. If it should please God to bless this Holy and Laudable Design with success which would be a Crown of Eternal Glory unto his Majesty of Great Britain and to the Princes joyned with him therein then would it be a convenient time to sollicit the Romish Church unto a Reconciliation which whether it may be really effected or is at all feasible seems as yet very doubtful because the Pope will admit of no Council nor Conference at which he may not preside But could this General Union of all Christians be once accomplished we should be then more considerable and Ministers might Preach with more authority and greater success than ever CHAP. XIX A Letter from His Majesty of Great Britain To Messieurs the Pastors and Elders Assembled in their National Synod at Tonneins in France Sirs HAving received intelligence that your Assembly would be held in Gascony the first of May in which some persons may be engaged to revive that Controversly about Justification and to urge the Consciences of others to assent against their own judgment unto matters not sufficiently Understood by them We thought good to send you Monsieur Hume one of our subjects and of your Pastors with this our present Letter to exhort you in our Name not to suffer the spirits of your Pastors and Professors to be imbittered one against another about distinctions more substile than profitable more curious than needful but that you would indeavour to Moderate those animosities which are grown up already to too great an heighth among several of your Ministers and that you would quench those sparkles of dissention which meeting with wood hay stubble and slight rather than substantial matters may inflame you into such aschism as will Consume you all unless you do timely prevent it and stifle it in the birth by committing to the fire those Books Papers and Manuscripts which serve only as fewel unto new Controversies rather than promote your Edifying and give occasion to the Enemies of Gods Church to advance themselves on your weaknesses and to be the more hardned in their Errors Particularly we intreat you to compose the difference risen up betwixt the Sieurs du Moulin and Tilenus if it should be brought unto your immediate Cognisance and discussion and not be removed out of the way by Arbitrators which we judge of the two to be the best and by arbitrating their fact you your selves will publish unto the World how great a value you have for the Gifts of God in both those personages That honour with which God hath invested us by exalting us unto the highest and most eminent place in his Church for the defence of the truth or duty to serve it in our regall dignity and to the utmost of our power and that particular desire we have to see a good Peace and Vnion to flourish among all Sincere Professors of the Christian Faith and our care for your preservation as being the first Churches which have rejected the yoke of Idolatry do induce us to deal so freely with you And we promise our self from your prudence that all matters shall be pacified and amicably composed among you as we have commanded Master Hume to press you more amply by word of mouth thereunto to whom you may give credence receiving him as our Messenger and as a persom well-known unto you and sufficiently commended by his own excellent good parts and a Lover of peace which above all things we recommend unto you and so we pray God to Bless your godly debates and consultations and to have you always in his holy keeping From our Palace this 15th Day of March,1614 Signed James R. The Synods Answer To the King of Great Britain Sire THAT Zeal with which it hath pleased God to inflame your Royal Spirit and that abundant care which your most Serene Majesty vouchsafeth to take of all the Christian Churches obligeth every good servant of God to pour out continual
concord of our Churches in that Doctrine which notwithstanding the many evil times have past over us hath been preserved until now in its purity among us The other is that by continuing the Oaths injoyned by the last Synod of Privas you take the most proper and effectual course to heal the wounds which our unhappy divisions have these years last past made in the Vnion of our Churches and I see no Expedient more likely to suceed than unanimously and with joynt consent to agree and pitch upon one General end whereunto all and every one shall direct and aim I Salute most humbly every Member of your Assembly and beseech God Almighty to assist and fortify you by his holy Spirit for his own glory and for the Vnion Restauration and Propagation of his Church From Saumur April 20. 1614. Your most humble and most affectionate Servant Du Plessis The Duke of Rohan's Letter to the National Synod Assembled at Tonneins Sirs THOSE strong obligations which the Churches of France have laid upon me do ingage me to seek out all occasions whereby to testifie my gratitude 'T is this which causes me to write at present and to crave this favour of you to believe that I shall never forget those assistances I received from you in the last Synod of Privas and particularly from divers Churches of this Kingdom yea and from those I have never known Certainly Sirs I shall Confess it freely that the effects of your kindnesses have exceeded my services yet I hope that for the future you will know you have not have obliged an ungrateful person And that what you have kept for me shall be always chearfully employed for your selves We are fallen into such a time as need extraordinary Prayers unto God for his Guidance and Counsel We have been much afflicted since the Assembly of Saumur by divisions sown and fomented among us The Synod of Privas knowing it to be the most compendious Course for our Ruine did indeavour to prevent it But divers persons being unacquainted with our malady then there could not be a thorough cure effected But now every one knows it and may contribute something thereunto For my part I think it no difficult matter for us to use the true Remedy which consists in an entire re-union of all our Members that so we may be but one Body and the more fit to serve God the King and our Country and the more able to divert our enemies from enterprizing upon us from whom also we might take away the very will of doing it by its impossibility This Sirs is a work well-worthy of your Assembly I exactly conformed to the desires of the last Synod and I do now again renew my promises of observing your Orders not only in that but in whatsoever else you shall judge to concern the glory of God whom I ardently beseech that he would preside in your Councils and to give me that grace never to abuse his favours conferred upon me but that employing whatever I have received from his divine Majesty to the advancement of his Kingdom I may consecrate the remainder of my days unto his service My Lord Baron of Montausier hath particular orders from me to acquaint you with my intentions and proceedings and especially with that journey of the Lord of Hautefontain taken by my command unto his highness the Prince I desire you would believe him in what he shall inform you as if it were my self and I shall always approve my self to you all generally and particularly Sirs From St. John d' Angely this 24. of April 1614. Your most Humble and most Affectionate to do your service Henry of Rohan A Letter from the Lord of Caumont to the National Synod of Tonneins Sirs I Well hoped to have had strength enough to have been personally present with you and to have injoyed the honour and contentment of saluting your Holy Assembly and to have given you my self by word of Mouth the assurance of my fidelity and affection unto whatsoever the service of my God obligeth me for the support of his Churches and the advancement of his Glory But being at present detained by important businesses which the Sieur de Mailléz shall inform you of I intreat you therefore most humbly to be pleased with my absence and to believe that no person in the World is more ready to expose his life and the Lives and Estate of all his with greater chearfulness and willingness for Gods cause and yours than I shall be to adventure mine and the lives and fortunes of all mine And I pray God that by his Holy Spirit he would be pleased to preside in the midst of you and to conduct your Holy Wills in such manner as he knows to be most expedient for his Glory the Weal Repose and Conservation of his Church whereof having the honour to be a Member I shall ever remain in its Communion and subject my self wholly in all things unto it under the priviledge of the Edicts and the authority of their Majesties intreating you to lay your Commands upon me and to be assured that in whatsoever I may serve the publick and every one of you in particular you shall have evidence of my obedience and loyal affection The Lord follow you most Reverend Sirs with his choicest Favours and Benedictions I am From Paris May 2. 1614. Your most Humble and Affectionate Servant Caumont A Letter from the Lord of Chastillon to the National Synod of Tonneins Sirs MY past actions which through Divine Grace no Man hath just cause to complain of are I believe sufficient proofs of that care I ever had for the re-union and good intelligence of the great men of this Kingdom professing the true Religion and the fear of God as also of that respect I paid unto the desires of the last National Synod of Privas intimated to me by their Letters and what I have since done both at Court for our general concerns and since my return in this Province to conserve your Lives and Priviledges enjoyed by you during the reign of the late King will testifie that the true blood of the late renowned Lord Admiral de Chastillon is in my Veins and that I have managed all publick affairs fallen into my hands with all uprightness and justice as the Sieurs Gigord and Codur who have been Eye-witnesses of my deportments can more fully inform you if they please Sirs this my Letter drives at none other end than to let you see what deference I have for you and that my whole life shall be employed in the service of the Churches and I beseech you to believe that besides it and the service of the King and your preservation and advancement there is nothing in this world more dear unto me And if I can do you in my station any particular service either here or elsewhere you shall always find me ready for it Had it been as easy for me to have been personally present with you as
though not without tears and groans that he hath lost his priviledge and right of Burgesship in the City and Family of God For these Causes we the Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches in the Lower Languedoc Deputies of this Province having charge and care of the Colloquy of Lionnois and authorized thereunto by the National Synod we denounce the said Master Jeremy Ferrier to be a scandalous man a person incorrigible impenitent and ungovernable and as such having first invocated the holy Name of the Living and True God and in the Name and Power of our Lord Jesus Christ by the conduct of the Holy Ghost and with Authority from the Church we have cast and do now cast and throw him out of the Society of the Faithful that he may be delivered up unto Satan declaring that he ought not to be reckoned reputed nor numbered as a Member of our Lord Jesus Christ nor of his Church but that he be counted and esteemed as a Publican and Heathen as a Prophane person and contemptuous despiser of God exhorting all the Faithful and enjoyning them in the Name of our Lord and Master no more to hold any conversation with this Son of Belial but to estrange themselves and be separated from him waiting that if in any wise this Judgment and Separation serving for the destruction of his Flesh may contribute to the Salvation of his Soul and strike into his Conscience a terrour of that great and dreadful day in which the Lord will come with thousands of his Saints to execute Judgment upon the ungodly and to convince the wicked of all their impieties sinful designs and abominable works enterprised by them against his Church Cursed be he that doth the Work of the Lord negligently Amen! If any one love not the Lord Jesus Christ Let him be Anathema Maranatha Amen! Come Lord Jesus Christ Even so come quickly Amen! This dreadful Sentence was denounced against the said Ferrier in the Church of Nismes on the Lords Day July the 14th 1613. by Monsieur Brunier Minister of the Word of God in the Reformed Church of the City of Usez Examined and Compared with the Printed Copy Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXII NATIONAL SYNOD OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE HELD The second time at Vitré in the Province of Brittaine This Synod was opened on Thursday May the 18th and ended on the 18th of June following being the Lord's Day 1617. The CONTENTS of the Second Synod of Vitré Chap. I. DEputies unto the Synod Moderator and Scribes Chap. II. Rules about Spectators in the Synod 2. Promise of Submission to the National Synod 1. The Pastor and two Elders of that Church in which the National Synod is held may sit in it 4. An Address unto the King 5. Oath of Vnion 6. Chap. III. The Confession of Faith sworn Chap. IV. Observations on the Discipline 19. Canon of the first Chapter of the Discipline explain'd 3. Proposans shall not be admitted into Consistories 4. Advice upon the 16. Canon of the fifth Chapter of the Discipline 5. Form of Excommunication prudential 6. The Case of Elders violating the 28 Canon in the fifth Chapter of the Discipline 8. Remarkable Providences to be collected 9. Synodical Officers must be chosen by a low voice 10. The 14 15. Canons in the last Chapter of the Discipline most strictly to be observed 14. A Case about Duels 15. The Discipline approv'd and sworn 16. Chap. V. Reflections upon the Synod of Tonneins A Complaint of the Isle of France against the Province of Anjou 1. Censure taken off from a delinquent Province 6. Du Moulin and Tilenus reconciled 7. A Petition for the Exiled Protestants of Saluces 8. Chap. VI. Of Appeals The Provincial Colledge of Xaintonge setled at Rochefoucauld 2. A Case of Monsieur Beauchamp Pastor to the D. of Rohan 3. Discipline exercised upon a delinquent Minister 9. Samuel du Frenay Student in Divinity dealt withal by the Synod about his Heterodoxies 19. An Appeal of the Church of Maringues 30. Divisions in the Church of Aymargues how composed Chap. VII A Speech unto the King Chap. VIII General matters No Attestations to be given unto the Moors banished out of Spain 3. Abuse about the Baptism of Moors 4. The poorer Churches to be relieved 6. Whether a Patron may sell his right of Presentation 7. Care about Converted Monks 8 19 22. Foolish Sports suppressed 9. A Pastor may not leave his Church at pleasure 12. Of Catechising 13. The Impressions of the Bible to be more correct 14. Complaints against the Inhabitants of Saumur for griping poor Scholars at Pension in their Houses 17. Censures against them who get Prohibitions against their Consistories 20. Ministers not to meddle with State-affairs in their Pulpits 21. The Synods care about Printing of Monsieur Chamier's Panstratia 23 24. The Assembly at Rochel 25 26 27. The doleful estate of the Church of Auverne 28. Chap. IX The Kings Letter to the Synod G. M. 29. Sermons may be Preached on Holy-Days G. M. 31. A Committee of Divines Ordered to the Synod of Dort G. M. 34. No National Fast injoined by this Assembly and why G. M. 35. Reasons why the Province of Bearn did not call the National Synod G. M. 36. The Church of Sancerre persecuted 37. Canon against Non-Residence reinforced G. M. 38. Deputies relieved G. M. 39. Palot how to be prosecuted 42. Chap. X. Partiular matters A Petition unto the Prince of Orange 3. Monsieur Imbert Minister in the Church of Orleans 6. Complaints against Monsieur Perrery a Minister 8. Against Monsieur Richer another Minister 9. A Silenced Minister restored 12. A Ladies Legacy unto the Church of Essars 14. Oppressions of the Churches in the Colloquy of Foix. 15. Complaints against a Minister rejected 19. The Case of Monsieur D' Anglade 20. A Bookseller of Geneva complaineth against a Minister in Bearn 23. The progress of the Gospel at Langres 25. Ingagements of Monsieur Guerin 28. The Works of Monsieur Sohnis Ordered to be Printed 36. The Case of Huberus 31. And of Solera 32. Chap. XI Dividend of Monies among the Churches Chap. XII Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XIII Roll of Apostates and deposed Ministers Chap. XIV Lord of Candal's Accounts Chap. XV. Dividend of Monies among the Provinces THE Second SYNOD of VITRE 1617. The 22d Synod SYNOD XXII 1617. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the second National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held in the City of Vitré in the Province of Brittaine the eighteenth day of May and for several days following in the Year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and seventeen The Synod broke up on Sunday the eighteenth of June CHAP. I. Names of Deputies Election of Synodical Officers 1. PRayers having been first offered up unto God as usual at the opening of all Synodical Meetings The next thing in order dispatched was Reading the Letters of Commission tendered by the Deputies that so an exact
Synod ordaineth that the Province of Sevennes shall provide two Pastors for them to be sent unto them immediately one of which shall reside in the Town of Issoyre and the other shall serve the Churches of the Mountain according as it shall be prescribed them by the said Province And that those two Pastors may have a comfortable maintenance this Synod continuing the Decree of the former National Synods which had appointed four Portions free of all charges for those Churches of the Vpper Auvergne doth add a fifth for their Incouragement Which five Portions shall be received by the said Province and paid into the very hands of those Pastors to each of them the sum of five hundred Livers And the remaining Portions shall be distributed by those Provinces towards the necessities of those said Churches and all this to be duly and continually performed untill the meeting of the next National Synod Below p. m. 25. Alez p. m. 20. And in the mean while the respective Members of those Churches shall be pressed to contribute towards the maintenance of their Pastors and they shall give an account of their duty herein unto the next National Synod And whereas the said Monsieur Babat requests that he may be discharged from the service of those Churches he was ordered to continue the exercise of his Ministry among them until the meeting of the approaching Synod of Sevennes by which in case he then desire it he may be set at liberty and another substituted in his place However till the sitting of that Provincial Synod the said Babat shall wholly serve the Town Issoyre as its proper Pastor and the Colloquy of St. Germain shall give another Pastor to supply the Churches of the Mountain And forasmuch as the said Babat hath been at great expences in travelling unto this Synod and to the Assembly of Rochell the Lord of Candal is ordered to pay him an hundred Livers out of the mass of moneys belonging to all our Churches And as for that demand of the Deputies that a Fund might be given them for the raising and fixing of a Colledge at Issoyre This Assembly cannot do it because that having eased many persons among them of the charge in maintaining their Ministers they may very well as in Conscience they are bound and we also exhort them to do take care of this matter themselves CHAP. IX The King's Letter to the Synod Above Art 5. after the Catalogue of Deputies THE third of June Messieurs Hesperien and Bouteroue Pastors and Balene and Moussac Elders deputed by this Assembly unto the King returned hither and notified unto us with how much kindness and favour they were received by his Majesty and having declared to him their Commission and delivered their Memoirs and Instructions he heard and answer'd them very graciously as appears by his Majesty's Letter brought with them unto this Assembly and they had the thanks and applause of all the Deputies in it for their most affectionate care faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of their Commission And because it very much imported our Churches to be particularly informed of that good will and love his Majesty bears them that so they may be in an extraordinary manner stirred up to praise and bless the Lord for it and own and acknowledge themselves to be more strictly obliged to fidelity and perseverance in their obedience and subjection due unto his Majesty and to pray more heartily for the augmentation of his Majesty's Prosperity and Grandeur This Assembly ordained that the Letter which it pleated his Majesty to write us should be transcribed and Copies thereof sent abroad among the Churches which is here inserted word for word in this present Article By the KING To our Dear and Well-beloved the Deputies of our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion assembled in their Synod at Vitré DEar and Well-beloved we received your Letters of the one and twentieth day of this Month by which we have sensible experience of your Zeal and Affection for our Service and for that of the Common-weal participating as you have done in the common joy of all our Subjects for the Peace and Settlement of the Kingdom which we have so happily procured for them whereof we were also more particularly informed by your Deputies sent unto us for this same purpose from whom we have gladly received the fresh assurances and protestations made by you of persevering in your Loyalty and Obedience to us as you have done heretofore and you may be very well assured that we will be always careful to maintain and preserve you in all your priviledges formerly granted to you And we will give you all in general and every one of you in particular new tokens of our Love and good will upon all occasions which shall occur unto us Given at Paris the 29 th of May 1617. LOUYS Phelippeaux 2. The Deputies of Xaintonge demanded a Decree Nymes 11. that no Colloquy might hence forward separate any particular Congregation which was annexed to conjoin it unto another without the previous advice and authority of a Provincial Synod This Assembly finding their demand very Equitable did Ordain that this should be an Universal Canon binding all Colloquies and Churches 3. Divers Persons of Quality having moved it that inasmuch as our Mechanicks are obliged by the Kings Edict to forbear working on the Festivals of the Romish Church over and besides the Lord's day It is left unto the prudence of Consistories to Congregate the People on such Holy-Days either to hear the word Preached or to join in common publick Prayers as they shall find to be most expedient See Synod of Saumur Art 13. of g. m. And whereas Complaints are made us that in some Churches before Sermon they sing part of the Psalm and reserve the last Verse for conclusion of the Exercise This Assembly injoins all the Churches to sing * * * This last Clause was rased out in the seventh Obs of this Synod by that of Alez out the whole pause and to conform themselves as much as may be to the ancient Order 4. Monsieur de Bertreville our General Deputy came unto this Synod the sixth day of June and took his place in it according to the Canons of our National Synods and had his Vote of deliberation and decision and sware and subscribed the Oath of Union of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom 5. The Lord of Bertreville our General Deputy declared to us Tonneins g. m. 6. that the King's Letters Patents though granted for exempting our Ministers from payment of Taxes were not as yet verified nor delivered into his hands nor unto his Colleague the Lord of Maniald This Assembly doth earnestly intreat them to use all needful means to get them dispatcht as soon as possible 6. Whereas the National Synod of Tonneins had injoined all the Provinces to consider of a Proposal made by several great Persons both at home and abroad Tonneins g.
