was dim-sighted a very pious and prudent Man He hath commented upon Job and Esther in Latine He was a very dear Friend of Mr. Snape and Mr. Cartwright two Eminent English N. C. Ministers and who read his Exposition on Job and made some Animadversions on it in the Isle of Jersey He presided also in the National Synod of Vitre 1583. THE ACTS DECISIONS and DECREES OF THE X. National Synod OF THE Reformed Churches of Christ IN The KINGDOM of FRANCE HELD At FIGEAC the Second Day of August 1579. THE CONTENTS of this SYNOD CHap. I. The Deputies Names Monsieur La Faye Moderator Covel and La Nouaille Scribes Chap. II. General Matters Impotent Persons may not marry The Aunt of a dead Wife may not be married Apostates censured Of Names given Children in Baptism Care taken for a Succession of able and worthy Ministers General Matters 5. Synods to be held annually Pastors must come with an Elder to them Sureties must consider their Engagements at Baptism Some Crimes to be always Registred Scruples about communicating with sickly Persons Chap. III. Several Cases of Conscience as about a Monk's Wife who returned to his Vomit Ministers Words at the Lord's Table Of Benefices Of Farmers of the Clergies Temporal Estate Of Godly Parents having Idolatrous Children who will marry Idolaters How Publick Penance is to be inflicted No Scripture the Subject of Plays The Orders of particular Churches and Provinces must be for substance the same with the Canons of the Discipline Ministers cannot promise themselves to any Church Canon for Ministers out of Employment Tythes possessed by Protestants must be devoted to pious Vses Art 24. Of Burials Dances forbidden Suspended Persons cannot be Sureties for Children at Baptism Reading of Psalms line by line before Singing condemned Bare Head and Kneeling in Prayer Legal Terms and Formalities banished out of all Acts of Church-Discipline A kind of Censure forbidden 3. Care taken for their Ministers Stipend Canon of Marriage explained 35. A Vagrant Minister deposed and notified to the Churches 36. The Confession of the Dutch Churches approved Call of the next National Synod Chap. IV. Remarks THE Synod of FIGEAC 1579 Synod X. SYNOD X. Of the Tenth National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Figeac the Second Day of August and ended the Eighth Day of the same Month in the Year of Grace 1579 being the Sixth Year of the Reign of Henry the third King of France and Poland CHAP. I. The Names of the Deputies unto this Synod THere appeared as Deputies from the Provinces unto this Synod the Pastors and Elders whose Names arc hereunder written 1. For the Province of the Isle of France Monsieur de la Maison Neuv Minister in the Church of Paris and his Commission bore date the 28th of June 1579. 2. For the Province of Burgundy Mr. James Covet Minister in the Church of Villarmont and Monsieur du Chasteuverd Elder of the Church of Dijon Their Commission was dated May the 15th 1579. 3. For Champagne Monsieur Teuans Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Recours without an Elder His Letters of Deputation bore date the 28th of May of this self-same Year 4. For Xaintonge Monsieur John Cochois Minister at Jonzac and Guy Filleul Esq Lord or La Cousture Elder of St. Fort. His Commission was signed the 22d day of July 1579. 5. For Britain Monsieur du Gricq Minister of Morlais His Commission was dated the 2d day of April of the same Year 6. For Gascegny and Perigord Monsieur Trumpols Minister of La Motte and Monsieur Francois de la Novoeille Elder in the Church of Jersac Their Commission was dated the 29th of July 7. For Anjou the Maine Loudunois and Touraine Monsieur de Clairville Minister of Loudun And his Letters of Deputation were dated the 26th day of June 8. For Normandy Monsieur Echeron Minister of God's Holy Word and Sacraments in the Church of Ponteau de Mer and his Commission was dated the 23d of March 9. For the Upper Languedoc and Guienne Monsieur de Raisse Minister of Figeac and Monsieur Rousset Minister of the Church in Mazamet Their Commissions were dated the 24th of April and the 19th of June 10. For the Lower Languedoc Monsieur Perron Minister of Merues and his Commission bore date the 22d day of April 11. For Augoumois Monsieur de la Billitierre Minister of Aubeterne and his Commission was dated the 23d of July 12. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Cayer Minister of Poitiers and Monsieur de St. Eustache Elder in the Church of Niort Their Commission was dated July the 6th 13. For Provence Monsieur de Poussilles Elder in the Church of Forceilinis His Letters of Deputation were dated the 22d day of July 14. For the Principality of Bearn Monsieur de la Pierre Minister in the Church of Navarrins And his Commission bore Date the 21st day of July which was also ratified and authorised by the Letters of the King of Navarre dated the thirtieth of the same Month. 15. The Province of Picardy excused its absence by Letters of the 8th of June 16. For the Churches of Berry Beauce and the adjacent Countries Monsieur John Miner born at Orleans and Elder his Commission was dated the 25th of July 17. The Province of Dolphiny excused its absence by Letters of the 23d of July 18. The Province of Vivaretz was absent but sent no Letters of Excuse 19. The Province of Lower Anvergne and Forest absent 20. There sate also in this Synod the Noble Anthony de Paramelle Lord of St. Colombe Viguier and Governour of the said Town of Figeac 21. After Prayers were ended the Assembly chose Monsieur de la Faye Pastor of the Church of Paris Moderator and Monsieur Couit Assessor and Monsieur Francois de la Nouaille Scribe CHAP. II. General MATTERS ARTRTICLES Eunuches may not be married I. FOrasmuch as the first and principal End of Marriage was the Procreation of Children and to be a Preservative from Fornication he then that is a known Eunuch shall not be married in any of our Reformed Churches The Aunt of a dead Wife may not be married See St. Foy G. M. art 5. II. No Man shall marry the Aunt of his deceased Wife For such Commixtures are incestuous and altho' the Civil Magistrate may permit it yet such a Marriage shall not be solemnized in any of our Churches And all Pastors are warned carefully to observe this Canon See the Synod of Rochel art 22. III. Such as Apostatize from the Reformed Religion unto Popery and embrace the Idolatries of the Romish Church and all Endeavours used to reclaim them proving useless and unsuccessful in case they persist in their Apostacy they shall be declared Apostates publickly before the Congregation unto which they did belong IV. In giving Names unto Children let all Preciseness on the one hand and Superstition and Scandal on the other be avoided Because Matters of
Higher Guyenne Master Michael Beraut Minister of Montauban Master John Baptist Botan Minister of Castres Master Gabriel Turonier Doctor of the Civil Law and Master John Lisandre Doctor of the Civil Law both Elders For the Lower Languedoc Master Christopher Barjac Lord of Gasquetz Minister of Vigan Master John Gigord Minister of Montpellier together with Daniel Darnand Lord de la Cassagne and John de Boyere Lord of Camion Elders For Vivaretz Master Anthony Mercier Minister of Chasteuneuf and of Chalencon and Master John Valeton without Elders For the Lower Guyenne Master Moyses de Ricotier Minister of Clerac Master Signeron du Fon His Majesties Advocate in the Court of Casteljaloux For Xaintonge Aunix and Augoumois Master Fresnon du Vigier alias du Vergier Lord of Moustier Minister of St. John d' Angely and Master Michael Texier Elder For Poictou Master Jonas Chesneau Minister of St. Maixant and John Renoy Esq Lord of Braconnier Elder in the Church of Poiré and Belleville For Anjou Tourain and Maine Master Francis Grelier Lord of Macefer Minister of Saumur without an Elder For Provence Balthazar de Villeneuve Esq Lord of Tortonne Syndick of the Churches in the said Province No person appeared at this Synod for Burgundy Lyonnois and Forrest The Synod being opened by solemn Invocation of the Name of God Monsieur Berault was chosen President and Monsieur de Montigny Assessor and Monsieur Macifer and Monsieur Cartaub Scribes Monsieur Du Moulin Deputy for Orleans being sick divers Churches of that Province together with the Deputies of Normandy and the Isle of France substituted in his stead Monsieur le Noir which was well approved by the Synod and a Decree passed in it that the Provinces should nominate three or four Persons for the future to represent them in these National Assemblies that in case of sickness or any other accident which might hinder their attendance there might be some others to supply that default The Provinces of Normandy Anjou and Vivaretz were censured for not sending Elders together with their Ministers Because of the great Desolations and Dispersions of the Churches in Provence the Synod granteth unto their Deputy his Vote in all Debates controverted Cases between the Provinces only excepted and this for that he wanted his Letters of Deputation CHAP. II. Observations upon the Confession of Faith OUR Confession of Faith being read was universally approved in all its Articles by the whole Assembly Printers are admonished to prefix no other Title than what is usual unto this Confession and for time to come they shall not add these words Revised and Approved in such and such a Synod CHAP. III. Observations upon the Church-Discipline I. THE Second Article in the First Chapter concerning Ministers being read That instead of these words In a Provincial Synod these shall be inserted By and with Advice of the Provincial or National Synods II. The Churches shall be exhorted to observe exactly the 4 5 11 and 13 Articles of this First Chapter together with that Ceremony of Imposing Hands in Ordination and the Refractory shall be censured III. The last clause of the Article concerning Printers shall be struck out because it is comprised in the fifteenth Article of Particular Orders IV. The Churches of the Isle of France desiring an Explanation of the 38th Article of the first Chapter of the Discipline the Synod adviseth That difference be made between Ingratitude and Inability and that where the Ingratitude on the Churches part is visible the Article shall be observed but not otherwise V. And that the 45th Article of the first Chapter and the eleventh Article in that of Provincial Synods may be more carefully observed this Assembly injoyneth the Provincial Synods to bring with them unto the National an Attestation of their Duty performed unto their Pastors who through Sickness are disabled from Exercising their Ministry as also of what hath been done by them for the Widows and Orphans of such as are deceased that in case a Church-Colloquy or Province have not wherewithal to relieve them Provision may be made for them by the National Synod VI. After these words in the * * * It is now the 44th 43d Article Great and small there shall be these subjoyned Of whatsoever Condition or Quality they may be VII For the better keeping of the fourth Article in the second Chapter and that all Obstructions may be removed the Synod enjoyneth all Deacons to bring unto their Colloquy or Provincial Synod the Accounts given by them of the Poors Money that we may know whether the Fifth Penny hath been defaulked and laid by for tho maintenance of our Proposans VIII Instead of these words in the fourth Article of the second Chapter It were good shall be inserted It is necessary IX To prevent those Disorders which daily happen from Attestations given unto the Poor the Synod decreeth That all Churches do their endeavour to maintain their own Poor and in case any one through necessity be obliged to travel from home the Ministers shall carefully examine the grounds thereof whether just and valid and so shall give them Letters Recommendatory unto the next Church leading directly unto that place whether their Affairs call them specifying the Name Age Stature and Hair of the Dearer and the Place whereunto they be going and the Cause of their Travel and the Relief that hath been given them which said Certificate the Ministers to whom they apply themselves shall keep by them and give them another directed also unto the next Church and whatever Attestations have been given formerly or may be in time to come any otherwise than as now prescribed shall be null and torn in pieces X. To those words in the 16th Article of the fifth Chapter And which giveth great scandal to the whole Church there shall be subjoyned And those also who contrary to the godly Counsels given them do marry according to the Popish manner and Parents who consent unto such Marriages of their Children and they likewise who carry their Children unto Popish Priests to be baptized by them or become Sureties for those Children so baptized XI The Church of Castres moved this Case Whether an Extract of some few or more Articles of our Discipline might lawfully be communicated unto the Magistrates of both Religions for their better Conduct in the Exercise of Justice This Synod resolveth affirmatively yea and that the whole Body of our Discipline may be presented them there being nothing in it but what ministreth unto edifying XII Because of the present Distress and Poverty of bur Churches and till such times as the Lord shall have blessed us with greater abilities it is ordained by this present Synod That the National Synods shall be convened only once in three Years unless it be in case of very great necessity as of Heresie and Schism whereof the Province charged to convene it shall take special Cognisance and on this Condition that every Province do send their full number of
knowledge might be had of their Call who sate and voted in this Assembly Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars was chosen Moderator Monsieur John Chauve Assessor Pastor of the Church of Sommieres Monsieur John Jammet Pastor of the Church of St. Amand in Bourbonnois and Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Court of Parliament of Paris and Elder of that Church were chosen Scribes 2. The Synod examining the Letters of Commission Impowering the Deputies of the Provinces to sit and act in it began with those of the Isle of France Picardy c. for which appeared Monsieur John Baptist Bugnet Pastor of the Church of Compiegne Samuel Quinson Pastor of the Church de la Ferté au Vidame together with Elijah Bigot Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church there and Philip de Cormieres Esq Lord of Fromentieres and of La Haye Elder in the Church of Chaltray 3. For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Obadiah de Mondenys Pastor of the Church of Fescamp Peter Paris Pastor of the Church of Pontoison together with Samuel le Cal Esq Lord of Beurevil Elder in the Church of Gisors and Michael le Petit Lord of la Joisiere Elder in the Church of St. Lo. 4. For the Province of Brittaine Monsieur Peter de la Place Pastor of the Church of Sion Guy le Noir Lord of Crevain Pastor of the Church of Roche Bernard and Croisis together with Elias de Goulaine Esq Lord of Laudouiniere Elder of the Church of Viellevigne and John Ravenell Lord of Boistillenil Elder in the Church of Rennes 5. For the Province of Berry Orleans c. Monsieur Daniel Jammet Pastor of the Church of St. Amand John Guerin Pastor of the Church of Baugeney together with John de Bussieres Controller of his Majesties Salt-Granary at Sancerre and Elder of the same Church and John du Plessis General-Assessor of his Majesties Subsidies at Pithinieres Elder of the Church of Chilleure 6. For the Province of Anjou Tourain c. Monsieur John Vigneu Pastor of the Church of Mans Renatus Conseil Pastor of the Church of Lassay together with Giles Bouchereau Lord of la Mothe Advocate at Saumur and Elder of the same Church and Hannibal de Farsy Lord of St. Laurence Attorney in the Exchequer of the Lordship and County of Laval Elder of the Church there 7. For the Province of Poictou Monsieur Andrew Rivet Pastor of the Church of Thouars Paul Geslin Lord of la Pilletiere Pastor of the Church at Chastelheraut together with Giles Begaud Esq Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Mountague and Samuel Maucler Esq Lord