m. 19. Alez Obs 6. upon this Synod touching the most proper means of entertaining a good Correspondence with all Orthodox Churches and to procure a good Union in Doctrine betwixt us and them and to invite over unto the same Communication even those that are of a different perswasion from us All the Provinces declared what had been done by them as to this matter This Assembly did thereupon judge expedient that we should make a little halt till such time as those who had first made these Overtures did prosecute this affair with more vigour And in the mean while Monsieur Rivett Pastor of the Church of Touars Chauves Pastor of the Church in Sommieres Chamier Pastor and Professor in the Church and University of Montalban and du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris are nominated a Committee and to consult of such a project as will best conduce to the accomplishing of this design After which in case they be summon'd and called forth unto this work they shall all meet together at Saumur and conjointly with the Lord du Plessis and the Pastors and Professors of Divinity in that Church and University deliberate about it and shall draw put a Plot of it which shall be sent into every Province there to be perused and debated by their Synods that so their Deputies may come prepared for it unto the next National Synod 7. Whereas divers Provinces had charged their Deputies to demand of this Assembly a National Fast to be celebrated in all the Churches of this Kingdom Gergeau g. m. 13. Now for that it hath pleased God to turn away his wrath from us and to give us manifest tokens of his goodness it was not judged expedient at this time to proclaim a General Fast but according to the Canons of our National Synods that Province whose right it is to Convene the next National Synod is ordered to consult with our Lords the General Deputies about it who are intreated that in case any emergent Providence doth summon the Churches to sanctify an extraordinary Fast to confer with the Consistory of Paris about it and to acquaint the said Province therewith whose Synod being assembled and resolving on it they shall give notice of the time for its Celebration unto all the other Provinces 3 Rochel g. m. 9. and in the Roll. See at the Conclus of Tonneins above Art 3. after the Roll. 8. The Deputies of the Churches in the Principality of Bearn gave in their reasons wherefore they had not accepted that priviledge of calling this present National Synod which was at their request granted them by the last held at Tonneins and on those terms and condition mentioned in the Article of the said Synod This Assembly did not now â—â—dge it reasonable that those Churches should be subject to the Discipline of our Churches in this Kingdom or that for the present they should immedâ—â—â—â—y depend on our National Synods Privas p. m. 14. See the second Synod of Charenton 2 Obs upon the Acts of the former National Synod But nevertheless they shall give in their final resolutions what they intend to do unto the next National Synod and in case they be of the same mind then as they are now this Assembly declareth that their Deputies may have the priviledge of sitting and voting in our National Synods upon this Condition that they shall first ask leave of the Provinces to give in their Suffrages in such Cases as concern the Churches of this Kingdom 9. It was told in this Assembly how much the Church of Sancerre was oppressed by the Earl of Marans one of whose men had but a few days since assassinated a very Eminent Member of that Church It was immediately judged necessary to write unto his Majesty about it and that the Lord of Bertreville our General Deputy should deliver with his own hands unto the King this our Letter and most humbly Petition his Majesty that Sancerre may be kept up as one of our Cautionary Towns by his supream Authority and that the Inhabitants thereof may injoy peace and quietness since it hath pleased God to give it unto the rest of his Majesty's Subjects and our General Deputies shall be very urgent for it 10. That Canon of our Church-Discipline binding Ministers to a personal residence on their Churches shall be most exactly observed by all the Provinces 1 Paris 12. Montauban g. m. 10. Alez Obs 8. on the Synod And whereas this hath been broken by too many and principally in the Higher Languedoc divers of their Pastors living at Montauban and not with their flocks every one of these are injoined to depart from thence with their Families unto those places where their Churches are gathered and this at the farthest within three months after that this Canon of the present Synod shall have been signified to them and the Consistory of the Church of Montauban is ordered to give notice thereof unto all these Non-Residents inhabiting their City And in case they refuse to yield obedience unto it we declare them from this very instant suspended the holy Ministry And Colloquies and Synods shall immediately upon such suspension provide a supply of Pastors for those vacant Churches who shall oblige themselves personally to reside among them And the said Consistory of Montauban shall notify unto the Churches the suspension of their Pastors and that they have full power to chuse and call in any other according to the Canons of our Church-Discipline And the next National Synod shall be informed by the Provinces of their duty in this particular 11. To obviate the Complaint made by several Provinces how that their Commissioners having received their moneys from the Lord of Candal do keep it in their own hands longer than they ought denying many times that they have received any from him The said Lord du Candal is desired that either himself or his Commissioners would be pleased to send a Copy of their Receipts as soon as they be given him or them unto such persons in every Province as shall be named to him for this purpose That so the Province may be certainly informed at what time and to whom he paid in their moneys and the poorer Churches may not be left unpaid and unprovided for divers Months together as they have been by the wickedness of those Receivers Commissionated by the Provinces upon the pretexts but now mentioned 12. Forasmuch as divers Deputies in this Assembly declared that they brought not with them moneys enough to defray their Charges during this Session The Deputy of the Lord du Candal being how in Town was ordered to supply them and that out of the Dividend belonging to their Provinces for which sums so received by them they shall be accountable unto their respective Provinces 13. Whereas we are at present necessitated to be at unusual expences in dispatches deputations and extraordinary businesses for the Churches this Assembly requireth the Lord of Candal to pay in unto our
him once for all the sum of sixty Livers that so he may return home unto his own Province of Provence and be put upon Employment according to his abilities and the Decree of the National Synod of Tonneins 35. Monsieur Suffran a Pastor in the Province of Lower Languedoc Tonneins Appeal 43. Petitioned by Letters this Assembly that the Order of the Colloquy of Lyonnois and ratified by the National Synod of Tonneins forbidding him the exercise of his Ministry within the Colloquy of Nismes might be repealed This Assembly having received a very good account of the said Suffran from faithful Witnesses doth grant him his request and injoineth the Province of Lower Langùedoc to provide him a Church in any Colloquy as they shall judge expedient 36. Nicolas * * * In another Copy he is called Joucune in another Jouannâ— Jane having lately abjur'd in this Church of Vitré the Errors and Idolatries of the Papacy was recommended to the Province of Normandy to take care that he might be employed in some way of living as he is best qualified and the Lord of Candal is ordered to give him thirty Livers to help carry him into the said Province whereof he is a Native And forasmuch as the Deputies of Normandy have informed us that it will be a full year e'r their Provincial Synod do meet the Colloquy of Caen is intreated to take care of him till that time and that some provision be made for him 37. Monsieur du Bois Alez p. m. 61. a Minister having been discharged from the Church of Laval by reason of its poverty by the Synod of Anjou was put into the Catalogue of Ministers who were to be disposed by this Assembly and in case that it should break up without presenting him to some vacant Congregation he hath full liberty given him to dispose of himself in any one Province as the Lord shall be pleased to direct him and there shall be one Portion out of the moneys of his Majesty's bounty retained by the Lord of Candall to be given unto that Province in which he shall be imployed and those moneys of his Majesty's bounty shall be paid in to the said Monsieur du Bois until the first of July as if he were an actual Pastor in the Church of Lavall and this in pursuance of that agreement made by that Church with him but with this Proviso that he be always employed in a Church whereunto this Assembly shall have adjudged a Portion of those moneys And the Province shall give advice hereof unto the Lord of Candal who shall be accountable for it unto the next National Synod 38. Monsieur Mahaut having been put into the Catalogue of Pastors who are to be disposed by this Assembly Above Appeal 4. Alez Appeal 54. was presented by it this day unto the Church of Gisors in Normandy and the said Church was exhorted to receive him and to entertain him lovingly and the Lord of Candal shall reserve his portion in his own hands because the said Mahaut will receive that which is allotted unto the Church of Gisors wherewith he was well satisfied 39. The Lord of Vieville requested this Assembly to intreat the Pastors of the Church of Vitre to visit the Church gathered in his House as often as conveniently they can whereunto the said Pastors did voluntarily consent and promised that they would go once a Month but could not quit their own Church upon the Lord's days The Assembly acknowledging that this affair did properly belong to the cognisance of the Provincial Synod of Brittain yet because it would be a very long time before they met together intreats the aforesaid Ministers to give that Church in the Lord of Vieville's House six Sermons on so many Sundays yearly and six more on such Days as they shall consider and agree on 40. The Province of Lower Guyenne complained unto this Assembly Tâ—nnâ—â—â—s p. m. â— that the three hundred Livers which were granted to Monsieur Bustonoby by the Synod of Tonneins are not yet paid by the Lord du Candal but were paid by the said Province out of its own Purse Order was now given unto the Lord du Candal to reimburse the said Province out of the moneys remaining in his hands on his last Accompt CHAP. XI The Dividend made according to the Catalogue of Pastors brought in by the Deputies of every Province Montpellier Obs 5. upon the Discipl g. m. 16. 3. of Rochel g. m. 4. Privas g.m. 16. 1. ACcording to the Canons of former National Synods there was brought into this Assembly the Catalogue of Pastors actually serving our Churches And forasmuch as the greater part of the Deputies of our Provinces do declare that divers Churches are unprovided being destitute of Pastors some being removed by Death and others by some other Accident very lately This Assembly having weighed all circumstances do now in their distribution of his Majesty's liberality ordain That there shall be put upon the Catalogue in every Province such Churches as are immediately to be supplied that so a Portion may be drawn out for every Church but on this condition that the Provinces shall make proof unto the next National Synod by Acts of their Provincial Synods duly attested that the said Churches have been provided for and at what times And in case of failure herein the Moneys so received by them on this occasion shall be detained for the future from them Moreover this Assembly considering the great Necessities of all the Provinces hath added to each of them some Other Portions 2. The Roll of Pastors in actual service in the Province of Lower Guyenne was perused and whereas the Deputies remonstrated that heretofore the Church of Sommieres had never less than two Pastors at once a Portion was granted them for a second Minister and another for the Church of Villefort and a third Portion for the Church of Pecquay unto which Churches the said Province shall out of hand send them Pastors and give in full proof of their obedience unto this Order at the next National Synod And over and above all this there was granted it a supernumerary Portion to be appropriated according to the designation of the Deputies of this Province unto the Church of St. Cesarca and its annexed Congregations 3. The Deputies of Poictou reported that they had six Churches to provide for being lately destitute of Pastors to wit that of Rochefoucault Lusignan Sivray La Chastaigneraye Chantonnay Puisbeliart and Poiré for which six Portions were ordained but on this condition that they be accountable for these Sums unto that next National Synod and by way of augmentation they had given them one Portion supernumerary 4. Two Portions were appointed the Province of Berry one for the Church of Bourges and another for that of Suilly and its annexed Congregations on this condition that they be carefully supplied and that an account hereof be given in unto the next National Synod And
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
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
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
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
they might be joyned unto Sevennes As for their Incorporation with the Province of Sevennes this Assembly sends them back unto the Synod of Burgundy to whom they shall deliver this Petition of theirs and take out thence an Act to be presented unto the next National Synod And whereas Two Portions were assigned the said Church of Paillac the one of them shall be free and discharged of all Rates and Taxes whatsoever and the other shall be of the same Nature with those of the other Churches in the Province of Burgundy 17. There was ordained the Summ of Forty and Eight Livres to be paid unto the Sieurs Guarin Ressens Gabet and Mercurin Pastors to witt Twelve Livres to each of them for Eight Days they have tarryed in this Town at the Commandment of this Assembly which said Summ shall be paid them by the Lord of Candal out of the common Stock of the Churches 18. Monsieur Blewett remonstrated on behalf of the Church of Martille the great Expences they have been necessitated and enforced to by reason of the many and frequent changes of Pastors imposed upon them by the Province of Burgundy which hath utterly disabled them to maintain the said Mr. Blewett their present Minister The Province of Burgundy is exhorted to take care of this matter and 't is enjoyned to give unto the Church of Isurtille one Portion and half of the Kings Money until such time as they be reimburst of their Moneys expended about the change and removal of their Ministers Of this Joly see Castres AA 50. Of Appeals Catalogue of Depositions Act. 9. 19. Mr. James Joly Pastor of the Church of Milhaud having made report unto this Assembly of the great charge lying upon him and especially for that the Family of his Brother being destitute of all Relief must now be maintained by him This Assembly to testifie their Charity and Compassion towards them ordaineth That a free Portion shall be assigned the Province of Higher Languedoc which shall deliver it unto the said James Joly and this Order shall be in force and continue till the next National Synod See App. 24. And as for the Papers which contain the Acts and Ecclesiastical proceedings against Mr. Hector Joly and were produced in this Synod they shall not be restored to him but shall be kept according to the appointment of this Assembly 20. The Petitions of the Church of Issoyre were presented by Monsieur le Blanc their Pastor 2 Vitre g. m. 28. This Assembly ordained that the concern of the said Church shall be recommended unto our Lords the General Deputies attending upon His Majesty And the Portions attributed unto the Churches of Issoyre and of the Mountains of Auvergne shall be continued them until the next National Synod And whereas they demand maintenance to be allowed them for a Colledge This Assembly cannot at present make any alteration in the Decrees of the Synod of Vitre nor can it possibly restore the new Colledge in Auvergne except Almighty God should out of his Soveraign Mercy be graciously pleased to augment the number of our Churches 21. The Church of Beaune is ordained to satisfie Monsieur Blewett for his service among them whilst he was their Pastor Vigeac 33. and till they do this they shall not be provided of another Minister 22. The Church of Marseilles and Monsieur Ressens their Pastor complained that of the Moneys given them by former National Synods there is a very considerable Summ owing them from the Province of Provence and this by the Judgment of the University-Council of Nismes which was appointed by the Synod of Lower Languedoc with full and absolute Authority from the National Synod of Vitre to judge of this Affair This Assembly commissionated the Sieurs Joly de Benes and Boisleroy to Audit those Accounts who reported that they found the Province of Provence indebted unto the Sieur Ressens the Summ of One Thousand Six Hundred Livres Sixteen Sols and Ten Deniers unto the Seventh of December last the Rights of the Receiver of the said Province being deducted This Assembly ordained That there should be paid unto Monsieur Ressens in ready Money the Summ of Five Hundred Livres by the said Province and whereas there remaineth due One Thousand One Hundred Twenty and Three Livres Sixteen Sols and Ten Deniers this shall be payd him also either in ready Money or Moneys-worth at the next Colloquy of Gapensois which is ordered to make good payment and to produce his Acquittances and farther to allow the said Monsieur Ressens for his Expences in these Expences both at Grenoble and elsewhere in executing the Decree of the said University-Council of Nismes for which the said Province of Provence shall give him Thirty Livres 23. Divers defaults having been observed in the Government of the Churches of Provence 2. Vitre Act. 16. as appeared from the Acts of their Synods which were read openly in this Assembly and from a particular Inquiry made thereinto by the Province of Lower Languedoc which Was Commissionated by the last National Synod of Vitre to visit the said Province Now that these great Disorders may be prevented and avoided for time to come these following Canons were first framed and then injoyned the said Province of Provence to be most exactly observed in every Point and Article by it CHAP. XIV CANONS for the PROVINCE of PROVENCE 1 THE Provincial Synod of Provence before it breaketh up shall determine of some certain place where the next Synod shall be held and nominate the Church that shall have the right of calling them together and that Church by and with the Advice and Consent of the Two nearest Churches shall appoint the time of their meeting 2. No Person of what Quality or Condition soever shall be admitted into those Synodical Assembles without Letters of Commission from his Consistory And in the mean while the Consistories are exhorted to receive the Gentry into the Office of Elders that so they may be capable of being Deputed unto the Synods 3. No other Matters shall be treated of or debated in those Synodical Assemblies but such as be purely Ecclesiastical 4. The Synodical Offices shall be so distributed as that all Ground and Occasion of Envy Jealousie and Discord may be avoided and removed 5. The Scribes of the Synod shall not couch the Synodical Acts or Articles in forensical Forms or Terms of Law but in a Natural plainness and brevity 6. The Deputies shall not depart from their Synod till such time as their Acts have been fully concluded on read and subscribed and the said Acts shall be read over in the next ensuing Sessions 7. In all pecuniary matters the Decrees or our National Synods shall be strictly followed which ordered all Appeals on those Occasions to be dismissed over to the next adjoyning Province whatever the Summ may be And Pastors are exhorted not to quit their Churches for such Affairs unless their presence at the Debate about them
Decree of that Synod 2. Vitte p. m. 8 This Assembly having perused the Memoirs offered by the said Perrery in his own defence and heard the Provincial Deputies of the Higher Languedoc about restoring the said Perrery to the Ministry by the Synod of Millaud in the year Sixteen Hundred and Seventeen approveth of what was done by the said Synod and Intreateth the Province of the Isle of France to rest satisfied with the Summ of Five Hundred Livres in lieu of the whole Debt from the said Perrery whereof Two Hundred Livres belonging unto the said Province are left in the Lord of Candals hands for them already and the said Lord shall keep for them Three Hundred Livres more And in case the said Summ of Three Hundred Livres be not payd into the said Province of the Isle of France then there shall be Five Hundred Livres detained by the Lord du Candal in his hands for them 44. The Province of the Isle of France petitioned that the Order of the National Synod of Vitre against the Sieur Richer might be put in Execution he having retired into Xaintonge without their consent After that the Provincial Deputies of Xaintonge had been heard both as to what relates unto the Canon now mentioned and also unto the said Monsieur Richer This Assembly ordained that the Canon of Vitre shall be Executed in every Article and Title of it and that the Accompts of the said Richer might be cleared and closed they shall be sent unto the Church of Saumur before the First of May next Yet we earnestly intreat the Province of the Isle of France to deal charitably with the said Richer and not to exact what they may do in rigour of Law from him 45. The Province of Dolphiny are intreated to continue the Pension allowed by them to the Widow of Monsieur â—alques 46 The Church of Baux in Provence exhibited an Information of its deplorable Poverty brought upon them by the outragious Persecutions which they have suffered from the common Enemies of our Religion in their Exercise of it who put them to unsupportable Expence and Charges This Assembly ordered thâ—t for their Relief an half supernâ—merary Portion out of our Common Stock besides their ordinary Portion should be given them until the meeting of the next National Synod to whom they shall bring in their Accompt how they have imployed it and their Affair shall be recommended to our General Deputies 47. Monsieur Huron petitioned to be discharged from his Ministry in the Church of Riez in Provence But he was dismissed back unto the Synod of his said Province who should proceed therein according to the Methods and Forms prescribed by our Church-Discipline 48. The Colloquy of Challons in Burgundy shall judge finally without Appeal of the differences which are risen between the Sieurs Racaud La Dize Fornevet and other Persons in Communion with the Church of Beaune 49. The Province of Sevennes complaining of a Judgment past against them by the Province of Lower Languedoc in favour of Monsieur Serignac about certain Expences of his made in his Journey unto the Synod of Tonneins they were dismissed over to the Judgment of the Province of Vivaretz who should order that Party which hath done the wrong to pay the Charges 50. The Provincial Deputies of Sevennes making report that Sixty Two Livres Seven Sous and Six Deniers are owing to Monsieur Babat at present Pastor of the Church of Castagnols from the Churches of Auvergne according to the Accompts shut up and approved by Decree of the National Synod of Vitre This Assembly ordaineth that the Province of Sevennes do pay him out of hand the said Moneys 51. A Petition from the Church of Serucrettes in Sevennes This Assembly ordered that their Affair at Court be recommended to the Lords our General Deputies and Letters shall be written unto the Lord of Antragues that he would be pleased to accommodate them with some ground on his Lands for the building of a Temple wherein they may Worship God publickly and that Churches Portion of the Kings Moneys shall he paid in free of all Charges to it by the Province of Sevennes 52. The Church of Langres did by their Letters and by the Mouths of the Deputies of the Isle of France report the great difficulties and troubles they conâ—â—licted with in setting up the Publick Exercise of our Religion and what Oppositions they had met withal and still did every day from the Enemies of the Truth This Assembly to enable that Church to subsist the better and thereby to enlarge the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus ordaineth Two Supernumerary Portions to be pay'd unto them and this to continue until the sitting of the next National Synod 53. The Church of la Bastide complaining of its deep poverty and that for Sixteen years together by reason of it they could not allow a Farthing towards the maintenance of their Minister Monsieur Lawrence who was all that time destitute of a Church till of late that he was provided for by the Province of Vivaretz This Assembly commiserating the sore and heavy Tryals of the said Mr. Lawrence do order that Two Hundred Livres be immediately payd him out of the Common Stock of the Churches because he was left out in the Catalogue of Pastors lying before the National Synod of Vitre and that the said Church of la Bastide may not he dissolved but kept up the Province of Vivaretz is require particularly to consider whether the Church of Rodes may not be commodiously joyned to it or else to think of some other means meet for its preservation 54. The Complaint of the Church of Quissac how that some of those Congregations which were formerly annexed to it were now separated and dismembred from it was rejected 2. Vitre Appeals although they were set on by the Province of Sevennes and the said Province was ordered to take special care that those newly constituted Churches be well kept up by them 55. That Affair of Monsieur Hommel Doctor of Laws at Valence shall be recommended to our Lords General deputies 56 Mrs. Jane Nallet Widow of Mr. David Selastian late Minister in the Church of Clermont in â—odeve complained that the Pension granted her by the Province of Lower Languedoc hath been left out of the Accounts of the said Province so that she is like to perish for want to Maintenance and that One Hundred and Twenty Livres due unto her are not payd her This Assembly ordains that the said Hundred and Twenty Livres be payd the said Gentlewoman out of the first Moneys which the Receiver of the Province of Lower Languedoc shall get into his hands 57. The Deputies of Bearne declared the necessity of setling a Church in the Country of La Boure belonging to the Province of Lower Guyenne and the rather for that they had now in Bearn a young Student in Divinity sit to be imployed in the Sacred Ministry who could preach to them in their
Dues and Arrears even to this very day and that out of the very first Moneys which it shall receive from the Lord of Candal because they have alwaies took up the said Portion under his Name And whereas there is a loud and general complaint of very bad Payments by that University of Montauban unto its Professors sith nothing appears to the contrary but that the said University hath the same kindnesses and allowances as all our other Universities therefore it shall rest contented with the Common Order established herein by the former National Synods which was that the Moneys assigned unto our Universities shall be taken out of the three first Quarters of the year from the Common Stock of all the Churches without leaving them to the last Quarter whose payment is more uncertain 7. The Wages granted by the University of Montauban unto an Academical Secretary cannot be allowed but shall be razed out of their Accompts both as to what is past and to come 8. Whereas the University of Saumur did together with Commendatory Letters of the Lord Du Pllessis Marly request that Mr. Cameron might be continued in the Profession of Theology there and on the other hand the Church of Bourdeaux and Monsieur Joly on its behalf redemanded him back to the Exercise of his Ministry among them according to that Obligation which lieth upon him as their Pastor and Monsieur Privas Deputy of the Lower Guyenne consented to it by Order of and Memoirs from the said Monsieur Cameron This Assembly acknowledging that the said Church of Bourdeaux hath an undoubted right to the Ministry of Monsieur Cameron yet notwithstanding because of the pressing and urgent Necessities of the said University of Saumur which is of mighty concernment to all our Churches in general It doth now Order and Decree that Monsieur Cameron shall continue in the said Professorship in that University until the next National Synod and the Church of Bourdeaux is intreated to allow and approve thereof And during this time the said University shall use her best and utmost endeavours to procure them another Professor in Divinity 9. The Church of Rochefoucauld demanded an Augmentation for the better support and maintenance of their Colledge This Assembly because the Example would be leading could not grant it but exhorts the Province of Xaintonge to take it into their consideration and to assist the said Church with a competent Summ of Moneys drawn out of the Common Stock of that Province that so this Colledge may be kept up which hath been already so very useful and profitable unto them 10. The University of Montauban moved for the revision of a Decree past in the National Synod of Privas and about the Six Deniers allowed in the Livre unto the Receiver of that University But it was judged unfit to be Debated and therefore let fall 11. A Contention having risen between the City of Alez and Anduze about the Colledge Erected in the Province of Sevennes This Assembly not inclining to make any alterations at present in the Estate of the Provinces nor to obstruct that good Union which ought to be kept up and preserved among the Churches doth ordain that the said Colledge according to the Synod of Tonneins shall continue in the Town of Anduze until the next National Synod when and unto which the Province of Sevennes shall give in a faithful report of the State of the said Colledge that in case it be not such as makes for the advantage of the Churches it may be removed elsewhere 12. The Assembly proceeding to choose Pastors who may supply the vacant Chairs of Professors in our Universities upon all occasions especially in Divinity according to a former Decree past by it in its Observations on the last National Synod of Vitre hath nominated Monsieur du Moulin Vignier Bouchereau Garissoles Cottieres Chanvernon and de la Coste All which are exhorted to dispose and fit themselves betwixt this and the next National Synod for the said Publick Profession of Divinity CHAP. XVI Of ACCOMPTS 13 THE University of Saumur brought in their Accompts for the years 1616 1617 18. And for the First Quarter of this current Year 1620. And the said Account having been performed with much exactness and fidelity was accepted of and approved 14. The said University of Saumur petitioned that whereas on their faithful Account now brought in by them there remaineth a certain Summ of Moneys in their Receivers hand that we would be pleased to leave it with them for inlarging the Classical Seats of the Colledge they being too few at present for the great number of Scholars in it This Assembly granted that Three Hundred Livres should be disbursed by them to that use upon condition that they give an account how the said Summ was imployed unto the next National Synod 15. Whereas the University Council of Saumur had granted Twenty Livres a year unto their Printer they shall be allowed him for what is past but it shall not be made a presedent for the future 16. The University of Montauban brought in their Accompts for the years 1614 1615 1616 1617 and 1618 which were approved though their Expences exceeded their Receipts by 397 Livres Fifteen Sous Tonneins of Univers 6. 2. Vitre Of Univer 16. 17. The Province of the Isle of France being obliged to bring in its Accompt for the Colledge of Clermont ever since the National Synod of Tonneins and not having done it nor for that erected at Charenton which though tendered was not accepted because the form of it was not of any force or value is for the present spared but with this express injunction that they do bring in unto the next National Synod their Accompts aforesaid in due forme with all the Evidences and Acquittances or else they shall lose and forfeit their Priviledge of having a Colledge 18. The Accounts of the Province of Normandy for their Colledge in the years 1616 1617 1618 1619. were allowed and approved 19. The Province of Orleans and Berry brought in their Accompt of the Colledge erected at Chastillon upon the Loir for the years 1616 1617 1618 1619 1620. which was accepted and approved 20. The Province of Poictou brought in the Accompt for the Colledge of Niort for the years 1617 1618 and 1619 which was accepted allowed and approved 21. The Colledge of Bergerac in the Lower Guyenne brought in its Accompt from the First of April 1614 unto the last of March 1620. And their disbursements did far exceed their Receipts of what Moneys had been given them out of the Common Stock of the Churches 22. The Province of Vivaretz having divided their Colledge into two 2. Vitre Of Univers Act. 29. to wit one at Anonay the other at Aubenas That of Annonay accounted for the years 1614 1615 1616 1617 1618 and 1619 and for Six Moneths of this year now current 1620. And Aubenas accounted for the years 1615 1616 1617 1618 and for Nine Moneths
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