of Marconnay Elder in the Church of la Ganache 8. For the Province of Xaintonge and Aulnix c. Monsieur Samuel L' ommeau Pastor of the Church of Rochel William Rivet Lord of Chanvernon Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg together with John Preverant Lord of Piterne Judge of Montignac and Elder of the Church there and Monsieur Elijah Dieu the Lord High Justice his Attorney in the Lordship of Soubize and Elder of the Church in the same place 9. For the Province of Lower Guyenne Monsieur Peter de la Musse Pastor of the Church of Nerac Peter Hefperian Pastor of the Church of Ste Foy together with John de Geneste Lord of La Tour Advocate in the Court of the Edict at Nerac and Elder of the Church of Sauvetat and Peter de Pichard Captain of Gironde and Castelmoran Elder of the Church of Gironde 10. For the Province of the Principality of Bearn Monsieur John de Capdeville Pastor of the Church of Navarrins together with John de Angerre Advocate in the Parliament of Pau and Elder of the Church in the same place 11. For the Province of Lower Languedoc Monsieur John Chauve Pastor of the Church of Sommieres James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Nismes together with William de Girard Lord of Moussac Elder of the Church in the same place and Peter de Calviere Lord of St. Cesaire Elder in the Church of Nismes 12. For the Province of Dolphiny Monsieur John Felix Pastor in the Church of Romans Denys Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Grenoble together with Peter Guyon Lord of Salbetter Elder in the Church of Manars and Salomon Vulson Lord of Villette Elder in the Church of Mené 13. For the Province of Vivaretz Forest c. Monsieur Peter * * * He after revolted and prov'd a True Turn-Turk Marchat Pastor of the Church of St. Stephens John Mozé Pastor of the Church of Annonay together with James de Serres Doctor of the Civil Law Elder in the Church of Aubenas and whereas the Lord of Cussons Elder of the Church of Annonay was also chosen and named in the Letters of Commission but did not appear his absence was not approved by the Assembly Yet afterwards on the third of June the said Lord of Cussons returning from his Depuration unto the Assembly at Rochel was received into this Assembly 14. For the Province of Sevennes and Gevaudan Monsieur Lewes Courant Pastor of the Church of Anduze and Andrew de la Faye Pastor of the Church of St. German together with John de Barjac Lord of Villeneufre Elder in the Church of Vigan and John de Barjac Lord of Gasques Elder in the Church of St. Martyn 15. For the Province of Burgundy Lionnois Charlois and Gex Monsieur Lewes de la Coste Pastor of the Church of Dijon Peter Boulenat Pastor of the Church of Avalon instead of Monsieur Eliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Duke whose excuses were admitted and in case he should afterward come unto this Assembly the said Boulenat might if he please return together with Albert du Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church * * * Another Copy reads of Maringues of Vesle and Monsieur John Gravier Advocate in the Parliament of Dijon and Elder of the Church there 16. For the Province of Provence Monsieur Peter Maurice Pastor of the Church of Lormarin together with Charles de Bachy Esq Lord of St. Stephens Elder in the Church of Thouars And whereas Monsieur Samuel Toussain Pastor of the Church of Luke and Monsieur John Clement called Captain Cadet Elder of the Church there appeared also with Letters of Commission from the Synod held at Cabrieres the fifteenth of April last This Assembly having heard the said Deputies declared the Deputation of Monsieur Maurice and St. Stephens to be lawful and that of Monsieur Toussain and Clement illegal as being done contrary to the Canons and Forms of our Church-Discipline Yet nevertheless for divers important Causes and for the service of the said Province the said Toussain and Clement were both admitted as Members of it only the said Toussain was censured for accepting of the said Deputation and the rather because it appeared by the acts of St. Maixant that he is relapst into the same fault for
COUNCILS Z VOL. II. By JOHN QVICK Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed by J. Richardson for Thomas Parkhurst at the Three Bibles and Crown in Cheapside and for Jonathan Robinson at the Golden Lyon in St. Pauls Church-Yard MDCXCII THE CONTENTS OF THE National Synod OF ALEZ Chap. I. DEputies to the Synod Synodical Officers chosen Chap. II. Letters from the Duke of Rohan The Pastors of Alez sit in the Synod Oaths taken by the Deputies that they had not procured themselves to be Elected 3. Monsieur Turretin no Deputy yet hath the priviledge of a Deputy in this Synod Letters from the D. of Lesdiguieres and from the Lord of Chastillon Chap. III. Oaths of Union Chap. IV. Observations upon the Confession of Faith Confession sworn Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline A Case about a Solemn Fast on Dayes of Ordination 2. About Proposans fit for the Ministry 3. Catechising enjoyned 5. A Cannon about Habits and Fashions especially of Ministers and their Families 6 7. About Deposed Ministers 9. A Case about the Readers in Churches 12. A Cannon of the N. S. of Privas inserted into the Discipline 16. Whether the Banes of Strangers may be published 17 18. The Discipline approved and sworne Chap. VI. Observtions on the National Synod of Vitre Elders without the Pastor cannot suspend a Person from the Lords Table 2. The Case of Mr. Beauchamps Pastor to the D. of Rohan 3. A Select number of Pastors to be chosen out of the Churches to be made Professors upon a Vacancy in the Universities 4. The prudent care of the Synod against pragmatical Ministers 6. Non-Residents declared Rebels against the Discipline 8. Samuel de Fresnay incouraged by the Synod 9. The Case of Mr. Chauveton 10. Of Mr. D' Anglade 11. Of Mr. Guerin 12. Of the Booksellers of Geneva 14. Chap VII Mr. Chauve reports why neither himself nor the Sieurs Du Moulin Chamier and Rivet went not to the Synod of Dort 16. The Case of Mr. Bennet 17. Chap. VIII Of Appeals Of Mr. Gaussens 3. Of Mr. La Coste 4. Of Mrs. De Sales 5. Of Mr. Rossens 6. Of Mr. De la Fage 11. Of Mr. de la Garie 12. Of Mr. de Rieu 13. Of the Church of Privas 17. Of the Baron of Ganges 19. Of Mr. Gallpin 20. Of Discipline severely but justly exercised upon Two Scandalous Ministers 24 25. The Case of Mr. Des Maretz 29. A Cannon made against filling of Consistories with Relations 31. The Case of Mr. De Monsanglard 36. Cottelier a Scandalous Minister Deposed 50. Of Mr. Mahaut 56. Discipline exercised upon a Scandalous Minister 65. Chap. IX Of General Matters Ministers may not intermeddle with any Political Affairs 1. Palot's Business 4. Act for the National Fast 5. About Proposans 6. Huberus cometh to this Synod again with his Petition 10. Care for Ministers Maintenance 17. Advice to the Pastors of Geneva 20. Chap. X. Form of Excommunication Chap. XI The Cannons of the Synod of Dort incorporated with those of the Churches of France Chap. XII The Oath taken by the Deputies against Arminianisme An Order to the Lord of Candals Deputy Chap. XIII Particular Matters Mr. Martin's Relation of his Book Le Capuchin Reformed 1. A Minister Emeritus cared for 2. The sad case of the Church of Privas 7. A Spanish Protestant cared for 11. The sad State of the Church of Issoire 20. Chap. XIV Of Canons for the Province of Provence Chap. XV. Of Colledges and Universities Chap. XVI Of Accompts Chap. XVI Of Laws for the Universities of the Reformed Churches in France Chap. XVIII Of Dividends of Moneys amongst the Provinces Chap. XIX Of the Lord of Candal's Accompts Chap. XX. Of Moneys which the Synod ordered the Lord of Candal to pay to Provinces and particular Persons Chap. XXI Of the Catalogue of Apostates and Deposed Ministers The Synod of Alez 1620. The 23th Synod SYNOD XXIII 1620. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches in France and Principality of Bearne held at Alez in Sevennes the First Day of October and the Dayes following in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty CHAP. I. Deputies and Officers of the SYNOD 1 IN which there met for the Province of the Isle of France Monsieur Peter du Moulin Pastor of the Church of Paris Isaac de Juigne Pastor of the Church of Vassy and Thomas Papillon Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church there gathered Monsieur de Marolles Elder in the Church of Vitry was nominated in the Letters of Commission but absent however he did by Letters written under his own hand excuse his absence which Letters were remanded back unto his Provincial Synod to judge of them 2. For the Province of Normandy Monsieur Samuel de L' Escherpiere Lord of Riviere Pastor in the Church of Rouen Daniel Massys Pastor in the Church of Caen Antony Bridon Esq Lord of Boisleroy Elder in the Church of Fescamp and James de Montbray Esq Advocate in the Court of Vires and Elder in the Church of Conde 3. For the Province of Brittain Monsieur Ezechiel Marmet Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of My Lord Duke of Rohan and Philip de Vassaut Esq Lord of Pennonstet Elder of the Church of Roche Bernard 4. For the Province of Orleans and Berry Monsieur Daniel Jammet Pastor in the Church of St. Amand Nicolas Vigner Pastor in the Church of Blois John de Bennis Advocate Elder in the Church of Gien and Galliot de Gambris Esq Lord of Soussesse Elder in the Church of Romorantin 5. For the Province of Tourain and Anjou Monsieur Samuel Bouchereau Pastor in the Church of Saumur Matthew Cottieres Pastor in the Church of Tours George Rabboteau Advocate Elder in the Church of Pruilly and Monsieur de la Plante Elder of the Church of Saumur being absent and excusing himself by Letters his excuses were admitted 6. For the higher and lower Poictou Monsieur John Chauffepied Pastor of the Church at Niort John Carre Pastor of the Church at Castelheraud Giles Begand Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Mountagu and Esajah du Mas Esq Lord of Montmartyn excusing his absence because he fell sick upon the way unto this Synod his Excuse was admitted 7. For Xaintonge Mr. Daniel Chanet Pastor of the Church or Ars in the Isle of Re John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons Peter Packquet Elder of the Church of Rochefoucault Peter Fromentin Elder of the Church of St. John D' Angaly 8. For the lower Guyenne Mr. James du Luc Pastor of the Church of Castlejatoux James Privat Pastor of the Church of Chastillon Francis Joly Counsellor and Secretary to the King and his Auditor in the Chancery of Bourdeaux and Elder of the Churchthere and John Guillim de Boutieres Esq Lord of Artigues Elder in the Church of Grateloup 9. For Vivaret Mr. David Agard Pastor in the Church of Valence Daniel
which reason we are more bound than ever to use by an Unanimous consent and agreement such means as will most and best contribute to our just lawful and necessary preservation in the aforesaid Union under the Authority of Our Sovereign Lord the King and the Queen Regent his Mother We have in the name of all those Churches and for their wellfare and for the Service of Their Majesties sworne and protested and do swear and protest promising that we will see these our Protestations ratified in all our respective Provinces to continue inseparably United and Conjoyned in that Confession of Faith owned and professed by the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom confirmed approved and ratified by us all We swear as well in our own names as in the names of the Churches and Provinces which have Commissionated us to be their Deputies unto this Assembly that we will live and die in this Confession Moreover we do profess that we will keep inviolably that Ecclesiastical Discipline which is Established in the Reformed Churches of this Kingdom and observe its Cannons for the Government of the said Churches and the Reformation of manners owning and acknowledging that it is agreeable to the Word of God under whose Supream and Inviolable Authority we protest and swear to yield all Obedience and Fidelity to Their Majesties desiring nothing more than through the favour of their Edicts to serve our God without any violence offered to our Consciences Sworn and Subscribed by Peter de Moulin Moderator of the Synod Minister of the Church of Paris and Deputy for the Isle of France Picardy Champaigne c. By Lawrence Brunier Assessor Minister of Christ in the Church of Usez Deputy for lower Languedoc By Nicholas Vignier Minister of Christ in the Church of Blois Scribe of the Synod and Deputy of the Province of Orleans and Berry By Thomas Papillon Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of that Church Deputy for the Isle of France and Scribe of the Synod Sworn and Subscribed by Isaack de Juigne Pastor of the Church of Vassy and Deputy for the Isle of France Picardy Champaigne c. 2. By Samuel de L' Escherpiere Lord de la Riviere Minister of the Word of God at Roan by Daniel Massys Pastor of the Reformed Church in Caen by James de Montbray Elder of the Church of Conde upon Noireau and by Anthony Bridou Lord of Boissleroy Elder in the Church of Fescamp Deputies for the Province of Normandy 3. Sworne and subscribed by Paui Guyon Minister of the Word of God in the Church of Dieu le fit by Peter de la Croze Minister of the Holy Gospel in the Church of Courtozen in the Principality of Orange by Moses du Port Esq Doctor of Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of la Mure By James Bernard Doctor of Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Montlimart Deputies for the Province of Dolphiny 4. Sworne and subscribed by Paul Huron Pastor of the Church of Riez by Elijah de Glandeves Lord of Ajon Elder in the Church of Puymichel Deputies for the Province of Provence 5. Sworne and Subscribed by Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan by Peter Guillaumine Pastor of the Church of St. Andrews de Valborgne by John de Vignoles Lord of St. Bonnet and of Colegnuc Elder of the same Church by John Baudouin Doctor of the Civil Laws and Elder in the Church de la Salle Deputies for the Province of Sevennes 6. Sworne and subscribed by Ezechiel Marmet Pastor of the Church gathered in the House of my Lord Duke of Rohan by Philip de Vassaut Esq Lord of Penmoncel Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard Deputies for the Province of Britain 7. Sworne and subscribed by Daniel Jamett Pastor of the Church in St. Amand in Bourbonnois by Galliot de Combis Lord of Soustelle Elder of the Church of Romorantin by John de Benes Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder of the Church of Guyan Deputies for the Province of Orleans and Berry c. 8. Sworne and subscribed by Peter Heliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Due by Francois Perreault Minister of the Gospel in the Church of Mascon by Noel du Noyer Lord of Joncey Elder in the Church of Bussy Deputies for the Province of Burgundy Lyonnois Bresse c. 9. Sworne and subscribed by Daniel Chanet Pastor of the Church of Ars in the Isle of Re by John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons by Pasquet Elder of the Church of Rochefoucault by Peter Formentin Esq Lord of Chastinat Sheriff of the City of St. John d' Angely Deputies for the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois 10. Sworne and subscribed by John de Voisin Pastor of the Church of Realmont in Albigeois by Anthony Garissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent in Lauragais By Paul de Luffee Lord of Maravaut and Governour of Maulterin in Armagnac Elder of the same Church by James du Puy Elder of the Church of Montauban Deputies for the Province of higher Languedoc and the higher Guyenne 11. Sworne and subscribed by J. Chauffepied Pastor of the Church of Niort by John Carre Pastor of the Church of Chastelheraut by Giles Begaud Lord of la Begaudiere Elder of the Church of Mountagu Deputies for the Province of Poictou 12. Sworne and subscribed by Samuel Bouchereau Pastor of the Church of Saumur by Matthew Cottiere Minister of Gods Word at Tours by G. Raboteau Elder in the Church of Pruylly Deputies for the Province of Anjou Touraine and le Main 13. Sworne and subscribed by Peter de Abbadie Pastor of the Church of Pau by John de la Coste Lord of Badett Plaisance and of Monheim Elder of the Church in Monheim now mentioned Deputies for the Principality of Bearn 14 Sworne and subscribed by John du Luc Pastor of the Church of Castel jaloux by James Privat Pastor of the Church of Castelle upon the Dordogne by Francois Joly Elder of the Church of Bourdeaux by John de Boutiers Squire of the Kings Body and Lord of Artigues Elder in the Church of Grateloup Deputies for the Province of the lower Guyenne 15. Sworne and subscribed by David Agard Pastor of the Church of Vaylance and of Soyon by Danlel Richard Pastor of the Church of Chedard in Batiere by John de la Blache Lord of Blesset Elder of the Church de la Bastie by John de Rovre Doctor of the Civil Laws Lord of Esbonaud Elder in the Church of Aubenas Deputies for the Province of Vivaretz 16. Sworne and subscribed by Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier by Anthony de Raques Lord of Claussonnes Elder of the Church of Montfrin by Charles de Bouques Lord of Pons Doctor of the Civil Laws Elder of the Church of Montpellier Deputies for the Province of Lower Languedoc 17. Sworne and subscribed by John de Chal'ais General Deputy for the Reformed Churches of France near His Majesty The Sieurs Des Marez
years old heretofore Pastor in the Church of St. Stephens in Forest tall of Stature Chestnut-colour'd Hair Head lifted up he was deposed for Adultery by the Province of Vivaretz 3. John Pressac alias Martin born at Montauban formerly Minister in the Church of Brieteste in Albigeois an Apostate of mean Stature about thirty years old he hath little eyes sunk deep into his Head and purblind brown Chestnut Hair pale Visag'd great Nose rash and haughty in speaking 4. N. Laurens an Apostate born at Montpellier a little dwarfish Fellow about thirty years old bald headed black Beard little Eyes great Lips pale-Visag'd formerly Pastor in the Church of Aymargues in Lower Languedoc publickly accused of Adultery 5. Hector Joly formerly Pastor in the Church of Montauban in the Higher Languedoc about Nine and forty years old pretty tall of Stature black Hair'd was deposed by this Synod for the hainous Crime of Fornication 6. Stephen Giraud heretofore Pastor of the Church of Gemauzac in Xaintonge about two and thirty years old high enough of Stature black Hair red Fac'd his Eyes sunk into his Head was deposed by the Synod of Xaintonge with hopes given him and a promise of being restored but he was totally deprived and deposed by this Synod for Drunkenness Adultery and Theft 7. John Cottelier sometimes Minister in the Church of Nismes in the Lower Languedoc about Five and thirty years little of Stature but a well compacted Fellow bald headed black Hair scarce any Beard high Forehead he was deposed for Fornication and other Crimes 8. Paul Daude formerly Minister in the Church of St. John of Gardonenque Deposed by the Sentence of the Provincial Synod of Sevennes and his Deposition was confirmed in this for divers notorious Crimes he is a Fellow about two and thirty years of Age of a flaxen colour'd Hair red Beard a long and ghastly Visage great Nose Ferrets Eyes sunk deep into his Head and yet poreing upon the Earth and short of Stature 9. N. Philippin born at Newcastle in Switzerland tall enough and great necked red Beard a bald uplifted Head wide open Nostrils lame of his right hand he was sometimes Pastor of the Church of Chasteau Dauphin but interdicted the Ministry for divers Natural Infirmities by the Synod of Dolphin and now a Vagabond Done and Decreed in the National Synod of Alez which sate from the First day of October till the Second of December 1620. Signed in the Original by du Moulin Moderator Brunier Assessor Vignier Scribe Papillon Scribe and by all the rest of the Deputies The Synod of Alez began on a Thursday and ended on a Wednesday The Original was lodged in the Archives of Rochell THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE XXIV NATIONAL SYNOD OF The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE AND OF BEARNE HELD IN The Town of Charenton St. Maurice near Paris the First day of September and ended the First of October in the Year of Our Lord 1623. By the Authority and Permission of Lewis XIII King of France and Navarr being the Sixty Fourth King of this Realm in the Fourteenth Year of his Reign In which Sate the First Commissioner for His Majesty the Lord Augustus Galland a Member of the said Communion according to His Majesties Letters Patents of the 17th of April 1623 verified in Parliament the Second of May following it being His Majesties Pleasure that alwayes in all Colloquies and Synods for the future there shall be present an Officer of the King professing the Reformed Religion to represent his Person and see that nothing but Ecclesiastical matters were Treated and Debated in them as had been Decreed by the Edict The CONTENTS of the Synod of CHARENTON Chap. I. THE first Commissioner from the King in a National Synod the Lord Augustus Galland Deputies to the Synod Election of Officers Chap. II. The Kings Commission to the Lord Galland Chap. III. A great Debate about this Commission Chap. IV. Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. V. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. VI. Observations upon the Synod of Alez Chap. VII Reflections upon those Observations made by the Synod of Alez on two Acts of the National Synod of Vitre Chap. VIII Reflections upon their Appeals Chap. IX Reflections upon their Chapter of General Matters Chap. X. Reflections upon that of particular Matters Chap. XI Reflections upon their Colledges and Vniversities Chap. XII One Observation on their General Laws for the Vniversities Chap. XIII Appeals unto this National Synod Chap. XIV Of General Matters Chap. XV. A Remarkable passage about Monsieur Primrose Pastor of the Reformed Church of Bourdeaux and Arnoux the Jesuit See G. M. 16. Chap. XVI A Canon passed in Obedience to the Kings Letter that no Ministers should be Deputies unto Political Assemblies See G. M. 17. Chap. XVII The Causes of the French Kings unwillingness to suffer Monsieur du Moulin to be Minister in the Church of Paris or elsewhere in the Kingdom A Catalogue of du Moulins Works Dr. Twisses Testimony of him and them Chap. XVIII Particular Matters Chap. XIX An Expedient to preserve the Churches Peace P. M. 11. Chap. XX. An Account of Curcellaeus another Ecebolius P. M. 17. Chap. XXI Mr Camerons Address unto the Synod P. M. 33. Chap. XXII Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXIII The Lord of Candals Accompts Chap. XXIV A Dividend of Moneys among the Provinces Chap. XXV The Roll of Apostates Chap. XXVI The Decision of the Arminian Controversies Canons about Predestination Election and Reprobation Errors rejected Chap. I. Of Christs Death and Mans Redemption by it Errors rejected Chap. II. Of Mans Natural Depravedness Conversion and Gods Method in it Errors rejected Chap. III. The Saints perseverance Errors rejected Chap. IV. all subscribed by the Moderator and Deputies XXVII Remarks upon some of the Members of this Synod THE FIRST Synod of Charenton 1623. The 24th Synod SYNOD XXIV 1623. In the Name of God Amen The Acts of the National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France held at Charenton near Paris the First of September and divers Dayes after in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and Three CHAP. I. The Kings First Commissioner Deputies and Synodical Officers THE Lord Augustus Galland Councellor of the King in His Council of Estate and Attorney-General of the Kingdom of Navarre was Commissionated by His Majesty to open this Synod by his Royal Authority and to be present in all its Sessions as shall be afterwards Declared There appeared as Deputies for the Province of Normandy Mr. Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Charenton John Maximilian de Baux Lord de L' Angle Pastor in the Church of Roan John Lewis Mustel Esq Lord of Boisroger Elder in the Church of Ponteau de Mer and James de la Loys Elder of the Church of St. l o. As for the Province of Orleans and Berry Mr. Simon Jurieux Pastor of the Church of Chastillon on the Loir James Imbert Durant Pastor of the Church
of Orleans Elijah du Bois Esq Lord of Senelieres Elder of the Church of Chasteaudun and John du Four Counsellor to the King and his Judge in the Sessions of Blois and Elder of the Church there For the Province of Anjou Mr. John Vigneux Pastor of the Church of Mans Isaac le Pelletier Pastor of the Church of Vandome George Rabboteau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Pruilly and Samuel Pruchieur Lord de la Mesnerie and of the Waters and Forests in the Sheriffdom of Anjou Elder of the Church of Bange For the Province of the Higher and Lower Poictou Mr. Isaac Caville Pastor of the Church of Cove James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poitiers Claudius Gourjault Esq Lord of Venoars Elder in the Church of â—usignun and Michael des Roulins Esq Lord of Bois St. Martyn Elder in the Church of Mouschamp For the Province of Xaintonge Mr. William Rivett Lord of Chauvernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg Theodore de â—ignon Judge Assistant in the Town of Rochefoucaut and Elder of the Church there and John Thomas Judge of Mirambeau Elder of the Church there as for Michael le Blanc Pastor of the Church of Rochell and deputed at the same time together with the said Lord of Chauvernown he fell sick just as he came to Paris and departed this Life on Wednesday the Thirteenth of this instant September and was buried the next day in the Church-yard of Charenton aforesaid For the Province of the Lower Guyenne Mr. John Alba Pastor of the Church of Tonneins James Berdolin Pastor of the Church of Duras Seigneron Buffoon formerly Lieutenant in the Seneschally of Castlejaloux Elder of the Church there and Mathias Capduroy Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder of that Church For the Province of Lower Languedoc Solomon Crubelier Pastor of the Church of Vauvert and John Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Nismes and Professor of Divinity in that University James â—esquet Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Montpellier and du Mas Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Lunel absent never came unto the Synod For the Province of Higher Languedoc and Guyenne Mr. Peter Beraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Montauban Peter Savoys Pastor of the Church of Castres John Mauzy the Kings Attorney in the Judicature of Ville â—ongue Elder in the Church of Puylaurens and James Herauldy Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Figeac For the Province of Burgundy Mr. Isaiah Bayly Pastor of the Church of â—ions James Clerk Pastor of the Church of Sessy Peter de L' Oriol Esq Lord of Zarlac Elder in the Church of Bourg and Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Balenes Elder in the Church of Maringues absent and did not come unto this Synod For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. James de Chambrun Pastor of the Church of Orange Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimart Moses du Port Esq Captain and Constable of the Castle of Lamure Elder of the Church there and Daniel Bois Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble and Elder of the Church in that City For the Province of Sevennes Mr. James Berlie Pastor of the Church of Quissac Paul Paulett Pastor of the Church at Vazenobre Andrew du Crois Esq Lord of Vazenobre and Elder of the Church of St. German and Calbergue and Anthony Despeces Doctor of the Civil Law and Advocate Elder in the Church of Alez For the Province of the Isle of France Mr. Samuel Durant and Mr. John Mestrezat Pastors of the Church of Paris Peter de Launay Counsellor and Secretary to the King Elder of the said Church and James de Herouard Esq Lord of â—osseuse Elder in the Church of Baillolett The Lord of Montmartyn Deputy General for the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom to His Majesty took his Place and sate personally in this Synod according to the Canon of our Churches in this case provided Eight Dayes after the opening of the Synod there came and craved admission into it The Sieurs Bertrand d' Avignon Lord of Souvigne Pastor of the Church of Rennes and John de Gennes Lord of la Baste Elder in the Church of Vitre Deputies for the Province of Britain and being demanded the reasons of their delay and late coming they answered that it arose hence that their Provincial Synod could not be held early enough because that His Majesty having given Order to some particular Persons to send an Officer who might assist in Person in it they put off his Nomination and Commission so long that they have lost all this time which Excuses of theirs were accepted by the Assembly Twelve dayes after the Synod had sate there came into it Mr. John D' Isserotte Pastor of the Church of Moneings Deputy for the Principality of Bearn who declared that the Letters of Convocation unto this present Synod came not into their Province but very lately so that they could not assemble their own Synod timely enough for the Deputies to meet at the opening of this Assembly and that Mr. Samuel Campaigne Elder in the Church of Olleroon who was deputed together with him fell sick just as they were beginning their Journey so that he had not time to acquaint the other Person with it who was ordered in case of such an Accident to succeed him in this Office and therefore he humbly requested this Synod to accept of these his Excuses which it also did and gave him his priviledge of sitting and voteing in it But forasmuch as in his Letters of Commission the clause of submission was couched in those very self-same terms and under those conditions wherewith the Deputies of the said Principality had been hitherto admitted into these Assemblies and that the Synod of Alez had suffered those Conditions because of the juncture of Affairs then and by provision only until this present Synod therefore this Assembly doth ordain in pursuance of the limitations and restrictions made in the foregoing National Synods the Provinces shall have full liberty to require that the said Sieur D' Isserotte may not in some cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom not be permitted either his deliberative or decisive Vote and that before the breaking up of this Synod he do produce the reasons why the Churches in the Principality of Bearne have so long deferred their full and intire subjection to the Discipline of the Churches in France and of which this Assembly will consider and give judgment The Sixteenth day after the Synod had sate there came unto it for the Province of Vivaretz Mr. Joseph Villou Pastor of the Church of Chambon Solomon Faure Pastor of the Church of Privas Anthony Perrottin Advocate Elder in the Church of Villeneusve de Berg and John Faure Lord of Champlas Elder in the Church of Tournon near Privas who related that through the delays and difficulties caused by the Governours and