Officers of His Majesty their Provincial Synod could not meet but towards the end of August which had exceedingly retarded and put back their Journey so that they could not possibly come any sooner unto this Assembly Their Excuses were admitted and they were admonished for the future to keep exactly to the forme prescribed by the former National Synods in their Letters of Deputation and to bring in Writing the Names of those Persons who being Commissionated could not come hither unto this Synod The One and Twentieth day after the Synod had first met and sate there were Letters brought and read in full Assembly from the Province of Provence assembled in their Synod at Cabrieres on the Eight and Twentieth day of August last By which they excuse themselves and crave that they may be excused for not having sent any Deputies unto this Assembly But all their Excuses were rejected and the said Province was censur'd for their neglect of this their Duty they being able if they had been willing to have Commissionated some from out of their Body unto this Synod and they were farther censured for that their Letters were full of blots and razures and that the clause of submission unto the Votes and Canons thereof was not couched in such full and Emphatical terms as the former National Synods had prescribed Prayers having been offered up unto God and all the Letters of Deputation read and examined The Reverend Mr. Durant Pastor of the Church of Paris was nominated and chosen Moderator Mr. Bayly Assessor and Mr. Faucheur a Pastor and Mr. Launay an Elder to be Scribes CHAP. II. The Kings Commissson to the Lord GALLAND AS soon as the Synodical Officers were chosen the Lord Galland declared that by vertue of and in Obedience to his Majesties Letters Patents bearing Date the Seventeenth of April last and verified in his Court of Parliament the Second of May following by which His Majesty had ordained that in all Assemblies of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion whether Coloquies or Synods one of His Majesties Officers being of the same Religion should assist in Person and see that nothing should be propounded or handled but only such Affairs as were permitted by his Edicts and that he should make report thereof unto His Majesty He came now and sate in this Assembly for that His Majesty had Commissionated him as his Deputy unto this present Assembly as was evident by the Letters Pattents of His said Majesty subscribed by the Kings own Hand Lewis and a little Lower by His Majesties Order De L' Omeny and Sealed with the Great Seal in yellow Wax and Dated the Twenty Ninth of July last which were produced and read The Tenour whereof is as followeth Lewis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our well-beloved and faithful Counsellor in our Council of State and Privy Council our Attorney General in our Realm of Navarre Monsieur Augustus Galland Greeting We having Willed and Ordained by our Letters Patents bearing Date in the Moneth of April last that our Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion might hold their Synodical Assemblies as formerly and meet and treat about Matters of their Discipline and that we would Commissionate one of our Officers of the same Religion to be present in those Assemblies and to see that none other Matter should be Debated in them but what is according to our Edicts Now forasmuch as in the Moneth of September next there will be conven'd at Charenton an Assembly of the Deputies of the said Religion from out of all the Provinces of this our Kingdom For these Causes we being well assured of your good affection unto our Service and to the Repose and Peace of our Estate we have Commissionated and do by these presents Commissionate you to meet and be present with them in the said General Assembly whether it sit at Charenton or be removed elsewhere by our permission during the whole time of their Sessions and carefully to take heed that nothing he Treated or Debated in it contrary to our Service or prejudicial to the Publick Peace And in case any other thing shall be proposed or Debated than what concerns the Order and Discipline of the said P. Reformed Religion you shall oppose and suppress it and make those Remonstrances against it as be in such cases needful and give us full and timely notice of the whole and of all and singular passages transacted in it And because of that confidence we have of your Loyalty and Affection we have Commissionated and Deputed and do Commissionate and Depute you for this very end and purpose to be present in all those Assemblies held by our Subjects of the said P. Reformed Religion by our Licence at the said Town of Charenton without your having need of any other powers than what are now given you by these present Letters Pattents which you may communicate unto such Persons as you shall think fit so that none of those our aforesaid Subjects may pretend ignorance you having received full power from us For such is our will and pleasure Given at St. Germain in I aye this Nine and Twentieth day of July and in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three and in the Fourteenth Year of Our Reign Signed Lewes and a little lower By His Majesties Order D' LOMENY CHAP. III. A great Debate about this Commission THE Letters Pattents being read The Lord of Montmartyn Deputy General of the Churches unto His Majesty reported that when as He and his Colleague the Lord Maniald were inform'd of His Majesties Will as aforesaid they did what lay in their power by reason and argument to disswade His Majesty from passing this Declaration But notwithstanding all that they did or could urge His Majesty was not pleased in the least to heed or regard them but caused this Declaration to be verified in his Court of Parliament So that neither himself nor the Lord Maniald being able to do any thing more they left it unto this present Assembly to reiterate their Complaints unto His Majesty and if they thought good to tender their Petitions unto His Majesty about it The Synod deliberating in presence of the Lord Augustus Galland about this Affair and cousidering that by this Declaration of His Majesty our Colloquies and Synods were most unjustly charged and condemned for having past beyond the Bounds and Limits of their most humble Duty which they have alwayes deferred and payd unto His Majesty in all their Consultations and Debates and moreover that the benefit of his Edicts was greatly retrenched and those favourable Concessions which His Majesty had granted us were now as good as totally revoked it is resolved that a most solemn humble address should be presented to His Majesty that he would be pleased to maintain our Churches in all their Liberties which had been accorded to them and which they had ever heretofore enjoyed and two Pastors with two Elders were ordained to
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
be payd without security for its restitution 5. Monsieur Perreaud Pastor of the Church of Mascon appealed from two Decrees of the Colloquy of Lions one of which concerned certain Charges expended by him in his Travells unto that Colloquy and another which ordered him to return unto his Church within six Weeks This Synod ordaineth that the said Perreaud be censured for troubling it with such trivial matters and which might be ended in his own Province and for that he hath not acquiesced in that other Ordinance of the said Colloquy so very just and equitable as nothing more and that he return home again unto his own Church without delay 6. Another Appeal was brought by the same Perreaud from a Decree of the Synod of Gex which had censured him for being absent Fourteen Moneths from his Church and that there should also be deducted Seven Moneths Wages from out of his Stipend and the Church of Masâ—on also appealed from the same Decree demanding a greater abatement to be made of that Summ. This Synod confirming the former Censure of the Synod of Gex doth reduce his payment unto Four Moneths Wages and which shall be deducted out of the Sallary payd him from the Kings Moneys and his Church according to that Order made by the Colloquy of Lions 7. The Elders of the Church of Hâ—â—re de Grace Appealed from an Order of the Provincial Synod held at Dieppe about a certain Summ of Moneys But this Assembly rejecting their Appeal censured the said Elders for troubling them with such a slight matter which might be easily determined in their own Province 8. The Sieur de Gasques appealed on behalf of the Church of St. Martyn de Bobaux from the Synod of Sevennes held at Alez which had given Monsieur d' Allegre away from them to be Pastor unto the Churches of Auvergne without taking any care how they might be supplied The Deputies of the said Province of Sevennes being demanded about this Affair answered that what they had done in removing the Sieur D' Allegre was by and with the consent of the Elder of the said Church of St. Martyn who also had dismissed him though for what reasons he was discharged by them they knew not This Assembly orders the said Province to provide without delay a Pastor for that Church and to restore Monsieur d' Allegre to it or to take some other speedy course that it be immediately and out of hand supplyed And for the future it commands the said Province never to consent that a Pastor be separated from his Church by their sole License till they have been first of all fully informed and satisfied about the causes of the said dismission and separation 9. The Consistory of Castres brought in an Appeal from the Decrees of the Colloquy of Albigeois and the Provincial Synod of Higher Languedoc by which Monsieur de Combalasse Pastor of the Church of Vabres for words uttered by him in the late troubles and which had caused a tumult in the said City was censured by the said Colloquy and farther obliged by the Synod to appear in Person before the Consistory of Castres and to give satisfaction to it unto their Church and to the Consuls of the said City This Assembly considering that the Offence for which he is now questioned is of their Nature which were ordered to be buried in Oblivion by the Peace and Amnesty given us by His Majesty doth think â—it that the aforesaid Consistory should rest satisfied with the Decree of their Synod it having been fully performed and so should be no more at all mentioned 10. The Sieur de L' Allen appealed from the Judicial Sentence of the Province of Xaintonge confirming that of the Consistory of Rochell which had not only condemned him to abjure the Errors collected out of his Works and Writings to which he had satisfied but he was over and above obliged to make a publick Recantation of them and to do Pennance for them before the whole Church there Although this Assembly approveth the Acts and proceedings of the said Provincial Synod and Consistory of Rochell as done with great Prudence and Charity yet nevertheless yearning with Bowels of compassion on the said Sieur de L' Allen and considering these great and solemn protestations of Repentance made by him in this Assembly and ratified by a new and particular and voluntary Act of Abjuration subscribed with his own hand we do ordain that he be received to the Peace and Communion of the Church but on this condition that he do not participate of the Lord Supper till after two Moneths Tryal and Experience had of his Obedience and Constancy which time shall begin from that very day in which this present Act shall be published in the Church of Rochell on the Lords day immediately after Sermon by Monsieur Berauld Pastor and Professor of Divinity at Montauban who is Deputed by this Assembly unto the Church of Rochell for this very end and purpose And if the said Sieur de L' Allen shall ever hereafter relapse into his former Errors and vent them either by Writing or Discourse or any other manner or way whatsoever this Synod doth ordain that he be then cast out of the Church by Excommunication 11. The said Sieur d' Allen requested that the Paper in which was written the Retractation and Abjuration of his aforesaid Errors and that Act confirming and recording this his Abjuration made in this Synod might not be sent to Rochell because he intended to quit that City and live at Paris This Assembly for divers reasons moving them thereunto ordaineth that the said Record shall be kept by the Consistory of the Church of Paris 12. The Sieur de Richelieu Pastor of the Church of Plouer and St. Malo appealed from the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Britain vvhich had ordered the Sieurs du Preau and de Soâ—vigne Pastors and the Sieurs de Conte an Elder to visit that Church and to inquire into those Disorders committed in it and to take some course for their removal and that they may be prevented for the future After that the Deputies of the said Province had been heard and the said Monsieur de Richelieu also and the Acts of the said Visitation by those Commissioners vvere read by him and ovvned by them This Assembly judged that the said Provincial Synod had very vvell and vvisely acted in ordering of the Visitation but yet nevertheless they should have took notice of matters of greater importance than are contained in their Report and they should have vvaved the cognisance of such slight and trifling Accusations vvhich vvere never proved nor should they have troubled this Assembly vvith such needless and unprofitable storys Farther the Commissioners did not proceed uprightly in the execution of their Commission because they did not mark and observe what might be said as well for and in behalf of the said Monsieur de Richelieu as against him and for that they accepted
which he hath prepared that we should use and walk in CANON IX This self-same Election was not done out of fore-seen Faith and Obedience of Faith Holyness or any other good Quality and Disposition as a Cause or Condition prae-required in Man that is to be Elected but that God might give him Faith and Obedience of Faith and true Holyness And therefore Election is the Spring and Fountain of all saving Good from which flow out Faith Holyness and all other saving Gifts yea Everlasting Life it self as the Fruits and Effects thereof according to that saying of the Apostle Ephes 1.4 He hath chosen us not because we were but that we might be Holy and Unblameable before him in Love CANON X. Now the Cause of this free Election is the only good pleasure of God which doth not stand in this that he hath chosen as a Condition of Salvation some certain Humane Qualities or Actions which are possible to be done but in this that he hath took unto himself some certain select Persons from among the vast Multitude and Community of Sinners to be his peculiar Inheritance Even as it is written Rom. 9.11 12 13. Before the Children were born and before they had done good or evil c. It was said unto her viz. Rebecca the Elder shall serve the younger as it is written Jacob have I loved and Esau have I hated And Acts 13.48 And all those who were ordained unto Eternal Life they believed CANON XI And forasmuch as God is most wise unchangeable knowing all things and Almighty therefore his Decree of Election can never be broken off nor changed nor revoked nor disanulled nor can the Elect be reprobated nor their number impaired and diminished CANON XII The Elect are in due time assured of their Everlasting and Unchangeable Election unto Salvation though it be done gradually and in a very unequal measure Nor do they get it by a curious diving into the Depths and Secrets of God but upon an exact scrutiny into their own hearts they meet with Spiritual Joys and Holy Heavenly Rejoycings and with those infallible Fruits of their Election noted and recorded in the Word of God such as Faith unfeigned in the Lord Jesus a Filial Fear of God Godly Sorrow for Sin and hungring and thirsting after Righteousness CANON XIII From this assurance and inward Sence and feeling of their Election Children of God do dayly take occasion for greater Abasement and deeper Humiliation of themselves before God and to adore the unfathomable depths of his Mercy and purge themselves from all filthiness both of Flesh and Spirit and also to love God most ardently and transcendently who hath first loved them with such a potent and unparallel'd Affection So far are they by this Doctrine from growing slothful careless carnally secure or negligent of Duty and of keeping the Commandments of God that they ordinarily through the just judgment of God are guilty of these sins who rashly and unwarrantably presuming of their Election do riot it at Noon day and turn the Grace of God into lasciviousness and refuse to walk in the good ways of Gods Elect. CANON XIV And as this Doctrine of Divine Election according to the Infinite wise Council of God was preached by the Prophets of old by our Lord Jesus Christ and by his Apostles under both Testaments and after recorded in the Holy Scriptures So also ought it now in our days to be taught publickly in the Church of God for whom it is principally designed but with a Spirit of Discretion Religiously and Piously in time and place relinquishing all curious Inquiries into the wayes of the most High and all to the Glory of Gods Holy Name the Peace and Comfort the Everlasting Life and Happyness of his People CANON XV. Moreover the Sacred Scriptures do render this Everlasting Free Grace of God in our Election the more illustrious and recommend it to us by testifying that all Men are not Elected but that some in the Eternal Election of God are passed by to witt those whom God in his good pleasure which is alwayes most Free most Righteous Unblameable and Unchangeable Decreed to leave in that gulph of common Misery whereinto by their own sin they had flung themselves headlong and not to give them saving Faith nor the Grace of Conversion but having abandon'd them to their own ways and lusts he doth finally in his Righteous Judgment condemne and punish them Everlastingly not only for their unbelief but also for all their other sins for the manifestation of his Justice This is the Decree of Reprobation which doth not in any wise make God the Author of Sin the very thought whereof is horrid Blasphemy but on the contrary doth demonstrate him to be a most dreadful irreprehensible and Righteous Judge and Revenger of all Sin CANON XVI Such who do not as yet effectually feel in their own Souls a lively Faith in Christ Jesus or a particular confidence of Heart in God Peace of Conscience a diligent care and endeavour to yield Filial Obedience and to glorifie God through Jesus Christ and do yet nevertheless use the means by which God hath promised to work those Graces in us they should not be discouraged when as they here speak or Reprobation nor should they reckon themselves in the number of Reprobates but they ought carefully to continue in the use of means and ardently to petition for that happy hour when this Grace of God shall be abundantly poured down upon them and to wait for it in all Reverence and Humility much less should they be affrighted at the Doctrine of Reprobation who when as they desire to be sincere Converts and would please God intirely and be delivered from this Body of Death sin dwelling in them yet cannot make so great a progress in Piety and Faith as they would Because God who is full of Mercy hath promised that he will not quench the smoaking flax nor break the bruised reed But this Doctrine is indeed terrible unto them who forgetting God and Jesus Christ our Saviour are totally imbondaged unto the heart-piercing cares of this present World and the Concupiscencies of their fiesh during the whole time of their unregeneracy CANON XVII Wherefore since 't is our Duty to judge of Gods Will by his Word which testifieth for the Children of Believers that they be Holy not indeed by Nature but through the singular benefit of the Covenant of Grace in which they be included with their Parents Fathers and Mothers fearing God should not doubt of their Childrens Election and Salvation whom God takes unto himself in their Infancy CANON XVIII In case any Person murmur against the free Grace of God in Election and the Severity of Gods Justice in Reprobation we should oppose them with that of the Apostle Rom. 9.20 O! Man who art thou that contendest with God And with those words of our Saviour Matth. 20.15 Is it not lawful for me to do with my own as I please
continued in its perfect being in all its parts complete and intire although the Redemption impetrated should never have been actually applyed either to or by any one particular Person But this Doctrine is injurious to the Wisdom of God the Father and to the merit of Jesus Christ and is contrary to the very Letter and express terms of the Scripture for doe but hear what our Lord speaketh John 10.15 17. I lay down my Life for my Sheep and I know them And the Prophet Esay saith of our Saviour Cap. 53.10 When as he shall have made his Soul an Offering for Sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand In short this Doctrine subverts that Article of our Creed I believe the Holy Catholick Church CANON II. Who teach that the design of Christ Jesus in his Death was not effectually to ratifie the New Covenant of Grace by his Blood but only to acquire for his Father a right of contracting anew with Men another Covenant whether of Grace or Works it was not material But this is repugnant unto Scripture which teacheth Heb. 7.22 That Jesus Christ was a Surety and Mediator of a better that is to say of the New Covenant and Heb. 9.15 17. That a Testament is not in force till the Death of the Testator CANON III. Who teach that Jesus Christ by his satisfaction hath not merited for any one assuredly Salvation it self or that Faith whereby his satisfaction may be applyed effectually to Salvation But that he hath only acquired unto the Father the Power or plenary Will of treating anew with Men and prescribing to them new Conditions such as please him and whose accomplishment dependeth on the free Will of Man And so it might have fallen out that either no Man or all Men might have accomplisht them For these have too mean and abject thoughts of the Death of Christ Jesus not owning nor acknowledging the principal fruit or benefit acquired by it This Doctrine would redeem from Hell that Ancient and condemned Heresie of the Pelagians CANON IV. Who teach that this New Covenant of Grace which God the Father hath contracted with Men through the interposal of Christs Death doth not consist in this that we are justified before God and saved by Faith as it lays hold of Christs Death but in this that whereas the Law required perfect Obedience it is now abolished and God reckons Faith it self and the imperfect Obedience of Faith for a perfect and complete Obedience unto the Law and out of his mere and pure Grace doth esteem it worthy to be recompensed with Eternal Life For these Fellovvs contradict in express terms the Sacred Scripture Rom. 3.23 24. Being justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption which is in Jesus Christ vvhom God hath ordained before all time to be a Propitiation by Faith in his Blood And thus introduce vvith profane Socinus a Novel and unheard of Justification before God against the Unanimous and common Consent of the vvhole Church CANON V. Who teach that all Men are received into a State of Reconciliation and to the Grace of the Covenant so that none is obnoxious unto Condemnation nor shall be condemned for Original Sin but that they be exempted from all the guilt vvhich is in that Sin For this Opinion crosseth the Scripture vvhich affirmeth Ephes 2.3 That vve are by Nature Children of Wrath. CANON VI. Who serve themselves of that distinction of the Impetration and Application that they may instil into the minds of simple and ignorant Souls this Opinion That God would equally impart unto all Men the benefits purchased by the Death of Jesus Christ and whereas some are made Partakers sooner than others of the Remission of Sins and of Eternal Life that this difference came from and depends chiefly on their free Will applying unto themselves that Grace which is indifferently offered unto all But this hath no dependency at all upon the gift of special Mercy working efficaciously within them that they may apply it rather than others unto themselves For making semblance as if they propounded this Doctrine in a good Sence they indeavour slily to insinuate into Souls the most pernicious Poyson of Pelagianisme CANON VII Who teach that Jesus Christ needed not to have died nor indeed did he die for them who were the Objects of Gods Sovereign Love and Elected unto Everlasting Life as if these needed not the Death of our Lord Jesus Christ which is a notorious contradiction unto the Apostle Gal. 2.20 Christ hath loved me and given himself to the Death for me Rom. 8.32 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect God is he that justifieth who will condemne Christ is he that hath dyed for us They also contradict our very Saviour himself John 10.15 I lay down my Life for my Sheep and chap. 15.12 13. This is my Commandment that ye love one another even as I have loved you There is no greater love than this that one should lay down his Life for his Friends CHAP. III. Of the Corruption of Man his Conversion unto God and the manner how CANON I. MAN at first was created after Gods Image and adorned in his Understanding with the true and saving Knowledge of his Creator and of Spiritual things with Righteousness in his Will and Purity in his Heart and in all his Affections yea he was truly and throughly Holy but being turned away from God by the Instigation of the Devil and his own free Will he hath deprived himself of those Excellent Gifts and contrary wise instead of them he hath brought upon himself Blindness horrible Darkness Vanity and perverseness of Judgment in his Understanding Malice Rebellion and hardness in his Will and Heart and so in like manner impurity in all his Affections CANON II. And such as he is since the Fall such Children are there begotten of him he is the corrupted Father Of corrupted Children the Corruption through the Just Judgment of God being derived from Adam down upon all his Posterity Jesus Christ only excepted and this not only by imitation as the Pelagians of old asserted but by propagation of his Corrupted Nature CANON III. Therefore all Men are conceived in Sin and are born Children of Wrath utterly unable to perform any saving Duty enclined unto Evil dead in Sin and in Bondage to it and without the Regenerating Grace of Gods Spirit they neither will nor can return unto God nor reform their depraved Nature nor so much as dispose themselves to a Reformation of it CANON IV. 'T is true that since the Fall there remain in Man some Relicks of Natural Light by means whereof he yet retaineth some Knowledge of God and of Natural things he can discern between what is honest and dishonest and expresseth some kind of Care and Study for Vertue and Exteriour Discipline But he is so far from being able by this Light of Nature
Treasure constantly defended which God also will cause her evermore to defend so as no Counsel nor Force shall be ever able to prevail against it Now to this one God Father Son and Holy Spirit be Honour and Glory for ever and ever Amen Errors Rejected The Orthodox Doctrine having been Explained the Synod Rejects their Errors CANON I. WHO teach that the Perseverance of True Believers is not an effect of Election nor a gift of â—od purchased by the Death of Christ but it s a Condition of the New Covenant which Man before his Election and peremptory Justification as they call it must of his free will accomplish for the Sacred Scriptures witnesseth that it floweth from Election and is given unto the Elect by vertue of the Death Resurrection and Intercession of Jesus Christ Rom. 11.7 The Election hath obtained it and the others are hardned Also Rom. 8.31 32 33 34. He that hath not spared his only Son but given him for us all how shall he not also give us with him all other things Who shall lay any thing to the charge of â—ods Elect It is God that will justifie Who will condemn It is Christ that is dead yea rather who is risen again from the Dead and who sitteth at the right hand of God and who also maketh Intercession for us Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ Shall it be Oppression Or Tribulation Or Famine Or Peril or Sword Yea in all these things we are more than Conquerors through him who hath loved us CANON II. Who teach That God doth indeed provide for the Believer strength enough and power sufficient for perseverance and that in case he do his Duty God will preserve him However let all things be supposed which may be needful to perseverance in Faith and which God will make use of for his preservation yet still it depends upon the Liberty of Mans Will whether he will persevere or not This Opinion is bare-fac't Pelagianisme and whilst the Professor of it would make Man free they make him Sacrilegious Besides it is against the perpetual consent of the Gospel-Doctrine which removes from Man all grounds of boasting and ascribes the Glory of this benefit to the Grace of God only And it thwarteth the Testimony of St. Paul who saith 1 Cor. 1.8 that God will confirm us unto the end that we may be blameless in the day of Our Lord Jesus Christ CANON III. Who teach that the Faithful and Regenerate may not only fall totally and finally from Justifying Faith and from Grace and Salvation but also that they often do so and perish Everlastingly for this Opinion doth not only annihilate the Grace of Justification and Regeneration but also the perpetual keeping of the Lord Jesus Christ contrary to the express words of the Holy Apostle St. Paul Rom. 5.9 10. If Christ died for us when we were Sinners much more than being now justified by his Blood shall we be saved from Wrath by him And against the Apostle St. John 1 Ep. 3.9 Whosoever is born of God sinneth not for the Seed of God abideth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God and against the vvords of Jesus Christ John 10.28 29. And I give unto them Eternal Life and they shall never perish nor shall any pluck them out of my hand my Father vvho hath given them unto me is greater than all and no one can take them out of my Fathers hands I and my Father are one CANON IV. Who teach that Believers and Regenerate Persons may sin the sin unto Death that is they may commit that unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost Although the beloved Apostle and Disciple of Our Lord in the fifth Chapter of his First Epistle after that he had spoken in the sixteenth and seventeenth verses of those vvho commit the Sin unto Death and forbidden all Prayers for them added in the eighteenth verse We knovv that vvhosoever is born of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that vvicked one toucheth him not CANON V. Who teach That none can have in this Life without special Revelation any certainty of their perseverance For by this Doctrine the faithful are deprived of the most solid substantial comfort which is to be had in this Life and are abandoned to the diffidence and wavering floating opinions and doubts of the Romish Church But the Sacred Scriptures every where deriveth this Assurance not from any special or extraordinary Revelation but from the proper marks of the Children of God and from his infallible Promises especially from the Apostle St. Paul Rom. 8.38 No Creature can separate us from the Love of God which he hath shown us in Jesus Christ our Lord 1 John 3.24 He that keepeth his Commandments abideth in him and God in him And by this vve knovv that he abideth in us by his Spirit vvhich he hath given us CANON VI. Who teach That the Doctrine of Assurance of Perseverance and Salvation is a Pillovv for the Flesh to sleep on more securely and is in and of it self injurious unto Godlyness Good Works Prayers and all Holy Duties and Religious Exercises And on the contrary it is a laudable thing to be diffident and doubtful But such Persons bevvray their Ignorance and are mere Strangers to the efficacy of Divine Grace and to the operation of the Holy Ghost dvvelling in the Elect and contradict the Apostle St. John vvho doth in express terms assert the contrary 1 John 3.2 Beloved novv are vve the Children of God but vvhat vve shall be is not yet knovvn But this vve knovv that vvhen he shall appear vve shall be like unto him for vve shall see him even as he is And they must be more abundantly convinced by the Examples of Gods Saints both in the Old and New Testament who although they were assured of their Perseverance and Salvation did not thereupon neglect dayly Prayers or other Acts Duties and Exercises of True Piety and Religion CANON VII Who teach That there is no difference between a Temporary Faith and that which is Saving and Justifying excepting the duration of it For the Lord Jesus himself doth manifestly remark three other differences between those who believe but for a time and true Believers when as he saith Matth. 13.20 and Luke 8.13 and the verses following That those are they who receive the Seed in stony ground and these in good ground or in an honest heart that the former had no root but these have a firm root the one brought no fruit but these produced their fruits constantly and perseveringly in divers degrees and measures CANON VIII Who teach that it is no absurdity to say that when as the first Regeneration is extinct a Man may be born again yea he may be often new born For by this Doctrine the Seed of God by which we be new born is made corruptible directly contrary to the Witness of St. Peter Ep. 1. cap. 23. Being
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