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 Lower Guyenne The Sieurs John Mizaubin Pastor of the Church of Sainte Foy and James du Fort Pastor of La Bastide in Armagnac together with Mr. John Joan Lord of Loullan Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux Elder in the Church of Duras and Mr. Isaack Grenouelleau Advocate also in the same Parliament and Elder of the Church of Castelsmoron in Albrett For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs John Constans Pastor of the Church of Pons and David Belot Pastor of the Church de la Rochechalais together with John Besne Esq Lord of Angoulins Elder in the Church of Rochell and Elijah Marlat Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux and Elder of the Church of Mirambeau For the Province of Poictou The Sieur Peter de la Vallade Pastor of the Church of Fontenay la Conte and Isaac du Soul Pastor of the Church of Lusignan accompanied with Gilles Begaud Esq Lord of La Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Montague and James Coxdel Lord of Soignon Elder in the Church of St. Maixant For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Daniel Couppe Pastor of Loudun and Stephen le Bloy Pastor of the Church of Anger 's without any Elders because those who were Commissionated fell sick on their Journey which Excuse was admitted For the Province of Orleans and Berry The Sieurs John Guerrin Pastor of the Church of Baugency and John Taby Pastor of the Church of La Charite accompanied with James Pasquier Counsellor and Comptroller for the King in the Town of Baugency and Elder of the Church there and Peter Longuet Advocate in the Parliament of Paris and Elder in the Church of Issoudun For the Province of Normandy The Sieur John Baunier Lord of La Fresnage Pastor in the Church of Caen and Peter Erondelle Pastor in the Church of Roan Accompanied with Peter du Pertuis Esq Lord of Eragny Elder in the Church of Gisors and Mr. Francis Quillel Lord of La Briere Counsellor and Assessor in the Vi-County of Alenson and Elder of the Church gathered in that City For the Province of the Isle of France The Sieurs John Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris and David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Houdan Accompanied with John de Gravelle Esq Lord of Beauterne Elder in the said Church of Houdan and Isaack d' Huisseau Elder in the Church of Paris For the Province of Bearn The Sieurs Peter Rivall Pastor of the Church of Nay and John de Pommarede Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder in the Church of Mourlans who not having inserted in their Letters of Deputation that clause of submission required by the former National Synods were told that for this time they were born withal on those Conditions expresly mentioned in the Canons of the last National Synod but for the future they should not be admitted into these Assemblies nor have a consultive Vote in them excepting only when as the Confession of our Faith should be read in which indeed and nothing else they retain Union with our Churches The Second of October the Lord of Montmartyn General-Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom unto His Majesty came into this Synod and took his place and voted in it according to the Canons of our Churches and the usual practise of former National Synods After Invocation of the Holy Name of God in Prayer Monsieur Chauve was chosen Moderator and Monsieur Bouteroue Assessor and Messieurs Blondel and Petit Scribes CHAP. II. The Kings Writt for the Calling of the Synod and ordering of Matters in it AS soon as the Synod was formed and the Election of its Officers past the Lord Galland presented His Majesties Letters Patents which being read they were transcribed and the Copy inserted into the Acts of this Synod the Tenour whereof was as followeth The Kings Letters Patents Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our Beloved and Trusty Counsellor in our Councils of State and Privy Council and Attorney General for our Dominion of Navarre the Lord Galland Greeting We having permitted according to our Edicts our Subjects professing the P. Reformed Religion to convocate and keep a National Council in our City of Castres in the Province of Languedoc this next September that they may as usual take care about matters of Discipline appertaining unto their Religion wherefore it being needful that there should be present in the said Council a Commissioner from us who might watch over our said Subjects that they do not treat of any other Affairs but such as are allowed them by our Edicts and knowing by past Experience that we could not pitch upon a more Worthy Person than your self of whose Fidelity and Affection to our Service Sufficiency and Abilities we are very well satisfied and remembring your singular care and vigilancy manifested in the last National Synod held at Charenton by our said Subjects in the Moneth of September and Year of Our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Three to the general contentment both of us and them also For which causes we have Commissionated Deputed and Ordained and do Commissionate Depute and Ordain you by these presents to go unto our said City of Castres and to sit in the said National Council in our stead and as our Representative and personally to be present at all their Consultations and Resolutions and to see use and exercise our Authority that nothing be proposed or debated but what doth truly concern the Discipline of the Religion aforesaid according to the Tenour of our Edicts and Declarations and particularly of those made and published by us in September Sixteen Hundred Twenty Three about their holding of Colloquies and Synods and you shall look to it also that none of our Subjects do keep any private Conventicles in that our said City You shall also have a special care that nothing be moved or debated in the said Council but what may contribute to the benefit of our Service and the upholding of our Authority and preservation of the Peace of our Kingdom And in case there should be any actings contrary hereunto we command you immediately to suppress them and in our Name and Authority to Act or to make such interdictions and prohibitions as you shall judge needful of which as generally of all Matters transacted in the said Council you shall form a good and ample verbal process That it being brought unto us upon your return we may advise of what shall be most expedient for our Service and the Tranquillity of our Subjects And for the doing hereof we impower you with full Authority and give you our Commission and especial Warrant by these presents For such is our Will and Pleasure Given at Nants Another Copy has the Tenth day this Twentieth day of July in the Year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Six and of Our Reign the Seventeenth Signed Louis And a little lower By the King Philippeaux And Sealed with Yellow Wax CHAP. III.
obedient Brethren the Pastors and Elders in the Reformed Church of Paris and for all Drelincourt Pastor Bigot Tardif Dinets Massanes Millet Raillard and Mandat Elders And in the Margin We most earnestly beseech you to give Audience to Monsieur Mestrezat who is ordered more particularly to report this Affair unto you The End of the Synod of Castres SYNODICON IN Galliâ Reformatâ OF THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Four Last National Synods OF THE Reformed Churches OF FRANCE The Second Part of the Second Volume By JOHN QVICK Minister of the Gospel LONDON Printed by J. D. for Thomas Parkhurst and Jonathan Robinson 1691. THE Acts Canons Decisions and Decrees OF THE Twenty sixth Synod HELD BY The Reformed Churches OF FRANCE and BEARN The second Time at CHARENTON Under the Authority and Permission of LOUIS XIII King of FRANCE and NAVARRE In the twenty second Year of his Reign begun September the 1st and ended Friday the 10th of October In the Year of our Lord 1631. The General CONTENTS of these Synodical Acts in several Chapters Chap. I. THE Lord Galland the King's Commissioner The King 's Writ for calling the Synod Deputies Names Election of Synodical Officers Chap. II. The King's Letters Patents and Commission to the Lord Galland Chap. III. The Lord Galland's Speech to the Synod Chap. IV. The Moderator's Reply to this Harangue Chap. V. Deputies and a Letter sent from the Synod unto the King Chap. VI. The Cahier or Bill of Grievances sent by the Synod to the King Chap. VII The Deputies Return from Court with the King's Answer and Letter to the Synod Chap. VIII Election of General Deputies Chap. IX Monsieur Beraud admitted at Deputy to sit and vote in the Synod Chap. X. A second Letter from the Synod unto the King Chap. XI The General Deputies make Report of their Audience and the King's Answer to that Letter Chap. XII The Sieurs Bouteroue and Basnage admitted as Deputies to sit and act in the Synod Chap. XIII The King's Letter unto the Lord Galland about it Chap. XIV Approbation of the Confession of Faith Chap. XV. Observations upon the Discipline Chap. XVI Observations upon the National Synod of Castres Chap. XVII A great Debate about incorporating the Churches of Bearn with those of France opposed by the Lord Commissioner Chap. XVIII The Synod's Reply unto his Lordship Chap. XIX The Synod's Protestation upon this Conjunction of the Churches of Bearn with those of France Chap. XX. General Matters Chap. XXI An Act for a publick National Fast Chap. XXII An Act in favour of the Lutheran Brethren Chap. XXIII Particular Matters Chap. XXIV Of Vniversities and Colledges Chap. XXV An Act for an Assessment upon the Provinces for maintaining the Vniversities Chap. XXVI A Dividend of our borrowed Charities to maintain the Vniversities Chap. XXVII The Provinces Accompts about their Maintenance exhibited to the Colledges and Vniversities Chap. XXVIII The Lord of Candall's Accompts Chap. XXIX A Dividend of sixteen thousand Livers among the Provinces Chap. XXX A blank Dividend Chap. XXXI Roll of Apostate and deposed Ministers Chap. XXXII An Act for calling the next National Synod at Alanson Chap. XXXIII Remarks upon three of the Deputies The Second Synod of CHARENTON 1631. the 26th Synod SYNOD XXVI 1631. In the Name of God Amen Acts and Decrees of the twenty sixth National Synod held by the Reformed Churches of France and Bearn the second time at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris in the Province of the Isle of France under the Authority and Permission of Lewes the Thirteenth King of France and Navarre in the twenty second Year of his Reign begun September the 1st and ended Friday the 10th Day of October in the Year 1631. CHAP. I. The Lord Galland the King's Commissioner The King 's Writ for calling the Synod Deputies Names Election of Synodical Officers Article 1. AT the opening of this Assembly the Lord Galland Counsellor to his Majesty in his most honourable Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his Dominion of Navarre appeared in Person as Commissioner deputed by his Majesty unto it and presented his Majesty's Warrant signed with his Sign Manual for the convocating of it 2. This 29th Day of January in the Year of our Lord 1631. The King being at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the pret Reformed Religion that they might be permitted to meet and assemble in a National Synod there not having been one held since that of Castres in the Year 1626. His Majesty being very willing to gratify those his Subjects aforesaid and to give them some Marks of his Royal Favour hath granted and permitted and doth grant and permit unto those his aforesaid Subjects the Power and Priviledg of holding a National Synod the first Day of September next at Charenton near Paris but with this Condition that none other Matters shall be debated in it but such as are allowed them by his Majesty's Edicts and that the Lord Galland Counsellor to his Majesty in his Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for his House of Navarre shall assist personally in the said Synod as his Majesty's Commissioner as hath been accustomed and practised heretofore In Testimony whereof his Majesty hath commanded me to issue out this present Writ which he was pleased to sign with his own Hand and commanded it to be countersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of Estate and of his Commandments and of his Treasury Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower Phillippeaux 3. There appeared on Behalf of the Churches in the several Provinces of this Kingdom the Pastors and Elders whose Names are hereafter mentioned For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Peter Boullenat Pastor of the Church of Vaux and Alexander Rouph Pastor of the Church of Lyons together with the Lords Timothy Armet Advocate in the Privy Council Elder in the Church of Conches and Lazarus du Puy Counsellor for the King in the Presidial Court of Bourg and Elder of the Church gathered in that Town 4. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Paul Maurice Pastor of the Church at Aiguires and Peter de Peyre Lord of Retardet Elder in the same Church 5. For the Province of Orleans and Berry the Sieurs Daniel Jamett Pastor the Church of Gien upon the Loir and James L'amy Pastor of the Church of Chasteaudun accompanied with Master Claudius Bernard Elder in the Church of Chastillon upon the Loir and Bailiff of the said Town and Henry du Four Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Blois 6. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs Isaac de Cuville Pastor of the Church in Couhé and John le Masson Pastor of the Church of Civray together with the Lords René de Lauvrignac Esq Lord of Miauvray Elder of the Church of St. Maixant and Giles Begaut Lord of la Begaudiere Elder in the Church of Montague 7. For the Province of Xaintonge
the Lords William Rivet Lord of Champrernown Pastor of the Church of Taillebourg and Peter Richer Lord of Vaudelincourt Pastor of the Church of Marennes accompanied with the Lords Denys Pasquett Esq Lord of Large Baston Elder in the Church of Angoulesme and Charles Constant Comptroller for his Majesty in the Election of St. John d'Angely and Elder of the Church in that City 8. For the Province of Brittain the Sieurs Josua de la Place Pastor of the Church of Nantes assembling for Religious Worship at Suffé without an Elder for the Lords Daniel de la Tousche Lord of la Ravardiere Elder in the Church of Ploer and Daniel Chastaigner Lord of la Grolliere Elder in the Church of Vielle vigne who was substituted in his Place did both send their Letters of Request that they might be dispensed with for their non-Attendance at the Synod and their Excuses were admitted and accepted 9. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs James de Berdoline Pastor of the Church of Duras and Charles d'Aubus Pastor of the Church of Nerac accompanied with the Lords John de Mazilieres Advocate in the High Court of Parliament of Bourdeaux Lord of Grave and Elder in the Church of Nerac the Lord John Aymé de Friginet Advocate also in the same Parliament and Elder of the Church of Bergerac was chosen but fell sick and therefore was excused and in his stead there appeared Isaac de Geneste Lord of la Tour Advocate in the same Parliament and Elder in the Church of la Sauvetat who was substituted by the Suffrages of the Provincial Synod in his stead 10. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieur Daniel Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar and Louis Santel Advocate and Elder of the same Church The Province excused it self for sending but two Deputies and their Excuses were admitted for this time and they were injoined for the future never to omit the Clause of Submission which was not sound in their Letters of Deputation tendred by them unto the Council 11. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs Moses Blasehon Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne and Antony Vincent Pastor of the Church of Merneys together with Stephen de Billanges Lord of Blanqfort and Elder in the Church of Vigan and Claudius d'Airebeldoze Esq Lord of Clairan Elder in the Church of Canoblet 12. For the Province of Anjou the Sieurs Matthew Cottiere Pastor of the Church of Tours and Moses Amyraud Pastor of the Church of Sanmur and Professor of Divinity in that University together with the Sieurs Philip Niett Counsellor of the King and Warden of his Majesty's Salt-garners in the said City of Saumur and Elder of the Church there and Josiah Poize Advocate in Parliament Elder of the Church at Previlly 13. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieur Peter Pittard Pastor of the Church of Alben with the Sieur Francis de Montauban de Rambault Esq Lord of Villars Elder in the Church of Gap and the Sieur Stephen Gilbert Advocate Elder in the Church of Die the Sieur Denis de Bouteroue Pastor of the Church of Greenoble though chosen â—id not appear because of his Majesty's Prohibition yet afterwards he obtained leave to assist in this Council as will appear by its Acts and Records 14. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Cuurch of Montpellier and John de Croy Pastor of the Church of Bezieres together with the Sieurs Peter Cheyron Advocate and Elder in the Church of Nismes and Andrew Bruneau Advocate and Elder in the Church of Bagnols 15. For the Province of Higher Languedoc the Sieur Timothy Delon Pastor of the Church of Montauban with the Sieurs Peter de Villette Lord de la Jongniere Elder in the Church of St. Antonine and Paul Constans Counsellor for the King and Elder in the Church of Montaubon Master Peter Beraud Pastor of the aforesaid Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University did not appear at first because of his Majesty's Prohibition but afterward when it was taken off he did accordingly take his Place in this Council 16. For the Province and Principality of Bearn there appeared the Sieurs Peter Labadie Pastor of the Church of Pau and John de Pommerade Advocate in the Parliament of Navarre Elder of the Church in Morlas 17. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Abdias de Mondenis Pastor in the Church of Dieppe together with Laurence le Fevre Advocate in the Parliament of Normandy and Elder in the Church of Rouan and John Cardell Lord of Marettes Counsellor of the King and his Comptroller in the Election of Alencon and Elder of the Church in the same Place and the Sieur Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Quarentin though chosen yet did not at first appear because of his Majesty's Prohibition but as soon as it was taken off he came and took his Place in the Synod as will appear in the following Acts. 18. For the Province of the Isle of France the Sieurs John Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris and David Blondell Pastor of the Church of Roussy together with the Sieurs John de Gravelles Esq Lord of Banterne Elder in the Church of Houdan and Charles Mayland Advocate Elder in the Church of Montdidier 19. The fifteenth Day of September the Lord Marquess of Clermont General Deputy for the Churches of this Kingdom unto his Majesty came according to the usual Order of these National Synods and took his Place in it having Precedency given him according to his Degree and Quality and as it was afterward decreed in the eleventh Article of General Matters 20. Prayers having been offered up unto God Monsieur Mestrezat Pastor of the Church of Paris was by Plurality of Votes chosen Moderator and Monsieur Jamet Assessor and Monsieur Blondel Pastor and Monsieur Armet an Elder Scribes of the Synod CHAP. II. The King's Letters Patents 21. AS soon as the Officers of the Synod were chosen his Majesty's Letters Patents were read a true Copy whereof is here inserted 22. Louis by the Grace of God King of France and Navarre to our beloved and trusty Counsellor in our Privy Council and Council of State and Attorney General for our House of Navarre the Lord Galland Greeting We having given leave unto our Subjects professing the pret Reformed Religion to hold a National Synod at Charenton near our City of Paris the first Day of September next in which the Deputies of all the Provinces in this our Kingdom shall meet and consult about Matters concerning their Religion and we being to choose a Person sufficiently qualified and of approved Loyalty who may be present in the said Council as our Representative and Commissioner and calling to Mind the many Services you have done us in sundry and very weighty Imployments with which we have intrusted you both at home and abroad within and without the Kingdom all which
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
the Church of Rome in the Article of Justification 17. The Dutchess of Tremoville appears in the Synod Differences between two Pastors and a Church made up 21. A Church Projector Censured 27. Chap. XII Of General Matters A Decree against Swearing of young Scholars 2. All Deeds and Evidences belonging to particular Churches carefully to be preserved 3. No Canon to be made about things indifferent 6. Care for the Redemption of poor Captives in Turkey 7. A Canon against Independents 9. Chap. XIII The Heads and Articles of Agreement between the Presbyterians and Independents Chap. XIV Books and Manuscripts against Original Sin Censured Act 10. Of General Matters An Act against any manner of Worship yielded to the Popish Host when carried in Procession 11. An Act for a National Fast 12. Chap. XV. Millitiere and his Business before the Synod His Excommunication Particular matters 1. The Province of Normandy may not be divided into two 11. Mr. Drelincourt hath the Thanks of the Synod for his Book against the Worship of the Virgin Mary 18. A poor Minister and Emeritus relieved but with a Check 23. The Case of Mr. Arnaud a Persecuted Minister 24. An Account of Mr. Blondel his Works Office and the Synod's Honour for him 26. Monsieur Gauter Compiles the Canons of the National Synods into one Body and applieth them to the Canons of the Discipline 28. Monsieur Catelon doth the same 29. Chap. XVI Of Vniversities Care taken for the Vniversity of Montauban and the other Vniversities 1. The Province of Bearn Exposed for neglect of their Duty and Promise 2. The Generosity of a Professor in Divinity 10. An Ordinance of the Synod to several Ministers and Professors to compleat Monsieur Chamier's Works and to Publish their own 23. The Contribution of the Provinces to the several Vniversities 25.6.7.8 Chap. XVII Accompts of the Vniversities Chap. XVIII An Act for calling the next National Synod Chap. XIX A Decree about the Validity of the Synodical Acts. Chap. XX. The Roll of Apostate and Deposed Pastors Chap. XXI Remarks upon some of the Deputies to this Synod D. Blondel c. THE Synod of Charenton 1644. and 1645. The 28th Synod SYNOD XXVIII 1644. 1645. In the Name of God Amen Acts of the Eight and Twentieth National Synod of the Reformed Churches of France Assembled by His Majesty's Permission at Charenton St. Maurice near Paris on Monday the Six and Twentieth Day of December 1644. and ended Thursday the Six and Twentieth Day of January 1645. CHAP. I. 1. Monsieur Drelincourt Pastor of the Church of Paris opened the Sessions with Prayer and then the Lord Marquis of Clermont General Deputy Presented the Writ given forth by His Majesty's Command for calling the Synod The Tenour of which is as followeth THis day being the Twelfth of February 1644. The King being then at Paris upon the most humble Petition of his Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion to permit them the Calling and Holding of a National Synod there having been none since that of Alanson in the year 1637. His Majesty by the advice of the Queen-Regent His most Honoured Lady and Mother desiring to Gratifie and Treat Favourably His said Subjects hath permitted and doth permit them the Convocation of a National Synod in December next at Charenton but with this Condition that they Treat in it of none other matters but of those which be allowed them by Their Majesties Edicts and that the Commissioner whom His Majesty shall please to appoint be Personally present in the said Synod as hath been accustomed In Witness whereof His Majesty hath Commanded me to Issue out this present Writ which he hath Signed with His own Hand and caused to be Counter-signed by me His Councellor and Secretary of State and of His Commands Signed in the Original LOVIS And a little lower Phelippeaux 2. There met in the said Assembly with Letters of Commission which were read by my Lord le Coq Elder in the Church of Paris sitting at the Table together with another Elder the Sieur Caillard who were both Chosen by Common Suffrages unto this Office these Persons hereafter named Article 1. For the Province of Anjou Monsieur Isaac Pelletier Pastor of the Church of Vandome and Stephen le Vacher Pastor of l' Isle Bouchard together with the Sieurs George Raboteau and Joseph Roisay Advocates and Elders in the Church of Previlly Article 2. For the Province of the Isle of France Monsieur David Blondel Minister of God's Holy Word and formerly Pastor of the Church of Houdan but now residing in Paris by express Order of his Provincinal Synod and of this Assembly and Charles Drelincourt Pastor of the Church of Paris and Theodorus le Coq Elder of the said Church He was alone because the Lord had called home unto himself the Sieur John Bazin Elder of the said Church who was joyned in Commission with him Article 3. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs Benjamin Basnage Pastor of the Church of Ste. Mere Eglise John Maximilian de L'Angle Pastor of the Church of Rovan Daniel Guesdon Elder of the same Church and Isaac Caillard Elder in the Church of Alanson Article 4. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Francis Murat another Copy calls him de Maras Pastor of the Church of Grenoble Simon Coin Pastor of the Church of Bessey Peter du Clog Esq Lord of Chastillon and du Serres Elder in the Church of Veyne and David Albert Elder in the Church of Brianâ—on Article 5. For the Province of Sévennes the Sieurs Nicholas Blane Pastor of the Church of Sumaine Anthony Button Pastor of the Church of Alez the Noble John de Bringniere Lord de la Roque Elder in the Church of la Salle and David Rouviere Doctor of Physick Elder of the Church of Alez Article 6. For the Province of Bearn the Sieurs John de la Fitte Pastor of the Church of Pau and the Noble Alexander de la Fibre Baron of Riquam and Lord of Cadellon Elder in the Church of Couches Article 7. For the Province of Lower Guyenne the Sieurs James Privas Pastor of the Church of Ste. Foy Simon de Goyon Pastor of the Church of Bourdeaux the Sieurs de Cazes and de Sauvage tho' they were Deputed by their Synod appeared not the Cognisance whereof was remanded back unto that Province Article 8. For the Province of Xaintonge the Sieurs Philip Vincent Pastor of the Church of Rochel Theophilus Rossel Pastor of the Church of Xaintes Stephen Soulard Advocate in the Parliament of Bourdeaux Elder in the Church of Xaintes and Daniel Texeron Lord of Cresper Counsellor nominated by His Majesty for the Circuit of St. John d' Angeley and Elder of the Church in that Town Article 9. For the Province of Vivaretz the Sieurs Alexander de Vinay Pastor of the Church of Annonay Paul Annard another Copy calls him Accaurat Pastor of the Church gathered near Privas James Gautier Esq Lord of Gourdanel Elder in the
Church of Beaulieu and Abraham Homel Elder of the Church of Soyon Article 10. For the Province of Berry the Sieurs John Taby Pastor of the Church of la Charité Daniel Jurieu Pastor of the Church of Mer Henry de Chartres Esq Lord of Clebes Elder in the Church of Marchenoir and Simon Milhommeau Lord of Barandieres Bayliff of Chastillon upon the Loin and Elder of the Church in that Town Article 11. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs James Cottiby Pastor of the Church of Poictiers John Chabrol Pastor of the Church of Touars Sir Charies Gourjaut Knight Lord of Panieure Elder in the Church of Mougon and Peter Pesseurs Attorney Fiscal of the Dutchy of Touars and Elder of the Church in that City Article 12. For the Province of Bretaign the Sieurs John Boucherean Lord of La Masche Pastor of the Church in Nantes and Samuel de Goullaines Esq Lord of the Landoviniere Elder in the Church of Viellevigne Article 13. For the Province of Higher Guyenne and Higher Languedoc the Sieurs Anthony Garrissoles Pastor of the Church of Montauban and Professor of Divinity in that University Peter Ollier Pastor of the said Church Substituted in the place of Monsieur John Grasset Pastor of the Church of Viane who was hindered by reason of Sickness Anthony Ligonuiere Councellor and Secretary to the King Elder in the Church of Castres and John Darassus Councellor for the King in the presidial Court of Montauban and Elder of the said Church Article 14. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs John de Croy Pastor of the Church of Beziers Abraham de Lare Pastor of the Church of Cauvisson the Noble Mark Dardouin Lord of la Caumette Elder of the Church of Nismes and the Noble James de Brueis Lord of Bourdie Elder in the Church of Blanzac Article 15. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Peter Bollenat Pastor of the Church Assembling at Vau Salomon Roy Advocate in the Parliament of Dijon and Elder of the Church of Bussy and Francis Armet Advocate in Parliament and Elder of the Church of Loches the Sieur John Viridet was hindered by a very sore Sickness from coming unto the Synod Article 16. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs Francis Vallanson Pastor of the Church de la Coste and the Noble John de Castellane Lord of Caillez and Rigan Elder in the Church of Manosques 3. The Sieurs Drelincourt Pastor and le Coq Elder of the Church of Paris were chosen together with the Sieur Caillard Elder of the Church of Alanson and the Lord Deputy-General to gather the Suffrages of the Deputies in this Assembly which were taken in written Billets by each of them for Electing the Moderator Assessor and Scribes which was done Successively those Officers being Chosen one after another and by plurality of Billets Monsieur Garrissoles was chosen Moderator Monsieur Basnage Assessor and Monsieur Blondel and Monsieur le Coq Scribes and took their Seats in Order as they were Chosen CHAP. II. As soon as these Officers of the Synod were chosen the Lord of Cumont Councellor for the King in His Council of State and Parliament of Paris Deputed by His Majesty presented Letters Patents which did Commissionate him to Represent His Majesty in this Synod These being read were inserted into the Register of the Acts of this Synod The Tenor and Form of which is as followeth 4. A Copy of the King's Letters Patents containing His Majesty's Commission to Monsieur de Cúmont Lord of Boisgrollier LOUIS BY the Grace of God King of France and Navarré To Our Beloved and Trusty Councellor in Our Councel of State and Court of Parliament at Paris the Lord of Cúmont Greeting We having Granted our Subjects of the pretended Reformed Religion to hold a National Synod in the Town of Charenton near Paris on the Six and Twentieth day of December next coming Composed of all the Deputies of the Provinces of Our Kingdom to Treat of Affairs concerning their Religion and being to make choice of a meet Person and of approved Fidelity to Vs who may preside in the said Assembly as Our Commissioner and Represent Vs in it We knowing the Services you have rendered Vs in sundry Honourable Imployments with which We had intrusted you which you have most Worthily and Faithfully discharged We thought We could not choose a fitter Person than your self being well assured that you will continue the Testimonies of your Affection unto Vs and Our Service as aforesaid Wherefore by Advice of the Queen-Regent Our most Honoured Lady and Mother We have Commissionated and Deputed you and We do Commissionate and Depute you by these Presents Signed with Our Hand to go unto the Town of Charenton and to sit in the said Synod there Assembled and to Represent Our Royal Person in it and to Propose and Determine whatever matters We shall give you in Command according to those Memoirs and Instructions We have now delivered unto you and you are to take heed that none other Affairs be there debated but such as ought to be in those Assemblies and which are permitted by Our Edicts And in case the Members of the said Synod should attempt to do any thing contrary thereunto you shall hinder them and interpose therein with Our Authority and give Vs speedy and timely notice of it that such course may be taken to prevent those inconveniencies which would arise as We shall Judge to be most convenient For the doing whereof We give you Power Commission and special Commandment by these presents Given at Paris the 28th of November in the year of Grace One Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Four and of Our Reign the Second Signed in the Original LOUIS And a little lower Phelippeaux The Speech of the Lord Commissioner unto the Synod together with his Propositions and Complaints made in Their Majesties Name against divers Churches Messieurs AS it is a very great Honour to me to be Commissionated by His Majesty to assist in your Synod and to acquaint you with His Will and Pleasure so also have I a great deal of Joy and Satisfaction to behold this Illustrious Assembly chosen out of all the Provinces of this Kingdom and that I can tell you by word of Mouth what was expresly Charged and Commanded me by the King and the Queen His Mother which is to assure you of Their Good Will unto you and Protection of you and of all your Churches and of the intire Execution of the Edicts of Pacification so long as you continue your selves within those bounds of Duty Subjection and Fidelity which you owe unto Their Majesties they being the Higher Powers set over you by God intrusted with the Supream Authority and your Lot and Portion being the Honour of Obedience to Them whereunto you stand Obliged by your Birth the Dictates of your own Conscience and the Favours you continually receive from Their Majesties and by all kinds of Considerations both General and