of one and the same Faith and Acts of Love and Charity because they are part of the same Mystical Body whose Members have none other aim or end than with one heart to serve God and the King in peaceable Lives and Liberty of Conscience so as for the Churches in other Nations they never had nor ever will have any Intelligence Alliance or Correspondency with them than what shall be approved by God and His Majesty desiring always to live in peace under the Wings of His protection Farther the Council protesterh that our Churches had never the least intimation or knowledge that any of their Members professing the Reformed Religion have tamper'd in any Plots or Treasons with the Spaniard or other Enemies of this Crown and if it could be proved to them that there be such as were ingaged in those pernicious designs and practises we would be the very first with heart and hand to subscribe unto their Condemnation and to abhor both them their Complices and Adherents as we now do from our very Souls profess our Abhorrency and Detestation both of them their Doctrine and practise who having divers times attempted to Assassinate the Sacred Persons of Kings do to this very day uphold and mantain Intelligencies and Correspondencies both at home and abroad within and without the Kingdom against their pretious Lives and Imperial Crowns Dignities and Regal Authority As for that Canon past in the Synod of Realmont and read now unto us This Council cannot conceal its grief for the great wrong done unto that Synod because it was enforced by His Majesties Commissioner then personally assisting in it to frame an Act which seems to take for granted that there were some Ministers accused of holding Intelligence with the Spaniard the most implacable Enemy of France and of our Churches though in truth there was not so much as one found guilty of that Crime and the Churches cannot but adore the goodness of God unto them that after the most diligent and rigorous Inquiries made to this purpose not one of our Pastors could be impeached and that the malitious and shameless Calumnies of our most invenim'd and inveterate Adversaries could never fasten or prove their Accusation upon any one particular Person of one Communion The Event having at last demonstrated that our Churches were condemned most unjustly and cleared and proclaimed innocent of all those Accusations before the whole World And as for the two following points This Assembly is resolved to give full contentment unto His Majesty And whereas our former National Synods have made a Canon about the first so will this also be as careful to enact another And the Acts of this Assembly shall answer for the second so that His Majesty shall ever have Universal Obedience Subjection Fidelity and most Faithful Service from our Churches whereunto we are obliged by our Natural Duty the Motions of our Conscience and the Ordinance of our God CHAP. V. The Kings Warrant for Choice of a New General Deputy THE Lord Commissioner Galland having been informed of the Death of the Lord Maniald one of the General Deputies of our Churches unto His Majesty did on the Five and Twentieth day of September present unto this National Synod this following Warrant dispatched by Express Order from His Majesty This day the Three and Twentieth of August One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Six His Majesty being at Nants and considering that the term of Three vears was now expired in which the Lords of Montmartyn and Maniald who had been chosen General Deputies for His Subjects professing the P. Reformed Religion and in that Quality and Office to reside and serve at Court and to attend upon His Majesty in all his Progress and Motions and that there must be a new Election of some other Deputies to succeed them in their Office and considering farther that this Election could not be more conveniently done than in a National Assembly and Council which His Majesty hath permitted His said Subjects of the Reformed Religion to hold in the City of Castres this September next ensuing that so they may not be put to unnecessary Expence and Trouble as they would otherwise be if they should be forced to call another Assembly on this occasion His Majesty for these considerations and divers other good and important reasons relating unto his Service the Repose and Tranquillity of his Government and Kingdom hath granted License unto the Deputies which shall be present at the said National Council to treat and choose new Deputies who may reside and serve in that Quality near his Royal Person instead of the said Lords of Montmartyn and Maniald and this in the presence of the Lord Galland one of the Lords of our Council of State and Commissioner unto the said National Assembly and to propose unto him Six Persons capable faithful and most affectionately inclin'd unto His Majesties Service and the Publick Peace that out of them His Majesty may prick two unto the said Office of General Deputies by means whereof those aforesaid Lords of Montmartyn and Manyald shall be discharged of their Imployment observing the forms in such cases accustomed provided alwayes that in the Assembly aforesaid there shall not be any other Matters debated or handled excepting what concern the Discipline of their Religion as has been determined by His Majesties Edicts and Declarations In testimony whereof His Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writt Signed by His Own Royal Hand and Countersigned by me one of His Most Honourable Privy Council and Secretary of State and of his Commands Signed Louis and a little lower Philippeaux CHAP. VI. The Synods deliberation upon the Writt THE Assembly consulting upon His Majesties Writt and considering that it does not contain an Express Command but only a simple permission to nominate General Deputies and that it doth in such a manner restrain the said permission as that it leaveth unto this Assembly no liberty nor power at all of calling the said Lord of Montmartyn to an Accompt who hath from the first time of his Election unto this present day exercised the said General Deputation much less to give Instructions unto such as may be Elected unto the said Office Besides that this Assembly durst not adventure upon the said Election without an open violation of His Majesties Edicts Letters Patents and Sealed Letters and of our usual and accustomed Order and the Solemn Protestation of former Synods who have expresly declared that they desired and intended utterly to forbear all cognisance of Affairs of this Nature And farther that the Churches had been for a very long time together deprived of the Assistance of His Majesties Bounty and that it would be needful most humbly to petition him to order his Royal Promises to be observed and entirely accomplished and fulfilled For these Causes and Reasons and particularly that we might keep within the bounds of Order and to the Ancient practice of the Churches The Council judged
it necessary to make a Deputation unto His Majesty and voted the Sieurs de Bouteroue and de Baleines to carry their most Humble Petitions unto His Majesty who were charged with Letters and Instructions unto His Majesty and to the Chief Ministers of State CHAP. VII A Copy of the Councils Letter sent unto the King SIR The Synods Letter sent unto the King THE Sence and Experience we have of Your Majesties Royal Bounty unto our Churches and of their great Sufferings notwithstanding this your goodness through the Non-Execution of your Edicts in the Provinces of your Kingdom do compell us to depute unto Your Majesty the Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines to lay at Your Majesties feet together with the sincere protestations of our inviolable fidelity unto Your Majesties Service our most humble acknowledgments and thanks for your gracious favours and our just and necessary requests for the relief and comforting of our poor Churches We humbly trust that Your Majesty will be pleased to give them a favourable audience and to grant us our most Humble Petitions and to accept of the Devout and most hearty Prayers of many Thousands of Godly Persons for Your Majesties Prosperity who whilst they lie groaning under the most insupportable pressures in the World do notwithstanding live in a profound Obedience unto Your Majesties Authority And from the bottom of our Souls and with the greatest ardency imaginable we supplicate the Throne of Grace to bless and preserve Your Majesties Most Sacred Person and to augment and continue the happyness of Your Majesties Reign and Government being alwayes Most Dread Soveraign From Castres Septemb. 1626. Your most Humble most Faithful and most Obedient Subjects and Servants The Pastors and Elders of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled in their National Synod at Castres and for them all Chauve Moderator Bouteroue Assessor Blondel and Petit Scribes CHAP. VIII THE Eight and Twentieth day of October The Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines Deputies unto the King returned with Letters from His Majesty and the Lord d' Herbaut Secretary of State and reported that they had a very favourable Reception from His Majesty and Ministers of State and that having presented their Address unto the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council they had obtained a Command unto the Parliament of Thoulouse to take away the Modifications put by the said Parliament upon the last Edict of Peace and were promised that Commissioners should be sent into the Provinces of Xaintonge the Higher and Lower Languedoc Rochell and the Land of Aunix to see that the Edict be duely executed They were also assured that the Assignations formerly given unto the Lord of Candal should be made good and valid and that they had an order for twelve hundred Livres to defray the Charges of their Journey besides the Summ of Ten Thousand Livres granted by His Majesty unto this Council to pay their Charges But as for the restoring of Monsieur du Moulin to the Church of Paris and a License for holding of a General Assembly His Majesty was utterly averse unto it and would in no wise yield thereunto and we should know more of his mind upon this Article and of his good intentions as to the nomination of our General Deputies by his Commissioner the Lord Galland Thanks were given unto our good God that he had granted us to find favour with the King and the Deputies also which were sent unto His Majesty had the thanks of the Council and were commended for their Conduct and Dexterity which was so acceptable unto the King and Lords of His Majesties Council and approved by this Assembly A Copy of the Kings Letter unto this National Synod DEAR and Well-beloved we received the Letters by the Sieurs Bouteroue and de Baleines your Deputies and understood from their Mouths and your Address presented to us what they were ordered by you to declare unto us Whereunto we have by word of Mouth and Writing given those favourable Answers which shall be related to you by those your Deputies to which we shall add with a willing mind the Effects or our Grace and Royal favour upon all occasions that may occur for the Weal and General happyness of Our Subjects of your Religion and of you all joyutly and severally as we also promise our selves that you will keep you within those bounds of Fidelity and Obedience which good and Loyal Subjects owe unto their King and that you will verifie by your actions the words of your aforesaid Deputies as we exhort you so to do and moreover to give credence unto the Lord Galland our Counsellor in our Council of State in all things whatsoever that he shall offer to you as from us Given at St. German in Laye this Fourteenth of October 1626. Signed Louis and a little lower Philippeaux And the Superscription was thus directed To Our Dear and Well-Beloved the Deputies of the P. Reformed Religion Assembled by our License in a National Synod in our City of Castres CHAP. IX A Copy of the Lord Herbaut's Letter unto this Council SIRS YOUR Deputies were favourably received by His Majesty and His Majesty heard with very great satisfaction those Assurances from their Mouths of your Fidelity and sincere intentions to the Publick Peace and Tranquillity When His Majesty granted it unto you it was with a full purpose inviolably to keep it with you and farther to give you with the injoyment thereof all other matters accorded to you by his Edicts What remains but that on your part you contribute whatever His Majesty might expect from your Prudence and Conduct and to measure by what is past that the duration and firm settlement of your Repose doth principally depend on your Obedience yielding unto his Majesty what is due unto him and is necessary for your well-being And you may believe that in so doing his Gracious Favours will be multiplyed upon you dayly and that I shall be ready to serve you in all good Offices with His Majesty that you may resent the comfortable Effects thereof according as you have deserved them In the mean while I rest Sirs Your most Humble and Affectionate Servant Philippeaux The Superscription was To my Lords My Lords the Deputies Assembled by His Majesties permission in a National Synod at Castres CHAP. X. Amore ample Declaration of the Kings Will upon several points demanded by the Deputies WHEN as the Letter of His Majesty but now recited was read My Lord Galland the Kings Commissioner declared that for the reasons given by His Majesty unto the Deputies and according to the import of the Articles answered by the Council he could not consent unto the return of Monsieur du Moulin nor for divers Considerations noted in those Articles now read could he at present give way for the meeting of a General Politick Assembly His Majesty reserving the grant thereof when as there shall be need of it and his Affairs of State may
well suffer it And as to the Election of Deputies His Majesty being not willing that the Affairs of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion should be without Conduct and Order had immediately upon the Death of the Lord Maniald one of the General Deputies and from September last Commissionated a Person of Honour and qualified for the discharge of that Office to act concurrently with the Surviving Deputy the Lord of Montmartyn until such time as it may be otherwise determined And since by his Writt of the Tenth of October he had given Licence unto this Synod to proceed unto the Election of Six Persons well inclined unto his Service and to the Publick and having no dependance on any one but himself out of which His Majesty will prick two for the discharge of that Office therefore he exhorts the Synod to proceed unto the Nomination and to choose out Persons qualified as before and hath been usually practised in such cases and this should be the rather done now because the present juncture of Affairs will not permit the calling of a Politick Assembly Declaring that in case we neglect the said Nomination The Lord of Montmartyn and the other Lord nominated by the King will lay down the management of those Offices It being unreasonable that for want of General Deputies the common Affairs of His Majesties Subjects professing the Reformed Religion should be abandoned and neglected And the said Lord Commissioner presented His Majesties Writt the tenour whereof is as followeth This Tenth day of October 1626 the King being at St. Germains in Laye considering that the term of Three years for which the Lord of Montmartyn and the Deceased Lord Maniald had been nominated to reside and serve at Court and to attend His Majesty in the quality of General Deputies for His Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion is some while since expired and that it so falls out that there must be a new Election of some other Deputies to succeed them in their Offices and considering that this Election cannot be done more conveniently than in the Assembly and National Synod which His Majesty hath granted to be held by His said Subjects in His City of Castres this last September that so they might not be put to those great Expences and Incommodities which might betide them in case another Assembly should be called for this purpose as also for that the Weal and Safety of the Kingdom will not at present comport with a Politick Assembly His Majesty upon these considerations and for many other divers and good reasons of great importance to his Service and the Repose and Tranquillity of His Government doth grant that the Deputies in the National Synod in the presence of the Lord Galland Counsellor to His Majesty in his Council of State and Commissioner unto the said Synod shall consult about the Election of Deputies to reside and serve near His Majesty instead of the Lords Montmartyn and Hardy one of His Secretaries nominated by His Majesty in his Writt of the Thirtieth of September last and to offer unto him Six Persons meet and qualified for the said Imployment whether they be Members of the said Synod or not provided they be such as are Loyal and well affected unto his Service and to the publick Peace and that have no dependance on any Person in the World besides him that so his Majesty may prick two out of them who may hold and discharge the said Office of General Deputies And in so doing the said Lords of Montmartyn and Hardy our Secretary shall be devested of the said Employment they observing the forms as in such cases are usual and accustomed Provided alwayes that in the said Assembly there be nothing else debated but the said Election and Matters relating to the Discipline of their Religion aforesaid according to the import of his Majesties Edicts and Declarations However this shall not be made a Precedent his Majesty reserving to himself the power of permitting unto his said Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion to hold a Politick Assembly when as in his wisdom he shall judge it needful and his Affairs of State can well comport with it In testimony whereof I am commanded by his Majesty to expedite this present Writt which he was pleased to Sign with his own Hand and is Countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State and of his Commands and Exchequer Signed in the Original Louis and a little lower Philippeaux CHAP. XI THE Writt having been read the Council voted a Conference to be held about its Contents at my Lord Commissioners Lodgings and Twelve Persons Deputies of the Council were constituted a Committee to this purpose Who having made Reports of the whole The Council considering the change hapned in Affairs by the unexpected and sudden Death of the Lord Maniald and the importunities of the Lord Montmartyn his Colleague to be discharged of such a Borden as he saith is impossible to be born by himself alone and the pressing necessities of our Churches requiring that some Persons should take upon them the care and management of their Affairs who might sollicite them with renewed vigour but principally His Majesties Writt animated by the Exhortations of his Commissioner the Lord Gallanbd who declared according to that Answer made unto the Address presented by the Deputies that the state of His Majesties Affairs would not permit His Majesty to grant us at present a General Assembly And that in case this Council would not nominate the Deputies his Majesty himself would do it even as he had already took course to do it having by his Writt and Warrant of the Thirtieth of September expresly joyned the Lord Hardy in the Commission of the General Deputies with the Lord Montmartyn For all these reasons and to avoid an infinite number of visible inconveniencies The Council proceeded to Elect those Six Persons which were to be presented to his Majesty and by plurality of Suffrages were chosen the Lords Claudius Baron of Gabrias and Beaufort Lewes de Champagne Earl of Suze Henry de Clermont d' Amboise Marquess of Gallerande for the Nobility and the Lords Basin Advocate in Parliament living at Blois Texier the Kings Advocate in the Seneschalsy of Armagnac and Lazaras du Puy Counsellor in the Presidial Court of Bourg in Bresse for the Commons that so his Majesty may out of them choose two whom he best liketh to exercise the Office of General Deputies But forasmuch as that Canon established in our Churches under the good pleasure of His Majesty for the nomination of the said General Deputies requireth that every third year by an express Warrant from his Majesty there should be called a General Assembly and that before it there should be particular Assemblies held in all the Provinces to prepare their Cahiers Memoirs and all other Jurisdictions of the Provinces and to deliver them unto their hands who shall be deputed unto the General Assembly which after wards culleth out those Cahiers
which most concern the Churches and are to be presented unto his Majesty for the Advancement of His Service and the Peace and Repose of His Subjects And whereas 't is full Six years ago since the last Politick Assembly was graciously permitted us by His Majesty and that the former National Synods held at Alez and Charenton and this also of Castres conformable to them have peremptorily decreed that none of our Pastors shall henceforward intermeddle with State-Affairs or assist personally in Politick Assemblies which also His Majesty hath approved The Council because it would not transgress His Majesties Declarations nor the Canons of the Synods before-mentioned nor cause any prejudice to that Government which the goodness of our Kings have approved in the Churches of this Realm and which His Majesty hath given us to understand that he will not abolish declareth that 't is none of its design nor desire by this Election whereunto the Churches are necessitated and the Kings Will obligeth them to prejudice in the least the Rights and Priviledges of General Assemblies to whom the care of State-Affairs doth properly belong nor shall it bind the succeeding National Synods to act after this manner Wherefore it chargeth the General Deputies who shall be accepted by His Majesty to demand at the end of Eighteen Moneths with the profoundest submissions and importunities imaginable his Majesties Writt of the Summons for the General Assembly even as it hath pleased His Majesty to give unto our Churches the firm hopes thereof by His Royal and inviolable promises expressed in plain and formal words in his Writt before-mentioned And whereas the intendment of this Office is in the name of our Churches to represent unto His Majesty all those Matters which concern the Weal and Service of His Majesty and the Repose and Subsistance of His Subjects and that to this purpose it is absolutely needful that there should be Assemblies held in the Provinces unto which there may be brought all the Complaints Remonstrances and Propositions of all and every one of our Churches that from them they may be brought unto the General Assembly and the whole might be there examined and deposited into the hands of the General Deputies and this present Council being an Assembly of another Nature and having no Commission from the Provinces it could not furnish the Deputies now Elected with those necessary Memoirs and Instructions They therefore who shall be retained by His Majesty to discharge and execute this Office shall most humbly petition His said Majesty that he would permit in every Province such an Assembly as soon as possible in which all Complaints and Remonstrances meet for His Majesties perusal may be collected and layd at His Majesties feet by those Lords aforesaid our General Deputies to whom they shall be sent that so by this means His Majesty may be duely and truely informed of the Deportments and Grievances of all his Protestant Subjects because there is not any thing of greater importance to his Weal and Service than this is The Council hoping much from His Majesties great goodness is emboldned to pass beyond its accustomed Bounds and Order and to dispense with it self in this particular Otherwise it would have persisted in its most humble supplications that it might not be obliged unto the said Election The said Lords General Deputies shall confer with the Ministers of State it being a thing of indispensable necessity how they may hold a correspondency with the Provinces and the Provinces with them because without such a correspondency all their actings yea and their Office it self would be utterly useless and unserviceable unto the Churches Every Province shall draw up a Cahier of the grievances of their Churches and of particular Persons professing our Religion which shall be transmitted unto the Church of Paris which shall compile them into one general Cahier to be deposited into the hands of the General Deputies CHAP. XII A Remonstrance of the Lord of Angoulins on behalf of the Mayor Sheriffs and City of Rochell WHEN as the Council had thus decreed in pursuance of His Majesties Pleasure that they would proceed unto an Election of General Deputies to reside near His Majesty the Lord of Angoulins one of the Sheriffs of the City of Rochell Elder of the Church there and Deputy for the Province of Xaintonge remonstrated that in all such Actions the Lords Mayor Sheriffs and free Burgesses of the said City had in all times the Priviledge of a Province and their Deputies did ever appear in Person in all general Politick Assemblies and in National Synods also when as the General Deputies were to be chosen and he petitioned the Council that he might be granted his Vote in the said Election not only in his Quality as Deputy of the Province of Xaintonge but also in that his particular quality as Deputy of the said Lords the Mayor Sheriffs and free Burgesses of the said City according as he was commissionated with full powers so to do by the said Lords which he produced and were Signed by Gachot Secretary of their Council the Fourteenth day of the last October The Deputies of the Province of Xaintonge were heard hereupon who declared that the said Lord of Angoulins being one of their Colleagues and Deputy together with them might as such have his voice in the said Election or otherwise their Province would sustain a very considerable prejudice if one of its Deputies should be excluded from giving his suffrage in the said Election The Synod doing right unto the said Petitioner the Lord of Angoulins and not judging it reasonable that a single Person should have a double Vote in such an Occurrence as this decreed that the said Lord of Angoulins should only have one single Voice in the said Election but however it should be left unto his own choice to take what quality he pleased whether of Deputy for the Province of Xaintonge or of the City of Rochell only And the said Lord of Angoulins did at that instant though it should not be drawn in consequence nor made a precedent for the future nor prejudice the Rights and Priviledges of the said Town and Province declare that he choose to give his Vote in quality of Deputy for the said City of Rochell And this present Act was granted him that he had made the said Declaration Forasmuch as there be divers defaults in the Letters of Commission brought by the Deputies of some Provinces They shall be all exhorted by their Deputies to see that Canon of the Synod of Tonneins executed which had ordered that the Names and Surnames of all Deputies should be expresly inserted into them As also to take special heed that all Letters of Commission and Memoirs be in no wise Signed by the Persons Deputed unto the National Synods nor by those who are substituted in their stead in case of Sickness or Death or any the like accident but by the Officers of the Provincial Synods as Moderators Assessors and
Scribes In pursuance of the Canon made in the Synod or Privas The Provinces are injoyned to see that the Deputies of every Church do make Oath that they shall not give their Votes nor Suffrages unto such as brigue their Elections and Deputations unto our National Synods CHAP. XIII The Confession of Faith approved THE Confession of Faith being read word by word and every Article distinctly in its due Order it was approved and ratified by the Unanimous consent of all the Deputies both Pastors and Elders who protested as well for themselves as for their Provinces that they would live and die in the profession of this Faith teach it in their Churches and see it inviolably to be observed CHAP. XIV Observations on reading the Church-Discipline 1 AFter those words in the Fifth Canon of the First Chapter Without power of administring the Holy Sacraments these shall be added nor of solemnizing Marriages 2 In reading the Nine and Twentieth Canon of the same Chapter the Council declareth that by the discord mentioned in that Canon we are to understand not only what is moved by the Pastor but by the Church or Members among themselves also 3. On the first Canon of the third Chapter it was declared that whosoever accepted the Office of an Elder cannot be constrained to execute it if before his Reception thereinto the consent he had once given be again revoked by him 4. When the sixth Canon of the eighth Chapter was read at the request of the Provincial Deputies of Berry it was voted That Provincial Synods should be obliged before they brake up to proceed unto Censures even as in the like case a Decree had been framed for Colloquies 5. All our Churches are exhorted faithfully and exactly to observe the ninth Canon of the twelfth Chapter concerning the Administration of the Cup in the Lords Supper and to be accountable for their Obedience to it unto the next National Synod 6. The eighth Canon of the Ninth Chapter shall be razed but of our Discipline as being superfluous and unpracticable in our Churches 7. The same judgment having past on the fourth Canon of the tenth Chapter it was amended and changed into these words Churches which have been accustomed to make Publick Prayers on some certain days of the Week may continue that order which for many years they have so happily observed and other Churches may imitate their good example when as the Lord shall bless them with Ability and Opportunity and it may contribute unto their Edification 8. And Pastors also in the faithful discharge of their duties shall indeavour by their Remonstrances and Exhortations to prevent those great dishonours done unto Almighty God by that general contempt of his Holy Word preached very many neglecting Sermons and Publick Publick Ordinances of Religious Worship yea and Family-Prayers of which Omissions a multitude of Heads of Families Housholders and their Domesticks are exceeding guilty 9. The eighteenth Canon of the thirteenth Chapter shall be couched in this form Such as dwell in those places where the Publick Exercise of our Religion is not est ablished may cause their banes of Matrimony to be published in the Popish Churches it being a matter purely political 10. The Churches are injoyned by this Synod to give in an account unto their Colloquies and Provincial Synods of all Infractions of the sixteenth Canon in the fourteenth Chapter of our Discipline and Colloquies and Synods are to censure such Offenders whether they have violated it by printing of Practical or Controversal Treatises 11. When the twenty fourth twenty fifth and twenty sixth Canons of the fourteenth Chapter were read it was voted That this ensuing Canon should be made and read in all the Churches as soon as the Deputies were returned unto their respective Provinces CHAP. XV. An Act against Debauchery FOrasmuch as the Wrath of God is visibly revealed from Heaven against the Ungodlyness of Men and is notoriously poured out upon those who being once enlightned from above and called to the knowledge of the Heavenly Truth have afterward kept it under Hatches through their Unrighteousness that so they might more freely wallow in the Abominations of this World and turn the Grace of God into lasciviousness The National Synod of the reformed Churches of this Kingdom Assembled by His Majesties Licence in the Town of Gastres unable to behold without weeping Eyes and a wounded bleeding heart after such dreadful Judgments and Desolations as have befallen us the reigning Dissolutions and Debauches of those Persons who style and own themselves Members of Gods Church though in very truth and deed they be horrible Profaners of his Holy Name and dishonourable Professors of our most Holy Religion by their Impious and Licentious Lives and do as much as in them lieth deny the power of Godliness by their open and shameless ingratitude to his Divine Goodness Now for the avoiding of Gods burning Wrath and Indignation and more and more to stir up the Bowels of his Fatherly Compassions which he was pleased to remember for us even in the midst of Judgment yea and then also when as he smote his sinful Heritage with his forest and severest strokes and that upon our Conversion and Reformation his special Love and favour may be had and obtained and that this peace which against all hopes he hath given a stiff-necked and rebellious People who have bitterly provoked him to Jealousie and as it is too too evident have nothing profited by his Rod of Discipline and Correction may be preserved and continued This National Synod decreeth That all the Churches of this Kingdom shall be sollicited by the most powerful Motives and Arguments to humble themselves deeply in a most serious Repentance before his Divine Majesty and utterly to abandon all Vanities Luxury 's Fantasticalness and sumptuous Superfluities in Apparel those unseemly Ornaments and delights of lascivious Curles Paintings Naked Breasts Dances Balls Masquerades Wassaile-Feasts Carnevalls and all other unfruitful works of Darkness that so the Faithful Reforming their Lives and producing Fruits worthy of Repentance may demonstrate themselves by their good Works to be the conscientious Guardians of that pretious Jewel or saving Truths which is deposited with them And all Consistories are injoyned to exert that Authority given them of God diligently to suppress their Insolencies who glorying in their shame and ignominy may attempt in aftertimes to continue in any of their disorderly and sinful practises and should set themselves to resist those Remonstrances which the Great and Holy God hath or may issue forth against them by his Sacred Word And that this most needful Canon may be executed with the greater Faithfulness Care and Facility This Synod doth ordain that it shall be read publickly in all our Churches and an Account of its Observation shall be given in unto Colloquies and Synods on pain of being responsible in their own Persons particularly for all its Transgressions and Violations The whole Church Discipline having been read
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
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