be none other Affairs debated in it than such as are warranted by the Edicts and that a Commissioner whom his Majesty shall be pleased to appoint do assist in Person in the said Synod as hath always been practised In testimony hereof his Majesty hath commanded me to expedite this present Writ which he was pleased to sign with his own Hand and caused to be conntersigned by me his Counsellor and Secretary of his Commandments and of his Treasury Signed LOVIS And a little Lower PHELIPPEAVX There appeared in the said Assembly with Letters of Commission from the Provinces which were read by the Sieur Des Loges and the Sieur de Fresnay Elder of the Church of Loudun and the Sieur de Mâ—â—sonâ—als these Persons following 1. For the Province of Normandy the Sieurs John Manimilian de L' Angle Pastor of the Church of Rouan and Samuel Boschart Pastor of the Church of Caen accompanied with the Sieurs Daniel Guesdon Elder of the Church of Rouan and Peter de la Musse Esq Lord des Roquettes Elder of the Church of Caen. 2. For the Province of Higher Guienne and Higher Languedoc the Sieurs John Louis Joussauld Pastor of the Church of Castres and Theophilus Arbussy Pastor of the Church of Milhaut accompanied with the Sieurs John de Besnes Esq Lord of Laseron Elder of the Church de Beraux and Master John Brassart Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Montauban 3. For the Province of Burgundy the Sieurs Amedeus de Chandieu Pastor of the Church at Pont de Velles and Peter Mussard Pastor of the Church of Lyon accompanied with Master Samuel Gentis D'anthial Advocate in Parliament Elder in the Church of Chaalons and Master Phillebert de Sage Advocate also in Parliament Elder in the Church of Autan 4. For the Province of Lower Languedoc the Sieurs David Eustache and Isaac de Bourdieu Pastor in the Church of Montpellier accompanied with the Noble Francis de Toulonge Lord of Foissac Elder in the Church of Vsez and Master Philip Besse Doctor of the Civil Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Beziers 5. For the Province of Orleans and Berry the Sieurs John Perâ—â—ult Pastor of the Church of Orleans and John Taby Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church de la Charite accompanied with the Noble Denis Papin Counsellor to his Majesty and Receiver General for the Demeans of the County of Blois and Master Paul Tonnois Lord of Champs Advocate in Parliament Elders in the Church of Orleans 6. For the Province of Sevennes the Sieurs Henry Bâ—udan Pastor of the Church de la Salle and Stephen Broche Lord of Mejannes Pastor of the Church of St. Hippolite accompanied with Edward de Charlot Esq Lord and Baron of S. John de Gardonenque Elder in the Church of the same Place and Peter de Gallieres Esq Lord of Pont d' Arti Elder in the Church of Merveil 7. For the Province of Brittain the Sieur Isaac Guitton Pastor of the Church of Sion accompanied with Monsieur John de la Rochelle Lord of Mornay Elder in the Church of Roche Bernard 8. For the Province of Poictou the Sieurs Stephen le Blois Pastor of the Church of Fontenay le Compte and John Chabrol Pastor of the Church of Thouars accompanied with Sir Peter Prevost Knight Lord of La Javeliere Elder in the Church of Chantonnay and Puybelliard and Charles Prevost Esq Lord of La Simonie Elder in the Church of Champagne and Mouton 9. For the Province of Provence the Sieurs John Bernard Pastor of the Church de Velots and Marvelle and John Morius Esq Lord of Espasson and of La Bastide Elder in the Church of Manosque 10. For the Province of Anjou Touraine Le Maine Loudunois Vandosme and the Greater Perche the Sieurs Moyses Amyraud Pastor and Professor of Divinity in the Church and University of Saumur and James de Brissac Lord des Loges Pastor of the Church of Loudun accompanied with the Sieurs Daniel de Goyett Doctor of Physick Elder in the Church of Angiers and Master Stephen des Landes President in the Extraordinary Assizes of Vaudomois and Elder in the Church of Vandome 11. For the Province of the Isle of France Brie Picardy Champagne and the County of Chartres the Sieurs John Daille Pastor of the Church of Paris and Benjamin Tricotell Pastor of the Church of Calais accompanied with Master Thierry de Marolles Advocate in Parliament and Judg in the Praesidial Court of Vitry Elder of the Church in that Town and Peter Loride Lord of Galiniers Advocate in his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council and Elder in the Church of Paris 12. For the Province of Xaintonge Aunix and Augoulmois the Sieurs John Gommarc Pastor in the Church of Vertueil and Isaac Marchand Pastor in the Church of St. John d' Angely accompanied with John de Morell Esq Lord of Thiac of Vigier and of Salle and Francis Lacons Esq Lord of Courelles and Elder in the Church of Cognac 13. For the Province of Dolphiny the Sieurs Adrian Chamier Pastor of the Church of Montlimard and Alexander Dize Pastor of the Church of Grenoble accompanied with Master Francis Goudran Advocate in the Parliament of Grenoble and Elder in the Church of Grenoble 14. For the Province of Lower Guienne the Sieurs John Riccotier Minister of Bourdeaux and Jeremiah Viguier Pastor of the Church of Nerac accompanied with Master Jacob Maysonnais Advocate in Parliament and Elder in the Church of Bourdeax and with Sir James de Laumont Knight Marquess of Baisse Caumont Elder in the Church of Nerac 15. For the Province of Bearn the Sieur Arnald de Cazamajore Pastor of the Church of Olleron 16. For the Province of Vivaretz Velay and Forrest the Sieurs Isaac Homel he Died a most constant Faithful Martyr Pastor of the Church of Sajon and Valance and Peter January Pastor of the Church at La Gorse accompanied with Sir James D' Arlande Kt. Lord of Mirabel and Elder in the Church of Villeneufve de Bergues and with Master Timothy Baruil Doctor of the Civil Laws Advocate and Elder in the Church of Privas The Provinces of Bearn and Dolphiny shall inquire into the Causes why the Sieurs de Labadie Elder in the Church of Luibeite and Deputy for the Province of Bearn and de Montelar Elder in the Church of Beaufort Deputy for the Province of Dolphiny have absented themselves from this Assembly and shall give an Account thereof unto the next National Synod The said Sieurs des Loges and du Fresnay Elder of the Church in Loudun did together with the Lord Marquess of Rouvigny General Deputy gather the Suffrages of all the Deputies in this Assembly in Two Bills in Writing each of them having One for the Election of the Moderator Assessor and Scribes and there were chosen by plurality of Votes the Sieur Daille for Moderator the Sieur de L' Angle Assessor and the Sieurs Des Loges Pastor and de
Mahometans to embrace the Reformed Religion and the Ministers either to instruct or receive them into it Another injoineth Synods to receive such Roman Catholick Commissioners as should be sent them from the King with an express Order to do nothing but in their presence Another forbiddeth Consistories to assemble oftner than once a fortnight and that too only in the presence of the Roman Catholick Commissioner Another forbiddeth Consistories on pretence of Charity to assist poor sick Persons of their Religion and ordaineth that our sick shall be carried into the Popish Hospitals most strictly forbidding all Persons to entertain them in their Houses Another Decree doth in favour of the Popish Hospitals confiscate all the Lands Rents and other Profits of what nature soever which might have appertained to a condemned Church Another forbiddeth Ministers to come nearer than three Leagues to that place where the priviledge of Preaching was under debate or question Another Decree confiscated to the Popish Hospitals all Rents and Revenues set apart for maintaining the Poor even in those Churches which were yet standing Another subjecteth sick and dying Persons to the necessity of receiving visits sometimes from Judges Commissioners Church-Wardens sometimes of Curates Monks Missionaries or other Popish Ecclesiasticks thereby to induce them to change their Religion or to require of them an express Declaration concerning it Another forbiddeth Parents to send their Children before sixteen years of age on any pretence whatsoever to travel in Foreign Countries Another doth prohibit Lords and Gentlemen to continue the Exercise of Religion in their Houses unless they had first produced their Titles before the Commissioners and obtained from them a Licence for Preaching in those their Houses Another Decree restraineth the right of entertaining a Minister to those only who were in possession of their Lands ever since the Edict of Nantes in a direct or collateral Line Another forbiddeth the Churches of one Bailywick to receive into their Temples the Members of another Bailywick Another doth injoyn all Physicians Apothecaries and Chirurgions to notifie unto Curates and Magistrates the condition of sick Protestants that so those dying persons may be visited by them SECT XXXIV But among all these New Laws none did more effectually promote the designs of the Romish Clergy than that perfidious Prohibition unto the Reformed of Receiving into their Temples any of those who had changed their Religion no nor their Children nor any Roman Catholick of what Age Sex or Condition soever on pain of forfeiting their Temples and upon the Ministers of undergoing l'Amende Honorable a punishment far more ignominious than that of the Stool of Repentance in the Church of Scotland or the most rigid publick Penance in the Church of England together with banishment and confiscation of their Goods and Estates Moreover the Reformed were injoyned to set up in all their Temples a particular Seat for the Roman Catholicks to sit on For by this means no sooner had any one a design and resolution of changing his Religion but they would make him do it in private and the next Morning find him in the Temple who being there observed by the Roman Catholicks who were in their Seat immediately Informations were given unto the Magistrates and then without delay ensueth a Condemnation of the Temple which was put in execution you cannot tell whether with greater speed and diligence than rigour and severity The Roman Catholicks needed only to enter into the Temple upon pretence that they had places there and then they slipt in among the Crowd and this is made a Violation of the King's Laws and Declaration which is immediately followed with an unavoidable Decree of Condemnation By this Engine they destroyed a vast number of Temples and clapt into Chains and Irons a multitude of innocent and godly Ministers For wicked Informers and false Witnesses were never wanting on this occasion SECT XXXV Such violent Proceedings as these must needs make a strong impression upon the minds of the poor Reformed and tell them plainly unto what mark they tended And therefore very many of them whose prudence foresaw the Evil approaching did in time provide for their safety by leaving their Native Country Some transported themselves their Families and their Effects into one Kingdom others into another according as their Interests Necessities Conveniencies and Inclinations led them And I very well remember that in the Year 1681. in May and June whilest I was Pastor of the English Church of Middleburgh it was then credibly reported that 500 Families of French Merchants had quitted France and setled themselves at Amsterdam and 50 Merchants more with their Housholds had in those very Months also retired unto Hamburgh But this was what the Court never intended for more reasons than one And therefore to prevent and hinder them they renewed from time to time that Decree which we have formerly mentioned that strictly prohibited under the severest Penalties any Persons to depart the Kingdom without leave and to this end they guarded all Passages on the Frontiers But these Precautions could never fully answer their Expectations And that they might blind the poor Reformed with some hopes that their rigorous Usage would be abated at home in the Year 1669. the French King revoketh several violent Decrees which indeed produced Effects for the present answerable to their Designs For these wise and judicious Men saw well enough that this Moderation sprang not from a good Principle and that in the sequel the same Decrees would be again put in execution some other time yet the greater part conceived and hoped that they would contain themselves within some bounds with respect unto the general Body of the Reformed and not pass on to a total extirpation and destruction of them SECT XXXVI And these very self-same Conclusions have been often drawn from the several verbal Declarations which did many times drop from the King 's own Mouth That He would indulge the Reformed and do them perfect Justice and let them enjoy the benefit of his Edicts in their full and most comprehensive extent That tho' he should be very glad to see all his Subjects reunited to the Catholick Religion and would for the effecting thereof contribute all his Power yet should there no Blood be shed for Religion during his Reign nor upon this account any Violence exercised Those very Declarations having been frequently repeated reiterated over and over gave the poor Reformed some ground of hopes that his Majesty would not forget them and especially that in essential matters He would let them injoy the effects of his Goodness and Equity And this was the rather expected by a Letter he wrote to that most serene and excellent Prince his Electoral Highness the Duke of Brandenburgh Copies of which the Ministers of State took care to disperse throughout the whole Kingdom In this Letter the King assures him that he was well satisfied with the behaviour of his Protestant Subjects And for the Reader 's satisfaction I
or to maintain Monks who were appointed to no other Service But to Farm a Field Rents or Lordship and to pay the Profits accrewing from them unto those Ecclesiasticks for as much as they be Temporal Lords of them the Faithful are left unto their liberty therein to do as they please Civil Jurisdiction may be â—xâ—â—â—â—â—d under Popish Church-men Whether an insufficient Elder may be deposed and a Banker chosen X. It was also determined That the exercising of Civil Jurisdictions or Procurations under the aforesaid Ecclesiasticks is not in itself unlawful provided it he not in Spiritual Matters as they call them XI Moreover whereas our said Brother of St. John d' Angely hath demanded Whether Elders uncapable of discharging their Office who had â—een admitted when the Church was first gathered might lawfully be deposed that other better qualified may be elected into their Places And whether a Banker might be chosen into the Eldership As to the First Article we answer That if those Elders be utterly incapable of discharging their Duties they shall be deposed according to what hath been determined already in the Articles of our Discipline But if they can tollerably perform them they ought not without their Consent to be laid by And touching Bankers in case they meddle with those Diabolical Dispatches of Pardon and Dispensations and other such-like Popish Abominations they shall be so far from being received into Office in the Churches that if after Admonition given them to desist from such Actions they do not refrain them they shall be forthwith Excommunicated XII Our Brother of Orleans propounded the case of a Woman who was resolved to serve God with a pure Continence but could not agree with her Husband a Time-server to commit Idolatry and whereas fearing trouble that may betide him and his Wife he gives leave yea sollicites his Wife to withdraw into a Place of Liberty Is it lawful for her to follow this Counsel We answer That as long as this Woman can possibly subsist with her Husband she ought to live with him that so many Inconveniencies may be avoided which would otherwise fall out through her absence But in case she cannot without imminent Danger to herself abide with him let her embrace our Lord's Counsel If they persecute you in one city flie ye unto another Yet always earnestly importuning her Husband as in Conscience he is bound to come unto her Whether Pyrates ought to be received unto the Lord's Supper XIII Our Brother of Marennes having craved our Advice concerning Pyrates and Tradesmen who before they were admitted into the Communion of our Churches had ill-gotten their Estates Whether they ought to be received unto the Lord's Supper We answer That not only these but all other Persons who shall unjustly detain the Goods of other Men however that Injustice may be modified are yet bound in Conscience to make Restitution of those Goods if they be able unto their right Owners And Ministers and Consistories shall take especially care herein and in case they find them eminently penitent and mourning for their Sin having exhorted them unto Charity they may admit them unto the Lord's Table XIV He also proposing this Case Whether Goods sold by Pyrates might be bought We answer That those Merchandizes are either sold publickly by the Permission and Approbation of the Magistrate or not If the Magistrate consent unto their Sale they may with a safe Conscience but if the Sale be Clandestine they ought not because they in buying should be Parties with the Pyrates Such as serve themselves of Papal Excommunications pollute their Consciences Tythes must be paid in Obedience to the King's Laws Children of excommunicate Persons are not to be paptized but conditionally XV. As to the Proposition of our Brother of Xaintes we answer That such as use Papal Excommunications do defile their Consciences XVI As to what was proposed by our Brother of St. Lo we answer That notwithstanding the Popish Priests do unjustly claim a Right to Tithes upon the account of their Ministry yet they must be payed because of the King's Commandment as a matter in itself indifferent and that Sedition and Scandal may be avoided XVII To another Proposal of our Brother was given this answer That where both Father and Mother were Excommunicate their Children should not be received unto Baptism until such time as the aforesaid Parents or one of them had reconciled himself unto the Church unless the Grand-father or Grand-mother of the said Child should present it in which case it might be baptized it being their Blood and descended from them One may be present at Popish Marriage-Feasts without wounding Conscience XVIII He also propounded this Matter of Fact The Church of St. Lo had been informed and thereupon maintained that to be present at Marriage Feasts celebrated by Popish Priests although there was no Idolatry in it at least none consented to by those Guests yet upon this account only that the Marriage was contracted and performed after the Popish Way they were defiled For which cause before the Lord's Supper was administred to them they swear that they were not present at those Feasts as aforesaid Yet afterwards having come to a right understanding of the Truth in this matter they demand Whether they be absolved of their Oath made by them thro' false Information that had been given them It was answer'd They were discharged from the Bond of such an Oath XIX Another Fact was also propounded by the same Brother A Man of S. Lo being ignorant of the evil Conversation of a Woman marrieth her about five Months after she is delivered of Child whereupon he would forsake her but the Parents of his Wife telling him That a Child might be born and that honestly too in that time for twelve Months this Year his Wife carried herself exceeding chastly or at least he had no occasion to suspect her But afterward the Husband possibly being weary of his Wife separates himself from her and publisheth how much he was abused by her Parents though he declares with his own mouth that he had accompanied with her as an Husband with his Wife It is demanded After what manner he is to be dealt with since he will neither take his said Wife nor hearken to the Remonstrances of the Consistory This Assembly adviseth That repeated Admonitions be Ministered to him in which if he do not acquiesce he shall be rejected by the Church XX. That Woman who refuseth or delays to joyn herself unto her Husband infected with some contagious Disease may not however be suspended the Lord's Table yet shall she be admonished conscienciously to perform that Duty which a Wife owes unto her Husband And at the same time the Husband shall be acquainted with the Danger to which he doth expose his Wife XXI And in answer to the Question of the Minister of Tours it was said That the Wives of infected Persons should not be rejected by the
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
assurances of the Virginity of their Daughter and she also herself avows it yet it comes to light that eight Years before she had a Child It 's demanded Whether he be freed from his Promises because he says he is cheated by them We answer That in case the Whoredom is manifest and he never had carnal Knowledge of her we are of Opinion that he is free according to our former Decision on the same Article XLIII A certain Abbot in Lymousin professeth himself a Doctor and Preacher the People hear him gladly nevertheless he maintains his Monks goes in Person unto the Mass and does not joyn himself unto a Reformed Church 'T is queried Whether the People may be permitted to hear him and whether those Ministers who exhorted him to read his Lectures have done well and those also who have assisted at his French Sermons It 's answered That those Ministers who have been present at his Sermons or exhorted the People to become his Hearers or him to Teach among whom there is one called Provost ought all of them to be grievously censured And the People shall be admonished according to the Rules of our Discipline to content themselves with their own Pastors and that my Lord Abbot be desired to forbear his Lectures and to subject himself unto the Order of God's Church and tarry till he be called unto such an Office XLIV Monsieur Pelot craved advice in this weighty Case A Marriage had been contracted between a Youth of sufficient Age and a Maid of Thirteen with mutual content of the Parties and their Parents The Banes were published in the Church and just as the Minister would have married them the Maid sate down and would neither rise nor stand up But after Sermon having been admonished of her Duty she yields unto it and they were married in the Church and lay together yet without any carnal Cohabitation She upon second thoughts says the Marriage is null and separating from her Husband protests she is not bound to own him for hers in that relation nor to cleave unto him and requireth to be divorced from him whereunto the Man would freely and willingly consent provided it might be done with a good conscience This Assembly declares That it is a good Marriage true and indissolvable and the Parties must be exhorted in the Name of God to carry themselves as true married Persons And Monsieur du Verges and the Consistory of Montlimart where the Mother which hinders the Marriage dwells are desired to do their endeavour that it may be perfected XLV Monsieur Vaissé propounds That Promises of Marriage had been made by two Persons at Marnejoux both of sufficient Age and with consent of Parties the Promises were ratified and confirmed the second time and that by Contract passed through the hands of a Publick Notary The young Woman refuseth to accomplish the Marriage urging for herself that she was compelled by her Parents to make such Promises though the contrary is evident from the very words of her Parents she further alledgeth That her Party's Breath is very stinking The Marriage is declared indissolvable XLVI A Man having contracted Marriage with a Maid by consent of Parents maketh other Promises unto another Maid and passeth Contract of this also of which he is afterward very penitent and persisteth in his first Promise By consent of the Consistory and Magistrate of the Place 't is concluded the first Promise shall hold Nevertheless when the Banes are published the Father of the second Maid forbids them May the Minister proceed to celebrate and bless this Marriage notwithstanding the old Man's Prohibition It is concluded that forasmuch as the Father of the second Maid opposeth it only out of Interest and for a sum of Money which he claimeth due unto him the Minister may do his Office in marrying them XLVII Monsieur de Lestany proposeth Whether a Minister who was formerly a Popish Priest and hath none other Estate nor Income but what belongs unto his Cure which may amount to about threescore and five Livres yearly and yet he cannot recover that sorry Pittance but by compelling his Debtors to pay him before the Magistrate and the Magistrate also will not condemn them to Satisfaction unless he plead in the Name of Priest and Curate Is it lawful for him so to do No by no means XLVIII An Abbot come to the knowledge of the Gospel who hath suppressed all Idolatry burnt his Deeds and Evidences provided for his Monks and not suffered for six Years last past Mass to be sung in his Abby nor done any other Exercise of the Popish Worship but ever carried himself faithfully and born Arms in Defence of the Gospel ought such an one to be admitted to the Lord's Table Yes undoubtedly XLIX A Man by the consent of her Father and of his betrothed Wife hath carnal Knowledge of her before Marriage He is afterwards by false Witnesses accused of Fornication and condemned for falsifying the King's Coyn and executed in Effigie He demands that his Marriage may be celebrated in the Church The Brethren are of Opinion That provided he submit to publick Penance for his Fornication and other Crimes it may be lawful to marry him and to admit him to the Lord's Table L. The Deputies of Vivaretz propounded this Case An Abbess though she hath forsaken the Idolatry of the Church of Rome doth yet notwithstanding retain her Nuns and employeth not the Revenues to their right use may she with a safe conscience be admitted to Communion at the Lord's Table No in no wise LI. The Brethren in the Church of Rochell are desired to leave off Prosecuting their Minister Monsieur de L'Isle and other of their Fellow-members because they want sufficient Evidence against them and they are to remit the whole matter unto our Brethren of Xaintonge who will take an exact cognisance thereof and judge in it according to truth And whereas the Church of Rochell have petitioned that they might have Monsieur Oded du Nort conferred upon them for their Minister answer was given them That he should serve them till such time as the Provincial Synod of Gascony do sit who properly can dispose of him and the said Church of Rochell shall apply themselves to the said Synod to gain their consent and in case they cannot obtain it then may they redemand the Monies if they please which they paid down for his Ransom LII The Brethren of Paris are intreated to give way that Monsieur de La Forest may be sent unto Bourges instead of Monsieur de St. Germain And this Article shall be communicated to our Brethren of Geneva and to their Church and they be intreated to write unto the Church of Paris about it that so Monsieur de St. Germain may be Minister unto the Family of the Lord de la Rochfoucaud LIII Our Brother de St. Fariol doth of right belong to the Church of Montignac yet that Church is intreated to accept of our Brother
our Churches And this Assembly ordered the said Lord de Rouvray to return for us and for all the Churches our most humble thanks unto their Majesties who have by this their extraordinary Bounty laid new obligations upon us to call upon our God with the greatest Ardency in our Prayers that he would bless and prosper their Majesties Persons Crown and Government And the said Grant was deposited in the hands of the Sieur Bonnet Pastor and Deputy of Xaintonge who was to lodge it safely in the Archives of Rochel whereof he shall give advice by Letters under his own hand unto the said Lord de Rouvray The Copy of that Warrant This first day of October One thousand six hundred and eleven the King being at Paris assisted by the Queen Regent his Mother in Council having been well informed for what considerations the late King of glorious memory had by a Warrant of the third of April One thousand five hundred ninety and eight granted unto his Subjects of the P. Reformed Religion the yearly sum of five and forty thousand Crowns to be employed in some secret Concerns of theirs And although His present Majesty be not obliged by those secret Articles Warrants and Answers unto Memoirs made in favour of those his said Subjects to increase or augment the said sum yet nevertheless desiring as much as in him lieth to gratifie and favour his laid Subjects and that he may-give them a sense of his good will and love to them His Majesty by the advice of the aforesaid Lady the Queen Regent and of his meer grace and liberality doth grant unto those of the said P. Reformed Religion the above-mentioned sum of five and forty thousand Crowns and over and above the same another yearly sum five and forty thousand Livers as an Act of Bounty which said Moneys he wills and o future it be issued out of the General Fonds of his Treasury by vertue of this present Warrant which to this purpose he hath signed with his own hand and is counter-signed by me his Councillor in his Council of State and Secretary of his Commandments Signed Louis and Lower Philippeaux 12. This Assembly giveth full power to the Lords our General Deputies to pass a contract with the Lord du Candal about the Receipt and management of the five and fourty thousand Livers Augmentation Money and if possible they shall make but one only Contract of the two sum to wit of that first granted and of the aforesaid Augmentation and of their Receipt always reserving the right of our Churches 13. The sâ—me General Deputies are charged to oppose themselves formally against all persons whatsoever that shall endeavour at Court to obtain any Relief to the detriment of the body of the Churches in this Kingdom and contrary to the Union sworn by us and advice shall be given hereof unto the Churches that so the Pastors more especially and the Consistories may do their duty in suppressing such like motions and Enterprises as being scandalous and menacing the Churches with great confusions 14. This Assembly injoyneth all the Consistories of those places where the Courts of Parliament and Chambers of the Edict are established to remonstrate unto the Counsellors professing our holy Reformed Religion their timorous luke-warmness in not opposing and resisting the Verification and Recording of those Letters of Abolition it being their special duty to have opposed them and to have demanded that their Act of Opposal might be recorded Moreover the Consistories of those self-same Towns are exhorted to present unto the said Parliaments and Chambers of the Edict the General Declaration of this National Synod concerning those Letters of Abolition 15. This Assembly ordaineth that for the future the Provinces shall send unto the National Synods a Catalogue of their Pastors in actual service and of the Proposans maintained by them attested by the Manual Subscription of the Moderators and Scribes of their Synods Otherwise there shall be no reckoning made of the Rolls brought in when as the Moneys given us by his Majesty shall come to be distributed 16. This Assembly yielding to the necessity of the times and observing that whatsoever Petitions and Addresses have been made unto their Majesties by our extraordinary Deputations are always ill resented and misconstrued and became