you have most worthily discharged yea and in those very National Synods which we have permitted to be convocated by our Subjects of the said Reformed Religion at Charenton aforesaid in the Year 1623 and in our City of Castres in the Province of Albigeois in the Year 1626. We therefore conceived we could not make a better choice than of your self being well satisfied that you will continue to give us the Proofs and Testimonies of your Affection to our Service For these Causes we have commissionated and deputed and we do commissionate and depute you the said Lord Galland by these our present Letters Patents signed with our own Hand unto the said Synod and order you forthwith to transport your self unto the said Synod in the Town of Charenton and therein to assist in Person as our Representative and to propose and resolve on such Matters as have been commanded you according to the Memoirs and Instructions we have delivered into your Hands taking special Care that none other Businesses be then or there treated and debated but such as of right ought to be consulted and determined on in those Assemblies and which are permitted by our Edicts and in case they should attempt any thing contrary thereunto you shall hinder it and by Interposal of our Authority suppress and stifle it and speedily give us Notice and Advice thereof that we may immediately apply such Remedies as will be most needful And for doing hereof we do now impower you by this our Commission and special Commandment in these our present Letters Patents For such is our Will and Pleasure Given at Monceaux the sixteenth Day of August in the Year of Grace one thousand six hundred thirty one and of our Reign the two and twentieth Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower by the King Phelippeaux And sealed with the great Seal in yellow Wax CHAP. III. The Lord Galland's Speech to the Synod 23. THE aforesaid Letters Patents having been read by the Lord Galland his Majesty's Commissioner he made this Speech unto the Synod That the King having buried in the Grave of Oblivion all former Actions which had fallen out in the last Troubles to the great Affliction of the Kingdom his Majesty gave him in charge to assure his Subjects of the Religion of his Royal Affection and good Will towards them and that whilst they continued within the Bounds of Duty and abstained from all bitter Reflections against the Government and Repose of the Publick and from all Intelligences and Correspondencies either with Natives or Foreigners and were sorely addicted to the Service of his Majesty they should experience the Kindnesses of a good Father and of a good King in his Majesty and injoy the free Exercise of their Religion and the Liberty of calling and holding their Synods Provincial and National But whereas in divers Years last past the Orders given by him and accepted of by his said Subjects have been differently interpreted His Majesty desireth by reviving them to take away for the future all Grounds of Misconstruction and Misunderstanding 24. Therefore in the first Place His Majesty requireth that whereas Commissioners were established in all Synodical Assemblies both National and Provincial by his Letters Patents in the Year 1623 founded upon the Practice observed in the Primitive Church and the Government of the best-ordered Kingdoms there shall be an intire and absolute Obedience yielded hereunto by his said Subjects of the Reformed Religion and that they do refrain and forbear all Protestations and Remonstrances to the contrary 25. In the second Place By those aforesaid Orders and agreeable to the Laws of the Kingdom it was decreed and enacted That no Strangers should be admitted into the Pastoral Office in any of the Churches which are reserved for natural French-men and Ancients of the Kingdom in bar of whom and to whose Prejudice divers Strangers have been received Wherefore his said Majesty renewing his Ordinance aforesaid doth inhibit his said Subjects to admit into the Ministry any one except a French-man born and as for others who have been admitted since the Year 1623 contrary to it his Majesty promiseth to dispense with them provided Application be made unto him for that Grace And whereas some have made Exceptions against this his general Resolution on behalf of those Ministers who are born in those Kingdoms and Common-wealths or Cities which are the Allies of his Majesty or under his Royal Protection the said Lord Commissioner declared That by Strangers we were to understand all sorts of Persons without Exception who were not born in the Kingdom or out of his Majesty's Dominions and Government although they were Natives of such Kingdoms Common-wealths and Cities as were his Majesty's Allies or under his Protection 26. In the third Place All Ministers are forbidden to depart the Kingdom without his Majesty's Licence and particularly Monsieur Salbert Minister in the Church of Rochel hath not only gone out of the Kingdom without his Majesty's Permission but in Contempt of his Royal Authority Wherefore the said Prohibitions are once more reiterated and reimposed and the said Salbert is injoined by his Majesty to reside in that Place appointed him and he is expresly forbidden all Exercise of his Ministry either in publick or private nor may this National Synod put him upon the Roll of Ministers to be presented by it unto vacant Churches 27. In the fourth Place By the National Synods of Charenton and Castres all Ministers were expresly forbidding to intermeddle with State-Matters yet notwithstanding Monsieur Beraud Minister of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University did not only intermeddle with State but military Affairs and was so bold as to maintain by a Book which he read unto his Auditory That Ministers have a Call to bear Arms and to shed Blood which is a Doctrine quite contrary to the Word of God the Decrees of Councils and the Laws of the Kingdom and the more dangerous in this Doctor because he instils these his wicked Notions into the tender Minds of Youth committed to his Charge and Education and 't is much to be feared that he will continue to poison them by such or the like Instructions which are foreign and contrary to the publick Peace and Tranquillity And therefore the said Manuscript is judged unworthy of publick View as being cross to the Word of God And his Majesty hath ordered its Suppression forbidding all Printers and Booksellers either to print or sell it and commandeth all the Members of this present National Synod to censure and condemn both it and its Author CHAP. IV. The Moderator's Reply to this Speech 28. THE Lord Commissioner having finished his Speech Prayers were offered up to God for the Preservation of his Majesty's Sacred Person for the Prosperity of his Government for the Settlement of the publick Peace of the Nation and for the Glory of his Crown And most humble Thanks were rendred unto his Majesty for the Continuance of his
the Louvre hoping that his Majesty will so far condescend as to approve of the Obedience of our Churches and hereafter to resertle them in the practice of their ancient and accustomed Order CHAP. IX Monsieur Beraud admitted as Deputy to sit and act in the Synod 22. THE three and twentieth day of September the Sieur Beraud Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University came unto the Synod petitioning that he might be restored and take his place in it according to his Majesty's Intention expressed in his Letters written to the Lord Commissioner who directing his Speech unto the said Dr. Beraud told him That his Actions and Writings had formerly given unto his Majesty very many and just Reasons of being dissatisfied with him and great occasion of Scandal and Complaint against those of the Reformed Religion For which cause his Majesty by his Writ of the sixteenth of August last had excluded him out of the Synod and destin'd his Abode and Ministry somewhere else than at Montauban But his Majesty having a favourable Respect unto the Petition of the Synod had of his special Grace restored him unto his Church and permitted him to assist the remainder of its Sessions as a Member of it in this Synod because he hoped that he would as he now commanded him to govern himself in all his Actions and Writings with a Moderation well-befitting his Profession Whereupon the said Dr. Beraud took his place in quality of Deputy for the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne according to that Commission he had received from his Province 23. The Lords Clermont and Galland who were nominated unto the Office of General Deputies for the time coming were intreated to carry unto his Majesty the Act of their Election by this Assembly and it s most humble Petition both for the restoration of the Sieur de Bouteroue and the paiment of the Monies designed to defray the Expences of this Synod and to procure an Answer unto that Branch of our Cahier concerning the Monies granted us by his Majesty's Liberality that so the Dividend may be made before our departure And the Lord Commissioner was also intreated to accompany the Petitions of the Synod with his Lordship's Letters and by his Mediation to facilitate their Acceptance and the getting of a Decree upon them CHAP. X. A Copy of the second Letter written by the Synod unto his Majesty To the KING SIRE WE had no sooner knowledg of your Majesty's Intentions about the Election of our General Deputies who are to reside near your Majesty's Person but we immediately concurr'd with the Lord Galland your Majesty's Commissioner in this Assembly and we nominated to the exercise of this Office the Lord Marquess of Clermont and the Lord Galland eldest Son of the Lord Commissioner who were no sooner chosen than we commissionated them to wait upon your Majesty and to present and tender together with the sincerest Protestations of our most inviolable Fidelities and immoveable Resolutions to live and die in that Devotion which we all owe unto your Majesty's Service our most humble and thankful acknowledgments for the favourable Promise vouchsafed us to defray the Charges of this Assembly as also our most humble Petitions That it would please your Royal Goodness in which only next unto and after our God lieth all our Consolation And 't is our hope that you will continue your Royal Benefits unto us as to your dutiful and most faithful Subjects and that you will always under this Quality shroud us with the Sacred Covert of your Majesty's Protection Wherefore with all reverence we beseech your Majesty to give them a favourable Audience as well for the present in this our Request that you would daign to shower down upon our Churches the Streams of your Majesty's Liberality and Bounty which we have formerly enjoyed as also that hereafter in all those Remonstrances and Petitions which our urgent and extraordinary Necessities shall oblige us to make unto you we may experience the natural Inclination of your Majesty to cherish and comfort your People and we shall always study and zealously endeavour to render our selves worthy of the Fruits and Effects thereof by all Acts of Duty Obedience and imaginable Submissions Which give us Sire to hope that you will not refuse to cast the Eyes of your Compassions upon our Miseries and to open your Ears to the groanings of thousands of Souls who under all their Grievances and Oppressions suffered by them do yet notwithstanding breath nothing else but a most profound Obedience and unshaken Loyalty unto your Majesty And this makes us the more devout and zealous in our Addresses unto the Throne of the King of Kings ardently and most importunately beseeching him for the preservation of your Majesty's most Sacred Person for his Benediction on all your Designs and Vndertakings for the Glory of your Crown for the Fidelity of your People and for the long Continuance of your Reign because Sire we are From Charenton Sept. 23. 1631. Your Majesty's most humble and most obedient and most faithful Subjects and Servants The Deputies of the National Synod assembled by your Permission at Charenton and for them all Mestrezat Moderator Jamett Assessor D. Blondell Scribe Armett Scribe of the Synod CHAP. XI The General Deputies make Report of their Audience and the King's Answer to that Letter 1. THE fourth Day of October the Lords General Deputies being returned and making Report of their kind Reception from the Ministers of State who also informed them that his Majesty had granted sixteen thousand Livers for defraying the Expences of this Synod and that he permitted Monsieur Bouteroue to take his Place with the other Deputies in the Synod and that his Majesty did judg meet that this Synod should break up of its own Accord as soon as possible it could and that after their Departure the Cahier presented by the Sieurs Amyraud and de Villars should have a favourable Answer and that without Delay And the Lord Commissioner added that his Majesty expressed in his Letters written to him his singular Satisfaction in the Synod to which he granted three Days more for the perfecting and strengthning of their remaining Affairs and that they should be no sooner separated but he would answer their Cahiers and that in the most favourable manner particularly in what relates unto the Maintenance of the Ministers that the Choice of Deputiâ—â— was very acceptable to him though they could not enter upon their Office till after the Separation and Departure of this Synod Upon which the Assembly having returned their most hearty Thanks unto the Lords Deputies aforesaid for their singular Affection and Diligence in promoting the Weal of our Churches They intreated the Lord Commissioner to continue his wonted good Offices unto the Churches and by his daily Intercession for them with his Majesty to be more and more useful and beneficial to them And inasmuch as he was near his Majesty and
one of his Privy Council he was earnestly intreated most humbly to petition his Majesty to add unto those Favours which he hath already vouchsafed us the Grant also of those which we expect and wait for from his Royal Clemency and Goodness CHAP. XII The Sieurs Bouteroue and Basnage admitted as Deputies to sit and act in the Synod 2. THE same Day the Sieur Benjamin Banage Pastor of the Church of Quarentin and one of the Deputies for the Province of Normandy presented himself unto the Synod craving leave that he might be admitted as a Member into it The Lord Commissioner bespake him that the King for divers Considerations had thought good to debar him Entrance into this Synod and to remove him from his Church and Province of Normandy But having a particular Respect unto the most humble Petitions of this Assembly he gave him leave to take his Place and Vote in it during the remaining Sessions thereof and permitted him to continue the Exercise of his Ministry in his own Church upon condition that he ordered his Words and Actions with that Moderation and Reservedness which became his Calling and Profession 3. Monsieur Denys Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Grenoble and Deputy for the Province of Dolphiny coming also in like manner and desiring to be admitted into the Synod according to his Majesty's Permission the Lord Commissioner told him That he had given the King occasion to be displeased with him because of a Book which he had printed in June 1628 and was condemned by Decree of the Parliament of Greenoble but that the Prosecution which was against him for being the Author of it and for which he deserved to be put out of the Synod and Province of Dolphiny was remitted by his Majesty's great Goodness in Confidence that for the future he would comport himself with all Moderation and keep within the due and proper Bounds of the Discipline as appeared from the Charge and Letter Missive of his Majesty unto the said Lord Commissioner the Tenor whereof is as followeth CHAP. XIII A Copy of the King's Letter unto the Lord Galland for restoring the Lord of Bouteroue unto his Place in the National Synod My Lord Galland HAving seen by your Letter written unto the Lord de la Urilliere what you report concerning the Minister de Bouteroue whose Restitution I desired might be respited till such time as I was informed of the Decree given against him in my Court of Parliament of Grenoble for a certain Book made by him containing very many injurious and slanderous Discourses I have since reflected on the Reasons alledged by you and those Assurances you have given me that for the future he will carry himself better therefore I now send you this Letter to acquaint you that I have thought good to extend the same Favour to him which I have unto those two other Ministers Banage and Beraud and to restore him unto his Function permitting him as I have also done those now mentioned Ministers to assist in that Synod the Remainder of its Sessions upon condition that hereafter he contain himself within the Bounds of their Discipline which you shall notify unto all the Members of that Assembly that thereby they may be convinced of my Goodness to them and that I shall always be glad to extend the Fruits thereof unto the whole Body and every particular Member of that pret Reformed Religion provided they render themselves worthy of it by an intire Obedience to my Royal Authority And I beseech God to take you my Lord Galland into his holy keeping Written from Vandosme the 20th of September 1631. Signed in the Original Louis and a little lower Phelippeaux And superscribed To my Lord Galland one of his Majesty's most honourable Council of State 5. After that those Remonstrances had been made unto them those aforesaid Ministers Banage and Bouteroue took their respective Places in the Synod according to the Commission given them by their respective Provinces 6. The Lord Commissioner having declared that it was his Majesty's Pleasure that for the future no Strangers but only the proper Members of the Consistories in each particular Church should assist at all their Church-Sessions and Consistorial Actings The Assembly represented unto his Lordship the many Difficulties which did daily occur in the Management of Church-Affairs and which did necessarily require the Assistance Advice and mutual Communication of other Churches Whereupon his Lordship promised to write unto his Majesty about it and to petition his Majesty that he would be pleased in Cases of Necessity to grant that three other Pastors and as many Elders from the neighbouring Churches might be allowed to meet and consult together in the Consistory CHAP. XIV Approbation of the Confession of Faith THE Confession of Faith was read word by word and every Article posedly and in its proper Order approved and signed by all the Deputies who were sent and commissionated by the Provinces and they did all of them in their own personal and relative Capacities both for themselves and for their Principals who had intrusted them and whom they represented and who had given them express Charge so to do protest that they would live and die in the Confession of that Faith that they would teach it unto their Churches and put to their helping Hand that it might be inviolably kept and preserved to Posterity CHAP. XV. Observations on Reading the Church-Discipline 1. THE Provinces of Anjou Xaintonge and Lower Guyenne requesting that the 4th Article of the 1st Chapter might be explained This Assembly decreed that the said Article should be thus expressed A Minister of the Gospel unless in times of Difficulty and cases of very great Necessity in which he may be chosen by three Pastors together with the Consistory of that Place shall not be admitted into this Holy Office c So that those Lines from the Verb are unto the Adjective national must be taken away And Consistories are required not to forsake the wonted Order particularly that of calling in divers Pastors from one and the same Church to ordain their Ministers unless they should be enforced by an extream Necessity to do otherwise of which as of all other extraordinary Occurrences they shall render an Account unto the Provincial and the Provincial unto the National Synods And as to what hath been done in the Province of Anjou this Assembly doth confirm it without allowing of it as a Precedent for the future 2. In case of Difficulties that a Church be constrained to have Recourse unto an University or Neighbour Province to be provided of a Pastor it shall not for the future serve it self of this Expedient nor may the Neighbour-Province or University grant that Church its Demand unless there be an unanimous Consent of all the Churches of the same Colloquy which they shall notify by their Letters approving the Choice of the elected Pastor 3. On the 33d Article of the 1st Chapter and 8th Observation of
all humility submitting to his Majesty's good Pleasure and hoping that he will be graciously pleased to permit our ancient establish'd Order to take place doth earnestly intreat the Lord Commissioner to present our most humble Petitions unto his Majesty that he would be pleased to grant that our next National Synod may be held at the end of three Years in the Town of Aâ—anson in the Province of Normandy 8. Hereafter no Monies belonging unto the Churches shall be diverted to the printing of any Books unless such as shall be written by express Order of our National Synods 9. The Deputies unto this Synod having been on their Journey hither put unto extraordinary Expences by reason of the Contagion which reigneth universally in all parts of the Kingdom this Assembly exhorts all the Provinces to have respect unto it and therefore have rated the Charges of every day's Travel going and coming at an hundred Sous which is eight Shillings and eight Pence per diem 10. The Province of Burgundy having made report of the deplorable Necessities whereunto the Ministers and Pastors of Churches in the Colloquy of Gex are reduced for want of the Monies granted heretofore by his Majesty's Bounty for their Maintenance not one of their People contributing any thing towards their Subsistence This Assembly touched with a just Resentment of such base Ingratitude doth injoin all the Churches of that Colloquy to return unto their Duty and maintain their own Pastors or else they shall be deprived of the Ministry of the Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus and this according to the 34th Canon in the first Chapter of our Discipline 11. Whenas the Lords General-Deputies shall assist in Person in these National Synods they shall take place above all the Deputies of the Provinces 12. The Synod enjoineth all the Provinces to distribute with their wonted Charity those supernumerary Portions attributed to them that they may redound unto the Benefit of the poorer Churches and of the more necessitous Ministers 13. The Consistory of the Church of Paris is ordered to administer the accustomed Oaths unto the Lords General-Deputies immediately upon their being accepted by his Majesty and to keep by them a Copy of their Warrant 14. The Lord Commissioner remonstrated that through the Prerogatives of Precedency claimed in the Churches of Noblemens Houses divers Quarrels had arisen and several Murders had been committed therefore his Majesty hath ordained That in such Places where the Publick Worship of God according to our Religion is exercised the Proprietors of those Houses may not under colour of that Propriety pretend to any Place of sitting than is otherwise due unto them by reason of the Dignity of their Birth or the Honour of their Offices and forbids all Ministers to pray for them in Publick by their particular Names or Qualities Whereupon his Lordship the Commissioner being intreated that after we had prayed for his Majesty it might be lawful for us in general terms to pray for those Lords under whose Justice the Church of that Place was gathered He replied that he would in no wise hinder it 15. The Deputies for the Province of Sevennes may receive their part of the Monies granted us by his Majesty's great Liberality for the defraying of our necessary Expences in this Synod without their having recourse unto the Lord of Candall's Deputy for it provided that they be accountable for that Sum so received unto their Province And all the other Provincial Deputies may likewise do the same if they please 16. After many and divers Delays and Shiftings this Assembly being at last come to a Treaty with Sir John Palot Counsellor and Secretary to the King about the Monies claimed by the Pastors of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom from him the said Palot for which a Suit was brought against him before his Majesty's most honourable Privy-Council and divers preparatory Decrees had out against him This Assembly hath commissionated and deputed the Lords Marquess of Clermont and Galland General-Deputies of our Churches the Lord of Candall Receiver-General of the Monies granted by his Majesty's great Bounty unto these Churches the Lords Banage and de Champvernon Pastors De Maschelieres Dupuy Gilbert and Beraud Elders and have given them full Power to treat with the said Sir J. Palot about the Monies so claimed by our Pastors on such Conditions and Clauses as they shall judg most advantagious unto our Pastors aforesaid and to sign Contracts and Articles of Agreement before Publick Notaries this Assembly promising that they will stand to approve and ratify whatever shall be so determined by the said Lords Commissioners 17. This tenth day of October in the presence of the said Lords Commissioners before-named by this Assembly to treat with the before-named Sieur Palot upon the Suit commenc'd against him for Monies claimed by our Churches from him After that the Contract pass'd by the said Lords was read in the Assembly it was agreed to approved and signed by the Moderator Assessor and Scribes thereof And there having been a thousand Livers promised unto the Lord Malat by a separate Act and with which he remained fully satisfied he was duly discharged of those Powers formerly given him for prosecution of the said Palot and lie shall deliver into the Hands of the Lords General-Deputies all the Papers Decrees and Memoirs in his custody concerning this Affair 18. The Lord of Candall having received from the said Sir John Palot the Sum of eight thousand Livers in pursuance of the Agreement made with him the said Sum shall be paid out in that manner as hath been ordered by this Assembly Nor may the Deputies of the Provinces lay any Claim or Pretence whatsoever of Right to the receiving of the said Monies 19. This Assembly authorized the Consistory of the Church of Paris to treat with the Lord Mallet and to discharge him from all Prosecutions of the Sieur Palot and to satisfy him for his past Travel and Pains to the Sum of thousand Livers which shall be paid him by the Lord of Candall and this in full of all Demands Debts Dues or Pretensions whatsoever either for himself or his late deceased Uncle the Lord Mallet the said Mallet bringing in an Inventory unto the Lords General-Deputies and depositing it with them of all Papers Decrees and Memoirs in his keeping concerning this Affair CHAP. XXIII Particular Matters Article 1. MR. * * * He is called in another Copy Lavent in a third Lavand Laurence heretofore Pastor in the Province of Bearn presenting himself in this Assembly with an Attestation of his Life Carriage and Conversation for these two Years now last past and most humbly and importunately petitioning to be restored unto the Holy Ministry This Assembly did not judg his Request meet to be granted but advised him to apply himself to some other Calling than the Ministry of the Gospel and to use such means for a Livelihood as the Providence of God may trace out and direct
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-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
next ensuing the Date hereof a National Synod composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of our Kingdom to treat of Matters concerning their Religion And being to chuse a Person of sufficient and requisite Abilities and of approved Loyalty to Us to be present in our stead and to act in quality of our Commissioner in the said Assembly Now we being well acquainted with those Services you have done us in sundry and honourable Employments wherewith you have been intrusted by Us and of which you have acquitted your self most worthily we judged that we could not make a better choice than of your Person being well assured of the continuance of your Affection to our Service For these Causes we have Commissionated and deputed and do commissionate and depute by these Presents signed with our own Hand you my Lord of St. Mars for Us and in our stead to go and sit in Person on our behalf in the said Synod convocated in the said Town of Alanson there to propose and resolve whatsoever shall be commanded you by us according to the Memoirs and Instructions we have to this purpose put into your Hands taking heed that none other Matters be there proposed but such as ought to be treated in such Assemblies and are permitted by our Edicts And in case they should attempt any thing to the contrary you shall hinder them by the interposal of our Authority and you shall speedily give us advice thereof that we may apply those Remedies which are convenient in â—â—uch cases And for the doing hereof we give you Power Commission and special Command by these presents for such is our Pleasure Given at Paris the sixth Day of January in the Year of Grace One thousand six hundred thirty and seven and of our Reign the seven and twentieth Signed Louis and a little lower Phelippeaux And sealed with the Great Seal of yellow Wax CHAP. III. The Commissioner's Speech THE said Letters Patents being read the Lord Commissioner acquainted the Synod with what his Majesty had given him in charge to them in these very words SIRS I Am come into your Synod to declare unto you his Majesty's Pleasure you all know it and have preach'd and taught Obedience unto the Higher Powers All Authority is of God and therefore by consequence on this immoveable Foundation you must needs be infallibly obedient besides you are obliged to it by his Majesty's Bounty and by that Care he takes of you the favourable Effects whereof you shall always experience whilst you be obedient His Clemency and Power are your two firmest Supporters And as touching the former his Majesty hath charged me to assure you of the perpetual continuance of his Affection to you and of his maintaining his Edicts as long as you continue faithful Subjects And as for his Power Strangers themselves have felt it and do every day more and more feel and experience it We have with our Eyes seen those Successes of his which are more than Human by which God publisheth to the World that he upholdeth our King with his own Hand and maketh him a Terror to all about him I shall not remember those many Fortresses and Places of Surety which once you had and where you reposed too much Confidence all which are now reduc'd to nothing whereas since you depended on the sole Favour of his Majesty your Condition is much more happy and your Security much more fix'd and stable I doubt not in the least but that you have often reflected upon that admirable Providence of God in making his Majesty's Royal Authority to be your Preservation You be destitute of all Support yea you have in the midst of you against you a World of People subject as the Sea unto various Troubles and Commotions and yet notwithstanding the King upholds you in the Liberty of your Consciences and in the peaceable exercise of your Religion The fixedness and stability of the Earth ballanced in the Air is as great a Miracle as the Creation and Subsistence of the Universe God sustains it by the self-same Power with which he did at first create it and you also in like manner are preserved by the Word of his Majesty's Power Therefore Sirs you that are Ministers should shine in Wisdom and good Conduct in your respective Stations and Churches Among many signal Effects of his Majesty's Goodness received by you this is not the least yea it is a most remarkable one that you can meet in this Assembly and that too in a time of War All the Provinces of the Kingdom like so many Lines drawn from the Circumference can center in this Synod in Peace Could you ever demand a greater Testimony of his Majesty's Goodness than this Confidence he reposeth in your Loyalty and Fidelity This should engage you to submit your selves with greater reverence than ever unto his Royal Pleasure And I in no wise doubt but you will so govern your Words and Actions and chiefly your Affections that his Majesty shall have a most entire and perfect and dutiful Obedience from you 2. And that you may depend on the Protection and soveraign Authority of the King and may be wholly and solely fixed to his Service his Majesty doth in the first place forbid you all Intelligence and Correspondence whether Foreign or Domestick And his Majesty being informed that the Synod of Nismes and Mr. Rousselet a Minister have received Letters from the Canton of Bearn they are admonished not to commit the like Offence for the future For the Statutes positively forbid the King's Subjects to receive Letters from Foreign States yea they are not so much as to see any Foreign Embassadors though residing near his Majesty much less should our Synods or private Ministers receive Letters or hold Correspondence with Foreign Synods or Provinces The Lords of Bearn are Allies of the Crown and are of the same Religion with you united in Religion with you but there must not be any Union betwixt you and that Common-wealth for the least Correspondence even in Ecclesiastical Affairs with Foreigners though Confederates of the King doth raise a Suspicion and beget a Jealousy of Designs against the State The said Synod nor the said Minister Rousselet ought not to have received those Letters or if they had before they had opened them they should have communicated them to the Governour of the Place or the said Synod should have delivered them to his Majesty's Commissioner who was then present in it 3. And as for Domestick Correspondence within the Kingdom you must know that inasmuch as Provincial Councils are forbidden you therefore consequentially all sort of Communication by which such a Council might be promoted is expresly forbidden also His Majesty forbiddeth you to nominate any Ministers or other extraordinary Deputies whereby one Province may communicate with another about Political Affairs because you be no Body Politick no nor at this time whilst you are assembled in a National Synod may you communicate with another about
into the World under Pretence of producing Methods of Reconciliation he hath insinuated divers Novelties which are of no Concern at all to our present Controversies and sided with the Church of Rome And whereas Monsieur Daillé who was expresly ordered to refute him hath used him with a great deal of Equity and singular Moderation for which he is generally approved And forasmuch as in his third Book he endeavours might and main to overthrow the Orthodox Doctrine of Justification by Faith betraying the Cause unto the Champions of Merits and of Justification by Works The Assembly ordaineth that Letters shall be written him to acquaint him with the Unreasonableness and Injustice of his Presumption and the Unprofitableness of his Design and to threaten him that unless he do quit and abandon it and contain himself within the Bounds of his Vocation and make Declaration of it within six Months unto the Consistory of Paris he shall be cut off from all Communion with our Reformed Churches N. B. The Letter sent him by the Synod bore Date the 6th of July 1637. but La Millitiere did afterward revolt unto Popery and died a Papist 10. After the Lord Commissioner had opened the Letters of Mr. Diodati Pastor and Professor in Theology at Geneva the Assembly considering the Contents thereof and having examined the French Translation of the Books of Ecclesiastes and of the Song of Songs which had been notified to them by him ordered that Letters should be written unto the said Mr. Diodati and to represent unto him the Reasons why we cannot depart from the Canon of the Synod held at Alez 11. The Professor Amyraud petitioned the Assembly that they would be pleased to ordain that the Author of two Books intituled Antidote and Les Ombres d' Arminius in which his Doctrine and Reputation were most odiously traduced and the Memory of Monsieur Cameron deceased is wickedly defamed might be cited before them to answer for his Fact And Monsieur de la Place in the Name of the University of Saumur joined with him in the same Petition But forasmuch as the Author of the said Book is unknown and absent these two aforesaid Professors were advised to carry the Proofs they have of this Action unto the Synod of Poictou which having condemned the Impression of the Antidote would do them Justice upon their Complaint 12. Monsieur de Vinay having remonstrated that the Province of Vivaretz had not satisfied nor made Payment of those Monies advanced by the Church of Annonay for the defraying of his Expences during his Deputation unto the National Synod of Castres and demanding a Rule and Order for those Charges the said Church should be now necessitated to be at on the same score Monsieur D'Hosty joined with him in the said Request on behalf of the Church of St. Fortunate This Assembly confirming the Decree of the Synod of Tonneins in the 7th Article of Observations upon the Discipline ordaineth That the said Province of Vivaretz should conform it self thereunto both for the present and what is past 13. Whereas Monsieur Fabas hath been afflicted with Sickness all the time of his sojourning in this City the Assembly doth freely give him the Sum of an hundred Livers to be taken out of the Debet of the Lord du Candall 14. The Lord du Candall having offered to advance for defraying the Expences of the Sieurs de l' Angle and Gigord deputed unto the Court the Sum of three hundred Livers he is intreated to allow them at the rate of an hundred Sous by the Day during the time of their Abode which is limited unto one Month or more 15. There shall be allowed in the Lord of Candall's Accompt the Sum of four hundred and fifty Livers advanced by him unto the Sieurs Ferrand Gigord and Cerizy who were first deputed by this Assembly unto his Majesty for the defraying of their Expences in their Journey and Attendance at Court 16. In case his Majesty should hereafter grant any Sum of Monies for the maintenance of our Ministers the Provinces of Lower Guyenne and Bearn shall agree together in the choice of one Scholar who may be hereafter fit to serve in the Ministry in the Land of La Bour and shall allow him yearly the Sum of one hundred Livers and shall pay in unto Monsieur Guillemin the Sum of an hundred and fifty Livers according to the Decree made by the last National Synod of Charenton 17. Forasmuch as the Professors present in this Assembly have protested that they would inviolably observe the Canon framed in it beginning with these Words For the preserving of c. The Deputies of Higher Languedoc and Anjou are charged to demand and receive the like Protestations from the other Professors resident in the Universities of Montauban and Saumur CHAP. XVII Of VNIVERSITIES The Order taken for upholding and Maintenance of our Universities Article 1. WHereas the Universities of Montauban and Saumur have complained that by reason one of the Provinces hath retrenched part of its Contribution they have been deprived of that Assistance which was destined unto their Maintenance and requested that some Course might be took herein by an Order of this Synod looking forward and backward to what is past and to come The said Province was heard speak in its own Defence which urged for it self that it had been over-rated by the last National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1631. This Assembly did greatly condemn the aforesaid Province for attempting to violate the Canons of that Synod and for giving an evil Example unto others of committing the like Crime and forbiddeth that and all other Provinces of being guilty for the future of such Offences on Pain of forfeiting their Priviledg of entring into these National Synods and ordaineth that they make good and full Payment of all Arrears due by them unto those before-mentioned Universities Article 2. The Provinces which are indebted unto our Universities are exhorted to use their best Endeavours to pay in unto them their Arrearages according to the Rate before made Article 3. The University of Nismes demanding her just Dues and that the Sum granted her by the last National Synod of Charenton might be actually paid in unto her this very Day and requesting that the Sum of sixteen hundred and thirty nine Livers three Sous paid to her Prejudice by the Synod of Lower Guyenne unto that of Montauban which applied unto its own particular Profit what belonged unto another This Assembly generally condemning all such Proceedings ordaineth that the Sum of sixteen hundred thirty nine Livers three Sous shall be reprised by the said University of Nismes out of what is owing by the Province of Normandy and others who should have brought in their Contributions for the Subsistence of the University of Montauban and the University of Nismes shall receive its full Maintenance according to the Number of Professors who have been in actual Service there since the last National Synod of
we Judge it your Duty to examine his work and censure it and to return it back unto us that we also may add our consent unto your performance What you have already done discovers a Holy Religious and Charitable Affection to the Service of God and to the Edification of the Churches in your Native Countrey Your Remarks upon his Errors are very clear your Confutations of them exceeding Solid and the Admonitions you have ministred unto our Brethren express a great deal of Christian Charity and what you have done in this matter is highly pleasing to us and we cannot but Esteem and Honour you the more for your singular care in defending the Truth and conserving the Peace of God's Church and we Praise and Applaud your Pious Zeal for the Service of God and of his Church And what Man fearing God but will cherish in you these good Dispositions and your Praise-worthy Labours May our God who hath breathed into you these Divine Motions and Affections maintain them in you And the Lord grant that the Churches of France may acknowledge with due respects and thankfulness your Zeal and approve of your Writing and may remove those Errors which you have detected to them from among them and watch over them that they may not gain ground in the midst them for they have a tendency to Exclude our Lord Jesus Christ from being a means of Salvation And further we do with all our hearts beseech the God of Bounty and Mercy that he would lengthen out your days unto many years to the benefit of our Belgick Churches and of those in the Kingdom of France that he would preserve you from all evil and accumulate upon you his best Blessings Amen From Franequer this 15. of February 1637. Your most Affectionate Servants and Brethren Johannes Bogermannus Dr. of Divinity and chief Professor in this Vniversity Menardus Sertaunus S. S. Theolog. Dr. and Professor Johannes Majomus Dr. and Professor Letters from Monsieur Altingius to Monsieur Rivett and the Approbation of the Church of Groninguen SIR IT was very late when the Pacquet you sent me was received by me having opened it I found therein closed three Books written by certain Pastors in France in love with Novelties the Disciples of Mr. Cameron deceased together with your Animadversions upon their Doctrines briefly Collected by you Indeed as I am exceedingly desirous of the Peace and Concord of God's Church which we do more need now than ever so was I as much sadned and dejected that those Brethren and others of their Perswasion should go about to change the Doctrine Established in France and the Netherlands against Arminius and his Followers and trouble the Repose and Tranquility of all our Churches and grieve weak Consciences especially those who have no insight into these matters and others of the same Nature I doubt not but that your Churches of France will find out a convenient and speedy Remedy in this their approaching National Synod that may prevent this growing evil according to the laudable Canons of their Discipline and preserve others from its Infection I approve and commend your singular Care and Diligence for those Churches and that tho' you be at a distance from them yet you do so seasonably assist and help them I have Communicated the whole unto Monsieur Gomarus who was very much pleased with your Considerations and who did not only read the Writings you had stitched with them but extracted divers things as I also have done to be of use to me in case I should hereafter be called out to give my Judgment on these points You have here added a form of Approbation brief indeed but harmoniously agreeing with that of the Professors at Leyden and which as we hope will be sufficient enough for the present If you desire any thing more you need only hint it to me nor use or urge any Arguments with me for so doing I pray you to inform me whether Monsieur Capel is a Partner in these Novelties for I have held with him a most intire sincere and inviolable Friendship more than thirty years I must confess ingenuously unto you that I could never well enough understand that Merit of the Covenant of Nature which contains the Foundations of Pererius his Faith Could I have met but with a Messenger any one day of this last week I had sent the whole unto Monsieur Bogerman which God willing I shall do by the very first opportunity The Lord preserve you my most Illustrious and Dear Brother and whom I Honour with my whole heart and the Lord lengthen out your life many a year for the Service of his poor Church and give down his Heavenly Blessing upon your worthy Labours to the Glory of his Great Name From Groninguen Decemb. 27. 1636. Henricus Altingius The Form of Approbation WE have Read and Examined in the fear of God the Theological Considerations of that most Famous Divine Monsieur Rivett upon the Abridgement of the Doctrine of Nature and Grace which as they do clearly repeat that Orthodox Consent settled against the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians by the Synod of Dort in Holland and of Charenton in France so be they also meet and fit for their singular Prudence Moderation and Charity to stop the Progress yea and wholly to suppress those unhappy Controversies which are lately started by some certain Pastors who be more in love with Novelties and Subtilties than with plain and simple Verity They have shown a great deal of Imprudence in raising them and have also Scandalized the Churches and Universities of France We beseech God through our Lord Jesus That he would give his Blessing from Heaven unto the Designs and Labours of this Man of God and that he would Sanctifie us all and keep us in the Truth From Groninguen this 27th of December 1636. Francis Gomarus Doctor of Divinity and Professor in that University Henricus Altingius S. T. P. The Original of this present Formulary of Approbation being in my Custody in case any one should call in question the Truth of the Copies thereof I shall produce it at any time for their satisfaction I could not get the first Copy which I took from the Original and sent back to be Subscribed by those Reverend Persons who had Signed the Original to be Subscribed because some of them were then absent from the City of Groninguen and because I was necessitated to dispatch this second Copy so suddenly that it could not possibly be attested by them But in case the first Copy should not be delivered to our Reverend Brethren yet nevertheless I hope they will credit these which in the presence of God I do avouch to have been most Faithfully extracted from the Original From the Hague in much haste this 17th of May 1637. Andrew Rivett CHAP. XXX A Letter of Monsieur du Moulin Pastor and Professor of Sedan sent unto the National Synod of Alanson in the year 1637. concerning the Books of the Sieurs
long lines of Invectives Calumnies and false groundless Suspicions which they will never be able to extract from its publication By which means I doubt not but with my Candor to demulce their humours and by the representing of the lively Light of God in his Holy Word to illuminate them and by the Celestial sweetness thereof to allure even some of the fiercest Spirits amongst them to the good ways of God for however they may contradict men 't is difficult for them to contradict the Heavenly Sweets of God's Word Which I speak by experience of my Italian Translation for having where I could with a safe Conscience followed St. Jerom it was not unsuccessful If this happiness might now befal me which is not to be hoped for from our Vulgar French Translation judged by them over partial there is no Fear nor Worldly Respect that should weigh down with me Some tell me the time is unseasonable but I answer 'T is never out of season to do good and to be too intent upon the times is the right and ready way to lose all and these times of ours which do stupifie our Souls with the horrors of those woful events happened in them do contrariwise seem the most proper for the slipping of this Labour into the World which feareth no assault but what may be given it in the birth Besides my declining years do call upon me to consider the small time that is left me to give life unto this Fruit unless I would have it buried together with me in my Grave or I must let it come forth into the World all maimed and disfigured after my Decease For all these Reasons and Considerations most Reverend and most Honoured Brethren I shall conclude with two most humble and earnest Petitions to you One is That you would not in this Affair make any Reflection upon those Sentiments which are now disputed in this Church for tho' at the bottom it cannot but have other movements than you have yet nevertheless it cannot subsist but under your Shadow which if removed it must needs fall to the ground My other Request to you is That you would be pleased freely to vouchsafe me what lieth in your power to do for me which is not an Approbation of a Work never seen by you and to demand it of you would be a very unjust thing in me much less that you should give it with the privilege of a publick usage which would be an exorbitant Temerity but this only not to condemn me nor to hinder this first Edition which I desire only to publish unto the World for discovery of Mens Opinions of it and to be farther sifted and examined by them By this Equanimity of yours you will consolate me under my Travails and sore Pains you will renew my Vigour and raise my Spirits and incourage me also to publish my Latin Translation at the many instances and ardent desires which are made me But in case you should be so pre-occupied as to deny me this small favour I do now beg your pardon if I say with an extreme grief that I shall lock up my self in the Cloister of my own Conscience and rest quietly in this confidence that this work will at last be more accepted and approved than at first and I shall imitate St. Jerome who out of meer respect to the Union and Charity of St. Augustine with the African Synods resolved to displease himself for a short time that he might afterward more happily give content unto Posterity and according to the example of all good Servants who even in some remarkable act of their Duty and Service do often digest with patience the disdain of their Superiors and exceed in obedience that they may give them a more certain and better accompt of their Fidelity in the upshot of their Work I pray God that if it be his gracious Will I may receive from your fraternal hands this Fruit of Peace and Consolation and that from his Fatherly hands you may receive his abundant and most powerful Blessing upon all your Holy Deliberations and Actions I beseech you grant me that Honour of being avowed by you Geneva May 1st 1637. Messieurs and most Honoured Brethren Your most Humble and most Faithful Brother and Servant in the Lord DIODATI THE Acts Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty eighth Synod OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held the Third time AT CHARENTON St. MAVRICE NEAR PARIS On Monday the Six and Twentieth Day of December and ended Thursday the Six and Twentieth Day of January following In the Years of our Lord 1644. and 1645. The CONTENTS of the Third Synod of CHARENTON Chap. I. THe Synod opened with Prayer The General Deputy presenteth the King 's Writ for calling the Synod The Deputies unto the Synod Manner of choosing the Synodical Officers 16.3 Chap. II. Letters Patents for the Lord if Boisgrollier to be His Majesty's Commissioner in the Synod 4. The Commissioner's Speech unto the Synod Chap. III. The Moderator's Answer to it very smart close and pertinent Chap. IV. The Synod's Letters unto the King and Lords of the Council Chap. V. The Return of the Deputies with the King's Answer The Deputies Address to the Prince of Conde His Answer Letters from Foreign Churches Vniversities and Divines not suffered to be Answered 11. The Old General Deputy lays down his Office another imposed upon the Churches by the King 12. The Bill of Grievances must be drawn up privately by a Select Committee 13. Thanks returned by the Synod unto the last General Deputy 15. Chap. VI. A Second Letter to the King and the Queen Chap. VII Confession of Faith approved Chap. VIII Observations upon the Discipline An Appellant shall abstain from the Lord's Table 2. No Mm shall Marry the Mother of his Deceased Spouse without a Dispensation from the Civil Magistrate 3. The Widow of a Deceased Brother may be Married with the Magistrates Dispensation 4. No Proposans shall get into the Pulpit 5. The Deputies Letters of Commission unto the National-Synod shall be Signed by the Synodcal Officers of their respective Provinces 7. Cousin Germans shall not Marry without the King's Dispensation 8. Chap. IX Form of Baptizing Pagans Jews Mahometans Anabaptists and Adult Infidels now embraceing the Christian Religion Ministers to give the Cup at the Lord's Table 11. Order about Catechising 12. The Memoirs sent by the Provinces must be Signed by the Moderatiors in their Synods or they will be thrown out of the National 15. The Moderator to Vote last 16. Chap. X. Observations upon the Synod of Alanson The last Will of a Deceased Minister not fullfilled 4. The Business of Monsieur Amyraud revived and immediately stifled by the National Synod 6.7 Chap. XI Of Appeals A Minister made Emeritus 3. Discipline Exercised upon one who had Married his Wifes Neece and other Delinquents 13. Monsieur Codur an Ancient Minister and Professor of Divinity Censured for attempting to Reconcile the Reformed Churches of France with
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
was To our Dear and Well-beloved the Pastor's and Elders Deputies of the pretended Reformed Religion Assembled by our Permission in a National Synod at Charenton 10. On Tuesday the Tenth Day of January the Assembly being informed that his Highness the Prince was arrived immediately dispatched the Sieurs Vincent Chabrol Panieure and de Clesle unto Paris and to pay their Reverence unto his Highness who returning the next day made Report how Kindly they were received by his Highness who graciously Offered his best Services for the Maintenance of the Edict made in favour of the Churches which was a most particular Joy unto the whole Assembly and obliging us to Hope well from the Favour of that great Lord. 11. The Letters written by the Pastors and Professors of Geneva from their Church and University to Congratulate the good effects of the last National Synod and the Convocation of this now Sitting as also another particular one from Monsieur Diodati about the Edition of his French Translation of the Holy Bible and one from Dr. Andrew Rivet Pastor and Professor of Divinity at Leyden then residing at the Hague in the Court of his Highness the Prince of Orange and from the Three Professors of Divinity in the aforesaid University of Leyden concerning the Conformity of Doctrin Taught and Professed in the Churches of the Low Countries to and with that Preached and Confessed in the Churches of this Kingdom were all delivered unto the Lord Commissioner Sealed who having first Opened and Perused them permitted the Reading of them but then immediately retained the Originals to be sent unto the King and in his Name declared that it was his Majesties Will and Pleasure that no Answer should be returned unto them by the Synod which was Obeyed accordingly 12. The Lord Marquess of Clermont having exercised the Office of General Deputy for the Churches ever since the Year 1627 did now Petition his Majesty to be Discharged by reason of his Indisposition and his Majesty having granted him his Request and appointed the Lord Baron of Argiliers to Succeed him and Ordered the Lord Commissioner to acquaint the Synod with it and with his gracious Intentions for the Weal of the Churches The Synod was filled with great Joy for that his Majesty had Committed this Important Trust of our General Deputy unto so well an accomplish'd Person whose Noble Birth Vertue and Piety did every way qualify him for it But it having been ever since the Year 1631. customary for the Churches to present Six Persons unto the Ring Three out of the Nobility and Three others of the Commonalty out of which number his Majesty might prick and chuse any Two who were best pleasing to him and that now this Office of Solliciting at Court the Affairs of our poor Churches is devolved upon one Person only who may be disabled from attending it by Sicknest or some other Accidents which may intervene and hinder it the Assembly yielding a profound Deference a most entire Submission and Obedience unto his Majesty's declared Will and Pleasure did yet notwithstanding most humbly Petition his Majesty to grant us the Restitution of our ancient Practice approved by the Kings his Predecessors that another Person from among the Commons might be constituted in case of the Lord Baron of Argilier's Sickness or of any other Impediment that might happen on his Part to take the care of and sollicit the Affairs of our Churches 13. As the Synod was drawing up a Bill of the Churches Grievances and particularly of the Infractions of the Edict in all the Provinces both before and since its Convocation the Lord Commissioner informed them That though it was his Majesty's Pleasure this Assembly should not in the least deliberate of any State-matters publickly yet he would not hinder them from drawing up such a Bill by a select Committee chosen thereunto who might do it in private out of the Memoirs with which the respective Deputies were charged by their Provincial Synods at their Departure or that since their Arrival at this Town they might have received either from the Churches or from particular Persons who were concerned and had notified those Wrongs that were done them by Letters Whereupon the Synod did plenarily submit unto this Order prescribed them by the Lord Commissioner 14. The Lord Commissioner acquainting the Synod how that the Lord de la Vrilliere Principal Secretary of State had assured him that the Decree for remanding all Causes concerning the Professors of our Religion unto the Courts of the Edict was dispatched and that a Fund of 16000 Livres for defraying the Expences of this Assembly was also assigned he had the most humble and hearty Thanks of the Assembly rendred to him and he was farther intreated to continue more and more to do all good Offices unto the Churches and to get expedited a Decree of Supersedeas which may stop the Violence of our Ill-Wishers and may secure us some Repose till such time as his Lordship the General Deputy do take into his Hands the management of our Affairs which was readily granted by the Lord Commissioner 15. The Sieurs de L' Angle and Cottiby Pastors were joyned in Commission with the Sieurs de Morande and Pellue to present unto their Majesties the Bills of our Churches Grievances and they had Letters also to the King and the Queen Regent to my Lord the Duke of Orleans to my Lord Chancellor to my Lord High Treasurer and to my Lord Emery Comptroller General and to the Lord de la Vrilliere Secretary of State And this Committee are ordered to give the most hearty Thanks of all the Churches unto the Lord Marquiss of Clemont and to assure him of our perpetual Gratitude arid that we shall always remember the great Care and Pains he took for us during his Office of General Deputy and that we will never be wanting in our Prayers unto God for him and his best Blessings upon him And the said Committee were ordered to receive the Sum of 1600 Livres assigned by his Majesty for the defraying our Synodical Charges After that this Committee shall have paid their Duties in the Name of this whole Assembly to both their Majesties and their most Honourable Privy Council the Sieurs of Morande and Pellue shall remain at Paris waiting the coming of the Lord General Deputy and Salute his Lordship from the Assembly and consign unto him the Conduct of our Affairs and in the mean while they shall employ themselves wholly in solliciting the speedy Dispatch of those which are most urgent and admit of no Delay And in case his Lordship our General Deputy do not come to Paris within a Fortnight they shall tarry there till he do And it being in no wise just or equitable that they should lie there upon their own Charges the Assembly granteth that out of the Sum of 1600 Livres assigned by his Majesty for defraying of out Expences they shall draw out for their own Service the Sum
Face and called him to the Knowledg of thy self the only True God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent and animated him with a Spiritual Courage to make a publick Confession this Day of thy Holy Faith and that Hope which thou hast begotten in his Soul and granted him this Grace to offer himself in thy Presence unto this Holy Sacrament of Baptism the Seal of thy Covenant the Pledg of the Remission of our Sins and the Token of our Admission into thy House by a Supernatural New Birth So most blessed God we beseech thee to dart in upon him more and more the Beams of thy Mercy to forgive him all his Sins to purge his Conscience with the precious Blood of the Lamb without Spot who taketh away the Sins of the World O cause him Lord to feel the Almighty Vertue of his Propitiation Let thy Holy Spirit sanctifie him and make him a new Creature that he dying unto Sin may live unto Righteousness and putting off the Old Man with his Works he may put on the New Man who is renewed in Righteousness and true Holiness And as we are now pouring upon his Head the Waters of thy Sacrament so we beseech thee more especially to pour down upon him the Gifts and Graces of thy Holy Spirit Receive him into the Number of thy Domesticks and honour him with the Adoption of thy Children Give him Grace that during his whole Life he may devote himself entirely unto thy Service and yield that Obedience and Religious Worship to thee which is thy Due and his Duty And let him persevere faithfully in thy Holy Covenant for ever-more that as we do now receive him in thy Name into the Communion of thy Church Militant so thou mayest another Day exalt him into the Bosom of thy Church Triumphant and gather him at his Death unto that general Assembly of the First-born whose Names are written in Heaven Hear us O merciful Father that this Baptism which we do now administer to him according to thy Sacred Ordinance may produce its Fruit and Vertue in him as thou hast declared in thy Holy Gospel to us for the sake of thy dear Son in whom thou art well-pleased even our Lord Jesus Christ who hath commanded us to call upon thee saying Our Father which art in Heaven c. Then the Minister addressing himself to the Sureties who present the Catechumen shall say My Brethren As you have charitably employed your selves in the Instruction and Edification of this our Brother and are Witnesses of tha Baptism which he shall now receive through our Ministry so do you not promise before God and this Sacred Assembly to continue more and more to strengthen and confirm him in the Faith and to stir him up unto all good Works Answ Yes This done the Minister speaking unto the Catechumen who upon his Knees waiteth for Baptism shall say Forasmuch as we have received these Evidences of your Faith pouring Water upon him N. I Baptize thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Amen The Conclusion of the Form of Baptizing Strangers from the Covenant of God whether Pagans Jews Mahometans Anabaptists or any other Infidels who had not been before baptized 11. If in Churches served by divers Pastors any one of them be disabled either through Age or some other Infirmity from administring the Cup yet shall he always distribute the Bread in the Lord's Supper unto the Communicants and this Canon shall be observed in all the Provinces without exception 12. Whereas in many of the greater Churches of this Kingdom it hath been found requisite for their more general edifying to handle the Sunday's Catechisms by way of Common-Places in Divinity and not by familiar Questions and Answers And to promote their Instruction who are well grown in years they have substituted extraordinary Catechisings on certain Days immediately preceding the Lords Supper we approving their Practice do notwithstanding exhort the rest of the Churches to conform themselves unto the Order prescribed by the Discipline as much as possibly they can And in case they cannot every Lords Day Catechise their Children yet shall they chuse out some days of the Week peculiarly for this Exercise especially before the Sacrament of the Lords Supper is to be administred and the Provincial Synods are ordred to see this punctually observed in every Church of their Jurisdiction and to give an Account thereof unto the next National Synod 13. To explain that Canon of our Discipline which bindeth Pastors in their ordinary Course of Preaching to expound some one particular Book of Holy Scripture from the beginning to the end thereof this Assembly declareth that the Intention of the National Synod which decreed that Canon was not thereby to debar or hinder any Pastors from edifying their Churches by expounding of any Books or Texts of Scripture particularly chosen on extraordinary occasions as of the Lords Supper c. nor to impose upon them any necessity of prosecuting the Exposition of the same Book which was the Subject of their Lord's Day Sermon upon the Week Days in which the far greatest Part of the People are taken up with the Occupations of their Secular Callings and Families that they cannot attend upon such Sermons and so would be deprived of their chiefest Edification but in this respect to leave all Pastors to their Liberty 14. Henceforward the Moderators in Synodical Assemblies and the Deputies which shall be sent from the Provinces in their Name to assist in National Synods shall be chosen as the Canons of our Discipline have determined not by the Churches but by Plurality of Suffrages of the Provinces And in case any absent Person should be elected yet this shall not abridge the Pastors of their Liberty in Voting 15. For the better Understanding the Third Canon of the Ninth Chapter of the Discipline This Assembly declareth that the Memoirs wherewith every Province intrusteth their respective Deputies ought to be resolv'd in their Provincial Synods by plurality of Votes and signed in the said Assemblies by the Moderators and in case this be omitted there shall be no more regard had unto them than unto Motions made by Private Persons who had no Order nor Commission and propounded such matters of their own Head 16. Upon the Eighth Canon of the Ninth Chapter of the Discipline it was decreed that the Moderator of the Synod having propounded the Matters of Discipline which are to be debated shall defer the giving of his Suffrage till all the Deputies have given theirs and he having gathered their Votes shall then at last have the Casting Voice CHAP. X. Observations made on Reading the National Synod of Alenson held in the Year 1637. 1. IN compliance with that Petition of the Deputies of Vivaretz and of the Church of St. Stephen in Forest which had agreed in a particular Treaty made with the Church of Bonlieu and by Consent of the Province of Burgundy that the said Church
as a mark of their Esteem and Favour by this very Synod But being invited to the Profession of History in the Illustrious School of Amsterdam he left his Native Country accepted of the Employment and died in that City 2. Monsieur Drelincourt Pastor of the Church of Paris a very learned and holy Man of God of him and his Works I say more in my Icones 3. Monsieur Basnage He was in high Esteem with their Churches he hath a very Learned Son now living in Exile at Rotterdam 4. Monsieur de L' Angle a most eloquent Preacher His Son is one of the Prebends of Westminster 5. Monsieur Vincent Pastor of the Church of Rochel the Jesuits called him Two Thousand He perpetually mawl'd them in the Pulpit 6. Monsieur Jurieu his Son is that worthy Pastor of the French Church and Professor of Divinity at Rotterdam 7. Monsieur Garrissoles the Moderator was a Person of Eminent Learning and Piety When all the other Professors in the University of Montauban quitted it for want of their Stipends he alone continued in the Discharge of the Duties of his Professoral Office doing his Work faithfully and painfully trusting God for his Wages 8. Monsieur de Croy was nominated by this National Synod to the Professors Chair of Divinity in the University of Nisms Mr. Amyraut had a very great Esteem for him and Dedicated his Treatise De Libero Hominis Arbitrio unto him The End of the Twenty Eighth Synod THE Acts Decisions and Decrees Made and Done in the XXIX National Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Held in The Town of Loudun and Province of Anjou The Tenth Day of November 1659. The CONTENTS of the Synod of Loudun Chap. I. THE Kings's Writ for calling the National Synod Names of the Deputies Election of Synodical Officers Chap. II. The Kings Letters Patents to Monsieur de Magdelaine to be his Commissioner in the Synod Chap. III. The Lord Commissioners Speech to the Synod Chap. IV. The Moderators Answer to that Speech Chap. V. The Marquiss of Ruvigny sworn General Deputy 2. His Commission from the King unto that Office 3. A Limitation of his Votes 4. Deputies from the Synod to the King 5. The Synods Letters to the King Queen and his Eminency the Cardinal Mazarin 6. Return of the Deputies from the Court unto the Synod with the King and Cardinals Letters 7. Three Persons presented to the King out of which One to be prick'd by him for another General Deputy 8. Letters from Foreign Churches to the Synod but not suffered to be answered 9. Another Letter of the Synod unto the King and Cardinal Chap. VI. Notes upon the Confession of Faith Chap. VII Observations upon the Discipline 1. Churches not to be too hasty in admitting Converted Priests into the Ministry 2. Proposans must be examined in Colloquies and Synods 4. Imposition of Hands in Ordination The Discipline sworn Chap. VIII Observations upon the Synod of Charenton 1. About Seats in the Temples 2. A Canon about Catechising 4. A Pragmatical Minister censured 6. An incestuous Couple not to be admitted to the Lord's Table till Six Months after their Separation 11. The Canons about the Imputation of Adam's Sin not to be altered Chap. IX Of Appeals The Case of a poor Minister 6. A Minister impeached in the Synod for practising Physick 10. An Intricate Appeal 18. The Business of Mr. Morus 21. The Business of Mr. D'Hysseau and Amyraut Chap. X. General Matters An Act against the Profanation of the Lords Day 4. A Canon against Duels 6. An Observation about the Lutherans 8. Whether the Lord's Supper may be administred upon a Working Day 9. The Consistory of the Church of Paris are to take care of a more correct Edition of the Bible Psalms Liturgy and Catechism 13. Baptism of Infants not to be delayed 1â— Errors to be confuted in the Latin Tongue 17. No Sermons to be Printed without Approbation 21. Method for Voting in the National Synod 23. Complaints against Mr. Daille and Amyraut about their Writings 24. Articles of Peace extracted out of the Acts of N. Ss. of Alanson and Charenton 25. Manner of determining Appeals 25. An Act against Blasphemy 26. Care taken to preserve the Annexed Congregations a kind of Daughter Churches 27. The Generosity Self-denial and great Affection to the Churches of Mr. Loride des Gallnieres 28. Chap. XI Particular Matters Orders about the Election of a Proposan to a Pension 11. Care had of a Worthy Minister 14 15. Of a Ministers Widow 21. Of another Minister 22. Of a Learned Lawyer writing in Defence of the Truth against Cardinal Baronius his Annals 27. About an accused Minister 29. Chap. XII Of Vniversities The Corruptions got amongst Students in the V niversities corrected and reformed 2. Excessive Rates for Lodging and Commons in those Vniversity Towns retrenched and redressed 3. Prizes given unto Scholars in the Vniversity of Die 4. Provinces censured for their neglect of the V niversities 7 8. Care of Professor's Widows 9 10. Chap. XIII Accounts of the Lord du Candal Chap. XIV An Act for the National Fast Chap. XV. A Dividend of Sixteen Thousand Livres Chap. XVI The Roll of Deposed and Apostate Ministers Chap. XVII An Act for Taxing the Expences of the Deputies Chap. XVIII An Act for calling the next National Synod Chap. XIX An Act for the Validity of all Acts which shall be Delivered and Signed Chap. XX. Commissions given by the Synod executed and the Commissioners Speeches unto the Vniversity and Consistory of Saumur Chap. XXI A Letter to Martyn the Apostate Chap. XXII Remarks upon the Deputies unto the Synod Chap. XXIII Catalogue of the Churches and Ministers The Synod of Loudun 1659. The 29th Synod SYNOD XXIX In the Name of God Amen The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled by his Majesties Permission in the Town of Loudun the Tenth Day of November One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Nine and continued Sitting full Two Months viz. till the Tenth Day of January 1660. CHAP. I. MOnsieur Desloges Pastor of the Church of Loudun opened the Synod with Prayer the next day after their Meeting viz. the Eleventh of November and then the Lord Marquiss of Ruvigny who was General Deputy of the Churches presented his Majesties Writ for calling this Synod the Tenour of which is as followeth This Sixth Day of September One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Nine the King being at Burdeaux upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the P. R. Religion tendered unto his Majesty that he would be pleased to permit them to Call and Assemble a National Synod because there had not been one held since that of Charenton in the Year 1644. His Majesty being willing to gratify and treat favourably those his said Subjects he hath permitted and doth permit them to convocate a National Synod on the Tenth Day of May next in his Town of Loudun but on this condition that there shall