so very unpleasing and distastful to their Majesties that they would never vouchsafe a kind or acceptable answer to them therefore it doth at present conceive it best for us to keep our selves unto the ordinary ways of humble Petitions and Remonstrances by the mouths of our General Deputies Hoping that the goodness and clemency of the King and of the Queen Regent his Mother and that the Justice of our Lords in the Privy Council will by this means the former having been disliked by them grant that we shall at last reap and receive the fruit and benefit of them And to this purpose the said General Deputies shaving rendred our most humble thanks unto their Majesties for their gracious favours conferred upon their most Loyal and most Humble and most Dutiful Subjects of the Reformed Religion and particularly for the Augmentation of fifteen thousand Crowns a year granted to our Ministers are charged most humbly to Petition their Majesties that they would be pleased to exempt them from that necessity which is imposed upon them and now with greater severity than ever and contrary to that Liberty of Conscience promised us of stiling our selves of the pretended Reformed Religion Because we had rather and more willingly suffer the greatest torments than stand obliged to condemn with our own mouths our most holy Religion And their Majesties also shall be requested to grant leave unto us in all Cities and Towns where there be a number of families of our Religion to keep lesser Schools for the Education of our Children and that those Restrictions and Modifications annexed unto the answer given to that article in our last complaint and Bill of Grievances may be taken off the file This being a matter which can never be dismembred nor severed from our Liberty of Conscience And whereas contrary to the hopes conceived at first by the Churches when they sent their Commissioners from every Province this Assembly is fully assured from all quarters that the far greater part of our demands and remonstrances have been rejected and that they have been all turned over to the Privy Council and that it may be truly said that after all the great coyl and noise made nothing hath been yielded us except a few Burying places and those also in divers places to the detriment and disadvantage of our Religion the said Deputies are charged to complain thereof unto their Majesties and most humbly to petition that it may be remedied and redressed and to this purpose the Memoirs of the Provinces and Churches groaning under these oppressions shall be put into their hands that so some effectual course may be taken for their relief and by such methods as they shall
Answer to it the 27th of May 1617. THE National Synod held at Vitré in the Province of Brittain having deputed unto his Majesty Messieurs Peter Hesperian Pastor of the Church of St. Foy in the Lower Guienne Denis de Bouteroue Pastor of the Church at Grenoble in Dolphiny Albert de Mars Esq Lord of Balene Elder of the Church at Maringues in the Vpper Auvergne and William Gerard Esq Lord of Moussac Elder in the Church of Moussac and Province of Lower Languedoc they were admitted into his Majesty's presence the 27th day of the same Month and the said Mr. Hesperian did express himself in these words unto the King SIRE THere be now prostrate at your Majesty's Feet in our Persons all your Subjects professing the Reformed Religion represented by the National Synod Assembled by your gracious Permission and under your Royal Authority in your City of Vitré who have deputed us unto your Majesty to testify unto your Majesty the extraordinary joys and thankfullness of your said Subjects both to our God and your Majesty for that the Kingdom is in Peace your Authority in great Splendour and your Sacred Person at full Liberty and this by that wise and generous resolution which you have undertook and executed by a just punishment of the grand Disturber of your Kingdom and Oppressor of your Authority and which was worst of all of one who had exposed your Sacred Person to the most imminent and apparent dangers This Action of your Majesty was altogether extraordinary it was an Enterprise purely divine and miraculous for it turned in a moment the storm into a calm Wars into Peace our frights into assurance our perils into security and tyranny into a most rightful and righteous Government At this instant as if your Sacred Majesty were now come unto the Crown France knoweth that it hath a King and the whole World That the King of France is most worthy to reign and govern At this instant that your Majesty holds the Reins of Government in your own hands all your Subjects do render that most humble obedience and subjection which is due unto you and particularly those of the Reformed Religion who are most ready and willing to hazard and adventure their Estates their Honours and their very Lives for your Majesty's Service And in truth Sire this Assembly which hath deputed us unto your Majesty was no sooner formed but that it did most solemnly protest and swear as we also are charged in the name and behalf of all the Churches Reformed in your Kingdom now to protest and swear that we will never depart from that most humble obedience and most faithful service which as your true liege and natural born Subjects is our bounden duty unto your Majesty And we feel and know that we are indispensably obliged to it by those numberless favours and benefits which we received from Henry the Great our late King and your Majesties Father of most glorious Memory and by those continued to us by your Majesty and which we hope shall be still vouchsafed us because we believe that the maintenance of your Authority is our Security and the firmness of your Crown that of our repose and safety But yet there is another Bond and Obligation stronger than all these upon us even that of our Conscience and Religion which from the divinely inspired Scriptures are taught and instructed to subject our selves unto the higher Powers and that to resist them is to resist the Ordinance of God who we know hath exalted your Majesty unto the Throne put the Crown upon your Head the Scepter into your Hand and all Heroick Vertues into your Royal Heart And therefore Sire next and after our God we do acknowledge your Majesty to be our only Soveraign And 't is an Article of our Creed that there is no middle Power between God and the Kings 'T is with us reputed a most damnable Heresy to call this truth in question and to turn it into disputation is a capital Crime to be punished by the Judges This Lesson Sire we learnt of our Predecessors this we believe and publish in all places and this Doctrine we preach from our Pulpits in our Churches and teach from the Press unto the World and we will live in it Sire that our Posterity after us may learn and practise it by our Example Therefore is it that we hope your Majesty crediting and considing in our immoveable Loyalty will be pleased to continue to us the benefits of your Edicts and that your Royal Ears will be open to our Complaints and Grievances and that holding the Ballance steady and right you will do us upon all occasions right and justice By which your Majesty will the more confirm us in our unchangeable purpose and resolution to live and die in the quality of your most humble most faithful and most obedient Subjects and Servants Monsieur Hesperian having finished his Speech his Majesty returned this Answer Do you continue to serve me faithfully and you may be well assured that I will be a good and kind King unto you and that I will preserve you according to my Edicts And taking from him the Letter which the Synod had written him he gave it to Monsieur de Pontchartrain commanding him to read it and return an Answer to it Printed by Abraham Saugrain living in St. James his Street over against the three Sawcers according to the Licence given the 16th of June 1617. and Signed by H. de Mesmes CHAP. VIII General Matters 1. THE Motion of Lower Languedoc 1 Paris 38. for certain new Canons about Divorces was not accepted 2. This Assembly Ordained at the request of the same Province Figeac 8. that such Parents who chuse for their Childrens Baptism Sureties of the Romish Religion though they appear not in Person but by their Proxies of the Reformed Religion shall be prosecuted both Parents and Proxies with all Church-Censures 3. Notice shall be given in all our Churches to take special heed Saumur Obs 11. that they give no Attestation unto the Moors banished out of Spain and who wander from one Church to another till they be very well satisfied of their Religion and religious Conversation and such as have been already received and make their abode in any of our Churches shall be once more examined with all possible care as to their Faith and Knowledge and Life and in all Attestations that shall be given them express mention shall be made of their having been baptized and of the number of their Children 4. The Deputies of Xaintonge moved Liâ—â—s p. ni 30. whether Moors and other Infidels that were brought away by pure force out of their Native Country into Christendom and baptized by Popish Priests without any previous Instructions in the Doctrines of Christian Religion ought to be Rebaptized they having been since duly Catechized by our Protestant Ministers This Assembly though it acknowledgeth abundance of defaults in their Baptism doth yet notwithstanding
Richard Pastor of the Church of Cheilar John de Blache Lord of Blesset Elder of the Church in Bouffres and John de Roure Advocate Elder of the Church of Aubenas 20. For the lower Languedoc Mr. Laurence Brunier Pastor of the Church of Vsez Michael le Faucheur Pastor of the Church of Montpellier Charles de Bouques Lord of Pons Doctor of the Civil Law and Elder of the Church of Montpellier and Antony de Roques Lord of Clausonne Elder in the Church of Montfrin 11. For the higher Languedoc and Guyenne Monsieur John de Voysin Pastor of the Church of Realmont and Antony Garissoles Pastor of the Church of Puylaurent Paul de Luffee Lord of Maraval Governour of Mavesin and Elder of the Church there James du Puy Deputy-Lieutenant in the Seneschalsy of Montauban and Elder of that Church 12. For â—urgundy Mr. Peter Helliot Pastor of the Church of Arnay le Due Francis Pereault Pastor of the Church of Mascon and Noel du Noyer Elder of the Church of Bussy Monsieur Salmasius was nominated Deputy unto this Assembly but excused himself by Letters as also did Monsieur Guichard and Forest who beigg Elders were both substituted in his place whose excuses were remanded back unto their Province that it might judge of their validity 13. For the Province or Provence Mr. Peter Huron Pastor in the Church of Reis Elias de Glandeviâ— Lord of Anjou Elder in the Church of Puymichel 14. For the Province of Dolphiny Mr. Paul Guyon Pastor of the Church of Dieu le sit Peter de la Croze Pastor of the Church in Courtezon James Bernard Advocate Elder of the Church in Montlimart and Moses du Port Elder of the Church de la Meure the Lord of Champoleon was also nominated in the Letters of Commission but excused himself by Letters unto this Assembly 15. For the Province of Sevennes Monsieur Peter Guillamin Pastor of the Church of St. Andrew de Valborgne Daniel Venturin Pastor of the Church of Vigan John de Vignoles Lord of Bonnet Elder in the Church of Colegnac and John Baldwin Doctor of Laws Elder in the Church of la Salle 16. There came also for the Churches in the Principality of Bearne Monsieur Peter L' abbadye Pastor of the Church of Paw and John de la Coste Lord of Padet Elder of the Church of Moneing In whose Letters of Commission there being wanting the clause of Submission that Article of the Synod of Vitre was read unto them relating to it Whereupon they offering their reasons why they could not intirely subject themselves unto the Discipline of our Churches in France principally because of the present juncture of Affairs They were admitted to a consultive Vote under the limitations expressed in that Act of the Synod of Vitre that it should be left to the Will of the Provinces Whether they should have a decisive Vote in certain Cases concerning the Churches of this Kingdom and this by provision only until the next National Synod 17. The Sieur Chalas one of the General Deputies of the Reformed Churches in this Kingdom near His Majesty was present also in this Assembly according to the Charge given the said Lords General Deputies in the last general Assembly held at Loudun and Order of our Church After Invocation of the Name of God the Reverend Monsieur Peter du Moulin was chosen Moderator Mr. Brunier Assessor and Messieurs Vignier and Papillon Scribes CHAP. II. Remarks and Passages of the First Session LEtters were presented from the Lord Duke of Rohan unto this Assembly whereby he assured them of the continuance of his Zeal and Affection to the Glory of God and to the weal and happiness of our Churches for which he had the thanks of the Assembly returned him in their Letters 2. Messieurs des Maretz and Ollyer Pastors of the Church of Alez petitioning to be admitted into this Assembly and to assist at the reading of our Confession of Faith and Church Discipline it was granted them as also unto two Elders whom the Consistory should appoint but as for such Ministers as were not commissionated hither by their Churches and all other Persons the Canons of the Third Synod of Rochel and that last of Vitre should be punctually observed Vitre Act 4. after the List of the Deputyes 3. Every one of the Deputies in this Assembly took the Oath according to the Decree made in the Synod of Privas that they had not brigued their Deputation unto this place neither directly nor indirectly Privas Act. 1. after the Names of the Deputyes neither for themselves nor for any others And this shall be observed in like manner for the future in all our National Synods 4. Monsieur â—uretin Pastor and Professor in Divinity in the Church and University of Geneva having brought Letters from the Pastors and Professors there fully testifying and expressing their Holy Affection to the Churches of this Kingdom and of their most near and intimate communion with us was intreated by this Assembly to give us his presence during his abode in this City and to take place among us and to communicate his Counsels and Votes in matters that should be proposed which he also did And after mature and exact consideration of the several clauses in those Letters tender'd by him an Answer was made unto them 5. The Letters of the Lord * * * But he somtime after revolted Duke of Desdiguieres were also presented unto this Assembly expressing his desire for the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Letters of Thanks were ordered to be sent unto His Excellency 6. Monsieur Bansillon Pastor in the Church of Aiguemortes having brought Letters from the Lord of Chastillon and by word of mouth given this Assembly the Protestations of the said Lord after the Heroick Example of his Famous Ancestors to spend himself and Estate in the advancement of Christ's Kingdom was desired to carry back Letters of Thanks from this Synod unto that Noble Lord. CHAP. III. An Act of the Oath of Union subscribed by all the Deputyes both Pastors and Elders The same Oath was Enacted at Tenneins 1014. WEE whose Names are hereunder written Deputies of the Reformed Churches of France assembled in our National Synod in the City of Alez in the Province of Sevennes knowing by experience of what is past that there is nothing more necessary to preserve the peace and wellfare of the said Churches than an holy Union and inviolable consent both in Doctrine and Discipline and their dependencies and that the said Churches cannot long subsist without a good strict and mutual Union and Conjunction of one with another and this better kept and maintained than heretofore Therefore being desirous for the future to remove all seeds of Division and occasion of partialities between the said Churches and to obviate all Impostures Plots Calumnies and Practices whatsoever by which divers Persons ill-affected to our Religion do indeavour its ruine and destruction for
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