Loride an Elder for Scribes of the Synod who being Chosen did all of them take their Places accordingly CHAP. II. AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were nominated and seated the Lord de Magdelaine Counsellor to his Majesty in his Court of Parliament at Paris and Deputed by his Majesty to sit as his Commissioner in this Assembly deliver'd the King's Letters patents for his Commission which being Read they were Transcribed and Inserted into the Body of the Acts of this Synod whose Form and Tenor was as followeth Copy of his Majesties Letters Patents given to the Lord Commissioner LOVIS by the Grace of God King of France and of Navar To our Trusty and Beloved Consellor in our Courts of Parliament of Paris the Lord of Magdelaine Greeting We have permitted our Subjects of the Protestant Religion to hold in our Town of Loudun on the Tenth Day of November next a National Synod composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of our Kingdom for to treat of matters concerning their Religion and being to choose a Person fitly qualified and of known Loyalty and Fidelity to us to assist in it and as our Commissioner to represent our Person in the said Assembly we well knowing those Services which you have rendered us in sundry Honourable Imployments wherein we had Commissionated you and which you have most worthily Discharged We have therefore judged that we could not make a better choice than of your self being well assured that you will continue to us the Proofs and Evidences of your Affection to our Service For these causes we have Commissionated and Deputed and we do now Commissionate and Depute you the said Lord of Magdelaine by these Presents signed with our Hand to pass over unto our Town of Loudun and in our place and stead to assist in the Synod there Convocated that you may then and there propound and answer all those things which we have given you in Commandment according to those Memoirs and Instructions we have delivered to you And you are to take special care that no other matters be there proposed nor debated but such as ought of right to be treated of in those Assemblies and which are permitted by our Edicts and in case they should enterprise any thing to the contrary you shall hinder it and by Interposing of out Authority suppress it or you shall speedily advise us of it that we may by such courses as in our Wisdom we shall judge most fit obviate and prevent it And for so doing we give you power commission and special command by these Presents for such is our Pleasure Given at Bourdeaux this Sixth day of September in the Year One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Nine and of our Reign the Seventeenth Signed LOVIS And a little Lower PHELIPPEAVX And Sealed at the lower end with the Great Seal and Yellow Wax CHAP. III. AFter reading his Majesty's Letters Patents the Lord Commissioner made this ensuing Speech unto the Assembly A Copy of the Lord Commissioners Speech Sirs ALthough my many Defects of which I am very conscious and my great Age might have well deterr'd me from accepting of this Commission with which it hath pleased his Majesty to grace and honour me and from coming hither and declaring his Will and Pleasure unto this eminent Assembly made up of the most able and considerable Persons of the Kingdom chosen out of the Body of the Professors of our Religion yet nevertheless I can boldly speak it that according to that Inclination which God hath given me for serving the King and the Publick unto which I have applied my self along time I did not in the least hesitate on this Occasion but did over-look all other Considerations hoping for Supplies from the Supreme Goodness to enable me to the performance of my Duty and from yours also that you will be readily disposed to facilitate what is desired of you And hence it is that I conceive with Joy a good issue of our Affairs even now when as I begin to speak unto you from his Majesty and you also have already took notice of it in that Grant vouchsafed you for your Assembling in this place according to your request which is a most remarkable effect of his Majesty's especial Favour to you which the good Providence of God hath now inspired into him for you after so many other signal Acts of his Royal Bounty you have formerly received from him for which I do not in the least suspect or question your Gratitude and Duty nor the sense of that Obligation which lieth upon you on many Accounts of yielding to him all Obedience according to the revealed Will of God who is the Sole and Sovereign Lord of all Men and of all things whatsoever And when I thus speak of his Majesty you know very well that we must understand all Persons acting by Authority from him according to the same revealed Will of Almighty God and the matter being so notorious we cannot but observe it in this place even that kindness and Justice you have upon many and sundry occasions had proof and sensible experience of from the Hands of his Majesty's first and Principal Minister of State his Eminency the Lord Cardinal Mazarin Nor need I enlarge on this Subject only let me add but one Reflection of my own about this last Favour the Convocation of this Synod which you believed to be at this time so needful for you you stand highly indebted unto his Eminency for it and the best and chiefest Fruit you can gather from its Consultations and Resolutions will be this to be more united among your selves and to maintain in Peace and Concord the whole Body of those of our Religion who are represented by you and to terminate and pacifie those Differences and Dissentions which are among you For sith they are produced through the Vice and Weakness of our Humane Nature and State and begin in the noblest Parts where the whole Body receiveth an alteration we may very much fear a Dissipation if only topiual Remedies be applied for these alone do seldom operate or contribute but a little to the Union and Conservation of the whole And whereas all Assemblies of whit kind soever do depend upon his Majesty who as supreme Lord hath a Right and Jurisdiction over all Persons and Actions and to ordain even in and about matters concerning the Church which was always consider'd as a Part of the State His Majesty was therefore pleased to vouchsafe you this Synod so earnestly desired by you that you might regulate past matters and re-establish among you that Order which you ought to keep for the future and the rather because there be many years lapsed since you had an Assembly of this nature Sirs It is most certain that your Enemies who design your diminution and ruin could never meet with a more favourable means and opportunity to attempt it than by maintaining and fomenting your Divisions and Dissentions for these will
bring you into Confusion So that you have good reason to admire the Benignity and Justice of his Majesty assisted with his Eminency's Counsel in giving you his Protection that by means of his Royal Power so much needed by you you may be maintained in all Liberty and enabled to deliberate and decree in those Points of Doctrin and Disciplin relating to your Religion altho his Majesty do not in the least wise approve of it because of its great difference from that of which he makes Profession as also doth not the far greatest part of his People who are his Subjects So that in case they should take that advantage they have to abuse you any way you have not in these circumstances under which you are now fallen through past Disorders any other means for your Subsistence but his Sovereign Authority which only since you have lost those Forces and Fortresses in which you formerly confided can keep you safe and if you will be contented happy Besides you know it by good experience that there is nothing more expedient or advantagious to you than an entire Submission unto his Majesty's Commands and next and immediately after God that you should depend upon the King's Sovereignty nor is any thing more just and reasonable when you put them both together for on the one hand you have his Majesty's Power and Good Will and on the other you have your Duty and Profit inseparably joyned together And there is yet something more cogent in the present Juncture of Affairs for sith the Divine Grace hath Crowned both King and Kingdom with so many Victories God sheweth you the beginnings of that Peace which above all other things you have so very much desired and so ardently prayed for and from which you may hope to participate in those abundant Blessings that are likely to flow in upon the Nation And his Majesty also on his part may hope that all his Subjects in thankfulness for this great Benefit will be the more Affectionately engaged unto bis Service and yield more chearful Obedience to him as they be all obliged by their Birth but you Sirs more than all of them because of those particular Priviledges which have been granted to you on this Occurrence I am expresly charged in the first Article of my Instructions from his Majesty to assure you that he will preserve you in the full enjoyment of those Priviledges which have been conferred upon you he declaring this to be his Intention that he will carry a Fatherly Affection towards his Subjects of the Reformed Religion and continue unto them the effects of his wonted kindnesses and that he will maintain and cause inviolably to be maintained his Edicts of Pacification believeth that you will persevere in that respect and Duty whereunto you are obliged And that you may obtain those Favours which his Majesty hath promised you his Majesty commanded me to tell you that immediately upon the Death of the Lord D' Arzillieres who exercised the Office of General Deputy he appointed the Lord of Ruvigny to succeed him and to take care of your Concerns at Court having an entire Confidence in him that he will serve him well and believing also that you will as you ought confide in him it being for your own good Yet his Majesty would not constrain you by mere necessity to have recourse unto him always if you have any Arguments of sufficient strength to exempt you and which his Majesty may accept and approve of And father his Majesty charged me to acquaint you that it was his Will that you should not in any of your National Synods make a Demand of a Political Assembly for the Election of a Deputy Commissioner On which Head I am particularly charged that in case any such Motion should offer to be made by the Deputies immediately to suppress it and not suffer it to be debated nor resolved And although his Majesty hath good Grounds to believe that you are well content with his Nomination of the Lord Ruvigny because of those Good Offices he hath already done you as his Majesty is with all his other Employments until now yet am I ordered to declare unto you that you be left at your Liberty to deliberate about the Confirmation of him in this Office of General Deputy that so after your Debate upon it his Majesty may provide at he shall think good And if you should allow of him and desire his Confirmation in this Office his Majesty will be very well pleased hoping that he will continue to acquit himself worthily in it that so being approved by you he may owe his establishment purely to your Consent And whereas in the last National Synod his Majesty had declared it to be his Will that no Deputy General should assist in it because no Person can be admitted a Member of it unless he be first chosen and deputed by a Provincial Synod and if he was admitted in quality of General Depute he must be there to debate of â—ecular Affâ—airs none of which kind and nature are or ought to be handled in such an Assembly Besides there be not now a days any Political or mixt Assemblies yet nevertheless his Majesty our of mere respect to the Lord of Ruvigny doth allow him to use that Priviledge which hath been ever enjoyed by his Predecessors in this Office and that he may come unto and vote in it at his Pleasure Moreover that such matters as have in these Assemblies been heretofore represented by his Majesty may be better executed according to his Majesty's Intentions and also whatever he may order hereafter I am according to his Orders given me in the first place to forbid you that you do not on any account whatsoever treat in this Synod of any Secular or State-matters or of Justice directly or indirectly but only of Church Discipline and of Reformation of Manners And to this purpose that no Assembly be hold Little or Great by Day or by Night but in my Presence and that no Persons be appointed as a Council in the Provinces in prejudice to those Prohibitions made by the Edict in the Month of November 1622. and that no General Fasts shall be proclaimed by the Provincial Synods Moreover It being his Majesty's desire that all his Subjects should live in Peace a Blessing so very needful for them and recommended to them by his Edicts of Pacification which he will have most strictly observed all Ministers are enjoyned to keep themselves in all their publick Discourses within the bounds of Moderation and to give no just cause of complaint of their Conduct and they be all expresly forbidden in their Sermons or Books to mention the Word Antichrist when as they speak of the Pope nor to style the Catholicks Idolaterâ— nor to treat the Catholick Religion with any scandalous or injurious Termâ— such as the Abuse and Deceits of Satan and other such like which are to be found in your Confession of Faith His Majesty
as by the Grace of God we do make profession of Christianity and of a purer Reformed Religion so also do we hope that God will enable us by his Grace to excel all other his Majesties Subjects in a most perfect Loyalty and Obedience To which let me but add one word more that as we have formerly besieged Heaven with the importunate battery of our Vows and Prayers for his Majesty who now reigneth over us and as we upon God's gracious Answering of us did render to his Divine Majesty most solemn and abundant Praises and Thanksgivings so also shall we continue as long as we live to beg of the King of Kings that he would be pleased to preserve our King and that to the many Victories with which he hath favour'd his Arms he would superadd this ' vantage-Mercy to give him to establish his Kingdom in a long and profound Peace to bless his intended Marriage and that he may see the happy Fruits and Pledges thereof And having Reigned many long Years in all Prosperity and Felicity he may transmit the Scepter received from his Fathers unto the Issue of his own Body who may weild it in all Righteousness as long as the Sun and Moon endure CHAP. V. The Marquess of Ruvigny Sworn General Deputy 1. THIS Assembly acknowleding the Kindness of his Majesty in choosing the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny to succeed in the place of the Marquess of Arzilliers Deceased and to discharge the Office of General Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom 'till such time as his Majesty should be pleased to grant Liberty for the Calling and Meeting of this Assembly unto which his Majesty permitteth the Nomination of such Persons as are to be presented unto this important Charge and the Lord Commissioner having told us from the King that this Assembly had full Liberty to deliberate about what concern'd the Office of the said Lord of Ruvigny who presented his Majesties Writ for his Election and designation to it offering to resign up his Office unto this Assembly Now after that he had received the Thanks of this Assembly for his great care and pains taken by him for the weal of the affairs of the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom this Assembly believed that they could not make a more advantagious Choice than of the Person of the said Lord of Ruvigny who hath been already so very useful and helpful to them Wherefore by a most unanimous Consent of all the Deputies of this Synod he was appointed and they do appoint him to exercise the Office of General Deputy in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom near his Majesty And this Assembly being well assured by the Lord Commissioner that it would be acceptable to his Majesty if he were confirmed in the said Office they administred unto him the Oath which is requisite and accustomed to be taken and then granted him both his deliberative and decisive Votes as all his Predecessors before him ever had in the said Office and his Writ was again returned to him whose Tenour was as followeth 2. THis Third Day of August in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Fifty and Three the King residing then in Paris and being to provide a General Deputy for his Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion that Office being lately void through the Death of the Lord Marquess of Arzilliers after that his Majesty had cast his Eyes upon many of his Subjects he judged that he could not better fill it up than with the Person of the Marquess of Ruvigny Lieutenant General of his Armies who is a Professor of the said Protestant Reformed Religion and endowed with many good and laudable Qualities and who hath given signal Testimonies of his Fidelity and Affection on divers Occasions and of his Abilities and Capacity for his Majesties Service and his Majesty condescending to the most Humble Petition of his said Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion he hath chosen and appointed the said Lord of Ruvigny to be the General Deputy of those of the said Protestant Reformed Religion and is well pleased that he reside near his Person and follow his Court in the said Quality and to present unto his Majesty their Petitions Narrations and most Humble Complaints that so he may take such course in it as he shall judge convenient for the Benefit of his Service and the Relief and Satisfaction of his said Subjects of the Protestant Reformed Religion In testimony whereof his said Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writ unto the said Lord of Ruvigny which he was pleased to sign with his own Hands and caused to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of State and of his Commandments Signed LOVIS And a little Lower by the King PHELIPPEAVX 3. The Assembly expounding the Act by which the Lord Marquess of Ruvigny was constituted General Deputy declareth that their Intention is that his Lordship shall give his Judgment in all Affairs whatsoever that shall be treated and debated in it excepting those in which he shall be personally and particularly concerned or do relate unto his Office of General Deputy 4. The Sieurs Eustache Pastor and de Mirabel were ordered by this Assembly to go immediately to Court and to prostrate at his Majesty's Feet our most Humble Duties Submissions and Thanks and they were intrusted with Letters unto his Majesty to the Queen to his Eminency to the Lord High Treasurer to the Lord of Vrillieres Secretary of State in whose Division are those of the Reformed Religion and to my Lord of Herual Controller General 5. A Copy of the Synods Letter sent unto the King Sire THE Wisest of Kings to his Command of Fearing God joyned that of Honouring the King they be Two Duties inseparably linked together For Kings in this World do in some Sense hold the very place of God and are his most lively Portraitures in Earth and the steps and degrees of their Thrones do not raise them above the Generality of Mankind but to draw them nearer Heaven These Sire be the Fundamental Maxims of our Creed which we learnt in our Infancy and endeavour to practise during our whole Life and to devolve as an Inheritance unto our Flocks and those Favours which your Majesty vouchsafeth to pour down upon us every Day do more abundantly augment our Obligations to you among which we count this the first and chiefest that your Majesty assureth us by the Mouth of the Lord Commissioner of your Paternal Affection to your Subjects of the Reformed Religion and that you design to continue the effects of your wonted kindness to us as also this priviledge which you have granted us of Meeting together in this place which being a most singular mark of your Goodness we want Words great and emphatical enough whereby to express our resentments and gratitude and how deeply we stand ingaged by this new Favour to devote and consecrate unto your Majesties Service our Lives and Fortunes And the
they represented that they would observe it themselves and see that it should be exactly observed in their Provinces CHAP. VIII Observations upon reading the last National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1644. 1. THE Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc and Sevennes demanding that something might be changed in that Decree of the National Synod of Charenton in the Year 1644. which empowred Consistories with full Authority to judge Sovereignly and without Appeal of those differences arising upon the Account of Seats erected in our Temples And the Consistory of Montpellier having sent Memoirs and demanded quite contrary to them a Confirmation of the said Decree This Assembly waving the Decrees of Provincial Synods made in prejudice of the Ordinances of the National Synod of Charenton and which have not been as yet put in execution by their Consistories and are now vacated and disannulled by this present Assembly it doth judge that there ought not to be any change made in that Decree of the said National Synod of Charenton but ordaineth only That in case the Difficulties be so great as that they cannot be composed by the particular Consistory then it may call in the most considerable Heads of Families belonging to their own Church or of the Neighbour Consistories to be corroborated by their United Counsels and to judge Sovereignly without Appeal concerning those Seats and to prosecute with Church-Censures all such Persons as will not submit unto their Orders and particularly those who shall attempt to remove a business of this nature from our Ecclesiastical Assemblies Moreover it declareth and judgeth as did the last National Synod held at Charenton in the 7th and 11th Articles of Appeals That there be fewer Inconveniences in leaving all Seats free and in common than in affecting them unto particular Persons who being meerly private Persons cannot of right lay claim unto any preheminence before others And all the Churches are exhorted to do what in them lieth to make all places common 2. Forasmuch as True Piety and Holiness depend upon the right knowledge of the Mysteries of Religion this Assembly ratifying that Decree made in the last National Synod of Charenton which was to this effect That whereas in several Great Churches of this Kingdom it was requisite for their general Edification that the Sunday's Catechisms should be handled not by familiar Questions and Answers but by Common-places And that their Instruction might be facilitated who were grown in Years they had substituted extraordinary Catechisings upon some certain days of the Week preceding the Lord's Supper their Practice being approved all the Churches of this Kingdom are exhorted to conform themselves to that Order prescribed by the Discipline as far as God shall enable them and in case they cannot Catechise their Children on every sabbath-Sabbath-day they shall then chuse out some particular Day of the Week for this Exercise especially before the Celebration of the Lord's Supper And Provincial Synods are charged to take knowledge whether every particular Church in their District do perform their Duty herein or no and to give an Account thereof unto the next National Synod This Decree is again revived and 't is now ordered that it shall be exactly observed in all our Churches which shall take such care and course in their respective Consistories as they shall judge will best contribute to the Instruction of the Faithful and in those Churches which have two Sermons on the Lord's Day the Second Sermon shall be turned into an Exposition of the Catechism by way of Common-Place adapting their Discourses to the meanest Capacities And in those Churches and Towns where there is more frequent Preaching as on every day of the Week there is in some they are exhorted to exchange one or more of these Sermons into familiar Catechistical Exercises and such as be more populous and dispersed into divers quarters they are exhorted to hire a fit Person n to instruct the Children in all the Quarters of those Cities and of the Country or at least to chuse out in every Quarter such Elders as are Men able and willing to do this good Service unto the Church of our Lord Jesus And all Fathers and Mothers shall take an especial Care of the Religious Education of their Children teaching them themselves and committing them to Godly Ministers who may form their tender years unto Godliness And all Colloquies and Synods are enjoyned to take Cognizance once a year of the Observation of this Order by Pastors and Consistories And in case there should occur any difficulty to obstruct and hinder this good Design Provincial Synods are empowred with Authority to judge of it and whatever shall be determined and ordained by them shall be executed notwithstanding any Appeal that may be made from them and put in practice till the meeting of the next National Synod unto which an Account of the whole shall be given And that Pastors may acquit themselves more carefully of this most needful part of their Ministry and may have the more time for their private Studies and better prepare themselves for their publick Work in the Pulpit and give more satisfaction unto their Auditories by a clear judicious and solid Explication of the Sacred Scripture Those Churches whose Ministers are obliged to preach oftner than three times in the Week are entreated to discharge them of some part of this Exercise that they may be the better qualified for their Work and may apply themselves more profitably to the Instruction of the Youth by familiar Catechisings And Synods and Colloquies shall see unto it that Pastors and their Churches do all of them endeavour the Advancement of their Members Edification and the Glory of God and of the Gospel 3. Monsieur Drelincourt Pastor of the Chrch of Paris having given an Account of his Works undertook in Obedience to the Counsel of the last National Synod held at Charenton received the Praise and Thanks of this Assembly for those his Learned Labours already published in Defence of the Truth and for Consolation of the Faithful which have been very beneficial to them and he is exhorted to continue his painful Studies and to print those other Treatises as soon as they be finished which are now in his Hands 4. There was read an Article of the last National Synod concerning the Differences of the University of Die with Monsieur Aymin a Minister and the Letters also of the Professors in the said University were perused in which they complain of the many Troubles he hath put them to upon the score of the Judgments passed in the Consistory of Lion March 21. 1638. and March 7. 1643. notwithstanding they had been all repealed in that last National Synod and which self-same Decree was Confirmed by a Judicial Sentence of the Supreme Court of Requests May 12. 1656. into which the said Aymin had driven them And another Report was made how he threatned them with farther Prosecutions upon the same Account This Assembly censureth the
pleased to discharge them of their Yearly Contribution to the Universities of Die and Nismes or to make some other Provision for the Subsistence of the said Colledge of Anduze The Letters and Memoirs of the Consistory of Anduze were Read and the Provincial Deputies of Lower Languedoc were heard Upon the whole this Assembly dismissed their Demand of Four Hundred Livres from the Synod of Lower Languedoc to the consideration of the Province of Higher Languedoc which shall judge finally thereof without Appeal by th' Authority of this Assembly And as for their other Requests it was not thought meet to discharge that Province of Sevennes of those Contributions to which they stand obliged by the foregoing Synods unto our Universities and leaveth the care of providing Maintenance for their Colledge of Anduze to their own and Neigbours Prudence 7. This Assembly censureth as they have too justly deserved it the Council of the University of Montauban for not having brought in their Account of Monies paid in by the Provinces unto that University and Ordaineth that they do bring them every Year unto their Provincial Synod there to be audited and concluded and from thence to be presented unto the National Synod according to Rule And whereas the Provinces of Lower Guyenne and Bearn are indebted considerable Sums unto the said University of Montauban they be in like manner Censured and are most expresly injoyned to take that care and to settle that good order among them for the future that the publick Professors in our Universities may be statedly and regularly payed and they shall inflict the severest Censures upon such as shall refuse or disobey this Canon 8. And the like Judgment was past upon the Province of Normandy which was found indebted in very considerable Sums unto the Universities of Saumur Die and Montauban which this Assembly could not reflect on without a most sensible Displeasure And therefore doth injoyn it to use all Expedients necessary for the discharging of this debt on pain of the greatest Censures 9. Mademoiselle Charles Widow of the Deceased Monsieur Charles late Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the University of Montauban Petitioned this Assembly that it would cause her to be paid the Arrears of Sallaries due unto her Husband as also that Pension which had been ordered him by the Synod held at Saint Antonine in the Year 1650 for the Maintenance of his Son till such time as he should be called unto the Sacred Ministry as also that Sum of Mony which was adjudged him by the Synod of Pont du Camares in the Year 1654. The Sieurs Jassaud Pastor of the Church of Castres and Brassart Elder in the Church of Montauban and Syndic of that University having promised to use their best endeavours that the said Gentlewoman might be satisfied the Assembly Decreed That both the Church and University of Montauban and the Church of Castres should pay in unto the said Gentlewoman all those Arrearages owing unto her Deceased Husband as also whatever Sums besides has been ordered by the Synods of St. Antonine and Pont de Camares which Decrees of theirs are now ratified and reinforced by this present Ordinance 10. There shall be paid unto Mademoiselle Bicheteau the Widow of the Deceased Mr. Bicheteau Professor of the Greek Tongue the Sum of One Hundred Livres which had been appointed to him by the Synod of Pont de Camarez 11. The University of Montauban presented no Account for which it was severely Censured and it was ordered to liquidate their Accounts in the Synods of Higher Languedoc who shall bring them in unto the next National 12. The University of Nismes having brought in no Accounts is ordered to carry them unto the Synod of Lower Languedoc 13. There is due unto the University of Saumur whose Accounts were brought in accepted and approved  l. s. d. From the Province of Xaintonge 030 00 00 From the Province of Brittaine 300 00 00 From the Province of Normandy 1680 18 09 Here must be excepted an Account brought in by Monsieur de L'Erpiniere which was never seen by the Province of Anjou nor approved by this Assembly 14. There is due unto the University of Die  l. s. d. From the Province of Normandy 2448 16 00 From the Province of Berry 2224 09 00 Always to be excepted Four Hundred Livres paid by them the 19th Day of June 1642. and Four Hundred Livres more paid unto this University the 27th of May 1642.  l. s. d. From the Province of Sevennes 3018 07 00 Here must be excepted those Sums of Mony in the Hand of Monsieur Eustache  l. s. d. From the Province of Xaintonge 0839 06 10 Excepting always an Account sent to the Consistory of Rochel by the said Province  l. s. d. From the Province of Burgundy 0995 07 00 This said Province of Die shall give an Account unto the Synod of Dolphiny and that to the next National Synod of their Receipt and Employment of the Monies given them by the National Synods CHAP. XIII The Accompts of the Lord du Candal THE Lord of Candal Counsellor to his Majesty in his most Honourable Privy Council and Council of State having presented unto this Assembly the Account of Receipts and Disbursments done by the late Lord of Candal his deceased Father and by himself since that given in unto the Deputies of the National Synod held by his Majesty's permission at Charenton which was there closed and setled the 16th Day of February 1645. And a Committee having been appointed to examin the said Accounts and brought in their Report unto this Assembly it was observed that the said Lord of Candal gave in no Account of the Arrears of Rent upon the Chamber of the City of Paris from the Quarter of April 1651. unto this present Day and that there is placed to Account of Receipt the bare Sum only of Three Hundred Fourscore and Twelve Livres of Emoluments accrewing from the Commission of Real Seisures in the Sheriffs Court of Soissons since the last foregoing Account Nor also is there any thing charged to Account as received from the Emoluments of another such Office in the Presidial Court of Chasteau Thierry Noyon Beauvais and Calais altho it was evident by the former Accounts that the said Offices did yield yearly Profits Nor is there any thing set down as received for those of La Ferte Milon Mouchi Le Castel Pierrefonds Coussy Chastillon upon Marne Neuilly St. Frond Surene Estapes Vertus Bulloigne Magny Montmiral Chaumont and the Provostship of Augny Chaalons Epernay and Fismes all which joyned to the former make up the full Number of One and Twenty Offices whose Revenue amounted to Threescore and Four Thousand Six Hundred Livres And the Mark of Gold Provisions and Seals to Fifteen Hundred Seventy and Seven Livres two Sous and Six Deniers which yield no Product nor Profit unto the Churches insomuch that it were far better to sell and dispose of them at any rate
tho much less than their yearly Value than to keep them as now they are For we have no account in whose Hands they are nor who doth manage them and receive the Profits of them in any of those Presidial Courts Besides there was one thing more observable in the Accounts of the late Lord of Candal that the Churches were indebted to him the Sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen Livres Four Deniers comprizing therein Two Thousand Five Hundred Seventy and Four Livres Ten Sous for Interest Moreover in that former Account it was said that the late Lord of Candal stood obliged to bring in unto this Synod the Acquittances for the Colledges of Nerac of Berry of Rochefoucault amounting to Three Thousand Four Hundred Nine and Six Livres which the said Lord of Candal having not done there must be deducted this Sum together with its Interest from that Day in which the said Lord of Candal Deceased was said to have paid it And this was allowed in Disbursment Nor may this be omitted that the said Deceased Lord of Candal had placed to the last account of Disbursments and would have it allowed him several Sums of which there was no clear Proof nor Evidences Moreover it was made appeat that the said Deceased Lord had deposited in his Hands that Order granted by his Majesty for Sixteen Thousand Livres to defray the Charges of the National Synod held at Alanson in the Year 1637. of which he gave in no account unto the National Synod of Charenton 1644. nor is there a tittle hereof mentioned in this present Account now brought in by the Lord of Candal his Son The Assembly not having that Information which of necessity it must have for the clearing up of these Articles and so consequentially not being able at present to examin and finish the said Account which is now presented by the said Lord of Candal it doth commissionate and authorize the Sieur Loride des Galinieres Advocate in his Majesty's Privy Council and Council of State and in the Parliament of Paris for and in its Name and under the Orders of my Lord General Deputy of the Reformed Churches of France near his Majesty and with the Advice of the Consistory of the Church of Paris and of those Pastors of other Churches which may then be in the City of Paris in case any one shall happen to be there whenas this Affair shall be negotiated to examin the Account presented by the said Lord of Candal or any other Account which he shall bring in hereafter and to debate and allow the Articles of the said Account and to give Acquittances for the Receits Disbursments and Reprizals in it And to cause the said Lord of Candal to resign unto them the One and Twenty Letters of Provision for the Office of Commissioners of real Seizures in those Courts before-mentioned and to dispose of them at any rate whether in the Total or in Parcels and this to the use and profit of the Churches The Monies of which Sale shall be received by him who shall be appointed thereunto by my Lord the General Deputy with the Advice and Consent of the Consistory of the Church of Paris that so an Account may be given thereof unto the Churches And until such time as the said Offices shall be sold off this Assembly doth authorize the said Sieur Loride des Galinieres under the Orders of the said Lord General Deputy by and with the Advice of the said Consistory of Paris to constitute such Persons at they shall find able to manage the said Offices in those Courts aforesaid that so the yearly Profit of them may be received for the benefit of our Churches And they shall make diligent Enquiry into the said Courts who hath last had the Management of those Offices and if there be in the Hands of the said Officer any Emoluments accrewing from them they shall be demanded from him And whenas the Account brought in by the said Lord of Candal shall have been examined and closed up according to the Order before appointed in case the said Lord of Candal shall be found in Arrearages of Debt unto the Churches the said Sieur Loride is commissionated and empowred by Authority from this Assembly according to the Orders and Advice before-mentioned to prosecute the Lord of Candal for the payment of the said Debt on account and to take up from him into his own Hands that Contract of Rent-Charge upon the Chamber of Paris and to receive all Arrears that are now due or may hereafter happen to be due and to give account thereof unto the Churches And in case it should be requisite that the said Lord of Candal should make a Declaration in the Name of any particular Person for the Churches Profit because of the said Rent the said Loride under the Orders of my Lord General Deputy shall consult with the Consistory of Paris and put the said Rent under his Name if they think meet But and if any thing should become due unto the said Lord of Candal he shall be payed out of Monies coming in from the Sale of the Offices for Commissions of Fines and Seizures and from the Rent issuing out of the Chamber of Paris and this according to the value of Monies now current And if upon review of those accounts aforesaid there should happen to be any Contestation that it may be composed and quietly transacted the said Loride is commissionated and fully empowred by this Assembly to give large and valid Acquittances and Releases and in case of necessity to prosecute the matter before the Judges in any Civil Court of Judicature and to sell and alienate the said Offices or to put in any one to execute them as also to dispose of the said Rent-Charge on the Chamber of Paris with all its Circumstances and Dependencies or to Mortgage the said Rent and the annual Income of the said Sales Always provided and not otherwise that he follow the Orders before prescribed And the said Loride shall give advice hereof unto all the Provincial Synods by Letters which he shall send from time to time to one of the Principal Churches of the Province that so they may be acquainted with the Success and Issue of this Affair CHAP. XIV An ACT for the Publick National Fast which is to be Celebrated the 25th Day of March in the Year 16â—0 ALthough it hath pleased God to grace his Majesty our Sovereign Lord with that Blessing as to terminate a long and bloody War by a most glorious Peace which hath been always his design and purpose and that thereby is offered unto all his good Subjects an ample and general Occasion of Joy and Thankfulness Yet nevertheless we cannot but see with Grief and Horror how that Atheism Impiety Blasphemy Vnrighteousness Debauchery Vncleanness and all other Sins both against the First and Second Table of the Divine Law are daily multiplied and march bare-fac'd as if the Sons of Men would by
r. should p. 462. l. 3. after by r. the. p. 488. l. 32. f. make paying r. pay in p. 489. l. 54. put the Comma after Amyraud p. 500. dele the last line p. 511. l. 27. f. those r. whose p. 512. l. 26. r. give p. 540. l. 22 23. dele and if it be possible p. 545. l. 49. f. decreeing r. during p. 549. l. 46. after taken insert off p. 550. l. 32. dele dare p. 556. l. 11. f. our r. their p. 567. l. 25. for this r. his p. 568. l. 3. r. but the next time p. 569. l. 26. r. for his Family's subsistence p. 578. l. 18. r. ninety p. 585. l. 8. r. there can be p. 595. l. 3. r. Religion that neither addeth AN INTRODUCTION UNTO THESE COUNCILS THE CONTENTS OF THE INTRODUCTION The State of Religion in France before the Reformation Section 1. The Dawn of it in the Preaching of Waldo 2. And of his Disciples 3. Persecutions raised against them and by whom 4. The glorious Out-breaking of the Reformation how and by what Instruments in that Kingdom 5. The Growth and Progress of it Churches gathered Pure Worship instituted Bible translated into the Mother-Tongue 6. New Persecutions excited The first National Synod 7. Confession of Faith composed and presented to the King 8. The Confession it self in 40 Articles 9. Remarks upon the Confession 10. Discipline designed 11. The whole Body of the Discipline of those Reformed Churches in fourteen distinct Chapters 12. Remarks upon the Discipline And Apology for those Churches Two thousand one hundred and fifty Reformed Churches in France in the Year 1571. They had more than 200000 Martyrs in ten Years time 13. The Acme and Perfection of the Reformation Religion at a stand for 22 Years from the 1572 to the Year 1594. When Henry the Fourth last revolted then began the Reformation to lose ground in France French Ministers Latitudinarians and Accommodators who and for what but condemned by their National Synods 14. The Edict of Nantes with all its Articles The secret Articles of that Edict 15. The President du Thou and the Lord of Calignon spend three Years in drawing up this Edict 16. Observation and Infractions of the Edict Misery of the Reformed after the death of Henry the Fourth 17. The Edict of Nismes granted to the D. of of Rohan and the whole Body of the Protestants 18. Reflections upon this Edict and its Non-observation A Declaration of this present King Louis the Fourteenth confirming all the former Edicts of Pacification with Acknowledgment of the great Services and Merits of the Reformed 19. The true Causes of their Ruin the great Services they had done the King in his greatest needs 20. The various Methods used for the destruction of the Protestants in France 21. Law Suits in many Articles and Cases 22. Great Oppressions by fiery Zealots 23. Protestants ruined by perjur'd Papists 24. Incouragements given to Popish Priests and Missioners The Cheaters cheated 25. The miserable condition of sick Protestants 26. The cruel Oppressions of a French Gentleman 27. A General Inundation of Criminal Processes False Witnesses against Protestant Ministers 28. The Reformed deprived of all Offices Orders for it 29. New Converts freed from paying of Debts Protestants may not dispose of their Estates 30. Violations of the Edict by corrupt Expositions of it 31. The Schools of the Reformed their Colleges and Vniversities suppress'd 32. New Laws made which were a torment to them Those Laws specified and enumerated 33. Protestants may not receive into their Temples any revolted unto Popery Seats in their Temples for the Roman Catholicks 34. Multitudes foreseeing the approaching Storm quit the Kingdom 35. The Protestants ruined by the Verbal Declarations of their King His Letter to the Duke of Brandenburg 36. Juggling Tricks used to mischief the Reformed 37. Five most notable ones 38. The Mob stirred up by Decrees to desire their extirpation by venomous Libels 39. The care and endeavours of the Reformed for their own preservation yet ineffectual 40. Persecutions of the Protestants by Dragoons 41. In Berne their horrible Cruelties to fright the Reformed into Popery 42. A Specimen of those Cruelties 43. The barbarous usage of the Nobles and Commons of the Reformed in France Several memorable Relations of it 44. The Martyrdom of Monsieur Homel 45. The Intendants Bishops Priests and Missioners Ring-leaders in persecution A Form of Abjuration propounded and to be signed by the Protestants 46. A Letter from Metz giving an account of their sad estate there in that City 47. A Letter from Geneva relating the doleful estate of the poor Refugees in that City 48. Consultations at Court for the total extirpation of the Reformed Religion 49. The Edict repealing that of Nantes 50. The wretched estate of the exiled Pastors 51. And of the remaining Protestants in that Kingdom 52. Treacherous dealing with poor Ministers A Letter about it 53. The Pope's Congratulatory Letter to the King 54. A Pastoral Letter to the Brethren groaning under Babylonish Captivity and Tyranny 55. Remarks upon the Manuscript Copies out of which this Synodicon was extracted and composed 56. A Catalogue and Order and Time of the National Synods 57. THE INTRODUCTION SECTION I. The State of Religion in France before the Reformation EVrope a little before the Reformation was universally over-run with Idolatry Superstition Ignorance and Prophaneness The greater part of the Priests said not Where is the Lord and they who should have taught the Law of God knew him not The Pastors also transgressed against him and the Prophets Prophesied by Baal There was like People like Priest sottish brutish and debauched Sect. 2. In this woful estate the Sovereign Mercy of God brake forth as the Sun out of a dark Cloud in a most illustrious manner upon the Kingdom of France visiting it in the first place and before all the Nations of Europe with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ the Day-spring from on high The verity and purity of Christian Doctrine God's great Ordinance to recover sinful Nations from their Antichristian pollutions is Preached and published unto it Angels as it were from Heaven holy Men and Messengers of God came flying with the little Book of Life in their hands not as a Sealed Vision dark and unintelligible but open plain clear and easy to be understood into the Cities and Towns of that Kingdom and call aloud unto the Inhabitants thereof to repent of all their abominations to turn from all their Idols Superstitious and irreligious practices and to fear and serve God only through Jesus Christ the alone Mediator betwixt God and Man This was done at first by that famous Trumpet of Reformation the blessed Waldo of Lions who being a Neighbour to the Vaudois received the holy Bible and Doctrine of Eternal Life and Salvation from them in the year 1160. It having been conserved in their Valleys times immemorial yea said Fryar Reynerius from the very days of the Apostles Sect. 3. But he was not
alone in this Ministry The Lord raised up and Commissionated many other Worthies to labour in his Vineyard and to gather in his great Harvest of precious Souls for the Fields were already white and longing for the Harvest 'T is true they had a most unkind usage and cruel Entertainment from the Popish Priests and Prelates and from the greater part of the Antichristian World For these wise Men among the People that had skill and understanding in the Visions of God and instructed many yet did according to the Scripture-Prophecy fall by the Sword and by Flame by Captivity and by spoil many days among whom the most renowned were Joseph a Disciple of Waldo who Preached in Dolphiny Henry and Eperon who Preached in Languedoc Arnold Hor who Preached in Albigois and Lollard by whose name the Professors of the Gospel were so called here in England these as they lived zealous Preachers so they died most faithful Martyrs sealing the Truth of Christ with their Hearts Blood as did also many thousands of their Followers Sect. 4. For to exterminate these Hereticks as they were then stiled Pope Innocent the Third published his Croisados granting plenary remission of sins to all Persons that would go to this holy War and destroy them Great Kings potent Princes and noble Lords are all invited commanded and animated to persecute them and in case of neglect on their part they themselves are reputed Favourers and Upholders of them and are exposed to the Thunderbolts of Papal Excommunications and to be deprived of their Crowns Kingdoms Dominions and Lives Thus were the King of Arragon the Counts of Tolouse Beziers and Carcassone served who were all cut off by those prodigious Armies mustered up against them They and many Myriads of their Subjects together with them are most horribly butcher'd and destroyed by the Croisado-Pilgrims Sect. 5. But notwithstanding all the Croisado's Slaughters Massacres and most barbarous Persecutions of the poor Albingenses and Waldenses there was not a total extinction of the Truth it was suppressed but not destroyed as Fire buried under much Ashes it doth at length break out with the more vehement flame Its Professors were dead but the Truth lived it lay concealed in the hearts of the Children of these Martyrs who groaned for a Reformation There was a very great propensity in all the Nations of Europe but especially of France unto it The Papal Power had been crampt by the Pragmatical Sanction in that Kingdom The August Parliament of Paris sixed bounds unto it The learned Sorbonists had several of their Divines who disputed against and decried it Lewes the Twelfth threatned to destroy Babylon When Learning was revived by Francis the First in that Kingdom the Reformation had there its Resurrection Pious and good Men passionately desired and Preached up the necessity of it William Brissonnet Bishop of Meaux promoted it in his Diocess James Fabey born at Estaples in Picardy a Man of great Learning and of an Angelical Life laboured hard in it And in the dawn of the Reformation the Doctrine of the Gospel was embraced by several Persons of great Quality Margaret of Valois Queen of Navarre and Sister to the French King was accused for it by the blood-thirsty Prelates unto her Royal Brother She was indeed a Sanctuary unto God's Fugitives a Covert to them from the storm an hiding place from the Tempest In her House Faber now an hundred years old after a most Heavenly Discourse with the Queen at Supper fell asleep in the Lord. Luther a Divine Herald publisheth the Gospel in Germany Zuinglius one year before him and without any knowledge of him or correspondence with him had thundered against Indulgences and began the Reformation in Switzerland A little while after Mr. Calvin is called forth by God to be a glorious Instrument of it in France * * * See the Author of Status Reipubl Relig sab Henr. 2. p 10. 11. sub Carolâ— 9. p. 94. And the Lord owneth him and his Fellow-Servants notwithstanding all the storms of Popish rage and fury against them in this great work Insomuch that the whole Kingdom is inlightned and ravished with it and many of the most eminent Counsellors in that Illustrious Senate the Parliament of Paris do profess the Gospel openly and in the very presence of their King Henry the Second though to the loss of Honour Estate and Life It was now got into the Court and among Persons of the highest Quality Many Nobles some Princes of the Blood dare espouse its Cause The Blood of the Martyrs proving the Seed of the Church and as Israel of old so now the more the Professors of the Gospel are oppressed and persecuted the more are they increased and multiplied Sect. 6. The Reformed form themselves into regular Church-Assemblies separating themselves as the Primitive Christians did from the unbelieving Jews and their Synagogues so from the unbelieving Papists and their idolatrous Worship It was the great care of the first Reformers to preach up sound Doctrine to institute and celebrate pure Evangelical Worship and to restore the ancient Primitive Discipline They set up purity of Worship according to the Scripture Rule The Holy Bible was translated by Olivetan Uncle unto Mr. Calvin and a Minister in the Valleys of Piedmont from the Original Hebrew and Greek into the French Language He had not any assistance nor incouragement unto this work from any great Prince or State and yet finished it in one Year The Lord blessed him in his undertaking wonderfully that he should begin and finish it in so short a time This Star scatters bright Beams of Heavenly Light and Truth into the dark Corners of the Land to the inlivening and comforting of many thousands of Souls Now the Fountain of Life is opened and the Waters thereof flow down in plenteous streams from the Throne of God and the Lamb to the cleansing quickning and refreshing of the City of God This Holy Bible is read in their solemn Meetings in the great Congregations This divinely inspired Scripture is perused and studied by Nobles and Peasants by the Learned and Ideots by Merchants and Tradesmen by Women and Children in their Houses and Families by this they be made wiser than their Popish Priests than their most subtle Adversaries By this they stop the mouths of Gainsayers and put them to silence and confusion Clement Marot a Courtier and a great Wit was advised by Mr. Vatablus Regius Professor of the Hebrew Tongue in the University of Paris to consecrate his Muse unto God which Counsel he embraceth and translateth fifty of David's Psalms into French Meeter Mr. Beza did the other hundred and all the Scripture-Songs Lewis Guadimel another Asaph or Jeduthun a most Skillful Master of Musick set those sweet and melodious Tunes unto which they are sung even unto this day This holy Ordinance charmed the Ears Hearts and Affections of Court and City Town and Country They were sung in the Louvre as
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.
The Lord Commissioners Speech to the COUNCIL Proposals of the Lord Commissioner THIS Commission being read The Lord Galland declared fully and at large what Orders had been given him by His Majesty the Sum of which was an Assurance of His Majesties good Will towards His Subjects of the Reformed Religion and his Royal promise to preserve them in their Exercise and peaceable profession of it and that whilest they continued in their Duty and Obedience unto His Majesty he would take care that his Edicts should be strictly and punctually observed 2. And that the Foundations of their Obedience may be the more firm and solid His Majesty exhorted his said Subjects of the Reformed Religion to live in a greater Equanimity and Moderation with his other Subjects though differing from them in Religion So that the difference in Religion may cause no difference in their Affections which His Majesty assureth His said Protestant Subjects shall be accurately observed towards them that so they may not in any manner be troubled or prosecuted upon the pretext and ground of their Religion 3. The Professors also of the Reformed Religion ought on their part to promise that they will not hold any Intelligence Alliances or Correspondence with Persons abroad and without the Kingdom but only with His Majesty Reposing their intire Confidence in His Majesties Royal Word Grace and Favour He added farther That His Majesty commanded him to acquaint us that during the Wars he was never minded to abrogate or disanul the Edicts because he alwayes had a particular regard to the Repose of his Subjects For immediately upon his being declared Major he confirmed his Edicts renewed his Alliances increased and augmented his Bounty unto the Ministers and imployed in his most important Affairs of State the Lords and Gentlemen professing the said Religion and when as some special Occurrences necessitated him to act otherwise He did notwithstanding express and evidence the Effects of his Clemency by receiving and pardoning whole Communities and all such of His Subjects as submitted themselves unto his Authority he gave them a General Amnesty to Indemnifie them 4. And although the remembrance of those Actions be dead and buried yet 't is His Majesties Pleasure that the Canon past in the Synod of Realmont be put in Execution and an Information taken and brought in against those Ministers who had embrac't the Spanish Faction and that the Deputies unto this Council do Order a Declaration to this purpose to be drawn up not as if His Majesty intended an Hue and Cry should be issued out after the guilty or that they should be prosecuted for it but that all occasions of Troubles may be taken away and that the Lives and Actions of those who persisted in their Duty may not at all be blemished 5. The said Lord Commissioner added further That it was His Majesties Will as it had been Decreed in the last Synod at Charenton that Ministers should be confined to the proper Duties of their Calling and preach unto their People Obedience and not do as too too many did in the time of the late Troubles get into Political Assemblies and intermeddle with Affairs of State 6. And that Obedience and Subjection unto His Majesties Authority may be kept up inviolably and not be corrupted by any Foreign Manners or Way of Living It is His Majesties Pleasure and according to Laws in this case provided That no Minister shall depart the Kingdom without his Royal Licence first obtained nor live in a Foreign Land nor shall these National Councils lend any of their Ministers unto Foreign Princes or Republicks who may importune them to such a Loane either for a determinate time or during Life but they shall remit the demand unto His Majesty who in such cases will particularly consider his good Neighbours and Allies CHAP. IV. The Councils Answer to it The Answer made unto what had been proposed by the Kings Commissioner WHereupon the Council having given thanks to Almighty God for inclining the Kings heart to favour our poor Churches and to continue his protection to them they did also render their most humble and unfeigned thanks unto His Majesty for those most sensible Expressions of His Royal Favour unto His Subjects of the Reformed Religion for giving us our Peace and the accustomed Effects of His Goodness and Clemency And that His Majesty might have a manifest token and evidence of our Obedience unto his Commands now signified to us it was immediately and unanimously voted that a Declaration should be drawn up as in Conscience we were bound to discharge our Holy Religion of all blame and to testifie our fidelity and submission unto His Majesty from whose Authority Clemency and Justice next and immediately after God the Churches of France can only hope for support protection and preservation being ready and willing to lay down in His Majesties Service all that is dear unto us even our very Lives and Fortunes professing and calling â—od to witness that this is the Doctrine taught by our Pastors unto their Churches agreeable to the word of God in the Holy Scriptures and that Confession of Faith which is owned and embraced by all the Reformed Churches of France And the very first Vote which past was this that notwithstanding there have been ever found among our People professing the Reformed Religion the noblest Instances and Patterns of a true great and most Christian patience under the worst of usages and oppressions in all places and at all times sustained by them yet nevertheless all and singular the Consistories of our Churches shall continue their Counsels and Exhortations to them of abounding in Christian patience equanimity and moderation and to pay unto their Countreymen of the Romish Religion all Offices and Duties of Humanity Civility and Charity according to the Word of God and Intendment of His Majesty who also is most humbly petitioned to cast His Royal Eyes of Compassion upon the deep Afflictions of His Protestant Subjects who though they have alwayes labour'd to gain and keep the love and friendship of their fellow-Citizens and Countrey-men are yet notwithstanding in divers places of the Kingdom molested in their Persons disturbed in the Exercise of their Religion deprived of their Temples yea and see them demolished before their Faces even since the peace or else given away from them for dwelling houses unto the Româ—sh Priests and Ecclesiasticks and that they be dispossessed of their Burying Places and the Dead Bodies of very many Persons digged up most ignominiously that our Ministers have been barbarously beaten bruised wounded and driven away from their Churches although they have been the most innocent and inoffensive Persons in the World who neither injur'd the Publick in general nor any one in particular as our General Deputies shall more amply and at large make report hereof unto His Majesty Moreover the Council doth farther declare That as the Churches within the Kingdom have ever been united in the profession
Provincial Synod of Vivaretz and presented by that grave Assembly to the Pastoral Office in the Church of Annonay though he was then but eighteen Years of Age and Annonay was a Church of no mean Consideration but what he wanted in Years he made up in Merit In the Year 1612 he was removed to the Church of Montpellier in which he served full twenty Years He was one of the Scribes in the National Synod held the first time at Charenton 1623. The Parliament of Tholouse having made a Decree that no Foreigner should be a Minister or preach within their Jurisdiction in the Year 1632. he came to Paris and sollicited the Court for his Restoration He had in that City a Brother very rich and one who followed the Law Whilst he resided here the University of Lansanna in Switzerland earnestly invited him to be Professor of Theology in it but he very civilly declined that Motion though he was a most accomplish'd Scholar and Divine In the Year 1636 a Franciscan Friar who was the great Favourite of Cardinal Richelieu and of his Cabinet-Council meeting him in an Apothecary's Shop in St. James's Street demanded his Name and he telling him who he was and the Reason for which he was driven away from Montpellier he bespoke him Monsieur Faucheur do you tarry here and preach at Charenton and I will ingage my Word for it that the King shall never trouble you He communicating this Relation to his Brother his Brother communicated it unto the Elders of that Church who discoursing with him intreated him to preach the next Lord's Day in their Temple which he did to their and the Churches very great Satisfaction And here he continued in their Service preaching and dispensing the Word and Sacraments among them unto the Day of his Death 3. Monsieur Amyraut of him I shall speak in the Catalogue of the Churches and Ministers hung upon the File in the last National Synod where my Reader will meet with a Multitude of Remarks upon the Pastors that were then actually imployed in the Service of those-once flourishing Churches The End of the Second Synod of Charenton THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty seventh Synod OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE Assembled under his Majesty's Authority and Permission AT ALANSON IN THE PROVINCE of NORMANDY On Wednesday the twenty seventh of May and ended Thursday the ninth of July In the Year of our Lord God 1637. Being the twenty eighth Year of the Reign of LOUIS XIII King of FRANCE and NAVARRE The CONTENTS of the Synodical Acts in several Chapters Chap. I. THE King 's Writ for calling the Synod presented by the Marquess of Clermont General Deputy Monsieur St. Mars Commissioner for the King Names of the Deputies Election of the Synodical Officers Chap. II. The King's Commission to Monsieur St. Mars to represent hit Royal Person in the Synod Chap. III. The Lord Commissioner's Speech and a very long one unto the Synod Chap. IV. The Synod's Replies and Answers unto the Contents of it Chap. V. Three Deputies sent with a Letter from the Synod unto the King Chap. VI. A second Letter to the King Chap. VII Approbation and Confirmation of the Confession of Faith Chap. VIII Observations upon the Discipline Chap. IX Observations on the last Natiâ—â—â—â— Synod Chap. X. A peniâ—â—n◠〈◊〉 after tâ—â— Yoâ—â—s Deposition and Penaâ—â—â— iâ— at last restored to the Exercise of his Ministerial Office Chap. XI The Snappishness of the Commissioner the Prudence and Patience of the Synod Chap. XII A penitent Minister petitioning for Restoration unto his Ministerial Office refused and why Chap. XIII The Churches of â—earn incorporated with the Reformed Churches of France Chap. XIV Appeals 3. A Lady appealeth 4. Des Champs a factious Minister 11. An Appeal about a Legacy Chap. XV. General Matters 1. An Action indifferent so left by the Synod 4. Whether Slaves may be purchased 5. No Minister to be ordained without a Title 7. An Act for a National Fast 8. An Expedient to preserve Peace among the Ministers Professors and Churches 9. A Petition to the King opposed by the Commissioner 10. A Letter from the King unto the Synod The Synod's Letter to the King 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30. A Determination of the Controversies moved by Amyrald and Testard 31. The Deputies in the Synod to receive an hundred Sous par diem Sallary from their Provinces 32. Professors of Divinity designed Chap. XVI 4 5. Two poor Ministers in great Wants 7. An Expedient to compose Differences in a Church and Province 9. The Case of La Milletierâ— the Reconciler 11. Complaints of two Books L'Antidote and Les Ombres d'Arminius Chap. XVII Of Vniversities Order taken for upholding and maintaining the Vniversities Chap. XVIII Arrears of Monies due unto the Vniversities Chap. XIX Accompts of the Vniversities Chap. XX. Lord of Candall's Accompts Chap. XXI A Dividend of 16000 Livers Chap. XXII Roll of deposed and revolted Ministers Chap. XXIII Catalogue of the Churches and Ministers Chap. XXIV Monsieur Ferrand's Speech unto his Majesty Chap. XXV Instructions given unto Monsieur Ferrand c. deputed to the King Chap. XXVI Monsieur Ferrand's Speech to Cardinal Richelieu Chap. XXVII The Bill of Grievances A Book stiled Le Proselyte Evangelique Chap. XXVIII Letters from the Pastors and Professors of Geneva Chap. XXIX Testimonials unto Dr. Rivet's Treatise against the Books of the Sieurs Amyraut and Testard Chap. XXX Two Letters one from Mr. du Moulin another from Monsieur Diodati to the Synod The Synod of Alanson 1637. The 27th Synod SYNOD XXVII 1637. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the twenty seventh National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held in the Town of Alanson in the Province of Normandy It was opened by his Majesty's Permission Wednesday the 27th of May and ended Thursday the 9th of July in the Year of our Lord God 1637 and the 18th Year of the Reign of our Dread Sovereign Louis the Thirteenth King of France and Navarre CHAP. I. The King 's Writ presented by the Marquess of Clermont for calling the Synod Mr. de St. Mars Commissioner Deputies Officers chosen Article 1. THE Lord Marquess of Clermont General Deputy of the Reformed Churches of France at the opening of the Synod presented his Majesty's Warrant expresly given by him under his own Hand for the calling of it the Tenour of which is as followeth This sixth Day of Jannary in the Year Sixteen hundred thirty and seven the King being at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the Reformed Religion who craved his Royal Permission for the calling and assembling of a National Synod there not having been one held since that of Charâ—nton in the Year 1631. His Majesty being desirous to gratify those his Subjects and to deal favourably with them hath permitted and doth permit the Convocation of a National Synod the 27th day of May next
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